CHAMBER NEWS

READY FOR THE SURGE

The pubs are open and we’ve had some glorious sunny days; spirits seem to be lifting and that positivity is being felt within Cornwall’s business community as well.

With physical events beginning to emerge, we’ve been doing a lot of thinking about support for the Duchy’s young businesspeople.

A year of isolation - not being able to come into an office, learn from others, get advice and develop new skills, will have had a profound effect on those just starting out in business.

At the Chamber, we witness a lot of companies allocating event places to senior management, and younger members of staff rarely get to leave the office.

Whilst it makes sense to send the confident, seasoned networkers to events, it’s also crucial that our young businesspeople are getting the opportunity to develop their communication skills, broaden their knowledge, make connections and gain confidence.

Now more than ever.

That’s why we’ve created a new group called Cornwall Surge of Entrepreneurs, or ‘Surge’, designed to give businesspeople under the age of 30 the same great networking opportunities that senior staff benefit from.

Our Events Assistant, Jess Matson, explained: “Members of Surge can not only socialise and network with each other but also create a supportive circle where they can learn new skills and grow in confidence.

“We have some great plans and I cannot wait to start connecting more with our members, finding out how they have got to where they are now and where they are hoping to end up. We have such an incredible team behind this group who are so passionate about making this all happen.”

It’s hoped the group will keep momentum going after our highly anticipated 30 under 30 awards this June, championing the fantastic work that those new to the business world are doing for Cornwall.

Surge is currently based on LinkedIn and anyone interested can simply click the ‘request to join’ button.

EXCITEMENT BUILDS FORG7

It’s fantastic that the UK is opening up just in time to hold some physical events around the G7 summit coming to Cornwall. We want Cornwall’s businesses to see this as a positive event that will put the Duchy in a strong position and help create a better future for the next generations living and working here.

To help bring the summit into context and help businesses draw parallels between the themes of the conference and Cornwall’s capabilities and aspirations, we are holding a series of G7 Fringe events over the coming months.

We’re planning for live events in part but will have a good back-up plan should the Government delay the steps outlined in its roadmap. Our Sustainable Growth Conference will focus on the simple measures a business can take to make it more sustainable and environmentally friendly. The event will be held on World Oceans Day (June 8), and features world-class speakers plus an afternoon of workshop-style masterclasses. On May 27, Dr Adam Marshall, the outgoing Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, will host a discussion with some of his opposite numbers from G7 countries (plus the additional guest nations joining the G7 this year). We’ll hear how the economic powerhouses of the world are going to adapt to the greener future the G7 summit will address.

Between June 7-13, businesses throughout Cornwall and Isles of Scilly can visit their local G7 hub to take part in discussions, watch live streams of the summit, and take advantage of marketing opportunities. Hubs will be in Bude, Rame, Bodmin, St Austell, Redruth, Newquay, Penzance, and on St Mary’s. In September, British businessman and politician, Baron Paul Myners CBE, of Truro, will chair a panel session addressing the legacy G7 will leave. We may have had a difficult 2020, but 2021 is shaping up to be the start of a new chapter in Cornwall – and one which feels very positive. If you’re not feeling positive about your business and its future, do get in touch and find out how we can help you.

WHY JOIN?

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

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