Business Cornwall Sep 23

FOUNDER TOM

SUSTAINABLE CORNWALL

FOCUS ON LOW CARBON HEROES

EV GUIDE DRIVE TO NET ZERO

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.

PHOTO: BOARDMASTERS FESTIVAL (PHOTO: WILL BAILEY)

WELCOME

ON THE COVER

EDITORIAL

BY EDITOR NICK EYRIEY

Focus on sustainability

Fighting climate change and protecting the environment feature heavily in this month’s Business Cornwall. Inside this issue, we chart the successes of renewable energy companies like Naked Solar and Clean Earth Energy; explore the opportunities of lithium production in Cornwall and learn more about a pioneering trial being led by local heating oil supplier to provide a green alternative to fossil fuels for rural communities.

Staying on the theme, we catch up Tom Kay, founder of leading outdoor clothing company and B Corp champion Finisterre; preview the upcoming Planet C conference at Eden Project and take a look at some of the latest choices out there for electric vehicles.

We’ve been driving an EV here at Business Cornwall for the past five years and have loved every mile. Back in the early days, it was a challenge getting out of Cornwall on a single charge, but now not only can you cross the Tamar without needing to recharge, more importantly, you can also get back!

If sustainability and the planet are important for your business, why not shout about it? Entries are now open for the Cornwall Sustainability Awards. Turn to page 20 for full details.

SUBSCRIPTIONS subscriptions@businesscornwall.co.uk

By Richard Wadman,

Francis Clark

ROB BARBER Newquay Activity Centre

We are part of a group of businesses that include; Outdoor Activity Instructor Academy, Bodyboard-Holidays, Women and Waves and Newquay Activity Centre. We receive a huge amount of requests for work experience. The benefits of work experience are threefold. Firstly, we are able to meet those individuals that are serious about entering the outdoor activity industry. Secondly, we get to quickly garner if the individuals will be a good fit for any of the four companies. Finally, this is a great opportunity to establish feedback on our processes, activities and services to receive honest feedback and new ideas.

LAURIE THORNTON MintMech

At MintMech, we have always fostered a culture of development and innovation and believe in the value of sharing knowledge. We are a team of experienced engineers who specialise in providing bespoke services to support the next generation of offshore engineering. As a fundamental part of this, we work closely with local schools, colleges and universities to support future engineers within the industry, championing opportunities for young people and flying the flag for engineering in Cornwall.

ELLEN O’ROURKE TouchByte

We’ve opened our doors to work experience students across a wide range of disciplines, both technical and non-

To summarise, the current green finance landscape includes:

• High street banks offering specific products and/or preferential rates on some products, for example green loans and green asset finance

• Alternative lenders also offering finance for green projects

• Business angel networks focused on making equity investments into ‘green’ companies.

Whether the multitude of financiers targeting green businesses or green

technical. Supporting these students, creating a space for them to develop their confidence, test their ideas, fail, and wear their first suit and tie in a proper office has been a beneficial experience for both tutor and tutee. Students studying for their GCSEs have surprised me, showing more creativity than industry veterans. Never underestimate the beginner’s mindset. College students, prepping for their A Levels and taking a big leap into their own next steps have reminded me that it’s okay to not have it all figured out.

TANIA CLARK Idenna

Ten years ago, Idenna welcomed Merryn for a five-day placement and was filled with pride when she recently hosted a workexperience student of her own. Moments like these remind us of the epicness of passing on kindness and positivity.

Fast-forward a decade and we’ve just said goodbye to Year 10 student Heath and post-16 student Issy, who both spent the week learning about each aspect of the creative process and developing their clear talent for graphic design. We’ll continue to embrace people of any age for work experience and hope that by nurturing sparks and passions, they too will pay it forward in their own way, just like Merryn.

ZOE MORRISON Heartlands

Bringing in work experience individuals allows us as a business to gain fresh perspectives and insights from individuals outside of our regular workforce. These individuals often have different

propositions are motivated by climate change per se or a realisation that businesses have to include the environment in their business models in 2023, it is nonetheless a positive.

Also positive is the focus of a lot of grant funding on the environment and sustainability. This includes funding administered by national organisations such as Innovate UK and Defra, as well as local schemes. Among the latter, the Good Growth Fund (Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly’s share of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Rural England

backgrounds, experiences, and views, which can help challenge the status quo and spark innovation within our organisation. Moreover, involving work experience individuals in projects or decision-making processes can serve to gauge public opinion and understand how the community perceives our business.

NICOLA WEAVER Groundsure

Investing in young people fosters commitment as well as loyalty from both existing and prospective employees. As well as offering work experience, we work with local schools offering CV writing and interview technique sessions and have previously delivered a historical mining session. We recognise that the future of work is an evolutionary process, and that changing industry demands necessitate the inclusion of new generation thinking. We want to involve students from the start of their careers, giving them the opportunity to see if they enjoy a particular role.

MARK PETERS Pirate FM

In the now near decade I have been at the helm of Pirate FM, work experience has been an ongoing part of our strategy and continues to deliver great outcomes. Younger generations bring new familiarity with emerging technologies and evolving market trends. Their fresh perspective aids in identifying unexplored niches and innovative strategies. Their proficiency in digital platforms and collaborative mindset enhances adaptability, fostering a creative work environment.

Prosperity Fund) is a significant source of grant funding underpinned by the desired impact of creating a low carbon economy. So all good to a degree; but where is the overall national and international leadership on this important plank in transforming the economy?

NEWS IN BRIEF

Since its launch five years ago, the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Investment Fund (CIOSIF) has been a catalyst for over £100 million of total investment in local businesses. The programme has awarded over £21 million to support the growth of more than 55 businesses and attracted a further £80 million of private investment.

A planning application has been submitted to Cornwall Council proposing the expansion and enhancement of Hotel Polurrian in Mullion. The proposal includes the creation of 15 new hotel bedrooms and a heated swimming pool with new wellbeing and spa facilities.

Ward Williams Associates (WWA) was named SME of the Year at the Construction Excellence South West Awards.

Eliquo Hydrok has been awarded £598,500 from the Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund. The water treatment specialist will put the funding towards investment in robotic welding machinery at its headquarters in Indian Queens.

The Old County Hall building in Truro is up for sale. The Grade II listed landmark building, which already has planning for conversion into a 43-bedroom hotel, is on the market for £3 million.

The Cornwall Christmas Fair, in aid of the Cornwall Community Foundation, will take place at the Eden Project on Thursday November 23 with a preview & shopping evening on the day before.

Truro-based interior design practice, Boaz Studio, has been awarded B Corp certification.

ADVERTORIAL

Latest figures show that while visits overall to attractions across England last year showed recovery, numbers were still significantly down on pre-Covid levels.

VisitEngland’s Annual Survey of Visits to Visitor Attractions for 2022 shows that numbers increased by 42% overall last year compared to 2021, however this was still down more than a third (35%) on 2019.

VisitEngland director, Andrew Stokes, said: “While it is good to see that many of England’s attractions made up lost ground last year…these statistics are a timely reminder of the ongoing challenges for the industry with many still rebuilding from the pandemic.

SLOW RECOVERY FOR ATTRACTIONS

“We know it continues to be a mixed picture for many destinations across England with our latest research showing that concerns about the cost of living are having an impact.”

The most visited paid attraction in Cornwall last year was the Eden Project, with 658,204 visitors - a 14% increase on 2021, but still well down on pre-pandemic numbers of more than a million.

RIDDLE TO RETIRE

After 45 years of service, Christopher Riddle has announced that he is to retire as secretary of the Royal Cornwall Agricultural Association (RCAA) in September 2024.

Riddle is only the ninth person, since the formation of the Cornwall Agricultural Society in 1793 (later changed to the Royal

Cornwall Agricultural Association in 1858), to hold the position of secretary.

He first started to work for the association in 1979, and was appointed as assistant secretary in 1985, before taking over the role of secretary from his father Albert Riddle in 1989, who himself had held the role since 1957.

The RCAA plans to have a successor in place before the 2024 Royal Cornwall Show to work alongside Riddle during the event, before the reins are formally handed over to the new secretary at the end of September next year.

A SINGLE PATENT FOR (SOME OF) EUROPE

By Frederick Noble, British and European Patent Attorney at Albright IP.

On 1st June 2023, something happened which has been a long time coming. The “European patent with unitary effect” became a reality. First mooted in the 1970s when the

European Economic Community had just nine members, the number of false starts might have led some to believe that it would never happen.

FLEXI-HEX TARGETS USA

Helston-based sustainability packaging solutions specialist, Flexi-Hex, is set to enter the American market for the first time.

It is partnering with the global packaging manufacturer, Orora Packaging Solutions, which will distribute Flexi-Hex’s full range.

Chris Bradley, Orora’s

HEALEYS BUYS GYLLY CAFÉ

The Gylly Beach Café in Falmouth is under new ownership.

The business has been bought by Cyderhouse Co Ltd, a new subsidiary of Healeys

But you can now get a single patent to protect an invention in seventeen EU member states (the remaining ten EU member states are not yet participating, but many of them may do so in the future).

Following Brexit of course, the UK is one of those member states. However, that does not make the new unitary patent irrelevant to UK business. Far from it – in fact, the ability to get a single patent to cover most of central Europe, without touching the established order of things at home in the UK, might be a genuine opportunity to have our cake and eat it.

Cyder, off a guide price of £3.5 million. Healey’s director, Joe Healey, said: “We have admired Gylly Beach Café from afar for many years and when it became available, we knew we had to act quickly in order to secure it. It perfectly complements our long-term ambitions to own and operate unique quality venues.

“As 7th generation Cornishmen, I and my brother Sam are keen to invest in the long

Any business exporting its goods or services needs to carefully consider intellectual property protection not only at home, but in key markets abroad.

The UK’s continued membership of the European Patent Convention and hence direct access to the European Patent Office puts UK businesses in a great position to take advantage of the new unitary patent and protect its exports to Europe.

The unitary patent is the newest of a number of international treaties and agreements which aim to harmonise and streamline protection of patents, trade marks, registered designs and other IP rights around the world.

chief marketing, design & sustainability officer, said: “We are excited to bring Flexi-Hex’s patented, sustainable solutions to the North American market. Flexi-Hex is a great fibrebased alternative to plastic and foam that has extraordinary protective properties.”

Flexi-Hex co-founder, Sam Boex, added: “Orora’s extensive distribution capabilities in North America and their focus on sustainability made them the perfect choice as a go-to-market partner. Our design teams are already collaborating on a range of custom solutions for Orora customers.”

term sustainable growth of our business, and venues like Gylly Beach suit our vision perfectly. We look forward to welcoming customers old and new.”

The transaction was handled by commercial agent Vickery Holman with legal representation from Murrells Associated for Cyderhouse and for the sellers, legal representation from Trowers and Hamlins with accountancy and taxation advice from Atkins Ferrie.

At Albright IP we are very familiar with operating in all of these systems, and with national law in all the major markets around the world. If you have a question about protecting your overseas market, or want to find out more about the UPC, please do get in touch.

Albright IP, Pool Innovation Centre, Redruth, Cornwall TR15 3PL

fnoble@albright-ip.co.uk

+44 (0)1209 316161

Feritech MD, Rob Ferris, was among the Cornish business leaders that met His Majesty The King at Buckingham Palace earlier this summer.

In April, six Cornish businesses were announced as winners of King’s Award for Enterprise and were invited to attend a special awards dinner hosted at Buckingham Palace.

Commenting on the event, Ferris said: “This was a huge honour for our business and the culmination of years of hard work by our brilliant team. It is great that The King’s Award scheme provides such excellent support to British businesses.

“To be recognised in this way as one of the top businesses in the country, and to be

ROYAL APPOINTMENT

at Buckingham Palace for such a dazzling event, made me realise just how far we have come in the relatively short time since Gemma and I founded the business.

“We already trade in more than 40 countries, with plans to expand this even further in the coming 12 months.”

Other Cornish King’s Award winners included Ultramed, Flexi-Hex, Celtic & Co, Clayworks and Liskeard-based seafood business, Ideal Foods.

SKILLS PLAN RELEASED

A new localised strategy to equip people with the skills that businesses in Cornwall and Isles of Scilly (CIoS) most urgently need has been published.

The Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) is a Department for Education (DfE) project, delivered in Cornwall by the local branch of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB. The key theme running through the plan is ongoing consultation with employers of all sizes and sectors to understand what skills and attributes local companies need from their staff to meet growing productivity, tech, environmental and economic issues.

The new Cornwall and Isles of Scilly LSIP demonstrates that while the area has enormous economic potential in sustainable energy, manufacturing, marine, engineering, construction, retrofit and digitisation, there are a range of skills and labour vulnerabilities that could threaten growth and productivity if not addressed.

FSB development manager, Ann Vandermeulen, is the local lead for the LSIP and author of the report. She said: “The LSIP is both a process and a plan to engage employers. It is essential that we really understand their critical skills gaps, frustrations and opportunities, and ensure that those needs line up with the best, most appropriate and accessible training available. This is a bold way forward that has our local people and businesses firmly in mind.”

£54M CORNISH LITHIUM INVESTMENT

Cornish Lithium has announced details of a £54 million initial investment from a group of leading institutional investors led by the UK Infrastructure Bank alongside The Energy & Minerals Group (EMG) and TechMet.

In its first direct equity investment, the UK Infrastructure Bank will invest approximately £24 million into the development of the UK’s critical minerals supply chain with EMG, a US-based private equity fund focused on the energy and minerals sectors, investing a similar amount.

Cornish Lithium’s largest existing institutional shareholder, TechMet, the critical minerals investment company, whose major backers include the US Government’s Development Finance Corporation (DFC), is investing a further £5.6 million.

The funding package is expected to significantly accelerate progress toward the creation of a domestic supply of battery grade lithium compounds, which is crucial to support the scaling up of domestic battery production for electric vehicles and battery energy storage solutions.

Following the closing of this round of initial investment, Cornish Lithium is set to make available a further retail share offering through Crowdcube, for up to £6.9 million.

Jeremy Wrathall, founder and CEO of Cornish Lithium, said: “Cornish Lithium has achieved its objective of defining worldclass opportunities for lithium extraction in Cornwall from both lithium-enriched geothermal waters and from hard rock. This funding will enable us to progress our Trelavour hard rock lithium project to a construction-ready status.”

TomKay

When we first met Finisterre founder Tom Kay back in 2012, he was busy growing a young outdoor clothing business from a workshop on the north Cornish coast just outside St Agnes.

Fast forward 11 years and Finisterre has grown significantly.

Still based at Wheal Kitty workshops, but with burgeoning online sales, a growing retail estate and plans to establish a global brand.

When we last spoke all those years ago, you had something like ten employees. The business has come a long way. Yes, we’re at about 140 now and this year we will do £23 million in sales. We have ten stores around the country and that quickly takes up about five people each, part time and full time and stuff like that. And there’s between 60 and 70 here at Wheal Kitty, which is pretty cool.

Reading through that old interview, apart from a couple of key stores, you said you were planning to mostly stay an online retailer. Now you have ten stores, what changed in the thinking?

I don’t think the strategy has changed really. We started out with just a three-page website and have always had a good relationship with our customers and that’s been digital. And then we opened the store here, stores in London and Bristol. But the stores have grown in proportion with the size of the business as a whole. 25% of the business is through the stores and 75% online and it was pretty much that when we last spoke. The business has grown in roughly the same proportion, so there hasn’t been a massive change in strategy, but taking a bit of Wheal Kitty and putting it in other parts of the country feels like a good thing.

Has the location always been key for the stores?

There’s a mix between Wheal Kitty, St Ives, Falmouth, places like that, where you can lead the coastal, outdoor life on your doorstep, then we’ve got places like London, Edinburgh, Bristol, where they’re a bit further away from the coast, but they are still our community and our customers. They like living there, but they also like to go in store and hopefully get inspired for a trip to the coast, that sort of thing.

Is there a plan to further grow the retail estate?

A bit, but we’re not suddenly going to have 50 stores across the country. We’re looking internationally now as well and overseas growth, and what that might look like. I think you’ll probably see the same sort of gradual store expansion over the next three to five years.

What have been the other biggest changes over the last ten years?

Four years ago, you went down the crowdfunding route; has that been a catalyst for growth?

That was quite a big moment for me personally. It would have been about 15 years that I’d been in the business and as many people know, businesses require capital. Always! And one of the questions I always got asked by customers was if there was ever a chance to invest in Finisterre, to let

them know. So, we had anecdotal evidence that there was an interest. We put out to the crowd and had nearly 2,500 investors come into the business and they now own part of Finisterre.

We’ve now done two crowdfunders, we did another last year, so we now have 5,000 investors who own 20% of the business. It was amazing how, within a week, how many people had come in and put money into the business. It was a real validation in the brand. They weren’t insignificant amounts of money, but it wasn’t like five people putting in £200k, it was loads of customers putting in £500 or £1000, so a good amount of money, but lots of them. There became a real community element to the brand.

What has that enabled you to do as a business?

Attract and retain talent, some system staff, operation staff with the business growing, and we’ve also started to explore international, particularly with regards to the US. But after the first crowd raise, the pandemic happened. And then we were more like 35%-40% retail and 60% online. And so the shops closed overnight, nearly half the revenue, which was a pretty scary moment. But it was amazing how the team pulled together, everyone played a part. We came through it and digital took off.

Was there a case of people being stuck at home in lockdown, they went shopping online?

It’s ok to grow, but we’re going to do it in the right way

Exactly. They weren’t spending on holidays or going out, so there was definitely a flight to brands that play in that outdoor space which was good for us.

And for the past several years you’ve been a B Corp. How did that come about?

Yes, that’s really interesting, because Cornwall has the second biggest B Corp community outside London. When I started Finisterre, it had always been about being a better sort of business, growing the right way, looking after employees, making products in a transparent, responsible way. But after a certain amount of time, you can’t just say that, you need some sort of confirmation to show that you’re doing what you say you’re doing.

And B Corp is really good for any industry, any size, any business, any sector. It’s a rigorous process, it looks at all your business and gives you a score. You also have to alter your articles of association to reflect stakeholder return, not just shareholder return. Historically, it had been about maximising return to shareholders full stop, which was often to the detriment of employees, the environment, suppliers, that sort of thing. And so now as part the certification, you have to put into your articles of association, consideration to the environment, to customers, to suppliers. There’s a much more rounded view who you are as a business. B Corp is about doing business in a good way. It’s ok to grow, but we’re going to do it in the right way.

Now you’re a bigger company, is it easier to meet your sustainable objectives?

That’s a good question. I think it’s easier to talk to customers and suppliers about it because there’s more awareness of it. Ten years ago, trying to get recycled nylon or polyester was very hard to do. You couldn’t get less than, say 2,000 yards, which –even now – is a lot of fabric for us to use in a season. It’s easier now to have those conversations.

But there’s also a lot of greenwashing going on now and it can be confusing. The word ‘sustainability’ can be overused. We’re not perfect, but we are trying to be a responsible business doing things better. We still have the same mindset to when I started out, which can be exhausting and exciting at the same time, because we’re constantly trying to grow and get better at who we are as individuals, as a brand, a product, that sort of thing. There has never been a point when we’ve sat back and said “we’ve sorted it”. It is a constant evolutionary mindset we have, with regards to what we do as a business. We are bigger, we have a bigger impact now, so it’s about making a positive impact, things like the Finisterre Foundation, which helps people connect with the benefits of the ocean. Things like that where we can, hopefully, use the business to do more good.

Has the business grown faster than expected?

When you look back over the past 20 years, you think where did that time go? There are businesses who have grown bigger than us in a shorter space of time. But we’ve stuck to our guns about growing in the right way, which has probably hindered the speed of growth.

And you’ve done it all from Cornwall. We have a global supply chain, we have a warehouse outsourced to Leeds, but we’ve always been based here in St Agnes and it’s very much our home. There are 70 jobs here, where there were none before. Our remit is to make the best product we possibly can and sometimes that means a factory in Asia, sometimes it means a factory in Nottingham. Our aim is to make the best product possible that lasts as long as possible and is built for purpose. I love being here in Cornwall and when people come to visit us here, the brand really makes sense.

Two years ago, you appointed a CEO. What was the thinking behind doing that and how has it changed your role?

We actually had a CEO before that for a bit. My thing has always been ‘where do I add most value’? I always found it hard combining the innovative sort of stuff - brand building and story telling, with the management stuff. So yes, for the past two years Will Sheane has been our CEO now.

We have ten stores around the country

I suppose I own the vision and I input the strategy and Will owns strategy and inputs the vision. We work very closely together.

Does it give you more time to step back and work on the bits you see as your core strengths?

I hope so. I don’t do any operational, I just focus on the brand building, relationships, talks, panels that sort of thing. And the Foundation is very close to my heart as well. Now the business is 20 years old, I love to see some young people coming through and taking on and running with ideas. I’m very proud that Finisterre is a place where that sort of ambition can come to life.

Have the products changed much over the years, or do you still stick to the core outdoor wear?

It’s all about doing outdoor wear, for life inspired by the sea and there have been innovations within that. Whether it’s polyesters from ocean bound plastic it’s made from, or the knitwear. Our wetsuits are now made from bio rubber. We work with a company called Yulex and they use a tree rubber.

And now international is coming more onto your radar?

Yes, we’re looking to grow internationally. The States are our biggest export market, about 10% of our sales go to the US, from east coast to west. Still a small part of our business, but one we’re keen to grow. We’re super proud of being in Cornwall and we love it for all the right reasons, but the intention has always been to become a global brand.

Where do you go to network with your peers in the industry?

(laughs) I’m not very good networker! But it’s always lovely to meet people out there.

I bumped into someone from London while walking the dog the other day and he said he loved what we are doing with the Foundation and that sort of thing and do you have quite a lot of those conversations, which I really appreciate. It does make you feel that you’re doing the right thing and it’s growing. I still remember selling one fleece a day from my bedroom and I’m really proud out of that.

Do you now get people starting up their own business asking for your advice?

Yes, loads. And I always make time to help them out. I tell them it’s just my opinion and my

experiences, and you can take from that what you will. But think Cornwall is great place to start a business. It’s really creative, you’ve got beautiful natural surroundings and we have a great university here which we have strong links with. There’s a lot of really cool creative businesses in Cornwall now doing some quite pioneering things, particularly from an innovation and sustainability point of view. Of course, it’s not enough just to be here, you must still have a strong business case, a strong point of difference and a unique proposition. But if you have those sort of things and you live down here, what a great quality life you could have.

If we did this interview again in another ten years’ time, where do you think the business would be?

We should really do that! This has been my life’s work and I’m not going anywhere in the immediate. We’ve got an amazing team down here. The reality is we might have an office in London doing something as well, because we might have run out of space on the site here. But I hope we’ll always be here because it feels like a real home for us.

We’ve been here a while now and there is definitely some magic about Wheal Kitty.

25% of the business is through the stores and 75% online

THE CLEAN ENERGY (RENEWABLES)

SECTOR IN CORNWALL & THE ISLES OF SCILLY

Clean energy is energy that comes from renewable, zero emission sources that do not pollute the atmosphere when used, as well as energy saved by energy efficiency measures.

Cornwall uses an estimated of energy each year. Much of this energy is imported from outside Cornwall and is largely dependent upon fossil fuel consumption.

£500m

Research commissioned by the LEP on Cornwall’s Green Economy highlights local demand for the following roles in the sector...

ELECTRICIAN • ENERGY ASSESSOR • ENGINEERS (ALL TYPES) • RESEARCHER

• SOLAR INSTALLER • WIND TURBINE TECHNICIAN

CORNWALL HAS THE POTENTIAL

to provide and develop a broad range of renewable and low carbon infrastructure, including wind, geothermal, photo-voltaic, biomass and wave power.

Floating offshore wind is anticipated to bring many opportunities locally over the next decade. The first FLOW project is expected to be in the water off the coast of Cornwall around 2026 with the first wave of projects completing by 2030.

SustainableCornwall

Cornwall is home to a plethora of environmental and sustainable specialist businesses and organisations.

Over the next few page we highlight a small selection...

The power of

Why businesses should install Solar PV systems.

solar

In an era where sustainable practices and environmental responsibilities are gaining paramount importance, businesses have a unique opportunity to contribute to a greener future by embracing solar energy.

Naked Solar is seeing a huge increase in demand for solar PV from businesses across the south west. With bills going through the roof and increased focus on combating climate change here is why so many businesses are calling Naked Solar:

1. COST SAVINGS:

One of the most compelling reasons for businesses to install solar PV systems is the potential for substantial cost savings. By generating electricity from the sun, businesses can significantly reduce their reliance on traditional energy sources, resulting in lower monthly utility bills. Couple this with the fact that most systems are being paid off in under five years, it’s a win for the business and the planet.

2. ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP:

Installing solar PV systems demonstrates a business’ commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability. By utilising clean and renewable energy, companies can significantly reduce their carbon footprint and minimise their impact on climate change. Solar energy is a clean and emissionfree source of power that avoids harmful greenhouse gas emissions associated with traditional energy sources such as fossil fuels. Owning your own solar gives you confidence that your energy is green rather than green washed as provided by todays so called ‘green tariffs’.

3. ENERGY INDEPENDENCE AND STABILITY:

Relying on solar energy allows businesses to gain energy independence and stability. Traditional energy sources are often subjected to price fluctuations and geopolitical risks, which can impact a company’s bottom line. By generating their electricity, businesses shield themselves from these uncertainties, ensuring a stable and predictable energy supply. This independence also provides protection against energy crises, and even grid failures, and blackouts, if installed with a backup battery such as a Tesla Powerwall, allowing businesses to continue operations even during unforeseen circumstances.

4. LONG-TERM INVESTMENT AND ROI:

Installing solar PV systems is not just an expenditure; it is a strategic long-term investment. The return on investment (ROI) for solar installations can be highly favourable,

especially when considering the reduced operational costs and potential revenue streams from excess electricity generation.

Sam Hallworth, commercial consultant at Naked Solar, comments: “Many FDs I speak to are delighted when we drill down the financials of solar. With returns that outshine those offered by traditional banks, the return on investment from solar opens up a world of possibilities.”

5. POSITIVE PUBLIC RELATIONS AND MARKETING OPPORTUNITIES:

Embracing solar energy can generate positive public relations and marketing opportunities for businesses. Consumers and employees are increasingly drawn to companies that prioritise sustainability and renewable energy, leading to enhanced brand reputation and customer loyalty.

CONCLUSION:

With the numerous advantages it offers, installing solar PV systems has become a smart and strategic choice for businesses. From cost savings and environmental responsibility to energy independence and marketing opportunities, solar power provides an array of benefits that align with the demands of today’s socially and environmentally conscious consumers. And of course, it feels great too!

CASE STUDY

With the expansion of his manufacturing facility, Ian Greaves, CEO of St Eval Candle Company, wanted to explore the option of Solar PV in order to reduce energy costs, and to also keep their CO2e emissions low.

Roof mounted solar ticked so many boxes, particularly as they don’t work evenings. By installing nearly 80kWp of Sunpower solar panels, optimised with SolarEdge, St Eval Candle Company has future proofed its energy supply and helped the company on its journey to become carbon neutral.

“Naked Solar’s customer service has been excellent and seeing the modelling of what generation we might expect made a real difference in the decision making process”

Contact Naked Solar for your free consultation 01637 697009 | www.nakedsolar.co.uk

STATS:

Power generated every year 77562 kWh

Return on investment 10.78%

CO2e reduction 23,253 kg/year

Installation cost paid back in 9 years 25 year profit £199,270.00

Celebratingsustainability

Entries are now open for the Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Sustainability Awards (CSA).

Now in their 21st year, the CSAs aim to encourage, reward and gain recognition for the excellent work organisations are doing to improve their own sustainability and that of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly as a whole.

The awards are open to businesses, organisations, community groups, schools, social enterprises, charities and individuals.

Last year’s overall winner was St Agnesbased outdoor clothing company, Finisterre. Founder Tom Kay commented: “To be recognised by the Cornish community with this sustainable award was a huge honour and something we are all very proud of.

Deadline for nominations is October 31

You can either apply yourself or nominate another organisation for an award up until the closing date for entries, as long as the organisation is based in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

THIS YEAR’S CATEGORIES:

• Most Sustainable Organisation

• Growing Greener: Planting Trees in Cornwall NEW

• Circular Economy

• Environmental Growth

• Carbon Neutral

You can apply, or nominate someone, for one category only. The overall winner will be chosen from the winners of all the categories.

“As part of the community in Cornwall we keep challenging ourselves and take inspiration from others to keep shifting that dial to be a better business. There was so much energy in the room at the awards ceremony, it was so great to be a part of it.”

WHAT’S NEW FOR 2023?

There is a new category called ‘Growing Greener: Planting Trees in Cornwall’. Entrants for this category will need to demonstrate one or more of the following:

• New tree planting, this includes community or private projects such as orchards, hedgerows, and planting on all scales.

• Additional planting and improvement to existing woodland to include the restoration of natural habitats, natural regeneration, improving connectivity, biodiversity and wildlife benefits.

• Tree planting to protect and improve water courses to increase buffering, support flood prevention, increase amenity and wildlife benefit.

• Creation of a new tree nursery and supporting local enterprise (either commercial or community based).

• Tree planting projects in urban areas, this includes street trees, parks and green open spaces.

Deadline for nominations is October 31. Winners will be announced at a ceremony to be held on December 8 (venue tbc).

HOW DO I ENTER?

Via the website at: www.cornwallsustainabilityawards.org

Email: info@cornwallsustainabilityawards.org

Twitter: @CwallSusAwards

Facebook: @CornwallSustainabilityAwards

Last summer The Crown Estate announced that there would be opportunities for up to 4 Gigawatts of floating offshore wind in the Celtic Sea, which is the body of water north of Cornwall and SW England. This pipeline of leasing opportunities, with even more to follow, has already attracted the interest of some of the biggest offshore renewables firms in the world.

Celtic Sea Power is working for the region to

WIND POWER POTENTIAL

THE COMING YEARS WILL BE TRANSFORMATIVE FOR INDUSTRIAL-SCALE RENEWABLE ENERGY IN CORNWALL, SAYS CELTIC SEA POWER WORKFORCE SPECIALIST, OLAF MARSHALL-WHITLEY.

deliver the maximum benefit to the people and businesses who live and work here. Cornwall has been a hotbed of energy engineering since the industrial revolution, and there is now a once-in-a-generation opportunity to capture demand for thousands of skilled tradespeople, engineers, scientists, business professionals, lawyers, and creatives.

People living in this beautiful county have an intimate knowledge and love of the environment, and through engaging with local young people as well as more experienced members of the workforce, we know that there is a genuine passion for renewable energy, and a pragmatic knowledge that these jobs will be well-paid, year-round, and generational.

As we prepare for jobs to be created in the county, we know that an ambitious and engaged workforce will be there to meet this demand. We are committed to matching that ambition with far-reaching, collaborative, and strategic action from local businesses, skills providers, and Government to ensure that people can take hold of these opportunities.

The labour market information included within is a fantastic example of how we can communicate the scale of the opportunity. Celtic Sea Power is at the front of this ambition-raising call to action, and we will continue to work with the industry and the local workforce to bring the benefit home.

peopleandskills@cornwall.gov.uk | https://celticseapower.co.uk/ | https://cioslep.com/impact/employment-skills/

THE JOURNEY TO BECOME A SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS

THIS ARTICLE WAS WRITTEN BY MICHELLE PEARCE, PRACTICE DIRECTOR.

Earth Overshoot Day in 2023 fell on August 2 – being the date in the year when humanity’s demand for ecological resources exceeds what the Earth can generate in the year. This being timely focus point for considering business sustainability.

“Business sustainability” covers a wide variety of things, but it fundamentally means to reduce negative environmental impact resulting from the business’ activities.

Measuring and reporting on a business’ environmental impact will become one of the most prominent measures of business performance in our lifetime (led by consumer demand, demand by suppliers, demand by recruitment and staff retention, and demand by finance providers), and we believe that accountants are best placed to assist with this for clients.

As a firm, we have made an overarching commitment to strive to become a Net Zero accountancy practice and have commenced development of an overall sustainability strategy for our own business, as well as developing a strategy as to how we can assist our clients with measuring and mitigating their own environmental impact. The first steps of both strategies is working with climate action platform Net Zero Now to calculate our carbon emissions, and developing a reduction plan to cut our carbon emissions. This internal process is enabling us to strategise how we can assist clients with their reporting.

Zero cannot be (although is sometimes seen to be) the sole focus in becoming a sustainable business. Focus also needs to on other areas such as biodiversity loss.

Becoming a sustainable business is such a vast agenda, it can seem daunting, but starting somewhere is the most important thing. For more information on how RRL can help, please contact us, on 01872 276116

However, whilst the global scientific community agrees that reaching Net Zero is the best chance we have of keeping global warming to manageable levels, we also recognise that Net

HVO for the

Breaking barriers and changing policy:

future

Heating is one of the biggest contributors to the UK’s overall carbon emissions - and as Cornwall’s heating fuel supplier for over 120 years, Mitchell & Webber is proud to be at the forefront of championing hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) as a green alternative to oil both here in Cornwall, and in the UK overall.

With Cornwall Council aiming to reach net zero by 2030, and an estimated 40,000 oilfired properties the county, the Scorrier-based business is taking part in a nationally leading trial to demonstrate the benefits of HVO as an alternative to traditional heating oil.

So, what is HVO and why is it a sustainable alternative to oil?

HVO - CLEANER AND GREENER

HVO is a liquid fuel manufactured from waste fats and oils, using hydrogen to

create a renewable fuel that can save up to almost 90% net greenhouse gas CO2 emissions. Alongside this brilliant carbon saving, as a fuel it is:

• Fossil free

• Internationally certified as sustainable (ISCC)

• Biodegradable, nontoxic and odourless

• Sulphur, metal and aromatic free Alongside the huge carbon saving, there are a raft of other benefits with HVO.

SIMPLE BOILER CONVERSION

All that’s needed from the customer’s point of view is a simple boiler conversion that costs around £500 and takes about an hour. After that, the HVO is delivered, and it can heat homes just as effectively as traditional heating oil.

Each conversion means a carbon saving of nearly five metric tonnes per annum that the customer’s oil-fired boiler would have otherwise emitted.

FUTURE READY FUELS CAMPAIGN AND KEHELLAND – A NATIONALLY LEADING TRIAL

Director John Weedon explains: “We strongly believe HVO to be the best and most appropriate alternative to oil for many properties, so when UKIFDA (UK and Ireland Fuel Distributors Association) and OFTEC (Oil Fired Technical Association) asked us to be a part of their Future

Ready Fuels project to investigate lowcarbon heating fuels for the future, we were delighted to be a key part of raising awareness and demonstrating the effectiveness of HVO as a sustainable alternative.

The inspiring story of a Cornish family company’s vision for sustainable future fuel.

FORMER ENVIRONMENT SECRETARY GEORGE EUSTICE VISITS PUBLIC CONSULTATION ON HVO AT KEHELLAND SCHOOL IN DECEMBER 2022

“In 2020, we were the first company in the UK to install an HVO boiler at a property in Scorrier and since then we have been converting many different types of appliances, while monitoring the results.”

The village of Kehelland is a unique flagship for HVO, as it has the most boilers converted to HVO in the whole country. Over 50 appliances across domestic, commercial and other properties have been converted to HVO - including at a school and local church.

A SUSTAINABLE SOLUTION

“The reason we’re so passionate about HVO,” adds John, “is simply that we want our customers to be able to keep their homes warm in the future in the most energy and cost-efficient way. Our trials indicate that HVO has significant advantages over other renewable heating systems for a wide range of properties.”

Rural and older properties, of which there are many in Cornwall, are often not on the gas grid, and face many challenges on the road to decarbonising their systems.

The costs of installing an entirely new heating system, such as air or groundsource heat pumps, and reinsulating and renovating to a standard that makes the

new solutions worthwhile, are often simply too prohibitive or disruptive for many.

Sometimes the characteristics of construction make converting to other technologies difficult or costly; for example, in a listed building where such modifications are impractical or impossible.

Mitchell & Webber feels that placing such a financial burden onto the consumer is unfair and unnecessary when a sustainable, accessible and practical alternative is available in HVO.

NATIONAL RECOGNITION: HVO BILL IN PARLIAMENT

“Together with my brother Robert Weedon, MD, we’ve been consistently drawing HVO to the attention of decisionmakers in local and national Government to gain support for what we see as a sustainable future fuel,” John says.

“Following an invitation to a consultation on our work in Kehelland, local MP George Eustice created a bill in the UK Parliament that focuses on HVO and helping achieve parity with existing fuel duties and taxes. This has led to amendments being tabled for the current Energy Bill, which we hope many MPs throughout the country will support.

“This Bill has the potential to result in a policy change at the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero in September which could see HVO being accepted as a sustainable replacement for heating oil.”

HVO FOR THE FUTURE

Mitchell & Webber is proving that HVO is a leading sustainable solution for homes and businesses in rural areas - and in recognition of its work, in May it was presented with the President’s Award at the UKIFDA national show and conference.

“We were delighted to be recognised with this honour for our part in the whole industry’s massive efforts to find sustainable alternatives for the future,” says John.

“The potential impact of HVO nationally is enormous, and we’re incredibly proud that Cornwall is at the forefront in pushing this sustainable heating solution forward.” 01209 821676

GWINEAR SCHOOL’S HVO BOILER BEING MAINTAINED

KEHELLAND RESIDENT DAVE BIGGS WITH MITCHELL & WEBBER CO-DIRECTOR JOHN WEEDON

A greener

For UK lithium production.

Working together in a newly formed joint venture, Imerys and British Lithium have embedded sustainability in a project that looks set to revolutionise lithium carbonate production.

Operating in the clay mining country near St Austell, Imerys British Lithium (IBL) is extracting and processing lithium from the mica in Cornish granite. Its innovative technology, much of it patented, is being tried and tested in a working pilot plant that separates mica electrostatically, rather than chemically, and calcines at a relatively low temperature.

Eighty-five per cent of the granite is recovered as clean quartz and felspar sand, and plain water is used for leaching – all contributing to maximum resource efficiency, waste reduction and a much-decreased carbon footprint.

With the aim of being fully operational by the end of this decade, IBL’s full-scale processing plant is being designed according to IRMA (Initiative for Responsible Mining

future

Assurance) standards. That includes minimising transport emissions by colocating the integrated quarry, beneficiation plant and lithium refinery on a brownfield site, powering the plant with renewable energy and bringing in consumables on an existing Imerys rail spur.

“We want our lithium production to be one of the most environmentally friendly in the world, with sustainability central to our planning and there is no place for acid or toxic chemicals in our process methodology,” says IBL CEO, Andrew Smith.

“We take our commitment to environmental, social and societal responsibility very seriously – not just because it is the right thing to do, but because it is core to our business growth.

“With all car manufacturing set to become electric by 2030, we’re predicting an output of more than 20,000 tonnes of lithium carbonate each year - about one third of the UK’s anticipated annual demand. Our role in meeting the government’s net zero goals is vital and what we’re doing for our industry is game changing.”

The IBL partnership benefits from Imerys’ existing mining footprint in Cornwall, its

experienced teams, solid infrastructure, and the lithium expertise gained through its EMILI project in France.

“Our sector is facing tougher environmental regulations and customers, investors, local communities and other stakeholders have every right to expect a rigorous approach to sustainability,” says Imerys UK director and IBL director Mark Hewson.

“The causes and impacts of climate change must be tackled and we’re proud to be doing that here in Cornwall – the historical heart of world mining.”

With an up and running lithium pilot plant and the largest established 161 million tonnes of inferred mineral resource in the UK, IBL is planning full production by 2028. By that time, the company will be employing a workforce of more than 300 people on site and many thousands more in the local supply chain.

For more information, visit www.imerysbritishlithium.com

We take our commitment to environmental, social and societal responsibility very seriously

Across private and not-for-profit sectors, businesses are under pressure to prove their long-term commitment to environmental, social or economic “purpose”. Look beyond shorter-term initiatives and focus on how to operate and behave by adopting regenerative business models.

Steps to creating a purposeful business

Start preparing now to meet these challenges:

• Adopt a clear strategy: Your purpose must be closely aligned to your business to ensure it is genuinely and consistently applied. Businesses looking to grow will experience heightened investor and lender awareness by using environmental, social

BUILDING PURPOSE INTO YOUR BUSINESS

PURPOSEFUL BUSINESSES UNDERSTAND HOW TO MAKE THE WORLD BETTER AND THRIVE THEMSELVES. LAURIE TROUNCE, PARTNER AT STEPHENS SCOWN LLP, LOOKS AT HOW YOUR BUSINESS CAN BRING ‘PURPOSE’ TO ITS CULTURE, VALUES, AND GOVERNANCE ARRANGEMENTS.

and governance (ESG) factors to measure corporate sustainability. Sustainability linked loans, social loans and green loans are growing in popularity. Whilst ESG reporting for smaller companies is currently voluntary, the future is greater transparency.

• Make purpose part of your decisionmaking framework: Include it in your articles of association or constitution, codes of conduct, employee appraisals, policies and procedures. By embedding purpose, success is defined, and performance related to achieving your purpose is prioritised.

• Engage with your people: Develop chosen staff members as ‘sustainability leaders’ – demonstrating your business’s

purpose in how they carry out their role and behave, embedding a business-wide culture based on your purpose.

• Recruit carefully: Ensure your purpose becomes part of your recruitment strategy and appointment processes.

• Invest wisely: Your business should invest in line with its purpose. Make supporting the local economy or ethical investments part of your procurement and investment decisions. Ethical investment is increasingly important for regulators, governments and stakeholders.

• Explore new partnerships: Research opportunities to partner or collaborate with organisations sharing your values.

Joint head of the Corporate team and head of the Charities team at B Corp™ Certified and employeeowned law firm, Stephens Scown, Laurie has extensive experience of corporate and commercial matters within the SME market and public sector. | www.stephens-scown.co.uk

MASSIVE ENVIRONMENTAL WIN

Goonvean, an aggregates and quarrying company based St Austell, has purchased a new sand washing plant from US-based McLanahan Corporation for its Melbur Quarry site.

The plant includes a modular UltraWASH modular plant, an UltraSAND plant and a 10m diameter EcoCycle high-rate thickener. The plant integrates into Goonvean’s existing crushing plant and can be fed independently. It will produce three aggregate sizes and a double-washed sand product.

The plant will result in zero waste being produced, which is important to Goonvean’s business. Nothing will have to be taken to tip which is a massive environmental win

for its current operations and was the key driver for the project. It gives full utilisation of all raw material, includes water recycling through the thickener and so it is a significant efficiency gain.

With the ability to produce additional saleable products, Goonvean will be able to provide a more complete product range to its customers in the local, national and international market.

Goonvean Aggregates was founded in 1931 and has been a major supplier of aggregates in the south west of England as well as

goonveanaggregates.com

nationally and internationally. Goonvean process granite-based secondary aggregate materials for a variety of uses, including subbases and fills, drainage media, pavements, and construction sands.

Businesspower

It’s been another year of energy price rises, with UK businesses paying an average 23% more than the previous year* and small to medium enterprises being hit even harder.

The impacts of climate change have also been in evidence. Extreme weather events are becoming more frequent (and more extreme) in a trend that’s set to accelerate as global temperatures continue to rise.

Businesses can help tackle both of these crises by joining the growing number who’ve invested in generating their own renewable energy.

Wadebridge-based CleanEarth Energy has more than a decade’s experience in delivering solar and wind power projects across the UK. While it operates as far north as John O’Groats, and recently completed a solar installation in the Scottish lowlands, it has always been very active closer to home and is proud to contribute to Cornwall’s progress towards net zero.

Here are just a few of the projects CleanEarth has recently completed across the county.

FERITECH

This purpose-built manufacturing facility had solar PV designed-in from the outset.

Almost the entire roof was used for the 237 kW system, providing a slight over-capacity for Feritech’s current demand, but futureproofing against increased energy loads down the line.

“Engaging with CleanEarth at such an early stage paid real dividends,” says Feritech MD Rob Ferris. “They understood our vision and worked brilliantly with our other contractors to deliver a truly state-of-the-art facility.”

KERNOW COATINGS

This is the third project CleanEarth has completed on a single industrial estate in Penryn. Kernow Coatings followed in the footsteps of near-neighbours Allen & Heath and Verdant Brewing Company. Between them they have close to half a megawatt of generating capacity.

OMC

OMC’s new factory in Redruth was originally conceived with solar PV in mind, making the mono pitch roof fully available for panel deployment. The 60 kW installation is linked to a bespoke battery system that allows the site to run completely ‘off-grid’ for short periods of time.

RIGIBORE

This 119 kW system is forecast to generate more than 110,000 kWh per year, providing over a third of the site’s energy demand. Since it was installed in April 2023, and during the sunnier months of the year, Rigibore have achieved greater than 50% self-sufficiency.

IMERYS

The Higher Goonamarth wind turbine is one of four that CleanEarth have constructed across Imerys land in the St Austell china clay area. Three further turbines have now received planning consent and - at 135m in height - will be the largest turbines in Cornwall. With a combined capacity of more than 12 MW, each turbine will save close to 100,000 tonnes in carbon emissions over its operational lifetime.

*Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy – Quarterly Energy Prices: June 2023 (comparison of Q1 2023 with Q1 2022).

www.cleanearthenergy.com

01208 895576

Powering Cornwall’s businesses with clean, abundant, affordable energy.

AGENDA

New for 2023 is a partnership with Plant One Cornwall CIC. The organisation has launched an emissions Calculator that businesses can use to balance the negative impacts of their emissions while traveling. The CIC will also support a Planet C tree planting programme.

Kim explains: “This year, we’re going to create a Planet C forest; each attendee will be given a Cornish Oak sapling to take home and plant, and a further 50 trees will be planted as part of a Chamber member event this autumn.”

For those who missed out on becoming Climate Ambassadors for Business last year, there’ll be another chance to enrol on the Carbon Literacy accredited training programme run by event partners, Green Works Consulting.

The Planet C conference is open to everyone, regardless of where they are on their sustainability journey. It’s bookable now at cornwallchamber.co.uk/events

10:30 Welcome, Opening Remarks

10:40 Spaceship Earth, Setting the sceneDr Jo Elworthy, Chief Science Engagement Officer Eden Project

11:00 Attempting To Create A Business with profit & Purpose in a Fragmented WorldHelen Wylde, CEO Wildanet

11:30 Investing with Impact - Ian Mcleod, Head Private Client Consultancy St James Place

11:55 Round table discussion - Business Leadership. How do we accelerate? Opportunities? Support each other.

12:25 Presenting back

12:30 Lunch

13:25 The journey to Net Zero: Calling all business leaders! Amelie Trolle, Head of Engagement Planet Mark

13:45 Business Impact: A Force for Good - Adele Gingell, Head of Positive Impact, Finisterre

14:10 One Planet- Engineering with PurposeDonald Eide, Watson Marlow

14:30 Leading with Purpose - Hannah Millington, Head of People & Change Samworth Brothers

15:00 Panel discussion - Approaches to climate action and learnings

15:50 Closing Remarks

16:00 Biomes walk & Talk on the Cornwall Local Area Energy Plan

Planet2023 C

A one-day conference at The Eden Project focusing on climate and social action, brought to you by Cornwall Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Green Works Consulting, and sponsored by Cornish Lithium and Watson Marlow.

‘There is a rapidly closing window of opportunity to secure a liveable and sustainable future for all.’ IPPC 2023

This year, Cornwall Chamber of Commerce’s Planet C conference logo has changed colour from green to amber, symbolising the critical position in which humanity now finds itself. While the UK has seen a wet summer, many countries have experienced record-breaking high temperatures, including our neighbours in Europe. The target of limiting the global average temperature to below 1.5°C has never been more important.

According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the viability of humanity living within planetary boundaries rests on the actions we take in the next seven years.

Cornwall Chamber’s 2023 Planet C conference will take conversations started at last year’s event a step further. The event is a rallying cry for the Cornish business community to come together and act now, before it’s too late.

WHAT CAN SMEs DO?

The British Chambers of Commerce’s (BCC) new research report, Climate Call to Action, found that around 99% of the total number of UK businesses are SMEs, and SMEs account

for around 50% of commercial and industrial energy in the UK.

Clearly, SMEs need to play a critical role in the reduction of greenhouse gases in the UK. However, the report adds that many small firms feel lost in a fog of conflicting information, reluctant to invest in new technologies, in case the Government brings in new regulations or rules that immediately undermine their investment.

It’s a rally cry to Cornish businesses

Planet C is about providing Cornwall’s businesses – the vast majority of which are SMEs, with tangible ways to help reduce the global average temperature, without compromising the stability of their organisation.

Cornwall Chamber CEO, Kim Conchie, explains: “If you’re not in the business of solar panels or geothermal extraction it can be difficult to find your place on the path to net zero and feel you’re making a meaningful difference. Planet C is all about broadening the mindset and showing Cornwall’s businesses just how much impact they can have.”

This year’s conference theme is Business Leadership for Sustainability. Speakers from different industries will share their

approaches and learnings on climate action and sustainability, and offer an opportunity for discussion and collaboration, helping the business community come together and rise to the challenge.

Business leaders will leave the conference full of inspiration, armed with the knowledge they need to invest with impact, create a purposeful, ethical and sustainable business that is also profitable, and move their focus from perfection to progress.

THE CONFERENCE

The Planet C conference will be held at The Eden Project on September 27, 10.30-16.00.

For early risers, the day starts with the Chamber’s September BIG Breakfast, cohosted by Foot Anstey and held in the Eden Project’s Gallery. The breakfast starts at 8am and is bookable separately to the conference at cornwallchamber.co.uk/events

“We know that there is a massive gap between climate ambition and climate action among SMEs; lack of skills, funding and time all play into the mix. Planet C has been designed in direct response to this and tackles the challenges head on. It’s a rally cry to Cornish businesses – I urge everyone to be part of it and take action now. Sustainability is not ‘a nice to do’. It helps productivity, staff recruitment & retention and, ultimately, your profitability.”

Kim Conchie, CEO, Cornwall Chamber of Commerce.

Green or

The cost of paperless marketing...

greenwashing?

A number of businesses are opting for digital methods of communication and marketing - but is this choice part of a wider commitment to sustainability or a form of greenwashing? Beth Mayman, operations manager of St Austell Printing Company, explains the real cost of paperless.

An ever-growing number of companies are actively embracing sustainable initiatives to reduce their carbon emissions and impact on the planet. As part of this, adopting paperless communications and marketing initiatives certainly appears to be a forward-thinking choice - but this approach might not always be as environmentally friendly as it seems.

With the energy consumption required for digital and cloud technologies increasing by 9% each year, according to Two Sides’ 2023 article, going completely paperless can sometimes lead companies to unwittingly or deliberately participate in greenwashing. However, print and paper also offer remarkable opportunities to increase a business’ sustainability and responsible business practices. With 72% of paper already currently being recycled in Europe (Two Sides, 2023), partnerships between environmentally responsible businesses, from manufacture to print to distribution, show that paper can be the centre of a bio-based circular economy.

WHAT IS GREENWASHING?

Greenwashing is, in its simplest form, attempting to make people believe that your company is doing more for the environment than it really is. Without evidence to support the claim that “going paperless saves trees”

these statements are simply greenwashing, and can serve as a distraction from other areas of operations that have room for improvement. Cutting use of unethicallysourced paper is definitely a good thing - but, true sustainability goes well beyond that.

THE COST OF DIGITAL

Some companies boast about going paperless while disregarding their overall carbon footprint, the sourcing and carbon impacts of their digital infrastructure, or that of the digital platforms they choose to spend their marketing budget with.

Relying on data centres that run on non-renewable energy sources - in Ireland, data centres already use more than 15% of all power generated (Sappi, 2023) - or employing disposable electronics can offset any positive environmental impact gained through going paperless.

In 2019, 53.6 million metric tonnes of e-waste was generated worldwide. Without proper recycling, this leads to the loss of valuable materials like iron, copper, and gold (Global E-Waste Monitor, 2020).

Consumers often perceive digital marketing as inherently greener without question, and without delving deeper into the company’s overall eco-credentials. Businesses can leverage the consumers’ trust, and also choose not to divulge the internal benefits to the company - such as reduced coststhat come with paperless communication. Sustainability requires a holistic approach that addresses all aspects of a company’s operations, not just one.

PRINT POWER

On the other hand, sustainable printing methods are often overlooked as a viable and eco-conscious option - for example, European forests which provide wood for paper products have been growing by 1,500 football pitches per day (FAO, 2020). As one of the UK’s very few certified carbon-balanced printers, we offset the full operational carbon footprint of your print in partnership with the World Land Trust; in our first year, we committed to protecting and restoring 26 acres of tropical forest in Central Vietnam. The design of our building reduces our demand for energy and natural resources making our printing even more efficient.

All the paper we use is recycled or produced from sustainably managed forests - we are FSC® certified and take great pride in supporting the remarkable efforts of the World Land Trust, which aims to safeguard endangered habitats and wildlife. Each year we’re leading to a more balanced environmental impact, and encouraging our customers to do the same.

We believe that to be truly green, companies must prioritise sustainable printing methods, and become more aware of their digital impact while adopting environmentally responsible practices across all aspects of their operations. Only then can we ensure that efforts towards sustainability are not just skindeep, but genuinely contribute to a greener future for our planet.

of paper already currently being recycled

TURN OVER A NEW LEAF

WITH CARBON BALANCED PRINTING

THE CORNISH FOOD BOX

The Cornish Food Box was started with the simple aim of making it really easy for people to enjoy Cornish produce.

Think of us as your one-stop-shop for ordering food you can feel good about. To us that means grass-fed, free-range meat, sustainably line-caught seafood, fruit and veg from small-scale family farmers; all raised, reared, grown or caught right here in Cornwall. We partner with over 250 local producers, some you’ve never heard of as

well as some of the county’s most wellknown brands. We’re here to revolutionise ethical e-commerce, one box of sustainably sourced food at a time.

Please get in touch to discuss flexible home and workplace delivery!

www.thecornishfoodboxcompany.co.uk 01872 211533

CORNWALL SUSTAINABILITY AWARDS

Now in their 21st year, the Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Sustainability Awards aim to encourage, reward and gain recognition for the excellent work organisations are doing to improve their own sustainability and that of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly as a whole.

Five categories are up for grabs, including a new one called - Growing Greener: Planting Trees in Cornwall.

ASSENTECH

We are surrounded by volatile liquids, from the clothes we wear to the alcohol we drink and the fuels we use for heating and transportation.

Assentech, a specialist in emissions control and safe storage of everyday liquids, is a sustainable start-up hive of activity, introducing patented innovative emission reduction technology globally.

By advising regulators and established

chemical organisations, a thriving Cornish SME is playing a crucial role in environmentally revolutionising the manufacturing processes behind our needs.

The deadline for nominations is Tuesday, October 31, with the winners announced at an awards ceremony to be held in December.

cornwallsustainabilityawards.org

01726 844707 | www.assentech.co.uk

Introducing six Cornish sustainabilty specialists...

Sustainabilitystars

Truro and Penwith College’s Future Skills Institute encompasses the college’s 19+ career and professional development learning options, University Centre and apprenticeships.

The pioneering package of careerfocussed training and qualifications supports economic, business and career

opportunities, with sustainability and green technologies at its heart.

Multi-million-pound investments have seen industry-standard electric vehicle labs open at both Truro and Penzance campuses and the development of specialist facilities for sustainable construction and retrofit in line with Cornwall’s Local Skills Improvement Plan.

Nestled on our farm in north Cornwall, at St. Eval we create unique candles and home fragrances inspired by nature, with people and the planet at our heart.

As a certified B Corp, we believe in using business as a force for good. Made sustainably for over 28 years, we combine traditional and contemporary methods to perfect the art and science of candle making. Harnessing wind, solar, and

Tregoad Holiday Park near Looe has stepped up its sustainability efforts as part of a multimillion-pound investment programme. As part of the initiative, the park has invested £300k in planting various indigenous plant species, and installed various new habitats including three natural beehives, duck houses, bird and bat boxes made from recycled electric cable colonies. £36k is being spent on upgrading its wildlife walk, adding an additional 2km to allow guests

access to more of the park’s rich landscape and range of wildlife.

The park is also continuing to work with Climate Vision to identify ways in which they can continue to reduce their carbon footprint.

biomass power, we’re reducing our carbon footprint and setting our sights on achieving Net Zero by 2030. With sustainability at our core, our recent initiatives include expanding our solar power portfolio, creating a wildlife conservation area and pond, and ensuring all of our products are 100% plastic-free.

car guide

Fiat 500e

Local dealer: Vospers Fiat Truro 01872 309235 · www.vospers.com/fiat

The Fiat 500e is the perfect all-electric city car, with an estimated range of 199 miles and a rapid charge time of 30 minutes you never have to think about range anxiety again.

To make it even better Fiat are currently offering a £3,000 e-grant towards the cost of your new Fiat 500e.

The 500e is also the first small electric car available with Assisted Driving Level 2! This gives you access to a trusted co-driver and enhanced level of safety in urban environments.

Audi Q4 e-tron

Local dealer: Truro Audi

01872 520801 · www.yeomans.co.uk/audi

The Q4 range offers a sporty design, with a strong body and a spacious interior that can hold plenty of luggage. Both the Q4 e-tron and Q4 Sportback e-tron feature impressive technology and several driver assistance systems, making every journey feel effortless. The Q4 e-tron can be charged to 80% in a little as 29 minutes and has a range of up to 321 miles with zero tailpipe emissions.

It’s Available from Truro Audi from just £50,630, call us today to book your test drive.

Ford E-Transit

Vospers Van Centre Truro

01872 309232 · www.vospers.com/ford/new-vans

Introducing the multi-award winning, all-electric, commercial vehicle, the Ford E-Transit. The E-Transit’s 400-volt battery with 68 kWh of usable power means you’ll never have to worry about low-emission zones again. Available as a Van, Double Cab-In-Van, and Single Chassis, you can be sure you have the option to go electric.

With impressive 166-196-mile range, 15.1 cu.m maximum load space and 1,711 kg maximum gross payload, as well as significant savings and generous Government e-grant, now is the time to consider Zero emissions and Zero compromise. The Ford E-Transit, your business electrified.

Range anxiety, what range anxiety? Electric Vehicles (EVs) are now propelling us further than ever before and now almost all manufacturers offer an electric or hybrid option. After hefty investment in the tech, there are now so many great vehicles to choose from. So with 2030 looming, get browsing the vast array of lightning struck models and make that all important switch. Here are six EVs available to order today, from Cornwall-based dealerships.

Audi GT e-tron

Local dealer: Truro Audi 01872 520801 · www.yeomans.co.uk/audi

Stunning design, sports power: the Audi e-tron GT quattro is the performance car for the new electric era. The e-tron GT quattro has Audi Sport in its DNA. It’s pure electric exhilaration, in a gran tourismo guise. Each axle is driven by its own electric motor - combined, they produce 476PS, a 2.5 second launch control boost pushes this to 530PS. Acceleration is an exhilarating 0-62mph in 4.1 seconds.

It’s Available from Truro Audi from just £87,800, call us today to book your test drive.

Ford Mustang Mach-E

Local dealer: Vospers Ford Truro 01872 309234 · www.vospers.com/ford

Enter a new age of electrifying performance with the Ford Mustang Mach-E; capable of 0-62 MPH in just 3.7 seconds.

With a maximum driving-range of 293 - 372 miles, range anxiety is a thing of the past. The Mustang Mach-E takes fast charging to the next level giving you 73 miles in just 10 minutes. Boasting the latest hands-free driving technology with BlueCruise, motorway driving has never been better. There’s never been a better time to hit the road with the Ford Mustang Mach-E.

CUPRA Born

Local dealer: Dales CUPRA Summercourt 01872 511600, Dales CUPRA Scorrier 01209 821144 · www.dalescornwall.co.uk/cupra

The CUPRA Born is proof that electrification and performance are a perfect match. It’s powered by a 45kWh, 58kWh or 77kWh battery with an electric range of 211, 260 and 355-miles. It kicks out 150PS, 204PS or 231PS with the e-boost power pack, hitting 0-62mph in as little as 6.6 seconds and 0-30mph in just 2.9 seconds

With a near 50-50 weight distribution and Dynamic Chassis Control, the Born is great fun on any road. Standard equipment includes 18” alloys, a heated steering wheel, a 12” touchscreen with in-built navigation and Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, a digital driver’s display, bucket seats with SEAQUAL upholstery and CUPRA CONNECT. Contract hire for business available.

car guide

Ford Explorer

Local dealer: Vospers Ford Truro 01872 309234 · www.vospers.com/ford

If you are looking for the ultimate all-electric SUV then look no further than the Ford Explorer. This is an EV that’s ready for adventure, boasting charging speeds of 10% - 80% in approximately 25 mins! You don’t have to worry about time away from the road. You can find your perfect route with a built-in EV trip planner, cloud connected navigation and effortless smartphone integration. All of which can be operated via a SYNC Move touchscreen located on the central dashboard. This is the perfect vehicle to start your EV adventure.

Mazda MX-30

Local dealer: Vospers Mazda Truro 01872 309237 · www.vospers.com/mazda

The Mazda MX-30 is a reinvention of the everyday electric vehicle. You can expect contemporary design and effortless style, with freestyle doors and a spacious, premium interior. The MX-30 isn’t just a pretty face, it also boasts intuitive practicality with rapid 25-minute charging and a lightweight battery.

You can also experience a truly connected drive, with intelligent e-Skyactiv electric drive technology, designed to take you wherever life leads. The Mazda MX-30, the new standard for electric SUVs.

Volvo EX30

Local dealer: Vertu Volvo Truro 01872 461487 · www.vertumotors.com

Vertu Volvo Truro has expanded its range of fully electric cars by welcoming its most sustainable model yet – the Volvo EX30.

Despite being the smallest car in Volvo’s line-up, the EX30 is capable of travelling up to 298 miles on a single battery charge. With the battery able to charge from 10 to 80% capacity in as little as 26 minutes, drivers can be assured of a quick and convenient recharge.

The EX30 also promises the fastest acceleration of any Volvo car ever, with the twin-motor performance version capable of 0-62mph in just 3.6 seconds.

INDEPENDENTS DAY

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

On July 4, the Americans proudly celebrated their national ‘Independence Day’ so what better time to remind ourselves of the independent businesses in this county that equally deserve to be celebrated?

Every successful, thriving town in Cornwall (and beyond) requires a good retail and hospitality mix to survive. That mix is one that features the odd big national name we all know but has, at its heart, a dominant, independent small business culture. Thankfully, we do have such a mix in Cornwall where the spirit of both independents - and indeed independence - is so strong that we can see the unique charm and appeal of every individual area. There are loads of great examples of brilliant ‘indie’ businesses throughout the county that you simply won’t find anywhere else and this all helps to give the county a special aura. And, crucially, it ensures that ‘identikit’ towns and villages simply do not exist within our borders.

Let us also remember that having great independent shops and businesses doesn’t just

enhance the area’s internal and tourist appealit is good for the Cornish economy too.

When you support your local ‘Indies’ not only are you assured of first-class personal service, but you know that the investment you make with them comes straight back into the local community. Independent businesses, often run by local families, are very proud to be part of their communities they serve and employ local staff and use as many local suppliers as possible as well. Simply put the more support we can all give them the more chance that money will stay in the county and that they will be able to serve us for many years to come.

So, let’s all try to do our bit to buy from, promote and endorse our amazing independent businesses – from shops, restaurants, entertainment venues, tea shops, cafes and pubs right through to independently-run businesses who are service providers, manufacturers, engineers, builders, garages and more. They all feel proud to be independent and a part of the Cornwall community – so let’s be proud of them too.

www.fsb.org.uk

Workplace wellness | Mindfit Cornwall

Cornwall Innovation, in partnership with Mindfit Cornwall, is excited to bring monthly lunchtime wellness sessions to Tremough Innovation Centre from Tuesday September 12, following success at Pool Innovation Centre.

Run by Helen Gaskin and her team from Mindfit Cornwall, Mindfit organises wellness workshops for businesses around Cornwall, as well as a range of day and residential wellness retreats. The team at Mindfit have been running these sessions over the last year at Pool Innovation Centre, and following the success, will be running them for Cornwall Innovation members in Penryn.

The hourly sessions (12pm-1pm) provide a range of breathwork, guided relaxation and gentle movement techniques that use wellbeing tools to be used both in and out of work. There is also an opportunity to have a mini face and head massage in the guided meditation time with Mindfit holistic therapist, Amelia. The sessions are open to everyone at the site.

Helen Gaskin at Mindfit Cornwall said: “The sessions have become a diary staple for our customers at Pool. Everyone who attends,

no matter what their background, are finding it so beneficial and a wonderful chance to pause for an hour. We look forward to seeing everyone there!”

Sustainablefarming

From a food and farming perspective, the country is facing a dichotomy.

On the one hand, there is a growing movement towards ‘sustainable’ or ‘regenerative’ agriculture, with the focus being on improving soil health, water quality, ecology, biodiversity, and protecting and enhancing the overall environment.

Government policy and direct support is now focused in this area. There are a growing number of initiatives, such as biodiversity net gain, carbon and woodland credits, which essentially are talking of land management rather than farming, with the focus being on the environment instead of food production and security.

On the other hand, there is a clear political agenda to keep food prices as low as possible, enhanced by the desire to keep inflation in check, regardless of the impact on producers.

appealing, they do not cover the lost Basic Payment Scheme income that has been available for a generation and, to be honest, has enabled the cheap food in the supermarkets that we have all taken for granted.

A large part of sustainable farming that perhaps is often missed is the need for the farming business itself to remain sustainable. Any change in system entails costs and some bedding in. Whilst there is no reason why a regenerative farming practice cannot generate a surplus in time – I’ve seen cases where it has taken five years plus to make a profit – it is often time that farmers cannot afford. To put it bluntly, to farm green you have to be in the black.

Can sustainable farming and cheap food coexist?

The trend in recent years has been to commoditise food, and whilst some will be able to differentiate their products, not every dairy farmer can bottle their own milk and not every arable farmer can have their own farm shop.

that Covid, climate change and the Ukrainian war might have focused minds a bit more in relation to this.

The desire to keep our shelves filled with cheap food has seen products imported from countries with far lower animal welfare or environmental standards, which must be a concern. To a certain extent all we are doing is encouraging our farmers to consider the environment and take land out of production, and in doing so exporting the environmental impact elsewhere.

To me, the question is: can sustainable farming and cheap food coexist?

Ultimately, from my position as a trusted adviser to many agricultural businesses, the vast majority of farmers I speak to take their role as custodians of the countryside very seriously and are keen to seek opportunities to enhance this.

However, whilst there is general interest, to date take-up remains slow. Beyond the natural reluctance to be an early adopter, for many this comes down to finance.

The funds on offer from Defra’s Sustainable Farming Incentive scheme are not yet attractive enough. Whilst others are more

For the most part, farmers are price takers and a combination of farm gate price pressures from processors and supermarkets and continued high and fluctuating input prices has seen already tight margins squeezed. Add to this reduced direct government support, additional legislative requirements and trade deals being signed that on the face of it disadvantage the sector, and it is not surprising that many are considering their longer term options.

Some might commit their farms into long term environmental projects but what is clear to me is that the focus on cheap food poses a large risk to our food security. I would have hoped

Surely environmentally, it has to be sensible for food where possible to be locally sourced, especially where we have a competitive advantage, such as in grass-fed milk or beef with a much lower carbon footprint than importing from ranches in say Brazil, where the cattle are soya fed, maybe hormone enriched, and where the carbon footprint is much greater even before transportation. Similarly, in Spain water is often pumped hundreds of miles across the country to irrigate crops in what is essentially a dust bowl, while eggs being imported from Italy are laid in cages that are banned in the UK. To me this is all utter madness!

In conclusion, I fundamentally believe in sustainable agriculture and the important role it has to play. Essentially, a lot of this is nothing new and for the most part going back to the way my grandfather and earlier generations would have farmed back in St Buryan in the first half of the 20th century. It is all eminently sensible stuff and can be embedded into more modern farming techniques for the wider benefit of all. However, I do have concerns that to be farming in a sustainable way, you must first be farming

To farm green you have to be in the black, says Brian Harvey, head of agriculture at PKF Francis Clark.

ACTIVE APPOINTMENT

Active Cornwall has a new head at the helm of the organisation to help people live an active and healthy life.

Paul Critchley has a long background in the health and not-for-profit sector and joins Active Cornwall from Smile Together Dental CIC, the first employee-owned health company in the UK to achieve B Corp status.

“I am delighted to be joining Active Cornwall,” he said, “and I am looking forward to bringing my experience in the sector, along with my passion for social inclusion and equality of opportunity to the role and helping to accelerate the great work the partnership already delivers.”

CONCORDE MD

The Cornwall College Group (TCCG) has appointed a new MD to its recruitment company.

Tony Marshall joins Concorde Group to lead the recruitment service forward and support jobseekers and employers in the south west.

John Evans, principal and CE of TCCG, stated: “We are extremely proud to have Tony join Concorde, his appointment signals a new and exciting period for the recruitment company.

“His visions align perfectly with the college’s values, and we look forward to seeing the great impact this will have, not only on our sector but on the community as a whole.”

Cornish clothing brand Seasalt has made two senior appointments to its management team.

Mel Wilcox joins in the newly-created role of chief information officer, while Duncan Tennent has been named the new director of strategic partnerships.

Wilcox brings a wealth of industry experience with her and was previously global portfolio director at Specsavers. Reporting directly to CEO Paul Hayes, she will be responsible for shaping the future of IT services at Seasalt.

Tennent, meanwhile, will lead the UK and international third party B2B and B2C sales efforts and commercial operations, managing strategic partnerships with department stores, online marketplaces, distributors, and key accounts.

He joins from Monsoon Accessorize where

A STRATEGIC MOVE

SEASALT SENIOR TEAM

Law firm Stephens Scown LLP has appointed David Beaumont as a strategic growth consultant.

The Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Local Enterprise Partnership has appointed Professor Emma Hunt as vice chair.

Professor Hunt is vice-chancellor and chief executive of Falmouth University and was appointed to the LEP board in March last year because of her sector experience in the digital and creative industries.

Her appointment as vice chair follows the death in May of LEP chair Mark Duddridge.

Because the Government is due to publish guidance soon on plans to integrate LEPs with local authorities as part of its devolution agenda, it was decided not to appoint an external chair, which could take some time, but to appoint a vice chair internally, in line with its constitution.

Professor Hunt said: “We were all deeply shocked by the loss of Mark Duddridge in May and he would want us to take forward

he spent the past six years as head of international, managing the international business across 27 markets and 200+ stores.

With over 30 years’ experience in corporate banking, David Beaumont is initially tasked with helping Stephens Scown’s growth aspirations in Somerset and beyond, with the firm having just opened a new office in Taunton.

In addition, Beaumont will help to maintain the firm’s strong Cornwall client base, where it was first founded in 1938, and further strengthen its standing in the Devon marketplace.

He said: “Having taken early retirement from Lloyds Bank in 2022, I was keen to find new opportunities to share the extensive knowledge I have gained while working with south west businesses to support their growth aspirations.”

the priorities that he and the LEP spent many years shaping and championing.

“The best way to honour that legacy is to continue our work driving the economic strategy for our area and securing the position of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly as a leader in the transition to a low carbon economy.”

NEW LEP VICE CHAIR

MANAGING PARTNER RICHARD BAKER AND DAVID BEAUMONT

MEL WILCOX

A new partnership between Wildanet and Truro and Penwith College is leveraging multi-million-pound investments to offer entry-level careers in Cornwall’s fast-growing tech sector. The partnership has seen the introduction

of the south west’s first telecoms field operative apprenticeship programme.

The first group of five learners have already embarked on their careers having started their apprenticeships in July, with applications open for a further

JOLLY GOOD FELLOWS

Falmouth University has appointed four new distinguished individuals to its academic community as Fellows.

The four have significantly impacted creative and artistic practice around the world and each has a strong link to Falmouth’s community of creative practitioners.

Graduate of Falmouth University, Hew Locke (OBE) becomes a Fellow, having completed his BA in Fine Art at Falmouth College of Arts (now Falmouth University) in 1988. A member of The Royal Academy of Arts, Locke’s achievements as a sculptor and contemporary visual artist include Procession, a large-scale installation at Tate Britain, and his façade commission Gilt at The Met, New York.

TECH PARTNERSHIP

eight to start their journey in October.

The college has developed the apprenticeship in partnership with broadband provider Wildanet from the ground up, adopting the brand-new programme into its curriculum while adding bespoke elements and teaching models to directly support Wildanet’s opportunities.

Charli Styles is programme team leader of Future Skills at Truro and Penwith College. He commented: “The college is always striving to work with the very best employers and as a leader in its field Wildanet is no exception.”

Morwenna Banks, actor, comic and screen writer, has strong links with Cornwall.

Now with a long list of writing credits including Hollywood film, Miss You Already, award winning TV series Funny Woman and Slow Horses, she was conferred as Honorary Fellow for Falmouth’s School of Communication.

Classical music radio and television broadcaster Petroc Trelawny is best known for presenting Breakfast on BBC Radio

3. Raised and educated in Cornwall,

Petroc started his career at BBC Radio Devon and became one of the nation’s youngest newsreaders, presenting bulletins for BBC Plymouth’s Spotlight.

Charles Wace, meanwhile, began his career in newspapers and broadcast media before founding Twofour, one of the UK’s largest independent production companies, in 1998.

MORWENNA BANKS BEING AWARDED HER HONORARY FELLOWSHIP BY CHANCELLOR DAWN FRENCH

LATEST B CORP

St Austell Brewery has reported record sales for 2022.

Despite the challenging economic conditions, annual turnover grew by 34% to £209.2 million – surpassing pre-pandemic sales by 10%.

The business also reported an increased underlying operating profit of £11.4 million in the 52-week period December 31, 2022.

Sales in the company’s managed pub estate have seen strong growth in 2023 so far, with momentum steadily building.

In the 23 weeks to June 10, like-for-like (LFL) sales were up 12% with growth accelerating in recent weeks. The last four weeks of trading to June 10 show LFL sales up 20%.

Non-executive chairman Will Michelmore, said: “Despite the current challenging environment, we are optimistic about our long-term prospects and remain confident that we have the leadership, talented teams, and focused strategy to ensure the company’s future success.”

Ellis Wharton Wines has become the latest Cornish business to become a certified B Corp.

It is only the third UK wine merchant/ distributor to achieve the recognition, closely behind North South Wines in London and fellow Cornish wine merchant Old Chapel Cellars.

It joins a growing community of Cornish B Corps, which includes the likes of Rodda’s, Origin Coffee, Finisterre and St Eval Candles.

Owner, Charles Wharton, said: “We are incredibly proud to have officially become a B Corp. It’s very rewarding to have our commitment to the highest environmental and social standards validated.”

A GREAT RESULT

Four Cornish businesses struck gold at the 30th annual Great Taste Awards.

Across 89 judging days in Dorset and London, a group of more than 500 judges conducted comprehensive blind taste tests on 14,195 entries which were submitted from 109 different countries.

Four winners from Cornwall were among the 1.8% of entries to receive a coveted 3-star award – Lynher Dairies for its Cornish Yarg, Cornish Charcuterie (Coronation Gold), Wild Cornwall (Elderflower Apple Cider Vinegar) and Tanglewood Kitchen (Lindsay’s Apple, Mincemeat & Marzipan Pie).

STRONG SALES

NEW WILDANET INVESTMENT

Cornwall-based internet provider, Wildanet, has secured an additional £50 million of funding to accelerate and extend the rollout of its full fibre gigabit broadband network in Cornwall and Devon.

The private equity funding from sustainable infrastructure investment specialist Gresham House follows an initial investment of £50 million in the business back in 2020, which kick-started the rollout.

Wildanet CEO, Helen Wylde, said: “This latest investment will allow Wildanet to bring forward the timing of its current rollout plans and target new areas across both counties, including some of the most challenging, remote locations bypassed in previous rollouts by major telecoms operators.”

Wildanet expects to add more than 50,000 rural ready for service premises by the end of 2023 to add to the 60,000 wireless connections already available across Cornwall and Devon.

Wylde added: “For Wildanet to secure such significant private equity funding, in today’s challenging economic and investment environment, stands out as a demonstration of real confidence in our values, our strategy and our delivery to date.”

South west IT support company, Acronyms, has completed the acquisition of St Austell-based IT solutions provider Tanist. The acquisition of Tanist involved the purchase of its office space, staff, and contracts, incorporating approximately 50 new clients into Acronyms’ portfolio including Sharp’s Brewery, regional law firm Charles French & Co as well as food production companies Buttermilk and Prima Bakeries.

ACRONYMS BUYS TANIST

The newly-acquired contracts will join the likes of Acronyms’ already well-established Cornwall-based clientele, which includes Trewithen Dairy, the National Lobster Hatchery and Hendra Holiday Park.

Canada’s largest video game studio has expanded into Cornwall.

Behaviour Interactive has opened a new operation in Truro, under the banner of Behaviour UK – South.

The new studio’s initial team is composed primarily of former employees of AntiMatter Games, a local developer whose parent company recently announced its intention to close the studio.

“Many truly talented individuals have been undeservedly impacted by the economic challenges that have led to layoffs across the gaming industry,” said Wayne Meazza, EVP of Behaviour’s services division. “When we learned AntiMatter Games was closing, we jumped at the opportunity to accelerate

A THOUGHT FOR BRISTOL

Pool-based tech agency, Thought Quarter, is expanding up country following the opening of a new office in Bristol.

MD Samuele Armondi, who founded the company with people & culture director Allanah Armondi, said: “I’m delighted that we’ve been able to reach this significant milestone in our journey, and I’m really looking forward to seeing Thought Quarter grow in the Bristol area as we expand our presence here.

“With the opening of our new office in Bristol, we are projecting growth of 40% this year to £2 million turnover.”

MD Dave Smith said: “We are proud to announce our expansion into Cornwall and the acquisition of Tanist, which represents a significant milestone for Acronyms. Cornwall holds tremendous potential for growth and development, and we are committed to leveraging our expertise in providing high-quality IT services to support businesses of all sizes.”

It is Acronyms’ second Cornish acquisition in recent times, following a deal for IT-OK Ltd in 2020.

GAME ON

our strategic expansion by adding the studio’s proven, experienced team.”

Rich Barham, Antimatter’s former CEO, will serve as general manager of the new studio. “We are thrilled that we can continue to pursue our passion for making games as part of the Behaviour team,” he said. “We feel very fortunate that we can maintain our home in beautiful Truro, and we look forward to welcoming new members to the team over the coming months and years.” There will be a feature interview with Rich Barham in next month’s issue of Business Cornwall.

MAKING A POSITIVE IMPACT

CORNWALL CHAMBER CHIEF EXECUTIVE, KIM CONCHIE, LOOKS FORWARD TO THIS MONTH’S PLANET C CONFERENCE

I would say I hope you’ve all had a good summer, but as I write this it seems we’re still waiting for it to start! Hopefully you’ll be reading this issue of BC basking in the September sun… but maybe not.

I feel a bit guilty hoping for heat when so many countries are literally burning. It’s a stark reminder of the dire straits our planet is in.

At the Chamber, we’re doing everything we can to support SMEs on their green journey. Our Planet C conference this month is an event not to be missed – you can find out all about it elsewhere in this issue.

The British Chambers of Commerce – to whom we are accredited, recently released a brilliant climate report, in partnership with Lloyds Bank, that will really inform the work we do as a regional Chamber.

The report highlights just how much impact SMEs could potentially have on helping the UK reach its net zero targets, but also warns of a lack of understanding from small and

medium-sized businesses about how the Government’s net zero target would impact their organisation.

Out of over 1,000 businesses surveyed, 14% were not even aware of the Government’s net zero target, and around half had heard of it but knew no details.

I often feel like a broken record, talking about net zero targets and the need for businesses to engage in the green agenda, but these stats confirm that there is no such thing as too much ‘green’ talk. We need businesses to take action – regardless of size. I will add a caveat to this in that I really do believe that Cornwall’s businesses are strides ahead of the rest of the UK when it comes to acknowledging the critical state the planet is in and taking action that ultimately will make your business more profitable and an appealing place to work and do business with.

The problem we have, and a point highlighted in the BCC’s report, is that it’s not always obvious how a small business can make a positive impact, and there is an element of caution when it comes to significant investment.

The foreword in the report says that firms are reluctant to sink their money into net zero technologies and energy efficiencies when the commercial pay-off appears uncertain.

For us as a Chamber, this is valuable information that we can directly address, guiding Cornwall’s businesses and advising on the best approach. The Planet C conference will do just that, and I urge all businesses – large or small, to attend.

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.

In other news, I’ve been in Cambridge doing a non-work course – all very exciting as it’s something I’ve wanted to do for many years. Despite being out of county and not actively working, I found many of my conversations revolved around the Duchy. It seems wherever you go, whoever you’re with, brand Cornwall is strong.

I was in a class with an international crowd of all ages and nationalities. All had heard of Cornwall with good connotations, referencing the history, the food, the vibrant culture, the welcome – all positives.

It fills me with joy to hear our beautiful land being spoken of so highly by people who have never even visited.

Speaking of being filled with joy, I was absolutely thrilled to hear of two huge milestones for our lithium extraction organisations recently.

British Lithium have entered into a joint venture with Imerys to create Cornwall’s first lithium mine, and Cornish Lithium has secured over £50 million of investment led by the UK infrastructure bank.

These are a huge steps for Cornwall; we have been teetering on the cusp of a transformational shift for several years now – poised and ready to lead the UK in the green industrial revolution, but lacking the investment to get going. This news has demonstrated that we can do it, and the pace is starting to quicken.

As a Chamber, the mammoth task of ensuring businesses are informed and supported on the road to net zero is often overwhelming. Green skills provide major opportunities to the workforce in the years ahead, but also present significant challenges; and as the BCC’s report highlights, small businesses are worried about extra costs that probably won’t be offset by financial gain. In truth, the benefits to your company productivity, engaged colleagues and the ability to pitch for public sector and large business contracts result in better profitability, not worse.

We will do everything we can to ensure Cornwall stays at the forefront of the campaign, and we will support the BCC in lobbying the Government to develop a credible, long-term strategy, tailored to the needs of our economy, that it sticks to.

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SEPTEMBER 2023 EVENTS

HEARTLANDS BUSINESS BREAKFAST

Heartlands, Redruth

Meeting on the first Tuesday of every month, the Heartlands business networking breakfast is a great way to start the day with friendly, relaxed networking and good food. heartlandscornwall.com

NEXGEN

Goonhilly Downs, Helston

Cornwall Chamber of Commerce launches NEXGEN to inspire young business people to gain lifelong valuable connections within the Cornish business community. This NexGen Event will be held at Goonhilly Earth Station. cornwallchamber.co.uk

WEDDING INDUSTRY GET TOGETHER

University of Exeter, Penryn Campus

AOW, in collaboration with eeek! Weddings, presents a wedding industry get together that you won’t want to miss. eventbrite.co.uk

CORNWALL BUSINESS CHALLENGE

Via Ferrata, Penryn

Is your team in need of some fun and laughter? Do you want to take on your competitors in a fun filled adventure challenge?

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

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

Then join the Business Challenge

Event for inclusive team-building, networking, brand promotion and CSR all in one. viaferratacornwall.co.uk

CORNISH PIRATES V BATH RUGBY

Mennaye Field, Penzance

Premiership Cup Round 1 action from the Mennaye. Whether you’re looking to entertain clients, celebrate a special occasion or host friends and family in style, Cornish Pirates’ hospitality package ensures you get the full match day experience. cornish-pirates.com

CORNWALL CHAMBER BRUNCH

Cove Café, Hayle

Hosted by chef Rupert Cooper, the morning will start with an optional swim, followed by a delicious brunch and optional walk on the beach afterwards. cornwallchamber.co.uk

START-UP CORNWALL

Sailor’s Nighclub, Newquay Powered by Slush’d, Europe’s leading tech start-up event comes to Cornwall. startupcornwall.co.uk

CORNWALL CHAMBER

BIG BREAKFAST

Eden Project, St Austell Co-hosted this month by Foot Anstey, Cornwall Chamber of

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Commerce would like to invite you to the Eden Project for its popular flagship networking event. cornwallchamber.co.uk

PLANET C CONFERENCE

Eden Project, St Austell

Join Cornwall Chamber for inspiring talks from Cornish business leaders, sharing their approach and experience, panel – and round table discussions and, of course, networking. cornwallchamber.co.uk

HFC NETWORKS CLUB

Hall for Cornwall, Truro

Meeting on the final Friday of each month, the Hall for Cornwall 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

CORNISH PIRATES V JERSEY REDS

Mennaye Field, Penzance

Premiership Cup Round 1 action from the Mennaye. Whether you’re looking to entertain clients, celebrate a special occasion or host friends and family in style, our Hospitality package ensures you get the full match day experience! cornish-pirates.com

YOUR PARTNERSHIPS IS CORNWALL’S LARGEST NETWORKING GROUP, WITH MEETINGS UP AND DOWN THE DUCHY

Growing a business can be challenging. You want your business to be visible to the right people, so it’s important to know how and where to meet them. Your Partnerships is Cornwall’s largest networking group and it events enable you to connect with other members, gain referrals and build trusting relationships with customers and suppliers.

Your Partnerships, can help your business grow!

For meeting dates (online and in-person), visit our website at... yourpartnerships.co.uk

BOARDMASTERS

Watergate Bay welcomed tens of thousands of music fans to this year’s Boardmasters Festival, which also featured the Boardmasters Open Surf Competition at Fistral Beach.

TALL SHIPS

A Hundred thousand visitors flocked into Falmouth last month to see some of the world’s finest tall ships. It was the sixth time that Falmouth has hosted the occasion and the first since 2014.

VACCINES (PHOTO: DANNY NORTH)

TION WAYNE (PHOTO: DARINA STODA)

RAYE (PHOTO: DANNY NORTH)

EMILY CURRIE BOARDMASTERS OPEN WINNERS MENS OPEN

Photos: STI - Max Mudie

CLARE BOND

WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU WERE YOUNG?

From the very young age of 14 being lucky enough to land a part time job with family friends in a shop, I always wanted to be in sales as I just love selling!

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST FULL TIME JOB?

I started from the very bottom in Lloyds Bank, Liskeard literally making the coffee. I learned the ropes from some very efficient ladies who I still see from time to time. My boss created a role for me in sales, as I talked too much to remain on the busy front counter!

WHAT’S IN YOUR POCKETS?

I always have doggy do-do bags as my two black labradors, Bruce and Basil come everywhere with me.

HOW DO YOU LIKE TO RELAX?

Walking my dogs with family or friends and ending up at one of the lovely local pubs we have in our area, the beautiful Tamar Valley.

WHAT HAS BEEN THE BEST MOMENT IN YOUR CAREER?

Opening the hotel at Lanhydrock was very exciting, seeing Graham’s plans come to fruition. Stressful but exciting!

WHAT HAS BEEN THE WORST MOMENT IN YOUR CAREER?

Closing the business for Covid-19 in March 2020. It broke my heart to cancel all of the events and room bookings whilst we had to move in and live in the hotel. Not as glam as it sounds!

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

Without doubt I would invite my two sons, Oliver and Christian, of whom I am so proud. They are both great company and a huge support to their dad and I in every way; I can’t think of anyone better to have for dinner.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE HOLIDAY DESTINATION?

We have recently discovered South Africa and would love to return as there is so much we haven’t seen. Touring and staying in a variety of locations and accommodation, always learning something from each host to bring back to our hotel. Our team must dread us coming back from holidays with our latest ideas!

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

Simply to halt global warming, what a worry for the next generation.

WHAT WAS YOUR BIGGEST MISTAKE IN LIFE?

Not a huge mistake or big regret but, I probably should have gone on to college from school. I was too keen to start earning! I just wanted a full time job.

WHAT WAS YOUR LUCKIEST BREAK?

Probably marrying my husband Graham and then working together. We are polar opposites and despite never actually discussing our roles within the business, we have managed to work together for 30 years - now as joint directors. I can’t say that there has never been a cross word though!

Director of Lanhydrock Hotel & Golf Club

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