Business Cornwall Nov 2018

CORNWALL'S PREMIER BUSINESS RESOURCE FOR ALL THE LATEST NEWS AND OPINION businesscornwall.co.uk

NOVEMBER 2018 / ISSUE 125 / £3.95

CORSERV MD CATH ROBINSON

MADE IN CORNWALL

SPOTLIGHT ON MANUFACTURING

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NOVEMBER 2018

ISSUE 125

INSIDE FEATURES

REGULARS

10 – BUSINESS GROWTH

4

WELCOME TO THE PLANT FACTORY

12 – CEO INTERVIEW WE MEET CATH ROBINSON, MD OF THE COUNCIL’S CORSERV GROUP

17 – MANUFACTURING FOCUS ON CORNWALL’S IMPORTANT MANUFACTURING SECTOR

24 – CHARITY

INCOMING

40

WHAT IS A CARING COMPANY?

6

BUSINESS NEWS BIG CONTRACT WIN FOR A&P

32

ON THE MOVE APPOINTMENTS NEWS

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35

EDUCATION

THE NEW CORNWALL & ISLES OF SCILLY INVESTMENT FUND COULD BE A REAL GAME CHANGER FOR BUSINESSES

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44

CREATIVE CAPITAL JOB FOR HUTCH

TOURISM

JUST A THOUGHT SAPC’S MATT BUNT

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BUSINESSES

TEST DRIVE VW TIGUAN

FSB

SUPPORT IN 2019

28 - FINANCE & FUNDING

42

45

FEDERATION OF SMALL

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DEAR SANTA…

APPRENTICESHIP AWARDS WINNERS

FIVE LOCAL CHARITIES WORTHY OF YOUR

CHRISTMAS WISH LIST

EVENTS DIARY WHAT’S ON

CONNECTED WHAT’S GONE

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THE LAST WORD SUPERFAST BUSINESS CORNWALL’S STEVE EDWARDS

NEW AIRLINK

30 – GROWTH PROGRAMME HOW EUROPEAN FUNDING HAS HELPED CREATE THOUSANDS OF JOBS

PHOTO: RFA ARGUS AT A&P FALMOUTH

38 – GIN GUIDE CRAFT GIN IS BOOMING AND NOWHERE MORE SO THAN IN CORNWALL

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NOVEMBER 2018

ISSUE 125

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

ON THE COVER CATH ROBINSON CORNWALL'S PREMIER BUSINESS RESOURCE FOR ALL THE LATEST NEWS AND OPINION businesscornwall.co.uk

NOVEMBER 2018 / ISSUE 125 / £3.95

The making of Cornwall In this month’s issue, in association with our friends at PFA Research, we take a look at the manufacturing sector and examine some of the opportunities that are out there for Cornwall’s manufacturers.

The manufacturing sector can often be depicted in negative terms, but a quick look at the facts and you will discover a vibrant, cutting edge category that has a vital role to play in Cornwall’s economy.

While PFA gives an informative snapshot of the industry, we also hear from two of Cornwall’s leading manufacturers – Flann Microwave and Teagle – and learn about the impression they are both making not only in the UK, but worldwide.

And while we tried hard not to mention the ‘B word’, accountant PKF Francis Clark does have a word of warning for Cornwall’s manufacturers.

The local economy and global trade are sure to be high on the agenda of Cornwall Chamber’s Connected Cornwall conference, which takes place at Healey’s Cyder Farm this month, and will feature another visit from the Google Digital Garage, to help your business grow in its online confidence.

The manufacturing sector can often be depicted in negative terms, but a quick look at the facts and you will discover a vibrant, cutting edge category that

CORSERV MD CATH ROBINSON

MADE IN CORNWALL

SPOTLIGHT ON MANUFACTURING

has a vital role to play in Cornwall’s economy 11

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Business Cornwall magazine is proud to be a business partner of the Cornwall Chamber of Commerce

Business Cornwall is a proud media partner of the Cornwall Business Show

Business Cornwall magazine is proud to be media partner of the FSB

Last year’s inaugural event proved to be a huge success with 92% of delegates rating it as “excellent”, and this year’s programme looks to be every bit as good.

Looking a bit further ahead, another event well worth your attention is the Cornwall Business Show, which takes place at the Royal Cornwall Showground on March 14. Stands have now gone on sale, and for more details visit cornwallbusinessshow.co.uk.

EDITOR BUSINESS CORNWALL

Registered under the Data Protection Act All rights reserved No part of this publication may be reproduced, copied, stored in an electronic retrieval system or transmitted without the written permission of the publisher. Stringent efforts have been made by Business Cornwall magazine to ensure accuracy. However, due principally to the fact that data cannot always be verified, it is possible that some errors or omissions may occur. Business Cornwall magazine can not accept responsibility for such errors or omissions. Business Cornwall magazine accepts no responsibility for comments made by interviewees that may offend.

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BUSINESS CORNWALL

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WHERE ARE YOU? DID YOU KNOW?

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INCOMING

THE CONVERSATION

The big question What is your idea of a caring company? Staff welfare? Corporate and social responsibility?

Regularly donating to charity? How important is it that a company should be seen as caring?

Join the conversation @biz_cornwall

/businesscornwall

businesscornwall.co.uk

ADVERTORIAL

EMPLOYEE OWNERSHIP AS A DRIVER FOR GROWTH

Deal experts from Stephens Scown LLP will be sharing their tips in this regular column. This month Christian Wilson makes the case for employee ownership as driver for growth

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THE CONVERSATION

MELODY TUFFNELL

PKF Francis Clark

EWAN MCCLYMONT

Bishop Fleming

A ‘caring’ company is one that understands the value of trust, reputation, and relationships across its suppliers, customers and staff.

These are all things that can be tarnished very quickly in this digital age – it’s therefore fundamental that the culture within an organisation is aligned to its core brand values. A culture where staff care about each other will care for its customers and stakeholders. For instance, we’ve just completed an employee Wellbeing Week at Bishop Fleming as part of an ongoing focus on good physical, mental and emotional health (#Wellbeing@BF). It has been a huge success and is one of many ways we are developing a caring culture.

A

s Stephens Scown is the first large law firm to become employee owned, I was invited to contribute to the Ownership Effect Inquiry, studying the impact of employee ownership on companies, and subsequently attended the launch of the ‘Ownership Dividend’ earlier this year revealing the results of the Inquiry. Some of the key findings were compelling: • Employee ownership is a powerful employee motivator.

• Transition to employee ownership is as sociated with rapid improvement in productivity.

• Employee owned companies are more resilient and make longer term strategic plans.

If you care for your employees then I believe that they will care for your company’s clients/customers and the wider community. For me the starting point is ensuring the health and wellbeing of your employees. If they have some flexibility, feel supported, empowered, encouraged, rewarded and listened to, then they are more likely to work with their organisation in other areas such as raising money for charities and other CSR initiatives.

Here at PKF Francis Clark, improving the health and wellbeing of all our partners and employees is a strategic objective for the firm. Several years ago we appointed a number of health & wellbeing champions and they organise various events/initiatives for their colleagues. And this year we have trained all line managers in mental health awareness, we are about to train a number of mental health first aiders plus we have some health and wellbeing days coming up soon.

We also ‘care’ for our employees in a number of other ways which include providing an employee assistance programme, a charitable trust to support current (and ex-employees), an employee benefits platform, free life insurance and permanent health insurance cover and supporting their career development.

Our community support includes fundraising for our office charities of the year and getting involved with other charity events, offering work experience placements and a number of our partners and employees sit on charitable boards. If you are able to demonstrate to potential employees that you are a caring organisation then you are likely to attract like-minded individuals who support this ethos.

The overall effect of the transition to employee ownership, revealed by the companies that gave evidence, was so clear, that the immediate increase in productivity became known as the ‘Whoosh Effect’ – a surge that is a direct result of the change in the business.

But the interesting aspect of this is that this impact does not require full ownership to be sold or transferred to the employees. A proportion of ownership and a change of employee engagement with a vested interest in the wellbeing of the company can deliver similar results, leaving Founders an ability to be rewarded for the early stage risks that they took whilst enjoying enhanced levels of

INCOMING

AMANDA WINWOOD

Made for Life Organics

I believe that a caring company is not simply about the bottom line but more about the triple bottom line - people, planet and profit. Being profitable is, of course, a crucial factor to any business but what lies underneath that? The values, ethics and purpose of the business are crucial to business success too.

This starts at the very heart of the business and its values. Here at Made for Life Organics, we make a significant contribution to wellbeing - to the people who buy our products and therefore use 100% organic skincare; to the panet as we are proactive in promoting the health of the planet. In terms of giving back and making change - to date we have trained over 450 therapists across the UK to welcome people going through cancer into spas. When we started over 96% of spas turned people away. Business who make change on whatever level and leave a legacy are the companies who really care. Walk the Talk.

ANDREW FINLEY

Oxford Innovation

Caring should be a cultural objective not a policy. Fostering an ethos of excellence, mutual trust and respect where peer group challenge is welcomed as an integral part of the business getting stronger and every employee feels safe, of equal value and that their opinions are heard.

TURN TO P24 to learn more about five local charities in need of your support

productivity. As a driver for business growth, it appears that there are few strategies that can match EO for immediate results.

Christian Wilson is partner and head of the corporate team in Cornwall at Stephens Scown LLP. He is one of the trustees of the firm’s employee ownership scheme and advises other businesses on employee ownership. Contact Christian on 01872 265100, solicitors@stephens-scown.co.uk or via www.stephens-scown.co.uk

BUSINESS CORNWALL

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CORNWALL

BUSINESS NEWS

SPONSORED BY

cornwallchamber.co.uk

A&P WINS £239M MOD CONTRACT A&P Falmouth has been awarded a multimillion-pound contract to support a number of the UK’s Royal Fleet Auxiliary ships, plus the Royal Navy’s Ocean Survey vessel, sustaining vital jobs in the area.

Defence Minister Stuart Andrew announced that the contract worth an expected £239

6

million will support the RFA’s Bay class landing ships as well as the casualty ship RFA Argus and Royal Navy ocean survey vessel HMS Scott.

These contracts form part of a wider £1 billion deal that will secure hundreds of jobs at shipyards across the country in support

BUSINESS SHOWCASE

of the UK’s Royal Fleet Auxiliary ships, and the Royal Navy’s Survey and Hydrographic Fleet.

The ten-year In-Service Support contract will see A&P Group build on its long-standing relationship with the MoD and provide global maintenance support to these vessels.

Stands are selling quickly for next year’s Cornwall Business Show (CBS), which will take place at the Royal Cornwall Showground on March 14.

Now in its eighth year, CBS 2019 is anticipated to be the biggest yet, with 140 exhibitors and more than 1,000 visitors, showcasing a full range of B2B services from web design to legal and financial.

Show organiser, Andrew Weaver, said: “The show is perfect for ambitious businesses that are looking to grow and expand their network.

So much can be achieved in just one day and to enhance the offering we are delighted that the Cornwall Business Show will be the only B2B services expo in the south west during the first six months of the year.”

Business Cornwall magazine is a media partner this year and publisher Toni Eyriey said: “The Cornwall Business Show has long been a key date on the business calendar and we are proud and delighted to be associated with the event.”

To secure you stand or to find out more contact the Cornwall Business Show. www.cornwallbusinessshow.co.uk or call 01872 888733.

BUSINESS CORNWALL

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BUSINESS NEWS

SPONSORED BY sapc.co.uk

CORNWALL

NEWS IN BRIEF Driftwood in Portscatho was just one of seven restaurants in the UK to collect four rosettes at the AA Hospitality Awards, while there were three rosettes for Kota Restaurant in Porthleven and Rastella at Merchants Manor in Falmouth. The Hell Bay Hotel in the Isles of Scilly was ranked among the best hotels at the awards, picking up four AA Red Stars, while the Mullion Cove Hotel was awarded three.

Two Cornish businesswomen are finalists in the National Business Women’s Awards - Laura Whyte, MD of Trurobased accountancy firm, Whyfield, has been shortlisted for Business Woman of the Year (Micro) and Business Owner of the Year, while Katherine George, founder of social medial marketing agency Oh So Social, is up for Young Business Woman of the Year.

Redruth-based European Springs & Pressings has doubled the size of its operation following the purchase of a 2,000 sq m site on Kernick Industrial Estate in Penryn, formerly owned by Rowes.

Quintrell Downs-based housebuilder, Legacy Properties, has been successful in the UK Property Awards for the best apartment and best residential development for Fistral House, its collection of ten luxury apartments and penthouses overlooking Fistral beach, in Newquay.

St Ives-based County Confectionery, the company which makes Copperpot fudge, has been acquired by Norwegian business, Orkla Food Ingredients, for an undisclosed sum.

BREWERY REPORTS RECORD SALES St Austell Brewery Company has published its annual results and reported record sales.

For the year to December 30, 2017, turnover grew 10.3% to £169.3 million.

Non-executive chairman, Will Michelmore, said: “I am pleased to report that our underlying EBITDA was up 3.9% to £19.7 million in the 52-week period ended 30 December 2017. During 2017 we invested £15.7 million in capital expenditure. We also re-opened one of the south west’s most iconic pubs – The Chain Locker in Falmouth after a major refurbishment programme.”

Chief executive, James Staughton, added: “The company’s approach of investing for the long term allows us to take strategic decisions that we believe are in the best interest of all stakeholders.”

Particular beer highlights included Proper Job IPA and Korev Cornish Lager which grew by 16% and 14.4% respectively while overall barrelage of St Austell Brewery beers grew by 2.7% in the year. Its managed pub estate achieved like for like sales growth of 3% while income from tenanted pubs grew by 6.4%.

RED ARROWS SALUTE PENDENNIS

The 2018 Monaco Yacht Show provided a spectacular backdrop for Pendennis Shipyard’s 30th anniversary celebrations.

The recently launched Pendennis new build SY Vijonara was exhibited at the show and the Royal Air Force (RAF) Red Arrows Aerobatic Team performed its spectacular display over the harbour.

“Being able to present Vijonara to the industry at the Monaco Yacht Show during our anniversary year is a really proud moment for us,” said joint MD at Pendennis, Mike Carr. “The Red Arrows embody this spirit and their display to mark our 30th anniversary was the perfect way to celebrate our important milestone.”

The Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) has appointed Robert Camp, managing partner at regional law firm Stephens Scown, to its board. He replaces Sarah Trethowan who is stepping down after three years. Late last year she sold TRAC Services Limited, the business she founded with her husband, Jonathan, in 2001.

BUSINESS CORNWALL

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CORNWALL

BUSINESS NEWS

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A group of female leaders in the Cornish hospitality industry have come together to encourage more young women to follow in their footsteps.

Emily Scott (chef patron, St Tudy Inn), Elly Owen (head sommelier, Fifteen Cornwall), Kate Attlee (chef and food blogger), Michelle Brown (HR, learning & development manager, The Headland Hotel) and Rachael Henley (food and beverage manager, The Idle Rocks) met at the St Tudy Inn near Bodmin as part of the Hospitality Table Cornwall project.

This new initiative, led by Truro and Penwith College and funded by the European Social Fund, is engaging with hospitality business to address industry-wide issues, including training and recruitment.

Scott, who was recently identified as one of ‘The 100 Most Influential Women In Hospitality’ said: “The industry has changed a lot – for the better – since I trained. The presence of more women in leading roles has played a massive part in that. It’s fantastic to come together with this inspiring group of individuals and discuss how we can spread a positive message.”

Regular forums bringing together representatives from leading hospitality businesses in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly are planned and will address a wide variety of issues – including how to recruit and retain talented females in the industry.

CORNWALL FEARS NO DEAL BREXIT

According to a new report, a no-deal Brexit could hit Cornwall harder than any region in the UK. The study – ‘UK trade and the World Trade Organisation: A Brexit briefing for non-specialists’ says “a disorderly Brexit falling back on the minimalist WTO framework for trade could cost more than a million jobs across Britain” due to trade barriers such as tariffs, regulatory barriers and customs checks impeding trade.

And the report suggests Cornwall would be worst affected due to the high proportion of EU exports in the most vulnerable goods sectors, particularly food and live animals, accounting for 90% of exports to the EU, and material manufactures, accounting for 69%.

Molly Scott Cato, the region’s Green MEP, said: “This report highlights the disastrous impacts of a no deal WTO scenario on the Cornish economy and on jobs. But, like other reports before it, it also concludes that any trading arrangement where the UK is left outside the single market and customs union would result in an economic downturn.

“Cornwall is also a major beneficiary of EU regional development funding and the Government have no firm plans in place on how this will be replaced after Brexit. And now we hear the Government plans to end freedom of movement for unskilled workers. But these workers are crucial for the Cornish economy, especially in the food, farming and hospitality sectors.”

To arrange an informal meeting please call Emily on 07961402448 All discussions in confidence.

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GROWTH

PROGRAMME

WELCOME TO THE PLANT Plant pioneers in Cornwall are aiming high with smart light solutions

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cientists are developing a multi-tiered, hydroponic crop growing system making revolutionary use of solar-powered LED lights.

The new University of Plymouth project, ‘Plant Factory Cornwall’, aims to use solar-driven artificial lighting to create the ideal conditions in which fruit and vegetables can flourish, potentially offsetting the threats that unpredictable weather and climate change pose to food production.

Led by Professor of Plant Physiology Mick Fuller and Post-Doctoral Research Fellow Dr Hail Rihan, the project is based in a production unit on the campus built in partnership with Penzance-based firm SolaGrow.

LED lights can be individually programmed to automatically change their output within the structure to give a precise light ‘recipe’ for each species.

Scientists will monitor the effects,

looking at ways to boost plants’ photosynthetic processes, ensuring they absorb and use the maximum amount possible for physiological activity, rather than it going to waste.

Professor Fuller says: “The positive health benefits of fruit and vegetables are well known, as is the need to double food production in order to meet the demands of a growing population. But how do you do that when climate change, as we have seen this summer, means we cannot rely on having the right conditions for crops to thrive every year? That is where facilities like the Plant Factory come in.

“We can use artificial LED lighting to create the optimum conditions for individual species to flourish. But we can also explore ways to work with farmers and businesses in Cornwall and further afield, to enable them to meet the demands placed on them whatever the weather and reduce the need for food imports.

“Regional outputs of fruit, vegetables and salads could be boosted, along with quality aspects such as taste, texture and appearance.

It would be a win-win situation.”

Professor Fuller adds: “In recent years, so many farmers have used redundant buildings

or land to diversify away from farming. But this could offer them an affordable way to diversify back into crop production. There really is no limit to the size or scale of these facilities.”

The groundbreaking work is supported by the Agri-tech Cornwall Project – a £9.6m initiative, running to March 2020, to increase research, development and innovation in the agri-tech sector. Part-funded by £7.2 m from the European Regional Development Fund, with match-funding from Cornwall Council, the Council for the Isles of Scilly and research partners, Agri-tech Cornwall helps small and medium-sized companies and organisations develop ideas to improve efficiency, profitability and resilience.

Robin Jackson, director of the Agri-tech Cornwall Project, says: “This is a brilliant example of how novel thinking could provide solutions to some of the biggest challenges that agriculture and horticulture face. This could potentially redefine how high-value crops are grown and provide growers with new markets.”

To find out more about Agri-tech Cornwall visit www.agritechcornwall.co.uk/.

BUSINESS CORNWALL

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Robinson From YTS trainee at Cornwall Council through to group managing director of the Council’s Corserv group of companies, Cath Robinson has become a key figure in the Duchy’s business and public sectors

You’ve been with the Council since leaving school more than 30 years ago. Was it always your ambition to be a public servant?

Yes, aged 16 I left Poltair School in St Austell and joined the first-ever YTS (Youth Training Scheme) scheme for the council. I could pretend I had this ambitious plan all mapped out, but honestly, like so many at the age, I don’t think I really knew what I wanted to do when I left school. You’re young and unsure, still finding your feet in the world.

The Council had a diverse set of careers you could go into and the YTS scheme was really good because you could go and almost have a taster session in different departments. That’s what attracted me to it and then I was successful in getting a job in the finance department and went on from there.

I became a professional accountant, climbed the ranks and became the head of finance. Then I did an MBA at Warwick

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Business School, because I knew I wanted to get more breadth and experience and network a bit outside of Cornwall. I expanded the role into some of back office functions like human resources, legal, corporate support and strategy and more recently before I left the Council I was director of communities, which involved being the director over the fire service and public protection and some of the more front line services. And then my final role in the Council was the chief operating officer.

And your role here at Corserv is a natural progression from that?

Yes, I think it gave me a good grounding. I had quite a wide remit before, with back office functions, some of the operational front lines, so it was good grounding, but I was also instrumental in setting this group of companies up, which has become Corserv. I passionately believe in this model and when the opportunity came I put my hand up.

Is this quite a common model in the public sector?

It’s not a wide model that’s rolled out across local government but there are some other examples. You’ve got the Norse Group over in Norfolk, which is a similar blend of arms-length companies. But we’re all slightly different,

slightly different purpose.

What’s the inspiration behind the Corserv model? Why is it the right way to go?

I think it’s great for Cornwall. Our group of companies is set up around growth and infrastructure and social capital. We’re working with the Council to find solutions to make the economy grow. Cornwall Development Company is attracting inward investment and providing support to businesses to access grant funding for investment purposes.

We’ve got the airport which brings around £60 million GVA and is a critical business link for Cornwall, whether that’s in and out of London for businesses based down here, or bringing in tourists, or developing tourists out.

Then there’s Cormac, which is the infrastructure piece, helping businesses trade across Cornwall, the efficiency of getting the transport and road network working well. And then there’s the social aspect side of Cornwall Housing, and then we have a care business as well, domiciliary care and enablement.

So it’s quite special

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CATH

ROBINSON

BUSINESS CORNWALL

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working together on some of the knotty issues facing Cornwall and I think the other really good thing about it is that all the profit goes back into the Council to spend on front line services. And I’m not sure that people understand that, and that’s about £6 million each year, and that’s a lot.

And we’ve also got the Nottinghamshire link, Via East Midlands, which may seem a bit strange for the casual observer. I think as the group develops we’ll have different partnerships with different people and looking at different areas and services. Nottingham have been very pleased because what we’ve really done is brought them the skills to create an equivalent to Cormac, the civil engineering side, for Nottingham. And to date it has delivered on the profit return to them and they’ve also seen an improvement in the service delivery as well. That is something we will offer to other councils and local authorities if they are interested.

And all this was started in 2015?

Yes, but it has been the last two years where it’s really grown into what it is now, maximising the synergies of those group of companies.

Before you very much had the individual companies, the airport doing its own thing, Cormac doing the civil engineering, CDC; all separate companies.

What the group has enabled is for all of them to work together and it might not seem like a logical combination first off, but if you take some of the really exciting projects happening in Cornwall, like the spaceport, CDC has been instrumental working with Cornwall Council in getting the spaceport to the stage it is; working with Virgin Orbital, working with the Government, keeping the pressure on why it should be in Cornwall, talking with other businesses and obviously with Goonhilly and Aerohub site. And once we get to a certain stage Cormac can then provide the infrastructure. So actually, it does knit together quite well and we’ve got other projects where we are working together across the group.

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

That’s what is so interesting.

Last week I was at a housing conference, the next day I was trying to get some more business for Cormac and their infrastructure, then I was working across the group of companies bringing all the managers together to talk about some of the challenges we’ve got coming up and how we can maximise the group. You can be skating from various

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In the early days I had to fight really hard to get a training contract, much more so than my male colleagues. I actually discovered on my personal file that they commented “training not given, expectation will get married and start a family” different topics, but that’s what makes it so interesting. I like change and that opportunity to do something different. And we’ve got a great group of people here; there’s a lot of passion from the top to the bottom.

It must be an exciting time to be in your position. You’ve mentioned the spaceport, do you think Cornwall is on the cusp of something special?

I really do hope so. I think the dialogue has changed in recent years. I think there is much more positivity about growth. We were at the housing and construction conference recently at the Atlantic Hotel and there was a real buzz among the audience. And the audience were all businesses in construction and housing and they could see that there was going to be significant investment from the Government.

The Council’s also got significant money to put into both the economy and housing and there seems to be a willingness to really work together to maximise that for Cornwall.

And then things like the spaceport will be inspirational for some of our children coming up in the schools and if it comes off I think it will be a real buzz for Cornwall and we’ve got things like renewable energy technology, digital Cornwall. It’s all coming together to create a real positivity.

What are the greatest challenges Cornwall faces? Housing has traditionally been one, is that still the case?

I think so, definitely. We’re still a relatively low wage economy and compare our house prices with that low base, that is a challenge. We’ve obviously had a lot of European investment and finding where the next inward investment is going to come from after that is also a challenge but there are opportunities as well.

With Brexit, we’re looking outside of Europe now and I think there could some really interesting opportunities there. For example, CDC has been working with New Zealand to find opportunities to fill the gap particularly in the agri-tech industry. Retaining skills and

attracting skills into Cornwall is a challenge but hopefully some of those things I’ve talked about, the digital economy and ability to work from home might help with that. But affordable housing, skills, keeping our young people and giving them careers they can develop are real challenges.

The airport is doing well now. How has its fortunes been turned around?

Cornwall Airport Newquay is one of fastest growing airports in the UK. It has significantly changed. We’ve reached 460,000 passengers going through now. I think the airport has done a lot of work with the airlines to get new routes in, and we’ve got some sun routes now and it’s just been announced by the Government that the PSO (Public Service Obligation) will continue. The airport has worked really hard on the development side.

Do you see it as vital for Cornwall’s economy?

Yes, we’ve done some studies and many of the businesses think it’s a real critical link. It adds about £60 million to the economy through business links and also through tourism. So it more than pays for itself.

Does Cornwall suffer from its peripherality, generally speaking?

I guess it’s an advantage and a disadvantage.

It’s more difficult sometimes for businesses in terms of those transport links, but the remoteness and geography attracts a lot of tourists and it attracts some businesses down here because they want that life balance. So, pros and cons really. And things like spaceport and Goonhilly will create that interest to bring people down.

What challenges have you met being a woman in business?

I think things have changed for the better and are still changing. And I think it is less difficult.

For example, in the early days I had to fight really hard to get a training contract, much more so than my male colleagues. I actually

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ROBINSON

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I think the public sector in recent years has been set some tough challenges in terms of the budget and has been really creative to find solutions to that

discovered on my personal file that they commented “training not given, expectation will get married and start a family”. That was in the 1980s and that was definitely the context, but much less so now.

In a lot of the roles I have done, I have been the first woman in that role, but actually these days I don’t find there is a lot of prejudice. I wondered when I first came in here and going out and talking to road operatives and things like that, whether there would that difficulty, but to be honest there’s not been a murmur or anything.

Has it been harder getting ahead in a big organisation like the public sector? Is it easier for women in smaller businesses?

I guess it might be harder in a larger organisation, it’s really difficult for me to say because I’ve only really worked in the larger organisation, so I can’t really comment on that.

Can sexism in the workplace be a generational thing, as in the worst offenders may be ‘businessmen of a certain age’?

I think with time it has changed definitely and particularly young people coming into business now, it wouldn’t occur to them to think “oh, it’s a woman...” But I wouldn’t like to say there is a problem with “business people of a certain age” either, that’s definitely not what I am saying. But I think, as with everything, times change including societal norms and people have different aspirations and views of the world. Certainly the younger people today they just see business people, not whether it is a woman or a man.

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Have you ever felt pressure being a standard bearer for women?

I think I’ve just got on with it and just worked really hard and tried to the be the best I can be.

I have had people comment “you’re a bit of an inspiration, we really look up to you” but it’s not been a pressure or something I have thought of myself.

Was it a challenge bringing up a family and doing your job?

It was busy. I have two children and two step children, and because I left school and went straight to the Council I did all my professional qualifications part time in the evenings as well, so at times it was difficult to juggle the work, the family and a Masters degree at the same time.

I had some red lines when the children were growing up. I always said I would attend parents evenings, sports days and things like that and I organised my work life so I could do those things. But I never felt a pressure that I should be at home looking after them and I had a very supportive husband so I knew they were being well cared for and were being given great opportunities. I also think that it’s very good for young girls and boys to see their mothers can have good careers as well.

Your whole career has been in the public sector, have you ever been tempted to cross over to the private sector?

I have been offered jobs before and thought hard about taking them but for different reasons have never accepted them. I have always had opportunities in the roles that I’ve done. I had quite a commercial role in the Council in the last decade, so I had opportunities to work directly with the private sector so I didn’t really feel I was missing out on anything.

And the benefit of this role now is that it’s very commercial so it is about the bottom line and the commercial opportunity as well as that public sector ethos, and the profit goes back

to the Council so I have the benefit of both worlds.

Do you feel the public sector can sometimes get an unfair reputation?

Maybe a little in the past. I think the public sector in recent years has been set some tough challenges in terms of the budget and has been really creative to find solutions to that.

What appeals to you most working in the public sector?

I’m a Cornish girl, brought up here, so the opportunity to change things for Cornwall is great. So, I’ve worked with adult social care over the years, I’ve worked with children and families, and the changes you can see in people’s lives is really good.

In my new role I go out and meet our front line teams and chat with them and they’ve all got amazing stories. For example the care workers who work with really vulnerable people who have left hospital after illnesses or operations to get them back on their feet so they can live independent lives again. And then there are our road operatives and the impact they have.

What they achieved in Coverack a few years ago to help get that community back up and running in a few days was really amazing. There are always real positives across the group and sometimes it’s surprising where they come from.

Do you have a typical day?

No, there’s never a routine day and it can be very varied. You never know what’s going to come across your desk and that’s what’s so great about it really.

How do you see the next few years?

I think Corserv is a really exciting model, but it is still a fairly new concept. Working across the group isn’t as fully formed as it could be yet and I don’t think we’ve yet maximised what we can deliver for Cornwall.

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MANUFACTURING PROPERTY

CORNWALL

Is there a future for Cornwall’s manufacturing sector in a post-industrial era? PFA Research casts its eyes over the figures t’s often argued that we live in a post-industrial era, where the service sector generates more wealth than the manufacturing sector of the economy.

This sentiment could not ring more true, given recent media reports that consumers have turned their backs on ‘stuff’. These reports suggest that we’re spending less cash on buying things and more on doing things – and telling the world about it online afterwards, of course. After all, posting photos of what you just bought is showy; posting pictures of something you’re doing is absolutely fine.

Ikea boss, Steve Howard, summed this up rather aptly, when he claimed that the western world has reached ‘peak curtains’, which is the point at which society cannot consume stuff any faster than it already does.

So, what does this mean for Cornwall’s manufacturing sector? Does it mean that sales are down and the industry is struggling to survive? Quite the opposite in fact.

Reports indicate that manufacturing-related

employment has increased, turnover is up and the sector is showing a healthy level of growth.

This trend is not unique to Cornwall. Leading trade journal, The Manufacturer, produced an annual report for 2018 noting that UK manufacturers are, “riding high on a global economy that is beginning to shrug off a decade’s worth of post-recession blues”.

WHAT DOES CORNWALL’S MANUFACTURING SECTOR LOOK LIKE?

According to the Office of National Statistics, there are 1,395 manufacturing businesses in Cornwall. They produce a diverse array of products, from highly-specialised electrical components to stylish wooden micro-cottages.

The sector is dominated by a number of larger manufacturers, but you’ll also find microbusinesses and SMEs offering innovative or artisan products. They include tiny coastal businesses hand distilling gin in copper pots; bakeries producing Cornish pasties and factories making fragrant candles.

It’s tricky to work out exactly how many

Reports indicate that manufacturingrelated employment has increased, turnover is up and the sector is showing a healthy level of growth MAIN IMAGE: TEAGLE MACHINERY

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people are employed within this sector, but the latest census in 2011 placed that figure at 19,270 individuals or 7.9% of the Cornwall’s working population. NOMIS made an estimate of 21,500 in 2012, but this also included 5,200 self-employed individuals. They also reported that manufacturing makes up 9.5% of all jobs in Cornwall.

The ONS reported that Cornwall’s manufacturing sector contributed £778 million of the county’s £9,490 million GVA in 2016. This equates to 8.2% of the total. For comparison, real estate contributed 18.2% or £1,730 million; wholesale, retail and motors contributed 12.1%; health and social work contributed 9.2% and construction contributed 9.1%. This means that manufacturing, an industry once regarded as dying, actually made a sizeable contribution to the county’s economic output.

HOW BIG IS THE UK MANUFACTURING SECTOR?

The Manufacturer reported that the UK is the eighth largest industrial nation, with manufacturing making up 11% of the country’s GVA. This indicates that Cornwall is slightly less dependent upon its manufacturing sector than the country-as-a-whole. Manufacturing accounts for 44% of the UK’s exports and 70% of its research and development. The sector is believed to directly employ 2.6 million people.

The Manufacturer reported that the UK is the eighth largest industrial nation, with manufacturing making up 11% of the country’s GVA. This indicates that Cornwall is slightly less dependent upon its manufacturing sector than the country-as-a-whole

In contrast to widespread perceptions, the manufacturing sector has grown by 3.1% from 2012-2017. Furthermore, average pay within the sector during 2017 was £32,467, which was £3,358 higher than pay within the economy-as-a-whole. As noted by The Manufacturer, it was also £4,188 more than the average service sector wage. Interestingly for Cornwall, food and drink manufacturing was the only manufacturing sub-sector to offer a

lower average pay than the service sector. This has important financial implications for workers in the county because it is known for its thriving agri-food sector.

Looking at global performance, the EEF manufacturers’ association reported that the UK was the ninth largest manufacturer in terms of output in 2016. Perhaps unsurprisingly, China secured the top spot, with the US coming second. The ONS found

The Business Property Specialists across the south-west and beyond

The Manufacturing Property Experts...

Jeremy Johnson

Mike Nightingale

Tom Smith

Thomas Hewitt

01872 247032

01872 247008

01872 247013

01872 247025

msn@miller-commercial.co.uk

ts@miller-commercial.co.uk

th@miller-commercial.co.uk

jj@miller-commercial.co.uk

Our commercial agency team specialise in the sale, acquisition, letting and investment of all types of commercial property including industrial units and factories that are ideal for manufacturing companies. Over the last 2 years we have been involved with over 50 industrial deals throughout Cornwall and Devon. If you are looking to expand your business and need a larger property or you are starting a manufacturing business and need a suitable property then please contact our experts who can advise you on what will work best for your particular needs.

Cornwall’s most active agent 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011

8 successive years!

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CORNWALL

that employees within the car manufacturing sector earn the most and those within food manufacturing earn the least.

The UK sends most of its exports to the US, with a total of £43.1 billion exported to the country during 2017, as noted by UK Trade Info. The second most popular destination for UK exports was Germany, with £33.7 billion.

France came third with £21.7 billion.

SO, WHAT’S BEHIND THE NARRATIVE THAT WE’VE REACHED ‘PEAK STUFF’?

Some commentators have leapt to the conclusion that we are no longer going to spend our money on stuff. However, a closer look at the data suggests that we have simply reached the point where we can’t consume anymore than we do. People are less interested in going to Ikea to buy a £20 lamp to make them happy.

They’re tinkering with the formula whereby you buy a cheap jumper to make you happy, before forgetting about said jumper and purchasing another, followed by another.

Consumers are spending less on cheap, disposable items and they’re looking towards alternatives, including the circular economy.

This is because they’re concerned about the environmental impact of a throwaway culture. As a result, they’re often willing to spend more on a quality product, built to last. Increasingly, people are seeking to repair and revive tired products, from wooden furniture to cotton shirts.

MANUFACTURING

WHAT OPPORTUNITIES DOES THIS OFFER TO BUSINESSES IN CORNWALL?

The successful brands of the 21st century are those that capitalise upon this trend. For instance, clothing firm, Patagonia, is achieving global acclaim for offering products that cause no unnecessary harm to the environment.

It’s even launched a platform that enables consumers to buy and sell used Patagonia goods. Premium brands, such as North Face, offer a repair service, so that consumers can make the most of their favourite clothing.

Ironically, a move away from a model of mass consumption can provide a unique opportunity to businesses in Cornwall. Already unable to compete on price with low wage economies, such as China and India, Cornish businesses can thrive by manufacturing sustainable goods for today’s ethically motivated consumer.

You’ll find a number of Cornish companies doing this already, including firms producing everything from organic kids’ wear; innovative heat pumps and premium wines.

Even Ikea is taking note. The company known for selling €38.3 billion of massproduced home wear in 2017 has replaced all of its lights with LEDs; pledged that all stores will run from renewable power by 2020 and donated a total of €400 million to reduce the effects of climate change. They’re even considering how to help consumers mend and revamp their existing Ikea furniture.

Cornish businesses can thrive by manufacturing sustainable goods for today’s ethically motivated consumer

If it’s convinced Ikea, then surely it’s worthy of consideration by the business owners of Cornwall?

PFA Research provides specialist consultancy services in the fields of business-to-business and social research, analysis and evaluation supporting business growth, organisational development and social programmes.

The Business Property Specialists across the south-west and beyond

Looking for Manufacturing Property?

Under construction

Unit 1 St Austell Bay Business Park - Ideal as either a workshop, storage unit or trade counter. 3,076 sq.ft.

Established trading location. New lease available. £19,225 per annum.

Unit 3C Threemilestone Industrial Estate - Newly refurbished purpose-built industrial unit with approx 20 parking spaces.

3,875 sq.ft. Large production space/open area. Office/ancillary accommodation. £28,000 per annum.

Due to be completed

by January 2019

Due to be completed

by January 2019

Unit D2, Bickland Business Park, Falmouth - A brand new high-specification hybrid office/industrial unit being built to the highest levels of sustainability. Over 4,000 sq.ft.

Planning consent for B1, B2 and B8 uses. £33,400 per annum.

Unit D3, Bickland Business Park, Falmouth - A brand new hybrid office/industrial unit being built to the highest specification and sustainable standards. Over 4,200 sq.ft.

Planning consent for B1, B2 and B8 uses. £34,750 per annum.

A30 Business Park Indian Queens Various units currently under construction to include office accommodation, WC/kitchen facilities and dedicated car parking.

From 3,229 to 6,189 sq.ft. From £24,000 per annum.

Just off the A30

Cornwall Business Park West - A variety of business, manufacturing and distribution development plots and accommodation both for sale and let. An opportunity to design, build, own or occupy premises.

For more information or to arrange a viewing of any of the above please contact our manufacturing property team – details on the opposite page

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GLOBAL REPUTATION

W

orld-leading microwave engineering company Flann Microwave is celebrating a series of milestone projects for customers including NASA and the Met Office as it continues to grow its business, workforce and global reputation for excellence.

With a 69-strong team based in Bodmin, Flann has a 60-year track record of continuous innovation and manufacturing expertise. It has seen the company secure a market-leading position in the design and manufacture of precision microwave communications equipment, for example in radar and to allow internet and mobile data links between land-based masts or satellites.

Earlier this year the company revealed it had supplied vital components to US space agency NASA for a major spaceflight mission undertaking the first-ever global survey of Earth’s surface water.

Flann also supported the Met Office to improve the reliability of the UK weather radar network, supplying hardware and technical

advice as part of a £10 million upgrade. The project completed in February, just in time to track major snowfalls during the ‘Beast from the East’.

Professor James Watts, Flann Microwave chief executive, says: “We have an excellent team and our success is driven by continued innovation combined with traditional precision manufacturing skills. This enables us to understand the specific requirements of customers and develop and manufacture the bespoke and robust solutions they need.

“Flann’s global reputation for manufacturing excellence, attention to detail and customer service is something of which we are all incredibly proud. And we’re pleased to be flying the flag internationally for Cornwall’s manufacturing and engineering sectors.”

Business development plans and a strong order pipeline from telecoms, government, automotive, aerospace and research customers worldwide has seen Flann grow its workforce by 6% during 2018. The company has bolstered the team at all levels, with 11 new staff this year from specialist

microwave engineers to skilled machinists, operators and assemblers. Flann expects to continue to steadily recruit from apprentice through to senior roles.

Professor Watts adds: “Manufacturing remains strong in Cornwall and Flann is a great example of how it is possible to develop and sustain a successful and highlyspecialised manufacturing operation here, in our case exporting more than 80% of our manufactured components around the world.”

Find out more about Flann Microwave at www.flann.com

THE 'B' WORD

Manufacturers stand to be affected by Brexit more than most, PKF Francis Clark partner, Scott Bentley, warns

T

here are very few things in my working life that I enjoy more than wandering around a business that “makes stuff”. Over the 25 plus years that I have been in the profession I have been lucky enough to see everything from textiles and machinery to yachts and food/ drink of all sorts of varieties go through the manufacturing process.

My current client base contains a number of large manufacturing clients and I would say that they will be more impacted by the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union than most.

The European funding programmes that Cornwall has enjoyed in recent years have been heavily deployed into the manufacturing sectors. To what extent, if any, central

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government will step in and replace the lost funding streams remains to be seen but I would suggest that businesses need to develop a growth strategy that assumes capital investment will need to be self-funded in the future and some would say that will be no bad thing.

I write this article a few hours after a meeting with a client where the potential creation of an overseas company to handle exports to Europe was discussed. The client in question was keen to start discussing a way that they could reorganise themselves to remove whatever “friction” is created after March next year between themselves and their European

customer base. Not all businesses will be of a scale to do this but regardless of business scale whatever is coming seems certain to introduce more cost/complexity so businesses need to be ready to react.

As a firm we are investing heavily in our customs and duty capability as well as international tax expertise to help clients with whatever challenges they may face.

E: scott.bentley@pkf-francisclark.co.uk

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MANUFACTURING

On the World Stage

Global sales are boosting Cornwall’s manufacturing capabilities, with Teagle Machinery now exporting to more than 50 countries worldwide ounded in 1937, Teagle Machinery is a manufacturer of inspiring and innovative agricultural machinery, best known and market leader for its extensive range of Bale Processors.

With an impressive archive that spans 75 years, Tom Teagle was one of Cornwall’s foremost inventors whose natural talent started the company. Creating machines such as tipcarts, potato planters, fertiliser spreaders, hedge trimmers, concrete mixers and even a 49cc two-stroke cyclemotor, some of these machines are still produced today.

Teagle is a family business with core values and strong links within the community. It has an established team of sales managers and a committed network of dealers, which results in a strong market share in both for the UK and overseas.

Advances in technology have transformed how the agricultural sector operates today. Precision farming from touchscreen GPS satellite systems and the Bluetooth wireless control box connection between operator and machine are just a couple of examples of how Teagle has embraced digital technologies in tackling the daily trials of the farming community.

In 2017, it developed its most sophisticated machine yet, the Tomahawk C12 Calibrator, capable of processing straw to a consistent chop length at 11tons/hr on a rotor running at 2000rpm (a first in the UK market).

It’s due to this ingenuity and continual thirst to improve and evolve their product range that has

cemented their position as the specialist within the bale processing market.

This reputation is sustained by consistently reacting to the needs of its customers and underpinning the changing requirements with an impressive commitment to product development. A new Research & Development facility to accommodate the expansion of this vital function within the company was completed in 2018.

Over recent years it has embarked on an ambitious growth strategy, which is focussed on developing export markets and it now has clients in more than 50 counties worldwide.

While the head office and manufacturing facilities are based in Cornwall, Teagle now has a truly international team, based across the globe, the success of this strategy has seen itssales double over the last 3-5 years and exports now represent almost 50% of their orders.

This sustained growth has resulted in substantial investments over recent years and during 2018 it will deliver a number of new developments:

• New buildings and machinery to improve productivity and performance. During the last few years, Teagle has invested heavily in new buildings, plant and equipment creating a world class manufacturing site. This has been bolstered in 2018 with the award of grants towards the purchase of a plasma cutting machine, hydraulic press, robot welder and CNC lathe.

• Creating opportunities for a new generation.

In response to an estimated shortfall of 20,000 engineering graduates a year, and growing reports from the industry that the skills shortage is having a significant impact on productivity and growth. This year, Teagle has increased the number of apprenticeships it has available with various opportunities throughout the factory, gaining qualifications in welding, fabrication, engineering and even accountancy.

• Sustainability Sustainability has always been core to their business and Teagle now generates 70% of its total power needs from wind and solar power. It has received great recognition in this area where it was awarded Winner of Winners at the 2016 Cornwall Sustainability Awards and runner-up at the 2018 Cornwall Business Awards in the Sustainability category.

• Continuous Improvement Embarking on a comprehensive Lean manufacturing programme, where all team members are trained and empowered to deliver continuous improvement, will help Teagle to be more efficient, reduce lead-times and continue to keep them ahead of the competition.

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Exploiting Digital Technology in the Manufacturing sector If you run a small manufacturing business, you should consider the range of benefits that digital and cloud-based tools and solutions can deliver ccording to a recent report from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) the United Kingdom is currently the eighth largest manufacturing nation in the world, with the sector accounting for 18.57% of the nation’s GDP, employing 2.6 million people and being responsible for 44% of total exports.

Within this sector there are a myriad of small and micro businesses, each adding value at various stages of the supply chain.

Inevitably, though, many suffer from a lack of time and money to fully capitalise on their skills and know-how. However, with the advent of Superfast Broadband delivering high speed communications and underpinning access to a growing range of tools and services in the cloud, these companies can streamline their operations and take advantage of a range of exciting new opportunities.

• STREAMLINED PROCESSES – business apps increasingly offer integration capabilities, allowing access to software systems and business applications to work together.

Saving time and facilitating a range of efficiencies. For example, integrating an e-commerce site with credit card processing and online accounting software, whilst automatically generating invoices, text messages and emails to customers.

• IMPROVED COLLABORATION – cloud-

based apps can bring everyone in your team together, no matter where they are, to discuss progress on projects, resolve problems or develop new business opportunities. Whether the team includes suppliers, engineers or the production team, collaboration using a single platform on a local or global scale delivers efficiencies.

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• GETTING CLOSER TO CUSTOMERS - cloud-

based customer relationship management (CRM) solutions manage the entire customer journey on a single platform. This ensures that everybody dealing with a customer has access to their full profile, to ensure responsive relationship and improves sales opportunities.

• INTEGRATED SUPPLY CHAIN – incorporating

supplier, producer, logistics and distribution channels allows a small manufacturer to have greater visibility of stock and production planning to be able to meet customer demand for delivery deadlines. Sharing data with customers and suppliers in real-time delivers added value.

• TRACEABILITY – audit trails are increasingly

important for manufacturing companies, particularly in areas such as food processing and pharmaceuticals. The ability to integrate the audit management system with other business modules delivers essential visibility and control into processes as well as saving significant amounts of time.

• A JOINED UP VIEW OF YOUR BUSINESS

- Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) applications help to closely coordinate sales, purchasing, production and inventory. Access to the latest cloud-based ERP systems provides tighter control of manufacturing costs, whilst also helping to improve material requirements planning (MRP) and project planning and control.

With the appropriate digital solutions in place you really can increase operational efficiency,

FLANN MICROWAVE

Flann Microwave is a great example of how an already successful company has used digital technology to help take their business to the next level. Angela Harvey, head of operations and finance at Flann Microwave, comments: “As our business is in a very exciting period of growth it was important that we had streamlined and efficient systems - digital technology is the key to unlocking this.”

reduce costs, speed up the innovation and cycle times of new products, accelerate time-to-market and streamline collaboration processes between your own staff and your business partners and suppliers.

The programme continues to Spring 2019.

Contact us to see how we can help your business #ScaleUpWithTech. Call 0345 600 3936 or email enquiries@sfbcornwall.co.uk. @SFBCIOS superfast-business-cornwall @SuperfastBusinessCornwall Superfast Business Cornwall

BUSINESS CORNWALL

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MANUFACTURING

Getting off the ground

AeroSpace Cornwall is helping local businesses reach new trajectories ornwall’s manufacturing companies are benefitting from new opportunities in the space and aerospace sectors.

The AeroSpace Cornwall Programme is harnessing Cornwall’s big names in these sectors – including Cornwall Airport Newquay, Spaceport Cornwall and Goonhilly Earth Station – to build momentum in one of the largest aerospace clusters in the world.

AeroSpace Cornwall connects businesses across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly with research, development and innovation partners to create new employment opportunities for the region.

AeroSpace Cornwall is helping develop impressive high-tech business clusters, and has been working with forward-thinking companies from the Cornwall Manufacturing Group (such as Hirst Magnetics Instruments Ltd, Flann Microwave, Composite Integration, RAM Gaskets, Logan Electronics and DP Engineering) as well as Bluefruit, Packet Ship and Goonhilly Earth Station.

AeroSpace Cornwall provides: • Productivity improvement programmes (designed to increase the competitiveness of local businesses and create new supply chain opportunities).

• R&D funding for aerospace and space projects (designed to accelerate product and service development).

• Support for the costs of attending events

and trade exhibitions (designed to encourage engagement with the aerospace and space markets).

One company to have benefitted greatly from what AeroSpace Cornwall offers is Flann Microwave, the market-leading designer and manufacturer of waveguide, antennas, precision microwave components and test and measurement products. Flann Microwave is a relative newcomer to the space sector but demonstrates the type of technical capability the industry needs, with waveguide hardware which is already space ready. It recently announced their collaboration with NASA on a major space mission, supplying vital components for the multinational Surface Water and Ocean Topology (SWOT) satellite.

Flann Microwave partnered with Goonhilly Earth Station and Teddington Electronics to secure £148k of R&D project funding from AeroSpace Cornwall awarded September 2018. Angela Harvey, head of operations and finance from Flann Microwave, states: “AeroSpace Cornwall has been a great support to us in the past six months in many ways, assisting financially to attend events in the USA, UK and Europe as part of Cornwall’s Space Cluster. We would absolutely recommend AeroSpace Cornwall’s services. We have already seen huge benefits and are barely getting started.”

Another local manufacturing company that’s been supported by AeroSpace Cornwall is RAM Gaskets. The company manufactures gaskets and seals for various markets including aerospace and defence. They received supply

chain competitiveness support from an industry expert, and as a direct result RAM Gaskets received a bronze award from the UK’s Supply Chains for the 21st Century (SC21) programme at the Farnborough International Airshow this year.

AeroSpace industry expert Peter Munro-Lott FRAeS explains: “AeroSpace Cornwall offers bespoke funding and support to businesses that will equip Cornwall with the required skill set to be at the forefront of the space and aerospace industry in the UK.” The EU-funded AeroSpace Cornwall programme is led by Cornwall Development Company and delivered in partnership with the West of England AeroSpace Forum (WEAF).

Their combined aim is to support and promote business innovation in Cornwall which adds value to the aerospace and space sectors and to encourage investment in research and development.

If you are interested in taking advantage of the unique opportunities which AeroSpace Cornwall offer, visit aerospacecornwall.co.uk for further information.

BUSINESS CORNWALL

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CHARITY

CORNWALL

CHARITY STARTS AT WORK

While giving back is good for the soul, it can also be good for the bottom line

s well as building positive relationships with the local community, corporate charity activities can also improve employee relations and team building.

Donating charity really can be a winwin for everybody involved.

Many companies now select a single charity to donate to throughout the year. With this in mind, we feature five causes all worthy of consideration for your support in 2019.

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Many companies now select a single charity to donate to throughout the year

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CHARITY

SEE THE BIGGER PICTURE How a partnership with iSightCornwall could help your business grow t’s important to find the right charity partner for your business. iSightCornwall is an award-winning charity that has been supporting blind and partially sighted people in Cornwall for over 160 years.

We’ve worked with hundreds of organisations over the years to create partnerships, both big and small, that deliver clear business benefits as well as helping to raise awareness of Cornwall’s only sight loss charity.

We are a lifeline to people living with sight loss providing practical solutions to help them live independently and offering emotional support when they need it most. Our specially trained staff provide advice and guidance on everything from low vision aids and assistive

technology to welfare advice and employment support.

There are 22,000 people living with sight loss in Cornwall and this is expected to grow to 32,000 in the next 10 years. As this number increases, the demand for our services increases. We rely on donations to deliver these services and with your support we will be able to reach more people and give them access to the help they need.

There are many ways you can support our work from one-off fundraising events to longer term charity of the year collaborations.

But it’s not just about what you can do for us.

By working together we can help you to grow your reputation and increase your customer base. Our bespoke visual awareness training will show you how to best

engage and communicate with your visually impaired customers and our accessibility audits will show you the reasonable adjustments you could make to help improve the overall customer experience. We have the skills and expertise needed to develop tailormade partnerships which are right for your organisation.

So, by supporting iSightCornwall, not only will you be helping us to deliver our vital services, you will be communicating a strong message about accessibility, allowing you to reach new customers and grow your business.

01872 261110 info@isightcornwall.org.uk www.isightcornwall.org.uk

“The visual awareness training was fantastic, it was invaluable to shaping our touch tour programme and equipping our staff with the skills to confidently deliver it.”

Georgina Kennedy, Tate St Ives LEFT: GEORGINA KENNEDY, LEARNING CURATOR, TATE ST IVES AND TERRI ROSNAU WARD, CHIEF EXECUTIVE, ISIGHTCORNWALL

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CHARITY

CORNWALL

CHILDREN’S HOSPICE SOUTH WEST

C

hildren’s Hospice South West (CHSW) is the only provider of hospice care to children with life-limiting illnesses in the region.

The charity has three hospices including Little Harbour in St Austell,which currently supports over 130 children and their families. The hospices offer short breaks, respite, palliative care, end of life care, bereavement support and a dedicated sibling support team.

It costs around £3 million a year to run Little Harbour. At a time of year where families may be facing their last Christmas together, there are many ways businesses can get involved with fundraising: CHSW is offering an e-greetings package as an environmentally friendly alternative to sending Christmas cards to your clients, customers, staff and suppliers. Use a poster, e-card, email signature, social media graphic and website banner, all for a oneoff donation. This is an easy way to share

your Christmas message and shows your company’s affiliation to a local charity.

Getting involved in CHSW’s Festive Fashion Friday (December 14) is a great way of getting your staff into the festive spirit.

Whether you don a Christmas jumper, socks or full Santa suit you will be helping raise a smile.

Why not take part in CHSW’s Festive £50 Challenge? Our gift to you is £50 and the challenge of growing this over three months.

You could use the investment to run a festive tuck shop, Christmas cake sale or offer a present wrapping service.

CHSW invites you to attend Little Harbour’s Business Breakfast networking event on 3rd December and enjoy a tour of the amazing facilities. This could help your decision if you are considering a new Charity of the Year for 2019.

Christmas is a time to spend with family and loved ones, a time of reflection and looking ahead. The children and families supported by CHSW are facing a very

uncertain future, however with your festive fundraising you can help them create special memories that will last forever.

To find out more about how you could help Children’s Hospice South West this Christmas visit www.chsw.org.uk/xmasatwork or call Bernadette Chambers, Corporate Partnerships Fundraiser on 01726 871800 bernadette.chambers@chsw.org.uk

WILD ABOUT BUSINESS

C

ornwall Wildlife Trust is Cornwall’s leading wildlife charity, with 57 nature reserves spanning 5,500 acres of our beautiful county. We put wildlife at the heart of Cornwall; working tirelessly to ensure our county continues to be full of wildlife and wild places for future generations.

We all treasure the Cornish landscape, and would love the support of local businesses to help us protect it. Through our Charity of the Year partnership, we can help businesses with their environmental needs, whilst supporting you through all your fundraising activities. Researching, reporting, recording, and restoring the wildlife and wild places of Cornwall can’t be done without help from communities and businesses like yourselves.

We work closely with businesses across the county, providing fantastic opportunities to build relationships through charity partnerships. With our popular Business Supporter scheme, or the innovative Cornwall Good Seafood Guide, we can

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help you to contribute to a more sustainable Cornwall. You can also access advice to help your business, and the environment, flourish with exciting partnership programme Tevi. We are grateful for all our charitable support, and encourage you to consider Cornwall Wildlife Trust as your Charity of the Year.

HOW WE WILL SUPPORT YOU:

back into the environment and this encourages everyone to be more thoughtful about the relationship they have with our landscape”.

Quote BC2018 when you call 01872 302284 or email Isabella.hawkes@ cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk for more information. www.cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk/fundraise

• Provide you with our brand new fundraising pack • Full support in fundraising events • Marketing materials • Wildlife information • Promotion on website and social media • Opportunity to link with our Business Supporter scheme For Norman Bliss, owner of Lower Treave Camping Park, supporting Cornwall Wildlife Trust means that “We are putting something

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CORNWALL

CHARITY

ST PETROCS t the last count, on a typical night in Cornwall there are 68 people sleeping ‘rough’ – in cars, woodland, hidden behind shops in our town and city centres, along the coast path.

St Petrocs helps hundreds of people who find themselves homeless each year. We provide a diverse range of services with the aim of ensuring that each and every homeless individual is given the opportunity and support to rebuild their lives.

In 2017, our ‘Let’s End Street Homelessness in Cornwall’ campaign helped reduce the number of rough sleepers from 99, the third highest in England, to 68, the tenth highest, bucking the national trend of rising numbers.

Our Outreach team works across the county to link rough sleepers to support services, and our Resettlement Centres in Truro and Penzance provide drop-in services to help people access accommodation, GP appointments, showers, clean clothing,

bedding, and food.

Across the county we have 13 houses with 85 bedrooms, which are continually in demand.

Last year we housed 581 people, 162 of these in our own accommodation. Through the winter we open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In 2017/18 our cold weather night shelter ran for 71 nights and was used by 91 people – two thirds were subsequently housed. This is funded solely on donations from the Cornish community.

The tide of people in need is never ending: for every person we rehouse, another appears. Our services are in the greatest demand they have ever been.

Our Business Network provides a forum for corporate supporters to discuss effective ways to support our work. We are looking to develop corporate partnerships to enhance

our campaign and raise awareness through the county.

With your support we can end street homelessness in Cornwall. www.stpetrocs.org.uk home@stpetrocs.org.uk 01872 260948 Facebook @StPetrocsSociety Twitter @StPetrocs

CORNWALL HOSPICE CARE here’s more to Cornwall Hospice Care than meets the eye. A 24/7 Cornish healthcare charity, its staff and volunteers provide specialist support for people with terminal illnesses.

It’s well known that the clinical teams care for patients and their families, carers and friends at Mount Edgcumbe Hospice in St Austell and St Julia’s Hospice in Hayle, but the reach of the charity is widening. Now support is offered at weekly Neighbourhood Hubs in Wadebridge and Penzance, at an Open House initiative in Bude, in Cornwall’s acute hospital and where appropriate in people’s own homes and in local care homes. The charity also runs a 24-hour advice line for other healthcare professionals.

In June of this year, 53-year old Alison Jeffery from Bodmin was diagnosed with terminal cancer. The following weeks would prove to be an unimaginable journey for her and her husband of 29 years, Christopher.

Memorable moments of relief included Alison’s arrival at Mount Edgcumbe Hospice.

“We came through the reception doors and it was just amazing,” says Christopher.

“Everyone was so friendly and I immediately felt the weight coming off my shoulders.

I felt Alison was in a place of warmth and happiness and that everyone around us was like a true friend. We felt safe there.”

A talented businesswoman, Alison ran a shop in Wadebridge so it wasn’t surprising that they should also hear about Cornwall Hospice Care’s community service, Neighbourhood Hubs. One is run weekly in the town at the John Betjeman Centre. “The Hub offers a range of advice and services to terminally ill patients and their carers”, says Christopher, “and I went along for complementary therapy with Bridget Prusik who I could also talk to, which helped me enormously as Alison’s carer.”

It costs £5.15 million a year to provide this care with only 19% being funded through a contribution from the NHS. The rest is raised

thanks to the people of Cornwall who leave legacies, support fundraising events, play the charity’s lottery and donate to, and buy in, the 32 shops.

To find out how you can help fund the care, please call our fundraising team on 01726 66868 (option 3) or visit www.cornwallhospicecare.co.uk

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BUSINESS

BANKING

GAME The £40 million Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Investment Fund is open for business and looking to support new and growing businesses across the region

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T

he Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Investment Fund (CIOSIF) provides commercial loan and equity finance between £25k and £2 million to small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) to facilitate economic growth in the region.

It is a collaboration between the Governmentowned British Business Bank and the Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), which exists to support economic growth and job creation in the region.

Officially launched over the summer, CIOSIF brings together funding from the European Regional Development Fund, the LEP and the UK Government to provide around £40 million aimed at small and medium sized businesses in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly at all stages in their development.

The fund tackles a recognised and identifiable shortfall in start-up, early stage and development capital in the region, and aims to nurture entrepreneurship by providing investment and support for smaller businesses. It is expected to unlock a further £40 million of private investment.

It is one of three regional funds (the others being in the Midlands and the North of England), established by the British Business Bank as part of its remit to make the finance markets work better and reduce imbalances in access to finance for smaller businesses across the UK.

ambitious growth plans that need long term funding. Rather than requiring regular interest payments the fund will share in the success of your company. This can be particularly useful for companies with high growth potential or those innovating with new products or services.

CIOSIF’s funds can provide co-investment with other funders (including high street lenders) to make up an investment package, or can invest alone where no other funding is available.

HOW DOES A BUSINESS APPLY FOR FUNDING?

CIOSIF has an appointed fund manager, The FSE Group, to evaluate applications and allocate funds to businesses. Enquiries and applications are made directly to them via the fund website at www.ciosif.co.uk CIOSIF cannot provide financial or business advice to SMEs seeking funding but recommend that SMEs work on their application with their accountant or business adviser. The Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Growth Hub can signpost SMEs to support via www.ciosgrowthhub.com FSE’s five-strong local team is led by Stuart Nicol, Head of Funds, Cornwall.

Stuart has more than 20 years of investment experience including key investment roles at Crowdcube, Octopus Investments and YFM. The team is complemented by the addition of SWIG Finance as a delivery partner.

SWIG has been active in the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly SME lending market for almost 30 years and will work on the delivery of loans between £25k and £250k, while the FSE team will focus on lending above £250k along with all equity investing.

Stuart said: “The Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Investment Fund is providing local businesses with a fantastic opportunity to be ambitious in their plans for growth. With this high calibre team we are ready to make a real difference to the SME funding landscape across Cornwall and Isles of Scilly.”

This fund has been a long-held ambition of the LEP and our partners and we believe it will prove transformational

FUNDING AVAILABLE

CIOSIF offers debt and equity funding to help your business grow, ranging from loans for start-ups to larger loans for established businesses that want to continue growing through to equity investment. Investments are commercially focused – they are not grants.

Here’s what’s available: Debt finance, from £25k to £1 million: this is designed for smaller businesses needing to borrow for a wide range of purposes including filling gaps in growth capital, funding expansion projects, employing new staff and investing in new machinery and equipment. It is particularly suited for fledgling businesses who may lack a proven trading record or not yet have any major assets.

Mark Duddridge, chairman of the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly LEP, said: “This fund has been a long-held ambition of the LEP and our partners and we believe it will prove transformational by creating an enduring legacy of business investment, innovation and growth in our region.”

Ann Vandermeulen, development manager of FSB Cornwall added: “Small businesses have struggled to access finance from mainstream lenders and many of our members have battled to find any kind of investment to help them grow and create jobs. FSB are continually working with the Government and regulators to widen the choice of available products and alternative finance providers, and we are delighted to have been able to support this initiative in Cornwall.”

WHERE CAN I FIND OUT MORE?

CIOSIF has its own website at www.ciosif.co.uk where you can read about the funding available and how to apply. There are also links to the British Business Bank’s Business Finance Guide, which is an invaluable tool whether you are a start-up entrepreneur or managing an established growing company.

WHAT ARE PEOPLE SAYING ABOUT THE INVESTMENT FUND?

Ken Cooper, MD of Venture Solutions at the British Business Bank, said: “Our role is to make the finance markets work better for smaller businesses at all stages in their development. CIOSIF has been specifically designed to support growth businesses in this area and is part of a co-ordinated approach to help them realise their potential.”

LEFT: KEN COOPER ABOVE: STUART NICOL

Equity finance, from £50k to £2 million: In simple terms, equity financing is the raising of capital through the sale of shares in a business.

An equity investment could be right if you have

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GROWTH

PROGRAMME

SUCCESS European funding is creating thousands of new jobs, improving skills and helping local businesses to grow

n entrepreneur who is turning old fishing nets into 3D printer filaments; a satellite communications company offering rural businesses the opportunity to access high speed broadband services and a company developing a new mobile app enabling those with a visual impairment to plan their journeys are just some of the hundreds of businesses across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly which are benefiting from European funding.

Launched in 2014, the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Growth Programme has so far invested £310 million of EU funding in supporting 93 projects which are helping to deliver smart, sustainable, inclusive growth.

One of the projects receiving European Regional Development Funding (ERDF) is former geologist and mining engineer Ian Falconer who came up with an idea for recycling old nylon fishing nets into spools of high-quality 3D printer filaments rather than being taken to landfill. With a massive expansion of the use of 3D printers leading to an explosion in demand for filaments – the equivalent of ink in a 2D printer - Fishy Filaments was born. Originally based in a container sited on a local farmer’s field, thanks to support from the ERDF-funded Growth Hub team and Newlyn Pier and Harbour

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Commissioners, Ian has just opened a new factory in Newlyn, recruited his first member of staff and is feeling very positive about the future.

He is very grateful for the support he has received from the Growth Hub which, he said, played a key role in helping him meet the right people at the right time and access the funding he needed.

“Having the idea is not enough – you also need to navigate a complicated process to secure funding and the Growth Hub helped me to do this.”

While many businesses in Cornwall are now benefiting from access to superfast broadband, there are opportunities for those that are not to connect with new technologies. Avanti, a leading satellite communications company operating its satellites from Goonhilly, is supporting this – thanks to European funding.

With the aid of ERDF funding, Avanti is offering rural businesses the opportunity to access satellite broadband services with download speeds of up to 40 megabits a second – the fastest available over satellite anywhere in Europe. “We are using European funding to meet the costs

of installing the dishes and modems, enabling us to provide the equipment for free, and are using this scheme to significantly reduce the monthly charges making it much more accessible to all local businesses, whatever their size,” said Avanti business manager Andy Williams.

European funding is also being used to support local businesses to research ways in which technology can be used to help people live healthier and happier lives.

Led by the University of Exeter in partnership with Coastline Housing Ltd, Cornwall Council and Volunteer Cornwall, Smartline is exploring how local people, researchers and businesses can work together to develop new ideas and improve health and wellbeing.

Last year the team fitted environmental sensors in the homes of 300 Coastline Housing customers in the Camborne, Pool, Illogan and Redruth area of Cornwall. The information from the sensors, together with the feedback from local residents and businesses, will be used to help design better systems for managing homes in the future, and for inventing new products and services to help

Having the idea is not enough – you also need to navigate a complicated process to secure funding and the Growth Hub helped me to do this

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people live happier and healthier lives.

The project is also helping local entrepreneurs turn their innovative ideas into reality by providing access to Idea Generation Grants and In Residence Scheme funding to help them explore their initial concept and then take their idea to the next stage. So far, the team has engaged with over 100 enterprises, of which 52 are receiving active support. This includes ADi Access which has developed the ground-breaking RoomMate® which provides people with sight loss, dementia and learning difficulties with an audio description of their surroundings.

The company is now developing a purpose built mobile app for its “Find a RoomMate®” service which will enable users in need of Accessible Toilets to not only plan their journeys by locating businesses, such as bus and train stations, airports and motorway services which have a RoomMate® installed, but also to review, report and rate any facility they visit.

Finding the right workspace to set up a new business or expand an existing one is hugely important for small and medium sized enterprises. Newham-based property consultancy firm, Business Location Services, has played a key role in providing employment space for SMEs in Cornwall– thanks to ERDF funding which is being used to unlock private sector investment.

Russell Dodge, MD of Cornish based BLS Ltd and its associate company BLS Estates, has been involved in the development of

numerous high profile economic development schemes which have pumped hundreds of millions of pounds into Cornwall’s economy.

A key factor in this success story has been the company’s ability to secure EU funding grants which have then helped lever in private sector funding to support projects which would not otherwise have been viable. The firm has delivered around £500 million of private sector projects with grant funding from the Objective 5b, Objective 2, Objective 1, Convergence and ESIF EU programmes in the south west over the past 30 years.

“Due to current acute shortage of quality floorspace in Cornwall there is huge local demand from small and medium sized enterprises for high quality, low carbon employment space and I am very proud of the part BLS is playing in helping to meet this demand,” Russell said.

BLS is currently project managing three EU funded projects in Cornwall: the A30 Business Park Project at Indian Queens; the Church View Business Park development at Bickland, Falmouth and a new project to provide 14 business units for small and medium sized businesses on the Cornwall Business Park, Scorrier.

As well as having the right premises, successful businesses also need access to staff with the right skills and qualifications.

The Skills Support for the Workforce (SSW) programme is helping to meet this need by providing high quality training to thousands

of individuals across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly to help them improve their skills and qualifications and develop their careers.

Launched in September 2016, the £4.6 million SSW programme, managed by Serco and co-financed by the European Social Fund and the Education and Skills Funding Agency, has provided free training for more than 3,000 individual learners and 2,900 small and medium sized businesses over the past two years.

Businesses and individuals can choose from full qualifications or a mix of training units which meet their needs from a network of expert providers, including Cornwall College, Cornwall Marine Network, Digital Peninsula Network, Education and Training Skills, Focus Training, GHQ, Newquay for Excellence Training and Truro and Penwith College.

“We are very proud to be leading this programme,” said Donna Lawson, from Serco.

“By working with employers to ‘upskill’ their staff, we have helped individuals improve their knowledge and qualifications, which has, in turn, supported the growth of SMEs across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly and boosted the local economy.”

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PEOPLE

ON THE MOVE

SPONSORED BY www.sapiencehr.co.uk

BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE

Business development manager, Lewis Tolputt, has become the newest addition to expanding construction company Classic Builders.

Spanning four counties, Classic Builders is one of the largest privately-owned construction companies in the south west.

Since opening its Cornwall division in March 2017, Classic Builders, led by area manager Sam Lockyer, has experienced significant success and completed a variety of projects across an array of sectors.

Tolputt joins the team to lead strategic commercial development and underpin the acquisition of new business.

“I am extremely proud to have joined Classic Builders at this exciting time,” Tolputt said.

TWO MORE AT CVC

PHOTO: MATT RODD

CMG NAMES CHIEF EXEC

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Highly-regarded employment expert, Melanie Rowe, has joined local law firm, Murrell Associates, as a senior associate. Rowe, who qualified as a solicitor in 2010, joins Murrell Associates from Nalders, where she worked for 12 years.

Clear Mapping Co has taken on two new members of staff. The cartographic design consultancy has recruited Tricia Wigmore as junior illustrator and David Trethewey as junior GIS engineer.

Commercial agent Joseph Rea has joined Stratton Creber Commercial to head up the firm’s agency activities in Cornwall. Having worked within the residential sector for more than 15 years, Rea read Law at Plymouth University, graduating in 2008. He went on to work for McCarthy & Stone and Churchill Retirement Living before deciding to move into the commercial property sector.

Miller Commercial has added to its property management team. Law graduate Zoey Collis has experience working in property management in both the public and private sector in Southampton and London.

CVC Solicitors has welcomed two more lawyers to its ever-expanding team.

Rob McKellar qualified as a solicitor in 2009 and specialises in wills, probate, lasting powers of attorney and tax planning.

Matt Rodd, meanwhile, who was a previously a partner in a busy Leeds city centre law firm where he worked for 15 years, has joined CVC’s conveyancing team.

Both men will be based at CVC’s Penzance office.

Jon Hurrell has been appointed chief executive of The Cornwall Manufacturers Group (CMG).

Hurrell leads an organisation whose members boast a total turnover in excess of £560 million, contribute £150 million to the Cornwall economy and who employ over 3,500.

He said: “Manufacturing is my passion. I have always been interested in how products are made. The diversity of production represented

by CMG members, 98% exported out of county, showcases the enormous impact and contribution Cornwall’s manufacturers have on the UK economy.”

NEWS IN BRIEF

Hurrell has 17 years’ manufacturing experience across multiple sectors including design and production management at Princess Yachts and supply chain management in a 4,000 employee Swedish packaging firm. He then worked for the South West Manufacturing Advisory Service (SWMAS) and most recently established his own business, Enterprise Coaching.

SMS marketing company, FireText, has taken on two new apprentices. Tim Martin will be part of the tech team, training as a DevOps engineer, while Lola Cockwell joins the digital marketing and customer support team, working towards becoming an SMS marketer.

Sam Allen, Daniel Dunn, Dan Ferris and Jade Beech have joined chartered firm of accountants, RRL, as apprentices.

Graphic and interior design specialist, 20/20 Projects, has appointed Fredric Ward as new head of interior design.

Chris Curl has been named headmaster of Polwhele House. Curl joins the prep school, just outside Truro, having previously led three prep schools during his career – two in London and the other in Oxfordshire.

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CORNWALL

ONE YEAR OF SKILLS SUPPORT A wave of enthusiasm for training and staff development has swept through the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly business community over the last twelve months thanks to the Skills Hub, an ambitious project part-funded by the EU ince launching on the business scene in October 2017 with the mission to boost the local economy by helping businesses grow through skills and training, the Skills Hub has rolled out a two-pronged approach to build awareness of the importance of skills and make a hard-hitting impact among businesses.

“Showcasing the dependence between continual professional development and long-term business sustainability is key to our awareness building campaign,” comments Josh Hoole, project manager of the Skills Hub. “While at a grass roots level, we’re working with businesses on a one-to-one basis to embed a culture of staff development and help them nurture their greatest asset - their people.”

Over 400 businesses have already been supported by the project, from small enterprises to those with teams of up to 250.

“We help businesses identify their ambitions and the skills that they need to get there. We then explore the market to find the training that is right for them,” continues Josh. “This has enabled us to build a detailed picture of the local skills profile and surprisingly, people planning is severely lacking. Typically, businesses have it so low on the to-do list that they don’t explore it to its full potential. We help them escalate the importance of skills and inspire action.”

The service covers everything from sales and marketing to leadership and strategy, and businesses from all sectors are eligible.

Leading installer of solar PV panels, Naked

Solar, is just one of the companies that has benefited: “Staff development is absolutely critical to keeping staff engaged,” comments Tony Sampson, managing director. “Training improves productivity and when staff feel accomplished it provides a massive confidence boost. The Skills Hub has been instrumental in helping us give training the investment it deserves.”

Building on the success of the first year, the Skills Hub has a number of exciting projects in the pipeline, including a Cornwall Apprenticeship Campaign to drive awareness of apprenticeships for existing members of staff. In the coming months a training fund to enable businesses on the Isles of Scilly access training and work-based learning opportunities will also be launched, and the Skills Hub will work as a collaborative partner alongside a number of new sector skills delivery programmes.

To find out how the Skills Hub can help you, call 01209 708660 or visit www.ciosskillshub.com. The service is independent, unbiased and free to access.

The Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Skills Hub is part funded by the European Social Fund (ESF) and match funded by Cornwall Council and Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Local Enterprise Partnership.

ADVERTORIAL

SKILLS HUB IN ACTION

Staff development is vital to any business, but when you’ve grown by over 50% in just twelve months it becomes even more important.

When Made for Life Organics found itself in exactly that position Amanda Winwood, the MD of the organic skincare company, turned to the Skills Hub for help developing the skills needed to cope with such incredible growth.

“Made for Life Organics has grown exponentially so we’ve needed to focus, regroup and consider what skills we are missing and what we need,” explains Amanda.

“In a meeting with Lisa, one of the Skills Connectors, we reflected on how the business had been going and our future aspirations. From this we were able to identify that we needed training in Excel and negotiation skills. Through the Skills Hub those courses have already been set up.

“Lisa also suggested the recruitment of a business administration apprentice as a solution to our admin needs and we are now looking into the options.

“When you’re a business owner and juggling masses of stuff, the support provided by the Skills Hub has been really helpful,” Amanda continues. “We would have invested time in training but being able to instantly access courses that were readily available and suited our needs has been invaluable. Having an affiliation with the Skills Hub fast tracked us to get moving.”

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EDUCATION

& TRAINING

SPONSORED BY

RIBA VALIDATION

Falmouth University’s BA (Hons) Architecture degree has been validated by the RIBA. This recognition from the Royal Institute of British Architects, the industry’s professional body, means that the Falmouth course is of a high enough standard to meet the nationally recognised attributes for Part 1 Architecture graduates.

Commenting on the award, head of architecture, Tom Ebdon, said: “RIBA validation is about recognising quality and innovation in architectural education. We’re delighted that Falmouth University’s degree course has been judged as meeting and exceeding the Institute’s rigorous standards.”

APPRENTICESHIP AWARDS WINNERS Chartered firm of accountants, RRL, was named SME Employer of the Year at the fourth annual Cornwall Apprenticeship Awards.

The awards, hosted by Truro and Penwith College, celebrate both the achievements of apprentices from across Cornwall who work in a variety of sectors, and also those employers who go the extra mile in terms of the provision and support they provide.

Daniel Rutter (Watson-Marlow Fluid Technology Group) was named Cornwall’s Apprentice of the Year, while Apprentice Achiever of the Year 2018 was awarded to 41-year-old Amelia Wilson from Perranporth for her work in the role of Apprentice Education Support Officer at Cornwall Council.

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Other category winners on the night included Large Apprenticeship Employer of the Year – Serco Defence; Hospitality Apprentice of the Year - Aurelija Grikstine (Headland Hotel); Accountancy Apprentice of the Year - Bethan Kent (Tregothnan); Construction and Trade Occupations Apprentice of the Year - John Povey (Eden Project); Health and Social Care and Childcare Apprentice of the Year - Michelle Elliott (Port Isaac Surgery); Digital and IT Apprentice of the Year –Elliot Paull (Bluefruit); Management and Marketing Apprentice of the Year – Amber Charman (H Tempest Ltd).

Business Apprentice of the Year –Thomas Hyde (Vision Independent Financial Planning);

www.truro-penwith.ac.uk

LOVE OUR COLLEGES CAMPAIGN Cornwall’s two further education colleges – Truro and Penwith College and Cornwall College – have joined national voices calling on the Government for an increase in 16-19 education funding.

The colleges leant their support to the UK-wide ‘Love Our Colleges’ campaign, which included a national lobby of Parliament last month.

According to colleges, there is a sharp reduction in education funding, once a student turns 16. Raoul Humphreys, principal & chief executive of The Cornwall College Group, said: “The Government’s Industrial Strategy highlights the needs to invest in skills for young people and to create highly skilled jobs in every region. This will not happen without a sharp increase in the funding available to teach young people in our colleges. Colleges are catalysts for skills training in our communities.”

MARINE MASTERCLASS Marine-i is launching a three-day Marine Innovation Masterclass designed to equip marine technology businesses with all they need to know to put research and innovation at the heart of their business.

The usual cost of this training would be £5k per person, but Marine-i, which is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund, has secured a limited number of places free of charge, on a ‘first come’ basis.

The Marine Innovation Masterclass is being offered in partnership with the University of Exeter Business School and the Cornwall Marine Network Propel project.

The full-day workshops will take place on Tuesday January 17, Tuesday February 26 and Tuesday March 26. To register your free place now, contact Nik Rowe at N.Rowe2@exeter.ac.uk

Customer Service and Retail Apprentice of the Year – Charlotte Laity (Falmouth Exeter Plus); Hair and Beauty Apprentice of the Year –Georgia Attenborough (NV Hairdressing); Motor Vehicle Apprentice of the Year – Jay-Dee Leach-West (Roseland Stores); Engineering and Manufacturing Apprentice of the Year – Daniel Rutter (Watson-Marlow Fluid Technology Group).

Truro and Penwith College principal, David Walrond, said: “Truro and Penwith College is proud to host this event and celebrate learners and employers of the highest quality, and I am thrilled that 11 of the 13 apprentice categories were won by Truro and Penwith College learners this year.”

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NEWS

SPONSORED BY

#FSBCONNECT

www.fsb.org.uk

SMALL BUSINESS BREXIT PACK While EU leaders meet in Brussels for what European Council President Donald Tusk called the “moment of truth for Brexit negotiations”, FSB representatives have been working hard to support small businesses both locally and UK wide.

Martin McTague, FSB’s policy and advocacy chairman, has been reinforcing the views of members at recent Government level such as meetings with the Brexit Select Committee and the Brexit Minster. National chairman, Mike Cherry, visited Cornwall to find out how Brexit (at least with what we know so far) would affect our members here and what decision makers in Cornwall plan locally to support them.

FSB research has revealed 86% of small businesses have made absolutely no preparations in the event of a no deal. One small business said “it’s like preparing a move of your business to Narnia... I don’t know what this place is like, how do I make preparations for it?”

That’s why FSB have created a Small Business Brexit Pack, with the aim of setting out exactly what small firms should be considering for each different Brexit scenario.

FSB wants to ensure small business owners are informed of all possible scenarios as they believe small firms need to be thinking of the consequences of a no-deal Brexit without a transition period, as this would have a significant impact on business continuity, in the short term, for so many.

The list of Brexit scenarios covered in the pack include: • No deal (with no transition period) • Free Trade Agreement (FTA) • Association Agreement based on Chequers • European Economic Area (EEA) • European Free Trade Association (EFTA) / Switzerland The resource covers a range of issues, including what small business owners should

PHOTO: MIKE CHERRY VISITING MEMBERS IN CORNWALL consider in terms of the cost of maintaining short term business continuity and how long it would take to put in place the different measures to make your business resilient enough to a ‘no deal’ Brexit.

It also looks at skills and EU staffing, and how small firms might have to fill any skills and labour shortages post-Brexit.

GOVERNMENT SERIOUS ON LATE PAYMENTS Reacting to Business Secretary Greg Clark’s announcement of a package of measures to safeguard small firms from late payments, Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) national chairman Mike Cherry said: “Late payment is the biggest challenge affecting small businesses and it is good to see the Government getting serious about this issue.

“The voluntary Prompt Payment Code is

not working when it allows signatories like Carillion to pay on terms of over 120 days, so we want to see a new tough and transparent compliance regime being proposed. Involving the Small Business Commissioner Paul Uppal with the Code is also right as that shows a more joined-up approach to this difficult issue.

“Further, it is a positive step that central government will set an example – paying

SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY BUS TOUR Small Business Saturday (SBS) was launched in the UK in 2013 and has gone on to be a stand out success. £748 million was spent on the day last year which is up 4% from the year before, with 87% of local authorities backing the campaign, up from 80% in 2016.

FSB have been supporters of this campaign from its UK launch and are very pleased to announce that the Small Business Saturday (SBS) Bus Tour will be in Truro on Monday, November 19. Members of the FSB Policy group and staff will be on hand to welcome the team to Cornwall and to talk to local businesses.

The actual day of SBS is, this year, on December 1 and so businesses will be able to come to the bus well in advance of this to get posters and a pack of information to help them raise their profile on one special day selected to particularly focus everyone’s

minds on spending money with local retailers, trades and service providers. More information or if you can’t get to Truro you can download an SBS pack at www.smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com

PHOTO: SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY BUS IN NEWQUAY ON A PAST VISIT

90% of undisputed invoices from small and medium-sized businesses within five days.”

FSB CONNECT NETWORKING FSBConnect Bodmin – Get Your Business in the News November 8 What makes a story newsworthy?

FSBConnect Heartlands - Planning for the New Year December 6 Get 2019 off to a flying start by making plans early FSBConnect Cornwall/Devon – How to build a great website or online shop December 13 Guest speaker, Lee Nathan MD of Purple Motion All £10 to attend with includes lunch.

Book via eventbrite.co.uk & search “FSB Cornwall” There are also many more networking opportunities with our networking partner “Cornish Partnerships” details and online booking can be found on their website.

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CREATIVE

AND DIGITAL

SPONSORED BY

www.digitalpeninsula.org

LUXEMBOURG LEARNING

As part of its ongoing work with the University of Luxembourg, ABG Design has created a brand identity for the new Luxembourg Learning Centre.

Besides offering classical library services, the Luxembourg Learning Centre offers a state-ofthe-art digitally-enhanced learning environment for students and for the general public.

ABG Design MD, Howard Miles, said: “The new brand identity demonstrates this collaborative approach through overlapping circles and we are really proud of the end result.”

CAPITAL HUTCH

Truro-based design and creative agency Hutch has recently finished a complete branding and website redesign of OnLondon.co.uk.

OnLondon provides independent news and commentary for the UK’s capital, covering politics, development and culture.

Hutch creative director, Rob Coumbe,

said: “We are delighted to have won this contract and be given the opportunity to showcase the design and creative input Cornwall has to offer. London is better connected to Cornwall than ever before – in transport and in business - and it’s great that professionals in the capital are recognising the talent and creativity that businesses in Cornwall provide.”

REBRAND ON THE MONEY Local branding and design studio, Sames + Littlejohns, has completed a rebrand of Falmouth-based wealth management company, Taylor Money.

Sames + Littlejohns worked closely with Taylor Money to formulate a brief that would tackle the three main aims; “to better reflect the true personality of the business,

champion the quality of the service it provides, and provide a more sophisticated level of engagement with its current and prospective client base”.

The agency enlisted local copywriter, Amy Lambert, website developer Tim Hendy, and illustrator Polly Brotherwood to fulfil the end deliverables.

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Everest Media has joined the Government’s suppliers list for digital services and software development.

Everest Media joins a select group of companies offering services direct to public sector organisations, via the Government’s Digital Marketplace. The Digital Marketplace makes it simpler for organisations within the public sector to procure the services they need.

Everest MD, Samuele Armondi, said: “To join the Government’s suppliers list for digital services and software development is both a massive boost to the growth of our business and a major endorsement of the agency’s calibre.”

DIGITAL WINNERS

GOING FASTER There’s good news for Cornish businesses still hampered by slow broadband in rural Cornish outposts. Avanti Communications is slashing the price of its satellite superfast broadband scheme by an average 63%.

EVEREST ON GOVERNMENT LIST

And Avanti’s Goonhilly neighbour, Wildanet, is expanding the deployment of its wireless broadband network across Cornwall, following a £1 million crowdfunding raise on the Crowdcube platform.

Two Cornish companies were among the winners of the inaugural South West Digital Awards.

Buzz Interactive won Software of the Year for the company’s involvement in the MyPreOp software - developed for Penryn-based Ultramed – while AgeUK’s Cornwall and Isles of Scilly branch won Best Use of Digital by a Charity for the Cornwall Link platform.

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www.visitcornwall.com

NEWS

SPONSORED BY

TOURISM

LONG HOT SUMMER The hot summer weather had a positive impact on holiday accommodation bookings in the Cornish resort of Padstow, according to local lettings agent Harbour Holidays.

The Padstow holiday company reported a 5.84% increase in bookings for self-catering holidays over the three months of summer, compared with the same period last year.

During June, July and August this year, the company booked a total of 2,045 property weeks at its holiday homes and cottages, compared with 1,932 weeks for the same three months last year.

Harbour Holidays is a Padstow-based holiday lettings agent, representing the

owners of over 175 properties in the town and the surrounding area. With over 25 years in business, it has seen many good summers and plenty of poor ones too.

Owner Nicky Stanley said: “This has been a fantastic summer for holidaymakers and for business. The long run of good weather seems to have inspired a lot more people to stay closer to home and choose Cornwall for their holidays in 2018.”

The Met Office recently reported that 2018 was a record summer in the UK. It was the joint hottest summer since records began in 1910, tied with the heatwave years of 1976, 2003 and 2006.

MORE GOOD NEWS FOR AIRPORT

NEW MD AT HEADLAND

The Headland Hotel and Spa in Newquay has a new manager.

Neil Slade has joined following Darryl Reburn’s promotion to MD. “I’m delighted to be joining The Headland at such an exciting time in its growth and development,” said Slade. “It’s a truly iconic property in every sense and I feel very proud to be part of a dynamic team that’s always striving to go the extra mile.”

Slade has decades of experience in the hospitality industry and was most recently general manager at the Penmorvah Manor Hotel in Falmouth.

“Neil has an excellent track record as a hospitality professional who has a really thorough understanding of Cornwall’s hotel scene,” said Reburn.

“His knowledge and expertise are a great asset in the day to day running of a very busy operation.”

The future of direct flights between Cornwall Airport Newquay and London Gatwick has been secured for a further four years.

The Government and Cornwall Council made the announcement last month that the Public Service Obligation (PSO) will be extended. PSO routes are used to subsidise vital air connections and economic and social development in peripheral regions, where a clear business case is put forward.

Once again operated by Flybe, the Cornwall Airport Newquay to London Gatwick service will continue to see daily flights between the two airports, with three return flights on weekdays and two per day at weekends.

Airport MD, Al Titterington, said: “The extension of the PSO contract with Flybe secures our primary connection between Cornwall and London for another four years. The demand for this route continues to grow year on year and the support from the Government and Cornwall Council provides a guarantee for this vital access route to and from Cornwall.”

Meanwhile, details of a new international airlink from Cornwall have been announced.

From next summer, Scandinavia’s leading airline, SAS, will operate direct flights to Danish capital, Copenhagen, over the peak summer season, on Mondays and Fridays.

The new service adds to a growing roster of summer destinations from Newquay, which also includes direct flights to Ireland, Germany, Spain and Portugal.

Titterington said: “This is a route not only for the many Scandinavians wanting to explore Cornwall and the south west of the UK, but also for our local catchment, which now have flights designed perfectly for an extended weekend break in one of Europe’s coolest capital cities.”

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Looking for some Christmas gift ideas? How about a bottle of delicious gin from Cornwall, complemented by a tonic water from Devon!

THE WISH

LIST

ST AUSTELL BREWERY MIXED CASE

- £28.00 (12 x 500ml bottles) The perfect gift for all beer lovers this Christmas, letting that special someone sample more than one of St Austell Brewery’s awardwinning Cornish beers. The mixed case includes Tribute Cornish Pale Ale, Proper Job IPA and Korev Lager.

Available to order from www.staustellbreweryshop.co.uk and St Austell Brewery’s Visitor Centre.

TO PROMOTE YOUR PRODUCT HERE, CALL CAROLINE ON 07801 981 667

ULTIMATE BREAK

Perfect for family, friends and corporate celebrations: enjoy a one or two night sea view break with a three-course festive dinner and wine tasting in one of Cornish Gems’ luxury holiday homes in Cornwall (incl. St Ives). Party with your own private chef, such as Michelin-starred chef Ben Tunnicliffe, and spend an evening with Scarlet Wines.

Dates available for groups of up to 15, Nov-Jan, from £180pp. cornishgems.com / 01872 241 241.

A few ideas for your letter to Santa.

Welcome to a seasonal edition of the Business Cornwall Wishlist.

ARTISAN CORNISH CHEESE

Say a delicious thank you with a baby truckle of Yarg. Hand-made, leaf wrapped, award winning loveliness from Lynher Dairies Beautifully presented and sent to a UK address of your choice from www.lynherdairies.com

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SNUFFLEGRIN BOOKS

Sebastian and The Rabbit, The Cat & The Woman - beautifully illustrated ‘romantic fairy-tales, for grown-ups of all ages’ - from new Cornish publisher Snufflegrin Books. Preview then Print-onDemand at: www.blurb.co.uk/user/Snufflegrin

BUSINESS CORNWALL

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LIST

WINTER SPA CANDLE

BY MADE FOR LIFE ORGANICS £25

The blend of 100% organic ylang ylang, lavender and geranium essential oils in this calming candle captures the essence of a relaxing spa and creates a delicate fragrance to relax and clear the mind. www.madeforlifeorganics.com

THE WISH

RODDA’S CORNISH CLOTTED CREAM

This Christmas, make your time together with family and friends memorable and special with a spoonful of Rodda’s rich and silky Cornish Clotted Cream. Order your cream by post in time for the Christmas festivities. www.roddas.co.uk

CURDS CROUST

Hand crafted using the finest artisan methods. From traditional Cornish Camembert to their more adventurous Cornish cider washed Brie, the Curds & Croust range is a must for any cheeseboard this Christmas.

Find a full range of stockists at www.curds-croust.co.uk

CORNISH BLUE

A UNIQUE CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEA

THE CORNISH HAMPER STORE

A Cornish festive treat, what could be better? The Cornish Hamper Store have a selection of sumptuous Christmas hampers to suit all budgets and tastes, packed and presented with the utmost care and attention. Your gift will arrive on your chosen delivery day with a free, personalised gift message.

Web: www.thecornishhamperstore.co.uk Call: 01209 701767

A full-flavoured sweet and creamy world champion cheese that has been produced on the Stansfield’s farm on Bodmin Moor since 2001.

You can order online and tell us when and whom you would like the cheese delivered to.

You can also include a personal message. www.cornishcheese.co.uk

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TEST DRIVE

VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN

VOLKSWAGEN The popularity of SUVs is still soaring and this month Morveth has been taking on Volkswagens Tiguan, to see where it stands WORDS BY MORVETH WARD

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’ve reviewed many SUVs and now it’s time to see how the Volkswagen Tiguan sits among the bunch. As one of the markets most popular models, what is it that’s drawing people to it, when up against stiff competition?

The Tiguan is a no gimmicks vehicle built for the breadth of practicality and versatility that defines the SUV. A good range of engines are available – a 1.4l petrol and a 2l diesel, both available in a range of states of tune for performance/ economy. The model I tested was a 2l diesel and returned comfortably well over 40mpg over short journeys. On a general note, across all brands, I have yet to find a petrol version to match the diesel on fuel economy.

Don’t be fooled by the smaller displacement as this often means the petrol has to work harder. Therefore, it’s nice to see amidst political pressure that Volkswagen still offer

the 2l diesel which in this case propels the Tiguan along effortlessly whilst returning strong economy.

Practicality pervades throughout. Super-roomy interior and the Allspace version is available as a seven-seater with two extra pop-up seats in the boot that lie flat when not needed. The frustration and worry of car parking bumps and scuffs are mediated as the Tiguan comes with clever plastic sections which externally line the wheel arches and side skirts, along with sectioned bumpers which serve as a fantastic barrier for any low speed contact and can be replaced individually. A great idea and it doesn’t affect the looks.

On this subject, I think it looks great – sharp lines and subtly assertive in nature – not garish, just confident. The same goes for the interior. This is what I love about the

Super-roomy interior and available as a seven-seater with two extra pop-up seats in the boot that lie flat when not needed

Tiguan, everything just feels right – certainly the sort of car I would gladly live with every day. There’s really nothing that I could find flawed with it, or even mildly wrong - The seats were a bit hard for my liking and it's a bit devoid of spirit… Otherwise, what a rounded and pleasant vehicle.

The model I tested was a Tiguan SE NAV 4Motion TDI with the 7spd DSG gearbox.

4motion, as you may suspect, is the 4WD version which adds to its versatility, and combined with the clever electronics and decent ground clearance means it will handle most terrain, something which is pretty handy in Cornwall. The compromise with this is slightly worse fuel economy due to added weight and extra drivetrain capacity. This model starts from £32, 590. The S model is the cheapest and starts from £23,485.

The Tiguan is a superb SUV that makes for a totally useful family car with style and build quality as the perfect accompaniment.

One of the simplest reviews I’ve done for a while by virtue of the Tiguan being a straightforward great car.

Carrs Volkswagen, Indian Queens 01726 213858

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22/10/2018 16:06

OPINION

JUST A THOUGHT

Matt Bunt, communications manager at St Austell Printing, has something on his mind Print is intimate and personal – just think about the last book you read. You can choose different laminations, paper weights, textures and specialist finishing to stand out. Use your imagination, it’s amazing what you can achieve

44

THE SECRET’S OUT have a confession. I work at a printing company; but I never used to like printed marketing.

I’d like to share my journey; from cynicism to a new-found love and appreciation.

I’ve worked in varying forms of marketing for over 15 years. For a large proportion of that time I was head over heels in love with digital marketing. It was a gamechanger; all of a sudden you could get your message in front of the right person every time. You could be creative using video, photos, audio, animation; you could collect data – who needed print anyway?

In fact, I would almost “scoff” at anyone who said they still used printed marketing. “What a waste of money, not to mention the millions of trees they’ve murdered.” I would think. This combined with the continued coverage of the “death of newspapers” meant that I looked down on print.

So, you could imagine the reaction of friends and colleagues when I made the announcement last year; “I’m off to work at a printing company”. Really?

It’s one of the best decisions I ever made – because I have officially fallen in love with print.

Now don’t get me wrong, digital marketing is very powerful. We use it ourselves at SAPC, posting articles, photos, videos and much more on our own website and across social media.

The problem is that lots of other companies are doing this too. It’s become harder to get traction on social media as you’re fighting for space in people’s timelines along with other brands, friends, family and funny cat videos.

People are also suffering from “digital

fatigue”, where they are getting fed-up of being bombarded with messages from all angles. I know I do.

This is where print shines through. Print creates an emotional connection with the reader, a multi-sensory experience that can help tell a story in more than just a visual way.

Their brain processes the information in a different way to digital with excellent information retention and recall.

Print is intimate and personal – just think about the last book you read. You can choose different laminations, paper weights, textures and specialist finishing to stand out. Use your imagination, it’s amazing what you can achieve.

I am also happy to admit I was very wrong about murdering all those trees too. I’ve never worked in a company where environmental considerations are an integral part of the DNA. Printing companies are working hard to educate people with the facts about their industry. Paper is one of the world’s most sustainable products, being reused numerous times and through FSC accreditation, paper is sustainably sourced.

Because I never really used print marketing, I never got the chance to experience what it could achieve. I’ve now seen the effect print has for not only our clients, but for us as well.

For example, we recently ran an event where we initially invited half of the recipients through a colourful email, and the other half by an eye-catching personalised piece of print. We had a much better response from the printed invitations. After all, it’s a lot harder to ignore something right in front of you – meanwhile, a delete button is easy to press, sometimes by accident.

In June we performed a door-drop campaign through Royal Mail in the St Austell area to promote our print shop services. It was a simple leaflet with an eye-catching design and a clear message. This alone led to a 200% increase in web traffic, a growth in enquiries and improved brand awareness. It wasn’t just a one hit wonder either; a customer came in last week clutching one of our leaflets in her hand - over three months after it landed on her doormat.

Digital marketing is still an important part of any campaign – but it’s all about having a mix.

I’ve learnt that using print is a way to set you apart from others. People might start their story with your print and continue it online. When they work hand-in-hand, print and digital are a formidable pair, hard to stop.

Cynics would say “Of course you’re going to say that. It’s your job!”. But my reply is this: “I don’t give my heart away lightly.”

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NOVEMBER

EVENTS

NOVEMBER EVENTS 6

PIRAN BUSINESS CLUB

BODMIN BUSINESS BREAKFAST

Westberry Hotel

The breakfasts are open to all and provide an opportunity for business people to network and catch up with each other over a top quality breakfast. There are speakers at some (but not all) meetings. jb@sproullllp.co.uk

HEARTLANDS BUSINESS BREAKAST

Red River Café, Pool

Heartlands presents an excellent opportunity to meet other local businesses in the area, gain contacts and establish mutually beneficial relationships. heartlandscornwall.com

8

CORNWALL CHAMBER CHARITY BALL

TECHNOLOGY ESSENTIALS FOR BUSINESS PART I

Pool Innovation Centre

Heathrow & Newquay Airport and Cornwall Air Ambulance are among the speakers at this month’s Cornwall Chamber Big Breakfast. cornwallchamber.co.uk

cornwallchamber.co.uk

11 14

CORNISH PIRATES V BEDFORD

Mennaye Field, Penzance

For a truly memorable occasion, match day hospitality is the perfect way to entertain colleagues and clients. Match day hospitality starts at £25pp. robyn.ashurst@cornish-pirates.com

CONNECTED CORNWALL CONFERENCE

Healey’s Cyder Farm

21

Birdies Bistro

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TRURO SCHOOL NURSERY OPEN DAY

15

FALMOUTH BUSINESS CLUB

Carnon Inn, Carnon Downs

Business networking club meeting every second Thursday. falmouthbusinessclub.co.uk

TECHNOLOGY ESSENTIALS FOR BUSINESS, PART II

St Benets Abbey

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CORNWALL CHAMBER LUNCH

The Cornish Arms, St Merryn

20

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CORNISH PARTNERSHIPS ST MELLION

PIRAN BUSINESS CLUB

CORNISH PIRATES V HARTPURY

For a truly memorable occasion, match day hospitality is the perfect way to entertain colleagues and clients. Match day hospitality starts at £25pp. robyn.ashurst@cornish-pirates.com

ST MELLION INTERNATIONAL

Cornish Partnerships is proud to host a network meeting at the great venue of St Mellions International Resort. It meets the fourth Monday of each month. cornishpartnerships.co.uk

Liskeard Tavern

The Piran Business Club meets every other week at the Carnon Inn, near Carnon Downs. Start 6.45am 8.30am. Cost £10.

Hypnoconrwall@gmail.com

Truro School Nursery, Willday House

Mennaye Field, Penzance

CORNISH PARTNERSHIPS LISKEARD

All are welcome to join in with the Liskeard Networking Group and will meet the 3rd Monday of most months. cornishpartnerships.co.uk

The Hayle Business Breakfast meets on the third Wednesday of each month at Birdies Bistro in Hayle. All welcome. sarah@abodepropertyagents.co.uk

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Pool Innovation Centre

Technology Essentials for Business workshop is designed specifically for start-up businesses and those just starting to incorporate digital into their business. sfbcornwall.co.uk

HAYLE BUSINESS CLUB

On Saturday 24 November Truro School Nursery is hosting its Autumn Open Morning. Young families are invited to pop in between 10am and 12:30pm to meet the Truro School Nursery team and find out more about the excellent facilities on offer to pupils aged 3+.

Businesses of all sizes and descriptions throughout Cornwall are being invited to think connectivity at Cornwall Chamber’s free conference being held at Healeys Cyder Farm.

FSB CONNECT BODMIN

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

Victoria Hotel, Newquay

To celebrate its 30th birthday, Cornwall Chamber of Commerce is hosting a charity ball in aid of the Cornwall Air Ambulance.

Technology Essentials for Business workshop is designed specifically for start-up businesses and those just starting to incorporate digital into their business. sfbcornwall.co.uk

Have you ever wondered how some businesses get free profiles in the media? Alan Soady, Head of Media at FSB will be coming from our Westminster office in London to talk about what makes a story “newsworthy”. eventbrite.co.uk

CORNWALL CHAMBER BREAKFAST

Atlantic Hotel, Newquay

The Piran Business Club meets every other week at the Carnon Inn, near Carnon Downs. Start 6.45am 8.30am. Cost £10.

Hypnoconrwall@gmail.com

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TRURO CONSTRUCTION & PROPERTY FORUM

Mannings Hotel, Truro

Truro Construction & Property Forum meeting at Mannings in Truro. enquiries@wwa.uk.com.

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CONNECTED

CORNWALL

SPONSORED BY

www.cioslep.co.uk

ESAM OPENING More than 60 representatives of Cornwall’s business community attended the formal opening of ESAM - the Enterprise Space for Advanced Manufacturing - the flagship development on St Austell’s Carluddon Technology Park

MAIN IMAGE: CHI ASKORRANS, CARLUDDON, ST.AUSTELL. TOP ROW: CAROLINE HANLAN (AGRI-TECH CORNWALL), DAWN MCFARLANE (BIG 2), ANN STAEVSKA (BIG 2) & JOSH HOOLE (SKILLS HUB) MIDDLE ROW: KAREN HOYLE (GC) & HEATHER COUPLAND (A TO F) ; JACOB LAWRENCE (BI) & JEFF HOUGHTON (KIER) BOTTOM ROW: ANDREW LOW (WP) & LEWIS TATTERSALL (GMF)

FSB CHAIRMAN VISIT The national chairman of the FSB, Mike Cherry, took the opportunity to meet local businesses during a visit to Cornwall last month

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TOP ROW, FROM LEFT: ROGER TARRANT (FSB CORNWALL AREA LEAD), ANN VANDERMEULEN (FSB CORNWALL DEVELOPMENT MANAGER) MIKE CHERRY, ZOE HOWARD (CAXTON COMMUNICATIONS), JAMES FERGUSON (X-PRESS LEGAL SERVICES); FSB POLICY GROUP MEMBERS WITH MIKE CHERRY AT FIFTEEN; MIKE CHERRY VISITS MADE FOR LIFE ORGANICS

BUSINESS CORNWALL

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CORNWALL

CONNECTED

SENIOR EXECUTIVES’ FORUM Hertzian CEO, Garry Barter, explained how AI is impacting on sales and customer service, at the latest SEF meeting, at The Esplanade Hotel in Newquay

TOP ROW, FROM LEFT: SCOTT BENTLEY (PKF FRANCIS CLARK), BRENT TRELOAR (THE FSE GROUP) AND JOHN PETERS (SWIG FINANCE) BOTTOM ROW, FROM LEFT: TONI EYRIEY (TONICK BUSINESS PUBLISHING) AND SAM WELLER (CHARTEROAK ESTATES); PIPPA CLARK (PRICEWATERHOUSE COOPERS) AND ABI LUTEY (COODES)

FUTURE FOCUS Princess Pavilion in Falmouth was the venue for the latest Future Focus event from Unlocking Potential, featuring a key note presentation from DC Thomson chief exec and former Syco Corporation CEO, Ellis Watson

FROM LEFT: SEAN WHITE (WESUP) AND CHARLOTTE LODEY (THE PALM TREE CLUB); DELEGATES AT A PACKED PRINCESS PAVILION; ELLIS WATSON

BUSINESS CORNWALL

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23/10/2018 11:15

THE LAST

WORD

STEVE EDWARDS

Up close and personal with Superfast Business Cornwall digital business enabler, Steve Edwards

WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU WERE YOUNG? First of all it was a football player, then a policeman then it was a fraud investigator! Nowhere near where I am today.

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST FULL TIME JOB? I was a YTS placement, yes really, back in 1990 and was part of a support team to the chief executive and directors of Devon & Cornwall Training & Enterprise Council and 28 years later…

WHAT’S IN YOUR POCKETS? The usual I expect. Car, house keys and random keys that I don’t know what they are for and even some cash (coins only though)!

HOW DO YOU LIKE TO RELAX? Holidays, watching Sky TV - sport (football) mostly and American shows, playing Football Manager Mobile, attempting to play golf and going for walks along the Cornish coast.

IF YOU COULD BUILD A HOUSE ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD WHERE WOULD IT BE? It would have to be Harlyn Bay. It is my lottery (big) win project!

IF YOU COULD INVITE ANY TWO PEOPLE FOR DINNER, WHO WOULD THEY BE AND WHY WOULD YOU INVITE THEM? Brian Clough and Richard Branson.

Brian Clough for his straight talking and he was never lost for a word and Richard Branson because he is so inspiring and I recently finished his book, and I am still not wearing a tie!

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE HOLIDAY DESTINATION? A difficult question, sunny holidays it would have to be any island in the Canary Islands. City wise New York baby.

IF YOU COULD BE GOD FOR A DAY, WHAT MIRACLE WOULD YOU PERFORM?

I would absolutely love to provide the cure to all cancers, like many having had the impact of this within the family it would be great to rid the world of the suffering it causes.

WHAT WAS YOUR BIGGEST MISTAKE IN LIFE? Some say it is supporting Nottingham Forest, but to be honest I don’t think I have made a big mistake, could I have done things better, sure, but I am sure we could all say that!

WHAT WAS YOUR LUCKIEST BREAK? Being asked to interview for the IT help desk vacancy this put me on the path to where I am today as head of ICT & security service and currently being on secondment to Superfast Business Cornwall as a digital business enabler (which I love and work with amazing Cornish businesses).

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE DOING IN FIVE YEARS TIME? Sounds corny but I would absolutely

love to be continuing to help businesses with their technology journeys and helping them to #scaleupwithtech which being integral to any business will give them the time and platform to grow their businesses.

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BUSINESS CORNWALL

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Truro & Penwith College

Business

Consultancy services, professional qualifications, Apprenticeships and bespoke training packages.

Designed in partnership with employers.

14 November 2018 Healey’s Cyder Farm www.cornwallchamber.co.uk 01209 216006

Get in touch to discuss your requirements. t: 01872 242711 e: business@truro-penwith.ac.uk w: truro-penwith.ac.uk/business

FREE

Appren ticeship worksh op & netwo rking lunch

Business service professionals...

Join the Skills Hub to find out

Friday 23rd November 9.00am – 1.00pm St Austell Conference Centre

Why Apprenticeships are good for business Business service and support professionals are well placed to support employers to better understand how apprenticeships work, so we are offering an apprenticeship event specifically aimed at staff from these businesses.

FIND OUT MORE & BOOK YOUR PLACE ciosskillshub.eventbrite.com

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22/10/2018 14:53

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Cornish Mine Images

22/10/2018 14:53