A NEW survey found confidence in the rural economy was much higher than in the general economy.

The Country Land and Business Association (CLA) this week published its second set of results from its Rural Economy Indicator (REI) which samples the confidence of those who live and work in the countryside.

Henry Aubrey-Fletcher, CLA President, said: “The results outline that confidence in the rural economy is up on the previous set of results, showing that businesses are fending off the negative effects of the recession better than the rest of the economy.

“Only four percent of respondents have no confidence at all in the rural economy over the next three to six months compared with an enormous 69pc in the general economy – a jump of 13pc compared with the first quarter.”

Of those surveyed 12pc believe their rural business will perform well in the short-term and 58pc saw their business performance as being in line with expectation over the next six months.

But Mr Aubrey-Fletcher said many businesses are suffering.

“Lack of cash flow is a major obstacle to productivity as well as 87pc of respondents stating that effective and affordable broadband is vital for rural businesses – something for which the CLA is vigorously campaigning.”