The Isle of Wight is often described as sitting somewhere between classic rural England and a traditional British seaside destination. Rustic beaches, scenic coastal walks and natural landmarks such as The Needles chalk rock formations are all part of the draw for this island located just off the Hampshire coast. Home to 17 miles of coastline and a rich cultural heritage including a famous music festival, it’s little wonder the local economy is built around tourism and other visitors, with SMEs playing a much bigger role than large employers.