Today I received the great news that Wymondham has been ranked 14th out of thousands of rural towns and villages across the country for its fast growing digital economy. The survey by Google shows that Wymondham’s Internet commercial activity grew by 25% in the number of businesses advertising online. Google shortlisted rural villages with the highest online economic activity and ranked them in terms of the percentage increase in local enterprises using Adwords over the last year.

The news that Wymondham is the fourteenth fastest growing e-commerce town in the country is a fantastic endorsement of our vibrant local economy. This research just shows that even in these difficult economic times, entrepreneurs in rural Norfolk can start up successful businesses using the Internet to access national and international markets without having to travel.

Broadband is vital for a vibrant rural economy. That's why I have been helping to lead the campaign with the EDP and Norfolk County Council for faster and more comprehensive broadband services across rural Norfolk. The key now is that the £30m Government Funding for Norfolk is used to maximum effect to help Small Businesses in our area.

I recently had the pleasure of visiting Orchard Toys, a rapidly expanding and successful company that has recently moved its entire business operation to Wymondham and relies on the Internet to develop its business. Orchard Toys is a perfect example of a local business that is using the Internet to find new markets for its excellent products and is successfully navigating the choppy waters of the economic downturn with its steady growth.

The rapid growth of broadband presents enormous opportunity for businesses in rural areas, and the Wymondham ranking is great testament to the potential of the region for local enterprise.

Photo: George with representatives from Countryside Alliance and Google