Rutland- England’s smallest county; packed full of quiet, quaint charm. You would be forgiven for thinking that this peaceful slice of countryside, snuggled in the heart of the UK, is stuck in a perpetual state of sleepiness. You would be forgiven, but you would be wrong. In fact, Rutland is wide awake and rapidly on the move.
For decades, Rutland relied on its staples of farming and tourism to keep it economically afloat. Recent years have, sadly, seen a national decline in both of these sectors, forcing the rural corners of the country to look elsewhere to earn a crust. Many rural areas have been completely devastated by the pandemic and the subsequent economic strains, but Rutland has undergone somewhat of transformation. Beneath Rutland’s bucolic beauty lays a hub of activity, where new businesses are budding. Our teeny, tiny county has transcended into a tough, Titan of trade.
According to our local council, ‘Rutland has over circa 1900 businesses and our manufacturing and service sectors in particular have seen strong growth in the last few years. Looking ahead, the county also has significant housing growth planned for Oakham (1100 homes) and Uppingham (250) over the coming years. Alongside this is an aspiration to grow jobs by 300 per annum.’
One of the newest businesses to the county is our own. The Oakham Office, based in the heart of the county, opened its doors in September 2022, offering affordable, flexible and professional office solutions for 1-10 person companies. This beautiful and modern Grade II Listed conversion is ideal for smaller business, as the office and meetings rooms on offer are fully serviced and ready equipped.
Rutland’s new found ‘blooming’ economy is winning people over, but it is not the only reason that people are flocking to the county. This year Uppingham, Rutland’s second largest town, came out on top as the best place to live in the Midlands, firmly fixing its place amongst the best places to bring up a family in the UK. And it is no secret just how it achieved this; with some of the best schools in the country (notably Oakham School, Uppingham School and Stamford School) on Rutland’s doorstep, low crime rates and the average house price of £281,132 in Oakham, Rutland is a clear winner for families and professionals alike
With an economy that is going from strength to strength, more and more employment opportunities, above average salaries, affordable housing, excellent schools and low crime, it would seem that Rutland really does have it all. However, for me, the proverbial ‘cherry on top’ is the stunning setting that Rutland is fortunate enough to be placed in. Rutland’s countryside is akin to a John Constable painting; with lush fields, abundant trees and unspoilt landscapes. Even the built up market towns exude a rare, rustic charm; littered with historical architecture, picturesque, quirky features and unique shops specialising in local produce. This may seem like an over romanticised depiction, but believe me, it really as good as it sounds!
Rutland’s county motto ‘Multum in Parvo’, (‘much in little’) may have been designated in 1950, but it holds even more resonance today than ever before. England’s smallest county is fast becoming the ideal place to not only live, but to work. Business opportunities are springing up on a daily basis and the evolving, younger, community have the potential to possess endless skill sets. All of this coupled with the high calibre of education and idyllic landscapes; make this the ‘dream’ location. I asked the question at the outset of ‘is it time to move to Rutland?’ I think that a more apt statement would actually be ‘it is time to move to Rutland!’
If you are looking to relocate your business to Rutland, or start up a new company in our wonderful county, The Oakham Office can help. We have a range of private offices, meeting rooms and flexible office solutions that are geared towards supporting small and start up firms. Nestled in the heart of rural Rutland, our fully serviced centre offers the professional edge that you need to begin your journey in Rutland’s expanding economy.