As we prepare to leave the European Union, it is down to us to decide what kind of nation we want to be. One where regional inequalities persist or widen? Or one where all regions can flourish and play their part in creating a vibrant and sustainable national economy?
Britain’s Leading Edge is a collaboration of rural upper-tier local authority areas without large cities. We are reframing the story of the contribution that rural regions can make to a sustainable national economy.
We are collectively well-placed to respond to all four of the Industrial Strategy Grand Challenges, if our potential is unlocked - with a vision for a digitised, decentralised, modern economy.
National policy is often perceived as giving greater weight to the interests of city regions. This leaves places characterised predominantly by small rural towns facing key challenges that are not always well considered. Britain's Leading Edge will help strengthen the voice to engage with government. This is as we make the case for harnessing the distinctive strengths of our areas.
Our collaboration includes:
- Cornwall Council
- Cumbria County Council
- Dorset Council
- Durham County Council
- East Riding of Yorkshire Council
- Herefordshire Council
- Isle of Wight Council
- Council of the Isles of Scilly
- Lincolnshire County Council
- North Yorkshire County Council
- Rutland County Council
- Shropshire Council
We would love to hear from you as we shape our next steps. Please email us:
Need help?
Most issues can be resolved online, it's the quickest and most convenient way to get help.
- 0300 1234 100
- bigdeal@cornwall.gov.uk