Business Cornwall April 17 by Business Cornwall

CORNWALL'S PREMIER BUSINESS RESOURCE FOR ALL THE LATEST NEWS AND OPINION businesscornwall.co.uk

APRIL 2017 / ISSUE 109 / Â£4.25

HOW SIMON HEAP TAMED THE TV DRAGONS

LEGAL EAGLES

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FOCUS ON LOCAL LAW SECTOR

ST AUSTELL BUSINESS PARK OFFICES WITH A VIEW

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APRIL 2017

ISSUE 109

INSIDE FEATURES 11 – ST AUSTELL BUSINESS PARK A C LO S E LOO K AT O N E O F C O R N WA L L’ S L EA D I N G C OM M ERC IA L O F F I C E D E V E LO P ME N T S

16 – RUGGED INTERACTIVE HO W C ORNIS H B US I N E S S MA N S L AY E D T HE DRAG ON S

19 – LEGAL

NEW AGENCY OPENS

LOC A L M ARK E T P E R F O R MI N G S T RO N GLY

REGULARS 4

INCOMING LATEST BUSINESS OPINION

BUSINESS NEWS GROWTH DEAL ‘SHOCK’

WISHLIST OBJECTS OF DESIRE

ON THE MOVE

EDUCATION & TRAINING UNI STUDENT CAP LIFTED

FSB LATEST NEWS FROM THE FSB

TOURISM NEW SPA OPENS

F OC U S O N T H E LO C A L L E G A L S E C TO R

26 – COMMERCIAL PROPERTY

CREATIVE & IT

OUT OF COUNTY DOING GOOD UP COUNTRY

JUST A THOUGHT GUEST COLUMNIST CALVIN LOVELOCK

TEST DRIVE BEHIND THE WHEEL OF NEW DISCOVERY

EVENTS DIARY BUSINESS WHAT’S ON

CONNECTED CORNWALL WHAT WAS ON

THE LAST WORD PARC SIGNS MD, KAREN BARNETT

LATEST APPOINTMENTS NEWS

FOOD & DRINK HUB BOX INVESTMENT

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BELOW: WE TAKE A CLOSER LOOK AT THE ST AUSTELL BUSINESS PARK AND THE STORY BEHIND IT SEE P11

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APRIL 2017

ISSUE 109

WELCOME EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Nick Eyriey nick@businesscornwall.co.uk PUBLISHER Toni Eyriey toni@businesscornwall.co.uk BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Morveth Ward morveth@businesscornwall.co.uk ACCOUNT MANAGER Caroline Hill caroline@businesscornwall.co.uk CONTRIBUTORS PFA Research and Calvin Lovelock DESIGN Hutch Agency - hutchagency.co.uk BUSINESS CORNWALL is published 10 times a year by: Tonick Business Publishing Pool Innovation Centre Trevenson Road Redruth TR15 3PL Tel: 01209 718688

ON THE COVER Simon Heap, Rugged Interactive CORNWALL'S PREMIER BUSINESS RESOURCE FOR ALL THE LATEST NEWS AND OPINION businesscornwall.co.uk

APRIL 2017 / ISSUE 109 / £4.25

Home at work Welcome to the April issue of Business Cornwall magazine. Apart from home, the place that the majority of people spend most time at is the workplace. Therefore, it stands to reason that the workplace should be a comfortable, well-equipped facility, that is, as near as it is possible, a pleasure to be in. The St Austell Business Park certainly ticks these boxes. Peter Moody, whose vision it was to create the facility, tells me it’s got some stunning views as well, although I will have to take his word for it. Because I swear, every time I’ve been down there a Cornish mizzle has descended. Peter tells me the mizzle follows me around, rather than his business park, and he’s probably right. As I write this in our offices in Redruth, yes, it’s raining! For whatever reason, there probably aren’t enough modern commercial office facilities in Cornwall. Peter tells what motivated him to build his own business park and its importance to the local area. Staying on the theme, in this issue we take a look at the state of the wider commercial property market in Cornwall, while on page 19 we examine the post-Brexit legal sector and learn how it is contributing to the local economy. We also hear from a Cornish entrepreneur who secured a £100k investment on TV’s Dragons’ Den show, while this month’s guest columnist is Calvin Lovelock of the United Response charity, which at the beginning of the month merged with ROC.

For whatever reason,

there probably aren’t enough modern comercial ofﬁce facilities in Cornwall

HOW SIMON HEAP TAMED THE TV DRAGONS THIS

LEGAL EAGLES

MON

FOCUS ON LOCAL LAW SECTOR

ST AUSTELL BUSINESS PARK OFFICES WITH A VIEW

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Business Cornwall magazine is proud to be a business partner of the Cornwall Chamber of Commerce

Business Cornwall magazine is proud to be media partner of the FSB

EDITOR BUSINESS CORNWALL

Registered under the Data Protection Act All rights reserved No part of this publication may be reproduced, copied, stored in an electronic retrieval system or transmitted without the written permission of the publisher. Stringent efforts have been made by Business Cornwall magazine to ensure accuracy. However, due principally to the fact that data cannot always be verified, it is possible that some errors or omissions may occur. Business Cornwall magazine can not accept responsibility for such errors or omissions. Business Cornwall magazine accepts no responsibility for comments made by interviewees that may offend.

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INCOMING

THE CONVERSATION

The big question What were your impressions of the Budget announcement and how it will affect businesses in Cornwall? Join the conversation @biz_cornwall

/businesscornwall

businesscornwall.co.uk

John Harvey, founder of The Samphire Club asks, “Is successful networking about building networks?”

As we make preparations to celebrate The Samphire Club’s first birthday, we’ve been gathering feedback from members. Since its official launch this time last year, our club has been on a mission to promote a better way of networking between London and the south west. The findings of our informal research have provided plenty of food for thought. Time and again that notion of “community” has found its way into the comments we received. Sole traders and freelancers have variously said that they feel “less alone” and “better supported” while corporate members who all receive a networking workshop as part of their package, have noticed a whole host of positive changes across their business. They’ve found that making their people aware of the skills and values you need to network successfully has seen everyone, right across the

BUSINESS CORNWALL

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THE CONVERSATION

INCOMING

DAVID WALROND

We can only hope that while he is in

We know that many small businesses have been very worried about the impact of the changes to business rates on their future viability and I am pleased that the Chancellor has listened to these concerns. However, we know that the devil is in the detail and we will now be seeking clarity from the Government to ensure that rural areas see a fair share of this money.

Some of the UK’s key problems of low productivity and widening skills gaps and shortages are writ very large in Cornwall. Addressing them, through targeted investment, is crucial to Cornwall’s socio-economic future. The Chancellor’s announcement of investment in skills training for 16-19 year olds will be even more welcome and significant if it proves to be a turning point. If we are to upskill a post-Brexit Cornwall to the higher levels required, we have to get agencies inside and outside Cornwall to co-invest with us and support what demonstrably works. We are committed to partnership working with employers, local authorities, the LEP and other relevant stakeholders to deliver these skills, but a key issue will be adequate investment to deliver what is needed. The Chancellor’s announcements on reinvesting in skills are a step in the right direction.

COLIN VALENTINE

SANDRA ROTHWELL

listening mode that he takes greater steps to reform the whole business rates system ADAM PAYNTER

Cornwall Council

ANN VANDERMEULEN

Federation of Small Businesses The last Spring Budget was rather lacklustre, and now it seems a chaotic affair which in parts went completely against the Chancellor’s initial announcement of “making the UK the place to do business”. The stress inducing suggestion of putting up NICs, the constant wage bill hikes and not tackling the mess of the business rates system effectively are good ways to put people off running their own business. Our brave entrepreneurs do not currently get the same privileges as those they employ but they take all the risk and proportionally costs are higher to run a small business compared to larger firms. It is therefore pleasing that seven days later the Chancellor bowed to pressure from everyone including the FSB, to U-turn on the NIC hike. We can only hope that while he is in listening mode that he takes greater steps to reform the whole business rates system and generally makes some more sensible and better thought out announcements in the future.

board, grow in confidence and become more outward looking. The emphasis on listening skills and focus, being generous with your time and expertise, as well as developing a healthy curiosity, has not only delivered on its intention of boosting the business development effort but also strengthened internal teamwork and collaboration. In short, an approach to networking based on taking the time to find shared values and purpose, rather than hacks on how to “work the room,” has refined how they approach not just networking, but interaction in business. One corporate member summed up their rebooted approach to networking as being about: “…relationships, getting to know people and building a mutually supportive community.” Let’s face it, in this digital age we’re

Truro and Penwith College

CAMRA

Cornwall & IoS LEP

UK beer drinkers, pubs and brewers have been let down by the Chancellor’s decision to increase beer duty for the first time in five years. The announced two penny a pint increase marks a return to the days when the muchhated Beer Duty Escalator contributed to 75,000 job losses, 3,700 pub closures and a 24% fall in beer sales in pubs. The rise in beer duty will ultimately hit consumers in their pockets and lead to pub closures across the country.

The investment in research and technical education, including new T-Levels and more training and work placements for young people, is very welcome especially given our focus on growing our digital and advanced engineering sectors. And there is investment in pilot projects for lifelong learning, which is important in upskilling our current workforce. Funding for research into new technologies like biotech, energy storage and 5G all present opportunities for some of our key sectors and we look forward to seeing more details.

networked to the hilt yet becoming increasingly aware that connection alone cannot create value. In the same way, an individualistic, purely “what’s in it for me” approach to either inperson or social media networking means you’ll gather contacts and possibly some leads, but they won’t translate into long-term benefits for you or your business. Networks may connect but communities care. Mere membership isn’t enough - a sense of belonging through the emotional connection of ongoing shared experiences, make all the difference. Successful organisations thrive as communities of human beings with a strong sense of purpose, not amalgamations of human resources. And the best thing? You can take it with you – when your networking activity revolves

around building a community, you’re creating something both powerful and portable. The self-perpetuating cycles of goodwill are called social capital and, continually nurtured, will be there when you move jobs, switch careers and engage in voluntary and other activity outside of work. Signing off with a flourish, as this is my last column for the magazine, a quote from Samphire Club founder member, Amanda Williams of WaveMedia (and the force behind the Secret Truro blog): “Samphire is where business meets social. Connections are made and business is done, and while you're having fun, colleagues become friends. Who said that networking had to be stuffy?”

BUSINESS CORNWALL

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CORNWALL

BUSINESS NEWS

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BOARDMASTERS CONTRACTS WON Fistral Leisure has won a contract to run the on-site bars at the Boardmasters Festival. In previous years, the bars have been run by a national partner, but following a successful trial last year, Fistral has now secured a three-year contract. In addition, Redruth-based music promoter, SW1 Productions, has also secured a new three-year deal for all of the band booking

and on-site artist liaison. The company has worked for Boardmasters for the last 11 years, but previously on a year-to-year basis. Andrew Topham, co CEO of Boardmasters organiser, Vision Nine, said: “Wherever possible and appropriate, we will work with Cornish companies and suppliers. Whilst our previous licensing agreements have meant that we have only been able to negotiate

and contract our brilliant team of suppliers on-the-ground on an annual basis, our new, longer term license agreements mean that we can all work together to build the future events and festivals now. “We can also build in an economy of scale and bring more long-term business security for partners like Fistral Leisure and SW1, for their employees and contractors, and for us.”

Boardmasters 2017 will be held from August 9-13.

ADVERTORIAL

DANCING TO THE BUDGET BEAT

PKF Francis Clark partner, Scott Bentley, casts an eye over last month’s Budget 6

Phillip Hammond had reason to be pleased about the UK’s economic performance when he stood up and delivered his first full Budget speech. With forecasts for public sector borrowing in the short term substantially reduced and forecasts for GDP growth revised upwards, the economy looks like it will be better placed to withstand whatever financial consequences the Brexit negotiations bring. The Budget was short on much excitement as regards detailed tax measures with, I suspect, many accountants poised to deliver briefings to eager clients and professionals the following morning wishing they had a back-up dance routine in place!

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BUSINESS NEWS

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NEWS IN BRIEF Up to £5.4 million of European funding has been secured to create a modern transport hub to serve west Cornwall. The funding has been matched by £4.7 million of investment from Cornwall Council and the Growth Deal and will be used to develop the area around St Erth railway station. The Multi Modal Hub project will connect the Cornwall rail main line, A30 Trunk road, St Ives rail park and ride service and the strategic Cornwall bus network and support adjacent employment space. The project is expected to complete in summer 2018.

CORNWALL

NEXT FUTURE FOCUS Following on from a successful launch event in January, Unlocking Potential’s next Future Focus event is scheduled for May 9 at the Eden Project. Featuring a high profile business speaker, the event will provide an opportunity to explore the

opportunities for change and innovation in your business - from leadership style to enhancing your business strategy. For further announcements on the speaker line and for details on how to register, visit www.unlocking-potential.co.uk

Local law firm, Stephens Scown, has been ranked #16 in the influential Sunday Times list of the top 100 mid-sized firms to work for. The firm was the highest ranked solicitors in the country.

Sapience HR celebrated a silver award with Truro-based branding agency, Absolute, at the Design Business Association (DBA) Design Effectiveness Awards at The Truman Brewery in London. In the ten months following the rebrand, Sapience’s turnover has risen by 45%, with website visits up 27%.

45%

RISE IN TURNOVER SINCE REBRAND

RISE IN WEBSITE VISITOR TRAFFIC

Tax avoidance was again in the spotlight with widening legislation to penalise not only the tax payers who participate in contrived tax avoidance schemes, but also the professional firms that promote such schemes. However, what we also saw was a Government struggling to adapt a tax system to deal with areas where it believes taxpayers are behaving in an undesirable but totally legal way and not paying, what it believes, is a “fair” amount of tax.

A VITAL PARTNERSHIP Redruth-based customer communications expert, Imprimus, has formed a new partnership with Office Depot subsidiary, Vital Communications. Imprimus was previously known as Stralfors UK up until its recent acquisition by the highly-acquisitive German company Aurelius. Then earlier this year, Aurelius added Office Depot Europe to its growing portfolio, and quickly spotted synergies with Imprimus.

Imprimus MD, Tony Plummer, said: “This exciting new partnership creates huge opportunities, both for the Imprimus and Vital businesses as well as for our customers. “It will give our customers new ways to enhance their communications and reduce costs, and it’s a real signal that Aurelius is committed to accelerating the growth of both companies.”

significant factor in any decision to incorporate. With the massive disparity between the flat rate of corporation tax heading to 17% in 2020 and a current top rate of income tax at 45%, this is especially true for a business that needs to invest. But nonetheless, opportunities exist for all businesses to accumulate wealth in a corporate structure at low tax rates.

In the face of Brexit, the Government needs to do all it can to keep large corporates in the UK and so I don’t anticipate future rises in corporation tax. However, there is an ongoing review and I suspect there may be further increases to taxation on dividends. E: scott.bentley@pkf-francisclark.co.uk

While last year’s increase in the rates of income tax applied to dividends significantly eroded the benefits of incorporation where shareholders were looking to extract profits, tax is still a

BUSINESS CORNWALL

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CORNWALL

BUSINESS NEWS

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MARINE HUB LAUNCHES CARTER JONAS IN TRURO

Marine Hub Cornwall was officially launched at Renewable UK’s Wave & Tidal conference in London recntly. The announcement was made by local MP, George Eustice, during a key note address to delegates. Marine Hub Cornwall has been created to bring Cornwall’s marinetech expertise together under one roof, at the Hayle Marine Renewables Park . Eustice said: “Marine Hub Cornwall is a really exciting project, and highlights a long-term commitment to the marine renewable energy sector. “With world class assets such as Wave Hub, Marine Hub Cornwall will continue to secure Cornwall’s place as an international centre of excellence in the renewable energy technologies of the future. This, in turn, will secure the UK’s reputation as a market leader in offshore renewables”.

Meanwhile, up to £6.8 million of European Regional Development Funding (ERDF) has been secured to develop marine technology research, development and innovation activities in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. Marine-i, a £9.3 million collaboration between the Universities of Exeter and Plymouth, The Cornwall College Group, Cornwall Marine Network, Cornwall Development Company and the Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult, will focus on marine energy, marine manufacturing, maritime operations and marine environmental technologies. Project manager, Professor Lars Johanning, said: “Marine-i will strengthen business innovation and has been set up in direct response to the Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly marine roadmap to secure the continued growth of this sector.”

With world class assets such as Wave Hub, Marine Hub Cornwall will continue to secure Cornwall’s place as an international centre of excellence in the renewable energy technologies of the future.

A leading national property consultancy has expanded its presence in the south west, including a new office in Truro. Carter Jonas has opened two new offices, in Taunton and Truro, to bring its total across the country to 38. The expansion includes the arrival of David Hebditch (pictured), a leading south west rural surveyor, and a number of his team from Humberts will be joining Carter Jonas. Hebditch has over 30 years of experience in the rural sector working at a national and regional level, providing sales and rural management advice to institutional and private clients. “The expansion of our team into Taunton and Truro is a significant milestone for our south west network,” said Carter Jonas’ head of rural division, Tim Jones.

BUSINESS CORNWALL

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staustellbusinesspark.co.uk

BUSINESS NEWS

SPONSORED BY

CORNWALL

CORNWALL ‘SHOCK’ AT GROWTH DEAL The Council has expressed its disappointment that Cornwall is set to receive just £18 million in Growth Deal investment over the next three years – more than £100 million less than it had asked for. Julian German, the Council’s portfolio holder for economy and culture, said: “Having encouraged Cornwall to put in an ambitious bid for funding, I am shocked that Government investment in Cornwall is so small. “Numerous businesses across Cornwall spent time and money putting in compelling bids for investment in products, services and infrastructure, many of them will now be left disappointed.” The funding settlement is significantly less than the previous Growth Deal allocation given to Cornwall and falls far short, says the Council, of the investment required if Government is going to ensure that Cornwall does not lose out when European funding ceases as a result of the UK leaving the EU. EU funding currently provides £60 million per

year to develop vital local projects such as superfast broadband and business support. German added: “In future I would encourage Government investment to take account of need. The current process forces Cornwall to compete for investment with more affluent places such as London, Birmingham, Bristol and the south east. It takes no account of our low earnings, poverty and rurality.” In a statement, the LEP said: “The reality is that the £1.8 billion Local Growth Fund was three-times over-subscribed nationally, and what we have been awarded is, per capita, on a par with many other LEPs. “But we don’t think that’s good enough. Our argument remains that Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly have been on an economic journey for more than 20 years, and that journey is far from complete.”

“Numerous businesses across Cornwall spent time and money putting in compelling bids for investment in products, services and infrastructure, many of them will now be left disappointed”

GREEN LIGHT FOR CULTURE BID ornwall Council has resoundingly voted in favour of going ahead with the bid for Truro to be European Capital of Culture in 2023. The Council’s cabinet agreed to lead a partnership bid for the award, following a request for members to reconsider their original decision.

Detractors have dismissed the bid as a “vanity project” and “pie in the sky”. However, the cabinet was told that the costs of going ahead with the first phase of the bid would be £336k , not the £536k originally reported, with potential economic benefits to Cornwall of up to £769k. Welcoming the decision, cabinet member for economy and culture, Julian German, said: “We are now in an even stronger position to bid for Truro-Cornwall to be the European Capital of Culture than when the cabinet supported the proposal a month ago.

“Truro City Council has come out in favour of the bid and a number of key organisations from across Cornwall have already written to us to show their support and pledge resources to help Cornwall win this prestigious award. “We will now be looking to reduce the impact on council tax payers even further by seeking contributions from other businesses and partners towards these costs.” Launch plans and programme concepts will be unveiled in the near future.

BUSINESS CORNWALL

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CORNWALL

BUSINESS NEWS

ADVERTORIAL

HAUNTED BY A HAND BAG? You know the feeling, you’ve looked at something on line, thought about buying it but not quite pushed the order button. A little later, you’re online again and it pops up. This time you place the order. Spooky? A little. Persuasive? Very…. Remarketing ads are now crucial for an effective online marketing strategy. It makes sense to ensure you are front of mind with customers who have already shown interest in your product. Around 75% of all online shoppers abandon their basket first time around. For holiday browsing, this is closer to 80%* - a huge amount of lost revenue. The good news is that remarketing works. Whether you go back to those potential customers with an email, a Google Display Ad or appear in front of them again on social media, with retargeting, 26% of visitors return and make a purchase.

Without remarketing, you’re lucky if 8% come back. Remarketing options are not just for online shops. Ads can be set up to appear to people who have visited certain pages of your website, engaged with you on Social Media, spent a certain amount of time on your site or signed up for your emails. Almost every digital marketing channel now offers remarketing ads. Our clients use:

The best campaign often works across several channels. Still in the “it’s a bit stalker-ish” camp? We all know when to give up on trying to get someone to come on a date with us, and remarketing is no different. Campaigns can be set to only appear within a given period, a set number of times, or on selected channels. We can help you work out the best settings for your customers.

• Google Display Ads • Facebook Ads • Instagram Ads • Pinterest Ads • Snapchat Ads • Abandoned cart emails

If you’re not remarketing, you’re missing out. Get in touch and we’ll help capture that extra business www.electricdialogue.com sam@electricdialogue.com 01872 492032 *SaleCycle Q3 2016

SARAH TRETHOWAN / TRAC SERVICES

TOP OF THE LIST With electronic daily news updates and the brilliant magazine, Business Cornwall is my go-to place to find out what’s happening

If I have news to share about my business they would be the first place I’d go

If I have news to share about my business they would be the first place I’d go. We are lucky to have such a great business in Cornwall

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BUSINESS PARK

ST AUSTELL

BUSINESS PARK

BLUEPRINT A shining beacon to commercial property development in Cornwall, we take a closer look at the St Austell Business Park and the story behind it

hile there is a dearth of modern, quality office space in Cornwall, there has long been a feeling of nervousness about speculative development. Against a backdrop of a challenging economy, developers have simply not wanted to take the risk of building such facilities without a guarantee of take-up. However, there is worth in the old mantra – ‘build it and they will come’ and the St Austell Business Park is a shining testament to what can be achieved.

While Cornwall can sometime be accused of lacking in ambition, it is certainly not a charge that could be levelled at Peter Moody, MD of St Austell Printing Company (SAPC) and the man behind the vision of the business park. The idea for the business park was originally born out of necessity, when SAPC’s copy shop and printing business, which Peter founded in 1982, outgrew its town centre premises on Truro Road. He wanted to keep the business in St Austell but there was a lack of ready-made alternatives, so came down to the idea of building his own facility on the edge of town. But rather than just build a factory, he wanted to show confidence in the St Austell area and help stem a migration of businesses to Truro so he came up with the plans for a business park with conference and modern office facilities.

PICTURES: TOBY WELLER

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ST AUSTELL

BUSINESS PARK

“I WAS TOLD SOMETHING LIKE THIS WOULD NEVER WORK IN ST AUSTELL, I’M DELIGHTED TO HAVE PROVED THEM WRONG" PETER MOODY, MD OF ST AUSTELL PRINTING COMPANY

Peter is a strong advocate for the St Austell area and has long taken an active interest in schemes to regenerate the local area. “I was told something like this would never work in St Austell,” he recalls. “I’m delighted to have proved them wrong. Cornwall needs facilities like this, of course it does. It needs more of them.” The business park consists of three distinctive operations - the printing plant and the conference centre in the main building, and the office park, which comprises 22 units of 1,000 sq ft each, on two floors. While the project was certainly not without its “challenges”, it is now a shining beacon to what can be achieved in Cornwall and particularly outside the Truro/Falmouth/CPR triangle, where there has traditionally been a lack of new quality, modern office developments. It opened Easter 2013 and four years down the line the office space on the business park is practically fully taken up. Out of the 22 units, there are currently just three available, with one set to shortly become an on-site cafe for the business park and the 200 people who work on it, while the other two are likely to be broken down into four smaller serviced offices.

OPERATIONS MANAGER BETH MAYMAN There are currently 12 permanent tenant businesses on site, from start-ups to one of Cornwall’s largest law firms – Coodes, which last year took a long-term lease of five units together for its new head office, while national building services contractor, T Clarke, has four units. “The aim has always been to have a majority of long-term tenants on site to give us longevity and sustainability. Once the businesses are in, it is about keeping them happy,” says operations manager Beth Mayman. There is also a small amount of more flexible, smaller office space in the main SAPC building, which houses the print operations on the ground floor and the dedicated conference suites above it. The Aspire Academy Trust, for example, started in a small start-up office above the print works before expanding into a larger office on the park.

BUSINESS CORNWALL

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FLEXIBILITY With speculative developments such as this being such a rarity in Cornwall, Peter is pleased that from a design point of view, he feels he got the plans for the business park pretty spot on. “The aim was to make it flexible like a retail park,” he says, “with the ability to move things around. We didn’t want it to be too rigid.” So when the units were originally built, flexibility was foremost in the mind – modular in design they were initially just a shell and fitted out to order to the clients’ desired specifications, meaning they could move walls, create staircases etc. “If you happened to be the first tenant,” says Beth, “you get the design you want, making it a very viable, attractive opportunity for new tenants. The units continue to offer a lot of flexibility in the long term. Unit 15, which was a single office and the tenant had been there a few years and moved on. Next door to that was an unfitted shell, so a tenant has come in and fitted out the one next door and knocked through, completely changing the layout. “When building the office space, we tried to put ourselves in the mind of the tenants, which many developers don’t do.” Across the car park and you have the main building, which houses ‘anchor tenant’ St Austell Printing Company and its thriving conference facilities, which must rank as some of the best equipped in Cornwall. “The conference team have got it sussed,” says Beth. “It is very slick operation now and very rewarding, as we continue to receive positive comments about how nice it is.” While many of the business park tenants take advantage of the conferencing facilities on site, increasing numbers of businesses from right across Cornwall are now passing through the main doors – at a rate of 2,000 delegates a month. “We are really chuffed with the uptake and the repeat business,” says Mayman. “We have five conference rooms and they are regularly all booked. And there is a real mixture of bookings. In the early days the majority of bookings were from the public sector, but it is now growing across private industry.

“And when clients book for the first time, they tend to want to return again and again, so you get to see a gradual build up from that company which tells you that they’re enjoying the experience. It’s reasonably priced and we’re treating people well. They’ve been inspired and enjoyed their experience, what might otherwise be have been ‘just another boring’ meeting. “The conference staff here know they are the face of the company, including St Austell Printing Company. So it’s a really positive experience of what the company is like as a whole.”

It all helps spreading the message about the printer, the office space and the conferencing all being the same company. And if conference delegates fancy a tour of the state of the art print works, it’s all part of the service. Walking around the whole business park, it is clear to see the importance of attention to detail, which is a direct result from the very hands on approach Peter took to the design from the outset. From the feeling of light and space in the main SAPC building, to the layout of the office units, to the gardens and water features around the site.

Colin Hunter, Coodes “The advantages of St Austell Business Park are multiple – modern and sustainable premises, accessibility, ease of parking, good superfast broadband connections. We are very optimistic about our company’s prospects here”

BUSINESS CORNWALL

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ST AUSTELL

BUSINESS PARK

MATT VILLE, STEPJOCKY

Peter is always looking to improve the experience of those visiting and working at the business park. “To some others who own industrial sites, it might be about taking the money and going on holiday,” he says. “But to me it’s exciting, something to be really positive and proud about.” With the conference centre and office space now running so smoothly, his focus is shifting back to the printing company and copy shop and looking to grow that. “The business park has certainly helped raise the printing company’s profile,” says Peter. “It has put St Austell Printing Company on the map, which over the years was probably thought of as a small photo copy shop.

“But the presence we have now in Cornwall, hopefully a positive presence, a reputation of being a nice company to deal with. We are now seen as a big commercial printer, but we have an increasing number of people calling in for the copy shop business, so it’s about getting the balance right.” Peter is first to concede that the business wouldn’t be what it is today without the help it has received from the various European-funded programmes, both in terms of grant assistance and business development, and it has worked hard at accessing these programmes. Indeed, SAPC is something of a case study as to what can be achieved when accessing ERDF funding in the right way.

“The team love working at St Austell Business Park. It’s really convenient to get to and at lunch time there are great walks in the surrounding areas. The facilities really are first class. And that, combined with the location and the building itself, make it a great place to work”

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BUSINESS PARK

The programmes were set up to create economic growth and jobs in Cornwall, and SAPC is a testament to what can be achieved, with staff numbers nearly doubling at the company. And considering the printing industry is becoming increasingly automated (ie fewer people are required to operate today’s modern machines), that is seen as a real positive. The Superfast Business Cornwall funding has helped develop the company’s CRM systems, while most recently it secured a grant from the BIG2 programme for ERDF funding (part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020), which partly funded the new £500k finishing equipment following a contract win to print the iconic Top Trumps cards. The company also successfully taps into training and leadership development for its team from Oxford Innovation, which again Peter says has been of enormous benefit. “I wish we had stayed in Europe, but that’s another argument!” he laughs. “I could talk all day about that! “We have never had any difficulties when looking for help from the European programme. The economic development agencies that we have dealt with have always been extremely helpful and made the process as simple as possible because we always deliver on any

ST AUSTELL

investment we have received and always created what we said we would. “I think in the future people will look back on the European funding and see how good it has been for Cornwall and has been better for us than normal Government funding would have been. “I don’t think that positive message has always got across and while I appreciate some mistakes have been made, just look at some of the success stories." The St Austell Business Park could be said to be something of a blueprint for office park design in Cornwall, so when does Peter plan to do the next one? He roars with laughter at the suggestion, before offering an enigmatic “you never know!” While you suspect tongue is firmly in cheek, he adds: “It wouldn’t have to be as big as this though. I have certainly learned a lot and now know everything there is to know about project managing a build. I could easily build a house in comparison, that would be easy! “No, the next project is doubling the turnover of the print business, as we still have the drive and ambition to grow. The business park will pretty much run itself, but we will continue to tweak and make improvements to the conference centre and office spaces to make sure that we continue to give customers what they want.”

For more information about conferences, office space, hot desking or print, contact operations manager Beth Mayman on 01726 624900 or email beth.mayman@sapc.co.uk

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RUGGED

INTERACTIVE

DRAGON

SLAYER

Cornish innovation and its entrepreneurial spirit were in the national spotlight recently during the series finale of the popular BBC2 television programme, Dragonsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Den

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INTERACTIVE

t was not the first time a Cornish business has featured in the Den, of course, but it was certainly one of the most memorable. After receiving a bolt-out-of-the-blue phone call from a BBC researcher, Fowey-based entrepreneur, Simon Heap, found himself in a TV studio in Manchester pitching for a £100k investment in return for 10% of his business, Rugged Interactive, which designs and manufactures a range of ‘motivational fitness technology’ products. It was a nervy experience and did not always make for comfortable viewing. The pitch did not always go plan, and after an initial problem with the equipment there was some uncertainty with the numbers – never a good idea in the Den. Ultimately, however, the value of the product and proposition shone through and three Dragons were sufficiently impressed to flash the cash, with a joint Deborah Meaden and Peter Jones bid of all the money for 30% of the business – with an option to buy back 10% – ultimately pipping Touker Suleman’s counteroffer of all the money for 20%. “We were conﬁdent with our pitch and

completely believe in our products but when under that much pressure, there were times when I thought we’d lost it,” Heap concedes. “There were a couple of dodgy moments but luckily we managed to claw it back. It was a real privilege to go into the Den and showcase what we do.” Best laid plans and all that, however. But after some jittery early moments with the equipment, the Dragons got to test out the equipment themselves and clearly enjoyed the experience. “The climbing wall was completely dead,” says Heap. “I nipped behind and found a loose power supply. I reconnected it and came back to the mark. Then I noticed an error message on the Pro-X Club – something I had never seen before. I had to say something so I asked the Dragons if I could sort it out. ‘Well I suppose you’ll have to,’ was Peter Jones’s exasperated reply. I restarted and all was well. “Overall not the start I’d envisaged!” And then there was the confusion with the numbers, when Suleman enquired what

RUGGED

the sales were for the year ahead and Meaden asked about the balance sheet. “The last time I looked at the balance sheet was a year ago,” admits Heap. “She probed, asked me if I even knew what a balance sheet was – I don’t think I covered myself in glory.” However, all was well in the end and Heap received his investment and was in an enviable position of being able to choose which investors to go with, ultimately plumping for Meaden and Jones. “What a roller coaster ride, what a surreal experience,” says Heap. “But - if someone had said at the start of the year we’d be on the show, messed up the pitch, still got funding and made it home alive I’d never have believed them!”

WHAT IS IT?

Rugged Interactive claims to be on a mission to help “everyone get fit and healthy in a fun and engaging way” The company designs and makes products that use technology to motivate users through making a game of it, such as the Pro-X Club, which combines a serious workout with high-intensity game play, using touch lightpods, electronics and game programs “to give a total mind and body workout.” “We’re going through a tremendously exciting period of growth,” says company founder Simon Heap. “At the core of everything we do, is our mission to help everyone stay fit and healthy in an engaging way, to motivate all age groups and encourage people to keep their mind and body active.” Roche Primary School has been using a pair of CardioWalls since last September, feeding back with comments and suggestions on future designs. “With obesity rates continuing to rise in the UK and worldwide, and nearly one in three children overweight or obese by the time they leave

primary school, we’re doing everything we can to show young people that staying fit and healthy can be enjoyable, competitive and exciting as well as being vitally important,” says Heap. The iZone Driver Performance Centre is one of the UK’s leading motor racing driver training facilities and uses a Pro-X to put drivers through their paces, developing mental alertness, peripheral vision, hand-eye coordination, cardiovascular fitness and improved reactions. “Our mission at the iZone is to train drivers – from novices to World Champions – to be the best they can be,” explains iZone gym manager Kevin Hoyes. “We work with them to make sure they have the skills, stamina and fitness to perform at their very best on the racing track. Our training facility at the Silverstone circuit is state of the art and includes a gym customised for motorsports training – the CardioWall Pro-X is now an integral part of this.”

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23/03/2017 16:00

LEGAL

CORNWALL

LAW IN

In the latest of our sectorfocused analysis pieces in association with PFA Research, we take look at the post-Brexit legal sector in Cornwall

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CORNWALL

LEGAL

1.9

he legal sector is thriving. It has grown continuously despite the economic and political uncertainty within the UK as a whole. ONS statistics show that it grew by £1.9 billion from 2014 to 2015 alone. This equates to an average of 3.3% per year over the last decade, which compares to real growth of only 1.2% per year within the UK economy as-a-whole. As a result, the sector currently contributes £25.7 billion per year to the UK economy.

BILLION GROWTH IN THE LEGAL SECTOR FROM 2014 TO 2015 ALONE How could this help Cornwall? Organisations and individuals across Cornwall have been considering how the county can maintain GDP and employment levels following Brexit. After all, Cornwall’s GDP is less than 75% of that of the ‘average’ EU region. This debate has considered possible sectors for growth, along with attracting new business to the county. Many of those working within the legal sector feel that it has the potential to offer significant growth benefits to regions, such as Cornwall. Investment in the creation of a stronger legal sector holds the potential to significantly aid growth within the county.

CORNWALL’S GDP IS LESS THAN 75% OF THAT OF THE ‘AVERAGE’ EU REGION Analysis by Cambridge Econometrics argued that each £1 of extra turnover in the legal sector stimulates £1.39 in the rest of the economy. At the same time, there is a very real need for legal services in Cornwall. PFA Research’s most recent ‘What Cornwall Thinks’ survey showed that 25% of respondents have consulted or engaged the services of a solicitor within a personal capacity over the last 12 months and 14% have done so within the last three years. Only 9% of respondents reported that it has been three to five years since they have used a solicitor, whereas 15% reported that it has been five to ten years since they have done so.

30% 25% 20% 20%

18% 15%

14% 9%

10%

0% WITHIN LAST 12 MONTHS

WITHIN LAST 3 YEARS

WITHIN LAST 5 YEARS

WITHIN LAST 10 YEARS

MORE THAN 10 YEARS AGO

HAVE NEVER DONE THIS

FIGURE 1 – THE LAST TIME YOU CONSULTED AND ENGAGED THE SERVICES OF A SOLICITOR

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LEGAL

Therefore, it seems logical to conclude that growth within this sector does not only benefit those within it. It creates benefits for the economy and society as a whole. Post-Brexit job creation within Cornwall is obviously a key aim in the Duchy and the legal sector has significant potential to aid this. This topic is particularly relevant given the uncertainty surrounding Brexit and loss of Objective One funding in Cornwall, which amounted to €144.60 per inhabit for each of the years between 2007 and 2013. In contrast, research by the Law Society has shown that 8000 new jobs are created and £379 million is added to the economy each time the UK legal sector grows by 1%. Therefore, growth within the Cornish legal sector is likely to bring substantial gains to the local area. Furthermore, Cambridge Econometrics reported that each additional job within the legal services sector supports a further 67 jobs in the wider economy. This would indicate that supporting the growth of the legal sector within the county could help to counterbalance the predicted decline in employment and GDP that many have predicted will arise as a result of Brexit.

A recent research paper from the LSE ‘Europe in Discussion’ series argued that Cornwall is likely to suffer decline in employment and GDP when the UK finally leaves the EU. The study found that South Yorkshire experienced such a decline following its loss of Objective 1 status in 2006. The Government Industrial Strategy called upon regions to consider how they will increase export levels. Net exports by the legal sector increased by 73.2% in real terms between 2004 and 2014. This has, undoubtedly, helped to offset the country’s balance of payments deficit. The UK legal sector has provided a variety of evidence to the UK Government prior to Brexit. This includes findings on exit negotiation and immigration. It has also been claimed that solicitors will be essential to the UK’s global trade following Brexit. Furthermore, the Law Society believes that English law has emerged as the dominant business law over the last two decades. This means that law firms in Cornwall and the rest of the UK are in a position to capitalise upon their specialist knowledge and training within this field.

BUYING A HOME MAKING A WILL PROBATE

GETTING A DIVORCE

SETTING UP A BUSINESS

PFA Research’s ‘What Cornwall Thinks’ survey asked respondents why they last needed a solicitor. The most popular reason related to house purchase with 42% citing that this was why they last used a solicitor. Making a will came second with 14%, with other commonly cited reasons including probate, divorce, workrelated issues and financial matters. The study also asked respondents to indicate whether they had ever used a solicitor for a range of other tasks. Once again, house purchase was the most popular use with 37% of respondents stating that they had needed a solicitor for this purpose. Similarly, making a will was second most popular with 26% of respondents indicating that a solicitor had helped them with this task. Additionally, 13% noted that they had consulted a solicitor in relation to a divorce, another 13% noted that they had used the services of a solicitor to carry out probate work, whereas 10% had used a solicitor to set up a business and 10% to help with property rental matters. Only 3% of respondents reported using a solicitor to help with work problems or personal injury. This indicates that Cornish consumers require a wide range of services.

78%

43% 41%

14% 20%

CORNWALL

17%

11%

8% 5% 7% 4% 7% 1% 5% 2% 3%

FINANCIAL MATTERS FOR OLDER PEOPLE PROBLEMS AT WORK RENTING OUT YOUR PROPERTY MAKING A PERSONAL INJURY CLAIM RENTING A HOME OTHER...

18% 0%

20%

EVER USED

28%

LAST USED 40%

60%

80%

100%

FIGURE 2 – REASONS FOR CONSULTING A SOLICITOR

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CORNWALL

LEGAL

A GAME CHANGER With the uncertain economic landscape, most businesses would be wise to review their contractual arrangements, says Setfords consultant solicitor Verona Cocks. Even in times of stability, a commercial contract may no longer be suitable and you may wish to bring the agreement to an end. Sometimes there will be an express provision allowing termination in specific circumstances, such as a material breach or upon the insolvency of the other party. If the contract does not contain express termination

Customer satisfaction is relatively low – therefore, it is important to do your research and choose a solicitor that you can trust PFA Research’s ‘What Cornwall Thinks’ survey also asked respondents to consider how likely they would be to recommend the last solicitors that they used to a friend or colleague. Overall, 37% of respondents said that they are highly likely to recommend their last solicitor (ie scored 9 or 10 out of 10) and 25% said that they were likely to recommend their last solicitor.

provisions, then a term may be implied allowing termination on reasonable notice. What amounts to reasonable notice will be a question of fact, taking into consideration the length of the relationship amongst other things. If there has been a serious breach such that it goes to the route of the contract, you may be able to bring it to an end on the basis of repudiatory breach. Where an event takes place which is outside the control of a party then it may be covered by what is known as a force majeure clause, which

However, a sizeable proportion of respondents said that they would not or were unlikely to recommend their last solicitor and the overall Net Promoter score for ‘last solicitor used’ was -2%. People often turn to solicitors at some of the most stressful points in life. Solicitors often have to deliver bad news, negotiate within tricky situations and work with a diverse range of stakeholders. Therefore, it is unclear whether there is a gap in the Cornish legal market for a law firm that provides high-quality

may excuse the party from performance of its obligations. In the absence of such an express clause then the doctrine of frustration may apply, but that is limited to restricted circumstances where performance has become impossible. As the effects of Brexit emerge, no doubt this area will be keenly analysed. AE Verona Cocks is a senior consultant solicitor with Setfords Solicitors specialising in commercial dispute resolution.

and accessible services to end-users or whether there are other factors at play. Nonetheless, this highlights the importance of doing your research and finding a local law firm that you can trust. You may also be able to draw happiness in the fact that research has shown that, in doing so, you are helping to create a stronger local economy.

PROPENSITY TO RECOMMEND

DETRACTOR (0 TO 6)

PASSIVES (7 OR 8)

PROMOTERS (9 OR 10)

FIGURE 3 – HOW LIKELY ARE YOU TO RECOMMEND THE LAST SOLICITOR YOU USED TO FRIENDS OR FAMILY?

The What Cornwall Thinks omnibus from PFA Research is an exciting new way to gain insight from Cornish residents at a fraction of the costs of bespoke Research. It provides organisations with the opportunity to ask the growing panel about your product or brand, test new ideas or create evidence based PR content. Surveys are conducted fortnightly, with rapid question design, through delivery of data to results and executive summary report. Call PFA Research on 01326 375705 or email participate@whatcornwallthinks.com

22 BUSINESS CORNWALL

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COODES

www.coodes.co.uk 0800 328 3282

HAVE A HAPPY NEW

ﬁnancial year

Being prepared for challenges ahead will undoubtedly make the new financial year happier for you and your business. Coodes Solicitors’ Business Services team highlights some big issues for Cornwall’s businesses over the coming 12 months.

BREXIT UNCERTAINTY PREPARE FOR MORE DISPUTES “Uncertainty around what deal will be struck following the triggering of Article 50 could create a fertile ground for business disputes. The government has to decide what EU laws will be kept so we don’t yet know how existing contracts that incorporate existing EU law will be interpreted in the future. Businesses that trade within Europe will face further complications and questions about commercial contracts with customers and suppliers.” Peter Lamble, Chairman and Head of Commercial Disputes

LEGAL

BIGGER BILLS FOR BUSINESSES WITH SOLAR PANELS

“In the Spring Budget, the Chancellor did little to offer reassurance about the Solar Tax hike. Around 23,000 UK businesses and public sector organisations will be affected by increased business rates on properties with solar panels. Estimates suggest that some companies will see business rates go up by as much as 800%. This is bad news for solar, the environment, and businesses and could have a big impact here in Cornwall. “There is some better news for small businesses coming out of transitional rate relief, who will pay no more than £50 a month, and pubs who will get a £1,000 discount.” Jo Cook, construction and renewable energy specialist

GET READY FOR NEW REGULATIONS “Businesses will need to get a handle on the new General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), due to be implemented in 2018. GDPR will fundamentally change how businesses keep records and communicate with customers. A first step will be to carry out a thorough data cleanse by going through all customer records to check the individual gave consent to communication. “The Government’s Making Tax Digital initiative means companies will eventually need to report on finances

quarterly – instead of annually - and submit their accounts online. “Both of these changes mean businesses will need to have more rigorous processes, which could mean a big shift for SMEs.” Sonya Bassett, Partner and Head of Corporate and Commercial

FAIR PAY FROM ZERO HOURS CONTRACTS TO THE GENDER PAY GAP “The focus of attention on zero hours contracts is set to continue. They are prevalent in the hospitality and tourism sector, so this is a key issue for Cornwall. Employers will need to keep a watch on developments

to ensure that they keep up with any changes. “Employers with over 250 staff are now required to publish data on pay, which may raise discrimination cases. Although smaller businesses do not need to publish data,

I think we will see heightened awareness. Employers should therefore look carefully at how they value different staff to ensure that they are not discriminating.” Employment lawyer, Philip Sayers.

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CORNWALL

LEGAL

GETTING READY FOR GDPR Data protection law is set to change dramatically in 2018. One area where Cornish businesses will need to change the way they do things is in getting customer consent to use their personal information for marketing purposes. Many businesses want to be able to send marketing information to customers and potential customers and rely on the generous provisions in the current law. Under the Data Protection Act 1998, businesses can rely on “opt-out” consent, meaning that if customers fail to say no, this is taken as their consent for the business to send them direct marketing information, for example on new products the business is launching. However, the General Data Protection Regulation 2016 (GDPR) comes into force on May 25 2018, bringing major changes to how organisations can use people’s personal information, along with fines of up to €20 million or 4% of worldwide turnover.

Along with the increase in the fines which can be imposed, the GDPR removes this allowance for “implied consent” in its current form and instead requires explicit informed consent to be given by customers at the time they interact with the business. Businesses will also need to get a customer’s explicit consent for profiling including where they use software to predict future behaviour which allows them to send specific targeted information to that customer. The impact of GDPR will be huge. Businesses will need to audit their existing processes and change the way they collect, store, use and share data. However, the law will also bring opportunities. I’ve found that businesses who tell their customers exactly what they do with their data and get their explicit agreement to receiving marketing information, have much better engagement from those customers and they are in turn more likely to buy from the business.

Jowanna Conboye is a solicitor and expert in data protection law at Stephens Scown LLP in Truro. For more information, please call 01872 265100, email corporate.cornwall@stephens-scown.co.uk or visit www.stephens-scown.co.uk/data-protection-breaches

PROUD TO SERVE Parnalls Solicitors is proud to have been serving Cornwall and Devon since the 1700s. Parnalls is a boutique firm of solicitors, looking after its clients through the generations, in a wide range of legal matters. Parnalls has a large and experienced property team based in Launceston carrying out work throughout Cornwall and further afield. Property is very much at the heart of what the firm does and whether you want to raise finance, invest in property, develop land or buildings, or to sell your property, Parnalls can give you the guidance you need. The firm advises landowners and developers on a range of freehold and leasehold matters. Parnalls has strong roots in the rural and agricultural community and acts for a wide range of landowners from smallholders to owners of larger estates.

Parnalls has acted for developers throughout Cornwall advising on the legal structure of commercial and residential developments, assisting with options, purchases, build contracts, Section 106 agreements and other similar infrastructure agreements. Parnalls also advises clients on investment properties and leases of offices and other commercial premises. Louis Mathers is a Director of Parnalls and co-founder of Folk2Folk (a national peer-topeer lending platform). Louis is a solicitor and acts for landowners, farmers and property owners in various land transactions. Louis also deals with the sale and purchase of property related businesses.

Contact: Louis Mathers at mathersl@parnalls.com T: 01566 772375 www.parnalls.com

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23/03/2017 15:09

COMMERCIAL

PROPERTY

MARKET FORCES Laura Gardner Investment Advisor at Miller Commercial

“During the last year there have been 11 signiﬁcant retail investments transacted in the city, totalling circa £17 million”

he commercial property market in Cornwall is proving remarkably resilient, despite all the political and economic uncertainty over the past 12 months. That’s the opinion of leading market commentators in Cornwall. The retail market in Truro has been looking particularly buoyant, which is an encouraging sign for the economy in general. Over the last 12 months Truro’s High Street has witnessed substantial interest and investment with a number of new national retailers being attracted to the city. Amongst the big names that have opened in Truro are high street giant Primark, whose twofloor store on Lemon Quay now provides over 35,000sq ft of trading space. In addition, Deichmann, Steamer Trading, Hype, Smiggle and Sharps Bedrooms have all recently located to prime sites in King Street and Pydar Street. With Wilko, Quba & Co, The Works and The Entertainer all securing units in the city centre, Truro’s main shopping streets are at near 100% occupancy. This burst of retailer demand is good news for Truro investors and as a result, rental levels are recovering and prime rents for the town are currently reaching circa £110 for Zone A. Tom Smith, head of commercial agency at Miller Commercial, who was involved in agreeing the recent lettings to both The Entertainer and Sharps Bedrooms, comments: “It is apparent that a number of national retailers who have opened stores in Exeter and Plymouth, now seem to be expanding in a westerly direction into Cornwall. “Truro is the ideal centre for such expansion, firstly as it is the county capital and secondly

because of its wide geographic retail catchment area. Truro now offers a brilliant combination of national, regional and local high street retailers.” A number of exciting regional brands have also opened stores in Truro within the last 12 months including, Busby and Fox, Aromatika, Stolen from Susie and Roly’s Fudge, all of which significantly contribute to Truro’s diverse retail offering and enhance the City as a shopping destination. Laura Gardner, investment advisor at Miller Commercial, adds: “Due to the recent occupational success of the high street in Truro, the market for retail investments within the city has also strengthened. During the last year there have been 11 significant retail investments transacted in the city, totalling circa £17 million.” Miller Commercial was involved in acquiring five of those investments, totalling circa £10 million, including properties let to Mountain Warehouse, Cafe Nero, Deichmann, Mallets and the unit recently let to The Entertainer on Boscawen Street. Senior Partner, Peter Heather, says “While interest rates remain low, investors are viewing high street retail property in Truro as an attractive place to invest with the potential for future capital and rental growth." We have been acting for a variety of investors from private individuals through to national funds, who are all embracing the rejuvenation of the High Street. As a result, we have witnessed an increase in values and a compression in yields (return) for prime, retail high street investments during 2016 down to circa 5.5%.” Miller Commercial believes going forward the city is likely to see significant inward investment interest due to the Truro-Cornwall bid for European Capital of Culture 2023, which, it says, will further raise the profile of the city on a regional, national and potentially international level.

BUSINESS CORNWALL

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OFFICES

Peter Heather Senior Partner at Miller Commercial

DEMAND

• Demand increased slightly in 2016 but, in a relatively small market, a single transaction can have a significant impact on the figures. Demand on the edge of Truro and outside Truro improved, with a small increase in headline rents. • A single occupier took nearly 20,000 sq ft (1,858 sq ft) in Falcon House in Truro city centre. • Reducing supply has led to increased interest in older office suites which have been available for some time. • The market is distorted by some buildings being acquired for alternative uses. • Preference remains for modern city centre accommodation with car parking.

INDUSTRIAL

DEMAND

• Demand reduced slightly compared to 2015, impacted by the shortage of new industrial units. Some demand only becomes evident when a suitable property becomes available. • Demand remains focused on modern accommodation with good access to the A30. • Unsatisfied demand exists in certain locations where there is a lack of supply, often as a result of ageing stock and limited recent development. • There are increased freehold occupier enquiries. • Figures reported can be distorted by a small number of indiv

“While interest rates remain low, investors are viewing high street retail property in Truro as an attractive place

SUPPLY

• The supply of office accommodation decreased year on year. • The cost of construction still generally exceeds the value of the completed product, therefore resulting in limited new development. • There is an over-supply of secondary, above ground floor accommodation with no parking in the city centre.

to invest" Key: Source: Alder King Market Monitor 2017

Commercial Prop Apr17.indd 3

SUPPLY

• Supply dipped in the middle of the year but, by the year end, had returned to the same level as in 2015. • Good quality modern accommodation close to the A30 is in increasingly short supply. • Uncertainty exists around the availability of grant funding, without which new development is generally unviable. Speculative grant-funded developments are however proposed at Indian Queens and Hallenbeagle. • There is an over-supply of older accommodation and an under-supply of certain sizes of modern accommodation.

24/03/2017 10:33

COMMERCIAL

PROPERTY

Tom Duncan Associate at Alder King

"Cornwall’s commercial property market performed well last year"

Stepping away from retail, and Alder King reports in its Market Monitor report that there was a slight increase in demand for office accommodation in Cornwall’s capital city, particularly modern city centre accommodation with parking. However, the supply of available space is at its lowest level since 2008. Competition for the best accommodation is putting pressure on rents and has led occupiers to consider older office suites which have been available for some time. Demand for industrial space is said to have reduced slightly compared to 2015, but Alder King insists that this is not an accurate reflection of the market. Supply is at its lowest level since 2008 - at 300,000 sq ft - and occupiers will often only indicate interest when a suitable property comes on the market. Rents increased in 2015 from £7 to £8 per sq ft but there is increasing pressure for them to rise further due to the lack of new accommodation and uncertainty around the availability of grant funding, without which new development is generally unviable. Speculative grant funded industrial developments are, however, proposed at Indian Queens and Hallenbeagle which will bring urgently-needed new stock to the market. Tom Duncan, associate at Alder King’s Truro office, reports: “Cornwall’s commercial property market performed well last year against a challenging backdrop and a lack of supply. “While the market should be braced for

further uncertainty as the UK negotiates the many changes, there is much to be optimistic about the year ahead. There is underlying investor confidence in the economy and property market, and the UK’s reputation as a safe haven and attractive exchange rates will continue to fuel global and domestic demand for limited opportunities. “Without any new sources of grant funding on the horizon, pressure is increasing for the market to adjust in order to facilitate much needed viable office and industrial building projects in the future.” Alder King’s Market Monitor echoes Miller Commercial’s sentiments about Truro’s retail market continuing to perform well. It says the majority of the city’s investment transactions were in the retail sector, the largest of these being the purchase of The Range store on Treliske Industrial Estate by Ridge Hill Investment from Aviva for £7.25 million at a NIY of 6.22%. The overall value of investment transactions was up compared to 2015 at £13.74 million. It also highlights the purchase of 7 Boscawen Street by a private family trust for £2.4 million. The property is let to Lloyds Bank plc on a tenyear lease. It reports that the retirement sector is particularly active, with McCarthy & Stone completing its redevelopment of the former Brookdale Hotel site, and Churchill near completion with the redevelopment of the former Police Station site.

Meet your team in Cornwall Whether you’re a business, developer, landlord, tenant or investor, trust us to maximise your property assets: ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

Agency acquisition and disposal Business rates Building consultancy Development and planning Lease advice Project management Property investment Property management Surgery and medical premises Valuation

TRURO



PLYMOUTH



Tom Neville BA (Hons) MRICS Associate Director RICS Registered Valuer

Beth Stubbs BSc (Hons) MRICS Valuation Surveyor RICS Registered Valuer

Matthew Williams BSc (Hons) MRICS IMaPS Building Surveyor

George Cousins BSc (Hons) Agency Surveyor

EXETER

 01872 261028  www.strattoncrebercommercial.co.uk  admin@scctruro.co.uk  StrattonCreber

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Hype

Artworker

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A th bu

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The Business Property Specialists

Historic hospitality businesses on the market

Molesworth Manor near Padstow

Trehellas House Hotel, Washaway

The Mill House near Tintagel

A beautiful 4★ Grade II listed former Rectory, this luxury 9 bedroomed bed and breakfast business is featured in the Michelin Guide.

A Grade II Listed Country House Hotel featuring 12 letting rooms, 30 cover restaurant and solar panel heated swimming pool in 1.5 acres.

An award winning 4★ rated historic inn set in 5 acres with 9 lettings rooms, a 120 cover function room and thriving wedding business.

£1,500,000

£1,225,000

£1,350,000

Thinking of selling your hospitality, tourism, licensed or catering business? With another busy season expected, now is the perfect time to sell your business and attract a top of the market price. Our Business Transfer experts can advise and guide you through the sales process.

Graham Timmins: Head of Business Transfer

Beverly Northey: Commercial Surveyor

Paul Collins: Commercial Surveyor

Please call the Business Transfer team on 01872 247036 for a free Market Appraisal As business property specialists Miller Commercial can offer you a full range of Commercial Property services from valuations and management through to sales and investment. Our team of experts and trusted advisers have helped us achieve, for the sixth year running, the accolade of being the most active agent in Cornwall as awarded by Estates Gazette.

Our areas of expertise include: Investment Development Sales and Acquisitions Valuation and Lease Consultancy Property Management

miller-commercial.co.uk Commercial Prop Apr17.indd 5

24/03/2017 10:34

THE WISH

LIST

TO PROMOTE YOUR PRODUCT HERE, CALL CAROLINE ON 07801 981 667

Welcome to the Business Cornwall Wishlist. Just a few of the favourite things to have caught our eye over the past few weeks

SMART SHADES! Forget smart phones and smart watches…so passé. Smart sunglasses are where the action is and we want one! Well, we want a pair actually. This new-generation pf smart sunglasses from digiOPTIX come with built-in earphones and a camera and employ bone-conducting technology to direct sounds directly to your inner ear. www.digioptix.com

LOOKING GOOD

Some people love shoes, for others its hats, but for us its coats. Inspired by vintage mountain parkas, in an updated modern style, the Latitude Jacket from Cornish outdoor clothing brand, Finisterre, is highly durable and water resistant and retails for £135. www.ﬁnisterre.com

30 BUSINESS CORNWALL

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COOL VAN MAN

Hawkins has created a bespoke custom version of the new Peugeot Expert Van to showcase the wide range of conversions it offers. From interior racking to mobile workshops and additional windows, Hawkins is able to tailor a commercial vehicle exactly to your needs. www.hawkins.co.uk

23/03/2017 15:50

LIST

THE WISH

FISH FOR THOUGHT Enjoy restaurant-standard food in your own home. These Fish For Thought’s Seafood Recipe Boxes are delivered to your door, come beautifully packed with all the ingredients and simple instructions you need to prepare your chosen meal. The freshest ingredients, including the best fish and seafood around. A box for 4 people, containing two meals each is £64.00 www.ﬁshforthought.co.uk

WELLBEING

The Rediscovery Cards from Dare to Blossom are a pack of 50 cards, each with a single word on a background colour. The word may be significant on the day you draw it, or the colour, or the combination. They can be focus for meditation, free-writing and reflection. People develop their own ways of using them for themselves and their families. www.daretoblossom.co.uk

LAIDBACK

Any office chair that shares its name with a former Brazilian football great has to be worth a second glance. The Zico Mesh Chair is a stylish white framed mesh office chair, with fixed armrests, a breathable mesh seat and back allowing for greater levels of comfort. The chair comes with a five-year guarantee. www.rainbowzebra.co.uk

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PEOPLE

ON THE MOVE

SPONSORED BY

CREATIVE

TRURO BACK ON THE MAP A new map of the city centre has been created by Visit Truro, in conjunction with Totally Truro BID. The map is available from the Visit Truro Tourist Information Centre on Boscawen Street, as well as featuring in the new spring edition of the official Truro Guide. Abi Steel, Visit Truro Manager, said: “The new fresh design is modern, attractive and easy to understand and will assist all of our staying or day visitors to make the best of their time in our great little city.” The map was created by city centre based Wolf Rock Marketing, which is also working in partnership with 20/20 on the larger Truro BIDfunded signage scheme for the city, which is set to be installed early this summer.

FUNDING FOR DIGITAL PROJECTS DATASHARP TECHNICAL DIRECTOR, ALLAN WILLIAMS, WITH MD JANE COCKCROFT

MICROSOFT RECOGNITION

Truro-based business technology solutions specialist, Datasharp, has received two Microsoft recognitions. The company has been recognised as one of Microsoft’s most-specialised Gold Partners in Small and Midmarket Cloud Solutions. MD, Jane Cockcroft, said: “Our Gold Partnership with Microsoft means that our

customers receive extra support with direct access to Microsoft services and resources.” Datasharp has also been recognised as a Microsoft Authorised Education Partner (AEP). The AEP programme is designed to train participating resellers on Microsoft’s Academic licensing, and replaces the old AER program.

NEW AGENCY LAUNCHES A new sponsorship agency has launched in Cornwall. Ninety-five has been set up in Truro by a group of four sponsorship, communications and marketing specialists - Mark Picken, Mike Reed, Dave Brayford and James Melville. Its client service provision falls into two categories - those who want to raise sponsorship revenues (rights holders) and those who want to sponsor (brands). The agency will work across all sectors: sport, arts, media, heritage, charity and public sector.

The team at ninety-five have previously worked with a range of national and international clients, from Sony Playstation to The Eden Project, Manchester United and the Scottish Rugby Union. Melville said: “We are extremely excited to announce the creation of a new multi service sponsorship agency based in Cornwall. “The time is right to have an agency that engages with sponsorship opportunties in the south west and also further afield on a national and international basis.”

Superfast Business Cornwall has announced fresh funding for digital projects that develop new products and services and create jobs. The service, which runs until March 2019 and is fully funded by the European Regional Development Fund, gives SMEs in Cornwall the opportunity to learn about the benefits of exploiting the latest digital technology in small group workshops with a business adviser. Eligible businesses can also apply for funding of up to £25k. Grant investment is for new digital projects that enable or accelerate the development of a new product or service, give access to new markets, and create jobs. The digital project must be enabled by superfast broadband. Grants can fund revenue elements of the project but not capital items or websites. Businesses will need to be able to match fund 50% of the project and provide clear evidence of how the investment will lead to business growth and new jobs based in Cornwall or the Isles of Scilly. For information on grant funding applications, to see if your business is eligible and to learn more about benefitting from the Superfast Business Cornwall service, visit www.sfbcornwall.co.uk The next Technology for Business Growth workshop, meanwhile, takes place in Penzance on April 26. For full details on this, visit www.sfbcornwall.co.uk/ workshops-events

BUSINESS CORNWALL

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EDUCATION

TRAINING

STUDENT NUMBERS SET TO RISE

Falmouth University is set for dramatic expansion after Cornwall Council voted in favour of lifting the cap on student numbers. Following the decision of the Council’s strategic planning committee, student numbers are set to rise by 2,500, on top of the 5,000 students already there. In a statement, the universities of Exeter and Falmouth said: “We are pleased that, following constructive and positive discussions, this application has been approved by Cornwall Council’s strategic planning committee.

JOIN THE RISING STARS

“The Penryn Campus is world-renowned as a centre of teaching and research excellence, providing the platform for students to reach their full potential. “The application that has been approved is one small part of the universities of Falmouth and Exeter’s deep commitment to increasing access to Higher Education, particularly amongst the young people of Cornwall, as well as stimulating economic growth, raising aspirations and providing new and innovative opportunities for our local communities.”

Businesses in the region’s manufacturing and engineering, food manufacturing and the hospitality sectors are being encouraged to make use of £1.5 million of funding available through a specialist training programme. Rising Stars with CCB (Cornwall College Business), is being delivered through the ESF Widening Participation through Skills Project. CCB project manager, Kate Poole, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for businesses to get involved, to mould and shape future training for their sector. “Through fully-funded workshops, one-toone support and guidance along with an opportunity to progress onto part-funded, degree level short courses (20 credits) accredited by Plymouth University, the funding will up-skill businesses and their staff.” To ﬁnd out more about the funding opportunities, email hello@ccbtraining.co.uk

Let us help your business go further

BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE Cornwall College construction students have been given a behind the scenes tour of one of the county’s most high profile projects the new £12 million archive centre for Cornwall, Kresen Kernow. Midas Construction started work on the former brewhouse on the Redruth Brewery site in November and the students were taken around the site by senior site manager, Phil Richards. It was first-hand experience for them of how the site is being transformed into a modern archive and library space, bringing together the world's largest collection of manuscripts, books and records related to Cornwall. The students, ranging in age from 20 to 40 years old are all studying towards an HNC Level 4 in Construction and the Built Environment at Cornwall College while working in in a range of roles within the industry.

www.acacia.ac.uk Work with us. We can offer Apprenticeship qualifications and a range business training in:

• • • • •

Business Administration Marketing Management Early Years Care Health and Social Care

For further information contact: 01726 218909 or email info.cornwall@acacia.ac.uk

BUSINESS CORNWALL

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NEWS

SPONSORED BY

#FSBCONNECT

www.fsb.org.uk

CHALLENGES

AVOID THE “RATING COWBOYS” FSB continues to lobby at the highest Government levels to accelerate a reform of business rates. We are grateful to so many of our members who have already come forward with their stories that we use as case study evidence to support this campaign. It is a long road, so in the meantime we have also been working closely with the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) to strengthen their code of conduct for rating consultancy services. These are the organisations who regularly (and sometimes aggressively) approach businesses promising to reduce business rates bills, by submitting an appeal on their behalf. Until now, the industry has largely been unregulated and bad practice has been rife, especially with regard to small businesses in desperate situations. FSB advice is to check if in fact you can simply deal with your business rates issues and appeals yourself. If in any doubt,

FSB members can phone our tax helpline to find out what the process should be. However, for the more complex cases where surveyor help may needed, we are pleased to advise that at long last the RICS have now published the revised code for rating consultancy services – details here: www.rics.org/Global/Rating_ consultancy_4th_edition_PGguidance_2017.pdf. This comes into force on April 1 to coincide with the revaluation and hopefully will provide some additional protection to businesses, especially in relation to the pressure selling of rating services either by some RICS members or others who claim to comply with the Code. Key will be, what is effectively a health warning, required to be signed by both ratepayer and adviser and appended to the letter/contract for rating services. Any surveyor who is RICS accredited will have to abide by this guidance which should be reassuring to businesses.

FSB MARKETPLACE IS HERE! We are making it easy for you to do business with other members on the FSB Marketplace. This new site is secure, easy to use and a place where you can buy and sell products and services to other businesses.You can access other FSB members and connect with other businesses UK wide, with one simple search. So why wait? FSB members in Cornwall can register now and join the UK's biggest business network at www.fsb.org.uk/marketplace Not an FSB member yet? No problem, join at: www.fsb.org.uk/join-fsb

• It's free to list your products and services • Transaction fees are only 4% for sellers, one of the lowest fees in the market today • As non-profit making, FSB reinvests in its members by improving its services, such as FSB Marketplace • Being on the Marketplace could increase your online presence • You can customise your Marketplace using the easy to use online listing editor • Show your support for smaller businesses by sourcing products and services from other members

The FSB has released a list of 37 challenges facing the self-employed. These include no sick pay, no employer pension contributions, inferior maternity pay and pensions and putting their homes and family’s livelihoods on the line to build their businesses. This is why the organisation exists to campaign on behalf of businesses and continues to fight for the fair treatment of small businesses across the country. FSB national chairman, Mike Cherry, said: “While setting yourself up in business can be incredibly rewarding and exciting, there are many risks and the Government provides few safety nets. The risk that the self-employed face makes them fundamentally different to employees. This is why the proposed National Insurance tax grab on this group is an absolute kick in the teeth, just at a time when we need to create more entrepreneurs, not fewer. We called on the Government to think again and there is at least now a delay to allow Ministers a rethink. They must come to their senses. Each and every item on this list shows just how different life is like for the UK’s 4.8 million self-employed. The Government should be spending its time focusing on issues like these rather than picking the pockets of the UK’s hardworking strivers.” If you would like to join an FSB campaign and have a case study in your business that you would like to add to our evidence portfolio Email: Ann.Vandermeulen@fsb.org.uk

NETWORKING EVENT Next FSB Cornwall Networking events: Thursday, April 6th 11am to 1pm – Trethorne Golf Club Thursday, April 13th 7am to 9am – St Austell Conference Centre £10 including refreshments

“FINALLY, ORGANISED NETWORKING WITH A FORMULA THAT WORKS!” Details of all events & online booking: www.fsb.org.uk/cornwall

BUSINESS CORNWALL

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TOURISM

NEWS

SPONSORED BY

SPA ADDS A MOROCCAN TWIST

FAMOUS FIVE IN LONDON

Five Cornish businesses have been shortlisted in the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2017.

Bosinver Farm Cottages (St Austell) and The Olde House (Wadebrdge) have both been named as finalists in the Family Friendly Accommodation of the Year category, while Trethem Mill Touring Park, on the Roseland Peninsula, appears in the Holiday Park/Holiday Village category. The Eden Project is listed in the Inclusive Tourism Award category, while The Scarlet

www.visitcornwall.com

Sands Resort Hotel & Spa has opened its new Moroc Spa Garden. Inspired by the warm colours, aromatic scents and peaceful atmosphere of a Moroccan indoor garden, Moroc is “an invigorating sanctuary for couples, individuals and groups to escape the turmoil of life and a chance to recharge body, soul and mind”. “We were looking for something different from the usual 4 star spa experience, something that would set us apart from other spas,” said Sands MD, Nicholas Malcolm. “Travelling to Marrakesh I was inspired by the colours, the sounds, the food and the music. Visiting the superb Majorelle gardens, I decided to create a Moroccan spa experience in Cornwall that combines a spa garden, relaxing Riad lounge and a treatment room for two, where guests can get pampered with our signature rituals.”

Restaurant has been named to the Taste of England category. The Awards, now in their 28th year, recognise and congratulate those businesses and individuals from across England who champion the very best practice and excellence in customer service. Winners will be announced at an awards ceremony on April 24 at the Hilton Waldorf, London.

CLASSIC GROWTH STORY

FAMOUS NINE IN PORTREATH Gwel an Mor’s new nine-hole golf course and fishing lake is set to open this summer. According to the Portreath resort, each of the nine holes has been designed in homage to the world’s most aspirational golf courses. Named 'The Famous Nine at Gwel an Mor', the new golf course is said to be a tribute to the best holes from St Andrews to Augusta; from Royal Troon to Sawgrass and from Pebble Beach to Carnoustie.

With the design and extensive landscaping work on this project launched four years ago, 200,000 tons of earth have since been imported to create the course with 20,000 tons dug out to complete the water features. The opening of the golf course and fishing lake, along with the launch of Base Camp indoor play centre last year, is part of a £5 million investment by Gwel an Mor in the resort.

Worval Holdings, the family-run business behind Classic Cottages, has now grown to become the second-largest privately-owned holiday cottage company in the UK. The company, which has doubled in size in the last five years, has more than 1,700 properties on its books, from Land’s End to the Isle of Wight. “Our business model of combining organic growth with an acquisition strategy is working well for us and for our owners,” said Classic Cottages Group chairman, Simon Tregoning. “We are looking to double again in the next five years which could mean a weekly turnover of around £1million.” Worval’s brands include Aspects, Boutique Retreats, Roseland Holiday Cottages, Wight Locations and, at its core, Classic Cottages.

BUSINESS CORNWALL

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Advertise your business at the * UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fastest growing airport!

25% OFF all April bookings

With over 400,000 passengers estimated to pass through our doors in 2017 there has never been a better time to advertise at Cornwall Airport Newquay!

* Fastest growing UK airport in 2016 by passenger numbers

For more information visit: Cornwallairportnewquay.com/advertising-at-the-airport or contact zrayment@cornwallairportnewquay.com

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23/03/2017 15:59

OPINION

JUST A THOUGHT

This month’s guest columnist is Calvin Lovelock of United Response, which merged with ROC in April

WORK PLACE INCLUSION

orkplace inclusion and employment for people with a learning disability is a challenge that is yet to be solved. And yet employment is the basis of our economy and lifestyle; how we see ourselves and how fulfilled we feel - it is the basis of our wellbeing. The history of care and support within the community for people with a learning disability is very short. After the closure of long-stay hospitals came Care in the Community and the barriers of social exclusion slowly came down. Now we are facing the challenge of workplace inclusion and have not been very successful so far. Supported by the Green Paper Improving Lives, the Government has pledged to halve the disability employment gap; 80.4% of nondisabled people are in employment versus 49.6% of disabled people. However people with learning disabilities are the furthest from the work place with a shocking 5.8% in paid employment. We know that the people we support want to work. In an era when public services are under enormous strain, Theresa May’s first major ‘shared society’ speech of the year was significant. She spoke of her vision being “Where we all take responsibility for each other as well as businesses, charities and the Government that doesn’t just value our individual rights but focuses rather more on the responsibilities we have to one another.” Most children are asked: “What do you want to be when you grow up?” This builds an expectation that they are going to “be” something. For most children with learning disabilities that question is rarely asked. And yet the changes are starting to become visible. Today the topic of employment readily attracts the attention of the people we support with most looking for the chance to say that they would like to have a job. This is new. And fuelled in part by the Care Act, it is now a legal requirement

for the educational, health and social care plans of young people with special needs to be helped into the work place if that’s what they want to do. This aspiration to work - an intention to live a full life - will bring benefit to the economy. If people with a learning disability are in included in the workplace, there are benefits for the funding of adult social care. What are the benefits for the employer? Post Brexit, business leaders are aware of the projected shortage of labour in elementary occupations. However, social care providers like United Response believe this is the moment when Cornwall’s large pool of disabled labour (thought to be 22,000 strong) can be engaged – people whose employment is likely to be characterised by loyalty, reliability and low sickness absence. In its early days, Care in the Community was a motif for something that society ought to be doing and yet had not succeeded in doing - an ideal that the community was very anxious about. And yet few people today would argue that it was wrong to include people with a learning disability into society. Care in the Community has happened, and continues to grow. My colleagues and I now look ahead with similar optimism about the workplace. I have no doubt that the vision will take decades to come to fruition but we at United Response are taking our place in doing whatever can be done to ensure that the people we support are fully integrated members of society and that includes the work force. And so my final question to you: Do you want to be a part of this? Is this an opportunity to embed a social dimension in your business? Will you join a network of employers who are committed with us in this endeavour? Together let’s build a safer, kinder and more inclusive Cornwall.

The Government has pledged to halve the disability employment gap; 80.4% of nondisabled people are in employment versus 49.6% of disabled people.

BUSINESS CORNWALL

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cornwallairportnewquay.com

BUSINESS NEWS

SPONSORED BY

OUT OF COUNTY

WORLD PREMIERE FOR FALMOUTH FEATURE

The first feature from Falmouth University’s School of Film & Television received its world premiere last month at the Cinequest Film & VR Festival in San Jose, California. Shot on location in Cornwall under the direction of current ‘filmmaker in residence’, Justin Doherty, and made in association with Baracoa Pictures, Wilderness is the first feature film created by staff and students at Falmouth. Written by senior lecturer, Dr Neil Fox, it tells the

story of John and Alice, who drive from London to spend a romantic weekend by the coast. On their own for the first time, they encounter the first tests to their love, as the poster says ‘John and Alice are in love – with the idea of John and Alice!’ The film was created as part of the Filmmaker in Residence scheme run by the School of Film & Television, giving students professional on-set experience.

20/20 IN SOUTH LONDON 20/20 continues to extend its reach across the UK, with a new interior design project for Croydon Council. The Croydon children’s library has had a complete interior redesign to help broaden the appeal of the library and its services. Director, Hannah Linford, said: “The library is a place of knowledge, calm and community and we wanted to create a space which

inspires young minds and encourages learning, while making it a fun and refreshing space to spend time. “20/20 is gaining a strong reputation for delivering exciting commercial interiors projects, which has led to many referrals and recommendations – which we are extremely proud of.”

BREWERY’S BATH INVESTMENT

St Austell Brewery has revealed details of a major investment at its Bath Ales business, which it acquired last year. The company is to build a multi-million pound new state-of-the-art brewery at Bath Ales’ base in Warmley, south Gloucestershire, which will double the existing capacity. St Austell Brewery chief executive, James Staughton, said: “When we announced the coming together of St Austell Brewery and Bath Ales we committed to a long-term significant

investment in the brands, pub estate, people and the brewing facilities. “We’re very much looking forward to being a part of Bath Ales’ next chapter and building on the legacy created by its founders.” Once complete there will be a total brewing capacity of up to 50,000 brewers’ barrels which equates to more than 14.5 million pints. New bottling and canning facilities will also form part of future expansion plans.

SUNBEAM SHINING IN MILAN Luxury design brand, Sunbeam Jackie, has been in Italy exhibiting at the prestigious Salone Satellite exhibition in Milan. Salone Satellite forms part of the annual Milan Design Week (April 4-9) and showcases new and young design talent. Founded by artist couple Charlie and Katy Napier, Penzance-based Sunbeam Jackie specialises in luxury interior and garden products, and has worked with such names as Liberty, Bestival and Olga Polizzi. Charlie Napier said: “Working with high end products, it’s essential that people get to see the work in the flesh to get a sense of the quality of materials and craftsmanship so we are very excited to be showing at Salone Satellite. “It also gives us the opportunity to talk to potential clients and head hunters from around the world about our work.”

BUSINESS CORNWALL

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TEST DRIVE

LAND ROVER DISCOVERY

MORE TO DISCOVER

Last month Morveth Ward made his way to Carrs Jaguar Land Rover Ride and Drive event at Lanhydrock Hotel and Golf course, to try out a selection of luxury vehicles

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he Ride and Drive event itself featured a large selection of Jaguars and Land Rovers spanning most of the models which allowed you to view and test drive vehicles of your choice. A rare opportunity which many from Cornwall’s business community took full advantage of. After tackling an off-road route in a Range Rover Vogue I was particularly keen to find out more about the brand new Discovery 5: The discovery I always saw as bridging the gap between a Defender and a Range Rover, as a meet-in-the middle, the perfect combination for many. My first impressions were that the new Disco 5 had lost a bit of its hardy nature and had turned a little soft and fancy, feeling far more Range Rover-like than the utilitarian Defender, being nearly half a tonne lighter than its predecessor and its more rounded and contemporary looks. In a way, it seemed on the face of it to have deviated from the Discovery’s history and I was concerned that, with the Defender gone, there is now nothing in the range that represents the original Land Rover ethos. However, as I found out, this is thankfully not the case.

Now it used to be that what came with this off-road mightiness were pretty colossal on-road compromises, amongst other things, which you could just about forgive because of its versatility and because it was a Land Rover. No longer is the Discovery, or any Land Rover models for that matter, relying, to an arguable extent, on the brand provenance to sell vehicles – which in fairness has been the case for a while, but more obvious now than ever. Take away all the history and the Discovery more than stands up to unrelentingly strong competition from other major brands on its own merits. Whether on-road or off, it has the foremost all-terrain capability. Though at the same time, even though a large proportion of Discoverys will never do any serious off-roading, it is still its capability that underpins the whole reputation and desirability. The cabin is roomier than before (seats 7) and of course pervades opulence – it’s great. I’m still not entirely sold on the external looks, with a few quirky features, such as the off-centre rear number plate, but it’s been styled in this way for all the right reasons and I totally get it. I drove both the 2l sd4 (240 hp version) and the 3L TD6 (258 hp) version. I much preferred the V6 – it’s not because of the extra power because that’s actually marginal – the V6 was more linear, sounded sweeter and generally set a nicer overall tone to the way it drove and felt, more in line with the opulence of the Discovery. However the 2L is more than capable and is of course more efficient and cheaper to tax (I’d still have the TD6). It is more nimble now too, because it now has an aluminium monocoque chassis (hence the weight saving). The Discovery 5 has evolved in the way it has for good reason, Land Rover say ‘it is the most versatile Land Rover SUV yet’ and I agree. It is expensive, with a starting price from £43,495, but then so are most other vehicles in this class. Contact Carrs Land Rover – 01872 263377

BUSINESS CORNWALL

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EVENTS

APRIL

SPONSORED BY

CORNWALL

CONNECTED

Whistlefish Gallery Relaunch Bubbles and truffles greeted guests at the relaunch of Whistlefishâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s St Ives shop

ABOVE FROM LEFT: LYN THOMPSON; COLIN NICHOLLS BELOW LEFT: THE WHISLTEFISH TEAM BELOW RIGHT: THE BEACH RETREATS TEAM BOTTOM LEFT: KATE PEARSON

BUSINESS CORNWALL

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CONNECTED

CORNWALL

SPONSORED BY

www.cioslep.co.uk

Senior Executives’ Forum The Eden Project provided an inspirational backdrop for the Senior Executives’ Forum (SEF) hosted by CCB (Cornwall College Business) breakfast. SEF members and guests heard from some of the successful 30 Under 30, Cornwall’s brightest young business talent.

FSB Networking Brunch FSB Cornwall held a special brunch event at the Trethorne Golf Club

FAR LEFT: ANDREW JAMES OF PKF FRANCIS CLARK LEFT: ANNETTE BULLOCK OF GWINEAR GOLF PITCH & PUTT ABOVE: CHARLOTTE HARVERSON OF GOOD CARMA LTD

BUSINESS CORNWALL

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CORNWALL

CONNECTED

TOP LEFT FROM LEFT: EWAN MCCLYMONT – BISHOP FLEMING; SAM LOCKYER - MIDAS CONSTRUCTION LTD; TREVOR LEE - TREVOR LEE MEDIA LTD BOTTOM LEFT FROM LEFT: ROBERT RUSH PFA RESEARCH LTD; BRIAN HARVEY - FRANCIS CLARK LLP; ALAN GODDARD - CORNISH MUTUAL ASSURANCE CO. LTD; ALISON MORDEN-HAWKE - RALPH & CO SOLICITORS LLP CENTRE: JOHN HARVEY - THE SAMPHIRE CLUB; LYSSA-FEE CRUMP – HEADFORWARDS ABOVE TOP LEFT: GEORGE CARLTON-SMITH - CARLTON SMITH PRIVATE WEALTH; TIM RUMBELOW – DC MEDIA ABOVE TOP RIGHT: KAREN MURRY - HEALTH & WELLINGBEING INNOVATION CENTRE ABOVE BOTTOM LEFT: TRISTAN BORDEAUX - LLOYDS BANK; PETER FITZGERALD - FITZGERALD LIGHTING CORNWALL; MARTIN WALTON - INTERSERVE CONSTRUCTION; SIMON REED - ROBINSON REED LAYTON ABOVE BOTTOM RIGHT: RICHARD SNELL - ST AUBYN ESTATES; SAM WELLER - CHARTEROAK ESTATES

Cornwall Business Show

TOP LEFT FROM LEFT: JAMIE AND SARAH HEDGES OF JHAV WITH KAIE PARCELL OF THE CORNWALL BUSINESS SHOW BOTTOM LEFT: SHOW GOERS AT THE CORNWALL CAFÉ TOP RIGHT: ROBYN ASHURST OF THE CORNISH PIRATES AND GUESTS BOTTOM RIGHT: THE IN SAFE HANDS TEAM BUSINESS CORNWALL

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THE LAST

WORD

SPONSORED BY Contact: A. E. Verona Cocks E: vcocks@setfords.co.uk | T: 01209 708 650 www.setfords.co.uk

KAREN BARNETT

Up close and personal with Parc Signs managing director, Karen Barnett WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU WERE YOUNG?

A nurse, like my gran.

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST FULL TIME JOB?

Media sales at the Independent which I loathed, I wasn’t there long before I hightailed it to Kellogg’s which made my housemates happy as we had a never ending supply of cereal.

HOW DO YOU LIKE TO RELAX?

My husband would tell you that this is something I am rubbish at as I can’t ever sit still. My idea of relaxing is going out for a run.

WHAT HAS BEEN THE BEST MOMENT IN YOUR CAREER?

Seeing our work in some of the most beautiful and iconic places in the UK.

WHAT HAS BEEN THE WORST MOMENT IN YOUR CAREER?

Straight out of uni taking a job that I really didn’t enjoy and realising what a big mistake I’d made!

WHAT’S THE BEST THING ABOUT CORNWALL?

The amazing coastline. Nothing like a run along the coastpath to make you feel grateful to live in such a beautiful place.

IF YOU COULD INVITE ANY TWO PEOPLE FOR DINNER, WHO WOULD THEY BE AND WHY WOULD YOU INVITE THEM?

Michael Palin because I loved his travel adventures as a child. If he comes to dinner then I need to invite my dear friend Eileen Robinson who I don’t see nearly often enough, she’s my fellow Michael Palin fan and the life and soul of any party.

WHAT WAS YOUR BIGGEST MISTAKE IN LIFE?

It’s not over yet so ask me in another 20 years.

WHAT WAS YOUR LUCKIEST BREAK?

Having a husband who didn’t protest as my desire to leave the big smoke behind and head back home to Cornwall.

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE DOING IN FIVE YEARS’ TIME?

Planning one more big family adventure holiday before our then 14 and 16 year olds decide they are too cool for us.

48 | BUSINESS CORNWALL

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