CHAMBER NEWS

CORNWALL CHAMBER CHIEF EXECUTIVE, KIM CONCHIE, REFLECTS ON A RESOUNDINGLY SUCCESSFUL PLANET C MONTH

Project Planet C may be over, but it feels like in many ways the campaign has only just begun; we’ve entered a new chapter and things are really ramping up.

Our events throughout the month of September attracted hundreds of local business people, all learning, sharing and planning for the future.

At the Chamber, we now have a responsibility to ensure that the passion and excitement coming from our local businesses can be channelled. It’s our job to lobby hard so that our MPs and Government are giving Cornwall the airtime and resources it needs to assert itself as a leader in the green and blue economy.

A NEW CHAPTER

Last week, I met with my opposite numbers in South West Chambers, to start hatching a plan for how we can promote the South West Peninsula as the powerhouse for the blue economy.

Collectively, we’re setting our sights on making sure the oceans surrounding us are a differentiating factor in the economic and environmental growth we experience over the 21st century.

I’ve also written to all Cornwall’s MPs, striking while the iron is hot and getting our campaign at the forefront of their minds as they try and impress the new Prime Minister. I’ve also urged them to fight the corner of SMEs, given the mini budget seemed to be far too focused on big business.

If you couldn’t make any Planet C events, you can still sign yourself or your employees up for Carbon Literacy Training. The programme covers climate science, carbon footprints, refining individual behaviours and how to embed environmental solutions into an organisation.

On completion, learners will also understand the urgency of action required and how to best communicate the message to others.

Let’s keep the momentum going, bring sustainability into our everyday, and take the reins on this crucial campaign.

POSITIVITY AND MOMENTUM

PAUL

ATKINSON, GREEN WORKS CONSULTING, PROJECT PARTNER

According to a recent survey by the SME climate Hub, the biggest barrier for businesses to turn climate ambition into climate action is a lack of knowledge and tools.

Planet C month was all about overcoming these barriers in a bid to drive and empower local businesses to take action in the climate crisis.

There was a real sense of community at our social sustainability event at Mount Pleasant Eco Park. We brought together local charities and businesses, showing how SMEs can work with charities to drive real tangible change locally.

The Future of the Built Environment day focused on an important industry: buildings make up around 16% of the UK’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. We discussed the challenge to retrofit the UK’s draughty old housing stock, shared ideas and got excited about projects like Kensa’s Heat the Streets project in Stithians.

Planet C’s headline event was the conference at ESI Exeter University Penryn campus. The main theme for the conference was the big net zero challenge, so our common goal was clear from the outset. Fantastic speakers shared their journeys with such transparency and honesty, talking about their successes, but also the challenges and where there is more work to do. It is this transparency that makes other companies think they can do it too, inspiring others to join in.

One of our attendees, Mel Connell from Melwyn Marketing, posted on LinkedIn: “I came away feeling, for the first time in a while, like maybe we can turn this ship around and also proud of the level of attention given to Cornwall. We just need to get more of the country converted.”

And that’s just it! This positivity and momentum is absolutely key. We only have eight years to bring about the change needed, so the time to act is now. Let’s use this momentum and build on it.

WHY JOIN?

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

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