Business Cornwall May 23

Relax We’ve Got IT Covered

As customer expectations rise, businesses depend on reliable technology to deliver goods and services. Keeping your technology healthy, reliable, resilient, secure and with a plan for the future is key to driving growth and success.

Partnering with Focus can help you achieve these goals, and more.

PHOTO: ‘IMAGINATION

WELCOME

ON THE COVER

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 Carter caroline@businesscornwall.co.uk

DESIGN

Ade Taylor design@businesscornwall.co.uk

PRINT

BY EDITOR NICK EYRIEY

Celebrating one and all

Business Cornwall magazine has something of a celebratory feel to it this month. We present the findings of not one, but two important schemes which have every business’ most important asset at its heart.

Last September, we launched our inaugural search for the Best Places to Work in Cornwall, recognising those employers who go the extra mile for their staff. It’s been a long process, and now the results are in!

We also recognise some of those employees who go the extra mile for their businesses, the young ones anyway.

In collaboration with the Cornwall Chamber of Commerce, we have been publishing 30 under 30 for the past eight years and this year it received more entries than ever. And not only has the quantity grown, so indeed has the quality.

This year, we are presenting the winners in a special Cornwall’s 30 under 30 Class of 23 supplement, alongside this issue of the magazine.

Tonick Business

There will be also a celebratory dinner held at The Alverton in Truro later this month, to commemorate the winners.

Congratulations to all!

SUBSCRIPTIONS subscriptions@businesscornwall.co.uk

Thursday 12th October

Royal Cornwall Events Centre

✓ 1500+ targeted visitors

✓ 100+ stands

✓ Unrivalled stand packages

✓ Seminars

✓ Masterclasses

✓ Commercial vehicle showrooms

✓ Quality café with ample seating

TINA COLLINS Accelerate Business

I can only speak for myself, but I definitely struggle during winter with a drop in energy. Left to my own devices, I would probably hibernate! I think I am solarpowered because as soon as the sun shines, I feel more energised! Having spent many years in HR, I used to promote walking groups during winter lunch breaks to encourage staff to get some light and air during the working day. My favourite season is spring. It’s full of promise. I can walk our dogs before work in the morning in the light. I get to see trees come into bud, the different spring flowers, and hear birds singing.

DAVID RENNIE Digital Peninsula

In my opinion the impact of the changing seasons only lasts a couple of days at the most. A great example was the one day of blue skies the day after the school Easter holidays! I’ve enjoyed many “That’s the weather picking up now” or “That’s Winter coming in” throw-away comments over the years, but as a Scotsman we’re conditioned to expect completely different weather the very next day.

MIKE ANDERSON Hale Events

Spring is my favourite season. We have run the majority of our trade shows, that keep Hale Events busy through the darker months, and as we complete the last one in March; Expowest Cornwall, the days

are getting longer, the clocks are soon changing, and we are always optimistic about the forthcoming tourism season; hoping it will be busy and profitable for south west England. We enter our quieter period of the year and can plan ahead!

NICKY CORNISH PKF Francis Clark

My favourite season has to be spring, when the evenings become lighter, the temperature starts to increase and we crawl out of hibernation blinking into the sunlight. Despite spending the majority of our working day sat at a computer it always amazes me how the change in seasons impacts on our mood and naturally therefore, our productivity and motivation. Most people tend to be happier when the sun is shining and we can stroll down to Boscawen Park or grab an ice cream on Lemon Quay at lunchtime.

RUPERT COOPER Philleigh Way

Are we talking food or work?! I would say early autumn, food is great, weather can be superb and there is still a lot of activity around the county. I will make an honourable mention to winter, February in particular! You can get those cracking days, where it’s cold and sunny... spring is on the way, Six Nations has started. Guinness - oysters. All you need really.

MICHAEL GODDARD Space2Work

I think the change from winter to spring and the changing of the clocks definitely

acts as a motivation boost for me. I feel more productive and energised. You can feel the heat starting to come back in the air, you can have the windows open in the office again and can do much more outdoor things after work. Spring is the best time of year for me, especially living and working in Cornwall. I think you can tell when talking to clients and customers that people are lifted by the changes of the seasons into spring.

MIKE BEE Big Box Advertising

The changing seasons can have a significant impact on productivity and motivation in any workplace. During the summer months, members of the team may feel more energized and motivated, as longer days and warmer weather can improve their mood. However, as the winter months approach, productivity may decrease, as members of the team may experience seasonal affective disorder (SAD), which can cause feelings of depression and fatigue. It’s important to be as flexible as you can with your teams to help them through the Cornish winters.

HELEN TITE iCareiMove

The changing seasons can definitely impact productivity and motivation in the workplace. For example, during the winter months, when it’s dark and cold outside, people may feel more lethargic and less motivated to work. Conversely, during the summer months, when the days are longer and the weather is warmer, people may feel more energized and motivated to get things done. Coming home in the light evenings is a game changer.

NEWS IN BRIEF

Start Up Loans, part of the British Business Bank, has appointed SWIG Finance as its new regional business support partner (BSPs) for the scheme. The new appointment will work with the Start Up Loans programme to deliver funding and support for small businesses in the south west over the next two years.

Bodmin-based Harbour Brewing Co has developed a 4% IPA to be sold exclusively through Lidl supermarkets across the UK. Big on Sesh is part of a new line of six craft cans and is available now priced £1.79.

Cornish jewellery business Ethica Diamonds has been given top position in the Jewellery Ethical Ratings, recently published by The Good Shopping Guide. The guide gave scores out of 100, based on an assessment of companies’ practices towards the environment, animals and people. Ethica, along with London jewellery store Ingle & Rhode, came out on top with a maximum 100.

Cornish clothing brand Seasalt has launched a resale platform with Reskinned, the sustainable ‘pre-loved’ clothing repair and resale specialist. The resale platform allows customers to buy pre-loved and repaired Seasalt clothing that has been taken back from customers to be ‘rehomed’, avoiding them being sent to landfill.

Networking organisation, Your Partnerships, has received a £31k boost via SWIG Finance to support business growth. The funding, backed by the British Business Bank’s Recovery Loan Scheme (RLS), will be invested in new technology and three new jobs.

Young & Talented Cornwall, The Lord Lieutenant’s Fund has been awarded £15,170 through the Arts Council National Lottery Project Grants for its new Creative Writing Award.

Following its recent acquisition of Barefoot Media, Newquay-based B-Corp PR and marketing agency, Voice Communications, has moved to new larger offices in Nansledan. Founder Nichola Cain said: “We are thrilled that we have moved our Cornwall office to the wonderful Nansledan, an area of Newquay that I have always loved, and I’m delighted that Voice’s growth has made this possible.”

Scorrier-based heating oil supplier Mitchell and Webber has taken the first lifting of USA-imported hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) at the Valero terminal in Cardiff.

It follows a decision by the then Department of International Trade in November to lift import tariffs on US HVO, previously imposed when the UK was a member of the European Union, recognising that HVO could be used in a number of different decarbonisation pathways, including home heating.

The UK and Ireland Fuel Distributors Association (UKIFDA) and OFTEC, representing the liquid fuel industry, proposed an innovative approach that will deliver decarbonisation to UK off gas grid homes and businesses quicker and cheaper compared to the Government’s announced proposals to stop new heating oil boiler sales by 2026 with a heat pump first approach.

The industry has demonstrated that HVO can be used as a direct replacement for heating oil, reducing carbon emissions by up to 88%. The heating boiler conversion process takes about an hour and costs less than £500.

Cornwall has been leading the way in the push for HVO, with Mitchell and Webber running a successful trial in Kehelland.

MD Robert Weedon said: “This first batch of Valero’s HVO will be going to businesses in Cornwall. This initiative sits alongside our HVO village, Kehelland, where we have schools, churches and residential homes

CORNWALL LEADING HVO DRIVE

that have been using HVO successfully for over a year.”

Ken Cronin, CEO of UKIFDA, added: “I am delighted to see this fuel being delivered. We have an ambition to convert as many of the 1.7 million homes as possible that use heating oil to HVO, reducing their carbon emissions but also avoiding the very high upfront costs of alternative decarbonisation technologies such as heat pumps.”

The US is the world’s second largest producer of HVO, with the US Department of Energy recently forecasting that renewable fuel production will double in the US in the next two years.

However, the business ran into financial problems earlier this year following its illfated launch attempt from Newquay.

The company then announced in March that it was axing 675 employees – 85% of its workforce – and ceasing operations “for the foreseeable future” after failing to secure new investment.

VIRGIN ORBIT FILES FOR BANKRUPTCY

Spaceport Cornwall’s ambitions have received a major setback following the news that Virgin Orbit has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.

Virgin Orbit was a key partner of Spaceport Cornwall and sole launch operator.

Virgin Orbit CEO, Dan Hart, said it would now concentrate on finding a buyer “to provide clarity on the future of the company to its customers, vendors, and employees”.

Louis Gardner, portfolio holder for the economy at Cornwall Council, which owns Spaceport Cornwall, said: “Our focus at Spaceport Cornwall is to continue to grow the space cluster in Cornwall, alongside progressing relationships with spaceflight operators.

“We remain the only licensed spaceport in the UK and our plan is to build on that position.”

Stand bookings are now being taken for the eleventh annual Cornwall Business Show.

The Cornwall Business Show will be returning to the Royal Cornwall Event Centre in Wadebridge on Thursday, October 12. Over the years, the business show has grown to become one of the leading events on the Cornish B2B calendar, attracting more than 100 stands and 1,500 visitors from across the south west.

STAND BOOKINGS OPEN THE FEMALE 100

Andrew Weaver, MD of organiser Live Events South West, said: “To reach the 11year milestone is a satisfying achievement and testament that the event continues to be a great investment for those offering and looking for business to business services.

“Despite the continued economic, social and political pressures, last year’s event was another success with people wishing to build on their connections and networks, and we expect that to grow even more this year.”

For more details and to book a stand, visit cornwallbusinessshow.co.uk or call 01872 888733.

Two Cornish businesswomen have been named to a list of the 100 fastest-growing female-led or founded businesses in the UK.

The E2E Female 100, in association with The Independent, identifies the businesses through their growth rate of employees over the past three years from data gathered by Experian and Go Live Data.

Included in the list is Hannah Smaldon, director of Newquay-based TLS Solicitors; and Sue Amit, founder of Truro-based disability services and support organisation, Heart of the South Care, which has seen an 88% increase in employees.

SIX WIN KING’S AWARDS

Six

Eco-packaging company Flexi-Hex (pictured), software business Ultramed, Helston-based Clayworks, marine engineering company Feritech, clothing company Celtic & Co and Liskeardbased seafood business Ideal Food are among 148 businesses nationwide to be recognised for the accolade, formerly known as the Queen’s Award for Enterprise. Minister for Enterprise, Kevin Hollinrake,

said: “I congratulate the first ever recipients of The King’s Awards for Enterprise, who exemplify the talent, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit of British business. I wish them every success and commend the invaluable contributions they make to communities both at home and overseas, helping to grow the UK economy.”

Will Boex, who started Flexi-Hex in 2018 with twin brother Sam, said: “It has not been an easy journey post-Covid, as many businesses across the UK have found. So, to receive an accolade like this is a huge testament to the hard-work and positive mentality of our team.”

Feritech MD, Rob Ferris, added: “This is a huge honour for our business and fantastic recognition for our dedicated team and all their hard work. When we founded Feritech,

we challenged ourselves to develop world-leading products that would set new standards in our industry. That approach has served us really well, and we now have the privilege of working with great customers around the world.”

Ultramed, meanwhile, was formed in 2014 by Dr Paul Upton, a former NHS consultant anaesthetist and Mr Alan Sanders, owner of a creative design studio.

Its flagship product, MyPreOp, provides patients with an online questionnaire so they can enter their relevant health data in preparation for an operation.

“It is an amazing honour for the team at Ultramed to be recognised in this way for our innovative work in digital health,” said Dr Upton.

Cornish companies are among the recipients of the first ever King’s Award for Enterprise.

£200K RAISED AT CHARITY DINNER

Cornwall Community Foundation’s out of county supporters raised over £200k at a special charity gala dinner in London recently.

Chair of the foundation – Cornwall Chamber chief executive Kim Conchie - welcomed guests at the Hurlingham Club and introduced the host for the evening, TV presenter and Cornish resident, Fern Britton. After celebrating the winner of a special Grand Prize Draw, kindly donated by the Nare Hotel, focus of the evening moved towards an auction. Prizes included generous donations of artwork from leading artist Jethro Jackson, a chance to meet Cornish spymaster Sir Richard Dearlove, and dinner at home cooked by rising stars Tim and Louise Spedding.

Tamas Haydu, CEO of Cornwall Community Foundation said: “It was a pleasure to welcome Cornwall Club members and guests to our first-ever gala dinner in the wonderful surroundings of the Hurlingham Club.

“We are very grateful to the generosity of our headline sponsors, the Caledonia Investment Charitable Foundation, and our drinks reception sponsors, JB Estates, for their support, without which this event would not have been possible.”

GREEN LIGHT FOR £42M STEAMSHIP PROJECT

The Isles of Scilly is to get new passenger and freight vessels following the announcement of a major privately funded ship building programme by the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group.

The new Scillonian passenger ferry and two new freight vessels will set sail by March 2026. The £42 million project will be the single biggest investment in the 103-year history of the company.

The deal will be financed through a £33.6 million loan arranged with Lombard NatWest, one of the UK’s largest asset finance providers.

Stuart Reid, chief executive of the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group, said the announcement reaffirmed the group’s longterm commitment to maintaining the lifeline service to the islands, providing certainty, reliability, and a clear timeline for replacing the current ageing fleet.

The group launched its vessel replacement programme in 2019 to replace its Scillonian III passenger ferry, Gry Maritha freight ship and inter-islands launch Lyonesse Lady. At 46, 42 and 32 years old respectively, the existing vessels are coming to the end of their service life, suffer reliability challenges and are increasingly costly to maintain.

In 2021 the company teamed up with partners on the islands to support a bid to the Government led by the Council of the Isles of Scilly. This saw a conditional offer of £48.5 million of Levelling up Funding (LUF) in October 2021 to the Council for new vessels and infrastructure.

However, with no tangible progress made

in the last 18 months following the initial offer, significant changes to the terms of the offer and growing frustration with the delay both on and off the islands, the group has reverted to its original plan of privately financing the new vessels.

Reid said: “We are delighted to be announcing this major investment for the islands which will see vessels coming into service by March 2026. These new vessels will deliver a significant improvement in sea link services for the community and the visitor market. It provides certainty for islanders, island businesses and visitors, and the more than 200 staff that we employ on the islands and the mainland.”

The Scillonian III carries over 110,000 passengers a year and operates an essential service for both islanders and the islands’ predominantly tourist economy. The striking new 72-metre Scillonian IV passenger ferry will carry 600 passengers (an increase of 115) over three decks with a contemporary, comfortable seating arrangement, onboard coffee shop and retail area.

Every year 15,000 tonnes of cargo are shipped to and from the Isles of Scilly. The 45-metre dedicated cargo ship to replace the Gry Maritha will have an increased cargo capacity, including more space for chilled and frozen goods and a crane which can lift eight tonnes.

The new inter-island launch will allow for faster journey times between St Mary’s and the off-islands. It will have a 50% increase in cargo capacity and a significantly reduced fuel consumption. The aluminium catamaran design will also improve access into tidal restricted off-island quays. All three vessels will have fuel-efficient engines which will reduce emissions while providing an enhanced service and improved resilience for the Islands. The vessels will be designed and built so that they can be retrofitted with improvements in green propulsion technology when mature and proven.

As we recently passed the third anniversary of the first Covid lockdown, it is incredible to realise the dramatic impact that period had on the whole small business community and the way it does business. Before Covid, working from home was an alien concept to many and online meetings were a relative rarity where a good chunk of time was usually wasted just getting the technology to work.

Neil Eames Regional development manager – south central and south west FSB

Now, however, the landscape looks very different and hybrid working, Zoom/Teams meet-ups and changing staff expectations have all dramatically changed the business landscape. With each passing month things are returning more to the pre-Covid environment here in Cornwall, but we already know it will never fully be the same. And for most people this ‘new normal’ looks and feels right.

Take networking for example.

Prior to the lockdowns, FSB, like others, were involved in a fair bit of in-person networking to bring businesses together. That need for businesses to connect with each other suddenly became even more important when Covid kicked-in and isolation was rife. We, therefore, immediately switched to online networking and three years on our offering has never been stronger or more diverse. Here, in Cornwall, we still hold local online networking meetings for members and nonmembers alike but as an organisation we have

also realised there is a need to bring business sector specific and business interest groups together which is why we now proudly have regular national FSB networking sessions for the engineering and manufacturing sector, for LGBT+, for disabled entrepreneurs, for those in hospitality, for women in business and for ethnic minorities.

All our sessions are free to attend so why not find out what we have to offer in the ‘new normal’ networking world of by visiting https:// www.fsb.org.uk/event-calendar.html

www.fsb.org.uk

Which are the best companies in Cornwall to work for?

Last September, we commissioned in-depth research to find out and over the following nine pages, we reveal those that made the grade.

at Winnerswork

The results are in! Seven businesses have been selected in the inaugural list of the 2023 Best Places to Work in Cornwall, a partnership between Business Cornwall magazine and the Best Companies Group. This regional survey and awards programme was designed to identify, recognise and honour the best places of employment Cornwall.

To be considered for participation, companies had to fulfil the following eligibility requirements:

• Be a publicly or privately held business

• Have a facility in Cornwall

• Have a minimum of 15 employees working in Cornwall

• Must be in business a minimum of one year Companies from across the Duchy entered the two-part process to determine the Best

Places to Work in Cornwall.

The first part consisted of evaluating each nominated company’s workplace policies, practices, and demographics. This part of the process was worth approximately 25% of the total evaluation.

The second part consisted of an employee survey to measure the employee experience. This part of the process was worth approximately 75% of the total evaluation. The combined scores determined the top companies and the final ranking. Best Companies Group managed the overall registration and survey process and analysed the data and used their expertise to determine the final rankings.

If you think your business has what it takes to be named one of the Best Places to Work in Cornwall, we will be launching the 2024 search later this year.

EMPLOYEE SATISFACTION SURVEY

Employees were asked 77 questions across eight subject areas to benchmark their satisfaction levels. The results from the seven firms that made the cut demonstrate high levels of satisfaction across the piece.

Leadership: 96%

Corporate Culture & Communications: 93%

Role Satisfaction: 95%

Work Environment: 92%

Relationship with Supervisor: 96%

Training Development & Resources: 90%

Pay & Benefits: 81%

Overall Engagement: 95%

Survey Average: 92%

WHYFIELD

Chartered Accountancy

Head Office: Truro

Employees: 17

Days annual leave: 26

Early last year, Whyfield made a pledge to its team, ensuring they feel supported with all aspects of their mental and physical health and wellbeing.

The ever-increasing package of benefits includes a range of perks with staff wellbeing firmly in focus.

In addition to comprehensive health care cover, the accountancy firm has also partnered with Newquay Sports Centre to put together a comprehensive two-year plan that covers bi-monthly health and wellbeing events. These events include nutrition and habit seminars, selfdefence classes, and outdoor sports sessions.

Whyfield also understands how important its teams’ working relationships with each other are, and has a busy social calendar with opportunities outside of the office to switch off and have some fun, from cocktail nights to go-karting.

www.bestplacestoworkincornwall.com

WHAT THREE THINGS DOES YOUR EMPLOYER DO FOR YOU THAT YOU LOVE?

• Team days out

• Social events

• A welcoming office environment

Other staff-friendly initiatives include a four-day working week and a ‘duvet day’, where you can take an additional day off without having to give any notice. Team buffet, healthy drinks, eye-test vouchers and even an exercise bike with a builtin desk all go to help make Whyfield one of the Best Places to Work in Cornwall.

NAKED SOLAR

Solar energy company

Head Office: Newquay

Employees: 38

Days annual leave: 28

Naked Solar clearly recognises there is more to life than money. Both in the approach to customers and team members there is clear recognition that life is about being happy and should not be measures in pounds and pence. That’s all you need to know, the rest just makes sense when you know what the focus is.

WHAT THREE THINGS DOES YOUR EMPLOYER DO FOR YOU THAT YOU LOVE?

• The willingness of all team members to help each other without hesitation.

• Monthly 1-2-1 with line manager

• Team days and team reward trips

The Naked Solar team is focused on helping each other, everyone always takes time to help colleagues with any questions or help that they need. Every team member has a one-to-one with their line manager every month to ensure they’re happy at work and discuss any ideas for improvement. They also get a ‘Skip 1-2-1’ with the MD every six months – so there is a recourse route should they have any issues with their line manager.

Structured career progression processes are continually being developed, giving everyone in the team the opportunity to improve and progress. Workers also have the opportunity to role swap and gain experience of all the roles in the company, which greatly improves everyone’s understanding of the challenges faced by colleagues.

As well as a ‘goody cupboard’ for ad-hoc rewards, a couple of times a month there’s a free drink down the pub after work on a Friday. Naked Solar also holds a bi-annual team day, followed by a meal at a local restaurant. It also regularly organises fun activities to relieve workday stress, such as a weekly badminton club.

SAPPHIRE HOLIDAYS

Holiday lettings agency

Head Office: St Ives

Employees: 146

Days annual leave: 33

Whether in everyday situations or times of crisis, we stand by our principles and values to create an inspiring work environment for all team members to flourish and succeed. It’s not just team members who are rewarded, Sapphire Holidays appreciates each and every person that contributes towards the success of the business, often owners will be taken out for lunch or housekeepers will be invited to an end of season social gathering. The presence of this inclusive, mindful and nurturing ethos at the heart of all we do makes our organisation the best place to work.

Sapphire Holidays, which includes the Aspects Holidays, Boutique Retreats, Classic Cottages and Unique Hideaways brands, invests deeply in the wellbeing of staff to curate an inclusive and supportive working environment.

Employees are nurtured and encouraged through opportunities for both professional and personal growth.

Sapphire inspires team members to support its local communities and develop the environment outside of the office setting, with volunteer days available to all staff to use during work hours.

With the Cornish coastline close to its hearts, several beach cleaning events are scheduled each year to donate its time to preserving local beauty spots.

Allowing dogs at work, regular socials and initiatives such as long service awards and endorsements on the HR systems, all contribute to Sapphire Holidays being named as one of the Best Places to Work in Cornwall.

WHAT THREE THINGS DOES YOUR EMPLOYER DO FOR YOU THAT YOU LOVE?

• Offers flexibility with working hours and location

• Provides a generous bonus scheme

• Organises plenty of social activities and events

RRL

Chartered Accountancy

Head Office: Truro

Employees: 31

Days annual leave: 27

RRL has been awarded one of the best places to work in Cornwall because we genuinely care, about our people, our clients, the environment and the wider community. We are always looking at how we can be better, better for our staff, for our clients and for the world around us.

WHAT THREE THINGS DOES YOUR EMPLOYER DO FOR YOU THAT YOU LOVE?

• Flexible working

• Annual event

• Partners always looking at ways to improve the firm

RRL is conscious that its people are its biggest resource and does everything it can to ensure they feel like the most important element of the firm. It actively promotes positive mental health and ensures that this is talked about regularly and not a taboo subject.

The partners are visible at all times, and at no point are they or the management team ‘out of reach’ to other staff members. During the hot summer months, partners would arrive in the office with ice lollies or cold drinks and often just impromptu bring in cake or other treats for all to enjoy.

RRL has an annual event, which invariably includes partners and all expenses paid overnight stay in a nice hotel. Last year, RRL had a day at a hotel and staff enjoyed a spa treatment or activity of their choice with an allocated sum to spend. Partners ensure that the business strategy is well communicated to all staff so everyone knows the direction that the firm is going in and how they fit.

THE PELOTON

Chartered Accountant & Marketeer

Head Office: Penryn

Employees: 17

Days annual leave: 25

We feel a massive weight of responsibility to ensure those people who invest so much time, effort and care into our business are rewarded in kind by making this an amazing place to work.

To receive recognition as one of the best places to work in Cornwall is a proud moment for us as we continue to think of ways to make The Peloton even better.

WHAT THREE THINGS DOES YOUR EMPLOYER DO FOR YOU THAT YOU LOVE?

• Flexible and compressed working hours

• Generous holiday allowance

• Freedom to make changes within the business

The Peloton was the first UK chartered accountancy firm to become an employee ownership trust, which gives everyone a share of the profits and a real say in the company’s future. The Peloton provides a beautiful office space quite unlike your typical accountant’s office, state-ofthe-art Apple iMacs, heavily subsidised home-cooked meals and a compressed four-day working week.

Other employee-friendly initiatives and schemes include the opportunity to take an unpaid sabbatical, the option of working from home when team members need to get their heads down to concentrate and a four-day working week.

The Peloton also has a daily rota for staff to cook fresh lunches for the team and Daily ‘huddle’ meetings to improve internal comms/offer help & advice/ business updates/non-work fun facts.

Outside of work, there are annual off-site work ‘retreats’ for team bonding and brainstorming to make the business more efficient and effective... plus lots of team building competitions.

ST EWE FREE RANGE EGGS

Egg supplier

Head Office: Grampound Road

Employees: 47

Days annual leave: 30

Run by the Tonks family, St Ewe have come a long way since producing its first egg in 1982.

From a small, family-run egg producer, packing its own eggs and becoming a limited company by 2007, St. Ewe has grown exponentially.

Today its eggs can be found on the shelves of the UK’s major supermarkets, national retailers, and food distribution companies, as well as in the kitchens of some of the finest restaurants in the world.

WHAT CREATIVE EMPLOYEE BENEFITS OR PROGRAMMES ARE OFFERED BY YOUR ORGANISATION?

• Brunch clubs once a month with different members of the team taking it in turns to cook.

• Charitable events and volunteering opportunities within the local community. Food banks, sleeping out for homelessness, fund raising for Pancreatic Cancer UK.

• Team challenges - Last year St Ewe ran a ‘Great St. Ewe Bake Off’ where it raised awareness and funds for Pancreatic Cancer UK –and ate a lot of cake!

In 2022, it was awarded Poultry Business and Egg Packer of The Year at two of the industry’s most prestigious awards.

Growing from a team of 28 to 47 in twoyears, its story is written by its exceptional team of talented, passionate people striving every day to make their mission a reality.

Welfare is the name of the game for both hen and humans at St Ewe. Developing and nurturing personal connections with the team whilst staying true to its core values, has seen this family business reinforce their family culture.

PEAKY DIGITAL

Digital marketing agency

Head Office: Falmouth

Employees: 17

Days annual leave: 30

We’re proud to be a company that puts it employees at the centre, ensuring that the team feel like they have a say. Being a best-in-class employer is important to us because it’s a reflection of the work our team have put into development and provides a strong foundation for us to keep growing our success.

WHAT THREE THINGS DOES YOUR EMPLOYER DO FOR YOU THAT YOU LOVE?

• Flexible working and understanding of personal commitment

• Career development

• Regular socials

Over the past five years, Peaky Digital has focussed on cultivating a culture where team members can develop their marketing careers. Its employees, many of which were new to digital marketing, have excelled and the company is proud to say it has already granted 14 promotions internally – nurturing team members into positions including social and SEO manager.

Every team member is given a clear progression pathway which details the expectations and skills of each rolemaking opportunity for development clear for those who wish to upskill. Mentoring is offered to all of executives and team members who wish to progress work closely with the directors and management team, shadowing many key responsibilities in order to build confidence.

Peaky offers flexible and hybrid working, placing an emphasis on work/life balance and uses regular staff surveys to take onboard feedback to improving culture. A benefits package includes private healthcare, a wellbeing fund and a ‘digital nomad’ scheme.

Tax headlines

RRL tax partner, Steve Maggs, takes a closer look at some of the detail behind the Spring Budget.

Clearly some of these changes (and other non-tax announcements) may be taken as being short term given both the relative proximity to the next general election (expected to be January 2025) and the current polling performance of the Conservative party, however, given the poor state of the public finances and poor state of the public services, it is difficult to see how any new government could significantly change path from the high tax environment we are all experiencing.

A broad overview of the headline announcements are as follows:

• Corporation tax rise will go ahead – the planned increase has now taken place from 1 April 2023. However, this was tempered by the capital allowances changes (see below) – which was one of the significant announcements Jeremy Hunt made.

The increased corporation tax rate to 25% (from the current 19%) applies from 1 April 2023 for companies with taxable profits over £250k. The 19% rate will become a small profits rate payable by companies with profits of £50k or less (these limits shared between so-called ‘associated companies’ – broadly companies with common control). Companies with profits between £50,001 and £250k will pay tax at the main rate reduced by a marginal relief, providing a gradual increase in the effective corporation tax rate.

• Capital allowances changes – the introduction of “full expensing” for limited companies (note only limited companies) for the three-year period 1 April 2023 – 31 March 2026 was announced, being an

uncapped 100% deduction for qualifying investment on plant and machinery in the year that it is incurred, and an uncapped 50% deduction for investment in qualifying ‘long life’ assets in the year the investment is incurred.

This was a headline announcement in the Budget, but ultimately it will not provide a benefit to the vast majority of companies in Cornwall given the £1 million Annual Investment Allowance (AIA) that already provides 100% relief on the first £1 million of qualifying expenditure – only those spending more than £1m on qualifying capital expenditure will benfit.

The 130% “super deduction” that was in place until 31 March 2023 has now finished.

• Income tax – the previously announced freezes to income tax bands and allowances until 6 April 2028 will still take place, resulting in a significant real term increase in tax for all income taxpayers.

The impact of this (called “fiscal drag”) will be felt by all income tax payers.

Shareholders should take note of the previously announced reduction to the dividend allowance (reducing from £2k to £1k).

• Inheritance tax (IHT) – as for the income tax allowances and thresholds, the inheritance tax nil-rate bands have been frozen until 6 April 2028.

High inflation, generally high property inflation (particularly the high levels experienced in Cornwall in recent years), and the lack of awareness of the tax and specialists to advise on mitigation planning, is resulting in more and more estates becoming chargeable to inheritance tax.

We are expecting wide reform of the tax post the next general election, which would likely further widen the scope of chargeability.

The tax is one of the easiest to plan for, and all should be regularly reviewing their IHT positions.

• Pension lifetime allowance charge abolishment – the abolishment of the lifetime allowance charge from April 2023 – will be welcome for the wealthy minority. There has been a lot of scepticism over

the stated rationale that this was to retain, or invite back, more doctors to the NHS.

An overall concern is that the lifetime allowance (and charge) keeps regularly changing when it is one fundamental area where consistency is required.

Pension contribution and withdrawal planning strategies should now be carefully (given that this would surely be reversed in the event of a new Labour government following the next general election) revisited, and coinciding with estate planning strategies being revisited where pension funds are being used as part of an inheritance tax mitigation planning tool.

• Pensions annual allowances increases – the pensions annual allowance is increasing from the current £40k to £60k from 6 April 2023. Individuals will continue to be able to carry forward unused Annual Allowances from the 3 previous tax years. Other allowances are also increasing. Any increases to pension contribution limits are obviously always welcome.

Again, pension contribution planning strategies should be urgently revisited, as should cash extraction strategies from companies (in relation to employer pension contributions – that are the most tax efficient form of cash extraction for director shareholders).

• National Minimum Wage (NMW) and National Living Wage (NLW) increases – both the NMW and NLW rates increased from 1 April 2023. All employers should undertake a review prior to 1 April 2023 to ensure compliance with these rates.

Truro 01872 276116

Penzance 01736 339322

post@rrlcornwall.co.uk

www.rrlcornwall.co.uk

As many expected, the Budget 2023 on March 15, was a bit light on tax announcements, and what tax announcements there were, were prereleased (as we have come to expect lately). However, there are some sizeable tax changes for businesses and individuals to consider.

Some sizeable tax changes for businesses to consider

Creating a difference

The creative industries in the UK are growing at a rate five times faster than the broader economy; creative businesses unlock innovation, thrive on collaboration, strengthen communities and create positive social impact. The Creative Industries collectively contribute more GVA to our economy than the combined oil, gas, automotive, aerospace, and life sciences industries.

Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly benefit from this growth; the region is home to a thriving creative sector, with a population of creative businesses typically found only in urban environments. These rural micro-clusters have long been seen as powerful engines for economic growth.

Cornwall’s economic and social opportunity lies in safeguarding routes for creative sector microbusinesses to access the development support that addresses their needs most effectively.

Creative professionals are highly skilled in their areas of expertise but can lack the necessary business skills to take their SMEs to the next level. Sector research has shown that creative

sector businesses don’t always take advantage of external business development initiatives due to a disconnect in communication and understanding on both sides.

That’s where Cultivator comes in. Funded by ESF, ERDF, Arts Council England and Cornwall Council, and with our unique knowledge of the creative sector and its people, we have created a tailored support program that addresses areas of growth often overlooked by one-size-fits-all business development agencies.

Our innovative project is currently supporting over 700 businesses with investments, skills training, 1:1 business support, export pathways, industry showcasing, and network building since its inception in 2016.

and photography.

We’ve filled the skills gap by rolling out a flexible and reactive training programme to address sector needs. With many courses available hundreds of businesses have been able to access free training opportunities. Additionally, businesses have benefited from individual and bespoke training funded through grants, while others have accessed industry insiders and sector specialists through the project’s grantfunded mentoring scheme.

Currently supporting over 700 businesses

We have invested £7.4 million across a client base that includes manufacturing and design, film, digital, music, performance, craft makers, visual art, heritage museums, art galleries,

We focus on developing the next generation of creative businesses with ‘Early Stage’ and ‘Graduate Start Up’ focused business advisors.

We recognise that the next generation of cultural sector leaders needs to be nurtured by partnering with the University of Plymouth to create a Leadership Programme.

We have invested significant sums in small grants to fund new business initiatives; a

Cultivator is a business development programme that supports the creative sector in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. Director, Jane Sutherland, explains how the sector is a powerful economic driver for the Duchy.

MARTA FEYLES MICHEL FRANÇOIS

client setting up on-line writing courses, a publishing company needing an expert consultant to review their business model and processes and part funding a second camera for a fast growing film company – enabling them expand their filming opportunities. These investments have resulted in the growth of hundreds of local creative businesses.

Additionally, the export programme has helped many creative businesses find markets outside Cornwall through investments in grants and the provision of training sessions.

Cultivator has worked to strengthen the sector through showcasing events in partnership with delivery partner the University of Plymouth, highlighting the worth of the creative industries within Cornwall. The project has built networks through events encouraging collaborative relationships and expanded the workforce by working with Real Ideas to promote entry to the creative sector as a pathway for young people in Cornwall through work placements.

As Cultivator enters the last six months of its six-year programme of activities, the impact of its work is evident. The project has been a crucial source of support for businesses in these sectors, providing them with tailored assistance to help them grow and thrive. At this point we have mixed feelings of celebration and caution. While the project has laid excellent foundations for growth in the creative sector, there is a real risk that the continued development of the sector’s creative micro-businesses may suffer as funding for the Cornwall-focused business development offering transitions from EU to SPF funding.

And, what’s next? We have submitted a

bid to Cornwall Council for SPF funding to continue supporting the development of the creative sector working alongside the Good Growth Hub by building on our specialised sector knowledge; we hope that we will be successful and that Cultivator’s unique approach to business and training support can be a model for other regions seeking to foster growth in the creative sector.

Cultivator is a project of Creative Kernow, who have been working as a creative and cultural sector support organisation for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly for the last 40 years by working in three areas: developing the creative economy, providing creative hubs and developing creative communities.

GOING BEYOND CORNWALL’S DESIGN FRONTIER

Cornwall has a rich history of excellence and innovation in design and making. It was a key region for revolutionary industrial design in the 19th Century, and in the 20th Century, St Ives was the birthplace of British studio pottery. Extraordinary designs are still everywhere in Cornwall today – from a BAFTA nominated games studio in Bude to an FX Award-winning product designer in Penryn and an internationally renowned ceramicist in Mousehole.

A geographical challenge for rural creative businesses is being recognised by and engaging with the broader creative sector, often located in urban areas. While digital connectivity can bridge this gap, nothing beats a real-life conversation and experiencing design and craft products in 3D.

To this end, over the last six years, Cultivator has championed the fantastic work in Cornwall with an export and showcasing programme. It ran its first design and craft showcase at the London Design Fair five years ago under the ‘Design Frontier’ banner. Creative business advisor, Toni Lu, explains: “The idea of a collective identity to showcase the quality and diversity of design and craft from Cornwall came to us during our conversations with over 300 of Cornwall’s creative individuals and businesses.

“Design Frontier reflected our attitude of being non-apologetic about being a rural region and not measuring our successes and work based on our distance from urban centres.”

In collaboration with Hole & Corner – a quarterly design and craft magazine - Cultivator selected seven Cornish designer-makers to showcase their work at the British Craft Pavilion at the London Design Fair in 2018

Alex O’Connor silverware designer, Dor & Tan’s ceramics, Felix McCormack and Headandhaft both furniture designers and homewares designers, Kinsley Byrne a wood carver, Leach Pottery and Ceramicist Michel François – all exceptional creatives who absorb inspiration from and celebrate elements that are intrinsic to Cornwall’s landscape were able to spend four days in London at the fair, visited by 30,000 people many of whom are retail buyers and interior designers.

The initial feedback was extremely positive.

“Being a crafts person is not just about being in your workshop where I am most comfortable,” says silversmith, Alex O’Connor. “I have learned that I need to be as rigorous about my business as I would be in my workshop with my piece of silver. Without Cultivator, I cannot imagine doing any of the stuff I am doing. As quite a new maker, to be able to say that I have

The project has been a crucial source of support for businesses

ALEX O’CONNER DOR AND TAN

shown my work at The British Craft Pavilion as part of Design Frontier is humbling because there was some really amazing and beautiful work there.”

Christopher Thorpe from Headandhaft agrees that Design Frontier provides an invaluable opportunity. “We chose Cornwall to live and work in because of the quieter, secluded lifestyle but most of our products go to London so you have got to go up there, got to let people touch your work, got to meet people,” he explains. “Through Design Frontier, Cultivator enables us to make work in Cornwall and connect commercially with the wider world.”

Now five years on and a global pandemic later, we still see the positive impact of the Design Frontier Showcase on these businesses. Leach Pottery met fashion and homeware brand Toast at the showcase and started to supply the brand’s on and offline shop, creating over £100k worth of revenue. Dor & Tan expanded their business within six months of the showcase after picking up two key stockists and opening their showroom in 2020, inspired by their experience at the showcase, their turnover has quadrupled. Alex O’Connor has since shown her work at Collect with a London gallery – the UK’s highest profile art object fair. She is now represented by an agent in Cambridge, who has taken her work to show in high-end craft and design show Salon in New York.

Having the 2018 Design Frontier as its flagship event, Cultivator continues to propel the most exciting established and emerging designers and makers from

Cornwall to the forefront of the contemporary design world. In 2019, it supported the Department of International Trade’s mission to showcase Cornish Craft at Top Drawer; ran an open studios event around Falmouth and Penryn with 16 design and craft studios open, welcoming agents, buyers, architects and other designers.

It continues to showcase work by creatives online during the pandemic – supporting Goodfest in 2020 and hosting the Anatomy of Design Festival in 2021 in partnership with Door Step. Most recently, Cultivator teamed up with Cornwall Development Company for a supported group visit to Maison et Objet – the biggest home and gift expo in Europe, with a vision to enable more Cornwall based design and craft businesses continue to export and thrive beyond the frontier.

FELIX MCCORMACK FELIX MCCORMACK

Nurturing new creatives

Participants of the graduate programmes have also had the opportunity to showcase their work in professional exhibitions organised with the support of Cultivator. Most recently, artists on the programme’s third cohort became the collective known as ‘Dreysa’ and completed a large-scale one-month exhibition at the historical Penwith Gallery in St Ives entitled ‘The Unsteady Now’, resulting in sales to collectors and plans for future collaboration.

According to the Higher Education Statistics Association, at least 15% of graduates in the UK become selfemployed directly after graduation, and this figure is even higher as the time from graduation increases.

Since 2017, Cultivator has led 68 entrepreneurs in three cohorts through a Graduate Start Up programme offering in-depth business coaching, mentoring, networking, and skills development opportunities. The programme is designed to fast-track the success of high calibre entrepreneurs from creative degree disciplines at BA and MA level. It includes specialist business-focused advice and support from practicing industry professionals in an incubated group cluster that learns and develops together.

Participants also benefit from subsidised workspace at creative hubs such as Krowji

and Porthmeor Studios. Emily Juniper, who attended the programme’s first cohort in 2018 after graduating from MA Authorial Practice at Falmouth University, now runs her own publishing house and hit the VAT threshold over 18 months ago from a standing start in 2018.

Emily says: “I feel connected to an extensive community through Cultivator. I found the coaching has helped me to be brave in my decision-making. I now value my time and my skills when quoting for clients and understand the importance of structure and focus.”

The programme has worked with a broad spectrum of graduates from the screen sector, visual art, design, designer makers, theatre, and dance. Graduates such as filmmaker Jonny Dry, ceramicist Emily Tapp, and bespoke 3D designers Murdoch Design have all become key players in the creative scene in the UK.

Marta Feyles, one of the artists involved in the exhibition and a tattooist based in Penzance, has also seen tremendous success since starting the programme eight months ago, with turnover expected to quadruple by the end of next month. “The help I have received has created so many opportunities for growth that I would have never considered,” she says.

Jonathan Michael Ray, a visual artist is another success story; since participating in the programme, he has gone on to exhibit with world renowned St Ives artist Wilhelmina Barns-Graham at Tate, St Ives and he is now represented by Somerset based gallery, Bolee and Workman.

“The business advice that was tailor-made for my specific needs and goals has been brilliant,” says Johnathan. “The entire experience has had an unforgettable impact on my studio practice as well as my ambitions for the future.”

Overall, the cohort learning model provides graduates with a supportive community of like-minded individuals, specialized training and mentorship from industry professionals, and access to valuable resources and opportunities. Through this model, the Cultivator programme has helped numerous creative graduates achieve their entrepreneurial goals and become successful leaders in their respective industries.

Cultivator is a project of Creative Kernow, the creative and cultural sector support organisation for Cornwall and IoS, working three areas: developing the creative economy, providing creative hubs and developing creative communities.

The business advice that was tailor-made for my specific needs

JONATHAN MICHAEL RAY

In these challenging economic times, marketing is often one of the first budgets to be cut. But now, more than ever, it is vital to promote your business in the right way.

We ask four local marketing experts for their tips and advice.

Shout about it!

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF HIRING A PR/MARKETING AGENCY?

When you work with a reputable agency you get the benefit of their combined experience across a range of channels, who will have insights on the latest trends and updates, with ideas that can help you grow your reach and exposure to new audiences.

Compared to the cost of hiring an additional marketing person internally this usually works out as pretty great value, because you don’t have to worry about putting time and resource into upskilling someone who might only specialise in one area (eg PR, social media, SEO). Instead, for a comparable cost you can have access to a team of experts, across a selection of channels.

JAMIE MACKENZIE, PEAKY DIGITAL

Employing an agency means a dedicated team, with longstanding professional experience, that is focused completely on delivering your brief. They come to the table with fresh ideas and a considered outsider’s perspective, allowing them full clarity to focus on delivering the best results for your business.

JAMES NEALE, IDENNA

HOW CAN AN AGENCY HELP A BUSINESS GROW?

PR professionals tend to shy away from linking coverage to sales, understandably. Earned coverage is not always in our control. However, a PR, marketing and communications agency should be working to understand how their brief fits into the wider business strategy. At Agile, we work closely with the client from the outset to dig into business or organisation goals and use these to set measurable objectives for our work. This can mean time and budget is frontloaded into strategic work to set any following activity up for success.

So, if growth is your goal, we’d want to know about your strategy for growth plus identified audiences you are looking to reach, and we’d build a communications strategy that meets that.

RACHEL FOSTER, AGILE

HOW IMPORTANT IS BRANDING TO THE MARKETING MIX?

Your brand is your promise to the world. Being able to quickly articulate who your business is, what you do and what your customers should expect from you is crucial. Your brand sits at the top of your sales funnel and it is the foundation of your identity that should distinguish you from competitors and help customers to realise that your business can best meet their needs. When starting out with branding, begin with the business’s story, pillars, and elevator pitch and use them to build out your visual identity.

JAMES NEALE, IDENNA

Your brand strategy is the combination of your brand values, brand identity, tone of voice, and overall vibe. It’s the essence of your organisation and how you want to be perceived by your audience. Your brand is the foundation of everything you do. Your branding, in turn, supports and reflects this. Your brand strategy should inspires relationships and be authentic.

RACHEL FOSTER, AGILE

FOR THOSE BUSINESSES LOOKING TO RAISE THEIR PROFILE THEMSELVES, WHAT TOP TIPS WOULD YOU GIVE THEM?

Don’t try to be everywhere and do everything if you’re doing it yourself. It’s better to be really good and see impact in a few areas, such as blogs/social media/website, than to try and be in lots of different places and do it badly. You won’t see results, you’ll feel frustrated and burnt out!

SUZIE SMITH, PIECE OF CAKE

Be realistic with your expectations: don’t expect a couple of weeks’ worth of social media content or a new website will have a dramatic impact on sales overnight - sometimes it can be a case of your customers needing to take several days or weeks before they make a purchase, and the knack then is making sure you engage them in the right way, and at the right points to ensure when they are ready to buy they come to you and not a competitor.

JAMIE MACKENZIE, PEAKY DIGITAL

UNDERSTANDING THE IMPORTANCE OF IP

1 Be clear on your goals

2 Be consistent in your execution

3 Measure impact of your content

4 Don’t be afraid to switch up your strategy and respond to change.

RACHEL FOSTER, AGILE

CAN A BUSINESS THRIVE THROUGH STRENGTH OF PRODUCT/SERVICE ALONE?

Few businesses can survive without advertising and marketing, and those that do tend to already have an established brand that does the heavy lifting for them. Nowadays, marketing activity is a huge spectrum, so businesses are often choosing to advertise in more subtle ways, e.g. influencer strategy, but the likelihood is they’re plugging away behind the scenes.

JAMES NEALE, IDENNA

Perhaps controversially, as a PR consultant, I don’t believe in wall-to-wall coverage as a means to success. It’s entirely possible to achieve your growth goals through carefully targeted messaging, using your network, honing down your specific customer.

RACHEL FOSTER, AGILE

MOST CREATIVES WILL HAVE HEARD THE TERM ‘INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS’, BUT WHAT EXACTLY DOES IT MEAN? AMY RALSTON, A SOLICITOR AT STEPHENS

When does Intellectual Property (IP) arise?

There is a mixture of unregistered and registered rights when it comes to IP rights, including:

• Copyright

• Moral rights

• Trade marks

• Design right

• Artists’ resale right

• Performers’ rights

One of the most prevalent rights when it comes to artistic, dramatic and literary work

is copyright. Subject to the work qualifying for copyright protection, copyright arises automatically and ownership automatically vests with the author. Copyright enables the rights-holder to protect against third parties using the work without permission.

A wide range of work may be protected under copyright – from photographs and scripts to software code and artwork. Another key right is “artist resale rights” which affords the creators of original works of art, which include graphic works, paintings, sculptures and collages, the right to a royalty when their work is resold through a qualifying intermediary, such as an auction house or art dealer.

To discuss any of these issues, please email us at enquiries@stephens-scown.co.uk

Importance of agreements

Other than where there is an employee/ employer relationship in place, IP rights do not transfer from the author to another party by virtue of payment.

Where a creative is looking to let others use their work or sell their work, it is important that a comprehensive agreement is put in place to deal with such use.

At Stephens Scown, we have a team of specialist intellectual property lawyers who can advise on protection of IP rights, draft the necessary agreements and assist with enforcement of IP.

Amy Ralston is a solicitor in the Intellectual Property and Data Protection team at Stephens Scown, specialising in intellectual property and technology law and Influencer marketing law.

Your brand is your promise to the world

starts here The future

From supporting student start-ups and new business growth to backing industry collaborations, Falmouth University’s venture studio, Launchpad, is evolving into a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Steve Cox, head of Launchpad, explains: “Falmouth University has always championed creativity and our venture studio, Launchpad, is a place where both local and studentfounded businesses can flourish.

“Over the past 12 months alongside supporting our existing portfolio of

businesses, we’ve been experimenting with various forms of activity to continue to support Cornwall’s entrepreneurial community.

“This has seen us provide students with paid placements with our start-ups, deliver freelance training, offer co-working space, facilitate hackathons and events, and bring the world-renowned Techstars Startup Weekend to the county.”

The Launchpad team has supported 76 enterprises in the region. And the studio is now home to several local businesses

who are utilising the co-working space including cloud-based helicopter crew management platform HeliCrewManager and marketing agency X-CMO.

There’s even a team of robotics specialists working in partnership with Varfell Farms, one of the biggest food and flower producers in Cornwall, to develop a new prototype to pick daffodils robotically, helping to solve staff shortage issues.

Steve added: “I believe it’s this rich mix of opportunity that allows us to boost the

We discover more about Launchpad, an ecosystem of creators, innovators and entrepreneurs.

development of business and start-up culture in the University and beyond. Bringing people together at the different stages of their business journey, sharing knowledge and exploring ideas has meant we’ve been able to pursue some really exciting projects.”

INNOVATIVE START-UPS

Alongside Launchpad’s more established portfolio companies, including AI specialist Hertzian and tech entertainment company Codices, a new set of innovators are getting noticed.

Digital community engagement platform, GoCollaborate, which provides an easyto-use online tool enabling communities to directly impact the planning and development of their local area secured investment from the Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Investment Fund late last year.

Kevri unveiled its Knowledge Exchange (KE) reporting software; making it easier for universities to optimise their KE activities and enhance their social and economic impact. The team are currently working with nine universities to pilot the product.

Digital staffing agency for the construction industry, Constructiv, has expansion plans to move into the southwest and will shortly be launching a new product.

Amutri is developing innovative 3D visualisation tools for designers and architects. The start-up was recently named

amongst the regional winners of Tech Nation’s annual Rising Stars competition. Some of studio’s newest start-ups include WYLDER, a wellbeing app to connect to nature; Greater Life, a business community for the over 50s; and SpaceforU, an online marketplace connecting social spaces with local communities.

NURTURING GAMES STUDIOS

Launchpad has teamed up with the University’s Games Academy to provide a games incubator, supporting teams to execute their products with access to mentors and publishers.

Ten teams have currently moved through the programme, ones to watch include Knights of Borria and Ludophoria, who have completed their demos and are currently in publishing talks. Hungry Billy and Studio 316 have pivoted from game development to a work for hire model in the games industry, creating employment opportunities for Falmouth students.

MAKING USE OF IMMERSIVE TECHNOLOGY

A recent conference at Falmouth University, showcased the future of immersive technology. Organised in collaboration between the Immersive Business project

and Launchpad, academics, students, tech experts, innovators and professionals got together to explore what to expect from the metaverse and how key sectors like retail, healthcare, wellbeing, education, hospitality, gaming and the wider creative industries can utilise the trend at the inaugural Plug into the Metaverse event.

Cornish businesses have welcomed the opportunity to explore immersive tech with many actively seeking support from the Immersive Business team (collaborative project between Falmouth University and the University of Exeter) to bring creations to life, offering another medium for expression, and facilitating the digital transformation. Businesses are able to access technical expertise and the dedicated immersive lab to explore and adopt immersive technologies to increase productivity, develop market reach and introduce new products. If you are an accelerating business that is looking to recruit and develop talent or after co-working space, contact the Launchpad team:

launchpad@falmouth.ac.uk

falmouth.ac.uk/launchpad

Launchpad is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), Research England and Cornwall Council.

We’ve been able to pursue some really exciting projects

Six shining stars from Cornwall’s creative sector

PIECE OF CAKE COMMUNICATIONS

The approach Suzie Smith at Piece of Cake Communications takes when working with clients isn’t the right fit for everyone. She believes in ‘collaborative communications’, which means her team will feel like an extension of your team.

For businesses that would prefer their agency to be completely separate, this integrated way of working isn’t ideal. But if your business is looking for a personal touch

and a closer relationship with your marketing support, then Piece of Cake is perfect.

Suzie and her team are based in Redruth and have a wide range of clients, from the big – London Trading Standards – to the small, including hairdressers and travel agents. 07812 525128

KNIGHTS MPR

Discover a better approach to outsourcing your communications.

Through the way we engage on commercial and industry insights, we have proved that compelling, content led PR can be an extremely effective tool for raising the profile of a company and gaining traction for ideas and initiatives as a mainstream concern.

Our expertise is in energy, maritime, technology, science, manufacturing and

At ABG Design we are passionate about design and believe that a focused, strategic and creative approach can transform a project. Our motto; Think, Create, Share

Think We always take the time to really think about what the client brief may be missing, so the best possible outcome can be achieved. Guiding the project is an essential part of the client relationship.

Create This is where we excel. We always try to deliver design that’s not only creative but also delivers strong results for the client. With a Design Effectiveness Award under our belt,

07851 866 007 | hello@knightsmpr.com www.knightsmpr.com

engineering – and we help companies that operate in these sectors to reveal insight and develop campaigns that inspire communities, create trust and build awareness with audiences worldwide.

What we do is not just about creating stories. It’s about creating a state of mind. Shaping perceptions with integrity and influence.

ABG DESIGN

we must be doing something right!

Share If you are proud of what you are delivering then why not share it. This allows other people to see the wide variety of projects you deliver across different sectors.

01209 256350 | hmiles@abgdesign.uk.com

www.abgdesign.uk.com

TROPICAL PRESSURE FESTIVAL

Tropical Pressure is the intimate exclusive festival of the summer, where only 3,000 lucky ticket-holders visit their stunning site overlooking the sea at Porthtowan each July.

They curate a positive, dance-inducing and life-affirming lineup of music, food, and workshops that celebrate the vibrant cultures of Latin America, Africa and the Caribbean.

During the day, their arena hosts incredible live bands from all corners of the world, and as

AGILE COMMUNICATIONS

Delivering Agile awesomeness one post-it note at a time!

We’re a collective of communications experts ready to take your organisation to the next level.

Led by Chartered PR and Agile coach Rachel Foster, we work:

• as your dedicated communications resource ready to speak your message in a targeted and creative way

• as a collective of Agile coaches ready to help

agilecomms.agency

you unlock and unleash your team’s potential

• as an extension of your existing team delivering a boost of additional resource when you need it

At all times, we’re focused on delivering value to you quickly, and regularly.

the sun sets, world-renowned DJs take over. But that’s not all – Tropical Pressure Festival is committed to creating the greenest, most eco-friendly festival possible and welcomes all ages from babies to grannies!

www.tropicalpressure.co.uk

hello@tropicalpressure.co.uk

CAREER ZONE OPENS

Careers champions from across the UK have heralded Cornwall’s new Career Zone “a fantastic opportunity for young people”.

The new Career Zone, at Truro and Penwith College, was officially opened by Edward Bolitho OBE, Lord Lieutenant of Cornwall.

The facility has been constructed as part of an investment of £1.375 million the college has

NEW HOME FOR AWARDS

Truro and Penwith College’s Cornwall Apprenticeship Awards has outgrown its traditional venue and will establish new roots at the Eden Project.

Along with the change of venue, the college has taken the opportunity to move the event to National Apprenticeship Week, with the date of the eighth annual awards set for Friday February 9.

The awards is again attracting support from the local and national business communities, with organisations already showing interest and agreeing sponsorships.

The inaugural awards took place in 2015, quickly establishing itself as one of the top events in the south west business calendar and continuing annually bar a brief hiatus in 2020 and 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Martin Tucker, principal at Truro and Penwith College, commented: “The college is incredibly proud of the Cornwall Apprenticeship Awards and the high regard in which it is held by employers and learners across the county.

“It’s been a pleasure to host the event at our Truro campus, but it’s clear it has outgrown our space. I’m pleased the event has found a fantastic new home with the Eden Project, a former Cornwall Apprenticeship Award winner and one of Cornwall’s top Apprenticeship employers.

received from the Department for Education’s Strategic Development Fund for industryled facility development.

The event also saw the college publish its new Careers Strategy, that will see it offer an enhanced level of careers advice to reenergise young people aged 11 – 18 across Cornwall to realise their career ambitions, find their futures and “make careers advice cool”.

The event saw almost 100 careers

Falmouth University is one of the top undergraduate schools offering programmes in game design, according to The Princeton Review.

The education services company features Falmouth University on its annual ranking list - Top 50 Undergraduate Schools for Game Design for 2023 – in 24th spot.

The Princeton Review chose the schools based on its 2022 survey of administrators at 150 institutions across the US and abroad offering game design courses, majors, or degree programmes.

The survey collected information in four areas: academics, faculty, technology, and career prospects. The company analysed more than 40 survey data points to tally the rankings.

“We enthusiastically recommend Falmouth University –and all of the outstanding schools on our list for 2023 - to students considering a career in the exciting field of game design,” said Rob Franek, editor-inchief for The Princeton Review.

Dr Doug Brown, Dean of Screen, Technology and Performance at Falmouth and a founding figure of the university’s

professionals and employers share best practice, advice and hear from a line-up of keynote speakers from the careers field.

Tim Moody, employability and careers lead at the college, said: “The Career Zone will allow students to research job opportunities, analyse labour market information and conduct job readiness activities. It is vital for us as educators to prepare our young people for their futures, and to have a strong bond with employers.”

For more, turn to page 45...

GAME ON FOR FALMOUTH UNI

“The move marks the event entering its next stage of growth and we’re excited to see what the future brings.”

FOCUS ON YE

Leading education charity Young Enterprise (YE) hosted a special networking event in Cornwall recently to explore challenges and opportunities in the region.

The event, co-hosted with Ocean BMW, reflected on the experiences of young

Games Academy, said the ranking reflects the innovative nature of the courses within the department.

“This success has been driven by our student teams making and publishing their own indie games and assets in national competitions, as well as our graduates getting jobs both in the AAA games industry and increasingly in its connected industries, which have grown to encompass film and performance through the advent of virtual production technology.”

people in region and how we can secure the future of the next generation.

Attendees included Falmouth Deputy Mayor, Kirstie Edwards, as well as local business, education and charity leaders.

They heard first hand from Young Enterprise alumni, including a group of young women who were crowned Young Enterprise’s UK Company of the Year Award 2022 winners - ‘Ocean Revolution’ from Tretherras School in Newquay.

Following the event, Young Enterprise CEO, Sharon Davies, said: “2023 marks our 60th year of transforming young people’s lives and Cornwall is an area we’ve seen clear successes and see fantastic opportunities to do more with the support of business and schools.”

AWARDS ENTRIES OPEN

Entries have now opened for the 2023/24 Cornwall Tourism Awards.

The awards offer tourism and hospitality businesses in Cornwall the chance to win not only locally, but to progress on to the regional south west awards and – for matching categories – the national VisitEngland awards. The categories include pubs, cafes and restaurants as well as accommodation, spa, wedding and business venues, attractions, events and experiences. There are also awards for unsung heroes, new businesses, dog friendly, accessibility, wildlife friendly and sustainability.

Deadline for entering is Sunday, June 18.

ELITE ADDITION

Forever Cornwall has expanded its portfolio by acquiring Bude-based letting agency Elite West Holidays (EWH).

The acquisition means a new cluster of premium holiday homes in north east Cornwall to complement Forever Cornwall’s existing portfolio.

EHW’s Polly Lyons joins the Forever Cornwall team as Bude and Widemouth Bay quality manager and will continue to run the Bude office.

Phil Gendall, founder and director of Forever Cornwall, said: “It’s great when core values align, and the teams have worked brilliantly together to migrate systems and operations. This is a win-win for both brands, strengthening our offering, capacity and reach.”

GEMS JOINS GREEN CAMPAIGN

Luxury holiday lettings company Cornish Gems has pledged its support to the ‘Love Where You Are campaign’ alongside Cornwall Council and Crowdfunder.

Cornwall Airport Newquay is reporting some robust passenger numbers.

Bouncing back from Covid, numbers rose 138% last year to just over 250,000. And with forecasts to reach 450,000 in 2023, airport bosses expect to see its highest-ever number of weekly passengers this summer.

Head of commercial, Amy Smith, said: “2022 was a fantastic year for us, seeing the airport return to a busy schedule of 115 weekly flights at the peak of the summer season, but this year is when we expect to see close to our record year in 2019 with a

BEST OF THE SOUTH WEST

Leading tourism businesses celebrated at the Eden Project as over 90 awards were presented at the 2022/23 South West Tourism Excellence Awards.

482 entries were submitted from across the region including Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, Bath, Bristol, Somerset, Dorset, Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. Among the Cornish winners, Hendra

The St Moritz Hotel & Cowshed Spa has relaunched its VIP locals’ club - Solid As Rock.

St Moritz Hotel founder and owner, Hugh Ridgway, said: “Whilst we welcome guests and visitors from right across the UK and beyond, our Cornish locals are our utterly valued regulars and we started Solid As Rock ten years ago because we wanted people who live in Cornwall to feel treasured by the hotel.

“It was amazingly popular back then and we now have reworked the concept, with a snazzy modern technology membership system. We’re inviting all of our previous members to join us to update their VIL (very important locals’) card so they can regularly take advantage of the Solid as Rock bespoke invites, benefits, packages and continual discounts in

The campaign is funding low carbon and nature recovery projects in Cornwall’s fight against climate and ecological emergencies.

In place of its annual Gems Charity of The Year initiative – which has raised over £22k for local good causes since 2018 - this year Cornish Gems is committing entirely to the Love Where You Are campaign.

Funds raised will go towards the Cornwall Climate and Nature Fund to support green community projects – such as increasing

AIRPORT HITS THE HEIGHTS

predicted 78% increase in passenger traffic.

“Having concentrated on ensuring our customers have not only a choice of different destinations but also a variety of airlines on certain routes, we’re pleased to be able to offer a selection of services as we see multiple airlines recognise the demand.”

Holiday Park scooped Gold in the Holiday Park of the Year category, while the Idle Rocks also took the top accolade in the Restaurant of the Year category.

Other Cornish Gold winners included Seascape Escape, Lydcott Glamping, PK Porthcurno and Visit Newquay TIC.

Robin Barker, director of Services for Tourism, which manages the awards, said: “What a delight to be in the company of the region’s best, and at one of our most iconic venues. The conversations and celebrations were a real joy – I wouldn’t have missed it for the world!”

For more, turn to page 44...

HOTEL VALUES ITS LOCALS

our bar, restaurant, spa and rooms.”

Those wishing to join the group simply need to prove they are a resident living within a PL, TR or EX postcode.

access to electric bikes and solar panels, tree planting and the creation of accessible community green spaces.

Emma Fashokun, Cornish Gems’ environmental, social and governance (ESG) Manager, said: “As an independent, local company embarking on our B Corp journey this year it’s particularly gratifying to be able to raise funds and awareness for climate and nature-based projects in communities across Cornwall.”

ON THE LAUNCHPAD

Two founders from Falmouth University’s venture studio, Launchpad, have created a new marketplace connecting local communities with spaces for hire.

Lauren Packham and Masayuki Kishi are

the creators behind SpaceforU, an online event venue booking platform.

The duo only joined Launchpad in September and have already validated their market, created the booking system and website, and onboarded their first customers.

Packham explained: “I already run a CIC specialising in wellness events in Plymouth and was actively renting spaces for my events so knew of the pain points in finding appropriate spaces and the amount time and effort that goes into the research.

“I thought it would be great to have a platform that can take away the hassle, so we started with my Plymouth venue contacts and also tapped into my connections to wellness practitioners to test the market.”

NEW HOME FOR HERITAGE

A Cornish heritage and culture venue is to open in the former Penzance public library building. The historic building in Morrab Road will celebrate Cornish and local history and culture, developing a vibrant programme of heritage activities for, and with, the community.

NEW AI PLATFORM

Software business Intelligent AI has secured a £500k equity investment by the Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Investment Fund (CIOSIF) from appointed fund manager The FSE Group as part of a £2 million funding round. The CIOSIF investment, along with matchfunding from SuperSeed, the FSE Angel Investor Network and private investors, will be used to set up an operational base in Cornwall, creating 27 new jobs over the next three years.

Established in 2020 by CEO Anthony Peake, Intelligent AI provides a risk underwriting platform for the commercial property insurance sector, incorporating artificial intelligence to aid the decisionmaking process for insurers.

Intelligent AI says the commercial property insurance market currently suffers significant losses in risk management caused by inefficiencies in recording and analysing data sets. Underwriters spend 80% of their time gathering fragmented data, usually a manual process, and less than 20% of their time underwriting policies.

Intelligent AI offers a platform using advanced predictive algorithms, risk data and visualisations to empower their clients to achieve more intelligent outcomes and act on what matters most.

Peaken said: “Thanks to this investment, we will be able to accelerate our growth plans and expand our team to respond to global commercial opportunities.”

CREATIVE SUPPORT

Creatives in Cornwall are being encouraged to register their interest in a new support scheme available.

Creative UK’s Cornwall Create Growth Programme is offering up to 60 businesses an extensive support package over the

course of nine months. A call out to businesses trading or operating in the following industries: advertising and marketing, architecture, crafts, design and fashion (including textiles), film, TV, video, radio, photography, IT, software, and computer services (including gaming), publishing, museums, galleries and libraries, music, performing and visual arts.

Cornish heritage in Penzance will be run by the charity Bewnans Kernow. Director Jane Howells explained: “Cornwall has lots of stories to tell - big histories which had global impact, and smaller events from this area which need to be remembered.

“Many people know about the past, through research or their own experience, and we want to preserve this information and to give people a platform to share it. We aim also to become a centre for research, uncovering new material and attracting academics to give talks and training.”

Cornish culture will feature strongly in activities.

“Our past projects have shown us that Cornish culture strengthens communities and brings people together,” said chairman Peter Sheldon.

The library building was built in 1889, as Penzance Mining and Science School and closed as a library in 2016 when the books were transferred to St John’s Hall. Since then, the building has been owned by Truro and Penwith College which has given the much-loved property a thorough renovation.

The deadline for programme one applications has now expired, but programme two’s application deadline is in September with the programme commencing from October and running until June 2024. The third and final programme application deadline is April 2024 with the programme starting in May and running until January 2025.

Visit wearecreative.co.uk for more details.

LEFT TO RIGHT: PAUL JONES (BRITISH BUSINESS BANK,) ANTHONY PEAKE (INTELLIGENT AI), ANNA STAEVSKA (THE FSE GROUP) AND JOHN ACORNLEY (CIOSIF).

TIME TO BE HEARD

If you didn’t have all those answers, you’d likely say no - just to be safe. In the same way, simply asking “should we get a mayor?” without properly explaining in detail what a Tier 3 deal would actually involve, wasn’t enough for the people of Cornwall. Context was lacking, so it’s no wonder the answer was no – even from those supposedly in the know, Cornwall’s elected councillors.

It’s been a frustrating few months for businesses in Cornwall; after a few exciting Levelling Up announcements initially, action from Westminster seems to have stagnated somewhat, and the Spring Budget failed to mention us at all.

Then, of course, at the beginning of April we heard that Cornwall’s mayoral position would not be progressed.

You can read my full reaction to the Devolution consultation online at businesscornwall.co.uk, but in a nutshell, if I asked you today, “should I move house?” you’d want to know what’s wrong with my house, how I would benefit from a new house, and how moving would affect members of my family.

If the mayoral consultation had started with: do you think it would be better if Cornwall had more say over allocation of our health and care budget, could decide what housing and skills development we need to keep young people here, could plan public travel and budget, and could decide if we need Tourist Tax/Congestion Zones/clean water directives; then I believe people would have grasped what was at stake and been much more enthusiastic. As it was, none of us could articulate exactly what powers we’d get, or when, and with how much more money.

But alas, in the way Cornwall always does so well, we move on with positivity and optimism. We now need to set our sights on getting the very best Tier 2+ devolved powers in a bespoke plan for Cornwall.

It’s a very uncomfortable situation to be in –we’ve lost our EU funding and now it’s looking like we’ve lost the Government’s interest as well, but we must assert ourselves and keep

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.

reminding Westminster that we’re here and could potentially save their bacon when it comes to their net zero target for the UK.

Through the British Chambers of Commerce, Cornwall Chamber is lobbying the Government, pushing for it support to fund sectors that need upfront investment (like Clean Energy and critical minerals) but that could transform Cornwall and indeed the UK. We have world-class tin deposits here, and yet we’re importing it by the bucket load. We know we have lithium which could help to meet UK demand, and yet we’re importing it by the bucket load. We need the Government’s attention, and we intend to get it.

CORNWALL BUSINESS FAIR:

SPONSORED BY WILDANET AND INSPIRED MOTIVE

I can’t believe it’s nearly June again! The Chamber team is working hard on bringing you another cracking day at Falmouth University’s Penryn Campus on Wednesday June 21.

The fair starts with our June BIG Breakfast in the University’s Stannary bar. It’s shaping up to be our biggest breakfast yet; we have capacity for 200 delegates and we’re nearly full! Breakfast – sponsored by Coodes, is a networking opportunity like no other and will get you set up for the busy day ahead.

After breakfast, delegates can continue

conversations whilst browsing a large exhibition of local businesses from a broad range of sectors. New for 2023 is a Networking Zone, sponsored by Bott Ltd.

The Business Fair is part of Cornwall’s Festival of Business – a week-long series of events run by individual companies but supported by Cornwall Chamber. It’s not too late to align your brand with the Chamber to raise your businesses profile and gain exposure.

For more information on everything Festival of Business/Business Fair, visit cornwallchamber.co.uk

THE LARGEST CELEBRATION OF INNOVATIVE, FORWARD-LOOKING BUSINESSES AND BUSINESS SUPPORT IN THE DUCHY.

WE’VE LOST OUR EU FUNDING AND NOW IT’S LOOKING LIKE WE’VE LOST THE GOVERNMENT’S INTEREST AS WELL, SAYS CORNWALL CHAMBER CEO KIM CONCHIE. NOW, MORE THAN EVER, CORNWALL NEEDS TO ASSERT ITSELF.

BETTY IS BACK

A new owner has been found for Skinner’s Brewery, which entered administration last year. The Truro-based brewery, famous for such brands Betty Stoggs and Cornish Knocker, hit the skids last October despite a successful crowdfunding campaign in 2021, which raised £80k in three days.

The new owner is local man Louis Simpson, who runs Indian Queens-based brewery Goodh. Simpson says he plans to restart brewing the Skinner’s favourites from its home on the Newham Industrial Estate.

KING OF THE CASTLE

A Lostwithiel-based microbrewery won a Gold Medal in the National Independent Beer Awards 2023.

Castle Brewery took the accolade for its ‘A New Season’, a modern Belgian style Saison beer, in the Bottle and Can Belgian, French & Abbey Ale category.

It is the first beer released by new owner and head brewer, Simon Court, following his acquisition of the brewery in June 2022. He said: “Taking the leap to follow my passion for crafting beer, focusing on styles close to my heart had been something I had only dreamed of until last year.

“To win this National Award has surpassed my expectations and is something that hasn’t sunk in, and I doubt it ever will.”

RIDING THE SOLAR WAVE

Rock-based Sharp’s Brewery has launched its first-ever hazy IPA for national distribution.

The 4.6% ABV Solar Wave is a “vibrant, golden, juicy” cask beer, brewed with speciality ingredients, including oats for a “creamy mouthfeel” and Cryo hops for a “distinctive zesty and zingy flavour”.

Head brewer, Aaron McClure, said: “Solar Wave is a bold and revolutionary new beer for us at Sharp’s and it’s been a really exciting time, developing our first ever hazy

brew for national distribution.

“We have used new world hops from some of the most modern and cutting-edge suppliers to produce a product with a wonderfully tropical aroma.”

Marketing controller, James Nicholls, added: “Golden beers and IPAs are currently growing in popularity in the cask sector, so it’s the right time for this contemporary beer style to join our portfolio of award-winning beers.”

GYLLY BEACH CAFÉ FOR SALE

Gylly Beach Café has gone on the market with a guide price in excess of £3.5 million. The facility, on Falmouth’s Gyllyngvase beach, is being offered as one package and comprises café with indoor and outdoor covers and two flats available as freehold,

with a separate bakery and takeaway on leasehold.

Acting on behalf of the long-term owner, commercial agent Vickery Holman is running a marketing process with a call for bids at the end of June.

Michael Easton at Vickery Holman commented: “Gylly Beach Café is a world-class location and over the 20 plus years that our clients have owned it, they have created a popular and year-round business.”

LAW FIRM EXPANSION

Chartered legal executive Natalie Symons is the latest recruit to The Family Law Company’s team in Cornwall.

Symons is an experienced family lawyer who has pursued a career in law since

The Port of London’s deputy harbour master is about to become Falmouth’s ‘harbour master designate’, shadowing the current HM Duncan Paul until his retirement early next year.

Miles Featherstone will be bringing his wideranging experience and qualifications over a decade on the management of 95 miles of the tidal Thames.

He will join Falmouth Harbour on June 5 and hit the ground running in his new role, with a busy season of events which will draw many thousands of visitors to the harbour.

Highlights include the Shanty Festival from June 16 – 18, the national Armed Forces Day on June 24, a rare return for the world’s Tall Ships Festival and Race from August 15-19 and the Oyster Festival from October 12-15.

Commercially, the harbour will welcome almost 50 cruise ship visits in 2023 and Featherstone will start the preparations for the arrival of our new £1.6 million pilot boat in May 2024.

Falmouth Harbour CEO, Miles Carden, said: “We are excited to be building our team during such a monumental season

leaving college. She started out as a legal secretary prior to studying to become a lawyer with the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEx).

She has worked for several local firms, including a 15-year stint at Walters and Barbary Solicitors.

The Family Law Company, which has longestablished offices in Exeter and Plymouth, started providing legal services in Cornwall in 2021 with the appointment of Cornish director, Lucy Theobald. The Truro office opened last November.

Theobold said: “I have known Natalie for a number of years and I know that she will be a great addition The Family Law Company and our Truro office.”

ADDED SEA MILES

RTP PROMOTION

Leading Cornish surveying firm RTP Surveyors has strengthened its senior management team with the appointment of a new associate director.

Robert Portman, who joined the team as a chartered building surveyor in 2020, has been promoted into the role and will assist John Darbyshire, Richard Collett and Martin Winchester in the ongoing management of the firm, with particular focus on the planning and development team.

He said: “Following a brilliant few years at RTP, I’m excited to be stepping into the role of associate director, continuing to build momentum for the business during a strong period of growth.”

on the water. The safety of our harbour users, visitors and community underpins everything we do and Miles will be an instrumental part of the team in all of this.

“It is an incredibly exciting time for our harbour as we look to the horizon for new commercial opportunities.”

NEW PARTNER WELCOMED

Stephens Scown has announced Steve Panton as the latest partner to join the employee-owned and B Corp law firm. With over 20 years’ experience in regulatory enforcement and compliance, Panton’s practice encompasses all aspects of health and safety, environmental, food safety and

Director Richard Collett added: “Robert is a highly respected member of the team, who continues to go from strength to strength. He has a brilliant knowledge of contracts and a natural affinity to people and project management, so it feels only fitting that he should get more involved in the running of the planning and development team as our new associate director.”

consumer protection law.

He will be joining Stephens Scown‘s commercial dispute resolution team, headed up by Stephen Wray, supporting clients across a variety of sectors, including food and drink, rural, healthcare, mining and minerals, retail and manufacturing.

Richard Baker, managing partner at Stephens Scown, said: “We are delighted to welcome Steve to our firm. This strategic appointment will expand our capacity to support our existing and new clients with a whole range of regulatory compliance issues.”

RICHARD BAKER AND STEVE PANTON

creativescreate create Let the

It’s a common problem us creatives face - being in the final meeting for a marketing project (and let’s not undercook this, this could be after weeks of work) presenting creative concepts to the last members of management we need that all-important approval from; only for them to modify the idea at the eleventh hour.

Usually, this is to ensure that the work isn’t too risky, “out there” or, to be frank, new. Fair enough, it’s an attractive mindset - after all no one has ever been sacked for playing it safe. So, if it’s such a common and understandable occurrence, why do we allow great ideas to die in the boardroom?

Say your business commissions an outside resource, an individual or a team, for some creative support. This could be graphic design, a digital campaign, a film - basically any kind of creative. You have decided to look outside your inner circle to connect with expertise, experience, fresh perspective and different ideas.

That they are working from the outside looking in is the important part. They will not have had their thinking defined by your business’ history. “This is how we’ve always done it!” will not be clouding their creativity. “Jeff in the Truro store won’t like that” will not be their default friction point.

At the core of this dynamic, professional creatives will almost always approach your business problem with human solutions. They are likely empaths and will have their thinking defined by your brief plus their understanding of your customer groups. Their professional day to day is to interpret your customer’s world by articulating your services to them creatively and compellingly - all within context of the problem they have been asked to solve.

Why do we allow great ideas to die in the boardroom?

Let’s look at the famous Avis car hire story, the original human solution campaign, as an example. In the early 60’s Avis were trailing Hertz in the world’s first car wars saga. Their breakthrough creative moment was to recognise that they simply weren’t number one in their market, reflecting this in their copy through the now iconic line “We try harder”.

underdogs put in more work than those already seated at the top table.

Again, it’s the humanity that drives the appeal, and this is true regardless of what you’re trying to sell. I’m not sure who proposed the idea of renaming the Cornish King Crab (sorry to that genius, I should have done my research) but wow, do they sound way tastier than eating a spider!

So, let’s rewind back to the creative work presentation in front of our fictitious management team. As we’ve found, the creative professional is offering the business thinking that disregards accrued circumstance. They are connecting a business’ story with their customers in the way they believe to be the most engaging. Presumably the creative was hired based on the strength of their portfolio - something clearly resonated for them to get this far!

Trusting that gut reaction and meeting the creative halfway is the secret to a great, memorable campaign.

This is an involved process, not just a single sales-boosting conversation. Go on the journey with them, listen to pitches, workshop and evolve ideas alongside them to allow that fresh perspective towards your business to shift your own.

The creative professional - wide-eyed, engaged and excited - brings an inquisitive mind to your marketing challenge. They will no doubt look at your product, your services, your outputs, methods and customer group from a fresh angle that generates fresh thought processes.

You can still practically feel the stunned silence as this creative treatment was tabled in that ego and testosterone-fuelled 60’s boardroom. A refreshingly honest and vulnerable response to a market positioning problem that recognised an attractive psychological truth - well-motivated

Creatives occupy a unique middle ground between customer focus group and veteran employee, but are still nothing without the contribution of the businesses that employ them. Work together to deliver a vision, leave space in your diary to get involved with them

James Neale of Idenna Creative appeals for human solutions to business problems.

at every stage - have the conversations before arriving at that final meeting.

You don’t have to reinvent the wheel every time, but good collaboration certainly keeps the road smooth.

Many years ago, we were approached by a business who was struggling to sell tickets for a series of summer events. One of our film team suggested advertising the event as a waiting list instead - as people prefer a popular event. You can guess the rest…

YOUNG & TALENTED CORNWALL

St Austell Brewery was the venue for a special presentation evening for Young & Talented Cornwall, The Lord Lieutenant’s Fund.

SW TOURISM AWARDS

Leading tourism businesses from across the region celebrated at the Eden Project as over 90 awards were presented at the 2022/23 South West Tourism Excellence Awards.

DARREN HENLEY (ACE CEO), AMBER BRIERLEY (CREATIVE WRITER) AND PHILIP MARSDEN (AWARDS CURATOR)

JANE HARTLEY (CCF TRUSTEE) AND AMELIA NELSON (Y&TC ALUMNI, KART RACER)

PATRICK GALE (AUTHOR) AND NIKITA MIDGLEY (CREATIVE WRITER)

DAPHNE SKINNARD (BBC CORNWALL)

KEVIN GEORGEL (CEO, ST AUSTELL BREWERY)

HOST JOHNNY COWLING

STEVE HAYFIELD (SOUTH WEST WATER)

MARITIME DISCOVERY DAY

More than a hundred attendees from a range of maritime businesses and education sectors took part in an immersive development day, to address the challenges faced by the industry, and impact of climate change.

IMAGINATION UNLEASHED

The inaugural ‘Imagination Unleashed’ event was held at the Hall For Cornwall, celebrating the remarkable talent and ingenuity present in Cornwall’s creative and tech sectors

CAREER ZONE

Edward Bolitho, the Lord Lieutenant of Cornwall, opened Truro College’s new Career Zone last month.

EMMA BAGGETT (THE OM) AND STEVE TAYLOR (CORNWALL COLLEGE)

JOHN EVANS (CORNWALL COLLEGE) AND ANN VANDERMEULEN (FSB CORNWALL)

MEREDITH TEASDALE (CORNWALL COUNCIL)

DAVID ALLISON (GETMYFIRSTJOB)

CAREER ZONE LAUNCH

LAURA GILES (SCREEN CORNWALL) CHLOE RICKARD

5 10 11 12

MAY 2023 EVENTS

CORNISH PIRATES V JERSEY REDS

Mennaye Field, Penzance

Championship Cup semi final action as the Cornish Pirates go in search of silverware against the Jersey Reds. For the full match day experience why not try a hospitality package – the perfect way to entertain clients and colleagues alike. cornish-pirates.co.uk

KING NETWORKING

Victoria Inn, Threemilestone

The Kernow Independent Networking Group gathers fortnightly every other Wednesday. Members each give a one-minute presentation on their business and the kinds of referral they would particularly value. king-networking.co.uk

CORNWALL CHAMBER LUNCH

Tremough Campus, Penryn

Join Cornwall Chamber in the heart of spring at Penryn Campus. Do not miss out on the chance to blossom your Cornish connections, while indulging in a locally sourced lunch. cornwallchamber.co.uk

PIG DIPPERS ANNIVERSARY SWIM

The Pig at Harlyn Bay

Celebrate the first anniversary of the Pig Dippers netswimming club with

Your Partnerships is Cornwall’s largest networking group, with meetings up and down the Duchy

Growing a business can be challenging. You want your business to be visible to the right people, so it’s important to know how and where to meet them.

Your Partnerships is Cornwall’s largest networking group and it events enable you to connect with other members, gain referrals and build trusting relationships with customers and suppliers.

Your Partnerships, can help your business grow!

guess what? Yes, a swim! Followed by a light breakfast at the Pig Hotel. cornwallchamber.co.uk

18

PENZANCE BUSINESS BREAKFAST

Jubilee Pool, Penzance

The Penzance Business Breakfast is an opportunity to meet other local businesses and professionals, gain contacts and establish mutually beneficial relationships. Everyone is welcome. enginehousetickets.co.uk

30 UNDER 30 CLASS OF 23

The Alverton, Truro

Now in their eighth year, the awards, which are organised by Cornwall Chamber of Commerce in partnership with Business Cornwall magazine, recognise 30 of the Duchy’s most innovative young businesspeople in Cornwall. cornwallchamber.co.uk

CORNWALL & IOS LOCAL NATURE PARTNERSHIP

Heartlands, Redruth

The summit will bring together the key stakeholders who can affect positive change, with a series of action-oriented themed sessions and meaningful pledges for nature. eventbrite.co.uk

3

22 -23 24 25

FINANCE FOR STARTUPS

Falmouth Golf Club

A free two-day course from Access to Finance to provide you with the practical knowledge and skills you need to get your business off to the best possible start. eventbrite.co.uk

EMPLOYMENT LAW SEMINAR

Lanhydrock Hotel

Almost a 25% of workers are actively planning to change employers in the next few months. As your business adapts and grows, HR needs to be a key consideration. eventbrite.co.uk

EARLY BIRD COFFEE CLUB

Cocktail Haus, Falmouth

A free space for local businesses, start-ups, creatives, entrepreneurs to connect over (really) good coffee. Kindly hosted by Solskinn Coffee and Cocktail Haus in Falmouth. eventbrite.co.uk

NEXGEN @TREVASSACK LAKE

Trevassack Lake, Helston

This is the Chamber’s first NEXGEN event. The Chamber Surge of Entrepreneurs has been rebranded and relaunched as NEXGEN with some exciting plans in store. cornwallchamber.co.uk

11 WOMEN IN BUSINESS LUNCH

Penventon Hotel, Redruth

12 BREAKFAST NORWAY INN Norway Way, Perranarworthal

17 NETWALKING WITH ANNIE CHAPMAN & ANNIE PAGE The Borough Arms, Bodmin

18 OPEN HOUSE CORNWALL Victoria Inn, Roche

For further details of these and more networking events visit businesscornwall.co.uk

To publicise your event for free, email news@businesscornwall.co.uk

HFC NETWORKS CLUB

Hall for Cornwall, Truro Hall for Cornwall is more than a creative hub! Its networking club is an informal regular opportunity for businesses and freelancers to get together for a chat and a drink in the stunning new Playhouse Bar at Hall for Cornwall on the last Friday of the month. hallforcornwall.co.uk

JACK ANDREW TESTIMONIAL

Mennaye Field, Penzance

Cornish Pirates rugby stalwart Jack Andrew celebrates his testimonial year with a match between Cornish Pirates 15 and a Jack Andrew 15! Kick off 1pm at The Mennaye. Hospitality available. cornish-pirates.co.uk

CORNWALL CHAMBER BIG BREAKFAST

The Pig at Harlyn Bay Cornwall Chamber of Commerce would like to invite you to the Pig Hotel for its monthly flagship networking event. cornwallchamber.co.uk

FEATURED EVENT

MAY 16

FINANCE IN CORNWALL

The Lighthouse Cinema, Newquay PKF Francis Clark is delighted to host ‘Finance in Cornwall’, in association with the British Business Bank, to highlight available finance options for businesses across the county.

The event, which will be hosted on May 16 at The Lighthouse Cinema in Newquay, will bring together an array of funders and business support organisations for a morning of short presentations and an expert panel.

Split into three sessions, the event will cover grants and business support available; debt funding – including non-bank options; and equity funding. pkf-francisclark.co.uk

22 MOTIVATIONAL MONDAY

24 BIZ BITES –BUSINESS WITH PURPOSE

Contemporary artist BARRY AMEY

WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU WERE YOUNG?

As a young person, I always wanted to be an artist, specifically a comic book artist. However, I realised that my illustration skills weren’t as strong as my peers, so I completed a foundation in art to develop more of my skills into deciding what I really wanted to specialise in.

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST FULL TIME JOB?

I was an experienced photographic technician working with distinguished clients, including Ralph Steadman, Tim Page, as well as large advertising agencies and companies such as Smirnoff Vodka, as well as many advertising firms and even the police. I gained invaluable experience through my work.

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

Stewart Lee as he has the potential to bring much entertainment and amusement and Marcel DuChamp for his thought-provoking artwork which has been a source of inspiration for me.

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

Aix-en-Provence or St Paul de Vence in the south of France is a beautiful place. I love the fact that my favourite painter Cezanne

was nearby. I had the chance to view his studio, as well as Mount St Victoire, both of which gave me an extraordinary experience for his 100th Anniversary.

HOW DO YOU LIKE TO RELAX?

I like to relax by watching films, different series and playing computer games! I enjoy tennis as well as listening to good music.

WHAT’S IN YOUR POCKETS?

I have a bronze die that I bought in Austria at a Christmas market, lots of sharpies and a neon pink paint pen and, of course, my phone.

WHAT WAS YOUR BIGGEST MISTAKE IN LIFE?

One of my biggest regrets is not attending the Glasgow School of Art to do my degree, as a lot of artists in my year went on to win the Turner prize and I would have had the chance to collaborate with them.

WHAT WAS YOUR LUCKIEST BREAK?

It has to be meeting my wife, I have been so lucky to meet her and we share the same interests in art, and visit galleries together.

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

Having a wonderful studio where I can create artwork full time, I would also love to collaborate with other artists in Cornwall.

Pool Innovation Centre - supporting early-stage innovative businesses and helping companies to grow.

and

• 3 levels of association

• Affiliate membership

• Formation Zone – Collaborative co-working space

• Private office space

• On-site meeting and events facilities

• Café on-site for individual and events catering

• Free on-site parking

• Access to business support and academic research

• Flexible contract terms

• Friendly, welcoming team to support all of your business needs

• Fantastic easily accessible location

• Free networking opportunities

For more information: enquiries@cornwallinnovation.co.uk www.cornwallinnovation.co.uk 08000 129 500

Offering flexible, managed

modern workspace combined with access to business support and academic research.