Business Cornwall magazine March 19

CORNWALL'S PREMIER BUSINESS RESOURCE FOR ALL THE LATEST NEWS AND OPINION

businesscornwall.co.uk

MARCH 2019 | ISSUE 128 | £3.95

ST AUBYN ESTATES CEO RAMON VAN DE VELDE

MAGNIFICENT 7 CONFERENCE AND VENUE GUIDE

CORNWALL BUSINESS SHOW ROYAL CORNWALL SHOWGROUND MARCH 14 03

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And the winner is...

MARCH 2019

INSIDE FEATURES 10 CORNWALL BUSINESS SHOW SOME OF CORNWALL’S BRIGHTEST BUSINESS SERVICE PROVIDERS ALL UNDER ONE ROOF, ON MARCH 14

12 CEO INTERVIEW IN CONVERSATION WITH ST AUBYN ESTATES CEO, RAMON VAN DE VELDE

17 THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN SPONSORED BY LACUNA BUSINESS, SEVEN IDEAS FOR WHERE TO HOLD YOUR NEXT BUSINESS EVENT

22 CORNWALL BUSINESS AWARDS WHY YOU SHOULD SERIOUSLY CONSIDER ENTERING CORNWALL’S PREMIER BUSINESS AWARDS

24 BUSINESS GROWTH HOW A LAUNCESTION ARCHITECT HAS MOVED ITS BUSINESS ONTO A NEW LEVEL

27 EDUCATION & TRAINING WHY IT MIGHT BE TIME TO TAKE ANOTHER LOOK AT APPRENTICESHIPS

ISSUE 128

REGULARS 4 INCOMING WOULD YOU WELCOME A TAX ON TOURISTS?

6 BUSINESS NEWS REBRAND FOR INVEST IN CORNWALL

35 EDUCATION NEWS COLLEGE CELEBRATES RICK STEIN COLLABORATION

36 FOOD & DRINK NEW VENTURE FOR PAUL AINSWORTH

37 FSB FSB NEWS ROUNDUP

38 CREATIVE MICROTEST IN SCOTLAND

40 ON THE MOVE WHO’S GONE WHERE

46 JUST A THOUGHT ELLIE HIBBERD, HEAD OF HREXPRESS AT STEPHENS SCOWN

48 TEST DRIVE MORVETH WARD DRIVES THE SKODA KAROQ

50 EVENTS DIARY DATES TO RATE

51 CONNECTED WHAT YOU’VE MISSED

52 THE LAST WORD CORNWALL BUSINESS SHOW’S ANDREW WEAVER

39 TOURISM SW TOURISM AWARDS WINNERS

PHOTO: COCONUTS NATURALLY SEE PAGE 36 FOR FULL STORY

BUSINESS CORNWALL | 1

MARCH 2019

WELCOME

BY EDITOR NICK EYRIEY

ISSUE 128

A TRUE CORNISH ICON ON THE COVER RAMON VAN DE VELDE ST AUBYN ESTATES CEO

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Nick Eyriey nick@businesscornwall.co.uk PUBLISHER Toni Eyriey toni@businesscornwall.co.uk BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Morveth Ward morveth@businesscornwall.co.uk ACCOUNT MANAGER Caroline Hill caroline@businesscornwall.co.uk CONTRIBUTORS PFA Research DESIGN & PRINT Design by Business Cornwall Printed in Cornwall by Deltor BUSINESS CORNWALL is published 10 times a year by: Tonick Business Publishing Pool Innovation Centre Trevenson Road Redruth TR15 3PL Tel: 01209 718688

The word ‘iconic’ is often one that is bandied about too freely but surely applies to St Michael’s Mount.

The island has been home to the St Aubyn family since the mid seventeenth century and more recently a magnet for tourists to the region.

But as one of west Cornwall’s largest employers, St Aubyn Estates has a portfolio of businesses that is about far more than just the Mount – holiday cottages, a building company, hotels etc. On page 12 we meet CEO Ramon van de Velde, who himself has a fascinating background, and discover what makes it all tick.

The events diary is beginning to fill up and this month two key trade shows open their doors. Expowest Cornwall (March 5-7) is the premier event in the diary for the hospitality and catering sector, while a week later it’s the turn of the Cornwall Business Show. Hopefully we’ll see you there.

There’s still time to enter the 2019 Cornwall Business Awards. The awards have undergone something of a revamp this year with new categories and a new application process being just a couple of the changes. If you are still undecided on whether to enter or not, turn to page 22 where we have some compelling reasons which should help.

You have until the end of the month to get you entries in, so what are you waiting for?

SUBSCRIPTIONS subscriptions@businesscornwall.co.uk

Registered under the Data Protection Act. All rights reserved No part of this publication may be reproduced, copied, stored in an electronic retrieval system or transmitted without the written permission of the publisher.

Stringent efforts have been made by Business Cornwall magazine to ensure accuracy. However, due principally to the fact that data cannot always be verified, it is possible that some errors or omissions may occur. Business Cornwall magazine can not accept responsibility for such errors or omissions. Business Cornwall magazine accepts no responsibility for comments made by interviewees that may offend.

Business Cornwall Magazine is proud to be associated with

2 | BUSINESS CORNWALL

Funding to support smaller businesses.

The Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Investment Fund provides commercially focussed finance through Debt and Equity Funds.

It aims to transform the finance landscape for smaller businesses in the area and to realise the region’s potential to achieve economic growth through enterprise.

Debt finance £25k - £1m

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www.ciosif.co.uk @ciosifbbb British Business Bank plc (BBB) is a development bank wholly owned by HM Government. British Business Financial Services Limited (BBFSL) is a wholly owned subsidiary of BBB. Neither BBB nor BBFSL is authorised or regulated by the PRA or FCA. BBB and its subsidiaries are not banking institutions and do not operate as such. A complete legal structure chart for the BBB group can be found at www.british-business-bank.co.uk.

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BUSINESS CORNWALL | 3

INCOMING

THE CONVERSATION

The big question The UK’s first tourist tax is set to be introduced in Edinburgh - a flat £2 per night room charge. With an estimated 4.5 million visitors every year, is this something the Council should consider here in Cornwall to help fund stretched public services, or would it act as a deterrent to visitors?

Join the conversation @biz_cornwall

/businesscornwall

businesscornwall.co.uk

ADVERTORIAL

DISCRIMINATION: PROTECT YOUR BUSINESS Do you run discrimination awareness training for staff? Have you got up to date equality policies? If you are not already on top of this, Mark Roby, part of the HRExpress team at Stephens Scown, explains why this should be at the top of your to do list

4 | BUSINESS CORNWALL

THE CONVERSATION

ANDY TRISH

NCI Technologies There are many places across the world that charge tourists tax. State Tax, City Tax, Tourist tax, but taxing someone for booking a room isn’t the best way to entice them to spend more in your county and is normally charged as an extra on the final bill, something the tourist rarely expects.

The implementation of a tourist tax in Cornwall could also be to its detriment.

How would camp sites and caravan parks be affected? Short term rental properties, would they be included or is this question solely concentrating on B&B’s and hotels, therefore, putting a tax on a market of the industry that suffers much fluctuation because of conditions outside its control, weather etc?

If implemented where would the money be spent? Would it be assigned to increase tourism or just go into the county coffers and general funding. One of the problems here is that the Council is very stretched in some areas but appears to have millions in the bank to give away to private organisations in others, the new stadium in Truro for example. My question is which area would this tax money be spent on if collected?

SUE BRADBURY SBPR

I can’t see any benefit at all in levying a tourism tax – quite the reverse. Love them or loathe them, visitors are crucial to our economy and anything that deters

Employment tribunal claims are on the increase since fees were removed in 2017.

Add to that the fact that employers can be held vicariously liable for any acts of discrimination by their employees and you can see that this is a risk area that all prudent business owners should take action to mitigate.

Discrimination on the grounds of race, disability, sexual orientation, age or marriage (amongst others) can lead to significant awards.

We support hundreds of individuals and businesses through the employment

them from travelling to our county for a short break or longer holiday is surely not something we should even be considering. I can’t believe there wouldn’t be significant administrative cost for the Council, too – as well as another paperwork headache for our hard-working accommodation providers. All in all, a bad idea. Edinburgh may be able to afford the backlash – Cornwall can’t.

ELLIOT WALKER Coast 360

I have mixed feelings about this issue. The annual influx of tourists certainly takes a heavy toll on the county’s infrastructure and it makes sense to ask them to pay their way. £2 per room per night sounds like a small amount. However, this will quickly add up to a significant increase on the cost of a holiday in Cornwall for a large family staying in a house for a week.

The local holiday companies I work with put a lot of effort into attracting visitors and pricing accommodation, so it is fair and affordable. Adding a chunk of money to the bill at the end of the checkout process could well put people off.

RICHARD BEAMAN Cornwalls Cottages

It’s a crazy idea. Why on earth would you want to cut off the hand that feeds you? Cornwall Council tried to impose something similar with the £5 airport development fee, which had dire consequences, effectively putting

tribunal process each year. We know that two of the first things that the tribunal will seek to establish in discrimination cases are if an employer has trained staff recently, in line with up to date policies.

If you can answer yes to both you will be less likely to be found liable for discriminatory action by your employees.

Awards for discrimination are uncapped, so could be a significant burden on a business, particularly if the claimant has suffered ill health as a result of the discrimination which prevents them from working.

INCOMING

Newquay Airport back in time 30 years and even though abolished now, we are still feeling the effects of that disastrous tax.

Tourism is Cornwall’s biggest industry by far. You do not want to do anything whatsoever to discourage visitors in coming to our county to spend their pounds with local businesses who in turn employ local people and services.

Tourism probably directly or indirectly affects virtually everybody in this county in some way. Cornwall as a whole needs to embrace visitors, no matter what we might think of them at times!

TOM ROACH

PKF Francis Clark With so much of Cornwall’s tourist industry being independently owned, most of the money spent in Cornwall by tourists remains in Cornwall. For example, most hotels are spending at least a third of their income on wages and about another third on local builders and professional advisors. This is fundamentally different to the low cost, nationally owned, chains that are generally occupying our city centres such as Edinburgh. Any tourist tax would just add to the already high business rates that most operators pay. It would be much better leaving tourist businesses to get on with investing in their products to ensure we remain the best holiday destination in Great Britain. One advantage though, is that we could call it the Poll (Dark) Tax, but then again, we all know what happened with that!

Mark Roby is an HR advisor and part of the HRExpress at Stephens Scown. The team offers HR and employment law support, training and solutions to small and medium sized organisations, helping them to develop an engaged, effective and productive workforce. For more information call 01872 265100, email employment@stephens-scown.co.uk or visit www.stephens-scown.co.uk

BUSINESS CORNWALL | 5

CORNWALL

BUSINESS NEWS

INVEST IN REBRAND

SPONSORED BY

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Invest in Cornwall has rebranded to Cornwall Trade & Investment (CTI) as it prepares to provide Cornish businesses with export support.

For over a decade, Invest in Cornwall has worked to challenge the perceptions of Cornwall as a business destination and promote Cornwall as a credible place to do business.

CTI says the rebrand reflects the project’s new ambitions not only to continue to attract businesses into the region but to also work with high-growth businesses in Cornwall, helping them export their products and services nationally and internationally.

Director Nicola Lloyd, director of Trade and Investment, said: “The team have worked

Falmouth-based clothing brand, Seasalt, welcomed its 1,000th employee last month, with the first, tenth, 100th and 1,000th employees all joining founders Neil and Sophie Chadwick in the design studio to celebrate the significant milestone.

The company started as an army surplus shop in Penzance and since 2005 has created hundreds of jobs in Cornwall, supporting our local economy, as a result of its steady expansion. Today, it has 60 stores across England and south Wales.

Neil Chadwick said: “This really is a landmark day for us, it means a lot that we’ve been able to bring so much employment to Cornwall over the years.

NEW MILESTONE FOR

SEASALT

6 | BUSINESS CORNWALL

We’ve been dedicated to growing at a rate that has allowed us to invest in as much local talent as possible, whether that’s in our shops, distribution centre at Redruth or our head office in Falmouth.”

Seasalt’s very first employee, Adrian Green, is still with the business over two decades later. His role has evolved considerably over the years, starting his Seasalt career as a shop assistant in Falmouth, before moving on to work in the business systems department, then finance, and finally to his current role as a customer experience specialist.

extremely hard to attract high-growth inward investments to Cornwall. In the last three years alone, we have successfully attracted 31 businesses to the region, creating nearly 100 jobs.

“We’ve achieved this through international marketing campaigns, as well as attending an itinerary of industry specific events – through this activity, we’ve developed a global professional network who will be able to support our efforts in opening doors for Cornwall based businesses.

“The new project will allow us to expand upon our existing activity and we’re excited to be able to work more closely with Cornwall’s business community and support their export ambitions.”

Meanwhile, Seasalt appears on a list of Britain’s fastest-growing international sales stars. The annual Sunday Times HSBC International Track 200 league table ranks Britain’s mid-market private companies with the fastest-growing international sales.

Seasalt appears on 178th place on the list, with reported international sales worth £3.2 million out of a total revenue of £51.1 million. There has been a 36% annual growth export sales growth over the past two years.

BUSINESS NEWS

SPONSORED BY

CORNWALL

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ONE FOOT IN THE GRAVE A new business has started up making sustainable coffins from bamboo grown and harvested in Cornwall.

Cornish Bamboo Coffins is the brainchild of former furniture design lecturer Owain Harris, who embarked on his sustainable journey after being made redundant in 2015.

As an unemployed 55-year-old, he joined the BA Hons in Sustainable Product Design at Falmouth University as a mature student.

He said: “It was in the second year of the course that the opportunity arose to develop and design a product.

And following a seemingly innocent conversation with my mother about funeral planning, the impetus to design the sustainable coffin came to light and was very much encouraged by my family.

Cornwall Airport Newquay has been reflecting on a successful 2018 and is anticipating further growth in the year ahead.

A number of new routes were announced in 2018, including the much-anticipated link into London Heathrow; StobartAir adding London Southend (under the Flybe franchise) to its portfolio of routes; and a new airline partner, Scandinavian flag carrier, SAS, introducing a new link to Copenhagen.

There was also an increase in passenger numbers in the winter months with Ryanair extending its popular Alicante service to a year-round operation as well as technological advances in both the passenger check-in process and onsite car parks.

NEWS IN BRIEF

“This seemingly simple brief then took me on a two-year journey in which I learned that the world of coffins, cremations and funerals is far more complicated than I ever imagined.”

Out of all this research several designs were formulated and developed, and a variety of materials explored. Eventually a long basket with a roll top lid was settled on for the structure and bamboo would be the main material for the sustainable coffin.

Owain Harris and his wife Shelley now harvest the bamboo from several sites around Cornwall, including Carwinion House near Mawnan Smith and the old bamboo farm at Lanivet and create the coffins in their workshop in Perranwell Station.

AIRPORT FLYING HIGH the last year. The Copenhagen route has already proved popular with the Danish market, with flight dates being extended before the first flight has even landed.

“With our new connection to London Heathrow starting in March, we hope that we will see far more tourists from further afield, such as the USA and Asia, who can now easily connect to Cornwall via Heathrow.”

MD, Al Titterington, said: “We’ve had some fantastic new routes announced over

“Whilst 2019 may bring some challenges to the aviation industry, we are looking forward to continuing to grow and improve our airport in the interests of the people of Cornwall.”

RECORD YEAR FOR NEW BUSINESS

Figures just published show that more new businesses were established in Cornwall during 2018 than in any previous year – despite the challenges of political and economic uncertainty surrounding Brexit.

6.2 more new

In terms of new companies, 2,829 were registered in the Duchy compared to 2,665 in 2017 which represents an increase of 6.2%.

%

companies

This brings the total number of registered

Bishop Fleming has chosen to support Cornwall Air Ambulance for the second year in a row. The Truro office of the Top 30 accountancy firm will raise money for the New Heli Appeal as part of its centenary celebrations and will become an official gold partner of the appeal. ____________________ China Fleet Country Club was named the 2019 Wedding Venue of the Year at the South West Wedding Awards. ____________________ The Smile Together CIC is set to open a new dental centre in Bodmin this spring specifically designed and adapted for patients with special requirements including physical and mental health conditions, following a £1 million investment from Big Issue Invest (BII). ____________________ Cornwall Chamber of Commerce has entered a new collaboration with other chambers across the south west. As part of the agreement, any members of the chamber network in the region may contact the other participating chambers to access free hotdesking at their offices. ____________________ A Cornish resin-bound driveway and flooring specialist has launched what it believes to be a world-first, a new driveway solution made from recycled plastics. The new Recycle Bound product is a special resin-bound blend for driveways and pathways made using waste plastic - drink bottles, food packaging, straws etc. ____________________ Despite the uncertainties of Brexit, Redruth-based precision engineering manufacturer, WES, has invested £200k in a new CNC mill-turn machine. ____________________ Penzance is bidding for a share of the Government’s £675 million Future High Streets Fund, which was set up to provide co-funding towards capital projects that transform and regenerate town centres.

companies in Cornwall to 21,904, up from 20,746 at the end of 2017, which equates to 5.6% growth.

The statistics come from the Inform Direct Review of UK Company Formations, using data from Companies House and the Office for National Statistics.

Across the UK as a whole, a record number of new companies were formed – 669,855 compared with 634,116 in 2017.

BUSINESS CORNWALL | 7

CORNWALL

BUSINESS NEWS

SPONSORED BY sapc.co.uk

EUCOUNT FUNDINGON FORABACUS NEW FOR EFFECTIVE HELIPORT

DEBT RECOVERY

Penzance Heliport has secured £1.8 million of European funding as work begins on restoring the helicopter link between Penzance and the Isles of Scilly.

The remainder of the £4.3 million project costs will come from private investment, with Tresco Estate and the Dorrien-Smith family the largest investors.

It is planned that flights from Penzance

unning your own business can be Abacus Collection offers a difficult enough, so chasing unpaid comprehensive range of no win, debts is one headache you can no fee debt collection services definitely do without. Thanks to to customers ranging from sole bespoke debt collection providers traders to regional small and Abacus Collection there is now a local service medium-sized companies tailored to your needs at affordable prices that Abacus can help you find allows you to focus on what you do best. out if your debt is collectable Involved in running his own businesses for the by contacting clients and trying to find Heliport to St Mary’s and Tresco will begin in Jeff future growth of the Isles of Scilly.” past 30 years, Painter founded Abacus resolution. All debts have a time limit, spring 2020.

Collection after aPreparation chance meeting if your customers can’t or won’t pay A workwith hasanow commenced friend who had a plumbing business, as Jeff canan secure your debt provided custom Robert Dorrien-Smith said: “We’re delighted on the site at Jelbert Way, following explains. have an asset such as property. the Isles of Scilly will once again benefit archaeological survey completed by the “I was astonished to learn how many people If the debt is less than six years old an from European investment in its transport Cornwall Archaeological Unit. Following a owed him money. As a sole trader working not sure whether to write it off or not, infrastructure. This European funding, tender process, west Cornwall contractor long hours he simply didn’t have time to chase can investigate the viability of spendin alongside the record support from islanders, Symons Construction was selected to debts, so this was how Abacus was born.” time and money trying to recover the d visitors, businesses and agencies on complete the preparatory work. The main Based in Truro and covering the south west, Abacus also collects ledger debts for the islands and further afield, shows the contractor will be announced soon, with importance of Penzance Heliport to the construction expected to begin in April.

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IN THE SOUTH WEST Award winning PR and marketing agency, Voice Communications, has expanded into the south west.

Founder and managing director, Nichola Cain, has over 20 years’ of PR experience under her belt, having provided creative communications for some of the country’s leading brands whilst working in some of London’s top PR agencies.

Since being founded 13 years ago, Voice Communications has established a successful presence across the south east. This exciting step into the south west will enable the business to embrace a new landscape of clients who are looking to create strategic, impactful and creative marketing solutions.

So why Cornwall?

they’ve not looked back since. With Cornwall holding a special place in their hearts, Nichola and Ben got married in 2015 against the backdrop of beautiful Mevagissey.

Since establishing a presence in Cornwall, Nichola has joined the Cornwall Chamber of Commerce and the company is working with clients including Newquay based Oltco - one of the UK’s leading resin solutions providers.

Voice works across a diverse range of sectors including consumer and B2B PR and all things social in a number of areas including food and drink, fashion, retail, motorsport, interiors, housing associations and charities.

We are really excited to be part of and grow with this dynamic region

Nichola’s love for the south west goes back to her university days, where she spent four years studying in Devon.

She spent as much time as she could crossing over the Tamar on the Torpoint Ferry exploring and enjoying Cornwall.

Seven years ago, devoted cocker spaniel (and office chair dog) Alfie came into her life. As a result of its dog friendly atmosphere, Cornwall became Nichola and her partner Ben’s holiday of choice instead of holidaying abroad... and

Johnny Pearce, director at Oltco, comments: “We have worked with a number of marketing agencies and Voice’s approach has been extremely refreshing.

We enjoy working with likeminded individuals and our relationship with Nichola happened overnight – she is a real asset to our team. The Voice team is incredibly responsive, and they have all exceed our expectations.”

Nichola continues: “We are really excited to be part of and grow with this dynamic region and the whole team love the South West. We love the energy and vibrancy of Cornwall and

are meeting the most amazing businesses who have been so welcoming. Our mission is to help the voices of our clients stand out, ensuring they are always at centre stage whilst providing clear, honest and straightforward advice. This is a very exciting time and a new chapter for Voice.”

What makes Nichola tick?

Nichola is a heart-centred leader and her most important values are authenticity, personal responsibility, treating others with equal dignity and acting with integrity.

Internal communications and CSR are important to Nichola. She loves nurturing young talent and has run a highly successful apprenticeship scheme for years. She is excited to be part of the Cornish digital and creative space and to see that continue to grow and retain the best talent in the county and attract new talent in.

www.voicecommunications.co.uk BUSINESS CORNWALL | 9

BUSINESS

IT’S

SHOW

SHOW

People who are hoping to expand their business horizons this year are reminded to clear their diaries for March 14 – and to make sure they attend Cornwall Business Show 2019 There will also be several creative, design, marketing and web agencies represented.

The show will be a fantastic opportunity for businesses hoping to explore the business support options available to them. And with uncertainty over international markets and how that might affect the national picture, making the most of the local economy is more important than ever.

The exhibitors at the show are a great example of Cornwall’s diverse, thriving and entrepreneurial business community, and will provide visitors with plenty of food for thought on ways to develop and grow their companies.

Attending the show is free of charge, although it is recommended that visitors register in advance at so they can jump any queues on the day.

One of the biggest sectors to be represented at the 2019 event will be IT and telecommunications. More than a dozen tech and telephony companies have booked for this year, offering expertise in everything from system engineering, resilience, cybersecurity and investigations, to specialist telecoms and bespoke hardware and software solutions.

Education and training is quite rightly a major concern for many businesses, and there will be plenty of organisations offering advice and opportunities on training across the board, from Cornwall’s biggest providers of tertiary education in colleges and in the workplace, to small, independent providers.

A great example of Cornwall’s diverse, thriving and entrepreneurial business community

As the fibre-optic broadband revolution continues to be rolled out and impact on Cornwall, the range of choices for businesses has grown exponentially. The old-fashioned distinctions between mobile and landlines have blurred, and companies can now go for fully integrated solutions that are tailored to their needs – rather than having to shoehorn themselves into off-the-shelf solutions. The advent of VOIP – or web-based – telephony particularly means that telecoms has become an area in which businesses can save money while making themselves increasingly accessible.

10 | BUSINESS CORNWALL

Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Growth Hub and Skills Hub has taken on the headline sponsorship of the event this year. Stu Anderson, operations director of the Growth and Skills Hubs, said: “Our team are looking forward to meeting the hundreds of people that come along to the show to talk to them about how taking a bit of time out from their business can really help them to see the big picture and where they can get help to grow.”

Another sector with a strong showing will be finance, with specialists in accountancy, payroll, wealth management, and accountancy software packages, as well as independent financial advisors, all taking part.

Laura Whyte, managing director of accountancy firm, Whyfield, said: “We’re looking forward to exhibiting once again at the Cornwall Business Show - particularly with Making Tax Digital kicking in for VAT registered businesses from 1 April 2019.

“Our research shows that 70% of local companies don’t know when they need to start complying. Therefore, we’ve got some

BUSINESS

great things planned to ensure that attendees can find out everything they need - from software demos to top level advice and guidance.”

Motor dealers are always keen to attend Cornwall Business Show, to let decision makers see the latest vehicles and deals available. The range of services required by visitors to the show covers the entire spectrum – some of them want to buy fleets of commercial vehicles, others are more interested in knowing who they can work with to organise short-term leases or hire vehicles.

The motor trade will this year be represented

by Snow’s, West End Motors, Vospers, Merlin Vehicle Rental, and Mercedes Benz of Truro.

The 2019 show will also have three special zones, one for recent start-ups still establishing themselves on the regional scene, a social enterprise and charity zone, and the healthy workplace zone.

There will be a quality café and networking area, featuring a range of food vendors to keep everybody well fed and watered for the duration.

There will be seminars on the hour, every hour throughout the day, with a series of presentations and Q&A sessions led by people who are experts in their fields.

The show’s MD, Andrew Weaver, said: “When it gets to this stage, I’m just really looking forward to the big day.

SHOW

Of course, there are a few loose ends to tie up and some detail to attend to, but most of the heavy lifting is done.

“To get so many people from the Cornish and wider regional business community under one roof on one day represents a remarkable opportunity for networking. There’s nothing else of this scale, and certainly not at this time of year.

“I’m confident a lot of business will be done in a very conducive environment, and people will enjoy a day out of the office finding new ideas.”

The full list of exhibitors is available at the show’s website, www.cornwallbusinessshow.co.uk, as is lots more information that will be regularly updated right up until the day of the show.

To register in advance, go to cornwallbusinessshow.co.uk/freeentry-registration Cornwall Business Show, at the Royal Cornwall events Centre on Thursday, March 14, is sponsored by Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Growth and Skills Hub. Its media partners are Cornwall Live and Business Cornwall magazine. The event is also supported by JH Audio Visual.

BUSINESS CORNWALL | 11

van de Velde St Aubyn Estates chief executive, Ramon van de Velde, explains how a crowd incident at a Madonna concert inadvertently led to him beating a career path steadily westwards, ultimately leading to the iconic St Michael’s Mount

You’ve worked at Plymouth Pavilions, Eden Project and St Michael’s Mount but started out working in security. How has your career panned out?

I joined St Aubyn Estates in January 2014, after having been at the Eden Project for nearly four years and before that running Plymouth Pavilions for six years. I came to the UK in 2001 managing a division of Europe’s largest event security firm based in London.

I studied management in Holland and had done event security

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whilst at university, touring Holland with numerous famous bands and even a stint as personal security for Michael Jackson in the mid-90’s. I became a management consultant in healthcare when I was 22, but I then got headhunted by the event security company, which was owned by the American advertising giant Clear Channel Communications, who wanted me to become their first international management trainee with the aim to set up a new company in Sweden.

So, I decided to take this more risky, but exciting, step. I have always strived to be my best and taken opportunities when they’ve come. I was never planning to go and live in the UK, I never planned to work in event security - I’ve just always been really open minded. And I never ended up in Sweden…

They had just acquired the UK’s leading event security company, Showsec, and three months into my traineeship there was an incident at a Madonna concert at Earls

Court, when someone invaded the stage. I got a phone call late at night while managing a festival in Holland and the next morning, my traineeship cut short, I was on my way to London with the CEO. We had to deal with the aftermath of this crisis, including some very unhappy bodyguards and concert promoters, and not long after I was running the U2 concerts in Earls Court with over 300 staff.

I stayed for three months in London and then returned to Holland to finish the traineeship.

They clearly felt I had done a good job and before the end of the traineeship asked me to move to the UK as regional manager for Showsec.

Did that take a very specific type of skill set? Is it basically crowd control?

We never liked to call it crowd control, but crowd management. Crowd control feels like, “no you can’t come in” – you’re the block

RAMON

VAN DE VELDE

I studied management in Holland... and even had a stint as personal security for Michael Jackson

rather than the enabler. Crowd management is about making sure people can have an amazing time and that it’s safe. I have never enjoyed the security side as such, more creating wonderful experiences for people, which is what we did in London at places like Earls Court and Hyde Park. This became a theme in my career.

You did that for three years and since then have gradually been coming further and further west?

Yes, it’s quite interesting. If you look at Amsterdam where I worked, then London, Plymouth, Eden Project and now here. It’s almost a straight line!

So next stop New York!

No, it wouldn’t be New York. If you’d continue the line it could be Isles of Scilly, or Brazil!

But I am actually very happy doing what I

am doing in west Cornwall. Event security became frustrating as it is difficult to deliver quality with mainly casual staff, in hugely varying numbers. At one point I had been to tender for a contract at Plymouth Pavilions, and stayed the weekend visiting places like Eden and Heligan which I thought were just amazing. So, when the Pavilions’ operations director role came up, I was only 27 at the time, I applied and got the job!

You sound as if you were surprised?

I was. There are three moments in my life when people really believed in me and took a chance on me. When I was 25 someone believed in me enough to move countries to be in charge of a multi-million pound company in the UK. Then Adrian Vinken OBE, chief executive of the Theatre Royal, believed in me and made me operations director. And then in 2014, Lord and Lady St Levan also believed in me, especially

when I stepped up in 2015 when, aged 39, I became chief executive of St Aubyn Estates.

Three moments when people have taken quite a risk with me and that’s something I am trying to replicate with my team.

You have never been shy of applying for something that might have been above your experience?

No, because I believe you have to take opportunities. What we at St Aubyn Estates now try to do is create those opportunities and develop the team to ensure they can take them. We have for example run a Talent Management Programme for the last three years, which is a successful intensive annual programme for seven managers from across our businesses. We believe in our people, see something in them and help them develop.

CEO feature & cover photographs by Toby Weller

BUSINESS CORNWALL | 13

What appealed to you about joining Eden Project?

Going from operations director to Eden was actually a significant downward step. I was one of the two people in charge at Plymouth Pavilions for six years. And we did some amazing things, hosted amazing bands, and created new events, in what is not the easiest building. But I believed in Sir Tim Smit’s dream at Eden, and positive change, so was keen to first become visitor services manager, and then head of visitor services.

I worked at Eden for three years and I loved it.

Eden is an amazing place with some amazing people. But I was there at a very tricky time, between 2010 and 2013.

Through the financial difficulties and restructuring?

Yes. It for a while could not completely focus on its mission, visitor numbers were down, and Eden had to make some very difficult decisions. I had joined Eden to further develop its visitor experience, but a big part of my job involved restructuring, making valued people redundant some of whom had been there from the start, and helping make Eden better for the future. In the end I was the last of those 50-odd people to be made redundant. Eden had to survive and to survive sometimes you have to make really difficult choices, but I’ve always been positive, and from adversity comes good things. Luckily Eden seems to be doing really well and importantly many of those wonderful people are still there.

How does the relationship work with the National Trust?

In 1954, the third Lord St Levan, James’ grandfather, donated the vast majority of the Mount to the National Trust with a significant

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endowment fund which is used to look after the Mount. It is our responsibility to maintain the unique character of the Mount whilst further contributing to the endowment fund. We spend about £1 million a year on projects such as recently the causeway and the island’s services as well as looking after the castle for future generations to enjoy. We take our stewardship responsibilities seriously, and the unique partnership with the National Trust is successful in delivering that.

The St Aubyn family have a 999-lease to live in the East Wing of the castle and to run the visitor business. A detailed management arrangement has been in place since the donation that ensures both the estate and National Trust benefit from this set up, and this year we will be celebrating the 65th anniversary of successfully working in partnership.

St Aubyn Estates is a diverse collection of businesses. How long did it take you to get your head around it all?

It is complicated because the businesses can look like silos, and in the past also have been. You have Land and Property - 5,000 acres of land of which 900 is farmed in-hand as Trevarthian Farms. Two thirds of the land is around Marazion and one third of the land near Porthgwarra, where our beautiful holiday cottages and Porthgwarra Café are.

And then we have our building company Cornish Heritage Builders. Part of the agreement with the National Trust is that the estate’s building firm looks after the Mount. CHB also work on numerous external projects focussing mainly on heritage building.

Currently our builders are for example working on a project at Godolphin House, another National Trust property.

As well as Land and Property, the building firm, farm, holiday cottages, the visitor business on the Mount we also own and manage the Godolphin Arms, and of course have the supporting functions within marketing and finance. So yes, it was a big step up, but what a great challenge.

The owners, James and Mary St Levan, and I work closely on a daily basis. They are very involved in the business and passionately care about the Mount and Cornwall in general, but west Cornwall in particular.

In 2016 we acquired the Mount Haven hotel.

Our vision is to be a force for growth in west Cornwall and we know that if we run quality operations and attract people to the area, it enables other people to be successful as well. We do take conservative risks while trying to achieve that, and to take on a new 18-bedroom property (since increased to 20), in addition to the Godolphin Arms’ ten, certainly was a risk.

We underestimated the amount of building work needed to make it to the St Aubyn Estates standard. For the last three winters we closed the hotel for months, when we, for example, renewed all the services, replaced every bathroom, overhauled the interior design, and in April we will reopen with a beautiful enlarged restaurant, Terrace Bar and outside terrace overlooking the Mount. So, it’s another quality establishment in Marazion. We want people to stay longer in the town, which is so much more than just the iconic Mount.

RAMON And all our efforts are being recognised. The Times called us one of the ten British ‘cool hotels’ for 2018 and listed the restaurant as one of the 30 best places to eat by the sea.

The Telegraph lists the Mount Haven as one of Britain’s best hotels for glorious coastal walks and we won the Best Boutique Hotel at the Muddy Stilettos awards in 2018.

What’s the secret to having that sort of feedback? I guess having the Mount as a visual backdrop must help?

It’s of course a special location, but we’re not the only ones to have that USP. A lot of the places can see the Mount. But one of the things that we really enjoy and what makes us special is that we have what can look like an eclectic mix of businesses to be all working towards the same goal. One of the challenges for me is how can you make sure that continues to build.

Marazion. And there’s more we can do to do that. Pricewise we want to remain accessible for everyone, which also applies to the Mount.

When we discuss pricing there, we are mindful to not make it overly expensive, it is £10.50 to visit the castle and island – whereas other attractions can charge up to £27.50 for a day out.

The Mount is for everybody and price shouldn’t be a barrier for people to visit. We often hear locals say that when they see the Mount it feels like home, but when you ask when they last visited, it was ten years ago.

I must admit I haven’t been for a number of years myself!

You should – it is an amazing place full of stories past and present. The trip across, either by ferryboat or causeway, is a great adventure for all ages. But of course, you pay for quality. And we need to earn money to keep investing in our business and we do. Last ...and we know that year for example, we did a big if we run quality project on the Mount with the Island Shop doubling in size and operations and we started working with Seasalt attract people to clothing company. We’re always developing new bespoke the area, it enables products, we keep developing, other people to be keep improving.

We have a level of accessible quality; we’re never arrogant, never ‘posh’. Here at the Godolphin Arms for example, we’re proud to be mid-market, but then try to be the best of that market. This is not fine dining, but we offer great food, great service, successful as well We don’t ever want to overwith an amazing view. commercialise. Mont St Michel It’s a consistent quality in France looks more imposing throughout, and James from a distance, but when you are actually and Mary St Levan are very much part of there it is in my view over-commercialised, designing that. Lady Mary St Levan is for whereas here we are very protective of the example really involved in the interior design in authenticity. It is a village, it is still a working not just our hospitality businesses but also in island. We have two shops and a cafe and a the Mount’s shops and restaurants. Wherever restaurant. We never want it to feel corporate. you go on St Aubyn Estates properties or When the third Lord St Levan donated the businesses, there is a link.

Mount to the National Trust, he put in the We also want the Godolphin Arms to be a covenant that there can’t be any commercial community hub, because it’s a great asset for activity on the harbour front. Of course,

VAN DE VELDE

generating money is important, but we have to protect what we are there to look after.

How many people do you now employ across the whole group?

It really depends on the season. On average we have around 240 people, in summer it is more, in winter it is less. Annual turnover is just under £10 million.

Is Brexit a concern?

The uncertainty is a concern, not knowing is a concern for any business. How can you plan when you don’t know what to plan for? However, because we are a really varied estate, we know whatever is going to happen, for some part of the business it is going to be beneficial, for some part of the business it is going to be not so beneficial. We are confident that our hospitality businesses and the Mount will have a great 2019.

But Brexit of course also potentially impacts on me personally and my family. I was able to literally move overnight. Free movement has given me opportunities, as it has done for so many people both from the UK and abroad. My wife, who is a GP Partner, and I have significantly contributed to the UK over the years and we hope that we, and people after us, can easily continue to do so. I also wish that my, and other children, can experience living and working across Europe without barriers.

BUSINESS CORNWALL | 15

Is it going to be particularly challenging recruiting seasonal workers?

So how do increase the shoulder season?

Do you work closely with Visit Cornwall?

Being a seasonal business is always tricky.

We open the Mount in mid-March and close after October half term, so a lot of the staff depart in early November and get re-recruited again in February. People love working here, but there are only so many permanent contracts we can offer so the seasonality makes it quite difficult. Those people who leave in November, we hope are going to come back because with every new person, you have to train them again and we take so much care in creating a team-feel.

We do, and Lord St Levan is currently the Chairman of Visit Cornwall. Malcolm Bell and his team work hard at attracting more people in the shoulder season. May and June for example are really the most beautiful time to visit Cornwall. It is a shame they don’t spread school holidays. In Holland, where I come from, they spread holidays by splitting the holidays by three geographical regions. In England they are all mainly at the same time.

Everybody comes in those same six weeks which makes it tricky.

But at the recent Visit Cornwall conference, they presented on how Cornwall is becoming really attractive for American visitors and they like to visit earlier in the year.

One of the things we try and do is build the shoulder season. We don’t need more people in peak summer, in peak summer we’re busy enough, at times maybe even too busy.

Has that been improving steadily?

It has. We are focusing more on experiences, we keep improving the core product and making sure Marazion is more than just the Mount. But whatever happens, we will always be a seasonal business. And from a staffing point of view, you are competing with the likes of Aldi, Lidl and Costa, who offer a good hourly rate, 40 hours a week, all yearround employment. So, building the shoulder season is really important also from a staffing point of view as it enables you to offer the team more and consistent hours.

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I want to make sure all the challenges and opportunities are looked at and owned together

And we should always explore ways to work together to make Cornwall more attractive.

Jointly marketing Eden and the Mount could be such a thing - Only last week we were brainstorming how you could promote Cornwall with a joint campaign featuring the Mount and Eden, old and new, both iconic. I can picture the billboard in London!

How many people live on the Mount?

About 30, all year round, and each household has at least one employee as they are tied houses. The island is a hive of activity all year round. In the winter a lot of building work, maintenance and castle conservation happens, as well as winter works in the garden. Of the nine ferry boats, we run six ourselves, and they are completely stripped and rebuilt every winter. And then in summer the Amphicraft gets maintained to get ready for the winter. Island life still continues.

How does your role work on a day-to-day basis?

The reputation of Cornwall as a quality holiday destination has improved significantly over the years, do you think the Eden Project had a role to play in this?

It changes all the time. Along with the finance director and head of marketing we have to make sure we are involved with all the businesses.

We have regular meetings with all the business managers. I want to make sure all the challenges and opportunities are looked at and owned together. None of us sit in an ivory tower. We’re all in it together, it must be one team. So, I spend a lot of time in the business, I often work in the hotels for example and work closely with the National Trust on for example the ten-year plan of building projects to ensure we invest the £1 million a year into maintaining the unique character of St Michael’s Mount.

I do certainly and I think the figures show that. If you look at the number of bed-nights before 2001 and after 2001, you can see the Eden impact has been very significant.

And the continued development of the Mount Haven takes lot of time. It’s an amazing and varied job, working with an amazing and talented team.

Are you noticing more visitors from overseas?

Yes – also Dutch, Germans, French, Australians and Canadians. It is one of our objectives to get more visitors from overseas.

Attracting those visitors is also almost like a sign of quality as well. If people make the effort to come all the way down to west Cornwall, means you are doing well.

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BUSINESS CORNWALL | 17

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VENUE GUIDE

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VENUE GUIDE

QSTORE

THE FALCON HOTEL-BUDE

The Falcon is the oldest coaching house in North Cornwall.

Established in 1798 and run for most of its 200 years by the Brendon family, it has a rich history. Its understated elegance has all the modern conveniences you would expect from a first class hotel and conference centre.

We can accommodate groups from 2 to 200 in our various conference rooms. Our largest conference room has a banquet bar, stage and dancefloor. With the canal, beaches, golf course and miles of coast paths on our doorstep we can organise a fun event to compliment your conference. Why not consider an evening meal with entertainment?

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Canal, beaches, golf course and miles of coast paths on our doorstep

FACILITIES INCLUDE • • • • • • • • • • • • •

4 conference rooms 2 - 200 delegates Event managers Catering Free wifi Free parking 32 bedrooms Food served all day Bar & Restaurant Private dining Gardens Disabled access 5 minutes from the beach and town centre

including an award winning Cornish breakfast. Whether you are looking for a formal conference, board meeting, AGM or team building, we would be very happy to discuss your requirements and work with you to deliver a professional event.

BUSINESS CENTRE QStore Business Centre provides all the business services and products you’ll require to carry out your business in an efficient, fast and flexible manner, no matter where you are.

We provide you with FACILITIES INCLUDE all you need to work in our complete serviced • Meeting rooms, board rooms offices. By choosing and training rooms how much office you • Video Communications require for as long as • Business Lounge you need it and only pay for what you need.

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BUSINESS CORNWALL | 19

VENUE GUIDE

CORNWALL

SPONSORED BY

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I V E S

&

S P A

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THE BUSINESS SPACE

Comfortable, affordable and professional, just a few of the words that our customers use to describe our specifically designed meeting, conference and events in the centre of Truro. With a dedicated event coordinator, flexible room and catering options plus video conferencing and presenting facilities, we will work closely with you to ensure that your event runs smoothly.

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TREVENSON HOUSE CONFERENCE CENTRE & SERVICED OFFICES – POOL This Grade II listed property has been beautifully and extensively refurbished, bringing life back to an historic building. An elegant mix of 17th-century features with contemporary styling and 21st-century facilities, Trevenson House stands out, giving you something truly unique.

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VENUE GUIDE

SANDS RESORT

HOTEL & SPA

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Businesses can choose between several conference packages which may include tea, coffee, cake, light snacks or a hot buffet lunch

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BUSINESS CORNWALL | 21

BUSINESS

AWARDS

AWARDING

AN

As the deadline nears for the 14th annual Cornwall Business awards, we ask past winners why they applied and what they got out it

The Cornwall Business Awards deadline is not that far away, with entries closing at midnight on Sunday March 31.

Past winners gathered for the launch event in January to hear about all the new features for 2019, share their reasons for applying and what it meant for them to win an award.

Organising the Cornwall Business Awards for the second year, the Growth and Skills Hub team have been busy introducing new categories and re-writing all new questions. There is now an award for every business to apply for, from multi-national exporters to sole traders and traditional industries to high tech wizards. So there has never been a better time to apply.

Why enter?

SBPR Ltd works with a wide range of large and small businesses across Cornwall and, as a sponsor for 2019, Sue Bradbury and her team will be giving a free workshop to help all finalists make the most of their shortlisting. Here, Sue sets out the benefits of applying: 1 IT’S A GREAT OPPORTUNITY. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking your business is too small or too young to be in with a chance. It isn’t. There are many past winners who shared the same misgivings and were proved entirely wrong.

2 IT FOCUSES THE MIND. Making yourself answer the questions is a good exercise in self-evaluation. Set aside sufficient time to provide thorough answers and don’t skimp when it comes to describing your successes – that’s what it’s all about!

3 IT’S GOOD PRACTICE. Most of us will have to tender or pitch for business at some point, so view the application form in the same light. It’s a chance to demonstrate why you or your company stands out from the crowd so don’t be shy - it’s a competitive world out there.

4 IT GETS YOU NOTICED. If you get to be a finalist, seize the day and let everyone know – including your customers and suppliers. You’ve been independently assessed as being awesome – make the most of it, in every way you can.

5 IT’S FANTASTIC FOR MORALE. There’s nothing like winning for making you feel good and encouraging motivation. Shout about it from the rooftops and celebrate in style.

6 IT’S A GOOD EXCUSE FOR A PARTY. The Cornwall Business Awards event is one of those evenings you don’t want to miss. Just being there will forge new contacts and, whether you get to the stage or not, prepare to be inspired.

22 | BUSINESS CORNWALL

BUSINESS

SARA PUGH, FOUNDER, EIGHTWIRE

AWARDS

AWARD CATEGORIES FOR

Excellence in digital marketing 2018

Just do it. You have nothing to lose. Think about what stands you apart from other people, what the judges may find interesting or a little bit unusual, because that creates curiosity.

I was really convinced we weren’t going to win.

To be recognised by the community and other businesses in Cornwall feels good.

· Best Customer Service

Sponsored by St Austell Brewery

· Best New Business (<2yrs)

I was really surprised how far and wide the news spread and how many people in the weeks and months afterwards would congratulate you. It was really quite surprising what an impact it did have.

Sponsored by Cornwall and Isles of Scilly LEP

· Best Business with a Purpose

PAULA MARTIN, CEO CORNWALL, AIR AMBULANCE TRUST

Winner of Winners, Employer of the Year, Young Business Person of the Year 2015

Winning was a very big moment for us, it was incredible, huge smiles, a few tears, lots of excitement. It was a tricky thing for the judges to decide to give Winner of Winners to a charity business.

A word of advice: Answer the questions, make sure the quality of your answer is absolutely relevant to the question being asked. I was asked to be a Business Awards judge in recent years and one of the biggest criticisms I would have, is entrants missing out on marks because they failed to answer the question.

DAVID MCGUIRE, RADIX COMMUNICATIONS

Sponsored by Eden Project

· Growth Business of the Year Sponsored by Oxford Innovation

· Sole Trader of the Year

Sponsored by the Growth Hub

· Best Marketing Campaign Sponsored by CEG

· Product of the Year

Sponsored by Business Cornwall

· Young Business Person of the Year – Sponsored by Truro and Penwith College

· Best Family Business

Sponsored by St Austell Printing Company

· Best Place to Work

Sponsored by Cornwall College Business

Excellence in digital marketing in 2017

· Exporter of the Year

Totally go for it. We were completely surprised when we were shortlisted, and you might just surprise yourself too.

Sponsored by Cornwall Trade & Investment

· Business Leader of the Year

And when you do get into the application process, don’t think too much about ‘writing an awards entry’; just try and answer the question like you are sat opposite someone. Use natural language, and tell a clear story as if you were talking to a person. Don’t feel under pressure to use too much business jargon – instead, concentrate on what’s interesting and unique about you.

Sponsored by Unlocking Potential

· Ambassador of the Year Sponsored by CORSERV

· Circular Economy Award Sponsored by Tevi

· Business of the Year

KATHERINE GEORGE, OH SO SOCIAL

Young Business Person of the Year 2016 The Cornwall Business Awards are fantastic, it’s a brilliant occasion.

People’s Choice

For full information and to enter, go to www.cornwallbusinessawards.co.uk

It genuinely spring boarded my career and did wonders for the company. Awards are now part of our marketing plan and we know that if the press runs something about being shortlisted for an award, we know the phone is going to ring all day.

Be brave and go for it. Like everything in business, be brave and give it a try.

BUSINESS CORNWALL | 23

GROWTH

PROGRAMME

AN ARCHITECT’S

Makeover

How a Launceston-based architectural practice has moved its business onto the next level Finding time to focus on the future can be difficult for established businesses which are busy delivering for their clients and doing their day job.

Recognising this, Launceston-based architect Parkes Lees has taken advantage of the support offered by the Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Growth & Skills Hub to develop an exciting new direction for their practice.

Established in 1912, and one of the longest running architectural practices in Cornwall, the firm has a well-deserved reputation for providing high-quality architecture and building design services. While the team has considerable experience in delivering contemporary design, low energy builds, conservation work and traditional builds, director Mark Kemp was aware that the

practice had been run in the same way for a number of years and decided it was time for a change.

Mark passed the information to his client, and then phoned Growth & Skills Hub back and asked if they could help him as well.

“We pride ourselves on providing good quality designs which suit the requirements and budgets of our clients,” says Mark. “While we certainly did not want to change this aspect of our business, we did want to look at how we could build on our strengths and add new elements to what we can offer to clients in the future.”

Since that phone call seven months ago, the practice has received support in identifying its digital support needs, and in assessing the training needs of staff.

Mark was doing some work for a client when the local planning authority advised him to contact the Growth & Skills Hub to see if they could help his client with a planning issue.

After discovering the kind of support available through a range of European Structural & Investment Fund (ESIF) funded programmes,

“We were visited by an IT expert from Superfast Business Cornwall who analysed our digital requirements, including our software and hardware, and then came up with two options which we are currently considering,” says Mark. “We then worked with one of the Skills Hub team to identify training opportunities for those members of staff who were not already involved in specialist professional training programmes.”

MAIN PHOTO: TASH BASKERVILLE (PROGRAMME MANAGER), JENNIFER HAWKSWORTH (OFFICE MANAGER), LIZZIE ROGERS (FINANCE ADMINISTRATOR) 24 | BUSINESS CORNWALL

GROWTH

PHOTO BY: CHRISTIAN DELVE

As a result of the analysis one member of staff is now enrolled on a project management course which will support her in planning resource allocation in the practice, while another will take part in a leadership and management training programme.

With support from the Growth Hub, Mark was also offered 15 hours of executive coaching through the Transform programme which he is using to work with all members of staff to develop a new business strategy and marketing campaign for the practice. He is full of praise for the support the practice has received from the ESIF funded programmes.

“The executive coaching has been incredibly useful in encouraging us to look at where we are now and what we currently do, and then to consider where we want to be and what we want to be in the future,” he says.

JAMES BOON, ARCHITECTURAL TECHNOLOGIST

“After an initial session with a coach from Oxford Innovation, I set up a sub-committee of members of staff from the practice to create a new vision for the practice. After a number of challenging workshops we now have a much clearer idea of what we want to do in the future and are developing our new business strategy to help us achieve it. It has resulted in a planned name change for the firm and we are looking forward to launching ‘Place Architects Ltd’ in the next few weeks.”

PROGRAMME

MARK KEMP, DIRECTOR OF PARKES LEES

develop a new business strategy and vision for the future.

“The whole process has galvanized the entire practice and everyone is very excited about where we are going. By investing in staff and setting clear goals and a vision for where we want to be in three years’ time, we are confident that there is a very bright future for our practice and we are looking forward to working together to get there.”

Mark is very clear that all businesses could benefit from this approach.

“Our problem was that we were so busy actually running the practice, it was very difficult to find the time to think about how we might do things differently. It was fantastic to have someone come in and help us to

To find out how the Growth and Skills Hub could help your business visit www.ciosgrowthhub.com or call 01209 708660 BUSINESS CORNWALL | 25

ADVERTORIAL

SHOWCASING

THE BEST OF CORNWALL Support from AeroSpace Cornwall is helping to put local businesses in the spotlight at a wide range of events and exhibitions Cornwall is building momentum in one of the largest aerospace clusters in the world, positioning Cornwall at the forefront of the UK’s aerospace and space industry.

developments and promote Cornwall’s capability in the space sector.

The rapid growth of these sectors has put Cornwall in a global spotlight – and there are plenty of opportunities for local businesses to share the stage.

Redruth-based embedded software company, Bluefruit, exhibited at all of these events. As well as lead generation, Bluefruit was able to network and connect with likeminded businesses, resulting in a collaboration with Bodmin-based Flann Microwave.

Funding and support from AeroSpace Cornwall is helping connect innovative digital technology and manufacturing businesses with key industry names to create a hightech business cluster – adding value to these companies, and encouraging innovation within Cornwall. Some of the organisations currently innovating within Cornwall’s space cluster include Goonhilly Earth Station, Spaceport Cornwall, Flann Microwave Ltd and Skyrora.

Attending events and exhibitions is an effective way to get your business in front of the right people, as aerospace industry expert Peter Munro-Lott FRAeS explains: “Sometimes all you need to turn your idea into a reality is the right connection, which can often be found by attending the relevant industry events and exhibitions. Finding the funds and resource to attend these events can be difficult, but we offer the support that can make it happen.”

Part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund, the AeroSpace Cornwall programme is offering various support pathways to these businesses, including funding and support to attend events and exhibitions.

AeroSpace Cornwall offers support for businesses attending and exhibiting at key industry events, producing stand and marketing collateral, and promoting their attendance to relevant media platforms.

Last year, AeroSpace Cornwall took groups of businesses to exhibit at the Advanced Engineering exhibition in Birmingham, Farnborough International Airshow and the IBC Show in Amsterdam. These highprofile industry events gave businesses the opportunity to showcase their latest 26 | BUSINESS CORNWALL

Through the AeroSpace Cornwall programme, local businesses can also get access to different types of funding, enabling you to progress your ideas and follow up collaborations. This includes £1.285 million in R&D grant funding, £5k grants for SMEs, and Supply Chain Competitiveness consultancy support programmes.

Whether you want to shine the spotlight on your business, or take advantage of the unique funding opportunities, if you’re working – or have the potential to work – in the aerospace and space sectors in Cornwall, then AeroSpace Cornwall can help.

Find out if your business is eligible. aerospacecornwall.co.uk

EDUCATION &

TRAINING

A Little

Education and training is fundamental to the success of everything we do, right from early years through to apprenticeships and career upskilling. Developing the leaders of tomorrow.

Over the following pages, we focus on some of the work of the academy trust sector here in Cornwall and also take an in-depth look at how apprenticeships have developed over the years and how they can now offer a real solution to the challenges of recruitment.

BUSINESS CORNWALL | 27

EDUCATION

& TRAINING

LAYING

IN THE APPRENTICE’S WORDS Chloe Davison is serving a digital marketing apprenticeship with Cornwall Chamber of Commerce, following her decision not to go down the university route.

Chloe says: “The apprenticeship is great, I love being in a working environment and learning new skills whilst being able to implement them into real situations.

TO REST

“I was always in two minds about whether to go to university, however I do not regret my choice.

The support and experience I am gaining is unbelievable.”

Apprenticeships have come a long way. These days you can sign up existing employees, and there’s no upper age limit. Apprentices can study for a degree and the Government will stump up 90% of the tuition fees in many cases. What’s not to like?

Unless you’re exceptionally lucky, the chances are that from time to time you will have struggled to find the right person for a job in your firm.

It should be of some comfort to know that you’re not alone. The latest data shows that 59% of Cornish businesses currently recruiting have had trouble finding exactly the person they are looking for.

Read the Cornwall Quarterly Economic Survey for the final quarter of 2018, and you’ll see comments like: “Our biggest issue is recruitment,” and “It’s difficult to find skilled managers in this industry and this area.”

Those are sentiments likely to strike a chord with many managers – whether they are running a small 28 | BUSINESS CORNWALL

company they founded themselves or are in charge of HR at one of Cornwall’s bigger employers. Because while coming to live and work here is many people’s idea of living the dream, recruitment presents its own challenges for a host of reasons.

It’s fortunate, then, that Cornwall has a long and proud history of coming up with its own solutions and that the idea of ‘growing our own’ plays to our strengths. Growing our own skilled workers is tipped to be one of the key planks of developing the workforce and integral to that will be apprenticeships.

Apprenticeships have come a long way in the past half-century. Gone are the days of the apprentice being sent down to the stores for a ‘long wait’ or a tin of ‘striped paint’.

Apprenticeships now include work-based education placements ranging from less academic, vocational qualifications right up to a full bachelor’s or master’s degree. They’re as likely to be in subjects like digital marketing or nursing as they are in traditional core areas like construction. And there’s plenty of funding available that can effectively become part of your training budget.

So, what are the barriers that prevent SMEs from signing up apprentices?

Recent surveys from Cornwall Chamber and the Skills Hub shed some light on the issues – whether real or perceived.

One of the survey’s headlines was that 56% of businesses had a shortage of highly-skilled workers, nearly half were lacking medium-skilled employees and 16% of firms had a shortage of low-skilled labour.

The quality and scope of apprenticeships has come on in leaps and bounds in recent years

Three quarters of companies said they had identified a suitable training provider, but that left a quarter of firms which had identified a skills need but hadn’t so far been able to find a trainer to help them meet it.

Large numbers of businesses also reported that they were not able to provide the level and kind of training they wanted – for several reasons.

The biggest single factor reported as contributing to the skills shortage in Cornish

EDUCATION &

59

%

56 % 16 %

TRAINING

of Cornish businesses currently recruiting have had trouble finding exactly the person they are looking for of businesses had a shortage of highly-skilled workers

of firms had a shortage of low-skilled labour

DALE NETTLE & CHLOE DAVISON, CORNWALL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

workplaces was time, with 30% of companies citing it as a barrier. That was followed by a financial barrier (20% of firms), and a lack of training providers (14%).

Comments cited in the survey included: “It is getting increasingly difficult to find people with anywhere near the right skills and the level of workload makes it hard to find the time for internal training,” “Definite lack of technical skills in Cornwall, for example coding, development, SEO,” and even “Big shortage in trade skills, for example electricians, plumbers.”

Josh Hoole, manager of Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Skills Hub, believes it would pay most companies to take another look at apprenticeships.

them are based on myth or a view of what apprenticeships were like a decade ago or more.

employer once they complete the training.

Most apprentices are in it for the long term – they pick you as an employer as much as you pick them as an employee. Get the recruitment right and you could be looking at your managers of the future.”

“Money is an issue for some people but, for smaller businesses who are not paying the apprenticeship levy, 90% of the training cost is covered by the Government. Of course, there is the employee’s salary to cover and they do have Cornwall Chamber of Commerce to be released understands all too well the barriers for training, but faced by businesses, but it also sees the huge benefits that apprenticeships this is a fantastic can offer. investment in your workforce.

IN THE EMPLOYER’S WORDS

COO Mel Colton-Dyer explains: “As a micro-business, capacity and innovation are always a challenge.

Recruiting and developing apprentices is a sure-fire way of ensuring that our business is progressive and vibrant.

He says: “The quality and scope of apprenticeships has come on in leaps and bounds in recent years, and I would urge all businesses to take a fresh look at what’s on offer and factor that in to both their recruitment and their succession planning.

“We know from our research that 79% of businesses who take on an apprentice have done so before – they know it’s a good thing and are coming back for more.

“It’s interesting to look at the barriers businesses say prevent them from taking on apprentices. Some of them are very real, and we understand those. But some of

“The schemes also clearly work well for the apprentices themselves because almost three quarters of them stay with their

“Our apprentices have transformed our capabilities and add immense value, rapidly becoming key members of the team with their energy, dynamism and ideas.”

BUSINESS CORNWALL | 29

EDUCATION

& TRAINING

THE APPRENTICE – WHO KNEW? • People can study at all levels on apprenticeships – from courses equivalent to GCSEs right up to and including bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

• There’s no age limit – by 2014 there were more than 140,000 apprentices aged 25+ and nearly 2,500 who were 60 or older!

MICHELLE PEARCE AND ALISHA STONE, RRL

One common misconception about apprenticeships is that they are only for school leavers. That’s simply no longer true these days apprentices can be any age. It’s also possible to enrol existing employees.

They remain on the same terms and conditions, although you must allow them to attend their training courses during the working day.

This generally works well for employers, because the apprentice’s learning is informed by standards set by people from within the industry. Networks of employers ensure that the skills, knowledge and behaviours required for a particular job are measured.

Josh adds: “We’d be naïve to think that apprenticeships are a panacea for all the difficulties Cornish employers face, but I genuinely believe they provide an answer to many challenges faced by lots of companies.

“The Skills Hub can help people to navigate this landscape, and in my experience a good conversation early on can frequently address many of

30 | BUSINESS CORNWALL

the issues would-be employers identify as barriers.”

Michelle Pearce is the practice director at RRL, which was named SME Employer of the Year at the 2018 Cornwall Apprenticeship Awards. Michelle says: “Our apprenticeship programme is at the core of our growth strategy. By developing the next generation of staff from within the firm, to fulfil our growing business needs, we are future-proofing the organisation.

• Apprenticeships don’t just cover manual work. These days they come in all shapes and sizes, including digital media, business improvement, nursing, cyber security, engineering, finance … even costume design.

• You don’t have to take on a new worker – existing employees can be signed up.

• The Government will pay for up to 90% of the training costs – even more in some circumstances.

“Hiring an apprentice is a commitment. It requires an investment of time and a great deal of support, but the value an apprentice will add to your business in the long run will pay this back many times over, enabling you to train someone with the skills they need to become a valued and valuable team member.”

Perhaps the last word should go to Alisha Stone. She is an accountants assistant apprentice at RRL, and her loyalty is immediately apparent: “It is a fantastic place to undertake an apprenticeship,” she says.

“The collective help and support of everyone at the firm since I started training has increased my self-confidence and experience greatly. Having joined the firm straight after my A-Levels, it is extremely rewarding that I am now on course to complete my studies later this year.”

For a free skills review from the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Skills Hub, call 01209 708660, email hello@ciosskillshub.com or register online at www.ciosskillshub.com Also be on the look out for the Cornwall Apprenticeship campaign due to launch in the Spring.

EDUCATION &

TRAINING

SETTING THE The Kreston Academies Benchmark report, now in its eighth year, is written by lead author Bishop Fleming, advisory firm based in Cornwall and the Westcountry The Kreston Academies Benchmark report is the largest independent survey of the financial health of the academy sector and Bishop Fleming is the number one professional adviser to academy schools in the UK. The survey is based on a sample of 370 academy trusts, made up of 1,000 individual schools. It commends the work academies have made in delivering savings but offers a warning that further spending reductions will be hard to achieve, and trusts cannot rely on their reserves forever.

They will run out in five to six years without any changes.

This year’s statistics reveal that half of all academy trusts surveyed continue to run with in-year accounting deficits before depreciation, and this rises to 85% of

academies when depreciation is included.

Depreciation reflects the wear and tear of school buildings and equipment that will eventually need to be repaired or replaced.

While the pre-depreciation deficit is actually down from 55% in the previous year, the depreciation-inclusive figure is up from 80% in 2017.

Although the report highlights that significant progress has been made by academies in cutting costs to reduce the size of their overall deficit, and the deficit per school, it warns that further spending reductions may be hard to achieve, and future funding uncertainty could undermine the way in which education is provided.

• Average primary school deficit fell to £17,544 in 2018 from £155,765 in 2017 • Average secondary school deficit fell to £145,889 in 2018 from £252,982 in 2017 • A 43% increase in teacher pension contributions from 2019 (ca. £200k p/a to an average secondary) and 3.5% increase in teacher pay announced in 2018 are only funded until 2020, leaving a question mark over future budgeting • Massive underfunding of school infrastructure following a National Audit Office report identifying £6.7billion needed to bring buildings back to a satisfactory condition.

The report illustrates that the academy sector is structurally underfunded, and its budget is based on achieving year-on-year savings. Although schools and trusts locally have done great work in bringing down their deficits, there is a risk that the distraction of financial pressures could detract from their core purpose. The Treasury must not

ignore these problems in the forthcoming Spending Review.

The report describes several factors which have contributed to a climate of financial uncertainty in the sector. In 2018, the Government agreed pay scale increases of 3.5% and an increase to Teachers’ Pension Scheme (TPS) contributions of 7%. The TPS increase alone will cost in the region of £200k to the average-sized secondary school. Currently, the government has agreed to fund these costs until 2019/20 but not beyond.

Around 80% of academies surveyed for the report identified: (a) changes in government funding and (b) unfunded changes to pay and conditions, as their greatest risks.

Since July 2018, academies are required to submit three-year budgets but, the report says, they lack the long-term guarantees to do so effectively. They can put a budget together, but uncertainty undermines this.

Tough decisions have been taken to balance staffing levels and there has also been a clear focus on cost management. However, it is unsustainable for the sector to record in-year deficits year after year. Eventually the reserves will run out. This year’s report is a testament to the hard work of academies nationwide, in reviewing spending to bring down deficits but a warning for the future financial health of the sector.

For a full copy of the report please visit www.bishopfleming.co.uk or for more information contact Pam Tuckett on 01752 262611 or at ptuckett@ bishopfleming.co.uk

BUSINESS CORNWALL | 31

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EDUCATION &

TRAINING

ASPIRE TO Aspire Academy Trust - a Cornish educational charity celebrating ambition, creativity and innovation The young children starting their education journey in the Aspire Academy Trust’s schools today are the very same who will, as adults, steer us into the middle and distant future, becoming the leaders of tomorrow, better than those that came before them. We hope.

However, as a coastal county, Cornwall still faces significant barriers related to geographical, economic and cultural factors; not least our declining heritage industries, limited transport infrastructure, low-paid work and fewer life opportunities.

Most challenging of all is the impact these factors can have on the educational and aspirations of our young people, those leaders of tomorrow.

In order for Cornwall to continue to grow and thrive, to keep on finding and maintaining its place in the world, for it to retain its unique qualities whilst enriching the Cornish experience; it needs to offer up something very special indeed.

Cornish businesses, industries, educators, innovators and entrepreneurs must seize and embrace full responsibility for attracting talented people to remain, or to relocate to the Duchy. Encouraging pupils to be ambitious and talented practitioners to work with them in our academies, is a key element of our objective to deliver outstanding educational provision for all.

The Aspire Academy Trust guides, supports and challenges its state-funded schools, with huge amounts of freedom to innovate.

So, how does a family of 28 academies, comprising over 5,500 children and 1,000 staff, strive to achieve its ambitious goals? By addressing, head-on, the multiple challenges that face us all in the education sector.

We have recognised and overcome barriers that slow down the pace of reform and improvement. Governance of our academies has been simplified with dramatically reduced levels of bureaucracy.

New leadership models, built around an exemplary core service team, have been introduced that create leaders at every level. This allows teachers in schools to focus 100% on what matters, the children.

To serve this agenda, our curriculum is constantly under review and not only draws on the richness of Cornwall’s history, heritage and environment to inspire, but also aims to reach out and link with people and businesses locally, regionally, and across the world.

In December 2018 the Department for Education (DfE) published the MAT Key Stage 2 (KS2) Progress scores for 2018 with the Aspire Academy Trust named as one of the highest performing MATs (with 10+ primary schools) for primary education progress in England. SATS results saw successful performances across reading (7th place nationally), writing (5th place nationally) and mathematics (11th place nationally). Nationally, Aspire is one of just eight large MATS that achieved above average results in all three subjects of reading, writing and mathematics.

In Cornwall, Aspire academies again feature in the top 10 schools for all subjects at both expected and higher standards and figures released by the DFE also indicate that the Trust is Cornwall’s top performing multiacademy trust for pupil progress.

In 2019 this relentless drive for higher standards continues, prioritising strong and effective leadership at all levels and building on previous successes to extend our influence and contribute to a wider regional and national educational debate.

Great primary schools are powerful, they can increase the value of homes in a postcode, change the tone and quality of a whole village or town, and breathe fresh life and energy into communities. At absolute best they can do all this, but most importantly they have the ability to change and transform the lives of every young person who attends, raise aspirations and change mindsets, and that is what we strive to achieve.

For further information on the Aspire Academy Trust and its 28 Cornish primary academies, visit www.aspireacademytrust.org or follow on Facebook (@aspireacademytrust) and Twitter (@AspireAcademies)

BUSINESS CORNWALL | 33

EDUCATION

& TRAINING

MATTER OF TRUST

Is your Academy Trust running out of money? Katie Skea, director at accountancy firm PKF Francis Clark, has some words of advice

Having just come through another academy season of delivering accounts to clients for the 31 December deadline, I have visited many boards of governors and discussed the results. The common theme underlying nearly all of these meetings has been concern over the finances.

has failed to keep pace with cost increases.

On a more political, holistic level, blame may be attributed to some expensive educational failures – with millions having been spent on ventures such as free schools, University Technical Colleges and Studio Schools that have since failed and closed.

Concern about the in-year deficits, concern about the future forecasts and how much longer reserves will last and concern about decisions that may need to be made to maintain the financial viability of the trust.

Indeed the concerns are warranted as, based on current performance, the education sector is likely to have only 5-6 years of reserves left and further problems are likely to lie ahead with escalating payroll costs.

A question that I am repeatedly asked is: what can we do to balance our budgets?

This is usually a difficult question to answer as most trusts have already stripped down budgets, decreased staff head count and made all the easy cost savings. What is typically left are the costs that could directly impact the educational performance of the trust – its teachers and support staff.

(‘MAT’), – this is certainly the government favoured route. For others, the trust’s operations may need to be over-hauled to deliver a curriculum that is more streamlined to the finances available.

Whatever the solution may be for the trust, my advice precedes this and lies with ensuring that the problems are foreseen and proactively addressed at an early stage, before it may be too late.

The question of why the sector is struggling is an easy question to answer: put simply, at an individual trust level, Government funding

The solution, if there is one, is likely to be different from trust to trust. For some, economy may be found in scale from either joining or growing a Multi-Academy Trust

E: katie.skea@pkf-francisclark.co.uk

UNIVERSITY CHALLENGE If you haven’t previously worked with a university, you might not know what to expect. Rich Adams shares insights he’s picked up as corporate project manager at the University of Plymouth Collaborations between businesses and universities can yield exciting results but the prospect of working with an academic institution for the first time can be daunting. How should you approach a partnership like this to ensure you get the most out of it?

YOUR AGENDAS MAY BE CLOSER THAN YOU THINK Companies approaching the Enterprise Solutions team are sometimes surprised to discover the appetite from academics to work with commercial organisations.

Increasingly, academics need to demonstrate the impact of their research, but they also care deeply about the difference it will make.

THERE SHOULD BE MUTUAL BENEFITS The best collaboration will deliver mutual benefits. Your business may develop a new product while the academic can adapt their research into solutions that are genuinely relevant and beneficial.

YOU MIGHT GET A REALITY CHECK – IN A GOOD WAY

Businesses approaching a university are generally looking for access to brilliant minds, different ways of thinking and sometimes a partner to share their risk. Academics welcome the opportunity to see their knowledge materialise into an innovative new product or process.

Having insights from around the world can help them put the business’ idea into a global context, sometimes meaning their idea isn’t quite as innovative as they’d thought. While this can be painful, it’s incredibly useful, allowing the businesses to adapt much quicker.

34 | BUSINESS CORNWALL

One of the benefits academics can bring to a collaboration is the depth and breadth of their knowledge, giving the business access to a wealth of research.

IT COULD JUST BE THE BEGINNING Most companies that approach Enterprise Solutions are looking for a specific outcome but these collaborations have a habit of evolving. Keep the short-term objectives in mind but be prepared for that initial collaboration to lead to other – potentially bigger – things.

To find out how your business could work with the University of Plymouth, contact Enterprise Solutions: 0800 052 5600 or enterprisesolutions@plymouth.ac.uk

www.essupport.com

www.truro-penwith.ac.uk

EDUCATION &

SPONSORED BY

TRAINING

Brown, said: “We are delighted to be the leading co-educational Sixth Form in Cornwall, but I believe that what we offer at Truro School is much more than a statistic.

“We encourage students to find and fully develop their talents through challenges, opportunities and a great deal of academic enrichment.”

TOP OF THE CLASS Truro School Sixth Form has been identified as the top-performing co-educational A-Level provider in Cornwall.

The county’s school league tables show Truro School Sixth Form as the leading co-educational A-Level provider in Cornwall for both the average grade received and

ENHANCING BUSINESS

percentage of students achieving AAB or higher in at least two facilitating subjects.

With 104 students taking A-Level exams, by far the largest independent school Sixth Form in Cornwall, the data shows Truro School students received an average points score of 39.98 (Grade B), with 20% of Truro School’s Sixth Form achieving AAB, or higher, in at least two facilitating subjects. This compares to a county average of 15.4%.

Truro School Headmaster, Andrew Gordon-

Truro and Penwith College, meanwhile, has been ranked as one of the best performing public 16-19 providers nationally in the official Department for Education 2018 post-16 Performance Tables for schools and colleges.

Locally, the college’s results put it at the top of the Cornwall table for Academic points scores and progress made (A levels and International Baccalaureate) in all state provision across the county. Nationally, these tables also confirm it has been one of the most consistently highperforming colleges in England for over a decade.

The data also identifies the college as Cornwall’s most successful provider of apprenticeships too, with achievement rates on work-based learning pathways well above all national and local averages.

EFFICIENCY

COLLEGE CELEBRATES STEIN ANNIVERSARY

A new apprenticeship has been introduced to help combat the estimated £15 billion lost each year due to accidents and ill health in Britain.

A decade-long partnership between a leading local college and one of the country’s most well-respected chefs that has helped 80 learners embark on careers in hospitality has been celebrated.

The cost of accidents and ill health in the workplace, according to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), coincides with a staggering 30.7 million working days lost due to work-related illness and workplace injury.

CCB Training, part of The Cornwall College Group (TCCG), is helping businesses to address these statistics by delivering the new Safety, Health & Environment Technician (SHE) Level 3 standard apprenticeship.

Starting on March 19 in St Austell, this apprenticeship is aimed at any health, safety and environment officer working in organisations of varying sizes and industry.

The partnership between Truro and Penwith College and the Rick Stein Group began in the 2007/08 academic year with the opportunity for three young people to start their careers as catering apprentices at Rick Stein’s Seafood Restaurant in Padstow.

Senior members of staff from both organisations came together at Rick Stein’s Cookery School in Padstow to join the tenth group of apprentices at a ‘Talk and Taste’ event, where apprentices each prepared tasters from one of Rick Stein’s books and discussed their experiences since starting their

Apprenticeship in November 2018.

Rick Stein attended the event to sample the food prepared by his latest group and awarded the ‘Kyle Award’ to Scott Wallace from Rick Stein, Porthleven. The annual Kyle Award is presented to the group’s most improved Apprentice, in memory of Kyle Kusano-Puffett, a Rick Stein Group Apprentice who tragically lost his life in 2015 while on day out with friends.

Stein has always seen apprenticeships as a key way of sharing his knowledge and passion for professional cookery. He said: “There is no substitute for learning whilst working as you quickly develop the skills you need to progress in this fastpaced industry. We’re proud to support Apprenticeships and work with those who are passionate about great food and making people smile.”

“This apprenticeship has been a long time coming,” explained Chris Bate, health and safety training manager at CCB Training.

“Designed by employers for employers, the apprenticeship develops the skills and knowledge to advise on statutory health, safety and environment requirements as they affect the company’s operations.”

For more details on this apprenticeship hello@ccbtraining.co.uk.

BUSINESS CORNWALL | 35

FOOD

& DRINK

FOOD FESTIVAL

OFF THE MENU The organisation behind one of Cornwall’s major festivals has announced that it will not run this year.

Last year, Cornwall Food & Drink revealed that the well-loved Great Cornish Food Festival, attended by around 40,000 people, was taking a break in order for the format to be reviewed, but has now confirmed that it has not been able to take the event forward in the way it had hoped.

Explaining the thinking behind this “immensely difficult” decision, Ruth Huxley, MD of Cornwall Food & Drink, said: “First and foremost we have had to face the harsh reality that the festival has outgrown its location on Lemon Quay. Although very central and well connected to the transport infrastructure, we’ve been bulging at the seams there for some time. We’ve been as creative as we can over the years with the available space but feedback from visitors told us loud and clear that they wanted the event to be extended, with even more going on and more space to relax.

“We just can’t do that aspiration justice on Lemon Quay as things stand at the moment. Additionally, we’ve had to acknowledge that there is a host of practical issues connected with potential overcrowding. We’re deadly serious about our responsibilities as event managers and we won’t compromise when it comes to ensuring the safety of 40,000 people.”

AINSWORTH BUYS THE MARINERS Paul and Emma Ainsworth have acquired the lease of The Mariners in Rock.

Ainsworth said: “Emma and I are thrilled to be taking over The Mariners in partnership with Sharp’s Brewery. When the opportunity arose, we knew straight away that we had to take it.

2019 will very much be the ‘discovery phase’ – learning what works and what doesn’t –

EXPANSION PLANS

Dairy Crest has submitted a planning application to Cornwall Council for a £75 million expansion of its Davidstow creamery in north Cornwall.

The investment aims to boost cheddar production capacity at the plant by 40% from 54,000 tonnes a year to 77,000 tonnes to support the further growth at home and overseas of Dairy Crest’s leading cheddar brand, Cathedral City, which is made exclusively at Davidstow.

Dairy Crest spends around £150 million a year buying 500 million litres of milk sourced from 330 dairy farmers across the south west, and an additional £50 million in the local economy on wages, transport and other costs.

The news follows the departure of fellow chef Nathan Outlaw in January after five successful years.

The Mariners is located across the Camel Estuary from Ainsworth’s four other businesses in Padstow – Michelin starred No.6, Rojano’s in the Square boutique hotel, Padstow Townhouse and Mahé Cookery School & Chef’s Table, which is set to open in May.

£75M DAVIDSTOW

with a refurbishment planned for 2020.

“Nathan has done a fantastic job over the past five years and we certainly have big shoes to fill. We’re incredibly excited for what the future holds and are committed to ensuring the long-term success of The Mariners and keeping this Cornish jewel a destination for the local community and holidaymakers alike.”

The expansion would require a further 200 million litres of milk, worth an extra £60 million a year to Westcountry farmers, for the Davidstow plant which is already the biggest creamery in the UK. Davidstow site director, Dylan Ellis, said: “This project represents a major investment by Dairy Crest that will boost capacity, help with the long -term security of the 200 jobs on site, reduce our environmental impact and create new opportunities for milk suppliers across the region.”

CROWDFUNDING TARGET SMASHED Redruth-based dairy-free ice cream brand Coconuts Naturally reached its £100k crowdfunding target within 48 hours of its private launch.

Founder Cecily Mills, who turned down investment on BBC2’s Dragons’ Den last year, said: “We couldn’t be happier to achieve our target so quickly; we had a sense there was considerable interest in the

36 | BUSINESS CORNWALL

campaign, but that doesn’t mean anything until people actually commit the funds. The fact that we’ve received such significant investment so quickly is absolutely fantastic.”

It meant the campaign had hit its target before the public launch. It remained open for overfunding and reached in excess of £400k.

NEWS

SPONSORED BY

#FSBCONNECT

GREAT EIGHT ARE BEST IN THE WEST

FSB/CORNISH PARTNERSHIPS NETWORKING EVENTS

NATHAN DAVIS AND IAN ARMSTRONG (ARCO2) PRESENTED WITH THEIR AWARDS

BY ANDY COATES OF WATER2BUSINESS Eight small businesses from Cornwall were chosen as among the ‘Best in the West’ at the FSB ‘Celebrating Small Business Awards 2019’ held recently in Taunton.

The south west finals of the national FSB contest took place at Somerset County Cricket Ground and were designed to find the best small businesses from Tewkesbury to Penzance.

Seven firms from the county were shortlisted and recognised on the day with one going even better and claiming an overall winner’s prize - ARCO2 Architecture Ltd of Bodmin, which won the FSB South West Ethical-Green Business of the Year trophy.

The seven Cornish firms also shortlisted were The Vine An Gwinbrenn from Wadebridge, Cornwall Marine Network, Float Digital Marketing, Leap, Mother Ivey’s Holiday Park, NSN Electrical Limited and Oh So Social.

A delighted Nathan Davis from ARCO2 Architecture said: “Sustainability has become a bit of a buzz word for many companies but to us it is at the heart of what we do because we live it, we breathe it and it means the world to us. It is fantastic to have won this award.”

All of the winners will now go through to the UK national FSB Celebrating Small Business Awards 2019 final in London in May. For more details go to www.fsbawards.co.uk.

FSB AT EXPOWEST Expowest Cornwall is a trade show that really does have Cornwall covered. It is perfectly timed and showcases the latest products that cover the whole of the hospitality and catering market.

organisers, and network from 6-7pm.

After Day one of the show at the Royal Cornwall Showground (March 5-7), The FSB, along with local drinks distributor LWC and show organiser Hale Events would like to invite attendees to a post-show networking opportunity. Meet exhibitors, and the

Ann Vandermeulen, development manager for FSB Cornwall, said: “Many of the stand holders and delegates will be small businesses and that is why FSB Cornwall are particularly delighted to be supporting the event and working with Hale Events. It’s an important time for businesses to consolidate talent and to strengthen supply chains.

What better way to do this than with an event like Expowest.”

A CASHPOINT CRISIS?

calling for a regulator to be given explicit responsibility for protecting access to cash.

Figures from Which? indicate that more than 2,500 cashpoints were lost in the six months to December 2018 and over 3,000 bank branches have closed across the UK since 2015.

With the country’s cash infrastructure diminishing, Which? and the FSB have launch the joint ‘Freedom to pay our way’ campaign,

FSB National Chairman Mike Cherry said: “The rapid pace of bank branch and cashpoint closures is hurting small businesses all over the UK. “Millions of small firms have customers who want to pay using notes and coins. The vast majority of shoppers either use cash frequently or want to see access to it maintained.

MARCH 13 Exit Plan Falcon Hotel, Bude What is your business exit plan? Learn how to make your business worth more by removing yourself from the process and sell/pass on your business when the time is right.

MARCH 26 Business Image Waterside, Lanivet Picture perfect business. Does your image reflect your product? Come see from an international photographer the tricks and common sense elements of making sure your business is being seen in the right light.

MARCH 28 FSB Expert Roadshow Pentillie Castle, Saltash Special FSB Expert Roadshow event.

This masterclass by HMRC and a team from FSB Head office will provide expert clarification on the new rules for filing under MTD for VAT. £15 FSB members £20 non-members includes lunch.

APRIL 10 Keep Cornwall Beautiful The Old Quay House, Hayle Come and hear a talk on how you and your business can help Cornwall remain beautiful in the future. Plus great networking as usual.

Book all events via eventbrite.co.uk & search “FSB Cornwall”

“Going cashless should represent a genuine choice for small business owners. It shouldn’t be a move forced by lack of access to deposit and withdrawal facilities, disappearing ATMs or high cash handling fees.”

FSB Offer for Business Cornwall Magazine Readers at www.fsb.org.uk/join If you want to join FSB after reading this page then please quote BCM30 when you join and save £30!

BUSINESS CORNWALL | 37

CREATIVE

AND DIGITAL

SPONSORED BY

MICROTEST IN SCOTLAND

SMS marketing company, FireText, has been awarded an £800k contract to continue providing SMS messaging services to GOV. UK Notify.

Microtest has won a new contract to supply GP IT systems to GP practices across NHSScotland.

Bodmin-based Microtest is one of three national suppliers to have been awarded the contract, which follows Microtest’s recent award of a contract to supply GP surgeries across NHS Wales.

It will now develop its systems to meet the specific requirements of Scottish GPs in order to become accredited systems that are approved for use in Scotland.

www.digitalpeninsula.org

£800k CONTRACT FOR FIRETEXT

GOV.UK Notify is used by 164 public sector organisations to deliver messages to citizens about more than 500 different services, such as the Passport Office, NHS, DVLA, Blood. co.uk and Environment Agency to name only a few.

Dan Parker, director at Falmouth-based FireText, said: “As the highest rated SMS marketing provider in the UK, we’re extremely proud of the team effort in delivering contracts and services to not only GDS, but to the thousands of businesses that look to improve their communications with their customers.”

Microtest MD Chris Netherton said: “We are delighted to have been awarded this framework contract. We look forward to helping GP surgeries in Scotland use the latest IT technology to streamline systems and deliver outstanding patient care.”

PAWS FOR THOUGHT Peaky Digital has selected a Cornish dog charity as its dedicated charity-of-the-year.

The Truro-based digital agency will support the Last Chance Hotel, a dog rehoming charity in Delabole, by providing a day’s worth of digital services every month.

Peaky Digital will provide a range of services including branding, digital strategy, website optimisation and social media, plus the team will be getting hands on volunteering down

at the shelter throughout the year.

MD, Natalie Crouch, explained: “Our agency is still relatively new, and it feels great to be in a position to give something to the community this year.

“I’m a huge dog lover and, with the inspiration behind the name of Peaky Digital being based around our dog Phoebe, choosing to support an animal shelter was a clear decision.”

CHANGING A MINDSET THROUGH TECHNOLOGY www.cornwallbeacon.co.uk

38 | BUSINESS CORNWALL

The Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) through the ‘Beacon Project’ is working with businesses to help them think differently about disability and long-term health conditions, and to take action to improve how they recruit, retain and develop their staff. As part of the Beacon Project, a number of innovative digital solutions will be produced, harnessing modern technologies to communicate and support businesses with recruiting and retaining staff.

The digital solutions created as part of the Beacon Project will initially be utilised by local businesses to create an impact for the Cornish community, with the aim to expand the solution nationally across the UK. As the digital solutions develop, the project will be exploring the use of technologies such as artificial intelligence, automation and virtual reality to produce the most effective and efficient tool for businesses.

www.visitcornwall.com

NEWS

SPONSORED BY

TOURISM

JAMAICA INN TO THE RESCUE ST MORITZ FOR SALE

The St Moritz Hotel near Rock has been put up for sale, with a guide price of £8 million.

An iconic Cornish pub that provided shelter for motorists during last month’s snap snowfall has been handed a special welfare award by Highways England.

The Jamaica Inn became a safe haven for 140 people when heavy snow swept across the county and trapped motorists on Bodmin Moor, together with other vulnerable locations on the A30, such as Temple Hill.

General manager Sammy Wheeler and staff worked through the night to provide a comfortable refuge with hot food and drinks and set up makeshift dormitories with mattresses on the floors, and also assisted

people back through the snow the next morning to recover their vehicles.

In recognition, Highways England presented the hotel with a Customer Award for Services to the Welfare of Motorists.

Jamaica Inn owner, Allen Jackson, added: “The Inn has helped many travellers in need over the 270 years of its history when wild and unexpected weather has hit. The way we see it is we are just continuing this tradition but it’s nice to be recognised and we’re delighted to receive this award from Highways England – it will take pride of place at the inn.”

SUPERSONIC SUCCESS Cornish Wine Tours was among the winners at last month’s South West Tourism Awards.

Held at Aerospace Bristol, underneath the last Concorde to ever fly, Cornish Wine Tours took Gold in the Best New Business category.

Other Cornish businesses to strike Gold

The property is being marketed through Savills. James Greenslade, in the hotels team, said: “St Moritz offers a rare opportunity for an investor to acquire an established and internationally regarded resort. There are significant opportunities for a new owner to develop the resort further and enhance the business.”

on the night included The Newquay Activity Centre (Active and Sporting Experience), The Cornish Vegan (Café/ Tearoom), Treworgey Cottages (Dog Friendly Business), Rick Stein Cookery School (Learning Experience of the Year), Railholiday (Glamping & Alternative Accommodation), Polmanter Touring Park (Touring Camping & Caravanning Park), Boardmasters (Tourism Event/Festival of the Year,) and the Cohort Hostel in St Ives, which took Gold in the Tourism Innovation category.

ADVERTORIAL

HOW TO GET INVOLVED Over the next month, we will be engaging with the local business community as part of our research.

We are looking to run workshops, conversations, online questionnaires and user testing with SME businesses across a range of sectors in Cornwall, in order to gain as much insight and visibility to how these digital solutions could be applied and adopted by businesses.

The landmark hotel and resort comprises a 55-bedroom hotel, 15 apartments and 38 villas alongside the Cowshed Spa, leisure club, bar and two restaurants. Set in 8.9 acres (3.6 hectares) of landscaped gardens, the property has several active planning permissions including an extension to create a class leading spa, and the provision of eight further luxury suites.

We are looking for businesses to be involved in the following: Online questionnaires 1 to 1 conversations Industry focused workshops User testing Find out more - register.cornwallbeacon.co.uk

SCAN QR CODE OR VISIT

REGISTER.CORNWALLBEACON.CO.UK

BUSINESS CORNWALL | 39

PEOPLE

ON THE MOVE

SPONSORED BY

www.sapiencehr.co.uk

FARMING EXPERT JOINS LAW FIRM Farming expert Sue Reynolds has joined the commercial department of Falmouthbased law firm Hine Downing.

Reynolds steps into the boots of recently retired Hine Downing partner Anne Upfold, herself a farmer and horsewoman. Like Upfold, she brings the dimension of a truly passionate countrywoman to the Hine Downing legal team.

“My childhood shaped my love of the countryside and agriculture which is why I chose to specialise in rural property work when I qualified as a solicitor,” she said.

“Farming is not a job but a way of life for our clients who face challenges both day to day in the running of their businesses but also with the uncertainty of what the rural sector might look like in the future if the UK is no longer a part of the EU.”

SUE REYNOLDS

NEW DIRECTOR AT A&P Andrew Edwards has been appointed RFA cluster programme director at A&P in Falmouth.

ANDREW EDWARDS

Edwards will be responsible for planning, managing and delivering packages of work under A&P Group’s £239 million Future In-Service Support (FISS) contract with the Ministry of Defence (MoD) for the Bay Class vessels - RFA Mounts Bay, RFA Cardigan Bay and RFA Lyme Bay as well as RFA Argus and Ocean Survey Vessel HMS Scott.

Managing a team of 14 and reporting to Gerald Pitts, MD – A&P Defence in Falmouth, Edwards will oversee all ship maintenance, refit packages and urgent support when vessels are deployed overseas.

Pitts said: “Andrew has already proven his tenacity and attention to detail and we are delighted that he will be driving the operational aspects of this contract going forwards.”

LEP ADDS TO BOARD

The Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) has appointed two new non-executive directors to its board.

They are farmer and agri-food specialist Clare Parnell from St Minver near Wadebridge, and Louis Mathers, who is the co-founder of Cornwall-based peer-to-peer business lender Folk2Folk and a property solicitor.

Both join the LEP board with immediate effect. Parnell will be taking on the role of rural lead on the board, while Mathers will be small business lead.

LEP chair Mark Duddridge said: “Clare and Louis bring considerable strengths to the LEP board and both are passionate about rural affairs. We are fortunate to be adding such a wealth of experience to our board and I very much look forward to working with Clare and Louis.”

40 | BUSINESS CORNWALL

CLARE PARNELL

LOUIS MATHERS

ADVERTORIAL

DIFFERENCE Following the official launch of groundbreaking data by Cornwall based-research project Smartline in January, companies from across Cornwall are working with researchers from the University of Exeter to look at how this information can be used to develop new ways of supporting people to live healthier and happier lives.

Launched in March 2017, the cutting edge European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)funded project led by the University of Exeter, in partnership with Coastline Housing Ltd, Cornwall Council and Volunteer Cornwall, has seen surveys conducted and environmental sensors fitted in the homes of 290 Coastline Housing customers in the Camborne, Pool, Illogan and Redruth area of Cornwall.

These sensors are collecting information on indoor air quality, humidity, temperature, how much water is used and how much energy it takes to heat them. The team are also monitoring indoor as well as outdoor air quality, with sensors checking the impact of particles created by heating, cooking and smoking and nearby traffic, as well as those from new furnishings, cleaning products, paints and things like computer printers.

Unveiling the unique data set collected over the past year to businesses and key stakeholders from across the south west at the launch event at Heartlands, Dr Tim Taylor, senior lecturer in the University of

Exeter Medical School and Smartline principal investigator, says Smartline is leading the way in exploring how technology can be used to improve the health and wellbeing of local communities.

“Smartline is one of the largest monitoring exercises of its type, certainly in the UK context,” he explains. “By comparing properties with varying numbers and profiles of people in them, we can see the energy usage, temperature and air quality in a home and what influences these. Combining this with in-depth interviews we can unpick the factors that change health and wellbeing.

“We can then use this information to work with local businesses and organisations to encourage them to design better systems for managing homes in the future, and to invent new products and services to improve people’s day to day lives.”

Chief executive of Coastline Housing Ltd, Allister Young, is excited at the prospect of using Smartline research to develop ways of improving the quality of social housing. “We know that poor housing has a major impact on health and the quality of life,” he says.

“Research shows that up to 10,000 people a year die as a result of cold homes – that is 200 people each week. We also know that there is a link between mould and respiratory illnesses such as asthma and allergies.

“By using the data we can work with companies to develop new technology and produce new products to address these issues. Work is already taking place to develop new smart central systems which could help minimise the conditions which cause mould to grow and this is just the beginning.”

Another person excited by the potential of the project to inform and influence innovation is Roger Killen, the Royal Society’s Entrepreneur in Residence at the University of Exeter who says he is already thinking about the kind of questions which the Smartline data could help to answer. “This unique data set provides a great platform to look at interventions which will make a real difference to people’s lives at the same time as helping the public purse.”

Tariq Rashid runs Data Science Cornwall, a community organisation which encourages people and companies interested in machine learning, data mining and artificial intelligence to share ideas and support each other.

Impressed by the data already produced by the project, Tariq is keen to get involved.

“Smartline has already produced lots of interesting work,” he says. “I am looking forward to seeing what new insights we can find in the data to turn into good projects or new business ideas.”

A series of workshops is being run to help local businesses access the data and those interested in engaging with the data should visit the Smartline website to register their interest (www.smartline.org.uk).

BUSINESS CORNWALL | 41

ADVERTORIAL

have you heard the

WISPer?

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no secret that broadband speeds from mainstream providers in rural areas can be poor to non-existent. From coffee shops and surf schools to village halls and office spaces, organisations throughout Cornwall are facing a daily struggle with poor internet.

This is ultimately creating a barrier to growth â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a virtual mountain which businesses have to scale in order to not be left behind.

However, there is an innovative solution which is being pioneered by

42 | BUSINESS CORNWALL

Helston-based Wildanet.

Wildanet is a WISP (Wireless Internet Service Provider). It is on a mission to offer a reliable, effective and speedy alternative to mainstream broadband providers in communities across the county through cutting-edge fixed wireless access technology.

Ian Calvert, CEO and founder of Wildanet, discusses how fixed wireless technology is making fast broadband a reality for rural communities and businesses throughout Cornwall.

ADVERTORIAL It’s fair to say that the digital revolution has transformed the way that businesses grow. From online banking and cloudbased technologies to client emails and video conference calls, broadband is vitally important for day-to-day business operations. You could say that the Internet is the modern fuel for businesses – the faster the better.

But what happens if your connection is poor?

Through past experience of working within the region over a 20-year period, we discovered that Internet connectivity (and the lack thereof) was becoming a massive issue for businesses and communities across parts of Cornwall.

The issue only seemed to be getting worse as reliance on digital processes continued to increase. Painfully slow Internet was having a real impact on the bottom line leaving businesses digitally stranded. Ultimately this was affecting productivity, expansion opportunities, the ability to access important information, carrying out vital processes (including digital HMRC requirements) and was creating staffing issues.

This is having an incredible effect on communities.

Take Newlyn Harbour for instance. This fishing community was previously left off the broadband map, with poor broadband speeds affecting businesses within the local area. However, Wildanet’s superfast connectivity is now being put in place to provide Newlyn Harbour with the public space WiFi services it needed. With Wildanet’s Gigabit connection going live soon, the area will benefit from superfast and potentially ultrafast speeds (over 100 Mbps).

Fishermen will be able to access the Internet from the quayside, meaning that they can easily and quickly sell their catches online.

Video messaging and VoIP phone services will become available for crews via WiFi whilst they are onboard vessels in the harbour, enabling them to communicate home. Plus, businesses based around the harbour will also be able to use the Internet for business processes such as online banking, ordering and updating social media.

Light at the end of the connectivity tunnel

In 2017 we decided we wanted to change this. It became our mission to break down these barriers. We wanted to help this vibrant, exciting region grow. We wanted to support communities to thrive. We wanted to enable Cornish businesses to flourish. Wildanet was born.

Since then, we have been using the power of fixed wireless technology to create a new, innovative broadband infrastructure across Cornwall.

Through the use of fixed wireless technology, our network uses interconnected wireless hubs which transmit radio frequencies to hard to reach areas (areas which have been left out of the mainstream provider’s infrastructure).

This in turn removes the reliance on mainstream providers, such as BT. Communities up and down Cornwall are reaping the rewards of a reliable, cost effective, flexible, superfast broadband service with guaranteed speeds from 30Mbps to 1Gbps and beyond.

Organisations are benefitting from improved efficiencies through high speeds and our dedicated connection (meaning speeds don’t slow down during peak times). Critical business operations are protected by Wildanet’s backup network and improved disaster recovery, providing further resilience. Plus, our superfast broadband is empowering businesses to establish remote working practices.

In addition, visitors to the harbour (including yacht crews and tourists) can log in to the WiFi. This offers a number of tangible benefits for businesses including tourists being able to discover amenities (such as eateries) at the touch of a button, or share their experiences instantly on social media, giving digital marketing a boost.

Tracy Dobson, operations manager of AntiMatter Games Ltd in Falmouth, comments: “Since having Wildanet’s broadband installed at home, I now have the option to work from home if needed. I manage the company financials and day to day business operations.

I can connect to our VPN without any issues now, something my previous provider could not cope with. I can also hold video meetings with our international team and with confidence that my connection will stay up.

It means that I can be much more reactive to challenges that may arise without losing precious work time travelling 20 miles each way and as an added bonus my monthly fuel costs have come down.”

Help us spread the WISPer...

For the Cornish businesses based in hard to reach locations there is light at the end of the connectivity tunnel. We passionately believe that location should not be a barrier to growth.

Whether you run your business from remote farm buildings or your office is based in a coastal village, broadband should help you flourish.

Visit Wildanet on Stand 5 at the Cornwall Business Show on Thursday 14 March.

Join us in our mission to boost the connectivity of businesses in Cornwall.

www.wildanet.com

PHOTOGRAPH OF NEWLYN HARBOUR: AERIAL CORNWALL - www.aerialcornwall.com BUSINESS CORNWALL | 43

ADVERTORIAL

5

STEPS TO INNOVATION SUCCESS

any believe that an innovative idea has to be allsinging and all-dancing, usually a technological or gadget inspired solution, but that’s not always the case. Acceleration Through Innovation (ATI), a University of Plymouth led project which is supported by the European Regional Development Fund, views innovation differently.

Accredited by internationally renowned Innovation Experts, The Institute of Innovation and Knowledge Exchange,

STEP 1: RESEARCH AND INVESTIGATE Whether you’re a business with a new idea, you’re looking to improve an internal process, or you’re wanting to introduce a culture of innovation within your business - it all begins with researching and investigating the problem (or problems). This part of the process can take many forms and is designed entirely around the direction and strategy of the business. It’s equally as important to look inside and outside the organisation, to identify any inefficiencies, opportunities, threats and market disruptors that could change how your business operates in the future.

STEP 2: DEFINE YOUR CHALLENGE Once you’ve identified the key problems facing your business, it’s now time to define your challenge. This step is for collating all your ideas, and the possible solutions, so that you can weigh-up the options and assess any barriers preventing you from taking your idea forwards. For example, there may be a knowledge or skills gap within the organisation. This is where businesses working with ATI can benefit from accessing valuable university resources, such as: world-class research and innovation expertise, market research, specialist consultancy, guidance on IP and help with prototyping.

STEP 3: GENERATE AND TEST IDEAS Generating and testing your ideas will increase your chances of innovation success and minimise the risk of failure. Here, businesses should be focussing their efforts on obtaining proof of market and idea feasibility. To do this, it’s recommended that businesses take the idea from concept through to investing the minimum resources (and funds) necessary to be able to test the innovation.

This could entail making the first prototype, piloting a new service or rolling-out an internal process change to a small part of your business. In doing so, audience testing will provide valuable insights to ensure your idea is worth pursuing on a larger scale.

Likewise, it provides businesses with the opportunity to refine the offering. Whilst not all ideas will be successful, testing is vital to recognise failure and avoid unnecessary losses.

44 | BUSINESS CORNWALL

ATI recognises that innovation spans a multitude of things; from embracing a culture of innovation within your business, to adopting new technologies and materials, as well as inventing new products and services.

Being innovative is all about problem solving. To be more precise, it’s about solving problems in a relevant and new way. Just as problem solving is a skill that can be learned and improved upon; we believe businesses can learn to be more innovative too.

Beginning with our five step innovation process:

STEP 4: APPLY FOR FUNDING ATI acknowledges that innovation can be a cost to your business, but a lack of finance shouldn’t prevent the pursuit of innovation. Here’s where the ATI Innovation Fund can help. With support from an ATI Business Innovation Advisor and Fund Manager, eligible SMEs can apply for grants between £2,500 and £10,000, for both capital and revenue costs in the following areas; proof of market, proof of concept, prototyping, IP protection, and new product or service generation.

STEP 5: PROFIT AND SUCCESS Innovation isn’t a linear process, in fact, successful innovation and profitability comes as a result of continually following these five steps. In doing so, businesses will get better at problem solving and become more innovative, leading to growth, increased profitability and sustainable business success. Using our innovation process, businesses achieve a culture of innovation, helping you to expand in existing markets or branch into adjacent and new emerging areas.

ADVERTORIAL

OUR PROCESS IN PRACTICE… Our clients at Gendall Design are a fantastic example of how the ATI Innovation Process is supporting innovation throughout Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. With the ambition of reinventing the way people find, book and enjoy their holidays, Gendall wanted to develop new software which enables holiday seekers to plan their perfect vacation using innovative voice and AI technologies.

In the initial stages, Gendall Design received one-to-one business support with an ATI Business Innovation Advisor to help outline the parameters of their project. In conversation it became apparent that they would benefit from receiving specialist guidance in a number of areas and key members of the team attended ATI’s ‘Managing an Innovation Project Workshop’, to help take their idea from conception through to reality.

Greg Welch, Managing Director at Gendall Design, explains:

“ATI have been brilliant throughout the process, not just in terms of giving us the funding but also the support from an innovation perspective. They’ve been a bit of a sounding board as much as anything.

They’ve also pointed us in the right direction to speak with legal people in and around Intellectual Property and patents”.

Within three months of their first engagement, ATI’s Fund Manager has helped Gendall Design through the process of applying for their Innovation Grant, which is financially supporting the developments of their innovation and merges the latest advancements in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning and Voice Activation.

This is one of many innovative projects that ATI are enabling throughout the county. Visit the ATI website to find out more and register your interest in the programme.

Greg Welch, Managing Director at Gendall Design and ATI Client

ASK THE INNOVATION EXPERTS: REGISTER YOUR INTEREST AT WWW.ATICORNWALLINNOVATION.CO.UK AccelerationThroughInnovation

ATI_Cornwall

acceleration-through-innovation

BUSINESS CORNWALL | 45

OPINION

JUST A THOUGHT

It’s time to shine a light on hidden disabilities in the workplace, says Ellie Hibberd, partner and head of HRExpress at Stephens Scown

When people think of disabilities they often think of something visual that they can see and easily understand: a wheelchair or assistance dog for example.

However, of the millions of disabled people living in Britain, only a very small number of disabilities are ‘visible’ in this way. There is a real danger that where a disability cannot be seen, it’s not regarded as a ‘real’ disability. That can have significant impact on that person and on society as a whole.

EMBRACING DIVERSITY A report from Made by Dyslexia showed that 40% of self-made millionaires are dyslexic but that only 4% of the public think having dyslexia is a positive trait.

That is something that has to change.

There is no reason why a disabled employee would be any less productive or less reliable than anyone else

I believe that employers have a key role to play. First, they have a legal duty not to discriminate on the basis of disability. This could include dyslexia, dyspraxia, autism spectrum disorder and ADHD.

Secondly, the way hidden disabilities are handled by employers can play a part in changing society’s views. By valuing diversity within their workforce, they can show that disability – hidden or otherwise – need not be a barrier to having a job and making a valuable contribution at work.

46 | BUSINESS CORNWALL

We might hope that the social arguments for supporting people with disabilities are enough but in reality, we know that that’s not always the case and that sometimes, businesses need to know the impact on their bottom line.

There is no reason why a disabled employee would be any less productive or less reliable than anyone else. In fact, what I’ve found through supporting our HRExpress clients is that disabled employees are often more loyal and stay longer with a business.

Embracing diversity can enhance a business.

For example, people with autism may have higher than average levels of accuracy, logical thinking, attention to detail and a good memory

for figures. The potential strengths of people with dyslexia include creative and innovative thinking and good communication skills.

So, what can businesses do to make their workplaces more accessible to people with hidden disabilities?

Adjustments don’t have to cost a lot – often the best solution is a flexible attitude to working patterns. Can you offer greater flexibility around working hours or location, whilst still meeting the demands of your business? Could there be a flexible start time, a reduction in working hours, an exemption from working overtime, more frequent or longer rest breaks?

Simple changes to the working environment may help too, such as avoiding stressors such as noise and bright lights. There are many other things employers can do, from introducing mentor schemes to looking at how technology can help.

We all know how time consuming and costly recruitment can be so it’s worth holding onto and supporting individuals within your organisation and making sure that our workplaces work for all parts of society.

Schedule of Workshops 2019 Wednesday 13th March Anaerobic Digestion workshop with Qube Renewables Location: The Health and Wellbeing Innovation Centre, Truro Time: 9.30 - 14.00 Friday 8th March Flow battery visit and site tour’ with RedT Energy Location: The Olde House, Chample Amble Time: 10.00 - 14.00

Wednesday 27th March ‘EV charging workshop’ with Matt Trevaskis from Drivenergy, and Neil Broadbank from RAW energy Location: The Health and Wellbeing Innovation Centre, Truro Time: 9.30 - 14.00 To register your interest please email: a.nicholas@prp-co.uk To attend you will need to register on the CNE project - this is a free, fully funded service. Those already registered to CNE are welcome to attend.

A free networking lunch is available to delegates wishing to stay and network.

The project has received funding from the England European Regional Development Fund as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020.

5 - 7 March 2019, Wadebridge

Sponsored By

The inspirational trade show that’s got Cornwall covered.

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To get your hands on your free Partners trade entry badge register online or call: 01934 733456.

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To enquire call: 01934 733433.

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• Commercial Property • Corporate / Commercial • Commercial Dispute Resolution • Employment • International • Insolvency & Restructuring

Your business in safe hands Contact us today for a no obligations discussion on 01872 672072 or at law@paddleandcocks.co.uk BUSINESS CORNWALL | 47

Expowest Business Cornwall Q/P ad.indd 1

16/01/2019 12:56

TEST DRIVE

SKODA KAROQ

SKODA

WORDS BY MORVETH WARD

This month Morveth has been test driving the versatile Skoda Karoq SUV

This time last year I test drove the Karoq’s bigger brother, the Kodiaq, which fared well against fierce competition and impressed with its build quality, comfort and refinement.

When Carrs Skoda (Indian Queens) general manager Andrew Cook showed me to the car I was delighted to see the spec of this particular model. I test drove the Sportline version (which is £30,695 OTR) and this came with a black-on-black look: 19” Vega two-tone black/ silver alloy wheels complimenting the black magic paintwork. The general styling of the Karoq is one which is almost universally 48 | BUSINESS CORNWALL

liked – it delivers sleek and dynamic looks in an unoffensive and well-proportioned manner.

The interior continues along this theme as well as offering all the room and practicalities you’d expect from an SUV. The dashboard is uncluttered and clean with easy to navigate controls. I didn’t have to familiarize myself with the controls before setting off as everything was where I thought it would be. The heated seats, which come as standard on the Sportline where a standout point – they look and feel fantastic. Other features include a panoramic roof, microsuede upholstery and,

Delivers sleek and dynamic looks in an unoffensive and well-proportioned manner.

on a practical note, the rear seats can be removed to give you a great big boot. In a crowded market it is often the nuances that will be partly the decider in choosing one manufacturer over another – this Skoda offers some great specs which don’t necessarily send the costs spiraling, which is a real selling point.

The Karoq, as with all SUVs, being taller and having a higher center of gravity, means the handling isn’t as fulfilling (for the purest) as the Octavia or Superb. However, it has done very well to feel less like an SUV when driving with

vigour, meaning that it feels flat, grippy and sportyish to drive. Helped by the 2L 150bhp diesel fitted in this model (both 150bhp and 190bhp petrol versions are available in the Sportline as well) coupled with the 4x4 drivetrain (2-wheel drive also available). There is of course a big upside to the high center of gravity, with the raised position allowing better visuals of the road and the surrounding sea / landscapes – something particular pertinent in Cornwall.

equivalents. Overall this Skoda has carefully studied both its VAG cousins and other competition and positioned itself favorably amongst contenders. It is an excellent and well-rounded family SUV.

Being part of the VAG Group the Karoq shares much with the Audi, Seat and Volkswagen

Contact: Carrs Skoda, Indian Queens 01726 213855

The entry level version is available from £21,940 which is a standard SE SPEC 1.0 TSI 115PS Manual.

BUSINESS CORNWALL | 49

EVENTS

MARCH

MARCH EVENTS 5-7

6

MARCH

EXPOWEST CORNWALL

8

Royal Cornwall Showground

Hospitality and catering are the main drivers of the Cornish tourism economy, and for more than three decades Expowest Cornwall has been the premier trade show for all those involved in its service and supply. expowestcornwall.co.uk

13

MURRELL ASSOCIATES BREAKFAST SEMINAR

KING NETWORKING

14

Victoria Inn, Truro

The Kernow Independent Networking Group meets every second Wednesday over breakfast at the Victoria Inn, Threemilestone. king-networking.co.uk

7

8

CORNWALL CHAMBER LUNCH St Michael’s Hotel, Falmouth

With some noteworthy speakers to pass on their wisdom and around 50 Cornish businesses to interact with, the chamber looks forward to welcoming you to this wonderful venue. cornwallchamber.co.uk

50 | BUSINESS CORNWALL

Tregenna Castle, St Ives

Carnon Inn, Carnon Downs

The Falmouth Business Club meets over breakfast every two weeks at the Carnon Inn where a friendly group of businesses await. Today’s speaker is Linda Barker from Barclays. falmouthbusinessclub.co.uk

26

Guest speaker Robert Rush of PFA Research will discuss market research and the vital role it plays in supporting innovation, from establishing proof of market to audience testing. aticornwallinnovation.co.uk

18

CORNWALL HEALTHY WORKPLACE CONFERENCE

20

KING NETWORKING Victoria Inn, Truro

The Kernow Independent Networking Group meets every second Wednesday over breakfast at the Victoria Inn, Threemilestone. king-networking.co.uk

CORNWALL CHAMBER BREAKFAST

Penventon Park Hotel, Redruth

Monthly networking meeting for the Cornwall Chamber of Commerce, this month sponsored by Cornwall College Business. £20+vat for members, £25 for non-members. cornwallchamber.co.uk

FSB CONNECT/CORNISH PARTNERSHIPS Waterside, Lanivet

Does your image reflect your product? Come see from an international photographer the tricks and common sense elements of making sure your business is being seen in the right light. eventbrite.co.uk

28

FSB TAX MASTERCLASS

30

CORNISH PIRATES vs LONDON IRISH

Royal Cornwall Showground, Wadebridge

Come along and find out about the Healthy Workplace programme, get inspired and network with other organisations. behealthyatwork.org

Victoria Inn, Roche

FALMOUTH BUSINESS CLUB

Falcon Hotel, Bude

The show offers its audience a fantastic opportunity to meet new suppliers, make new contacts and grow their businesses, the event is suitable for any type of business whether they operate solely in Cornwall, nationally or globally. cornwallbusinessshow.co.uk

This event will celebrate the successful opening of ATI’s sixth Pop-up Innovation Centre, and provides an excellent opportunity for local businesses to view the flexible support available. aticornwallinnovation.co.uk

In the first of 2019’s exciting events, The Marketing Forum is joined by Simon Cohen who founded PR agency Global Tolerance in 2003, aged 24. eventbrite.co.uk

FSB CONNECT/CORNISH PARTNERSHIPS

CORNWALL INNOVATION CLUB

CORNISH PARTNERSHIPS OPEN HOUSE Open house breakfast meeting for Cornish Partnerships. Free to members and £10 to non members, all welcome. cornishpartnerships.co.uk

Royal Cornwall Showground, Wadebridge

Penzance

Canteen Cornwall, St Agnes

Greene King IPA Championship Rugby. For a truly memorable occasion, match day hospitality is the perfect way to entertain colleagues and clients. robyn.ashurst@cornish-pirates.com

21

CORNWALL BUSINESS SHOW

PENZANCE POP-UP INNOVATION CENTRE LAUNCH

THE MARKETING FORUM

Mennaye Field, Penzance

What is your business exit plan?

Learn how to make your business worth more by removing yourself from the process and sell/pass on your business when the time is right. eventbrite.co.uk

Epiphany House, Truro

A free-to-attend seminar covering some key aspects of employment law, intellectual property law and share incentives for employees. becky.olds@murrellassociates.co.uk

CORNISH PIRATES vs JERSEY

Pentillie Castle, Saltash

This Masterclass by HMRC and a team from FSB Head office provides expert clarification on the new rules for filing under MTD for VAT. Also enjoy a tour of Pentillie Castle. eventbrite.co.uk

Mennaye Field, Penzance

Greene King IPA Championship Rugby. For a truly memorable occasion, match day hospitality is the perfect way to entertain colleagues and clients. robyn.ashurst@cornish-pirates.com

For further details of these and more networking events visit businesscornwall.co.uk To publicise your event for free, email news@businesscornwall.co.uk

www.cioslep.co.uk

CORNWALL

SPONSORED BY

CONNECTED

CORNWALL BUSINESS AWARDS LAUNCH BUSINESSES AT THE LAUNCH

Past winners and finalists joined this year’s sponsors and supporters at Newquay Aerohub for the launch of the Cornwall Business Awards

DAVID MCGUIRE (RADIX COMMUNICATIONS)

ANDY WILLIAMS (AVANTI)

NEWQUAY ACTIVITY CENTRE WINNER OF THE SPORTING EXCELLENCE AWARD

SUE AND ROSIE BRADBURY (SBPR)

JAMIE SMITH (UNLOCKING POTENTIAL) AND TRACEY JOHNSON (CCB TRAINING)

JEREMY SNELLER (TOUCHBYTE) 2018 ENTRPRENEUR OF THE YEAR

POLMANTER TOURING PARK, TOURING PARK OF THE YEAR

SW TOURISM AWARDS Tourism businesses celebrated under the wings of the last Concorde ever to fly, at Aerospace Bristol

RICK STEIN’S COOKERY SCHOOL, LEARNING EXPERIENCE OF THE YEAR

AWARDS DINNER UNDER CONCORDE

ROBIN BARKER (SERVICES FOR TOURISM)

RAILHOLIDAY, ALTERNATIVE ACCOMODATION OF THE YEAR

BUSINESS CORNWALL | 51

THE LAST

WORD

ANDREW WEAVER

Getting to know Cornwall Business Show MD, Andrew Weaver

WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU WERE YOUNG? Content, generous and someone that gave something that benefitted to the world. But for a job it was a fire fighter!

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST FULL TIME JOB? Many part time jobs during school, college and uni (from a paper round to event production) then first full time was the Mortgage Group Truro.

HOW DO YOU LIKE TO RELAX? I do enjoy meditation, yoga, spas and walking the dog anywhere in nature.

IF YOU COULD BUILD A HOUSE ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD WHERE WOULD IT BE?

IF YOU COULD INVITE ANY TWO PEOPLE FOR DINNER, WHO WOULD THEY BE AND WHY WOULD YOU INVITE THEM? Hippocrates – to discuss nutrition and health (your food is your medicine and your medicine is your food!) And Eddie Murphy to lighten the mood.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE HOLIDAY DESTINATION? Maldives or Amazon Rainforest – both have their qualities and hard to choose one over the other!

IF YOU COULD BE GOD FOR A DAY, WHAT MIRACLE WOULD YOU PERFORM? Create balance, peace and more love in the world.

Either the rainforest or on a tropical beach.

WHAT WAS YOUR BIGGEST MISTAKE IN LIFE?

WHAT HAS BEEN THE BEST MOMENT IN YOUR CAREER?

Not spending enough time with family, and striking the right worklife balance, especially in the first six years of growing the business.

I cannot pinpoint one, but I feel blessed that people trust and support the projects I have created, it’s very satisfying to see so many people and businesses do well and grow as a result of being part of them.

WHAT WAS YOUR LUCKIEST BREAK? People having faith in me when I started the Cornwall Home Show in 2010.

WHAT HAS BEEN THE WORST MOMENT IN YOUR CAREER?

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

I can’t think of one, however working in a cattery aged 15 for £1.75 per hour was one job not to remember, you can imagine what cleaning the cat pens was like!

Further developing my horticultural project and retreat, qualify as a herbalist, do more rainforest conservation work, spending time with my family – along with continuing running my events.

52 | BUSINESS CORNWALL

PLEASE CHOOSE CORNWALL AIR AMBULANCE AS YOUR

CHARITY OF THE YEAR 2019 You can help to save lives There has never been a better time to get on-board as the charity enters the ďŹ nal year of its New Heli Appeal.

We urgently need you to help bring the next generation air ambulance to Cornwall.

Find out how your organisation can get involved and support the New Heli Appeal:

cornwallairambulancetrust.org 01637 889926 corporate@cornwallairambulancetrust.org

Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust Trevithick Downs, Newquay, Cornwall TR8 4DY Registered charity 1133295