VILLAGES in Cheshire are benefiting from a flood of new businesses, which are turning their back on city centres in favour of setting up in the countryside.

The traditional image of the rural economy is changing, with 22.5% of Cheshire’s businesses now based in villages, creating job opportunities.

Rural development officer for Cheshire County Council, Fil Prevc, revealed demand for smaller office units in the county has rocketed as larger firms downsize and small businesses start up.