Better infrastructure, both physical and digital, alongside improved access to skills will enable the rural economy in Herefordshire to grow, members of the House of Lords Select Committee on the Rural Economy learned during their visit to Herefordshire on Wednesday, September 12th.

On their fact finding mission, where they met representatives of business organisations, council leaders, business owners and local residents, the Committee heard of many success stories – from businesses developing night vision equipment to a food supply chain software provider – but also of the challenges facing further growth or the establishment of new businesses. Among those businesses were several local to Ross-on-Wye, including Muddy Boots Software, Westons Cider Mill, Naked Creative and Caplor Energy.

The Committee plans to make recommendations to government about measures which will help benefit the rural economy in England.

Chairman of the Committee Lord Foster of Bath said: “As in many other parts of the country, Herefordshire’s rural economy is doing well, helped by close working between bodies such as the Council, Local Enterprise Partnership and the Chambers of Commerce. See the full story in this week’s edition of the Ross Gazette, or subscribe to our online edition here