This paper examines SMEs' experiences of labour markets and their adoption of
technology, including ICTs, in two rural areas: South Warwickshire and North
Devon. Findings are assessed within the context of existing theories of rural
industrial growth, which have tended to stereotype firms on the basis of
location, and have underplayed the role of ‘non-local’
factors such as supply chains in influencing both the behaviour and
‘success’ of individual SMEs. In contrast, this paper
contends that understanding the true complexity of the SME sector is essential
if efforts to foster and support enterprise in rural areas are to be
successful.
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