Rural industrialisation in a declining coalfield region: the case of northWarwickshire

In recent years considerable research has been conducted on the phenomenon of rural industrialisation. Within this area of study the growth and perfor mance of small and medium sized manufacturing enterprises (SMEs) have recei ved particular attention. Competing schools of thought have sought to expla in both the development and the competitive strategies of such enterprises in terms of the geographical context, industrial milieu and the labour mark et which companies experience. Nevertheless, this paper contends that some important questions remain unanswered. For instance, little parity exists b etween the types of rural area examined in recent theoretical contributions , whilst the highly generalised explanations which have been advanced are u nable to accommodate either the complex causes of growth or the varied prod uction strategies adopted by small rural manufacturing establishments. On t he basis of empirical research in north Warwickshire, this paper suggests t hat a greater insight into the location and operational strategies of manuf acturing companies may be obtained by considering individual establishments within the context of their particular supply chain niche. The study area, an old industrial (accessible) rural area, formerly associated with coal m ining, also represents an important departure, contrasting with the new spa ces of production which have been the focus of much recent research. Clearl y a movement away from extended generalisation has an important implication for the way in which future research on rural manufacturing SMEs is conduc ted; and for the implementation of rural industrial policy, which needs to address the unique challenges faced by individual enterprises rather than ' manufacturers' in general. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserv ed.