and rationalised to remain competitive
in a global market, even though land
based employment has declined.
The local countryside is enjoyed by
residents and visitors alike, and is
one of the area's major assets. The
huge financial and environmental
value of the local landscape to the
economy needs to be maintained if
visitors are to continue to be attracted
to the area. Therefore, sympathetic and
sustainable diversification is necessary.
Diversification of farms and rural
buildings for commercial, leisure,
recreation, green tourism and
sustainable energy use is taking place
across the borough. Opportunities
for office-based businesses, rather
than simply land-based businesses,
to locate in rural areas and in converted
farms are also increasing. Rural
community enterprise in the borough,
for example village shops and shared
services, in a number of rural towns
and villages is encouraging the
sustainability of such areas.
Skilled Workforce
Tunbridge Wells is fortunate to have a
resident population with well above
average qualifications. While a
proportion commute elsewhere for work,
the regional role of Royal Tunbridge
Wells means that businesses are able to
attract a workforce that has experience in
a number of different sectors of industry
from a wide catchment area. This travel
to work area includes Kent, East Sussex,
Surrey, Essex and South London.
The quality of the area's accommodation,
visitor attractions and retail offer has
led to steady growth over recent years.
As a consequence of this growth, the
restaurant and food sector has also
grown. Tourism is estimated to have
contributed £241m to the borough's
economy in 2011 and supported over
4,400 jobs (Tourism Economic Impact
Research. TSE. 2011)
Health and Well-Being Sector
The development of the new Tunbridge
Wells Hospital, which opened in 2011,
has resulted in an increase and upgrade
of local health services, leading to stable
employment in the health sector for the
borough. This will complement the range
of public and private sector health
provision that is already located here.
Opportunities for well-being, spa and
homeopathic related enterprises are
excellent and their services are in
constant demand.
Education Sector
There is strong education sector in the
borough. Further and higher education is
provided by K College. There are many
excellent quality schools in the borough of
Tunbridge Wells. Links between schools and
local businesses help to bring enterprise
and business knowledge into the schools,
assisting with career development for the
young people in the borough.
Encouraging Enterprise
in Rural Tunbridge Wells
Local agricultural and horticultural
businesses have successfully diversified
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