Business Cornwall April 19

CORNWALL'S PREMIER BUSINESS RESOURCE FOR ALL THE LATEST NEWS AND OPINION

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APRIL 2019 | ISSUE 129 | £3.95

COMPANY PROFILE ON WHYFIELD

LEGAL FOCUS

WHAT IS LAW TECH?

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY LATEST TRENDS

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APRIL 2019

INSIDE FEATURES 11 COMPANY PROFILE WE MEET LAURA WHYTE, MD OF DYNAMIC TRURO ACCOUNTANCY, WHYFIELD

14 BUSINESS GROWTH HOW THE CULTIVATOR PROGRAMME IS NURTURING CORNISH CREATIVES

16 SPECIAL FEATURE HIRING A NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR COULD TAKE YOUR BUSINESS TO THE NEXT LEVEL

18 COMMERCIAL PROPERTY IS QUALITY OFFICE SPACE DEMAND OUTSTRIPPING SUPPLY?

ISSUE 129

REGULARS 4 INCOMING IS TRAINING A RIGHT OR A PRIVILIGE?

6 BUSINESS NEWS HELICOPTER SERVICE SHELVED

36 ON THE MOVE MOVERS & SHAKERS

37 FOOD & DRINK DAIRY CREST SOLD FOR £1BN

38 EDUCATION NEWS ARE YOU A ‘LOST LEVY’ LOSER?

39 TOURISM CASTING OFF BREXIT SHADOW

40 CREATIVE & DIGITAL SOFTWARE COMPANY ON GLOBAL STAGE

41 FSB FSB ROUNDUP

42 CORNWALL CHAMBER LATEST FROM CORNWALL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

43 START-UPS THE NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK

44 JUST A THOUGHT WITH TRURO & FALMOUTH MP SARAH NEWTON

45 EVENTS DIARY ALL THE WHAT’S ON

46 CONNECTED AND THE WHAT’S GONE

48 THE LAST WORD TRURO SCHOOL HEADMASTER ANDREW GORDON-BROWN

29 LEGAL SECTOR CORNWALL’S OPPORTUNITY THROUGH LAW TECH

PHOTO: LAST MONTH’S CORNWALL BUSINESS SHOW SEE PAGE 46 FOR MORE

BUSINESS CORNWALL | 1

APRIL 2019

WELCOME

BY EDITOR NICK EYRIEY

ISSUE 129

PLOUGHING THROUGH THE MURK ON THE COVER

WHYFIELD MD LAURA WHYTE

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 DESIGN & PRINT Design by Business Cornwall Printed in Cornwall by Deltor BUSINESS CORNWALL is published 10 times a year by: Tonick Business Publishing Pool Innovation Centre Trevenson Road Redruth TR15 3PL Tel: 01209 718688 SUBSCRIPTIONS subscriptions@businesscornwall.co.uk

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.

While many of us might be thoroughly bored of it all by now, Brexit continues to dominate the headlines.

Britain was, of course, due to leave the EU on March 29 (and perhaps it did, but at time of writing this appeared hugely unlikely!). But all these pre-Brexit shenanigans/frustrations/crushed hopes, however you want to term them, have cost the ministerial jobs of two local MPs, with both George Eustice and Sarah Newton resigning from their respective posts at Defra and the Department of Work and Pensions.

Watching the TV news and reading the papers, many, many people from all sides of the Brexit argument are getting quite irate about the whole affair.

And Heaven knows what the rest of the world thinks, it’s hardly a great advert for the country.

However, fresh back from last month’s Cornwall Business Show and Expowest Cornwall, it is clear from walking around these events that business expectation is that life will go on whatever happens.

Businesses need clarity, we are constantly told that, and while this is undoubtedly true, in the absence of clarity, most are confidently determined to plough through the murk.

In this month’s issue we take a look at two important business sectors in Cornwall – commercial property and legal, and reflect on the future of both, ahead of the exit from the European Union.

We also meet the dynamic young MD of Truro firm of accountants, Whyfield; examine the role of a NED (non-executive director) and learn about a (European-funded) programme cultivating creative talent.

Business Cornwall Magazine is proud to be associated with

2 | BUSINESS CORNWALL

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www.lacunabusiness.com BUSINESS CORNWALL | 3

INCOMING

THE CONVERSATION

JAMES GAZZARD

WES Engineering Solutions

The big question Is employee training a right or a privilege?

Join the conversation @biz_cornwall

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ADVERTORIAL

Basic training which allows an employee to safely and efficiently complete their contracted job role is of course beneficial for both the employee and the employer and should be given the appropriate resource and emphasis, even within smaller firms. Training associated with professional development and skill enhancement above and beyond the basic requirements of the current position are often reserved for those who show the willing, enthusiasm, interest and aptitude in their role to develop their capabilities and career prospects. This training isn’t a right as not all companies will be able to afford it and not all employees would necessarily benefit so it is most effectively channelled as a reward or incentive to employees deserving of development.

SYDNEY YOUNG

St Ives Harbour Hotel Employee training is a right for staff to feel valued and to be given the chance to progress and develop for their own personal goals as well as making the workforce stronger.

ANDREW FINLEY Oxford Innovation

I would rather use the term ‘employee development’ – training suggests a

GROWTH THROUGH ACQUISITION With over 180 deals last year alone, deal experts from Stephens Scown LLP will be sharing their tips in this regular column. This month Christian Wilson considers growth through successful acquisition

4 | BUSINESS CORNWALL

THE CONVERSATION

structured environment where an individual is ‘taught’ something new. This is, of course, an important element in providing employees with the skills they need to perform certain tasks but, to ensure maximum return from the investment in staff, the process should be constant. It is a known fact that remuneration ranks comparatively low on the list of things that keep employees motivated and committed to their employer. Providing them with new challenges, feedback on how they are performing and support to exploit their inherent talent is essential to the development of high performing teams.

ADELE BULL

Truro & Penwith College From a legal perspective certain health and safety training is a right; lack of training can also be a reason for unfair dismissal where the employee was not given adequate training to perform their role.

From an employee perspective I would encourage people to view training as a right. Good employees are driven to perform their job well, if they lack the skills and experience needed they should expect their employer to support. Otherwise in the current market where vacancy rates are high and employers are struggling to recruit I would advise them to look for other opportunities to work for employers who take a different approach to training.

I think businesses sometimes see training as a privilege that they don’t have time for as they are focused on growth and cost reduction. They often miss the role that

There comes a time in every business owner’s career where the slog of growth through sheer hard work can lose its appeal in favour of the excitement of rapid growth by acquisition of an appetising competitor. It’s a tempting proposition for many and done well can be extremely successful, but what makes for a good acquisition? Here are some ideas:

training can play in this. For example, businesses regularly invest in marketing to attract customers but often miss the fact that they are losing customers due to poor administration processes and poor customer service, both of which training could help to address.

CLAIR MURRAY Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Skills Hub

It depends on your perspective. I think it’s an opportunity. Training should be considered as a key part of a business’ growth and retention plan. If business leaders take a considered approach to training, it can become a costeffective way to improve their business’ performance, retain employees and build a great place to work.

Beyond helping employees do their job better, effective training helps encourage people’s passion which can be aligned to real business interests or skills needs. In the long-term, training can help position employees to new areas of the business, particularly where there is an unmet need.

In sectors where Cornish companies struggle to recruit qualified staff, degree level apprenticeships for existing employees or new recruits is a good option - the business gains the skills it requires without having to recruit from out of county. Ultimately, offering structured training benefits supports a happier work environment where people feel appreciated and invested in and, as a result, want to stay – it’s a win-win.

• Do your legal homework – who owns the business? Are their contracts any good or will they fall over at the first sign of trouble?

• Do your commercial homework – will their clients stay after the merger or are they free to jump ship at any time?

• Does the culture fit – do you work 9-5 in suits and they work in jeans on flexi-time?

• Sign a confidentiality agreement – don’t share data without one!

• Avoid too many post acquisition conditions – often too much room for dispute and can lead to litigation and ill-will.

• Do your accounts homework – are they as financially sounds as they appear or has the money been spent on new cars and swish premises?

At Stephens Scown, we’ve advised on many acquisitions, but each one is unique.

We always ensure that we listen to the needs of the parties and aim to deliver

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MEGAN SADLER Megan Sadler is an accomplished hands-on interior design studio, based out of Falmouth and London. The studio offers end-to-end solutions from concept design, creative direction, technical detailing, project coordination and styling. Successfully completed projects all over the globe, the studio will flex its creative muscles at any space, residential or commercial. It has extensive knowledge of retail and hospitality, from small to large-scale, permanent to pop-ups, working with start-ups and established brands.

The Studio can assist with concept, costing, and has extensive industry links to manufacturers and suppliers.

For completed projects visit: www.megan-sadler.com Or to talk about potential projects email: megan@megan-sadler.com

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a result that helps the business owner to achieve that game-changing growth through a successful acquisition.

Christian Wilson is partner and head of the corporate team at Stephens Scown.

The team has top rankings in legal guides Chambers and Legal 500. For more information please call Christian on 01872 265100, email corporate. cornwall@stephens-scown.co.uk or via www.stephens-scown.co.uk.

BUSINESS CORNWALL | 5

CORNWALL

BUSINESS NEWS

The Isles of Scilly Steamship Group has announced that it is to cease its Island Helicopters operation from Land’s End Airport to St Mary’s owing to a lack of demand.

Instead it will concentrate on its core passenger and freight shipping services from Penzance, and Skybus flights from Land’s End, Newquay and Exeter airport.

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Island Helicopters was due to resume flying on April 6 having stopped for a winter break last November. But the company said there was insufficient bookings to justify continuing.

When the operation launched last summer, it was the first scheduled helicopter service to St Mary’s in six years and looked to steal a march on the rival Penzance Heliport operation, which is hoping to begin flying in spring 2020.

A spokesman for the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group said: “We know passengers will be disappointed and we apologise to them but ultimately this was a commercial decision. We had hoped to make it work but we simply haven’t seen enough demand to justify continued investment in a helicopter operation.”

PLUG PULLED ON HELICOPTERS

POPPING UP PIRATE FM SOLD TO BAUER IN PENZANCE Cornish local radio station Pirate FM is set to be sold to a global media company.

Pirate’s parent company, Redruth-based UKRD Group, which has ten radio stations across Yorkshire, East Anglia and the south and south west, is to be acquired by Bauer Media Group UK. Bauer is one of the world’s leading media companies, with more than 700 magazines, 400 digital products and 100 radio stations on its portfolio. In the UK, its brands include heat, KISS, Grazia, Empire, Magic, Absolute Radio and the Hits Radio Network.

Paul Keenan, CEO Bauer Media UK and European Radio, commented: “These stations are an excellent addition to our business and further extend our reach into completely new areas of the UK.” UKRD’s chief executive, William Rogers, added: “UKRD’s radio stations will make a great addition to the Bauer portfolio and the opportunities that may well present themselves to many of our talented and highly professional people will be greatly enhanced by this acquisition.”

6 | BUSINESS CORNWALL

The latest Pop-up Innovation Centre has opened its doors.

The new Penzance Innovation Centre can be found at 35 Market Place, opposite Lloyds bank, and is the sixth in a line of successful Pop-up Innovation Centres.

It forms part of a larger £3 million European

Regional Development Fund-project called Acceleration Through Innovation (ATI), which is led by the University of Plymouth in partnership with Cornwall Innovation.

“I think the Penzance Innovation Centre is a very proactive and positive way of bringing ATI services, support and networking into our communities,” said Carolyn McGregor, owner of Newlyn Osteopaths Cornwall, who attended the launch.

“It’s a way for local businesses to access the innovative support systems that ATI offers and I would encourage local businesses to use the services available here.”

ENTER TRAINING AWARDS NOW The 2019 Excellence in Business Training Awards has opened for entries.

Now in its twelfth year, the awards are hosted by CCB Training part of The Cornwall College Group and attract hundreds of applications from large and small companies from all sectors across the south west.

in training and enjoyed measurable benefits.

Planning is already well underway for a festival-style awards ceremony on July 18 at the Cornish Tipi Holidays, a unique venue in north Cornwall.”

“The awards are always a fantastic celebration of local business success,” said Sally Foard, director of CCB.

Any business in the region can enter the 2019 awards by sharing how they have used staff training to improve their profitability, staff morale, retention, performance and to gain competitive advantage.

“They have provided well deserved recognition for companies who have invested

Closing date for applications is April 30. For more details go to ccbtraining.co.uk/ebta

BUSINESS NEWS

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NEWS IN BRIEF

THE OARSOME FOURSOME A team of four women from Cornwall and Devon are seeking corporate sponsorship in their gallant attempt to become the oldest ladies crew to row across the Atlantic Ocean.

The quartet - Bird Watts, Mo O’Brien, Linda Whittaker and Claire Allinson - are in training to take part in the 3,000 mile Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge this December, dubbed “the world’s toughest row”.

The ladies (three from Cornwall, one from Devon) range in ages from their thirties to their sixties and are embarking on the challenge to raise money for three charities

- Carefree, Cornwall Blood Bikes and Exmouth Hospice Care.

It was the idea of Mo O’Brien after being given a book about the challenge by daughter Bird Watts, who is also taking part.

“It will be an amazing experience,” she said, “and certainly there’ll be another tale or two to tell my grandchildren. I think I’m actually buzzing.”

There are a number of sponsorship and branding opportunities available for local companies, with a number of local businesses already on board. For full details, go to oarsomefoursome.co.uk

LATEST CIOSIF INVESTMENT A Liskeard-based furniture manufacturer is the latest company to be supported by the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Investment Fund (CIOSIF).

Set up last year, Peadidit has clients across Cornwall and Devon, focusing on made to measure outdoor and indoor furniture, fitted furniture, and free-standing furniture pieces.

It has successfully secured £25k in funding, which will allow the company to increase production capabilities with the purchase of new equipment.

Peadidit owner Jonathan Peabody, said: “As a new and growing business obtaining

finance for growth is crucial for us to succeed and achieve our goals.”

Grant Peggie, director at the British Business Bank, added: “For any new business without a trading record it can be hard to secure the finance they need to grow. CIOSIF can make a real difference in helping to support small growing businesses across Cornwall to access funding they need which might not be available from traditional sources.

“The British Business Bank is pleased to be delivering £40 million of funding through the fund and providing finance from £25k up to £2 million.”

A new partnership has been agreed between the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group and the Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust. The trust will appoint a marine ranger to talk to passengers on board Scillonian III as they are sailing to the islands and offer information about the trust’s events programme on Scilly which visitors can enjoy during their stay. ____________________ Cornwall Airport Newquay has revealed details of its newest seasonal route.

From June 3, a new three-times weekly service will fly between Newquay and the Channel Islands. The route, which will be operated by Blue Islands, a franchise partner of Flybe, will fly to Jersey on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays, with an option of a connection through to Guernsey. ____________________ Marine-i has made a grant award to a marine tech company to focus on designing and building a futuristic robotic arm. Submarine Technology Ltd (STL) is based on the Isles of Wight but recently opened an office in Penryn to develop the device, which it hopes will transform autonomous marine operations. ____________________ Cornwall sent a trade mission to Canada last month to explore the potential for Cornwall to be a global resource for mining operations. Cornwall Trade & Investment attended PDAC (Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada) 2019 Convention in Toronto alongside the Department of International Trade (DIT) to launch Cornwall’s mining sector as one of the UK’s ‘High Potential Opportunities’. ____________________ Law firm Stephens Scown and accountant Bishop Fleming were among the companies to be included in the Sunday Times 100 Best Companies to Work For list. Stephens Scown, which was ranked for the fifth consecutive year, appeared in 44th place in the list of 100 best medium sized companies to work for in the UK, while Bishop Fleming was 66th. ____________________ Luxury interior design practice Camellia Interiors has closed its Rock showroom while the premises in Truro no longer have a shop front but will have an expanded design studio. The design practice says it is responding to an increased demand for its niche design and project management services.

BUSINESS CORNWALL | 7

BUSINESS

AWARDS

judging Entries for the Cornwall Business Awards closed at the end of March and it is time for the judges to start sifting through all the fantastic local businesses who are excelling at everything from customer service to exporting.

This year the awards have recruited brand new judges from across leading businesses in Cornwall and the business community.

The new set of judges will bring their experience of winning national awards, leading global businesses and working with hundreds of local small businesses to assess our entries.

Here just a few of the new judges give their thoughts on judging the awards, the local business environment and what they are looking for in a winning entry.

The award organisers The Growth and Skills Hub are looking for judges for 2020, if you are interested in supporting the awards, you can send an expression of interest on the website www. cornwallbusinessawards.co.uk The Cornwall Business Awards 2019 will be presented at a gala ceremony at St Mellion International on Thursday, June 27.

LINDA BARKER

BARCLAYS BUSINESS BANKING I am looking to celebrate entrepreneurs for their exceptional innovation, and for creating social change and growth that moves the UK forward. Daring to be different.

TOBY ALLIES PENDENNIS SHIPYARD LTD

At Pendennis, we work with many exciting and innovative businesses from Cornwall and I am very much looking forward to judging the 2019 Cornwall Business Award applications. I am sure you will have discovered that Cornwall is a unique and rewarding place to develop a business, however there are challenges that we all face and I hope to see how you have overcome these within your submissions.

SARAH TRETHOWAN

SARAH TRETHOWAN BUSINESS ADVICE It’s amazing how the quality and range of businesses in Cornwall continues to grow. There is something about working somewhere you really want to be that brings an extra edge and motivation to running a business. This translates into a great offer that keeps customers happy and coming back and leads to business success.

It also creates better and more interesting employment opportunities for everyone.

The diversity of businesses means there’s a brilliant supportive business community in Cornwall where we are all happy to help and support each other and share a passion for changing perceptions about the county.

8 | BUSINESS CORNWALL

Funding to support smaller businesses.

The Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Investment Fund provides commercially focussed finance through Debt and Equity Funds.

It aims to transform the finance landscape for smaller businesses in the area and to realise the region’s potential to achieve economic growth through enterprise.

Equity finance £50k - £2m For start-ups or more established businesses with high growth potential

Debt finance £25k - £1m For early stage or more established businesses that can demonstrate growth potential

www.ciosif.co.uk @ciosifbbb British Business Bank plc (BBB) is a development bank wholly owned by HM Government. British Business Financial Services Limited (BBFSL) is a wholly owned subsidiary of BBB. Neither BBB nor BBFSL is authorised or regulated by the PRA or FCA. BBB and its subsidiaries are not banking institutions and do not operate as such. A complete legal structure chart for the BBB group can be found at www.british-business-bank.co.uk.

Truro & Penwith College

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BUSINESS CORNWALL | 9

ADVERTORIAL

CREATIVITY These days it’s not enough to be great at your core business. You’ve also got to be great at the creative side.

Without a website, social media presence and marketing materials, a brilliant product will still be brilliant, but no one will know about it.

According to the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Skills Hub, lack of marketing skills is one of the most common challenges holding micro businesses and SMEs back. The ESF-funded project, which helps businesses recognise the skills gaps that exist within their teams and introduces them to relevant training, has worked with over 600 local businesses since its autumn 2017 inception and as a result, is developing a detailed picture of the skills landscape.

“By far, the most common skills gap among local businesses is digital marketing,” comments Josh Hoole, project manager of the Skills Hub. “Approximately one in three of the Skills Reviews that we conduct with businesses, flag it as an area in need of improvement to move the business forward.

General marketing and IT skills aren’t far behind, as is sales.

“To an extent, all of these skills fall under the creative umbrella which is interesting given Cornwall’s flourishing reputation in the creative sector. The good news though is that there is an abundance of training options available to help businesses upskill. They just need to know where to look.”

On a free and independent Skills Review, the Skills Hub works with businesses on a oneto-one basis to audit the skills that currently exist with their teams and identify skills that would be of most benefit.

“Very often the businesses that we meet have an initial view of what skills they need,” continues Josh. “However, by chatting their business operations through with one of our expert skills connectors, we are able to help them reveal training needs that they never knew existed and have the potential to transform the business.”

“The skills review really helped us to identify the right places to go and was essential in uncovering areas where we could really benefit from upskilling.”

Steve Cox, Castle Veterinary Group Ltd

To book a Skills Review, visit www.ciosskillshub.com or call 01209 708660.

The Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Skills Hub is part funded by the European Social Fund (ESF) and match funded by Cornwall Council and Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Local Enterprise Partnership.

PERCEPTIONS Often the most important adjustment needed concerning disability inthe workplace is a cultural one around stigma, writes Foot Anstey partner, James Collings.

While many forward-thinking employers understand the benefits a diverse workforce can bring, it seems that preconceptions remain an inhibitor to many, particularly around the duty to make reasonable adjustments.

The Equality Act 2010 imposes a duty on employers to make reasonable adjustments for disabled employees in an attempt to reduce or remove disadvantages that a particular disabled candidate or employee may face. The employer must effectively treat the disabled person more favourably than others, in an attempt to reduce or remove that individual’s disadvantage. In certain respects, this can be interpreted by employers as meaning that it’s automatically going to be more expensive to recruit and retain a disabled person, or that they’ll have to tolerate lower standards of performance.

10 | BUSINESS CORNWALL

In reality, individuals with disabilities can bring a huge wealth of skills and experiences to an organisation, and it is important that we try to break down the misconception that adjustments need to be onerous and expensive and instead focus on their true value.

Balancing a disabled person’s need for adjustments against other spending priorities will never be easy, but it is worth noting that the average cost of reasonable adjustments per individual is around £75 (which in most cases is a significantly lower cost than that which would be incurred in recruiting and training a new member of staff). In many cases these adjustments are simple, inexpensive or even free, and for the potential benefits gained are generally an extremely sound investment.

There is a lot of funding available for the implementation of certain adjustments if people have the desire to look. Many disability charities, for example, are happy to explore jointly funding certain adjustments. The Access to Work scheme has also been described as the Government’s ‘best kept secret’. Under the scheme, an employee can obtain a grant to cover types of assistance that are outside of the scope of their employer’s duty to make reasonable adjustments, for example help getting to and from work and special equipment or software.

For more information visit:

www.cornwallbeacon.co.uk

COMPANY

PROFILE

Breaking the Business Cornwall meets Whyfield MD Laura Whyte, and discovers a thoroughly modern accountancy firm that treats its clients as more than just a number

BUSINESS CORNWALL | 11

“I felt I had progressed as far as I could within my role in the business,” she says. “I was already in a position of leadership and management at a young age, so I decided to leave employment to set up my own accountancy practice with a schoolfriend.”

As you would expect with such a firm of accountants, Whyfield offers a comprehensive range of services from management accounts and year-end through to growth advice and digital accounting.

Indeed, digital is at the forefront of many people’s minds in the business community at the moment. While last year it was GDPR that dominated business compliance minds; this year Making Tax Digital (MTD) has been grabbing the headlines, with businesses now obliged to do their VAT data collection and filing digitally.

MTD is a key part of the Government’s plans to make it easier for individuals and businesses to get their tax right and keep on top of their affairs.

Forget the stereotypes you can sometimes get with this industry, Whyfield is very much a modern firm of accountants. As accountancies go, it is a young company, in both senses of the word.

Founded just five years ago by MD Laura Whyte and operations director Roxanne Neave, Whyfield has since grown into a vibrant practice with a youthful 13-strong team and some 760 clients.

Laura previously worked as a finance manager for a large local construction business. But a self-confessed “driven” person, she sought a new challenge and established her own company.

But rather like GDPR, by no means are all businesses as up to speed with MTD as they should be. Shortly before the official April 1 deadline for VAT registered businesses, Whyfield conducted a survey among businesses in Cornwall and discovered that just 18% were ready for the change. Indeed, only 22% of respondents said that they were fully aware of HMRC’s Making Tax Digital move and the subsequent implications that it would have on them.

Laura is pleased to report that 100% of Whyfield’s clients were compliant in good time, which is perhaps not surprising when considering the fact that as an accountancy firm, it has grown up in the digital age.

While most accountancy firms in Cornwall have had to learn to adapt to the digital world, for Whyfield it is something it has always done from day one.

Most accountancy firms in Cornwall have had to learn to adapt to the digital world, for Whyfield it is something it has always done from day one “When we began, digital was just starting to stand out,” says Laura, “but as a firm we have always embraced digital and we are pretty much paperless. Whereas older firms have had to learn to adapt, we’ve been doing it differently from day one because of the timing.”

While not necessarily all Cornish businesses are fully au fait with MTD, Laura does believe the move from HMRC makes sense.

“HMRC has postponed some parts of it, like income tax, but has been keen to keep the introduction of VAT. They have issued guidelines that they won’t initially be hard on non-compliance, they realise not everyone is quite there yet, but we are proud to say all our clients are.

“It is a huge change and is the biggest change in the way accounts are reported in decades. There are still people out there who keep a manual cash book, manual ledger and bags of receipts. For those businesses, it is a massive change. For people who aren’t maybe computer savvy, it’s going to be an even more difficult transition.

“But I think it is a good thing. Aside from the HMRC compliance side of it, clients having real time information of their business is going to be invaluable, being able to see what their turnover is this year compared to last year, where they are today, how much they’ve spent on certain expenses and actually getting a grip on it.

“And that’s why we’re such huge ambassadors of it. We’ve been shouting since day one, you need to know what your finances are doing. It’s no good just having your accounts rubber stamped nine months after your year end, you need to know as it’s happening so you can react before it’s too late. The fact that you’ve now got to do this is almost by the by, you should have been doing this anyway to run your business. The fact that HMRC is forcing people’s hands is kind of a good thing.”

12 | BUSINESS CORNWALL

COMPANY

PROFILE

to sign you to a package that includes things you might not make use of. But equally we need to make sure we’re doing everything that they do need.”

While Whyfield fosters close customer relationships, it pays similar attention to its staff.

As the familiar saying goes, a company is only as good as its staff.

30 UNDER 30 Whyfield prides itself in being a modern firm of accountants, with a professional but personable approach to business.

One of the first things a perspective new client may notice when walking through the doors of its modern offices in Threemilestone, is just how young everyone is. Laura herself is just 32.

“People do have pre-conceived ideas what an accountant should be like,” concedes Laura.

“There can be quite a rigid stereotype.”

For instance, a client said of one of Whyfield’s accountants, who was recently named to Cornwall’s 30 under 30: “Josh Collett is a top guy.... I still can’t believe he’s an accountant!!

Josh and the team at Whyfield have been a huge helping hand as we started our new company. They are all so friendly and helpful. They have shown great patience and taken time to explain things to us in a simple way.”

Indeed, business advice is becoming an increasingly common request with the modern accountant. Whereas in bygone years, a business’ closest adviser may have been their bank manager or solicitor, nowadays it is likely to be their accountant.

Whyfield likes to become fully involved in clients’ businesses and help in all aspects of finance, not just tax compliance – bookkeeping, management accounts, forecasting, planning etc.

Clients come from all walks of commercial life and all sizes, from sole traders up to limited companies turning over £10+ million. But typically, an SME. So, if you were a small business, employing maybe ten people for example, what would the initial process be?

Business advice is becoming an increasingly common request with the modern accountant

“Our branding, approach and presence on social media all portrays that we are a young firm,” says Laura. “So, when people walk through the door, they already know that. But there are probably people who haven’t called us in the first place because of that.

“And I think a lot of people like that. They see we’re a young growing business going through what maybe they’re going through.

So, it actually resonates that some of the things we’ve encountered over the past five years, might be the things they will encounter.”

“First of all, we would invite you in for a chat,” says Laura. “First and foremost it’s important to check we can get on from a personal basis as well. We’d talk through what we do and how we do it and we would get to know your business as well and how involved you would want us to be.

“If you were a company employing ten people, we could look at payroll, bookkeeping, management accounts etc. We could do stuff on site, or remotely here – once a month, once a week, once a quarter. It’s all about fitting in the client’s needs, what their expectations are and what their budget is.

“I am a massive ambassador of that,” says Laura. “The guys here are brilliant. Passionate, driven and have a love of accounting.”

Laura herself started out her accountancy career as an apprentice 14 years ago and firmly believes in encouraging and nurturing talent when she sees it.

From apprentices through to admin, fully qualified accountants and tax advisers, it is a young team and all are encouraged to constantly develop and further their qualifications and grow their career within the company. For instance, Jess Crook joined on day one as an apprentice and is now a fully qualified accountant and like Josh Collett, was recently listed to Cornwall’s 30 under 30 list of bright business talent.

“The best part, for me, is seeing staff come on,” says Laura. “Our first ever employee, who was also an apprentice, is now a manager training two apprentices of her own.

It is great seeing progress like that.”

whyfield.co.uk 01872 267 267 contact@whyfield.co.uk

“It’s a real mix. We don’t have fixed packages as such, every quote is bespoke. We don’t want people paying for what they don’t need – it would be a bit contradictory to say we’re going to save you money, but we’re going

BUSINESS CORNWALL | 13

GROWTH

PROGRAMME

CULTIVATING

The creative industries are the fastest growing sector in the UK economy and a growing number of entrepreneurs are turning selfemployed or starting their own businesses to make the most of the growth.

support programme is directly aligned to the skills programme, which is supported by European Social Fund (ESF) funding, results in a uniquely-integrated programme of skills and business development for the creative industries sector in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.”

Cultivator, a European-funded programme, is being rolled out by Redruth-based organisation Creative Kernow, specifically to help established and aspiring Cornish creative entrepreneurs develop their skills and grow their businesses.

At the heart of Cultivator is a team of seven well-connected creative business advisors who provide entrepreneurs with mentoring and coaching to help them move forward.

Since the project delivery started in January 2017, over 650 creative businesses have been benefitting. Cultivator director Jane Sutherland explains: “Cultivator is an innovative project providing tailored support from pre-start individuals through to established SMEs. The fact that the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)-funded business

Silver Sapling, a hand-made jewellery business based on St Mary’s in the Isles of Scilly, is one of the businesses who have benefitted.

Silver Sapling owners Ben and Lucy Gerrard say: “The grant has enabled us to come to St Austell College to attend an enamelling course, leading us to expand our silver jewellery collection. During the visiting season,

14 | BUSINESS CORNWALL

we are now running enamelling taster sessions for visitors, diversifying our income avenues.”

Participants highlight the importance of the connections made through the Cultivator network and the skills development programme. It enabled the training and collaboration of St Just-based ceramicist Lamorna Gore with educational ceramic studio Brickworks, based in Penryn.

Lamorna says: “I would not be where I am without Cultivator - By supporting my training, Cultivator enabled me to learn new techniques and processes which have taken my work in a direction I never initially imagined.”

The programme has already run more than a hundred skills development sessions and networking events. Lamorna adds: “Attending the talk led by Sarah Brittain-Mansbridge massively increased my knowledge and

GROWTH

PROGRAMME

We examine how the Cultivator programme is providing tailored support to Cornish creatives confidence in approaching galleries. As a result, my work is now going to be displayed in five contemporary galleries including in Cheltenham and Bristol.”

Connecting people aspiring to work in the creative industries to established businesses is another key outcome of the ESF-funded programme, resulting in the placement of over 40 interns and seven businesses taking on apprentices.

Textile designer and print maker, Helen Round, based in Mount Edgcumbe, has taken on two new full-time apprentices and one intern after engaging with the programme.

Helen explains: “This is a real cold spot of Cornwall and finding employment here in the creative industries can be really difficult for young people. I feel very proud we have been able to do that through Cultivator.”

HELEN ROUND (PHOTO BY: WE ARE RONIN) Cultivator also offers targeted investment to help businesses build capacity. Over 250 creative industry businesses have received grants as part of the ERDF-funded business support. Following a meeting with her business advisor, Helen decided to bid for a grant to purchase a tunnel dryer. “It helped us enormously- the production time is now three times quicker, which means we can take up larger orders from inland and overseas.”

of Scilly. Working with teams from our four delivery partners; the University of Plymouth, Real Ideas Organisation, Cornwall College and Business West also makes it a very collaborative project.”

To find out more about Cultivator and the businesses they are supporting visit www.cultivatorcornwall.org.uk

Jane Sutherland adds: “Cultivator is a great project to deliver that has generated amazing benefits for SME creative industries businesses across Cornwall and the Isles

MAIN PHOTO: ALEX O’CONNOR (PHOTO BY: WE ARE RONIN)

BUSINESS CORNWALL | 15

How do you attract people of such a high calibre to your business? Sometimes it can be as straightforward as putting in legwork and offering a compelling proposition

A2F TEAM MEMBERS CHRIS OLIVER, JACKIE GEORGE, YVIC CARR, HEATHER COUPLAND & CHRIS COTTER

The role of a non-executive director (NED) is often misunderstood. NEDs come in many guises and all types can be invaluable to early stage enterprises depending on the situation at hand.

If asked to conjure up an image of a NED, your mind’s eye may drift to the traditional caricature of a middle-aged man sitting around the boardroom table of a multi-national conglomerate, reaping the reward of a successful life at the top of the corporate ladder.

says the added value can make a world of difference to a business’ fortunes.

“A NED plays an important role in the governance of a company, independently challenging the board to ensure that the company’s best In reality, NEDs come interests are served from all walks of – above those of the commercial life. shareholders,” he Some take up unpaid explains. “This is an important requirement roles for philanthropic that is often reasons, choosing to misunderstood.

In reality, of course, NEDs come from ‘give back’ at the end of all walks of commercial life. Some “Naturally, they will their careers take up unpaid roles for philanthropic bring a wealth of reasons, choosing to ‘give back’ at experience and the end of their careers. For others, the networks and a non-executive director role may be part and balanced perspectives that brings. The legal parcel of a planned transition from corporate obligations of a NED are the same as those of life into self-employment. an executive director so careful due diligence is required before accepting a role. NEDs can The onus is on the business owner to fully provide additional input, especially to early explore what they are looking for when they stage businesses. appoint a NED. What type of role could they play in order to drive true value for the “A prime example of the type of NED that business? Will they be expected to simply can come in and make an instant impact is offer an impartial voice in key discussions, or ‘The Door Opener’. During my days as a tech is there something more a NED can bring to entrepreneur operating in the meetings and the table? events sector, I managed to attract one of the biggest industry players to my board.

Andrew Finley, project director of Oxford Innovation’s Access to Finance programme, “I wasn’t looking for his input into the detail

16 | BUSINESS CORNWALL

of our strategy (although his advice proved invaluable); primarily, I simply wanted a fixer and he was brilliant at that. One phone call was all it took to arrange meetings with some of the most senior people in the hotel business. I could never have created that kind of access without months of careful planning – and even then, with no guarantee of success.”

But how do you attract people of such a high calibre to your business? Sometimes it can be as straightforward as putting in legwork and offering a compelling proposition. “In my case I simply did some research and rang him up asking for 20 minutes of his time over coffee to talk about my business,” says Andrew. “It involved an eight-hour round-trip but he was happy to support what he saw as disruptive and valuable new technology in an industry he had spent his entire professional life in.”

Andrew is also quick to point out the flaw in assuming all NEDs are on the slide into retirement. “In an age when fortunes can be made in your 20s, many young entrepreneurs have been through the mill of equity finance raises, IPOs or a trade sale,” he adds. “If that is your ambition, these young trailblazers have a wealth of experience to offer.”

The Access to Finance programme, delivered

by Oxford Innovation, offers a number of services to businesses in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly looking to invest in growth –

ANDREW FINLEY

HEATHER COUPLAND

Move to the Have you ever considered hiring a non-executive director but are unsure how to go about it or whether you can afford it? It could be the best appointment you ever make including those looking to take on a nonexecutive director.

NED grants of up to £5k are available to eligible businesses via the ERDF-funded Access to Finance programme; just one of several grants it offers to help ease the financial strain in associated areas such as employing professional services, creating marketing collateral for crowdfunding campaigns or the costs associated with employing somebody in a senior finance role.

Access to Finance’s Investment Services website highlights both experienced NEDs and businesses seeking their services with a view to helping broker what can be a long and mutually beneficial relationship.

No commission is charged on successful pairings; the objective is purely to facilitate the greater take-up of highquality NEDs by businesses in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

The grant can pay up to 50% of the cost of a non-executive director over a period of up to six months

Programme delivery manager Heather Coupland says the NED grant on offer can help businesses bring in an invaluable resource at a crucial time in their development. “The NED grant we offer can fund post-investment support from experienced professionals with the kind of pedigree that can make such a difference to growing businesses,” she says “The grant can pay up to 50% of the cost of a non-executive director over a period of up to six months; over that kind of time frame, input from the right NED can really help our clients drive towards achieving their business goals – and, often, help to heighten their ambition.”

Interested businesses and prospective NEDs can open an account for free and post their opportunities at www.a2fis. co.uk. The website also acts as a platform for businesses seeking to raise finance by connecting them with active potential investors or business angels, who, in addition to capital funds, are often able to provide high quality commercial experience and contacts.

Since launching in 2017 Access to Finance has helped businesses in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly secure more than £10 million in various forms of finance. The programme’s approach is very much around education before intervention with a focus on sharing knowledge, ensuring all clients understand

the options available to them before they make a decision.

Whether a client is seeking to go down the route of debt, crowdfunding or equity partnerships, the Access to Finance team has the expertise to help the business arrive at the right solution for their specific needs.

The A2F team can also support clients when it comes to preparing strong applications for funding; with extensive in-house experience of producing successful paperwork across several different funding scenarios, input from Access to Finance can make all the difference.

From one-to-one sessions with a finance specialist to interactive masterclasses and practical group sessions, the programme offers clear, jargon-free guidance from preapplication to post-investment in a format to suit the situation at hand. Access to Finance is fully funded by the European Regional Development Fund, therefore the support it offers is available at no cost to eligible businesses.

For more information on the ways in which Access to Finance can help growing businesses, visit the programme website at www.a2f.co.uk or call 01872 300386.

BUSINESS CORNWALL | 17

Redruth Enterprise Park Project Cornwall Business Park, West Scorrier, Redruth

BLS Estates and Smart Commercial Property have been appointed by JAD Developments (Redruth) Ltd, as joint sole agents to undertake the marketing and letting of the Redruth Enterprise Park & Redruth House development on Plots 11, 12 and 12A, Cornwall Business Park, West, Scorrier, Redruth.

The development comprises a total of some 4,142 sqm (44,607 sq ft) of high quality low carbon office and hybrid office/industrial space, comprising 14 flexible small office suites and 14 hybrid office industrial units. The office suites start at 18 sqm, while the hybrid office/industrial units range from 235 sqm to 325 sqm.

The Redruth Enterprise Park project is currently under construction with the work due for completion by the end of June 2019. The units are available on a leasehold basis.

The units are constructed to BREEAM excellent and are aimed at high value growth SME businesses.

JAD Developments (Redruth) Ltd have successfully obtained some ÂŁ3.47m of grant funding for the project from the European Regional Development Fund, as part of the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Growth Programme.

Redruth Enterprise Park is exceptionally well located in relation to the main A30 at Scorrier and provides excellent connectivity to Cornwall’s main transport network as well as lying in close proximity to Camborne-Pool-Redruth and Truro.

01872 300 401 | timsmart@scp.uk.com Compass House, Truro Business Park, Truro, Cornwall TR4 9LD

COMMERCIAL

PROPERTY

We take a look at the local commercial property trends in Cornwall and discover a familiar picture of demand for quality work space outstripping supply

Building for the

future Despite the current economic and political uncertainty, according to the latest sector reports, the commercial property market in the region is performing well and continues to defy many doomsayers’ predictions.

Small shops with rateable values under £12k are easier to let as occupiers can benefit from small business relief

According to Alder King’s Market Monitor and Vickery Holman’s Market Review reports, demand is said to be consistent and where there are drops in up-take, this is often put down to shortage of quality supply rather then a crisis in confidence.

Probably the one sector that is going through more change than any, however, is retail. The demise of high street retail is rarely far from the headlines and this is reflected in both the Alder King and Vickery Holman reports.

Alder King says that while there was reduced activity in Truro’s retail market in 2018, it remains “resilient to changes”, pointing out Hotel Chocolat taking a prime unit in King Street and JD Sports opening on Lemon Quay. However, other towns in Cornwall, it says, saw a significant increase in vacancy rates over the year.

Vickery Holman commercial agent Will Oldrieve says: “It seems that no retailer is safe with the biggest and historically the safest companies suffering. This has had an impact on the general demand for retail stock as companies are being very cautious about making any decisions on real estate and expanding into new locations.

“Local companies are still willing to ‘have a go’, particularly on smaller units and as long

as they can find a good deal. Truro is still considered the key retail destination within Cornwall and any new entrants to this part of the country would certainly consider Truro in the first instance.”

The Vickery Holman research says that while retail vacancies in Truro have started to creep up, it is not suffering as badly as other towns in Cornwall, or even other regional centres in the UK. The report says that while there are more retail units available, they tend to be on the smaller size with few prime shops available. It says that coffee shops and hairdressers are performing well, while small shops with rateable values under £12k are easier to let as occupiers can benefit from small business relief.

BUSINESS CORNWALL | 19

COMMERCIAL

PROPERTY

OFFICES WITH

INNOVATION

CECILY MILLS, CEO AND FOUNDER OF COCONUTS ORGANIC Ranging from app designers and creative agencies to a rather different ice cream maker, the latest businesses to join the Innovation Centres illustrate the diversity and breadth of each centre’s appeal.

and Spall’s combined 60 years of games industry experience, WellBeings specialises in publishing mobile games to address mental health issues including anxiety, panic disorder and depression.

Located in Pool, Tremough and Treliske, all three Innovation Centres are managed by the University of Plymouth, on behalf of Cornwall Council which delivered the buildings through the European-funded Convergence Programme.

Vegan ice cream producer Coconuts Organic, formerly Coconuts Naturally, moved to Pool Innovation Centre in November. Launched in 2015, the company has grown to include well-known supermarkets and online retailer Ocado as clients. Pool Innovation Centre was the perfect choice for founder and CEO Cecily Mills.

Head of Cornwall Innovation Centres, Matt Harrington, said: “We are delighted to welcome the latest businesses to our innovation centres, adding to a collaborative community of exciting and dynamic companies.

“Our whole ethos is to support businesses to grow and develop in Cornwall.

We’re looking forward to helping these companies to thrive and create new, high quality jobs for the local area. When you join an Innovation Centre you benefit from much more than first-class office space, you become part of a like-minded community of ambitious, innovative businesses. An important benefit of being based at an Innovation Centre is the networking opportunity it provides and we see many businesses collaborating with one another.”

Mental health mentor Craig Fearn has teamed up with games industry veterans Mark Ripley and Matt Spall to launch WellBeings, which is based at the Health and Wellbeing Innovation Centre.

Combining Fearn’s 15 years of experience as a mental health mentor with Ripley

20 | BUSINESS CORNWALL

“I looked at other sites but none of them were right for what we needed,” said Cecily, who added that the company offers seven flavours of coconut-based ice creams, from caramel and mint choc chip to rum and raisin. “There’s a great network of businesses based here that we can work with and thanks to these networking opportunities we have started working with the University of Plymouth to look at sustainable packaging options for our ice creams.”

With his helicopter management app gaining customers across the world, Craig Webster needed a base for his expanded operations. He has been flying helicopters for 20 years and used that knowledge to create the Heli Crew Manager App, with rotas, flight tracking and flying hours all documented on the tech.

“I moved to the Health and Wellbeing Innovation Centre because there is so much support available and the networking opportunities are so important,” said Craig,

Growing numbers of exciting new businesses are taking the opportunity to base themselves at Cornwall’s three thriving Innovation Centres.

O in a a

who added that he has clients in London, South Africa and Kazakhstan. He is also speaking with other companies including a firm based in Dubai about using his app.

Cllr Bob Egerton, Cornwall Council’s cabinet member for planning and economy, said: “Pool Innovation Centre has been open for nearly a decade now, and the business successes nurtured by it, and the other centres in Tremough and Treliske, demonstrate the case for the positive interventions that Cornwall Council and its partners can make to support the economy of Cornwall.

“Under the dedicated stewardship of the University of Plymouth, the Cornwall Innovation Centres have maintained consistently high levels of occupancy, providing quality accommodation and support to diverse businesses, which all have in common the ambition and drive to create value. It’s particularly exciting when productive collaborations across distinct sectors, which may never have otherwise happened, take place because of the unique community environment that is nurtured within each of the centres.”

For more information on the range of services available to help your business, visit www.cornwallinnovation.co.uk

W C 1 p Tr

C h ap b o

The Business Property Specialists across the south-west and beyond

The Commercial Property Experts...

Jeremy Johnson

Mike Nightingale

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01872 247032

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Our commercial agency team specialise in the sale, acquisition, letting and investment of all types of commercial property including industrial units and factories that are ideal for warehousing, light industry, production and distribution. Over the last 2 years we have been involved with over

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27a Pennygillam Way, Launceston - High quality, modern light industrial / warehouse unit. 15,000 sq ft incl. 1,900 sq ft of refurbished offices plus 1,400 sq ft of mezzanine storage. Strategic location on A30 halfway between Truro and Exeter. £85,000 pa excl.

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36 Normandy Way, Bodmin - 15,076 sq ft plus an additional mezzanine area of 3,595 sq ft. Within 0.5 miles of the A30 and A38. Due to be reclad during Spring. £67,500 pa excl.

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Tresillian Business Park, Tresillian - Eight brand-new units of approx 1,700 sq ft which could be combined.

Excellent location on the A390 providing easy access to Truro, St Austell and the A30. £13,776 pa excl.

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PROPERTY

COMMERCIAL

A30 BUSINESS PARK, INDIAN QUEENS Rents have consequently been impacted, with “slight decreases” being seen in for both prime and secondary locations.

Vickery Holman reports that some retailers nowadays are insisting on including a ‘CVA clause’ into new leases, which enables them to renegotiate their rent at any point throughout the lease if a neighbouring occupier files a CVA.

With a lack of new development shaping the market, this trend is likely to continue without the possibility of further EU funding

On the office space side, the market in and around Truro appears to be fairly stable. Alder King reports “modest activity” while Vickery Holman suggests that many businesses may be holding off from a move until the uncertainty surrounding the B-Word sorts itself out.

Office supply in the city is said to have fallen in the past year, “with very few options available” and with existing stock “being lost to alternative uses” such as residential.

But some interesting takeaways from the Vickery Holman report 22 | BUSINESS CORNWALL

include the notion that Truro is no longer the be all and end all for many businesses when it comes to looking for office accommodation, with companies increasingly considering such locations as Newquay, Falmouth and St Austell.

And many companies, it says, don’t require as much office space in general, with the rise of remote working and online storage of files.

For industrial space, Vickery Holman reports that demand remains strong with a number of local and national companies looking to upgrade or expand, with a particular rise in ‘trade counter’ operations from out of county moving into the area.

conditions, Alder King’s Market Monitor reports the average age of stock will increase.

Head of agency Tom Duncan says: “It remains the case in Cornwall that the cost of acquiring and constructing new buildings will exceed the value of the completed product.

“As a result, new development is unlikely to be viable without the assistance of grant funding.”

And on that subject a note of caution – Vickery Holman says with a lack of new development shaping the market, this trend is likely to continue without the possibility of further EU funding. Or will the UK Government pick up the slack, the consultancy asks?

Not surprisingly, there is little available stock on the market “with continued lack of construction in the Truro area” with occupiers increasingly looking further afield at locations such as Bodmin and Launceston where is stock is more readily available and also benefit from closer proximity to the A30.

Much of the industrial stock in Cornwall is not always overly modern and with speculative development looking less certain in current market

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COMMERCIAL

PROPERTY

TAX RELIEF ON COMMERCIAL PROPERTY Understanding what expenses you can and cannot claim for is a simple way to save your business money, says RRL tax partner Steve Maggs Capital allowances can be a minefield, with only certain items qualifying. This leads to many businesses under-claiming or missing out entirely by not claiming at all. Put simply, capital allowances are a tax-efficient way of spreading the cost of certain business assets over several years, allowing you to claim a proportion of the cost from your taxable profits and reduce your tax bill.

The Chancellor introduced a number of changes in last year’s Autumn Budget, with one particular highlight. For all qualifying expenditure since 1 January 2019, and up until 31 December 2020, the maximum Annual Investment Allowance has increased to £1,000,000 – five times what it was previously. If you have been considering capital expenditure, now may be the time to get out the chequebook.

According to a recent report by property data analyst, Costar, Devon and Cornwall has the lowest industrial vacancy rates in the whole of the south west (2.1% of total stock), compared with other areas such as Bristol (4.6%), for example. While on one side this could be viewed positively, there is another side of the coin.

Tom Smith, head of commercial agency at Miller Commercial, remarks: “On one side, this is great news. Small to medium

It is important to seek the advice of an experienced Chartered Tax Adviser to find out whether the project you are planning might qualify for capital allowances and ensure that you can make the best decision for your business. Claims are often missed on purchases of commercial property and properties to be let on a furnished holiday let basis. We specialise in identifying such claims. RRL’s team of friendly experts work with businesses large and small across Cornwall, ensuring that you always receive the most relevant advice.

sized manufacturing and industrial sector businesses are flourishing, taking up much of the available stock. But for those businesses looking to expand, upgrade or move location, this presents a dilemma – there’s nowhere to go to.”

Smith says this has been further highlighted by a recent development of 18 new light industrial/office hybrid units on

RRL is an independent firm of Chartered Accountants and Chartered Tax Advisers.

For more information visit www.rrlcornwall.co.uk or call 01872 276116 or 01736 339322.

During early 2019, demand for hotels guest houses and leisure businesses has remained steady

the outskirts of Falmouth on Cornwall’s south coast, which were all sold off-plan at prices hitting £100 per sq ft, a record high for vacant commercial property in the county, underlining the demand from both owner occupiers and speculators alike and reinforcing the business confidence in Cornwall and the South West economy in general.

But what can break this deadlock of supply?

“There is a chronic need for small business units in all areas of Cornwall but into Devon as well,” says Smith. “And it requires speculative development from both the private and public sectors to provide good quality, fit for purpose units, not overly specified but sufficient to satisfy the needs of businesses that are as far ranging as distillers, bakers and brewers, through to designers, skin care producers, gyms and leisure users as well as digital agencies and of course the ever growing need for more space for logistics and distribution.”

Meanwhile, a similarly steady picture of the leisure market is painted by independent commercial property consultancy, SBC Property.

24 | BUSINESS CORNWALL

COMMERCIAL

CAN I GET THE VAT BACK? …is a surprisingly common question asked by buyers of commercial property, says Bishop Fleming tax director Robert Bailey If you are buying a ‘new’ commercial building (less than three years old) or one on which the seller has ‘opted to tax’, VAT at 20% will be added to the price. Whether you can get that back depends on how and by whom the building will be used and there are a surprising number of pitfalls and opportunities to consider.

If a buying business occupies the property itself, and that business charges VAT on all it does, then the VAT is recoverable. However, if the building cost is £250k or more (+ VAT), that VAT reclaim may be clawed back if there is a sale or change of use within 10 years and advice should be taken beforehand.

PROPERTY

If the property is already let and the tenant will remain in occupancy, the Transfer of Going Concern rules may apply and the VAT charge avoided but there are some complex conditions.

If none of the above apply, it may be possible to change the deal to make it fit – for instance, maybe buy through a new company.

Or it may be possible to lift the seller’s option, if the option is more than 20 years old or if the buyer will use the property for development into dwellings. But none of these are easy – strict conditions apply.

An extra 20% on a building purchase is a lot of money to risk and advice should always be taken before you act. After you have bought may be too late.

For more information contact Robert Bailey, tax director at Bishop Fleming, on 01872 247086, rbailey@bishopfleming.co.uk or visit www.bishopfleming.co.uk

If the property will be let, to reclaim the VAT the buyer will need to opt to tax the property himself and charge VAT on the rent. This is a new option - the seller’s option does not move with the property.

Partner, Russell Weetch, says: “During early 2019, demand for hotels, guest houses and leisure businesses has remained steady and SBC Property has over recent months concluded a number of transactions in this sector including Willow Valley Holiday Park at Bude, Gyllyngvase House and Anchorage Apartments in Falmouth.”

Weetch says Cornwall remains a “Grade A” relocation destination for many out of county purchasers seeking a lifestyle change, with a leisure property providing a home and income.

“Many astute applicants have recognised that demand for Cornwall as a holiday destination remains high and ‘staycations’ are likely to increase over coming years particularly if the summer of 2018 is repeated.

“Therefore, purchasers consider a leisure property and business in Cornwall a lucrative opportunity. The properties in greatest demand tend to have the ideal combination of a popular trading location with comfortable owners accommodation and a good trading history and profitability, likely to be supported by banks and lending institutions.”

However, there is one cloud on the horizon, however. No, not the Cornish weather, but rather the B-Word.

TOPPING OUT CEREMONY AT THE AEROHUB BUSINESS PARK Weetch adds: “While demand is on par year on year, the continued uncertainty over ‘Brexit’ has effected confidence particularly in the out of county residential sector, subsequently we are liaising with a higher than average number of prospective purchasers who are taking a little longer to sell their own property or business.

“Notwithstanding this, the popularity of Cornwall as relocation destination coupled with the relatively low interest rates has resulted in consistent sales and sale prices.”

Properties in greatest demand tend to have the ideal combination of a popular trading location with comfortable owners accommodation and a good trading history and profitability

BUSINESS CORNWALL | 25

ADVERTORIAL

CORNISH BUSINESSES EMBRACING DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY FOR GROWTH Thanks to support from Superfast Business Cornwall’s tailored programme of highquality information, advice and grant funding, businesses across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly have improved competitiveness by adopting digital technology.

The Service, which has been delivered with funding from the European Regional Development Fund, is now drawing to a close having exceeded all of its targets.

Since June 2016, more than 360 businesses have benefitted from the full programme of support, with a further 40 businesses still progressing through the programme.

An impressive £760,000 of grant funding has been paid to help Cornish businesses realise their digital projects.

The impact will continue with businesses improving their productivity and efficiency, to make them more competitive for years to come.

Harnessing technology

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36O

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completed the programme of support

175

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The Impact for Cornish businesses 57

businesses have had grant funding to implement new digital projects

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Learn more: free informative guides and resources at sfbcornwall.co.uk/knowledge-bank

26 | BUSINESS CORNWALL

ADVERTORIAL

How adopting digital technology has made a real difference to two Cornish businesses.

What next for businesses keen to harness digital technology for growth?

John Hall, co-founder of Trevethan Gin distillery, received digital support and match funding to invest in a new digital till system, IT hardware and a cloud-based management system. Speaking about the impact that this support has afforded his business, John says:

The Superfast Business Cornwall website is available until June 2019. It includes a wealth of free-to-access resources for businesses wanting to adopt and exploit digital technologies for growth:

“Now that this new management system is at the heart of our operations, we can take the next steps forward as a business. We have already taken on two new members of staff and expect to recruit another one shortly. We are moving to larger premises in Saltash and we are investigating export to several new overseas markets, including the USA and Australia as well as other countries in Europe. The future is looking very bright indeed.”

www.sfbcornwall.co.uk

ashortwalk, a trailblazing Cornish eco-business, has integrated online systems to streamline business processes and help to grow sales, boost profits and create new jobs.

Owner, Dan Dicker, praises the Service, saying: “In Cornwall, we can be seen as being remote from our markets so we need to lead the way with the use of technology to remain competitive, communicate and network. We’ve learned how to engage directly online with our customers and promote our brand more effectively.

“We wouldn’t have been able to get to this point without the support of Superfast Business Cornwall and with our new digital focus there are real growth opportunities for the future.”

FUNDED BY

LEARN MORE : The Superfast Business Cornwall Knowledge Bank includes useful resources on all things digital, such as; cyber security, using online tools to improve productivity, reaching new customers, CRM and online accounting.

BE INSPIRED : Read online, real-life examples of how Cornish businesses have implemented digital technology and get some great ideas on how digital technology can help your business to save costs, increase productivity and reach new markets.

ONGOING SUPPORT : Contact the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Growth and Skills Hub: www.ciosgrowthhub.com

DELIVERED BY

BUSINESS CORNWALL | 27

ADVERTORIAL

FOCUS ON TOMORROW Vibrant, inspiring and practical, the EDRFfunded Future Focus programme, delivered

by Unlocking Potential, in partnership with the University of Exeter, offers support to businesses who want to accelerate growth, reduce risk and create change.

The Future Focus programme is ideally positioned for business leaders who are at a tipping point and growth is on the horizon, Future Focus will provide you with a collaborative network of peers, expert facilitators, and valuable tools to develop and activate a plan for your business innovation.

Here at Unlocking Potential we understand that when you’re running your own business it can sometimes be hard to reach out for support. You’re at the core of the business and finding the time to step away from the everyday can often be a struggle.

However, our three-part Future Focus programme combined with our collaborative networks and access to research, is easily accessible and will enable you to break boundaries, innovate and prosper: EVENTS Superstar keynote speakers sharing their fascinating experience and knowledge.

LABS Industry experts working with you and other leaders in a supportive peer group.

RESOURCES During Labs you’ll develop an action plan.

We’ve got a host of high-value resources (including subsidies and funding) as well as access to experts to help you deliver it.

28 | BUSINESS CORNWALL

Here’s a couple of the businesses supported through Future Focus:

Perception Drones With a background in Electronic and Civil Engineering, Mark Polson launched Perception Drones in 2016 with an aim to provide safe, fast, high quality imagery for a range of business sectors. Quickly realising the opportunity drone technology offers for innovative data collection techniques, his business now offers land surveying, mapping & crop analysis alongside commercial & promotional film and photography.

Jaime Tinker, Impact and Partnership Development Manager at the University of Exeter, said “With the support of the Future Focus programme, Mark was able to take part in a knowledge placement visit in which he travelled to Sweden to understand and test the concept for a new type of drone service.

Mark is rapidly becoming a specialist on a number of surveying techniques combined with his drone technology capabilities using thermographic and multispectral cameras. As such Mark will be launching a number of new services to his clients in 2019 which I think will prove popular across a range of industries.”

Jubel Beer A real success story born from two friends drinking peach flavoured beer on a university ski trip and having an idea to recreate it in the UK. Tom & Jesse launched Jubël in May 2017. Two years later, their beer is now stocked in more than 300 bars, pubs and restaurants and, more recently, taking them international where they can be found on the shelves of 600 Sainsburys stores spanning four different countries.

Tom, attended an Unlocking Potential event keen to propel the product into a commercial proposition. Tom recalls, “The advice and expert knowledge we received from Unlocking Potential provided the business with initial structure and challenged us to think BIG”.

Unlocking Potential Programme Director, Allyson Glover, said “Through a Future Focus support grant they were able to receive support from a peach flavouring specialist – one of only two in the world - to really help them develop the unique taste of their beer.

In addition to that, says Allyson “We’ve supported Tom & Jesse through a knowledge exchange, giving them access to pub chain specialists and coaches in marketing, brand, distribution, export & sales”.

If you’re interested in finding out more about how Future Focus Resources, Events & Labs can help your business, you can call us on: 0845 6003660 or visit our website at www.unlocking-potential.co.uk

LEGAL

CORNWALL

Last year PFA Research took a look at innovations in the legal services sector and how Cornish law firms may be set fair for growth especially through technological development, or ‘law tech’.

This year, PFA Research director, Robert Rush, takes a further look at developments and how Cornwall’s own law firms are investing into tech, as well as a delve into National Statistics and to reflect on the future of the sector ahead of the country’s departure from the European Union.

Opportunity Already the second largest legal services market in the world, and employing over 380,000 people, the UK legal sector continues to grow. According to ONS, the ‘turnover on legal activities’ to December 2018 is an estimated £35.4 billion, up 6% from 2017 and following a 7% increase on 2016.

The country’s top 100 firms turnover £24.2 billion alone and account for over two thirds of the total UK revenue, according to a report by TheCityUK. The sector in Cornwall also continues to grow.

Whilst its businesses contribute a mere 0.3% of the total GVA generated by the legal sector in the UK as a whole, and just 4.7% of the south west’s, the growth in the Duchy over the last three years has been impressive. On latest figures (to 2017), the growth in GVA of Cornwall’s legal sector by its 1,000 strong workforce is an impressive 34.1%, from £85 million in 2014 to £114 million

‘turnover on legal activities’ to December 2018 is an estimated £35.4 billion, up 6% from 2017

in 2017. This compares to 13.6% for the south west as a whole and the UK average of 11.6%. Such ‘production’ levels have not been seen since 2010 in the post-recession recovery.

The need for cutting edge initiatives to ensure the UK’s legal services sectors continues to grow and retain its world-leading reputation are recognised at national level. Last July, the Government announced its backing of a

new industry-led delivery panel to drive the development of legal technologies.

The LawTech Delivery Panel, chaired by Law Society president Christina Blacklaws, has established six taskforces to tackle challenges in the broad areas of: regulation; ethics; commercial dispute resolution; education and training; investment and funding; and establishing the UK as jurisdiction of choice for LawTech.

BUSINESS CORNWALL | 29

LEGAL

CORNWALL

NALDERS IN LANDMARK CASE On 8 February 2019, the Court of Appeal (Civil Division) handed down Judgment in Toms v Ruberry [2019] EWCA Civ 128.

Nalders LLP acted for the successful tenant The Court of Appeal held that a landlord may not validly serve a notice under s146 of the Law of Property Act 1925 (which is the first step in initiating forfeiture of a lease), until the contractual right to re-enter has arisen under the lease.

The landlord argued at the Court of Appeal, as he had previously, that it was sufficient for there to have been any breach of the lease, not necessarily an event that gave rise to a right of re-entry, to bring about the ability to serve a s146 Notice. On this second appeal of a trial decision, Nalders LLP successfully argued for the tenant that a right of re-entry under a lease must first

have arisen before a s146 Notice can be served.

Attempting to terminate a commercial lease by forfeiture is an important and high risk step. Making an early technical mistake may be something that cannot be saved and can set the parties on the wrong course entirely. Landlords and tenants are reminded of the need to take proper advice and to ensure:

(b) Clear identification of the particular breach complained of, in terms that mean that the tenant knows what to do to remedy that breach.

(a) Absolute compliance with the requirements of s146(1) and also with any specific or peculiar provisions within the lease itself; and

nalders.co.uk

AVOIDING SEXUAL HARRASSMENT CLAIMS Murrell Associates’ employment law specialist, Melanie Rowe, has some tips for managing relationships at work Relationships at work happen. Recently the #metoo movement has thrown sexual harassment at work into the spotlight. As one of the instances in which employers can be liable for the actions of staff, business owners will be understandably anxious to avoid becoming embroiled in an employment tribunal claim, when things go wrong.

So, what can employers do to minimise the potential negative impact on their business as a result of an inter-employee relationship?

What is sexual harassment?

Legally, sexual harassment is defined as: “unwanted conduct of a sexual nature, which has the purpose or effect of violating an individual’s dignity or creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment for that individual”.

30 | BUSINESS CORNWALL

How could an employer be sued?

Apart from the obvious cases of too many gins at a work party, sexual harassment has been upheld in many cases where relationships have ended, and one party did not modify their behaviour accordingly.

It can also include complaints from staff not involved in the relationship made to feel uncomfortable as a result, as well as general issues with “flirting and banter” or inappropriate physical contact/offensive language.

What can you do to protect your business?

A clearly defined policy is key in conjunction with management training on how to monitor the situation. Clear contractual terms which allow you to move an employee to a different team may also assist.

relationship and ensure training is given to deal with the report respectfully and in confidence; • Ensure staff are aware that they must act professionally during working hours or whilst in the company of other staff members; and • Warn of the penalties of unacceptable behaviour in the workplace.

If you would like more information about this topic or any aspect relating to employment law, including advice or staff training, please contact Melanie Rowe on 01872 227066 or by email at melanie.rowe@murrellassociates.co.uk

Top tips include: • Encourage staff to inform managers of the

www.murrellassociates.co.uk

rights_net

netrights

Social Media, Internet & Media Law parnalls solicitors, 15-19 westgate street, launceston, cornwall pl15 7ab

t: 01566 772375

e: enquiries@netrights.co.uk

supporting you from attack online and in the media

protecting your personal or business reputation

w: www.netrights.co.uk

safeguarding your privacy and confidential information

retaliating against information leaks and copying of your work or brand

Real Support in a Virtual World

LEGAL

CORNWALL

OUR WAY TO AN OUTWARD-FACING FUTURE fortunes of the area and the growing demand for legal services.

Our Falmouth-based legal team is rising to the challenges of Brexit and beyond in recruitment, training, compliance and expertise across our departments to serve the needs of our diverse client-base.

In the last few months a successful business model has resulted in several lawyers joining our team and we have promoted commercial property specialist Diana Standen to partner.

To an extent we are reflecting the rising

We also recognise that within certain sectors – farming an example - there is uncertainty as to what a post-Brexit future looks like. Helping our farming community is Sue Reynolds, an agricultural and commercial property specialist with farming in her blood, whose childhood on a Cornish farm has helped shape her career.

Further strengthening our team in this outward-facing maritime county is Autumn Trebilcock for whom intensive study, alongside her private client work, has led to her joining the small community of specialist lawyers known as Notaries Public. Her work is recognised internationally, providing services to commercial firms engaged in international trade as well as private individuals. As one of just a handful of notaries in Cornwall her expertise is in demand.

Shifting political and cyber risks make it important for a modern law firm to take a progressive and proactive approach, writes Hine Downing Partner Luke Roberts.

Our development has led to expansion into new offices in the heart of Falmouth, above the Yorkshire Building Society agency managed by our sister company Hine Downing Financial Services, which is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, not the Solicitors Regulation Authority.

By bringing your legal issues to us you will be assured of a greeting that is as friendly as it is professional.

For more information please contact us on +44 (0) 1326 316655 or general@hinedowning.com or visit www.hinedowning.com

MEETING THE CHALLENGE Peter Lamble, Chairman of Coodes Solicitors shares some recent developments at the south west law firm We are adapting to many regulatory changes in the legal sector, alongside challenges that every business faces, from the recruitment and retention of staff, to meeting new expectations from clients.

At Coodes we are meeting these challenges head on. After all, it is what we have been doing for 270 years. As a result, we are achieving growth across the firm, specifically a sharp increase in commercial and residential property, estate planning and litigation work.

We have always worked hard to nurture our brilliant team of lawyers and support staff. I am proud to have supported many of our long-term employees to rise through the ranks. We are now building on this by recruiting a number of trainee solicitors.

Our staff value the positive culture at

32 | BUSINESS CORNWALL

Coodes, and the fact that we offer an excellent work-life balance. Perhaps that is why our staff turnover is well below the national average.

We have been proactive in anticipating and delivering the highest standards of customer-focused services. A high point of last year was being named best conveyancing firm in Cornwall and Devon

by The ESTAS, the biggest award scheme in the UK residential property industry, based entirely on client feedback.

To ensure we maintain our reputation for meeting the ever-changing needs of our clients, we have invested heavily in Cloud technology and new IT, which will provide the platform for how our clients want us to deliver our services going forward.

Despite uncertainty around Brexit, our business clients, like us, continue to innovate, expand and adapt. Our

Corporate and Commercial team is handling more work, including a number of high value deals, many of which involve outside investment into Cornwall. We are also experiencing growing demand from innovative start-up and early stage businesses.

As we grow and adapt, we remain committed to this beautiful region and are proud of our Cornish roots going back to 1747. We know that our corporate clients appreciate having a locally-based law firm they can trust, with the experience and specialist legal knowledge to offer the very best advice.

www.coodes.co.uk

LEGAL

The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) regulates 186,000 solicitors and 10,400 law firms in England and Wales. The SRA’s 2014-17 Corporate Strategy set a number of objectives around reforming regulation to enable growth and innovation, raising standards and upholding core professional standards, improving operational performance, and working with stakeholders to improve quality of its services.

department manager (personal disputes), for Coodes explains how his firm is digitising business: “It is interesting; as a sector we have been slow on uptake with respect to technology. We had just about caught up by the time of the crash [2008], but then further investment and development slowed.

Firms have now, as a matter of necessity or otherwise, decided they need to catch up.

If you look at the top 100 law firms in the country, approximately 90% are now hosting in the cloud

Among those was “SRA Innovate”, an approach to encourage firms to innovate and offer services in new ways that help the public, with the development of web resources and provision of a safe space for firms to try out new things.

Its latest three-year corporate strategy puts a sharper focus on high professional standards and the reduction of unnecessary bureaucracy, reducing costs and removing constraints on an open and competitive legal sector.

Cornwall’s larger law firms are rising to the challenge. Colin Hunter, partner and

“Coodes started working on this about five years ago, evaluating our technology requirements and how clients will use legal services in the future. We asked our staff how we they felt needed to improve and sought external expert consultancy advice on what legal sector focussed technology could do for us and our clients.”

Coodes has since transformed the business over its nine offices through the introduction on new technology, though Colin admits the systems, which have wide ranging functionality, are still ‘bedding in’ for their 180 employees.

Importantly, the investment includes a firm wide practice management suite and hosting servers and data in the cloud: “If you look

CORNWALL

at the top 100 law firms in the country, something like 90% are now hosting in the cloud.

This has provided greater flexibility, reliability and resilience.

All our offices benefit from superfast internet so connectivity to the cloud is not an issue for us.”

At Foot Anstey, Tara Walsh, client solutions lead, reflects on huge changes in the legal industry over the last few years: “We have seen exponential growth in legaltech, which is really exciting. It reminds me of the dot.com bubble in the late 90s, but we know what happened there.

We are likely to see consolidation over the next five years. However, what you have here is a risk averse market and what was once the domain of the two major tech players (Thomson Reuters and LexisNexis), we’re now seeing a huge rise in the adoption of cloud based legaltech startups, some of which are being nurtured by the larger City firms; ie Fuse (Allen & Overy), Nextlaw Labs (Dentons) and MDR Lab (Mischon de Reya).”

BUSINESS CORNWALL | 33

LEGAL

CORNWALL

NET GAINS

Parnalls Solicitors has launched what it says is Cornwall’s first dedicated social media, Internet and media law service.

NetRights is headed up by Laura Baglow, a specialist media lawyer with nearly 20 years’ experience in the field.

She has acted in numerous complex and high-profile defamation and privacy claims on behalf of celebrities, politicians and prominent individuals and businesses and she has also advised numerous individuals, companies and organisations on social media abuse and risk.

NetRights’ focus is the Internet and social media in response to the growing number of issues faced in these areas by people and businesses in today’s digital world. The new department will assist clients in a broad range of different situations from trolling and online abuse through to data breaches and fake online reviews.

Laura says: “In today’s world, it is imperative that individuals and organisations protect themselves from social media attack. In this constantly evolving area of law, it is essential to instruct a lawyer that is up to date with the latest legal and technological developments and who can fight your corner robustly and sensibly.”

34 | BUSINESS CORNWALL

Ultimately, exploiting opportunities with tech leads to better client service and being more accountable (and giving better value for money). Tara says Foot Anstey has worked collaboratively with its clients to provide solutions designed to address their issues. “Clients want more for less from their legal suppliers and law firms need to respond to that by understanding what the value to the client is,” she says.

pro-forma which goes directly to the right team. As time goes on clients will be able to monitor how their case is progressing, as well as being view stages, able to upload documents or photographs into their case file.”

The statistics present a positive picture that Cornish law is punching above its weight

Similarly at Coodes, Colin Hunter describes some of the specific benefits of an integrated system. “Clients can ‘connect’ with us in a more meaningful way, whether that’s from their laptop or their mobile phone.

For example, they can complete a triage

The future is exciting with law tech. Alongside some of the national sector initiatives, Foot Anstey has a strategy for innovation. Tara explains: “We set up Foot Anstey Innovation Hub last year, bringing together a multi-disciplinary team to work collaboratively on initiatives. We have Innovation Champions from across the business who bring ideas to the Hub, where they are discussed, rated using a criteria which is heavily weighted to improving the client experience.

LEGAL

CORNWALL

“As well as the Innovation Hub, my role was set-up to identify and develop client led solutions such as real estate portfolio management, working closely with senior lawyers. We have created a balanced portfolio of initiatives that address current issues our clients have, as well as areas that we believe will impact the legal sector in the future. We’re looking at a number of areas closely, such as Blockchain (and the impact for us as lawyers and for our clients and the markets they are in), E-discovery and predictive coding, artificial intelligence (AI) and Smart contracts.”

At Coodes, Colin also has an eye on the future, recognising that there will be a demand for greater automation to make repeated tasks more efficient, as well as opportunities for artificial intelligence.

“Processing large document-based tasks, for example in dispute resolution, has traditionally a physical paper-based exercise, involving search and sorting of information, filtered by humans. If one is dealing with a large complex dispute, AI could be directed to relevant search activities, saving potentially huge amounts of man hours.”

The statistics present a positive picture that Cornish law is punching above its weight and contributing well to the economy. Client experience is clearly improved through smart use of technology aided by a good broadband network. As well as offering employees a fantastic work/life balance, Cornwall therefore presents a real advantage

to its law firms. Whileboth Foot Anstey and Coodes represent two of the larger firms in Cornwall, the challenge for the sector as a whole is for the smaller practises to be aware of the opportunities for transformational change, not to get left behind and therefore to make time and find resources to invest appropriately in law-tech.

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BUSINESS CORNWALL | 35

PEOPLE

ON THE MOVE

SPONSORED BY

HILL START FOR SAVILLS Savills has appointed George Hill as an associate to its residential sales team in Cornwall.

An experienced sales negotiator, Hill started his career in the prime central London market before moving back to Cornwall in 2017. He spent a year with a leading national estate agency in Truro before joining Savills in January.

Jacky Swain, communications and site manager for Commercial Estates Group at Carlyon Bay, assumes the role following six years with Headforwards director Toby Parkins in the chair.

BEER BOOST NEW WILDWORKS DIRECTOR

Allison Beer has joined the Truro office of accountancy firm Bishop Fleming as a corporate & business services partner.

Beer has over a decade of accounting, audit and tax experience gained both in the UK and overseas, acting for a range of clients from owner managed businesses through to multinational groups.

She is a chartered accountant, a chartered company secretary and a chartered tax adviser.

The company, which creates criticallyacclaimed work with communities in the UK and abroad, is moving into a new phase of work following the untimely death of its founding artistic director Bill Mitchell in 2017.

New director Emma Hogg, who was the programme producer for Eden Project, joined WildWorks in 2014 and has worked on a wide range of projects including Wolf’s Child and Twice Upon a Castle in Belgium.

“We feel very lucky to have Emma securely in post,” said chair of trustees, Gavin Stride.

“Having steered the organisation during an extraordinary period of change and sadness, Emma’s ambition to build on the theatre making process that we created with Bill Mitchell has some of the mischief and surprise that WildWorks has become known for.”

36 | BUSINESS CORNWALL

JACKY TAKES CHAMBER CHAIR Cornwall Chamber of Commerce has appointed a new chair of the board.

He said: “Joining the team at Savills represents the best of both worlds; the opportunity to work for a leading property firm, dealing with best-in-class property, while living and working in one of the most beautiful areas of the country.”

Cornwall-based theatre company WildWorks has appointed a new executive director.

www.sapiencehr.co.uk

Swain’s role will be hands on and available to lead meetings, organise directors’ involvement and set policy. Parkins will continue to represent the chamber as president, providing outward-facing ambassadorial support across the Duchy and nationally and continue his strategic roles on the ITI board and in Cornwall leadership.

CEO Kim Conchie said: “I am delighted to add breadth to our engagement with business and public life across the Duchy. Having Jacky as chair and Toby as president will mean we can provide even more support and good work for the businesses and entrepreneurs in our patch and beyond.”

RUNDLE’S RETURN Barclays has strengthened its south west agricultural team with the appointment of Adrian Rundle as a relationship director for landed estates and agri-food.

Rundle has a 20-year career in banking, in addition to more than 30 years’ experience of farming. His new role will cover Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Somerset and south Gloucestershire and will be responsible for supporting a small portfolio of key clients requiring more complex banking needs operating in the agricultural sector.

Rundle returns to Barclays having spent two years at Lloyds Bank and takes up his new position at Lemon Street, Truro.

FOOD

& DRINK

MILK £1BN SWOOP ON FOR DAIRY CREST TAP Canadian dairy group Saputo is set to acquire Dairy Crest in a deal worth close to £1 billion.

A dairy farmer from Cornwall is bringing back the breakfast table staple of cream-topped milk in traditional glass bottles, with the unusual opportunity for customers to refill using a self-service vending machine.

Gemma Smale-Rowland, who has grown her own herd of pedigree Holstein cows, aims to bring non-standardised, non-homogenised milk to customers direct from the family farm near Launceston with her brand Cornish Moo.

Among a number of brands including Clover margarine and Country Life butter, Dairy Crest owns Cathedral City cheddar, which is made at its creamery in Davidstow.

and employees. It also said it had no plans to change existing supplier agreements with farmers in Devon and Cornwall.

While Saputo is among the ten largest dairy companies in the world, it has no UK-based operation. It has said it intends to retain Dairy Crest’s existing senior management

Dairy Crest recently revealed plans for a £75 million expansion at its Davidstow plant, which subject to planning approval from Cornwall Council, is expected to go ahead.

KOREV ON TRACK

She has installed a specialised milk vending machine at the farm and customers can buy branded milk bottles for £1.50 to refill any day of the week, for £1.20 per litre.

Korev, St Austell Brewery’s lager, has been selected by Great Western Railway (GWR) for the modernised Night Riviera Sleeper service between Penzance and London Paddington.

Smale-Rowland is planning to build a network of local stockists so customers further afield can enjoy her milk. Whilst the milk is pasteurised, it is non-standardised which means every bottle will have a slightly different mix of cream to milk.

She said: “It’s about traceability. You know exactly where your milk has come from, as well as enabling customers to re-use and re-fill their bottles. It’s gone full circle from when we used to have milk delivered in glass bottles by the milkman.”

TONIC TO MATCH THE GIN

Overnight customers can buy a 330ml can from the train’s lounge bar. Korev joins fellow St Austell Brewery brand Tribute, which is already available on GWR train services.

BREWERY GOES GLUTEN FREE The chief executive of the Cornwall Chamber of Commerce has started a new business of his own, producing a Cornish tonic water.

Navas Tonic has been brought out to complement the growing number of Cornish gins on the market and is the inspiration of chamber CEO Kim Conchie and former Fugro Seacore MD, Marcus Rampley.

The pair hit upon the idea after a quiet drink in a local pub. Surveying the back bar, they questioned why with all the wonderful Cornish gins, there wasn’t a Cornish tonic.

Sketching out the bones of a business plan there and then, the concept of a Cornish tonic was developed.

“We founded Navas to create delicious drinks made from natural botanicals of the best provenance and Cornish Spring Water, delicious on their own and paired with the choicest spirits,” Conchie said. “We have a core focus on building a sustainable business that promotes Cornish values and quality.”

The Driftwood Spars Brewery in St Agnes is claiming to have become Cornwall’s first brewery to make all of its beers officially gluten free, following a successful period of experimentation and testing.

The brewery, which is part of The Driftwood Spars pub in Trevaunance Cove, says it made the move response to requests from customers who were coeliac or gluten intolerant.

After successfully creating one gluten free ale, Unexpected, head bewer Pete Martin made it his mission to strip the gluten from his entire range of ales without any detrimental effect.

He said: “Unexpected is really delicious but having just one gluten free beer available didn’t give our customers much choice. We did our research and found an enzyme which strips out the gluten without affecting the flavour of our beers. The enzyme is completely safe and is already extensively used in brewing, just not specifically for this purpose.”

BUSINESS CORNWALL | 37

EDUCATION

AND TRAINING

SPONSORED BY

www.truro-penwith.ac.uk

BIG APPRENTICE OFSTED LUNCH ENDORSEMENT FOR TRUST St Austell Brewery celebrated National Apprenticeship Week last month in style, bringing together apprentices past and present, alongside business and academic mentors, for a special Big Apprentice Lunch at the company’s Visitor Centre.

The lunch was designed to showcase the diverse range of apprenticeships now available at St Austell Brewery and was also an opportunity to recognise those who had graduated, inspire those who had just started and reward the efforts of those currently incourse through the delivery of key awards for outstanding apprentices.

As St Austell Brewery people director, Tamsyn Hawkins, commented: “With over 30 apprentices now working with us, this is the ideal time to celebrate such an important part of our business.

“Apprenticeships have become a central part of our people development strategy. The new qualifications offer real career training opportunities, meaning we can offer them as a form of development at all levels and across multiple functions and, working with Truro and Penwith College, we can much more clearly plan our growth strategy knowing that we have a pool of young talent working towards coming on board with us.”

ADVERTORIAL

A local multi academy trust has become the first in the UK to receive a whole trust Ofsted review, in which it was praised for its approach to improving education and outcomes for pupils.

three secondary, with over 5,000 pupils. A team of four Ofsted Inspectors spent almost a week visiting schools, interviewing senior leaders, trustees and governors representing every school in the trust.

The Truro and Penwith Academy Trust (TPAT), established by the Ofsted outstanding Truro and Penwith College in 2014, is highlighted in Ofsted’s ‘whole trust Summary Evaluation’ as a leading example nationwide of the positive impact of multi academy trusts.

In their Summary Evaluation, the inspectors praised the trust’s “self-sustaining” and “self-improving” philosophy, which allows teachers to flourish while retaining a focus on teaching and learning.

TPAT currently consists of 25 schools from across Cornwall, 22 primary schools and

Truro and Penwith College principal, David Walrond, said: “It is wonderful to have this Ofsted endorsement of the quality and impact of TPAT’s work.”

ARE YOU A ‘LOST LEVY’ LOSER? Employers with a wage bill in excess of £3 million may be at risk of losing thousands, an apprenticeship expert has warned, with the first 24-month expiry period of Apprenticeship Levy funds this month.

24-month expiry period, meaning any levy paying employer who hasn’t used their funds to invest in apprenticeship training and assessment is set to start losing money from this month.

The 0.5% Apprenticeship Levy was introduced in April 2017 and is payable by employers with an annual wage bill over £3 million. The money is then made available to the employers via an Apprenticeship Service Account, where they can use the funds, plus a 10% Government top-up, to help with apprentice training and assessment costs.

Adele Bull, programme team leader at Truro and Penwith College Business and an apprenticeship expert, commented:

All funds entering an employer’s Apprenticeship Service Account carry a

“There are a number of options available to employers who have not made use of their levy funds. Recruiting an apprentice may not be an option for every employer, but advice should still be sought as it is possible to use the funds to train current members of staff via apprenticeship training programmes.”

WHY TRAINING YOUR STAFF COULD BE THE BEST INVESTMENT YOU’LL EVER MAKE Building up skills within your business boosts productivity and improves your bottom line - and that’s just for starters, says Clair Murray from the Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Skills Hub.

38 | BUSINESS CORNWALL

www.visitcornwall.com

NEWS

SPONSORED BY

SECTOR CONTINUES TO GROW Local accountant PKF Francis Clark has presented the findings of its latest Annual Tourism Barometer.

some deposit levels that we are witnessing and some comments from local hoteliers, there as some slight headwinds currently.

Hotels, leisure and tourism is at the heart of Cornwall’s economy, in many areas accounting for as much as 25% of the jobs and a significant proportion of the regions GDP.

“Certainly we aren’t seeing any double digit come back from the effects of the beast from the east last year. Hopefully, this means that those that came slightly later in the year last year will come again this year, again slightly later.

It is evident that the sector is growing, with PKF Francis Clark’s annual tourism business figures showing that 2018 ended on a high with overall occupancy trading at 57%, despite the ‘beast from the east’s’ efforts to put off tourists at the beginning of the year. This is in contrast to the early part of this decade where the figures hovered around 50%.

Looking forward, head of tourism at PKF Francis Clark, Tom Roach, said: “2019 is too early to judge at the moment, but based on

“Undoubtedly one of the biggest issues currently is the supply of labour and some uncertainty in the general market. No one that I have spoken to recently expects major falls in occupancy to those which were experienced ten years ago, but frankly with the current level of wage costs this is just as well. General expectations are that occupancies will remain buoyant but wage costs and later in the supply chain cost increases generally are expected to impact on profit levels for 2019.”

CASTING OFF BREXIT SHADOW A Cornish holiday company is reporting better than expected bookings for its cottage rentals and holiday lets, despite the cloud of uncertainty cast by Brexit.

Padstow-based accommodation letting agency Harbour Holidays says it experienced a steady stream of bookings in January and February, putting this year on a par with business sales over the past few years. Many of its holiday properties have already been

Staff training… … boosts staff morale Training helps employees feel valued. It offers a potential step up the career ladder and promotes a sense of moving forward. … aids staff retention Happy staff are loyal staff. It’s easier and more efficient to retain than recruit so keeping staff engaged, motived and valued is key. … creates a talent pool Training helps identify employees that have star potential and gives them the ability and confidence to take your business to new heights.

booked up for the most popular weeks in July and August, with the shoulder months of May, June, September and October filling up fast.

TOURISM

PERRANPORTH GOING UPMARKET

The coastal town of Perranporth has boosted its appeal to upmarket visitors, according to local company Duchy Holidays.

The Perranporth-based business says it has witnessed an increase in interest in its accommodation at the more luxurious end of its property portfolio, thanks to a number of high-profile developments in the town.

The Duchy Holidays team believe that the changing face of Perranporth is attracting a new class of visitor to the scenic beach resort.

“Perranporth has always been popular with families,” said Duchy Holidays’ boss Michelle Robertson. “But over the last six months we’ve noticed a considerable shift towards the more upmarket properties we have on our books.”

Tourism companies had been warned to expect a downturn in trade as Britain nears the Brexit deadline at the end of March.

Perranporth has had something of a facelift over the last year or so thanks to the addition of glossy, new apartments overlooking the sea at The Dunes.

Harbour Holidays’ owner Nicky Stanley commented: “We’ve become so used to the doom and gloom surrounding Brexit, that we expected bookings to suffer this year. But so far we’ve done pretty well and expect to bookings to escalate over the coming months.”

And the opening of new restaurants such as Alcatraz and The Summerhouse, both located on the beach, together with other local developments, have helped, says Robertson, to put Perranporth on the map for “more affluent tourists”.

… attracts talent Offering staff training will make you stand out in the recruitment marketplace and help you to draw quality talent. As an employer you need to make yourself attractive to potential employees as much as they need to make themselves attractive to you. … saves time and money Working smarter and doing things more efficiently cuts the time it takes to do things and boosts productivity. This generally leads to a cost saving through reduced staff and operational time. … helps keep up with developments You don’t want to be left behind with industry advancements and new

regulations. This is also true in terms of technological developments where regular training is essential to ensure all staff are making the absolute most of the tools they have available.

The Skills Hub can help your business maximise the benefits of training.

Book a FREE Skills Review at www.ciosskillshub.com or call 01209 708660.

Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Skills Hub is part funded by the European Social Fund and match funded by Cornwall Council and Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Local Enterprise Partnership.

BUSINESS CORNWALL | 39

CREATIVE

AND DIGITAL

SPONSORED BY

www.digitalpeninsula.org

WHITTLE IS THE MANN Penzance-based graphic design and illustration studio Whittle Design Studio has completed the new branding for Stacey Mann Estates.

The project included a complete brand identity system, illustration, sales and marketing literature, advertising and website.

Following the approval of the creative brief and mood boards, Whittle Design Studio

got to work on the brand identity and explored how different brand elements could work across various customer touch-points such as marketing material, advertising and the website.

Once the new brand design had been approved, it was rolled out across the full suite of marketing material ready for the to launch in January.

MAPPIX ON GLOBAL STAGE

PACKING A PUNCH Porthleven-based eco packaging company Flexi-Hex was named overall winner of the 2019 EcoPack Challenge.

The EcoPack Challenge is an annual competition held to find the world’s most sustainable new packaging innovations.

This year 28 companies were nominated and just six were shortlisted to enter the final stage of the competition held at The Packaging Innovations show at The Birmingham NEC.

Mappix, the software platform founded by Cornish teacher, Charity Wilson, exhibited at the Middle East’s largest education technology conference at the end of February.

Flexi-Hex impressed a panel of industry judges in a Dragons’ Den-style pitch showcasing its recyclable and biodegradable packaging sleeves.

Director Will Boex said: “To be announced as the most innovative new packaging product of 2019 was just brilliant. There was strong competition for the EcoPack prize this year particularly with single use plastic in packaging becoming an increasingly important industry issue.”

A GOODFEST TO ATTEND A new annual festival aimed at inspiring the minds of the creative and curious has announced its speaker line-up.

Held at the Bedruthan Hotel (May 1-2), Goodfest will play host to inspiring talks and workshops from across the creative industries.

Headlining the festival line up will be Eden Project co-founder Sir Tim Smit. His workshop session will be encouraging attendees to think big, based on his own experience of turning a once sterile pit into a world-class horticulture site which has attracted over 20 million visitors since its opening in 2001.

40 | BUSINESS CORNWALL

Other speakers will include Hugo Tagholm, CEO of marine conservation charity Surfers Against Sewage, and Tom Kay, founder of multi award winning Cornish clothing brand Finisterre.

The event will be hosted by BBC Wildlife presenter Gillian Burke.

Commenting on the launch, Matt Hocking, co-founder of Goodfest and creative director at Leap, said: “Goodfest is an evolving beachside space to connect purposefully and set ourselves on fire with change making ways.”

The Penzance business was among a handful of British technologies to have been funded by the Department for International Trade (DIT) to be showcased at GESS in Dubai.

The annual technology conference attracts thousands of education professionals to the World Trade Centre in the heart of the United Arab Emirates.

“What sets us apart from our competitors is our ethos,” claimed Wilson. “We’re not just about providing the nuts and bolts of a pupil assessment platform; first and foremost we’re interested in how to remove obstacles, such as endless paperwork, to work-life balance.”

NEWS

SPONSORED BY

NEWS FROM EXPOWEST FSB Cornwall exhibited at the Expowest Cornwall trade show last month as part of our south west wide collaboration with Hale Events. The show was really buzzing with amazing food and drink stalls. Lots of people popped by to say hello and ask us about FSB and the benefits of being a member. If you were one of them, it was great to see you and we hope you enjoyed our little gift of chocolate – just our way of saying thanks for dropping by.

KERNOW CHOCOLATE AT EXPOWEST

The chocolate was produced by local FSB member Kernow Chocolate, Cornwall’s largest artisan chocolate maker, who specialise in making amazing hand-crafted luxury chocolate in over 20 different flavours.

Their philosophy is ‘from broken hearts to grazed knees, there’s no problem that can’t be solved with chocolate’.

As a family business, they have been members of FSB for over 30 years and as their business has changed and grown and become the success that it is today, FSB has been beside them offering them support and help whenever needed.

The ethos of this small branded gift ties in nicely with our recent Health and Wellbeing for small businesses campaign – sometimes just a small break, or a bit of a walk in the great, fresh Cornish air is all you need so you can get back to work feeling ready to take on the world. If you missed this chance to catch up with us and get your little “Piece of Peace” then we will have some more to share at the Royal Cornwall Show where we will be a partner on The Growth Hub stand.

CHANCELLOR OFFERS MTD REPRIEVE Responding to publication of the Chancellor’s Written Ministerial Statement on the Spring Statement, FSB national chairman Mike Cherry said: “Against a backdrop of debilitating political uncertainty, the Chancellor has rightly responded to calls from the small business community.

“Small business confidence has suffered an unprecedented slump in recent months as firms are unable to plan, invest and hire for the future. In the coming weeks, business owners will have Making Tax Digital, higher auto-enrolment contributions and fresh business rates hikes to contend with.”

“It’s good to see the Government offering a reprieve on this front, going further in its

commitment to light touch enforcement of Making Tax Digital, following our warnings about the costs of rule changes. This commitment must be honoured. It should also be extended if unexpected issues with the new system arise.”

Commenting further on the Spring Statement, Cherry added: “We’ll be working with the Government on the forthcoming spending review, encouraging departments to obtain greater value for money by procuring more with small firms. A review of the Insurance Premium Tax is overdue. This ridiculous levy flies in the face of the Government’s commitment to positive nudges. It’s a tax on good behaviour, encouraging small firms to take unnecessary risks.”

HMRC PERFORMANCE ‘UNACCEPTABLE’ With the launch of Making Tax Digital (MTD) having come in on April 1, the latest performance figures from HMRC are very concerning.

To have one in four customers being forced to wait more than ten minutes to speak to an advisor is simply unacceptable with such major changes for businesses to cope with.

Ann Vandermeulen, development manager for FSB Cornwall, said: “Sole traders know

#FSBCONNECT

their businesses inside out – most of them are not tax specialists though. For many, help over the phone with HMRC paperwork is vital.

HMRC must recognise that a lot of small firms still lack access to basic broadband, meaning they struggle to access its digital platform.

They do need someone on hand to answer their queries at a convenient time to them so that the admin doesn’t interrupt their day to day business.”

FSB/CORNISH PARTNERSHIPS NETWORKING EVENTS APRIL 10 Keep Cornwall Beautiful The Old Quay House, Hayle Come and hear a talk on how you and your business can help Cornwall remain beautiful in the future. Plus great networking as usual.

APRIL 25 Electric Vehicles Helston Athletic FC Electric Vehicles can change your business and are gaining ground in the market place. What can you do in your business to take advantage to gain customers from this new product?

MAY 8 Fit for Business Mevagissey Activity Centre Taking care of yourself so you can take care of your business. We’ll show you practical steps to ensure you are looking after yourselves and your business and where to find tools to help – after all, no you, no business!

MAY 21 Making Tax Digital Penventon Park Hotel, Redruth This networking event will give an insight into the upcoming HMRC requirements into reporting all accounts via digital platforms.

Book all events via eventbrite.co.uk & search “FSB Cornwall”

FSB Offer for Business Cornwall Magazine Readers at www.fsb.org.uk/join If you want to join FSB after reading this page then please quote BCM30 when you join and save £30!

BUSINESS CORNWALL | 41

CHAMBER

NEWS

CHAMBER MEMBERSHIP WHAT DOES IT INCLUDE? NEW: VIDE0 PROMOTION Cornwall Chamber of Commerce has supported local businesses for 30 years, offering promotion, networking and credibility. In addition to its credibility, networking events and promotion opportunities, the Chamber has recently added a new string to its bow in the form of video production for small businesses.

ACCESS TO THE MEMBER DIRECTORY Cornwall Chamber of Commerce hosts over 70 events per year and encourages members to develop their presentation skills and speak about relevant topics.

Our members can also arrange masterclasses to pass their wisdom on.

Our networking events enable you to meet them on a monthly basis.

PROMOTE YOUR NEWS THROUGH THE CHAMBER Add your news to the Chamber website via the Member Information Centre. If you have any news or information you want to promote let our website do it for you. We see around 5k page views per month.

EXCLUSIVE MEMBER TO MEMBER OFFERS Benefit from offers made available from other members, exclusively for Chamber members. You can also add your own offers through the MIC.

HAVE YOUR SAY Connect with our wide networks by video. We’ll send our in-house team out to capture the essence of your business by video. We will use this material in our outgoing communications to let the wider business community know what you do.

FEATURE ON THE CHAMBER’S SOCIAL MEDIA With 12,000 followers on Twitter, we get influencer-level engagement. We endeavour to retweet your posts where possible and for 2019 we post about your business once a quarter on a rolling basis.

SPONSORED BY

cornwallchamber.co.uk

CORNWALL FESTIVAL OF BUSINESS Cornwall business is gearing up for a new and dynamic week-long Festival that will head up the annual business calendar from October 2019.

The inaugural Cornwall Festival of Business will take place from October 28 to November 1.

Businesses are invited to join Cornwall Chamber of Commerce – the driving force behind the Festival, in celebrating Cornwall’s pioneering and entrepreneurial spirit by throwing their doors open and getting involved in creating an event.

President of Cornwall Chamber of Commerce, Toby Parkins said: “Cornwall Festival of Business will provide a stage for the Duchy to showcase the unparalleled opportunity that our local economy has to offer. This is a rapidly growing region that has seen massive

investment from EU funding. New industries have established themselves and are growing and thriving because of the spirit of innovation unique to Cornwall.

“We now need Cornwall’s businesses – large or small, who share the same desire to see the region reach its full thriving commercial potential to get behind the Festival and get involved.”

Cornwall Festival of Business is open to everyone and there are many ways to get involved - from becoming an event partner or sponsor or hosting an event to offering venue space or attending one, two or several of the events in the programme.

Find out more at cornwallfestivalofbusiness.co.uk

MEMBER FOCUS:

HEALEYS

The Healey story starts in 1980, when David and Kay Healey opened their first off-licence in Mevagissey. In 1986, they bought a rundown farm at Penhallow and planted the first commercial orchards in Cornwall, producing Cornish Gold Cyder in 1990.

With a vibrant personality and biting refreshment, Rattler Cornish Cloudy cyder disrupted the conventional cyder market in 2007. Born from an idea on the beach by brothers Sam and Joe Healey, the brand is now available in supermarkets nationwide.

Fast becoming one of the nation’s favourite cyders, like the entire Healeys range, every drop of Rattler continues to be made at Healeys Cornish Cyder Farm.

The farm itself has transformed into a leading Cornish visitor attraction, welcoming over 400,000 people a year. Cyder-making tours offer a unique customer experience whilst the farm also hosts big events including Little Orchard Cider & Music Festival and The Rattler Pro Ride.

An impressive, visitor centre with barrel-style entrance and state-of-the-art production halls opened in 2015. Along with museum, tractor rides, farm shop with lots of free samples, jam kitchen, farm animals, cream tea room and restaurant, the farm offers a fun day out for the whole family.

The range of facilities and spaces on the farm make the ideal venue for corporate events.

From the Cornwall Chamber of Commerce annual Connected Cornwall event across the entire farm, to smaller meeting spaces, there’s a range of hire packages.

Today, Sam and Joe Healey are joint managing directors, with David Healey as non-executive chairman. Their vision to celebrate Healeys 100th anniversary proposes a future of further developments, with innovative new products, site expansions and opportunities with export.

Healeys latest venture is a Cornish vineyard in a lush green valley at Tresillian, near Truro.

In 2018, 12,000 vines were planted at Tregoninny Woodland and Vineyard. A mix of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Seyville Blanc are already growing with the first bottles for sale in 2020.

The Vineyard is just one example of how Healeys strives to keep moving in both the Cornish manufacturing and tourism markets, never resting on its laurels. Watch this space. www.healeyscyder.co.uk

Email: hello@corwallchamber.co.uk | Call: 01209 216006 | Online: www.cornwallchamber.co.uk 42 | BUSINESS CORNWALL

BUSINESS

START UPs

NEW BUSINESSES

ON THE SCENE In association with Unlocking Potential

Peppy Media Peppy Media is all about creating effective, quality content to help businesses share their message in a fun and engaging way to boost brand awareness and revenue. With a background in journalism, owner Hazel Murray established her business in 2018, and, with the support from the Breakthrough programme, has seen it go from strength to strength.

Offering creative skills in anything from blog writing to photography and social media, Murray is steadily building a regular client base, working with jewellery companies, an interior design start-up, a big Cornish events company, luxury Cornish hotel, Heart FM and Surfers Against Sewage.

Pirates of Penryn SeaGriffin Games Ltd is run by creative duo Cait Russell & Matt Tweed. Developed from an idea to create a light hearted, fun board game, specifically about Cornwall, pirates and rum, ‘Pirates of Penryn’ was successfully Kickstarter funded in June 2018 and manufactured in December 2018 - just in time for Christmas.

Following this successful launch to the local population, the next step in the ‘Pirate of Penryn’ adventure is to market to holiday makers as a fantastic reminder and souvenir of their holiday in Cornwall. In addition to local sales, the duo will be getting the family board game in front of national buyers and distributers over the next couple of months.

She said: “Breakthrough was great for honing exactly what I wanted to do with my business, how to go about it financially and, one of the things that I was particularly worried about, how to sell myself. It also led me to meeting some incredibly exciting and innovative businesses, who I have had the pleasure to work with since, as well as getting that support from other start-ups who were going through exactly the same thing as I was.”

“I spent months baking batches of cupcakes to ensure that I launched the business strong, with a delicious tasting product that people would come back for, because in my opinion there is nothing better than the perfect piece of cake,” she said.

After a strong year of growth in 2018 following attending the Breakthrough workshop and gaining the insights and opportunity to hone her target audience and price points, Harrington is on target to double the amount of orders she had in 2018 and cater for more weddings, parties and bespoke events – as that’s what she love’s doing most. She will also be popping-up at more local produce markets this year as well as developing some new flavours.

Many of the 60 unique crew characters have been inspired by fantastic village names such as Ventongimps, Kuggar and Mellangoose.

Holiday makers and intrepid local explorers alike will have fun spotting all the little details that have gone into the project with character and rum names from the game cropping up on signposts all over the place! The board game is available to order from the ‘Pirates of Penryn’ website.

Truly Cornish Cupcakes Bethany Harrington launched Truly Cornish Cupcakes in August 2017 after she decided she wanted to share her passion for baking cupcakes with the world.

If you have a new start up that you’d like to introduce to the business community, please contact our editor Nick Eyriey at Business Cornwall nick@businesscornwall.co.uk

BUSINESS CORNWALL | 43

OPINION

JUST A THOUGHT

We need to talk more about disability employment, says Sarah Newton, MP for Truro and Falmouth

BREAKING BARRIERS Delve deeper into the latest fantastic employment statistics showing there are more people in work in the UK than ever – 32.6 million, and another encouraging picture emerges about our labour market.

More than half of working age disabled people are now in work. In just five years, their employment rate has risen from 44.2% to 51.5%. And what’s more, disabled women have seen an even faster increase, from 42.8% to 51%.

We have seen the employment rate gap between disabled and non-disabled people close significantly over this period, but we want to do more. As we continue to make progress, we need to shine a light on the ongoing work Government and employers do together to open up opportunities for disabled people.

We are ambitious for disabled people and in 2017 we set out our goal to see one million more disabled people in work over a ten-year period by 2027.

And we are committed to achieving that.

On April 1 we upped the maximum grant disabled people can receive through Access to Work to pay for adjustments to help them do their job to almost £60k a year. This is an increase by £2k a year in the maximum amount of support that pays for things like workplace adaptations, assistive technology and personal assistants.

44 | BUSINESS CORNWALL

Lots of employers are doing the right thing and creating accessible workplaces. More than 10,500 businesses have signed up to the Government’s Disability Confident scheme, which provides support to employer to ensure disabled people are recruited, retained and supported in their careers. Last year we launched a voluntary framework to encourage large businesses to report how many disabled people they employ. The voluntary framework, created in partnership with employers and disabled people, also obliges business to set out how they are currently supporting their disabled employees.

It’s clear that improving the disability employment rate isn’t just about doing the right thing for the UK’s 7.6 million disabled people of working age – there will be long-lasting benefits for everyone.

The Beacon Project in Cornwall and Isles of Scilly is producing a number of innovative digital solutions, harnessing modern technologies to communicate and support businesses with recruiting and retaining people with a disability or long-term health condition. As the digital solutions develop, the project will be exploring the use of technologies such as artificial intelligence, automation and virtual reality to produce the most effective and efficient tools for businesses.

We are ambitious for disabled people and in 2017 we set out our goal to see one million more disabled people in work over a ten-year period by 2027

Disabled people can bring a wealth of skills and talents to an organisation, and smart employers are making sure that they are not missing out on this untapped pool of talent.

The Beacon Project will be engaging with the local business community as part of this research and over the next month will be looking to run workshops, conversations, online questionnaires and user testing with SME businesses across a range of sectors in Cornwall, in order to gain as much insight and visibility as to how these digital solutions could be applied and adopted by businesses.

I am encouraging local Businesses, employers, as well as local and national government agencies to stand and speak out about this journey together to ensure everyone can take up the opportunities being created.

UPCOMING

APRIL EVENTS 4

5

8

APRIL

CYBER SECURITY EVENT

9

Alverton Hotel, Truro

Bodmin Jail

This month’s networking lunch will be held in the Governor’s Hall. You will have an opportunity to view the progress of the £30M development work going on. You will be released from jail after the event (providing you pay for lunch £25 members, £30 non members)! cornwallchamber.co.uk

10

21

24

Victoria Inn, Truro

For further details of these and more networking events visit businesscornwall.co.uk To publicise your event for free, email news@businesscornwall.co.uk

Mennaye Field, Penzance

CORNWALL CHAMBER BREAKFAST

St Mellion International, Saltash

This month’s Cornwall Chamber Big Breakfast is sponsored by law firm Foot Anstey and is being held at St Mellion International. cornwallchamber.co.uk

KING NETWORKING The Kernow Independent Networking Group gathers at 7.15am on Wednesdays, fortnightly, at theVictoria Inn, Threemilestone, near Truro. Members each give a one-minute presentation on their business and the kinds of referral they would particularly value. king-networking.co.uk

CORNISH PIRATES vs YORKSHIRE CARNEGIE

Greene King IPA Championship rugby. For a truly memorable occasion, match day hospitality is the perfect way to entertain colleagues and clients. robyn.ashurst@cornish-pirates.com

Waterside Café, Penryn

17

The Falmouth Business Club meets over breakfast every two weeks at the Carnon Inn. All welcome. falmouthbusinessclub.co.uk

This is the original Open House.

Always has 40 plus businesses in attendance. This is the one you do not want to miss. Book early to ensure a seat and bring a stack of business cards and leaflets. cornishpartnerships.co.uk

Old Quay House, Hayle

Oh So Social is delighted to be able to offer in-depth Social Media Strategy training with founder and social media expert Katherine George. eventbrite.co.uk

Carnon Inn, Carnon Downs

Victoria Inn, Roche

SOCIAL MEDIA STRATEGY

Penzance Pop-up Innovation Centre

FALMOUTH BUSINESS CLUB

CORNISH PARTNERSHIPS OPEN HOUSE

FSB/CORNISH PARTNERSHIP

Keep Cornwall Beautiful – Come and hear a talk on how you and your business can help Cornwall remain beautiful in the future. Plus great networking as usual. eventbrite.co.uk

MANAGING AN INNOVATION PROJECT Is your business looking to bring a new product to market, implement a new process or service, or maybe you want to change your business model? ATI’s ‘Managing an Innovation Project’ workshop offers comprehensive guidance and helps reduce the elements of risk surrounding your project. aticornwallinnovation.co.uk

Penventon Park Hotel, Redruth

18

There has never been a more important time to find out how our economy is coping with the uncertainties around the UK’s future position out of Europe.

This event provides you with an opportunity to meet with the Bank of England’s south west agents. Free for Cornwall Chamber members, £7.50 to non members. cornwallchamber.co.uk

Struggling to dedicate time to focus on your organisation’s cyber security? Looking for unbiased advice from industry leading professionals without the sales pitch? This free two-hour seminar hosted by NCI Technologies is perfect for you! eventbrite.co.uk

CORNWALL CHAMBER LUNCH

BANK OF ENGLAND PANEL MEETING

EVENTS

28

FSB/CORNISH PARTNERSHIPS

Helston Athletic FC

This latest networking collaboration will explore how electric vehicles can change your business. Pressure is growing on UK motorists to ditch their petrol and diesel-powered vehicles and switch to pure electric cars. But which are the best and how can you take advantage? eventbrite.co.uk

BUSINESS CORNWALL | 45

CONNECTED

CORNWALL

SPONSORED BY

www.cioslep.co.uk

NEW OFFICE

ANDREW GARDNER, NEIL MOORE, MICK RYAN AND BEVERLEY FULLER

TV actress and CHICK’s ambassador Ella Gilling gave a singing and dancing performance at the opening of Porscatho Holidays’ new office in St Mawes

CORNWALL BUSINESS SHOW

Last month’s Cornwall Business Show at the Royal Cornwall Events Centre proved to be one of the most successful yet

CERYS HARTT AND KIRSTY MILES-MUSGRAVE (GROWTH & SKILLS HUB)

THE CORNWALL BUSINESS SHOW EVENTS TEAM

SPACEPORT DIRECTOR MILES CARDEN

CAROLINE HILL (BUSINESS CORNWALL)

46 | BUSINESS CORNWALL

MERCEDES BENZ SW

DELEGATES AT ONE OF THE SEMINARS

CORNWALL

CHARLOTTE AND ELLA GILLING

CONNECTED

INGRID AND DAVE CHENOWETH

SENIOR EXECUTIVES’ FORUM

The Headland Hotel provided the inspirational backdrop to the latest SEF event hosted by CCB Training (Cornwall College Business) with a key note speech from broadcaster Monty Halls LEWIS TOLPUTT (CLASSIC BUILDERS), JOHN HARVEY (SAMPHIRE CLUB), JOHN RUDGE (CREATE PLANNING)

MARK GARDENER (OCEAN HOUSING GROUP) AND JOSH HOOLE (SKILLS HUB)

MONTY HALLS AND ELAINE MCMAHON (CEO, CORNWALL COLLEGE GROUP)

JAMES HODGSON (HODGSONS), SAM WELLER (CHARTEROAK ESTATES), SEAN MITCHELL (BISHOP FLEMING) AND ROBERT RUSH (PFA RESEARCH)

STEVE JONES (A&P FALMOUTH), SARA PUGH (EIGHTWIRE), MIKE SPICER (A&P FALMOUTH) AND SUE BRADBURY (SBPR).

MATTHEW THOMSON (FIFTEEN CORWALL)

ANNE THOMAS (CORNWALL CARE), SHARON STOCKDALE (STOCKDALE GROUP) AND MIKE WALL (SWIG FINANCE)

BUSINESS CORNWALL | 47

THE LAST

WORD

ANDREW GORDONBROWN Olympic rower and Truro School headmaster

WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU WERE YOUNG?

WHAT HAS BEEN THE WORST MOMENT IN YOUR CAREER?

I swayed between wanting to be a professional singer and a priest.

Putting a ‘buy’ recommendation on a media company at the height of the dotcom bubble in 2000!

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST FULL TIME JOB? As an articled clerk for Deloitte working to qualify as a chartered accountant.

WHAT’S IN YOUR POCKETS? Invariably a handkerchief, unless it’s been pilfered by Harriet or one of my children. Quite often my hands!

HOW DO YOU LIKE TO RELAX? Long walks on the coast path, enjoying a glass of red wine or flogging myself on the indoor rowing machine.

IF YOU COULD INVITE ANY TWO PEOPLE FOR DINNER, WHO WOULD THEY BE AND WHY WOULD YOU INVITE THEM? Michelle Obama - she has a great spirit and no doubt a fascinating story to tell. Jesus - my lifelong quest for wisdom.

WHAT HAS BEEN THE BEST MOMENT IN YOUR CAREER? When I left the world of banking and finance to become a teacher, I quickly realised that I wanted to have the chance to run a school one day. So, being offered the headship of Truro School was a great moment.

48 | BUSINESS CORNWALL

IF YOU COULD BUILD A HOUSE ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD WHERE WOULD IT BE? Nestled in the winelands of the south western Cape.

IF YOU COULD BE GOD FOR A DAY, WHAT MIRACLE WOULD YOU PERFORM? I’d make people more forgiving.

WHAT WAS YOUR BIGGEST MISTAKE IN LIFE? Not making the most of the chance I had to represent South Africa at the Olympics for a second time.

WHAT WAS YOUR LUCKIEST BREAK? Having a discussion in a pub that led to getting some scholarship funding to study at Oxford University where I fulfilled a lifelong rowing dream and met the woman I was to marry.

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE DOING IN FIVE YEARS’ TIME? Marvelling at the way the world’s leaders had woken up to the threat of the climate emergency and the incredible progress that had been achieved.

8 09:55

Bergen Stavanger Oslo

Helsinki Stockholm St Petersburg

Tallinn

Gothenburg

LONDON HEATHROW Moscow Amsterdam Brussels

NEWQUAY

Warsaw Prague

Lyon Toulouse

Lisbon

Madrid

Kraków Vienna Zürich Salzburg Budapest Ljubljana Milan Zagreb Pula Belgrade Rome

Valencia

Kiev

Sofia Corfu

Algiers

Tunis

Athens

Marrakech

Crete

WORLDWIDE CONNECTIVITY via London Heathrow Discover the possibilities of worldwide travel with our interactive map at: cornwallairportnewquay. com/flying-from-cornwall

LONDON HEATHROW Calgary

St John

Montreal

Vancouver Chicago New York Las Vegas Los Angeles New Orleans Dallas Miami Mexico City

International routes on this route map are displayed as an idea of where you can travel and are not a comprehensive or exhaustive list.

Algiers Marrakech

Tunis Cairo Dubai

Delhi Mumbai

Bogotá Nairobi

Beijing Seoul Chengdu Dhaka Hong Kong Hanoi Bangkok

Kuala Lumpur Singapore Jakarta Bali

Rio De Janeiro Santiago

Johannesburg Buenos Aires

Perth Sydney Melbourne