Here are just a few eco credentials that have earned us the carbon-balanced title...
In
with St Austell Brewery chief executive, Kevin Georgel
The Cornwall Law Society’s annual celebration
Our annual review of some of the companies playing their part in the drive to net zero
Royal
Events Centre, October 10
Gaining the skills to succeed
Regulars
How do you help protect the environment?
B Corp
WELCOME
By editor Nick Eyriey
Cornish sunshine
Let’s be honest, it’s been quite a rubbish summer weatherwise. A good day here, several bad ones there. It’s certainly made for an even more challenging summer for the Duchy’s hospitality industry, in what is already a very tough market.
In this issue, we speak to St Austell Brewery CEO, Kevin Georgel, who tells us just how much the sector, particularly in places like Cornwall, benefits from a good summer.
But despite a difficult backdrop and challenges that extend far beyond the weather, the brewery is doing well to buck the trend. Kevin tells us how they are doing it.
I would like to say that “after the long hot summer…”, but it’s probably more accurate to say after the long cool and wet summer, the business scene is cranking back into activity, with a number of events to look forward to in the coming weeks, namely the Cornwall Business Show, Slush’d Cornwall and on September 18, Cornwall Chamber’s Planet C Conference.
On which subject, this issue of Business Cornwall magazine takes a deep dive into the environmental and sustainable arena. Rachel meets some local environmental guardians, while we also hear from some key players in Cornwall’s drive to become net zero.
ON THE COVER
St Austell Brewery chief executive, Kevin Georgel – see page 10.
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
Nick Eyriey nick@businesscornwall.co.uk
PUBLISHER
Toni Eyriey toni@businesscornwall.co.uk
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Caroline Carter caroline@businesscornwall.co.uk
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
Rachel Koerner rachel@businesscornwall.co.uk
DESIGN
Ade Taylor design@businesscornwall.co.uk
PRINT
Printed by Stephens and George
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Your charity, saving lives
Your business has the power to save lives
Working together, we can provide rapid, critical emergency care when its needed most across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. With mutually rewarding partnership opportunities tailored to the impact you wish to make; your business can make a lifesaving impact within the local community.
DISCOVER WAYS TO GET INVOLVED
Nominated charity partner
Joining forces with us shows your stakeholders your commitment to the well-being of the local community. We understand that every business is unique, and we’ll work with you to create a plan of activities that meet your business goals and community aspirations, whilst providing a range of fundraising resources and support. We’ll also share a plan of exciting events and challenges suitable for teams and individuals to get involved in.
Events partner
The charity holds a range of events every year that gain media attention and mass participation from the people of Cornwall and beyond. Being an events partner offers the opportunity to promote your support through positive publicity, social media engagement, brand exposure and enhancing local connections. Your sponsorship is vital to bring the community together to raise lifesaving funds. Sponsorship range: £1,000-£5,000
You only have to visit the airbase and listen to the crew and their stories to be inspired to do your utmost to help this vital cause.
Stephen Baker, Owner and Managing Director
THE BIG QUESTION
What practical measures, large or small, do you take in the workplace to help protect the environment?
NOEL CRUTCHFIELD
Cornwall Hospice Care
My role is to support our network of shops selling over one million donations each year, providing affordable and sustainable shopping options for Cornwall. We give a new lease of life to everything, from pre-loved fashion to furniture!
We constantly look at ways we can reduce our environmental impact. All our premises have dry recycling bins and we’ve replaced plastic hangers with sustainable bamboo hangers. We’ve ceased purchasing carrier bags for our shops and instead reuse bags donated to us by our kind supporters.
TIM BROCKLEBANK
Hotel Vara
V – Value our energy usage, replacing hot water radiators with electric.
A – Ask guests to consider if they require replacement linen/toiletries.
R – Refuse to use plastic bottles in rooms.
A – Alternative use. Instead of discarding coffee grounds we offer them to guests for their garden.
PEN McCLYMONT
Evocative Cornwall
We’re a small business, so I guess you could say the practical measures we’ve taken are small too, although they’re a large part of our ethos. Our products are all about the beauty and landscapes of Cornwall and its communities, so caring about the natural world is integral to who we are. For the most part our products are printed locally by St Austell Print, industry leaders working in the most sustainable way possible. We’ve eradicated the plastic from our packaging, which seemed a big ask a few years ago, yet now is second nature, and it’s good to see the industry as a whole heading that way. And my pride and joy is our little electric car, which doubles as the work van, powered by our own solar panels and green electricity.
LYNN FILE
Brand Innovation
We do all the usual things like recycling, energy saving, online meetings and going paperless, as well as bulk buying supplies to cut down transport. Because we’re lucky enough to be based in a beautiful spot on Bodmin Moor, we cherish our office environment and do what we can to protect it. For example, rewilding an area just outside the window: planting trees, creating wildlife habitats and sharing our space with a resident bat colony and owl. It’s so inspiring to work surrounded by such a glorious natural environment and we never take it for granted.
MILES CARDEN
Falmouth Harbour
We have thoroughly assessed how our and our harbour users’ activities impact the environment. Having evaluated these impacts, the most critical ones have been targeted for mitigation and taken forward into our sustainability plan. Our goals include reducing emissions, waste, and pollution, planning for adaptation to climate change and increasing biodiversity. Over the last 12 months we’ve taken action to protect ten hectares of seagrass through the Blue Meadows project, installed advanced mooring systems to reduce impacts on the seabed, purchased a more efficient pilot boat to reduce emissions and installed seawall tiles and intertidal reef cubes to increase biodiversity within the harbour.
TOM HARVEY-JONES
Groundsure
We actively protect the environment through practical steps like reducing waste and using energy-efficient lighting and appliances. We support sustainable commuting with a cycle-to-work scheme that I’ve used, saving about 4.5kg of CO2 per round trip. We also prioritise eco-friendly office supplies and merchandise whilst engaging employees in sustainability initiatives, making environmental responsibility a core part of daily operations.
NEWS IN BRIEF
Newquay-based Naked Solar has joined the growing movement of companies using business as a force for good by achieving B Corp certification. Director, Shelley Sampson, said: “This achievement reaffirms our ongoing dedication to sustainability and social responsibility. We believe that businesses have a responsibility to make a positive impact, and this certification is a testament to our commitment to doing so.”
The Royal Cornwall Agricultural Association (RCAA) has announced that Prince Wiliam, The Prince of Wales, has accepted the role of Patron. “We extend the warmest of welcomes to His Royal Highness, and heartfelt gratitude towards his patronage of the Royal Cornwall Agricultural Association, and we look forward to welcoming him to the Royal Cornwall Show in the future,” the RCAA said in a statement.
Cornwall Air Ambulance was tasked to 525 missions in the first six months of 2024. 212 of those were trauma incidents, 162 were medical related incidents, 141 were cardiac arrests and ten inter-hospital transfers were also carried out. It has its busiest May on record, while June also saw a rise in mission numbers, with 105 taskings - a 28% rise compared to June last year.
Eden Project founding director, Gaynor Coley, has been named among the most effective female executives operating in the UK, following her inclusion on Management Today’s Women in Leadership Power List 2024.
Peer to peer lender Folk2Folk has passed the £700 million lending milestone, cementing its position as the largest P2P lending platform to small businesses in the UK.
Headland director Veryan Palmer has been recognised as an “aspirational industry figure driving real change in the hospitality sector” in this year’s influential Boutique Hotelier Power List.
WALKER MOYLE AND POOLEYS SOLD
A leading UK accountancy firm has further strengthened its position in Cornwall with two more acquisitions.
Following its deal to buy Atkins Ferrie earlier this year, BK Plus has now welcomed Walker Moyle Chartered Accountants, with offices in Penzance, Redruth, and St Ives, and Pooleys Chartered Accountants to the group.
David Pooley, principal at Truro-based Pooleys, added: “Joining BK Plus brings immense opportunities for our firm and clients. We share a commitment to excellence and client-focused service, and this move allows us to enhance our offerings and support to businesses in Truro and beyond.”
These acquisitions bring BK Plus’s office count to six in the south west, creating a South West Hub led by Tom Tripp and Hannah Collison.
NEW FERRY SERVICE SUNK
The new ferry service to the Isles of Scilly ended in farce, even before it began.
The Atlantic Wolff had been scheduled to begin its twice-daily service from Penzance to St Mary’s in mid-July, before announcing a delay of one week due to “unforeseen circumstances.”
A further delay “due to ongoing evaluations within its parent company, Harland and Wolff” soon followed, but Scilly Ferries said it remained “committed” to starting the service this season.
But then just days after that announcement
came the news that it had ceased operations “because of the need for the group to refocus on core business functions”.
In a statement, Harland & Wolff’s interim executive chair, Russell Downs, said: “We understand that this will be difficult news for those affected immediately and for the community it was intended to support. It is important to note that this is an isolated and unique situation within the group which continues to deliver its business as usual, serving its ship repair fabrication and ship building customers.” The vessel was returned to its manufacturer in the Netherlands, where, presumably, it was given a new paint job.
TOM TRIPP, DAVID POOLEY AND HANNAH COLLISON
AIRPORT PLAN EDGES CLOSER
Cornwall Council is close to announcing a commercial partner to run Cornwall Airport Newquay and its surrounding estate.
Following “a rigorous selection process”, the Council has entered into an exclusivity period with Adynaton Asset Management
RED FLAG ALERT
More than 2,000 Cornwall companies are now classed as being in ‘significant’ economic distress, according to the latest figures from Begbies Traynor’s ‘Red Flag Alert’, which monitors the financial health of UK companies.
Weakness in consumer confidence, plus ongoing economic concerns, are putting considerable pressure on businesses across the region, with 2,041 at risk of economic failure. This represents a quarterly increase of 8.3%, and an annual rise of 52.1%.
Looking at the sector picture, there are 414 construction businesses in significant distress in Cornwall, making it the most troubled sector in the region.
There have also been significant increases in the number of leisure & cultural and professional services businesses facing difficulties, with these industries seeing annual increases of 177.3% and 112.3% respectively.
LLP. The Council said it hoped to have an agreement and plan to be put forward for Cabinet approval by the early autumn.
The Council says the key focus for both parties will be the ongoing and continued operation of the airport while seeking ways to enhance services and improve revenue streams to support the operations in the long term.
Despite the airport bringing £72 million into the Cornish economy annually, the Council currently subsidises its operation by £4 million a year.
The airport’s estate includes the spaceport, the Aerohub Business Park, a solar farm and 200 acres of undeveloped land.
FISHY FILAMENTS NETS £100K FUNDING
Fishy Filaments, a pioneer of technology that transforms end-of-life fishing nets into high-value materials for 3D printing and injection moulding, surpassed its Crowdcube campaign funding target.
Set up in 2016 to recycle old Cornish gillnets into virtually carbon free marine nylon for use in advanced engineering and
A MINISTER FOR CORNWALL?
The leader of Cornwall Council and the chair of the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Economic Forum have written to the new Prime Minister calling for the appointment of a Minister for Cornwall.
In the letter, Cllr Linda Taylor and Lord Hutton have told Sir Keir Starmer that “a Minister would be pivotal to unleashing Cornwall’s ability to support the ambition of a stronger and more sustainable United Kingdom through our ability to contribute significantly to powering, feeding and acting as the lungs of the country”.
The letter also calls for fairer funding going forwards and invites Sir Keir to visit Cornwall as soon as possible to “witness our positive progress and amazing potential first-hand”.
manufacturing, Fishy Filaments secured over £100k of investment from more than 215 individuals in 18 different countries.
Founder and CEO, Ian Falconer, said: “We’re not only making a positive difference to both the environment and to fishing communities around the world by providing a vital second life solution for end-of-life monofilament net, but we’re producing highly commercial recycled products that are in major demand.”
‘EXCELLENT’ YEAR FOR SEASALT
Contemporary Cornish clothing brand, Seasalt, has reported “an excellent year” with revenues up 12%.
Despite facing ongoing external challenges and economic uncertainty, the group said it performed beyond expectations, with operating profit for the year ended January 2024 rising by 146% to £7.9 million on a turnover of £132.6 million.
Seasalt had another record-breaking year in bricks and mortar stores, with all stores forging ahead versus the previous year again, achieving a 10% increase across the portfolio.
The group continued to open new Seasalt stores in the UK and Ireland throughout 2023, including Meadowhall, Aberdeen, Trentham, Malvern, a pop-up store in Plymouth and a third Irish store in Kenmare. This takes the total number to 73, all of which remain profitable.
BUDGET PREVIEW
CEO, Paul Hayes, said: “Sales have been very strong throughout the trading period in review, and we’re delighted to build on the ongoing success of recent years, in the face of obvious external challenges and economic uncertainty.
“We’ve now got our focus firmly set on the future as the year ahead is a significant one for us, with the launch of our first Seasalt stores in North America and continued expansion in our partner channels, at home and internationally.”
October’s Budget faces difficult decisions on tax and spending, says PKF Francis Clark head of tax, John Endacott.
Rachel Reeves, the new Chancellor, disclosed a significant financial gap in public finances, approximately £22 billion, due to unfunded expenditure commitments. In response, she introduced an annual cut of £8 billion in public spending, to begin next year.
She emphasised that taxes will not rise for working people and expressed strong support for businesses.
The Chancellor has stuck to tax changes in their manifesto (non-doms, VAT on school fees and more tax on carried interest). In July, came the abolition of the Furnished Holiday Lets rules and the withdrawal of charitable rates relief for private schools. But what else might Rachel Reeves announce? Here’s what we think:
• Restriction of tax reliefs: the Chancellor is likely to consider limiting tax reliefs as a way to increase revenue.
• Focus on definitions: rather than adjusting tax rates, changes are more likely to target the definition of who is subject to a tax or entitled to a relief
• Fuel duty: expectations point toward an increase in fuel duty.
• Capital gains tax (CGT): while economists advocate for increasing CGT, it seems at odds with the overall message.
Other possible targets:
• Business property relief (BPR) on AIM shares
• Agricultural property relief (APR) on let farmland
• Probate value uplift for CGT (where BPR or APR applies)
• Undrawn Pension Funds after Age 75
If the Chancellor opts for tax increases, targets could include the dividend tax rate for basic rate taxpayers or a higher main CGT rate.
We discuss these topics with clients to help them make informed business and personal financial decisions. Join our Budget webinar on October 31 to hear more - reach out if you’d like to attend.
For more information, call 01872 276477 or visit pkf-francisclark.co.uk
The overall winner, KAIAKO AI, judged by a panel of industry experts, beat off strong competition from other Cornwall-based SMEs to win the prize package worth over £11k comprising a free two-person office for a whole year located at Tremough Innovation Centre, as well as 12 months free business support from co-sponsors, Hertzian and Business Cornwall.
KAIAKO AI, the brainchild of founder Simon Vincent (pictured above left), empowers small and medium-sized companies to create charismatic marketing content, quickly. By combining the fast pace of AI with human personality, the software maps psychologically established personality types with marketing examples from the world’s most successful brands to create 16 ‘voices’ each “bristling with charisma, wit and soul”. These are plugged into a generative AI tool for brands, that instantly creates human-focused marketing content.
On winning the prize, founder Simon Vincent said: “This opportunity puts us in a fantastic position to meet like-minded businesses, network, learn from them and share ideas. The model on which KAIAKO is built has been something I’ve been developing to some degree for more than 20 years – initially in my own time but, more recently, with a selection of clients.
“To be finally sharing the model more widely and discovering that lots of people, from a variety of different backgrounds and with a variety of different perspectives, see the potential and the opportunities it creates is very satisfying - and humbling! We’re looking forward to settling in at Tremough Innovation Centre, and to learning from our mentors at Hertzian and Business Cornwall. It’s going to be an exciting year!”
Matt Harrington, head of Cornwall Innovation Centres and main competition sponsor, added: “The University of Plymouth, through its long-term
AND THE WINNER IS...!
The University of Plymouth, operator of three Innovation Centres in Cornwall on behalf of Cornwall Council, has announced the winner of its Cornwall Innovation business competition for 2024.
contract to manage the three innovation centres is delighted to be able to offer this game-changing award to a local innovative and forward-thinking business such as KAIAKO AI.
“The entrants for the competition all showed an incredible amount of ambition and creativity, which reflects what a dynamic and talented county we work and live in. Simon has already moved into his free office in Tremough IC and our fantastic Centre team and fellow co-sponsors in this competition are very much looking forward to supporting Simon and KAIAKO AI to help the business grow and thrive in Cornwall.”
This competition shows us what creative and dynamic businesses we have in Cornwall.
While these are testing times for the drinks and hospitality industry, St Austell Brewery continues to buck the trend, posting a 15% lift in operating profit (£13.2M) off the back of record turnover of £229.5M in its last financial year.
We catch up with CEO Kevin Georgel, who gives us a glimpse into running one of Cornwall’s largest private sector employers and how he is meeting these challenges head on.
It’s a very sociable industry and I love pubs obviously, which helps!
You’ve been in the industry most of your professional life. You clearly enjoy it.
Yes, coming up for 30 years now. I started selling beer for Bass Brewers in 1995 in north Devon. And like many people in our industry, once you join, it grabs hold of you. It’s a very sociable industry and I love pubs obviously, which helps! It’s very dynamic and fast moving. It’s quite broad in terms of what we do and it’s very people orientated. It ticks a number of boxes. And it’s got a real deep sense of camaraderie. We’re very close as an industry, so you develop deep-rooted friendships and long-standing colleagues, and when you put all that into the melting pot, it makes you stick around.
And, of course, you had a relationship with St Austell Brewery before becoming CEO.
I had known the business for a very long time, as a competitor, and then as a customer and an industry peer. I’d always admired the business, its wonderful heritage and its values. And I was then asked to join the board, initially in 2016 as a non-executive director, and obviously got to know the business even better. My family have lived in Devon all this time and I had been working away and commuting out of the region for many years. So, in 2019 I was delighted to be asked by the board to become the CEO, which I duly did in January 2020.
What most appealed about the role?
I’m not going to lie; it gave me an opportunity to move home and be back with my family. But also I had become very passionate about the business since joining the board and I could see the opportunity. I could see how I could help with the next stage of their development. Wonderful people, fantastic beer brands, iconic pubs and in a part of the world that I call home and love dearly. So, it was a combination of great business and personal circumstances, really.
You started just a couple of months before the pandemic. That must have been a tough baptism?
My timing was questionable! I think I was still on my official induction, when we had to close all of our pubs for the first time in 169 years.
Those were dark days. 90% of our revenues disappeared overnight. Fortunately, the company had a strong balance sheet and had resilience. But clearly, we had to develop a strategy and a plan. I remember it to this day. I said, first we’ll survive, then we’ll recover brilliantly, and then we’ll set about releasing the potential of the business. And the reason we consistently communicated those three phases is that we wanted to ensure that our people felt looked after and confident that we would come through the challenges. And when I look back at it, the commitment to recovering brilliantly was a good way of calibrating lots of our decision making. We could have made some different decisions just to survive, but we wanted to ensure that we bounced back strongly as well. And we did. I’m pleased to say that we’re in that third phase now of really focusing on how we release the full potential of the business.
Continued on page 12
I assume you had to furlough all your pub staff, but the brewery continued on making beer? We did indeed, albeit on a reduced basis because all the pubs were shut. So, we continued to brew and supply the supermarkets. And clearly there was some growth in the supermarkets, but the overall beer market declined. We furloughed the vast majority of our people, in the pubs and head office as well.
And how’s the market recovery been since then, because pubs were struggling even before lockdown?
How much beer is sold in your pubs compared to retail?
Wonderful people, fantastic beer brands, iconic pubs and in a part of the world that I call home and love dearly.
There were about 60,000 pubs in the year 2000 and come the back end of last year that number was down to about 45,000, so we’ve lost about 25% of our pubs in the last sort of 20 years. And clearly Covid accelerated that trend, while it is stabilising a bit now. But there’s no doubt that pubs have had a very challenging time, in the aftermath of Covid as well, with the levels of inflation that we’ve had and the cost of living. Our energy costs more than doubled, that was a multi-million pound impact compared to 2019. We’ve experienced exceptional levels of inflation that we haven’t seen for many, many, years, if ever, if you include energy costs. And we’ve had to put our prices up to reflect some of that. We tried not to, but inevitably, we’ve had to. And then, of course, customers that come to our pubs or drink our beers have had less money. So, you’ve got this dynamic of putting prices up when people can least afford it and that’s really quite challenging. And then beyond that, the labour market has also been very challenging through Covid, post Covid, Brexit etc. And I think that’s probably been felt more acutely in our part of the world, in part due to the housing crisis. We’ve also seen a continual reduction in visitor numbers down to Cornwall and the wider south west as well. So, there’s a whole melting pot of challenges we’re having to navigate.
Despite all that, in your last results you reported record sales.
Yes. Against that backdrop, we’re very proud of the fact that we are winning market share. So, while the overall markets are challenging, we’re winning in those markets, which is testament to the team, is testament to the amount of investment that we have been putting into the business and the support we get from our board and shareholders. We’re certainly bucking the trend and our plan is to continue to do that, but we do hope that overall economic and societal trends start to move in our favour a little bit more. And some good weather would help as well! The weather has been a significant drag on performance for the whole sector this summer.
Broadly, we’re heading towards 50-50 now, which reflects the market, which is moving more to consumption at home and slightly less on premises. But that’s starting to stabilise. The beer market nationally has been on a recovery trajectory since Covid, and there’s some slightly more encouraging signs in terms of beer consumption and consumer interest in the category, which I think is testament to all the innovation and creativity that’s going on in brewing. It’s an exciting category. It’s been driven by consumer preferences. Don’t get me wrong, we still have lots of very brand loyal customers that drink Tribute and Proper Job and Korev but equally, there’s a new class of drinker that wants to try different beer flavours and styles. And we’re fortunate that we have an incredibly talented team of brewers here, led by Georgina Young, who’s our brewing director. And we have what we call a small batch brewery, which means that that team can experiment and be creative with smaller brews. We bring out new beers all the time to try and keep that particular customer happy.
Modern craft brewers have played a big role in adding excitement to the category. And that’s why we invested in acquiring a minority stake in the Harbour Brewing Co in 2022 because the growth in that category is exciting and we wanted to participate in it. And while we can make fantastic beers that are every bit as good, the reality is that consumers are looking for authentic modern breweries. We’re a sixth generation, fantastic heritage brewery, so the combination of the two is powerful and working well for both parties.
Does it tend to be the younger drinker who’s more interested in the craft-type brews?
And probably some female drinkers as well. There is a growth in women drinkers participating in beer because of the exciting different styles and the different glassware et cetera that comes with it. It’s a really dynamic, interesting category at the moment.
How many pubs do you have right now?
We’re now at 166. Of those, we operate 44 of them directly ourselves, where we manage the pub and all of the teams are employed directly by us. And then the other 122 are operated by individual business people who we support in operating those businesses.
What makes for a successful pub in 2024? Do you have to serve food for instance?
Not everywhere, but increasingly so. I think the experience of pubs has dramatically improved. I’ve been in the business a long time and I’d say the average experience of a pub now is materially better than it used to be.
We need to ensure that the pub remains an affordable treat and reflects value for money. And as
prices increase due to inflationary pressures, we continually need to raise the bar of the experience. There are three fundamentals of a great pub experience. Firstly and most importantly, we have to have fantastic people who are really passionate about what they do and deliver a great experience. Secondly, it has to be a really high quality environment. You have to invest in the pub. It has to be well maintained, attractive, well presented and create a lovely ambiance.
We’re a sixth generation, fantastic heritage brewery.
And then finally, we have to have fantastic produce. We’re lucky having wonderful beers that we brew ourselves, but equally, we need to have really high quality food, locally sourced, that’s prepared with passion and commitment from the team. So, if you can bring all of that together on a consistent basis, then you will have a successful pub.
A survival of the fittest and the best?
That’s a fair comment. Many years ago, poor pubs probably just about got by. Average pubs did okay, while great pubs did really well. I think nowadays, poor pubs, which may not be down to the operator – they may be too small or in a bad location – have largely gone. And average pubs are finding it really challenging. But the great pubs, they are still doing well.
And I guess consumer habits have changed over the years and people typically visit the pub less often?
It’s a reasonably well established trend now that people go out slightly less often than they did. But when they do go out, they’re looking for a more premium experience and they’re prepared to pay for it as well. So those are the economics, less frequency of visits, but actually spend per head is offsetting some of that. But it has to be good.
Another trend I’ve noticed is the rise in zero beers. Do you have any plans for that market?
We do. We’ve been working on this for over 12 months now, and we’re very close to launching something that we’re very excited about. We’ve been watching the category. It is a category that is growing from quite a small base, but we think that growth is going to be long-term and sustained. Georgina Young and her team have been working to create the best beer possible. The category today is dominated by lager, but we recognise there’s a big opportunity in no or low alcohol ale and given that we have the number one IPA in premium ale, which is Proper Job, it’s made sense for us to lead on that brand, and that’s what we will be doing, so watch this space.
Continued on page 14
Going forward, what does growth look like for the brewery?
We’ve got a clear five-year plan that’s in play. We’re in year two of that and hopefully the results that you’ve seen reflect that the plan is working. So, it’s all about releasing the full potential of our pubs, our brands and critically, our people. We will continue to invest significantly across all parts of the business, that’s improving the experience of the pubs that we operate ourselves; supporting our business partners even more effectively, who run our tenanted pubs; making sure that we continue to win market share in our wholesale business across the south west, and ensure that we meet and optimise the sustained national and international demand for our awardwinning beer portfolio.
We had a great year last year. I think the important thing to point out here is turnover is up, but profits are up as well. There’s quite a number of people in our sector that are seeing sales growth because of pricing. What’s more unusual is to see sales growth and profit growth.
We’re halfway through 2024 now, and like everybody, we could definitely do with seeing better weather and increased visitor numbers. But those are factors that, unfortunately, we can’t control.
We have a significant national business, both on premise and off premise, and more than half of our beer is sold outside of the region now.
We’re still buying pubs, so we’re still acquisitive. We bought a business called Bath Pub Company last year. We’re very keen to grow our accommodation business, where we have rooms in our pubs. We’ll keep buying pubs and we’ll keep developing our beer portfolio. We invested into Harbour Brewing and we see real growth potential from that, and we’ve also gone into a joint venture with a business based in London to develop a premium sports bar. We trialled that concept in Bath - Ludo Sports Bar and Kitchen - and it’s been very successful. So, watch this space, we’ve got a number of things in play that we’re confident will sustain the growth potential of the business.
And you bought Bath Ales in 2016. Are you looking at any other smaller breweries. How is the market generally, is it consolidating?
There is some consolidation going on at this moment in time. We’re very happy and confident with the brewing capabilities that we’ve got between the site here in St Austell and the site up in Warmley near Bath. So at the moment our focus is about optimising the performance of those two breweries.
What does a typical day look like? Is there any such thing?
I’m probably going to give you the standard answer, which there isn’t one really. I’m not sure that everybody in Cornwall necessarily fully understands the breadth of St Austell Brewery. It’s a very broad business, which brings complexity but a lot of
variety. We run two breweries and the leading drinks wholesaling business in the south west. We directly operate pubs ourselves, we run a tenanted pub business. We have our own wine business. We own and operate a distribution business and we employ around about 2,000 people.
With all that, comes lots of variety. My time is spent supporting my team and delivering the plan that we’ve got, ensuring that we’re always thinking ahead and that we’re managing lots of different stakeholders, motivating our brilliant people, making sure that they’re enabled to be the best they can. I’m not somebody, by the way, who sits behind a desk. I’m always out and about. About in our pubs, in our breweries, visiting our suppliers. I’m a firm believer that you don’t learn much sat at your desk.
I bet you find yourself going on lots of little busman’s holidays, visiting other people’s pubs and trying different beers and so on?
I do, I do! My wife hates it!
Releasing the full potential of our pubs, our brands and critically, our people.
Is there a side of the business you prefer, running the pubs or brewing the beer?
It goes hand in hand. To me, the absolute pinnacle is when we’re in one of our pubs with fantastic ambience, great team happy, smiley, motivated, passionate about what they’re doing. And I’m drinking one of our beers that our wonderful brewing team have created. To me, that’s the ultimate and that’s what we’re focused on doing and delivering for all of our customers
In Cornwall, what is St Austell Brewery best known for? Is it a beer like Tribute, or the pubs themselves?
Reputationally, we’re probably more known for our beer, because that’s been a huge part of the success over the last 25 years. And Tribute would probably be right at the top of that. It’s such a fantastic success story that has done great things for the company. But I think is also reflects well on Cornwall, to have some of the country’s favourite, most successful beer brands coming from our part of the world.
The pubs are a really important part of our business, and we’re passionate about them, but in terms of the perception of the company, I think today the beer brands are still probably at the forefront of most people’s minds when they think about St Austell Brewery.
And away from work, how do you like to relax?
The job is very sociable and I’m a very sociable person, but actually when I’m relaxing, I try and get away from people. You’ll often find me in some remote wild place where I can truly get away from everybody, just with my family and my dogs. That’s where I probably find it easiest to relax, but it’s also where I do some of my best thinking.
A rare moment to take stock of our achievements...
LAW SOCIETY AWARDS
The best of the Duchy’s legal sector was celebrated at Truro Cathedral, with the annual Cornwall Law Society Awards.
More than 170 guests packed into the cathedral for the annual gala ceremony, with music from Soul Sensations and Lowen String Quartet, while the awards were presented by Cornish comedian, Kernow King.
Among the big winners on the night, Coodes was crowned Large Firm of the Year, while Penderlaw Solicitors took the Small Firm category while also receiving the Judges’ Award.
Robin Pender, principal solicitor and director, said: “Winning Small Firm of the Year is a fantastic achievement and I feel incredibly proud of the team. Coming home with the Judges’ Award too, is testament to the dedication and talent within the firm.”
Coodes won four awards in total, including Team of the Year (clinical negligence and personal injury), and Stephens Scown picked up a brace of individual accolades – Family Lawyer of the Year (Sarah Atkinson) and Tamsin Mann (Commercial/ Commercial Property Lawyer of the Year).
Managing partner, Richard Baker, said: “It’s brilliant to see Sarah and Tamsin’s success in the Cornwall Law Society Awards. Having been nominated across five categories and picking up two awards, it’s clear that the work being done across the firm is being recognised in Cornwall.”
Cornwall Law Society president Kirsty Davey, who heads up the corporate & commercial team at Coodes, said: “We have such a vibrant legal community in Cornwall and I was blown away by the talent of those shortlisted for the 11 awards this year. A massive congratulations to all of this year’s winners.
“To all those who were successfully shortlisted for these awards, it is a fantastic achievement in itself and one you should be proud of.
I would also like to say a huge thank you to all our generous sponsors who made this event possible and to my committee who gave up so much of their own time to make the event a success.
“When I was elected as President, I committed to building on the society’s engagement with members to deliver greater and more diverse engagement.
I’m pleased that this year’s annual awards dinner brought together legal professionals from across the county and provided an opportunity to connect and celebrate the talent in the region. It offered a rare moment to take stock of our achievements and will remain a true highlight of the year for me.”
Sustainability is becoming all the more synonymous with our business community.
With this issue focussing on sustainability, I knew I had an abundance of businesses I could highlight, who are making their mark (or rather leaving no trace). A new B Corp accreditation for a Cornish company is regular news for us here at Business Cornwall, and with John Brown now leading the re-charge at Cornwall Chamber, sustainability is becoming all the more synonymous with our business community.
However, beyond the workplace, there is a remarkable number of Cornwall-based individuals who are making a profound impact on environmental sustainability in their ‘spare time’, or changing their business practices to involve a personal love for nature.
So, this month I spoke to some of them, with their day job hats off, and found out more about what they are striving to do to preserve the natural habitats, communities and environments, from Botallack to Buteng.
STUART WOODMAN cleanoceansailing.com
Stuart Woodman is a chef and forager. A typical workday involves cooking outdoors for groups and leading foraging walks for the likes of 7th Rise on the River Fal and Cabilla on Bodmin Moor, or inspiring the next generation on school camps. Stuart also founded Woodman’s Wild Ale, an award-winning microbrewery producing seasonal beers featuring ingredients foraged from the Cornish countryside. From knowing what botanicals to pick to infuse a hedgerow cocktail, to knowing where to find sustenance from the hedgerows on a coastal walk, Stuart is an expert on the value of our natural world.
However, outside of work, Stuart’s passion for nature continues. He volunteers for Clean Ocean Sailing, a charitable organisation that fishes for marine plastic by paddle and sail. ‘The Annette’, a 1908 Danish gaffrigged schooner, is used alongside other smaller craft, to access remote waterways to help clean up our waters and coastline.
He says: “I had become friends with Steve (one of COS founders) soon after I moved to Cornwall to study for an MA in Fine Art at Falmouth back in 2010 and subsequently sailed with him and friends aboard ‘The Annette’ over to the Scillies on a couple of occasions. So when he and Moni set up COS I was keen to get involved.”
Crewing on ‘The Annette’ and coordinating beach cleans, Stuart also helps fellow volunteers sort the retrieved plastics back at the headquarters in Gweek.
“The value of sorting the plastic essentially feeds into citizen science projects and gathers useful data for research projects organised by academic institutions, such as Falmouth and Exeter University,” he explains. “We’re conscious of raising awareness
LIVING LOCAL, THINKING GLOBAL
Cornwall’s Environmental Guardians by Rachel Koerner
of the impact marine plastic is having on our environment and where possible we take the sorted plastic for recycling at the Ocean Recovery Project in Exeter. Some of the 60 odd tonnes of plastics we have gathered over the years on our beach cleans have been turned into the kayaks made by Odyssey Innovation that we use to paddle around the Cornish coast.”
Clean Ocean Sailing also recently secured funding for its Ocean Wellbeing Project, taking people sailing and beach cleaning to benefit their mental health and making trips on Annette more accessible to those who may not otherwise have had the chance to sail. Thinking global but acting local, Stuart and the Clean Ocean Sailing crew clearly value community and see firsthand the impact each volunteer has as a critical part of their mission to protect our environment beyond Cornwall shores.
Continued from page 19
SHANNON MORAN seasearch.org.uk
Colleagues Shannon and Rannva work with the world-renowned premium dive-brand Fourth Element; Shannon as a drysuit specialist, Rannva as sales manager. Outside of work, they both know the value of diving with a purpose.
Locally I have noticed a decrease in fish abundance over the last few years
With a degree from Falmouth University in Marine and Natural History Photography, Shannon is now an award-winning photographer. And, outside of her day job she also volunteers her time and underwater photography skills to Seasearch.
“Seasearch is a form of data recording by volunteers, here in Cornwall it is facilitated by Cornwall Wildlife Trust. We often have a selection of dates throughout the year and specific locations or areas of interest that we will go to collect the data from. When we dive for Seasearch we have a depth limit and direction to swim along and our job is to record the
habitat types, species and abundance and compile that data into a form. All of the data we collect can be accessed for free and is often used by the Marine Conservation Society, Natural England and the Wildlife Trusts when they compile reports. We hope that all of the records and images collected can be used to improve the health of our oceans and raise awareness of any issues.”
Contributing to the identification of Marine Conservation Zones and Marine Protected Areas, Seasearch has been collecting marine data since the 1980s. Led by a steering group comprising of non-governmental organisations including the Marine Conservation Society, dive training associations, as well as individual experts, SeaSearch has an invaluable impact and influence on marine conservation. It relies on passionate individuals like Shannon.
“In my free time I try to be underwater as much as possible,” she says. “When I’m underwater I am always searching for new species or behaviours to photograph alongside trying to tell stories of our oceans. My current project focuses on the Helford estuary and the challenges the habitats there face, particularly the seagrass and maerl beds.”
The data Seasearch volunteers have gathered consists of around 80,000 habitat and species records and Seasearch encourages the data to be accessed and used as much as possible, to improve our understanding of marine environments, inform research and reporting, and significantly, encourage marine conservation.
Shannon adds: “Locally I have noticed a decrease in fish abundance over the last few years, particularly those targeted by fisherman. We also are starting to see more and more invasive species as our sea temperatures are rising, seaweeds such as sargassum and harpoon weed are a Mediterranean species and its quick spread is causing concern.”
RANNVA JOERMUNDSSON nixie-expeditions.com
Whilst Shannon and Rannva often get to enjoy dives together around Cornwall, when it comes to diving, Rannva’s focus isn’t always as close to home.
Rannva is an active member of the Explorers’ Club (an international multidisciplinary professional society which promotes scientific exploration) and a co-founder of Nixie Expeditions, leading incredible dive projects around the world.
In October she is leaving her home in Cornwall to travel to the island of Pulau Muna in Indonesia. She will be leading an expedition to the regency Buton Tengah – lovingly nicknamed Buteng by the locals - to explore an aquifer, a hidden underwater cave in a fossilised coral reef. The local government are seeking to protect the area via UNESCO Global Geopark certification, and the local community are in desperate need of an alternative water source to plastic-bottled water.
Bringing together specialist cave divers and speleologists to work with communities and gather valuable scientific data, Rannva’s expedition is set to make waves in aquifer conservation and exploration, and the data collected is anticipated to help provide a freshwater source for locals.
Having grown up in the Faroe Islands, Rannva moved to Cornwall in 2016. She has dived around the world and has done so armed with a desire to protect the natural world.
aquifers run out into the ocean killing the corals we are fighting so hard to protect.
“Aquifers are potentially enormous, natural, freshwater reservoirs, but so little is known about them, as you need specialised equipment and years of training just to become a cave diver. A very rough estimate says that potentially only 1% of the world’s caves have been explored.”
Rannva’s passion for the oceans and aquifers is clear as she speaks of diving with a purpose and utilising her extensive dive skills and experience to empower communities and inspire others.
“Growing up on the Faroe Islands meant that the fjords and the cliffs were your playground as a child, and on the Faroe Islands nature rules all. And growing up by the sea really established a great curiosity of what wonders our oceans hold. Having been a diver since 2008, I have been fortunate enough to see and dive some of the most incredible places around the world - the caves of the Yucatan Peninsula and Antarctica in particular - it also instilled a sense of giving back and protecting what you love.
“Cave diving is my absolute favourite form of diving, as you get the sense of being an inner space explorer, seeing places incredibly few people get to see. You’re also swimming around in the veins of our planet, and in one of our most precious resources – freshwater. I was a member of the Xunaan-Ha Expedition in 2021, which was the first female cave exploration team. My eyes were really opened, not only regards cave diving and cave exploration, but also the immense negative impact human activity can have on aquifers. Diving in the caves surrounding Tulum in Mexico, we found sewage was dumped straight into the aquifer underneath their feet. Not only did this contaminate their own drinking water, but as everything on our planet it connected, the contaminants from the
“After Expedition Buteng, we will utilise all the data, protocols and knowledge, to share with the wider world, but we have also received invitations already from Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Puerto Rico, Brazil and loads of other countries to go and explore and investigate the cave systems and aquifers they have.
“We will post all findings on our website, as well aim to be a hub of aquifer conservation and exploration resources. We’ve established partnerships with other likeminded organisations, like Phreactic.org and Marine Genome Project, and are currently under negotiations with Re:wild.org. Finally, we will do whatever we can to share the importance of studying and protecting the groundwater, and we are extremely fortunate to have the support of the Perpetual Planet Initiative by Rolex to help spread the message.”
It is anticipated that The Buteng Expedition will be the first of a series of planned aquifer conservation projects, with a goal of achieving sustainable water management and conservation. So that we can follow this incredible project and learn more about the inspiring female-led team, Rannva and Nixie will be updating their Instagram feed throughout the expeditions.
Continued on page 22
Continued from page 21
TOM HARDMAN holywellapiaries.co.uk
Back with focus on dry land, I spoke to Tom Hardman. What started as a hobby with a single hive at the bottom of his garden, has now turned into a small-scale business of its own for freelance geotechnical engineer, Tom. With a love of the outdoors and a childhood desire to be a farmer, Tom has channelled his love of nature into keeping bees.
Swapping his hard hat for a beekeeping hood, Tom appreciates balancing his time spent on building sites with beehives.
“Beekeeping provides an important link directly to the health of our countryside and our ever changing seasons. We all lead increasingly busy lives and it is rewarding to take the time to reconnect with the countryside and what is happening around us. The natural environment is crucial to me because it offers a sense of peace and fulfilment that is hard to find elsewhere. It’s a constant reminder of the intricate balance of our ecosystem (and weather!), where every element plays a critical role.
and serving as a food source for other wildlife. Their dwindling numbers disrupt these critical ecological processes, leading to broader environmental consequences. Bees and other pollinators are often considered indicators of environmental health. Their decline suggests that our ecosystems are under stress and underscores the urgent need for sustainable practices.”
The presence of beehives can lead to healthier plants and increased yields.
While selling honey and other beeswax products are now providing another income stream for Tom, his ‘bread and butter’ income is mostly from working on foundation design for large construction projects.
Having gained his Masters in Applied Geotechnics from Camborne School of Mines, Tom is very much settled in Cornwall and appreciates a career path that has enabled him to become self-employed - affording him the flexibility to now manage thirty beehives in his area. Cornwall landowners and farmers appreciate the benefits of bees and have supported Tom in allowing him to locate hives on their land.
“Honeybees, solitary bees and wasps are crucial pollinators, globally responsible for reproduction of around 75% of our flowering plants and more than a third of our food crops. The decline in bee populations and insects in general due to pesticides, habitat loss and climate change is both noticeable and alarming. The implications extend beyond agriculture. Insects play an essential role in decomposing organic matter, cycling nutrients,
“Many forward-thinking landowners and farmers are very open to hosting hives on their land and appreciate the benefits they bring; from enhanced pollination of crops to the promotion of biodiversity. The presence of beehives can lead to healthier plants and increased yields, making it a mutually beneficial arrangement for both the bees and the landowners.
“I am involved with rewilding projects, which focus on the restoration of previously intensively used land. These initiatives aim to bring back natural ecosystems by planting wildflower meadows and other native flora. Bees play a critical role in these projects, as their pollination activities help to establish and maintain diverse plant communities. This not only supports the bees themselves but also a wide range of other wildlife that depends on these plants.”
Tom’s products are now being stocked by Cornish retailers such as The Perranarworthal Fruit and Veg Stall, The Lost Gardens of Heligan and via his website.
“Provenance is really important, which is why we label all of our honey so that it is uniquely identifiable, right down to the exact location it was harvested from. This transparency allows consumers to appreciate the unique qualities of honey from different areas. Knowing where your food comes from and how it is produced fosters a deeper connection to the environment and encourages more sustainable and ethical consumption practices.
“By supporting local food producers and promoting sustainable practices, we can contribute to the health of our ecosystems and the resilience of our local communities.”
LUCY SPINK lucyspinkjewellery.co.uk
Jeweller, Lucy Spink has created The Talisman Collection, a project inspired by lost words and species on the edge of extinction – wild flowers, birds, kelp forests, sea grass and lichen. Lucy produces unique pieces of jewellery to be worn as a Talisman against the loss of our non-human species, to be loved and remind the wearer of the value of nature. Lucy is passionate about the natural world which inspires her work and choices daily.
“We are part of nature, not separate from it, and we all need to take more care,” she says.
“I was originally inspired to make the Talisman Collection after reading ‘The Running Hare’ by John Lewis-Stemple and ‘Rewilding’ by Isabella Tree. I wanted to create a contemporary jewellery collection which calls to mind the names of those diminishing lives, as a way of remembering them and holding them in our consciousness.”
From her workshop in Mylor Downs, Lucy produces each piece by hand using recycled silver. Each Talisman piece is etched with the names of rare UK species of plants and animals which are endangered or extinct due to habitat loss and the use of chemicals.
“I was interested to explore the idea that by learning the names of non-human species, we are holding onto our connection
to nature and to our place in the living world. Research has shown very clearly that the basic human impulse to name things changes our relationship to them. The more names we know, the more our natural surroundings become a rich tapestry of life rather than just a backdrop to ourselves. Biologist Carol Kaesuk Yoon writes that ‘sorting and naming the natural world is a universal, deep-seated and fundamental human activity, one we cannot afford to lose because it is essential to understanding the living world, and our place in it’.”
Celebrating the legacy of ancient natural species and our responsibility in sharing our environment with so many, Lucy’s collection also directly supports their preservation. 10% from each sale is donated to a related charity, to help fund the work they do in saving our wildlife and wild places. So far, she has given over £1k to Plantlife, the RSPB, The Seagrass Project and Cornwall Wildlife Trust.
The growing collection is shared on her website and pieces have been displayed in exhibitions across the UK and Europe.
One effective way to build sustainability within a business’ supply chain is by introducing clauses within contracts with suppliers. Contracts create a legally binding agreement, determine the expectations and obligations of the parties, and set out the consequences for failure to meet those terms.
Sustainability clauses can cover:
1 Net zero, clean energy and emission targets
2 Requirements for sustainability scores and social impact reporting
3 Modern slavery protections (certification that materials and products comply with anti-slavery and human trafficking laws)
4 Ethical management of employees
5 Requirements to use ‘green energy’ suppliers.
Various benefits for businesses that adopt a longterm and holistic approach to sustainability, include:
1 Attracting more sustainability-conscious consumers and suppliers
2 Increasing employee engagement
3 Improving efficiency, reducing waste and lowering operating costs
4 Getting ahead of future legislative requirements
5 Attracting investment
6 Driving innovative working practices
SUPPLY CHAIN RESILIENCE
Sustainability is a hot topic in business: consumer trends are changing, and supply chains are under increasing scrutiny.
7 Increasing resilience to price fluctuations
8 Helping businesses to quantify scope 3 emissions and build ESG into procurement
9 Avoiding claims of greenwashing and mitigating reputational risk within supply chains.
Adopting sustainable clauses within contracts provides the opportunity for early alignment of future sustainability-related regulations, promotes shared values and locks in a mutual commitment to sustainable practices.
To explore how you could improve resilience within your supply chain by building sustainability clauses within your business contracts, please contact Jennifer Short-Martin from Stephens Scown’s Corporate team, by calling 0345 450 5558 or by emailing enquiries@ stephens-scown.co.uk
AGENDA
• Opening from John Brown
• Matthew Kenworthy Gomes (Cornwall Pride) – ‘Inclusivity’
• Helen Taylor (One Blue Marble/ Forest Green Rovers) – ‘Being an activist business and getting more women into sustainability’
• Michael Collins (ShelterBox) – ‘Climate Change and Sustainability in the Humanitarian Sector’
• Ed Bird (Bird Eyewear) – ‘Bringing nature into the business process’
• 30 under 30 2024 panel discussion with winners from Stephen Scown and Groundsure.
• Jonathon Jones OBE (Tregothnan) – ‘Exporting 29 miles of tea and mapping every tree’
• Plant One & Carbon Sense workshop MORE TO BE ANNOUNCED
PLANET C 2024
Putting the ‘S’ Back in ESG - Cornwall Chamber CEO, John Brown, previews this year’s Planet C Conference, at the Eden Project on September 18
As we approach our much-anticipated Planet C event on September 18, I want to take a moment to address a critical aspect of our sustainability efforts that has often been overlooked: the ‘S’ in ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance). While much of the conversation around sustainability has rightly focused on decarbonisation, net-zero targets, and carbon neutrality, it’s time we broaden our scope. This year, the Cornwall Chamber of Commerce is determined to shift the narrative to include the equally vital aspect of social sustainability. It’s no secret that our world faces environmental challenges on an unprecedented scale. The climate
crisis is a pressing issue that demands our full attention. However, we must acknowledge that communicating the perils of environmental collapse to those already living in dire conditions—whether it be poverty, inadequate housing, or insufficient healthcare—can feel like a futile exercise. If we truly want to engage everyone in this movement, we must show how sustainability isn’t just about raising the ceiling for the privileged few; it’s about lifting the floor for everyone.
That’s why, at Planet C 2024, we’re not just going to be talking about reducing emissions or cutting down on plastic waste. We’re going to dig deeper into how the environmental movement can—and must—become more inclusive and accessible. We will explore how sustainability intersects with critical social issues such as housing, wages, healthcare, and poverty. Because the truth is, if we don’t address these issues, we can’t achieve true sustainability.
One of the key themes of this year’s event will be how a regenerative economy can transform Cornwall. A regenerative economy isn’t just about sustaining our natural resources; it’s about ensuring that our communities thrive. It’s about creating an economic model that benefits everyone, not just the wealthy or the environmentally conscious. This means looking at how we can provide affordable, sustainable housing for all; how we can ensure fair wages that reflect the true cost of living; and how we can build a healthcare system that supports the wellbeing of our entire population.
At the heart of this discussion is the understanding that environmental and social sustainability are inextricably linked. We cannot hope to protect our planet if we are not also protecting our people. That’s why Planet C 2024 will feature speakers, workshops, and discussions that focus on practical, actionable strategies for achieving social sustainability alongside environmental goals. We’ll be hearing from experts who are working on the frontlines of these issues, as well as from local businesses and organisations that are already making a difference in their communities.
This event isn’t just for environmentalists or business leaders; it’s for anyone who cares about the future of Cornwall and our planet. Whether you’re a small business owner, a local resident, or a policymaker, there’s a place for you at Planet C. Together, we can create a vision of sustainability that is truly inclusive, one that lifts everyone up and leaves no one behind.
It’s for anyone who cares about the future of Cornwall and our planet.
So, I invite you to join us on September 18 at Planet C 2024. Let’s make this the year that we put the ‘S’ back in ESG. Let’s show the world that Cornwall is not just a leader in environmental sustainability, but in social sustainability too. Because if we want to build a better future, we have to start by ensuring that everyone has a stake in it.
We cannot hope to protect our planet if we are not also protecting our people.
KEEPING IT LOCAL
EMS Waste Services Ltd is one of the top waste management companies in the south west. Family owned, it operates waste transfer stations in Exeter, Paignton, Plymouth, and St Austell in Cornwall. The waste brokerage division covers the greater south west allowing a larger operational area.
EMS has designed and installed a segregation line at its Exeter facility to ensure that all contamination is removed from the waste before being transported to our secure recycling area where we look to achieve a 95% recycling rate.
The new EMS Energy Recovery Site allows the company to manage compactable waste and avoid landfill, which will allow customers a total waste security and sustainable option for their waste management. It can also provide customers with recycling reports designed to meet their requirements as well as an online portal so you can access your data at any time.
Director of EMS Skip Hire, Jack Stuart, explains: “We have skips and RORO containers suitable for every purpose, whether you need a waste recycling service or asbestos collection we work diligently to ensure that our services meet and exceed your every expectation.
“With over three decades of experience and a record for success, our unwavering services are continually expanding to ensure that we recycle every kind of waste possible.”
The new range of electric vehicles allow EMS to reach sustainable business goals and while continuing to invest in a modern high spec fleet it looks to meet and exceed customer wishes with high service levels.
“As a business we strive to be as environmentally friendly as possible and are always looking at innovative ways to help us achieve our sustainability ambitions,” adds Jack.
“Waste security allows our customers to focus on their business with the peace of mind that EMS conduct and deliver a host of waste collections to the highest standards.”
In Cornwall, EMS is launching its trade waste business to allow new and existing customers the total waste management experience saving time and adding efficiency within their business.
With one number to call and the local contacts to assist enquiries, EMS’ wheelie bin services can give a credible alternative when looking for a collection service. It believes its service level and ‘can do approach’ will make it the go to company.
One of the joys of being a business coach is seeing your clients thrive after you have worked with them. This is especially the case with Naked Solar; I worked with Tony and Shelley 14 years ago when they were a new start-up, and now I am working with them again, helping develop a new sustainable business plan.
I have developed a successful ten-step business planning process that focusses on the three pillars of people, planet and profit. The whole team is engaged in the process, and it ensures that everyone knows the direction of the business and their role within it.
To support this, I delivered a programme of motivational mapping: identifying the personal drivers for each member of the team. It is very enlightening when staff realise their true motivations and discover they can act upon them. Individual executive coaching sessions are also vital, ensuring the senior managers flourish as leaders.
Accredited by B Corp in 2023, Treveth is working towards becoming a carbon neutral business by 2030. Driving forward the scale, range and number of our ESG-focused, low carbon Cornish infrastructure projects, we are significantly reducing the whole life carbon cost of both our residential and commercial schemes.
Gwel Basset in Redruth is Treveth’s award-winning, low carbon housing scheme. All 185 new build homes are designed to respond to local needs and meet challenging operational energy saving targets above industry standard. Homes will use up to 73% less energy per year compared to an average threebedroom house in the UK and all subsequent Treveth schemes are following this lead.
Treveth’s first Impact Report, published this year, concluded that our strategic projects show potential to drive regeneration in Cornwall. Whilst this demonstrates we are already showing industry leadership, we are on a journey and there is still much to do
We are actively developing a pipeline of opportunities, including working with our supply chain on the purchase of innovative low carbon materials and developing lower-impact build techniques. Alongside our renewable energy plans, these initiatives will take us further on our decarbonisation journey.
Business coach Heather Forster explains the importance of Sustainable business planning.
Sustainable business planning embraces the entire organisation - its ambition, its people and its operation. It drives the company’s ethos in a way that binds the team with clear focus and delivering ‘good business’ that is financially successful and truly sustainable.
Tony says: “Heather’s guidance and skill have been invaluable. She has shone a light that has enabled us to see clearly where we are going, and how we will get there. I cannot thank her enough.”
For more information about this and other help I can provide you, please call me on: 07967723420, email heather@heatherforster.com or visit www.heatherforster.com
PLANNING FOR A BETTER FUTURE BUILDING LOW CARBON DEVELOPMENTS AT SCALE
www.heatherforster.com
Catherine Pinney, decarbonisation & environment manager at Treveth, explains how the innovative Cornish developer is in full alignment with the Council’s ambition for Cornwall to be carbon neutral by 2030.
For more information on our Decarbonisation Strategy and Impact Report, please visit www.treveth.co.uk
SUSTAINABILITY IN ACCOUNTANCY
Practice director, Michelle Pearce, discusses RRL’s environmental journey.
We thankfully find ourselves in a time where environmental consciousness is gaining prominence. We believe that the traditional role of accountants has evolved beyond number crunching and compliance to embrace a broader perspective.
As ‘trusted advisers’ to businesses, accountants are instrumental in assisting clients to consider the increasing impacts of the climate crisis and implement sustainable business practices. But to do so, you need the credibility and authenticity. This is one of the driving forces behind our own journey to adopting eco-friendly operational practices – recognising the ethical, but also commercial opportunity and demand.
ON THE ROAD TO NET ZERO
Understanding Scope 3 emissions is critical for businesses aiming to become more sustainable.
So, what is Scope3? Picture your value/supply chain including everything your business buys or has responsibility for – eg materials, food, transportation, packaging.
Add to that ‘enablers’ like staff, IT equipment, travel, insurance etc. Then add waste and finally add what the end user does with your service. That’s Scope 3. It’s the most complex area to measure and monitor. It’s also where significant emissions and cost savings can be found.
So how do we reduce these emissions? After measuring Scope 3, we can work with key suppliers to adopt sustainable materials and collaborate on emissions reduction strategies.
Before fully embracing the principals, we had already made massive progress in embracing digitalisation and implementing policies which have made small yet impactful steps towards creating a more sustainable workplace.
We are using Net Zero Now to measure our carbon footprint which has led to further changes in our internal practices. As a result, we are much more attuned to addressing our supply chain, reviewing sustainability credentials and influencing suppliers to consider the products that they use, giving all purchases ethical consideration.
We have embarked upon a programme of awareness raising and the staff have all shared their ideas, which we report upon at our quarterly sustainability meetings. We are now in the early stages of assessing our governance structures to formalise the principle of sustainability being a consideration in all that we do and the decisions we make. The journey continues.
RRL | Truro 01872 276116, Penzance 01736 339322
post@rrlcornwall.co.uk rrlcornwall.co.uk
A low carbon purchasing policy helps, too. Businesses can optimise delivery routes/shift to low-emission transportation, or encourage remote working. Focus on reducing waste, implement recycling programmes and promote circular economy practices. Finally, employee engagement is essential, so build a culture of sustainability.
Reducing your footprint and specifically moving towards net zero requires a comprehensive, collaborative approach involving detailed analysis, supplier engagement, logistics optimisation and strong culture. By taking these steps, businesses can make significant strides towards sustainability.
The University of Exeter’s Green Futures project, through UK Shared Prosperity Fund and the Good Growth Programme, in partnership with the Growth Hub, is working with businesses to measure and reduce their Scope 3 emissions.
We conduct a detailed carbon footprint to identify and quantify these emissions, providing a clear picture of where reductions are most needed. We can also discuss opportunities for lifecycle assessments (LCAs), which are an effective tool for identifying emissions reduction opportunities.
Chris Phillips is an impact and partnership development manager - Net Zero at the University of Exeter. exeter.ac.uk | c.phillips5@exeter.ac.uk
Open to any business, community organisation, school, social enterprise or charity based in Cornwall or the Isles of Scilly.
• Most Sustainable Organisation: Best practice in mitigating environmental impacts for the benefit of the environment, employees and the wider community.
• Trees for Nature and Growth: New tree planting and improvements to existing woodland to protect and grow nature.
• Circular Economy: Circular product design and innovation through the repair, remanufacturing, re-purposing or re-use of material, waste, heat or energy.
To apply, nominate or book your ticket, visit: cornwallsustainabilityawards.org
CwallSusAwards
CornwallSustainabilityAwards
This year’s award ceremony is sponsored by Award categories for this year are:
• Environmental Growth: Protecting and growing nature through habitat creation and restoration.
• Carbon Positive: Going beyond carbon net zero and carbon neutral to becoming carbon positive.
Please see the website for more detailed category criteria. You can only enter one category. An overall winner is chosen from the category winners.
Closing date: 31 October 2024
ENERGISING BUSINESS
Powering Cornwall’s businesses with low-cost, low-carbon electricity.
In 2023, wind and solar together added more to the global energy mix than any other form of generation. At CleanEarth, this came as no surprise. With well over a decade of experience in wind turbine and solar PV development, the CleanEarth team has seen firsthand an ever-accelerating shift to renewables.
2023, globally, was the hottest year on record – with 2024 likely to be hotter still. Decarbonisation is an urgent priority, across every industry. The business case for renewables is stronger than ever. CleanEarth is working flat out to help more businesses generate their own clean, lowcost energy.
The business case for renewables is stronger than ever.
Based in Wadebridge, CleanEarth operates throughout the UK but is particularly invested in helping Cornwall reach net zero. Recent projects include solar installations for members of the Cornwall Manufacturers Group (including Eliquo Hydrok, St Austell Printing Company, and OMC Ltd), as well as independent and family-owned businesses like Da Bara Bakery and Niles Bakery.
Here are some examples of projects CleanEarth have assisted with to date in 2024.
SECURE INNOVATION
Secure Innovation were looking to update their working environment and meet their goals towards net zero. CleanEarth installed a system of 374 solar PV panels and ten EV chargers, managing every stage of the process in-house - from groundworks to an upgrade of supply with the National Grid. The system will provide around 40% of its annual electricity demand while saving over 30 tonnes of CO2 per year. Energy cost savings are forecast to exceed £700k over the lifetime of the system.
BLUNTROCK BREWERY
This innovative Cornish brewery was expanding into new premises and looked to CleanEarth as a partner in helping to attain their decarbonisation target. With an established track record of brewery installations, they were the obvious candidate. CleanEarth became involved from the very first stage of the new build design - managing the project from planning to energisation.
ELIQUO HYDROK
CleanEarth supported Cornish water company Eliquo Hydrok with everything from grid connection approval to landlord consent on its leased property. Energised at the end of April, their 384-panel roof-mount installation is now on track to generate 160,000 kWh of low-cost, low-carbon electricity per year and save nearly £240k in energy costs over the next decade.
NEWLYN CRAB COMPANY
For this Cornish seafood processor, sustainability is a critical element of its business model.
CleanEarth had previous experience supporting Portland Shellfish and Interfish, building on a deep understanding of the commercial and operational pressures of the sector. The 238-panel system will play a significant role in furthering Newlyn Crab Company’s sustainability goals - and will generate savings of over half a million pounds in energy costs across the system’s lifetime.
COMING SOON
CleanEarth are nearing completion on a 1 MWp ground mount system for Rodda’s in Redruth, and a 500 kWp roof-mount for Healy’s Cornish Cyder Farm, near Truro.
In addition, CleanEarth has secured planning approval for a new wind turbine at Higher Goonamarth in the China Clay area near St Austell. When complete, the turbine will generate enough electricity to power more than 3,000 Cornish homes.
These projects add to the carbon savings generated across the CleanEarth solar and wind portfolio –currently exceeding 30,000 tonnes of CO2 saved every year.
DA BARA BAKERY
SECURE INNOVATION
BLUNTROCK BREWERY
DELTOR COMMUNICATIONS
NILES BAKERY, ST AUSTELL PRINTING COMPANY, AND GUNHEATH WIND TURBINE
MINING RESPONSIBLY
Imerys UK director, Mark Hewson, explains the efforts the company goes to in protecting and restoring the natural environment alongside its business activities.
China clay, or kaolin, has been mined in Cornwall for hundreds of years.
Today, we sell around half a million tonnes every year, for use in a range of products - ceramics, paints and adhesives.
Within a landholding of over 4,200 hectares of land, we operate two main open pit kaolin quarry complexes, alongside drying, processing, engineering, warehousing, laboratory facilities and a deep water port at Fowey - with hundreds of miles of private haul roads and connecting pipelines!
ENERGY USE
We have the UK’s largest private transmission grid –in part supplied by renewable energy harvested on our land:
●• four 500kW wind turbines eight solar energy installations
• and a small hydro energy scheme
This represents a green energy potential in excess of 35MW across Devon and Cornwall!
WATER
Thanks to the legacy of the historic mining activity, we have a number of assets where we can store water for our operational use, without drawing on the already under-pressure Southwest reservoirs. Such is our supply of water, that just this year we have been able to provide South West Water access to a huge 12 million litres of water every day, for seven months of the year, for five yearsfrom Blackpool Pit. This will provide six per cent of Cornwall’s domestic water needs every year!
RESTORATION
Just under half of our land is no longer used for active mining and much of this has been or is undergoing restoration. Not only that, but many of our active sites have been developed in such a way that nature thrives alongside our work.
Rocks Dryers- an active site just outside of Bugle - has for example, four hectares of restored landhome to our very own bees, inhabited owl boxes, ponds host to dragonflies and a range of other local wildlife including deer, foxes and badgers.
DUBBERS - RESTORING OUR BIGGEST MINE
The largest kaolin pit in the world sits just outside of Roche. Part of this, the old Dubbers Dam, is undergoing restoration with over 31 hectares already completed.
Restoration of the dam means that it has been backfilled with surplus rock and sand. We have then, in accordance with the requirements of a permit granted by the Environment Agency, spread a recipe of recycled materials (compost-like output, anaerobic digestate and clean water sewage cake) to create a soil substrate.
This creates a turbo-charged compost layer onto which we hydro-seed a mix of mixed grasses and native wildflowers - white clover, chicory, ox-eye daisy, poppy and plantains. Very quickly we can turn white, barren land into a biodiverse haven for species such as red and roe deer, badgers, Cornish honey bees, rare harvest mice, rabbits, foxes and the common toad. The restoration also has the added benefit in reducing potential water run off from our landholding.
Our plans for this coming winter include planting around 150,000 native tree saplings and bringing in more rescued bees - in partnership with Bees Off. As soon as we can safely do so, we will open up more permissive pathways so the local community can enjoy this restored land.
WHAT ABOUT WATER?
Our process and water sourcing minimises the impact on water levels as it essentially relies on rainwater accumulated in our old pits.
AND ENERGY USE?
We will use Cornwall’s 40% renewable power energy and we are looking at other sources of renewables.
LORRIES?
We
will produce lithium with minimal impact on the environment.
Find out more about Imerys including our latest job opportunities at www.imerys.com/united-kingdom
LITHIUM - THE NEXT STAGE OF CORNISH MINING
Last year we announced the creation of Imerys British Lithium – our project to mine and produce more than 20,000 tonnes of lithium carbonate every year, for at least 20 years - before the end of the decade. By generating a home-produced supply of lithium, we will reduce dependence on imports which reduces supply risk and provides a lower CO2 solution via a short supply chain.
By sticking to IRMA (Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance) best practice, we will produce lithium with minimal impact on the environment.
Our mine and processing plant will be co-located, using Imerys haul roads for much of the traffic. We are also using Imerys own rail sidings to move materials into the area. The Roche bypass which will be in use by the time we open our full scale operation, will also keep any extra traffic away from small surrounding villages.
We welcome anyone with questions to come to our next event in St Stephens on October 23. Plans can also be viewed at: www.imerysbritishlithium.com or please contact bl.info@imerys.com
Invest in nature Invest in Cornwall
Nature is in trouble and it needs our help. Protection is not enough, we need nature to recover, grow and thrive.
Are you looking to make a meaningful environmental and social impact while aligning with your voluntary or mandatory corporate goals?
LINC: Cornwall’s Natural Capital Exchange is your gateway to supporting and funding transformative high integrity nature recovery projects in the heart of Cornwall. From tree planting to seagrass restoration, there’s a selection of diverse and interesting projects available.
Free support and benefits
Free access to Cornwall’s Natural Capital Exchange: linc-cornwall.com
Tailored match-making to meet your company’s values and needs to fund high integrity projects ranging in value and scale from across Cornwall.
Options to run volunteer events for staff alongside communities.
Networking and collaboration with a wider community of buyers and sellers of natural capital in Cornwall.
Mitigate your environmental impacts locally by supporting nature projects in your area.
Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) sites also available.
If you have land and would like to develop a nature project, LINC can help you with professional support and funding.
If you are a buyer or seller of natural capital in Cornwall, sign up for free today at linc-cornwall.com or email linc@cornwall.gov.uk to find out more about our offers.
Trees for Streets
Urban trees provide crucial environmental benefits, including improved air quality, reduced urban heat island effect through shading and cooling, enhanced stormwater management, increased biodiversity, and carbon sequestration, helping mitigate climate change. This project provides trees for communities in their streets and front gardens.
Saving Bodmin’s Fritillaries
Bodmin Moor is currently a stronghold for three of the UK’s most rapidly declining butterflies. This project will provide habitat management advice, leading to improved habitat condition, and species recovery by increasing extent of habitat, improving habitat quality and increasing connectivity in species rich wet grassland habitats and bracken habitats.
Living Sea Walls
During the construction of harbour walls and sea defences, smooth faced structures are generally used. This project seeks to install SeAlive Tiles to promote biodiversity within our harbours. SeAlive Tiles are ceramic plates with 3D designs that encourage all sorts of sea life to live and thrive on previously lifeless, concrete harbours and piers.
Water Vole Reintroduction
Once abundant in Cornwall, water voles, a UK Biodiversity Action Plan Priority Species, became locally extinct in the 1990s. They are ecologically important; not only are they food sources for larger animals, but they also create a range of habitats for other wildlife species through their burrowing and grazing activities.
Luxulyan River Restoration
Luxulyan is a wooded valley of the River Par. The valley suffers from flood issues and risks downstream and poor water quality, so fish are unable to navigate the watercourse for breeding. The project will restore and reconnect the floodplain to increase and improve biodiversity and water quality which will deliver both natural flood management and drought benefits.
Making Space for Sand
Dunes represent an important transition between the marine and terrestrial environment, creating a range of potentially special habitats. This project will enhance the dune habitat by carefully removing dominant areas of undesirable plants to increase biodiversity and opportunities for native plants. Through supporting volunteering opportunities and delivering larger schemes of work, the invasive plants will be better managed.
Making Space for Nature
Good quality green spaces address both the decline in nature and community health and wellbeing. This project converts bland, unused areas in residential locations into purposeful spaces for the local community with nature at the forefront. From planting wildflowers and trees to building benches and pathways, previously un-loved areas can become beautiful, dedicated areas for both people and wildlife.
ELECTRIC CAR GUIDE
Introducing a stunning range of popular EV options...
Electric Vehicles (EVs) are now more popular than ever before and almost all manufacturers offer an electric or hybrid option.
Here are ten EVs available to order today, from Cornwall-based dealerships.
Mercedes-Benz EQA
The striking new electric EQA combines stylish luxury with effortless performance and a range of up to 346 miles on a single charge. Inside, the intuitive sound system can suggest your next playlist, while the intelligent navigation system recommends ideal charging points along the way. A close relation of the GLA, it delivers all the thrilling characteristics of that vehicle, combined with an efficient electric powertrain. Multi-spoke aerodynamically-optimised alloys join a continuous LED light strip and integrated spoilers to create a futuristic and muscular style.
Mercedes-Benz South West mercedes-benzsouthwest.co.uk · 01872 438 477
ORA 03
Looking to stand out from the crowd? ORA 03 has you covered. With 18” alloy wheels, LED headlights, integrated rear light bar and plush premium interior, the ORA 03’s retro-futuristic styling is sure to make a statement wherever you go. The first model to hit the UK market from GWM ORA, the ORA 03 is packed with drive assistance technology and safety features, securing its 5-star rating in rigorous safety tests. With a range of 260 miles in the PRO+ model, you’ve got more than enough freedom to enjoy driving to its fullest.
GWM ORA South West gwm-ora-southwest.co.uk · 01872 438 502
CUPRA Born
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 6.6 seconds and 0-30mph in just 2.9 seconds. Standard equipment includes 18” alloys, a heated steering wheel, a 12” touchscreen with in-built navigation, a digital driver’s display, bucket seats with SEAQUAL upholstery and CUPRA CONNECT.
Contract Hire for Business available
Dales CUPRA Summercourt (01872 511600) and Scorrier (01209 821144), dalescornwall.co.uk/cupra
smart #1
Explore the next generation of smart with its first fully-electric model: the #1. The new generation of smart models offers the highest level of dynamic handling and passive safety. These include a long battery life and fast-charging functions, a wide range of cloud-based over-the-air updates for vehicle software, and state-of-the-art infotainment features. The new design DNA includes balanced proportions, a powerful sculpture, and a large panoramic glass roof with a striking ring of light. The new SUV has a range of up to 273 miles.
smart South West smart-southwest.co.uk · 01872 438 404
BYD SEAL
Discover a new level of electric luxury with the SEAL, BYD’s ‘Ocean Series’ executive saloon. Whether you seek impeccable style or superior performance, the SEAL promises an unparalleled driving experience. With an 82.5kWh battery, the SEAL can reach a maximum range of 354 miles. Boasting top-tier features, the SEAL sets new standards for electric vehicle design and driving capabilities. A sleek and seamless design combined with exceptional interior and exterior technology make the SEAL a unique, dynamic, and well-sought-after model.
BYD South West
bydsouthwest.co.uk · 01872 438 131
Renault Scenic
We have reinvented the car for life and living, designed to ensure the comfort and wellbeing of your whole family. It is easy to find your way with the openR link system with Google integrated¹ and more than 50 apps. In terms of driving, the 100% electric powertrain offers a driving range of up to 379 miles. Packed with performance, responsiveness, innovative technologies and the winner of Car of the Year 2024.
Dales Renault Summercourt (01872 511600) and Scorrier (01209 821133) dalescornwall.co.uk/renault
Mercedes-Benz EQE
The second business saloon to be added to the Mercedes-EQ range the EQE takes luxury to a new level. Combining high-quality materials with groundbreaking innovations, the EQE’s cockpit is unique in its intuition and innovation. The generous touch display, which spans the entire width, can be conveniently operated with just a few gestures thanks to the zerolayer function. With a range of 410 miles on a single charge, the EQE offers a tech-filled luxurious way to cover a large distance.
Mercedes-Benz South West mercedes-benzsouthwest.co.uk · 01872 438 477
BYD ATTO 3
The first of BYD’s models to enter the UK market, the ATTO 3 is a stylish and eco-friendly SUV that’s turning heads on the road. With its sleek design and impressive range, it’s perfect for both city dwellers and commuters. Its spacious interior is packed with technology, including impressive advanced safety systems and user-friendly functions. The vibrant and streamlined centre console add to the engaging driving experience. A number of comfort features including ergonomically integrated sports seats and excess rear legroom make the ATTO 3 perfect for all.
BYD South West bydsouthwest.co.uk · 01872 438 131
Dash Drive
Zero Emissions, Zero Risk. It’s the same Ford Transit you know and love, reimagined to bring you the best of zero-emission driving. Feel the power of a 269 PS (198 kW) powertrain and enjoy an impressive range of up to 196 miles. Designed to keep your business moving smoothly and efficiently. Plus, with flexible rental options available (daily, flexi, or long-term), your business can try electric without any long-term commitments. Making it easier than ever to make the switch. Get in touch with Dash Drive today to learn more about the all-electric Ford E-Transit and how it can revolutionize your business. dashdrive.co.uk/contact-us/
Vauxhall Grandland EV
The new Vauxhall Grandland is the perfect example of SUV excellence, combining bold next-generational design, cutting edge technology and the latest 100% electric powertrain with up to 435 mile range.
Every part of the new Vauxhall Grandland has been precision engineered to stand out. From the dynamic silhouette to the innovative illuminated vizor grille and class-leading IntelliLux® Pixel HD Lights, the new Grandland is grand by design and sure to turn heads wherever it goes. Due in September - call our our dealership to book your test drive.
We all appreciate the need to help the environment, and we think it’s incredibly important to offer choice to customers when it comes to making their home sustainable, and we believe the best options will be those that are the least disruptive and most cost effective.
The Department of Energy & Climate Change has previously been pushing for properties to transition away from their existing oil heating systems to install costly new heat pump systems, which are geared to well insulated and more modern homes. However, we believe that renewable heating fuels containing HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) offer a solution which is less disruptive, quicker and utilises customers’ proven heating systems and will be more cost effective.
We commenced trials nearly four years ago and have evidenced that this renewable fuel can replace fossil fuel and help our customers decarbonise their home heating. Unlike previous biofuels, HVO is manufactured by a synthesised process with hydrogen, to create a renewable fuel that can save up to 90% net greenhouse gas CO2 emissions. It is non- toxic, biodegradable and made from sustainable and certified wastes without contributing to deforestation.
At Kehelland near Camborne, we created the first village in the UK, indeed Europe, that has converted many oil fired heated properties over to HVO. We successfully converted the village school, church, businesses and many homes. The boilers have run extremely well with this new fuel and our service engineers have been amazed at how clean the boiler has been running on HVO.
The residents of Kehelland are delighted how well HVO has worked over the years, and they are extremely passionate about establishing this renewable fuel as an alternative to fossil heating oil, especially when they can save nearly five metric tonnes of carbon per annum by using HVO. While running the trials we have been made aware of many issues and concerns of other technologies, not only raised by the residents of the village but hundreds of our customers.
Going forward, we hope to press the energy department to commence the fuel obligation consultation, that was agreed in the Energy Bill last September. We do require Government to review fuel duty for renewable fuels, available now and in the
THE FUTURE FOR OIL HEATING?
Mitchell & Webber director, John Weedon, explains the important role Cornwall is playing in proving the case for biofuels like HVO.
future, as they must be treated in the same way as their fossil equivalent and not incur an extra duty as is the case currently.
While it is frustrating that we have been highlighting the success of the trials for over four years now and have proved HVO can help us all decarbonise very quickly, we do understand that things can take time to implement. However, along with our trade associations UKIFDA and OFTEC we are determined to see this project through, to help all our customers decarbonise in the way they wish to do so.
More information about the progress of this renewable fuel can be found at www.mitweb.co.uk/hvo
MITCHELL & WEBBER DIRECTORS JOHN AND ROBERT WEEDON
SUSTAINABILITY STARS
MintMech
An immense source of sustainable energy, offshore wind farms provide an important gateway to a greener world. Specialist engineers based in Penryn, MintMech is at the forefront of this energy transition and delivers bespoke equipment and operational support for offshore industries around the world.
In the next phase of sustainable developments, momentum is now being directed towards the future of floating offshore wind. Delivering innovative solutions, MintMech has recently developed a new floating wind anchor installation concept. This is designed to significantly reduce costs and CO2 emissions compared to traditional anchor installation methods.
mintmech.com
The Wave Project
Founded in 2010, The Wave Project pioneers government-funded Surf Therapy programmes. Expanding from Cornwall across the UK, the charity has supported over 12,000 young people with evidence-based interventions. Their innovative approach combines surfing with mentorship to boost confidence, self-esteem and resilience in children and young people aged 8 - 18. The Wave Project offers a three-step programme: a six-week Surf Therapy course, ongoing surf club participation and volunteering opportunities. Committed to inclusivity, the charity provides Adaptive Surfing for those with physical disabilities, ensuring the therapeutic benefits of surfing are accessible to all, regardless of ability. waveproject.co.uk
Cornwall Wildlife Trust
Cornwall Wildlife Trust, founded in 1962, is the leading conservation charity dedicated to protecting Cornwall’s wildlife and wild places. We manage 59 nature reserves, covering over 5,500 acres of diverse habitats from ancient woodlands to sand dunes. Supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, our Tor to Shore initiative connects inland habitats with coastal ecosystems to promote biodiversity and climate resilience. This pioneering project integrates rewilding, sustainable farming, and marine conservation. We invite businesses to join us in shaping a sustainable future for Cornwall’s natural heritage. Please get in touch to be part of this groundbreaking effort. corporatesupport@cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk/tor-to-shore
Future Skills Institute
The Future Skills Institute at Truro and Penwith College offers part-time and full-time career and professional development courses as part of its adult learning provision. Central to its values are sustainability and decarbonisation, exemplified by the SPF ‘Future is Green’ Project.
This initiative provides businesses with skills to reduce carbon footprints, offering courses in Carbon Literacy and Electric Vehicle Maintenance.
The college’s dedication to sustainability is further demonstrated by its active student eco-group, which recently created a climate action consultation report. Starting in the autumn, green skills activities for domestic customers will reinforce sustainable practices within local communities. truro-penwith.co.uk
Once Upon A Tuesday
Once Upon a Tuesday, soon to be rebranded as ‘Good Tuesday’, is a Cornwall based startup, proudly certified as a B Corp.
This female-led company creates stylish stationery to organise in all areas of life.
All products are printed in the UK on 100% recycled paper, reflecting their commitment to sustainability.
Known for art-inspired calendars, diaries, and planners, their popularity spans from retailers like Selfridges, Waterstones, and Barnes & Noble to independent boutiques throughout Cornwall and the UK.
Operating from a design studio and plastic-free warehouse in Zelah, the team embodies their eco-friendly ethos. Learn more about their sustainable practices online. onceuponatuesday.co.uk
Photo: David Parkyn
A BUSINESS EVENT NOT TO MISS!
The Cornwall Business Show, Royal Cornwall Events Centre,
Thursday, October 10.
Cornwall’s leading B2B event is back for 2024 to help you make new contacts, meet new suppliers and grow your business.
Celebrating its 12th year, the Cornwall Business Show presents a valuable few hours out of the office for a wide spectrum of industries and sectors, from small startups up to large established companies. With a wealth of exhibitors offering quality local services, beneficial masterclasses and talks, as well as plenty of seating in a quality café for attendees to mingle and network, this is a business event not to miss.
Cornwall Business Show manager, Kyle Jeffery, says: “The Cornwall Business Show offers a genuine platform for cementing the business community within the region. You can meet hundreds of potential clients or a wealth of suppliers and key players in Cornwall and beyond.
“We look forward to bringing business of all sizes and the faces behind them together under one roof, for what is a really productive few hours out the office. With plenty of seating and a great café it’s also an opportunity to arrange a meeting or two while benefiting from attending the show.”
Bringing business of all sizes and the faces behind them together under one roof.
There will also be a free Masterclass programme taking place through the day, where you will be able to polish up your industry skills, find out about the latest innovations and trends, and look forward to the future of business in Cornwall while listening to insightful keynotes and advice from thought-leaders and innovators all showcasing their expertise within a purpose-built suite.
Visit the Cornwall Business Show website to see up to date list of inspired and informative Masterclasses & Talks.
Andrew Weaver, MD of show, adds: “We are very much looking forward to hosting Cornwall’s largest
B2B networking event again this year. It continues to be a great investment for those offering and looking for business to business services.
“I’ve been banging the local circular economy drum for over a decade now, but it really is an important, if not more important than ever. A business built on a foundation of local suppliers and customers is a strong business. Each year the event delivers a productive day away from the office and which opens up aquatinting and reacquainting with fellow directors, business managers and decision makers across many sectors from across the region.”
You can plan your day by looking at the website to see who which exhibitors you’d like to meet, and choosing the masterclasses and talks that you are interested in. You can also book your free fast track entry to the event at cornwallbusinessshow.co.uk
EXPECT TO MEET EXHIBITORS AND EXPERTS FROM SERVICES INCLUDING:
• Marketing & Advertising
• Finance & Funding
Tax & Accounting Technology & Software
• Tourism & Hospitality
• Health & Wellbeing
• Workwear and Apparel
• Commercial Vehicles …and more!
SAVE THE DATE, POP ALONG, MAKE THINGS HAPPEN!
Come along and find out about the new Made in Cornwall ‘professional services’ accreditation that champions business that are truly based in Cornwall, employ in Cornwall and consciously contribute to the Cornish Circular Economy.
If you wish to exhibit at this event, contact the Cornwall Business Show on 01872 888 733 or email hello@cornwallbusinessshow.co.uk
The event is sponsored by GK Electronics, Shop Cornish, Made in Cornwall, and Business Cornwall Magazine.
THE PLACE TO B2B
• FREE ENTRY
• OVER 80 EXHIBITORS
• INFORMATIVE MASTER CLASSES & TALKS QUALITY CAFÉ WITH LOTS OF SEATING
SAVE THE DATE
Thurs 10th October
Royal Cornwall Event Centre, 9.30am – 3.30pm
Book your Fast Track Free Entry @ cornwallbusinessshow.co.uk
Over the following pages we look at some of the innovative ways in which Cornwall is developing its workforce for future business needs.
The business development manager of an established family-owned business in Cornwall is praising Growth Hub experts for their support. The Growth Hub offers free support to help businesses work smarter, develop and grow – so Boddington’s Preserves got in touch.
The family-owned business has been growing and producing fresh produce for almost 80 years. Founded in the 1940s in Mevagissey it is now run by the fourth generation of the family, Will Boddington.
Phil Boddington, Will’s father, says: “I took over in the late nineties, and we pushed more into supermarket sales. At the time, we had tonnes of strawberries to shift, so that then led us to make jam.”
Phil says: “On the preserve making side, you need more marketing, research, product development. We’re now exporting jam to Japan and other countries.”
In the last few years, Phil’s son Will has come back to the business from an engineering background. With the business’ international success, it was at this point that the family reached out to The Growth Hub.
FAMILY VALUES
Growth Hub supports Cornish family business as it looks to the future.
The growth of the business has also meant recruiting to their small team to cope with demand which they accessed support with.
Will adds: “The course was all about taking on new members of staff and making sure you are doing it all right and proper by the law.
I would definitely recommend the Growth Hub – 100%. They’ve been invaluable. WILL BODDINGTON
Allocated a one-to-one mentor, Will has undertaken both a financial and a sales course to get the ball rolling with his business knowledge.
Will says: “We’ve never done much sales and marketing in the past as we’ve grown organically.”
“The programme will help you from start to finish, they do a feasibility study to make sure you can afford to take on staff, plus to be much more confident that you’ve got the right things in place.”
Overall, Will has found the support has boosted both his knowledge and confidence to help him in his role in the family business.
See how the Growth Hub can help you – call 01209 708660 for a FREE business review today.
SKILLS TO SUCCEED
Empower your workforce with cutting-edge renewable energy training and drive your business towards a sustainable future.
The Construction Skills Hub is a collaborative initiative involving The Cornwall College Group (TCCG) and key players from the construction industry. With a mission to lead the construction sector into a sustainable and greener future, this partnership aims to equip employers, retrain individuals, and to inspire the next generation with state-of-the-art renewable energy training in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.
With its new Green Construction Skills Academies in Camborne and St Austell, TCCG offers specialised facilities designed to meet the demands of modern construction, focusing on green skills and technologies essential for today’s industry.
At the heart of this initiative, the Skills Academy in Camborne features advanced renewable bay installations, crafted by the Quantum Group. This partnership ensures that the facilities are equipped to the highest standards, providing unparalleled training experiences. Earlier this year, dedicated
TCCG staff underwent specialised LCL Awards training with the Quantum Group, ensuring their skills remain cutting-edge.
“The team from Quantum did an excellent job,” says Richard Billington, curriculum area manager for construction at Cornwall College Camborne. “It’s an amazing facility that will be a cornerstone of the training programmes.”
Beginning this month, Construction Renewables programmes will be in full swing, offering courses in Solar PV, Solar Thermal, Battery Storage, EV Charging, Air and Ground Source Heat Pumps, and Low Carbon Heating apprenticeships.
TCCG is also excited to introduce new green apprenticeships, including the Low Carbon Heating Technician Level 3 (Royal Apprenticeship), Refrigeration Air Conditioning and Heat Pump Engineering Technician Level 3, and Junior Energy Technician Level 3.
Partnering with the Kier Group, Cornwall College has launched Future Skills in Construction courses.
“This course enables unemployed individuals the opportunity to upskill and be work ready,” explains construction skills co-ordinator Stephen Maunder.
“The course provides them with the relevant health and safety training, hands-on practical experience you need for working on-site and a CSCS card.
“Our partnership with the Kier Group provides individuals valuable insight into a working construction site demonstrating the training in practice.”
For more information on the Construction Skills Hub, visit cornwall.ac.uk/construction-skills-hub
THE FUTURE IS GREEN
In the heart of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, a transformative £2 million project – ‘The Future is Green’ - is revolutionising the workforce by equipping individuals with essential skills for a thriving green economy. This ambitious initiative is led by TCCG in partnership with Truro and Penwith College, Cornwall Marine Network, University of Exeter, University of Plymouth, Falmouth University, Focus Training (SW) Ltd, Urban Biodiversity CIC, and Celtic Sea Power. Together, these institutions are redefining how sustainable practices are approached in the workplace, encouraging a culture of innovation and environmental responsibility.
The Future is Green project targets both unemployed and employed individuals over the age of 16, offering them opportunities to train, re-skill, or upskill for careers in emerging green sectors. This initiative reflects a commitment to creating a workforce that is capable of driving environmental change and supporting the local economy.
Lisa Pill, head of projects and partnerships at TCCG, underscores the project’s importance: “This project is ground-breaking. By providing training in key green sectors, we are creating a workforce capable of driving environmental change and supporting the local economy.”
The project offers a diverse range of courses, including EV training from Level 1 to Level 4, with over 55 individuals having already completed Hydrogen Awareness courses. The impact on participants is significant, with many expressing how the training has reshaped their careers and perspectives on sustainability.
Nedas Venckus, a vehicle repair and maintenance apprentice at Zoar Tyres, describes the programme as a “game-changer” noting how “the skills I’ve gained help guide me to actively make greener decisions which will positively contribute to a more environmentally responsible industry”.
Beau Carlton-Barnes, an apprentice at Dan CB Tyres shares a similar sentiment: “I’m really excited to take that knowledge back to the industry and do my part in creating a greener future.”
The project also boasts success in practical applications, such as when Cornwall College motor vehicle and engineering apprentices and
students built an electric kit car. Supported by The Future is Green, the team competed in the F24+ category at the Greenpower Education Trust event at Predannack Airfield, securing an impressive thirdplace finish. This achievement highlights the vital role of STEM in advancing greener practices and demonstrates the project’s impact on inspiring the next generation of innovators.
For more details, visit cornwall.ac.uk/the-future-isgreen or email greenskills@cornwall.ac.uk
MULTIPLY: BOOSTING EFFICIENCY
Adults in Cornwall are benefiting from the £2.5 million project Multiply: Skills for Life, a transformative programme aimed at enhancing numeracy skills and boosting confidence in mathematics. This initiative helps individuals and businesses by improving productivity and fostering professional growth.
TCCG project outreach officer, Tom Smith, says: “There is an urgency to take advantage of the funding whilst it’s there,” he says. “Multiply courses are a great way to upskill your staff, giving them the confidence to excel at work. Enhancing your employees’ numeracy skills can boost the quality of your workforce and lead to greater productivity and efficiency.”
For more information, visit cornwall.ac.uk/ multiply/multiply-information-for-employers
Multiply is fully-funded and the Construction Skills Hub and The Future is Green projects are part-funded by the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Good Growth Programme, which is managed by Cornwall Council and funded by the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
The difficulty of aligning employer policy and employee expectations.
REWARDS & BENEFITS
It will come as no surprise that as recruitment specialists, the teams at Trial Balance Consulting and Well Placed HR regularly conserve with both employers and employees on the subject of rewards & benefits. It’s one of the hottest topics of conversation right now. Employee attitudes to work, remuneration and benefits is shifting but are employers keeping up? Do limited benefits reflect on an employer’s attitude and culture, or are they genuinely bound by cashflow, size and the nature of their operations?
There’s no denying that a start-up business or smaller owner managed business might have shallower resources than an internationally trading plc, but it’s important to manage expectations on both sides to achieve the harmony of a long-standing relationship.
Let’s start by dispelling a few myths. 20 days annual leave + public holidays and an auto-enrolment pension is neither a benefit nor a reward, it is a statutory legal minimum obligation. The same might apply to the offer of free eye tests for employees that regularly work with a monitor. These points have no place on either a vacancy advertisement or benefits sheet. Enhanced holiday allowance and/or pension contribution does.
Free parking might be considered a benefit in the city but it holds little appeal in a rural business estate. Free fruit, dressdown-Fridays and office pool tables might be considered a minor perk, but to promote them as a key reason to join isn’t going to hit the mark these days!
So, outside of financial remuneration, what’s up-there on a prospective employee’s wish list? Undoubtedly work/life balance ranks highest, with flexible working and enhanced holiday allowance being the #1 potential candidate incentive. That’s closely followed by pension arrangements and then workplace initiatives – training and development opportunities etc.
A specialist recruiter such as Trial Balance Consulting (accountancy & finance), or Well Placed HR (people management), can help guide employers and employees through this ever changing but critical consideration. Don’t hesitate to get in touch for an informal chat.
A REWARDING CAREER
Have you ever thought about working in IP? Emily Murray, trainee patent paralegal at Truro-based Albright IP, explains what it’s like…
HOW DID YOU GET INTO IP?
My journey into IP began after completing my master’s degree in law at Bristol University. Although I touched upon intellectual property during my studies, my knowledge was quite limited. Joining Albright IP has been a steep learning curve, but incredibly rewarding.
WHAT SKILLS ARE IMPORTANT FOR A CAREER IN IP?
Attention to detail and strong organisational skills are crucial. The ability to adapt and learn quickly is also vital, given the varied nature of the work. It then depends if you’re looking to focus on patents where a technical degree is key or trade marks where you might have more of a creative background.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE BEST ABOUT YOUR JOB?
The diversity, not just in tasks but in the types of applications we handle, is what I enjoy most. One moment, I could be dealing with a new patent application, and the next, I might be looking at a registered design or an infringement.
HOW HAVE YOU FOUND THE INNOVATION IN CORNWALL?
Growing up in Cornwall, I wasn’t fully aware of the extent of innovation happening here. Attending events like the Cornwall Business Show has been eye-opening, showcasing the region’s strong focus on technology, renewable energy and marine innovation to name but a few. It’s exciting to see so much innovation.
ADVICE FOR THOSE CONSIDERING A CAREER IN IP?
If you’re thinking about a career in IP, just go for it. Once you dive into the field, you’ll realise how integral IP is to every business. It’s a constantly evolving field, particularly with the rise of AI and other technologies.
www.albright-ip.co.uk
ALEX CALLISTER
‘Employer Connect’ is one of the college’s key strategic focuses for the 2024/25 academic year and will introduce an employer influence in every classroom, further bridging the gap between education and the workplace, while continuing to encourage students and staff to Look, Reach and Go Further.
Through the pioneering initiative, Truro and Penwith College is set to exponentially grow its connections with employers across all subject areas, further instilling industry relevance at the heart of its futurefocused curriculum, while providing Cornwall’s business community with a host of opportunities that will raise the aspirations of young people, alert them to quality career opportunities in Cornwall, support Cornwall’s future workforce and help employers identify future talent for their business.
The college is encouraging employers to complete its quick and simple Pledge online at www.truropenwith.ac.uk/pledge where employers will provide an indication of how they may be able to engage with the college, before an appointment is arranged to discuss in more detail.
The college is already actively working with nearly 2,000 employers across the county, offering a host of connections at a variety of levels including curriculum collaboration, work experience and students supporting live business briefs, to networking, guest speaking and trips and visits opportunities.
Director of partnerships & apprenticeships, Hayley McKinstry, said: “We’re encouraging every Cornish employer that isn’t currently engaging with us, big or small, to make contact and explore how we might work together to raise the aspirations of young people and improve the future skills landscape of Cornwall.
AN EMPLOYER IN EVERY CLASSROOM
Truro and Penwith College has launched a new pioneering initiative to further strengthen its trailblazing connection with the business community and Cornwall’s Local Skills Improvement Plan.
“The vision of Employer Connect revolves around meaningful employer interactions that encourage students to look beyond their current capabilities, reaching for new heights in their careers, going further than they ever thought possible and it will take our already nationally leading careers programme and partnerships with Cornwall’s employers to the next level.”
In addition to its longstanding reputation as one of the very best colleges in the country, the college received national recognition for its work with employers when it became the only college in Cornwall to receive ‘Apprenticeship Expert’ status from the Department for Education (DfE).
Support Cornwall’s future workforce and help employers identify future talent for their business.
One of only five FE College’s across the UK to have been awarded this status, the mark of excellence provides Truro and Penwith College with ‘special flexibilities and permissions’ within The Apprenticeship Service (TAS) that make it easier for employers to work in partnership with the College and a close working relationship with the DfE that allows it to develop and introduce new programmes with employers more easily.
Employers connected with the College will help to shape the future of its training across all areas including full-time 16-18 subject areas, apprenticeships, University Centre and adult professional development courses.
For more information, employers should submit a Pledge at www.truro-penwith.ac.uk/pledge
GROWTH FOR THE FUTURE
The Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Good Growth Programme, which is manged by Cornwall Council and funded by the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund, is boosting Cornish businesses by investing £20 million in training and skills for the workforce of tomorrow.
Boosting productivity, pay, jobs and living standards by growing the private sector in a sustainable way is a core focus of the Good Growth Programme.
And that’s why skills are at the heart of the Good Growth Investment Plan as a driver for productivity improvements, and as a route to better paid jobs.
The Good Growth Programme is investing millions of pounds in a range of activities aimed at supporting employability and skills so that businesses have the workforce they need both now and in the future. With some 80% of employers citing recruitment difficulties, Good Growth investment aims to address the mismatch between the skills available and those that employers seek.
An example is a £3.34 million investment in skills and training for the Cornish construction sector to create job opportunities for local people and meet growing
demand from an estimated £2.2 billion development pipeline over the next decade.
The Construction Skills Hub is a partnership between Cornwall Council, the Cornwall College Group and Truro and Penwith College. It includes a focus on green construction skills as part of the drive to net zero, with an estimated 30% of the current workforce needing to update their skills.
Construction company Kier is working in partnership with the Cornwall College Group on the Good Growth-funded Future Skills in Construction programme, which is part of the Construction Skills Hub project.
Sarah Walkup, regional social sustainability manager for Kier, says: “The Green Construction Skills Academy at Cornwall College has worked in partnership with Kier on its first training course and we will continue working with the Academy on developing future training programmes to help reduce the skills gap.”
As well as construction, £2 million of Good Growth investment is focused on future green economy skills, including the installation and maintenance of domestic and commercial renewable energy systems, electric vehicles and the floating offshore wind energy industry.
Jon Brownhill, who runs his own automotive repair business near St Austell, is one local businessman who has benefitted from the Future is Green project, working with the Cornwall College Group.
Jon says: “I’ve been fortunate enough to be part of the developing electric vehicle courses at the college culminating in my recent Future is Green funded level 4 EV course which has quite literally changed my business. I am now in a position to work
as a technician across the full range of full-electric and hybrid vehicles in good time for the 2030 sales ban of combustion engine vehicles.”
The Good Growth Programme is also investing £2 million in providing digital skills in areas including Artificial Intelligence, immersive technology, software and data. The Digital Futures project includes a Digital Upskilling programme which is delivered by Pool-based technology partner Headforwards and is designed to improve confidence through training on a range of digital tools.
Among the businesses to benefit is Cornish Metals, which is working to reopen South Crofty tin mine. With hundreds of years of historic mining records and the constant creation of large amounts of new data, the Cornish Metals team turned to the Headforwards Digital Academy to train eight members of staff in data visualisation techniques using the latest digital tools.
In total the Good Growth Programme is directly investing £20 million across a range of people and skills projects in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly as part of a joined-up strategy to deliver the workforce of tomorrow and address the productivity gap.
As well as investment in growth sector skills, other projects include free numeracy courses for anyone aged 19 and over, support for disadvantaged young people and targeted investment in business support delivered via the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Growth Hub.
Directly investing £20 million across a range of people and skills projects.
Cornwall Council portfolio holder for economy Cllr Louis Gardner says: “The Good Growth Programme is investing to provide the skills businesses need now and in the future, which is key to addressing the productivity gap with the rest of the country. There is evidence that this gap has started to close but there is much still to do which is why we are working hard to secure more Good Growth funding from Government.”
South Crofty project manager Steve Kingstone says: “The session gave a good overview of how to use the tools and gave us the confidence to apply these in our work. It was particularly beneficial that the trainer was able to tailor the training to our specific needs using our own data and I would be keen to consider other opportunities through Headforwards Digital Academy.”
To find out how Good Growth-funded projects can help your business to meet your skills needs, contact the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Growth Hub. www.ciosgrowthhub.com
The Better Business Act (BBA) is a campaign led by B Lab UK, with a coalition of hundreds of businesses and organisations. Its goal is to implement the same model of purpose that B Corps commit to, but for all UK companies.
It’s based on the premise that the ‘triple bottom line’ approach to business is the only solid foundation for a sustainable economy. It would require the business to be operated not just for the benefit of its members, but also wider society and the environment.
The BBA’s proposed changes are mainly to amend directors’ duties under the Companies Act 2006 and would mean that companies would be legally obligated to operate in a way that benefits their stakeholders whilst also delivering profits for shareholders.
WHO’S BEHIND THE INITIATIVE?
The BBA coalition consists of over 2,500 businesses, with over 100 of them based here in the south west. Initiated by B Lab UK, which acts as Secretariat to the coalition, it’s a non-profit organisation with a mission for companies to use business as a force for good and ‘benefit all people, communities and the planet.’
Certified B Corporations are businesses that meet high standards of a verified social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability to balance profit and purpose.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?
In a survey conducted by B Lab, 76% of the UK public think that businesses should have a legal responsibility to protect the environment alongside maximising profits. Increasingly, most consumers favour brands that do good in the world.
Bringing together businesses from throughout Cornwall, Stephens Scown hosted a roundtable on the BBA, to discuss the proposals in detail and the potential opportunities and impacts on businesses.
The BBA would be a starting point for all businesses. Boards would still focus on commercial success for shareholders to secure ongoing profitability and growth, but
BETTER BUSINESS ACT
Laurie Trounce, partner and joint head of the corporate team at south west law firm Stephens Scown, looks at the introduction of the Better Business Act and what it could mean for businesses across Cornwall.
via a strategy that considers wider stakeholder interests. For some businesses it will be a formalisation of their current behaviour but support their intention to take ownership of the social and environmental impacts.
WHAT IMPACT COULD IT HAVE?
If taken forward it would change the default position for all companies, so directors would be empowered to advance the interests of their shareholders alongside those of wider society and the environment.
If the BBA comes into force, it will automatically apply. Therefore, the BBA amendments to company law would apply to all companies’ Articles of Association by default and with immediate effect.
Increasingly,
most consumers favour brands that do good in the world.
HELIGAN FINDS HARLAND
The Lost Gardens of Heligan has appointed David Harland as its new CEO.
Harland has acted as an independent advisor to the Heligan and Smit family boards for a number of years and will now be making the natural transition to this new role as chief executive of the group of companies, which encompasses the Lost Gardens of Heligan, the Shipwreck & Treasure Museum at Charlestown and Gillyflower Farm in Lostwithiel.
From 2013 to 2023, Harland occupied several executive positions at the Eden Project, including serving as the group chief executive of Eden Project and as the first chief executive of Eden Project International.
Speaking on behalf of the directors, Sir Tim Smit said: “We are delighted to welcome David Harland to join our team at Heligan and Smit Associates. Personally, I feel like a football manager who has persuaded a superb player to join our amazing team and help it evolve.”
NEW CORSERV CEO
Cornwall Council has announced the appointment of a new CEO for Corserv. Neil Edmond will join the business later this year, replacing Paul Cooper who is currently the Interim CEO.
Edmond has an impressive track record of leading high performing business across a broad range of industries and is currently the CEO of Government Facilities Services Ltd (GFSL), a Government-owned company that provides facilities management services to the prison estate in the south of England.
Born and raised in Cornwall, Edmond’s career has spanned a number of major international companies including ExxonMobil, BT and Mace, where he spent successful years in various roles across the UK and internationally.
GALLERY DIGITAL HIRES
NEW ROLE FOR BEERSARGENT
Adam Sargent has joined St Ives-based brand marketing agency, Meor, after seven years at Harbour Brewery.
Better known as Beersargent on his social channels, Sargent has been appointed senior creative.
He is a well-known photographer in the hospitality industry, where he regularly
captures images of Nancarrow Farm and the Paul Ainsworth restaurant group, including The Mariners in Rock and Caffè Rojano in Padstow.
Meor MD, Nik Read, said: “It’s an incredibly exciting time in the Meor journey, as we look to expand from a solely brand and web agency to a brand marketing agency, and so it’s a pleasure to welcome Adam to the team with his plethora of experience, as part of this vision.”
Newlyn Art Gallery & The Exchange has appointed two digital experts to help transform its digital work.
Xavia Smith has joined as digital marketing producer, focusing on social media, managing the gallery’s accounts and creating engaging content to promote the gallery’s varied activities to a growing online audience.
Adam Goodwin has joined as digital producer, creating new digital content, including short films, podcasts, and interpretation materials for the gallery’s exhibitions and events.
FIVE GO TO HIYIELD
Truro-based web development agency, Hiyield, has welcomed five new members to its ranks.
There are two apprentices joining the WordPress development team – Alfie Phillips and Jake Mackie – walking in the footsteps of a number of Truro College alumni, who have gained formal qualifications while working at Hiyield.
The commercial side of the business sees two fresh faces, with the addition of Emily Coles and Steve Hagen, while James Ellis has joined as a senior project manager. He brings a wealth of experience in ensuring projects are delivered on time and on budget.
Matt Ville, co-founder and CTO, said: “Our team is our biggest asset, and adding five new starters demonstrates Hiyield’s positive trajectory and our commitment to delivering outstanding results for our clients.”
PIXELRAIN PIZZAIOLO
PixelRain creative director Grant Batty doesn’t just produce great videos, apparently he’s quite a mean pizza chef as well.
He was recently crowned the UK’s Best Home Pizza Chef 2024, coming out on top of nearly 400 entries and a grand final held over two days in Gloucestershire.
Batty’s Margherita featured locally sourced ingredients, including basil grown by his eight-year-old son, Cornish sea salt, British flour, and Mozzarella from Somerset.
His ‘Doughstopper’ pizza showcased harissa chicken, sweet peppers, sundried tomatoes, and a unique sourdough crumb topping.
“Reaching the final was a dream come true, and competing alongside such talented home pizza chefs was an honour,” said Batty. “When I was announced as the winner, I was in absolute shock. It felt surreal to have my passion for pizza recognised on such a grand stage.”
iCT4 ACQUISITION
iCT4 has acquired Somerset-based IT managed service provider, Praestantia Technology.
iCT4 specialises in tech support to the education sector and this acquisition, it says, will significantly increase its capacity.
MD, Glynn Pascoe, said: “We have a longstanding relationship with Praestantia and have been collaborating together for years. We decided that now is the right time to combine our expertise and grow together to take our capabilities to the next level. We’re delighted to welcome their team on board and integrate their skill sets and knowledge.”
WILDANET TEAMS WITH NOKIA
Cornwall-based broadband provider Wildanet, has revealed details of a new partnership agreement with global telecoms giant Nokia, which will accelerate the rollout of its new gigabit-enabled full fibre network for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.
The new deal brings together Wildanet’s experience locally in transforming connectivity for rural and hard-to-reach areas in the south west, with Nokia’s international expertise and resources in major network deployment.
Under the agreement, Wildanet will commission Nokia to project manage the delivery of the next phase of its full fibre network, from initial planning and design, right through to build, commissioning, testing and handover.
The move will streamline the whole process, with Nokia’s technology and project
HUTCH IS A B CORP
Truro-based design agency Hutch has become a certified B Corporation.
The accreditation reflects the business’ commitment to social and environmental responsibility, putting planet before profit.
Director Alex Greaves said: “We couldn’t
management experience providing a turnkey solution for Wildanet.
Justin Clark, Wildanet’s chief strategy & technology officer, said: “This agreement with Nokia, supported by Xantaro, represents a major step forward for Wildanet and Cornwall in attracting a global partner to work with us to deploy a world class broadband network for the county.”
Wildanet, meanwhile, has completed the roll-out of a new and improved wi-fi service in the public areas at Cornwall Airport Newquay.
be prouder... from the very beginning, our principles have guided us to build a business that not only excels in creative purpose but also makes a positive impact on the world.
“Becoming a B Corp is a natural progression of our mission to integrate these values into every aspect of our operations.”
COLLEGE RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR
Catering students from Truro & Penwith College will be keeping their fingers crossed this month as they await the AA College Restaurant of the Year Awards.
Only three UK restaurants made it to the final round of the competition, with Truro and Penwith College scooping two final places for its Senara Restaurant in Penzance and Spires Restaurant at Truro College.
Winners will be announced at a glitzy awards dinner at the Grosvenor House London on September 23.
TOP OF THE WORLD
A college student from Cornwall is celebrating after joining the top 1% of students in the world achieving full marks on their two-year course.
Aimee Paull, from Redruth, scored an unbeatable 45 out of 45 points on her International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma course at Truro College, a score equivalent to five A*s at A Level.
The joint highest achiever of all time at Truro College, she is now heading to the University of Cambridge to study Modern and Medieval Languages, with a focus on Spanish and Portuguese.
The result marks another year of success for
the IB Diploma cohort at Truro College.
The cohort achieved a 92% pass rate, with 77% of students scoring over 30, at an average point score of 34.2. This is well above the global average point score of 30.3.
A RUGGED ROAD TEST
One of the county’s fastest growing businesses is staying true to its Cornish roots by partnering with a local primary school.
Rugged Interactive, a Bodmin-based designer and manufacturer of active fun products for indoor playgrounds, made a
ADVERTORIAL
£500 donation to Fowey Primary School to thank the students and teachers for their help in developing a new, yet-to-berevealed product.
Over the last few months, Rugged Interactive has field tested a brand new product with children from every year group at the school, gathering information on how they used and what they thought
of the new game.
Founder Simon Heap said: “It was fantastic to be able to ‘borrow’ all the year groups from the school to help us with our product testing. It’s so powerful to hear how and what the children – who are the end-users of our products and who this kind of innovation is ultimately for –enjoy and what they want us to improve.”
A SECOND LIFESAVING HELICOPTER FOR CORNWALL AND THE ISLES OF SCILLY
For the last 37 years, Cornwall Air Ambulance has been providing pre-hospital emergency care to those who are critically ill or injured across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.
A NEW DAWN FOR DRIFTWOOD
One of Cornwall’s most iconic clifftop hotels is under new ownership.
The Driftwood Hotel, which boasts sweeping views over Gerrans Bay on Cornwall’s south coast, has been sold by Christie & Co to a private investor group off a guide price of £3 million.
The property had been owned by Paul and Fiona Robinson for the past 22 years and came to the market as they are looking to retire.
Paul Robinson said: “Whilst we have mixed emotions about leaving Driftwood, it has been an amazing journey and we would like to thank all our guests, many of whom have become friends over the years, for their support and of course, our wonderful staff.”
Now, as the charity looks to step into the evolution of critical care provision, the team are looking to land a second lifesaving helicopter.
The Heli2 Appeal is aiming to raise £2.85 million, for the purchase of an additional AW169 aircraft. You have probably seen their iconic red and yellow helicopter in the skies over the Duchy, but that aircraft is under extreme demand being tasked to over 1,000 missions every single year.
Currently, when the helicopter is undergoing maintenance, whether that be planned or unplanned, the charity leases a smaller backup aircraft. But its AW169 is far more capable for the Helicopter Emergency
CLASSIC ACQUISITION
Cornwall-based Classic Cottages, the UK’s largest independent holiday letting specialist, has expanded its portfolio of properties with the acquisition of Norfolk Holiday Homes.
The move marks Classic Cottages’ first major foray into Norfolk and adds 30 properties to its growing national portfolio which now numbers 1,462 letting properties across the UK.
Classic Cottages will retain the Norfolk Holiday Homes office in Hunstanton
FOREVER B CORP
One of Cornwall’s leading independent holiday letting agencies has achieved B Corp status.
Forever Cornwall was founded in 2012, with a portfolio of retreats from Bude to west Penwith. It now joins just 15 UK accommodation businesses as a certified B Corp.
on the north Norfolk coast and has appointed a local property manager and assistant to manage the portfolio.
Dan Harrison, commercial director of Classic Cottages, said: “This acquisition further expands the Classic Cottages footprint and gives us a significant presence in east England for the first time, with a well-established and diverse portfolio of quality properties.
“It also means that very close to half the properties we manage are now located outside our Cornish heartland as we continue to grow into other parts of the UK.”
MD Phil Gendall said: “It’s about putting people and planet first. We founded Forever Cornwall with the idea that holiday lets should be more sustainable - both their impact on communities and the environment. B Corp has been a three-year journey for us and a rigorous verification process — we’re thrilled to now be joining the likes of Patagonia, Innocent drinks and Finisterre.”
Medical Service (HEMS)
that it provides.
The primary aircraft is much bigger, meaning more space for the clinical crew, specialist kit and for conveying the patient, it has a greater weight and fuel capacities, meaning more scope for back-to-back missions, and is capable of being flown during hours of darkness for HEMS operations.
Owning two of these AW169s will mean that the crew can attend every patient on the best possible helicopter, no matter what the time of year or if during any maintenance periods. There will always be an aircraft ready and available, boosting the resilience and capability of the charity’s 19-hour-a-day, 365 days a year, service.
Ultimately, owning a second aircraft will enable the crew to attend more missions, and save even more lives.
We are looking for businesses to help support us in our mission to land a second helicopter. Find out more by contacting Julia on Julia.jeffery@ cornwallairambulancetrust.org or visit cornwallairambulancetrust.org/ corporate-support
Your business has the power to save lives.
FOOD FESTIVAL RETURNS
The Truro Food Festival returns to the Duchy’s capital city this month. Set to be held over five days, the gas will be lit on Wednesday September 25, with the festival coming to a sizzling finish on Sunday 29.
Coinciding with traditional harvest time, the showcase of local produce and culinary talent will be hosted by Truro Farmers
ST EWE HATCHES A NEW PLAN
St Ewe Free Range Eggs has completed a thorough review of its structure to ensure it is well-positioned to leverage the diverse skills and expertise within the business.
As a result, it has made several internal promotions within its team and created 13 new roles, for which it is currently recruiting.
MD, Martin Glinski, said: “A key component of St Ewe’s strategy is the development of healthy succession planning. By identifying and preparing future leaders within the flock, the company ensures continuity and continued excellence in its operations. This approach aims to build on a resilient leadership structure capable of guiding St Ewe through future challenges and opportunities.
“We’re delighted to be able to open up new roles within the business. This is a pivotal year for St Ewe and an incredible time to join.”
Meanwhile, the company has been named a finalist in the Lloyds Bank British Business Excellence Awards. It has been shortlisted in two categories - The Growth Business of The Year Award and The Family Business of The Year Award.
Market and Cornwall Event Cabins - the same team which delivers The BIG Christmas Market.
Featuring a Chefs’ Theatre, a Producers’ Village, and a mouth-watering Street Food Corner, the event will take over Lemon Quay and spread across the city, with stalls on Boscawen Street on Wednesday 25 and Saturday 28, and pop-up events taking place elsewhere.
Organiser Stewart Girvan said: “We are
beyond excited to be bringing this event back, with high hopes that it will benefit the whole Cornish food and drink industry and the region as a whole.
“With the wealth of chefs, producers, and street food vendors on our doorstep, we want this event to be as genuinely local as possible. Cornish businesses will have first refusal across the board, which will also help keep food miles and transport emissions to a minimum.”
GERMAN GIANT BUYS DAIRY
Trewithen Dairy has been acquired by one of Germany’s leading dairy companies.
Ehrmann plans to expand Trewithen’s facilities to open a state-of-the-art UK production plant at the site near Lostwithiel. Expected to open in 2026, Ehrmann pudding products distributed in the UK will be produced at the facility; expected to account for 15% of Ehrmann’s global sales each year.
In addition to its long-term commitment to grow sales of Trewithen’s portfolio of dairy products, Ehrmann will also make a significant £20 million investment in the dairy’s processing capacity and capabilities.
MORE REASONS...
Morrisons has opened the UK’s largest fish freezing centre, in Redruth.
Myton Food Group, Morrisons’ food manufacturing supplier, unveiled the £12.8 million Falfish Freezing Centre, that can individually quick freeze up to 180 tonnes of sardines and other varieties of fish per day.
Andrew Thornber, MD of Myton Food Group, said: “Over 80% of the fish and shellfish sold in Morrisons stores comes from our seafood operations in Cornwall, where we buy directly from local fishermen.
“Opening the UK’s largest fish freezing centre not only strengthens our position as one of Britain’s biggest foodmakers but also signifi-
Ehrmann’s acquisition of Trewithen will bring together the leadership teams of both family businesses. Trewithen Dairy has been owned by the Clarke family since 1976. The dairy farmers switched to crafting dairy products there in 1994, sourcing milk, cream and, more recently, butter and yoghurt from local cows to sell across the UK.
The acquisition will secure the jobs of over 260 people currently working at Trewithen Dairy and Ehrmann says the expansion of the production plant will give dairy farmers in the region a major, stable purchaser for Cornwall’s milk supply, “paying a competitive milk price based upon a guaranteed premium”.
cantly grows our seafood export business.
“We have been excited about this innovative project since acquiring Falfish in 2021, which makes such a positive difference to the local industry and community and provides a sustainable future - as well as the freshest fish for customers in Morrisons stores.”
Onboarding. It conjures images of lengthy handovers, deep and meaningful introductions to new systems and processes, and a general easement into a new role.
But as I reflect on my first month as the new CEO of Cornwall Chamber of Commerce and examine the empty Mini Cheddars (the finest of crunchy snacks) packets strewn across my desk, hastily emptied in a bid to munch on something before my next meeting, I can’t help but feel we should reimagine the word onboarding.
I have loved every breathless minute of my first month at the helm of the Cornwall Chamber of Commerce. The pace has reflected the urgency, passion, and commitment of my inherited Members and Business Partners, who desire to capture every opportunity associated with a new era for Cornwall that has come about due to political and economic change. Thanks to everyone for warmly welcoming me into this new position.
I have been expertly guided by the inimitable Kim Conchie, my predecessor, who has built an incredible community of business leaders and made the Chamber the lively, diverse and committed community it is today.
I’ve had the unwavering support of a board that is both brave in its actions and balanced in its perspectives and advice.
I’ve also benefitted from an incredible team that has delivered astonishingly good events and acted with integrity, professionalism, and a wicked sense of humour.
But this pace is not going anywhere soon. Members, the Chamber, business leaders, and citizens all have a vital role to play in shaping the future of this Duchy.
We have a completely different political tapestry within Cornwall and a new Government. Policies that will impact our economy are being debated and drawn
CARPE DIEM, CORNWALL
up, so the time to be loud, clear, and relentless about getting what we need to help us thrive is right now.
I saw firsthand the extraordinary collaboration, spirit, and enthusiasm among the business community at our annual Business Fair in July. We must harness this and speak as one collective private sector voice to those making long-term decisions and outline what we need, what we can contribute, and what does not sit comfortably with us.
At the Large Employers Action Group dinner, it was clear that business priorities and societal priorities are aligned. If we want a thriving economy, we need a workforce that has a roof over their heads, healthcare that works, transport infrastructure that is accessible, reliable and consistent and opportunities to grow in terms of skills and wallet.
Important decisions at a local and national level require our attention.
The future of our airport requires healthy consultation with the private sector to establish the right partnership.
The Good Growth strategy and Cornwall White Paper need sufficient scrutiny and input from business leaders to ensure their success.
All the while, at the national level, we must ensure that investment into the Duchy continues to flow both from Government and the private sector.
So, as I eye up my next packet of Mini Cheddars, I want to leave you with this. Get stuck in and get your voice heard. If it’s through the Chamber, we will welcome you with open arms, but even if you choose not to be a member, don’t be apathetic.
Be energetic, lively, loud and passionate without forgetting to be compassionate as well.
This is a new and exciting era for the Duchy and I can’t wait to work with you all to ensure we get this right.
It’s all change, says new Cornwall Chamber CEO John Brown. Let’s seize the opportunity. Email:
Important decisions at a local and national level require our attention.
FEATURED EVENT
12 September
CORNWALL SLUSH’D
Lighthouse Cinema, Newquay
TechCornwall is proud to announce the return of Cornwall Slush’D, one of the south west’s most distinguished tech startup events. Backed by Europe’s biggest startup tech conference, Slush in Helsinki, this year’s event promises to be the most dynamic and impactful yet, featuring exciting new event enhancements and a prestigious new partner. startupcornwall.co.uk
EVENTS
September 2024
4 CORNWALL CHAMBER LUNCH
The Headland Hotel, Newquay
This month, Cornwall Chamber’s lunchtime networking event is hosted by Idenna director, James Neale. cornwallchamber.co.uk
12 PENZANCE BUSINESS BREAKFAST
Jubilee Pool, Penzance
Opportunity to meet other local businesses and professionals, gain contacts and establish mutually beneficial relationships. eventbrite.co.uk
12 ADOPTION OF GEMINI AI
Venton Conefernce Centre, Newquay
This free workshop from Marwick Marketing will examine what Gemini AI is, where Gemini AI gathers its data and how we can leverage Gemini AI for revenue growth. christian@marwickmarketing.co.uk
12 WOMEN IN BUSINESS LUNCH
Penventon Hotel, Redruth
All are welcome to the Women in Business Lunch hosted by Your Partnerships on the second Thursday of each month. yourparnerships.co.uk
13 CORNWALL’S BUSINESS CHALLENGE
Via Ferrata, Penryn
A day of zip-lining, catapult building, canoe racing, and even code-breaking. It’s all about boosting teamwork, problemsolving, and communication skills in the most exciting way possible. viaferratacornwall.co.uk
16 PITCH & PROCURE
FibreHub, Redruth
Putting your local business in front of several major procuring organisations to showcase your products and services. cornwallchamber.co.uk
18 CORNWALL CHAMBER PLANET C CONFERENCE & BIG BREAKFAST
11 -12
NET ZERO –A GREEN FUTURE FOR CORNWALL AND IOS
University of Exeter ESI
Deep dive conference to explore place-based approaches to achieving Net Zero, focused on measurement, action, food and biodiversity. eventbrite.co.uk
The Eden Project
Cornwall Chamber’s Planet C Conference aims to rally the Cornish business community to step up on climate action and sustainability. The day gets underway with the chamber’s monthly Big Breakfast event. See p24 for more details. cornwallchamber.co.uk
19 THE PIG DIPPERS
The Pig at Harlyn Bay
Diving into a swim at Harlyn Bay is like stepping into a tranquil aquatic paradise. So why not join netswimmers for what is notoriously the warmest month in the water. cornwallchamber.co.uk
19 YOUR PARTNERSHIPS OPEN HOUSE
Victoria Inn, Roche
If you have never experienced an Open House with Your Partnerships at the birth home of Your Partnerships you are missing out.
yourpartnerships.co.uk
25 SUSTAINABLE FINANCE
Tremough Innovation Centre, Penryn
For early-stage businesses - what you need to consider to understand and manage your finances, inclusivity and sustainability and to give confidence to future grant funders, lenders and investors.
eventbrite.co.uk
26 THE INNOVATION EXCHANGE
Lanhydrock Hotel, Bodmin
Hear from Gareth Veal – Energy, Net Zero and Sustainability Specialist. His work spans organisations such as Sainsbury’s, Shell’s renewables team, Airbus, NHS and SMEs in the hospitality and manufacturing sectors. theinnovationexperts.co.uk
26 NETWORK HFC
Hall for Cornwall, Truro
Network HfC gathers a free-range collective of individuals from business, creative, tech and media, for an informal monthly get-together. It’s off-the-cuff stuff, free of the usual networking stereotypes. Each session culminates with a Q&A with a Cornwall-based leader of their field. hallforcornwall.co.uk
For further details of these and more events visit businesscornwall.co.uk
To publicise your event for free, email news@businesscornwall.co.uk
Growing a business can be challenging. You want your business to be visible to the right people, so it’s important to know how and where to meet them.
Your Partnerships is Cornwall’s largest networking group and its events enable you to connect with other members, gain referrals and build trusting relationships with customers and suppliers.
YOUR PARTNERSHIPS, CAN HELP YOUR
For meeting dates (online and in-person), visit our website at yourpartnerships.co.uk
CONNECTED
Picture gallery of recent events.
AGILE ON THE BEACH
From inspiring key note speeches to lively social events, the two-day Agile on the Beach conference in Falmouth again proved to be a huge success.
MARCEL BRITSCH (PRODUCT CONSULTANT)
STEPHEN JANAWAY
CORNWALL BUSINESS FAIR
Truro School was the venue for Cornwall Chamber’s annual flagship Business Fair event.
CAROLINE CARTER AND RACHEL KOERNER (BUSINESS CORNWALL)
JOHN BROWN (CORNWALL CHAMBER)
JEANNIE CAIN (ASC FINANCE)
JONATHON JONES (TREGOTHNAN) AND TONI EYRIEY (BUSINESS CORNWALL)
MARION PETERS (CONTROLPLANE)
ERIN GEOGHAN (IPPON TECHNOLOGIES)
CLARE SUDBERRY
FRAZER HOPKINS
Director of income generation at Cornwall Hospice Care.
WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU WERE YOUNG?
I wanted to be a barrister. I do love the cut and thrust of a good argument. It’s also been suggested I like talking (too much) and my parents did always say I could be rather argumentative!
WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST-FULL TIME JOB?
I worked for Whittard of Chelsea, the tea and coffee merchants, during my A levels and through my university time. I then worked full-time for the company for a short while post-graduation. I loved the work, particularly the coffee sampling, and it really helped my confidence levels.
I do love the cut and thrust of a good argument.
HOW DO YOU LIKE TO RELAX?
WHAT’S IN YOUR POCKETS?
Credit cards, keys, usually my mobile phone. If I’m lucky there’s a pen and some cash if my kids haven’t snatched it!
Reading, red wine and family activities. I enjoy a walk and I love good food; sitting at the table, chatting over a meal, it’s what I used to enjoy about visiting friends in France and nowadays it’s especially good when the whole family gather round and we’re still at the table three hours after we started.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE BEST MOMENT IN YOUR CAREER?
Our successful journey out of the Covid-19 era when we managed to navigate a pathway to the re-opening of our charity shops, welcoming our staff and volunteers back. I particularly remember being interviewed by our communications team who used an old, broken broom stick as a boom mic so we could keep our distance.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE WORST MOMENT IN YOUR CAREER?
In a previous job we commissioned a children’s education book and despite our hard work it just didn’t succeed. It didn’t find its audience or get the buy-in we had hoped for. It was a great shame as we were really pleased with it.
WHAT’S THE BEST THING ABOUT CORNWALL?
The fact that you can be at the coast in next to no time. We’re so lucky to have all these amazing landscapes and their natural beauty. It’s remembering to take advantage of it that’s sometimes the challenge.
IF YOU COULD INVITE ANY TWO PEOPLE FOR DINNER, WHO WOULD THEY BE AND WHY WOULD YOU INVITE THEM?
There’s only one for me; Nelson Mandela. Apart from his obviously statesmanlike qualities, I’m fascinated by his ability to have the grace and ability to forgive and to work alongside the people who took such a big chunk of his life away.
IF YOU COULD BE GOD FOR A DAY, WHAT MIRACLE WOULD YOU PERFORM?
Instilling patience and kindness in everyone, myself included!
WHAT WAS YOUR BIGGEST MISTAKE IN LIFE?
I’m pleased to say there hasn’t been a complete howler yet, but there’s plenty of time and I suspect I’ll make plenty more mistakes in the next 20 years!
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE DOING IN FIVE YEARS’ TIME?
Being a part of Cornwall Hospice Care’s successful journey to continue delivering the care we offer to everyone who needs it. I love this job and the result of our work is so very rewarding. Dying with dignity is important and should be the right of everyone.
PAPER REVOLUTION
71% of paper and 82% of paper-based packaging is recycled into new products; one of the highest recycling rates of any material in Europe!
Sources: Cepi Key Statistics, 2022 and Eurostat, 2020. Europe: EU27 + Norway, Switzerland and the UK.
Discover the story of paper www.lovepaper.org
Scan for paper facts, activities, blogs and much more!
ACCOUNTANCY TAX ADVICE
We offer more than just accountancy, with a team of in-house experts here in Cornwall. Get in touch for a meeting – it’s free.
