A view from the Chamber This year has been another challenging one that has continued to test Cornwall’s businesses in ways they weren’t prepared for. The feedback the Chamber is getting from its members is that they are optimistic and energised.
There’s a lot of Merger & Acquisition activity happening in the hospitality sector, which is brilliant news and shows just how robust the industry is, bouncing back after an extremely tough summer. Cornwall has been through quite a significant transition over the last two years and it’s important that we move forward in the right direction. The bumper summer of 2020, several high-profile documentaries and the mammoth event that was G7 have all had a hand in changing the Duchy’s profile both nationally and internationally. It’s important that we get the balance right: harness the interest in the Duchy and ensure we are tolerant and welcoming (we mustn’t start to take the ‘brand Cornwall’ image for granted and rest on our laurels), whilst creating a wonderful place for people to live, work and play that is aspirational and full of opportunity. In the short term, work needs to be done to ensure young people are aware of the careers and opportunities available to them in Cornwall, and we need to make sure that the housing market is accessible to them, should they wish to stay or move here. Long term, we need to be focusing on the Duchy’s productivity and thinking about how we can make people more productive so that they have the opportunity to earn more money.
KIM CONCHIE CEO CORNWALL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, D E P U T Y L I E U T E N A N T, O T PA R E N T, F O U N D AT I O N TRUSTEE
T R U R O S C H O O L A S S O C I AT I O N
I think 2022 is going to bring even more focus on sustainability, and businesses will be expected to step up to the challenge of making their processes and products greener. I’d like to think that it won’t be long before every business has a Sustainability Manager – a position that will become just as commonplace as having an IT Manager or Health and Safety Officer.
THE TRURONIAN
2021
The walls are certainly closing in on the businesses who do not start to address their green credentials pretty swiftly, which is great. I foresee that the public sector and large companies will soon not procure from those who do not have a strong focus on sustainability; demonstratable action in the fight against climate change will be fundamental to a business if they are to succeed. At the Chamber, we have drawn up a number of policies that are key to focusing a business and making sure everyone is on the same path to achieving Cornwall Council’s ambition of Cornwall being net zero by 2030. The policies are informed by a need to ensure there is ample opportunity for our young people and the skills agenda is addressed, and that the tourism sector remains buoyant. The policies are on Renewables, Digital Infrastructure, Digitisation of Business and Construction, and offer a roadmap reflecting the Chamber’s vision for the sector or industry. Each policy looks at short, medium and long-term priorities, and the strategy for how to get there. The Chamber has included details of its commitment to each sector to help it achieve the priorities. Cornwall needs to demonstrate some thought leadership on sustainability, and the younger generation will be crucial to driving this forward. We welcome any feedback on Cornwall’s future, sustainability, and the way forward. I would love to hear from anyone who might like to chair a panel session or give a presentation on a relevant topic. Have a lovely Christmas and have a very happy New Year. 49
