CHAMBER NEWS

READY FOR TAKE OFF

WHILE THE DARK DAYS OF COVID ARE NOT FULLY BEHIND US, AS WE MOVE TOWARDS A NEW YEAR THERE IS MUCH TO LOOK FORWARD TO, SAYS CORNWALL CHAMBER CHIEF EXECUTIVE KIM CONCHIE.

Another year of business under our belts – I can’t believe it! The pandemic didn’t give us much respite, did it? A housing crisis and ‘pingdemic’ hitting at the height of the summer season was one of the most challenging crises Cornwall’s business community has had to deal with, and we’re not out of the woods yet.

However, as we look forward to 2022, I’m confident that the resilience and drive that Cornwall’s businesses have had to find over the last two years has set us up to fly as soon as our wings are unclipped.

The Government’s Autumn Budget published in October lacked a lot of detail, but I think the positive framework will be a good thing for businesses – we can start to really get on with things now without any interference.

The major Budget win for Cornwall is that total funding coming to us will ‘at a minimum’ match the size of the EU funds we have previously received. This is fantastic news for the Duchy; the EU funds we have had over the last 20 years have enabled us to do the groundwork, but we desperately need that level of support to continue in order to take things up a gear.

Passenger fuel duty for domestic flights has been reduced to help open up regional connectivity; this could benefit far flung places like Cornwall and is good news for Cornwall Airport Newquay. Rishi has been criticised for implementing measures that are counterintuitive to the fight against climate change; I personally think we need to work with the organisations with deepest pockets and most to lose – the aircraft manufacturers, airlines and airports, to find ways to reduce emissions and use non-carbon fuels. The 50% reduction in business rates for retail, hospitality and leisure sectors is brilliant news for Cornwall and will help many businesses here begin to recover from the impact of the pandemic.

I think the Budget falls short of essential measures needed to enable the UK to meet its net zero targets, and as businesses we need to take things into our own hands somewhat. Let’s continue learning and doing whatever we can to implement processes and policies to become more sustainable, help Cornwall reach its green targets, and be a leader in the global journey to net zero.

WHY JOIN?

Cornwall Chamber of Commerce is an independent not-for-profit organisation accredited by the British Chambers of Commerce. We solely exist to represent businesses in Cornwall. Our events provide a platform for businesses to connect, create and make valuable business relationships. Membership to the Chamber starts from as little as £17 +VAT per month and provides you with the tools to promote your business.

Get in touch today to have a chat about how we can support you and your business.

FESTIVAL OF BUSINESS

The start of a new year means Cornwall’s Festival of Business isn’t far away. We’ve waited a long time to get back to holding physical events, so Monday March 7 to Friday March 11 is set to be a week of celebration.

In past years we have had over 60 events happening within the festival week. We’d love to make 2022 the biggest year yet, so if you would like to host a masterclass, open day, conference, workshop or ‘in conversation with’-style event, we’d love to hear from you.

Businesses holding an event during festival week will benefit from promotion through Cornwall Chamber’s marketing channels, including social media, our website, and the exclusive Festival of Business emails. More information at https://www.cornwallchamber.co.uk/ festival-of-business-host-an-event.

Cornwall Business Fair – the centrepiece of business week, will be held on Wednesday March 9 at a new venue for us, Newquay Sports Centre. The day will start with our March BIG Breakfast, and close with an after-conference party at 4.15pm.

The exhibition hall will feature 70 promotional stands, giving businesses the opportunity to showcase their products and services face-to-face to a captive audience. For more information on having a stand or visiting the Business Fair as a delegate, visit https://www.cornwallchamber. co.uk/cornwall-business-fair.

If you have something to shout about – a new product launch or announcement, or simply want to raise the profile of your business to local decision makers, get in touch for more details on our sponsorship opportunities. Choose from Main Sponsor, Breakfast Sponsor, Row of Stands Sponsor, and more.

www.cornwallchamber.co.uk