Although it might not seem quite so valuable on the outside, the UK’s rural economy has quite a significant role to play in the overall financial health of the country. The agricultural and energy sectors, not to mention cottage industries and many micro-enterprises which provide services and products largely for rural audiences all add up to a rather significant share of economic output. As the rural economy accounts for roughly 20% of all activity, it would seem almost criminal to leave all those businesses operating away from urban environments without all the necessary transport links and communication tools needed for them to thrive.…