The Enterprising Spirit of Shropshire

Shropshire’s entrepreneurial spirit can be seen in its flourishing creative industries, tourism and leisure sector which contributes significantly to income generation within the county while simultaneously creating high value professional roles that bring jobs.

Culture Consortium Shropshire (CCS) is a Local Cultural Education Partnership supported by Arts Connect as part of West Midlands Bridge organisation. CCS unites libraries, music hubs, schools and cultural organisations in its membership base.

A unique and diverse county.

Shropshire is an exciting and distinctive county situated at the centre of England. Home to an active arts and culture scene with national touring theatre productions, comedy acts, music events and dance, it features some of the UK’s premier independent cinemas and boasts sixteen market towns full of rich culture and heritage with active community groups and their rich artisan food and drink sector that thrives through restaurants, markets and festivals.

Shropshire lies at the intersection of upland Wales and lowland England, boasting an abundant history that can be seen through its archaeological sites and archives. Shropshire also reflects this period with two World Heritage Sites in Ironbridge Gorge and Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal, two World Heritage Sites from this era of Industrial revolution. Additionally, there are medieval castles constructed to keep Welsh invaders away as well as numerous timber-framed Tudor houses to choose from in Shropshire.

Shropshire is also renowned for celebrating cultural diversity. According to the 2021 Census, 96.7% of usual residents classed themselves as white (a lower rate than England and West Midlands combined); nonetheless there has been an upsurge in people identifying as belonging to ethnic minority groups, particularly black or Asian ones.

At its heart lies an array of community and voluntary organisations which make a real difference in people’s lives. Community businesses include The Hive in Shrewsbury, Ignition in Telford and Shropshire Libraries as well as local cultural organisations such as Pentabus Rural Theatre Company and the Association of Independent Museums. These organizations come together as part of the Culture Consortium Shropshire (CCS) management group – one of 13 Local Cultural Education Partnerships across West Midlands. Their shared vision is for all children and young people in Shropshire to have access to high quality arts and culture experiences that are engaging, diverse, accessible, inspiring, fun and enjoyable; while also supporting cross-sector approaches that enhance partnership working, collaboration and joint networking.

A thriving economy.

Shropshire stands out as an attractive location due to its quality education, outstanding transport links, and vibrant small business economy. Shropshire provides an ideal place for investments and business start-ups alike; offering great work-life balance as well as strong local community support for investment or new business formation.

Shropshire boasts a strong and varied local economy with strengths in manufacturing, services (such as professional services and retail), agriculture and construction; it also has an expanding digital creative sector with an exceptional start-up success rate; Shropshire residents enjoy low levels of unemployment while reporting some of the highest life satisfaction in England.

Shrewsbury is an historic market town located in north Shropshire that features an array of shops, restaurants and pubs that draw in visitors from across the region. Leisure and cultural activities in Shrewsbury include its Museum & Art Gallery; Theatre Severn; Shrewsbury International Festival as well as amateur, semi-pro and professional sports clubs in addition to one of five National Sports Centers located at Lilleshall Hall where England football team trained prior to winning 1966 World Cup tournament.

Two major motorways cross Shropshire; the M54 from west to east and A5 from north to south respectively. Other major roads include A449 from north to south; while an east-west railway connects Telford and Birmingham via Shropshire Central station in Shrewsbury. Two significant aqueducts also criss-cross Shropshire: Elan Valley Aqueduct transports water from Lake Elan Valley directly into Birmingham while Vyrnwy Aqueduct brings it from Vyrnwy reservoir directly to Llanelli reservoir.

Shropshire is home to numerous major employers from the public, private, and voluntary sectors. Additionally, there is an expansive network of smaller enterprises in Shropshire with nearly all businesses classified as micro, small and medium sized. These micro businesses serve as an integral component of local economies with high levels of self-employment among their ranks.

A rich heritage.

Shropshire is an unassuming county where history and landscape collide in surprising ways, from Iron Age hillforts to eighteenth-century canals. Come discover one of Britain’s largest Roman towns at Wroxeter or Bridgnorth’s Leaning Tower which tilts more dramatically than that in Pisa! Likewise, its dramatic hills have been preserved through an intricate network of footpaths and bridleways used by walkers and horseback riders alike.

Ludlow County boasts a vast collection of historic buildings, from black-and-white timber-framed cottages in Ludlow to impressive manor houses of Shrewsbury and beyond. Church Stretton Well Chapel was an oasis for mediaeval monks seeking religious tolerance while Stokesay Castle’s medieval tower provides evidence of medieval wool trade activity.

Shropshire’s heritage also includes remnants of its Industrial Revolution past at Coalbrookdale, now transformed into a museum of discovery. Daniels Mill near Shrewsbury stands as England’s best-preserved watermill of its type while Soulton Village houses what may have been one of England’s oldest known long barrows where life-affirming rituals once took place in honor of life lost and love found.

Shropshire boasts many exciting museums and exhibitions to visit, such as the Museum of Archaeology at Shrewsbury – recently awarded the award of UK’s leading museum by voters.

Attractions such as Ludlow Castle are open year-round to visitors and boast stunningly restored 13th-century fortified manor house architecture. Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery feature historic artefacts, paintings, decorative arts and decorative arts from their collection while the fascinating Ironbridge Gorge Museum Site has recently been transformed into an amazing world-class visitor attraction.

Shropshire’s archaeological heritage is preserved and promoted through the County Archaeological Society which campaigns for its recording and protection, publishing original research on Shropshire’s prehistoric and historic resources. Members participate in fieldwork programs, events, visiting lectures as well as maintaining a county-wide HER (historic Environment Record).

A beautiful countryside.

Shropshire boasts picturesque towns, rolling hills and scenic landscapes – and Ludlow in Shropshire is no different! In the southern portion of this county lies Ludlow – a small market town boasting charm and history with restaurants and bistros situated within historic half-timbered buildings in its town square as well as offering visitors an opportunity to learn more about Shropshire’s rich heritage at its museum.

Shropshire’s most iconic hilltop fortress can be found on its northern edge; Wrekin Castle stands as a tourist draw on this side. Overlooking River Severn, its view makes this a must-see attraction when visiting Shropshire.

After the Norman Conquest, many of Shropshire’s principal estates were granted to wealthy Norman proprietors who enjoyed centuries of prosperity; many of their castles and manor houses have since been restored and are open for public tours.

Shropshire is well known for its castles, but the county also features many historic homes that date back hundreds of years, from barn conversions to Georgian-style manors. There’s sure to be something here somewhere throughout Shropshire County!

Shropshire’s charming villages make a treat to discover. Whitchurch in particular stands out as a stunning destination. Famed for its historic center and featuring white plastered houses with beams as well as coffee shops and vintage stores lining its high street, Whitchurch also plays host to St Alkmund’s Church dating back centuries!

Cleobury Mortimer offers numerous attractions to discover, such as its historic library and Cambrian Railroads Museum. Situated near Wales, visitors can also enjoy rural charm by exploring nearby forest trails or strolling leisurely along Llangollen Canal.

Much Wenlock makes an ideal day trip destination, boasting an atmospheric 16th-century guildhall and half-timbered buildings lining its streets. Visitors will also appreciate its unique sandstone formations as well as Wenlock Edge, offering panoramic views over its surroundings.