GLOUCESTERSHIRE has topped The Country Land and Business Association’s rural business county league table, charting the best location to run a rural business in the South West.

The county has also come fourth nationally behind Cheshire, Cumbria and Oxfordshire.

The Country Land and Business Association, which represents landowners, farmers and rural businesses, conducted the research to determine which counties are best for rural businesses; using criteria that can either support or challenge rural businesses, including the extent of broadband and mobile coverage; adoption of local plans by planning authorities; opportunities for development of rural skills; and entrepreneurial dynamism.

Simon King, ?director of business development at the Royal Agricultural University said: “It’s fantastic to see Gloucestershire ranking so highly. At the Royal Agricultural University, our undergraduate and postgraduate courses help our students to achieve their future dreams in the agricultural, land, business management, food, equine and property industries – all making a positive contribution to success in rural business.”

David Owen, Chief Executive of GFirst LEP added: “I’m pleased to see Gloucestershire recognised at a national level as a great setting for rural businesses.

"As a predominantly rural county with existing expertise in agri-technology from the Royal Agricultural University in Cirencester, GFirst LEP fully supports the government’s vision that the UK becomes a world leader in agricultural technology, innovation and sustainability, and has allocated £3 million through the Gloucestershire Growth Deal for a new agri-tech start-up spaces at the University’s Cirencester campus and Rural Innovation Centre at Harnhill Farm.

"The new centre will enable local businesses to capitalise on the knowledge base of the Royal Agricultural University, and bring innovation to farming by giving technology businesses the space and support to learn, innovate and grow faster.”