The Adequacy of the Supply of Professional Advisory Services to Manufacturing Firms in Rural Mid Wales

Abstract

The central question addressed is whether the services supplied by rural accountants and solicitors are appropriate for the needs of manufacturers in rural mid Wales and, if not, whether the rural location places manufacturers located there at a disadvantage. The research is based on face to face interviews with accountants and solicitors to identify typical services supplied. Banks are included to consider alternative sources of financial advice. Services are contrasted with specialist services provided by urban practices (relatively inaccessible to rural firms). Interviews are also conducted with manufacturing firms to establish their use o j and satisfaction with, suppliers. Contrasts are drawn with satisfaction levels recorded by firms with closer access to specialist suppliers. The research indicates that very small firms make greatest use of local services and are therefore at greater risk if there is a shortfall in the quality or quantity offinancial or legal advisory capacity available in rural Mid Wales.