12 minute read
from
Kim Conchie DL CEO Cornwall Chamber of Commerce
Welcome to Cornwall’s Festival of Business – a week-long celebration of business in Cornwall. This is your opportunity to see everything the Duchy has to offer and make new connections to help your business grow.
This year, the festival is a celebration of resilience in Cornish business. The first half of 2023 has been tough on everyone: EU funds have come to an end and there’s been no substantial Levelling Up pot to bridge the gap, and energy bills have skyrocketed leaving many organisations wondering what the future holds.
But alas, again and again we see Cornwall’s businesses pulling together and powering through. The Duchy is made up of nearly all micros or SMEs which makes our business landscape completely different from other areas. If we want to partner up on something, there’s no long wait for it to go through the various departments to get sign off, we get it done.
All the events taking place during festival week are aimed at inspiring the business community, facilitating connections and providing information to help Cornwall’s recovery and secure its future. Work your diary around the different events – some are online so you can still join in between meetings. Of course, the centrepiece of the week is Cornwall Business Fair on Wednesday June 21. Sponsored by Wildanet and Inspired Motive, the event will be held at Falmouth University’s Penryn Campus which proved a brilliant venue for our 2022 event.
We have over 45 promotional stands, a large breakfast event, free lunch event and a number of breakout sessions. It’s free to get in and there’s free parking – just turn up and get the ball rolling on new business relationships and collaborations.
Another festival highlight for me will be Cornwall Chamber’s Innovation Investment Network (CIIN)’s Pitch in the Pad event in partnership with Falmouth University Launchpad and Mylor Ventures.
We’re very privileged to have the support of British Business Bank for this important event, and I’ll be co-chairing this event with their Senior Manager, Lloyd Brina.
Early-stage start-ups within Cornwall will have the opportunity to pitch their businesses to regional angel investors and VCs, to build confidence and gain valuable feedback. It’s a fantastic opportunity for ambitious businesses to pitch for equity investment and allows us to convene a growing and increasingly active community of angel investors in Cornwall and Isles of Scilly.
Look out for webinars from Employee Ownership Trusts and Cool Waters Cyber; a Thought Leadership workshop from copywriter Katie Wild, one-to-one Xero training from The Peloton, and networking events run by Hall For Cornwall and the Chamber.
Plan your week by looking at the full calendar of events available at cornwallchamber.co.uk Events > Festival of Business.
I look forward to seeing you at our Duchy’s largest and best business celebration.
Laura Whyte – Managing Director of Whyfield Ltd and Chair of Cornwall Chamber of Commerce
Its so exciting to be heading into another Festival of Business, and we hope this is our best one yet!
Cornwall Chamber has continued to evolve and expand, not only in members but in the scope of project delivery and policy exploration, placing ourselves as an organisation not afraid to challenge and collaborate in order to be successful.
The last 12 months has seen the Chamber engaging with more businesses than ever before and our events have been selling out weeks in advance which is a clear sign of the hunger we all have to collaborate.
Cornwall’s business community is breaking national records with the largest cohort of B-Corp organisations and the greatest number of Kings Enterprise Awards outside of Greater London. The Chamber continues to champion for all Cornwall has to offer and recognises the important role we play in connecting and supporting the business population.
The Chamber board is a diverse team who, despite the wide range of backgrounds and experience, all share a common passion for the business community in Cornwall; we feel enormously proud of the team, members and our wider network for their continued brilliance and we are hugely invested in what the coming years may bring.
Contents
4 Tuesday
Festival Events
5 Why Join the Cornwall Chamber of Commerce?
6 Thursday and Friday
Festival Events
7 Welcome to Cornwall Business Fair guide
10 Cornwall Business Fair Floor Plan
12 Chamber News
14 30 under 30
15 NexGen
16 Sponsors and Supporters
CREDITS
• Cornwall Chamber of Commerce team: Ella Croft, Georgia Cockle, Sarah Whipp, Kirsty Price, Darren Buckley and Kim Conchie
• Front Cover: Darren Buckley, Business Development Manager at Cornwall Chamber of Commerce
• Magazine produced by Tonick Business Publishing (publisher of Business Cornwall magazine)
Title: Employee Ownership Trusts - could Cornwall and the South West lead the way?
Date: Tuesday Jun 20, 2023
Time: 8:30 AM - 9:15 AM BST
Description https://www.cornwallchamber.co.uk/events/details/employeeownership-could-cornwall-and-the-south-west-lead-the-way-10212
Christian Wilson, a specialist Employee Ownership advocate and solicitor (37 completed EOT projects, with a value in excess of £295 million and over 2400 employee owners created) will be joined by Chris Budd of Eternal Business (author of the Eternal Business Guide to Employee Ownership and founder of an employee owned IFA). They will be discussing what is happening in the world of employee ownership and why Cornwall and the South West in particular could be well placed to lead an employee ownership revolution benefitting founders, employees and the wider community. With a Q&A session, this will appeal to anyone who wants to know more about Employee Ownership for their business.
Title: Embracing Top Tier Thought Leadership in Your Business
Date: Tuesday Jun 20, 2023
Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM BST
Location: National Maritime Museum, Cornwall, TR11 3QY
Price: £10
Title: Get Better Sleep
Date: Tuesday Jun 20, 2023
Time: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM BST
Location: Newquay TBC
Description: https://www.cornwallchamber.co.uk/events/details/embracing-top-tierthought-leadership-in-your-business-10213
Sleep is really good for us and it’s something we all know how to do. Many people suffer from poor or interrupted sleep and the costs to self, family, businesses and the economy is huge. There are multiple factors that can effect sleep. Stress can be one of them, and when that is the case, we can usually do something about it.
This workshop explores the essential science of what happens when we sleep, how it works, and what we can do about it. And we must do something - our lives and businesses are too valuable. There is a huge opportunity to improve things, without the need for medication or complicated routines. We all know how to sleep and it’s not something we consciously need to do. Quite the opposite! This workshop will help you access the subconscious tools you already have, to help you to get better sleep.
Description
Do you want to reach more people and strengthen your brand by communicating to the right audiences? If you’re not using your CEO or Directors as a marketing tool, you could be missing out on a wealth of hot prospects.
Thought Leadership is an effective way to build trust around a brand, rather than just one person. It’s also an additional marketing channel that’s easily neglected; content is specific to the channel and can generate a completely new stream of engagement, and most likely some new leads.
Katie Wild regularly writes articles and columns on behalf of CEOs, CIOs and Directors locally and nationally, creating copy that demonstrates a deep understanding of the business they are in, the needs of their customers, and the wider industry in which they work.
In this seminar, Katie will talk attendees through the process of creating and executing a thought leadership comms strategy to strengthen a brand, and guide them through the first steps of creating a thought leadership article.
Who will benefit from this seminar?
• B2B Marketers
• B2B Business Owners/C-Suite Execs
• PRs
What to expect:
• A brief overview of thought leadership.
• Examples of how thought leadership can be used within a business.
• Advice for how to create a content plan.
• Step-by-step guidance on structuring copy – identifying the audience, choosing the topic, managing the interviewee, delivering the right content at the right time.
• Tips for getting the most out of the content. https://www.cornwallchamber.co.uk/events/details/embracing-top-tierthought-leadership-in-your-business-10213
Title: Creative Businesses in Cornwall: Growing into 2025
Date: Tuesday Jun 20, 2023
Time: 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM BST
Location: FibreHub, Trevenson Lane, Pool, Redruth, TR15 3GF
Description
Join Creative UK and special guests for a FREE afternoon of presentations and conversations about being a creative business in Cornwall. This will include:
Welcome refreshments and cake from the FibreHub’s famous Nimbus Café
An introduction to Suzie West and the new Create Growth Programme providing business support and investment mentorship
Keynote speeches and a panel discussion with local creative entrepreneurs and businesses owners around growth within and out of a Cornwall https://www.cornwallchamber.co.uk/events/details/creative-businessesin-cornwall-growing-into-2025-10216
Meet us at the FibreHub in Pool on Monday 20th June from 2.30PM for chance to connect and celebrate the creative industries.
Title: Build with AI From Theory to Practice
Date: Thursday Jun 22, 2023
Time: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM BST
Location: FibreHub, Trevenson Ln, Pool, Redruth TR15 3GF https://www.cornwallchamber.co.uk/events/details/build-with-ai-fromtheory-to-practice-06-22-2023-9929
Description: Get ahead of the game and take your business to the next level with the power of AI! In today’s fast-paced world, it’s more important than ever to stay ahead of the curve, and our Build with AI course is the perfect way to get started.
Starting in June 2023, this 4-day course over 4 weeks will provide you with a solid foundation in AI, covering topics like Chat GPT and natural language processing. You don’t need to be an expert in AI to get started – this course is designed for anyone looking to reinvigorate their professional outlook, from start-ups and self-employed individuals to small/new businesses and larger/established businesses looking to renew or expand.
Title: Cornwall Chamber Innovation Investment Network (CIIN) - Pitch in the Pad
Date: Thursday Jun 22, 2023
Time: 1:00 PM - 6:00 PM BST
Location: Falmouth Launchpad, University, Falmouth, Penryn TR10 9FE https://www.cornwallchamber.co.uk/events/details/cornwall-chamberinnovation-investment-network-ciin-pitch-in-the-pad-9870
Description: We are delighted to announce Cornwall Chamber Innovation Investment Network (CIIN) will be hosting an event in partnership with Falmouth University Launchpad and Mylor Ventures. Pitch in the Pad, sponsored by Network Sponsor British Business Bank, is an exclusive networking event which will provide early-stage startups within Cornwall with the opportunity to pitch their businesses to regional angel investors and VCs in order to build confidence and gain valuable feedback.
Lunch will be provided.
Title: Zero to Hero - Free Xero training for Small Businesses
Date: Thursday Jun 22, 2023
Time: 1:30 PM - 4:30 PM BST
Location: The Peloton, Office 1, The Warehouse, Anchor Quay, Penryn, Cornwall TR10 8GZ
Description: The Peloton are offering Chamber members free (30 minute slots) Xero training to enhance bookkeeping skill, streamline processes or simply to get more from Xero, using tricks of the trade to help! https://www.cornwallchamber.co.uk/events/details/zero-to-hero-freexero-training-for-small-businesses-9932
Title: Digital Marketing Drop-In Clinic
Date: Thursday Jun 22, 2023
Time: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM BST
Location: Peaky Digital, 2 Mariners Walk, Discovery Quay, Falmouth, TR11 3XP
Description: Come and join us on Thursday 22nd June by booking your free 30-minute consultation. Sessions are available in-person at the Peaky Digital office or online via a video call link. Sessions will be available in 30-minute slots between 10am & 4pm with recent 30 under 30 winner and Client Success Manager, Ben. To book, simply contact ben@peakydigital.co.uk expressing your interest and ideal time slot. We would love to welcome you to our office but if an online call is more suitable we’ll share a calendar invite with you. Take advantage of the opportunity to talk through particular areas of digital marketing and end the session with actionable takeaways. https://www.cornwallchamber.co.uk/events/details/digital-marketingdrop-in-clinic-with-peaky-digital-11218
Title: How to pick the right Cyber Security for your business
Date: Thursday Jun 22, 2023
Time: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM BST
Location: Online
Description: Join the plain speaking experts from Cool Waters Cyber for a short webinar that will show you how wise investment in Cyber Security will help you grow your business.
• How cyber security certifications will help you win new clients/contracts
• How to pick the right cyber certifications for your business https://www.cornwallchamber.co.uk/events/details/how-to-pick-theright-cyber-security-for-your-business-10209
• When is the best time to invest in cyber security.
Title: AI Chat sessions - how can it help your business?
Date: Thursday Jun 22, 2023
Time: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM BST Location: Online via Zoom https://www.cornwallchamber.co.uk/events/details/ai-chat-sessionshow-can-it-help-your-business-06-22-2023-10199
Description: Are you interested in learning about the latest advancements in AI and how they can help your business become more efficient? Look no further than our weekly 1-hour free online Zoom session! You don’t need any prior experience to attend.
Our sessions offer an insight to the world of AI and its numerous applications including ChatGPT. Our expert presenters will discuss the benefits of using ChatGPT in your business operations and how it can help streamline your processes and improve your overall efficiency.
Friday 23rd June
Title: The PIG Dippers - Net-Swimming and Breakfast Club
Date: Friday Jun 23, 2023
Time: 8:30 AM - 11:00 AM BST
Location: Meet at The Pig Hotel, Harlyn, Padstow, PL288SQ & Swim at Harlyn Bay
Price: £15 pp, made payable directly to The Pig Hotel, once you have registered. To secure your place email events@thepigatharlynbay.com
Description: Cornwall Chamber of Commerce and Sara Tremayne Taylor from Brooks Financial Planning Limited have teamed up with Anna Hayward at THE PIG – at Harlyn Bay to create The PIG Dippers – a monthly net-swimming and breakfast club for those who want to start the day FRESH. For our June edition we will be heading over to the idyllic Harlyn Bay for a swim to blow away those cobwebs... Ready for the weekend.
**Disclaimer** This swim is entirely at your own risk, please only attend if you are a strong, confident swimmer. The PIG, CCoC and Brooks are not responsible for your safety and belongings during the event. https://www.cornwallchamber.co.uk/events/details/the-pig-dippers-netswimming-and-breakfast-club-10215
Title: Hall For Cornwall Business Networking Club
Date: Friday Jun 23, 2023
Time: 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM BST
Location: Hall for Cornwall, Back Quay, Truro TR1 2LL https://www.cornwallchamber.co.uk/events/details/hall-for-cornwallbusiness-networking-club-06-23-2023-10064
Description: Our networking club is an informal regular opportunity for businesses and freelancers to get together for a chat and a drink in the stunning new Playhouse Bar at Hall for Cornwall. There’s (usually) no formalities, just a chance to catch up on a Friday afternoon.
Drop in anytime between 4pm - 6pm, and it’s free to come along. We just ask that you register beforehand so we have an idea of numbers. This regular event takes place on the last Friday of every month.
Cornwall Business Fair Plan 2023
Wednesday 21st June, 10am - 4pm
Sports Centre at Penryn Campus, Falmouth University
Full Exhibitor Listing
Networking stage speakers
Cornish broadband provider, Wildanet, is expanding its network bringing superfast and super-reliable broadband to communities and businesses throughout Cornwall, including providing a vital ingredient in the success story of the Cornish Pudding Co.
Contact our local, friendly business team today on 0800 0699906 or email hello@wildanet.com and find out how we can help your business reach new heights.
Wildanet is delighted and very proud to be supporting Cornwall Chamber of Commerce and the Cornwall Business Fair.
A message from Helen Wylde, CEO at Wildanet Cornwall Business Fair LLAWNROC C HAMBER BUSINESSFAIR S ROSNOPWildanet
It’s an event which has become a must-fixture in Cornwall’s business diary, showcasing the best of what Cornwall has to offer and supporting businesses to collaborate, inspire and connect with each other.
There is an immense amount of exciting activity taking place in Cornwall, a wealth of talented people, a burgeoning spirit of entrepreneurship and a level of creativity which is a match for anywhere in the UK.
Cornwall Business Fair reflects and celebrates Cornwall’s successes and, together with the ongoing work of the Chamber and its partners, brings a focus to how we tap into new ideas and markets, deploy new technology and build the creative and carbon-neutral economy we all want for Cornwall’s future.
Our mission at Wildanet, and why as a local company we are so pleased to be sponsoring this event, is to support businesses and communities right across Cornwall with the high speed, reliable broadband they need to maximise these opportunities, achieve their potential and compete on a national and international stage.
We all know there are areas of Cornwall which have good digital connectivity but there are also large parts of the county, particularly in rural areas, which do not. That’s simply not acceptable and it is a barrier to social inclusion and business growth.
It is the reason Wildanet was formed as a Cornwall-based Alternative Network (Alt-Net) and why our ethos is that no-one should be forgotten or left behind by the digital revolution because of where they live or the standard of service they receive.
Wildanet is already investing £50 million in rolling out our own gigabit-capable fibre and wireless network in towns and villages across Cornwall. And we are committed to working with local and central government, businesses and communities to go much further in addressing the digital divide in Cornwall and the South West.
We look forward to seeing you all at the Cornwall Business Fair and to working with you in the coming years to help you, your businesses and Cornwall reach new heights.