Shropshire rural investment pitch reaches UK forum
By Beehive Web Newsroom
The Marches Forward Partnership has used a national investment and infrastructure forum to promote Shropshire, Powys and neighbouring border areas as places for future rural growth support.
The partnership was represented at UKREiiF by Daniel Burgess, head of economy and climate at Powys County Council. The forum brings together public and private sector leaders to discuss development, infrastructure and investment across the UK.
Rural growth case put to investors
The partnership promoted the area as the Capital of Rural Britain, with discussions focused on infrastructure investment, sustainable housing, jobs and environmental resilience.
Its pitch centred on the argument that rural areas need long-term planning and delivery partnerships if they are to attract investment usually associated with larger urban centres. The areas covered by the Marches Forward Partnership include Shropshire, Powys, Herefordshire and Monmouthshire.
Severn Valley scheme part of the pitch
One of the flagship projects highlighted was the Severn Valley Water Management Scheme. The cross-border programme is led by the Environment Agency, working with Natural Resources Wales, Powys County Council and Shropshire Council, with funding from Defra.
The scheme is intended to develop a broad water management strategy for the upper Severn. In local economic terms, it is being presented not only as a flood and climate resilience project, but as infrastructure that could support future development and confidence in the region.
Cross-border councils seek national attention
Councillor Jake Berriman, leader of Powys County Council, said UKREiiF gave rural areas a chance to make their case directly to investors, government representatives and delivery organisations.
He said the region had potential to deliver sustainable growth, but needed investment and partnerships to unlock it. He added that the event helped rural areas remain part of national conversations on growth and investment rather than being left on the sidelines.
The Marches Forward Partnership is expected to keep using cross-border projects and shared economic priorities to argue for future infrastructure support across the England-Wales border.
Source: Shropshire Council Newsroom
Source check Source trail
This article is based on the published Shropshire Council Newsroom item and keeps the claims tied to the forum, named organisations and quoted council leader.
- Confirmed the forum named in the source as UKREiiF.
- Matched the partnership area to Shropshire, Powys, Herefordshire and Monmouthshire as stat...
- Kept the Severn Valley Water Management Scheme description to the agencies and aims listed...
- Attributed the only direct political quote to Councillor Jake Berriman.
- Source
- Shropshire Council Newsroom
- Scope
- Shropshire, Powys and the Marches
- Updated
- 2026-05-27 17:51
Source check
Report a trust issue
Send a clear signal to community moderation if the source, facts or context need review.
Comments