RICHMONDSHIRE District Council’s Economic Development Unit is funding a further study into rural businesses in the northern Yorkshire Dales.

Building on the Upper Dales Study from 2008, the work will look in greater detail at the issues faced by home based business and those working from home in the Upper Dales.

The study will examine the barriers to establishment and development, the benefits and advantages in working from home and make recommendations on additional support, infrastructure or other facilities that might be needed for the sector to prosper.

The work has been commissioned in order to identify this important and diverse group of businesses and individuals so that their interests can be taken into account in future planning for economic growth.

The views of anyone living and working in the Upper Dales area and running a business from home - or working from home for their employer at least some of the time – are needed for the study.

There is an online survey on the Richmondshire District Council website - www.richmondshire.gov.uk and a paper questionnaire is available if required – call 01748 829100.

Consultants WKD Consulting Ltd would also like to follow this up with a phone call or a visit, in order to strengthen the study – they are interested in all experiences and opinions. Complete confidentiality will be maintained and no comments will be attributed without consent.