Broughton pioneers a rural renaissance in Yorkshire

A decade ago Broughton had declining industries and few employment opportunities. Today the area has dramatically changed, with 50 businesses operating in quality renovated buildings employing over 600 people, making Broughton a centre of enterprise activity.

Broughton is a rural Yorkshire parish of 3,000 acres, three miles from the nearest town and midway between Leeds and Manchester. For centuries, this micro rural economy was agriculture-based but it suffered serious decline in the twentieth century and by the 1980s there was hardly any economic activity. The area suffered from low employment, housing problems and declines in heritage, culture and habitats. In 1982, there were fewer than seven businesses in the whole parish, all of which were based in farming or related trades.

Eager for change, the local authority, the community, and property owners came together and formed a partnership to regenerate the area. They agreed a plan to renovate the town’s many redundant buildings, which had no use other than casual storage, or other equally uneconomic purposes. At that time the buildings were more of a liability than an asset, but it was realised that with the progress of communication technology and IT, that leading city business and commercial activity could develop successful operations in rural areas.

In 1982, spearheaded by Roger Tempest (a member of the 31st generation of the Tempest family to live in the Parish), Broughton Parish began redeveloping these disused buildings and persuading companies of the benefits of moving to a rural location. Many businesses were quickly convinced of the viability of a rural alternative, with its advantages of improved working environment, easy access, ample free parking and greater security. Broughton is now host to 50 businesses including local, national and global organizations such as Silver Cross, Weber, Country Publications, Jet 2, Rural Solutions, BOC, GE, Erikson and Capio Healthcare.

Where previously the fortunes of the Parish had been in steep decline, having lost its school and post office, accompanied by reducing church congregations, deteriorating heritage, reduced local services and very little employment, now the town is self-confident and a good place to live and work. This renaissance has been crowned by the building of an award-winning community facility designed by Sir Michael Hopkins for the use of everyone living and working at Broughton. This building won a prestigious RIBA Building Award in 2006 and is in constant use alongside the restored chapel, which now has regular services with good attendance, and the previously run down village pub, which has recently been modernised and extended, and a new kitchen added.

Broughton has become known as the pioneer of this form of rural renaissance with visitors coming from all over the country to learn and emulate their activity.

Broughton was the Yorkshire & Humber regional winner of the 2007 Enterprising Britain competition.

Roger Tempest, one of the architects of Broughton’s transformation and MD of Rural Solutions Ltd, said:

“Over the last 25 years we have had an exciting and challenging journey whilst regenerating Broughton Parish. Broughton is now transformed, with a strong sense of purpose and a formidable and sustainable future, and embraces its many elements of life with a wide range of activities. It means a great deal to receive this award and be recognised as one of the most enterprising places in the UK.”

Linda Pollard, Deputy Chair of Yorkshire Forward and competition selection panel chair said:

“We are delighted to name Broughton as the region’s most enterprising place in 2007. The Broughton team clearly demonstrated the longstanding entrepreneurial spirit of Yorkshire and the Humber. This region has for centuries been a centre of enterprise and has a rich history of entrepreneurs. Places like Broughton help the region to emphasise and grow this important part of our economy and culture.”