Business Cornwall Dec 21/Jan 22 by Business Cornwall

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

businesscornwall.co.uk

DEC 2021 / JAN 2022 | ISSUE 153 | £3.95

FLEXIBLE FOCUS WE CATCH UP WITH SAM BOEX, CREATIVE DIRECTOR AT FLEXI-HEX

BUSINESS ESSENTIALS

THE 2022 TOOLKIT FOR STAYING AHEAD

ANNUAL REVIEW ASSESSING THE PAST YEAR IN BUSINESS

12 9 772514

842001

Discover world-class advanced manufacturing services – right here in Cornwall

Our new £3m manufacturing centre near Falmouth is now open for business. It is the only facility in the South West to provide such a comprehensive range of design and production services on one site. • A complete end-to-end service, all delivered under one roof – enabling streamlined quality control and faster turnaround of projects • Product design, machining, fabrication, electronic, electrical, embedded software, 3D printing and hydraulics

• Bespoke solutions, including small batches and even one-off units for testing • Precision machined parts up to large diameter turning • Fabricated assemblies from a few kilos up to over 100 tons • Also offers single discipline subcontract work, eg machining, fabrication, 3D printing • Fully ISO 14001 and ISO 9001 certified

Get in touch to find out how Feritech can help your business, bringing your ideas to life.

info@feritech.com | 01326 369 444 | www.feritech.com

DEC 2021 / JAN 2022

INSIDE FEATURES

REGULARS 4 INCOMING GOING GREEN IN 2022

6 BUSINESS NEWS EDEN REVEALS SOUTH

10 REVIEW OF THE YEAR CORNWALL SHINES IN THE SPOTLIGHT

12 CEO INTERVIEW WE MEET FLEXI-HEX CREATIVE DIRECTOR SAM BOEX

18 BUSINESS ESSENTIALS TIPS AND ADVICE TO HELP GET YOUR BUSINESS AHEAD IN 2022

ISSUE 153

AMERICA PLANS

36 ON THE MOVE APPOINTMENTS NEWS

38 CREATIVE & DIGITAL START-UP ON NINTENDO

39 EDUCATION & TRAINING NEWS NEW HGV ACADEMY

40 TOURISM NEWS SCILLONIAN MASTER RETIRES

41 FSB FEDERATION OF SMALL BUSINESSES

42 FOOD & DRINK £100K INVESTMENT FOR GIN COMPANY

43 CHAMBER NEWS CORNWALL CHAMBER CEO KIM CONCHIE

44 CONNECTED & EVENTS DIARY WHAT’S GONE & WHAT’S ON

46 JUST A THOUGHT HALO’S JESS RATTY

48 THE LAST WORD BISHOP FLEMING’S KEVIN CONNOR

PHOTO: COP26, CLIMATE CHANGE CONFERENCE ©UNFCCC

BUSINESS CORNWALL | 1

DEC 2021 / JAN 2022

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

businesscornwall.co.uk

DEC 2021 / JAN 2022 | ISSUE 153 | £3.95

FLEXIBLE FOCUS WE CATCH UP WITH SAM BOEX, CREATIVE DIRECTOR AT FLEXI-HEX

BUSINESS ESSENTIALS

THE 2022 TOOLKIT FOR STAYING AHEAD

ANNUAL REVIEW

WELCOME

BY EDITOR NICK EYRIEY

ISSUE 153

ASSESSING THE PAST YEAR IN BUSINESS

12 9 772514

842001

9 772514

842001

ON THE COVER FLEXI-HEX CREATIVE DIRECTOR SAM BOEX SEE PAGE 12

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 Carter caroline@businesscornwall.co.uk

Forward thinking Another year has sped by in the blink of an eye. And what a year it has been (good and bad). 12 months ago, we were all talking about the ‘new normal’ and asking what that may entail. I think we have a better idea now, and this is it. Covid is not going away anytime soon, but we are learning to live and work with it. And it’s been particularly pleasing over the past couple of months to see the return of face-to-face networking. But this month’s issue is very much about looking forward. As well as our biggest-ever business toolkit feature, packed with tips and advice for getting ahead in 2022, we also meet the co-owner of one of Cornwall’s brightest new businesses. Together with his twin brother Will, Sam Boex runs sustainable packaging start-up Flexi-Hex, down in Porthleven.

CONTRIBUTORS PFA Research, Toby Weller DESIGN Ade Taylor design@businesscornwall.co.uk PRINT 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

I remember back in the day as a small child when receiving a big parcel at Christmas, the box would so often be more exciting than what was inside. You could guarantee the next few hours/ days wouldn’t be spent playing with the contents, but rather sitting in the box. Flexi-Hex has that sort of appeal, especially for adults. A thing of beauty!

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.

Sam talks us through his story and plans for the future. From all of us here at Business Cornwall magazine, may we wish you a very Happy Christmas and a prosperous, healthy New Year.

Business Cornwall Magazine is proud to be associated with

2 | BUSINESS CORNWALL

blackberry lane Homes to buy in Kilkhampton Craft Collection

An exclusive neighbourhood of beautiful bunnyhomes, with a choice of 2, 3 and 4-bedrooms from our Georgian-inspired Craft Collection.

Waiting list now open To find out more give us a call.

01288 696080 www.bunnyhomes.com

INCOMING

THE CONVERSATION

The big question In the wake of COP26, what plans do you or your business have to help reduce your carbon footprint in the year ahead? Is the climate crisis a problem for the world’s governments to solve, or do we all have a duty to play a part? Join the conversation @biz_cornwall

/businesscornwall

businesscornwall.co.uk ADVERTORIAL

5 REASONS TO CONSIDER EMPLOYEE OWNERSHIP

With co-owned companies tending to be more successful, competitive, profitable and sustainable, employee ownership is a brilliant way of doing business. Gavin Poole from Stephens Scown LLP, offers five reasons for considering employee ownership in 2022. Gavin Poole is a Partner in Stephens Scown’s Corporate team. Contact Gavin for a free 30-minute consultation at: g.poole@stephens-scown.co.uk. 4 | BUSINESS CORNWALL

THE CONVERSATION

TOM SOBEY

TOBY BUDD

At Origin, we are a business bound by one central ethos; to source exceptional coffee through a sustainable, triple bottom line approach. As a certified B Corporation, we are committed to meeting the highest standards of social and environmental performance. We have already eliminated any plastic in our takeaway cups, opting for plant-based materials instead - in 2022, we will be following suit with our coffee bags.

Be the change we want to see in the world. At a personal level I think this is good place to start. Take ownership for what we consume and the supply chain it comes from - what’s the point in signing a petition on Facebook and having a bag for life when you buy products and services from corporations that have little or no environmental ethics?

Origin Coffee

We also have ambitions to be operating with no diesel vehicles by 2030, so are working hard to replace our company vehicles with electrics or hybrids. No business is 100% perfect in the way they operate but it is imperative that all organisations take action before it’s too late.

JOHNNY PEARCE Oltco

I find it absolutely staggering that businesses do not have sustainability at the forefront of their KPIs. The current climate threat is not going to go away on its own. I have met some incredible entrepreneurs who are filled with ideas, passion and hunger for implementation which are skill sets the world needs right now. It is time that we come together, bringing our unique skill sets to help make an impactful difference. If sustainability is not on your business agenda then you are potentially setting yourself up for failure and future generations will not accept your ethos. Hopefully off the back of COP26, our world leaders can take a really strong stance on fighting climate change and I hope this will spur on other people and businesses to consider their focus moving forward.

#1 Giving you the edge in a competitive jobs market Employee-owned businesses have the edge in attracting and retaining talented employees, because they have high employment standards, involve staff in decision making and give everyone a stake in the success of the business. Employeeowned businesses also tend to have a strong commitment to corporate social responsibility and the communities they operate in. #2 Business growth acceleration Becoming an employee owner, it appears, has an empowering effect on employee engagement and their willingness to provide discretionary effort for the benefit of the business, resulting in an unexpected surge

Workfloat

As a business with a problem-solving DNA, we want to be part of the global wave of innovation that is finding solutions - for us that ranges from providing a protest pontoon at COP26 to deploying tidal turbines, and who knows what else in the future.

NICHOLA CAIN

Voice Communications As a B-Corp we are committed to the triple bottom line, people, planet and profit so looking at ways we can reduce our carbon footprint is at the forefront of our agenda. For example, we recently moved our website hosting over to a sustainable provider. With regular reaccreditations, we will continue to do our bit as a business to put our environment first. The climate crisis is impacting us all and we feel we should all be doing our bit and taking responsibility to help combat this. It is not just up to our world leaders, every business and individual should be making changes and actively playing a role in fighting the climate change.

LINDSEY HALL

Real Ideas

Minimising the climate crisis is absolutely every single person’s responsibility and

INCOMING

across both Cornwall and Devon, we have been running virtual and in-person workshops right through the pandemic, stressing all sorts of daily, pragmatic steps and changes that people can take. Our 2021 Illuminate light festival responded directly to the COP26 summit, climate crisis and also the impact of Covid-19 on the cultural sector.

STEVE DEMUTH Bailey Partnership

We have pledged to become carbon-neutral and deliver all projects to net zero by 2030 – 20 years ahead of national targets - in a bid to reduce the construction industry’s carbon footprint. To achieve the ambitious plans, a sustainability group with representation from each of the consultancy’s service areas has formed with the purpose of improving the company’s carbon literacy. We have signed up to the RIBA 2030 Climate Challenge and encourage all RIBA registered practices to do so.

RICHARD WILCOX Falmouth BID

Never mind COP26, our work hosting the international media centre for the G7, and our development of a Falmouth media portal, actually served to highlight just how much significant work is already being done by our local businesses, and by teams at University of Exeter and Falmouth University along ‘green’ and ‘blue’ strategic lines. We have a wealth of individuals and businesses who are innovating and we are providing ongoing support and advice wherever possible. Falmouth BID and the Falmouth Town Team are collaborating, sharing information and opportunities in relation to the possible funding strands and forums for responsible and sustainable business practice.

in productivity, or ‘whoosh effect’, as the company becomes owned by its employees.

future employment of the employees.

#3 Positive employee owner mentality

An added bonus of becoming employeeowned is that there are tax savings for both the business and its employees.

Employee owned companies are more innovative because managers go out of their way to consult, share information about the company, and give staff responsibility. Thinking like owners can lead to some great suggestions for changes that weren’t on the management team’s radar. #4 Succession without trauma

#5 Tax efficiencies

Having advised numerous clients on their transition to employee-ownership, as well as drawing on the firm’s own journey to becoming employee-owned, the team at Stephens Scown is perfectly placed to advise businesses looking to reap the benefits of employee-ownership.

Employee Ownership offers an appealing exit plan for founders without the need to find a buyer, without a heavy due diligence process, on a timeline that suits the owners, while securing the BUSINESS CORNWALL | 5

CORNWALL

BUSINESS NEWS

LEP OUTLINES GREEN POTENTIAL As the COP26 climate conference in Glasgow last month dominated many people’s thoughts, Cornwall has been busy showing the key role it has to play in the drive to net zero. A new prospectus and summary film from the Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), ‘How Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly is leading the green industrial revolution’, sets out how decarbonising the economy is both an environmental imperative and huge opportunity for the region.

LEP chair, Mark Duddridge, said: “For Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, the scale of opportunity in the race to net zero cannot be overstated. Our location and geology give us an abundance of resources to power the green industrial revolution, underpinned by generations of innovation and enterprise. In fact, there are few areas where so many green investment opportunities come together in one place. 6 | BUSINESS CORNWALL

SPONSORED BY

focus-technology.co.uk

“This new prospectus highlights those opportunities to Government and industry as investable propositions that can deliver a low carbon future and create thousands of jobs in our economy.” The prospectus focuses on Cornwall’s worldclass deposits of technology metals like lithium, tin and copper, which are essential components in many of today’s rapidly growing clean energy technologies but are currently imported to the UK. Floating offshore wind energy is another area with huge potential for Cornwall, with the Celtic Sea identified as one of only two areas in the UK for large-scale floating wind deployment. More than half of the critical measurements on climate change rely on satellite data, and Cornwall will give the UK its own satellite launch capability from Spaceport Cornwall next year (2022). Combined with Goonhilly’s Earth Station’s ability to track and control aircraft and analyse data, Cornwall is central to the UK Government’s National Space Strategy. And the region is pioneering other technologies, from deep geothermal energy at United Downs and the Eden Project, to the development of renewable biofuels and local energy networks. Meanwhile, the Eden Project had a special pavilion up at COP26, where it announced details of opening its first South American site. The Eden Project International team will work alongside the Colombian Ministry of the Environment and the Humboldt Institute to

establish how an Eden Project in the Meta region of Colombia might look, ensuring that it continues to embody the Eden ethos of highlighting the importance of the natural world. The process will include the early stages of site investigation and vision development, with the first phase expected to be completed by the end of the year. Eden Project International chief executive, David Harland, said: “We are excited to start this journey of discovery together to explore the creation of an Eden Project for Colombia. Colombia is a country of huge natural world riches and is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, as well as having varied cultures and a rich history.” Colombian President, Iván Duque, added: “The opportunity to bring such an influential and iconic institution as Eden Project to Colombia is testament to the work we have done to better understand and promote our outstanding biodiversity and sustainability, including pledging some of the most ambitious net zero carbon emission and net zero deforestation targets in the region.”

BUSINESS NEWS

SPONSORED BY

focus-technology.co.uk

WIND PLANS WELCOMED

HOUSE PRICES THROUGH THE ROOF

PHOTO: PRINCIPLE POWER

House prices in the south west are expected to grow by 13.1% over the next five years – with coastal areas seeing the strongest increases, according to new research by Savills.

Marine-i has welcomed the Crown Estate proposals announced for floating offshore wind leasing in the Celtic Sea. The Crown Estate aims to unlock up to 4GW of capacity and help establish a new industrial sector. Part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund, Marine-i is designed to help the marine technology sector in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly grow through harnessing the full potential of research and innovation. The plans from the Crown Estate include a focus on two key project categories: early commercial-scale projects of 300-350MW and full commercial-scale projects of up to 1GW. The leasing process could see rights

Sea links to the Isles of Scilly are to receive a multi-million pound boost through the Government’s Levelling Up Fund

awarded by the end of 2023, with projects delivered from 2030 into the early part of the next decade. Prof Lars Johanning, programme director for Marine-I, said: “These proposals represent an important step forward in the goal of developing floating offshore wind power in the Celtic Sea. This technology could have a huge impact on the economic prospects of our region. We have access to one of the world’s best locations for floating offshore windfarms, and the local engineering expertise to build them. “We and the UK Government believe this technology will play a crucial role in delivering our country’s goal of a net zero economy by 2050.”

The predicted figures show that the average cost of a home in the region will rise from the current average of £341,971 to £386,769 by 2026. And prices of some properties in Cornwall are expected to rise even faster. Chris Clifford, head of residential sales at Savills Cornwall, said: “Demand for property for sale in Cornwall remains incredibly strong and the comparative lack of supply, coupled with historically low interest rates and a robust economy, means that while prices increases will start to soften, they are very unlikely to fall. “The prime coastal markets in Cornwall, which have experienced a huge gap in supply and demand resulting in average annual growth of 14.8%, are likely to see the strongest growth in the coming years, and this could well exceed the county average of 4%.”

£48M FOR SEA LINKS

The Council of the Isles of Scilly has been successful in securing £48.4 million towards the cost of replacing the vessels and improving the harbours which play a vital role in providing the sea links which support the community and businesses on the Isles of Scilly. The funding was confirmed as the Government announced the first areas in the country to benefit from its Levelling Up Strategy in the Autumn Budget. The Council submitted its bid for funding to the Government in June, based on the work which had been undertaken by the Isles of Scilly Transport Board. The board, which is chaired by Derek Thomas MP, developed plans to replace the existing passenger, cargo and inter-island vessels and improve the two busiest harbours on the islands at St Mary’s and Tresco. The project will also benefit from £5.4 million of 8 | BUSINESS CORNWALL

local funding to be provided by the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group, Duchy of Cornwall and Tresco Estate. In anticipation of the funding bid being successful, work has already started in order to ensure the harbour improvements can be completed and vessels enter service by March 2024. Stuart Reid, chief executive of the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group, which runs lifeline

passenger and freight services to the islands by sea and air, said: “We are well advanced with our vessel replacement plans and have held extensive discussions with a number of shipyards. We look forward to introducing the Scillonian IV passenger ship, cargo vessel and inter-island launch in 2024, which will be purpose-built to meet the future service needs of the Isles of Scilly community, local businesses and visitors for many years to come.”

ALL-ELECTRIC FORD MUSTANG MACH-E

WITH UP TO 379 MILE RANGE* V I S I T U S AT V O S P E R S - P LY M O U T H

Treliske, Truro, TR1 3LP

Longbridge Road Plymouth, PL6 8AY 01752 636363 Tel: 01872 309234

Model shown is a Mustang Mach-E Extended Range AWD. Fuel economy mpg (l/100km): Not applicable. CO2 emissions while driving: 0g/km. Electric Range for Extended Range AWD model: 335 miles*. Electric Range for Extended Range RWD model: 379 miles*.

These figures were obtained after the batter had been fully charged. The Mustang Mach-E is a battery electric vehicle requiring mains electricity for charging. There is a new test for fuel consumption, Co2 and electric range figures. The electric range shown was achieved using the new test procedure. Figures shown are for comparability purposes. Only compare fuel consumption, CO2 and electric range figures with other cars tested to the same technical procedures. *These figures may not reflect real driving results, which will depend upon a number of factors including the starting charge of the battery, accessories fitted, variations in weather, driving styles and vehicle load.

Relax

We’ve Got IT Covered As customer expectations rise, businesses depend on reliable technology to deliver goods and services. Keeping your technology healthy, reliable, resilient, secure and with a plan for the future is key to driving growth and success.

Partnering with Focus can help you achieve these goals, and more.

01209 613660 | focus-technology.co.uk BUSINESS CORNWALL | 9

REVIEW

ANNUAL

farewell to A look back on the past year, when Cornwall was thrust upon the world stage like never before.

Twelve months ago, we wrote that many people would be glad to see the back of 2020. A fair proportion of those people who would probably have similar sentiments to 2021. But while the pandemic has again cast its shadow over the year, as we all adjust and learn to live with the situation, 2021 actually generated a few more headlines than just Covid-19. And many of those headlines were quite positive, particularly for Cornwall. For once we were allowed to open up, there was much to cheer about. While staff issues,

2021

in particular, hampered by pingdemic and Brexit in equal measure certainly caused serious issues, the tourist sector still enjoyed a bumper summer of business.

many were thinking about.

In June, the world’s focus was fixed upon Cornwall

Of course, the year was dominated by G7.

CORNWALL'S PREMI

Over the past year, the CEO Interview in Business Cornwall magazine has featured some of Cornwall’s leading and most prominent business figures. Here’s a small snapshot of what they have been saying. PREMI CORNWALL'S

ER BUSINESS

RESOURCE FOR

ALL THE LATEST

NEWS AND

“Work, food, diet, where you live and how you engage with a community is important.”

OPINION

businesscornwall.

co.uk

| £3.95 | ISSUE 144 FEBRUARY 2021

THE GOOD LIFE

BRIDGE JAMES STRAW ON HEALTH AND WELLBEING

FINANCE & FUNDING

HOW TO SECU INVESTMENT

TV personality James Strawbridge, February.

As for the legacy it will leave, that’s probably a little more subjective. Will Joe Biden return for his summer holiday next year, probably not. But even the most pessimistic can’t deny that Cornwall shone in the sun.

From the day in January, it was announced that the world’s leaders would be descending upon Carbis Bay in the summer, there was little else

They said it here

ER BUSINESS

RESOURCE FOR

ALL THE LATEST

NEWS AND

businesscornwall.

MARCH 2021

Ultimately, it was all a whirlwind as the circus swept out as fast as it had swept it. For those few days in June, the world’s focus was fixed upon Cornwall. And let’s be honest, we all enjoyed it didn’t we?

OPINION

co.uk

| ISSUE 145 | £3.95

5-STAR TOURISM

SECTOR FEATU RE & INTERVIEW WITH TOBY ASHWORTH , PROPRIETOR OF THE NARE HOTE L

“Cornwall has SEEDS OF GROWTH done very well on national tourism, it’s been top of the pops for a decade or so. And that’s great, but if you want to have a greater spend per head, which is what we should really be striving for, you may need an international market.”

“Obviously, a lot of people do these trade missions and do very well out of them, but down here in Cornwall I found it quite hard. You’re trying to run a business, you haven’t got time to go swanning of on missions to Japan and China all the time.”

Toby Ashworth, proprietor of the Nare Hotel, March.

Nick Whitworth, founder of Celtic & Co, May.

INVESTING IN THE FUTURE OF CORNWALL

9 772514

842001

02 9 772514

9 772514

842001

10 | BUSINESS CORNWALL

PHOTO TOP LEFT: © G7 CORNWALL 2021. TOUR OF BRITAIN PHOTO: SWPIX

ANNUAL

REVIEW

TOP 5

STORIES ON BUSINESS CORNWALL.CO.UK From January 1 up until the time of writing (November 17), the businesscornwall.co.uk website had been visited by in excess of 170,000 users. The most read stories of 2021 were: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • ‘US company charges in Cornwall’ June 21 …Progranalog, a leading provider of power testing solutions, has moved into the Tremough Innovation Centre… • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • ‘easyJet launches new Cornwall route’ April 22 …easyJet is launching a new summer route between Newquay and London Gatwick this summer... • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • ‘Patent pending for British Lithium invention’ May 14 From Spaceport Cornwall through to one of the main reasons why Boris chose Cornwall to host G7 in the first place – our growing renewable energy potential –we showed the world that we are about far more than just Poldark and Pasties. And it wasn’t just the G7 that put Cornwall in the wider spotlight this year. In September the TV cameras were back for the Grand Depart of the Tour of Britain. Again, the benefit to Cornwall has been portrayed to be far greater than just financial. But good will doesn’t pay the bills or cover

…After three years of intensive research and development, Cornwall-based British Lithium has invented a low-energy, chemical-free process for physically separating the mica in granite that contains lithium... • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

home improvements. Luckily, a combined near £90 million injection from the Government’s Town Deal fund that was announced this year, will help regeneration projects in Truro, Camborne, Penzance and St Ives

‘Truro secures £23.6M investment’ April 7

Also to smile about, the Hall For Cornwall reopened its doors a couple of months ago. And for once it hadn’t just been the pandemic that had forced its closure, but the significant redevelopment work the famous old theatre had been undergoing.

…The Prime Minister today confirmed a multimillion pound investment for Truro as part of the Government’s Towns Fund Deal... • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • ‘G7 in Cornwall: The opportunity of a lifetime?’ January 18

Many of building blocks are in place. 2021 was better than 2020. Let’s hope 2022 is better still.

…Guest post from LEP chair, Mark Duddridge…

PREMI CORNWALL'S

“Cornwall is a bit betwixt and between at the moment; it’s evolving into a very different place and that different place is really relevant to the sort of growth the Government wants.”

Mark Duddridge, LEP chair, June. MARK

DUDDRIDGE

Mark

What a fantastic opportunity to talk to the world

12 | BUSINESS CORNWALL

industries as well? We’ve got a fantastic reputation as a visitor destination and for our food and drink and fishing, but those industries have been clobbered by Covid, probably lost well over a billion pounds in revenue over the last year. And we also know they are traditionally relatively low paid and seasonal, so we’re looking also how to redefine those industries broaden the scope and in terms of seasons. Do we make some of the offer more environmentally regenerative, different sorts of holidays? How do we up the whole offer to make sure the quality in Cornwall continues of what people get to improve? And making sure we’re then investing in the right skills agenda to go behind it. So, we see the key planks of change in Cornwall being unlocking some of these big structural things, which is why we’re so keen that the Government looks a bit longer around funding term opportunities so we can lock in the private money to go behind it. It’s also about getting behind our traditional businesses and making them far more competitive. And behind all of that being mindful that we have some communitie s

ALL THE LATEST

NEWS AND

“Like everyone, we’ve had the double whammy of Covid and THE TIDE IS HIGH Brexit. We’re probably quite similar to a number TAKING OFF of the other bedrock sectors in the county like tourism and hospitality. A number of our members, particularly the leisure marine members, are in post Covid recovery. In economic terms, they’ve had the equivalent of three consecutive winters.” OCTOBER 2021

Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Local Enterprise Partnership chair, Mark excited at the opportu Duddridge, is nities the Duchy has to shine on the world stage. with real difficulties in terms of skills, deprivation and Hosting G7 might earning levels and we know not get people going forward reaching they have to be for their order books straight also encouraging revitalised and reinvigorated away, but it Cornish businesses will help draw and we need investors to some look again at to to get more people back into where their market of these emerging areas. work. should be, raising ambition levels not only So, with ‘Pasties of businesses but and Poldark’, also young people we’ve got such a fantastic to see What legacy brand strength, those world leaders would but how do we get underneath here. you like hosting that and make the more of the value sure Things like space summit to leave? of that sticks for instance, in Cornwall? the programme has been There appears Why do you engaging with to think the Prime school children Minister be a willingness chose Cornwall which has been to host G7? massively from Governmen powerful. And t to building those We’re really delighted make sure there bridges between that he did! is Cornwall’s internationa trade bodies an immediate and investment l legacy things we’ve mentioned,reputation for the bodies, and the environmen Government, being a place tal Department for visit and eat out, to bias towards family time is International Trade that is key, but I think as well, and people the Governmen very welcome. like that, it is relationships t recognises But we ought to be like that in the medium a leader. People that will bear fruit. to long term, talk about the fourth industrial And I suspect in 5-10 years that will be the Cornwall will hopefully revolution, with real legacy. our resources around look back and what a fantastic think it in terms of energy opportunity we wind, geothermal, had to Can Cornwall’s to the world. It groundsource. beautiful natural won’t be the answer, talk Also, there’s huge interest landscape help in attracting it will be a big but in unlocking the inward investment, fillip on the way potential of space to creating particularly in something different. as a massive the wake of the market. Cornwall is a pandemic? bit betwixt and between The impact of at the moment; that is two-fold. it’s evolving into There is a lot of house a very A good shop different place buying at the window for attracting and that different moment, a recognition that place is future investment really relevant it’s a beautiful place to the sort of ? growth the to live and work. Government wants. But that whole There’s a lot of impact on housing is something interest from investors that is very profound in energy and geo-resources, and Cornwall will have to work but it’s through how we respond to that collectively.

Government recognises we ought to be a leader

BUSINESS CORNWALL

9 772514

co.uk

| £3.95 | ISSUE 151

INTERVIEW WITH E CORNWALL MARIN NETWORK CEO PAUL WICKES

9 772514

OPINION

businesscornwall.

Duddridge

In a blog published when the G7 was announced, you get real traction asked people behind the georesource to look beyond ‘pasties argument, lithium s and Poldark’ and minerals. and open their eyes to And lithium is really a new Cornwall. exciting, because What did you mean it’s not just the finding by that? it and mining it but it’s also the refining process It alludes to two of it. At the moment, big things really. lithium around In Cornwall we now the world is shipped have opportunitie intercontinentally, s to reshape our so the cost of economy going doing that and the carbon forward, particularly impact of producing around the green agenda. batteries is We have relatively small huge. We have businesses down here emerging an opportunity in areas which could in Cornwall be absolutely huge. of doing it all For instance, if we in almost one see floating offshore place. wind realised in the Celtic And we’re Sea, by 2030 that seeing a lot of could be a £10 billion interest around space and data. investment, not Hopefully launches just from Newquay will the stuff that goes start next year and then we can start to look at out on the sea the data application but coming back the assembly, from those satellites; Goonhilly and servicing, the big data, and some of the investments there. power coming By 2030, if we’re not surrounded by ashore etc. these sort of things, I think everybody will be really disappointe We’re d. But the other side of Poldark starting to and pasties is how do we reconfigure our traditional

RESOURCE FOR

INTRODUCINGOF TIM BUNTING CORNWALL AIR AMBULANCE

DUDDRIDGE

MARK

ER BUSINESS

CORNWALL'S PREMI

RESOURCE FOR

ALL THE LATEST

NEWS AND

businesscornwall.

NOVEMBER

2021 | ISSUE 152 | £3.95

UNIQUE HOMESTAYS

INTERVIEW WITH FOUNDER SARAH STANL EY

MADE IN CORNWALL MANU

FACTURING IN THE SPOT LIGHT

IT’S GOOD TO GIVE

CHARITY FOCU

842001

Paul Wickes, CEO of Cornwall Marine Network, October.

ER BUSINESS

OPINION

co.uk

“For me, the crux of the whole business has been keeping it simple… but one thing I never ever did was get a loan or take a risk. I only ever spent money I had.”

11 9 772514

9 772514

842001

Unique Homestays founder Sarah Stanley, November.

| 13

BUSINESS CORNWALL | 11

SAM

BOEX

These must be exciting times for Flexi-Hex? It’s super exciting. We are growing rapidly. We’ve just turned over what we did last year in the first six months of this year. We’re now up to 13 people from a staff point of view and starting to move globally with our strategy as well, starting to open up the US market and also the Asia Australasia markets as well. 80%-90% of our revenue currently is in the drink space within the UK. And we’ve started to push that out into Europe, but there we are also starting to get traction into new market sectors such as cosmetics and electronics.

of a poor consumer experience we had of buying a surfboard online, arriving covered in bubble wrap. Both myself and Will took it on as a project to see if we could develop a packaging solution for surfboards. So, the first six to eight months of the business was 100% in the board sports markets and exploring where we could go with that. But we quickly realised the opportunities in a number of other markets and even now, the further we get into the business the potential just becomes greater and greater with how the product can be applied to different markets and different products.

A fascination of creating form in three dimensional ways and exploring different materials

When you first came up with the concept, was the drinks market the first one in mind? No, the product was originally designed for surfboards. The idea came off the back

We brought in an account manager for board sports, but that’s now becoming all sports, using Flexi-Hex potentially for tennis rackets, for snowboards, for skis. The product works really well for all these awkward shaped

Sam

products. It just flows around and forms this shell-like protection around the product. I received a bottle through the post the other day, with the Flexi-Hex packaging. I must say it’s a thing of beauty, but I’m guessing quite expensive to produce? We are starting to become pretty competitive in the market, but yes, it was a chicken and egg thing when we first started. It’s incredibly difficult. We started the business just buying one pallet of product and you can’t compete on that. But we are starting to get to a point where we’re looking at automation for the products, and that is going to have a big effect on the unit price. We’re currently probably around 25% more expensive than plastic products on the market. But we have a number of unique USPs with the product and we can get upwards of 9,000 bottle sleaves on a single pallet. So yes, there is a slight difference in the prices of the products, but that’s getting more competitive.

Boex

12 | BUSINESS CORNWALL

SAM

BOEX

We meet Sam Boex, creative director at sustainable packaging start-up, Flexi-Hex. Having recently secured a second round of investment worth £1.25 million, Sam together with twin brother Will have been taking the global packing industry by storm, with their patented paper honeycomb design.

BUSINESS CORNWALL | 13

SAM

BOEX

and distributors within the UK and also Europe, which we’ve got a feed product to. Expanding into other territories like the US is super exciting. We have a big partner over there we’re working quite closely with who are one of the biggest packaging companies in the US. We’re in good conversations with them in regards to how we can introduce Flexi-Hex into the US and scale up quite rapidly.

We want to run a successful, global business from Cornwall

What’s the competition like? Is the product patented?

And with the new investment you recently received, does that go towards that production process and getting prices down? We just had a round of investment from the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Investment Fund and it’s great to have them on board. The investment for us is about growing the business into different territories - moving the business into the US and also into Australia. And using that capital to be able to create that level of growth, because we now have a growing number of customers

14 | BUSINESS CORNWALL

sort of obsessed! But rather than sculpture, I wanted to develop and create stuff which had functions. So, design was the root for me.

We have been quite strategic. Right back at the beginning, when we first developed the product, we had a slight eureka moment on the product and thought this has potential. So one of the first things we did was go down that patent process path, which is incredibly lengthy and very expensive. But it has been worth it. So, we hold the patents in the UK, we also hold a patent throughout Europe. And we’re patent pending in the US and Australia. And we also hold a patent in China as well. Going back to the very beginning, you went to university in Newcastle? Yes. I became interested in three dimensional design on a foundation course at Falmouth University with a brilliant teacher there called Hillary. She showed me a fascination of creating form in three dimensional ways and exploring different materials. I became quite

So after the foundation, I went to Newcastle University, because there weren’t any 3D courses in Falmouth at that time, it was pretty much art based courses. And I had to be by the coast because I surf so Newcastle was one of the options.

You couldn’t get much further away from Cornwall than Newcastle! I think it was really healthy for me. Obviously, I had my twin brother, but we kind of went our separate ways. He went to Plymouth University. I went to Newcastle, which was really far away, but it was a brilliant learning experience and I met some brilliant people. So yeah, I learnt a lot. But at the same time I really had a strong draw back to Cornwall. I thought I’d have to leave the county because there weren’t that many jobs in 3D design in Cornwall at the time. But actually I ended up getting a job with Gendall Design in Falmouth. It was at the same sort of time that the Eden Project was starting as well, so I became quite involved working with them, working on exhibitions and signage. So I cut my teeth at Gendall Design and then left after around three years to start my own business along with my twin brother Will. Was that always the plan, for you and Will to start you own business? And how do your skill sets complement each other? Both my parents are self employed, so it’s never daunted me. And yes, we actually work brilliantly together as directors in a business.

SAM

We’re identical twins, but we’re also mirror twins. I think it’s my right side of the brain which is more dominant, which means I’m more of the creative one, but Will’s left hand side of the brain is more dominant, which means he’s good at organisation and systems and processes. It’s a perfect, complementary kind of partnership within the business and gives us very clear roles. Wouldn’t it be easier running a business like this in, I don’t know, Manchester, London or Birmingham, rather than Porthleven? We’ve always said we don’t want to that business defined by where you are. We always said we want to run a successful, global business from Cornwall. Yes, it might have been easier for getting flights and the travel situation but, you know, with the pandemic, everything was shut down anyway. And we can have two or three meetings a day all over the world on Zoom. It’s just not an issue basically. And we’re attracting great staff, not just from Cornwall, but from outside Cornwall as well. And we’ve got a good little office here. We’re 50 yards from the sea, which is brilliant. “We couldn’t ask for more. And I think everyone within the business is excited to have this opportunity to be part of a rapidly growing business.

I’d say around six to eight months. It was an idea I was developing while we were running the Boex business. It was just an idea I kept coming back to, develop it a bit further, but without having the confidence to take it off the shelf. It can be incredibly daunting and it’s something I haven’t really done before. It can be incredibly exposing, creating something, a product which no one has done before, and then you really don’t know how people are going to react in the marketplace. Emotionally it can be quite draining to expose yourself like that and financially it was quite risky as well. So, when does a product become a business? Was there ever an idea of maybe just taking it to other companies and let them develop it? Or was it always going to be something you did yourself? Again, that’s an interesting one. The first six months was a battle. You could have the best product in the world but you still need to sell and market that product, it will never sell itself. There are probably thousands of inventors and great products out there, which are either sitting in garages or in people’s heads. A huge part of it was getting out there and looking people in the face. They might say, “no, this product will never work” so you have to pick yourself up and say, “you know, I believe it will”. And it’s nurturing those initial relationships, those initial customers and building on those. It’s very much like stepping stones. You get to know your initial customer base, nurture them and look after them and eventually you work up to the bigger businesses and the bigger distributors. But the bigger businesses and distributors won’t take on a product until

It’s a perfect, complementary kind of partnership within the business

Do you still run the Boex interior design business or is Flexi-Hex the main focus now? We’ve been running Boex for 15 years, but we’re just starting to wind that down to give 100% focus on Flexi-Hex. We launched Flexi-Hex in 2018.

How long before then had the idea been in the development stage?

BOEX

they see traction in the market because it’s too risky for them. And that’s ultimately the issue, start-up businesses are incredibly risky. So until you get to a certain point, no one is interested. It’s a chicken and egg thing really. I think part of me at the beginning thought, yeah, I might be able to develop an idea and just hand it to someone, but it’s so far from that. There’s just a colossal amount of work to get the momentum in the product. And when did you reach that point, or maybe you haven’t reached it yet, of thinking yes, this is great. This is going to work. (laughs). That’s a good question! I’m laughing because even now, I’m still not 100%! And Will’s like, it’s okay Sam, we’ve sold something like 3 million sleeves. I think it does work! For me, as a creative, there’s never 100% confidence, I’m always wanting to improve the product. But I think I’d say now we’re just coming to a point where we realise the potential of this and letting go of the reins slightly. We’re just about to cross the line with one of the biggest cosmetics companies in the world to use Flexi-Hex for their distribution network. So that’s quite an exciting opportunity, which will open up a lot of potential. And when you get sort of the investments you’ve had recently, that must be a massive boost vote of confidence. People wouldn’t invest if they didn’t believe in the product. Yes, it’s huge, obviously from a financial point of view, but also a great accolade in the business, as you say. It’s amazing people can start to see the potential of the products and that’s really reassuring for us as a business and gives us momentum to take it forward.

BUSINESS CORNWALL | 15

SAM

BOEX

Where do you see the next five years? Global domination? I suppose we want the business to be a recognised brand within the packaging industry globally, so yes. We want to be a go-to packaging solution, not necessarily a household name, but recognised within the industry and operating in all the major economies globally and in multiple different market sectors from drinks, cosmetics, electronics, automotive, industrial, across all these different verticals. I notice on your packaging you’ve got the flat Flexi-Hex branding on it. Right from the beginning we have been quite strict with our branding, having it on the sleeves. And there’s two elements to that. Firstly brand recognition. With two million plus sleaves we’ve sent out there, we get a constant trickle of inquiries coming in from people who, like yourself, received a bottle and look us up. And then it’s a protection thing. We have the protection of the IP, but if there was no branding on it, then it just becomes a commodity, which could then very easily be copied. So yes, it’s creating that strong brand association with the product. That’s the intention. Where are the sleeves manufactured?

Has the whole experience of setting up Flexi-Hex been very different to your experience of when you started Boex?

I think it is everything and above of what we were expecting. But the route to that is also incredibly complex and it’s never smooth. But I think we have to give ourselves a pat on the back to have got to this stage. There are so many elements with starting a businesses, which could go wrong at any point. You’re constantly having to adapt and change to meet your goals.

Some of the biggest brands in the world are approaching us – so yes, it’s super exciting

It’s been a world apart. I think all business owners probably have a fantasy of creating a product which then creates its own momentum and has this big potential. And I think that this as a business, there’s so much potential. It’s not so much holding back the business to where it could go but just being very strategic in how we move the business forward. Because it has so much potential in so many different areas. And the interest we’re getting, some of the biggest brands in the world are approaching us. So yes, it’s super exciting.

There are big ups and big downs running a business

Currently in Asia, but as you’re probably aware, shipping is becoming an incredibly complex beast at the moment and a difficult one to navigate. Again, it’s a chicken and egg situation. We received many quotes to produce it throughout Europe but they just couldn’t compete with the numbers we

16 | BUSINESS CORNWALL

were looking at in the beginning. But now we are at stage where we have the capital and partners who are interested in being able to potentially automate the products. The goal is to automate producing Flexi-Hex at local levels. So, to have automation available in Europe, the US and Australia to reduce the carbon footprint of shipping. But like I said earlier, we couldn’t get to the stage we are now without having been competitive on price.

Has everything gone as you expected?

As all your readers will relate to, it’s incredibly complicated running a business. It’s incredibly emotional and it’s absolutely exhausting. You have to rationalise your decisions, and some of these decisions are quite big decisions, you know, for us and the business. There are big ups and big downs running a business.

And has it been more complicated because you’ve been producing something totally new? 100%. I think had we been producing T-shirts, yes, you would have all the same kind of issues with regards to supply chain and manufacturing, but it would have been simpler. Part of it is educating businesses on the product and how it works, what it does, and how you can use it, the sustainability behind the product, and what it could potentially replace. Ultimately, we want to be a sort of generic packaging machine, which could be used for anything you want. But if we spread ourselves too thinly and make it a generic packaging, suddenly, I think we would quickly lose traction, and it would get quite lost in the market. As the business has grown and you have more staff are you able to delegate more or are you a bit of a control freak? I think that’s definitely part of running a business, starting to let go of things. At the beginning there was this control element, it was your baby, and also as a start-up business, you have to be good at so many different aspects of the business. You don’t

SAM

BOEX

have a full team who can focus on those one things in particular, a marketing person, sales person. So you’re having to bridge the gap and split the roles, doing a bit of marketing, a bit of sales, some logistics. But as the team has grown, we now have cleared departments within that. So myself and Will are able to orchestrate more now and have this very strong team around us who can deliver. We have probably doubled in staff since last year. We have a brilliant team and wouldn’t be where we are now without them. Do you anticipate growing the team further in the short term or are you good on numbers at the moment? I think we’re good at the moment. We’ve got a lot of capacity to be able to grow to the next stage. We want to be an IP business, focused on our IP. We don’t want to be warehousing ourselves. We want to keep this team super lean and super efficient. And I think that’s the strength n the business.

I’m always wanting to improve the product

BUSINESS CORNWALL | 17

BUSINESS

ESSENTIALS

Over the next 18 pages, we offer some specialist advice and tips to help your business get ahead in ‘22...

Moving

forward in 2022

EXPORT

MANUFACTURED IN CORNWALL. EXPANDING GLOBALLY. Cornwall Chamber of Commerce explains how it can help get your export business on the map. Since Brexit you may feel the world is smaller and difficult to navigate without the necessary experience and authority. From Mexico to Russia and UAE to China, the International Trade Team at Cornwall Chamber of Commerce is assisting numerous companies in the submission of their export documents. We are at the end of the phone or an email to talk through the process, explain the technical set-up and the required wording to ensure the ease of process. We are the only organisation within the Duchy who are accredited to oversee this process. We offer this service to our members and non-members via an online system called eCert. Our trained personnel are able to explain to new exporters how the system works and are on-hand to assist with queries. The standard export document is a Certificate of Origin which is recognised by all 18 | BUSINESS CORNWALL

countries. We also provide EUR1 which offers preference to goods originating from the UK, thus enabling the importer to pay reduced or zero customs at transit points or at the destination. In October 2021, in co-operation with Devon and Plymouth Chamber of Commerce, we successfully delivered our first customs declaration. This service is offered direct to businesses, ensuring that customs clearance is accurate, timely and avoids additional costs through delays or errors. Also, in November, we issued our first ATA Carnet, in co-operation with Bristol Chamber of Commerce. This acts as a ‘passport for goods’ to gain duty-free and tax-free transportation through EU countries, thus reducing border delays.

Despite the pandemic, the export market continues to grow across a range of sectors. Cornwall is home to a significant number of food and drink, technology and manufacturing industries which have reached new global markets. Many of these companies have embraced sustainable packaging and local transportation links to maximise their assets. We are keen to talk to and enable all businesses in this post-pandemic world. cornwallchamber.co.uk 01209 216006

BUSINESS BUSINESS AWARDS

THE AWARD CATEGORIES FOR 2022 ARE:

BE THE BEST Everything you need to know about entering the Cornwall Business Awards, which are set to return in 2022 with nominations opening in January. The Cornwall Business Awards will be coming back for 2022. The awards will celebrate businesses who have focused on overcoming the impact of the coronavirus pandemic by adapting, creating new opportunities, and supporting each other and the community. Kirsty Miles-Musgrave of the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Growth and Skills Hub, who organise the event, says: “We know how much the business community enjoys coming together to celebrate everything that is great about Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly and hearing stories about the amazing companies across the region. “Even though we still face an uncertain climate, it feels more important than ever to hear the stories of resilience from our local businesses.” The awards will open for applications in January with an even bigger celebration at the end of June for the gala dinner, where winners will be announced.

ESSENTIALS

Cornwall Business Awards website where you can create an account for your business and choose up to two categories to enter. CAN I NOMINATE A BUSINESS FOR AN AWARD? There are no categories where you can enter on behalf of a third-party business. However, we recommend contacting businesses directly to encourage them to apply for an award. HOW IS IT JUDGED? There is a three-stage judging process for the awards. An initial round of scoring is completed by representatives from the organisers. They will identify the top six in each award category. The shortlist entries will automatically go forward to a second round where a panel of three independent judges for each award will score each entry. These include a representative from the sponsor for each category plus two other judges. Scores from each judging panel will be collated to

• Beacon Inclusivity Award – sponsored by Beacon Project • Best Business with a Purpose – sponsored by CORSERV • Best Customer Experience – sponsored by Jobline Staffing • Best Family Business – sponsored by St Austell Printing Company • Best New Business – sponsored by Outset Cornwall • Best Place to Work • Business Leader of the Year – sponsored by InFocus from Unlocking Potential • Clean Growth Award – sponsored by Impact, Innovation and Business at the University of Exeter • Employee of the Year – sponsored by Truro & Penwith College • Exporter of the Year – sponsored by Business Cornwall • Growth Business of the Year – sponsored by Access to Finance • Rising Star Award – sponsored by Cornwall & Isles of Scilly LEP • Third Sector Award – sponsored by Eden Project plus the sponsor judges meet the finalists in each category to ask them further questions before deciding on an overall winner. HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO ENTER? It is completely free to enter.

For more information on the awards visit www.cornwallbusinessawards.co.uk For those who may be interested in applying, here are few of the Frequently Asked Questions commonly received: HOW DO I ENTER? The entry process is all online via the

determine the finalists. In the event of a tie, a winner will be determined by the organisers based on the overall score and in consultation with the sponsor judge if necessary. The finalists are then invited to attend Showdown Day, where two independent judges

The Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Growth Hub and Skills Hub organise the awards and are part funded by the European Structural & Investment Funds and match funded by Cornwall Council, the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy and the Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Local Enterprise Partnership. The Awards are also supported by Cornwall Innovation, Vickery Holman and DCA PR.

BUSINESS CORNWALL | 19

BUSINESS

ESSENTIALS

RECRUITMENT

HIRE THE BEST Talented people are an employer’s greatest asset yet they’ve never been so elusive. Alex Callister, director of specialist Truro based recruitment specialists Trial Balance Consulting and Well Placed HR, talks through some of the key challenges that his team have experienced over the past 18 months. 2021 has proven itself to be the most unpredictable year that we’ve ever experienced in the recruitment sector. We’ve enjoyed more employer assignment than ever before but now face a frustrating shortage of experienced candidates appearing on the market; demand is outstripping the supply and the recruitment marketplace has never been so competitive. And the problem isn’t unique to just us recruiters. Somewhere around 50% of our assignment over the past few months has come from employers that had attempted to recruit directly, but ended up woefully disappointed by the quality of response to their staffing campaigns. Here are our recommendations to maximise recruitment success:

4. Prepare for frustration. We’re certainly not

shooting fish in a barrel so you’ll need to manage your own expectations before you’ve even posted your advertisement. You may not receive a single applicant.

5. Keep the application process fluid. If you

can, accept a CV as an application. Online application portals, long application forms, and pre-interview tests are a sure way to turn a potentially suited candidate off.

6. Delays lead to disappointment. The

cause of numerous avoidable recruitment failures can be directly linked to employers delaying their recruitment projects. “Sitting on CVs” for weeks on end is a sure route to disaster. The market is moving fast and employers need to be ready to strike without hesitation. If you

don’t, somebody else will! 7. Expect the unexpected. A verbal

acceptance of an offer of employment doesn’t mean your role has been filled. Counter offers are rife, people change their minds, other propositions tempt them. Now is the time to build a working relationship with a new employee and that means staying in regular contact throughout a notice period.

A specialist recruiter such as Trial Balance Consulting (accountancy & finance), or Well Placed HR (people management), can help. Get in touch to learn more about our services, our candidates and our quest to ensure that our clients employ the candidates that they really want.

1. Be realistic, be open minded. Employers

that see recruitment as a box ticking exercise are missing out. Jot down a list of perceived essential criteria. Sleep on it and move at least 40% to a desirable heading. Some jobs require requisite experience but many don’t. Take an objective look at what you’re asking of a prospective employee – is it realistically achievable?

2. The quality of your advertising copy is

key. Spare a moment to scout around the Internet and find vacancy listings similar to your own. You’ll find that most advertisements are little more than a list of candidate demands and an overview of how they’ll be benefiting your organisation. Put yourself in their shoes; they want to know what’s in it for them. And that goes beyond money and cliched promises. Let your advertisement reveal the culture of your workplace, what you stand for, and what you hope to achieve. Read your copy back again. Would you apply to the advertisement you’ve come up with?

3. This is no time for penny pinching.

“Lowballing” as we call it, is a sure way to irritate a prospective employee. Recruitment is a two-way street but it’s a candidate market right now. There are lots of opportunities available so don’t assume you can hold a candidate to ransom. Somebody else can and will offer more.

20 | BUSINESS CORNWALL

www.trial-balance.co.uk 01872 464555

www.wellplacedhr.co.uk 01872 309400

BUSINESS

ESSENTIALS

WORKSPACE

DISCOVER A BETTER WAY TO WORK In a world which has changed so much over the last 18 months, finding new ways to work is really important to ensure you’re getting the most out of those 40 hours a week. Even if you have never thought of (or even heard of) a co-working space, maybe now is the time to give it a go. With co-working predicted to become one of the most popular forms of working in the next 5 years, it’s something that every lone worker, small business or even bigger should be looking into. Many larger corporate companies are now ditching the central office and buying into spaces more local, taking desks that staff can drop in and utilise, saving huge amounts on overheads for private offices & improving staff satisfaction. Mor Workspace was created in 2015, the brainchild of Director Matt Miller, after buying the site in Treloggan he turned an old, rundown industrial building into a thriving hub of

business activity that almost 60 businesses call home with our virtual offices, co-working desks, private offices, and office suites. Our spaces are designed to get you out of the house, and into a productive, professional environment that promotes good mental health alongside being able to network and meet others around you. Flexibility is key with co-working, that’s why we offer a range of plans with something to suit everyone, at every level. The co-working spaces are unique, each boasting their own design and feel, if you require something larger, we have many offices in varying sizes, allowing your business to grow with us.

much more than desks and offices, we are a community made up of every kind of business, that supports and drives success for one another, and we are inviting you to be part of it. If you would like to have a free trial day, get in touch on; grace@morworkspace. co.uk or call 01637 871244. To find out more about us, visit the website at www.morworkspace.co.uk

Mor has always and will continue to be

INTERNET OF THINGS

HOW TO GET AHEAD IN 2022 One great way to get ahead of the competition in 2022 is to take your business through a Digital Transformation, give yourself that competitive advantage and perform better in the digital economy. Ver Facil Limited was honoured to take part in the recent Digital Transformation launch event at Fibre Hub. After installing one of our “LoRaWAN for EVERY town” antennas on the roof of Fibre Hub we then had a stand at the event and took part in a Q&A. We provide your business with Internet of Things sensor devices that collect data from your activities, products and services. verfacil.co.uk | 01208 811277

BUSINESS CORNWALL | 21

BUSINESS

ESSENTIALS

SKILLS

DO YOU HAVE THE SKILLS FOR TOMORROW? 2021 marked the beginning of a skills revolution across the United Kingdom, and while the devil is in the detail when it comes to new policies and plans, there has never been a better time to consider re-training, up-skilling or taking on an apprentice within your business. A quick glance at the highlights show that the Skills for Jobs White Paper will provide everyone with access to the education and training they need throughout their lives; employers wanting to hire apprentices are to continue benefitting from a £500 million jobs support package; and there was an extra £3.8 billion for skills funding, including £1.6 billion for new T-level courses, and £550 million for reskilling adults. This is to name just a few, as there is lots happening within the skills sector at present. So, what should businesses be focusing on for 2022? Here are the three big ticket items for the year ahead in skills: REINVENTION Fresh from a period of survival it’s high time to now be thinking reinvention. Since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, we’ve shifted the ways in which we work dramatically, even for those who have returned to what they consider to be business as usual. Collaboration, innovation, flexibility; these attributes have become the norm. Businesses can no longer lean on historical success to help determine their future, and the amalgamation of people and technology will continue at pace as we begin to think more about how best we can get a job done rather than thinking solely about who can do that job for us. As we continue to digitise and make use of new tech, as well as look at hybrid models of working, the key to success will be finding the balance that best suits your business. SUSTAINABILITY AND CLIMATE The re-definition of business success continues to roll forward, with societal impact and environmental sustainability now sitting, rightfully, alongside profitability. For larger businesses, think about building a people-centred sustainability strategy. Think about how you can educate, train and

22 | BUSINESS CORNWALL

empower your team to help shape sustainable practices — whether at home or in office. For smaller businesses or sole traders, go paperless and use cloud-based solutions should you not already be doing so, or research the ethics and environmental practices of your suppliers. Telling suppliers that ethical or environmental aspects matter to you and your business will send a clear message that in 2022 things need to change. UP-SKILLING AND RE-SKILLING With both staffing and skills shortages affecting much of Cornwall – and the wider UK – across the summer of 2021, think about how you can make your existing team better through training and skills acquisition. It’s not just the more traditional or harder skills that will be of importance in 2022, either. Softer skills such as communication, critical thinking and organisational knowhow can perfectly complement technical expertise, professional experience and other qualifications. Improving these skills will see your team become more agile, open to new challenges, and adaptable to change as you shape your workforce for the future. Need help with any of the above, and preparing your business with new skills and a training solution that is right for you? Contact the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Skills Hub, the independent and impartial specialists when it comes to all things skills, training and workforce development. We can equip you and your team with the skills needed to ensure that you’re ready to tackle whatever comes next. www.ciosskillshub.com 01209 708660 The Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Skills Hub is part funded by the European Social Fund and is match funded by Cornwall Council and the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Local Enterprise Partnership.

BUSINESS

ESSENTIALS

BROADBAND

GET BETTER CONNECTED IN 2022 One thing that’s clear following the Pandemic is we’re not going back to where we were in terms of working practices and the increased expectations of both employers, employees and customers. The last two years have driven a deeper and wider uptake of technology. Businesses have invested significantly in new hardware, software and apps to enable remote working, online bookings and payments and many other services. More people have embraced digital banking, remote healthcare, recreation and online shopping. Heading into 2022, businesses in Cornwall need to ensure they have the connectivity to make the most of this and turn what may have begun as a short-term fix into a sustainable, and profitable, shift in the adoption of digital technologies.

Wildanet, outlines some key steps businesses should be taking to futureproof their digital connectivity. • Understand the copper network switch-off: With the UK’s old analogue phone network set to be retired from now up to the end of 2025, what does that mean for your business? • Research your broadband: Have you really got full fibre connectivity to your premises or a second-rate fibre to the nearest cabinet service?

Sounds straightforward, however, not when you consider many of Cornwall’s rural areas are still without the most basic fast, reliable broadband they need and deserve.

• Test your speeds: Are you getting the headline ‘up-to’ speeds you’re expecting or do you need a service offering guaranteed download and upload speeds.

Paddy Paddison, Chief Technology Officer for Cornish broadband provider

• Most importantly, don’t put up with your current poor internet. There are alternatives

and they can transform your business efficiency. Wildanet can help with all of these: www.wildanet.com

THE POWER OF PRINT St Austell Printing Company explains how print can play a crucial role to make an impact and connect with your customers. For many businesses, the marketing rule book has been thrown out of the window over the past two years, as we all adapted to an ever-changing situation. If you want to stand out from the crowd and make an impact, print can provide the perfect platform to re-connect with your customers. In a world where everything is fast paced, great print can support and enhance your online presence with a tangible, permanent and compelling representation of you and your company. Print provides more than just a way to communicate – it can delight, inspire and make you feel good, creating an emotional connection with the reader. • Be Creative! Use innovative designs and enhance the design with beautiful paper stocks and specialist finishing techniques, such as spot UV and foiling or die cutting,

to make your company stand out from your competitors. • Get Personal! Using direct mail and personalising your marketing can really work – with research showing that mailing campaigns are 49% more effective than email and 35% stronger than social media advertising. Personalised mail landing on the doormat re-affirms your relationship with your customer and makes them feel valued. • Get Results! ROI is often a key outcome, so use strong messages to create a lasting impression, reinforce your online campaigns and gain results. Impactful print works best when you have a clear and convincing message - what do you want people to do next? Is it to encourage footfall? Visit your website? Why not include special offer vouchers. Can you include QR codes to provide quick and easy access to your website?

• Choose Eco-Friendly! Print and paper production are one of the most sustainable industries in the world and there are lots of ways to ensure your print project is environmentally friendly. Choose Carbon Balanced print and paper that has recycled content and is from sustainably managed forests with FSC® Certification. Get to know your print company to find out more about their eco-friendly practice – look out for ISO14001 certification to ratify their environmental management. Find out more about St Austell Printing Company, Carbon Balanced Print and our eco-credentials by visiting www.sapc. co.uk or get in touch with our friendly team at info@sapc.co.uk 01726 624900

BUSINESS CORNWALL | 23

BUSINESS

ESSENTIALS

ELECTRIC VEHICLES

HOLD YOUR HORSES! Is now the right time for you to switch to an electric car (EV)? And could this new Mustang MACH-E, lent by Vospers, be the vehicle of choice? The argument for switching your car to an all-electric one is becoming more compelling by the day. The climate message is now one firmly of urgency, that we need to act now to avoid a climate disaster – every piece of the puzzle matters and that includes transport (which is a big piece). So why wait? Morveth Ward explains why the new Mustang MACH-E is an impressive proposition.

Now it may be in the pricier price bracket, but the MACH-E is a strong contender in the world of EVs. Firstly, it’s a Mustang, originally emerging from the USA and probably one of the coolest cars to come from said country – an absolute classic. But a classic known for being macho, a muscle-car which you’d expect to have a rumbling V8 under the ‘hood’, rather than a virtually noiseless electric motor. There’s no doubt that this is a new generation of Mustang, very different from the old. But it does still have a hint of American nostalgia that I’m sure many Europeans will find appealing, together with credentials which make for a worthy contender in the EV marketplace.

original ‘stang’ so you get a little reminder of its heritage. Then comes the drive. Well, whilst you don’t get the soundtrack, you do still get the performance, in fact some very impressive performance – the Mach-E AWD (which starts from £46,650 by the way or £57,000 for the Extended Range version tested here) has a claimed 0-60 of 5.1 seconds and the GT version a staggering 3.7 seconds, which is Tesla territory. Plus, this is coupled with a quoted range of up to 335 miles, again Tesla territory.

This is a new generation of Mustang

It’s a unique looker, kind of bearing resemblance to a coupe, SUV and saloon all at the same time – but it certainly standsout, and pretty much holds the strengths of all of these genres mentioned: the sportiness of the coupe; the versatility of the SUV and the practicality of the saloon. And the detail follows some design traits of the

24 | BUSINESS CORNWALL

Needless to say the test drive was great fun and in a first ever of this format, I interviewed sustainabilityorientated business owner Matt Hocking for the Business Cornwall podcast (find it on Spotify), whilst driving around the Roseland in the MACH-E. The refinement came in very handy as there was no unnecessary background noise and a sharp press on the accelerator gave Matt a surprise! Anyway, it felt very apt and made for a fun afternoon

hearing ideas from Matt on how businesses and us as individuals can contribute positively to our planet. It’s amazing to think that not that long ago, I would be test driving electric cars and wondering whether the range would suffice to get me around a modest tour of part of Cornwall - whereas now, in this car, I could have got to London on a single charge. This, together with better infrastructure and quicker charging times, amongst other things, means there’s little inconvenience with EVs anymore. And, I’m sure like me you noticed some smug EV drivers recently after the supposed fuel shortage scenario that saw people queuing for ages and sometimes unable to get fuel altogether. Together with fast rising fuel costs. Overall, the Mustang MACH-E is great choice for anyone looking for impressive stats, together with luxury and refinement that will have a decent saving compared with some of the premium brands. Plus, it feels unique and has an individual appeal.

Vospers Ford Truro | 01872 226233

BUSINESS

ESSENTIALS

BUSINESS CORNWALL | 25

BUSINESS

ESSENTIALS

BUSINESS SUPPORT

A BIG OPPORTUNITY BIG Productivity’s Advanced Advisory Service offers free consultancy tailored to your business needs. We spoke to one of the consultants, Nigel Woodruff, about what’s involved. SO, WHAT IS THE ADVANCED ADVISORY SERVICE? Our mission is to help businesses in Cornwall to increase productivity. We can help you by offering 12 hours of free consultancy, tailor made to your business needs. HOW CAN THE ADVANCED ADVISORY SERVICE BENEFIT MY BUSINESS? We aim to help Cornish SMEs with a distinct challenge they are looking to solve. We do this by providing each business with a dedicated consultant who has experience in the relevant sector. There are lots of ways we can help: • Innovation. We’ll show you how to develop a new product or service • Efficiency. Learn how to increase production, productivity and save money • Leadership. Support for professional development and management strategy • Opportunity. Diversify into other markets and grow your customer base • Funding. We’ll signpost you to funding opportunities • Growth. Finding new customers so you can grow your business This is just a snapshot of what we offer, as support varies from business to business. SO, WHAT’S INVOLVED? The Advanced Advisory Service provides 12 hours of free support from a qualified and experienced consultant. Working with the consultant you will scope out your project and look at various options of how you can best use the support on offer. We’ll guide you through the whole process to ensure you’re on the right course to achieve your business objectives. HOW DOES IT WORK? Your hand-picked consultant will act as your ‘critical friend’ and help you reach where you need to be. Expect the sessions to be challenging and insightful.

26 | BUSINESS CORNWALL

Businesses often come away recognising they need something different to what they thought to solve their issues. You’ll work collaboratively on a plan of action, which your consultant will help implement. WHAT’S THE END RESULT? It could be a bespoke report that helps you boost productivity. Or a strategy for a new product launch. The approach and the outcome will vary from business to business, but the results are tangible so you’ll get something out of it. We are passionate about what we do, and our aim is to have a significant and lasting positive impact on the performance of your business. CAN THE ADVANCED ADVISORY SERVICE TAP INTO ADVICE OUTSIDE OF CORNWALL? Absolutely. We have strong relationships across the UK with many universities and research and technology organisations, and an extensive network across the country to help share best practice, benchmark performance and arrive at the best solution for your business. We also have the expertise to develop contacts for national and global exports, offering your business the best opportunities to grow and diversify. HOW CAN MY BUSINESS GET INVOLVED? It’s simple. If you are a Cornish SME contact the BIG Productivity team and we’ll set up a meeting to establish eligibility and see how your company can benefit. You can email us at BIGTeam@ cornwalldevelopmentcompany.co.uk or call 01872 322368. Advanced Advisory Service is part of BIG

Productivity, the £3.15m investment programme for small and medium businesses operating in Cornwall. BIG Productivity is financed by the European Regional Development Fund and delivered by Cornwall Development Company.

HOW HAVE OTHER CORNISH BUSINESSES ALREADY BENEFITTED FROM THE SERVICE? We worked with Falmouth-based Tom Raffield, which makes handmade, steam bent lighting and furniture, to identify alternatives to its existing manufacturing software system. Chris Pritchard, Head of Operations at Tom Raffield, said: “The process of applying was really simple and the actual process of working with the consultant was fabulous. I would definitely recommend the advisory service. It has allowed us to take some objective advice on what we need from someone who’s not tied to the business, and that objective opinion has been invaluable.” Another Cornish business, in the electronics industry, wanted to make their processes more efficient and contacted the Advanced Advisory Service. One of our consultants observed their production of wiring cables and implemented a reorganised production pattern, which saved 30 per cent of the total production time. And a business working in advanced materials needed help prioritising which markets to target for growth. We arranged for Innovate UK’s High Value Manufacturing Catapult to visit the company for two days to observe the factory floor and share good advice. We also arranged for the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre, based at Sheffield University, to offer five days to help them explore the autosport and advanced aerospace sector.

BUSINESS

ESSENTIALS

PAYROLL

2022- TIME TO OUTSOURCE YOUR PAYROLL? For most SMEs it has become impractical to have an in-house payroll professional, either because of salary costs or the risk of the in-house payroller being absent, which is why more and more businesses are choosing to outsource their payroll to an expert payroll bureau. This also ensures keeping up to date with ever changing legislation. Now that the furlough scheme has finished (a very busy time for payrollers everywhere!) we can now look ahead to 2022 and what we can offer businesses to make the year ahead easier for them. We have a couple of exciting new developments to help achieve this... Connect Employer & Employee Portal We have a new Payroll dashboard, which gives employers easy and instant access to all payroll data including current and historical reports, payslips, holiday calendars and HR documents. Employees also get their own app, so they can view their payslips and other documents on their phone. The feedback so far has been fantastic!

Fast Payment Facility

About Us

We can now facilitate instant employee and third-party payments. This alleviates the need for tedious manual entry bank payments and is a faster alternative to BACS, giving employers more time to complete the payroll without a three working day payment clearance.

We are an experienced team of payroll technicians based in Truro providing a personal, professional, and cost-effective service to all types and size of businesses.

This means we can offer a full “end to end” payroll service. From the point you send the payroll information to us, we take care of everything, from processing the payroll, HMRC filing, sending payslips to employees, submitting pension contributions and making payments (if required). Basically, everything to make your life easier, giving you more time to run your business!

We hold the CIPP Payroll Assurance Scheme (Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals) which is the gold standard in the payroll profession. See what our clients have to say about our service and support on Google reviews and Yell.com For more information on our services contact Tim@cornwallpayroll.co.uk or call 01872 306412

CHARITY

JOIN THE CLUB Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW) is helping businesses in Cornwall build connections and raise their profile in 2022, while working together to make a difference to children living with life-limiting conditions and their families. The charity, which runs three children’s hospices including Little Harbour in St Austell, is inviting a limited number of local businesses to be part of its 2022 Business Club. First set up in 2021, when businesses were in a state of flux, the club provided opportunities for businesses to continue to network and raise awareness while supporting a vital local charity also navigating its way through the uncertainty of the pandemic. Bernadette Chambers, area fundraiser for CHSW, says: “Membership to the club not only provides the opportunity to raise your business’ profile at exclusive networking events, and enhance your social media exposure, but will also impact positively on staff morale and contribute to meeting your corporate social responsibility objectives.”

Mike Bee, director of Big Box Advertising and member of the CHSW Business Club, said his company had no hesitations about joining the CHSW Business Club. “It was a way we could support CHSW while also promoting our own business,” he says. “We gained new business from contacts we made which was absolutely fantastic; I would thoroughly recommend joining.” Since the start of the pandemic, CHSW’s three children’s hospices, including Little Harbour, have adapted their model of care in order to support children and families when and where they need it most. The hospice teams now provide home visits, virtual support, resilience stays as well as respite, end of life care and bereavement support.

Harbour. The cost of this vital care, a lifeline to families, is over £3 million each year. Joining the CHSW Business Club costs just £300, less than £1 a day, and provides a year of opportunities, as well as the knowledge that your business is part of a family of supporters ensuring CHSW is there for local families now and in the future. To find out more visit www.chsw.org.uk/businessclub

More than 145 local children, their parents and siblings are currently supported by Little

BUSINESS CORNWALL | 27

BUSINESS

ESSENTIALS

DIGITAL

WHERE TRANSFORMATION HAPPENS The opening of a brand new space kick-starts Cornwall’s digital revolution. reputation as home to many field-leading digital pioneers means there are plenty of businesses perfectly placed to put their know-how and experience at the disposal of the group looking to make the digital leap forward. Digital Transformation is how those two groups get together, and their new space in the FibreHub is where it happens. Unlocking Potential’s director, Allyson Glover welcomed everyone, not just to what was Unlocking Potential’s first physical event since Autumn 2019, but also to what she described as a “transformational space for Cornwall”.

Organisers say the launch of Digital Transformation’s new ‘Space’ in the brand new Fibre Hub adjacent to the Cornwall College campus at Pool will catalyse and supercharge the growing digital revolution within Cornish business. Unlocking Potential – which has been supporting Cornish businesses and helping them prosper and grow for over 20 years – has finally celebrated the opening of the Digital Transformation Space in partnership with Headforwards and Software Cornwall. The launch of this state-of-the art space marks a massive, game-changing leap forward for two kinds of business in particular, and all of Cornwall more broadly. Many Cornish companies, whether in a planned way or as a reaction to events, are looking at how they can use digital tools to transform both what they do and how they do it. At the same time, Cornwall’s

28 | BUSINESS CORNWALL

Toby Parkins, director and co-founder of Headforwards, whose brainchild the Fibre Hub building was, talked about his long-held ambition to bring businesses together under one roof. Keynote speaker Inma Martinez then had everyone gripping their seats and catching their breath as she whisked them all toward the horizon at warp speed.

Nano-satellites the size of a pack of cards; IoX (the Internet of Everything); the future of motoring in the era of the million-kilometre battery: energy as a subscription. As a leading digital-technologies entrepreneur and sought-after expert in transformative technologies, Inma captured the morning’s mood by making the ambitious sound plausible and future, somehow, feel positive and ours if not to control then certainly to explore and relish. Allyson Glover says: “Inma was such a perfect speaker for an occasion in a building like this. She spoke so clearly about the possibility of change, and the need for it. Unlocking Potential’s whole history and purpose is about helping Cornish businesses to thrive, and digital has been at the forefront of our thinking for years, but the last 18 months have underlined its importance and crystallised our thinking. The opportunities for Cornish businesses are almost as mindboggling as some of the innovations Inma told us about. So much has changed, is changing and will continue to change; this new space will be the physical focus for a digital transformation which will benefit the whole of Cornwall.” Visit digital-cornwall.co.uk

BUSINESS

Exhibitor Spotlight Ver Facil Ver Facil are a remote monitoring business. Four years ago they invested in an Internet of Things technology called LoRaWAN (Low power long Range Wide Area Network). With the support of the Digital Transformation

ESSENTIALS

programme, Ver Facil will make LoRaWAN accessible in every town in Cornwall. Additionally, Ver Facil have also been able to access Digital Sessions (1:1 mentoring with a Digital Innovator) run by the Digital Transformation programme and have had recruitment support to bring in a Project Manager for their business.

TouchByte The concept behind TouchByte is simple: Access a space, with your face. TouchByte has developed market-leading facial recognition technology for use in sectors such as health, construction and hospitality. Digital Transformation has supported TouchByte with a grant to enable them to design and develop a customer interface for their Facentry product. The programme has also provided recruitment support through the creation of a new Digital Marketing Manager role.

Data Duopoly Data Duopoly’s app, XplorIT, uses data to track where visitors are on a site – be it at a tourist destination, a campus or at an exhibition. The interactive map can incentivise visitors to visit less busy areas increasing revenue for venues whilst gathering valuable customer analytics data to assist with long term planning. The programme has supported Data Duopoly with recruitment; creating a new development team to continue the growth of the business in 2022.

Rugged Interactive Rugged Interactive combines gaming tech and high-quality engineering to create interactive physical and mental challenges. Often found in trampoline parks, gyms and schools, their products make it easier for everyone to have fun and get fit. Through recruitment support and access to specialist coaching from Digital Transformation, Rugged Interactive have created a new UX/ UI Designer role. They’ve also attended funded Digital Sessions to enable them to make better decisions for their business through understanding and analysing data.

BUSINESS CORNWALL | 29

BUSINESS

ESSENTIALS

eCOMMERCE

WHICH eCOMMERCE PLATFORM IS BEST? WooCommerce vs Shopify is a battle as old as time. These two eCommerce giants are in a constant battle to prove that one is better than the other. Shopify is able to power over 800,000 online stores whereas WooCommerce claims that it is the web’s most popular eCommerce platform. • Hosted Software • Multichannel Integration Shopify Cons • Costly apps• WooCommerce ProsTransaction fees

This then begs the question, who comes out on top? Most of the time, Shopify is the favoured pick of the two. It is powerful, reliable, and far easier to use than WooCommerce. However, that isn’t to say that WooCommerce isn’t able to hold its own. WooCommerce is savvy and informative. It is free to install and trusted by people globally. In this article, we will discuss, which platform is better. Let’s begin! Shopify Pros • 24/7 Support

WooCommerce Pros • Limitless Customisation • Scalable • Value for money- WooCommerce is entirely free to install WooCommerce Cons • Not beginner-friendly Overall, Shopify is far easier to use than WooCommerce. WooCommerce is far more technical and also requires a rather high level of knowledge in order to use it. Shopify is rather accessible to the everyday person. You don’t need to know how to code to get the best out of it. WooCommerce most certainly has a far

steeper learning curve than Shopify does. Both Shopify and WooCommerce allow you to offer free shipping while also being able to sell internationally. However, once again, Shopify goes the extra mile. This is because it has partnerships with USPS, DHL Express and UPS. So, which is best? There are many key differences between Shopify and WooCommerce, but Shopify comes with a plethora of eCommerce tools in-built that WooCommerce does not. Both are excellent platforms, however Shopify simply wins due to the built-in sales tools, quick build time, and superior ease of use compared to that of WooCommerce.

marwickmarketing.co.uk | 0333 2425 236

CONFERENCES

INNOVATION-LED CONFERENCE FACILITIES Officially opened in Summer 2021, Venton Conference Centre is a state-of-the-art facility in the heart of Cornwall. From conferences and business meetings to training workshops and award ceremonies, Venton Conference Centre is all about making your event stress-free and unforgettable. Found just one minute from Cornwall’s A30, our venue is ideally-located with easy access from all corners of the county, the southwest and beyond. But it’s not all about location; we have used innovative technology and stunning design to create exceptional spaces to help ensure your event runs smoothly, effectively and leaves a lasting impression. In fact, each of our four spacious rooms can be tailored to suit your needs, from utilising a wide range of seating arrangements to adapting the size of the room itself. We can cater for anything from 10 – 120 people, and

30 | BUSINESS CORNWALL

our team will be more than happy to help you create the perfect layout. While here, you will also have access to state-of-theart conference technology, delicious menu options and unwavering support from our events coordinator, too. Our conference rooms for rent are offered on a half day, full day, evening or weekend basis, while many of our clients take advantage of the special rates offered for multi-date and rolling bookings. To book your conference or event today, contact our Conference Team on 01872 248533 or email hello@ventonltd.co.uk Visit www.ventonltd.co.uk to take our 3D tour, view our spaces and more.

annia Lanes Britannia Lanes Confidential Confidential SHREDDING

SHREDDING 01872 560147

lanesshredding.co.uk

01872 560147

lanesshredding.co.uk • One-off bulk shredding • Shredding bags • Flexible collection contracts

BUSINESS

ESSENTIALS

TRAINING

MAXIMISE STAFF IMPACT WITHIN YOUR COMPANY Keeping your workforce up-to-date with the latest industry skills and knowledge is something every business should strive for. But it’s easier said than done. With busy home lives and full working days, it’s rarely possible for existing staff to gain this type of insight off their own back. Likewise, it can be challenging for new employees to learn of the latest sectorspecific innovations if that skillset doesn’t already exist within your company. Luckily, the benefits that come with taking on an apprentice could be the solution you are looking for. With their regular training from sector professionals on the latest industry-standard equipment, bringing an apprentice into your team can help to maximise staff impact throughout your company. And the best bit – it is specific to your business needs. “Apprentices can be a breath of fresh air for your workforce,” saysLorna Martin, head of apprenticeships at CCB Training, the business skills and training arm of The Cornwall College Group.

32 | BUSINESS CORNWALL

She continues: “Not only do they bring with them an enthusiastic and fresh way of thinking, but the training apprentices receive as part of their qualification can modernise and enhance a company’s overall skill base.” With a renewed national focus on apprenticeships, employers are realising their powerful potential to future proof a business’s long-term skills requirements, workforce planning or succession planning.

also help to ensure they’re up-to-date with the latest green initiatives or technological advancements in their sector.”

The Government knows the value apprentices have on the UK economy

RG Kellow Ltd is just one example of a company that has benefited from the apprenticeship programme with CCB Training.

“We’re finding that companies are increasingly using apprentices to benefit their business in more diverse ways,” explains Lorna.

Operations manager Lorraine Kalcher said that supporting apprentices to develop hands-on trade skills was “ensuring the future of our business and industry.”

“In addition to reinvigorating your workforce, helping to fill skills gaps and increasing productivity across your business, many are finding that taking on an apprentice can

And if that’s not enough, there is even more to be gained from hiring an apprentice. As well as carrying no additional recruitment costs, there are often funding incentives

BUSINESS

which mean you can pocket cash by taking one on. Government grants such as the recently extended £3k (minimum) are available to firms that hire a new apprentice of any age before January 31, along with the £1k incentive for those who take on an apprentice aged 16-18. Additional funding through CCB’s Skills for Cornwall project, which is part of the Business Clusters scheme, part-funded by the European Social Fund (ESF), is supporting training needs in a range of sectors including agriculture, health, engineering and construction. The project focuses on the development of skills, training programmes and qualifications in sectors identified as priorities by the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Local Enterprise Partnership. “The Government knows the value apprentices have on the UK economy,” reiterates Lorna.

“An apprentice can immeasurably aid a businesses’ future planning by developing individuals to meet their specific needs. They allow you to keep local skills in the county and succession plan effectively. Get in touch with our apprenticeship recruitment team to find the perfect candidate for your business.”

Without them, we couldn’t have achieved some of our project objectives

The Cornwall College Group, often referred to as the career college, prides itself on sending people out into the world of work with the skills they need to make it. They also offer every full-time student an opportunity to have work experience in a professional environment. “Work Experience and Industry Placements are a great way to nurture young people and

ESSENTIALS

add value to your business,” explains Jenna Gazzard, Skills for Business manager at CCB Training. “Employers have also used work experience and industry placements to see how a particular individual might work in their business prior to them starting an apprenticeship with them. “Our experienced team of Industry Placement and Work Experience Coordinators will help you find the right person for your business, and work with you and their course tutor to develop, monitor and review SMART objectives to ensure they make an impact in your business,” Jenna continued. For Nick Taylor at Penwith Landscape Partnership, work experience students have been “a valued asset, especially over lockdowns.” “Without them, we couldn’t have achieved some of our project objectives. The zest for life and enthusiasm they have brought to our projects has been a real pleasure to work with.”

To find out more, contact CCB Training on 0800 7317594, email Hello@ccbtraining.co.uk or visit www.ccbtraining.co.uk

BUSINESS CORNWALL | 33

BUSINESS

ESSENTIALS

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

IP RIGHTS AND YOUR BUSINESS Intellectual property (IP) is an asset owned by every business and, potentially, their most valuable and important asset. Understanding these rights, how they contribute to your business and how to protect them is crucial. Reviewing these rights on a regular basis is also important as the businesses and the associated IP rights develop and change. In this article, the Truro-based IP specialist N. J. Akers & Co provides some practical guidance for business owners funding to support SMEs conducting IP audits and to implement the results of the audit. The IP Audit Plus programme provides contributions of up to £2.5k toward an IP Audit, with only the balance of £500 (including VAT) being provided by the SME. The window for qualifying for this funding closes on March 31. Companies that have completed the IP Audit Plus scheme can then avail of the IP Access fund from the UKIPO which may fund up to £5k to carry out the actions identified in the Audit.

Considering the following questions will be helpful to assess how important IP is to your business: 1. Does your business rely on one or more

brand assets, such as names and/or logos, to identify it and distinguish it from your competitors?

2. Does your business sell products of a

unique design, which is recognised by your customers?

3. Is your business developing new

technology?

4. Have you commissioned anyone to create

something for your business, such as a new product design, new technology, a new website, or new marketing materials?

5. Are you seeking investment in your

business or intending to seek investment in the future?

6. Do you actively monitor your competitors

or do you rely on your customers to keep you informed of their developments?

7. Are you considering selling your business

or planning to sell part or all of your business in the future?

34 | BUSINESS CORNWALL

If the answer to one or more of the seven questions above is “yes”, then your business is relying on one or more intellectual property rights to succeed. It could be important to gain a better understanding of your intellectual property assets and how they provide value to your business. We recommend a two-stage procedure for this - first conducting an audit of the business to identify the way intellectual property plays a role; and second devising and implementing a strategy to protect the intellectual property rights. For companies wishing to sell part or all of a business or to attract investment, the results of the audit exercise can form the basis of a due diligence report for potential purchasers or investors. Although the time involved in this type of exercise will vary according to the size and type of company, it will typically be completed in a short period of time and for smaller companies grant assistance is commonly available. Currently, the UK Government is providing

Our team at N. J. Akers & Co. can help you with both IP Audit Plus and IP Access. From brand and design protection to patenting new technologies, we are well placed to assist with implementing all action items identified in the audit, including preparing and filing new patent applications for innovative technology, as well as preparing and filing trade mark applications to protect new brands and new designs. Please contact us by phone or email, if you would like to know more.

N. J. Akers is a firm of Chartered Patent and Trade Mark Attorneys, based in the South West of England, representing clients throughout the UK, Europe, North America and the Far East. We have an experienced, approachable and responsive team, providing our clients with commercially-focussed IP advice and related services. For further information please contact: N. J. Akers & Co www.njakers.com Email: info@njakers.com Tel: 01872 266810

BUSINESS

ESSENTIALS

VIDEO

MAKE MORE OF VIDEO 2021 was another leap forward for video’s role in the workings of the ambitious brand’s marketing strategy. From Netflix’s ‘Fans Make the Movies’, to Dove’s hard hitting ‘Reverse Selfie’ campaign - big brands are showing how video can facilitate interaction with their customers. And it’s not a case of the bigger brands being able to throw money at the problem - neither of these campaigns are particularly high budget. They work because the idea is inspiring and the storytelling is strong. Moving forward to 2022, brands and organisations of all sizes are planning to incorporate video into their marketing strategies. But how do you know that the videos you are looking to make are the right ones? When it comes to video we start at the basics. Do you want to make ads, content, or both? Now these may seem similar, and indeed the content could be fairly similar, but they both have very different objectives. When making ads, which are anything running as part of a paid campaign online,

you need a very particular approach. This means considering where it is running, in what formats, who the target audience is and what do you want them to do after seeing your ad. Only once you have these can you start to plan what your videos will look like. That’s because ads can be tweaked, tailored and perfected to maximise click throughs and ultimately smash those all important sales targets! Brands and organisations that have invested in paid video marketing are already seeing great returns, and 2022 is going to be no exception. For content, there is an almost infinite amount of videos you create, from limited video series, to unboxings, branded documentaries and more. Organic content is often an investment that has less obvious or immediate results, but can be transformative for brands and organisations who want to tell their story.

It provides a real opportunity to humanise your brand, engage with your audience around causes that are important to them and show that the brand’s impact is wider than just its product or service. Now all of this might sound like a lot, but at a video production agency like Bull & Wolf, answering these questions is what we do. We are a team of filmmakers that live and breathe online video culture. We work collaboratively and professionally with clients at every step to make sure the videomaking process is frustration-free and we create work that everyone can be excited by. To find out more about video production get in touch: bullandwolf.co hello@bullandwolf.co

INTERNET OF THINGS “If you can’t measure it, you can’t improve it.” Peter Drucker Would you like to monitor indoor air quality but need to avoid long cable installations and disruption to services? We have a solution for you with low power, long-range LoRaWAN indoor air quality sensors. Our most cost-effective solution is a CO2 sensor which also measures temperature & humidity. CO2 is a widely used proxy for indoor air quality across school classrooms and office spaces. For a more detailed view of air quality we offer a “WELL v2” compliant device that measures particulate matter MCERTS PM1, PM2.5, PM4 & PM10, Volatile Organic Compounds, CO2, NO2, Ozone and are. The data sent to a cloud visualisation dashboard and sensor device batteries typically last 2+ years. Ventilation is the key to good indoor air quality but having indoor spaces open to ambient air is not efficient especially in winter months. Knowing exactly what the indoor air quality status is allows for effective controls and action. For more information please contact office@verfacil.co.uk

400 - 600 ppm = Excellent

700 - 1000 ppm = Good 1100 - 1500 ppm = Contaminated *ventilation recommended 1600 - 2100 ppm = Bad Heavily contaminated *ventilation required

BUSINESS CORNWALL | 35

PEOPLE

ON THE MOVE

NEW HEAD OF HOUSE Leading Cornish housebuilder Gilbert & Goode has appointed a new managing director. Gordon Innes has more than 30 years’ experience in residential development, bringing a wealth of knowledge from all aspects of the industry to the St Austellbased business, including site acquisition, sales, and customer care. His career has seen him progress from quantity surveyor to commercial manager,

and then onto leadership roles at Avant Homes, Persimmon Homes, and Countryside Properties PLC. “It’s a really exciting time to be joining Gilbert & Goode,” he said, “and I can’t wait to get stuck in with the team working across projects here in the south west.”

NEW ATTORNEY NJ Akers & Co has appointed a new Irish and European trade mark and design attorney. Mary White is experienced in representing clients in a range of business sectors in all aspects of protecting and enforcing their trade mark and design rights in the UK and the EU. She has particular expertise and experience in assisting start-up companies and SMEs formulate their strategy for protecting their brands and designs.

MURRELL ASSOCIATES EXPANSION Niche commercial law firm, Murrell Associates, has expanded its team in Truro with the addition of two paralegals, Eloise Hall and Megan Bingley.

excellent paralegals into our team, especially at a time when recruiting talented legal staff is such an issue for firms throughout the country,” said partner Henry Maples.

Both new joiners are currently working with the corporate team and will soon be starting their legal practice course.

The addition of Hall and Bingley to the team follows on from the appointment of David Williams, who joined as partner in the real estate team earlier this year.

“We are very lucky to have recruited two

LAW FIRM EXPANDS INTO CORNWALL A PERFECT BREW Sharp’s Brewery has appointed a new technical brewer at its Rock-based site.

projects while also overseeing the new product development programme.

Jon Wide has been a much-valued employee at Sharp’s Brewery for the past six years, and most recently worked as one of the company’s brewing team leaders.

Kevan Wide, who has been with Sharp’s for more than six years, will fill Wide’s former position.

He will take responsibility for the brewery plant and implement capital investment 36 | BUSINESS CORNWALL

Head brewer, Aaron McClure, said: “We’re incredibly proud to announce Jon as our new technical brewer and we know that he will excel in this role, as he has in previous roles.”

National law firm Richard Nelson LLP has strengthened its presence in the south west by opening an office in Cornwall. The Legal 500 firm, which has 12 offices across England and Wales, has opened an office in the Penstraze Business Centre just outside Truro. Kelly Grigg, a consultant solicitor in the Cornwall office, said: “It’s great to see Cornwall included in the expansion plans of Richard Nelson LLP. As someone with an already active client portfolio in Cornwall, I am excited to see how we can grow this highly specialised team in the south west.”

BUSINESS training solutions

The business start-up experts

Want to be your own boss? Start your journey with FREE award-winning support

“Never having done this before, Outset really ticked all the boxes. I always felt I could get help with any issue I came across.”

Supporting your business to bounce back Find your funding and training now

Karen Cornelius The Refill Hut

Truro & Penwith College Business

t: 01872 308000 e: business@truro-penwith.ac.uk w: truro-penwith.ac.uk/trainingsolutions

Text OUTSET to 82228 or visit www.outset.org/cornwall to find out more

Online Job adverts

£49 ONLY

+VAT

To book, contact: morveth@businesscornwall.co.uk

MOBILE POP-UP INNOVATION CENTRE DRIVING BUSINESS INNOVATION AND GROWTH CONNECTING BUSINESSES IN CORNWALL BRINGING CORNWALL INNOVATION TO THE HARDER TO REACH AREAS OF CORNWALL @ATI_POPUP

businesscornwall.co.uk @biz_cornwall

/businesscornwall

@VIRTUALPOPUPCENTRE

ASK THE INNOVATION EXPERTS. REGISTER YOUR INTEREST:

WWW.ATICORNWALLINNOVATION.CO.UK

BUSINESS CORNWALL | 37

CREATIVE

AND DIGITAL

SPONSORED BY

www.digitalpeninsula.org

NEW WELLBEING APP

SOMEWHERE IS EVERYWHERE

A Cornish company launched a new app last month to help improve mental health and wellbeing.

The three founders of Healthpad have personal experience of supporting families and friends through health challenges.

According to the Health & Safety Executive, 57% of all working days lost to ill health are due to stress and anxiety.

Jo Ramsden said: “We seem to have stopped listening to our bodies in recent times and we simply want to help you understand your own body and mind better so you can live a content, happy, disease-free life. Have an open mind, give the exercises and tools a go – follow the techniques and notice how different you feel.”

The new app from HealthPad features a range of exercises designed to be easily included within your working day to help you maintain focus, energy and motivation.

Cornwall-based indie games start-up, Studio Somewhere, has released its first game on the Nintendo Switch. Multi-player game, Bonito Days, created by the studio founders Cameron Shackleton and Adam Westerman while on Falmouth Univeristy’s Launchpad programme, was released last month. Shackleton said: “We spent around 14 months creating and releasing Bonito Days and with it now out in the world we look back on that time with joy and pride, and we’ve already seen positive reviews in Gamer Escape and KeenGamer.” He added: “We’re not stopping anytime soon; we’ve already started work on our next game while also taking time to fix some small issues with Bonito Days. For us we want to keep going, not just because we love making games but also to improve, and ultimately become even better at the art of designing and creating video games.”

ADVERTORIAL

BROADBAND AND THE END OF COPPER – IS YOUR BUSINESS FALLING FURTHER BEHIND? By Paddy Paddison, chief technology officer at Wildanet Customers in some areas across Cornwall are currently among the first in the county to see their old copper wire-based telephone services completely switched off and all their calls and broadband fully transferred over to fibre. It’s all part of the copper network switch-off, which aims to retire the UK’s old analogue

38 | BUSINESS CORNWALL

phone network from now up to the end of 2025, with Openreach naming areas to be turned off on a regular basis. Sounds great, except that those homes and businesses which already have a fibre connection direct to their property are now moving on to the next chapter of fully digital communications at the same time

www.truro-penwith.ac.uk

EDUCATION &

SPONSORED BY

HGV ACADEMY LAUNCHES The Cornwall College Group (TCCG) has launched a brand-new lorry driving academy to help boost the county’s job prospects and solve a shortage in drivers. TCCG has partnered with Government organisations, local haulage company A new European Social Funded (ESF) project is helping to boost a range of industry sectors across Cornwall by giving local businesses the bespoke skills, training and qualifications they need. Launched by CCB Training, the business skills and training arm of The Cornwall College Group, the new Skills for Cornwall project will support training needs in a range of sectors including agriculture, rural, health, engineering and construction.

Conway Bailey and training firm Driveline to offer a bespoke eight-week programme that will see successful students finish up behind the wheel of a lorry - helping fill a vital gap in the nation’s HGV driver shortage. Experienced heavy goods vehicle (HGV) driver Steven Raw is heading up the programme. He said: “We’ve set up the Cornwall College HGV Academy in direct response to the national shortage of qualified drivers. “By completing our eight-week intensive

TRAINING

programme, potential drivers will be fullyqualified and ready to land a well-paid job often without parting with a penny. This really is a fantastic opportunity for anyone looking to secure a well-paid job that is in incredibly high demand.” The Road Haulage Association estimates there is a shortage of more than 100,000 qualified drivers in the UK. You can find out more information about the HGC Academy, including how to take part, by visiting cornwall.ac.uk.

NEW SKILLS PROJECT

“There are two ways for businesses to get involved with the project,” said Lorna Martin, head of apprenticeships and external engagement at CCB Training. “Firstly, is the £3k of funding available through the Apprenticeship Development Fund. This is aimed at businesses that take on a new or existing staff member to an apprenticeship in either motor vehicle (light & heavy), bricklaying, healthcare or property maintenance. “Secondly, we are looking for businesses to help us gain further insight on how we can develop the right training and qualifications to best suit our own regional economy. “Through a series of free networking events with key industry speakers, we’re looking to connect with businesses from the agriculture, rural, health, engineering and construction sectors.”

as whole swathes of Cornwall’s rural areas are still without the most basic fast, reliable broadband they need and deserve.

be unpleasantly surprised and find it’s time to consider an operator offering guaranteed download and upload speeds.

It’s a stark illustration of the two-tier access to digital communications which exists in the county - the legacy of years of major operators bypassing whole communities in their broadband rollouts and which Wildanet came into existence to challenge.

And for those who have been putting-up with poor internet connections for too long and face falling even further behind their full-fibre-powered peers locally and nationally, there’s never been a better time to take the leap and bring your business connectivity into the 21st century.

So, if your business is one of the fortunate ones to have fibre direct to the premises, well done – although I’d still suggest you check how the headline-grabbing ‘up-to’ speeds you signed up to compares with the service you’re actually receiving. You might

You’ll be amazed at the way fast, reliable broadband can transform your working practices and future-proof your business. Superfast data transfers; seamless access to cloud-based apps; efficient flexible working; secure cloud backups.

Wildanet is the Cornish broadband provider bringing superfast and superreliable broadband to communities and businesses throughout Cornwall. It has a range of options including discounted home connections for staff if your business is connected via Wildanet’s network Call 0800 0699906 to find out how Wildanet’s broadband can help your business.

BUSINESS CORNWALL | 39

TOURISM

NEWS

SPONSORED BY

www.visitcornwall.com

HAPPY STORY FOR BODMIN JAIL

PETE COMES ASHORE

Bodmin Jail has been announced among the latest winners of VisitEngland’s Visitor Attraction Accolades. The winners were awarded accolades based on the scores they gained in their annual Visitor Attraction Quality Scheme assessment. The 76 attractions are recognised for the “exceptional experiences” they provide visitors from Welcome Accolade, Hidden Gem, Best Told Story, Quality Food and Drink and the Gold Accolade for all-round top-scoring attractions. Bodmin Jail won its award in the Best Told Story category.

Scillonian III marked the end of an era last month as Master Pete Crawford made his final voyage from St Mary’s to Penzance after 39 seasons on board. Crawford, 60, will be retiring in January after sailing approximately 666,000 miles on Scillonian III – or more than 30 times around the world. It is estimated he has made more than 9,000 return journeys to the islands and carried more than two million passengers. “It’s been an honour and a privilege to have worked on board such an iconic and well-

loved ship,” he said. “I’d like to thank the Isles of Scilly Steamship Company for giving me this opportunity, and the Scillonian crew past and present. I couldn’t have done it without them.” Crawford, who lives in Penzance with his wife Angie, joined Scillonian in 1983 as a 22-year-old radio officer. His first job was collecting tickets from passengers on the gangway. With the company’s support, Crawford studied for his deck tickets and in 1992 became Scillonian III’s chief officer, before taking over as relief master in 2002.

SUSTAINABLE TOURISM PLEDGE Services for Tourism has become a signatory of the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism that was launched at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) last month.

Tourism has committed to aligning its actions with the latest scientific recommendations, so as to ensure its approach remains consistent with a rise of no more than 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels by 2100.

The Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism unites travel and tourism behind a common set of pathways for climate action, aligning the sector with global commitments and catalysing collaborative solutions to the many challenges facing businesses and destinations globally.

It also has agreed to deliver climate action plans within 12 months, aligning with the five pathways of the Declaration (Measure, Decarbonise, Regenerate, Collaborate, Finance), report publicly on an annual basis, work in a collaborative spirit sharing good practices and solutions and disseminating information.

The Glasgow Declaration encourages the acceleration of climate action in tourism by securing commitments to reduce emissions in tourism by at least 50% over the next decade and achieve Net Zero as soon as possible before 2050. As a signatory of the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism, Services for 40 | BUSINESS CORNWALL

Services for Tourism director, Robin Barker, said: “Tourism brings many benefits to the world through education, jobs, leisure and wellbeing, but can also cause damage to communities and the environment. We are committed to encouraging ‘good tourism’ – hence our support for this commitment.”

HAPPY VALLEY Lappa Valley has launched a £1.2 million indoor complex helping to futureproof its offering throughout the year. The Engine Shed, a 7,000 square foot new building, includes a large coffee shop and café alongside a substantial multi-level soft play area where young children can play safely. There is also a park and decked area to enjoy coffee and lunch outdoors overlooking the lake. The opening of the facility was delayed due to the pandemic, but owner Keith Southwell is delighted that with support from Barclays, including Covid funding which helped to keep the business afloat during lockdown, as well as a bumper summer season, that the works have finally been completed. “This is a really exciting time for the whole team at Lappa Valley,” he said. “The Engine Shed will provide a place for parents to refuel and for children to let off steam.”

LAPPA VALLEY OWNERS KEITH & SARA SOUTHWELL

NEWS

SPONSORED BY

#FSBCONNECT

BIG SMALL CHRISTMAS NETWORKING

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has launched a free UK-wide networking event for small businesses to connect during the festive season and they’re looking for Cornish businesses to take part.

with other businesses. But just as important, it will be great fun and a way to reflect on all the brilliant things that small businesses have achieved, despite the many pressures they have faced over the last 20 months.”

Taking place on December 15, FSB is aiming to set a record – connecting the largest number of small businesses ever at an FSB online event. Hosted virtually over Zoom, our “Big Small Business Networking UK” event is open to all small and medium sized businesses and sole traders from across the UK.

Attendees of the event will also be joined by FSB national chair, Mike Cherry, as well as surprise celebrity guests who will be announced closer to the day. One lucky networker will also win a hamper full of luxury goods from FSB member businesses, with the winner randomly selected at the event.

East of England regional chair, David Bell, who will be joint host on the day, said: “The event will be an ideal opportunity to network

To register for the free event, visit fsb.org.uk/event-calendar.

CONFIDENCE LEVELS FALLING Data from FSB’s latest quarterly ‘Small Business Index’ shows confidence levels among smaller firms in the south west has fallen by 20% since the summer amid concerns over rising costs, labour shortages and sluggish consumer demand. The south west has also gone from being one of the most optimistic areas for SMEs earlier in the year to being below the national average. The regional respondents to the FSB poll said that the general economic conditions in the UK and getting appropriately skilled staff were the greatest perceived barriers to growth over the coming 12 months and more than one in ten south west businesses have said they intend to downsize, sell or close the business in the next year. It is not all bad news, however. Compared to the same period last year, confidence has improved greatly, net revenue figures among regional businesses are continuing to rise and FSB members are still more likely to recruit new staff than reduce their staffing numbers.

Cornwall-based, Craig Carey-Clinch, the FSB’s south west regional policy unit representative said the figures reflect what is a very unclear picture for the region’s thousands of small businesses. “As we enter what many businesses are telling us could be an uncertain and unpredictable winter, it is understandable to see that confidence among our south west FSB members has fallen,” he said. “These figures show that concerns about increasing business and utility costs, shortages of both staff and materials, uncertain consumer demand and the fear of further cost rises are now starting to dent some of the positive feelings we saw in the region earlier in the year.”

SMEs NOT YET PREPARED FOR NET ZERO CHALLENGE Two-thirds of small businesses in the south west do not currently have an active plan to reduce their impact on the environment according to the latest report by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB). Regional data, gathered by FSB, reveals that although the majority of south west SMEs accept the planet is facing a climate crisis, many feel they need more support and grant funding to be able to play their part in helping their business to deal with it. In fact, over 60% of small businesses in the region say that grants or low interest loans to help install energy efficiency measures would encourage them to make changes and nearly four in ten say a reduction in their tax bill would also be a key factor to help get moving on a net zero path. Despite not many businesses having a formal plan to reduce their carbon impact, encouragingly, the majority of businesses surveyed are already taking some active steps to make their business more energy efficient, improve recycling and waste management. However, green transport issues are seen as more of a problem. The cost of electric vehicles is seen as a ‘barrier to change’ by more than half of survey respondents and only 10% of south west businesses said they had a workplace charging point for EVs.

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

FOOD

& DRINK

ROOM TO GROW BEST IN THE SOUTH WEST Primrose Herd, a family business which has been supplying Cornish pork to retail customers and the hospitality trade for over two decades, has expanded to a new site in Newham on the outskirts of Truro. Sally Lugg, who has grown the family operation just outside Redruth from just two pigs in 1999 to the producer it is today, said the new processing facility, office space and pop-up shop will allow Primrose Herd to keep up with growing demand. She said: “Despite the challenges of the pandemic, demand continues to grow so it feels like the right time to expand into a new facility.”

Cornhill Farm from just outside Camborne was named Best Rural Food or Drink Business at the south west regional finals of the Rural Business Awards. Cornhill will now go on to represent the south west at the national final of the Rural Business Awards in February. Cornhill Farm is a mixed farming business based just outside Camborne. The Olds family have lived and worked on the farm since 1912. In more recent years, the family has

expanded the farm to facilitate a chicken coup of 14,000 hens for its free-range enterprise. It also set up a contracting business alongside the work it does on the land. Meanwhile, online retailer Cornish Food Box Company won the Best Rural Retail Business in the South West title. Both businesses will go forward to represent Cornwall at national finals in February.

£100K FUNDING FOR CURIO Curio Spirits has received a funding boost through the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Investment Fund (CIOSIF). The Porthleven-based business has received a £102,413 loan made up of £89,376 from CIOSIF and £12,767 from SWIG Finance, who work with The FSE Group, the appointed CIOSIF fund manager, on delivering smaller business loans. The funding will be used to develop its premises which will enable it to offer gin tasting, tours and allow customers to distil their own gin, creating three new jobs. The independent artisan distillery was

established by husband-and-wife team William and Rubina Tyler-Street back in 2014. William, who is a qualified master distiller, saw an opportunity to create a Cornish gin that mixed Asian flavours with top quality Cornish ingredients. To add to their product portfolio, they now produce vodka and rum, and have recently launched a popular new Hard Seltzer range of canned drinks. William Tyler-Street said: “Rubina and I are really excited to be scaling-up the business and sharing our passion through the carefully crafted range of spirits which we have created. We are looking forward to the next stage of Curio Spirits journey which includes new products and an interactive visitor experience at Porthleven with tours, masterclasses and taster events. We’re extremely excited for the future and cannot wait to get stuck in.”

WING WINNING Wing of St Mawes has been named the national Fishmonger of the Year by readers of Great British Food Magazine.

FATHER AND SON ROB (L) AND JACK (R) WING CELEBRATE The Indian Queens-based business, THE AWARDS WITH A SELECTION OF FRESH CORNISH FISH. which also won the regional south west title, has been supplying seafood to Founder and MD, Rob Wing, said: “Our many of the UK’s top restaurants and appreciation goes to those readers, judges hotels for the past 40 years, as well as through and customers who voted for us – we are its online home delivery service, The Cornish humbled by your support.” Fishmonger. 42 | BUSINESS CORNWALL

UP TO THE CHALLENGE Cornish beers have triumphed at this year’s International Beer Challenge. Sharp’s Brewery and St Austell Brewery received a total of 13 accolades between them at the awards which this year saw entries from 40 countries in over 80 different categories. St Austell took seven awards, including a gold in the lager category for korev, while Big Job double IPA and Proper Black IPA were also awarded gold. Divine Intervention Abbey Quadrupel (13% abv) and Lansdown West Coast IPA, brewed by Bath Ales - which the company acquired in 2016 - took home silver. Belgian inspired brews, Cardinal Syn (7.8% abv) and Bad Habit (8.2% abv), were both awarded bronze. Rock-based Sharp’s won three silvers within the ale category for Atlantic Pale Ale, Sea Fury and Wolf Rock, and bronze for Doom Bar in the same category. In addition, Offshore Pilsner won bronze in the lager category and exclusive collaboration with neighbouring Camel Valley Vineyard, Sharp’s Camel Valley Pilsner also won bronze in the speciality beer classification.

CHAMBER

SPONSORED BY

cornwallchamber.co.uk

NEWS

READY FOR TAKE OFF WHILE THE DARK DAYS OF COVID ARE NOT FULLY BEHIND US, AS WE MOVE TOWARDS A NEW YEAR THERE IS MUCH TO LOOK FORWARD TO, SAYS CORNWALL CHAMBER CHIEF EXECUTIVE KIM CONCHIE. Another year of business under our belts – I can’t believe it! The pandemic didn’t give us much respite, did it? A housing crisis and ‘pingdemic’ hitting at the height of the summer season was one of the most challenging crises Cornwall’s business community has had to deal with, and we’re not out of the woods yet.

that total funding coming to us will ‘at a minimum’ match the size of the EU funds we have previously received. This is fantastic news for the Duchy; the EU funds we have had over the last 20 years have enabled us to do the groundwork, but we desperately need that level of support to continue in order to take things up a gear.

However, as we look forward to 2022, I’m confident that the resilience and drive that Cornwall’s businesses have had to find over the last two years has set us up to fly as soon as our wings are unclipped.

Passenger fuel duty for domestic flights has been reduced to help open up regional connectivity; this could benefit far flung places like Cornwall and is good news for Cornwall Airport Newquay. Rishi has been criticised for implementing measures that are counterintuitive to the fight against climate change; I personally think we need to work with the organisations with deepest pockets and most to lose – the aircraft manufacturers, airlines and airports, to find ways to reduce emissions and use non-carbon fuels.

The Government’s Autumn Budget published in October lacked a lot of detail, but I think the positive framework will be a good thing for businesses – we can start to really get on with things now without any interference. The major Budget win for Cornwall is

The 50% reduction in business rates for retail, hospitality and leisure sectors is brilliant news for Cornwall and will help many businesses here begin to recover from the impact of the pandemic. I think the Budget falls short of essential measures needed to enable the UK to meet its net zero targets, and as businesses we need to take things into our own hands somewhat. Let’s continue learning and doing whatever we can to implement processes and policies to become more sustainable, help Cornwall reach its green targets, and be a leader in the global journey to net zero.

FESTIVAL OF BUSINESS The start of a new year means Cornwall’s Festival of Business isn’t far away. We’ve waited a long time to get back to holding physical events, so Monday March 7 to Friday March 11 is set to be a week of celebration.

WHY JOIN? Cornwall Chamber of Commerce is an independent not-for-profit organisation accredited by the British Chambers of Commerce. We solely exist to represent businesses in Cornwall. Our events provide a platform for businesses to connect, create and make valuable business relationships. Membership to the Chamber starts from as little as £17 +VAT per month and provides you with the tools to promote your business. Get in touch today to have a chat about how we can support you and your business.

In past years we have had over 60 events happening within the festival week. We’d love to make 2022 the biggest year yet, so if you would like to host a masterclass, open day, conference, workshop or ‘in conversation with’-style event, we’d love to hear from you. Businesses holding an event during festival week will benefit from promotion through Cornwall Chamber’s marketing channels, including social media, our website, and the exclusive Festival of Business emails. More information at https://www.cornwallchamber.co.uk/ festival-of-business-host-an-event. Cornwall Business Fair – the centrepiece of business week, will be held on Wednesday

March 9 at a new venue for us, Newquay Sports Centre. The day will start with our March BIG Breakfast, and close with an after-conference party at 4.15pm. The exhibition hall will feature 70 promotional stands, giving businesses the opportunity to showcase their products and services face-to-face to a captive audience. For more information on having a stand or visiting the Business Fair as a delegate, visit https://www.cornwallchamber. co.uk/cornwall-business-fair. If you have something to shout about – a new product launch or announcement, or simply want to raise the profile of your business to local decision makers, get in touch for more details on our sponsorship opportunities. Choose from Main Sponsor, Breakfast Sponsor, Row of Stands Sponsor, and more. www.cornwallchamber.co.uk

Email: hello@cornwallchamber.co.uk Call: 01209 216006 Online: www.cornwallchamber.co.uk BUSINESS CORNWALL | 43

CONNECTED

CORNWALL

SPONSORED BY

www.cioslep.co.uk

CORNWALL MANUFACTURERS GROUP AWARDS Cornwall College Group principal John Evans was guest speaker as the manufacturing sector celebrated its awards night at the Eden Project.

MARK DUDDRIDGE & CLARE HARRIS (LEP)

ALL THE WINNERS

JOHN EVANS (CORNWALL COLLEGE)

CORNWALL CHRISTMAS FAIR The Cornwall Christmas Fair returned to the Eden Project, with all funds raised going towards the Cornwall Community Foundation.

THE JARRANG TEAM

JANE HARTLEY (FAIR CO-CHAIR) AND BETH MAYMAN (ST AUSTELL PRINTING COMPANY)

SARA CADGE AND CAROLYN PETERS (DALES)

THE COODES TEAM

44 | BUSINESS CORNWALL

KATE BROWN (GINSTERS)

VICKY GARNER (SOUTH WEST WATER)

UPCOMING

DECEMBER & JANUARY

EVENTS

EVENTS 7

DECEMBER 2021

HEARTLANDS BUSINESS BREAKFAST

Heartlands, Pool Heartlands business networking breakfast is a great way to start the day with friendly, relaxed networking and good grub…our breakfasts are famous! We’re looking forward to welcoming new and old faces to our event, the more the merrier. heartlandscornwall.com

king-networking.co.uk

CORNWALL CONVERSATIONS Online

yourpartnerships.co.uk

CORNISH PIRATES V HARTPURY Mennaye Field, Penzance

cornish-pirates.com

JANUARY 2022

KING NETWORKING Victoria Inn, Threemilestone

This will be FSB’s last session of 2021, so why not set aside an hour this week to join in with its regular “Cornwall Conversations” virtual networking, hosted by one of our FSB Cornwall Area Lead, Edward Chapman and Clare Trice.

The Kernow Independent Networking Group gathers every month on Wednesday mornings at the Victoria Inn. Members each give a one-minute presentation on their business and the kinds of referral they would particularly value. Visitors welcome.

fsb.org.uk

king-networking.co.uk

CORNISH PIRATES V NOTTINGHAM Mennaye Field, Penzance Championship rugby action as the Cornish Pirates entertain Nottingham. For the full day match experience, why not try a hospitality package – the perfect way to entertain clients and colleagues alike. cornish-pirates.com

Boxing Day Championship rugby action as the Cornish Pirates entertain Hartpury. For the full day match experience, why not try a hospitality package – the perfect way to entertain clients and colleagues alike.

Victoria Inn, Threemilestone

Victoria Inn, Roche

cornishpartnerships.co.uk

cornwallchamber.co.uk

YOUR PARTNERSHIPS OPEN HOUSE This is the original home of Your Partnerships and this is always a great meeting. If you have never experienced an Open House with Your Partnerships at the birth home of Your Partnerships you are missing out.

Join Cornwall Chamber of Commerce at the beautiful Headland Hotel for its last event of the year! Do not miss out on the chance to expand your Cornish connections, while joining in on some Christmas fun.

KING NETWORKING The Kernow Independent Networking Group gathers every month on Wednesday mornings at the Victoria Inn. Members each give a one-minute presentation on their business and the kinds of referral they would particularly value. Visitors welcome.

This is the original home of Your Partnerships and this is always a great meeting. If you have never experienced an Open House with Your Partnerships at the birth home of Your Partnerships you are missing out.

Headland Hotel, Newquay

Greenbank Hotel, Falmouth

cornwallchamber.co.uk

Victoria Inn, Roche

CORNWALL CHAMBER LUNCH

CHAMBER BIG BREAKFAST & AWARDS It’s that time of the year again and Cornwall Chamber cannot wait to celebrate the great achievements of the business community. So join them for the last breakfast of the year and make sure to make those final Christmas connections!

YOUR PARTNERSHIPS OPEN HOUSE

FSB WOMEN IN BUSINESS NETWORKING Online These regular networking events on the last Tuesday of the month are open to all and each month we have a different guest speaker giving a short, inspirational talk on an aspect of their business. fsb.org.uk

CHAMBER BIG BREAKFAST Alverton Hotel, Truro Join Cornwall Chamber of Commerce for its first networking event of 2022. cornwallchamber.co.uk

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

BUSINESS CORNWALL | 45

OPINION

JUST A THOUGHT

Jess Ratty, founder and CEO of Halo PR & Communications, looks forward to the year ahead.

WE’VE GOT THIS! business heading down the face of a massive wave into a global pandemic necessity is the mother of invention, right?

I’m not sure any of us have given ourselves a moment to really check in post-the last 18 months, but I can tell you how I’m feeling. I’m happy to be open about it - I’m tired but determined and incredibly optimistic. Not only did we have to see our friends and family through Covid times, we had to keep a start-up business afloat - not just surviving - but thriving, with eagle eyes on how to make the most of every single opportunity that headed our way - driven in part through fear that if we took our eyes off the ball for a second then we’d be back facing chaos just like when Covid hit. We’ve got this far though, haven’t we! My small but fast-growing company has doubled its team, doubled its turnover and tripled its ambition. Covid highlighted just how much drive and motivation we hold in our hearts and minds and also cemented our vision for what communications can look like in an enhanced digital world. If we were nervous of putting ourselves and our ideas forward in any way pre-covid (yes, the big fat crazy ideas), that’s all out the window now - we have nothing to lose, because frankly, there were a few moments when it could have all gone out the window. Being a start-up

46 | BUSINESS CORNWALL

We lost 40% of our business within two days at the start of the pandemic and instead of feeling demotivated, the overriding emotion was of rage. A rage that we could have got this far and that it could all be dashed away in an instant. It’s that emotion that powered the refuelling of our company - and also taught us the greatest resilience. Within one month we’d gained 60% of new business back in and here is where resilience turns into strength. The partnerships we’ve built now over the last twelve months are far stronger than any that have come before and the companies that stayed with us have become far more than just business buddies. The energy it takes to pitch through a screen, the closeness we’ve gained of steadying not only our own ship, but being a part of maverick teams across the world, going above and beyond to use their own technological advances to power societal bounce back has been humbling and unifying.

machine learning, automation, and space advancement for bettering life on earth enabled us to stand up and be counted and to understand our value in greater measures than ever before - to be stronger and bolder and more sure of foot. As we head into 2022, with no real idea of what could come careering around the corner (hmmm, a bit like when we faced 2021) - there is one thing that I do know: the people and partners that we now work with are far more than work colleagues. They are friends, confidants, and fellow dauntless risk-takers during a time when it felt so easy to wither against the unknown. Working together throughout 2021 and beyond, we now know that if we can weather this storm, then we can plow through the rest, with the same passion for progress and technological advancement that brought us here to begin with.

Covid highlighted just how much drive and motivation we hold in our hearts and minds

In short - being surrounded by the best in business in deep tech, fashion tech, fintech,

One of the most valuable things I’ve learned during the pandemic is the importance of transparency during a crisis, and the bravery and honesty of vulnerability that comes with it. If we choose honesty in business, that will always translate to clarity of purpose - if we’re all on the same page, the world is our oyster, regardless of the current state of it. Going forward, I hope that’s one of the few elements of this strange new era that sticks around. If we’re open, together, we are unstoppable and how exciting is that for the future? We’ve got this.

Sunday, December 26, kick-off: 5.00

Cornish Pirates v Hartpury Saturday, January 22, kick-off: 2.30

Cornish Pirates v Nottingham Get the full match day experience with our amazing match day hospitality package. For more information email liz.mclean@cornish-pirates.com www.cornish-pirates.com

TONICK

BUSINESS PUBLISHING

MAGAZINES PERIODICALS ANNUAL REPORTS EVENT GUIDES NEWSLETTERS

PUBLISHING COPYWRITING PHOTOGRAPHY DESIGN & PRINTING DISTRIBUTION

talking tourism

FIND

01209 718688 | www.tonickbusinesspublishing.co.uk T H E B A L A N C E

BUSINESS CORNWALL | 47

THE LAST

WORD

WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU WERE YOUNG? A footballer – I’ve played for lots of teams and I used to enjoy organising our office team but I finally got fed up of all the young trainees running past me.

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST FULL TIME JOB? Trainee accountant (for Bishop Fleming!).

WHAT’S IN YOUR POCKETS? No cash since the pandemic but to be honest there never was much cash in there anyway.

HOW DO YOU LIKE TO RELAX? I love to run and am trying to get myself back into it. In 2019 I managed to do ten half marathons in ten months. I’m not sure I could manage ten minutes at the moment!

WHAT IS THE GREATEST INVENTION EVER? The iPhone (other brands are available) – I’m completely reliant on it, I’m embarrassed to admit.

WHAT TO YOU BEGRUDGE SPENDING MONEY ON? Cars and fuel – it just seems such a waste.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE FILM? Top Gun, can’t wait for the new one to come out.

WHAT’S THE BEST THING ABOUT CORNWALL? I’ve only been here for six months but I already know it’s not the weather. I love living so close to the coast.

KEVIN CONNOR Audit partner at Bishop Fleming

IF YOU COULD INVITE ANY TWO PEOPLE FOR DINNER, WHO WOULD THEY BE AND WHY WOULD YOU INVITE THEM? Ricky Gervais – because he’s hilarious. David Attenborough – he’s just a legend, love watching his shows.

IF YOU COULD BE GOD FOR A DAY, WHAT MIRACLE WOULD YOU PERFORM? I’d sort out climate change – someone needs to and fast!

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE DOING IN FIVE YEARS’ TIME? Lots of travelling, taking the local Bishop Fleming offering and team to the next level, able to run a marathon.

DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN THREE ADJECTIVES? Honest. Determined. Friendly.

48 | BUSINESS CORNWALL

Cornwall Innovation Centres supporting early-stage innovative businesses and helping companies to grow. Offering flexible, managed and modern workspace combined with access to business support and academic research.

• Fantastic easily accessible locations – Penryn, Pool & Truro • On-site parking • Flexible contract terms • Friendly, welcoming team to support all your business needs • Access to business support and academic research for start-up & established companies • Free networking opportunities • On-site meeting and conference facilities • 3 levels of association • Affiliate Membership • Formation Zone – Collaborative Co-working space • Private office space

For more information: enquiries@cornwallinnovation.co.uk www.cornwallinnovation.co.uk 08000 129 500