CORNWALL'S PREMIER BUSINESS RESOURCE FOR ALL THE LATEST NEWS AND OPINION
businesscornwall.co.uk
NOVEMBER 2023 | ISSUE 172 | £3.95
ACE IN THE PACK
IN CONVERSATION WITH KATE WILD, MD OF PR AGENCY WILD CARD
MADE IN CORNWALL
THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR IN FOCUS
CHARITY & CIC CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
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NOVEMBER 2023
FEATURES 10 CEO INTERVIEW WE MEET WILDCARD FOUNDER AND FORMER HIGH SHERIFF OF CORNWALL, KATE WILD
16 BEST PLACES TO WORK GROWTH HUB EXPERTS SHARE THEIR THOUGHTS ON HOW COMPANIES COULD WORK TOWARDS WINNING THE TITLE
18 FINANCE SPECIAL LICENSED INSOLVENCY PRACTITIONER, LUKE VENNER, EXPLAINS HOW BISHOP FLEMING CAN HELP BUSINESSES IN FINANCIAL DISTRESS
20 COMPANY PROFILE ST IVES-BASED ARCHITECT, POYNTON BRADBURY WYNTER COLE
22 CHARITIES SIX WORTHY CAUSES THAT DESERVE YOUR SUPPORT
26 MANUFACTURING
ISSUE 172
INSIDE REGULARS 4 INCOMING WHAT IS BUSINESS SUCCESS?
6 BUSINESS NEWS ORIGIN COFFEE TARGETING GROWTH
34 FOOD & DRINK THE CHEF’S CHEF
35 CHAMBER NEWS KIM CONCHIE COLUMN
36 CREATIVE & DIGITAL CREATIVE WORKSPACE OPENS
38 EDUCATION & TRAINING NEWS
39 TOURISM NEWS BUDOCK VEAN AWARD
40 ON THE MOVE MOVERS & SHAKERS
42 JUST A THOUGHT BULL & WOLF’S JOE TURNBULL
44 EVENTS DIARY WHAT’S ON
45 CONNECTED WHAT’S GONE
48 THE LAST WORD CORNWALL PAYROLL DIRECTOR, JO WILKINS
CIVIC UNIVERSITY AGREEMENT
CORNWALL’S 1,100 MANUFACTURERS ACCOUNT FOR £7.4 BILLION GVA AND EMPLOY OVER 16,000 PEOPLE
PHOTO: TEAGLE MACHINERY SEE PAGE 30 FOR MORE
BUSINESS CORNWALL | 1
NOVEMBER 2023
ISSUE 172 CORNWALL'S PREMIER BUSINESS RESOURCE FOR ALL THE LATEST NEWS AND OPINION
businesscornwall.co.uk
NOVEMBER 2023 | ISSUE 172 | £3.95
ACE IN THE PACK
IN CONVERSATION WITH KATE WILD, MD OF PR AGENCY WILD CARD
MADE IN CORNWALL
THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR IN FOCUS
CHARITY & CIC CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
11
11 9 772514
842001
9 772514
842001
sales
ON THE COVER
WELCOME
BY EDITOR NICK EYRIEY
Made in Cornwall In this month’s issue we focus on Cornwall’s manufacturing industry.
WILDCARD FOUNDER AND FORMER HIGH SHERIFF OF CORNWALL, KATE WILD – SEE PAGE 10
Manufacturing in Cornwall can often be overlooked, but it is a massively vital sector for our local economy.
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Nick Eyriey nick@businesscornwall.co.uk
According to the Cornwall Manufacturers Group, the Duchy’s 1,100 manufacturers account for £7.4 billion GVA and employ over 16,000 people with an entry salary 30% higher than the average wage in the county.
PUBLISHER Toni Eyriey toni@businesscornwall.co.uk
We hear from some of the main players and learn how the sector is addressing the main challenges head on.
ACCOUNT MANAGER Caroline Carter caroline@businesscornwall.co.uk
And as we move towards the end of the year, it’s that time when many businesses consider what charity they would like to support in 2024 as part of their corporate social responsibility efforts. On page 22 we present six worthy contenders for your attention.
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Rachel Koerner rachel@businesscornwall.co.uk DESIGN Ade Taylor design@businesscornwall.co.uk PRINT Printed by Stephens and George 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
In tough economic times, it becomes increasingly difficult for charities, particularly the smaller ones. While demand for their services increases, costs go up, but income can often come down with donations squeezed. It is a subject we touch upon in this month’s CEO Interview. Not only does Kate Wild run a hugely successful communications and PR agency, she also plays a key role in the charitable sector in Cornwall with her work supporting such organisations as Young and Talented Cornwall and the Cornwall Community Foundation.
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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How would you define success in terms of business?
The big question Jointheconversation /businesscornwall @biz_cornwall /businesscornwall/
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THE CONVERSATION www.bestplacestoworkincornwall.com
TIM BROCKLEBANK Hotel Vara
Success has nothing to do with money, but all to do with happiness. If you are happy then you are successful in business. There are tough times when cashflow is tight or an unexpected bill from HMRC lands in your inbox, but in ten years’ time you will look back and generally only remember the good times. None of us can do it all on our own, success comes from personal support from our partners or family and colleague support from those around us at work – celebrate those. RAK’s are also powerful success triggers – Random Acts of Kindness towards someone you don’t know, really work… try it!
is important, and so is having choices. The ability to choose to do one thing over another simply because you wish to, is probably closer to success. Furthermore, success isn’t about money or wealth, it’s more about how you choose to spend your time. I can recall sitting in the dunes above the beach at Gwithian a few years ago. I probably had more debt than assets, but it was late evening and I’d spent the last three hours kiting with a friend in brilliant sunshine. And as we sat there with a cup of tea in one hand and a saffron bun in the other, we just thought we were Kings. I wouldn’t have swapped that evening for anything. Money certainly couldn’t buy it. I had the freedom to make that choice and that was invaluable.
DAN PARKER
TONY SAMPSON
Receiving feedback from customers and employees alike. Having this open atmosphere creates cohesion across the business, making for productive team discussions, well-built rapport with customers and progress.
For me, success in business is being part of a happy and fulfilled team that enjoy their work because that’s what makes me happy. There’s a lot of ingredients necessary for a team to be happy:
FireText
All in all, the real jackpot is customers loving your offering and employees enjoying delivering it. Success will naturally grow from here.
MIKE HUTCHINSON The Peloton
It should never be ‘look at me, look how clever I am’. Success should always be measured internally. I believe it’s somewhere between having choices and having control. One of my often-used maxims is ‘be absolutely clear of the outcome, then take control’. So having control of your destiny
Naked Solar
• Happy customers are an essential part of making our team happy. • An open, honest culture where feedback flows freely breeds trust, cooperation and fulfilment. We’ve established our true values, we don’t have to worry about living them, if you’ve got your values right, that happens naturally. • Having a clear purpose (ours is to improve faith in the solar Industry) to define all our activity against helps keep us on the same page. • Have fun together. You’ll notice there’s nothing in there about profit, that’s just the result of doing
INCOMING
everything right. It’s never going to be our target, for us money is just business fuel that allows us to keep going.
SARA CASTANEDA Rio Nuevo Chocolate
Success for us at Rio Nuevo Chocolate is not simply about chasing higher profits or rapid growth. Our definition of success is rooted in our mission to uplift cacao farmers from poverty and advocate for a fair and respectful cacao industry. Our calling is our compass, and we gauge our accomplishments by how faithfully we’ve followed it. This isn’t a quick race. Nonetheless, we celebrate each small step forward as a triumph. Success, to us, means adhering to our mission with integrity, valuing even the smallest ripples of change.
ALLY GLOVER Happy Business
It all starts with a happy business leader who has a clear vision and plan that creates a strong and flourishing culture where employees are empowered to do a fantastic job. The business needs a clear proposition that is client focused, a strong and purposeful brand, a clearly defined and growing market, a creative marketing strategy, effective technology, rock star delivery that adds value at every stage of the client journey and finally happy staff who genuinely care and are cared for. Of course, the numbers need to stack up and deliver the returns needed to continually invest in innovation, people and skills, the best systems, processes, technology and working environment. All of these elements with a drive to deliver a positive impact on the planet gives a pretty powerful recipe for success.
BUSINESS CORNWALL | 5
CORNWALL
BUSINESS NEWS
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NEWS IN BRIEF The Richards family (JH Richards & Sons) were crowned Best Commercial Farmer of the Year at this year’s Cornwall Farm Business Awards. Other winners on the night included Georgina Roberts, Trye Farm (Best Woman); the Semmens family, Semmens & Sons (Best Mixed Farmer); Spierings family, Cornish Gouda (Best Farm Processor); Selena Richards, CP Richards & Sons (Best Dairy Farmer); Ben & Josh Nicholls, Nicholls & Co (Best Young Farmer); Riviera Produce (Sustainable Farming) and Edward Richardson, Farm Cornwall (Farming Champion). ______________________________________ Falmouth-based marine tech company, Tugdock, is collaborating with leading power producer RWE on a study to investigate innovative floating wind deployment in the Celtic Sea. ______________________________________ Newquay pop-up bookstore, Clemo Books, has been crowdfunding to open a permanent store in the town later this year. Founder, Jaimie Poyner, said: “Clemo Books’ pop-up stage has been such an adventure and I’m excited to bring the idea to life with a permanent bookshop on our high street.“ ______________________________________ Penzance, Helston and St Austell have been targeted by Aldi, as the supermarket chain aims to grow the number of stores across the UK from 1,000 to 1,500. ______________________________________ Accountancy firm Bishop Fleming has underlined its commitment to responsible business practices in its second annual Responsible Business Impact Report. The report underscores the firm’s ongoing commitment to fostering a sustainable future while highlighting key achievements.
ADVERTORIAL
SMALL BUSINESS AMBASSADOR A Cornish retailer has been unveiled as a small business ambassador for the south west. Love of Lemons, a vintage clothing business that started online during lockdown and has since grown to include two high street shops, is among 12 businesses announced as Ambassadors of the Start Up Loans programme, part of the British Business Bank. The annual Start Up Loans Ambassadors programme, now in its eighth year, celebrates exceptional business owners
who have launched an enterprise using funding from the Government-backed scheme. Bex Osman, founder of Love of Lemons in Nansledan, near Newquay in Cornwall, has been selected as she “embodies the can-do mindset it takes to make a start-up successful”. She said: “I won’t pretend that it hasn’t been scary, but I think without that emotional drive it never would have happened. I worked for eight years in fashion retail in Cornwall before branching out on my own during lockdown by launching online, but ever since I was little, I’ve always wanted my own shop. My first Start Up Loan helped me open Love of Lemons and this year I took out a second loan to open Love of Vintage.”
HAVE YOU CHECKED IF YOUR IP RENEWALS ARE UP TO DATE? By Frederick Noble, British and European Patent Attorney at Albright IP. We have had quite a few enquiries recently from people who have just realised they’ve forgotten to renew their trade marks or registered designs. Why is this happening all of a sudden? In many cases the problem seems to be that
6 | BUSINESS CORNWALL
records have not been properly updated after Brexit. Many businesses took advantage of the EU-wide registration system, obtaining EU trade marks and EU registered designs. When the UK left the EU, every single one of these EU rights in force at the end of the
BUSINESS NEWS
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£5M LITHIUM CROWDFUND RAISE Mineral exploration and development company, Cornish Lithium, has closed its latest crowdfunding round on Crowdcube after raising £5.1 million. The crowdfunding is one of the largest undertaken in the UK this year and is the largest on Crowdcube by a B2B business in 2023. The crowdfunding was launched to provide Cornish Lithium’s existing shareholders, as well as new retail shareholders, the opportunity to invest alongside the landmark
Speciality coffee roaster, Origin Coffee, has secured a £1 million investment from the Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Investment Fund (CIOSIF). The investment is part of a £3.1 million funding round with other investors including Create Impact Ventures and Yeo Valley. The funding will be used to enable the growth of the business, which already boasts an innovative Cornish roastery, loyal customer base and a number of coffee shops. A significant focus on digital activity will support expansion of its direct-toconsumer retail rollout as well as further wholesale channels. New jobs will be created across a number of head office functions at its Porthleven base.
transition period (31st December 2020) was “cloned” onto the UK register. So, the geographical extent of the EU right was retained, automatically and for free, by copying the registrations onto the UK register. However, with the UK no longer part of the EU, this was done by creating a legally-separate UK national registration and – you guessed it – when it expires it has to be renewed separately.
renewal can be put right without too much cost or fuss, provided it is caught reasonably quickly. If you are less than six months late, then the registration can just be renewed by paying a modest extra fee. If you are more than six months late but inside twelve months then you will have to pay another fee on top of that and also provide an explanation of why the renewal fee was not paid on time.
£53.6 million investment announced last month by the UK Infrastructure Bank, the Energy and Minerals Group and TechMet. Existing shareholders received priority access to the financing round with Crowdcube, investing £1 million in just 27 minutes. Jeremy Wrathall, founder and CEO of Cornish Lithium, said: “The proceeds of the crowdfunding along with those from our landmark investment package will give us the balance sheet strength to materially progress our projects in order to provide a secure, domestic source of lithium and support the UK’s automotive sector’s shift to EVs, while providing long-term career opportunities for the communities around the project.”
ORIGIN TARGETS GROWTH On raising external investment for the first time in the company’s 18-year history, founder and CEO Tom Sobey said: “This step offers us the flexibility and opportunity to take the company forward. “We take our commitment to sustainability and transparency seriously and the foundation of our business will remain ethical as we grow. “We are delighted to have in CIOSIF a Cornwall-focused investor who knows where we come from and understands our commitment to the region and we’re so excited to grow together with all our new partners, as well as our long-time friends and supporters.”
designs in the past, now would be a good time to check your records and check you have a system in place for renewing the UK rights when the time comes. If you need any assistance managing your portfolio or renewing lapsed rights, please just get in touch and we will provide you with help.
Registered designs last five years between renewals and trade marks last ten, so we may continue to see these “renewals missed because of Brexit” for some time yet.
However, the UKIPO won’t be judging you too much on why you failed to pay on time – the rule is that as long as the failure was unintentional the right will be restored.
Albright IP, Pool Innovation Centre, Redruth, Cornwall TR15 3PL
The good news is that usually a missed
If you have registered EU trade marks or
+44 (0)1209 316161
fnoble@albright-ip.co.uk
BUSINESS CORNWALL | 7
CORNWALL
BUSINESS NEWS
EDEN PROJECT REBRAND
The Eden Project has unveiled new branding which aims to reinforce its position as a leading voice in the environmental movement. The rebranding work – the first in Eden’s history – completely refreshes the project’s visual identity and formalises its “unique,
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positive approach to the discourse around environmental issues”. The new brand architecture has been designed in preparation for the Eden Project’s expansion into new locations, including Morecambe and Dundee. It says it will enable a more streamlined approach to co-branding with partner organisations. Eden worked with leading UK branding practice SomeOne on the rebrand, which involved the refinement and redevelopment of its strategic brand proposition in consultation with staff, partners and other stakeholders. Chief marketing officer, Emma Evans, said: “We need to speak with a louder voice to tackle the challenges facing the planet, and our new identity gives us the platform to do this, helping us to increase our impact amongst existing and new audiences.”
ONE TO WATCH The co-founder of one of Cornwall’s largest technology companies has received national recognition for leadership. Headforwards director Toby Parkins has been named One to Watch in The LDC Top 50 Most Ambitious Business Leaders 2023.
Cockwells Modern & Classic Boatbuilding has created a second tender for Malahne, the 50m classic motor yacht built by Camper & Nicholsons in 1937, in the Art Deco style.
CLASSICAL ELEGANCE
Malahne has a rich history. Not only did she valiantly participate in the evacuation of Dunkirk during World War II but also served as the production headquarters for the Hollywood blockbuster, Lawrence of Arabia, and hosted many film stars aboard at the time.
Maintaining the classic, opulent finish of the first tender for Malahne that Cockwells built to complement the mothership in 2016, this new vessel, “strikes the perfect balance between classical elegance and enhanced engineering to provide outstanding performance for modern leisure”.
A2F PROGRAMME RELAUNCH Local businesses in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly now have access to a proven pathway to securing financial support thanks to the relaunch of the previously successful Access to Finance (A2F) programme.
the barriers to growth experienced by SMEs. Between 2017 and June 2023, the A2F programme supported over 2,800 businesses across the county, helping local businesses raise over £40 million from over 120 different finance providers.
The programme, which was designed and delivered by Oxford Innovation Advice, originated in 2017 to address some of
With funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, and on behalf of the Growth Hub, Access to Finance Plus
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Created by investment partner LDC - part of Lloyds Banking Group, and supported by The Times, The LDC Top 50 champions UK business leaders pushing for growth and building successful medium-sized businesses. Parkins said: “In the last two years, Headforwards has doubled down on our ambitions for growth, so it’s an honour to be recognised nationally for that. Our goal is to seek resilient growth. We want to be a high achieving business so that we can support great jobs for people and contribute to the development of our sector.” will look to build on that, assisting both new and established businesses in making informed financial decisions. Jane Galsworthy, MD of Oxford Innovation Advice, said: “We are delighted to have the opportunity to continue delivering support to businesses in the region utilising UKSPF funding… Access to Finance Plus will not only deliver sustainable results for local businesses, but it will also strengthen the funding ecosystem in the region and underpin economic prosperity.”
We know what it’s like to grow a business in Cornwall.
Let us help you cover all the bases, get to know our in-house team of experts with an initial meeting – it’s free.
www.rrlcornwall.co.uk Chartered Accountants & Chartered Tax Advisers Truro Office | 01872 276116 Penzance Office | 01736 339322 A5 Landscape Ad 2.pdf 1 23/08/2022 12:51
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Cornwall Payroll 01872 306412 www.cornwallpayroll.co.uk BUSINESS CORNWALL | 9
KATE
WILD
Kate Wild We meet Kate Wild, founder and CEO of PR consultancy Wild Card, which has offices in London, Bristol and Truro.
Kate talks about her career to date, championing Cornish businesses on the international stage, her passion for helping Cornwall’s young talent and for also making Cornwall a better place. 10 | BUSINESS CORNWALL
KATE
WILD
BUSINESS CORNWALL | 11
KATE
WILD
You went straight into PR from university? Yes, I went to Exeter University and while I was there doing the milk round, I spent a day at Mars and they give me a very good insight to the whole range of marketing disciplines that they cover and I thought PR sounded interesting. So, when I graduated from Exeter I went to work for Hill and Knowlton in London, which is one of the largest PR agencies in the world. While I was there, I worked on brands like Kellogg’s, St Ivel, the Post Office; great campaigns, great clients and I learned a huge amount.
do something back in Cornwall. And it was actually when I married my second husband, he equally thought Cornwall was something we should be looking at, so I moved back. I moved the back office down here and we’ve grown very strongly on the back of that.
we actually had the clients to work on. And we were always able to work across the office matrix - we could bring teams in from London. And then of course, we opened in Bristol in 2018 as well.
The brands down here like the idea that we have that local understanding but also that national reach. And we bought some very good thinking to brands down here. I’m not saying there aren’t other very good PR operators down here, we just hit a bit of a sweet spot. I think The Nare was our first client and then we started working with clients like Watergate Bay, Rodda’s and Eden.
Was that more of a personal decision than a professional decision?
You instinctively want to give back to Cornwall
I was there for five or six years, which in those days was quite unusual as people usually moved on after two. I went in as a junior account executive and worked through the ranks to account director. I left to work for a slightly smaller agency called Wearne Associates and worked on the RHM Foods brands Bisto, Paxo and McDougalls. I launched Quorn, did John West, Tupperware. So very much the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) side. And then I set up Wild Card as a sole trader in about 1995. Some of our early clients included a specialist food brand called Merchant Gourmet, I did the tea and coffee retailer Whittard, a lighting design consultancy, I won a competitive pitch for Laurent Perrier very early on, which was amazing. To begin with I was working from home, but we incorporated in 2000 and moved into offices in Westbourne Grove in London, and then in 2008 opened a second office here in Truro. Was that out of a desire to be closer to home? I was born here, so I always had this idea that I’d love to
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Very much clients of a certain level.
I’m not saying we’re the cheapest in Cornwall, although we obviously work very hard to keep ourselves competitive. But it was those larger brands that probably had a little bit more budget that could afford the consultancy that we offered. But I think the thing about Cornwall, and I know everyone says it, but it’s just that sense of place, that whole purpose - you instinctively want to give back to Cornwall, you want to do something good. And that’s been a very strong strand of how we’ve developed. We work with charities, we’ve just finished off a great campaign for the Safer Streets, we also work with The Women’s Centre and we work with Young and Talented Cornwall. Was it a bit of a risk of moving down to Cornwall? It was a risk in terms of opening this office. But we were expanding and we kept it small. And in the early days I was in London every week. We just had to factor in that travel cost. But we didn’t employ down here until
Yes, it was for a love of Cornwall. I can’t say if I was sitting in London with no connection to Cornwall, that I would have thought about anything down here. But it’s probably the best decision we ever made. If anyone ever asked where my home was, my first thought would always be Cornwall, although I was actually living in Northamptonshire at the time! But Cornwall has always been my home. You spend a lot of time on projects outside Wild Card. They’re linked, because it’s all about getting your name out there, it’s all part of the broader networking thing and that’s how it started. So, when I was invited to go onto the Cornwall Chamber board, obviously it was a good opportunity for Wild Card. Being on the Lieutenancy Business Committee was a good opportunity for Wild Card. And then three years ago I was also honoured to be asked to be High Sheriff of Cornwall. Obviously that has nothing to do with Wild Card, equally the fact that I’m a Deputy Lieutenant has nothing to do with Wild Card, but it plays into our B Corp status and the purpose of giving something back. The charity side is also important to you, as it was to your mother Lady Mary Holborow. Is that to carry her legacy forward? I can never take on from her, she was amazing, it was her full time role. But it’s definitely the legacy that she’s left. And one of the projects I’m really involved with and
KATE completely passionate about is Young and Talented Cornwall which she set up in 2005 as the Lord Lieutenant’s Fund for Youth. She set up something incredible and I like to think that I’m taking it on. It is all about young people, and giving back and making sure that Cornwall has young talent; it’s so precious to us. And just like my mother, it’s something that I feel very strongly about. And how is the young talent in Cornwall? There’s an extraordinary amount about. I’m really committed to making sure that people are aware of the opportunities there are in Cornwall for a career, you don’t have to move away. But if you do move away, we want you to come back. The talent that we see through Young and Talented Cornwall was traditionally very sports focused, but now we’re also focusing on the arts, on music, on creative writing. And I’ve just got this very exciting project underway, which is being spearheaded by Ian Jones at Goonhilly. It’s all about STEM and making sure that these brilliant mathematical engineering tech minds stay in Cornwall and appreciate the opportunities that are here. Over the years there must be some great success stories of young people you have helped? The Olympic rower Helen Glover was given a very early grant by us and certainly we’re hugely proud of her. Another one is Molly Caudery, who is a pole vaulter from Redruth and finished fifth at the World Athletics Championships recently. Why sport in those early days? With sport there’s such a natural progression, you have county levels, regional levels, national level. There’s a clear pathway, but you need funding, funding to travel to get out of county
for the trials. So, sport was the natural one, the easy one. But there isn’t such a natural pathway for the brilliant creative writers. Is Cornwall a particularly creative place? It’s a brilliantly creative place. I read somewhere that there are more entrepreneurs per square mile in Cornwall than anywhere else in the country. And I firmly believe that. And I think that’s one of the reasons why Wild Card has flourished. There’s this brilliant partnership in Cornwall, a real collaboration of creatives. We work really closely with Cornish Marketing Consultancy, Idenna, Voice, we all work together. All these ex-Wild Carders that are out there. It’s a really lovely creative space, everybody wants to contribute, and everyone wants to help.
WILD
Another of the bodies you’re actively involved with is encouraging businesses to enter what is now the Kings Award for Enterprise.
How has Cornwall changed over the last ten or so years?
Yes, through the Lieutenancy Business Committee, which is brilliant. I Love that. The Lord Lieutenant, Edward Bolitho, asked us to put together a committee of business people. It’s chaired by James Staughton. We’ve also got Catherine Mead, Evelyn Boscawen, Sir Ferrers Vyvyan and Kim Conchie on it. We’re identifying these really exciting businesses in Cornwall. And The King’s Awards for Enterprise is a really prestigious award. This year we had six winners, which I think made us the number two county in the UK outside of London. I think we might have about ten entries next time; whether they’ll all be successful or not is another matter, of course.
It’s been tough. I think probably ever since Brexit, we’ve noticed the impact on our business.
And among those six, a really good mix of businesses
But there is such an opportunity, over the last ten years the dramatic change in technology and the whole digital revolution and the multi-channel approach. We have completely changed the way we work, we’ve invested in a whole new digital stream of specialists. And now what I’m seeing with Cornish Lithium and the new mining revolution – we’re using Cornwall’s past to build a very successful future. So, I think there’s an optimism among the business community in Cornwall but equally there’s a huge amount of realism about the real struggles that are going on with housing and training. There’s still so much to work on.
It’s got real integrity and it’s got purpose
Yes - Flexi Hex, Celtic & Co, Feritech, Ultramed, Clayworks and Ideal Foods. It’s a big thing to do this award, it’s not just ticking a box and doing in an afternoon. We work with companies to help them through the process. It’s an exciting way of meeting all these interesting companies. And, of course, the King’s Awards office wants companies to succeed so if you don’t get through the first time, they will encourage you to try again. Celtic & Co have done brilliantly with their awards, but they’ve never won the sustainable development category and I know that they’re entering that again this year. They’re using the feedback they got from last year to help them be successful next year. It’s a rigorous process and your entry needs to come from the heart of the business.
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KATE
WILD I firmly believe you shouldn’t employ a consultant to do it, it’s got to be done by the business. The chief exec needs to be all over it. What proportion of businesses enter off their own bat compared to the ones you approach? And how do you identify them in the first place? Read about them in Business Cornwall! But just by being out there, networking and meeting people. It’s brilliant when they just go and do it on their own, but I think with a lot of them the fact that we’ve been able to bring them in, brief them, help them and encourage them has paid off. And you’re a B Corp now? Yes. I believe we were the first communications consultancy to be accredited in Cornwall. It is a real passion point of Georgie Upton, brilliant Georgie, who became managing director in 2019. I was right with her, but she really drove us to that accreditation.
The B Corp movement has grown hugely over the last few years. Yes, Matt Hocking was the first here in Cornwall and he does a lot of great work with encouraging companies. And of course, he’s very involved in this B23 initiative that Wildanet are driving. Cornwall has got one of the highest percentages of B Corps outside London, which is fantastic. Again, like The King’s Award. Is it a hard process, with lots of hoops to jump through? It is. You have to change your Articles of Association for one thing, going right back to the
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KATE basics of the business. Our whole business is now measured on our three KPIs – People, Profit, Planet. That is how we measure everything. And I’m absolutely thrilled we’ve done it. We’re just working on our first impact report at the moment. Why has it become so popular? It was the right place at the right time, it sets very high standards. It’s got real integrity and it’s got purpose. It means something, it’s got heart. Again, it’s not just a box ticking exercise, it needs to be in a company’s DNA. And what is great is that now some companies will only work with suppliers who are B Corp accredited. It’s been led from the top, which is very powerful.
for Cornwall now, last year we raised £74k. Fingers crossed we can raise the same sort of level again this year. We sold out last year, which we’ve never done before. So across the years, we should break the million pounds of funds raised for Cornwall, which is incredible. It goes out through the Cornwall Community Foundation and I think what the committee really likes is that we then all work with the Community Foundation as to which charities we want to support.
We’re using Cornwall’s past to build a very successful future
And it also reflects, I guess, on many of your own passions and interests? It articulates what we were always doing. We wouldn’t be where we are without our people. And yes, it’s challenging, people have to work hard, but we are a family. And then, of course, the work that I’ve been doing, that Wild Card does, on the pro bono side and the charitable side, that all plays into it. Becoming a B Corp was a natural progression for us. Later this month you’ve got your Christmas Fair which is looking to break the million pound raised barrier. Again, I don’t mean to talk about my mother all of the time, but it was set up by her originally, probably about 30 years ago. But at that time, it was only making a few thousand every year, and it’s only in the last ten years since we moved it to Eden that it’s really grown. It’s a massive fundraiser
The Community Foundation is like an umbrella organisation representing loads of smaller charities. The charitable sector must be extremely competitive?
Yes, there are hundreds in Cornwall alone and there are lots of brilliant charities. Competitive yes, but everybody wants everyone to succeed. But there’s only so much to go around, especially in times of economic hardship. Exactly. Originally the Christmas Fair supported Macmillan, which, of course, does really important work. But what we felt was that through the Cornwall Community Foundation, we can reach all these smaller charities who might not have the marketing fundraising wherewithal, we can actually get out and support them.
WILD
a food bank and a drop in centre in St Columb. It’s brilliant what they do, but they’re so busy just getting on with their day job, helping get food out to struggling families and running the centres. They don’t have the time to fundraise or get out there to raise their profile. They’re the people that I really want to help. Did the Simon Reeve documentary on the BBC help people realise that it is not always so rosy in Cornwall? That broke new ground, it was incredible, really powerful. The Wild Young Parents and their allotments in Camborne with the young dads were amazing. And then of course Don Gardner at the Camborne Food Bank and then this last one, Monique at the Newquay DISC, it’s fantastic. I know that Don’s Food Bank receives a lot of donations as a result of the programme and I hope that Monique and DISC receive the same. Is it useful for the rest of the world to see Cornwall in a different light? I think it’s really important, it’s part of the Cornish story. I think it’s wrong that we should just see Cornwall as a tourist attraction, or somewhere just with lovely beaches and nice homes and things like that. There’s just so much more to it than that.
It must be so difficult being a tiny charity competing against the larger ones?
I went to this brilliant presentation the other night, it was at the Cornwall Mining Conference and Will Coleman did a presentation about Cornwall’s mining past. And he showed Cornwall right at the heart of what was then the Industrial Revolution. But it was the Bronze Age and then tin and then gold and now lithium.
Exactly. I met this wonderful woman called Pat from Oasis the other day and they run
There are so many more stories about Cornwall that need to be told.
BUSINESS CORNWALL | 15
BEST PLACES
TO WORK
2023 WINNER: THE PELOTON
As the hunt gathers pace for Business Cornwall’s Best Places to Work 2024, Growth Hub experts share their thoughts on how companies could work towards winning the title.
Championing good
growth
Seven companies from Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly were chosen in May this year and now programme organisers are looking for a second cohort to award the accolade. New services at The Growth Hub include business grant funding investment which creates a positive outcome for the local economy and community as well as contributing to at least one “Good Growth Principles”. At the heart of the principles is a desire to encourage businesses to move beyond best practice and prioritise consideration on the wider impacts their business will have on
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society and the environment.
your business to the next level supporting your growth in a “good” way. They include the environment, diversity in the workplace and supporting both younger and older employees.
Kirsty Miles-Musgrave, Growth Hub investment operations manager, believes businesses working towards or following Good Growth Principles could bolster workforces, the environment, and the community around them - and may also help with applications to the Best Places to Work 2024 programme.
“I believe the principles can offer a wealth of opportunities for businesses in the county and Isles of Scilly to make their companies great places to work.”
She says: “Our website sets out the principles which is part of the wider Good Growth Fund Programme investment plan for Cornwall and Isles of Scilly. There is a variety of links and helpful information you can use to take
A recent survey, conducted by Cornwall Council, revealed people living in Cornwall are ‘more concerned about climate change than the rest of the UK’. The survey report ‘Cornwall Council behaviour change
BEST PLACES
TO WORK
2023 WINNER: RRL
and engagement programme – survey of residents’ also showed ‘residents overwhelmingly back climate action’.
sustainable with examples such as installing bee bricks, creating wildflower areas, and using nature friendly lighting.
Cornwall Council officials have been emphasising the need to consider climate change and in 2019, declared a climate emergency. A report was prepared outlining work needed to become carbon neutral. Officials say the challenge to reach carbon neutrality is an ‘ongoing conversation’ with all who live in the county.
“Other considerations could include how employees travel to work, how goods are transported and how waste is treated.” Another Good Growth Principle, and factor in the search for the Best Places to Work 2024 programme is equality and inclusivity.
Bolster workforces, the environment, and the community
As part of the Best Places to Work Programme, employees will be asked to complete a questionnaire on where they work. One question will ask: ‘Does your organisation promote any sustainable or “green” practices?’
Kirsty believes the environment is an important factor to consider when running a businesses. She said: “It may help applicants to look at the ‘Nature Recovery’ Principle. Here it offers businesses ideas on becoming more
The employee survey for the Business Cornwall programme will ask: “Does your organisation employ any formal programmes and/or practices to actively recruit and/or retain an aging workforce?”
Kirsty said: “Another principle is ‘support for the ageing population to remain economically active’. This encourages businesses to explore how they can use the experience of the older members of their workforce. “We also have a Good Growth Principle on the importance of helping those under
30 years old get their first footing into businesses, which is important too. “It is also significant to recognise ways of adjusting your business to facilitate the recruitment of retention of those who disclose a disability or long-term health condition.” Kirsty added that The Equality Act 2010 lists the requirements businesses must follow to avoid discrimination, but more can be done. She said: “Going above and beyond requirements could see businesses stand out from the crowd when applying for the programme.” Business Cornwall’s Best Places to Work 2024, is supported by the Growth Hub and conducted in association with Best Companies Group. The programme is seeking Cornwall’s most progressive employers (15+ employees). Registration deadline: December 15, 2023 www.bestplacestoworkincornwall.com The Growth Hub is funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund as part of the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Good Growth Programme. The aim is to realise the potential of businesses in the region and to make the economy more resilient, more equal and more prosperous.
BUSINESS CORNWALL | 17
FINANCE
SPECIAL
Warningsigns Licensed insolvency practitioner and accountant, Luke Venner, explains how Bishop Fleming can help businesses in financial distress.
How do you go about assessing a client’s needs? What is the process? We have an initial meeting to understand the challenges facing the business and its financial position, with a review of the current balance sheet, profitability, solvency, liquidity and the main pressure points. We also seek to understand the motivations of the key individuals, for example: do the directors have confidence in the business, do the shareholders remain supportive, and do we have an engaged management team? We can then begin to assess and discuss relevant options. What are the signs that a business is in distress? There are many warning signs, and some are: - Ageing debtors - Ageing creditors - An increasing director’s loan account - The loss of a major customer or supplier - Time to pay arrangements with HMRC - Withdrawal of banking arrangements - One-off movements in expenditure - Redundancy costs - Reduction in revenue and profitability - Stock obsolescence
What are the key services you offer? Can you often make the difference between a company being able to move forward or having to close down? Our advisory services are wide-ranging and broadly fit the two ends of the spectrum: solvent exits and distressed restructuring. We advise on various solvent exit strategies where shareholders are looking to extract their capital in a tax-efficient and structured manner, typically on retirement or as part of a business and asset sale process. We also help in corporate reorganisations, often to derisk. A solvent liquidation process is generally the mechanism for achieving this. At the other end of the spectrum, depending on the circumstances, we advise and help those distressed businesses facing challenges. Still, we always begin by talking with the key individuals, considering the challenges and reviewing the numbers and pertinent information. From there, we can assist in more specific ways: - Specific advice to the directors
When should a business approach someone like yourself? Early and open conversations are best when challenges become apparent to ensure a broader range of options, mainly when rescuing a business. Being proactive and having the confidence to have those challenging conversations is key. For instance, if we can identify three months ahead of a likely cashflow problem, we can help the business to act. For example, shortterm facilities and time-to-payment arrangements can be explored with suppliers and HMRC. 18 | BUSINESS CORNWALL
But if it becomes apparent a week before month end that wages cannot be paid or HMRC has issued a winding-up petition, options are inevitably limited.
- Business reviews - Preparation of cashflow forecasts. - Debt restructuring and debt-raising. - Selling or exiting an underperforming business - Advice on corporate insolvency procedures - Negotiation with key creditors and stakeholders - Dispute resolution and debt recovery We are passionate about helping businesses recover and creative at implementing strategies to achieve this, but early engagement is always key.
0333 321 9000 | www.bishopfleming.co.uk
It’s what we bring together that sets us apart From owner-managed businesses, SMEs and large businesses, to public sector organisations, charities and schools; and entrepreneurs to private individuals - we have the capability and capacity to meet your needs. We combine our specialist audit, tax, accountancy and advisory expertise with local knowledge, deep industry insights, and an international reach through our membership of Kreston Global. To find out how we can help you or your business, visit bishopfleming.co.uk or call 0333 321 9000.
Bath | Bristol | Cheltenham | Exeter Plymouth | Torquay | Truro | Worcester
COMPANY
PROFILE
JUBILEE POOL
Architect firm Poynton Bradbury Wynter Cole is celebrating half a century of creating iconic designs, landmark buildings, and innovative spaces across Cornwall and beyond.
PBWC MARK THEIR 50TH ANNIVERSARY AT UNA ST IVES
50years of
iconic design
is central to our business, it’s where we were founded and it’s in our DNA. The importance of many of our projects to local communities is what has led to the practice being sustained by so many repeat commissions and referrals over the last 50 years.”
SIMON BURGESS AND CHRIS TURNER
From university campuses and hospitals to historic landmarks and RNLI buildings, PBWC is the creative designer behind many of the buildings people use and see across Cornwall. The practice and its work have become woven into the local places that surround it. PBWC director, Chris Turner, says: “Cornwall
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Founded in 1973, the architect practice began to gain a reputation for community architecture when they worked on the Ludgvan Community Centre in Penzance.
News of PBWC’s work, combined with a steady stream of design awards, attracted talented young architects to the firm. By 1997 PBWC had grown to become the largest architectural practice in Cornwall. By 2008 the practice had grown to 25 employees. Having outgrown its offices in the centre of St Ives, it purchased a former petrol station on the main road into the town where it developed its own purpose built 335sqm studio. Now one of the largest practices in the south west, PBWC currently employs 29 staff.
A reputation for community architecture
Despite a deep economic recession, the project was a success, and it caught the attention of HRH The Prince of Wales (now King Charles III). Chris explains: “PBWC were subsequently commissioned to design and enable a number of community architecture projects on The Prince’s Somerset estates.”
PBWC’s director Simon Burgess reflects on the firm’s achievements: “We’ve won some amazing projects over the years, becoming
COMPANY
LIZARD LIFEBOATHOUSE
a key architect for the RNLI and writing their Shoreworks document (a guide to the design of lifeboat stations).” He continues: “We have delivered numerous significant projects including the Lifeboat College Building for the RNLI, Cornwall Council’s new offices in Bodmin, and Pendennis Shipyard. We also designed campuses for Truro College, Cornwall College, Callywith College and Penwith College.”
LIZARD LIFEBOATHOUSE
seaborne operations, including piling and slipway construction. PBWC also designed the concept for Cornwall’s new Woman and Childrens Hospital, which received £292 million of Government funding and will be completed by 2028.
The largest architectural practice in Cornwall
The company’s successes have also come with plenty of hurdles, which are often of a technical nature. The Lizard Peninsula in Cornwall has one of the most remote and treacherous coastlines in the UK, making the Lizard lifeboat station one of the most important in the country. Built to house the Tamar class all-weather lifeboat, the new station design had to safeguard the environment and re-use as much existing structure as possible. Simon recalls: “Replacing the original Lizard Lifeboat Station, which is at the foot of a 45-metre cliff at Kilcobben Cove, was one of the most ambitious building projects ever undertaken by the RNLI.” The complex construction was undertaken by construction and civil engineering company BAM Nuttall. It used a tower crane from the cliffs and a jack-up barge for
PROFILE
The firm’s heritage team has worked on a large number of conservation projects over the years, including the King Edward Mine in Camborne, St John’s Hall, and the Jubilee Pool (both in Penzance), the Wheal Martyn Clay Works Museum in St Austell, and other regional landmarks.
One of PBWC’s most memorable projects is the Chy Trevail offices for Cornwall Council in Bodmin. The sustainable and highly efficient building accommodates over 600 staff. Chris enthuses: “As part of the project, we had to design a large ‘Bat Hibernaculum’ for a colony of Lesser Horseshoe bats, built from salvaged demolition materials. Years later we were able to demonstrate that, as a result of the project, the colony of rare bats had actually grown!” In addition to carefully considering the wellbeing (and legal protection) of bats, PBWC makes a concerted effort to work closely with clients to ensure projects have a positive social impact and are as sustainable as they possibly can be.
Along with the challenges of extreme coastal locations, climate change and sustainability, PBWC has managed the seismic impact of CAD, 3D modelling and BIM on architecture. At Cornwall’s inaugural heritage expo in September, members of the public were able to use a virtual reality headset to walk through the firm’s latest plans for the Basset Community Hub in Camborne, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Looking further into the future, Chris sees their biggest challenges being climate change related. He explains: “Buildings and the construction sector account for almost 40 per cent of all global energy and processrelated carbon emissions. We will need to continue to advocate for sustainable design practices to reduce carbon and promote the recovery of nature.” PBWC is going through the B Corp accreditation process, but says it’s the communities in which it builds that will be the judge of its future success.
pbwc.co.uk | 01736 792000
BUSINESS CORNWALL | 21
CIC
CHARITY
bettertogether
Business Cornwall is proud to introduce six worthy organisations who deserve support from the business community.
iSIGHTCORNWALL SEE THE DIFFERENCE. BE THE DIFFERENCE. iSightCornwall has been at the heart of the Cornish community since 1856, when it was founded to support miners who lost their sight due to the harsh working conditions. And we’re still Cornwall’s only sight loss charity but a 30% increase in demand for our services since the covid pandemic means that we need your support more than ever. Whether you host an event, sponsor our clubs or raise money through sales and raffles, you could join the growing number of businesses that are helping to ensure our legacy lives on. “No-one else is doing what iSightCornwall does in Cornwall and a relatively small amount of money can make a huge difference which could transform someone’s life. We’re proud to have raised vital funds for such a worthwhile charity.” Libby Raison, Raison Opticians.
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www.isightcornwall.org.uk 01872 261110
CIC
CORNWALL CRICKET GROWING HEALTHY CRICKET COMMUNITIES
CHARITY
Now more than ever people are having to make tough choices on how they spend their money. The cost of living crisis has meant that many people are having to make sacrifices and may not be able to afford to take part in activities such as Cricket. At Cornwall Cricket Board we firmly believe that everyone should be able to access cricket and physical activity, to enjoy the sport and be part of the community. Supporting us can help reduce costs to players and help more people to be able to enjoy the sport. cornwallcricket.co.uk
FIRST LIGHT BUILDING SAFER LIVES FREE FROM DOMESTIC ABUSE First Light supports individuals of any age, gender or sexuality who have been affected by domestic abuse or sexual violence. We provide a range of services, and last year alone we supported over 14,000 people towards a safer life free from abuse. Pictured here are some of our specialist Domestic Abuse Volunteer Mentors in Cornwall. It’s only with your generosity that our mentors are there to provide listening and mentoring support to individuals and families who need our help. Through your support, your business can help us to grow this amazing programme. First Light was one of five Cornish Charities nominated for the Kings Award for Voluntary Service. To find out more visit www.firstlight.org.uk or email hello@firstlight.org.uk
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CIC
CHARITY
CORNWALL HOSPICE CARE CARING FOR OUR COMMUNITY “I support Cornwall Hospice Care because I so appreciated everything they did for dad in a professional and yet warm and friendly way. I couldn’t fault any one of the whole team it takes to run St Julia’s Hospice and will always be grateful for what they did for us all.” The words of Amanda Ray whose father Roy died peacefully at St Julia’s Hospice in Hayle in May 2021. She subsequently wrote: “How lucky we are to have such an amazing facility on our doorstep where the staff are wonderful, the rooms beautiful and private and the atmosphere just so peaceful.” Cornwall Hospice Care runs Cornwall’s two adult hospices, the second one being Mount Edgcumbe in St Austell that was opened in 1980 and was the county’s
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first hospice. For 43 years we’ve been here 24/7 providing end of life support for patients, their families, carers and friends, but we can’t do it without you and businesses like yours! We have to raise a staggering £6.5 million a year and just 17% of our care costs are met by a contribution from the NHS. It means we really need you to help ensure we make every day matter for those people whose lives we touch; people like Simon who visits regularly to receive Lymphoedema treatment. “Coming here (Mount Edgcumbe Hospice) was the best thing I ever did. I feel so much better and my condition is now managed thanks to regular visits to see Helen, the Lymphoedema Specialist Nurse.”
fundraising@cornwallhospice.co.uk 01726 66868 (option 3)
All our care is provided free of charge thanks to people like you, please consider us as your Charity of the Year and make a difference.
CIC
ST PETROCS ENDING HOMELESSNESS FOR GOOD
CHARITY
At St Petrocs, we believe no one should be homeless in our society. We provide advice and support to those who are facing losing their home or experiencing homelessness and provide accommodation around Cornwall with support tailored to each resident. The St Petrocs Business Club provides businesses the opportunity to support our work by contributing financially whilst receiving exclusive opportunities to see their support in action, attend special events and access exclusive volunteering opportunities. Throughout 2023, our business club members have provided financial support to people back into work ensuring a sustainable route out of homelessness. Each business club member has a different relationship with St Petrocs. We develop meaningful connections with each team to find the best way for businesses to support our work. Businesses can spend a day volunteering, fundraise by taking part in a challenge event or attend a members only networking event. Join our business club and be part of someone’s journey ending homelessness for good. The St Petrocs Business Club is for organisations who wish to regularly donate and see the benefits of changing lives. Become a member and help end homelessness in Cornwall. stpetrocs.org.uk/businessclub | 01872 260948
CLEAR | EMOTIONAL TRAUMA AND THERAPY SPECIALISTS
CLEAR provides therapy and counselling for children and adults across Cornwall harmed by abuse, violence and other emotional trauma. We deliver training for the counselling professions, community organisations and businesses. Our CLEAR for Business service offers a range of support for workforce wellbeing and employee engagement. Businesses can help CLEAR through buying into our training and employee assist services and by holding fundraising events. You can also visit or donate items to our brand-new high street venue at 8 Cathedral Lane that offers a community workshop space alongside a retail offer of preloved clothes and handmade, locally donated crafts.
https://clearsupport.net 01872 261147 admin@clearsupport.net
BUSINESS CORNWALL | 25
MANUFACTURING
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CORNWALL
CORNWALL
MANUFACTURING
Manufacturing
matters
Did you know that the UK’s manufacturing sector supports 2.6 million jobs, contributes a GVA of £224 billion and accounts for 49% of all UK exports with six of the top ten export markets for UK goods remaining in the EU?
BUSINESS CORNWALL | 27
MANUFACTURING
CORNWALL
Manufacturing is a key part of the UK’s economic growth, driving investment, innovation and productivity, playing a vital role in upskilling and future-proofing the UK’s workforce. 249,000 people are employed in manufacturing across the south west and with higher than average regional and national salary averages, the sector is a highly attractive career option. Cornwall’s 1,100 manufacturers account for £7.4 billion GVA and employ over 16,000 people with an entry salary 30% higher than the average wage in the county. With a diverse manufacturing scene covering everything from aerospace to power generation to food and drink and textiles, pharmaceutical to construction to the automotive industry, there is not a sector of industry across the world that Cornwall’s manufacturers don’t play a part in. Skills shortage is a key concern for the industry and Cornwall’s Manufacturing Group (CMG) is tackling it head on with the award-winning CMG Academy. The UK’s first manufacturing academy, co-funded by the LEP and CMG, launched last year in collaboration with the Cornwall College Group and is now entering its second year of supporting youth into manufacturing and engineering.
Dedicated to addressing the current skill shortages in manufacturing, it helps pupils from local schools to develop their skills in
manufacturing and engineering, resulting in a Level 2 Diploma in Manufacturing & Engineering. It also gives pupils access to Cornwall’s manufacturing companies in the form of tours and work experience, ensuring that all students leave equipped with the correct skillset to either continue their studies or gain an apprenticeship. Jon Hurrell, CEO of the CMG, says: “Parents are starting to see manufacturing as a skilled, high-tech and well-paid sector. Five years ago, just 14% of parents would encourage their daughters into manufacturing careers, compared to 24% with sons. Today, now 36% would encourage their daughters and 44% would encourage their sons and we feel that the CMG Academy and Cornwall College are playing a key role in changing these perspectives.” The CMG has also been responsible for the Developing Skills for Business programme, funded through the European Social Fund, it works with employers to design, develop and improve the relevance of skills training for manufacturing SMEs across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. From factory floor to the classroom to the boardroom, CMG has been working with manufacturing companies across the county to enhance skills training for the industry. Eric Nicholls, chair of the CMG and MD at Helston-based stairway manufacturer,
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CORNWALL
Spiral UK, explains: “We see it as our role to develop manufacturing skills enhancement opportunities for every generation of
manufacturer – across those who have been part of the scene for years and for those new to the sector.”
MANUFACTURING
With 56% of people nationally thinking their local area would be worse off without manufacturing jobs, it highlights the growing understanding of the value and impact of the sector across public perception. Eric adds: “Manufacturing has gone through a public face lift in recent years. People are starting to fully understand what it contributes to not only the economy today but also to tomorrow’s skilled workforce and we’re proud to play our part. The south west has a manufacturing output of £15.8 billion. This sum is huge - putting this into context, the region has beaten the countries of Scotland and Wales.” The recent campaign issued by the Cornwall Trade and Investment team, highlighting Cornwall’s rich heritage, location and geology as unique assets in the pursuit of net zero, also highlights the role of key manufacturers in the county. It is these manufacturers that are showcasing Cornwall as a green energy powerhouse, helping to play a role in the UK’s green energy transition. The CMG is also working with Cornwall Council towards net zero. These campaigns, the investment and focus on what UK manufacturing can deliver across multiple industries have all played a
HEALTH & SAFETY – ARE YOU MANAGING YOUR CONTRACTORS? STEPHEN PANTON, PARTNER AT STEPHENS SCOWN LLP SPECIALISING IN REGULATORY COMPLIANCE AND ENFORCEMENT, SHARES SOME PRACTICAL TIPS ON EMPLOYERS’ MANAGING CONTRACTOR RISKS. A significant number of work-related accidents each year involve contractors. They can be, and often are, your organisation’s Achilles’ Heel when it comes to health and safety! The consequences of failing to manage contractors are significant and include prosecution, business interruption and reputational damage. Many employers fail to appreciate they have responsibilities under health and safety law for their contractors, and must take reasonably practicable steps to ensure contractors are not exposed to risks to their health and safety.
You need to make sure contractors are competent, that you provide sufficient information for them to plan a safe system of work (including risks arising from your work activities and premises) and that they can carry out their work without risks to their health and safety. Importantly, once work has started, you must check the contractor’s work to ensure they are working safely. A lack of information sharing, proper planning and/or a failure to monitor contractors are some of the reasons why things go wrong, for example… Company A works on an industrial estate from a small warehouse with a leaking
roof. Several sections of clear, corrugated sheeting needed to be replaced. Company A’s usual contractors were too busy so put them in touch with someone else. They, two brothers, contacted Company A to say they’d be repairing the roof and gave a date when the work would be done. There was no further contact. On that date, the two brothers turned up with a ladder and tools and started work. Shortly after, one of them fell through the roof and suffered fatal injuries. He did not know, and had not been told, that the roof was fragile. Company A was prosecuted for failing to manage its contractors and fined.
For more information on health and safety compliance or governance, contact Steve at email: s.panton@stephens-scown.co.uk, call 01872 265100 or visit www.stephens-scown.co.uk
BUSINESS CORNWALL | 29
MANUFACTURING
CORNWALL
part in the UK climbing the global ladder of manufacturing output from ninth to eighth in the last year, overtaking France. However, public research has also shown that people think Britain is the 43rd manufacturing nation, so there is still a lot of work to do for audiences to understand the true depth of manufacturing influence on a global scale. Eric says: “We are truly proud to bang the drum for manufacturing, to sing it’s praises and rightly so. Locally, regionally and
nationally we are achieving incredible things and that’s why we at Spiral, and many other local firms, recently celebrated National Manufacturing Day - despite the industry’s economic hurdles.” Manufacturers are now liable for relatively more business rates payment than any other sector. The sector experienced a business rateable value change nearly four times greater (27.1%) than the national average and 44% of manufacturers say the current
tax and regulatory regime is unfavourable for business. Nicholls continues: “We need to introduce a business rate regime that enables productivity, the current system does not promote growth and with 30% of manufacturers saying they haven’t yet seen any tangible benefits from the Government’s levelling up agenda, there is clearly a lot of work that still needs to be done to support our sector.” Frequent changes to policies on investment,
TEAGLE MACHINERY: APPRENTICE SOLUTION TO LOCAL SKILLS SHORTAGE In response to an ongoing engineering skills shortage in Cornwall, in 2021 Teagle set itself a target of having 10% of production staff either in or graduated through a rigorous apprentice scheme by 2024. This has already been achieved in its 2023 intake with a total of 14 active apprentices, with five due to graduate in 2024. What do we offer? Working with Truro and Penwith College, Teagle offers Level 2 to Level 4 apprenticeships in Metal Fabrication
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and Welding, Machining, Mechatronics and an Engineering Manufacturing Technician. An Industrial Electrician apprenticeship has recently been added through Cornwall College. It looks to expand this further in future. Apprentices spend one day a week in college, with weekly visits to their workplace by a college representative. Day-to-day they receive support from co-workers and supervisors, with coordination by apprentice mentor, Mark James, who oversees rotation of apprentices
CORNWALL
R&D and development have significantly hindered businesses’ investment plans with many in the industry saying the Government needs to invest in physical and digital infrastructure to enable local and national growth.
MANUFACTURING
LABELS THAT DON’T COST THE EARTH
Nicholls concludes: “Manufacturing is critically important to everyone. Those in the industry have known this forever and colleagues across the spectrum of manufacturing influence at ground level and government level are doing all they can to secure ongoing growth for the industry.
As the UK’s first B Corp certified label manufacturer, KCS Print in Launceston, is used to working with brands to find the right material to match their product. For more than 30 years these skills have been used by multinationals but now their ‘roll label’ division – Root Sustainable Labels, is bringing this industry knowhow to sustainably conscious brands in Cornwall and Devon.
“It’s heartening to see public perception changing. Manufacturing plays a crucial role in the world’s infrastructure and it is our industry’s innovative minds in Cornwall, regionally and nationally, that will secure solutions for future generations to come.”
Root Labels offers fast turn around labels on recycled, compostable and fully FSC certified materials for food, drink and lifestyle brands. Every part of the construction, including adhesives and liner, is considered along with embellishments to make products shine on the shelves. There is a free sample pack including material swatches and finishes on offer and years of expertise on hand to ensure your labels enhance your brand story as well as your packaging. Their consultative approach and in house artwork team will ensure your vision is brought to life without costing the earth. www.rootlabels.co.uk sales@rootlabels.co.uk 01566 771966
through various departments to ensure they receive a wide range of experience.
community, such as the recent day out at local charity, the Kehelland Trust.
Teagle also runs apprentice projects throughout the year when the team all work towards a set task outside of their daily role, as well as team building events in the local
What are the benefits to Teagle and our Apprentices? Teagle has already seen that its apprenticeship scheme offers future proofing the business, with a young, enthusiastic team attaining a wide range of skills. Apprenticeships are typically 2-4 years duration and successful graduates have shown discipline and stamina to complete the course and progress seamlessly to work full time.
How to get involved Working with both Truro and Cornwall colleges, Teagle offers high quality courses to both benefit apprentices and support its business. Recruitment for September 2024 intake starts in February next year. Keep an eye out on the Teagle Careers page and on its social channels.
Teagle Machinery Ltd sales@teagle.co.uk | 01872 560592
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MANUFACTURING
CORNWALL
ENORMOUS POTENTIAL CORNWALL MANUFACTURERS GROUP IS BRIDGING THE SKILLS GAP, SAYS CEO JON HURRELL. The manufacturing sector in Cornwall continues to thrive, driven by demand from both domestic and international customers. However, some companies supplying the industrial sector have started to see some signs of reduction in orders due to customers who have overstocked products. Companies still enjoying growth, face challenges in recruiting skilled staff and dealing with supply chain fluctuations. Recruitment, especially for skilled roles remains tough, often requiring companies to invest in training from the ground up. In response to this, we created the CMG’s award-winning Academy. The Academy has developed talent from both Camborne and
St Austell campuses of The Cornwall College Group and is now in its second year. Global instability has impacted supply chains, particularly in electronics and metals, putting pressure on manufacturing firms’ costs. Despite this, wage levels have increased by an impressive 5-6% on average over the past year as companies compete for top talent. Despite challenges most companies are now focusing on addressing skills and environmental challenges. CMG companies for example, are actively collaborating to work towards achieving Net Zero, investing substantially in equipment and technology to reach this goal.
Furthermore, the UK’s recent achievement of surpassing France to become the eighth largest manufacturing country in the world is a testament to the continued success of the manufacturing sector in Cornwall. This highlights the enormous potential that beginning a career in this sector can unlock for Cornwall’s future.
https://cioslep.com
WES DRIVING FORWARD WES Engineering Solutions is on a growth journey. Having been acquired by the Pentwin Group, WES has unfettered access to funds for developing the business in new and existing markets with investments in the latest technology, skills and training to elevate the manufacturing capabilities and product development opportunities to new heights. The recent purchase of a Matsuura H-PLus 300 milling machine is an example of the ambitious growth plans. Group MD, James Gazzard, explains: “We’ve grown our client base by 20%, developed new products and expanded our order book by 50%. We are forecasting growth across the group wesltd.com
| 01209 202800
32 | BUSINESS CORNWALL
for the next couple of years and this latest investment is in direct response to customer demand.” James has recently been promoted to head up the company having joined as a graduate some 18 years ago and works closely with operations director Daniel Hutchings who himself joined as an apprentice in 2001. “We’re focussed on driving the company forward with increased machining capabilities, lower costs, higher productivity and quicker turnaround times for customers,” he says. Reflecting on his first year as MD, Gazzard adds: “We have a great company culture
| sales@wesltd.com
here and the team are really dedicated and supportive so we asked them how we should develop our markets, what areas we should invest in, where do we need to focus on skills development, how we can make this the best engineering environment in Cornwall and the feedback has given us a vision for the next 3-5 years. It’s a really exciting time for the business.” Meanwhile, sister company BCC (British Classic Car Parts), which specialises in brakes and suspension for classic cars, is going from strength to strength with new product ranges in Land Rover and classic Porsche markets being launched towards the end of the year.
THE ENGINEERING & MANUFACTURING SECTOR IN CORNWALL & THE ISLES OF SCILLY
The engineering and manufacturing sectors make up
11%
of the Cornish economy
The median average salary
In Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly
is £31,196
MINING IS A SUB SECTOR THAT COULD GROW CONSIDERABLY IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS,
with salaries for different occupations within the sector showing significant variation.
WITHIN CORNWALL DEMAND IS HIGHEST FOR SCIENCE, ENGINEERING AND PRODUCTION TECHNICIANS AND PRODUCTION MANAGERS.
driven by a demand for new minerals.
THE FOUR MAIN CATEGORIES OF ENGINEERING ARE:
CHEMICAL
CIVIL
ELECTRICAL
MECHANICAL
Aerospace and software engineering are also part of the wider sector.
Scan the QR code or visit www.careershubcios.co.uk/lmi-guides to find out more
FOOD
& DRINK
WASTE NOT, WANT NOT St Austell Brewery is trailblazing a partnership with a food waste app giving away surplus food from its south west pubs. The company has launched the scheme with Olio, a local sharing app which helps businesses to reduce food waste by redistributing whatever’s left at the end of each day to nearby residents, made possible by Olio’s nationwide network of volunteers. Any food or ingredients which can’t be used by St Austell’s managed pub estate will be collected by Olio volunteers at the end of each day. Those volunteers then upload pictures of that food to the Olio app for people living nearby to request and collect - often in as little as 30 minutes. That way, good-to-eat food from businesses can feed local people rather than going to waste.
HRH The Princess Royal was in Cornwall officially opened St Ewe Free Range Eggs’ new grading and packing centre. The purpose-built packing centre has allowed the company to expand its processing facilities and upgrade its production infrastructure, as well as providing significant future growth potential.
“If it wasn’t for their dedication to farming and the hard work of our whole team, St Ewe Free Range Eggs wouldn’t be where they are today.” The Princess Royal was invited to unveil a plaque to commemorate the opening of the new facility and was presented with a Cornish hamper by the seven-year-old daughter of the CEO, Lucia Tonks.
SOLAR ICE CREAM
asset finance provider, Ignition. The 211.68kw system includes 500 solar panels which are situated in fields on Roskilly’s working dairy farm in St Keverne. The system will help to power the milking parlour, ice-cream production, restaurant, shop and offices, reducing the company’s energy bills in the long-term and saving around 60 tonnes of CO2 every year. It is anticipated that the new system will provide at least 25% of Roskilly’s energy each year. Taking into account the company’s existing 100kw solar system, this will mean that around 37% of its annual energy will be provided by solar power.
Popular Cornish organic ice-cream brand, Roskilly’s, has invested more than £200k in a new solar power system, with help from
THE CHEFS’ CHEF Paul Ainsworth was named the AA Chefs’ Chef at an awards ceremony in London. Ainsworth, chef patron at No.6 in Padstow, took the prestigious accolade at the AA Hospitality Awards held at 34 | BUSINESS CORNWALL
supports other family farms around the UK.
Bex Tonks, CEO of St Ewe Free Range Eggs, said: “We are honoured to have had HRH The Princess Royal officially open our packing centre, and hope that it will demonstrate how our British family business
Elle Sambrook, St Austell Brewery’s head of sustainability, said: “This groundbreaking partnership will allow our business to reduce its food waste while supporting local communities, so it’s mutually beneficial. As a business, we have set ourselves big goals including eliminating edible waste and reaching net zero by 2040.” The partnership will be rolled out in stages across the brewery’s 43 managed houses, with the first 20 pubs already involved in the scheme. Once fully rolled out, it’s expected that almost 15,000 portions of food will be donated in a year.
A ROYAL OPENING
Director, Toby Roskilly, said: “After 60 years as an organic dairy farm and more than 30 as an organic ice-cream manufacturer, environmental sustainability has always been at the heart of the Roskilly’s family business.”
Grosvenor House, hosted by TV presenter Claudia Winkleman. “Popular among his peers, he’s modest, humble and passionate about hospitality, so it’s no surprise he’s been voted as this year’s Chefs’ Chef,” said the AA. Ainsworth was not the only Cornish success story. St Mawes hotel, The Idle Rocks, and Culture, in Falmouth, both received Three AA Rosettes for the first time. And Truro and Penwith College’s Senara Restaurant was an AA College Restaurant of the Year finalist.
CHAMBER
SPONSORED BY
cornwallchamber.co.uk
WE’RE STRONGER TOGETHER chambers to nominate members for its annual awards. This year, Cornwall Chamber submitted nominations for every category, and I’m delighted to say that Seasalt, FlexiHex, Don’t Cry Wolf, and St Austell Brewery, are all regional winners. Seasalt won the Problem Solver category for its ingenious approach to the difficulties the pandemic presented to trading. With all shops closed, it invested in new software that meant each store could pick, pack and dispatch to customers direct, broadening the pool of potential buyers.
NEWS
CORNWALL CHAMBER BUSINESS PARTNERS 2023/24 Action Coach
Idenna
Alverton
Kernow Coatings LTD
Bishop Fleming
Local IQ
Bott
Maen Karne
Bull and Wolf
Neo People Management
Business Cornwall Cornwall Channel Cornish Lithium
Peaky Digital PFA Phoneta
Cornish Pirates
Pirate FM
Cornwall Rugby League
Plymouth University
Exeter University
CORNWALL CHAMBER CEO, KIM CONCHIE, CHAMPIONS THE POWER OF COLLABORATION
Don’t Cry Wolf won the Planet Saver category. DCW is a Brand Activism agency that works with organisations who believe they have a role to play in taking a stand and creating positive change. The company has created an incredible Impact Report for 2022/23 that demonstrates the lengths to which it is going to ensure sustainability governs every move the business makes.
I always talk about how good Cornwall is at collaborating and how we often take for granted just how much businesses support each other. This month, I can offer a shining example: a total of 40 different organisations have signed up to support the Chamber as Business Partners for the next year.
St Austell Brewery won the Equality Trailblazer category for the work it is doing to ensure its locations and workplaces are accessible to everyone, and that everyone feels they belong. I was lucky enough to join their Inclusivity breakfast at Royal Cornwall Show, run in collaboration with Cornwall Pride.
Go Cornwall Bus
Wild Card
Greenworks
Wildanet
GWR
Winners Recruitment
This is so much more than an organisation simply putting its name to something; our Business Partners are proactive, passionate, and in many ways an extension of the Chamber team.
Flexi-Hex won the Game Changer category for its – quite literally game changing packaging that has revolutionised the way goods are packed ready for transit. One pallet of Flexi-hex (a patented, honeycomb design made from 85% recycled paper pulp) is equivalent to five pallets of bubble wrap, and all packaging is kerb side recyclable.
I wanted to mention this, not only because all our Business Partners will read this issue at some point and it’s another chance to sing their praises, but also because I think it’s a healthy reminder that organisations do better when they work together. Working together doesn’t have to be in the form of a huge collaborative project – it could be as simple as sharing information to your network on behalf of another organisation, or having some extra help with an event. I’ll continue the good news this month by talking about the Cornish companies shortlisted for a British Chambers of Commerce award. Every year, the British Chambers of Commerce asks its regional affiliated
Not only did Flexi-Hex win the regional category – they went on to become overall National winner for Game Changer! Well done to all these fantastic businesses flying the flag for Cornwall – very well deserved. Two must-attend events this month: Future of the Built Environment, Wednesday November 22 at The Barn at Pengelly, and our BIG November breakfast at Penventon Hotel, Redruth on Wednesday November 29. It’s nice to start on a high and end on a high! Let’s leave the economy and the state of the world until next month…
Email: hello@cornwallchamber.co.uk Call: 01209 216006 Online: www.cornwallchamber.co.uk
Falmouth University Focus Technology Foot Anstey
Heathrow iCareiMove
St Austell Brewery St Austell Print Truro & Penwith College
Ginsters (Samworth Brothers)
Healeys
Rewind Radio
Watson Marlow
Worldwide Financial Planning (WWFP)
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. BUSINESS CORNWALL | 35
CREATIVE
AND DIGITAL
SPONSORED BY A high-tech Cornish company that is using space technology to protect cash and high value assets for customers around the world has received a £600k investment to support further growth.
NATIONAL ROLE FOR WILDANET CEO Helen Wylde, the chief executive of Cornwallbased broadband provider Wildanet, has been appointed to a high-powered national business body launched by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) to work in partnership with Government and politicians of all parties to drive the future of the economy. The inaugural meeting of the new Business Council brought together some of the most prominent British businesses, alongside Cabinet Minister, the Rt Hon Michael Gove and Shadow Chancellor, the Rt Hon Rachel Reeves. The Business Council will focus on five key challenges and will develop policy proposals with the ambition of transforming the future of the UK economy. Its initial recommendations will feed into a business manifesto in the New Year that will aim to influence political party manifestos ahead of the General Election. The Council will then work to develop follow-up papers - to help the next Government set a business-backed agenda from day one and establish a longterm strategy for growth.
Saltash-based Secure Innovation employs more than 100 people at its Cornwall factory including a team of 30 highly-skilled research and design engineers developing cutting-edge cash protection products and remote asset management services. It also has more than 30 staff overseas, with exports accounting for around £10 million of its £14 million turnover. The business has secured £600k from Cornwall Council’s Good Growth Programme, which is funded by the UK Government through its Shared Prosperity Fund. The investment will go towards an £800k project by Secure Innovation to upgrade its current facilities and maintain its market-leading position. The business expects to create around 20 jobs over the next two to three years. Working with the European Space Agency (ESA), Secure Innovation has developed a remote asset management system that optimises Low Earth Orbit called Remote Planet that can track, monitor and protect people, cash and assets anywhere on earth. This has created an opportunity to diversify into new markets and generate more
NEW CREATIVE WORKSPACES
www.digitalpeninsula.org
A SECURE INVESTMENT
skilled engineering jobs and other roles in Cornwall. The new investment will allow Secure Innovation to expand its operations to meet growing global demand for its products and reinvest in the local economy and community. Martin Pascoe, business support director at Secure Innovation (which until last year was known as Spinnaker International), said: “This investment allows us to take full advantage of our partnership with ESA and continue to grow the global market, while working towards net zero and enhancing the health and wellbeing of our staff.” space as well as lettable units, is primarily designed to accommodate businesses from the growing creative and digital sectors. Nick Craker, Cornwall Councillor for Liskeard Central, added: “After years in the consultation, planning, design, and build, it’s good news that the Workshed is finally open for business. This has been a very long project that has had to evolve over time.”
Helen Wylde is expected to play key role, in particular in the ‘digital revolution’ theme of the Business Council’s work.
Meanwhile, Cornwall Council says it remains committed to delivering a similar scheme down in Penzance, despite lengthy delays.
She said: “The insight and experience of values-led businesses such as ours and from regions like Cornwall, Devon and the wider south west should be part of any national conversation around inclusive, sustainable growth.
The Penzance Creative Cluster at Causewayhead was originally expected to open this autumn, but delays with the construction programme mean it is now slated for next summer.
“I’m delighted to have been asked to join the Business Council and to contribute to the important role it will play in helping shape a successful future for the UK economy.” Kim Conchie, chief executive of Cornwall Chamber of Commerce, added: “Helen is a brilliant thought leader and business leader, and I can’t think of a better person to champion Cornwall at a national level on this important new Business Council.” 36 | BUSINESS CORNWALL
Liskeard Workshed, a new workspace built on the site of the former Cattle Market in the centre of the town, has officially opened for business. Part of a wider £5.2 million regeneration project to transform the whole of this significant location in the heart of Liskeard, the newly-created workspace will support around 33 new jobs and add £1.2 million a year to the local economy. The purpose-built hub, which provides dedicated office, workshop and co-working
Tim Dwelly, Cornwall Council member for Penzance East said: “To revitalise our high streets we have to bring businesses – and, as a result, jobs – to our town centres. “That’s why the Penzance Creative Cluster building is so important to the town. Cornwall has more people working within the creative industries than any other rural area in the UK and we know there is an opportunity to grow this sector further by providing high quality town centre workspace.”
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Cornwall Innovation FLOURISHING AT TREMOUGH Centres supporting Cool Waters Cyber, provider of complete cyber security solutions, has expanded early-stage innovative its team and opened a new headquarters at Tremough Innovation Centre (TIC). businesses...
08000 129 500 enquiries@cornwallinnovation.co.uk www.cornwallinnovation.co.uk
Cool Waters Cyber welcomed two new members to its award-winning Cornish Cyber Apprentice Scheme, a project which aims to create new high-tech careers for young people in Cornwall. Adding to its team of four, Jamie Barnett and James Nixon joined the business at the start of October, after standing out from 30 other apprenticeship applicants. Recently, Cool Water Cyber was appointed as Cornwall’s first and only Assured Service Provider; a status granted by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) to a handful of firms in the UK to acknowledge certified providers of security advice. Mark Faithfull, founder of Cool Waters Cyber, commented: “As Cornwall’s first and only NCSC Assured Service Provider, our team is trusted to deliver cyber security advice to businesses across the UK. Being part of Tremough Innovation Centre meant that we recently helped fellow TIC resident and restorative leadership programme advisor, RJ Working, obtain Cyber Essentials, so that they too can take back control of their cyber security.”
Matt Harrington, head of Cornwall Innovation Centres said: “It’s fantastic to see another Cornish business growing and flourishing in this important sector. Cyber security is an issue that all business owners should be aware of and Cool Waters Cyber’s recent appointment as an Assured Service Provider adds further credibility to the company. Tremough Innovation Centre offers the ideal solution as they continue to grow, and we look forward to supporting this ambitious company through the next stage of their development.” The Cornwall Innovation Centres comprise of three centres across Cornwall, aimed at inspiring dynamic people to grow and build innovative enterprises leading to business success. Over 150 businesses are run from the three locations: Truro (Health & Wellbeing Innovation Centre, Treliske), Pool (Pool Innovation Centre) and Penryn (Tremough Innovation Centre). For more information on Cornwall Innovation, please visit: www.cornwallinnovation.co.uk BUSINESS CORNWALL | 37
EDUCATION
& TRAINING
Falmouth University’s brightest business coaches and leaders have been recognised in a national award to mark the university’s contribution to exceptional entrepreneurship education. In a partnership between Cornwall Business School and start-up studio Launchpad, the team were nominated for an Entrepreneurship Catalyst Award at the 2023 Enterprise Educators Awards, securing a win for supporting and developing student and local business needs during an 18-month programme of activity.
SPONSORED BY
www.truro-penwith.ac.uk
EDUCATION FOR ENTREPRENEURS The Entrepreneurship Catalyst Award recognises higher education staff supporting and enabling pre-starts, startups and growing ventures which may be already creating or intending to create value in the private, public or third sector. Part of the partnership activity to support emerging start-ups included two ‘Freelance Extravaganza’ evenings where
CIVIC UNIVERSITY AGREEMENT
students from a range of courses across the university gathered to hear project pitches from Launchpad’s startups to encourage the uptake of available paid internships and freelance projects. Other activities included a sector-specific ‘Hackathon’ related to agriculture and technology, two Techstars Start-up weekends and a ‘Business Boot Camp’. with local partners how their facilities and specialist resources, teaching and skills, and research and knowledge exchange can be leveraged for the benefit of the region’s businesses and communities. The agreement identifies four priority areas for action. • Green Futures Cornwall and Isles of Scilly: sustainable food, land and seas and a creative carbon zero economy. • Healthy Futures Cornwall and Isles of Scilly: a shared commitment to create healthy, safe and resilient communities. • Fair Futures Cornwall and Isles of Scilly: Supporting thriving places with decent homes, and strengthening equality, education and entrepreneurship. • Creative Futures Cornwall and Isles of Scilly: Celebrating the region’s cultural heritage.
Falmouth University and the University of Exeter have signed a Civic University Agreement with Cornwall Council, the Council of the Isles of Scilly and the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Board.
ADVERTORIAL
This civic strategy brings the two universities together with the councils and the ICB to work in collaboration to support the region’s growth and prosperity. Through the agreement, the universities will explore
Professor Emma Hunt, vice-chancellor of Falmouth University, said: “The two universities are deeply committed to their role as anchor institutions in Cornwall…we are looking forward to exploring new ways to combine our strengths, target our activity and to achieve more together for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.”
DON’T DELAY TAKING ACTION TO TACKLE CASH FLOW PRESSURES The good news is inflation is now falling – but all too slowly, and inevitably interest rates and other policies will suppress demand for some time to come. This can lead to cash flow pressures.
If cash flow looks likely to be problematic, it’s best to address this as early as possible. Don’t wait until cash reserves have been depleted or a winding up petition has been issued.
By Michael Hall, licensed insolvency practitioner at PKF Francis Clark 38 | BUSINESS CORNWALL
www.visitcornwall.com
NEWS
SPONSORED BY Treguddick Distillery has been named one of the winners of VisitEngland’s Visitor Attraction Accolades for 202223, recognising the high quality visitor experiences on offer across England. The accolades, awarded to 91 attractions across England, recognise all aspects of the visitor experience and are awarded in five categories including ‘Hidden Gem,’
TOURISM
HIDDEN GEM ‘Best Told Story,’ ‘Quality Food and Drink,’ ‘Welcome,’ as well as ‘Gold’ for all round top scoring attractions. Treguddick was named in the Hidden Gem category.
REWARDING TOURISM All eyes will be on Truro Cathedral later this month as the industry gathers to celebrate the 22nd annual Cornwall Tourism Awards. 62 finalists have been announced for this year’s awards following three months of judging, with categories covering everything from dog friendly, new tourism business, and accessible and inclusive tourism to restaurants, glamping, hotels and pubs. A Winner of Winners title, an Unsung Hero award and special Outstanding Contribution to Tourism award will also be presented on the night. Winners will be announced at a glittering ceremony in Truro Cathedral on November 23, with successful businesses in most categories fast tracked into the South West Tourism Excellence Awards next March and possibly invited to represent Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly in the 2024 national VisitEngland Awards. For a full list of finalists visit www.cornwalltourismawards.org.uk
Address cash flow issues by:
• Producing a realistic financial projection for the next 12 months, including a cash flow forecast and an integrated profit and loss statement and balance sheet, to make sure everything ties together • Taking a hard look at costs to find savings • Securing additional funding facilities – perhaps a temporary overdraft or shortterm trade/invoice financing • Extending payment terms with creditors, either with or without their agreement. However, this strategy has risks – such as
BUDOCK ROSE Budock Vean has been awarded a top national award from VisitEngland. The ROSE award, Recognition Of Service Excellence, heralds accommodation providers who give visitors the best customer experience. The hotel, situated on the Helford River just south of Falmouth, is the only hotel in
a key supplier refusing to deliver or credit rating issues which alert other creditors, who then press for payment • Taking specialist professional advice – this is not only sensible but can also provide some protection against personal risks. If pressures intensify
Cornwall to have been presented with the award this year. The ROSE Award winners were nominated by VisitEngland’s quality scheme assessors and selected from assessor comments and online feedback from overseas and domestic visitors. “We are, of course, over the moon to have been presented with the ROSE award which is now proudly on display in our reception,” said hotel owner Martin Barlow.
How we can help
PKF Francis Clark has a team based in Cornwall who offer an options review service, which combines a review of your financial position and projections with an assessment of the pros and cons of the range of options available to directors. We also have colleagues who specialise in obtaining funding.
Most creditors will give a business some leeway to clear its debts. Even HMRC will enter into Time to Pay arrangements. However, there are also personal risks for directors of insolvent companies if they continue trading when they ought to have stopped.
michael.hall@pkf-francisclark.co.uk | 01872 228357 BUSINESS CORNWALL | 39
PEOPLE
ON THE MOVE
NEW FINANCE DIRECTOR Accountancy firm Bishop Fleming has appointed a new finance director to lead its finance enablement function. John Mockridge, a chartered accountant, will be responsible for the firm’s accounting and finance systems as well as further
driving the firm’s ambitious growth plans. Having worked in several finance, audit, and M&A roles, including in the Big Four, he joins Bishop Fleming from the leading law firm DAC Beachcroft where he held several finance leadership roles spanning 11 years. He said: “I’m thrilled to have joined Bishop Fleming at a time when the firm has embarked on an exciting period of growth. I am relishing the fresh challenge this will bring and look forward to engaging with all parts of our business as we go on that journey.”
NEW NED AT LAW FIRM GARLAND FOR GREENBANK MARTIN HIRST
A versatile executive with global leadership experience at a Magic Circle legal giant and Big Four accounting firm has joined law firm Foot Anstey as non-executive director. Jason Haines recently retired after a 16-year tenure at Allen & Overy where he demonstrated his leadership skills as finance and operations director for the international law firm. He oversaw a comprehensive range of IT and business services, including the intricate back-office infrastructure. Previously, Jason held the position of global chief technology Officer at PricewaterhouseCoopers. Jason’s career journey has traversed a wide spectrum of industries, including
legal, consultancy, and manufacturing. His ability to adapt and excel across various sectors speaks to his versatile leadership skills and his capacity to drive strategic change and innovation.
Matt Garland was formerly assistant hotel manager and has been working at the Greenbank for more than 18 years.
Managing partner, Martin Hirst, said: “Jason Haines’s appointment as nonexecutive director is a significant step forward for Foot Anstey.
Ben Young, MD at The Greenbank’s parent group, The Cornwall Hotel Collection, said: “It’s a real honour to announce Matt as the hotel’s new hotel manager – his passion for hospitality never goes unnoticed and this is an incredibly well-deserved promotion.
“His exceptional experience in steering organisations through complex technological and operational landscapes is aligned with our next phase of growth. He will make a welcome addition to our board, and we are excited to have him contribute to the firm’s ongoing success.”
“Matt’s career really is a success story within the industry, which has a reputation for catering for stop-gap jobs. I’m looking forward to seeing Matt thrive in his new role, as it’s an exciting time for us as we continue to develop our offering to match the demand for good food and hospitality in Cornwall.”
LONDON CALLING
Carter-Brown, who joins from Knight Frank, brings a wealth of experience across multiple sectors.
The Truro-based construction consultant, Ward Williams Associates, has appointed building surveying and project management expert James Carter-Brown as a partner in its London office. 40 | BUSINESS CORNWALL
The Greenbank in Falmouth has appointed a new hotel manager.
Managing partner, James Beckly, said: “James’ appointment is an integral element of our investment in our London team and our national growth plans. His depth of experience in the delivery of building surveying and project management makes him a perfect candidate to lead ongoing growth in these areas of our business.”
Executive serviced office accommodation available in central Truro with capacity for a range of 2-9 people. A brand-new offering to the market, Coinage House offers sympathetically renovated, premium serviced office space in one of Truro’s most prestigious historical buildings. Saturday, November 18, kick-off: 14.30
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OPINION
JUST A THOUGHT
Cornwall
- a land of
opportunity Cornwall has a chance to show the country the future of business, argues Bull & Wolf founder, Joe Turnbull. It’s a sunny early September day and I’m walking around on a tour of Goonhilly Earth Station as part of the Cornwall Chamber’s Next Gen programme. The event is designed to encourage young business people to make connections and the conversation quickly turned to what made Cornwall unique, especially for younger entrepreneurs. Cornwall represents the economic alternative to the tired, negative and planet killing status quo. The overriding conclusion was that Cornwall is a place of a very specific opportunity. One where it can shape the future of how business is done, the way people want to work and the type of future that we want to live in. And more importantly, one where we need to do more to make sure this future is achievable.
mention the housing crisis, cost of living and lack of reliable transport connections. Rainy summer, our tourism industry sector suffers. Warm winter, we have no water! However, this is not to be all doom and gloom. Instead, I believe that businesses here are the front of a tidal wave of change sweeping the world. Cornish businesses are at the forefront of climate action, people focussed workplaces and engaging with the community. Business owners, while of course wanting to run profitable, successful businesses, know that doing this helps to guarantee a longer term future for themselves and for Cornwall.
We should be screaming from the rooftops!
So why does Cornwall have this opportunity? Well, we are all intimately connected to the natural environment and feel the full force of the impact of the climate emergency and environmental mismanagement. From sewage polluting our seas, to unseasonably warm temperatures and larger storms, Cornwall feels the brunt. In an area where a full time worker earns just 79% of the median gross UK salary, we are acutely aware of the terrible impact of work that doesn’t pay its way. Not to
42 | BUSINESS CORNWALL
The B Corp movement is at the heart of this. Cornwall is competing to have the most B Corps of any region outside London, and is rapidly working towards becoming a B Region in its own right. The council are even helping to support B Corps through providing funding for Wildanet’s amazing B23 programme, which will this year have guided 26 businesses through the Business Impact Assessment, the first step on the ladder to becoming a Certified B Corp. On top of this you have well over 100 Living Wage Foundation employers, dozens more part of the 1% for the Planet movement and
a network of cooperation unlike any other UK region. It’s also about more than just talking a good game, it’s about practicing what you preach. Cornwall is shaping a new and unique future that is built on a better society. So what is my rallying cry in all this? Well, Cornwall is often just too quiet when we should be screaming from the rooftops! Businesses here succeed without people outside Cornwall even knowing they exist. Creative industries thrive in relative silence. We do things differently here. It’s why we have this opportunity and it’s what makes Cornwall one of the best places in the world to live and work. But we need to be louder and more vocal. To fight for the change we all believe in. To show the rest of the country that it is possible to build an economy based on people, planet and community. Over the coming months and years, we have a fight on our hands to secure this better future for us all. Now is the time we come together and show the world what Cornwall can offer.
JUST A THOUGHT
OPINION
BUSINESS CORNWALL | 43 41
UPCOMING
EVENTS
NOVEMBER 2023
EVENTS BUSINESS BREAKFAST 7 HEARTLANDS Red River Café, Pool
Heartlands business networking breakfast is a great way to start the day with friendly, relaxed networking and good grub. heartlandscornwall.com
9 CORNWALL CHAMBER LUNCH Healeys Cyder Farm, Penhallow
Delicious cuisine combined with top-notch networking. Cornwall Chamber’s monthly lunchtime gathering comes to Healeys Cyder Farm. Members and non-members all welcome. cornwallchamber.co.uk
PARTNERSHIPS OPEN HOUSE 16 YOUR The Victoria Inn, Roche
Join YP for a morning of breakfast, banter, and brilliant connections at the original Open House event! Held each month at Victoria Inn in Roche, the birthplace of Your Partnerships, for a networking extravaganza like no other. yourpartnerships.co.uk
18
CORNISH PIRATES V CALDY Mennaye Field, Penzance
Championship rugby union action as the Pirates entertain Caldy, all the way down from the Wirral. Full business hospitality packages available. cornish-pirates.com
For further details of these and more networking events visit businesscornwall.co.uk To publicise your event for free, email news@businesscornwall.co.uk
OF THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT 22 FUTURE
and delectable range of artisan food and drink produce in the The Cornwall Bakery Food Hall. All funds raised go towards the Cornwall Community Foundation. cornwallchristmasfair.com
The Barn at Pengelly, Trispen
Focusing on ‘The Future of the Built Environment’, the day will begin with Cornwall Chamber’s BIG Breakfast, followed by a day of presentations and panel discussions with cake and lunch added to the mix! cornwallwallchamber.co.uk
CORNWALL TOURISM AWARDS Truro Cathedral
62 finalists have been announced for this year’s Cornwall Tourism Awards following three months of judging. All will be in suspense until the awards ceremony when they will learn whether they have won Gold, Silver or Bronze awards. cornwalltourismawards.org.uk
23 THE PIG DIPPERS
The Pig at Harlyn Bay
The Pig Dippers event is a lighthearted (and chilly) tradition where brave participants take a frosty plunge into icy waters for a good cause. Fancy taking the plunge? cornwallchamber.co.uk
BUSINESS NETWORKING CLUB 24 HFC
Hall for Cornwall, Truro
BITA SW: SOCIAL NETWORKING
Hall for Cornwall is more than a creative hub! Its networking club is an informal regular opportunity for businesses and freelancers to get together for a chat and a drink in the stunning new Playhouse Bar. hallforcornwall.co.uk
Vertigo, Truro
This free event is held from 5-7pm, where you will have the opportunity to meet with the South West and Cornwall Board, other BITA members, and local business people in a friendly and relaxed environment for social networking. eventbrite.co.uk
CHAMBER BIG BREAKFAST 29 CORNWALL
CORNWALL CHRISTMAS FAIR The Eden Project
A glorious array of Christmas gifts will be available in the Link Building, between the biomes, with a diverse
The Penventon, Redruth
This month, Cornwall Chamber’s flagship networking event comes from The Penventon Hotel, immediately followed by the Chamber’s AGM. cornwallchamber.co.uk
YOUR PARTNERSHIPS IS CORNWALL’S LARGEST NETWORKING GROUP, WITH MEETINGS UP AND DOWN THE DUCHY Growing a business can be challenging. You want your business to be visible to the right people, so it’s important to know how and where to meet them. Your Partnerships is Cornwall’s largest networking group and its events enable you to connect with other members, gain referrals and build trusting relationships with customers and suppliers.
Your Partnerships, can help your business grow! For meeting dates (online and in-person), visit our website at... 44 | BUSINESS CORNWALL
yourpartnerships.co.uk
CONNECTED
CORNWALL
PLANET C
Sustainable change was high on the agenda as Cornwall Chamber hosted its Planet C conference at the Eden Project.
ED BUCKLAND LEADS THE AUCTION
ST PETROCS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE TABLE
Supporters of St Petrocs gathered for the charity’s first fundraising dinner and auction at The Alverton.
WHERE THE TREES MEET THE SEA
Plant One Cornwall CIC hosted a special event to showcase the woodland creation work it has been doing at Cabilla Cornwall.
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CORNWALL
CONNECTED
MP DEREK THOMAS (RIGHT)
SPIRAL MD ERIC NICHOLLS
SPIRAL UK
Spiral UK threw open the doors at its Helston factory recently to mark National Manufacturing Day.
TALK WITH SPIRAL DESIGNER
CEO ANDREW HOLLAND
CORNWALL BUSINESS SHOW
Businesses flocked to the Royal Cornwall Events Centre last month for the leading B2B exhibition.
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CONNECTED
CORNWALL
PBWC CELEBRATE THEIR 50TH ANNIVERSARY. GUESTS AND PBWC STAFF LISTEN TO A SPEECH BY DIRECTOR CHRIS TURNER.
BEN SMITH-LAING (HYDROCK)
PBWC
Poynton Bradbury Wynter Cole Architects hosted a drinks reception at Una Kitchen in St Ives to celebrate its 50th anniversary.
CAROLINE RICHARDSON TESTS OUT THE COMPANY’S VIRTUAL HEADSET
PATRICIA HAWES (MEI LOCI LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS)
ANDY GOLAY (GOLAY PLANNING)
PETER WARD (TRURO AND PENWITH COLLEGE)
BEN BOSWORTH BUSINESS CORNWALL | 47
THE LAST
WORD
JO WILKINS Cornwall Payroll director
WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU WERE YOUNG?
When I was young my family emigrated to Australia. Whilst on the plane, I thought the air hostesses looked so glamorous in their uniforms, and the fact you were paid to travel all over the world seemed so perfect.
WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST FULL TIME JOB?
After 12 months on a youth training scheme at an equestrian centre, I decided that I would never make much money working with horses, so best to be left as a hobby. I then completed my second year in retail at Dorothy Perkins and was taken on full time thereafter.
to join Cornwall Payroll. We are very proud of our business, we continue to grow, and have built a fantastic team who really look after our clients.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE WORST MOMENT IN YOUR CAREER?
I am sure most people working in payroll at the time can relate, it has to be furlough calculations during lockdown. We worked really long hours in our small home office getting to grips with the everchanging rules on calculating furlough. It was tough, but we came out stronger as a business, and managed to help our clients through such a difficult time.
HOW DO YOU LIKE TO RELAX?
IF YOU COULD INVITE ANY TWO PEOPLE FOR DINNER, WHO WOULD THEY BE AND WHY WOULD YOU INVITE THEM?
WHAT IS THE BEST THING ABOUT LIVING IN CORNWALL?
IF YOU COULD BE GOD FOR A DAY, WHAT MIRACLE WOULD YOU PERFORM?
To be honest I find it hard to sit down and relax. I really enjoy cycling, kayaking and walking our dog Stanley in my spare time. While on holiday, I find it easier to relax with a good book. Beautiful beaches & countryside with plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy and, of course, the pasties!
IF YOU COULD BUILD A HOUSE ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD WHERE WOULD IT BE?
Probably south west France. It’s beautiful, with plenty of cycle trails through the pine forests, and plenty of stunning un-spoilt beaches.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE HOLIDAY DESTINATION?
That’s a difficult one. We went to Austria this summer for the first time and was totally blown away by how beautiful it is. There is also plenty to do so it’s definitely on our favorite list.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE BEST MOMENT IN YOUR CAREER?
My husband Tim started Cornwall Payroll in 2015. The business grew really well and in 2017 I was able to quit my job at the time
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Ricky Gervais for the fun factor and Mick Jagger, as I’m sure he has a few stories to tell.
Having been diagnosed with breast cancer four years ago and losing my dad to it, my miracle would be to eliminate cancer. It’s a very scary statistic, that one in two of us will be affected at some point in their lives.
WHAT WAS YOUR LUCKIEST BREAK?
There are many iconic Cornish companies that we are proud to be running the payroll for, and we have a great relationship with many local accountants. A few years ago, a large accountancy firm decided to close their payroll department and referred a large number of clients to us. A very lucky break indeed!
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE DOING IN FIVE YEARS’ TIME?
The same as now, but as our girls will be older and doing their own thing, we would love travel around Europe in a motor home from time to time and maintain a good work/lifestyle balance.
Vertu Land Rover Truro 6 Cornwall Business Park West, Scorrier, Redruth, TR16 5BN 0344 234 6119 vertumotors.com/land-rover Official Fuel Economy and CO2 results for the Range Rover Sport Autobiography 23MY extended-range Plug-In Electric Hybrid range in mpg (1/100km) (weighted combined): 353.1-313.9 (0.8-0.9). CO2 Emissions (weighted combined) 18-20g/km. Equivalent all-eletric range: 70 miles (112 km). The figures provided are as a result of official manufacturer’s tests in accordance with EU legislation with a fully charged battery. For comparison purposes only. Real world figures may differ. CO2, fuel economy, energy consumption and range figures may vary according to factors such as driving styles, enviromental conditions, load, wheel fitment, accessories fitted, actual route and battery condition. Using 50kW rapid DC charger. Charging times will vary dependent on many factors, including: the age, condition, temperature and existing charge or the battery facility used and duration of charge. For more information and to configure your vehicle visit landrover.co.uk. Vertu Land Rover is a trading name of Albert Farnell Limited which is an authorised representative of Bristol Street First Investments Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Company registration number 00391896. VAT Registration number 902737238. Registered office: Vertu House, Fifth Avenue Business Park, Team Valley, Gateshead, NE11 0XA.