We meet Stuart Reid, CEO of the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group
Has Brexit delivered for the fishing industry?
Weathering the storm of rising costs and recruitment issues
Regulars
QUESTION
Should locals pay less than visitors?
Airport MD steps down
Visit Cornwall celebrates ten years as a CIC 38
THE MOVE
Appointments
& DIGITAL
AI for the silver surfers!
Cornwall College is ‘Outstanding’
Brewery’s national anthem 42
A THOUGHT
How the heck did I get here?, asks Ann Vandermeulen
We need to speak with one voice, says Chamber
CEO John Brown
Networking
Look back at Expowest Cornwall
Charles French Solicitors senior associate
Plain sailing?
WELCOME
By editor Nick Eyriey
ON THE COVER
Stuart Reid, CEO of the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group –see page 10.
This issue has a particularly strong maritime flavour to it.
Surrounded by 422 miles of coastline, and that’s not including the Isles of Scilly, the ocean has long been a key ingredient in Cornwall and Scilly’s industrial and commercial tapestry.
The Isles of Scilly Steamship Group is one of the largest private sector employers in west Cornwall and has a particularly important part to play for Scilly and Cornwall. It hasn’t always been plain sailing for the company in recent years, but with delivery of a new cargo ship and ferry on the horizon, hopefully the future looks set fair. We meet CEO, Stuart Reid, who charts the company’s progress and looks forward to further growth on sea and also in the air with its Skybus service..
Another vitally important component of the marine sector in Cornwall is the fishing industry.
Fishing is one of Cornwall’s oldest trades, but one that perhaps unfairly can get overlooked. But delivering £174 million GVA and supporting 8,000 jobs, its import shouldn’t be underestimated. On page 20, Nicola Smith trawls through some of the hopes and fears for the industry and discovers the reality of Brexit isn’t perhaps what many of Cornwall’s fishermen had been anticipating.
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
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DESIGN
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THE BIG QUESTION
While toll charges across the Tamar are set to rise, there have been calls for cheaper prices for locals. Should this kind of thinking be spread right across Cornwall? Should locals be able to pay less than visitors for products, attractions, car parks etc?
TOBY PARKINS
Headforwards
There will always be views for and against locals’ discount. What should be encouraged is considering market dynamics in pricing - so that prices get discounted during quieter times to try and smooth the demand peaks. This is standard practice in a lot of national food and drink chains. In some ways, a locals’ discount is provided to help ensure locals support those businesses during quieter winter times. Group discounting schemes like blue card schemes already exist so, again, is a local discount that much different? Ultimately, it’s up to the business to decide what’s best to do in their specific situation.
SIMON NICHOLSON
StratX Consulting
We should reward locals for their year-round contribution to the local economy. However, visitors are key to the Cornish economy, and vital for many local businesses, so we should seek a balanced approach. A loyalty card or membership scheme for Cornwall residents could provide access to reduced rates on tolls, parking, or attractions. We should ensure both local and visitor engagement, where both groups can benefit without one group feeling excluded or unfairly penalised. Collaboration across Cornwall is, in my view, key to our county’s success.
VICKI KENT
Redruth Revival
These are difficult economic times for many businesses with more challenges on the horizon around National Insurance and minimum wage increases. So, this is a tough question which I think maybe has a different answer depending on what it is you are buying. I do think attractions, car parks etc. should offer a discount to residents thereby helping to make these accessible to locals and encourage year-round support and drive income. This becomes
Cornwall Innovation is thrilled to welcome Green Power Solutions to Pool Innovation Centre. Green Power Solutions is dedicated to advancing sustainable energy solutions, helping businesses and individuals transition to cleaner, more efficient power sources.
With expertise in renewable energy technologies, including solar and battery storage systems, Green Power Solutions aims to reduce carbon footprints while enhancing energy efficiency.
more of a challenge for goods and services, where businesses need to cover their overheads and pay themselves and their staff a fair wage.
JEANNIE CAIN
ASC Finance for Business
There are currently lots of deals offered to locals if you look for them. I know car parks are a bit of a sore point, especially in Truro where the after 4pm free parking has been stopped – some say this is the cause of the city centre being so quiet in the evening but again there are ways to reduce the costs of parking via various offers; JustPark Wallet, NCP App etc.
We want to keep the visitors coming back, so hoiking up prices just for them might not be the best way to treat them.
A lot of businesses and tourist attractions currently offer local passes and discounts to Cornish Post Codes...Heligan, Eden and Tate St Ives for instance. I do try to take advantage of them especially in the quieter months when they’re a bit more enjoyable!
There are currently lots of deals offered to locals if you look for them.
ANDREW DAVENPORT
Focus Technology
I believe that everyone should pay equally, setting up a two-tier system reinforces the “them and us” attitude. In a time when there is economic uncertainty we want to welcome as many visitors as possible to Cornwall and feel like we are adding to their already expensive holiday costs. It does not matter who is paying, the cost to deliver the service remains the same.
Locals and businesses have the option to use a Tamar Tag which does provide substantial savings over the standard fee. I am sure local people would feel aggrieved if they visited somewhere else and were asked to pay more.
Matt Harrington, Head of Cornwall Innovation Centres, said: “It’s brilliant to have such innovative companies at the heart of the Innovation Centres.
“As a customer of Pool Innovation Centre, the team at Green Power Solutions will benefit from collaborative workspace, networking opportunities and business support services. The future is looking really bright for Green Power Solutions, and I look forward to supporting the team in the next stage of their growth.”
NEWS IN BRIEF
Local business consultant Trevor Lee has recorded his final Better Presentations More Sales podcast. Lee said: “When I first launched the podcast I was advised that the vast majority of new podcast launches don’t make it beyond episode seven. So, to have reached 344 episodes in seven years of podcasting seems like a reasonable achievement.” The podcast has been downloaded over 70,000 times and listened to in 151 countries with 31% of listeners in the US and 24% in the UK.
Planning is set to be sought to build a Courtyard by Marriott hotel at Cornwall Airport Newquay. The Council says that the deal will see up to £30 million of direct investment in the development. Cllr David Harris, deputy leader and portfolio holder for resources, said: “It is just one small step among the wider plans to make better use of the airport estate where we continue to discuss opportunities with our preferred partner moving forwards.”
Higos Insurance Services has rebranded and is now known as Brown & Brown. The transition to the Brown & Brown brand is part of a “nationwide unification” of the company’s retail broking businesses in the UK. Higos has offices in Bude and Penzance, where it traded as Jacksons Insurances.
Dash Express, a division of The Dash Group, has opened a new 8,500 sq ft site in Saltash.
The new site will allow the business to expand on its overnight and sameday delivery, pallet distribution and warehousing fulfilment services to local businesses across Cornwall and Devon.
Truro and Penwith College beat more than 600 nominations to be crowned Apprenticeship Provider of the Year 2025 at the national Apprenticeship & Training Awards (ATA) in Liverpool, last month.
The award recognises the college’s offer of over 30 apprenticeship standards across key sectors including hospitality, health, engineering and construction.
CAVE AND ALLEN TAKE REINS AT JKC
JKC Creative Marketing has entered a new chapter, as long-serving team members Sarah Cave and Cat Allen have stepped into leadership roles as co-directors.
With over 30 years of combined experience at JKC, Cave and Allen are ready to lead the agency into the future while building on the legacy of founder John Knowles, who
retired after 50 years in the industry.
“John has been the beating heart of JKC for decades,” said Allen. “We’ve been preparing for this moment for years under his guidance, and now we’re excited to take what we’ve learned and put our mark on the agency. Our focus is on continuing to deliver the highquality service our clients expect, while carefully growing the business without overextending.”
AIRPORT MD STEPS DOWN
Sam O’Dwyer has announced that she is stepping down as MD of Cornwall Airport Newquay.
O’Dwyer, who has been in the post for the past three years, will leave next month to pursue a new opportunity closer to her home in West Sussex
“It is with a heavy heart that I leave Cornwall Airport Newquay,” she said. “The team here is truly exceptional, and I am confident that their dedication will ensure the airport’s
continued success. While personal commitments necessitate this change, I will remain a fervent supporter and observer of the airport’s future achievements.”
Neil Edmond, CEO of parent company, Corserv Solutions, added: “Sam has played a pivotal role in the strategic evolution of Cornwall Airport Newquay, significantly enhancing our operations and stakeholder relationships.
“While we are sad to see her leave, we are grateful for her leadership and invaluable contributions. We wish her the very best in her future endeavours.”
LEMON QUAY PLANS
Plans to make Lemon Quay a more attractive place to shop, work and visit have taken a major step forward with the formal submission of the first planning application for the Truro Town Dealfunded scheme.
Led by Cornwall Council and developed in consultation with key partners, including Truro Town Deal Board, Truro City Council and Truro BID, the Lemon Quay scheme has been designed to create a “high quality vibrant, attractive and green public space” that will encourage more people to visit and spend more time in the city centre.
The plans for Lemon Quay includes measures to improve the pedestrian, shopping and event experience in Truro, create greater opportunities for local businesses and enhance public interaction with Truro River towards Boscawen Park.
These include improved street furniture and lighting designed to encourage greater use of the riverside setting, together with landscaping and biodiverse planting, with new trees, large shrubs and hardwood planters and benches to provide opportunities for the public to sit and relax.
HOME FROM HOME
Seawolf has arrived in Falmouth Antigua from Falmouth Cornwall after an extensive two-year refit at Pendennis.
The 1950’s 57m converted ocean-going tug underwent an all-encompassing refit integrating modern technology and
CAAT ACCEPTS SECOND AW169
A second AW169 helicopter has officially been handed over to Cornwall Air Ambulance (CAAT).
The helicopter, which was built at Leonardo Helicopters’ production facility in Milan, was collected by two Cornwall Air Ambulance pilots and has now arrived in Gloucester where it will undergo its medical fit, which is expected to take several months to complete.
This begins the process where teams of specialists will turn the helicopter into a fully functioning critical care resource.
sustainable solutions, whilst respecting the heritage and classic lines of the original build.
“The Seawolf project has been one of the most technically demanding projects from an engineering standpoint that our team has ever undertaken,” said group operations director Charlie Ross.
This final stage of the process coincides with the Heli2 Appeal now having well surpassed the £2 million milestone of the £2.85 million target, leaving just £197k to raise by the end of this month.
Chief executive, Tim Bunting, added:
“This is a landmark moment for Cornwall Air Ambulance, as for the first time in the charity’s history we now own two stateof-the-art helicopters.
“This will boost the resilience and capability of our service, enabling the crew to attend more missions by air each year. Ultimately this will mean we’ll be able to save even more lives for many years to come.”
INYANGA SHINES IN EUROPE
A new €10M project designed to unlock the potential of tidal and river energy systems in north west Europe launched this month.
Falmouth-based Inyanga is a key partner in the SHINES project, which brings together 14 partners from France, Ireland, Belgium, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and Germany.
North west Europe is seen as a prime location for tidal and river energy development, but requires further investment to overcome political, economic, and regulatory hurdles.
SHINES will address these challenges by replicating and scaling up three innovative solutions, including Inyanga’s patented HydroWing technology, through grid connections and real sea deployments in France and the Netherlands.
WILDANET JOB CUTS
Liskeard-based broadband provider Wildanet has announced a number of job cuts as part of a restructuring drive.
Up to 35 jobs – 18% of its total workforce – could be affected by the measures, which, the company says, have been brought on by “external forces”.
“We are reviewing our resource requirements to align our business with the future full fibre roll-out strategy in the south west,” said a spokesperson.
“This is in response to increased costs and the need to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving marketplace as well as addressing the changing skills that our business requires as we move forward with our business plan.”
Meanwhile, one of the south west’s biggest private sector employers – St Austell Brewery – also faces making jobs cuts. The brewery has entered a 30-day period of consultation with its workforce which, it says, could result in up to 40 redundancies.
Chief executive, Kevin Georgel, said: “The brewing and hospitality sector has had an extraordinarily difficult few years – one of the most challenging periods in our 174-year history. We have successfully navigated these challenges, but they have been compounded by the significant increases in National Insurance announced in the autumn budget, which are effective from April.
“The additional cost of employment amounts to a further £3 million a year and it is not realistic, nor appropriate, to presume that we can pass on all the increased costs onto our guests or customers.”
END OF THE ROAD FOR CREATIVE DUO
Two of Cornwall’s leading creative agencies are closing their doors for the final time.
Citing the current difficult economic climate, Hayle-based Nixon Design made the sad announcement that it will be shutting at the end of May.
Martin Nixon, who founded the business in 1992, said: “In common with so many other creative agencies across the UK, our trading environment has been challenging, to say the least, over the past year. The current economic climate, with a resulting reduction in fee income together with little likelihood –despite our best efforts – of this improving to a sustainable level are the principal reasons for our decision.
“Closing the studio will regrettably result in
our highly talented team losing their roles through redundancy, with some having over a decade’s service at Nixon Design.
I’m enormously proud and grateful to them, both for their valued contribution to the studio’s success but also for their grace and fortitude in the way they’ve accepted this unfortunate outcome.”
And it is a similar story for Gendall Design which is closing after 39 years in business.
“Despite our best efforts the challenging economy that the creative industries are facing very sadly just got the better of us,” said owner Tess Gendall. “Thank you to everyone who has been part of our journey.
“The last 39 years have been amazing. A real shame we didn’t quite make it to 40! But we gave it a really good try.”
GREEN LIGHT FOR LITHIUM PLANT
Planning permission has been granted for the UK’s first commercial geothermal lithium production to be built near Chacewater.
The new plant will be established at Cornish Lithium’s Cross Lanes facility and will include a demonstration plant stage, enabling it to implement multiple rounds of testing and enhancements, with a longterm aim of achieving full commercial production at the site.
With planning consent now in place, work on the Cross Lanes Lithium Project is expected to begin this spring.
Cornish Lithium’s founder and CEO, Jeremy Wrathall, said: “(This) is fantastic news and a key milestone in our efforts to produce a domestic source of lithium from geothermal waters that were first identified in Cornwall in 1864. This marks another stage in the UK’s journey from currently relying solely on imported lithium to maximising the potential that lies beneath our feet in Cornwall.”
BACK ON DRY LAND
After a six-week journey across the Atlantic, Cornwall businessman Dan Dicker and his three teammates have successfully completed the ‘World’s Toughest Row’, raising £20k for Diabetes UK, Cancer Research, and The Final Straw Foundation.
Dan Dicker, founder of Perranporth-based Circular&Co., set off in December spending more than six weeks braving 40-foot waves and 3,000 miles of open ocean, rowing from San Sebastian de La Gomera in Spain to Nelson’s Dockyard in Antigua.
The crew’s efforts also contributed to important research on plastic pollution. Collaborating with Professor Richard Thompson OBE of Plymouth University, they tracked and analysed marine debris during their journey, aiding the development of new software to monitor plastic pollution via satellite.
Dicker said: “Seeing my family was the most amazing feeling. Being out at sea for so long really makes you realise the importance of the simple things in life. My wife, Vicky, was sure that I’d come back with a need for even more adventure, but interestingly, the reverse has happened.
“When you are stripped of ‘normal life’ you appreciate how wonderful it is. Things you took for granted or rushed without a second thought become precious, whether it’s a hug or a comfortable, cosy place to sleep – it’s just heart-warmingly wonderful.”
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Through the air and on the sea, it’s full steam ahead for the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group.
We meet CEO Stuart Reid who updates us on the progress of the new vessels set to come into service and the company’s plans for further growth in the future.
We’re a company that has been serving the islands for 105 years.
CEO feature and cover photographs by Toby Weller.
Will this be the final season for Scillonian III?
At the minute, the project is going to plan and we remain on track for delivery in 2026, but we have to highlight that there are still a number of challenges ahead.
Scillonian IV and the Menawethan are due into service in 2026 but ship building is an extremely complex process. There are many examples across the globe where delays in sourcing machinery, parts and equipment have impacted on the delivery of new vessels
The process began back in 2019 when you stepped up from CFO to CEO. It must help having a numbers man to steer the project?
As a chartered accountant, it’s not just about numbers, it’s also about business advisory. And with my previous roles, having exposure in different industry sectors, has really helped in terms of supporting the vessel replacement project.
Going back to 2019, there were a number of governance and structural changes in the business. I came in as CEO and we appointed Judith Piper as CFO. We also had a number of new board members join, particularly with marine experience, and a new chairman as well. There was a new strategy and five-year plan. Scillonian III is now 48 years old and our freight vessel, Gry Maritha, is 44, but they can’t go on forever. So, the strategy was about vessel replacement and about building cash in order to deliver the project. And that’s all backed up by a new vision statement, which is delivering for Scilly.
Scillonian III is now 48 years old and our freight vessel, Gry Maritha, is 44, but they can’t go on forever.
In 2021 it was announced that the Government was going to invest £48 million into the project but then ultimately, a couple of years later, you announced it would be privately funded. Why the change?
Going back a few steps, the big part before financing, was about designing the new vessels. We wanted to make sure that we were going to build vessels which weren’t just a like for like replacement of our existing fleet. We want to enhance the service for the residents of the Isles of Scilly and the UK visitor market. We transport 120,000 visitors on the ships each year and we carry 15,000 tons of freight and those numbers are expected to increase. The vessels were designed around the future service. We also consulted closely with the community and the feedback received was used during the design process.
We used a naval architect, BMT, to develop the designs and then we got to that point where we’ve got these fantastic designs, how do we go about
funding the ships? It was at that point we were introduced to Levelling Up Funding, which looked a great opportunity. We worked closely with the Council of the Isles of Scilly which submitted an application. Although the application was successful, funds would only be made available to support the build of new vessels if a suitable funding mechanism could be identified. But unfortunately, after two years of working with the Council and the previous Government to try to find a mechanism which allowed us to use the funds to build the vessels, we still couldn’t find a solution. If it was building a road or a bridge, something that was fixed, I’m certain we’d have got there. But because it was a moveable asset, the then Government struggled to find that mechanism as it wasn’t something which was standard procedure.
And as the months went on, we could see prices starting to escalate and it got to the point where we said to Government, look, if we don’t get this done now, we won’t be even able to do it privately. So effectively, we put a deadline on the previous Government and unfortunately it couldn’t find the mechanism. So, we started, in parallel, working with private financing companies, and having spoken to a significant number of banks and investment companies, we selected Lombard to fund the new vessels. We had previously worked with Lombard on financing previous ships and aircraft. They recognised the importance of this project, because it is a lifeline link and they gave us very good financing terms to fund these new vessels.
Had it not worked out, what would have been the alternative? Carrying on patching up Scillonian III?
You can continue to patch up, but it’s about reliability. In 48 years, Scillonian III has lost just 25 days service due to mechanical issues – it’s one of the things we pride ourselves on. It’s been incredibly reliable. The challenge that we have is that Scillonian III still has its original 1977 engines, so replacing parts is becoming extremely difficult and not just on the engines. Even on the cargo vessel, at the minute we’re looking at doing some modifications to the ship’s windlass but we’ve scoured the world and can’t source a new windlass. Instead we’re having to manufacture new parts to repair old machinery, which is expensive and takes significant time impacting on the reliability of the service.
What are the key improvements and differences with the new vessels?
Scillonian IV will have increased passenger capacity, 600 versus 485 on Scillonian III. We’ve designed Scillonian IV to not only serve the holiday market, but also for visitors to Cornwall to undertake day trips to Scilly. She’s an extremely attractive vessel for this reason. She’s also slightly quicker, so people can spend more time on the islands. There will also be increased customer comfort. The vessel is going
to have fin stabilisers to prevent rolling. She’ll also have a new piece of technology called a Hull Vane. It’s going to be the first ferry with this type of technology, which will significantly reduce the ship’s motions and enhance passenger comfort.
Menawethan will be slightly longer than the Gry Maritha and therefore have increased cargo capacity and will also have the ability to carry a small number of passengers all year round. Both vessels are also being constructed to minimise the impact on the environment with both vessels being built with Tier III engines reducing the number of harmful emissions.
It will be a sad day when Scillonian III is retired.
For the whole team here, Scillonian III and the Gry Maritha hold a very special place in our hearts. They have both served the Group and the community incredibly well. It will be a sad day when they are retired but we’ve got to look to the future. Scillonian IV is a modern design. It’s more comfortable. We’ve got improved viewing access, more seats outside, so people can see the wonderful Cornish coastline as they’re sailing past, all the sort of things that you’d expect on a state-of-the-art vessel.
We transport 120,000 visitors on the ships each year and we carry 15,000 tons of freight.
We are building Scillonian IV to the same build quality and standards as Scillonian III, so we would expect her to last another 40 years as well. The steel is the same thickness. The machinery on board, although new, modern technology, has the same, strong reputation behind it. Some of the equipment is being built locally by Cornish companies –including Armada Engineering and Wills Ridley.
When it came to building the vessels, how did you go about sourcing the best company to do that?
We had to make sure it was a transparent and fair process, and we also wanted the best people to build these vessels. We started off by sending out invites to 30 shipyards. We were supported through the process by a company called Blair Reed, who are ship brokers and have experience in shipyard selection. These vessels are complex and designed to integrate with existing historic infrastructure and operate through some challenging sea conditions. Blair Reid supported us by ensuring that the identified shipyard would deliver vessels to meet our expectations.
From the 30 invites, we had 13 expressions of interest from shipyards in the UK and Europe. We then moved from those 13 tenders down to a short list of five shipyards. We ultimately, through another round of tendering, went with Piriou, a French company based in Brittany, which not only has vast
Continued on page 15
experience of building vessels, but has also built technical vessels which serve island communities like the Isles of Scilly. Piriou has several shipyards around the world and they’re building our vessels in their shipyard in Vietnam.
Up until last summer, it looked like there might be another player operating ferries to Scilly – Harland and Wolff. How challenging a prospect was that for you, because you had previously said you didn’t feel there was room for two players?
It was a frustrating time because Harland and Wolff had been part of the tendering process. They were one of the five shipyards shortlisted. It was therefore extremely disappointing that, because they were unsuccessful, they felt the need to compete against us.
But we’re a company that has been serving the islands for 105 years, and we have experience and knowledge of operating the route in some challenging conditions. We have incredibly hard working and dedicated employees to operate these vessels. So, although it was a competitive threat at the time, we had absolute confidence in our ability to continue serving this route, both with our existing fleet and for the fleet coming in 2026.
Their service came within days of launching last summer. Were you surprised by its sudden collapse?
We have some very good people within the Group and were supported by our advisors. We could see financially that Harland & Wolff were struggling. They had huge mountains of debt and were seeking funding in order to prop up the whole Harland & Wolff business. We felt it was only a matter of time until it got to the point that funding would run out and they would fall over. And that evidently happened. I believe they spent £10 million in terms of getting their leased vessel up and ready - only to never deliver a single passenger and owing significant sums to many local businesses.
And the previous November they made an offer to buy the Steamship Group?
Moving forward, how is the business going to grow?
The new vessels will be coming in 2026, and we have a business plan which is going to drive a greater number of passengers through the Steamship Group. There are a number of freight opportunities that we’re currently looking at as well.
Last year we introduced a new landing craft, Gugh, that was built in Exeter by Coastal Workboats. The difference that vessel makes to our existing cargo fleet is that it has the ability to land straight onto beaches. That means we can deliver large items of plant, diggers, excavators and so on, straight onto a beach, which on the Isles of Scilly, is obviously a great opportunity.
And you’ve been strengthening your senior management team as well, including a dedicated MD for the Skybus part of the business.
I think this fits into where we’re looking to take the Group next. In 2019 we had a five-year plan to deliver new vessels. We’re now moving towards the end of that, so the business is now looking at the next five years and we’ve just finished our 2030 strategy.
This last year, we delivered 58,000 passengers on Skybus.
As part of that, we’re looking to carry out five things. We’re looking at improving financial performance, we’re looking at maintaining our excellent safety standards, delivering affordability, delivering reliability and also minimising the impact on the environment.
Looking at the financial performance, we are targeting an £8 million EBITDA by 2030 and that’s going to be delivered through both the aviation business and the marine business. So, we felt it would be a good time to bring in a new managing director for Skybus, Jonathan Hinkles, who has significant experience in aviation. He’s previously worked at Virgin Airways and Logan Air, and Jonathan is now going to drive forward those ambitious growth plans for Skybus over the next five years.
And this explains the recent decision to significantly increase the number of summer flights to the islands from Newquay?
Continued from page 13 Continued on page 16
And that was met with a flat ‘no’ because the offer was insulting. It was a tactic by Harland & Wolff to try to slow the process of signing shipbuilding contracts with Piriou. Because our shares are traded on a share trading platform known as Asset Match, we follow a piece of legislation called the Takeover Code. As soon as a bid comes in for the company, you’re restricted to sign any fundamental contracts. We were in a position to sign with Piriou so it caused further delays. This tactic was frustrating, but it clearly didn’t work. The episode only damaged Scilly as it caused confusion in the marketplace. It’s now part of our history and we are looking to the future and delivering our new vessels.
This last year, we delivered 58,000 passengers on Skybus. We’re targeting 70,000 passengers for the forthcoming season, and as part of that, we’re putting on a significant number of additional flights, both at Land’s End Airport, which is owned by the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group, but also through Cornwall Airport Newquay, because 75% of our passengers who regularly travel on Skybus actually start their journeys east of Newquay. The idea is to deliver an improved experience by reducing overall journey times.
Continued from page 15
Is the season length going to stay the same with the new vessel?
We would love to extend the season. And I believe that enhancing the flying programme at Skybus, and with Scillonian IV arriving, with her new stabilisation systems, we have the opportunity to provide two options to deliver our passengers to Scilly in either earlier spring or later into the autumn, even into the winter. If the demand is there from our passengers and our passengers want to travel during the winter then we will meet that demand but currently the numbers wishing to travel at this time of year means that running both sea and air links during the winter is unviable.
I guess the majority of island businesses would love that?
They would, but it’s that combination where we have to work with the accommodation providers and the restaurants and the other facilities out on Scilly to provide that overall experience in the shoulder periods to make it attractive to the customer.
Looking at your vision again, it’s all about delivering for Scilly.
We have to work with businesses and residents on Scilly to be successful.
We have to work with businesses and residents on Scilly to be successful. There is that symbiotic relationship that we have, in that sometimes we will make decisions as a business which may not make financial sense, but actually, when you look at the bigger picture, it’s absolutely the right thing to do. That’s what “Delivering for Scilly” means. We’ve been serving Scilly for 105 years and we want to make sure we’re serving for the next 105 and beyond, so we have to support the community and local businesses.
Superficially this business looks simple, but it’s anything but isn’t? Operationally, strategically, it’s all complex. It must give you a few headaches!
I wouldn’t say it gives me headaches, it motivates me to get up in the morning! This business is so complex, but it’s an incredibly enjoyable one to work in, because no two days are the same. There is no typical day in the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group. There are always challenges, whether it’s the weather or maybe a technical issue. It’s getting the vessels ready for the new season. It’s expanding our flying programme, looking at aviation fleet rationalisation. Then there’s our 2030 strategy, although it’s always going to be about delivering for Scilly and protecting the core operation, we’re starting to look slightly wider than the Isles of Scilly.
We are looking at the possibility of expanding our services into other geographical areas. That’s
something which is very much in the early stages, but that allows us to continue to support the core operation by spreading some risk, rather than focusing solely on the Isles of Scilly. Particularly on the freight side of the business using our workboat fleet. We’re looking at the possibility of adding additional vessels to serve other freight opportunities that are around the Cornish coast into South Wales.
Looking into the crystal ball, where do you think the business will be in five years, ten years?
In five years’ time, we’ll have our new vessels which will be fully integrated into the operation. I’d want to see increased numbers of passengers enjoying their time on the Isles of Scilly which will further support the Scilly economy and secure the lifeline link for the next 40 years. I would also expect to see expansion into new services outside of the core operation.
You must be one of the biggest, if not biggest employers in Penzance.
We employ about 220 people so we are one of the biggest employers in West Cornwall and we are proud to provide many highly skilled opportunities for local people. Right the way from air traffic controllers at Land’s End Airport, through to engineers and master mariners. We have some highly skilled individuals here.
Is recruiting quite easy?
No, I would say that along with the economy, it’s one of our biggest current challenges because of the housing shortage in Cornwall, and that’s even more of a challenge out on the Isles of Scilly. We can get people recruited but actually accommodating them is a bigger challenge.
As for the economic challenges, affordability is obviously one of the strategic goals that we’re looking at. We are looking to lobby the Government for the possibility of a subsidy for island residents. We currently fund a heavily discounted programme for the island residents, we offer nearly 70% discount for the community when they’re using Scillonian III and we provide up to 20% discount on flights for the community. That’s a substantial cost to this business, and what we’re seeking is Government support to try and address some of that balance, that will allow us to then make it more affordable to visitors.
Is that a difficult conversation in the current climate?
It is, but you have subsidised Government backed systems, which already operate and support the community in the Scottish islands, where the community there is entitled to up to 50% discount on any of the flights that they undertake. So, if it’s available on the Scottish islands now, we’re lobbying for its inclusion here for residents of the Isles of Scilly as well.
While there are always challenges for Cornwall’s seafood industry, there can also be many opportunities. We investigate how this important local sector is currently faring...
CHANGING TACK
While Brexit hasn’t had the positive impact the fishing industry in Cornwall had been hoping for, opportunities still exist.
by Nicola Smith.
Cornwall’s seafood industry generates around £174 million in gross value added (GVA), with the sector supporting in the region of 8,000 jobs, with every fisherman’s role extending to create 15 additional jobs on land.
The sector doesn’t rest on its laurels, seeing significant investment in the supply chain in recent years, from the opening of Fal Fish’s £12.8 million sardine freezer plant in Redruth last August, to Newlyn Harbour’s ongoing redevelopment, which includes a centre of excellence for maritime expertise.
But the industry is facing multiple challenges since Britain left the EU, after many in the fishing community were seduced by a slew of attractive pro-Brexit promises, from reduced access for European fishing boats to British waters to greater quotas for UK vessels and streamlined exporting of fresh seafood.
“While fishing was the poster boy of Brexit, all of the shiny promises made by the government failed to deliver,” says Chris. “As a result, EU vessels can still fish up to six miles from the Cornish coast, and the share of fishing quotas remain more or less the same for EU and UK boats. On top of this missed opportunity, there are a host of paperwork processes to work through for exporting fish and shellfish into the European market, which comes at a cost to Cornish businesses.”
W Stevenson & Sons has one of the largest privatelyowned fishing fleets in Britain. MD Paul Trebilcock agrees that the Brexit promises failed to materialise, particularly on the catching side, creating barriers to export. “We’ve seen a reduction in export buyers and a reduction in those who can export, and while some larger fish merchants have got used to the new processes, there are still additional regulatory costs and time resource required in exporting fish now.”
Ocean Fish MD. Leigh Genge, says the export delays have had a big impact on what the company exports. “Fish is perishable,” he points out. “If it gets held at the border for too long, the customer in France or Spain cancels the order. These goods then have to be sold into the UK market for discounted prices. It’s an ill-thought-out concept.”
Brexit has also made it harder to recruit employees from the EU. Workers must now meet visa requirements, while a points-based immigration system prioritises high-skilled workers, and visa applications have become costly and timeconsuming for employers.
Trebilcock says the company has increasingly employed Ghanian and Filipino labour on fishing boats since Brexit, but this doesn’t provide an answer to the labour shortage in the processing factories, with the same strict UK immigration rules post-Brexit presenting major obstacles.
The industry is facing multiple challenges since Britain left the EU.
“We are without a doubt the hotspot for the UK when it comes to seafood production and consumption, and we are very proud of that,” says Chris Ranford, chief executive at the Cornish Fish Producers Association (CFPO).
Leigh agrees: “We have long relied heavily on a migrant, transient Eastern European workforce — as has every other food processor in the UK — and that is not because they’re cheap, but because they’re prepared to come and work and do the hours required in a way that, frankly, an English workforce is not able to do.” He says that the shortage impacts processing capacity, meaning volumes shrink.
Continued on page 23
PAUL TREBILCOCK LEIGH GENGE
CHRIS
RANFORD
There is much for the fishing industry to be hopeful about.
The challenges are significant, but there is much for the fishing industry to be hopeful about.
Last year saw the launch of a three-year Cornish Community Quota Trial, run by DEFRA, Cornwall Council, the CFPO and the Duchy Fish Quota Company, designed to increase quota access and promote sustainability. The criteria for allocating quota centres around ensuring that the social, economic and environmental benefits are maximised.
“So, boats based in Cornwall, landing their catch in a Cornish port and selling across a Cornish market will score highly, as well as those seeking to modernise their catching methods to be more selective of the fish they are catching,” says Chris Ranford. “It’s been a great start.”
In its first year, the initiative saw an additional 13.2 tonnes of fish – worth approximately £250k at first sale value, caught by the fleet. This has generated over £17k in income as the quota is leased at a lower market rate. “Securing access to quota is a major challenge for many vessel owners, and our work to increase that access is a crucial strand of the CFPO’s broader efforts to drive the sustainable growth of the sector,” he says.
Paul Trebilcock says W Stevenson has had access to some of the quota through the initiative. “The principle of making quota available to active fishermen and not traders or companies is really positive. I think the CFPO and the Council deserve credit for trying to develop something which has genuine benefit to working fishermen.”
IN IT FOR THE LONG HAUL
Eighteen months ago, the Young Fishermen Network launched, delivering projects to recruit and retain new industry entrants. It now has in the region of 70 members. “Nationally, few young people want to come into primary food production, be it farming or fishing, so it’s great that Cornwall has this pool,” says Matilda Phillips, co-ordinator.
The Network works with Seafood Cornwall Training running quayside taster days prior to a bi-annual three-week introduction to fishing course.
Phillips says taster days are effective at finding people who understand the realities of the job — on fishing boats and beyond. “The eco-system ranges from the market to the processors to the fish merchants — it’s a gateway to that seafood supply chain.”
https://cfpo.org.uk/the-young-fishermen-network/
He adds that W Stevenson’s boats have been able to land more fish in Newlyn due to the scheme. “At this stage, it’s quite small scale, but hopefully these next three years will prove the benefits, and it will scale up.”
In addition, Newlyn Fish Market went exclusively online in late 2020. The number of individual boats landing on Newlyn Market has since risen from 244 in 2022 to 410 in 2024, while buyers have increased from 33 to 45 over the same period.
W Stevenson acts as the Market’s agents and auctioneers. Paul says: “We’ve attracted additional buyers from as far north as Liverpool, as far east as Brighton, and into London, so the online auction has been great. It’s improved the transparency and efficiency; I think it has been a really positive move.”
The
industry has already proven its resilience and adaptability.
The sector is also currently preparing for the 2026 UK-EU fisheries annual renegotiation. Next year is particularly significant because it marks the first major review of post-Brexit fishing arrangements under the Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA). The CFPO is pushing to make the UK’s 12 nautical mile zone an exclusive area for UK vessels.
As Chris says, “the industry has already proven its resilience and adaptability, particularly during the pandemic... this ongoing adaptability is what drives the sector forward.”
ARC Marine
ARC Marine is an award-winning eco-engineering company that provides nature-inclusive solutions for the offshore energy, coastal defence, and aquaculture industries.
Specialising in the design, manufacture, installation, and monitoring of subsea protection structures, the company aims to enhance and study marine biodiversity. arcmarine.co.uk
EXPERTS IN MARINE...
Showcasing five of Cornwall’s marine specialists...
Morek Engineering
Morek Engineering is a pioneering company at the forefront of technical engineering for the blue economy, exporting globally from their base in Cornwall. They specialise in robust mooring design, offshore construction planning and execution for the fast-growing marine renewables industry, spanning floating offshore wind, wave energy and tidal energy. morek.co.uk
Falmouth Harbour
Falmouth Harbour is a Trust Port, entrusted with an incredible natural asset, we balance sustainable growth with ocean conservation. Falmouth Harbour provides world-class facilities for commercial, leisure, and superyacht vessels whilst protecting a unique marine environment. Committed to innovation, we drive sustainable marine practice whilst enabling safe, responsible water access. falmouthharbour.co.uk
Falmouth University
Launchpad Futures is the gateway to accessing Falmouth University’s creative, technical and strategic expertise to help your business innovate, problem solve and grow. Our underwater photography experts are working with Celtic Sea Power to develop an underwater monitoring system – how can they help you? falmouth.ac.uk/launchpad
Mylor Yacht Harbour
Mylor Yacht Harbour near Falmouth is a scenic marina offering berths, moorings and marine services. Providing easy access to the stunning Fal Estuary, the harbour enjoys comprehensive repair facilities and on site amenities, including holiday apartments and eateries, making it a vibrant hub for boating enthusiasts and visitors seeking coastal charm. mylor.com
COUNTING THE COST
With the impending National Insurance increases coming this month, many businesses have already started to feel the impact.
A recent survey by Cornwall Chamber, covering over 100 businesses across the county, shows that 85% are already grappling with substantial cost pressures linked to increases in National Insurance Contributions (NIC) and the minimum wage.
Early estimates suggest these measures could cost each company an additional £21k on average, with some facing bills as high as £500k.
For a region where Gross Value Added (GVA) sits below the national average, this extra financial burden could stifle the small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that form the backbone of Cornwall’s economy. The survey found that one in ten businesses are already reducing their workforce and making redundancies. A further 24% have halted new hiring, putting even greater strain on a county where wages often lag behind those in other parts of the UK.
Lincoln Smith, MD of gas engineering business Custom Heat, which has offices across the country including Bodmin here in Cornwall, said he is facing
an additional £118k in employment costs, with approximately £70k attributed to National Insurance Contribution increases and the remainder due to rises in the National Minimum Wage affecting apprentice rates.
These changes, set to come into effect this month, are putting significant pressure on the family-run business that employs dozens of local workers.
Lincoln says: “The Government seems to think businesses like us are diving into vaults of gold like the opening scenes of DuckTales. The reality is that plumbing businesses like ours work hard to provide a good life for our employees, with just a little bit left
at the end. These increases will severely impact our ability to invest in our future.”
Lincoln says that small businesses like Custom Heat make up a significant portion of the UK economy, yet the new measures disproportionately burden them.
“If we had experienced these combined increases last year, our end of year results would have shown a significant loss. We simply wouldn’t have made enough money to cover these extra employment costs,” he explains.
The heating and plumbing firm, which specialises in domestic installations across the south west and the Midlands, is already facing pressures from multiple angles, including Government policies pushing the industry toward heat pumps and electrification.
“We’re being hit from all sides,” Lincoln adds.
“First, there’s the Government agenda pushing electrification of heating through penalties on gas and oil systems. Those charges are passed down from manufacturers to us. Then there’s the National Insurance Contribution increases alongside higher minimum wage requirements for our apprentices. As the end supplier, we’re in a particularly difficult position having to absorb costs from everyone in the supply chain.”
The impact extends beyond just Custom Heat, with Lincoln noting the visible effects already appearing in local communities, with many high street shops
UNFAIR DISMISSAL
The most significant changes expand upon employee rights. Currently, most unfair dismissal claims require two years of service, however, this is likely to change after Autumn 2026 so that unfair dismissal rights will be available from day one of employment. A new statutory probationary period is under consultation to give employers scope to assess suitability in the early stages of employment and - if need be - defend against unfair dismissal claims.
NEONATAL CARE LEAVE AND PAY
From April 6, qualifying employees will have a new, statutory right to paid leave in circumstances where their baby requires specialist, neonatal care after birth. Any paid leave will be up to a maximum of 12 weeks (taken in weekly blocks) and must begin within 28 days of the child’s birth and be completed within 68 weeks. This is in addition to other statutory family leave.
and services being forced to shut down due to mounting pressures of what is to come this month.
He also believes the approach contradicts the Government’s stated aims.
He adds: “Their message was that they’re not going to tax the working person, that they’re going after businesses. But the reality is that when we have to increase our prices to cover these costs, it’s the working person who ultimately pays for it indirectly.
These increases will severely impact our ability to invest in our future.
“What’s needed isn’t necessarily more tax revenue but more efficient Government processes. The answer isn’t taxing more people and thinking money fixes all problems. It’s about making processes more efficient. The government needs proper entrepreneurial business people who can make improvements without requiring endless amounts of money.”
With the April increases looming, Custom Heat, which prides itself on supporting skills development through its apprenticeship program, is concerned that these cost increases will limit its ability to continue training the next generation of heating engineers.
EMPLOYMENT UPDATE
Labour has set out proposals for significant employment law reform in the Employment Rights Bill. There are also other, more immediate changes for employers to consider. Joe Nicholls highlights some key updates.
EMPLOYER NATIONAL INSURANCE RISES
Costs for employers will increase as the rate of National Insurance Contributions (NICs) increases from 13.8% to 15%. NICs will also be required to be applied to employees’ earnings from £5k a year, which is a decrease from the previous annual £9.1k threshold.
Although, employers can use the maximum Employment Allowance to lower their NIC liability which has increased to £10.5k from £5k. The current restriction of £100k (based on Class 1 NICs paid in the previous tax year) will also be removed.
To contact Stephens Scown’s specialist employment and HR advisors, call 01872 265100, email enquiries@stephens-scown.co.uk or visit www.stephens-scown.co.uk
APPRENTICESHIP JOURNEYS
The UK’s top apprenticeship provider, Truro and Penwith College has opened its 2025/26 apprenticeship recruitment scheme for employers.
The new financial year marks the time when businesses need to be working with the college to prepare apprenticeship vacancies for applications ahead of programmes starting in October and November, with the college offering consultations and advice to any interested employers.
The college works closely with employer partners and local authorities to offer 35 quality apprenticeship career routes, that directly tackle needs highlighted in Cornwall’s Local Skills Improvement Plan in a range of areas from Accountancy, Business and Marketing to Nursing, Engineering and Construction.
35 quality apprenticeship career routes, that directly tackle local needs.
Earlier in March, Truro and Penwith College was crowned the UK’s top apprenticeship provider, winning Apprenticeship Provider of the Year at the Apprenticeship and Training Awards (ATAs) in Liverpool.
The recognition comes after the Department for Education (DfE) selected the college as one of only five Further Education (FE) College’s across the UK to be awarded ‘Expert Apprenticeship Provider’ status, allowing it to work more closely with the DfE and its employer partners to develop new training programmes that directly tackle skills needs.
Cormac has recently benefitted from this status, collaborating on Cornwall’s only Level 3 Civil Engineering Technician Apprenticeship, with Piran Advanced Composites working with the college to develop the county’s first Level 3 Composites Technician Apprenticeship.
Felicity Searle, head of HR & finance at Piran Advanced Composites, commented: “We are proud to be partnering with the supportive team at Truro and Penwith College. Together, we have paved the way to new and sought-after skills for the next generation right here in Cornwall.”
Truro and Penwith College is also ranked as one of the south west’s top providers for learner achievement in the DfE’s latest published Apprenticeship Achievement Rates.
A panel of Ofsted inspectors awarded the college’s apprenticeship provision the highest possible grade of ‘Outstanding’ in its latest inspection.
Continued multi-million-pound facilities investments have also seen the college open its new STEM and Health Skills Centre Bodmin to complement state-of-the-art facilities at its Penzance and Truro campus, where students have also benefitted from a £1.7 million redevelopment and expansion of futurefocused Construction facilities.
For more information on the college’s apprenticeship provision visit www.truro-penwith.ac.uk/ apprenticeship-employers
To express an interest in providing apprenticeships and to arrange a conversation with the College, complete the Partnership Pledge at www.truropenwith.ac.uk/pledge or contact apprenticeships@ truro-penwith.ac.uk and 01872 308000.
Coodes
Employment law is complex and constantly evolving, with issues that can quickly escalate into costly business challenges.
Our employment retainer packages offer complete peace of mind, with four flexible pricing options tailored to your needs. We provide proactive, pragmatic HR and employment advice, helping you navigate legal complexities. coodes.co.uk
The HR Dept
Since opening in Cornwall in 2023, The HR Dept has expanded with two offices now covering the whole of the Duchy. Offering corporate standards of support to SMEs at a fraction of the cost, The HR Dept looks to ‘prevent people problems’ with proactive local advice and services.
hrdept.co.uk | 01872 494326 (West & Central Cornwall) 01566 461161 (Plymouth, Launceston & SW Devon)
Doyle Clayton
We offer legal and advisory support to clients on issues arising in the workplace, and provide realistic and effective solutions on employment, immigration, corporate and commercial law, and education issues.
We provide strategic advice to C-suite, HR, and in-house lawyers, as well as senior executives, in relation to all workplace legal issues.
At Murrells we mean business. We focus purely on business law, so we really know our stuff and offer friendly, focused, fuss-free legal support.
We assist with all aspects of employment law including employment tribunal claims and settlement agreements; legal support and training for HR and management teams; employment contracts, policies, letter drafting, and much more besides.
murrellassociates.co.uk
EXPERTS IN EMPLOYMENT
Introducing five of the Duchy’s employment specialists...
Paddle & Cocks LLP Solicitors
A full-service commercial law firm with expert knowledge recognised by the legal 500 we provide a range of commercial services from buying and selling businesses, drafting commercial contracts, specialism in the tech sector, commercial property, wealth management and estate planning and commercial disputes. Get in touch.
paddleandcocks.co.uk | 01872 672072
FRESH THINKING
New nature market to support Cornwall’s environment and local landowners.
An initiative is launching in Cornwall to pay landowners for projects that benefit nature, such as improving water quality, creating wildlife habitats and capturing carbon.
Cornwall Council, EnTrade (the UK’s leading marketplace for nature recovery) and Arup have partnered to introduce the Cornwall LINC Nature Market, an online marketplace where businesses and organisations can invest in environmental improvements across the county.
Makes it easier for companies to support environmental projects while giving landowners new opportunities to earn income.
The LINC Nature Market will make it easier for companies to support environmental projects while giving landowners new opportunities to earn income. By connecting buyers and suppliers of nature-based solutions, Cornwall LINC Nature Market helps tackle issues such as climate change and biodiversity loss.
Philippa Hoskin, Nature Recovery Manager, Cornwall Council says: “This is a great opportunity for landowners to contribute to Cornwall’s environmental goals while also benefiting financially. We encourage everyone to explore how they can get involved.”
“Nature is in crisis,” says EnTrade MD Guy Thompson, “and we need a fundamental re-think on how we fund nature recovery. By bringing the EnTrade market mechanism to the Cornwall Natural Capital Exchange we will unlock private investment to restore local ecosystems, support farmers and drive sustainable land management, ensuring long-term environmental and economic benefits for the region.”
Amy Coulthard, market development director at EnTrade, adds: “Nature-based solutions are key to addressing climate change and biodiversity loss. By working together, we can create a market that delivers real benefits for both people and the environment.”
HOW IT WORKS
Through the platform, businesses can offset their environmental impact by buying “environmental credits” from landowners who are improving local ecosystems. This system ensures funds go directly to projects that protect and restore Cornwall’s natural landscapes.
EnTrade and Arup, both specialists in environmental solutions, have partnered with Cornwall Council to develop this system. Their expertise ensures that investments are transparent, effective, and beneficial for all involved.
Landowners, businesses, and community groups interested in participating can contact the team linc@cornwall.gov.uk to learn more.
Introducing seven venues for your next conference, workshop or business event...
ST AUSTELL CONFERENCE CENTRE
A modern, sustainable venue designed to inspire, with exceptional service to match.
St Austell Conference Centre is focused on the power of bringing people together, providing a modern, fresh, sustainable space in the heart of Cornwall.
With seven bright & spacious conference suites available, St Austell Conference Centre really does offer something for everyone.
In an era of environmental consciousness, hosting a sustainable conference is not just a trend but a responsibility. Every element of St Austell Business Park embraces the highest level of environmental sustainability, including indoor and outdoor design which utilise sustainable materials, grass top roofs, natural ventilation, renewable energy generation and rainwater harvesting. EV charging is available for customers to use onsite..
Conveniently located in St Austell, easily accessible from the A30, a few minutes away from St Austell Train Station and around 30 minutes from Newquay Airport - St Austell Conference Centre is the perfect choice for bringing your team together. With a large car park just a few minutes walk from the main entrance, and panoramic views across St Austell Bay, it’s easy to see why St Austell Conference Centre is a leading venue servicing businesses across Cornwall and beyond.
Expertise, passion, know-how. An exceptional venue with a service to match.
Each suite offers a different style, size and layout, but all provide inspiring spaces for conferences, training and meetings. With purposebuilt modern facilities showcasing the very best technology, you can rest easy in the knowledge that your event will run seamlessly with every small detail taken care of, making the day one to remember.
We take care of the little details, so you concentrate on the big picture.
“There’s nothing quite like collaborating with your colleagues face-to-face,” says Kelly Tait, conference centre manager at St Austell Conference Centre. “It’s so important for leaders to create opportunities for teams of all varieties to connect. We’re privileged to witness how businesses across the south west and beyond are utilising the power of a shared space, collaboration and connection, and we can’t wait to welcome more professionals to our conference centre this year. Ultimately, it’s about providing the perfect venue to bring people together to be inspired.”
If you’re inspired to find out more, contact our Conference Team who’ll be happy to help by providing further information on our conference suites or taking you on a tour of our facility.
We’re proud of our venue and love showing visitors around our impressive conference centre.
If you’re looking to book an event, be it a large conference, training, or simply a team meeting, get in touch to talk through our rooms options, we like to get a good understanding of your event and what resources you need so we can start piecing together the perfect package for you and your delegates.
BEDRUTHAN HOTEL & SPA
Bedruthan Hotel & Spa, a Scandi-inspired hotel beloved for creative hospitality on the cliffs of Mawgan Porth.
Bedruthan Hotel has venues for meetings & events of up to 120 people, accommodating anything from department specific brainstorms to company-wide conferences. The coastal outpost is uniquely equipped to offer space for meetings, presentations and away days. The team at Bedruthan believe in a holistic approach to productivity and are pleased to offer businesses use of the hotel to bring out the best in their team.
Attendees can take part in a restorative team building activities, from yoga classes in our sea view wellbeing studio to crafting sessions with the Create Cornwall team, offering a vast choice of crafting activities such as clay coiled pot making, embroidery, and lino printing.
Quote GETCRAFTY to redeem a free team building craft for your next meeting. Terms and conditions apply. Please speak to a member of the team.
HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE
• Flexible meeting spaces
• Catering & private dining options
Overnight room packages
• Free Parking
• EV Car charging
• Craft workshops
• Yoga Studio
• Sensory Spa Garden
• Clifftop sauna
HOTEL VARA TRURO
Need an affordable business friendly hotel in Truro? Hotel
VARA is a meeting & events venue in Truro with flexible spaces for private hire. A combination of facility, design, & natural hospitality, delivered by a professional team.
Equipped to connect - Host hybrid Zoom or Teams meetings, video conference calls & in room presentations.
Meeting room hire & meeting package options - Half day, full day, 24 hours, & with the option of additional food & drink. The hotel has 30 rooms for anyone needing to stay over. Easy to reach in one of Truro’s best quarters, & just a short walk from the centre. Free on site parking & free Wi-Fi.
LOVED BY BUSINESSES
Creative & flexible meeting spaces with natural daylight
• Canvas Room (boardroom style for 10-12)
Scandi Room (for up to 60, with food & drink area)
• Library Room (for up to 16, upstairs & private)
• Free parking
• Bar serving artisan pizza & light bites
hotelvara.co.uk | 01872
| reception@hotelvara.co.uk
CAPE CORNWALL CLUB
The best venue in West Cornwall for
Corporates.
• Full conference facilities including a large private function room which opens out onto our newly refurbished sunset terrace with stunning views across the Cape to the Scillies
• 23 en suite rooms
• Top sports facilities including an air-conditioned gym, pool/ sauna and spectacular 18 hole golf course
• Leading local chef Ian Salmon (Rick Stein Sandbanks) serving seafood caught daily on the Cape
• Run by leading global events expert Leanne and husband Andy (Soho House founder member) they have created a friendly, relaxed, informal space perfect for networking
This is why we’re the only venue west of Carbis Bay chosen for G7 (by the Canadian High Commission) and are a favourite event venue for the Chamber of Commerce and many leading brands.
Come and see for yourself!
ROYAL CORNWALL PAVILION CENTRE
The Pavilion Centre is the jewel at the heart of the Royal Cornwall Events Centre, known best for hosting the Royal Cornwall Show, the county’s largest annual event, yet this venue also provides a professional and versatile event location for businesses of all shapes and sizes. With room to cater for 6, all the way up to 300 people, and multiple meeting and event rooms to suit all needs and budgets, there is no venue more perfect for your next corporate event.
HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE
• Easily accessible from A39
• Unlimited free parking
• Fully accessible
• Spacious modern building
• Multiple breakout rooms
Professional event support
A dedicated events team will help you through every aspect of your event, and on-site commercial kitchen and licensed bar, means every event can be fully catered for.
capecornwallclub.com
pavilioncentre.co.uk | Pavilion Manager: Emma Riddle emmariddle@royalcornwall.co.uk | 01208 893039
VENTON CONFERENCE CENTRE
Where innovation meets prime location, look no further than Venton Conference Centre. Based in the heart of Cornwall, between the hubs of Newquay and Truro, this dynamic space has everything you need for your next memorable business event.
Now with five flexible conference spaces, a brandnew high spec boardroom for those high level meetings and workspace, an ideal place to take phone calls or Zoom meetings.
This state-of the-art venue is modern and welcoming, with cutting-edge facilities that inspire motivation.
When visiting, your delegates will be met with a warm welcome and professional atmosphere.
Our light and spacious conference centre, now into its fourth year, boasts dynamic event spaces, state of the art technology, free parking and easy access to the A30. Our friendly team are on hand throughout your visit to ensure that your event runs smoothly and leaves a lasting impression on you and your guests.
HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE
5 configurable rooms
• Capacity for up to 120 delegates
A high spec boardroom for 12 delegates
• Bright, modern with high-tech facilities
• Relaxed lounge and workspace
• State of the art video conferencing
• Prime location just seconds off the A30
• Local Cornish catering packages available
• Daytime, evening & weekend bookings
• Free onsite parking
• Disabled access
THE ALVERTON
Set within a stone’s throw from the heart of Truro, surrounded by extensive gardens and with ample free parking, The Alverton shines as the region’s premier events venue, offering curated spaces for all requirements. Versatile rooms invite an array of occasions, from intimate gatherings to grand conferences, blending business formality with a relaxed yet inspiring country house ambiance.
The Great Hall, with its superb acoustics and original architecture, enhances impactful presentations. The Oak Suite, bathed in natural light, offers flexible layouts. For smaller events, The Duchy and Courtyard Lounge can provide a more intimate setting. The venue’s landscaped grounds offer creative breakout spaces, complemented by bespoke catering tailored to your needs.
The Alverton proudly hosted the Visit Cornwall Tourism Summit 2025, a testament to its capacity for significant events.
Guests experience a refined ambience and seamless service, ensuring the most memorable of occasions.
HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE
• Various room sizes available
• Capacity for all events: Hosting 2 to 250 guests
• Overnight accommodation available
• Catering and private dining
• Bespoke packages available
• Free Parking
EV Car charging
thealverton.co.uk
MANY HAPPY RETURNS!
Celebrating a decade of Visit Cornwall as a Community Interest Company.
This month marks a significant milestone for Visit Cornwall as we celebrate ten years since becoming a Community Interest Company (CIC) - a decade of championing Cornwall’s visitor economy, without any core funding from the Government and the local authority. Instead, we have thrived thanks to the support of our members and partners, including Great Western Railway (GWR), that share our passion for Cornwall and the importance of our visitor economy.
We have stood strong as the custodian of Cornwall’s tourism brand.
Over the past ten years, Cornwall’s tourism industry has evolved, facing both challenges and opportunities. From economic uncertainties to the pandemic’s impact, we have stood strong as the custodian of Cornwall’s tourism brand, ensuring that our visitor economy remains resilient, innovative, and sustainable. Our work has connected businesses to visitors, provided vital industry insights, and represented the sector’s interests at regional and national levels.
HOW WE’VE MADE AN IMPACT
Our work has been instrumental in driving tourism, supporting businesses, and representing Cornwall on national and international platforms. Some of our key activities include:
• Travel Trade Shows & Sales Missions – Promoting Cornwall on the international stage, attracting overseas visitors who contribute to a longer, more sustainable season. These groups play a key role in supporting businesses beyond the peak summer months, bringing greater economic value as they have a higher visitor spend than the domestic market.
• Familiarisation Visits – Hosting international tour operators and media to experience Cornwall first-hand.
• Lobbying & Representation – Ensuring Cornwall’s tourism industry has a strong voice with regards to political decisions.
Workshops & Events – Supporting businesses with knowledge-sharing and networking opportunities.
• Data Collection & Business Barometer – Providing key insights to help Cornish businesses navigate industry trends and forward-plan.
In 2023, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly were among the first destinations in England to be awarded Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP) status, a recognition of our commitment to shaping the future of tourism and engaging with the national agenda for visitor economy development.
LVEPs form a key part of the UK Government’s response to the de Bois Review (2021), which called for a more coordinated and strategic approach to destination management across England. By securing LVEP status, Cornwall now has greater access to skills development programmes and strategic support.
A TESTAMENT TO COLLABORATION
Our success would not have been possible without the unwavering support of our members, industry stakeholders, and the wider community.
Commenting on the anniversary, Patricia Yates, CEO of VisitBritain/VisitEngland, said: “It’s fantastic to see Visit Cornwall thriving in its 10th year as a Community Interest Company, as it marks a decade of collaboration with businesses, industry stakeholders, and the wider community to develop and promote the region’s fantastic visitor offer, both here and internationally, supporting jobs, businesses, and the regional economy.
“As one of VisitEngland’s first Local Visitor Economy Partnerships, Visit Cornwall is playing a central role in transforming and growing the regional visitor economy, in an inclusive, accessible, and regenerative way. Its work is ensuring that Cornwall continues to be a compelling destination for both domestic and international visitors, as well as a great place to live and work, now and in the years ahead.”
Jon Hyatt, chair of Visit Cornwall, commented: “Reaching this ten-year milestone as a Community Interest Company is a testament to the resilience, dedication, and passion of everyone involved in Cornwall’s visitor economy. Visit Cornwall has not only survived without core public funding but has thrived, delivering real value to our members, championing our industry, and ensuring Cornwall remains a sought-after destination.
“As we look ahead, we know there will be challenges. However, if the past decade has shown us anything, it’s that we are stronger together. Through collaboration, adaptability, and a shared commitment to Cornwall’s future, we will continue to navigate whatever lies ahead. Here’s to the next chapter.”
Working together to support and promote Cornwall’s thriving tourism industry.
Jana Sirova, chair of Cornwall Association of Tourist Attractions, said: “Best Days Out Cornwall has worked in partnership with Visit Cornwall for the past decade, playing an active role in shaping attraction marketing for the region. Through this collaboration, we’ve helped to showcase the very best visitor experiences Cornwall has to offer, ensuring the county remains a top destination. We look forward to continuing this partnership for years to come, working together to support and promote Cornwall’s thriving tourism industry.”
LOOKING AHEAD
This milestone is not just a celebration of our past, it’s a statement of intent for the future. As we enter our next decade, Visit Cornwall remains committed to driving growth, advocating for our industry, and ensuring that Cornwall’s tourism sector continues to thrive.
To our members, partners, and the wider business community - thank you. Your unwavering support over the past decade has allowed Visit Cornwall to thrive, championing our visitor economy and ensuring Cornwall remains a welcoming and thriving destination. Without you, none of this would be possible.
As a membership-led organisation, everything we do is for our members. Your commitment to Cornwall drives our work, enabling us to promote, protect, and sustain the visitor economy that so many local businesses and communities depend on. Together, we will continue to highlight Cornwall’s year-round appeal, support local businesses, and ensure a strong and sustainable future for our industry.
Here’s to the next ten years and beyond! www.visitcornwall.com
JON HYATT
CHSW CEO
Phil Morris has been appointed as CEO of the Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW) charity.
Morris takes the reins from CHSW cofounder Eddie Farwell MBE.
Morris, who previously spent ten years as CEO of Havencare Homes, said: “I am truly privileged to become the next CEO of Children’s Hospice South West. Joining this incredible charity, with its remarkable mission and impact, is an honour beyond words.”
NEW FERITECH MD
Falmouth-based marine engineering company, Feritech Global, has appointed a new MD to lead the company in its next stage of development.
Mark Smith takes over the role having worked at Feritech since 2021, initially as purchasing manager and subsequently as general manager.
He said: “I am extremely excited to have the opportunity to steer the company to still greater success… the company has an outstanding reputation for innovation and customer service and I look forward to building on that further, leading to more expansion and job creation in Cornwall.”
Previous MD and company founder, Robert Ferris, is stepping down as a director to pursue other interests but remains a shareholder.
GARDNER TAKES TO THE SKIES
Cornwall Councillor Louis Gardner has stepped down as portfolio holder for the economy to take up a new position as head of future air and space at the airport.
NOVELL APPOINTMENT
Angela Novell has been appointed new CEO at Falmouth and Exeter Students’ Union (SU).
Angela Novell will work with the elected sabbatical officers at the SU to create and deliver the strategic plan and develop services and projects to enhance the student experience.
Novell has worked in the voluntary sector
Gardner will be tasked with driving forward the commercial development of Spaceport Cornwall.
Corserv CEO, Neil Edmond, said: “Louis’s experience and strategic vision will be invaluable as we continue to develop Spaceport Cornwall into a commercially sustainable and thriving enterprise. We’re excited to have him on board as we shape the future of air and space in the UK.”
Gardner added: “This opportunity allows me to be at the forefront of innovation in aviation and space exploration, helping to shape the future of the sector in Cornwall.
“I look forward to working with a talented team to enable the development of new, sustainable technologies and initiatives that will transform our airport and the region.”
for more than 20 years and has held executive posts at award-winning charities in Buckinghamshire where in 2020 she led her former charity to be awarded the Queens Award for Voluntary Service.
She said: “I am delighted to return to Cornwall with my family and have the honour of joining this vibrant organisation as chief executive officer; serving the Falmouth University and University of Exeter students.”
GOONHILLY ON A MISSION
Goonhilly Earth Station provided critical communications support on a key mission to the Moon which blasted off from the Kennedy Space Center recently.
The IM-2 mission is part of NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services initiative and aims to establish the feasibility of extracting and processing water ice on the Moon – laying the groundwork for lunar fuel production, life support, and the future of deep space exploration.
IM-2 is one of several key lunar missions that Goonhilly is supporting in 2025. With demand growing, Goonhilly has become a go-to commercial partner for both government and commercial lunar ventures.
“As the space industry continues to rapidly evolve, Goonhilly is playing a key role in shaping the lunar economy,” said Goonhilly Earth Station CTO, Matthew Cosby.
“By providing robust, commercial lunar communications, we are not just supporting individual missions – we are helping to build the infrastructure that will enable a long-term human presence beyond Earth.”
NEVER TOO OLD
A Cornwall-based marketing expert has launched an easyto-use guide explaining the benefits of AI and ChatGPT for the older generation.
Karen Hoyle, director and founder at Ghost Consulting, recently hosted a special event, with a face-to-face training session showcasing how ChatGPT can act as a personal assistant the over 65s.
“ChatGPT is not just for business and the young,” said Hoyle. “My recent event with the over 65s was sold out and they were so excited, blown away and surprised at how easy AI is.
“The older generation have a fear or are just not exposed to the abilities of AI. I’m asking for everyone to not exclude the older generations from technology - it’s for everyone and in the case of AI it really can help daily lives, medical conditions, dementia struggles, social interaction, planning and organising and leisure activities.”
HOSPICE CARE ON FILM
Cornwall Hospice Care teamed with two Cornish film production companies to launch a poignant new film to showcase the hidden value of hospice care.
The four-minute film ‘Cornwall, you make this happen every day’, includes local actors and members of the charity’s own staff and follows the story of a young family experiencing hospice care.
The film was produced in association with Sam Oatey from Oatey Media and Ben Battell of Salt & Gorse.
Oatey explained: “Our brief was to portray the emotional subject of adult hospice care
whilst reflecting on the very special support that’s shown to Cornwall Hospice Care’s patients, carers, families and friends. It’s a very moving subject, but it hopefully dismisses a lot of myths about what goes on in a hospice.”
“We wanted to show a patient’s journey at the end of their life to help explain the precious nature of hospice care,” said Paul Brinsley, chief executive of Cornwall Hospice Care.
“There’s no hiding that the film is a difficult and emotional watch, but it’s what we do 24 hours a day, seven days a week at Mount Edgcumbe Hospice in St Austell and at St Julia’s Hospice in Hayle.”
FIRST COHORT
The first cohort of students have graduated
from Tech Cornwall’s Career Pathways programme. In total, 19 participants from a wide range of backgrounds and
demographics graduated with new skills and experience in web dev, embedded systems, data science & AI, and DevOps.
The upskilling programme launched in September, with support from Digital Futures Cornwall and the Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF), which enabled Tech Cornwall to offer the programme for free, reducing financial barriers to tech careers.
With ED&I and social mobility at the forefront, the Career Pathways programme promoted inclusion and flexibility by allowing participants to learn at their own pace and balance their studies with work, family, and health commitments.
CORNWALL COLLEGE IS ‘OUTSTANDING’
The Cornwall College Group (CCG) has officially been ranked as ‘Outstanding’ following a week-long inspection by Ofsted.
Inspectors praised the group of colleges, noting the “excellent learning spaces that staff have created contribute to learners and apprentices being highly motivated”, while providing “an inclusive, welcoming and caring environment”.
Principal and CEO, Rob Bosworth, expressed immense pride in the achievement.
“This is an historic moment for Cornwall College Group,” he said, “and is an outcome of the relentless dedication of our staff, the
ambition of our learners and the invaluable support of our partners.
“We are a group consisting of place-based, local colleges, and this Ofsted report belongs to everyone in Cornwall and Devon, not just the college.
“It highlights how our colleges are at the very heart of the communities we serve and reflects how hard we work in partnership to deliver Outstanding outcomes.
“Businesses and local stakeholders can be confident they will achieve their goals and ambitions with us, as we transform lives and help drive economic growth in Cornwall and Devon.”
Chair of Governors, Dr Patrick Newberry, added: “The Governors could not be prouder of what has been achieved and, on
a personal note, I would like to thank my fellow Governors and the college’s staff for their commitment and dedication, which was noted by the Ofsted team.
“We look forward to ensuring the college continues to provide outstanding opportunities for learners, apprentices and the wider communities that we serve.”
Cornwall College Group consists of Cornwall College Camborne and St Austell, Duchy College Rosewarne and Stoke Climsland, Falmouth Marine School, Cornwall College University Centres at Eden Project and Newquay, Tournament Golf College at St Mellion Resort and Portugal, Plymouth Engineering Skills Centre and Bicton College in Devon.
PORT GAVERNE REOPENS
The Port Gaverne pub near Port Isaac, has reopened with an interior refresh and new management.
After more than ten years being run as part of St Austell Brewery’s leased and tenanted estate, the Port Gaverne is the latest addition to the brewery’s collection of 46 managed properties.
The pub’s new look includes a complete interior refurbishment. As well as transforming the bar, the restaurant and bedrooms have been updated and now offer up light, airy spaces inspired by the coastal surroundings. The 15 rooms – a selection of which boast sweeping sea views - have been modernised.
“We are thrilled to welcome the Port Gaverne into our managed estate,” said Andrew Turner, chief operating officer at St Austell Brewery. “The pub has a rich history and a loyal local following.”
DRY JAN BOOSTS SALES
Firebrand Brewing Co has started 2025 with recordbreaking sales, despite it being traditionally a quiet time of the year for breweries.
Its alcohol-free January sales were up 12% on last January, 11% on December 2024 and it has enjoyed a huge 227% increase in subscriptions to its alcohol-free beers since the start of the year.
Co-owner and head brewer at Firebrand Brewing, Joe Thompson, said: “We have been brewing beer since 2013 and have become used to the traditional patterns of business. In the past, most of our revenue was generated in the summer beer drinking months, with another spike around Christmas.
adding alcohol-free beer to our range, things have changed and this year has been the busiest January ever.”
“Meanwhile, the first few months of the year were always very quiet. Since we started
BREWERY’S NATIONAL ANTHEM
St Austell Brewery has launched Anthem, a 3.4% ABV British session pale ale, nationwide in supermarkets for the first time.
Previously only available in cask (3.8% ABV) across St Austell Brewery’s pub estate in the south west as well as independent pubs since 2022, Anthem is now available in over 650 Tesco stores across the UK.
Crafted by brewing director, Georgina Young, this pale ale is made with 100% British ingredients, including malted barley
grown in Cornwall and East Anglia, as well as Golden Naked Oats from Northamptonshire.
Young said: “We’re delighted to see Anthem join the ranks of Tribute, Proper Job, and korev as part of our fantastic beer portfolio, now available for people to enjoy at home.
“We’re especially proud of Anthem’s all-British lineup of ingredients. We work closely with our trusted network of suppliers to ensure we’re using the finest raw ingredients, showcasing the best of British brewing.”
Demand for non-alcoholic drinks continues to rocket. A report by IWSR, the leading global drinks data and insight provider, indicates that the UK no/low market more than doubled in 2024.
THE NEXT GENERATION
An apprentice with the Brian Etherington Meat Company has two national industry awards.
Laurissa Barriball was named Best Apprentice Showing Real Management Potential and Champion Meat Apprentice of the Year at the Institute of Meat (IoM) and Worshipful Company of Butchers Annual Prizegiving, held at Butchers Hall in London.
The event is a firm fixture on the meat industry calendar and seeks to recognise and celebrate the achievement of apprentices, their employers, and training providers.
Mark Etherington, MD of Brian Etherington Meat Co, said: “Laurissa is a shining example of what the next generation of butchers can achieve.”
HOW THE HECK DID I GET HERE?
FSB Cornwall & Isles of Scilly development manager, Ann Vandermeulen, takes stock.
Take a moment to think about what motivates you to get up and do your job or run your business. Were you born with an entrepreneurial spirit, did you have a brilliant role model or were you immersed in an environment that inspired you?
When the alarm goes off in the morning do you leap out of bed, eager to get on with your “calling” or is it just sheer guts, determination and plain necessity that drives you out from under the covers? Perhaps it’s a combination but how the heck did you get here…. doing this, and could your story help someone else?
and fortitude are all part of employablity skills but many businesses say these once common qualities are now harder to find. They site many changes in society and role models calling themselves “influencers”. So, are we doing enough to be the right role models to inspire those around us?
You might not be surprised to know that I come from a small business background. In fact, once the disillusionment with working for someone else hit my dad, a serial entrepreneur was born. He started off with a van selling fruit and veg, added to that a carpentry business with a sideline in salvaging gold from computers (like those massive ones you see in Bond films, this was the 70’s).
We moved to Cornwall and he decided that groundworks and excavating with big machinery should also be added to his portfolio. Then he started what was an early form of eBay for farmers, sourcing their needs for machinery etc. Oh, how I wish he’d stuck with the eBay computer model. Probably would have been his finest invention and I would not be sat here writing this, although “Stocklister” was a real success. Oh yes, he was an inventor too – the “Number Rumbler” (don’t’ ask) and “The Mule”, mobile steel welding bench amongst his minor productions.
We are all the product of an infinite number of experiences and environments.
Are we doing enough to be the right role models to inspire those around us?
Obviously, like every employee, student, business owner, CEO and those struggling to be any of those, or anything in between, we are all the product of an infinite number of experiences and environments. People are complex, sentient beings and our nature or how we have been nurtured over time, is often not considered in grand strategies.
Businesses always say that they need, what I call, the three A’s. Attitude, aptitude and aspiration. Bright, motivated people that can fill their vacancies and fit in with their teams. Interpersonal skills, passion, drive
However, having a real life Caractacus Potts as a Dad, who put me to work, and a Mum who was up at the crack of dawn being his constant support in keeping all the plates spinning at home (not literally, Dad was probably using them in one of his experiments) certainly gave me a good start in work ethic, determination and an empathy with the self-starters and entrepreneurs that I am so passionate about supporting today. I also learned to say “no, I am not holding those two wires while you turn that on dad”. Spotting a con and being assertive are also good skills in another sort of, “how the heck did I get here?” moment.
So, the serious point to all of this is that skills, qualifications and jobs are making headlines as the Government are really hammering the agenda of getting more people into work. To people who have not yet been inspired or had good role models, these might be cold and threatening words. If you think about your own experience surely there’s so much more to shoving people into the economic sausage machine to churn out employees. OK, so times have changed and nowadays a 12-year-old girl driving an International Harvester crawler is probably frowned upon but we need to make working for a living exciting and interesting and if you are doing something brilliant or even a bit crazy, I encourage you to share it with those who may not have either your natural flare or been nurtured quite so imaginatively.
ONE VOICE
We don’t have to be best mates to commit, says Cornwall Chamber CEO, John Brown.
Let’s talk about the Northern Powerhouse and the Midlands Engine for a moment. Are they all best mates? Hardly. Years of local rivalries and city pride mean the folks up north and in the Midlands aren’t always braiding friendship bracelets.
Yet they’ve mastered something we in Cornwall still find perplexing: speaking with one voice. Their civic leaders, business groups, and policy experts come together under a shared banner and fire off a consistent message to anyone in power who’ll listen. And guess what? It works.
By contrast, how many voices does Cornwall currently have? Let’s try to count. There’s the Cornwall Chamber of Commerce, my own outfit. Then the FSB. The Institute of Directors (IoD). Throw in various membership bodies and local associations, plus the cluster of organisations representing specific sectors like tech, food and drink, creative and so on.
How many voices does Cornwall currently have?
The list keeps growing. We’re all trying to say something important about Cornwall’s prospects, but from the outside looking in, that chorus can sound more like a chaotic karaoke night than a streamlined orchestra.
I’ll be the first to admit my share of the blame. Even when I say “we represent the business voice of Cornwall,” there are half a dozen others making an identical claim, leading to mixed messages and overlapping strategies.
WHY JOIN? Cornwall Chamber of Commerce is
The result is that a politician in Westminster, or even our own local councillors, might struggle to work out what Cornwall really needs. We end up with a baffling tapestry of requests and that all-important singular impact can get watered down.
The upcoming Council elections make the need for a united voice more urgent than ever. If we can’t present a cohesive message to our future councillors, we’ll be left with multiple manifestos, conflicting “strategies,” and a mountain of contradictory pleas. Confusion equals inaction. And we can’t afford to stand still.
Let’s accept that each organisation, sector and local body will have its own priorities. But let’s also accept that not every big idea or pet project will get funded. We need to sit down, examine the landscape from an informed position, have that serious discussion about the actual impact we’d like to see and then decipher which sectors and strategies are going to align with what the Government is prioritising.
The crucial part is creating space for open, honest conversation where everyone gets to make their pitch. Healthy conflict is inevitable and, indeed, necessary. It sharpens our understanding and helps us see pitfalls before they become sinkholes.
I’ll admit, I’m sometimes (often) guilty of charging ahead without pausing to let more voices in the room. That’s a habit I need to work on. If we each approach this with the attitude that we can learn from one another, we’ll be in a stronger position to advocate for Cornwall.
The power of a single, consolidated message is undeniable. It’s not that I want to silence individuality. Instead, I want to ensure we’re hitting the same note regarding the big issues. In practice, this means forming a united front, agreeing on a handful of clear, realistic asks and standing firm behind them. It means each of us owning the final strategy, even if it doesn’t perfectly mirror our wishlist. In return, we commit to holding ourselves collectively accountable and if something doesn’t work, we tweak it. If something thrives, we scale it.
So, here’s the challenge I’m putting to everyone: let’s drop the protective silos, put all our best ideas in the same room, thrash them around, and pull out a refined, powerful message that truly captures what Cornwall needs and stands for. I’ll provide instant coffee and digestives.
The Northern Powerhouse and Midlands Engine aren’t our rivals in spirit; they’re our blueprint for unity.
Email:
3 EMPOWERMENT CORNWALL: TRAINING DAY
The Barn at Pengelly
Not just any training day – it’s your chance to conquer your fear of public speaking, banish imposter syndrome, and unleash the confident, empowered YOU that’s ready to take on the world!
eventbrite.co.uk
6 CORNISH PIRATES V CAMBRIDGE
The Mennaye, Penance
R15 Championship ruby action as home favourites Cornish Pirates entertain Cambridge. Full corporate hospitality packages available for that perfect match day experience. cornish-pirates.com
9 THE FUTURE OF HR
Scorrier House, Redruth
From workforce planning to talent management, discover how AI is transforming HR functions and influencing decision-making in our regions. eventbrite.co.uk
10 WOMEN IN BUSINESS LUNCH
Penventon Park Hotel, Redruth
All are welcome to the Women in Business Lunch on the second Thursday of each month. yourpartnerships.co.uk
10 THE PIG DIPPERS
The Pig at Haryln Bay
A monthly net-swimming and breakfast club for those who want to start the day FRESH! cornwallchamber.co.uk
17 YOUR PARTNERSHIPS OPEN
HOUSE
Victoria Inn, Roche
The original home of Your Partnerships and always a great meeting. If you have never experienced an Open House with Your Partnerships at the birth home of Your Partnerships you are missing out. yourpartnerships.co.uk
19 CORNISH PIRATES V CALDY
The Mennaye, Penance Championship rugby action, as Birkenheadbased Caldy take the long road down to Penzance to battle the mighty Cornish Pirates. Corporate hospitality packages available. cornish-pirates.com
For further details of these and more events visit businesscornwall.co.uk
To publicise your event for free, email news@businesscornwall.co.uk
EVENTS
April 2025
23 CORNWALL CHAMBER BIG BREAKFAST
The Pig at Harlyn Bay
This month, Cornwall Chamber’s flagship networking breakfast is co-hosted by Boosters. Network with other Cornish businesses and listen to some fantastic speakers. cornwallchamber.co.uk
24 NETWORK HFC
Hall for Cornwall, Truro
Network HFC gathers a free-range collective of individuals from business, creative, tech and media for an informal monthly get-together. hallforcornwall.co.uk
24 CORNWALL CONNECTOR EVENT
Penventon Park Hotel, Redruth
With 100+ businesses, all in one room, ready to connect and collaborate, the Connector events are game-changers for businesses! yourpartnerships.co.uk
30 TECH CORNWALL CONNECTED
Apollo Bingo, Camborne
This isn’t just another networking event – it’s the meet-up for Cornwall’s tech community, created by the community, for the community. techcornwall.co.uk
CONNECTED
Gallery from recent business events.
B LOCAL CORNWALL
As part of B Corp Month, B Local Cornwall hosted a special event at Falmouth University’s Launchpad, posing the question ‘What are we doing today for a better tomorrow?’.
EXPOWEST CORNWALL
The Cornish food, hospitality and catering community flocked to Wadebridge last month for their favourite trade show.
KATY WARREN (CITRUS PRINT), TONI EYRIEY (BUSINESS CORNWALL) AND GORDON LEGGATT (CITRUS PRINT)
BOBBY VANDERPLANK (DALES)
LIAN LOCKE (LOVAT PARKS), LISA SUTHERLAND (FRESH COMMUNICATION), LAURA HUDSPITH (HIYIELD) AND JENNIFER SHORT-MARTIN (STEPHENS SCOWN).
STEWART GIRVAN AND HOLLY HARWOOD (FLOURISH CREATIVE)
SARAH PENPRAZE (BB’S BAKERY)
DAVID BERWICK (ST IVES CIDER)
PATRICK GRANT-STURGIS (JAMU WILD WATER)
WRECK FREE FAL
The National Maritime Museum in Falmouth hosted the launch of the Wreck Free Fal and Helford initiative, which is seeking to tackle the problem where hundreds of mostly fiberglass boats are being abandoned.
CHARITY DINNER
Some of the county’s most high-profile chefs took over The Alverton’s kitchen for The Great Coast-to-Coast Charity Dinner, raising £16k for industry charity Hospitality Action.
CHEF JUDE KEREAMA (KOTA KAI)
SIMON NUMPHUD (AA MEDIA), BEN YOUNG (CORNWALL HOTEL COLLECTION) AND STUART MATHIESON (FORMER HEAD OF HOSPITALITY STUDIES AT CORNWALL COLLEGE)
STEVE GREEN (CLEAN OCEAN SAILING)
EMMA MCGEE AND AMIE FULTON (SAILORS CREEK CIC)
JAKE BURNYEAT (WRECK FREE FAL AND HELFORD)
AMIE FULTON (SAILORS CREEK CIC), CHRIS JONES (CORNWALL HARBOURS
MARITIME MANAGER), JAKE BURNYEAT (WRECK FREE FAL AND HELFORD),
STEVE GREEN (CLEAN OCEAN SAILING), EMMA MCGEE (SAILORS CREEK CIC)
LISA BREWER
Senior associate at Charles French Solicitors.
WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU WERE YOUNG?
Once the novelty of being an air hostess wore off, law was the only thing I wanted to do. I’m extremely fortunate to be in my dream job! Flying remains one of my favourite things to do though, especially when there’s so much of the world to explore.
WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST FULL-TIME JOB?
Whilst at college, I worked full time on the deli in a supermarket – I’ve always been a grafter and was young enough to cope with the long hours; it’s a different matter now…! I really enjoyed the fast-paced nature and social aspect plus it meant I could afford a car which at 17 was a massive bonus.
WHAT’S IN YOUR POCKETS?
My phone. As a parent I’m always needed to play taxi or bank.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE WORST MOMENT IN YOUR CAREER?
When covid hit – trying to home school an 11-year old, work full time and deal with a puppy (I’m not sure what possessed me) as a single parent was extremely hard work with the added sadness of not being able to see family and friends.
WHAT’S THE BEST THING ABOUT CORNWALL?
The beaches, the people and scones – jam first obviously. I love that on a dog walk you can have the nicest conversations with friendly strangers. The sense of community in Cornwall is second to none.
IF YOU COULD INVITE ANY TWO PEOPLE FOR DINNER, WHO WOULD THEY BE AND WHY WOULD YOU INVITE THEM?
Anne Frank so we could discuss her time in hiding and I could hear her, no doubt fascinating, insights into the Holocaust rather than reading them. I think she’d appreciate enjoying one “free” day of her dream life. Joe Marler because I’m a big rugby fan and he would be hilarious.
IF YOU COULD BE GOD FOR A DAY, WHAT MIRACLE WOULD YOU PERFORM?
I don’t believe in God so that in itself would be a miracle!
WHAT WAS YOUR BIGGEST MISTAKE IN LIFE?
Not believing in myself – hindsight is a wonderful thing. I’d definitely tell my younger self not to sweat the small stuff and to take a risk in life. I think we’re all guilty of worrying over something completely unwarranted.
The sense of community in Cornwall is second to none.
HOW DO YOU LIKE TO RELAX?
With a good book and a glass of wine, both of which seem a distant memory with the current influx of clients wanting to complete before the SDLT changes at the end of the month. I currently settle for walking my spaniel who has a high prey drive and likes to show her disappearing act off at every given opportunity, so I’m not sure it’s really that relaxing!
IF YOU COULD BUILD A HOUSE ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD WHERE WOULD IT BE?
Somewhere fairly remote with a mix of going back to basics and creature comforts. A house definitely worthy of being featured on Grand Designs.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE BEST MOMENT IN YOUR CAREER?
Being promoted to senior associate at Charles French which has meant I’ve been able to become more involved with sponsorship of Cornwall Women In Property and really try to promote the profession in general but especially to girls in what is a predominately male-orientated vocation.
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE DOING IN FIVE YEARS’ TIME?
Travelling more and making memories with my family and friends. Life is too short to not make the most of every moment.
Get the full match day experience with our amazing match day hospitality package. For more information email: liz.mclean@cornish-pirates.com www.cornish-pirates.com Sunday, April 6, kick-off: 14.30 CORNISH PIRATES V CAMBRIDGE Saturday, April 19, kick-off: 14.30 CORNISH PIRATES V CALDY
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Big picture accountancy in Cornwall, with a team of in-house experts.
