CORNWALL'S PREMIER BUSINESS RESOURCE FOR ALL THE LATEST NEWS AND OPINION businesscornwall.co.uk
JUNE 2017 / ISSUE 111 / £4.25
WE TALK TO STEAMSHIP COMPANY CHAIRMAN, ANDREW MAY S NER N I W SIDE IN
SECTOR FOCUS
MARINE ON CREST OF A WAVE?
SPACEPORT
SCIENCE FACT OR FICTION?
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JUNE2017
ISSUE 111
INSIDE FEATURES 10 – SPACEPORT C ORNWA LL S PAC E P O RT C O U L D B E O UT OF T HIS W O R L D
38
LAW FIRM HELPS HOLIDAY PARKS
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IN C ONVERS AT I O N WI T H I S L E S O F S C I L LY S T EA M S HIP G RO U P C H A I R MA N , A N D R EW M AY
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21 – MARINE
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RIDING T HE WAV E S I N A C H A L L E N G I N G S EC TOR
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JUST A THOUGHT WITH MILLER COMMERCIAL’S PETER HEATHER
TEST DRIVE THE ALL NEW HONDA CIVIC
EVENTS DIARY NETWORKING WHAT’S ON
C ORNWA LL A I R P O RT N E WQ UAY
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28 – BUSINESS GROWTH
48
IT ’ S NOT ABO UT T H E MO N E Y
FOOD BEST GIN IN THE WORLD
14 – CEO INTERVIEW
25 – COMPANY PROFILE
TOURISM
CONNECTED NETWORKING WHAT’S GONE
THE LAST WORD CSR CONSULTANT GILL PIPKIN
REGULARS 4
INCOMING DEBATING APPRENTICESHIPS
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BUSINESS NEWS HEADFORWARDS WINS BUSINESS AWARDS
30
VENUE GUIDE PENVENTON PARK HOTEL
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WISHLIST OBJECTS OF DESIRE
34
ON THE MOVE APPOINTMENTS NEWS
35
CREATIVE & IT AGILE ON THE BEACH
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OUT OF COUNTY DOING BUSINESS UP COUNTRY
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FSB FSB NEWS ROUNDUP
ABOVE: MATT DAWSON AT THE CORNWALL BUSINESS AWARDS SEE P9
BUSINESS CORNWALL
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JUNE 2017
ISSUE 111
WELCOME EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Nick Eyriey nick@businesscornwall.co.uk PUBLISHER Toni Eyriey toni@businesscornwall.co.uk BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Morveth Ward morveth@businesscornwall.co.uk ACCOUNT MANAGER Caroline Hill caroline@businesscornwall.co.uk CONTRIBUTORS PFA Research, Peter Heather DESIGN Hutch Agency - hutchagency.co.uk BUSINESS CORNWALL is published 10 times a year by: Tonick Business Publishing Pool Innovation Centre Trevenson Road Redruth TR15 3PL Tel: 01209 718688
ON THE COVER Andrew May, Isles of Scilly Steamship Company CORNWALL'S PREMIER BUSINESS RESOURCE FOR ALL THE LATEST NEWS AND OPINION
Over land and sea (and into outer space) This month's magazine has something of a 'transport' feel to it. Car (Test Drive), boat (Scillonian III) and aeroplane (Cornwall Airport Newquay); we also have the latest for what could, one day, be the ultimate form of travel from Cornwall – into space. Plans for the airport to be home to the UK's first spaceport could soon become science fact not fiction, and we expect to hear more on this after the General Election. Back down to earth, the Scillonian III recently celebrated 40 years in service. In this month's CEO Interview, we catch up with Isles of Scilly Steamship Company chairman, Andrew May. He talks us through the company's wide transport portfolio and also reveals his thoughts on the prospect of a helicopter service to the islands returning to Penzance. And congratulations to Pool-based software company, Headforwards, which was named Winner of Winners at last month's Cornwall Business Awards – a Cornish company achieving great success on the global stage.
Plans for the airport to be home to the UK's first
spaceport could soon become science fact not fiction
businesscornwall.co.uk
JUNE 2017 / ISSUE 111 / £4.25
WE TALK TO STEAMSHIP COMPANY CHAIRMAN, ANDREW MAY NERS WIN SIDE IN
SECTOR FOCUS
MARINE ON CREST OF A WAVE?
SPACEPORT
SCIENCE FACT OR FICTION?
SPONSORED BY
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Business Cornwall magazine is proud to be a business partner of the Cornwall Chamber of Commerce
EDITOR BUSINESS CORNWALL
Business Cornwall magazine is proud to be media partner of the FSB
Registered under the Data Protection Act All rights reserved No part of this publication may be reproduced, copied, stored in an electronic retrieval system or transmitted without the written permission of the publisher. Stringent efforts have been made by Business Cornwall magazine to ensure accuracy. However, due principally to the fact that data cannot always be verified, it is possible that some errors or omissions may occur. Business Cornwall magazine can not accept responsibility for such errors or omissions. Business Cornwall magazine accepts no responsibility for comments made by interviewees that may offend.
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INCOMING
THE CONVERSATION
The big question Have you ever taken on an apprentice or considered taking an apprentice? What has been your experience? Do you feel informed enough to take on an apprentice? Join the conversation @biz_cornwall
/businesscornwall
businesscornwall.co.uk ADVERTORIAL
ADWORDS WARS WHY WOULD I BID AGAINST AIR B’N’B?
From the early days of advertising our family’s holiday house on the Helford, to conversations with the large rental agencies we now work with – the questions remain the same. How does a Cornish business compete on search advertising with international brands bidding on the same keywords? 4
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THE CONVERSATION
INCOMING
HELEN HOOD
Lang Bennetts Chartered
We strongly believe in the benefits of Accountants apprenticeships and currently have three AAT apprentices working with us BETH MAYMAN
St Austell Printing Company
MELODY TUFFNELL
PKF Francis Clark
We have recruited and trained apprentices for many years. The structured framework of one day a week at college to study the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) qualification with the other days learning ‘on the job’ has worked well for our business. Our apprentices can see a clear progression route; studying towards a recognised qualification and earning whilst they are learning. Since the increase in university fees in 2012, we have found that even more school leavers are considering apprenticeships as an alternative to going to university and we have increased our apprentice recruitment. Our learning providers (including the local colleges) are a good source of information and have recently been supportive in helping us to understand the Apprenticeship Levy.
he good news is that keyword targeting is no longer the only tool for search marketing. Backing up an intelligent selection of keywords, with the right audience targeting makes sure that you only spend money on the clicks that are most likely to convert into business. For example, Business A, which has a few holiday homes in Penzance but doesn’t really know what it is doing, bids on “holiday cottage Cornwall”, does some simple location settings and finds it is paying around £3.50 a click, sometimes to people who know for
We have only had one reception apprentice about three years ago, but it didn’t go that well really. I have found out about the new apprenticeship schemes by attending a workshop with Cornwall College and the British Printing Federation keep us up to date on the latest apprentice print industry specific training schemes. I think that there is plenty of info out there if you are looking for it.
ERIC NICHOLLS
Spiral UK
Apprentices are a fundamental part of Spiral UK, 10% of our workforce. Whilst you have to accept that some will not turn out what you hope, training and developing your own staff is often more successful than constantly recruiting. Employers are now much better informed and supported from FE providers than a few years ago.
a fact they want to be near Padstow, not Penzance. Its budget drains fast, and has little to show for it. Business B has things better planned. Its agency has helped identify more specific keywords. It doesn’t compete with Air B’n’B and the like, who rarely bid on terms focussed on anything other than major locations. It has added audience targeting to the mix, meaning that higher bids are only paid when someone sees the ad who is already “warm” to their brand. This might be people who have visited its website recently, are on its email list, or have started a booking before – all far more likely to become customers. Our clients include a host of businesses who were sceptical about Adwords. Maybe it cost them a lot in the past with little value to show,
We strongly believe in the benefits of apprenticeships and currently have three AAT apprentices working with us. Two of our former apprentices have successfully completed their training and are now studying for their higher level Chartered Accountancy exams. We have a good knowledge of the requirements and training available and will continue to employ apprentices. In our experience, apprentices are committed and loyal because they are learning on the job in a profession they are interested in.
CLAIRE EASON BASSETT
Mackerel Sky
We have thought about taking on an apprentice but we have taken on a number of staff in the past who are straight from education or training and we have found it difficult. It has been challenging to ensure that they have enough time to develop the skills and capabilities that we need them to have. Like everyone, our margins are tight and therefore we have limited capacity for carrying people until they are able to deliver independently. I believe that apprenticeships are a route to address this but there are limited options within the events sector currently. I am keen to explore this further and develop capable and engaged talent for the future of the sector and find a way to match the structure of apprenticeships to the flexible structure and agile approach that we have at Mackerel Sky.
maybe they’ve just heard rumours about trying to outshout the multinationals being a waste of cash. After a few weeks, we quickly show the benefit – lower costs per click, more conversions and more business. Get in touch and we will help you compete. www.electricdialogue.com sam@electricdialogue.com 01872 492032
BUSINESS CORNWALL
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CORNWALL
BUSINESS NEWS
SPONSORED BY
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“I WAS A WET DRIP IN THE BEGINNING” Celebrated businesswoman Lara Morgan was in Cornwall last month, as keynote speaker at Unlocking Potential’s latest Future Focus event. Morgan started her first business, Pacific Direct Ltd, aged just 23, and then sold her majority share in 2008 for a cool £20 million. While she modestly said during her presentation that there had been some “fluke element” to her success, speaking to Business Cornwall afterwards, she said in business, you make your own luck and put in the hard graft. “You go the extra mile,” she told us. “You put in the hours, even when you’re going, ‘I’m knackered, I’d really like to go home and curl up in front of the TV’.”
ROYAL VISIT FOR ROYAL CORNWALL 6
And she admitted her path to success might have been smoother, had she been tougher. “I should have educated myself better earlier, written a business plan earlier,” she said. “I should have, of course, been more brutal about people because I was a wet drip at the beginning and I was carrying people. I think we should have employed more rigorously and had a better recruitment process. I could also have been bolder and invested more in sales. “I think there’s everything I could have done better.”
I should have educated myself
His Royal Highness The Earl of Wessex will make his second visit to the Royal Cornwall Show this month. The visit will take place on the second day, Friday June 9, and it is hoped that the visit programme will include as many of the show’s key elements as possible. The Earl made his first visit to the show in 2007.
better earlier, written a business plan earlier
Royal Cornwall Show secretary, Christopher Riddle, said. “We are very pleased that the Earl of Wessex will be coming to the show,” he said. “I am sure he’ll enjoy touring our showcase of the best that Cornwall and the region has to offer, and in particular, our local agriculture and food industry.” The Royal Cornwall Show runs from June 8-10.
BUSINESS CORNWALL
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BUSINESS NEWS
SPONSORED BY
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CORNWALL
NEWS IN BRIEF Cornish law firm, Charles French & Co, has opened a new office. Established in 2007 with two staff in Truro, Charles French & Co now employs 30 staff with offices in Truro, St Austell, Mevagissey and now, Newquay.
Coodes litigation executive, Catherine Hyde, has been given two accreditations by the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL), a leading national organisation for personal injury law, achieving recognition both as a litigator and a portal claims handler.
Great Western Railway (GWR) has awarded a grant of £49,357 to local disability charity, ROC Wellbeing, which is part of United Response, a national disability charity which works with people with learning disabilities and mental health needs.
A charity golf day organised by Truro accountancy firm, Robinson Reed Layton along with Jacksons Wealth Management and Seven Investment Management at Killiow Golf Club, raised more than £4k for The Sunrise Appeal and Meningitis Now.
Law firm, Stephens Scown LLP, has reported fee income of £19.285 million for the year ended April 2017, a rise of 8%. In a year of uncertainty due to the EU referendum result, the firm said it sees this as strong growth. Average fee growth in recent years has been 12.5%. Deals related activity grew by 107% to 174 deals in 2016. “This has been another great year,” said the firm’s managing partner, Robert Camp.
12.5%
AVERAGE FEE GROWTH IN RECENT YEARS
DEALS IN 2016
DISTANCE NO BARRIER A Cornish campervan conversion business has just completed its biggest project to date - for a client 550 miles away. Pete Davison lives in Edinburgh, but the distance did not deter him from driving his Volkswagen Transporter down south for a custom conversion from Goldsithney-based Chilli Jam Vans. “It was one of the best experiences in my life.” Chill Jam Vans business partner, Brett Gray, added: “Distance really doesn’t matter with
Skype, Facetime and What’s App allowing us to keep in touch with our customers. “Pete was virtually in the garage with us being part of the build and actively imputing his ideas as the project moved forward. “It was an outstanding showcase to demonstrate that we are not restricted to just Cornwall but can successfully complete unique custom projects for customers based anywhere in the UK, and beyond.”
AWARD FOR LANG BENNETTS Lang Bennetts has been named ‘Most Outstanding Personal Tax Practice – Cornwall’ in Corporate Vision magazine’s 2017 Global Excellence Awards. Based on quantitative and qualitative research carried out by Corporate Vision’s in-house
team over the last 12 months, the awards celebrate firms and individuals considered to have done “extraordinary and innovative work” in their sector, industry or region. “We’re delighted with this latest award,” said Lang Bennetts’ partner Helen Hood.
NEW SMALL BOAT FACILITY Falmouth Harbour Commissioners (FHC) is set to open a new 47-berth small boat facility in Custom House Quay basin. Following a thorough review of the scheme, which recently received planning permission, FHC’s board has decided to proceed with the plan to provide these new facilities for local small boat owners. The new pontoon facility will provide 47 new berths for vessels up to
six metres long with 21 berths for boats up to 2.5 metres wide and 26 berths for those up to 2 metres wide. Chair of FHC’s board, Carrie Gilmore, said: “With over 80 expressions of interest for the new Custom House Quay berths already, we are confident the decision to proceed is the right one and will help ensure that the basin continues to be vibrant and well used, whilst meeting local demand.”
BUSINESS CORNWALL
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CORNWALL
BUSINESS NEWS
SPONSORED BY
sapc.co.uk
CORNWALL CLUB IN LONDON Cornwall Community Foundation (CCF) launched its Cornwall Club membership scheme at special event in London last month. 160 guests attended the launch at Two Temple Place and enjoyed Cornish food and drink, with canapés prepared and served by apprentices from Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen Cornwall, and drinks supplied by Sipsmith, St Austell Brewery, Camel Valley Vineyard, Healeys Cyder Farm and Cornish Natural Spring Waters. The Cornwall Club is an opportunity for people who have an affinity with Cornwall, but who live or work elsewhere, to support communities in need in the county. CCF brings together philanthropists and the small local charities or community groups they would like to support. The Foundation has invested £624k in projects throughout Cornwall in the last 12 months.
£624K
THE FOUNDATION HAS INVESTED IN PROJECTS THROUGHOUT CORNWALL IN THE LAST 12 MONTHS
ENABLE LAW LAUNCHES Law firm, Foot Anstey, has launched a standalone medical negligence practice. Foot Anstey’s medical negligence practice has become a separate business entity known as Enable Law, within the Foot Anstey Group. Foot Anstey says the move is the result of a “strategic rebrand to provide greater clarity for clients and support with growing this part of Foot Anstey’s business”. The new unit is being headed up by Ron Antrobus, who said: “We are really proud of our new identity with Enable Law – this project, which has been developed over time with input from our clients, employees, and partner organisations, is much more reflective of the work that we do and will help us reach more people who may not have been aware they could access support.”
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The new unit is more reflective of the work that Foot Anstey does
BUSINESS CORNWALL
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staustellbusinesspark.co.uk
BUSINESS NEWS
SPONSORED BY
CORNWALL
HEADFORWARDS HEAD FIRST
FULL WINNERS Young Enterprise: The Teenwork Cornwall team from Treviglas Community College, Newquay.
Headforwards, the Redruth-based software company, was named Winner of Winners at the 2017 Cornwall Business Awards.Directors Toby Parkins and Craig Girvan received the award in front of 350 local business leaders at a glittering event hosted at St Mellion International Resort, where England rugby hero, Matt Dawson MBE, was the guest speaker. Within the individual award categories, Headforwards scooped Most Dynamic Growth Business and employee, Lyssa-Fee Crump, was named Young Business Person of the Year. Headforwards was not the only Cornish IT company to win multiple awards, perhaps indicating the growing strength of the sector in Cornwall. Bodmin-based Microtest took the Business Innovation of the Year title and was also named Best Family Business. Wayne Retallack of South West Laundry
picked up the coveted prize for Entrepreneur of the Year and the Great Cornish Food Store was honoured as the Best New Business in Cornwall. Now in their twelfth year, the Cornwall Business Awards have become established as the most high-profile business awards scheme in the county. Mike King, MD of the Cornwall Development Company, which organised the event in association with Business Cornwall magazine and the Cornwall Chamber of Commerce, said: “I would like to thank all those who entered the 2017 Cornwall Business Awards. The quality of entries was a testament to the outstanding breadth and depth of Cornwall’s economy. “The judges had difficult decisions to make in every category with a number of very close calls. It is extremely encouraging that the winners, who really are the best of the best, come from a broad range of sectors in business located across Cornwall.”
Young Business Person of the Year: Lyssa-Fee Crump, Headforwards Best New Business in Cornwall: Great Cornish Food Store Best Third Sector Business: Active Plus CIC Customer Focus: TorFX Employer of the Year: Smile Together Dental CIC Manufacturer of the Year: KCS Print Most Creative Use of Design: Rugged Interactive Sustainable Business of the Year: Hendra Holiday Park Excellence in Digital Marketing: Radix Communications Most Dynamic Growth Business: Headforwards Best Family Business: Microtest Best International Business: Celtic & Co Business Innovation of the Year: Microtest Entrepreneur of the Year: Wayne Retallack, South West Laundry Winner of Winners: Headforwards
BUSINESS CORNWALL
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SPACEPORT
CORNWALL
REACHING FOR
THE STARS? THERE IS MUCH EXCITEMENT SURROUNDING THE POSSIBILITY OF CORNWALL BEING HOME TO THE UK’S FIRST SPACEPORT.
There is much excitement surrounding the possibility of Cornwall being home to the UK’s first spaceport. Plans for the project, which is being driven by the Aerohub Enterprise Zone team at Cornwall Development Company and Cornwall Airport Limited, on behalf of Cornwall Council and the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Local Enterprise Partnership, have been submitted to the UK Space Agency. But what is it all about exactly? Here’s everything you need to know… What is a Spaceport? Fundamentally it’s about offering safe and low-cost access to space for a range of possible users. A Spaceport can be a licensed location at an existing airport where horizontal launched spaceplane systems can operate and test. What is Spaceport Cornwall? Spaceport Cornwall is the name given to the project which encompasses Cornwall Airport Newquay, Goonhilly Earth Station and the wider space and aerospace supply chain in Cornwall. What is a Spaceplane System? Spaceplane Systems usually comprise of commercial aircraft carrying a separate rocket vehicle designed to deploy satellites or other space payloads, space flight experiences and scientific tasks. Systems can launch objects, or people, into space for brief periods and return to Earth (suborbital flight), or into orbit for periods of months or years. Who will use the Spaceport? Operators launching spacecraft and passengers into space will be working alongside developers of satellites, launch vehicle supply chain companies, rocket propulsion testing and scientists studying the impact of the space environment and low gravity on future space systems. There are currently no plans for a vertical launch facility in Cornwall. Will the Spaceplane Systems be flying over Cornwall? Spaceplane carriers will operate in the immediate vicinity of NQY as they take
off and land, but operation of the high energy propulsion systems required for space launch will only take place at some distance off the coast, in a specially designated restricted flying area. Launches to orbit are likely to take place in the North Atlantic west of Ireland in a Northerly direction to achieve a polar orbit. How does Cornwall Airport Newquay become a Spaceport? In 2014, Cornwall Airport Newquay (CAN) was shortlisted as a potential site for the UK’s first Spaceport. Local partners submitted a Consultation Response in 2015 outlining our proposition. The UK Space Agency (UKSA) is now seeking joint proposals from a Spaceport and an operator for a commercial space launch to be in place by 2020. The ‘open call for investment’ was launched in March and proposals are invited for a possible investment of up to £10 million. Why is Cornwall Bidding? The commercial spaceflight market could be worth £25 billion over the next 20 years. The Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Local Enterprise Partnership believes Spaceport Cornwall could have a transformational impact on our economy by creating a high-value space cluster that would create jobs, inspire young people and help deliver the Government’s National Space Policy and its Industrial Strategy. What Happens Next? The CIoSLEP has formally submitted several bids, which are now being evaluated by UK Space Agency. We expect to hear more after the General Election. What if Spaceport Cornwall is not successful? A Spaceport is only part of the wider space sector growth in Cornwall. If it is not successful, we still have a thriving tracking and monitoring capability at Goonhilly, a rocket test facility at Cornwall Airport Newquay, and several innovative space companies already here. www.spaceportcornwall.com Twitter: @SpaceCornwall
10 BUSINESS CORNWALL
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CASE
STUDY
TAKING CARE OF THE FUTURE When consultant anaesthetist Dr Paul Upton, a medical director with three decades of NHS service flew home from a business trip three years ago, his life and career took a different course
UP_June17.indd 2
n the flight to Newquay, he sat next to digital creative and company director Alan Sanders. Turns out they shared a passion for boats. They also shared lots of ideas and by the end of the flight the pair had resolved to work together. Ultramed was ready to take off. Since that chance meeting, the Ultramed co-founders have successfully launched their first health tech software program, MyPreOp which aims to be the future of preoperative assessment. With this innovative, digital platform, patients don’t have to have a preoperation hospital appointment but can answer questions from the comfort of their own home. They’ve signed up five hospital trusts and counting and boast a team of 11 experienced experts, doctors, scientists and developers with a full time team of four operating the business from the Tremough Innovation Centre in Penryn. That team includes Paul who retired from the NHS to build his new venture. It’s clearly making waves and that, says Paul is because at its heart is patient empowerment. “We’re producing patient-focussed solutions and getting patients to tell their story. In doing so we’re helping clinical teams gather the information they need whilst digitalising a paper-based system” and offering a return on investment of £4 for every £1 spent. It ticks all the boxes, for the NHS. Most of his full-time staff he’s recruited using ERDF-funded Breakthrough support for new businesses. Breakthrough brings together coaching support from Oxford Innovation and the recruitment expertise and subsidy from Unlocking Potential. One of those posts was for his chief operating officer, Anne Davidson. She says: “Teams don’t get built by individuals – a functioning team is worth so much more and finding the right fit is crucial to our success. We had support around advertising, shortlisting and then interviewing. It was really helpful to have
an external pair of eyes. I’d say we’ve ended up with a dream team.” Paul is quite clear about the goals for his team which he says comes from working on the board of a £300 million organisation like The Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust. “We’re an ambitious company,” he says, “so we’ve set our objectives to be an internationally profitable health technology company with plans to export, to invest in R&D, to be a market leader, a great employer and to be carbon neutral.” No wonder his Breakthrough coach, Joe Dennett, describes him as, “visionary and driven”. But coaching has still been hugely valuable to Paul and Ultramed. Paul describes the coaching as an “external perspective” where they ask the questions others might not. “I’m trying to build a substantial company and put in the building blocks so we can grow organically but at pace. That’s where Breakthrough coaching is really powerful and flexible. You’ve got your key coach but they can bring in people with particular expertise, so as an example, when we have been dealing as a start-up, with what feels slightly like sharks in terms of acquisition and organisational partnerships, I needed some additional coaching which the Breakthrough program was able to provide.” For the moment, Ultramed is firmly setting their sights on revolutionising the NHS in terms of preoperative assessment. With ten million operations every year in the UK and with a price-per-use model, Ultramed’s market is enormous with technology that is easily scalable. But Ultramed has clearly struck on a solution to a global problem and Paul’s excited about the future as he reveals there is significant overseas interest. “There’s even a version of the software in Arabic. It reads right to left of course. If we can do that, it really has got international potential.” To find out more about Ultramed, visit www.ultramed.co Twitter @ultramed_LTD Facebook/UltramedLTD To find out how Breakthrough can support your new business’ ambitions, visit www.breakthroughcornwall.co.uk Facebook/BreakthroughCornwall Twitter @AskBreakthrough
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ANN VANDERMEULEN / FSB CORNWALL
CONCISE AND EYE-CATCHING FSB Cornwall are delighted to have Business Cornwall Magazine as our 2017 contracted media partner There are several reasons why we have chosen to work with them but the main one is that they inform the business community in a clear and interesting format. Busy business people need something concise and eye-catching. FSB want to ensure that our messages are professionally delivered to our target audience in thoughtprovoking and innovative ways. Business Cornwall really excels at this! The Business Cornwall team are easy to work with and as they have engrained themselves into the Cornish business scene they have also engendered a sense of community with their excellent magazine and online presence. We have always supported the magazine with press and advertising since inception and have been very happy with the results, so we are very pleased to be part of their community C O R N W A L L on a more formal basis this year.
Call 01209 718688 or visit businesscornwall.co.uk
THE NEW
ŠKODA KODIAQ RECONNECT.
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Andrew As the Scillonian III celebrates 40 years in service, Business Cornwall magazine meets Andrew May, chairman of the Isles of Scilly Steamship Company
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You have been on the board of the Isles of Scilly Steamship Company since 1992, but by trade you’re a farmer? Andrew May: Yes, when I am chatting to people, I say I am a farmer, first and foremost. I’ve been growing scented narcissi on Isles of Scilly since 1981. But, of course, the islands are quite a small community and most people have more than one job and working with the Steamship Company appealed to me. It’s a private sector company, but you could call it a public utility, a basic human right almost. We all expect to be able to drive from Penzance to Camborne, and it should be no different to be able to get from Penzance to the Isles of Scilly. So that was my motivation for getting involved in the first place. A lifeline service. For the 2,000 or so souls who live on the islands it certainly is. But it is also relies on the visitor economy. Whether you call it a lifeline for them is another matter, but it clearly is very important. Seasonality must be an issue. Seasonality is one of our biggest challenges. We’ve looked at different areas around the UK and in Cornwall where the seasonality aspect is less so, but on the islands, it is quite extreme. The issues are more complicated than just being nowhere to stay or eat for example, but there are also challenges about getting there, with the weather. The issues are all wrapped in together. Planes and the freight ship operate all year round, but the Scillonian III doesn’t operate between November and February. People say she only operates in the summer, but that’s not quite accurate. We’ve just celebrated Scillonian III’s 40th birthday. And it’s probably true to say that had we been operating her all year round since 1977, we would be struggling to keep her on the route now. So we’ve preserved our most valuable asset and used her very effectively for eight or nine months of the year.
We’ve been talking to our customers and the islands community to understand what people want. So it shouldn’t be taken for granted that the replacement would be one ship
Do you still have plans to replace her? I think it’s fair to say our attentions are turning towards that with more intensity. She’s in a remarkably good condition and looked after extremely well. She was commissioned by the company especially for this route and she’s still quite a contemporary looking ship. The quality of the accommodation and engineering is high. We spent over £1 million on her back in the 90s as a major upgrade and another £2 million in 2012, but inevitably things move on over the years with the fundamentals of architecture and engineering meaning that at some point in the future it would not be a good business decision to improve, that but rather go the whole hog and invest in a new ship.
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Any timeline? It’s unlikely to be before 2020. And would the new Scillonian be bigger? We’ve been talking to our customers and the islands community to understand what people want. So it shouldn’t be taken for granted that the replacement would be one ship. At the moment we, of course, operate two ships, one is predominantly freight and one predominantly passengers, but they both carry both. The Gry Maritha is operating at the moment but our new freight ship, Mali Rose, will be coming on shortly. But there are several options. We could have a much larger, multi-purpose ship that sails all year round and carries both passengers and freight, or we continue as we are now with a relatively dedicated freight and small passenger contingent and maybe have two passenger ships ping-ponging back and forward. There is also the option of having a much faster ship, but with speed comes expense. There are an awful lot of trade-offs to consider. Give us an overview of the company’s operations. The Steamship Group is in its 98th year, it was incorporated in 1920. And it was born out of necessity. The islands has been serviced by a series of enterprise, but needed a scheduled, relatively high quality service. In some ways it was one of the earliest examples of crowdfunding, which we often think of as a 21st century innovation. It was a tremendously successful exercise where the leaders of the community at the time got together and literally
went around banging on doors seeing how much people would consider investing. The money was raised to buy a ship. The process we go through today is obviously quite different and the company is quite different. We have scheduled passenger and freight services by sea, scheduled passenger (Skybus) and freight services by air, inter-island services. The Lioness Lady and the Swift Lady operate daily between the islands and are crucially important. Gry Maritha and shortly Mali Rose deliver about 10-12,000 tons of freight a year to the islands and quite a lot off the islands, including the flowers that myself and others grow. Six days a week inter island, three days a week to Penzance. And seven days a week in the summer, because the Scillonian does carry a significant amount of freight. Gry Maritha can take eight passengers as and when, predominantly islanders needing to go to the mainland. In all honesty the accommodation isn’t the same standards as the Scillonian, but it can be a fascinating journey. She’s a sturdy little ship which comes through some remarkable weather. And we are very excited about the Mali Rose. It is a significantly larger vessel and has more functionality. We are currently working on her in Penzance and very soon will be trialled on the route. Replacing Scillonian III is obviously a huge capital expense. What sort of money are we talking about? It would be glib to say tens of millions, but quite possibly. A new build ship or ships of the quality and functionality that we require would
ANDREW MAY
be well in excess of £10 million, possibly £20 million. So a huge investment and why it is so important that we get it right. The likelihood is there isn’t any used tonnage out there that would suit. It’s something we haven’t totally disregarded. It’s possible we could find a passenger ship we could spend a bit a money modifying to be fit for purpose, but it is more likely given the complex requirements that we’re going to need, is that we’re going to have to design something from scratch. And if you think about it, Scillonian III has been going since 1977. For sake of argument, say Scillonian IV comes in 2020, the question we need to ask is what’s demand going to be in 2040? Maybe 2050? How have passenger numbers been? What potential is there for growth? That’s a good question. We come back in part to the profile of that demand. If all 210,000 passengers want to come in the six weeks of the school holidays that’s a challenge, we would want to divide that equally. Numbers have been going back up recently but back in 2003, there was just shy of 300,000 visitors. That period we’re talking about included the rise of the low cost airlines, Ryan Air and easyjet, and of course it’s quite attractive when people hear about fares to Barcelona for 20 quid. But when you actually dig into it, you’ll find someone who went to Barcelona and it cost several hundred pounds. Whereas silly hasn’t changed much and the infrastructure wasn’t changing much either, so perhaps numbers had been declining for a number of reasons. We carry about 100,000 people
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by air a year. But this year Ryan Air carried 112 million! I think one of the challenges is keeping up with people’s expectations. It’s a bit of a red herring, but if I had a pound for every time someone said “why can’t I buy a ticket from Skybus for £20 when I can buy a ticket to Barcelona for £20”, I could buy a new aeroplane! Often you can’t fly to Barcelona for £20, but when you do it’s all about volume. Economies of scale are a challenge not just for transport, but for the whole of the islands. For local people we operate a travel club. Standard return on the ship is about £100 return, Land’s End around £160, which can be a lot of money. So we give discounts on those headline fairs to make it affordable. And in 2012, when the long-standing helicopter service ceased, we saw a sharp drop off there again as well. Since 2012 there has been
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a steady increase in passenger numbers, and that is something we would like to see continue. Permission has been given for a new helicopter service. What is your view on that? We’re very open to competition. We might have our views on what would make a successful business model, but if someone had a different view it is entirely reasonable that they should try it. The great trick would be that the Isles of Scilly and the consumer benefit, not just in the short-term, but in the long-term as well and whatever is in place is viable and sustainable. There is no doubt when the helicopter service ceased in 2012, the islands took quite a big knock. The Steamship Company stepped up to the plate with a huge amount of investment at Land’s End airport, which we own, in terms of
hardened runway, lighting, more aircraft, pilots etc. We were pursuing a path of investment and improvement anyway, but it was a binary choice. We didn’t make that choice so that no one else could compete, we did it because we thought there would be demand. So if someone else comes and would like to have a crack, that’s fair enough. If you look at the challenges the Steamship Company faces we have a very simple philosophy. And what hasn’t changed since 1920, is that all of our activities are related to the Isles of Scilly. The interests of the islands and the company are aligned. If the islands do well, we do well and vice versa. And I’m quite happy to say, does the Steamship Group offer the reliably particularly by air, the resilience, the value for money that all of our customers want? No it doesn’t, particularly in the winter months.
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ANDREW MAY
We have a new air navigation system coming in which will help enhance reliability. About 20% of flights from Land’s End are affected by weather, be that cancelled or delayed, but that is improving with technology But could a helicopter improve that? It would certainly improve choice, and in some ways I would say that is a great thing, because since 2012 we have been in the crosshairs. If anything happens, good or bad, people look at us through a telescopic site. And helicopters have certain characteristics that fixed wing don’t and can do things which a fixed wing can’t do. But it’s a balance, because helicopters are particularly impressive bits of kit which come with a price tag, both in terms of capital and revenue expenditure. So in our view, fixed wing with the changes and innovations we’re bringing in is a stronger option. We have a new air navigation system coming in which will help enhance reliability. About 20% of flights from Land’s End are affected by weather, be that cancelled or delayed, but that is improving with technology, and hardening the runway has also helped. How many planes do you have? Eight. We have four North Islanders which carry eight passengers, very versatile, and four de Havilland DHC-6 twin otter turbo props, which are wonderful planes. If you happen to be in the Antarctic on a survey, you’ll probably be taken in one. If you happen to be a doctor in the Australian outback, you’ll likely be flying around in one. And this year we’ve embarked on a significant refurbishment of them. And one of the great things about the Steamship Company is the skilled jobs it provides. I know all jobs are skilled; I pick flowers for a living, my wife runs a restaurant and so on. But, technically highly-paid skilled jobs, the Steamship Company has a high proportion compared to many. We have about 200 people, mostly full time. You think of aircraft pilots and engineers, air traffic control, ships masters, engineers, technical people to operate IT, it’s a high skilled base we’ve got. Does Scilly have a typical visitor? I don’t think you can answer that, although
you don’t get too many hen or stag dos. You get a lot of families. If you’re looking for a real budget holiday maybe not. I think it’s ‘sophisticated’ with a small ‘s’. It’s very outdoors; the natural history and beauty is second to none. And it’s also very safe, children can run free. Most visitors who come to Scilly know us well and familiar with what makes us tick, economically and socially. Have you lived on Scilly man and boy? I was born there. When I reached the age of 11, there wasn’t a secondary school, so packed off to the mainland. I worked in marketing and horticulture in Lincolnshire, had worked in newspapers in London, so I gained a hard-nosed commercial experience. So when I had the opportunity come back to farm I could see what we could do with the product and it was just a great thing to do and bring up a family and so on. How often do you come back to the mainland? When we returned in the early 80s we came back to the mainland just once a year, which was driven by economic necessity and also building our businesses. Now I have various other interests over here, I chair the Cornwall Agri-food Council for example, I am over a lot more. Is Scilly outward looking enough? One of the things that attracted me to farming is the commercial aspect. 100% goes elsewhere; to supermarkets, across Europe, even to the USA. That keeps you sharp. You have to be as good as the competition. Maybe a lot of the businesses who are purely in the visitor economy, they are outwardly looking in that they’re dealing with the visitors coming in, but unless you make a big effort to see what they’re doing in Barcelona and Bali, there’s a chance the offering we have as a community might not keep up. Perhaps there was an element of that in the 2000s when numbers began to drop.
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MARINE
CORNWALL
PLAIN SAILING? PFA Research reports that Cornwall’s marine sector
looks set for growth despite challenges…
C
ornwall’s coastline spans over 400 miles and no place in the county is more than 20 miles from the coast. Therefore, it is unsurprising that the marine industry plays such an important role in our economic development and wellbeing. The people of Cornwall have depended upon the sea for centuries. The coastline, sea and waterways have long been recognised as a unique part of the county’s cultural and historical heritage.
Cornwall even has its own Maritime Strategy. It was developed by Cornwall Council and covers the period from 2012 to 2030. It considers traditional areas such as fishing, shipping, industry and transportation, alongside newer areas, such as marine technology and energy creation. Not only does the marine sector bring thousands of skilled jobs to the county, it also brings an exciting source of innovation. Recent years have seen developments in marine technology, wave energy and tidal energy, amongst other exciting projects.
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MARINE
Types of Business Much like the rest of Cornwall, the sector contains a disproportionate number of SMEs. Propel Cornwall recently reported that there are 707 marine-related SMEs based within Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly LEP. This is believed to make up 99% of local marine businesses. It is predicted that this number will increase in upcoming years following investment and ongoing support from a range of sources, including national government, the EU and the private sector. There are also a range of larger organisations based within Cornwall, including Pendennis Superyachts and the Wave Hub. Each of these contributes significantly to employment within the region. Pendennis was recently recognised as national apprenticeship provider of the year. Propel Cornwall is an initiative of the wellestablished Cornwall Marine Network. It was launched in 2016 and seeks to support new marine businesses in improving skills, productivity, outputs and turnover. Local Employment The marine sector is recognised as a key component of the local employment market. There are a wide range of estimates relating to the number of people employed within Cornwall’s marine industry. Propel Cornwall reported that there were 12,500 people employed within SMEs in Cornwall’s marine sector. They also reported that this equates to an impressive 1 in 7 marine jobs in the UK. This compares to 2012 when the Cornwall Maritime Strategy noted that the industry supported over 14,000 jobs and creates £500 million of Cornwall’s GDP. These figures are expected to increase in the next few years following the development of a new marine enterprise zone and the associated benefits that this should bring.
The ongoing development of the marine technology sector will increase the number of skilled jobs within Cornwall and could act as an incentive for skilled or educated young people to remain or return to the county, instead of feeling forced to move away in order to ‘make the most’ of their qualifications and experience. Eurostat recently reported that the average salary in Cornwall is estimated to be £14.3k. This compares to an average of £71k in London. Therefore, it is likely that many of us will be hoping that the development of the marine technology sector will provide well-paid job opportunities for the area.
a great deal of EU law and EU funding. As a result, it is likely that this strategy will need to be reviewed as a result of Brexit. This uncertainty will impact upon local marine businesses over the short-term. Despite this, it is commonly argued that localism provides communities with the opportunity to exercise greater control over their local area, so many will be pleased that they get to have a say over what happens within the industry. There is considerable debate and speculation over what may happen to current EU fishing quotas after the UK leaves the EU.
Wealth Creation The marine industry in Cornwall contributes to wealth creation both within the county and nationally. Cornwall Council recently estimated that marine businesses generate 8% of the UK marine industry turnover. British Marine estimated that industry revenue was £2.97 billion from 20142016, so this is a significant amount of wealth for the county. Furthermore, the industry is predicted to grow over the next few years. British Marine predict that this growth will be driven by domestic consumer markets, which is good news for local businesses concerned about the impact of the UK’s departure from the EU. Cornwall Marine Network reported that just under 1% of the global marine leisure industry is based in Cornwall. Interestingly, they also noted that Cornwall hosts 35,000 -45,000 visiting yacht nights per year and that the county has over 5,000 moorings, alongside thousands of boat owners! The benefits are not limited to those working directly within the industry either. It is important to remember that the marine sector also indirectly supports businesses that we may not typically associate with this area. Over 5 million tourists visit Cornwall each year. Many of these people are likely to be attracted to the county’s coastline, including the coast path, boat tours or days at the beach. This means that hotels, shops, restaurants, surf schools and others also depend on the marine sector to help them generate the £2 billion per year, 28,000 jobs and 14% of all employment that tourism brings to Cornwall.
Triumphs and Opportunities National Government has recognised the longstanding importance of the marine industry in the South West. As a result, it was the first area to be designated as a Marine Energy Park. Cornwall is also the site for the Marine Hub enterprise zone, which was announced in March 2016. The government is investing £15 million in this zone, which spans Hayle, Falmouth and Tolvaddon. It is hoped that this will enable the county to become a world leader in marine technology development. Local marine businesses can receive support with funding, infrastructure development, research and supply chain management. Funding support includes 100% business rate relief for up to five years, access to the Marine-i Challenge fund of £3.19 million, the BIG 2 £3.6 million investment fund to encourage business growth and more besides. It will be interesting to see how this enhances economic development within the county and whether it will prove to be a success. Innovative projects, such as the Wave Hub, continue to provide opportunities for skilled employment within the county. This project is also attracting international businesses to the area, including American wave energy developer, GWave, who are running a large project from the site. It is predicted that the Wave Hub will generate over £76 million for the region within the next 25 years and at least 170 jobs. Many, including Maritime UK, hope that Brexit will provide new opportunities for international trade outside of the EU. They argue that the industry will play a key role in proving that Britain is ‘open for business’. Similarly, many within the local fishing community are hoping that leaving the EU will provide the opportunities for Theresa May to re-negotiate fishing quotas impacting upon Cornish fishing. Research from Cottages.com in December 2016 showed that Cornwall is benefitting from the ongoing staycation boom. They found that 76% of British people had planned a 2017 staycation and that 1 in 5 were heading to Cornwall. Given ongoing safety concerns and a difficult exchange rate, this is unsurprising. Many within Cornwall’s marine industry are seeking to benefit from this opportunity, including surf schools, boating companies and more.
Challenges Many high-profile marine projects in the county have received EU funding. These include the Cornwall Marine Network; Marine Hub Cornwall; MERiFIC, which seeks to enhance the adoption of marine technology; the Wave Hub; the CETO wave enery project; the Marine-I fund and developments at Hayle Business Park, amongst others. This underlines the importance of the role of the UK Government in the provision of support to the marine sector following Brexit. An associated challenge relates to Cornwall’s Marine Strategy, which is focused upon the period between 2012 and 2030. This comprehensive strategy takes into account
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MARINE
In sum, the Cornish marine sector hosts a diverse yet impressive range of businesses. It has continued to grow and evolve in the face of continuing challenges. Brexit is likely to add to this uncertainty, but history has shown that Cornwall’s marine industry can survive and even thrive throughout challenging times. Our research shows that innovation in areas such as marine technology, wave energy and tidal energy are likely to provide a valuable source of skilled employment and growth in the next few years. This is good news as it enables people and businesses in Cornwall to draw upon the area’s distinctive cultural and historical heritage, in addition to supporting the local economy and proving that Cornwall can compete in an international setting.
How healthy is your business? Need more research to back up your investment plans? Call PFA Research on 01326 375705 or visit pfa-research.com
CORNWALL
GOING TO THE NEXT LEVEL Marketing your marine business effectively requires knowing your audience, building connections and having a multi-pronged approach. Defining a clear strategy can raise your profile, increase conversions and boost your bottom line. Here are a few tips from marine marketing company, Fastnet, for fulfilling your potential. Set waypoints and KPIs: While it’s good to experiment with a range of marking ideas, money can be lost on ineffective campaigns. Create a clear strategy, leaving room to monitor and refine your plan – this will enable you to react quickly to what works, or cut ties with areas that aren’t delivering results. Online presence: Many companies are now reviewing digital performance as part of their due diligence process for new contractors or service providers. In fact, research shows that over 80% of consumers carry our research online before making a purchase. Don’t create the wrong impression with a neglected Facebook page, out-dated blog or poor website. Your online presence is your shop window. Going the extra mile: Selling to an existing contact is far easier than starting from scratch, so make sure you look after your current customers. Interesting, regular newsletters help build loyalty, as can exclusive news and offers. The power of branding: More than funky colours and pretty fonts, a brand covers the way your business is portrayed to the world. From tone of voice to the images you choose, a consistent, considered brand builds trust and loyalty.
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CORNWALL
MARINE
SEEKING INVESTMENT? The challenging environment of the sea means that the marine sector is constantly striving for innovation. Marine renewable energy also promises to redeliver an important part of the world’s energy requirements through technological advances. This makes the marine sector a good fit for equity investment. Equity investments generally refer to investments in private companies. They can take a variety of forms: joint ventures between operating partners, private equity investment from managed funds, angel investors and now funds from ‘the crowd’ The common thread is that the investor is focused on finding good ideas, growing the business and creating value for shareholders. Mark Tyler, senior associate from Stephens Scown’s Marine Team, explains: “The benefit of equity, over other sources of funding like
loans or grants, is the experience that the investor brings to your business to achieve the desired growth.” Here’s his advice if you are considering investment: 1. Make sure your intellectual property is all properly identified and appropriately protected; 2. Make sure that you understand your ownership will be diluted so you are ready to negotiate this with the investor; and 3. Don’t leave it too late – the best equity deals for owners tend to be done earlier, rather than after exhausting all other funding routes which can result in much lower valuation.
Stephens Scown has a specialist marine team and can guide you through investment. To contact them, please call 01872 265100, email marine@stephens-scown.co.uk or visit www.stephens-scown.co.uk
SPALDING ASSOCIATES HERE TO HELP Founded in 1997, Spalding Associates has firmly established itself as one of the most experienced ecological consultancies in the south west. And with Catriona Neil as director from the beginning, it has always had a strong coast and shore department. Since 1997 it has seen a drive for increased environmental and nature conservation benefit in planning, for statutory agencies and developers, and a consequent increased demand for its services. Catriona explains: “Our long experience of survey and assessment has seen us working for private clients wanting small scale development such as slipways and pontoons to high profile multi-million pound schemes such as the Hayle North Quay Infrastructure Regeneration. “We include in our portfolio prestigious large maritime tidal infrastructure developments for shipyards, as well as specialist smaller projects for high quality coastal cliff resorts.” For developments below Mean High Water, the many consenting authorities that
may have to be involved can be complex; Spalding Associates can act as agent for Marine Management Organisation licencing which may overlap with approvals from other agencies such as Natural England, Environment Agency, fisheries authorities, DEFRA and Port Authorities. “We understand the need to work closely with engineers and architects in designing for the maritime environment,” adds Catriona. “Working in tidal environments regularly brings new challenges and a pragmatic approach blended with local experience is where we can make a distinctive difference for our clients.” Spalding Associates (Environmental) Ltd 10 Walsingham Place, Truro, Cornwall, TR1 2RP T: 01872 272 711 www.spaldingassociates.co.uk
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ADVERTORIAL
CORNWALL AIRPORT
NEWQUAY
UP, UP AND Following a spectacular year for Cornwall Airport Newquay in 2016, we talk about the Airport’s record growth in passenger numbers, new routes and global connections from Cornwall, as well as the potential impact of Brexit and the possibility that Cornwall could be the location for the UK’s first ever spaceport – bringing you up to date on the goings on at your local Airport and how they are looking to the future
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PASSENGERS CAN NOW FLY FROM NEWQUAY THROUGH DUBLIN AND ONTO THE USA AND CANADA
he year of 2016 saw spectacular growth at the Airport with over 383,000 passengers passing through their doors in the financial year. This represents an incredible growth of 50% in passenger numbers and whilst it will be difficult to keep up such stellar increases, the Airport is on course for a fourth successive year of double digit growth, with 440,000 passengers expected in 2017. Confidence is high for the coming season, with the Airport just having seen its busiest ever April with 39% more passengers served compared with the same period last year. If passenger traffic continues to increase at these rates, the Airport will start to get close to its 600,000 to 650,000 annual capacity limits – great news for those who depend on the critical London link for business, as well as those who are reliant on the influx of summer visitors both domestically and from abroad.
New routes & better connectivity The growth experienced at the Airport has been attributed to a combination of factors, including the return of Ryanair, the expansion of Aer Lingus Regional services and increased capacity on key Flybe routes such as the introduction of larger jet aircraft on the London Gatwick service. Looking to the future the Airport management is focusing its energies on improving the route network for both business and leisure passengers, with more new routes, an increased winter schedule, and greater connectivity to international hub airports. An important part of this plan was establishing the links through Dublin Airport for onward connectivity to the USA and Canada. With daily flights to Dublin, and the option for passengers to pre-clear USA customs & immigration while they wait for their transfer in Dublin, getting ‘stateside’ has never been easier for Cornish businesses. This adds to the network of global connections from Newquay, enabling travellers easier access to destinations like New York, Dubai and Abu Dhabi, with just one stop to
your journey and luggage checked through all the way. In addition to this, the Airport has been delighted to announce further capacity increases on key connections, such as the increase of the popular Manchester service to double daily flights, giving commuters greater flexibility in their travel arrangements. This has been an important target for the Airport and its introduction brings significant connectivity benefits to Cornish businesses. Further recent additions to the route network from Cornwall Airport Newquay include Ryanair expanding its operations by 50% with the addition of a new route to Faro in Portugal and a new Aer Lingus Regional service to Cork in Southern Ireland. Flybe have also added further capacity to popular routes such as Birmingham, Glasgow and Belfast, and existing routes such as Leeds-Bradford continue to perform well. Brexit As we move towards another General Election, Brexit is one of the foremost topics in the minds of many UK businesses, not only in
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Cornwall. The aviation industry particularly is going through a period of uncertainty – the decision to call the General Election will delay many negotiations surrounding Article 50 and could be potentially harmful to air access rights across Europe, creating a longer period of uncertainty than initially thought. For Cornwall Airport Newquay, this is something of a double edged sword: On the one hand it is likely that the weakened pound will make the UK more attractive to European visitors and we will see an influx of foreign tourists, particularly from the German market with whom Cornwall is already very popular. The weakened pound could also increase the number of UK staycations with holidays to Europe becoming more expensive, forcing people to reconsider travelling abroad and look closer to home. The combination of these factors could see passenger numbers at the Airport hold firm and defy the trend that has been forecast to hit larger regional airports where outbound European destinations are a critical part of their route networks. On the flip side, Brexit could pose a serious threat to the route network that the Airport
has worked so hard to establish, especially with carriers like Ryanair who could be greatly affected by any change to air access rights (Freedoms). There has already been a downturn in investment with much funding on infrastructure being withdrawn or curtailed. Cornwall Airport Newquay can only wait and hope that the UK Government will realise the critical nature of close links on aviation with our European neighbours for British businesses, whatever the outcome of Brexit. A Spaceport in Cornwall? One of the headline developments in recent months was the submission of the application for the Airport to host the first ever Spaceport in the UK. This exciting endeavour could potentially create an additional 2000 jobs adding to the 400+ highly skilled jobs already supported by the Airport. Its location, perched on the cliffs facing the Atlantic, and the length of the runway make Cornwall Airport Newquay an ideal location for the project, with Goonhilly Earth Station a key partner particularly in the management of communications. The plan is for space aircraft
(systems that operate a horizontal launch vehicle) to use the runway to launch their craft. Potential operators could include anything from space tourism services to the launch of satellites and scientists investigating the impact of the space environment and low gravity on future systems. Spaceflight is due to become a huge industry, with the market set to be worth an estimated £25 billion over the next 20 years. This is hugely significant and could be a major boost for the Cornish economy, not only creating jobs but also contributing a possible £320 million of economic activity for the County.
For general enquiries, please contact T: 01637 860600 E: info@cornwallairportnewquay.com
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BUSINESS
GROWTH
IT'S NOT ABOUT THE MONEY
MONEY MONEY... FOREWORD ANN VANDERMEULEN, FSB DEVELOPMENT MANAGER hasing cash investments for business growth can sometimes be a red herring. It may look like the answer, but what about the alternatives? What about coaching and expertise to change the way you and your business work in the long term? Two small businesses in Cornwall have recently received coaching funding by the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Growth Programme and the impact has been significant. This is their story.as soon as the project is implemented.
#2MINUTEBEACHCLEAN
The #2minutebeachclean is the brain child of Martin Dorey. The idea came from the already established Beach Clean Network and was inspired in 2013/14 after a winter of brutal storms left beaches covered in marine plastics. The campaign encourages people to pick up litter from the beach for just two minutes, every
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time you visit. Dorey attended a coaching workshop as he recognised his campaign needed to, “grow up a bit”. He couldn’t have wished for a better qualified coach than Chris Hines MBE, the Cofounder and former director of Surfers Against Sewage. Hines first heard of 2Minute four years ago which he described as a “Neat and compact little idea and an obvious no brainer”. He said: “I’ve always picked items from the beach. I try and do it every time I surf so this rang a bell. A name for it, a banner to rally under!” “In terms of coaching, I hope that I help him [Martin] see how it can be set up as an organisation that can endure and be there for the long term. I encourage him to think big
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PEBORYON THE CORNISH WORD FOR BAKER When we get excited about a project together, we’re quick to drill down to how we make it possible
and see the value in what he and his team are doing; to price that and to build that brand so it can create income to support the concept. Doing this kind of work always starts out on a voluntary basis but that can only go for so long before either the campaign or the people suffer. So you need to see some income to allow people to really deliver.” Reflecting on his time spent with Hines, Dorey said: “He’s [Chris] really good at inspiring me to get on with the important things. There are so many opportunities at the moment but I need a push sometimes to spot the most beneficial ones – Chris is the one to help me focus in on it. “At some point, we hope to bring in funding streams but Chris is also really useful because of the people he knows. When we get excited about a project together, we’re quick to drill down to how we make it possible. Often it seems it’s me and my limitations, such as time, that are a blockage to success. Chris, if you like, is helping to unblock me.”
Phil and Christine Jensen launched Peboryon, a gourmet luxury wedding and celebration cake business, two years ago. In that time it has grown from a start-up to a nationally renowned cake business supplying top venues across the UK. After winning a national cake competition, Christine Jensen began to receive regular orders from prestigious hotels and corporate events companies seeking something sweet and entirely unique. In order to meet growing demand for their masterpieces, the Jensens have been working with business coaches to help them meet their ambitions. Helen Stembridge, Oxford Innovation business coach, spent five months working with Peboryon, utilising her expertise in effective sales techniques and international marketing, having led sales and marketing teams in both the public and private sector in the UK and the United States. She said: “Christine and Phil have a fantastic entrepreneurial spirit, passion and boundless creativity. My focus has primarily been to act as a sounding board
and to challenge the ideas and approach to growing the business.” Reflecting on the support from Helen, Christine Jensen said: “Helen helped to bring clarity to our plans to develop the business sustainably. Together we’ve identified three key priorities to improve work-life balance and drive growth by finding new premises and securing funding for new equipment and revenue development. “The next 12 months is all about progressing to the next level. Our target for the current financial year is a turnover exceeding £100k. We’ve just moved to new premises and currently employ two members of staff to help with admin and baking. In the coming two years we want to create five high-value, full-time roles.” To read the full features with both Peboryon and #2minutebeachchlean, visit www. cornwallislesofscillygrowthprogramme.org.uk
COACHING FOR YOU To access coaching in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly visit; Breakthrough · www.breakthroughcornwall.co.uk · Info@breakthroughcornwall.co.uk · 08456003660 Transform · www.transformcornwall.co.uk · Info@transformcornwall.co.uk · 01872300116 These services are funded by the European Regional Development Fund as part of the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Growth Programme.
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VENUE
GUIDE
Venue Guide
Penventon Park Hotel Set in lush parkland, less than a mile from the A30, the Penventon is convenient wherever you’re based
Penventon Park Hotel, West End, Cornwall, TR15 1TE, T: 01209 203000, www.penventon.co.uk
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GUIDE
VENUE
LUXURIOUSLY RENOVATED BEDROOMS, A 2 AA ROSETTE RESTAURANT, DECADENT GIN BAR AND CONFERENCING FACILITIES FOR UP TO 300 GUESTS, THE PENVENTON PARK HOTEL IN REDRUTH IS A STYLISH, UNIQUE AND FULLY SERVICED VENUE FOR YOUR CONFERENCE OR EVENT. General Manager, Rajesh Joshi: “Whether you are planning a networking breakfast, awards evening, team building or launch event our highly experienced team will work with you to create and deliver a first class event. “Our elegant boardrooms are equipped with everything you need for a private meeting, and we have a choice of opulent function rooms which offer a wow factor for any event. Business facilities include Superfast WiFi throughout the hotel, technical support for the perfect presentation, and fully managed AV production for showcase events.”
CONFERENCING AND FACILITIES The Venetian Room takes up to 50 delegates. Popular for meetings, social get-togethers and private dining events. The Forum Ballroom caters for up to 300 delegates and is perfect for inspiring conferences, networking breakfasts and fabulous dinner dances. The Lady Edith Suite holds up to 100 delegates. This versatile room is on the lower ground floor is well suited to supper clubs, celebratory events, product launches and breakout sessions. The Trevithick Room is a meeting room for up to eight guests, ideally suited for interviews or small board meetings.
DINING AND ENTERTAINING Entertain your clients in the hotel’s awardwinning 2 AA Rosette Restaurant, open daily throughout the year offering a delicious selection of classic dishes with a contemporary twist. The restaurant can seat 80 guests and offers a range of different layouts. Experience a fusion of fine food and casual dining in the laid-back luxury in the newly refurbished, Grill style restaurant When you book private dining from 2 - 300 people in one of the well-appointed conference rooms, the Penventon team works closely with you to create a menu that suits your tastes and budget, using the freshest and finest ingredients and prepared by their artisan award winning chefs. If you are searching for something less formal, they can make that happen too. The Penventon offers a variety of menus from traditional afternoon tea to light bites and lunch, all in the comfort of the hotel’s lounges. Celebration events, drinks parties and social gatherings work wonderfully in the Hotel’s
Gin Bar with over 150 Gins to choose from, a comprehensive Cocktail list and a choice of over 200 Wines their experienced mixologists, bartenders and sommeliers can create a laid back informal affair or something decidedly different sure to delight your senses and your guests.
ACCOMMODATION The Hotel’s 63 individual rooms and suites combine elegant interior style, in keeping with original Georgian features, with modern touches where it counts. It offers superb value Corporate Single rooms to tranquil Garden Suites with outside areas to kick back and unwind. All of the bedrooms offer complimentary WIFI, en-suite bathrooms, televisions and tea and coffee making facilities. If you need printing and photocopying throughout your stay then this too can be arranged. The Penventon also boasts a well-equipped Leisure Club & Spa, ideal for unwinding before settling down in the lounges and decadent Gin Bar.
• Conferencing & dining for up to 300 guests. •
2 AA Rosette Restaurant
•
Boutique Gin Bar
• 63 Bedrooms •
Complimentary Car parking for up to 100 cars
• Complimentary Superfast WIFI • Complimentary AV support • Highly skilled team of event managers to organise and deliver your event. • A choice of relaxed and informal settings. •
Choose from 4 well-equipped event rooms.
CONTACT To discuss your event requirements with one of their team please contact: Jacquelyn Kelly, Guest Relations, T: 01209 203000, E: events@penventon.com
BUSINESS CORNWALL
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TIE
TIE’
NEED INVESTMENT SUPPORT?
A ROYAL & DERNGATE, NORTHAMPTON PRODUCTION IN ASSOCIATION WITH CAMBRIDGE ARTS THEATRE
PLANNING TO EXPAND YOUR BUSINESS ACTIVITY?
Grants available to businesses & social enterprises for capital projects which will: • Create jobs • Develop businesses to improve productivity & increase sales • Support the local economy
www.localactioncornwall.co.uk localaction@cornwalldevelopmentcompany.co.uk LEADER Rural Development Programme for England
RCH
Tue 27 June - Sat 1 July 01872 262466 hallforcornwall.co.uk
24/01/2017 10:48:10
Next Month The July issue of Business Cornwall magazine will be promoting the vibrant Digital & IT sector
VISIT
OUR NEW
WEBSITE Telephone: 01872 322372 Email: big@cornwalldevelopmentcompany.co.uk To find out more about the BIG 2 project, visit: www.businessinvestmentforgrowth.co.uk
To get involved, email caroline@businesscornwall.co.uk or call us 01209 718688
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LIST
TO PROMOTE YOUR PRODUCT HERE, EMAIL CAROLINE BUSINESSCORNWALL.CO.UK
THE WISH
SOUNDING GREAT Jaded with the often frustrating process of manufacturing commercial sound equipment in China, Cornish company Apt-GB was created specifically to bring the design and manufacture process back to the UK. APT works with some of the industry market leaders in the Pro Audio market supplying all areas of hire and rental, installation and conference work. www.apt-gb.com
Welcome to the Business Cornwall Wishlist. Just a few of the favourite things to have caught our eye over the past few weeks
HANDS ON
THE CARDIOWALL COMPACT
If your work in a busy office and perhaps share a PC, then you need a healthy and hygienic workspace. Not only is Speedlink’s updated version of its best-selling mouse ergonomically designed to prevent RSI, it features a special antibacterial rubber coating which kills up to 99% of bacteria. www.speedlink.com
Fresh from its successful appearance on TV’s Dragons’ Den, the CardioWall Compact from Fowey-based Rugged Interactive is ideal for all ages, from kids to adults. It encourages team work and social interaction while getting fit and having fun. www.rugged-interactive.co.uk
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PEOPLE
ON THE MOVE
SPONSORED BY www.sapiencehr.co.uk
NEW FACES AT COODES Coodes Solicitors has expanded its personal injury and clinical negligence team. Partner Tom Fletcher has joined from one of the UK’s largest law firms, Irwin Mitchell, where he specialised in medical negligence and child abuse cases, working from its Birmingham office. Associate Rachel Pearce move to Coodes after setting up a south west base for London firm Hodge Jones & Allen LLP. A clinical negligence specialist, her expertise is recognised by her accreditations with both the Law Society and APIL (Association of Personal Injury Lawyers). Both new recruits will be based in Coodes’ Falmouth office, working alongside head of department Tim Goldburn and personal injury colleagues, Bob Beard and Catherine Hyde.
FROM LEFT: ALISTAIR WHYTE PARTNER , TOM FLETCHER, RACHEL PEARCE, TIM GOLDBURN PARTNER
MAKING A MARK AT COASTLINE Redruth-based Coastline Services has appointed Mark Hill as its new general manager. Hill has worked in property maintenance throughout Cornwall, London and the south west for over 20 years, first learning the tools of his trade at the then-named Camborne Technical College.
RETIREMENT FOR ‘TOSEY’
He joined Technique Property Services in Redruth in the mid-1990s and worked his way up the ranks, leaving as contracts manager. At Coastline Services, Hill will head up a team of around 75 staff, providing a range of repairs, property and grounds maintenance services to both Coastline Housing customers and external clients.
One of Cornwall’s most respected residential property conveyancers has retired after nearly a half century of loyal service with the same firm. David Toseland joined Falmouth-based Hine Downing 46 years ago – his first and last employment. Paying tribute to his dedication, partner John Lowry said: “David is in many ways unique. His good humour, hard work and loyalty to this firm have been exceptional and he will be sorely missed. “However, in true Tosey style he has already declared himself available for any future socials the firm organises.”
TWO INTO EIGHT Falmouth-based creative agency, Eight Wire, has welcomed two new members to its team. Bex Rogers and Zoe Prosser have joined in the roles of marketing executive and studio manager respectively, bringing the total of creatives at Eight Wire to 15. Rogers is an experienced marketer with a
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background in agency and in-house roles; previous positions include marketing manager at Carbis Bay Hotel and prior to that, account manager for Eventy Marketing. Prosser joins from the Health and Wellbeing Innovation Centre in Truro, where she was project administrator. Her position at Eight Wire will involve managing client projects, being the first point of contact for enquiries and supporting the business across all areas.
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www.digitalpeninsula.org
DIGITAL AND
SPONSORED BY
LEAP OFF TO SPAIN
A St Austell-based design studio swapped Cornwall for Catalonia recently for three days of training and teambuilding with a difference. The team from Leap headed to Barcelona to attend ‘OFFF’ – a three-day design festival with international speakers, conferences and workshops. Founder Matt Hocking was joined at the Museu Del Disseny De Barcelona by his
TECH CONFERENCE A SELL OUT The global tech world will be descending upon Cornwall next month with the annual Agile on the Beach conference held in Falmouth selling out for a fourth consecutive year. Organisers of the seventh Agile on the Beach have confirmed keynote speakers Diana Larsen from Oregon speaking on agile teams and James Grenning from Chicago on agile software delivery. James Lewis, principal consultant at internationally renowned creative technology company, Thoughtworks, will deliver the
closing keynote at the conference. Representing local to global, and micro to enterprise level organisations, they will share their knowledge and experience with 360 delegates at the two-day event, taking place from July 5-7. Agile on the Beach will be welcoming experts from all over the world including Russia, Israel, USA, Germany, Netherlands and Romania, as well as many from UK cities including Cardiff, Manchester, Bristol, Leeds and London.
CREATIVE
colleagues Nathan Lance, Rebecca Reincke, Corey Maslen-Riches and Laurence Ventress. Hocking said: “We’re big fans of OFFF so the chance to go to hear innovative and international speakers, as well as meet potential collaboration partners from around the world. “It represented the perfect teambuilding, training and learning opportunity for the team.”
MICROSOFT GOLD FOR PIRAN IT support and outsourcing company, Piran Technologies, has achieved Microsoft Gold competency. Microsoft Gold status is the highest level of the Microsoft Partner Programme, and acknowledges Piran as one of Microsoft’s most-highly accredited technical software and support providers in the region. The achievement comes after the company has successfully accomplished 30% year-on-year growth in Microsoft Office 365 and Azure sales and support as well as reported levels of high customer satisfaction. Director, Alex Pugh, said: “This status could not have been achieved without the help of dedicated team of engineers who undertook a number of technical exams to demonstrate their level of knowledge in Microsoft products.” Gold Partnership with Microsoft will allow Piran’s customers to receive early access to new software and specialised technical support and services from Microsoft.
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OUT OF COUNTY
BUSINESS NEWS
SPONSORED BY
SPIRAL IN THE CITY A Cornish manufacturer is currently working on two of the UK’s most recognisable buildings. Helston-based specialist stair manufacturer, Spiral UK, is installing helical stairs for clients in the Gherkin and the Salesforce Tower, both in the City of London. Standing 180m tall, the Gherkin is one of Britain’s most expensive office buildings, having been bought for £700 million in 2014. Spiral is working on a new stair construction, due for completion this summer, installing a sweeping stainless
steel and glass helical masterpiece on the 19th floor for law firm, Kirkland & Ellis. A short distance away, Spiral is also installing a further helical design on the 31st floor of the Salesforce Tower, also known as 110 Bishopgate. Standing at 230m high, it is the tallest building in the City. Spiral CEO, Andrew Holland, said: “It’s an honour to have been chosen, amongst tough competition, to win this new work and confirmation of the quality of our design, manufacture and professionalism of the organisation.”
It’s an honour to have been chosen, amongst tough competition, to win this new work and confirmation of the quality of our design
cornwallairportnewquay.com
ARMY ENLISTS ABG A Cornish company has created a new signage scheme for the National Army Museum in London. The museum reopened at the end of March following a £23.75 million redevelopment of the Chelsea site, supported by Heritage Lottery Fund. The museum has undergone a radical transformation providing a “welcoming and interactive space of discovery” divided into five permanent thematic galleries that includes over 2,500 objects. Truro-based ABG Design was one of the key agencies working with the National Army Museum and Architect, BDP, to create a new bespoke signage and orientation scheme together with supporting visitor literature and café graphics. ABG’s creative director, Chris Hubert, said: “We are delighted to be part of the client design team on this important project.” In addition to the signage, ABG has been responsible for designing the new museum’s first temporary exhibition ‘War Paint: brushes with conflict’.
WORLD'S BEST
SPIEZIA ORGANICS ON TRACK Passengers on board the Great Western Railway London Paddington to Penzance Night Riviera sleeper service can now enjoy a little organic luxury on their trip thanks to Cornish organic skincare brand, Made for Life by Spiezia Organics. The company has produced a bespoke ‘Rest and Revive’ pack containing skin solve balm,
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an organic muslin face cloth and organic lemon soap with a take-home bag for GWR’s Night Riviera overnight sleeper passengers. “GWR and Made for Life Organics both have strong Cornish links, and we’re delighted to showcase our luxury organic products on the GWR sleeper service,” said Spiezia MD, Amanda Barlow.
Pendennis Shipyard has won the Best Refit category at the World Superyacht Awards in Florence. Penennis took the accolade for its work on the 85.6m Aquila, which it completed last summer after a one-year programme of improvements, involving suppliers from across the world. Structural changes included removing the dip-pool from the aft sun deck, replacing it with a disco bar and professional DJ booth, and further installing a larger glass-sided jacuzzi pool on the front sun deck. Mike Carr, Joint MD at Pendennis, said: “We are very proud of this award, and to be aligned with the very best superyacht projects from around the globe.”
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NEWS
SPONSORED BY
#FSBCONNECT
www.fsb.org.uk
MIND THE FUNDING GAP Small businesses across Cornwall are set to be hit hard if the new Government fails to replace the support they receive from the EU, according to a new FSB report. Cornwall is the only region in England classed as ‘less developed’ by the EU, which has dedicated €4.3 billion to developing the competitiveness of UK small firms in the six years to 2020. The Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) has been allocated €590 million as part of the same funding round, more than any other LEP outside of London. The FSB is calling on the new Government to ringfence current funding for business support schemes via a streamlined Growth Fund before the Brexit process completes. The Fund would bring together a domestic replacement for EU funding and the Single Local Growth Fund (SLGF). There is currently no regional development spend budgeted at the
national level beyond 2021. The new ‘Reformed Business Funding: What small firms want from Brexit’ report (available at www.fsb.org.uk) finds that the majority (77%) of small firms in the south west that have applied for EU funding believe it has benefitted the region. More than half (59%) believe business support should be prioritised by any EU funding replacement. Among applicants for EU-funded schemes across the region, 29% seek grants to deliver skills and training. The report also uncovers the need to more effectively promote these opportunities in future, with 39% of small firms that have not applied for EU funding stating that they are unaware of opportunities to do. FSB’s national policy director, Martin McTague, said: “Failure by the new Government to ring-fence funding to support small businesses could mean a real shock to the Cornwall economy. Our
MANIFESTO FOR SMALL BUSINESS
wanting to form the next Government, and candidates standing for Parliament, to make a positive commitment not to single-out the self-employed for tax rises. There should also be greater recognition in the welfare system, which the self-employed pay into, for equal maternity pay and fairer treatment under Universal Credit.
Failure by the new Government to ring-fence funding to support small businesses could mean a real shock to the Cornwall economy
The FSB is warning political parties against standing in the way of the UK’s millions of selfemployed strivers with post-election tax hikes, including National Insurance. In its small business election manifesto, ‘Small Business, Big Ambition,’ FSB calls on parties
National Chairman, Mike Cherry, said: “The UK’s army of 4.8 million self-employed are the backbone of this country and should be recognised for the value they add both to the economy and their local communities.
report highlights a number of ground-breaking programmes currently operating across the region. The jobs and growth these initiatives create will be at risk if funding is pulled.”
“Small businesses and the self-employed will be vital to a successful post-Brexit economy. Politicians seeking their votes should be on their side and against hitting them with extra costs.” The manifesto is put forward by FSB on behalf of the UK’s small business community. It sets out more than 30 steps the next Government should take to secure a probusiness Brexit, create a level playing field, cut the cost of doing business and improve our working lives.
ACOUSTIC SETS ROYAL CORNWALL
NETWORKING EVENT
We have such a busy schedule for the show (June 8-10, Stand 309), something for everyone. We are very pleased to announce that talented musicians Nick Mears (Thurs), Russell Sinclair (Fri) and Jake Bradshaw (Sat) with be playing from 12.30 until 2pm to entertain visitors to our stand. Businesses come in all forms and musicians are perhaps one of those sectors that people forget are businesses too, so they are a welcome new addition this year!
Next FSB Cornwall Connect Networking event: Thurs 15th June 7am to 9am - St Austell Conference Centre Business speaker and networking. Get helpful information and make new contacts all over a delicious breakfast and still get back to work without missing a big chunk of your day! £10 including refreshments.
We will be providing light refreshments through the day and there will be an open mic for any FSB member who wants to spend two minutes talking about their business. Our FSB member service providers will be on hand to answer questions, we have an expert from the DTI on
Export and the Police and Crime Commissioner will also be with us on Saturday if you want to talk about keeping your business safe. We also expect many more of our partners and key business leaders to visit over the three days so drop in by!
RUSSELL SINCLAIR
"Finally, organised networking with a formula that works!"
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TOURISM
NEWS
PARK LIFE
SPONSORED BY
www.visitcornwall.com
BELOW: RICHARD BAKER AND RACHEL TURNER, OWNER OF PADSTOW TOURING PARK
A local law firm has a published a guide bringing together insights and advice from some of the country’s leading holiday parks. ‘Park Life’ has been produced by Stephens Scown to help raise standards across the board in the holiday parks sector. The guide includes case studies from a number of holiday parks including Cornwall’s Padstow Touring Park and Mother Ivey’s Bay holiday parks, along with advice from industry experts such as VisitBritain and TripAdvisor. Richard Baker, partner and head of the parks team at Stephens Scown, said: “Holiday park operators are among the busiest people I know. Our idea for ‘Park Life’ is to make it really quick and easy for them to get an insight into the stories behind award winning parks. The advice covers everything from marketing to customer service and sustainability.” To download a free copy of ‘Park Life’, go to www.stephens-scown.co.uk/parklife.
ASPECTS IN FALMOUTH Falmouth estate agent, Harding and Wakefield, is partnering with holiday lettings firm, Aspects Holidays. Aspects’ property manager, Sarah Hart, will now work from Harding and Wakefield’s High Street office one day a week. Harding and Wakefield director, Ben Wakefield, said: “We’re delighted to be able to partner with an established firm like Aspects Holidays, to offer our clients a broader range of services from experts within the property industry.” Founded in 1989, Aspects Holidays also has offices in St Ives, Hayle, Penzance, Newquay, Bude, and Mevagissey.
BEST PLACE TO WORK The Headland Hotel & Spa in Newquay has been recognised as one of the top 30 best places to work in hospitality for the second year running. A partnership between The Caterer and employee engagement expert, Purple Cubed, the awards recognise the 30 best employers across the UK’s hotel, restaurant, foodservice, pub and bar industries. Darryl Reburn, The Headland’s general manager, said: “It may sound like a bit of a cliché, but we really are one big happy family here. The fact that such a prestigious awards body has also recognised what we do is really the icing on the cake.”
£3M BUDE INVESTMENT Peter Bull Resorts has given a boost to Bude’s tourism economy with over £3million invested in its two local holiday parks. Bude Holiday Resort and Widemouth Fields have been given extensive upgrades ahead of the new holiday season. Barry McGregor, MD at Peter Bull Resorts, said: “We are spending approximately £2.5 million at Bude Holiday Resort and have already spent £750k at Widemouth Fields. “We are delighted to be bringing this level of investment to the Bude area and believe that the improvements that we are making will be of great benefit to the town in terms of increased visitor spend.” Bude Holiday Resort, the larger of the two parks and the closest holiday park to Bude town centre.
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FOOD
& DRINK
THE ‘BEST GIN IN THE NEW DEN WORLD’ FOR BEN A self-taught young distiller from North Cornwall has been awarded the world’s best gin title. Selected by expert judges, who blind-tasted 268 global entries, Tarquin’s Cornish Navy Gin by Southwestern Distillery was named Best in Show at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2017. Founder and master distiller, Tarquin Leadbetter, said: “We’re so proud that our tiny distillery, on the far-flung coast of north Cornwall, can compete on the international stage against multi-nationals and global giants and come out on top.” Leadbetter, a 29-year-old self-taught distiller, started making craft gin six years ago on his cooker at home. Starting on a shoestring using rustic equipment, he began selling his handcrafted Cornish gin commercially to local pubs in 2013, from the boot of his car. He has since grown his micro distillery organically and now exports his artisan gin to over a dozen countries.
Ben Tunnicliffe Sennen Cove has opened a new outdoor bar in time for the summer season. The launch coincides with the release of Head Launcher, an exclusive ale produced for the restaurant by Skinner’s Brewery. The Surf Den is “a relaxed spot for beach-lovers
and wave-chasers, who can enjoy a thirstquenching drink, chilled DJ sets and freshly baked pizzas”. Chef and restauranteur, Ben Tunnicliffe, said: “It’s a blissful space to lose yourself in for a few hours – you could be in Bali or Australia rather than the UK!”
TWO ROSETTES FOR PENVENTON Penventon Park Hotel’s restaurant has been awarded two AA Rosettes following an inspection earlier this year. The AA Rosettes are awarded solely by AA hotel and restaurant inspectors. The long-established scheme recognises culinary excellence across the UK. General manager, Rajesh Joshi, said: “Only 10% of restaurants
nationwide are of a standard that is worthy of one Rosette, so this is indeed a huge achievement, and not to be underestimated. “We are incredibly proud and thrilled that the Penventon Park Hotel has been awarded two AA Rosette status. This could not have been achieved without the expert skills of our head chef, Keith Brooksbank and his team.”
BREWERY PROFITS UP St Austell Brewery has reported “an excellent year”, with a rise its annual sales and profit. Turnover for the year ended December 31 rose 13% to £153.2 million, while operating profit before other items increased 5% to £14 million. Non-executive chairman, Will Michelmore, said: “I am very pleased to report another record financial performance for St Austell Brewery. During the year we invested £25.9 million in capital expenditure, of which £16.7 million was on new acquisitions. “These acquisitions included the purchase
of Bath Ales. This acquisition supported our strategy to strengthen and extend our presence in this important trading region.” Chief executive, James Staughton, added: “It has been an excellent and historic year for the company. “Our strategy is to continue to invest for the long term and ensure that we remain focused on delivering wonderful distinctive experiences through great products and services, conscious innovation, measurement and the scaling of what works.”
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OPINION
JUST A THOUGHT
With uncertainty comes opportunity, says Miller Commercial director, Peter Heather
WHO DARES WINS o quote a famous television character, ‘he who dares wins’ and over the past 12 months some of those winners have included Donald Trump, the Brexiteers and companies and investors whose profits are calculated in dollars rather than pounds. The triggering of Article 50 has provided a surprising stimulus to the UK economy from both outward and inward investment causing a general awakening resulting in positive activity for those seeking opportunity. An example is the positive reaction from the board of Unilever following its hostile bid from America. In all cases these ‘wins’ have been driven by a desire for change, not dissimilar to when Cornwall took the plunge and became a single unitary authority some years ago. None of us really know the effect that Trump, Brexit or other world situations will have on Cornwall but we are bound to still speculate and consciously or subconsciously this does affect the business decisions we make. When faced with change the natural human instinct is one of caution but this is also the very best time for those seeking to find opportunity within the commercial property sector, with prudent speculation and professional advice. At Miller Commercial we are witnessing a growing optimism with both Cornwall and the wider south west becoming ever increasingly vibrant places for investors, business start-ups and those with ideas which people are ever keener to commit their money to. Our team have been extremely busy so far in 2017 across all aspects of our commercial property business; from securing investments (more than £13 million in Truro and Exeter alone), to acting for high net worth individuals with substantial assets in a property management capacity, to business transfer transactions (including sales of two recent large leisure parks, with two more about come to the market),
through to both residential and commercial development as well as planning and consultancy throughout Devon and Cornwall. For occupier demand, where supply in the industrial and office sectors is tight, we have seen prices increase again this year and expect the trend to continue. A strong appetite from investors seeking to secure returns on risk appropriate bases, particularly whilst interest rates remain at historic lows, remains a major area of our activity this year. For clients involved in the tourist industry, some are ‘making hay’ benefiting from increased numbers and demand from home and abroad as a result of the pound’s devaluation. Values for businesses have held up well this year with some noteworthy sales achieved. Professionally, our team of five RICS registered valuers has never been busier providing testament to reports of increased lending from the high street banks. As part of our expansion, our highly experienced property management team has now extended their services to all corners of the south west, including Taunton, Bristol, Tewkesbury and Salcombe as we ourselves look forward to embracing every challenge and opportunity. We go about our business slightly differently than the Del Boy character whose motto was ‘he who dares wins’, but nevertheless in times of uncertainty opportunities abound and with the help of professional advice and award winning and proven expert local knowledge, those looking to occupy/ purchase/sell/ be advised on rental or capital values or invest in the commercial property market in the south west can look forward to some winning advice at Miller Commercial. Here’s a final thought: Britons use 7.7 billion single use plastic water bottles a year - less half are recycled, meaning we throw away 16 million every day. I would like to suggest a campaign for Cornwall whereby every town and village has a water fountain to combat this issue.
We go about our business slightly differently than the Del Boy character whose motto was ‘he who dares wins’
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BUSINESS CORNWALL
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L E T ’ S J U S T S AY W E W E N T T H R O U G H A F E W. WIDER, LOWER, LONGER. WE’VE CHANGED EVERYTHING. EXCEPT THE NAME. THE NEW HONDA CIVIC.
BOOK YOUR TEST DRIVE
ROWES HONDA
Trispen, Truro, Cornwall TR4 9BA Call 01872 279631 or visit www.truro-honda.co.uk
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TEST DRIVE
HONDA CIVIC
NO STONE UNTURNED Thanks to Rowes Honda, this month Morveth Ward has been reviewing the all-new Civic brought to you from Honda, a brand known for producing some of the most reliable cars in the world
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PERFECT EXAMPLE
T
he Civic has been around since 1972 and as far as I’m aware has never had any blips through the generations – it’s the car you can rely over and above virtually anything else.
One thing that has changed over the years is the styling of the Civic – it has become increasing bolder in design which is I suspect in response to an arguably blander image in some of the earlier models which to an extent sculpted the demographic of the Civic buyer. This Civic must be one of the most out-there designs of any hatchback which in turn divides opinion but certainly adds character and helps Honda capture markets (dare I say younger people) that it has perhaps struggled with before. The build quality is something else notably brilliant about this car – everything feels so well made and again adds to the confidence in longevity it gives you as well as making it a more pleasurable car to live with. You get the feeling that the Civic is thought through with more rigour than most of its competitors – in most cars you can usually find something that’s slightly awkwardly placed or not quite of the quality expected – nothing of the sort found in this case. One thing I would say (which is commonly my advice) is to opt for the 1.5 iVTEC over the 1l version - Although the sophisticated 1l is more than fit for purpose and well-engineered, with the elevation profile in Cornwall it is constantly working and the claimed mpg will likely be further from the real-world figures than in the larger engine version. A
I have a small collection of what I deem to be ‘modern classics’ and conveniently I have the perfect case study to showcase the Civics reliability and level of service to expect from Rowes: I have a 1992 Civic VTI (the VTEC hot version) and even more conveniently it is a local car purchased new from Rowes, Truro with 28 Rowes stamps in the service book. The significance here is that this car has covered just shy of a whopping 200k miles and yet it is still utterly faultless and according to its exhaustive service history it has never needed more than basic wear and tear items replacing with no signs of anything actually going wrong. Pretty impressive especially considering this particular version had one of the world’s highest output engines per litre at the time (158bhp from an N/A 1.6l which will rev to 8500rpm). And there’s no reason why the new Civic shouldn’t follow this trend, so if you’re looking for something that’s going to have longevity then you will struggle to find better.
diesel option should be available at the end of the year. FYI, Reputedly the new Type R version (out later this year) is meant to be the fastest ever FWD production car around the Nurburgring! Available from £18,335. Business contract hire on the SR model I tested is available from £199 + VAT per month. Contact Rowes Honda, Truro: 01872 279631
BUSINESS CORNWALL
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EVENTS
JUNE
SPONSORED BY www.jh-av.co.uk
JUNE EVENTS 6
BODMIN BUSINESS BREAKFAST
Folly Tearooms
The breakfasts are open to all and provide an opportunity for business people to network and catch up with each other over a top quality breakfast. There are speakers at some (but not all) meetings. jb@sproullllp.co.uk
GROWTH HUB TOWN TAKEOVER
Hayle
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The Working Boat Pub, Greenbank Hotel
The Club meets on alternate Thursday mornings over breakfast in the Working Boat Pub at the Greenbank Hotel, where a lively and welcoming group of local business people awaits you. This week’s is Karen Schofield falmouthbusinessclub.co.uk
TECHNOLOGY FOR BUSINESS GROWTH
Station Approach, Victoria
A practical workshop explaining how your business can reduce costs and increase profits through exploiting digital technologies. www.sfbcornwall.co.uk
Top 5 this month EventsDiary_Jun17.indd 2
Lorica Insurance, Indian Queens
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The Working Boat Pub, Greenbank Hotel
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COPPER & TIN NETWORKING GROUP
Afternoon networking group that meets fortnightly at the offices of Lorica Insurance at Indian Queens. All welcome. sarah.garcia@smartpasupport.com
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Growth Hub wants as many businesses in Cornwall & the Isles of Scilly as possible to access its business support service, so decided to go on the road and visit towns across Cornwall to let businesses know about the different types of support for growth available to them. ciosgrowthhub.com/growth-hub-onthe-road
FALMOUTH BUSINESS CLUB
COPPER & TIN NETWORKING GROUP
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08 - 10
CORNWALL SOCIAL MEDIA CAFÉ
The Cornwall Social Media Cafe meets on the second Tuesday evening of each month, at Vertigo Bar in Truro. CSMC brings together a great crowd of people from Cornwall’s business, academic, media and public sectors – sometimes just for informal networking and sometimes to hear a guest speaker talk about an interesting aspect of social media and the digital world. www.meetup.com/ CornwallSocialMediaCafe
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Join local business owners and get connected. Meet like-minded individuals, build connections, grow and develop your business through high quality face to face networking and business information in an enjoyable and relaxed environment. fsb.org.uk/cornwall
CORNWALL CHAMBER BIG BREAFAST
Bedruthan Steps, Mawgan Porth
GROWTH HUB ON THE ROAD
Callington
Growth Hub wants as many businesses in Cornwall & the Isles of Scilly as possible to access its business support service, so decided to go on the road and visit towns across Cornwall to let businesses know about the different types of support for growth available to them. ciosgrowthhub.com/growth-hub-onthe-road
HAYLE BUSINESS BREAKFAST
Birdies Bistro
The Hayle Business Breakfast meets on the third Wednesday of each month at Birdies Bistro in Hayle. All welcome. sarah@abodepropertyagents.co.uk
Now in its 223rd year, the Royal Cornwall Show is the Duchy’s biggest annual event and is brim-full of exhibits and activities which offer so much in the way of entertainment, competition, information, shopping and all that’s best in food and farming. royalcornwallshow.org
Lorica Insurance, Indian Queens
Cornwall Chamber of Commerce’s monthly breakfast networking events are held at a different venue each month, typically attracting between 110-180 people depending on size of venue. cornwallchamber.co.uk
St Austell Conference Centre
ROYAL CORNWALL SHOW
The Club meets on alternate Thursday mornings over breakfast in the Working Boat Pub at the Greenbank Hotel, where a lively and welcoming group of local business people awaits you. Speaker on June 22 is Sam Perkin from accountancy firm, Zamu. falmouthbusinessclub.co.uk
Afternoon networking group that meets fortnightly at the offices of Lorica Insurance at Indian Queens. All welcome. sarah.garcia@smartpasupport.com
#FSBCONNECT
Royal Cornwall Showground, Wadebridge
FALMOUTH BUSINESS CLUB
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CORNWALL CHAMBER LUNCH
Boconnoc, Lostwthiel
Don’t miss out on the chance to network and connect with more than 50 businesses and listen to presenters give you a great insight into what they do. cornwallchamber.co.uk
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TECHNOLOGY FOR BUSINESS GROWTH
Mor Workspace, Newquay
A practical workshop explaining how your business can reduce costs and increase profits through exploiting digital technologies. www.sfbcornwall.co.uk
CORNWALL HUB
TBC
Meeting on the last Thursday of each month at a different venue, the Hub is a fun and dynamic forum for likeminded business people to meet in an informal setting. Visit the website for latest event details. Cornwallhub.org
TRURO CONSTRUCTION PROPERTY FORUM
Mannings Hotel, Truro
The Truro Construction & Property Forum meets every last Thursday of the month at Mannings in Truro. The networking event brings together people from across the industry. Entry is a £1 donation to charity. sarahgreenslade@wwasurveyors.com
For further details of these and more networking events, visit
businesscornwall.co.uk To publicise your event here for free, email news@businesscornwall co.uk
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THE ROC 5K
Lemon Quay, Truro
This year’s ROC 5K (3 mile) charity fun run will take place after work on June 28. The annual event raises vital funds for ROC, which is now part of United Response, a charity which supports vulnerable people with learning disabilities. Register now to take part. unitedresponse.org.uk/ROC5K2017
Business Cornwall’s Morveth Ward keeps us up to date on the networking scene The month of May is undoubtedly the most action-packed in the networking calendar each year and 2017 was no exception – highlights included PKF Francis Clark’s Finance in Cornwall event held at the Lighthouse Cinema, Newquay, and which also played host to a hustings event, where local business people asked Parliamentary candidates topical questions in the lead up to the General Election. As always, attending the Cornwall Business Awards was fun - the event where you can expect some professional fronts to be excused for this one night whilst celebrating high-achieving Cornish businesses. Brilliant to see Pool-based, Headforwards awarded Winner of Winners. Also, fascinating to hear from high-profile keynote speaker, Matt Dawson, MBE, on his career achievements. Unlocking Potential’s Future Focus event was superb and keynote speaker, Lara Morgan, gave a talk which felt like a muchneeded stimulant. Lots of new faces here, and nice to catch up with a plethora of highly-enthusiastic early-stage businesses showing great promise as well as familiar faces looking for a boost.
This month, Cornwall’s population grows as people from not just Cornwall but all-over flock to Royal Cornwall Show where, as well as showcasing Cornwall’s agricultural scene, a broad-cross section of businesses and organisations invest in a feast of buying, selling and networking whilst indulging in fine food and drink amongst enjoying a range of attractions and activities. Most regular networking events continue as normal whilst now in prime summer you start seeing more outside-based networking including garden parties and BBQs which are always welcomed. If you’re really lucky you may even be invited out on a networking boat trip, of which there are several. This type of activity is also prevalent this time of the year amongst businesses for teambuilding – a bit of pleasurable and light-hearted fun which can help to give time to reflect, socialise and compound relationships with your team.
fascinating to hear from high-profile keynote speaker, Matt Dawson, MBE, on his career achievements
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FINANCE DIRECTORS’ UPDATE
Lanhydrock Hotel, Bodmin
PKF Francis Clark’s six-monthly Finance Seminars provide an overview of the most important technical developments in financial reporting and taxation. The seminars address the key topical financial matters, the opportunities they present, how they affect your business and the pitfalls you can avoid. francisclark.co.uk/events
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GROWTH HUB ON THE ROAD
Camborne
Growth Hub wants as many businesses in Cornwall & the Isles of Scilly as possible to access its business support service, so decided to go on the road and visit towns across Cornwall to let businesses know about the different types of support for growth available to them. ciosgrowthhub.com/growth-hub-onthe-road
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CONNECTED
CORNWALL
SPONSORED BY
www.cioslep.co.uk
Cornwall Business Awards More than 350 business leaders attended last month’s Cornwall Business Awards at St Mellion
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ABOVE FROM LEFT: PETER CHILD, CORNISH PIRATES; TRISTAN NETHERTON, MICROTEST MIDDLE ROW FROM LEFT: CLAIRE VICKERS AND RUTH HUXLEY, CORNWALL FOOD & DRINK; JAMES STAUGHTON, ST AUSTELL BREWERY; JONATHAN TRETHOWAN, TRAC; ALISON GLOVER, UNLOCKING POTENTIAL; JAMIE SMITH, EIGHT WIRE BOTTOM FROM LEFT: ROB EDLIN, NIDDOCKS; TOBY PARKINS, HEADFORWARDS; AREN GRIMSHAW, MINCHIN GRIMSHAW; MADDI TISCOE, GEORGIE UPTON AND ELLIE GLASON OF WILD WEST COMMUNICATIONS
BUSINESS CORNWALL
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CORNWALL
CONNECTED
SENIOR EXECUTIVES’ FORUM The Bar & Brasseries the Alverton Hotel in Truro was the venue for the latest Senior Executives Forum FAR LEFT: NICOLA CORISH, FRANCIS CLARK LLP, DAVE BULLEN, SWALLOWCOURT CARE HOMES AND MARK PICKEN, MPAD BELOW FROM LEFT: MARTIN WALTON, INTERSERVE CONSTRUCTION AND CHARLOTTE RUSSELL, EDEN PROJECT; ANDY JONES, CONCORDE GROUP, MAGGIE OXENBURY, CONCORDE GROUP AND AMARJIT BASI, THE CORNWALL COLLEGE GROUP; DRYSTAN JONES, A & P GROUP, GERALD PITTS, A & P GROUP AND ALISON ELVEY, ROBINSON REED LAYTON
Celebrating Women in Business One of the highlights of this year’s Cornwall Business Week was a special women in business conference, hosted by the FSB
ABOVE: THE PANEL TAKE QUESTIONS BELOW FROM LEFT: JO DOWNS SHARING A LAUGH WITH MARIE OF MARIE LOUISE MATERNITY; LINDSEY HALL OF THE REAL IDEAS ORGANISATION TALKING TO KIRSTY MILES-MUSGRAVE OF THE GROWTH HUB; MICHELE POYNTER OF MISH; BINI LUDLOW FSB WOMEN TASK FORCE & SWEET CUMIN
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THE LAST
WORD
SPONSORED BY Contact: A. E. Verona Cocks E: vcocks@setfords.co.uk | T: 01209 708 651 www.setfords.co.uk
GILL PIPKIN
Getting to know Gill Pipkin, MD of Gill Pipkin Consulting
WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU WERE YOUNG?
Hairdresser, market gardener, Jacques Cousteau’s assistant! I am rubbish with my hair, I hate cold, wet weather and the deep sea scares me – so all perfect potential jobs!
WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST FULL TIME JOB? Purchasing assistant at the Swiss Centre in Leicester Square. I was also in charge of ordering and controlling all stock – even the chocolate from Switzerland! WHAT’S IN YOUR POCKETS? Nothing – my skirt doesn’t
have pockets!
IF YOU COULD BUILD A HOUSE ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD WHERE WOULD IT BE? There is a perfect location
near the Catholic Church in St Agnes – close enough to the village centre so I can walk to the shops but with amazing views over the sea and cliffs.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE BEST MOMENT IN YOUR CAREER?
Every time someone compliments me on having done a good job – it gives me such a buzz knowing that I have done something well, it’s addictive!
WHAT HAS BEEN THE WORST MOMENT IN YOUR CAREER?
As a hotel owner, finding a very sick guest in the middle of the night. He thought it was food poisoning, I was sure it was a stroke. I was right and he was in a coma for several days!
IF YOU COULD INVITE ANY TWO PEOPLE FOR DINNER, WHO WOULD THEY BE AND WHY WOULD YOU INVITE THEM? Barak Obama – can he be as nice as he seems to
be? Chad Varah – Anglican vicar, co-founder of The Eagle comic and founder of Samaritans – with so many different interests, he should make interesting company!
IF YOU COULD BE GOD FOR A DAY, WHAT MIRACLE WOULD YOU PERFORM? Give everyone enough food and a
decent place to live, the time and ability to enjoy the beauty of nature and the opportunity to help protect and grown our environment.
WHAT WAS YOUR LUCKIEST BREAK? A friend of mine was general manager of the Roof Gardens in Kensington, which was part of Virgin Group. He suggested me for the role of sales manager – I had very little sales experience at the time! I went on to be national sales director for Virgin Venues and hotels – a job which took me all over the country and several promotional trips to the States. It was such a fun company to work for and we had a huge amount of freedom. I left when my first son was born as I didn’t want to travel when he was so little. WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE DOING IN FIVE YEARS TIME? Celebrating the success of my
consultancy business by sitting in the sunshine, enjoying a good book and a glass of chilled wine, knowing I have helped businesses become more profitable and productive.
48 | BUSINESS CORNWALL
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