London, UK - Britain's market towns are set for a brighter future as business continues to invest and local communities embrace new ideas and innovations which will equip their town for the demands of future generations.

This is the conclusion of a new report published today by The Countryside Agency, Business in the Community and Tesco. 'Putting Down Roots in Market Towns' looks at examples of business and communities working together to secure a future for their town and its people. From developing broadband technology and training local people to exploiting tourism and redeveloping vacant property, market towns around the country are pulling together to embrace new opportunities which benefit the local community, economy and environment.

Welcoming the launch of the publication Lucy Neville-Rolfe, Company Secretary and Group Director of Corporate Affairs at Tesco said:

"Market towns make a significant contribution to the economic, social and cultural life of our country. Stores in market towns are a key part of our UK business, providing jobs, training and investment, as well as a great shopping experience for customers.

We are proud to be working with local communities to find and deliver the kinds of creative projects highlighted in "Putting down roots in market towns". Together we can improve people's quality of life, increase access to essential services, jobs and goods, and enhance the diversity and vitality of rural economies."

Countryside Agency chair Pam Warhurst said:

"The Government's vision is to make life better for people in the countryside and to make the quality of the countryside better for everyone. All this should be underpinned by a vibrant rural economy providing jobs and incomes.

"Putting down roots" highlights a range of innovative business-led initiatives that are delivering real benefits to communities across England. By getting involved in market towns businesses can gain increased customer loyalty, create new markets, and raise their local profile. We hope these case studies inspire others to put down roots in their own market towns"

The publication is being launched at today's Action for Market Towns conference: Regenerating England's Market Towns - Integrating New Approaches. The conference and publication launch are the highlight of an intensive two-week programme organised jointly by the Countryside Agency, Action for Market Towns and the East Midlands Development Agency (emda) to celebrate and promote the achievements of Beacon Towns and the Market Towns Initiative .

Launched by the Countryside Agency in response to the Rural White Paper 2000, the Market Towns Initiative recognises the crucial role that market towns play in rural life. The report can be accessed on the BITC website at www.bitc.org.uk

Case Studies

Buying for Local Suppliers - R Wisby Ltd

R Wisby is a butcher based in Wragby and Horncastle, Lincolnshire, selling red meat, poultry, cooked meat and eggs. They also operate a mobile unit delivering their service to the surrounding rural villages. The butcher sources its products from local farms in the Lincolnshire Wolds. This gives reassurance to the shop over the way the animals are reared which not only relates to their interest in animal welfare but also ensures fresh, high quality tasty produce. In addition, local sourcing appeals to the customers in the area which has a strong agricultural percentage.

Providing Support to Community Projects - Tesco, Beverley

The new Tesco store in the historic centre of Beverley in Yorkshire attracted over 1.2 million shoppers in its first year, two thirds of whom visited other shops in the town centre. Local business leaders say it has boosted the town's reputation as a shopping destination and is helping to revitalise the town centre. Tesco's commercial success has been closely linked to their strong record of community involvement.

Since 2002, Tesco have supported or sponsored the Festival of Christmas folk festival, comedy festival and Beverley in Bloom. They have donated a wide range of equipment and software through Computers for Schools and a recent initiative saw Tesco sponsor the introduction of water coolers to a local secondary school to encourage children towards healthier lifestyles.

Notes to Editors:

What are Beacon Towns?
Towns were selected from those taking part in the initiative, to test and demonstrate solutions to issues that affect market towns. The towns and the issues covered are:

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