The hills will soon be alive with the sound of entrepreneurs making
the ‘ker-ching’ sound over the profits of their creativity – well sort
of.
According to a new study, almost half of the 50 future locations tipped
to be innovative hotspots in the coming years are in rural areas.
Obtained by a national newspaper, the reported study of 641 UK
locations found that seven out of the top ten towns seen as talent
spots aren’t anywhere near major cities.
Authored by Morel Research, a part of Cornwall College, the analysis
flies in the face of the traditional view that entrepreneurs tend to
spring up in cities or conurbations.
It says rural environments are increasingly conducive to ‘workforce
creativity’ as they stimulate inventive thinking, reported the Daily
Mail, which obtained the study.
So whereas traditionally, London, Leeds, Birmingham and Manchester are
the major stomping grounds of innovative types, more scenic locations
are beginning to compete.
Clwyd, St Ives in Cornwall and Torridge in Devon are set to make the
top five locations in the future, as currently it is these locations
that demonstrate the most creativity.
Big towns, the study said, such as Exeter and Guilford failed to have
as many people who use technology to run their own business from a
distance than these three locations.
The research reportedly points to the ‘brain drain’ of city or urban
professionals, who have left or retired from their busy lifestyles, as
one reason why creativity is thriving ‘in the sticks.’
Business observers also argue that rural locations can offer more
inspiration, stimulate high productivity and provide less distraction,
making it easier to achieve a work-life balance.
Apr 21, 2008
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