For the whole 18 years or so that Business Cornwall magazine has been in existence, I don’t think we have ever been able to say with any certainty, that there’s ever been any certainty when it comes to Cornwall.
Whether the discussions have been about Brexit, tourism, the airport, public funding, Falmouth harbour dredging, devolution, Stadium for Cornwall, the economy etc etc, there has often been the sense that we stand on the edge of something big, but whether that’s one big stride forward, or two strides backwards, we are not too sure.
And so is the case now. At time of writing, the Council was still in discussions with the preferred partner as to the future of Newquay Airport, while on page 41 Chamber CEO, John Brown, urges for some clarity from the Government on what a devolution deal might look like for Cornwall.
Meanwhile, Cornwall has welcomed the allocation of £47.3 million from the Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund for the next financial year, but going forward there is still much uncertainty.
When you break down the figures from the past four years, there has been a 40% reduction in funding from year three to year four. The Council’s hope is that moving forward, this trend reverses, but with the very-well publicised pressures on Government finances, I wouldn’t necessarily hold my breath on that one.
I will always take a glass half full approach. But whether that glass has Champagne or milk a day past it’s sell-by date, I’m not too sure.
ON THE COVER
Ben Harper, CEO at Watergate Bay Hotel , Another Place Hotels, Beach Retreats and the new SeaSpace aparthotel – see page 8.
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
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THE BIG QUESTION
How important is networking to you and your business? Do you focus on attending regular gatherings from the likes of Your Partnerships and Cornwall Chamber, or do you prefer more ad hoc events?
MATT VILLE
Hiyield
Networking has certainly evolved in recent years, particularly with the pandemic putting an end to so many in-person events. However, I’ve found that being part of the active and supportive B Corp community has been invaluable, not just for sharing ideas but for fostering collaborations that help businesses tackle common challenges.
This year, I’m looking forward to being more active in Cornwall’s business scene, particularly to see if we can help drive growth in areas like the rural and visitor economies. But I’ll admit I’m a bit rusty when it comes to networking, so if you see me at an event, please do come and say hello!
FREDDIE NOBLE
Albright IP
Networking is very important to our business—it’s not just about meeting people but ensuring they know we’re here and understand the value we offer. Regular gatherings like those hosted by Your Partnerships and Cornwall Chamber have provided some really nice opportunities to meet and mingle with the local business community.
I’ve certainly found them a welcome respite from the doom and gloom that can surround us on social media. They tend to showcase the true optimism and resilience of local businesses who, despite challenges, are forging ahead with positive plans and solutions.
ADAM PEARSON
Newquay Hypnotherapy
Networking is everything! Human connections make the world go round and without them we’d be lost. However much we think things are achieved on paper or on spreadsheets, it’s really the conversations people have that build the important factors: trust, energy, drive, conviction, passion, and positive feelings.
When I was Cornwall Chamber Networker of the year, I calculated that I got at least a 500% ROI from networking. In fact, I think it’s a lot higher than that. My main constraint is time. I believe the more that humans are freed by technology to do what they do best, the more vital, enjoyable and creative networking will become.
SARAH CARBIS
PKF Francis Clark
Investing time in networking across a variety of groups has allowed me to grow in confidence as well as broadening my experience and interest in the business community across Cornwall.
I find that attending a broad range of groups spread across the course of a year gives the most opportunity to interact with a variety of people. I enjoy the buzz from attending large events like the Cornwall Chamber of Commerce’s Big Christmas Breakfast at the Alverton last year as much as attending smaller local events like the Penzance Business Breakfast where I can have more in depth conversations with contacts who are local to me.
Networking across a variety of groups has allowed me to grow in confidence.
DARREN BUCKLEY
Black Book Connections
At Black Book Connections, my mission is simple: to build meaningful connections, strengthen existing relationships, and introduce the right people to the right businesses.
In a region like Cornwall, where community and relationships hold immense value, networking goes beyond simply exchanging business cards. It’s about fostering trust and unlocking opportunities that might not arise otherwise.
NEWS IN BRIEF
Venton Ltd has been awarded funding from Growth Hub grant scheme. The grant will help fund development of the already successful conference centre in Summercourt, aiming to offer more high spec conference rooms for Cornish businesses as well as those further afield.
A busy year resulted in Cornwall Air Ambulance being tasked to 1,064 missions during 2024. New figures released by the charity show 445 of the incidents were trauma-related, 327 were to help people who had suffered medical emergencies and 274 were in response to cardiac arrests. The crew also carried out 18 inter-hospital transfers.
A new route from Cornwall to London Southend Airport is set to take off in April. Daily flights from Cornwall Airport Newquay, operated by Eastern Airways, will get underway on Thursday, April 3.
The Budock Vean Hotel has been acquired by Philema Hospitality Management and will join a portfolio that includes Boringdon Hall in Devon, Fistral Beach Hotel and The Esplanade Hotel.
Following a vote by staff, local legal firm Coodes has selected Cornwall Air Ambulance as the charity it will be supporting for the next two years.
The Cornwall Christmas Fair, held at the Eden Project in November, raised £68k for charities across the Duchy.
MBES FOR CORNWALL DUO
Cornwall Air Ambulance’s vice president, Barbara Sharples, and Merlin Cinemas founder, Geoff Greaves, were both awarded MBEs in the New Year’s Honours List.
Sharples, who initially served as a trustee for Cornwall Air Ambulance from 2017, was then appointed the chair of the New Heli Appeal board which raised £2.9 million towards the cost of purchasing the charity’s first AW169 helicopter.
She also founded and was an active member of the charity’s London Committee which engages with supporters outside of the county with connections to Cornwall.
Greaves, meanwhile, was awarded an MBE for his services to the cinemas sector.
FIVE GO TO SAUDI
Five Cornwall-based critical minerals companies were in Saudi Arabia last month as part of a trade mission led by Industry Minister Sarah Jones.
Cornish Lithium, Cornish Metals, Cornwall Mining Alliance, Gravity Mining and Westcountry Minerals were among 16 UK companies to be taken on the mission, with the Government supporting the businesses with exhibiting space at the UK Pavilion of the Future Minerals Forum in Riyadh.
OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS
Anthony Jenner explains key decisions that grew his family business, Coastal Group, into a leading UK player in specialist door and window ironmongery.
If your door hardware has a lifetime guarantee, it was likely made by St Austell-based Coastal Group.
The company’s BLU range is built from marine-grade
Under Greaves’ leadership, Merlin Cinemas has grown from one cinema in Penzance in 1990 to 19 locations across the UK, with a new venue in the pipeline for 2025.
A spokesperson for Merlin said: “From the early days of Merlin Cinemas to where we stand today, Geoff has been a driving force, inspiring us all with his passion to save and operate cinemas, all to bring the magic of cinema to as many communities as possible.”
Jones said: “Critical minerals are increasingly vital to our economy, as we turbocharge AI, clean energy and new technologies. In the global race for economic growth, and in an increasingly uncertain world, the UK must secure supplies of these critical minerals.
“That’s why this Government is developing a new Critical Minerals Strategy, and why we’re forging new partnerships with our allies like Saudi Arabia to secure our minerals supply chains for the long term.
“The vibrant Cornish mining industry will play a crucial part in that, which is why I’m pleased to have been able to lead five key Cornwall mining businesses to the Future Minerals Forum to showcase the best of the south west’s expertise in this vital sector.”
stainless steel, with products installed at hundreds of thousands of premises nationwide.
Formerly a joiner, group chair Anthony Jenner found
WATERGATE BAY EXPANSION
Watergate Bay Hotel has received planning permission for the redevelopment of the former Tregurrian Hotel site.
The wide-reaching plan, which the Watergate Bay team developed after consulting with neighbours, local communities and statutory bodies, will be delivered in up to three stages over a few years.
New initiatives to have been approved by Cornwall Council include a new Watergate Bay Beach Club, featuring a swimming pool, gym, studios and treatment rooms, and large multi-room apartments, to complement the main hotel. Plans also include a new timber food pavilion for day visitors at Watergate Bay and a small convenience shop.
NEW OWNER AT GREENGEN
Hometree, the fast-growing residential energy services company, has acquired Cornwall-based installer, GreenGenUK.
Hometree says the acquisition is another step forward its strategy to expand its national presence in renewable energy installations and accelerate the UK’s transition to low-carbon home energy solutions.
GreenGen MD, Rob Carey, said: “Since 2011, we’ve worked tirelessly to establish GreenGenUK as a leading renewable energy installer in the south west, and I’m incredibly proud of what our team has accomplished. Partnering with Hometree is an exciting opportunity to build on this success, scaling our expertise and helping even more homeowners embrace sustainable, low-carbon energy solutions.”
inspiration in Cornwall’s coastal environment, having relocated with a growing family.
“There was a lack of quality hardware that didn’t rust in salt air,” he explains, “So we developed our own, made from stainless steel, with a lifetime guarantee.”
As Coastal flourished, five of Anthony’s children joined, alongside dozens of employees. Success, though, brought challenges. Specialist expertise became essential, and response times from the company’s accountant started to slow.
“You get to a certain level, and you have to make a decision about whether to employ more staff and make the next step up. PKF
CHRISTMAS CHEER FOR SEASALT
Creative Cornish clothing brand, Seasalt, reported a rise in sales over the Christmas period.
In the five weeks up to December 28, total sales across all channels (online, stores, marketplace partners and wholesale) rose 10% compared to the same period the previous year. Online sales lifted 6% while store revenues were up 3% compared with the same period in 2023.
Seasalt has also continued to build on important relationships with marketplace partners both in the UK and Internationally, including M&S, Next, Zaland and Nordstrom, and these have all gone from strength to strength in 2024, resulting in a particularly noteworthy Christmas performance, with sales up 46% on the prior period.
Francis Clark gave us the confidence to break through that ceiling.”
To unlock further growth, the company looked for a larger, chartered accountancy firm. PKF Francis Clark stood out for its clear, honest approach – and its breadth of technical specialists.
It proved the start of a long, fruitful relationship. Coastal has streamlined imports and exports, integrated new management software, and secured HMRC reliefs for vital R&D work. PKF Francis Clark partner Ian Hughes visits regularly, working as an extension of the finance team.
More recently, the company has adopted
These partners form a core part of Seasalt’s International expansion strategy which drove impressive performance with international markets representing 10% of sales during the period.
a new group structure, helping the family to maximise value. While Anthony shares his experience as a consultant, sons Loren and Wayne lead the family business, supported by Bradley and Brooklyn, into the next generation.
“PKF Francis Clark has specialists in all the technical areas like tax, customs, and R&D. Whatever challenge we’re facing, they always have the skill set to help.”
We meet Ben Harper, CEO of Watergate Bay Hotel, Beach Retreats, Another Place Hotels and the group’s latest venture, SeaSpace.
Ben talks us through his vision for the brands and in particular his hopes for the new SeaSpace business. He also reflects on the wider visitor economy and the challenges facing Cornwall.
Cover and feature photographs by Toby Weller.
You have been with the Watergate Bay business since 2018
Yes. This is my seventh year right now.
And when you joined, Another Place had been in existence for about a year?
The product of five years’ worth of planning.
A little bit longer, I think probably two or three years. The Lake was just finding its feet, and is now firmly established and doing very well. So, I had the first couple of years of settling in, then came Covid which took three years or so to wash its way out the system. And we’ve had an incredibly busy year last year with new projects including SeaSpace. So, 2025, should be a year knuckling down and delivering on the properties that we have in the portfolio, while we think about what’s next.
How has your role changed over years. Developing and growing the brands I assume?
My first real brief, I suppose, was to help Watergate Bay map out its next ten years of growth. The culmination of that bore fruit in December, when we had the planning application for our master plan approved by Cornwall Council. And that really is the product of five years’ worth of planning, architectural work, strategic work, financial modelling, all of that stuff to build out what is an incredibly bold master plan for Watergate, which we’re all excited about.
Continued on page 10
Are you now where you would want and expect to be with the business and its growth plans, or did Covid really put the brakes on things?
Good question. I think, from a Watergate master plan perspective, we’d probably like to be further through the development cycle than we are. However, we continued with our roadmap through the very heart of the Covid period - the beach lofts, which was the redevelopment of the Fifteen site, we turned into 11 really beautiful beachside suites. We built our head office here on Aerohub, so we didn’t take our foot off the development pedal, but clearly we had a lot to manage operationally.
My first real brief, was to help Watergate Bay map out its next ten years of growth.
And now your most recent venture has opened. Did the inspiration for SeaSpace come from your previous employment at the Serviced Apartment Company?
It did yes. I was involved in developing and operating aparthotels in an urban environment. By the time I left, we had around 25 sites across key UK and Gateway European cities. And I suppose it was the first serviced apartment business to really pioneer the aparthotel concept. And we did that through a brand called Locke, which was probably the first to really deliver on the vision of blending lifestyle hospitality with what was then quite an old school serviced apartment. So you take a brand like the Hoxton or the Ace in the hospitality world, and you blend it with an old school serviced apartment and you get what we created at Locke, which was design led, hotel-like facilities, but with the benefits of apartments for the accommodation. The best of both worlds.
And this is quite a relatively new idea for the UK is it?
It was ten years ago, but it’s now becoming mainstream. There are probably half a dozen brands doing it. In the early days it was more prevalent in the US, Australia and the Far East. But interestingly, moving on to SeaSpace, I always knew that that model, that concept of lifestyle hotel meets old school self catering, hadn’t been done with any real brand or scale in the UK, and SeaSpace Cornwall is the first to do that.
It’s a place where the business community can meet, hang out, stage events. And business travel. We’re working on a couple of film crew opportunities that are coming into Cornwall, for instance, which is quite a big slice of business in the county. But the idea that these people are coming in for a few weeks. They probably want to cook while they’re here, rather than eating in a hotel restaurant every night. What are their options? A small hotel room, a B&B, an Airbnb? Or somewhere like SeaSpace, where you can actually have the best of everything.
And more assessable, I guess, than say the Watergate Bay hotel?
Watergate is open to all, but it’s more established, it’s busier, it’s heavily booked far in advance. We love to host business dinners and have business travellers stay with us. But what I think SeaSpace offers, particularly for big groups that might be coming into the county where they need a bunch of rooms for a period of time, but they want the stuff around the edges as well, like the swimming pool, the gym, bar, the restaurant, the cafe. I think SeaSpace is something new for the county that will connect well with the business community, given the range of experiences and the quality of accommodation.
Business Travel is a funny thing and it’s changing. It’s no longer just a business traveller turning up and it being about bacon and eggs in the morning and a bedroom. Business travellers want the lifestyle benefits that we offer at places like SeaSpace, but they want it for a price that’s affordable within corporate policy. And I think that’s a big part of the value proposition for the business itself, which is actually, when you travel, we’re going to look after you.
You’ve just opened SeaSpace on the site of the old Sands Resort in Porth. Are there plans for further SeaSpaces across the country?
We’ve built and designed the brand to scale. And there are a few key elements to the offer, the brand promise, that will determine where we go next. Clearly the clue is in the name - it has to be in a coastal location. But as importantly, it has to be within a community. The whole ethos of the brand is around community-first hospitality, creating spaces that welcome the community, be it business, leisure, families coming to swim, eat, drink, play paddle tennis. All that is as important to us as the people coming for their holidays. That’s quite unique, particularly for Cornwall, where hospitality businesses focus on holidays and tourists. Clearly that’s important to us, but we want to be more.
Is it also about sustainability of the business, trying to make the seasons as long as possible and not just concentrating on the three months in the summer?
I think that’s right. And it’s interesting your use the word ‘sustainability’ because it’s about sustainability on a number of levels. The sustainability of bringing back these old bucket and spade holiday hotels into something that’s fit for the future is quite an inspiring drive for us.
Secondly, sustainability is more than just the environment. We’re driven by the community ethos of sustainability and making spaces and experiences that engage with the community and create a sense of community. Because fundamentally, I believe that’s what hospitality does, which is bring people together. But we can’t just be a four-month of the year business. So, to create a viable business, it has to be
12 months of the year and creating different spaces that engage with different segments of the market at different times of the year is absolutely key. So, we built a membership for the health club, which is already up to 250 or 300 members in the first couple of months. Building that experience, that community, and pricing it in a way that is attractive to a local audience is key for us.
I guess having something busy throughout the year is easier for staffing, which must be one of the biggest challenges in your industry?
The whole recruitment landscape is starting to normalise following the really difficult post Covid period that we all faced. The recruitment campaign we started six months ago was incredibly successful which highlights the fact that the market is normalising and also that innovative, lifestyle-focused brands with a community ethos at their heart, are going to be attractive to people. And I suppose the evidence of this is that we recruited everyone from within the community. We haven’t bought anyone in from out of Cornwall to work at SeaSpace, which, again, really connects with that community drive.
And you’re in the process of becoming a B Corp. How important a message is that for you?
It’s incredibly important. I talk a lot about community, because community is one of the pillars of B Corp. And again, one of the reasons why we did B Corp was because it is more than just a sustainability badge. Yes, environmental credentials are key, but it’s more than that. It’s about how you treat your team. It’s about how you connect with the local community. It’s about how you connect with your supply chain. It’s far more. I always felt as a hospitality business we could do more, which is why B Corp really connected well with us.
I think SeaSpace is something new for the county that will connect well with the business community,
You have four brands under your umbrella, Another Place, Beach Retreats, Watergate Bay and SafeSpace. How do they fit together?
The Watergate Bay business and the Another Place business are separate entities managed by one executive team which is run by me. The Watergate Bay Hotel Limited business has subsidiaries of Beach Retreats and SeaSpace. And Another Place has two hotels, the Lake and the Machrie. There is a delineation between the two from a company structure perspective and an entity perspective, but it is all run by one executive team, and it’s all fuelled by our central teams, be it sales, marketing, reservations, HR, finance marketing, the majority of whom are based here in Cornwall.
Continued on page 12
I assume the four brands cater for quite a wide range of customers?
Yes, but there are some core fundamentals between all the brands such as a deep-rooted connection to the outdoors. They are all experience led, rather than just places to sleep, firmly-positioned in that lifestyle space. So yes, they are targeting different segments of the market, and certainly different geographical segments, but that kind of brand ethos of wanting experiential hospitality, great food and drink, wonderful locations, is at the heart of all the brands.
Are these the ingredients that make for a great experience and a great hotel?
I think the vision of the brand and executing on that is key to who we are. SeaSpace is about communityfirst hospitality. It’s that sense of being part of something, having the space and independence of self catering, but connection to a community and a series of experiences around the edges that offer more than just somewhere to stay.
Watergate Bay has always been about creating what we call a ski resort on the beach, a series of different experiences, whether that be one of our four restaurants or the surf school or the swim club or the kids zone, a suite of experiences that connect to a broad audience, but linked together by brilliant, relaxed hospitality.
The whole ethos of the brand is around community-first hospitality, creating spaces that welcome the community,
Another Place is all about a deep-rooted connection to an iconic location. So, at the Lake, it’s an unbelievably beautiful Lakeside position. And in Scotland, we are on Isla, which is within the Inner Hebrides. And it’s about an active island experience, but with the benefits of world class links golf as well. So, it’s all about bringing this suite of experiences together with our unique style of relaxed but professional hospitality.
How do you go about researching new locations?
From a SeaSpace perspective, the south coast, is probably ripe for opportunities, because there is a bunch of seaside holiday hotels that have maybe lost their position in the market, where it’s become difficult to deliver a profitable return because of increased operational costs and a strain on consumer demand. We think there are markets on the south coast that we will be targeting.
What would you say are the main challenges at the moment in your industry?
The economy. I’m very measured about what 2025 will deliver and I’m trying not to be gloomy about
it, because I don’t think that’s helpful. We’ve all managed quite a lot of doom and gloom over the last few years, but there are certainly more challenges than opportunities at a macro level.
I think there’s an interesting challenge for Cornwall, particularly, which I think we should be open about and deal with proactively, rather than hide behind, which is during that post Covid surge of demand, I think the market here overheated, and with that, a sense of value and a sense of experience might have suffered.
I think as an industry, we need to reflect on that, and I think we need to think about that as a county, as a business community and as a visitor economy community, to think about what the next big stories for Cornwall are, which are going to incentivise people to choose Cornwall as their holiday or short break destination. There’s an incredible amount of talent here and an incredible amount of innovation. We need to harness that and spread the word.
Can the tourism sector and its importance to the Cornish economy sometimes be taken for granted?
Let me flip the question slightly and answer it in a different way. I think the industry can take itself for granted sometimes. We can’t trade on just being Cornwall. There’s a huge amount of innovation happening within the UK hospitality space. I think those two years post Covid, where people only travelled within our own shores, incentivised people to try new places. This has meant that the domestic market, the choices, have got a little bit biggerSuffolk, Northumberland, the Kent coast, places which are really booming and innovating. From a hospitality perspective, we as Cornwall can’t rest on our laurels that because we’re Cornwall, there isn’t competition.
So your competition is as much with other regions in Britain as it is with holidays abroad?
Certainly. Clearly there’s been a big post Covid surge in overseas travel, but I think there’s lots of challenges around that, the cost of flights for example. So, trying to deliver value is difficult.
I think there’s also a sustainability piece. I think there’s a community piece where people like the concept of holidaying closer to home. And clearly, the short break market is important. It’s not just about the two week holiday in August. It’s also about the long weekend in April.
What does a typical day look like for you at work?
It’s a combination of things. I try to balance time in the office with time in the businesses. Last year a lot of time was spent on the delivery of projects. We opened the Machrie, we opened the Bracken Rig, which is the pub next to the hotel in the Lake District, and we delivered SeaSpace. A lot of my time was spent overseeing those projects. Continued from page 11
Is that what gives you most satisfaction, delivery of specific projects?
I’m driven by progress. I’m driven by establishing a plan and executing on it. I take huge energy from seeing a plan delivered. So, yes, I suppose a strategic outlook is a great strength. We’re not being opportunistic in our growth, we’re being strategic. And again, we find ourselves at a point where having doubled the size of our business last year, we’re in a place where this year is about drawing breath and lining ourself up for what the next phase will look like. We’ve lined up four beautifully positioned brands in the UK hospitality market and we have a huge opportunity. And I think the goal this year is to establish what that potential looks like and lay out a plan to deliver on it.
What appealed most to you about the hospitality industry when you started out?
It’s fun. It’s about creating happy moments. It’s a very positive industry. We’re all driven by different things, but the idea that we’re creating happy moments for people is pretty inspiring. And I suppose, as the role and I have developed, I have taken that to another level. I’m really inspired by the ethos of creating transforming spaces.
From a hospitality perspective, we as Cornwall can’t rest on our laurels.
So what we’ve done here at SeaSpace with the Sands project is a really good example of taking something that really had lost its position in the market and creating something innovative for Cornwall that the UK hospitality market is talking about. That’s pretty inspiring.
And when you get time to go on holiday yourself, visiting other hotels around the world, can it be a bit of a busman’s holiday, trying to pick up ideas and tips and stuff?
It’s probably more annoying for my wife and friends, but if it’s in your blood, you can’t help analysing it. So, we tend to stay at villas for that reason! But yes, when I am lucky enough to go and stay in hotels, I do analyse them but hopefully in a positive way. I’m not trying to pick holes.
Do you have a favourite hotel somewhere else in the world?
Great question. We stayed on a vineyard in Tuscany about ten years ago, which was the most unbelievable hospitality experience I’ve ever had, just from a food environment, culture and design perspective. I can’t remember what it’s called, because my memory is terrible!
I think one of the best new hotel experiences in the UK is the Newt in Somerset. I was lucky enough to go and check that out recently and it’s a worldclass experience.
FUNDING CORNWALL’S FUTURE
Businesses across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly will continue to benefit from a range of funding and practical support provided through the Good Growth Programme after the Government confirmed a further £47 million of investment over the next year.
Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly will receive an additional £47.3 million from the Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF) to drive economic development in 2025-6, and support for business will continue to be a priority for the programme.
The investment builds on the existing three-year SPF allocation of £137 million, which is set to end in March, and will continue to be delivered by the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Good Growth Programme, which is managed by Cornwall Council.
To support projects that capitalise on the unique strengths of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.
In light of the new funding, in December the Council launched a call for projects from the private sector. Businesses were invited to apply for investment, with a minimum request of £200k. Those applications are now being assessed.
The Council is seeking to support projects that capitalise on the unique strengths of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, fostering growth in distinctive and core sectors in line with the Council’s Good Growth Plan, which is the economic strategy for Cornwall. These include distinctive sectors such as critical minerals, renewable energy, data, space and aerospace; and marine, including floating offshore wind and decarbonising marine activities.
Projects improving job quality, earnings, and business performance in core sectors such as the visitor economy, agrifood, and creative industries (with a strong emphasis on digital and tech) were also encouraged.
Successful applicants are expected to be announced over the coming months and the Council has also confirmed that smaller grants are being made available through the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Growth Hub, thanks to the latest round of SPF investment.
Support for business has been at the heart of the current Good Growth Programme with some £69 million – half the total programme value – over the previous three-year programme being committed to business support and sector skills development.
This has ranged from strategic sector investments in areas such as critical minerals and floating offshore wind, through to major capital investments in local businesses, research and development infrastructure and low carbon technology.
Underpinning all this activity have been the Good Growth principles of investing in projects that increase the percentage of people earning a real living wage, improve productivity, and contribute positively to the economy, environment and equality.
Cllr Louis Gardner, portfolio holder for economy at Cornwall Council, says: “Cornwall and Scilly can play a leading role in the Government’s emerging Industrial Strategy and in reshaping the UK’s economy over the next ten years, whether that’s through renewable energy production, mining critical minerals or growing the nation’s food.
“The business investments we have made through the 2022-2025 Good Growth Programme are among 143 projects that have helped leverage £57 million of further investment into our local economy and are forecast to create 1,400 new jobs and safeguard a further 330 among a whole host of other impacts across the economy.
EXAMPLES OF BUSINESS INVESTMENT INCLUDE:
£4m investment in green and digital skills
• £1.84minvestment in biotechnology company Phytome near Truro in new R&D facilities.
• £852k investment to support a major expansion and export drive by Bodmin-based confectioner Buttermilk, including solar panels and heat recovery system.
£2m investment in Penzance Dry Dock as part of £4m refurbishment, creating a powerhouse for marine engineering.
• £873k investment in Piran Advanced Composites to create an Advanced Aerostructures R&D Facility at Cornwall Airport Newquay.
• £927k investment in Bude-based greentech company Cleaner Seas Group towards a world-leading project to convert microfibre plastics into new materials.
• £6.5m package of strategic investment to support sustainable critical minerals extraction.
£554k investment to showcase, sustain and grow Cornwall’s food and drink industry.
GROWTH HUB SUPPORT
A vital element of support for businesses in Cornwall and Scilly has been the continued investment by the Good Growth Programme in the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Growth Hub.
Helped leverage £57 million of further investment into our local economy.
“With the latest round of SPF funding secured, we will continue to support the growth of our dynamic business community, and I would urge any ambitious business to contact the Growth Hub to find out more about the support available.”
Since 2016, the Growth Hub, which is a service of Cornwall Council, has offered free and impartial help to thousands of new and established businesses in Cornwall and Scilly by signposting them to support, guidance and training.
Over the last three years, the Good Growth Programme has invested £16 million in a package of business support available to all businesses across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly via the Growth Hub.
This has included small business grants and help with net zero, innovation, skills, finance, clean energy, growth planning and more.
Thanks to the latest round of SPF funding, the Growth Hub is offering another round of grant support in addition to a range of business support services.
A LAND OF CONFUSION
Kicking off our annual focus of the finance and funding sector in Cornwall, Worldwide Financial Planning CEO, Peter McGahan, discusses the new Government’s impact on the economy.
I’m not known for my love of politicians, and as each charade of democracy offers me a blue illness or red illness, I sigh a long sigh and ponder will there ever be a healthy option.
I hoped it may be different, but alas, it’s not. The impact?
Interest rates are set by the market makers. The Bank of England (BOE) sets the base rate but the market makers either believe the BOE’s communications, or they don’t. When the BOE reduced rates, the market increased them. Swaps moved from 4% to 4.5%. Markets believe their behaviour is inflationary, and it is.
It’s still beyond me that increasing interest rates is supposed to bring down inflation and avoid wage inflation.
The inflation isn’t being caused by overspending by the UK taxpayer. Increasing their borrowing rates in an already inflationary environment just serves for the employee to need more money to keep alive.
They squeeze the employer, and the employer has to charge more (if they can) which is inflationary – the negative feedback loop. It seems obvious… doesn’t it?
There was a significant sell off in Government debt markets which were heightened by public borrowing and inflation which will mean rates will stay higher in the short term - the market and businesses didn’t like the Budget.
The confusion created by the Budget isn’t good. As for the financial planning changes – in short – I’m not impressed.
Following that Budget, UK businesses are feeling the pressure. Nearly half of companies surveyed are scaling back their growth plans, and two-thirds are hitting pause on hiring. The main culprit? A surprise hike in employer National Insurance contributions, piled on top of rising minimum wage costs. The CBI is concerned that these tax increases could stifle growth and investment. While the government says it’s necessary for public finances, businesses argue that without profit, growth isn’t possible. To ease the strain, the CBI is calling for deregulation, faster planning reforms, and a rethink on business rates. They need more breathing room. I’m with them.
Following that Budget, UK businesses are feeling the pressure.
One of the funding avenues is the South West Investment Fund (SWIF), offering a range of financial support to smaller businesses. With loans ranging from £25k to £2 million and equity investments up to £5 million, SWIF supports innovation and creates local opportunities. If the loan or equity investment is approved, it could provide the capital needed to invest in new projects and expand business operations.
Additionally, public-sector loans and grants are available across the region. These include the Start Up Loans Scheme, offering loans for business purposes up to £25k, and local authority grants aimed at supporting specific industries and business activities. These are often accompanied by valuable business support services.
For those seeking alternative funding routes, speak with your high street bank to see what financial support they can offer. For the private sector, Folk2FolK offers businesses privately secured loans starting from £100k.
Crowdfunding has also become popular over the years. Platforms like Crowdcube and Seedrs allow businesses to raise capital by attracting small investments from many people.
If you have a question on finances, call Peter on 01872 222422 or email info@wwfp.net
Peter McGahan is the Chief Executive Officer of Independent Financial Adviser Worldwide Financial Planning. Worldwide Financial Planning is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
SHOW ME THE MONEY
For ambitious business owners and directors, several funding options are available to help your business thrive, as James Rickard explains.
This not only provides funding but builds a community of supporters and potential customers.
Lastly, engaging with angel investors and venture capitalists can provide financial backing and strategic guidance. Investors are often looking for innovative businesses with high growth potential, offering substantial investment in exchange for equity. The Cornwall Angel Network should provide plenty of opportunities for local businesses seeking investment and local investors looking to invest.
The Corporate team at Stephens Scown has years of experience to guide you through the legal aspects of any transaction.
2025 is set to be a pivotal year for finance and funding in Cornwall and Isles of Scilly, says PKF Francis Clark partner, Ian Hughes.
In looking at finance and funding in 2025 in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly (CIOS), I am going to borrow from the prose of Donald Rumsfeld.
THE KNOWN KNOWNS Grant funding
Late last year, CIOS’s allocation of the 2025/26 UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) was unveiled£47.3 million. Cornwall Council then opened a round of the Good Growth Fund (GGF) for businesses to apply for grants – which closed on January 27. We also know that the £47.3 million needs to be spent by March 31 and, based on feedback received, this round is focused on economic growth.
South West Investment Fund celebrated its 100th deal in the region in December last year.
Debt and equity
Last year saw the launch of the Cornwall Angel Network (CAN), I feel I can safely say this will continue to be developed and promoted in 2025.
THE KNOWN UNKNOWNS
Grant funding
I anticipate that elements of the £47.3 million will be allocated to smaller grants administered through the CIOS Growth Hub. I strongly recommend interested businesses signing up to receive news direct from CIOS Growth Hub and the Good Growth Fund. One other, crucial, known unknown on grant funding is what will follow the UKSPF?
Debt and equity
While I can feel excited about the prospect of an active business angel network in Cornwall, I cannot say I know CAN will succeed where other initiatives have failed.
One aspect in CAN’s favour is the increased prevalence of other sources of equity in the wider region, including SWIF, MAINstream, Crowdcube and most recently Foresight Group. The emerging existence of business clusters in CIOS should also be a positive in developing links between equity providers and businesses.
There remains a plethora of options for businesses looking to raise debt finance. My debt advisory specialist colleagues have told me there are some 200 debt providers – the issue is that many businesses remain unaware of this.
THE UNKNOWN UNKNOWNS
I will finish with two overarching questions or challenges for the business finance ecosystem in 2025 and beyond:
1. What are business owners’ confidence levels like?
Confidence is a key factor in a business owner deciding to make a step change and seek investment to develop their business. Time will tell whether this necessary ingredient will be (re)found in 2025.
2. Is it fit for purpose?
I have heard grumblings that elements of the funding ecosystem currently are not fit for purpose.
I hope 2025 sees a proactive and constructive dialogue that puts the business owners’ needs at the forefront of working through any issues. Some flexibility will, I feel, be key here. Also, it should be appreciated that the funding ecosystem needs to be there for all good businesses whether they be “new Cornwall” or “old Cornwall”.
South West Investment Fund celebrated its 100th deal in the region in December last year. One can anticipate further investments being made in 2025, through the fund managers: FSE and SWIG Finance. pkf-francisclark.co.uk
Investment Management
ONE STOP SOLUTION
One Stop Business Finance combines local knowledge and sector expertise to deliver asset finance solutions that are tailored to the needs of specific businesses.
Small business owners are inherently entrepreneurial, constantly seeking opportunities to grow, diversify, and succeed. However, when financial support is needed, many may not know the types of funding available to them.
M&A: A BUSY YEAR AHEAD
Coodes’ head of corporate and commercial, Kirsty Davey, looks ahead to the mergers and acquisitions market in 2025.
The business mergers and acquisitions market is looking set for a buoyant year in 2025 due to several changes impacting both buyers and sellers.
Following the Autumn Budget, the early part of 2025 is likely to see sellers wanting to maximise any Business Asset Disposal Relief they could potentially claim on a sale of their business. That’s because from April 6, the current rate for Business Asset Disposal Relief will be raised from 10% to 14%, with a further increase to 18% the following year.
Traditional banks often decline requests if the funding needs are complex and that’s where One Stop Business Finance (OSBF) steps in.
OSBF provides a wide range of financial solutions, including bridging loans, development funding, and revolving credit facilities tailored to support working capital requirements.
For SMEs, cash flow challenges can hinder daily operations. The OSBF team, including business development manager Craig Slater, who serves businesses across the south west, understand the need for flexible financial options.
WORKING CAPITAL TERM LOANS
One of the most popular offerings among small business owners is the working capital loan. Designed as a short-term solution, it supports daily operations, improves cash flow, and suits various industries and business models. Businesses can use these funds for purposes like payroll, marketing campaigns or covering fixed costs.
Short-term lending solutions are adaptable to unique business needs, enabling OSBF to support long-term growth while addressing cash flow gaps and cyclical downturns.
Revolving Credit Facilities
For businesses managing cash flow fluctuations
Due to these increases, sellers will be looking to ensure that transactions are completed before these deadlines. This will impact on negotiations between both sellers and buyers. Given their competing interests leading up to these deadlines, a sense of commerciality will be required to ensure deals are completed on time. This means that having in place robust legal, tax and accountancy advice as part of any mergers and acquisition process will be paramount. Coodes Solicitors works closely alongside other professional practices on many of these types of transactions.
It is also likely that there will be an increase in the use of employee share schemes which currently look set to continue to have positive tax treatment. Such schemes are seen to be the natural evolution of the traditional management buyout process previously (and still currently) utilised by many businesses. If you are seeking to use one of these schemes, it is important to get the foundations put in place at an early date requiring timely discussions with your solicitors and accountants. Fundamentally, you will also need to understand who could potentially benefit from the employee group and whether it is even practical or feasible for such a scheme to be put in place.
If you are a seller looking to potentially exit during 2025, you should ask yourself, is your business ready for sale? The usual turnaround for a transaction of
or seeking growth opportunities, a revolving credit facility is a powerful tool. This form of alternative finance allows SMEs to access flexible funding without repeatedly applying for loans.
Similar to an overdraft or credit card, interest is charged only on the amount used, making it a costeffective and versatile choice for everyday working capital, acquisitions, or growth initiatives.
BRIDGING LOANS
A bridging loan provides a quick cash injection, and as the name suggests, is ideal for bridging financial gaps. Often used to secure short-term capital, this funding option is perfect for purchasing property, land, or buying out a shareholder when conventional borrowing isn’t an option.
DEVELOPMENT LENDING
One Stop Business Finance has an established history of providing development and refurbishment finance solutions to limited companies specialising in residential property, where often the loan-to-value percentage exceeds those required by mainstream lenders.
OSBF can offer funding for single-property refurbishments and support first-time developers aiming to grow their portfolios. Using own funds, they can provide loans for development and refurbishment projects ranging from one to twenty properties.
Additionally, they can finance transactions secured against another property, enabling OSBF to offer a higher loanto-value ratio compared to other lenders in the market.
Craig emphasises the importance of understanding business challenges and providing bespoke support.
Offering a higher loan-tovalue ratio compared to other lenders in the market.
He says: “The whole team at OSBF take the time to offer tailored solutions to businesses, exploring the complexities of the funding need.
“We’re proud to present a variety of flexible options for businesses best suited to their circumstances. We aim to give quick decisions, with responsible lending at the heart of what we do.”
Discover how One Stop Business Finance can help your business thrive. Visit osbf.co.uk, email craigslater@osbf.co.uk, or call Craig directly on 07379 668033 for personalised advice.
this type would be 10 to 12 weeks so making sure your house is in order is key. If you are a buyer, it is much easier if you can clearly see all the necessary business information and records, which will give you a general understanding of the target business. This means it is important that sellers can make this readily accessible at an early stage.
Too many deals become frustrated or delayed due to parties not being ready for sale, so it is of paramount importance that you begin to make sure that everything is in order now. Speaking to Coodes Solicitors, as well as your tax advisers and accountants, can certainly help you get ready. Your professional advisers will understand what most buyers will be looking for.
2025 will be a busy year for mergers and acquisitions within the south west and beyond. If you are in the process of looking to sell or buy, reach out to Coodes Solicitors’ corporate and commercial team.
Contact Kirsty Davey on Kirsty.davey@coodes.co.uk who will be happy to discuss and review any potential projects moving forward.
FUELLING CORNWALL’S GROWTH IN 2025
Opportunities for business owners and investors.
Cornwall’s economy is unique, driven by innovation, resilience, and an entrepreneurial spirit, fueled by a mixed source of investments. As we step into 2025, the decisions made by business owners and investors alike will play a pivotal role in shaping the region’s prosperity. Whether you’re a business owner planning your next stage of growth or an investor seeking steady returns with tangible impact, your choices this year can create a ripple effect of positive change across Cornwall.
WHY LOCAL DECISIONS MATTER
Choices this year can create a ripple effect of positive change across Cornwall.
Like other regional areas across the UK, Cornwall’s economy relies on the success of its local businesses and the capital invested in them. By supporting local enterprises, you’re not just contributing to the success of that individual business—you’re strengthening supply chains, creating and securing jobs, and strengthening our local economy. Every pound spent or invested locally has the potential to generate significant socioeconomic benefits that extend beyond a single business.
BUSINESS
OWNERS - UNLOCK OPPORTUNITIES FOR GROWTH IN 2025
The start of the year is the perfect time to reflect on your business goals and assess what’s needed to achieve them. Are there opportunities to diversify, expand, or improve efficiency? Utilising your property assets to access alternative funding can provide the financial flexibility to turn your aspirations into reality, especially if traditional lending routes feel restrictive or aren’t open to you.
KEY QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER:
• What are your goals for 2025?
Do you need funding to grow or diversify?
• How can you strengthen your cash flow and working capital?
• Are you leveraging the best financial solutions for your business?
INVESTORS - EARN A MONTHLY INCOME WHILE SUPPORTING LOCAL GROWTH
As an investor, your decisions in 2025 can support Cornwall’s economy while helping you achieve your financial objectives. Property-secured peer to peer investments provide a unique opportunity to earn a fixed monthly income while contributing directly to the success of regional businesses. This type of investment combines financial security with the satisfaction of knowing your money is making a tangible difference.
KEY QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER:
• What do you want your investments to achieve in 2025?
• Is your portfolio diversified enough? Could propertybacked peer-to-peer lending bring balance to your portfolio?
• What is your risk tolerance? Does your investment strategy still align with your current comfort level?
How has your investment portfolio performed? Are adjustments needed to meet your objectives?
What new opportunities could you explore? Is a property-secured investment offering a fixed monthly income something to consider?
THE BIGGER PICTURE
The ripple effects of local financial decisions are far-reaching. Business owners who secure the funding they need can grow, innovate, and create employment opportunities. Investors who choose to
invest in loans to local businesses contribute to the vitality of Cornwall’s economy, ensuring that capital circulates within the region. Together, these decisions can help build a thriving, sustainable Cornwall.
At Folk2Folk, we bring together investors and businesses, providing loans and investments that benefit our regional economy. We offer property-secured loans starting at £100k to help local businesses grow, diversify, or develop while providing investors, with £20k or more to invest, with opportunities to earn a fixed monthly return starting from 8.75% p.a.
If you’re a business owner seeking funding or an investor searching for a great return while making a difference, talk to us, we may be able to help. Start your 2025 journey with us and together we can make a meaningful impact on our region’s future.
Contact us today: enquiries@folk2folk.com 01566 773296 www.folk2folk.com
CHAMPIONS OF FINANCE
Venton Accounts
Venton Accounts offers a comprehensive range of services tailored to support businesses of all sizes.
Our experienced team specialises in management accounts, bookkeeping, payroll, VAT returns, and cloud accounting, ensuring your financial operations are efficient and compliant.
We also provide expertise in Making Tax Digital, HMRC self-assessment,
Perfect Sums BOOKKEEPING & ACCOUNTS
Covering Mid and West Cornwall, Perfect Sums provides professional and reliable accounting solutions, from your daily financial administration to Year End Accounts preparation and submitting VAT returns.
Regulated and licensed by the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers, you can rest assured that your accounts are in safe hands.
Our services include:
and support for start-ups, helping new ventures establish solid financial foundations.
Venton is dedicated to streamlining your financial processes, allowing you to focus on achieving your business goals for many years to come.
Is your accountant helping your business grow—or just counting the numbers?
At Harland, we disrupt the traditional accountant role. We’re not just another supplier, we actually care about your business doing well. We work hard to get to know you. Why? Because when we understand your values and goals, we can align our support to create a powerful partnership that achieves great things. Our pro-active approach means you get
more than you might expect from an accountant—problem-solving support, fresh ears to sound out new ideas, and forthcoming expert advice to help you make important decisions. With a forward-thinking team like Harland in your corner, the financial health of your business is well looked after. Get in touch, we can’t wait to meet you.
01726 74573 | harlandaccountants.com
GW Accountants
We’re a small firm of accountants in Falmouth/Penryn that do things differently.
• We explain everything in plain English. We have an open-door policy, so if you have a question, you just need to email/ call or pop in.
VAT/payroll/accountancy – we can take care of any of it.
Here, we don’t just care about the numbers, we care about people too. This means that you can:
Feel in control of your finances
Spend more time working on your business success
· Enjoy peace of mind knowing you’ve got the support you need
Understand changes in legislation
Make the most of your earnings.
www.gw-accountants.co.uk
THRIVE IN ‘25!
Running a business can be a rollercoaster –filled with highs, lows, twists and turns –and Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Growth Hub is here for the ride.
We hear from three business owners who have received support from the Growth Hub about their highlights and challenges of 2024, and what they’re looking forward to in 2025.
Kirsty Miles-Musgrave, Investment Operations Manager at the Growth Hub, says: “We know that the businesses we support have been incredibly resilient over the last 12 months, and for some it’s been challenging.
“Growth looks different from business to business and we’re very much here for the journey. So we’re catching up with several businesses in early 2025 to hear about their experiences of the past 12 months, and what they’re looking forward to in the year ahead.”
LITTLE GREEN SEAWEED, MARAZION
Start-up business Little Green Seaweed, founded by Jacqueline James and based in Rosudgeon near Marazion, harvests different species of seaweed from the Cornish coastline and turns it into liquid fertiliser, on sale in garden centres and direct to customers online.
2024 proved to be an exceptionally busy year for Jacqui and her fiancé Dan as they juggled launching the brand with raising their 18-month-old daughter, Aurora.
Highlights of 2024: “Receiving our licence from the Duchy of Cornwall in July to harvest seaweed. In August, I had my first sale within a shop and in September, I took part in my first farmers market. During our first season, we sold 300 products in local garden centres.”
Challenges: “Setting up my business whilst on maternity leave. Sourcing suppliers that are genuinely sustainable for our packaging and labelling.”
2025 wishlist: “We plan to double production, launch new products and we’re looking for a larger workshop to take advantage of the seaweed harvesting season.”
PFA RESEARCH, PENRYN
Support from the Cornwall Growth Hub Grant Programme enabled PFA Research to launch its insights platform What Cornwall Thinks, against the backdrop of a “tough” year, according to managing director Robert Rush.
PFA has been delivering market research for businesses and organisations for more than 30 years. The team employs a core team of six at its base in Tremough Innovation Centre, plus an additional workforce of around 20 researchers around the UK.
Highlights of 2024: “Securing our Growth Hub grant was a real win for 2024 – it enabled us to reduce the financial risk of launching What Cornwall Thinks.
“We expanded our core team, with the addition of our Senior Insights Lead who joined in January.
“We’ve delivered some extraordinary insights projects throughout the year, covering healthcare, tourism, hospitality, construction, renewables and many other areas.
“We achieved the Fair Data accreditation trust mark last year, as well as strengthened our internal governance and organisational systems.
“Our foundations are stronger than they’ve ever been so we’re in a good place for growth again.”
Challenges: “Business has been slower in 2024 –projects have been delayed or cancelled. Funders and clients have been taking longer to make decisions about going ahead with work. It’s been tough.”
2025 wishlist: “I would appreciate some opportunities to share thoughts and experiences with peers in a safe space.”
THE GROWER, ST AGNES
The Grower Limited is a start-up business ran by Inez Williams-King and Christopher King. It’s a tree and hedge nursery based on a family farm in St Agnes. They set up in 2021 with the aspiration to fill some gaps in the market and bring some of what agriculture has learned in terms of climate change and regenerative principles to the forest nursery sector.
Highlights of 2024: “This winter, we employed 10 people, all of whom live within two miles of the farm, we’re really proud of that. Four of our team this year are new entrants to that sector. Creating sustainable employment in Cornwall is something we’re really passionate about”
Challenges: “Our season is quite like any agricultural business, with peaks and troughs. So our busy season runs from October to March and then March to October we don’t have any income coming in - that could be quite scary..”
2025 wishlist: “I’m looking into solar-powered robot weeders – that would be really cool! We’re looking at an ecommerce website, maybe expanding into that area. And to continue to connect with the local community. Our community engagement days, we just want to continue to more of, we all get so much out of it, and seeing people outside in nature makes all that hard work worthwhile.”
Creating sustainable employment in Cornwall is something we’re really passionate about.
Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Growth Hub offers free business reviews to support your 2025 business journey.
To book your review, call 01209 708660 or go to ciosgrowthhub.com
The Growth Hub is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Cornwall Council has been chosen by Government as a Lead Authority for the fund and is responsible for monitoring the progress of projects funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, branded locally as the Good Growth Programme.
Take care of yourself physically, mentally and emotionally.
TAKE GOOD CARE OF YOURSELF
The importance of health and wellbeing in the workplace.
By Matthew Clarke
Spending most of my working-life as a media-professional, in some form or other, I have been left with a complicated relationship with stress.
I have worked in newsrooms where there was an hourly deadline, no lunchtime and zero chance of switching off from the frenetic pace of 24-hour news. One memorable occasion when I attempted to cut myself off from the twists and turns of the latest updates - Princess Diana died in a car accident.
I used to moan that I didn’t have time to take a break as another bulletin was imminent and a leading politician had just quit. Though, in truth, I was probably wishing I could quit there and then too. Discussions about mental health were rare until it was a major problem. This is all too common with a large number of business professionals.
Recent research from Simply Business shows that more than half of small business owners in the UK experience poor mental health. Some of this could be blamed on coping with increasing costs while being asked to pay more in wages and National Insurance contributions.
Some owners might find they are suffering from burn-out because they cannot afford the luxury of time off.
so it often feels more like a disciplinary. Martin insists this shouldn’t be the case.
“You’ve got to create an environment where it’s okay to be open and honest about what’s going on.”
One Cornish organisation engraining mindfulness into working life is The Eden Project. Chief people and culture officer, Dawn George, heads up a sideproject called Hothouse. It teaches business people to use nature to focus their minds.
“One of the things we do here is walking-meetings. This came through Covid. One of the things that stuck was being in nature. You can reset your clock even if it’s just a few minutes breathing in fresh air while detached from your phone and laptop.”
Martin Crump would agree that escaping the confines of a workplace helps effectiveness. It’s one of his five tips:
1: Create good relationships and an environment which makes it easier for people to talk about problems and provide solutions.
Most people don’t realise they have a problem until they’re halfway down the cliff.
So, with Cornwall being populated with so many small businesses, maybe it is time we gave ourselves a check-up. Martin Crump is director of St Agnesbased personal and corporate development expert Evolution. He finds many clients only start talking about being overwhelmed when they begin to crack.
“I think the perception is that we can hide poor mental health at work, but colleagues know when there’s something wrong just in the way we say ‘good morning’,” he says. “It impacts on the bottom line because poor decisions can lead to big cost implications. You might lose contracts because of the way you interact with people. Most people don’t realise they have a problem until they’re halfway down the cliff.”
Martin believes that self-awareness is critical. He suggests we mark our own stress levels from 1 to 10 where the optimum level could be between 6 and 8. If you reach the upper limit then it is time to take action. He has a simple mindfulness tool to use anytime and anywhere.
“Assess what five things you can see, hear, and smell,” he tells us. “Mindfulness, to me, is an awareness of what I’m thinking, of what I’m feeling and what my body state is.”
He claims many organisations only address how their team are doing with performance management and
2: Set goals for the day, week, month, and year.
3: Keep things in perspective and analyse your thoughts and feelings.
4: Take care of yourself physically, mentally and emotionally. Spend time in the fresh air.
5: Get support, therapy, counselling or coaching.
It can often feel that setting time aside for wellbeing can seem like obfuscation of responsibilities. Eden’s Dawn George says this shouldn’t be the case:
“There are huge wellbeing benefits available to people who commit time to their own preservation. I would say that you have to start with self-care. If you don’t take time for yourself, you aren’t really going to be as strong as you need to be for everyone else around you.”
Maybe, the philosophy can be summed up in a Buddhist verse:
“If you let cloudy water settle, it will become clear. If you let your upset mind settle, your course will also become clear.” - Gautama Buddha
So, why not take some time out of your busy working day and go and enjoy the free natural resources Cornwall has to offer? Take that walking-meeting along a beach with crashing waves as your backdrop. You will be amazed by the clarity afforded when you return to your workplace.
DAWN GEORGE
MARTIN CRUMP
AN OASIS OF TRANQUILITY
Nestled along the breathtaking North Cornish coast, Fistral Beach Hotel and Spa offers an unrivalled sanctuary of health and wellbeing.
This exclusive adults-only haven is designed to provide the ultimate retreat for individuals seeking to restore balance and serenity in a truly sublime setting. With panoramic views of the iconic Fistral Beach and interiors that exude contemporary elegance, the hotel offers a holistic approach to wellness that nourishes both the body and soul.
The hotel offers a holistic approach to wellness that nourishes both the body and soul.
At the heart of its health and wellbeing experience is the award-winning Fistral Spa, a serene oasis that invites guests to immerse themselves in a world of tranquillity. The spa’s bespoke treatments are meticulously curated to refresh and revitalise. Indulge in treatments crafted with GAIA Skincare, whether it be with a deeply relaxing full body massage, a GAIA Ritual or a personalised facial tailored to your needs, each therapy is an invitation to unwind in the most opulent way. Complementing the treatments, the spa also features a hydrotherapy pool, sauna, steam room and a private relaxation area, ensuring every moment is steeped in indulgence.
For those who find wellness through movement and physical vitality, the Fistral Beach Hotel and Spa is equally prepared to inspire. Guests have access to a state-of-the-art fitness suite that caters to all levels of ability, equipped with premium cardio, Peloton bikes and strength-training equipment. For something extraordinary, the hotel’s unrivalled location serves as a gateway to outdoor adventures. From invigorating surf lessons on the famed waves of Fistral Beach to coastal walks, each is designed to harmonise the energising power of nature with personal fitness goals.
Dining at the Fistral Beach Hotel further elevates the health and well-being experience. Offering coastally inspired cuisine with a modern flair, 2 AA Rosette Dune Restaurant emphasises the use of fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Nourishing dishes are artfully prepared to satisfy both the palate and the pursuit of a balanced lifestyle. Guests can anticipate seasonal menus showcasing vibrant flavours, from expertly grilled seafood to plant-based creations, complemented by hand-selected juices. For a more casual ambiance, Bay Bar serves lighter fare paired with scenic ocean views, perfect for moments of reflection and relaxation.
Fistral Beach Hotel is mindful about the atmosphere cultivated throughout the property. Drawing inspiration from the hotel’s coastal setting, the neutral tones of the hanging rope ceiling in Bay Bar harmonise with the blue accents in the seating spaces, echoing the iconic landscapes of Fistral Beach. The rustic woven lampshades in Dune Restaurant evoke a welcoming, home-like atmosphere and the raised flooring in both spaces provides guests with uninterrupted views of the breathtaking seascapes, crafting inviting and versatile spaces suitable for every season. Every detail has been thoughtfully considered to create a calming environment. The sound of the waves lapping against the shore serves as a soothing backdrop, offering guests the rare opportunity to temporarily escape the commotion of daily life and immerse themselves in the restorative beauty of the Cornish coast.
Ultimately, a stay at the Fistral Beach Hotel and Spa is more than just an indulgent getaway - it is a symphony of wellness, tranquillity and elegance that lingers long after departure. Whether seeking serenity, revitalisation or the simple joy of reconnecting with nature, this sophisticated retreat delivers an unparalleled experience that redefines well-being.
fistralbeachhotel.co.uk
HEALTHY HEROES
One of the south west’s largest NHS referral and emergency dental care providers also delivering NHS care and private dentistry, Smile Together operates as an award-winning certified B Corp and employee-owned social enterprise, reinvesting profits back into patient facilities, local communities and the environment - over £7 million since 2016. It delivers Smarter Smiles oral health promotion to thousands of Cornish children and adults each year and runs dedicated clinics for those experiencing homelessness. It frequently partners with foodbanks and other charities to tackle oral health inequality, and its investment into accessible patient facilities is transforming dentistry provision in the county.
0333 405 0290 | smiletogether.co.uk
Empower Coaching
Happiness at work depends on several key factors: enjoying your job, feeling fairly compensated, and having harmonious relationships with colleagues. But perhaps the most critical element is motivation.
Understanding what drives you—and your team—is essential. It allows you to delegate tasks effectively, boost team morale, and enhance overall business performance. Most importantly, it enables you to reward your team in ways that resonate with what truly motivates them. This powerful tool will provide a deeper understanding of what makes individuals and teams tick. You can unlock the potential of your workforce creating a more engaged and productive environment.
07967 723420 | heatherforster.com
Made For Life Organics
For over 21 years, Made for Life Organics has created award-winning 100% organic skincare which is suitable for all skin types. Hand-blended in Cornwall, using only the finest ingredients nature has to offer. Formulated using dermatological science and a healthy respect for botanicals and Mother Nature.
Made for Life Organics are B Corp Certified and were awarded the King’s Award for Enterprise for Sustainable Development in 2024.
“We believe that health and wellbeing should be inclusive and accessible. Our authentic skincare is truly Made for Life and we are here to support – every step of the way.”
01326 221777 | madeforlifeorganics.com
Carers Break CIC
Carers Break provides expert health & social care and support across Cornwall. Since 2013 we’ve provided a wide range of services to vulnerable people and their families.
Our team of 40 community support workers deliver home help, social outreach, companionship and end of life care over 24 hours. Providing a minimum of two hours of care and support to anyone over the age of 18 yrs, Carers Break CIC also delivers sector-based training and innovative solutions to current social care challenges, including emergency first aid and patient moving and handling.
carersbreak.org.uk
Arts Well CIC
Research shows that creativity in the workplace is good for business. Investing in and supporting the health and wellbeing of employees leads to a more productive work environment.
As well as being enjoyable, creativity can enhance connections between staff, improve recruitment and retention, and contribute to a thriving business.
• Reduced stress
• Greater job satisfaction
• Improved mental health
• Increased problem-solving skills
• Enhanced team building and collaboration … are just some benefits of using creativity to boost health and wellbeing in the workplace.
Bespoke and creative team-building days, short sessions, group workshops or longer-term programmes are some ways Arts Well helps businesses design bespoke approaches.
07875 221944 | arts-well.com
HEALTHY OPTIONS
Introducing a few ideas to enrich mind, body and soul...
Budock Vean Hotel
LEISURE EXPERIENCE
Tucked away on the south coast, with sub-tropical gardens & woodland that roll down to a private foreshore on The Helford River, Budock Vean is a beautiful spot to relax with an indoor pool, sauna, hot tub & Spa, or get active with a golf course, tennis, kayaking… plus, of course, wonderful food.
budockvean.co.uk | 01326 250288
Newquay Hypnotherapy
MENTAL MOT
Is your car running better than you are? Maybe it’s your turn. Clean your cerebral spark plugs, reset the alarms, align your wellness wheels and get your cylinders firing. With a mental MOT from Newquay Hypnotherapy, we can have you back on the road feeling safe, calm, confident and in control. Of your life.
newquayhypnotherapy.com/mentalMOT
Bedruthan Hotel
CRAFTING WORKSHOPS
Unleash your creativity at Bedruthan Hotel with our daily crafting workshops and team building away days. From macramé and lino printing to painting and pottery, discover new skills and create unique keepsakes to treasure. With year-round sessions and all materials provided, it’s the perfect way to feed curious minds and try something new.
bedruthan.com
Fistral Spa
SPA AND TREATMENTS
Escape to the refined tranquillity of Fistral Spa, an adultonly sanctuary on the Cornish coast. Unwind in the vitality pool or sauna, refresh in the steam room’s gentle mist and relax in bubbling bliss in the jacuzzi. Elevate your well-being with bespoke treatments designed for ultimate relaxation and rejuvenation.
fistralbeachhotel.co.uk | 01637 852221
Wadebridge Dental
COSMETIC
TREATMENT
We offer solutions for all aspects of cosmetic dentistry. From Invisalign, the world renowned invisible clear aligners, to whitening, composite bonding, implants and all aspects of facial aesthetics Regain your confidence with the smile you have always dreamed of and enjoy your life to the fullest.
wadebridgedentalcare.co.uk
Paradhis Festival 2025:
A Celebration of Music, Wellness, and Nature
Nestled in the heart of the Cornish countryside at the stunning Boconnoc Estate, Paradhis Festival is not just another event in the calendar; it’s a unique cultural experience that harmoniously blends worldclass music, immersive wellness, and the serene beauty of nature. Running from 4th–6th July 2025, Paradhis promises an unforgettable weekend for festival-goers.
A Melodic Lineup to Remember
countryside at the stunning Boconnoc Estate, Paradhis Festival is not just another event in the calendar; it’s a unique cultural experience that harmoniously blends world-class music, immersive wellness, and the serene beauty of nature. Running from 4th–6th July 2025, Paradhis promises an unforgettable weekend for festival-goers.
A Melodic Lineup to Remember
The festival has quickly established itself as a key player in the UK’s wellbeing & music scene, with this year’s lineup featuring an eclectic mix of internationally renowned artists and emerging talent. Reggae legends The Wailers will set the tone with their iconic rhythms on Friday, while the soulful melodies of FaceSoul promise to tug at the heartstrings. Indie-folk ensemble
The festival has quickly established itself as a key player in the UK’s wellbeing & music scene, with this year’s lineup featuring an eclectic mix of internationally renowned artists and emerging talent. Reggae legends The Wailers will set the tone with their iconic rhythms on Friday, while the soulful melodies of FaceSoul promise to tug at the heartstrings. Indie-folk ensemble This Is The Kit headline Saturday and Afrobeat-infused Cable Street Collective are on the line-up too, ensuring there’s something for everyone. With performances gracing the New Horizons Main Stage, music lovers are guaranteed an inspiring auditory experience.
A Haven of Wellness
This Is The Kit headline Saturday and Afrobeat-infused Cable Street Collective are on the line-up too, ensuring there’s something for everyone. With performances gracing the New Horizons Main Stage, music lovers are guaranteed an inspiring auditory experience.
Beyond the music, Paradhis is a sanctuary for wellness seekers. Among the festival highlights are the carefully curated venues offering an array of activities to nourish mind, body, and soul. The Cacao Temple, for instance, provides a taste of ancient rituals with heartopening cacao ceremonies, while the Tribal Village invites attendees to gather around the firepit for drum circles, storytelling, and traditional healing practices. Meanwhile, the Nature and Nurture Tent offers forest bathing, eco-workshops, and guided nature walks, encouraging a deeper connection with the surrounding woodlands.
A Natural Escape
What truly sets Paradhis apart is its location. The historic Boconnoc Estate, with its rolling hills, ancient woodlands, and tranquil lakes, provides the ideal backdrop for a weekend of connection and creativity. Whether staying in a luxury glamping pod or pitching a tent beneath the stars, festivalgoers can disconnect from daily pressures and immerse themselves in this natural haven.
Your Gateway to Paradhis
Paradhis Festival is more than a weekend getaway—it’s a celebration of community, creativity, and reconnection with what truly matters. Whether you’re coming for the music, the wellness experiences, or simply to soak in the beauty of Cornwall, Paradhis offers an escape like no other.
Tickets are selling fast, so don’t miss your chance to be part of this extraordinary event. Visit paradhis. co.uk for further details.
A Breath of Fresh Air for Cornwall
Paradhis Festival’s success continues to spotlight Cornwall as a forward-thinking destination for arts, music, and wellness tourism. This July, all roads lead to Boconnoc Estate. Will you join us?
TAX BOOST
PKF Francis Clark has strengthened its tax team in Truro with the appointment of corporate and real estate tax specialist Nick Crandon.
Crandon, who has joined as a senior tax manager from BDO’s property team in
CHENOWETH ON BOARD
Concorde Recruitment has appointed Julian Chenoweth, executive chairman and founder of Recycle it Global UK, as the newest member of its board.
Chenoweth brings a wealth of experience in sustainable business practices and strategic leadership.
He began his career as a Royal Marine Commando before transitioning to lead an archaeological expedition to South America. Afterwards, he built and scaled several large businesses, employing more than 350 people at their peak and successfully executing three business exits.
“Joining Concorde Recruitment’s board is a fantastic opportunity to collaborate with a team deeply committed to making a positive impact,” he said.
London, said: “My wife is from Cornwall and we’ve always wanted to live in this beautiful part of the world while having challenging and rewarding careers.
“PKF Francis Clark provides the perfect opportunity to tick both boxes, and I’m excited by the corporate tax team’s ambitious growth plans.”
KEY EDEN APPOINTMENT
The Eden Project has appointed Peter Jones as its new director of Horticulture.
Jones joins the Eden Project as it prepares to make horticulture the centrepiece of its forthcoming 25th birthday celebrations next year. He will lead on the strategic vision for horticulture, ensuring it is the star of the Eden Project show.
His new role will see him take charge of a 50-strong Eden Project horticulture team, managing and tending the plant collections in the worldfamous Rainforest and Mediterranean Biomes, as well as more than eight hectares of outdoor gardens, an enormous 72-hectare outer estate and Growing Point, the Eden Project’s new plant nursery which is heated by deep geothermal energy.
He will also direct the horticulture for the new Eden Projects being planned for Morecambe in Lancashire and Dundee in Scotland.
Jones embarks on his Eden Project career following 19 years at the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS),
NEW TRUSTEES
Newlyn Art Gallery & The Exchange has appointed five new trustees to its board. The new trustees - Alexandra Cosma, Jane Faram, Ashish Ghadiali, Olga Owczarek, and Julia Twomlow - bring a wealth of expertise across diverse fields, which will help shape the gallery’s future and enhance its reputation as a leading contemporary art venue in Cornwall.
In addition, three applicants – Amy Green, Sam Trenerry, and Giles Jackson – will join as observers in June. This opportunity will allow them to contribute to the board’s work before being formally proposed for appointment at the AGM in November.
Bethia Naughton-Rumbo, Dida Tait, Ginny Button, and Myfanwy Barrett have all stepped down after serving two three-year terms.
most recently as garden manager for the Hardy Ornamental department at RHS Garden Wisley in Surrey.
“I’m truly overjoyed to be joining the Eden Project team,” he said. “As someone who is passionate about plants and the role they play in enriching all our lives, I feel a real affinity with the work the Eden Project is doing to connect people with nature, a mission that has never been more important.”
PARTNERING WITH THE TRAVEL TRADE
Building strong relationships with the travel trade offers significant opportunities for Cornwall’s visitor economy.
We strengthen these connections by giving presentations to leading companies, hosting familiarisation trips, attending trade shows, and participating in sales missions. As a proud member of UKInbound, we collaborate to expand Cornwall’s presence in key markets.
Our primary markets include the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, France, and the Netherlands, with growing interest from new markets such as Italy and Spain.
So far, at least three international tour operators have introduced new Cornwall itineraries for 2025.
By working with travel trade partners worldwide, we ensure that Cornwall continues to attract visitors and remains a top choice for travellers globally.
EXHIBITING AT THE CAMPING, CARAVAN AND MOTORHOME SHOW
From February 18-23, we’ll be at the Camping, Caravan and Motorhome Show at Birmingham NEC, proudly partnering with Hendra Holiday Park. This six-day event offers an excellent opportunity to connect with thousands of consumers planning their next getaway.
Together, we’ll highlight Cornwall as a premier destination for camping and caravanning, showcasing its exceptional holiday parks and the range of experiences and activities on offer for visitors.
VISIT CORNWALL
The latest news and developments that contribute to its mission of making Cornwall a leading destination and supporting its year-round visitor economy.
SUPPORTING VISITBRITAIN’S ‘STARRING GB CAMPAIGN’
Film and TV inspire travel, with VisitBritain research showing that over 90% of potential visitors to the UK want to visit film and TV locations. Launching in 2025, the Starring GREAT Britain campaign uses iconic locations to attract international visitors.
Paid advertising will target markets such as Australia, the USA, and Germany, supported by social media, trade, and media collaborations. Complementing the campaign are trade and media visits, including the ‘Showcase Britain’ event in January, where top travel professionals explored destinations and experiences across the UK to promote them internationally. As part of the event, Cornwall hosted Japanese travel buyers on a threeday tour of the county.
We’re aligning with the Starring GREAT Britain campaign by promoting Cornwall’s film and TV connections in our own marketing. A key focus this spring will be The Salt Path, filmed along the South West Coast Path. The film highlights the health benefits of walking the coast path, an activity that also offers excellent value for money as it is free to enjoy. We anticipate that the release will inspire a rise in visitors over the next few years.
WELCOMING SARAH FERRIE TO THE BOARD
We’re thrilled to announce the appointment of Sarah Ferrie to the Visit Cornwall board. Sarah, the head of marketing at Budock Vean Hotel, brings over 28 years of expertise in consumer and B2B marketing.
Jon Hyatt, chairman of Visit Cornwall, commented: “We are delighted to welcome Sarah to the Visit Cornwall board. As a well-respected marketing professional with a wealth of experience across the local tourism and cultural sectors, Sarah will provide an invaluable contribution to driving Cornwall’s brand forward and enhancing benefits for our members alike.”
CALENDAR COLLABORATION
Carbon-balanced printer St Austell Printing Company (SAPC) has partnered up with Falmouth University students for a creative collaboration on its 2025 calendar.
Building on the success of previous collaborations, this year’s project saw Falmouth’s graphic design and illustration students bring their unique vision to life, creating a calendar that not only highlights ‘The Power of Print Through the Ages’ but also showcases the exceptional creative talent coming out of Cornwall.
The students were involved in every step of the process. After receiving the brief, over a process of several weeks the students presented rough ideas to the team at SAPC, who then worked with each student on a one-to-one basis to develop their final piece. SAPC then chose winning designs to feature as each month’s artwork.
CREATIVE CHANGE
A partnership between Cornish schools, researchers and local industries has successfully raised the status of creativity in schools, a new study shows.
Over the past three years, the programme from Penryn Creativity Collaboratives has resulted in leaders and teachers changing their curriculums and classroom practice. All those who participated in the research said the project had helped them develop
GREEN ACADEMY LAUNCH
Cornwall College Camborne has officially launched the Green Construction Skills Academy, marking a transformative chapter in sustainable construction training in Cornwall. With advanced facilities and tailored programmes, the academy is set to prepare future construction professionals, and the existing workforce, with essential skills in eco-friendly and energy-efficient building technologies, working alongside top employers in the region.
their understanding of the creative skills and their importance in preparing for a future workforce.
Sarah Childs, Penryn Creativity Collaboratives lead, said: “We’ve heard from our teachers that creative pedagogy deepens understanding and I’ve been so fortunate to observe in our classrooms how students are engaging in more memorable learning whilst also developing their creative skills they need for their futures.”
Head of Cornwall College Camborne, Luke Bazeley, said: “As a community college, our mission is to serve the needs of the local community while driving forward a sustainable economy. The Green Construction Skills Academy is a vital step in preparing the workforce with the skills and expertise required to meet the challenges of a low-carbon future. By working closely with top employers and investing in cutting-edge facilities, we’re equipping individuals to lead the way in sustainable construction.”
HOOKED ON COLWITH
Digital marketing agency, HookedOnMedia, has partnered with Colwith Farm Distillery.
The collaboration aims to enhance Colwith’s online presence and drive sales through tailored PPC (pay-per-click)
search engine marketing campaigns. HookedOnMedia has implemented a comprehensive PPC strategy to significantly increase website traffic and improve conversion rates for Colwith Farm Distillery’s product lines, including its renowned Aval Dor Vodka.
VETS ON DEMAND
Kernow Vets Messaging has launched a nurse-led live web chat service to support veterinary practices across the UK. The new nurse-led web chat service enables practices to offer instant support to their clients, ensuring pets and their owners receive care and advice, any time of the day.
MD, Anthony Caddy, said: “As a Cornish business, we’re incredibly proud to launch this service from the heart of the community where it all started. This expansion showcases how a local family business can embrace modern technology while staying true to our roots.”
ABG IN AHI
ABG Design features in the winter issue of Connect, the industry journal of the Association of Heritage Interpretation (AHI).
AHI is one of the leading heritage bodies in the UK and publishes Connect every quarter.
The Redruth-based design agency features in a four-page article within the publication, talking about one of its recent projects at the new discovery centre at Bath Abbey. The article talks about how ABG Design used spatial design, graphic design and a range of media choices to create a welcoming and engaging visitor experience.
Are you looking to bring fresh ideas into your business? Have you thought about hosting year-in-industry placements or summer internships?
The University of Plymouth has many keen students in various subjects actively seeking placement roles in the south west, ready to start this summer.
Having recently been a provider of a placement, Matt Harrington, head of Cornwall Innovation Centres, said: “A placement student provides an excellent and affordable resource to allocate to a wide range of
DIGITAL ACCELERATOR
Newlyn Art Gallery & The Exchange has been selected to join Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Digital Accelerator programme.
The initiative supports 200 non-profit cultural organisations across the US and UK in strengthening their digital infrastructure to enhance operations, increase revenue, and engage wider audiences.
Gallery director, James Green, said the development provided a “transformative opportunity”.
“This programme will help us develop innovative solutions that modernise our digital infrastructure, improve operational efficiency, and elevate the online experience for our visitors and customers. We’re excited to get started and bring these projects to life.”
project-based tasks, which recently led to us offering a part-time project management role whilst the student finish their studies.
“From a business perspective, taking on a 12-month placement student helps with future recruitment by offering the potential to hire someone already familiar with our business, a ‘win-win’ for both the student and employer.”
For more information on offering placements and engaging with the Careers Service of the University of Plymouth, please get in touch with placements@plymouth.ac.uk
Paul and Emma Ainsworth have acquired The St Enodoc Hotel in Rock.
BEST COCKTAILS IN EUROPE
A bartender at Rick Stein’s Seafood Restaurant has won the annual Nc’nean Creations cocktail competition.
Norbert Drozdowski fought off fierce competition from right across Europe to take the title.
“It was my coastal home, admiration of nature’s true beauty, and my cocktailmaking skills that encouraged me to enter the competition,” he said.
“When considering a ‘hero ingredient,’ I aimed not only for a ‘root to fruit’ approach but also to minimise waste in the restaurant where I work behind the bar. Bananas stood out as the perfect choice, as they are often surplus in our kitchen. It’s vital to me as a bartender to be environmentally conscious and reduce waste wherever possible. Living in Cornwall inspires me every day to take steps toward a more sustainable lifestyle.”
To celebrate the win, Drozdowski is releasing his very own limited edition whisky in collaboration with Nc’nean, an organic single malt Scotch distillery on the west coast of Scotland. Drozdowski has selected an ex-white Port single cask whisky to be released under his name.
The boutique property, which overlooks the Camel Estuary, currently comprises 21 rooms, a restaurant and beauty rooms.
Chef and restaurateur Paul Ainsworth, who is behind Michelin-starred Paul Ainsworth at No6, Caff Rojano, Padstow Townhouse, Ci Ci’s Bar and The Mariners - all located on the north Cornwall coast, said: “Emma and I have long admired The St Enodoc and are absolutely delighted to become its new owners and custodians.
“This landmark hotel is set in a stunning location right on our doorstep. We are excited
to welcome this wonderful hotel to The Ainsworth Collection and further build on its legacy.
“We have no immediate plans to change the style of the hotel - our priority is ensuring a seamless employment transition for the St Enodoc team while welcoming them to the Ainsworth Collection family, to get to know our new business, and to create a warm welcome for guests.
“We can’t wait to start our journey with this lovely hotel and commence the next chapter in St Enodoc’s story.”
BREWERY’S ECO DRIVE
St Austell Brewery has released its first impact report, demonstrating the family-owned business’ commitment to sustainability and its efforts to have a positive impact on people and the planet.
The report includes some ambitious targets, including the goal to reach net zero by 2040.
With more than 160 pubs across the south west, two breweries, a drinks wholesale business and six distribution centres, St Austell Brewery is one of the region’s largest businesses.
Sustainability has long been at the heart of its mission. Since 2002, the company has partnered with Cornish farmers to source local barley, continuing to reduce food miles by building a strong south west supply chain and supporting local
businesses, as well as backing good causes through its charitable trust.
The impact report, which highlights the company’s sustainability efforts over the past three years, details initiatives aimed at tackling its carbon footprint.
These include reducing emissions from the drays which transport beer across the country by updating the lorries to Euro 6 engines, and its partnership with a food waste platform to redistribute leftover food from managed pubs to local communities.
Chief executive, Kevin Georgel, said: “Our priority is to build a company that will continue thriving for generations to come. This means investing in resilient, regenerative practices that not only support our operations, but also create lasting, positive impacts for our people, the places we cherish and operate in, and through our important local communities.”
Cornwall’s business community has spoken, and the message is clear: we want a devolution deal that reflects our unique identity and needs.
However, with uncertainty clouding the path ahead, businesses are increasingly concerned about being left behind. The Cornwall Chamber of Commerce stands firm in its call for a bespoke deal, but we cannot afford prolonged inaction.
Over 80 businesses responded to our call for consultation. Here is what we uncovered.
A STRONG PREFERENCE FOR A CORNWALL-ONLY DEAL
• 57% of respondents believe that an independent devolution deal tailored to Cornwall is the best path forward.
• Economic growth and investment remain the top priority, selected by an overwhelming 93%. Local governance (62%) and improved public services (55%) follow closely.
MOUNTING SCEPTICISM AND UNCERTAINTY
• However, nearly half (47%) believe it is unlikely that Cornwall will secure an independent devolution deal, with an additional 13% stating it is very unlikely.
• This scepticism highlights the urgency for clear, actionable commitments from the Government.
CONCERNS ABOUT A COMBINED AUTHORITY WITH DEVON
While a quarter (24.7%) of respondents favour a combined authority model, concerns about Cornwall’s distinct identity being overshadowed dominate.
Key issues include: Cornwall being treated as a “poor relation” compared to urban centres like Plymouth and Exeter; a loss of autonomy and the dilution of Cornwall’s voice in strategic decisions and the potential erosion of “Brand Cornwall,” a cornerstone of our economic identity.
THE CHAMBER’S POSITION
An independent devolution deal tailored specifically to Cornwall’s challenges and opportunities is essential for strengthening our economy, empowering local governance and preserving Cornwall’s unique identity.
But despite strong support for a bespoke deal, businesses are concerned about the realism of securing it and the risks of prolonged inaction. Cornwall cannot afford to miss out on funding and opportunities while the Government delays decisions.
A FIGHT FOR CORNWALL
Cornwall’s
Devolution Journey: Cornwall
Chamber CEO John Brown issues a call for clarity, action and a deal that works for all of us.
We need clarity from the Government. They must recognise a majority of businesses want a Cornwall deal, but need to define what an independent deal could look like and whether it is truly achievable and be transparent about timelines and processes.
We also need certainty and guarantees on funding and support for Cornwall, regardless of the chosen model. And we need the Government to engage directly with Cornwall’s leaders and business community to progress discussions without delay.
Cornwall is more than just another region. We are a proud Celtic nation with a distinct identity, an enviable cultural heritage, and untapped economic potential. Yet we are grappling with awful levels of child poverty, over tens of thousands of people on housing waiting lists, and a health and social infrastructure that is stretched beyond breaking point.
It’s time for the Government to recognise Cornwall’s unique position and take decisive steps toward a devolution deal that works for us. We need clarity on what’s possible, it would be deeply concerning to spend the next 18 months campaigning for something that doesn’t exist. We need a firm commitment to action for Cornwall, as well as cross party support locally, and the urgency to move beyond political point-scoring. Cornwall cannot afford to be sidelined.
Together, we can ensure Cornwall’s future is one of growth, autonomy, and prosperity.
This is about more than governance. It’s about fighting for a richer, fairer, and kinder Cornwall a future where our economy thrives, our children have opportunities, and our communities prosper.
To our members, we say this: your voice has power. Together, we can ensure Cornwall’s future is one of growth, autonomy, and prosperity. Let’s demand the change Cornwall needs and deserves.
I WISH YOU WATER
Wave Project CEO, Ramon Van de Velde, bestows the benefit of surf therapy.
An increasing number of young people have poor mental health, with extreme anxiety, depression, eating disorders, suicidal thoughts and self-harm all increasing. In 2017 one in nine young people had a probable mental health condition, which had increased to one in five by 2023. The pandemic, social media, disconnection from nature, economic inequality and the constant bombardment of negative news are just some of the reasons for this. Early intervention is key, and the under-funded mental health services are under pressure.
And if you don’t want to go to a visitor attraction there is always a beach or forest nearby.
Surfing does however have specific, additional, benefits. When surfing modern distractions just don’t exist. Escaping the constant scrolling and online connectivity creates a space where people truly connect with nature, themselves and each other. The focus needed to surf, and the thrill of catching the wave and overcoming a challenge, makes a surfer forget the difficulties they may have on land.
The Wave Project is the world’s largest surf therapy charity, with 17 locations in the UK. Headquartered in Cornwall it makes a big difference on young lives all over the UK, improving the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people through Surf Therapy and the healing powers of the ocean. Wave Project surfers get one-to-one support from a volunteer surf-mentor, which helps build trust in adults, often giving that glimmer of hope and stability that not all our surfers have.
The social impact of this is significant – for young people, their families and communities.
Surf therapy is a great example of an early intervention. It combines physical activity, nature immersion, social connection and mindfulness. And in many ways, it isn’t about the surfing. Community, the healing powers of the ocean, being active, connection to nature, and learning new skills are some of the key ingredients. These lead to belonging and give an identity.
Blue health benefits are available to us all. The wonderful book Blue Mind by Dr Wallace J Nichols describes the benefits of being in, on, under or near water. It stimulates the release of neurochemicals like dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin. This leads to reduced stress, calm and focus, improves mood and fosters emotional connection.
It was the best gift we could ever receive.
We are incredibly lucky in Cornwall that we have so much water and nature all around us. In Cornwall I have also worked at the Eden Project, St Michael’s Mount, and The Lost Gardens of Heligan. These are all places where connection with nature and community are part of why people are attracted to them. And we can go there all year round.
Our charity works closely with referral partners, such as CAMHS, GPs and schools, to help improve this wellbeing of young people early on by increasing resilience, confidence, self-esteem, friendships and outlook. The social impact of this is significant – for young people, their families and communities. As a minimum we improve young lives, at best we save them.
In our charity’s work we are always positive, we encourage, we follow the child, we give hope and utilise the power of community. This leads to what many people call “The Wave Project magic”. This magic is evidence-based and it works! I often wonder what the world would look like if this magic was more widespread…. Cornwall is so special, with its abundance of beautiful blue and green spaces, its strong communities, and the highest number of volunteers per capita. Cornwall has the ability to show what Can Be.
“This is a miraculous change. This is life changing. I can literally see him rewiring in front of my eyes.”
“On one particular weekend surfing with The Wave Project lifted his spirits enough that it undoubtedly saved our family experiencing what was going to be a very bad episode.”
“To go from week 1 to week 6 the results were insane. Our son is now able to go in the sea and even stand up on the surfboard. This is not something we thought we would ever see and we will not be able to thank The Wave Project enough because what they did for us as a family. And for him it was the best gift we could ever receive.”
Just as Dr Nichols says in Blue Mind: I wish you water.
For further details of these and more events visit businesscornwall.co.uk
To publicise your event for free, email news@businesscornwall.co.uk
EVENTS
February 2025
6 THE GREAT CORNISH FOOD AWARDS
Nancarrow Farm, Truro
The Great Cornish Food Awards shine a light on those who excel in ways that really matter, recognising the food, drink, farming and fishing champions of Cornwall and Scilly. greatcornishfood.co.uk
7 CORNWALL APPRENTICESHIP AWARDS
The Eden Project
Following a fantastic evening of celebrations at the Eden Project in 2024, the ninth annual awards will once again take place at the famous venue. truro-penwith.ac.uk
12 CORNWALL CHAMBER LUNCH
Harbour Hotel, Fowey
The year’s first networking lunch is co-hosted by Cornwall College and comes from the Harbour Hotel in Fowey. cornwallchamber.co.uk
13 ELITE LEADERSHIP & PERFORMANCE
The Alverton, Truro
Floyd Woodrow will deliver a very interactive session to explain how we can all push the boundaries of our performance as individuals, teams and organisations. ciosgrowthhub.com
13 WOMEN IN BUSINESS LUNCH
Penventon Hotel, Redruth
All are welcome to Your Partnerships’ Women in Business lunch on the second Thursday of each month. yourparnerships.co.uk
15 CORNISH PIRATES V HARTPURY
The Mennaye, Penzance
Premiership Cup Round 6 action as Cornish Pirates take on Hartpury. Full hospitality packages available. cornish-pirates.com
18
AMECA: A ROBOT’S JOURNEY TO CREATION
Truro College
A journey to Ameca’s creation & discover the learning/career pathways available in Cornwall such as robotics, coding, AI + more! eventbrite.co.uk
20
YOUR PARTNERSHIPS OPEN HOUSE
Victoria Inn, Roche
A morning of breakfast, banter, and brilliant connections at the original Open House event. yourpartnerships.co.uk
20
THE PIG DIPPERS
The Pig at Harlyn Bay
Cornwall Chamber and Brooks Financial Planning have teamed up with The Pig to create a monthly net-swimming and breakfast club for those who like to start the day FRESH! cornwallchamber.co.uk
25
CORNWALL CHAMBER BIG BREAKFAST
Tregenna Castle, St Ives
This month’s Cornwall Chamber flagship networking event is co-hosted by Helen Tite of iCareiMove. cornwallchamber.co.uk
27 NETWORK HFC
Hall for Cornwall, Truro
Network HFC attracts a free-range collective of individuals from business, creative, tech and media for an informal monthly get-together. hallforcornwall.co.uk
27 AI READY?
The Alverton, Truro
An interactive event hosted by the Alan Turing Institute where researchers will share their work and insights as part of their contribution to the Bridge AI programme. ciosgrowthhub.com
27 GREAT COAST-TO-COAST CHARITY DINNER
The Alverton, Truro
Five award-winning chefs, from four Cornish regions, delivering five sumptuous courses, for one great cause. eventbrite.co.uk
information email: liz.mclean@cornish-pirates.com www.cornish-pirates.com
Education colleges across the UK to receive Expert Apprenticeship Provider status from the Department for Education
truro-penwith.ac.uk/apprenticeship-employers
CONNECTED
Picture gallery of recent events.
CORNWALL SUSTAINABILITY AWARDS
Waterhaul was named the overall winner of the Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Sustainability Awards, held at the National Maritime Museum. Other winners on the night included Philliegh Way Wood, Plant One, St Martin’s Vineyard, Falmouth Harbour Commissioners, Watson-Marlow Ltd, South West Peatland Partnership, Volunteer Cornwall and Cornwall Climate Care.
FALMOUTH HARBOUR COMMISSIONERS
PHILLIEGH WAY WOOD
WATERHAUL
COODES
Clients and colleagues attended a special Coodes Christmas networking event in Truro.
CORNWALL CHRISTMAS FAIR
The annual Cornwall Christmas Fair, held at the Eden Project, raised a whopping £68k for local charities.
DAPHNE SKINNARD (BBC RADIO CORNWALL) AND BETH MAYMAN (SAPC)
ANTONIA MULLALY (CORNWALL HERITAGE TRUST) AND JO COUNTER (COODES)
ABI LUTEY (COODES) AND MARTIN WALTON (ACORN)
CAROLINE CARTER (BUSINESS CORNWALL), JENI LUKE (COODES) AND BROCK (YOUR PARTNERSHIPS)
IAN LILLICRAP OF LILLICRAP CHILCOTT WITH CO-CHAIR CCF KATE HOLBOROW
JULIE MARIE AND NICHOLAS RODDA
RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY
ANDY JASPER CEO OF EDEN WITH EDWARD BOLITHO CCF PRESIDENT
STEVEN WEBB (FORMER MAYOR OF TRURO)
WILD CARD TEAM
WILDANET TEAM
HEATHER FORSTER Empower Coaching founder.
WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU WERE YOUNG?
One minute I wanted to be an Olympic show jumper and used to make my dog do rounds in the garden, the next a prima ballerina – dancing down the street hoping to be spotted!! But what I really wanted was to be a marine biologist working with Jacques Cousteau the French diver. His TV programmes were inspirational.
WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST FULL-TIME JOB?
When I was 12 I did a paper round earning £1 a day and then worked in an old people’s home doing care work and catering.
I wanted to be an Olympic show jumper and used to make my dog do rounds in the garden.
WHAT’S IN YOUR POCKETS?
A mini dinosaur and a unicorn from looking after my grandkids, a cowrie shell and some sea glass found on Towan Beach on the Roseland. And several pooh bags from walking my gorgeous dogs.
HOW DO YOU LIKE TO RELAX?
Sea swimming, walking the dogs in the beach and I really enjoy cooking and having friends and family around for dinner.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE BEST MOMENT IN YOUR CAREER?
Working at The Body Shop was incredible. There were so many magical moments but probably one of the most special was organising the refurbishment of three orphanages in Romania after the fall of Nicolae Ceausescu.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE WORST MOMENT IN YOUR CAREER?
Speaking at a conference of 1,000 people – terrifying!!
WHAT’S THE BEST THING ABOUT CORNWALL?
The people and the exquisite landscapes – I was born in Zimbabwe and lived in South Africa and Sri Lanka and so have found it difficult to call somewhere home. We have lived in Cornwall for 34 years now and the song Cornwall My Home sums up everything I feel!
IF YOU COULD INVITE ANY TWO PEOPLE FOR DINNER, WHO WOULD THEY BE AND WHY WOULD YOU INVITE THEM?
The Dalai Lama and Mary Robinson: but you know maybe my late dear mum and grandmother. I have so many questions I would love to know the answers to.
WHAT WAS YOUR BIGGEST MISTAKE IN LIFE?
Not to go to the West Indies when I was 16 with the Ocean Youth Club and not to horse ride through Mongolia and Kazakhstan with Susan Belgrave.
IF YOU COULD BE GOD FOR A DAY, WHAT MIRACLE WOULD YOU PERFORM?
Make human beings live sustainably on the planet and reverse climate change!
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE DOING IN FIVE YEARS’ TIME?
What I am doing now – I have a job I love, a wonderful family and dear friends I am very lucky. Maybe travelling more in our Campervan Demelza – she is my truly happy place!
Payroll? Sorted.
Imagine the extra time you’d gain, and the stress you’d remove if you had a specialist team looking after your payroll each month.
Staff would get paid the correct salary on time. HMRC would receive the correct information on time. But best of all it would create additional time for you to do other ‘stuff’. Happy days.
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