Industrial movement and the rural periphery: The case of Devon and Cornwall

Abstract

Spooner D. J. (1972) Industrial movement and the rural periphery: The case of Devon and Cornwall, Reg. Studies 197–215. This paper describes the movement of manufacturing firms to locations in Devon and Cornwall between 1939 and 1967. This area is one of Britain's rural peripheral problem regions. Industrial movement has transformed the area's manufacturing sector and provided a nucleus of growth activity in a few centres. The characteristics of the new factories are described in terms of their origins, size, organization, distribution, time of move, and market orientation. Decisions to move to this region have been influenced particularly by considerations of labour availability and quality of environment. In conclusion the region's main disadvantages and advantages in attracting mobile industry are considered, together with implications of these findings for regional policy towards South West England.