03 January, 2012

The determination of rural businesses to succeed matches the will of any Olympic athlete, a representative from the Country Land and Business Association (CLA) has claimed.

Speaking to the Farmers Guardian, CLA president Harry Cotterell explained he believes that 2012 will be the "year of the countryside" regardless of how well Great Britain fares at London 2012.

In his opinion, the farming sector in particular is going through something of a renaissance, adding: "Whether we are farmers, producing excellent British food for the domestic or export markets, or small businesses, often start-ups, with a thirst for success, or even tourism and leisure businesses battling against the tide of recession, there is a resilience in the countryside."

Mr Cotterell made his comments in an Olympics-themed New Year message in which he urged farmers and rural business owners to capitalise on the media coverage being brought to the UK thanks to the sporting competition.

One way in which a huge number of towns and cities across the country are hoping to ramp up excitement about the event is through the Olympic Torch Relay. London 2012 organising committee chairman Lord Seb Coe believes it will get even hardened cynics on board, according to The Guardian.

The torch will be carried by 8,000 people through more than 1,000 places ahead of its final destination in the capital.

Source: Vertical Leap