Rural health and construction ‘micro’ businesses can help shape business support

Devon’s smallest health and social care, and construction businesses are invited to take part in a research trial that will ensure that they can access improved support in the future. 

‘Micro businesses’ are sole traders and businesses with fewer than 10 employees, and they make up more than 90 per cent of Devon’s rural economy. 

So far more than 450 ‘micros’ have signed up to the Engaging Rural Micros project, which is funded by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy’s Business Basics Fund. 
  
Since the autumn the project has been recruiting businesses to the research trial, offering them a chance to help shape the way Devon County Council supports them in the future. 

Now, for a limited period, recruitment has re-opened - specifically to sign-up businesses in the construction, health and care sectors.  

Up to four in ten of all rural micro businesses in Devon provide either health, care or construction services. 

All participating businesses will benefit from business monitoring for up to 12 months, a free business insight report, access to networking opportunities and have the chance to influence the future of business support for all rural micro businesses.  

The evidence generated from the trial will help the council to create future packages of support to help businesses run more efficiently. 

Councillor Rufus Gilbert, the Council’s Cabinet Member with responsibility for the economy, said: “The response from businesses has been excellent so far. 

“Now we need businesses who work in the health and social care, and construction industries to come forward and help us better understand what the challenges are and what makes their business work well.”  

All health and social care, and construction businesses in Rural Devon, Exmoor and the Blackdown Hills are invited to sign up online.