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The heart of Scotland, Stirling, is not only known for its stunning landscapes and rich history but also for the resilience of its rural businesses. These businesses, often located in remote and picturesque settings, face unique challenges. To address these challenges and provide much-needed support, the appointment of STEP’s new rural Business Adviser, Traci Titterington, has brought fresh insights and strategies for the growth and sustainability of rural businesses in Stirling.
Being a rural business adviser in Stirling for the past three months has been an amazing experience. Stirling boasts a vibrant rural business community. In fact, one fascinating fact about Stirling is that it has a higher-than-average percentage of rural businesses, with a whopping 48% of businesses based in rural areas. This far exceeds the national average, showing just how much Stirling relies on and values its rural enterprises.
Here are the top insights I’ve gained in my time so far:
· Resilience Matters: Rural businesses in Stirling are like Scottish thistles – tough and resilient. They’ve faced economic storms while staying true to their unique character and traditions. From the Euro to Brexit to COVID some of these businesses have really had it rough, similar to their urban counterparts.
· Community Is Key: Stirling’s rural businesses have a strong sense of community. They love to collaborate and support each other, which is a significant factor in their success. Building strong relationships with the local community is a big deal here. Loyal customers are the lifeblood of these rural businesses, and they take care of their own.
· Connectivity Challenges: Limited access to high-speed internet and efficient transportation networks is a hurdle for rural businesses. This makes it challenging to expand their reach. Some communities have come up with innovative solutions to this such as when Balquhidder installed their own 22-mile broadband network.
· Environmental Consciousness: Many businesses in Stirling are stepping up their sustainability game, eager to protect the environment and give back to the community.
· Innovation Thrives: Rural businesses here aren’t afraid of trying new things. They’re open to innovation and are exploring fresh ways to adapt to changing market trends.
· Local Sourcing: There’s a strong “shop local” spirit. These businesses prefer to source their materials and services locally, which keeps the rural economy thriving.
· Diverse Enterprises: Stirling’s rural landscape is like a patchwork quilt, with a variety of businesses, from artisan producers to digital whizz kids to farming ventures, each with its own set of challenges and opportunities.
· Government Support: Many of the businesses I’ve met are unaware of the Government grants and initiatives available to them. These resources can significantly boost their growth and sustainability.
As a rural Business Adviser in Stirling, I’m thrilled to have had the opportunity to gain these insights. They’ve not only expanded my horizons but also deepened my admiration for the unique qualities of local rural businesses. With this knowledge, I’m committed to developing strategies that will support and enhance the growth and sustainability of these fantastic enterprises. By addressing connectivity issues, promoting sustainability, encouraging innovation, and spreading the word about available support, we can empower Stirling’s rural businesses to not just survive but thrive, continuing to enrich the cultural and economic tapestry of this extraordinary region.
If you are a rural business in Stirling and you would like to discuss your business, whether you are just thinking about launching or have been established a long time, please get in touch with me direct at ttitterington@stepscotland.co.uk.
