Developing Rural and Community Expertise

Sarah Allen Joins BiGGAR Economics

As someone with over 30 years’ experience in rural development, it’s an exciting time to be working at a leading independent economic consultancy.

I have recently joined the team at BiGGAR Economics as a senior consultant – helping to deliver an increasing portfolio of innovative community and rural projects. I am looking forward to exploring opportunities that could bring significant benefits to rural Scotland.

Applying the BiGGAR Economics Approach to Rural Issues

Businesses in rural Scotland are under immense pressure to deal with a raft of shifting challenges such as energy prices, availability of labour and new legislation on housing, land reform and agricultural support. Yet there are great opportunities to embrace new technology, adopt sustainable ways of working and to help meet biodiversity and climate change targets. This diversity of challenges and opportunities coupled with a complicated policy environment can sometimes stifle or limit development. However, I am certain that with careful analysis and creative thinking, the inherent interconnectivity of the rural economy can offer significant opportunities.

Although I have only been with BiGGAR Economics for a few weeks, I already appreciate my colleagues’ ability to understand and analyse a complex set of issues, conduct thoughtful analysis, and crucially report back to clients in a meaningful manner which they can go on to use effectively in their own situation. I can see how applying our rigorous, yet creative approach is going to benefit projects that we are working on in the rural sector.

Transferring Knowledge Between Sectors

It’s not only the approach that is transferrable – there are also great opportunities to transfer knowledge from other sectors to rural and community projects. For example, BiGGAR Economics are renown experts in helping clients deliver renewable energy projects. They have worked with many companies co-developing initiatives that have maximised their local and regional economic, social and community impacts. It’s clear that the way these types of projects are developed can be applied to other proposals – to maximise value to local economies and to provide community benefits.

Applying my knowledge of the rural sector to BiGGAR Economics’ existing portfolio is also a fantastic way to add value to our work. For example, lessons learned in setting up agricultural cooperatives and machinery rings could help in developing local supply chains for wind farms. Bringing together small businesses in remote and rural locations has its challenges but the benefits can be tremendous not only for the businesses involved, but also for buyers and the wider local economy.

Delivering Meaningful Impact

I am enthusiastic about exploring opportunities that bring benefits to rural Scotland and I hope that the addition of my skills will continue to build BiGGAR Economics’ capacity in the rural sector.

Joining this highly skilled and motivated team whose aim is to “deliver meaningful impact” feels like a good place to be!

Photo by Belinda Fewings on Unsplash

Posted 27.06.23

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