Shropshire rural growth pitch targets investment
The Marches Forward Partnership has used a national investment and infrastructure forum to promote Powys, Shropshire and neighbouring rural areas as places needing long-term support for growth, housing, jobs and climate resilience.
Powys County Council represented the partnership at UKREiiF, where public and private sector leaders discuss investment, development and the future of places across the UK. The partnership presented the area as the Capital of Rural Britain and argued that rural economies should be part of national investment planning.
Rural investment case taken to UKREiiF
The Marches Forward Partnership said the forum gave it a chance to show how cross-border rural areas can link infrastructure planning with economic development and environmental protection.
Its discussions with investors, government representatives and delivery organisations focused on the scale of opportunity across Shropshire, Powys and nearby areas. The themes included infrastructure investment, sustainable housing, local jobs and programmes that could help rural communities adapt to climate pressures.
Severn Valley scheme named as flagship project
The Severn Valley Water Management Scheme was highlighted as one example of the type of cross-border work being promoted. The scheme is led by the Environment Agency with Natural Resources Wales, Powys County Council and Shropshire Council, and is funded by Defra.
Its aim is to develop a wider water management strategy for the upper Severn. If delivered, the approach could help manage flood and water risks while also supporting future development decisions in rural communities.
Cross-border councils seek national attention
The Marches Forward Partnership includes councils from Shropshire, Powys, Herefordshire and Monmouthshire. Its stated aim is to unlock investment and deliver change across the England-Wales border.
Councillor Jake Berriman, leader of Powys County Council, said rural areas have potential to deliver sustainable growth but need investment and partnerships to unlock it. He said the event helped build relationships and keep rural areas in national conversations about growth and investment.
Source: Shropshire Council Newsroom
Source check Source trail
This report is based on the published council notice and separates confirmed forum activity from future investment aims.
- Confirmed the forum was UKREiiF and the attending body was Powys County Council for the Ma...
- Checked the named councils in the Marches Forward Partnership against the source text.
- Kept the Severn Valley Water Management Scheme description to the stated partners, funder...
- Did not add project budgets, timelines or funding commitments not present in the source.
- Source
- Shropshire Council Newsroom
- Scope
- Shropshire, Powys, Herefordshire and Monmouthshire
- Updated
- 2026-05-27 17:49
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