INTERREG IVC Interregional Cooperation Programme European Regional Development Fund 2007-2013

1. INTERREG IVC Interregional Cooperation Programme European Regional Development Fund 2007-2013 Innovation SME’s products and services in natural area – good practice guide OVERVIEW OF THE POWYS STUDY Presented by Vanessa L Garwood Regeneration Manager, Powys County Council, (PP07)

2. 4 potential contractors were contacted with 3 showing an interest in the study Of these 1 declined and 2 submitted tenders We appointed: Rural Development Solutions The Principal contractor was Dr Iain Skewis Overview of the Study

3. Stage One • 21 SMEs were contacted in this stage • Mostly by Face to Face Interview some by telephone • 20% were from the PP07 area the others from Scotland and Ireland • The SME questionnaire was used to create narrative reports

4. Stage One: Observations • Outside the obvious Tourism businesses it was difficult to ‘fit’ SMEs into the Study Themes • Perception is as important as reality • Financial values can be attributed to scenery

5. Stage Two: Selected SMEs • 4 SMEs have been selected for in depth study: • Isle of Mull Cheese (Island off mainland Scotland) • Wolftax, Laggan (Mainland Scotland) • Strathspey Railway (Mainland Scotland) • Trail Kilkenny (Ireland)

6. Early Conclusions • Human features: • Family engagement, values and aspirations are important • Independence and autonomy • Loyalty to community and location

7. Early conclusions • Business features: • The smaller Successful SMEs tend towards multiple operations (e.g production and tourism) • Regional characteristics can influence business ideas • Niche markets and high quality are important

8. Early conclusions • Support Interventions: • Timely • Appropriate • Imaginative • Collaborative

9. Stage Three • Watch this space !

10. Thank you