Finding the Right Staff Outside the City

Hiring the right staff has always been a challenge for businesses, but for small businesses operating outside major UK cities, the struggle is even more pronounced.

With talent gravitating towards urban areas, rural and small town businesses often face difficulties attracting and retaining skilled employees. The challenge isn’t just about finding people but is about finding the right people, those with the right skills and experience who are also willing to work outside of the city.

Unlike in cities, where job seekers are abundant, rural businesses often have fewer applicants for open roles or applicants that are perhaps not quite as experienced as the role may require.

Many skilled professionals move to urban areas for better career prospects, leaving businesses in smaller towns and suburban areas with a restricted talent pool. This issue is further exacerbated by the fact that many job seekers are unaware of opportunities available outside of major hubs. With large job boards and recruitment firms often focused on metropolitan areas, smaller businesses in rural locations struggle to gain visibility among potential employees. Even when vacancies are advertised, they often receive fewer applications, limiting the choice for business owners who require skilled staff.

Transportation challenges add another layer of difficulty for rural small businesses. Many job seekers hesitate to accept roles in rural locations due to limited transport links. Unlike cities, where you have plenty of options for public transport making your commuting relatively easy, rural areas often lack consistent and reliable transport options. This makes car ownership almost essential, which is of course not always an option. Even those who do drive may be put off by the idea of a long and potentially costly commute. Additionally, rising fuel prices and the general cost of living in the UK mean that many employees are reluctant to take jobs that require significant travel.