Business Cornwall Oct 21 by Business Cornwall

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

businesscornwall.co.uk

OCTOBER 2021 | ISSUE 151 | £3.95

THE TIDE IS HIGH

INTERVIEW WITH CORNWALL MARINE NETWORK CEO PAUL WICKES

TAKING OFF

INTRODUCING TIM BUNTING OF CORNWALL AIR AMBULANCE

10 9 772514

842001

Every mission starts with you

cornwallairambulancetrust.org   

Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust | Registered Charity 1133295 | Trevithick Downs, Newquay, Cornwall TR8 4DY

OCTOBER 2021

INSIDE FEATURES 10 CEO INTERVIEW WE FOCUS ON THE MARINE SECTOR WITH CORNWALL MARINE NETWORK CEO PAUL WICKES

18 GROWTH PROGRAMME HELPING CREATE CORNWALL’S MARINE INDUSTRIES OF THE FUTURE

20 AEROSPACE CORNWALL WORLD SPACE WEEK 2021

22 CHARITY SPECIAL WE MEET THE NEW CEO OF CORNWALL AIR AMBULANCE

ISSUE 151

REGULARS 4 INCOMING HOW WAS THE PEAK HOLIDAY SEASON?

6 BUSINESS NEWS GREEN AVIATION TRIALS

36 ON THE MOVE WHO’S GONE WHERE

38 CREATIVE & DIGITAL TEN YEARS OF HEADFORWARDS

39 FOOD & DRINK WORLD’S BEST PALE BITTER

40 TOURISM NEWS RECORD MONTH FOR AIRPORT

41 FSB FEDERATION OF SMALL BUSINESSES

42 EDUCATION & TRAINING NEWS NEW UNI CHIEF EXEC

43 CHAMBER NEWS CHAMBER CEO KIM CONCHIE

44 EVENTS DIARY WHAT’S ON

46 JUST A THOUGHT ANNE CARLISLE

48 THE LAST WORD ADAM PEARSON OF NEWQUAY HYPNOTHERAPY

26 FOLK2FOLK REIMAGINE YOUR BUSINESS

28 GROWTH PROGRAMME SUPERFAST 3 LAUNCHES

30 TOUR OF BRITAIN CYCLE RACE BOOSTS CORNWALL’S ECONOMY

PHOTO: TOUR OF BRITAIN SEE PAGE 30 FOR FULL STORY SWPIX BUSINESS CORNWALL | 1

OCTOBER 2021

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

businesscornwall.co.uk

OCTOBER 2021 | ISSUE 151 | £3.95

THE TIDE IS HIGH INTERVIEW WITH CORNWALL MARINE NETWORK CEO PAUL WICKES

TAKING OFF

INTRODUCING TIM BUNTING OF CORNWALL AIR AMBULANCE

10 9 772514

842001

9 772514

842001

ON THE COVER

CORNWALL MARINE NETWORK CEO PAUL WICKES SEE PAGE 10 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 CONTRIBUTORS PFA Research, Toby Weller DESIGN Ade Taylor design@businesscornwall.co.uk

WELCOME

BY EDITOR NICK EYRIEY

ISSUE 151

A good tradition Cornwall’s commercial and industrial sectors are often a marriage of the old and the new and none more so than the marine and maritime industries. Considering that Cornwall’s coastline (433 miles) is the longest in England, it is not surprising that the marine sector is embedded in its history. And while in many ways it is a very traditional sector, it is also hugely diverse and evolving. In this issue we take a look at Cornwall’s vibrant marine industry and speak to one of the architects of its growth in recent years, Cornwall Marine Network CEO Paul Wickes. Paul explains the challenges the sector faces, its importance to the local economy and the potential that marine renewables present. We also learn more about the Marine-i programme and how it is helping create Cornwall’s marine industries of the future. And talking of the future, the future of Cornwall Air Ambulance appears to be in good hands and on page 22 we meet the charity’s new CEO – Tim Bunting.

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

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.

And we also look back at last month’s Tour of Britain which for the very first time came to Cornwall and consider the economic impact this exciting event had on the Duchy.

Business Cornwall Magazine is proud to be associated with

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INCOMING

THE CONVERSATION

MARK HOLDEN Inn Cornwall

The big question How was business through the peak summer season? What were the main challenges and how did you meet them? Did you suffer from staffing issues? Were you able to operate at full capacity? Join the conversation @biz_cornwall

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We are incredibly proud of our team who have worked so hard through the whole of 2020 and into a huge summer of 2021. This summer we’ve seen record levels of gross sales and demand has certainly exceeded our expectations. Now that the summer holidays have past we are starting to see some of our regular guests return to the business and it’s important our teams help them to grow their confidence. But at times, just getting the businesses open and staffed has been the biggest challenge. The ‘pingdemic’ stretched us all to the max and put a lot of pressure on everyone. Our teams had to adapt quickly, adjust their roles and sometimes adapt the offering to what they’ve got with very little notice. I’ve been so impressed with how they’ve support eachother to get through it. We haven’t been operating to full capacity and still aren’t. We’ve been cautious with putting events on such as band nights and getting a feel for the consumer confidence before pushing the business forwards.

SAMANTHA BANKS Hotel Meudon

The summer has been incredibly busy for us, the hotel has been operating at full capacity the whole way through and the restaurant has been fully open to guests and non-residents. The biggest challenge has been staffing, but it’s been slightly different to other hotels and hospitality providers: The team is brand new as the hotel opened under new ownership in May. For some of the staff it was their first job back after Covid and for some it was their first job full stop. We were training as we went.

WANT TO GO FASTER? By Paddy Paddison, chief technology officer at Wildanet Business owners wondering why their broadband is lagging behind their competitors, or doesn’t even match the sort of speeds they are able to get at home, need to take a look at what exactly they are receiving from their current provider. One of the major issues we see is businesses hampered in their operations by a key limiting factor in the way they get their broadband, which

4 | BUSINESS CORNWALL

means they won’t get the speeds they need – and in many cases they were simply unaware. That’s because some providers only provide fibre to the nearest cabinet, and then rely on the old copper network to link the cabinet to your property. This is known as Fibre to the Cabinet (FTTC) and means you’re not getting anywhere near the full speeds that full fibre can offer. This is because while the service to the cabinet may

THE CONVERSATION

We’ve been lucky with staffing, attracting students from nearby Falmouth University. We rose to the challenge by multi-skilling staff, so for example having receptionists who could also do breakfast service. Now we’re in a position where we’ve been able to introduce a lunch menu and this is proving really popular along with our afternoon teas.

RICHARD WELBY Flambards

For us, business was very strong with no drop off in visitor numbers on any trading day throughout the summer. The main challenges were recruitment and retention of staff, which had to be addressed by increased workload and hours for every member of the team. Capacity levels were consciously and significantly reduced throughout, to adhere to Covid-19 requirements and to maintain our employee welfare programme.

ANDY EASTON Beach Retreats

We had full occupancy across our portfolio of 200+ holiday homes throughout the summer. To be honest, at Beach Retreats we are always been fully booked through these months, but there has definitely been an extension to the season – we don’t foresee a let up until November. Without doubt our biggest challenge has been fluctuations in staff availability, particularly in terms of cleaning staff. We clean over 120 properties per week and managing staff rotas around their availability (or rather non-availability having been pinged) has been fraught. We have had to adapt on a week-by week – sometimes daily basis.

be capable of headline speeds, the bandwidth you are receiving is restricted by the copper cable link from the cabinet to your business premises. What’s more, the further your office or business is from the nearest cabinet, the worse your service will be because your connection is travelling further over the copper line. You’re not going to be able to overcome that fundamental technological barrier so if you’re currently putting up with a poor internet connection and want the fast, reliable broadband that is a given in many parts of the UK, you need to look at an alternative way of receiving your broadband.

VERYAN PALMER The Headland Hotel

Hospitality was a busy, tough but rewarding industry to be in during summer 2021. At The Headland since last summer we had been closely monitoring the increasing demand for the period from reopening in May through until November, and following on from the business levels last summer realised that staff recruitment was going to be a challenge and so started recruiting in early February. We were very lucky that our staff retention rate remained high throughout the summer. With our focus on team mental health and well-being, a decision was made in early summer to close 20% of our hotel bedrooms to ensure that team members could continue to have two days off per week, and our service levels could remain high with the persistent challenge of recruitment seen UK wide.

INCOMING

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KELLY LEE Falcon Hotel

It has been an incredibly busy season this year. The hotel has been operating at 100% for the majority of the season, sometimes 110%! The overriding challenge has been staff. We have lost a few key members of our team, who have decided to leave the industry and pursue other careers and replacing them has been near on impossible. Then there were the isolation issues to deal with. At one point we had over 30 members of our team in isolation after being in contact with a positive case (as a precaution). Operating on a skeleton staff we managed to retain a bed & breakfast offering for our residents, but had to close to non-residents, losing over 65% of our income from food & beverage!

Wildanet is different because we provide a fullfibre service (known as Fibre to the Property – FTTP). That means exactly what it says, a fibre link direct to your premises which means you get a hyperfast fibre service delivered all the way up to your office of business front door. For business which have upgraded their connectivity, the difference is startling. It means being able to provide an enhanced service to customers; give staff access to a fast, reliable connection to help them work more productively; use web-based business tools to collaborate online and work more efficiently; send and receive large files fast, work in the cloud and run multiple online applications all at the same time.

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BUSINESS CORNWALL | 5

CORNWALL

BUSINESS NEWS

NHS TURNS TO STARBOARD

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focus-technology.co.uk

to help veterans with physical and mental injuries sustained while serving in the British Armed Forces.

frontline workers decompress after the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on their mental health.

A sailing charity that supports injured military veterans has widened its activities to include NHS frontline workers affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Since its launch in 2012, the charity has provided thousands of sailing opportunities to veterans and their families from its base at Falmouth in Cornwall. But as it continues to provide that support, the organisation has also been opened up to NHS staff on the Covid-19 pandemic frontline.

Turn to Starboard uses “the known therapeutic benefits of sailing and the sea”

Project Argo is a relief and recovery initiative led by Turn to Starboard to help NHS

Kaylie Buytenhuys, Project Argo manager, said: “Most of our sailing trips are led by former military personnel who have undertaken Turn to Starboard’s training programme and gained professional sailing qualifications. Many have endured traumatic experiences as part of their service and are able to share their experiences and help NHS staff deal with their own personal challenges.”

CORNWALL CHRISTMAS FAIR

An agreement has been struck for AeroSpace Cornwall to deliver the UK’s first-ever Milo Ambassador programme.

Plans have been announced for the Cornwall Christmas Fair, which will take place at the Eden Project on Thursday, November 11. After a year’s break due to the pandemic, the fair will once again feature a mix of Christmas gifts, home accessories, clothes, jewellery and local produce, with proceeds going to the Cornwall Community Foundation. Tickets can only be booked in advance (they will not be available on the door this year) and can be purchased from www.cornwallchristmasfair.com 6 | BUSINESS CORNWALL

MAJOR STEP FORWARD

The MILO Institute is a collective formed by Arizona State University, which has been at the forefront of space exploration since the 1960s. Through the collaboration, AeroSpace Cornwall will be able access the institute’s resources and “accelerate technology maturation” across the growing space cluster in Cornwall.

It will work with Goonhilly Earth Station to deliver the programme, focusing initially on the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly region then expanding across the UK and the rest of the world. The new MILO Ambassador is Major Chahal, who has established relationships with both

the UK Space Agency and the MAJOR CHAHAL European Space Agency. He recently joined the new business development team at Goonhilly where he will be focusing on Government and space agency growth opportunities. Goonhilly CEO, Ian Jones, said: “This new contract to host the MILO Ambassador in Cornwall fits perfectly with our growth model. We can really leverage Major’s experience in the sector and this partnership with Aerospace Cornwall and the MILO Institute to assist other organisations to realise their ambitions in space.”

BUSINESS NEWS

SPONSORED BY

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LoRaWAN FOR EVERY TOWN

NEWS IN BRIEF

Ver Facil is working with the Digital Transformation programme from Unlocking Potential on an exciting new digital innovation.

Accountancy firm Bishop Fleming welcomed 57 new trainees and apprentices across its offices last month, including seven in Plymouth and three in Truro. ____________________

With support from the ERDF-funded Digital Transformation team along with a large grant, the remote monitoring specialist is deploying an Internet of Things

sensor network – LoRaWAN - across 30 towns in Cornwall including Truro. MD Rob Cartwright said: “Through Unlocking Potential’s Digital Marketplace events and workshops we will work with local businesses to get ahead and stay ahead as Cornwall benefits from its increasingly digital economy.”

Local estate agent John Bray & Partners raised £20k for the Cornwall Community Foundation and the Wadebridge Foodbank through an online auction of artworks donated by Cornish artists, photographers, illustrators and individuals. ____________________ Local landlord Coastline Housing has received the highest possible regulatory rating for its governance and financial viability following a review. The Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) has confirmed that the Cornish housing charity has maintained the highest rating of G1/V1. This follows an in-depth assessment carried out earlier in the year. ____________________

GLIMPSE OF THE FUTURE Councillor Richard Pears has described British Lithium’s project near St Austell as “a great opportunity for Cornwall”. As a Cornwall Council Cabinet member and mayor of St Austell, Councillor Pears was invited to have a tour of the company’s pilot plant with chief executive officer Andrew Smith, chairman Roderick Smith and strategic advisor John Walker. Having already built an on-site laboratory at its base in Victoria Business Park, Roche, the British Lithium team is now constructing a pilot plant nearby. Funded by Innovate UK, the plant will collect accurate data on waste products and

emissions, test energy and water balances and prove the planned process route. It will also produce sufficient quantities of battery-grade lithium to achieve customer acceptance and buy-in. Specialist equipment is arriving on a daily basis from different parts of the world and the plant is expected to be fully operational by the end of the year. “It’s very exciting and a great opportunity for Cornwall,” said Councillor Pears. “Meeting the team and seeing what they’re doing for myself has been fascinating and I look forward to coming back with council colleagues in the very near future.”

TRIBUTE TO SAINT PIRAN A new two-year partnership has been signed between Cornwall’s Saint Piran pro cycling team and St Austell Brewery’s flagship brand, Tribute. Now in its sixth year, the team competes at the top levels of cycling in the UK and on UCI Continental Circuits across Europe and 8 | BUSINESS CORNWALL

last month competed in the Tour of Britain.

Richard Pascoe, team principal of Saint Piran, added: “St Austell Brewery has a long tradition of supporting sport in this region and we are delighted to be entering into a partnership with one of Cornwall’s best-known companies.”

Composite Integration has become an official member of the Aerospace, Defence, Security and Space (ADS) Group. The Saltash-based company says the move will support further development of its aerospace sector collaborations. ____________________ Folk2Folk is on course to double its profits in 2021. The Launceston-based marketplace lender has announced an H1 2021 pre-tax profit of £943k (unaudited accounts for Feb-Jul 2021), delivering just short of the company’s FY 2020 profit. ____________________ Sustainable resin bound driveway company Oltco Cornwall is continuing to play its part in reducing plastic wastage. Since being launched 2019, its Recycle Bound solution has led to recycling the equivalent of more than 122 million plastic straws in driveways up and down the country, including 882,000 plastic straws at a recent project the Eden Project.

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A RETAIL RESURGENCE 2021 has seen a resurgence of secondary retail in key towns throughout Cornwall with demand in some places outstripping supply. Retail properties which fall below the small business rate relief and that are sensibly priced have become both popular and affordable. We have heard a lot of negative press over the last 5 – 10 years with the decline of the High Street and rise of Internet shopping, however this doesn’t necessarily paint an accurate picture. People looking to purchase white goods, electrical etc may well prefer to browse online or visit out of town retail parks with quick, easy and free parking but there is something about a shopping experience in a town centre that is still highly appealing to many. This would also involve lunch or coffee, which reflects the rise in cafes and artisan bakeries popping up where retail once occupied. But where as many national coffee operators would still like to sit in the prime areas and paying prime rents, the power of good quality produce and social media exposure has

meant that often these smaller independents will be sought out by the customer, rather than dropping in due to convenience of location. Hair and beauty and niche independent retail are also coming to the market in secondary locations. This can be attributed to a change in people’s lifestyle and attitudes as we come out of lockdown. There is no doubt that the covid outbreak has made people view their lives very differently and in particular their working life. Whilst previously many were happy to accept their existing role, there is now a greater impetus to follow a dream, or at least work for oneself and build a business. Whilst there is no doubt that prime high streets will continue to contract, particularly with

the eye watering business rates and other associated costs, there is plenty of reason to be positive that town centres will become a place to both shop at your favourite high street clothing and homeware brands but also head off the beaten track to discover some great eateries and selected retail. Will Duckworth Senior Commercial Agency Surveyor 01872 247034 wd@miller-commercial.co.uk

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The LoRaWAN man can! From our Wadebridge office Ver Facil Limited is deploying a network of “gateway” antennas for a low power long range sensors monitoring technology called LoRaWAN. Founder and Managing Director, Rob Cartwright “The LoRaWAN Man” is the leading expert of this Internet of Things technology in Cornwall and probably the whole of the South West. We provide specialist knowledge as a Technology Partner to businesses and organisations wanting to adopt this low power long range monitoring solution. Follow Ver Facil Limited on LinkedIn to keep up to date with our latest installations.

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MARINE

FOCUS

Paul Wickes

Cornwall’s marine and maritime industry has more than doubled in size over the past 14 years and is a vital contributor to the local economy. We catch up with Paul Wickes, CEO of Cornwall Marine Network (CMN), who tells us how the sector is faring and about its prospects for the future.

Starting from the top, you’ve been at CMN for 16 years now? Yes, I joined in 2005, I was the first employee of CMN. Before that, I started off life in the Midlands and served a technical engineering apprenticeship and variously worked at manufacturing companies. I had a kind of troubleshooting, problem-solving role, so I was always looking at new systems and productivity, efficiency, that kind of thing.

10 | BUSINESS CORNWALL

And that initial training set me up. I did a bit of a tour of the Midlands, ended up in food manufacturing, went to Birmingham Airport. My first senior manager role at the age of 28, was working for Federal Express and I managed the Import Export operation at Birmingham Airport. But in their infinite wisdom, they pulled out of Europe in 92 and offered me a directorship in the States. But my one and only good deed that I’ve ever done was to remember that I had a family that I hadn’t seen much of while I was working for FedEx, working 70 hours a week. And my wife originates from Falmouth, so I brought the family back home with the boys 30 years ago, and it’s the best thing we ever did. So I quickly got myself involved on the circuit

down here, ended up doing quite a lot of business consultancy, mentoring managers, particularly small businesses. I was doing some national consultancy work at colleges before I decided I wanted a job that didn’t involve travel, because I had an 18-month assignment in Kent, where I travelled up to every week from Cornwall. And I saw this part time training manager job advertised at CMN and I thought, well, that’s a toehold and I put in the application. The chairman phoned me up, he said “are you having us on, you’re earning more money than me, let alone what we can afford to pay with the post!”. And I said, Well, if I’m any good, it’s up to you and me to sort that out. I knew nothing about the marine sector, but it just appealed to me. And part time four

MARINE

FOCUS

CEO feature & cover photographs by Toby Weller

weeks later became full time because we’d got lucky with a fund. Then in July 2008, I was asked, having set up the training activity here, to became chief executive. So I’ve been at the helm here for 13 years now. There were four of us in 2008. When we fill the vacancies we have at the moment, there will be 56. I inherited a company with a loss and a quarter of a million turnover. This year we’ll turnover £3 million. Why the marine sector? Did it just happen to be the right opportunity at the right time? I didn’t really know much about it, but I like to challenge myself. And it’s just full of really nice people. The important thing is that we

only ever do what we do to try and make a difference. And that’s what we’re in it for. And through this job and through the team and through CMN, we’ve been able to make a heck of a difference as far as the county is concerned.

renewable energy supply chain businesses. And again, at the top end, construction and refitting of super yachts, and in Pendennis we have one of the top five super yacht manufacturers in the world.

Marine businesses are at the centre of local communities

But as a sector, marine it’s so diverse, more diverse than any other business sector. There are something like 93 SIC (Standard Industrial Classification) codes that cover the majority of the sector. But at the top end, it’s maintenance and repair of ships, including the work A&P does with Royal Fleet Auxiliary. It’s the marine offshore

And then we’ve got water sports centres, we’ve got people that trade in seafood, we’ve got traditional wooden boats and super yacht tenders, we’ve got marinas, boat building, repair, and maintenance, surfboard manufacturer, boat surveys, seabed mapping, chandleries and the list goes on. And much of it is associated with the visitor economy, so there is a seasonal nature to a chunk of the sector as well. It’s all just fascinating.

BUSINESS CORNWALL | 11

MARINE

FOCUS Does that make it challenging, managing such a diverse organisation? Quick story if I may, CMN was put together by a bunch of local marine industry leaders who got together under the guidance of Roger Graffy, who owns Mylor Yacht Harbor. And they basically said, look, we’ve got a construction sector, a retail sector, a care sector, but nobody talks about the marine sector. We’re always part of something else. If you have a chandlery for example, you’re a retailer, and so on. And so with a bit of encouragement from what was Cornwall Enterprise at the time, part of Cornwall Council, they formed what Roger called ‘the club’. They had no idea what it was going to do, but they wanted to give identity and a voice to the sector. And bless them, because without that move, we wouldn’t be where we are today.

website, they got to attend the Annual General Meeting if they really wanted, but apart from the odd gathering, there really was nothing else happening. One of the founding fathers, Michael Broome, tongue in cheek, wrote a bid for ERDF funding in 2005 and accidentally won just over a million pounds! He had the vision that nobody else had. And that enabled us to employ people for the first time. It was actually a marketing grant and marketing mentoring scheme to support businesses, with us able to give some cash for grants towards the cost of marketing. And it paid us to employ people to provide that service and kind of set the tone.

Like everyone, we’ve had the double whammy of Covid and Brexit

So between 2002 and 2005, it really was a gesture of faith from anybody who was a member and we actually got up to 35 members in that time. There was a logo, there was a

Because the only reason the team at CMN exists is to support our members to grow to improve their economic prosperity. And they rely on us finding ways that we can do that to support them. Mostly this is through skills and training, but we also improve productivity, we help bring product innovation to market. And we provide marketing support. We’ve never lost site of our roots from that very first project. Yes, it’s been quite reliant on the EU funding that’s been in Cornwall. However, that’s just because it’s been there and there’s other stuff that we do and other sources of public funds that we access. We’ve delivered over 100 public sector funding projects in 16 years and we’ve now created more than 4,000 jobs in Cornwall. I don’t know of any other organisation that’s a small private, not for profit company that can claim to have done that. So we’re proud of what we’ve done. Of course, it’s the members that create the jobs, but we’re the enabler through the support and the grants to do that. How is the Cornish marine sector faring at the moment? Like everyone, we’ve had the double whammy of Covid and Brexit. We’re probably quite similar to a number of the other bedrock sectors in the county like tourism and hospitality. A number of our members and many of our smaller members, particularly the leisure marine members, are in post Covid recovery. In economic terms, they’ve had the equivalent of three consecutive winters. The challenge at the moment is trying to extend the season as late as they can into the autumn this year, to do as much trading as they can. You know, companies like water taxis, various water sports centres and equipment suppliers, that kind of thing, had a torrid time last year, many of them weren’t able to trade at all.

12 | BUSINESS CORNWALL

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MARINE

FOCUS marine engineers. I saw a survey a couple of years ago that said this country is short of about 600,000 skilled engineers. And a third of our skilled workforce are in their 50s. So if a third of the workforce are going to retire within ten years and it takes four or five years to train new ones up, it’s an issue that we need to be addressing now. Is it a focus to try and attract a younger generation into the industry?

Boat builders are busy catching up because lots of orders rather than being cancelled got postponed. So, they’ve got order books and they’re working through them. Brexit has impacted the cost of trading with Europe. I spoke to somebody a couple of weeks ago who manufactures marine components for boats. Before Brexit, they were 15% cheaper than their European competitors and sold exports into Europe. But now because of the tariffs and the delays, and the paperwork processing fees that they face, they’re actually 15% more costly. So, they’re having to rethink their export market. So that is a challenge, and in their case, are actually thinking that the solution is that they might open an office in Spain, for example. There’s always a solution, it’s just you don’t always know where it is. And there’s definitely been a loss of access to the eastern European labour in some parts of the sector. And that’s had an adverse impact. Super yachts and luxury boat builders have kept full order books, because people with money are still spending money. Any 14 | BUSINESS CORNWALL

marine businesses specialising in marine technology, research and development have probably been unaffected, because they’ve been able to carry on doing that work, a lot of it they do from home. But many companies have used furlough schemes. So, the true impact of furlough ending is only about to become apparent. A lot of companies have already downsized. And the reality of that is they’ve now got fewer numbers of staff, who are required to undertake their own job and a bit of someone else’s. So actually, what that means is they’ve got the need to retrain and reskill, but there’s very few companies that can afford the time for people to undertake training at the moment. So that is a challenge, particularly at a time where we’ve got more training funds than we’ve ever had before.

Yes and that’s why we set up some of our subsidiary companies, like the Cornwall Marine Academy. That’s our engagement with young people between the ages of 16 and 24. We’ve got an army, at the last count 105 of our member businesses, who provide marine ambassadors entirely voluntarily. Two years ago, we won a national award for this, the Maritime UK Future Skills Award. So this army of volunteers goes into all the secondary schools and talks to 14 to 16 year olds. Since 2008, we’ve engaged with 35,000 young people in the county of that age. We also run the Cornwall Apprenticeship Agency to help small businesses engage with apprentices. Do you know, 92% of SMEs have never had an apprentice. So, we provide a recruitment service to support the small business for a small fixed fee. We started the agency in 2013 and we’ve placed over 1,400 apprentices in that time across all business sectors, because the agency accreditation nationally requires us to offer it to any sector. So, we reach outside of marine to feed marine. And we now reach outside of Cornwall to feed Cornwall.

Like so many other sectors, there’s a difficulty recruiting at the moment

Businesses need all hands to the pump? Yes. And like so many other sectors, there’s a difficulty recruiting at the moment. It seems that the pandemic has caused a lot of people, particularly young people, to rethink careers. And they seem to be going through that at the moment. And there’s certainly a shortage in some areas of skilled workers, especially

Are the challenges facing marine in Cornwall reflected across the UK?

It’s well known that coastal towns lack the economic infrastructure that cities have and we’ve got 433 miles of coast, the longest coastline of any county in the country. We’ve got more coastal towns that lack economic infrastructure. Marine businesses tend to cluster around the ports. That’s not rocket science. The biggest cluster of over 40% of the businesses is around the port of Falmouth. But then, the Isles of Scilly is also a cluster, Penzance Newlyn is a cluster. If you drew a circle around Wadebridge and Padstow, and also around Fowey, Par, and St Austell. And then in the east, it’s just as spread out.

MARINE

FOCUS

It’s anything from Callington, Saltash, Millbrook down to Looe. So more than 90% of all marine businesses fall into those areas. Marine businesses are at the centre of local communities. So more and more of what we’ve done in the last few years is as well as focusing on supporting the businesses to recover and grow, is to try and adopt projects that allow us to develop communities using marine businesses as a focal point, helping unemployed back into work. Roughly, how much is marine worth to the economy? According to Exeter University, which undertook this challenge for us a couple of years ago, the sector generates a GDP of £1.12 billion per annum. We’ve got 805 what we call core marine businesses with at last count 15,000 employees, but we’ve also got 1,000 volunteers. A significant sector. Nationally, the UK marine and maritime sector adds £46.1 billion to the UK economy and over a million jobs. And maritime is responsible for facilitating 95% of UK global trade. Over 50% of all the food on our table is brought by ship from abroad. Some people don’t realise the scale and significance of marine. I think we’ve all probably had a flavour of it when that that cargo ship got stuck in the Suez. And based on GVA and GDP, the UK maritime workforce is 42% more productive than the average UK worker. And maritime makes a greater contribution to the UK economy than both rail and air combined. And again, that’s not appreciated by many people. And the sector also enables millions of people to enjoy the recreational benefits of the UK coast and the inland waterways. One of the main focuses now appears to be on renewables.

and so on. What’s important to us is we are blessed with a bunch of supply chain companies in Cornwall, many of which are world leaders in their field. For various reasons, lifestyle and so on, they choose to be in Cornwall, or they originated from Cornwall. We have marine businesses in Cornwall trading all over the world.

The only reason the team at CMN exists is to support our members

It’s important given the diversity in our sector not to lose sight of the fact that we’re here to support all the businesses but yes, without any shadow of a doubt one of the top ten economic priorities of the LEP is offshore floating wind. But within that, offshore renewables generally, because there’s still a wave energy and a tidal sector, and there are fixed wind turbines that go in on sandbanks

For the G7, together with Maritime UK who are the umbrella body for our sector, we put together a showcase film that features some of the amazing businesses that we’ve got locally. So, it talked about the importance of marine and maritime and with the G7 media centre in Falmouth, we showcased the port of Falmouth. Because in the port of Falmouth, other than A&P and Pendennis, a lot of people don’t see the fact that there’s over 300 marine businesses in the supply chain, and they employ 6,000 people. BUSINESS CORNWALL | 15

MARINE

FOCUS

Companies like HydroWing and Richard Parkinson, who is a volunteer director for CMN, are responsible for installing more than 60% of Europe’s tidal energy devices, and they’re based in Falmouth. KML are offshore marine contractors at Falmouth Wharfs. And they are one of the leading contractors in the country for providing offshore renewable construction and marine civil engineering. There’s Feritech, an advanced engineering and marine technology company trading in over 40 countries. And they’ve got a new advanced manufacturing facility that they’re just opening up.

platforms on which you can manufacture offshore wind devices, blades or whatever.

on our doorstep, which just makes it so interesting for us.

There’s the strategic importance of A&P Falmouth with its ship repair, and their operation in Australia now which is growing. And also the relationship they’ve got with the Royal Navy and the Royal Fleet Auxiliary vessels. We’ve got Waves4Power, a Swedish company who have based themselves in Falmouth. They’re looking at deploying wave powered renewable energy devices off to the south west of the Scillies that could power the entire of the Scillies.

We can’t name every member, but we’re proud of everyone one of those. And the only reason our team exists and we remind ourselves of this almost every day, is to help our members grow and improve their economic prosperity and if we ever lose sight of the fact that there are core customers, we won’t have a business. Certainly, that won’t happen on my watch.

The UK marine and maritime sector adds £46.1 billion to the UK economy and over a million jobs

And then we’ve got the likes of Rustler Yachts and Cockwells. They both build absolutely beautiful custom built yachts and tenders. It’s a joy for us to see how Cockwells have developed. I knew Dave Cockwell when there was just him and two others. There’s over 100 in the workforce now and a threeyear order book.

Shane Carr at Tugdock has invented the world’s first road transportable floating dry dock. They’re actually looking at whether the concept can be used to build gigantic floating

And that’s just a few of the businesses I’ve mentioned. We might be Falmouth centric but that’s just following where the bulk of the members are, but outside Falmouth I work with Penzance Dry Dock and Jamie Murphy has just bought the company. We’re about to announce the dry dock’s first apprenticeship programme for 25 years and CMN is supporting them with that. Up at Millbrook, we’ve got Darren Newton who owns Dazcat and they’re designing and manufacturing world leading catamarans and racing catamarans. You know, we’re absolutely blessed with the businesses that we’ve got

What sort of legacy will G7 leave do you think? I don’t think it will have done Cornwall any harm at all. It put the spotlight on us briefly. I think there will be a legacy, it won’t be immediately tangible, but I’m looking at this slightly differently. We’ve demonstrated, if you look back at the Tour of Britain, when Cornwall puts its mind to it, it can do these things on a big scale. So, let’s build on that momentum. And it’s all adding to our reputation. There’s talk now of putting in for City a Culture, but not just Truro, but for the whole of Cornwall. We’re moving towards devolution, we’re trying to position ourselves for future Government money and so on. I don’t think any of what’s happened will do our reputation any harm.

The important thing is that we only ever do what we do to try and make a difference

16 | BUSINESS CORNWALL

CALL THE MARINE TEAM

MARINE

FOCUS

Launched in 2016 to support local marine businesses, Stephens Scown’s specialist Marine Team continues to assist local firms and landowners with a wide range of issues. Chris Tofts provides an update on what issues have been affecting marine businesses in the region. The adoption of the South West Marine Plan in June now provides a policy framework for planning decisions below the high water mark, providing clearer guidance to those seeking marine consents and planning permissions. Coastal property sales have seen a marked increase since the first lockdown, including some of the south west’s historic coastal buildings, which have Listed Building protection. With longstanding experience of this type of complex work, we continue to advise on funding opportunities for work to improve existing marine facilities. Brexit and Covid-19 have not reduced the number of vessel transactions, with the team assisting on the purchase of multimillion-pound vessels, including funding and mortgages. Meanwhile, the team’s Intellectual Property

specialists have advised on innovations and new products and has recently been looking at protecting Intellectual Property relating to autonomous shipping and Artificial Intelligence. Our employment specialists continue to advise on restructuring, employee ownership, furlough and Covid-related enquiries and support marine businesses managing those who have breached marine regulatory requirements or Seafarer Agreements. The team has also assisted local businesses by achieving the removing of restrictive covenants to allow their land to be used more effectively. Advice to Harbour Authorities has included: dealing with abandoned vessels; prosecuting breaches of Harbour byelaws; development proposals and new development rights; as well as data protection. Our legal advisers have also helped several marine-related Charities

recently, including Surfers Against Sewage, which we also supported as our firm charity for a three-year period. The Marine Team is looking forward to getting out and meeting local marine businesses again. If you would like to discuss any marine related legal issues, please contact the Marine Team at enquiries@stephens-scown.co.uk

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE Mylor Yacht Harbour continues its commitment to the development of the on-site services offered and the growth of skills and training opportunities for the next generation of marine leisure service specialists. To support Mylor Yacht Harbour’s Marine Team Services Division and to meet the needs of growing customer demand, the company has a new project manager, Ollie Graffy, whose role is to oversee the increasing number of multi trade commercial and leisure boat repair and refit works as well as embarking on some exciting new projects. Following on from the success of Bekx Hancock, who previously won the British Marine Electrical & Electronics Association ‘Newly Certified Electronics Technician of the Year’ award as part of her training programme and is now a fully-fledged marine electrician in her own right, Mylor Yacht Harbour has now appointed another trainee marine electrical engineer to join the growing engineering department.

CORNWALL’S MARINE EXPERTS GRP REPAIRS

Call for free advice and PAINTING ENGINEERING a quotation: ELECTRICS JOINERY

N 01326 372 121 w www.mylor.com

The company continues to work with local schools and colleges to promote careers within the marine sector for young people in the south west and beyond and has recently offered a paid work experience placement to a student studying boat building and marine engineering at Falmouth Marine School.

BUSINESS CORNWALL | 17 MYH MarineTeam_Business Cornwall Ad_94x136mm_May 2019_v1.indd 1

09/05/2019 09

GROWTH

PROGRAMME

Marine

innovation

Marine-i is a pioneering business support programme that has been designed to foster innovation in the marine technology sector in Cornwall.

The goal is to help put Cornwall at the forefront of the marine tech industries of the future. These include marine energy, marine manufacturing, maritime operations and marine environmental technologies. This programme is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund. It aims to stimulate and support research and innovation, to help Cornish marine businesses exploit new market opportunities.

Marine technology is a vital industry for Cornwall, and one with high growth potential for the future. It will have a huge influence on the economic prospects of the county.

Help put Cornwall at the forefront of the marine tech industries of the future

18 | BUSINESS CORNWALL

Outstanding support for pioneering marine technology businesses

Marine-i offers one of the most complete packages of innovation support ever designed for the marine sector. This includes business consultancy, research expertise, grant funding, access to some of the best testing facilities in Europe and graduate support at a subsidised cost. Marine-i provides a bespoke package to marine businesses that is geared to their specific needs and delivered through one point of contact.

There are six Project Partners who work closely together to create the Marine-i offer. These are the University of Exeter, University of Plymouth, Cornwall College Group, Cornwall Marine Network, Cornwall Development Company, and the Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult. They each have their own particular specialist expertise that they apply to support innovative marine businesses. A strong track record of success Since its inception in 2017, Marine-i has achieved the following milestones: • 131 local marine businesses have been supported with market-leading research • 51 projects have received grant funding • 16 graduates have been placed with local businesses at a subsidised cost

GROWTH

PHOTO LEFT: FALMOUTH HARBOUR COMMISSIONERS

PROGRAMME

PHOTO ABOVE: PRINCIPLE POWER INC.

Helping to create Cornwall’s marine industries of the future. • 23 new products have been launched into the market • 27 new businesses have relocated to, or opened new offices in, Cornwall The Marine-i programme runs until December 2022, so there is still a great opportunity for more local SMEs to benefit from its support. Marine-i in action: Floating Offshore Wind Marine-i has supported local companies working in wind, wave and tidal power generation, helping to pioneer new ways of delivering the green energy of the future. The next ten years will see the most exciting development yet in our region – the building of floating offshore windfarms in the Celtic Sea. Floating wind turbines can be located in very deep waters, in areas with the

strongest winds. Cornwall will be right at the forefront of this new industry. Marine-i is supporting a range of Cornish innovators who are working in this field, including: • J-Supplied, which is developing technology for the 3D printing of turbine blades • Tugdock, which has designed an innovative floating platform for offshore wind construction projects • Falco Drone Technologies, which is creating a long-range drone that can be used for surveying offshore windfarms • Feritech Global, which plans to create the world’s first autonomous vehicle for subsea geotechnical surveys • Inyanga Maritime, which is developing a new system for anchoring floating turbines.

• 4 Earth Intelligence, which plans to use satellite data to assist in the building and maintenance of offshore windfarms World-leading marine innovation The pioneering innovation that we are seeing in Cornwall today is building a brilliant platform for future growth, making this a really exciting time for our marine technology industry. The new ideas that are being developed right now in Cornwall can help lay the foundations for economic prosperity and job creation. All of these innovations could have a significant impact on marine technology around the world, helping to secure Cornwall’s reputation as a leader in this field. Find out more: www.marine-i.co.uk BUSINESS CORNWALL | 19

CORNWALL

SPACE

World space

week:

the acceleration of Cornwall Space – a bright future built on a pioneering history.

“Space tech crosses every single sector and industry. We can use space to make these industries more efficient, effective and sustainable. The applications for space in agriculture, fishing, mining, and health care are endless and very exciting” - Melissa Thorpe, Head of Spaceport Cornwall. GOONHILLY’S AI INSTITUTE Goonhilly Earth Station Ltd is building an “Institute for Space Artificial intelligence and Machine Learning” with a group of UK Universities, including partners at University of Oxford, University Manchester, University of Leeds and University of Hertfordshire.

World Space Week 2021 (October 4-10) has been themed ‘Women in Space’ celebrating the accomplishments and contributions of women to sciences and the space sector and aiming to inspire young women around the world to pursue STEM studies and careers in the space industry. The past year has been a pivotal time for the next era of space exploration in the UK, and Cornwall Space has been leading the way with significant advancements within the sector. EU-funded programme AeroSpace Cornwall has been able to support the growth of Cornwall Space by working with and championing businesses to increase their capability in the space supply chain. AeroSpace Cornwall also supports many female-owned and led businesses to promote growth and equal opportunity. The advancements of the past year so far have served to highlight the career potential within the vast scope of the space sector for the next generation, and the prolific possibilities for businesses alike.

20 | BUSINESS CORNWALL

In light of World Space Week, Cornwall Space tracks the progress of the past year and looks towards the promising future of the industry. VIRGIN ORBIT LAUNCH: Virgin Orbit has successfully completed two launches in 2021. The first being their inaugural commercial launch in January, with the company’s carrier aircraft, Cosmic Girl, taking off from Mojave Air and Space Port in California. This was followed in June by the deployment of seven customer satellites into orbit onboard the companies’ LauncherOne rocket. The excitement is building as we edge ever closer to the first ever commercial launch on UK soil, which will take place at Spaceport Cornwall in 2022. Launch from Newquay will give a boost to the local and national economy post-Coronavirus, with Spaceport Cornwall set to further strengthen the UK and Cornish industry by bringing 150 direct jobs by 2025.

Goonhilly has invested in a number of GPU and FPGA based supercomputers, which provide massive parallel processing capacity. This, together with their LEO tracking capability dedicated to downlinking EO data directly into their data centre, provides them with the capability to derive new high-value data sets for various markets including agri-tech, coastal monitoring, traffic monitoring, and flood warning. The institute offers incubation space for companies to come and use the facilities at Goonhilly Earth Station Ltd – and the opportunity to work alongside the business and their partners. “The space industry in the UK is undergoing an important period of growth. Particularly, more SME’s are able to participate, which creates opportunities for young people all around the country - not just in specific “hub” locations where large space sector companies have settled – so the space sector will see an influx of talent from corners of the country that were previously inaccessible from an industry point of view.” - Dr Kat Hickey, Senior Business Development Manager, Goonhilly Earth Station.

CORNWALL

SPACE

The next year will be a historical one for UK Space

KERNOW SAT 1 Following G7, the UK Government has announced plans to fund the design and build of community satellite, Kernow Sat 1. Cornwall’s intention is that this satellite will be the first satellite designed, manufactured and launched in Cornwall - with the intention of it forming part of Virgin Orbit’s first UK launch next year from Spaceport Cornwall. This innovative community approach to space will set a precedent for future missions, fostering collaboration across industry and bringing space closer to local communities - all while collecting key data to inform local environmental policies. CENTRE OF SPACEFLIGHT TECHNOLOGIES Spaceport Cornwall’s ‘Centre for Space Technologies’, set to open ahead of the first

launch, is a new and unique series of worldleading research, development and innovative infrastructure facilities, providing the specialist equipment required for the development, testing, integration and launch of space technologies and systems (satellites). The knowledge gained during the R&D of the products and services delivered within the CST will be used to solve some of the UK’s most challenging issues, including climate change, improving environmental and social sustainability. This will lead to further R&D activity in satellite hardware, software, testing and applications, accelerating the development of the space cluster here in Cornwall. All the advancements within the UK and Cornwall’s space sector are equipping the next generation of scientists, software and technology developers, engineers and entrepreneurs to engage with the

Data and Space sectors from a young age - creating equal opportunities and highlighting the potential to develop products and services which create sustainable value for the economy. The last year has shown the strength of the UK’s industry and the power of collaboration. The next year will be a historical one for UK Space and for the Women in STEM who are pivotal in growing and changing the industry.

If you are a business interested in exploring the opportunities that lie within the space sector in Cornwall, get in touch with AeroSpace Cornwall: https://aerospacecornwall. co.uk/introduce-yourself.

BUSINESS CORNWALL | 21

CHARITY

PROFILE

A man on a

mission

22 | BUSINESS CORNWALL

CHARITY

PROFILE

We meet the new person at the controls of Cornwall Air Ambulance – Tim Bunting.

There is much more that we can do, to help save more lives in future

Cornwall Air Ambulance is the charity that provides critical care to the most seriously sick and injured people in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. The crew attend more than 1000 missions every year, and with no direct government support towards running costs, it relies on the generosity of the public to keep flying. Taking to the skies in 1987, Cornwall Air Ambulance was the first air ambulance in the UK. It has now completed more than 29,000 missions, saving countless lives. Given the county’s isolated beaches, rural settlements and challenging road networks, Cornwall Air Ambulance is considered a lifeline by residents and visitors alike. When it comes to saving lives, every minute matters. The helicopter is on scene on average in just 12 minutes in mainland Cornwall and less than 30 minutes on the Isles of Scilly. The paramedic aircrew provide pre-hospital critical care at the scene of the incident. Tim Bunting started life as chief executive of Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust in September. He brings a wealth of experience with him, having previously worked for BBC Children in Need and held senior fundraising roles in the south west. Living in nearby St Mawgan for over ten years, barely a day goes by for Tim without hearing or seeing the helicopter fly overhead. It is this close association and attachment to the charity that drives his passion. We spoke with Tim to find out more about the new man behind Cornwall Air Ambulance. What made you want to work for Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust? It is quite simple really, I have seen extended family and friends directly benefit from the support the air ambulance provides. The service is so tangible and effective that when the opportunity arose, I really wanted to get involved and I am delighted to have the opportunity to work here.

What do you love about Cornwall the most? There is so much I love about Cornwall (and the Isles of Scilly!). Obviously the beauty and diversity of the landscape is foremost in mind, but I also think the sense of community and togetherness is so much more than anywhere else. I feel very fortunate to call Cornwall home. Why is charity work and Cornwall Air Ambulance, in particular, important to you? Charity gives people a purpose, a challenge, a goal and brings people together in such a positive way. Whether that’s through volunteering, fundraising or taking a keen interest! It is all about seeing the positive difference to society that people through charities can and do make – whether it is the very tangible support to people that Cornwall Air Ambulance provides, or the longer-term benefits of, say, an environmental charity campaign or the mental health counselling service for children and young people. Cornwall Air Ambulance is an important part of Cornish life. Everybody knows somebody that has been airlifted and the service impacts each community across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. The people of Cornwall feel a sense of ownership of the helicopter, and we really are your charity. How has your life experience made you the leader you are today? Charity life has always been important to me. From an early age I can remember my Mother volunteering for Barnados and throughout my life I have always been motivated to raise money for worthy causes. It’s a part of who I am.

BUSINESS CORNWALL | 23

CHARITY

PROFILE

So being a leader of this great charity is the perfect fit. My leadership style is all about working in partnership with passionate people. Watching people learn and grow, seeing those around me flourish and develop. If I can articulate my aspirations to my colleagues about the direction of the charity and work with likeminded people, that gives me energy. I want every member of the team, whether it be the crew, staff or volunteers be the best they can be as ultimately that means we can be as effective at helping people as we can be. Which other leaders do you admire and why?

The people. Cornwall Air Ambulance is such an important charity for the people of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly – and we would not exist without the support of so many, whether trustees, staff, volunteers or fundraisers. The opportunity to work alongside them is what I really look forward to.

Cornwall Air Ambulance was the first air ambulance in the UK

As an avid Sports fan, I often see the value in how team captains and coaches can build teams around them in their mould, all pulling towards a common goal. Richie McCaw, the famous ex-All Blacks captain oversaw a decade of success at the top of World Rugby. He was able to instil his inspirational philosophy in those around him. While we won’t be doing the Haka any time soon, if I can emulate close to that kind of inspiration, I’ll be doing my job.

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What do you look forward to most about the role?

When you aren’t working, what would we find you doing in your spare time? Mostly supporting my son (George) and daughter (Martha’s) football teams! However, when time, training and matches allow, as a family we love visiting different parts of Cornwall – we always find somewhere new to explore.

What is your proudest moment to date? At the start of the pandemic, BBC Children in Need partnered with Comic Relief on ‘The Big Night In’. Leading a team that (virtually) came together to create an appeal in 3 weeks (that would normally take 6 months) with the result raising millions of pounds to help thousands of people across the UK - it was a very proud moment for me.

CHARITY

What does the future hold for Cornwall Air Ambulance? We are in a fortunate position to have such great support from the people of Cornwall, but we cannot take this for granted and we need to innovate in our fundraising as it has evolved dramatically over the past 18 months. As an organisation continuous improvement and development is extremely important as ultimately we need to ensure we are able to help when needed and save lives across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. I have seen the value of adding new skills and kit on board. Earlier this year the charity, in partnership with Blood Bikes, began keeping blood on board. This paid dividends immediately as just a week later the crew were able to save a young man’s

life by giving a blood transfusion on route to hospital. There is much more that we can do, to help save more lives in future.

It has been an unprecedented time, looking back at the last few months what are your thoughts on how the charity has navigated through the COVID-19 crisis and what do you see as the impact going forward?

When it comes to saving lives, every minute matters

Speaking to the team and understanding what the charity went through I feel proud of how the service did not stop. Even through the first lockdown, we did not stop flying to those in their hour of need. We adapted. In what was a difficult time

PROFILE

for everyone, there was fantastic resilience within the team and within the community to continue supporting the charity despite everyone having to battle through the uncertainty of the pandemic. As an organisation that thrives on community engagement, Covid put an end to Open Days and community events. Instead, we brought the crew and the helicopter to the community digitally, through Facebook live events and utilising digital channels. Are you jam or cream first? Jam (is there any other way?)

It costs Cornwall Air Ambulance nearly £5m every year to continue saving lives. Find out how you or your business can support at cornwallairambulancetrust.org

BUSINESS CORNWALL | 25

BUSINESS

FINANCE

Have you accepted the

Universe’s invitation to

re-imagine

your business?

As we look toward a post-pandemic and post-Brexit future and furlough winds down, many businesses are being redesigned with a renewed focus on resilience and competitiveness. Business owners can turn the tables on the adversity of the global health and financial crisis by rethinking their business.

FOLK2FOLK offers secured business loans from £100k and investment opportunities at 6.5% p.a. Min. investment is £20k. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN720867). 26 | BUSINESS CORNWALL

BUSINESS

Everyone in business has faced colossal challenges over the past 18 months. The pandemic and subsequent lockdown measures resulted in a reduction, if not a total halt, of customer spending; disruption to supply chains; reduced availability of goods/ materials; and retrenchment of staff. Coupled with this, the significant force of the pandemic pushed through widespread change at a scale and rate not previously seen, but suddenly deemed essential for business survival. As a result, many have had to radically rethink how their business operates as well as rapidly embrace technology investment, sooner than perhaps otherwise planned. Driven by necessity, many have taken the opportunity to reimagine their business; to ensure it’s fit-for-purpose and robust to face the new environmental and social realities. If you’re yet to start, here are several areas you may want to consider: A rethink of your business’ reason for being The external operating environment has dramatically changed; is your business still relevant? Does the reason it started and what it stands for still ring true? Is there still demand for your product/service or has the market shifted requiring you to now adjust or diversify? Taking stock of the external environment, your competition, and where your business ‘sits’ is always a worthwhile exercise, perhaps now more than ever.

Who, how and where your employees work The pandemic resulted in a paradigm shift in attitudes towards remote working. In lightning speed, it shifted from the exception to the norm and virtual working became a necessity. Business owners are now in a position to choose what the future of working looks like based on how their people work best. Across all sectors, difficult decisions have been made by business owners regarding which jobs are essential and for some that may not yet be over as businesses continue to adjust.

leading you to re-look at your ecosystem and consider new collaborations. Necessity can be the master of invention and so your ‘on the run’ adaptations may be here to stay. It’s fair to say, that having a positive attitude towards change, maintaining business agility and embedding resilience will be key to future operational success.

Now is the time to be bold

How to rebuild your revenue Industries such as events, restaurants, sports, the arts and entertainment were forced to reconsider their revenue profile. For these and for many other sectors, it’s essential to connect with your customers and gain a renewed understanding of what they will value post-pandemic and align your business, products, capabilities and customer experiences accordingly.

FINANCE

Accelerate your move to digital solutions

The pandemic accelerated the shift to digital. Businesses were quick to embrace the digital opportunity with some exceeding themselves in terms of online engagement and outreach. Maintaining that level of engagement will stand them in good stead; but it’s not too late for any business currently feeling left behind, however now is the time to be bold. How are you going to grow

How to adapt your operations

For business owners looking beyond survival mode, investment can be a powerful tool. If you’re thinking along these lines, we’d be happy to chat to you about your plans.

You may have had to make wholesale change to your day-to-day operations when social distancing and hygiene rules were in force. Perhaps your supply chains were impacted

We don’t offer financial advice, but we do specialise in helping business owners grow, develop or diversify by providing the funding required.

www.folk2folk.com | 01566 773296 BUSINESS CORNWALL | 27

GROWTH

PROGRAMME

Superfast 3

Inclusive growth Since 2011, Superfast Cornwall programmes have a strong track record of delivering broadband projects across Cornwall. Superfast Cornwall has now launched the new ‘Superfast 3 – Inclusive Growth’ programme, designed to help businesses that may have missed out on previous broadband upgrades or may have been slower to adopt digital technologies in their business.

The activity is funded by the European Regional Development Fund, Cornwall Council and HM Government, and managed by Cornwall Development Company. Broadband Grants Businesses that still aren’t able to receive a superfast speed (30+Mbps) can now apply for a fully funded grant to enable their business to upgrade their speeds. Businesses that connect to superfast broadband can operate more productively and open up new opportunities. Grants are available for broadband solutions such as fibre, wireless, 4G mobile antenna or even the ground-breaking new Starlink satellite solution from Elon Musk’s company.

digital solutions for accountancy or customer relationship management (CRM), booking solutions, advanced phone systems or many other digital solutions that could benefit you. Businesses can apply for a grant between £1k-6k to cover up to 80% of related costs. Don’t worry if you aren’t sure about the digital solution that’s best for your business, we also have expertise that can work with you to help you work this out. Many customers have already benefited from previous Superfast Cornwall projects. Ben Parker, operations director at Callestick Farm, said: “We are thrilled to now have a ‘Fibre to the Premises’ superfast broadband connection. This transforms the way we can operate and opens up a range of new opportunities we simply could not consider before.”

Digital solutions are transforming the world of business

Business Grants The ‘Superfast 3 – Inclusive Growth’ programme aims to assist businesses develop and introduce digital solutions to take their business forward. For businesses that feel they may be a little behind the curve, digital solutions could be a first website (or additional functionality like e-commerce to an existing website), help with digital marketing, setting up

28 | BUSINESS CORNWALL

From helping increase productivity to reaching out to more potential customers; digital solutions are transforming the world of business. Added benefits include improved recruitment from a wider pool of candidates such as individuals that are less able travel or living in isolated areas and reducing your commuting and business travel. You can easily find out if you are eligible for these grants by visiting: www.superfastcornwall.org and speaking to our friendly team, or email us: sf3@superfastcornwall.org

GROWTH

PROGRAMME

Broadband and Business grants are now available.

BUSINESS CORNWALL | 29

TOUR OF

BRITAIN

30 | BUSINESS CORNWALL

TOUR OF

BRITAIN

A tour PHOTOS: SWPIX

de force

While the final data is not yet in, early indications are that last month’s Cornwall leg of the Tour of Britain cycle race had a record audience and gave a significant boost to the local economy after months of lockdowns. Initial estimates show spectator numbers on September 5 to be in the region of 170,000. That would make it one of the biggest opening stage audiences race organiser SweetSpot has ever had, and certainly the largest crowd for an opening stage in the last seven years. A detailed review of the day’s statistics and its economic effect will be carried out later this autumn once the numbers are available, before any decision is made whether to consider hosting the event in the future.

Cornwall Council’s investment in the race preparations was supported in part by business sponsorship from local firms the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group, Butterm!lk, Talent Tide, Cornish Lithium, Shore Partnership and Foot Anstey. The Cornwall stage is expected to have drawn a return of at least £3.4 million in extra Sunday trading for everything from accommodation, taxis and transport, retail and catering on what was for most the last weekend of the summer holidays.

of thousands of people lining the route, cheering and enjoying each other’s company, and celebrating with neighbours and their community. I enjoyed the day immensely, and I think most of Cornwall did too.”

The Cornwall stage is expected to have drawn a return of at least £3.4 million in extra Sunday trading

The event had worldwide TV coverage on Eurosport, live UK coverage on ITV4 and BBC Radio 5 Live, and saw sports and news crews, photographers and journalists from across Europe and elsewhere describing Cornwall to their readers and viewers.

Reflecting on the event, Stephen Rushworth, Cornwall Council’s cabinet member for the economy, said: “Although there will be an economic benefit to Cornwall, let’s not forget the non-monetary value of the Tour of Britain. The reminder to everyone that cycling is free and freeing, good for our mental and physical health, and Cornwall is the ideal place for both sports cycling and for leisure. “We should also recognise the ‘feelgood factor’

Following the G7 summit in June, the race is seen as another strong showcase for Cornwall. To add to the race action there was a wide range of community events from theatre to amateur cycling to live music to garden parties.

Local VIP Andrew Ridgely, who with the late George Michael was one half of pop duo Wham selling more than 30 million records in the 1980s, is a keen cyclist and lives near Wadebridge. He said at the race start: “I think there will be a fair degree of excitement along the way with a good turnout of people, and lots of people at the finish. It’s a good day out for the good folk of Cornwall and the cycling community especially.” There will now be a focus on legacy from the Tour, and constantly improving Cornwall’s cycling facilities. A planned cycle hub near Newquay Airport has been given the goahead, and the 200 km West Kernow Way off-road coastal circuit opened last week to encourage the growing ‘bike-packing’ phenomenon.

BUSINESS CORNWALL | 31

OFFICE

PARTIES

Office

It’s that time of year again where we start to count down the days.

parties...

32 | BUSINESS CORNWALL

FESTIVE DINING

Christmas Parties, Festive Lunches and Bottomless Afternoon Teas Christmas Dining Enjoy a three-course set menu from £25pp, available in the Cove Suite, Vista and Restaurant. 15th Nov-17th Jan

Private Christmas Parties Why not meet for a private gathering and enjoy a drink on arrival, three-course set menu, wine and live music! From £49pp, 15th Nov - 17th Jan

Bottomless Afternoon Tea Spoil yourself, friends, family or colleagues to an indulgent Afternoon tea overlooking the ocean! From £29pp, 23rd Nov - 17th Jan

Stay for £75 Leaving so soon? Why not turn your party into a mini-break? Wake up to the sound of the sea and enjoy a full Cornish breakfast, then unwind and recharge in our Health Club. From £75 per room when booked as part of a festive party.

@PolurrianOnTheLizard #PolurrianMoments

Book your Christmas party by calling: 01326 240421 or emailing: reservations@polurrianhotel.co.uk 10% Early Bird discount if booked by the 22nd October

We can arrange special discounted fares with a local taxi service

on the Lizard

P O L U R R I A N R OA D, M U L L I O N , C O R N WA L L T R12 7 E N • 01326 24 0 421 I N F O @ P O L U R R I A N H OT E L .C O M • P O L U R R I A N H O T E L .C O M

THE ESPLANADE NEWQUAY

CORNWALL

Celebrate with friends, colleagues or family at our Christmas Party evenings every Friday and Saturday in December.

£39 PER PERSON Includes a festive three-course evening meal, welcome drink and entertainment.

Book your Ch ristmas get-togeth er

Y NIGHTS

AX S &

For available dates go to esplanadehotelnewquay.co.uk or contact our reservations team on 01637 873333

Get together for a night of festive food, flowing fizz and fun-filled dancing

A XM

01637 852221 | fistralbeachhotel.co.uk @fistralbeachhotel | Fistral Beach Hotel, Newquay, Cornwall, TR7 1PT

34 | BUSINESS CORNWALL

Let the sounds take center stage and experience a night of epic music, festive food and flowing champagne... Celebrate with friends, colleagues or family at our DJ and Sax evenings each Friday in December.

£42 PER PERSON Includes a festive three-course evening meal, welcome drink and entertainment. If you’d like to stay the night, we offer a 10% off our standard rate.

BOOK YOUR TICKET ONLINE Friday 3 rd December

Friday 10 th December

Friday 17 th December

Festive afternoon teas and lunches

@HOTELMEUDON • #RESTAUR ANTMEUDON

Celebrate the festive season the way it should be celebrated, with top class food, great company and in stunning surroundings. Treat yourself this Christmas to lunch or afternoon tea at Hotel Meudon. Festive Afternoon Tea £20pp from 1st Dec to 11th Jan every Wednesday to Sunday. Three-course Sensational Festive Lunch £27pp from 1st Dec to 11th Jan every Wednesday to Sunday. C A L L T O B O O K : 013 2 6 2 5 0 5 41 O R E M A I L : R E S E R VA T I O N S @ M E U D O N . C O . U K

S TAY • E AT • CE L E B R AT E

PEOPLE

ON THE MOVE

WEETCH TAKES THE HELM Global ship repair, conversion and marine specialist A&P Group has appointed a new director of defence. Based in Falmouth, Matt Weetch takes the helm of A&P Group’s dedicated defence division following the retirement of MD Gerald Pitts after 46 years in the business.

SOLICITOR JOINS RRL Chartered accountant and tax adviser RRL and its sister legal firm RRL Wills, have been bolstered by the addition of solicitor Clare McLeish to their team.

knowledge and legal expertise,” she said.

McLeish worked previously both in London and Cornwall where she assisted clients on issues relating to wills, tax, trust and estate administration.

A qualified solicitor, McLeish specialises in the preparation of wills, powers of attorney, administration of estates and trusts.

“I am excited to be joining a progressive firm with the clear benefits to clients of the synergy between the specialist tax

She is a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) and a member of Solicitors for the Elderly.

Having joined A&P as business development director in 2019, Weetch is now tasked with leading the division as well as managing and winning defence-related bids and will be supported by cluster director Jonathan Green. Prior to joining A&P Group, Weetch enjoyed a 25-year career in the Royal Navy and has a wealth of marine industry expertise.

NEW COO AT DMO MARSHALL REID & MARTIN MATTHEWS Redruth-based DM Orthotics has appointed a new chief operations officer.

FRESH INNOVATION Cornwall Innovation Centres has appointed a new business development manager. Hayley Whitehead brings over a decade of customer sales and marketing experience, working most recently in the hospitality sector. Matt Harrington, head of Cornwall’s three innovation centres located at Treliske, Pool and Penryn and managed by University of Plymouth on behalf of Cornwall Council, said: “After an extensive search we are delighted to have appointed Hayley to this critical role across the Innovation Centres. “With Covid restrictions easing, the timing of Hayley’s arrival is perfect as we experience high levels of demand from companies wanting to locate to our centres and the return of face-to-face events activity.” 36 | BUSINESS CORNWALL

With a background that includes leading national and international companies in a range of different sectors, Marshall Reid has considerable global expertise in emerging markets. Originally from Edinburgh and most recently based in Yorkshire, Reid is re-locating to Cornwall to take on his new challenge.

“DM Orthotics has earned a well-deserved reputation for product excellence that is transforming lives worldwide,” he said. “The team are fantastic, so my job is to build on what has already been achieved and drive the business forwards.” DM Orthotics was founded in 2005 by its MD Martin Matthews, a clinical specialist orthotist and associate professor at the University of Plymouth.

Jakie Jewell has been named the new CEO of accessible-watersports charity, Children’s Sailing Trust. Cornish born and raised by the Helford River, Jewell’s career includes 30 years in the commercial accommodation sector and has particular skills in team leadership, financial management and brand development. Jewell, who assumed the role from outgoing CEO Simon Osborne last month, joined the trust back in February as Trevassack Holidays accommodation manager for the new Trevassack Lake project after more than 30 years at Classic Cottages. She said: “I am incredibly excited to be leading the next phase for Children’s Sailing Trust.”

CEO SAILS IN

ADVERTORIAL

DEFYING THE ODDS A Cornwall woman is leaving lockdown in high spirits, as she opens one of the county’s largest dedicated conference centres. Georgina May, from Truro, started working on Venton Conference Centre four years ago, with the majority of building work taking place in 2019. But the 30-year-old was forced to put a hold on opening for months, as she battled with delays to construction and furniture arrivals, social distancing guidelines and more, thanks to the Covid pandemic. Now, however, she’s beaten the odds and officially flung open the doors to visitors for the first time. Georgina, who also runs Venton Accountancy Practice, says: “It’s been a long road to get here and no one could have predicted the pandemic. “We were already well underway with the project before Covid, but now we must strive to make it a success after what has been a truly turbulent time.”

The new venue, found just off the A30 in Summercourt, near Newquay, can cater for anything from 10 to 120 guests, and boasts all the advanced technology that comes with a state-of-the-art venue.

here in Cornwall the confidence that they can follow their dreams – even when things seem impossible.

With four rooms, each named after a Cornwall beauty spot and completely adaptable to different sizes and layouts, businesses can host key strategy sessions in more intimate meetings rooms or even spread out and use the extra space for sessions like first aid training.

“I started off my career in an accountancy practice. Today, I run my own business and I’ve pursued my goal to open a state-of-the-art conference centre in Cornwall, all after a global pandemic.

Now, she hopes it will inspire other women to fight for their goals, no matter the obstacles in their way.

To find out more about booking your own meeting space at the Venton Conference Centre, email the team at hello@ventonltd.co.uk for more information.

Georgina adds: “I hope that, if anything, the realisation of this project gives other women

“It doesn’t get better than this!”

www.ventonltd.co.uk / 01872 248533

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Our cellular router solution with “multi-network” SIM and secure VPN configuration has cut our own Engineer travel from 40,000+ miles per year to almost zero. We hardly ever visit site to connect to our automation control systems, update firmware or load new software code. We can commission new hardware out of the box when remote from site. Contact us today to discuss your remote monitoring requirements. office@verfacil.co.uk

verfacil.co.uk | 01208 811277 BUSINESS CORNWALL | 37

CREATIVE

AND DIGITAL

SPONSORED BY

A CORNISH FUSION

NEW PRODUCTION COMPANY

Business communications provider, Fusion Communications, has expanded into Cornwall as part of its growth plans.

Creative producers Charlie Bunker (WildWorks, ACE, Kerpow) and Gabby Vautier (Young Vic, Barbican, Punchdrunk, Kneehigh), have joined forces to create a new independent producing and artist development company, imPOSSIBLE. Bunker explained: “We are challenging the rules about producing and articulating what creative producing might look like in the future. Our approach blurs the lines between production and artist development; we help support artists to create new work and then we offer practical help to get that work made and in front of audiences.” In the first six months of the company, the pair supported 35 artists, producers and activists through an online and live artist development and support programme called

DIGITAL TRAINING SUCCESS

The Island, keeping them afloat through the pandemic. Having recently completed work with artist Seamas Carey for a show that presented in St Ives and Ipswich, the team have now turned their attention to producing the largescale outdoor arts event, Arrival, at Royal Docks, London. imPOSSIBLE has 15 new productions in development across the subsidised and commercial sector.

More than one hundred businesses across Cornwall & the Isles of Scilly have benefitted from digital training through the Progressing Businesses through Digital Skills project in its first year.

The project, part-funded by the European Social Fund, is being led by Digital Peninsula Network (DPN) and launched last April with the aim to help businesses grow their online presence and increase the digital skills of their staff.

Cornish software company Headforwards is celebrating its tenth birthday having grown to be one of the largest tech companies in the region.

sketched a vision of a new kind of outsource company, one that would create handpicked software teams for individual clients.

The £7 million turnover business, with almost 100 staff, was co-founded by directors Craig Girvan and Toby Parkins in 2011 after a chance conversation at a barbecue with a company that was having difficulty finding a good outsource software development provider. Parkins said: “They were talking about how you never get the right people, and how outsource companies just pull anyone off the bench to work on a project. I knew instantly that I could put together a brilliant team for them – and the whole concept of Headforwards was founded in that moment.” Parkins took his thoughts to Girvan, a computer science graduate and software developer who had cut his teeth with IT multinational Logica, and latterly Tesco as a software project leader. Between them they 38 | BUSINESS CORNWALL

www.digitalpeninsula.org

Under the project, businesses have joined a range of different training sessions and workshops from website development to social media marketing. Around half of the learners completed qualifications earning them professional certificates in digital skills.

The Staffordshire-based business, which manages the communications for SMEs, is setting up an operation in Liskeard where its director of sales, Aaron Spry, will be relocating after spending 15 years in the Midlands. Born and raised in Looe, Spry has worked for Fusion since 2014 and is returning to the area to help cater for a sharp increase in demand for the business’ services due to the pandemic, which resulted in a 35% increase in turnover. He said: “I am really excited about my move back to Cornwall and I am grateful for the opportunity to help grow Fusion Communications’ presence in the south west region.”

“Helping people to build their digital skills and compete in a changing marketplace is vital to Cornish businesses and the local economy,” said DPN managing director, Janus Howard. The project aims to help at least 450 businesses in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly by improving the digital skills of their staff by the end of 2023. For more information about the scheme, contact project manager Elizabeth Trudgeon lizzie@digitalpeninsula.com

HEADFORWARDS IS TEN

It’s an approach that has paid off. NTT, the global technology services provider, was one of Headforwards’ first clients a decade ago, and still is. Today Headforwards builds custom software for a range of businesses across a variety of sectors, from retail giant John Lewis to insurance multi-national AXA. Earlier this year the company moved from its previous home in the Pool Innovation Centre to new offices on the edge of the Cornwall College campus, which it has called FibreHub. It is the precursor to a much bigger project called FibrePark, which would see the creation of an entire tech campus with 7,000 square metres of employment and creative learning space.

TOBY PARKINS & CRAIG GIRVAN

FOOD &

DRINK

HIGH FIVE FOR SHARP’S Rock-based Sharp’s Brewery had five of its beers earn recognition at the World Beer Awards. Sharp’s Sea Fury won the highest accolade of ‘World’s Best’ in the Pale Bitter category, as well as Country Winner. Sharp’s Offshore Pilsner also came away as a UK Winner in the Czech style pale lager category. The World Beer Awards is globally recognised, selecting the best beers from thousands from all over the world and promoting these to consumers and trade across the globe. In addition, Wolf Rock and Sharp’s Camel Valley Pilsner both earned Silver medals, while Sharp’s Atlantic was awarded a Bronze.

GIN IN STORE

Colwith Farm Distillery has won two new listings at iconic London department store, Selfridges. Its award-winning Aval Dor Vodka and Aval Dor Gin are now available both on shelf and online. Colwith Farm Distillery claims to be Cornwall’s first ‘plough to bottle’ distillery. It grows its own potatoes and also draws its water from a bore hole and natural spring on site.

Fowey Valley, an artisan cider producer based in Lostwithiel, has been inviting local people to bring their excess apples along to add to this years’ pressing, offering to swap fruit from small orchards and gardens for their award-winning apple juice or cider.

make. Early and mid-season apples don’t keep, so we’re inviting people to bring along some of their crop, contributing towards our premium juices and ciders this year.”

Owner Barrie Gibson says it has been a particularly good year for apples and, with a bumper crop expected, people may be wondering what to do with the fruit they can’t use themselves.

Donated apples can be supplied in any container, but Fowey Valley does have string sacks for collection for anyone who wants them; donations can be exchanged for apple juice or cider, with quantity determined by weight of apples.

“There’s only so many apple pies, crumbles, chutneys and jellies you can

Pressing began last month and goes through to early November.

SWAP APPLES FOR CIDER

Owner, Steve Dustow, said: “We are now in a place where we can take our awardwinning Aval Dor Gin and Vodka nationally. We’re incredibly proud that Selfridges has recognised that our values firmly align with what they are also trying to achieve through its Project Earth initiative, and excited for consumers to see that quality and sustainability go firmly hand in hand.” BUSINESS CORNWALL | 39

TOURISM

NEWS

SPONSORED BY

HOTEL’S RAPID REACTION

www.visitcornwall.com

them and care about their health.”

An iconic Newquay hotel has linked up with Cornwall Council to ensure its staff have regular access to rapid Covid tests.

Curtis is now urging other hospitality businesses in Newquay and across Cornwall to make sure they take advantage of the support offered by the Council.

Ivan Curtis, general manager of the Hotel Victoria, said that the ongoing supply of lateral flow tests meant outbreaks could be prevented and the business could continue to operate as efficiently as possible.

He said: “I would recommend any business to make sure their staff have regular access to testing as this gives them the best chance of trading as normal. It is also a strong message to staff that you are looking out for

“The hotel also had to cut down on meal service to the pub due to chefs being out of action,” he added. “We have been lucky that we have a strong team who have coped and are being rewarded with bonuses and pay rises.”

Curtis said the hotel had been hit by staff shortages earlier in the season which led to the temporary closure of two linked businesses, Senor Dick’s Mexican restaurant and Bertie’s pub.

BUSIEST JULY FOR LAND’S END AIRPORT Land’s End Airport recorded its busiest July ever, with more than 8,500 passengers passing through the airport.

TRIPADVISOR TREASURE! A Cornish museum’s positive customer reviews has earned it a place among travellers’ favourite visitor attractions and completing a trio of award wins in 2021. The Shipwreck Treasure Museum that overlooks Charlestown harbour has been recognised as a 2021 Travellers’ Choice award winner by Tripadvisor. This achievement celebrates businesses that consistently deliver “fantastic experiences” to visitors around the globe, having attracted top reviews on Tripadvisor over the last 12 months. Lynné Raubenheimer, visitor engagement manager at the Shipwreck Treasure Museum, said: “We’re pleased that our visitors felt that we belong, as in 2020, in the top 10% of visitor attractions. It’s the icing on the cake having already won gold in the best small visitor attraction category in the Cornwall Tourism Awards and bronze in the same category at the coveted South West Tourism Awards this year. “We have put a lot of time and effort into developing the museum since Sir Tim Smit acquired it in 2016 and constantly improving the experience for our visitors. We have exciting plans to introduce new exhibitions and features in the future to develop the attraction further.” 40 | BUSINESS CORNWALL

The previous best was in July 2018. Land’s End Airport, owned and operated by the Isles of Scilly Steamship Company, is the gateway to the Isles of Scilly and the home of Skybus for more than 35 years. The company has also seen a significant rise in passengers taking day trips to the islands from Land’s End Airport, with a total of 1,541 passengers in July alone. Land’s End Airport manager, Chris Pearson,

said: “It has been our busiest July ever, which shows that although aviation may be going through a difficult time, people’s appetite for travel is still as strong as ever. “Land’s End to St Mary’s is our most popular route, which is no surprise given how scenic the 15-minute flight is. Land’s End Airport handled 15,042 aircraft movements (11,177 airport movements and 3,865 overflights) and 64,000 terminal passengers in 2019, making it the 36th busiest airport in the UK. In April, the flight between Land’s End and St Mary’s was named the UK’s busiest flight route – busier than London Heathrow to New York’s JFK.

A BUSY SUMMER Four Cornwall hotels are celebrating a successful first quarter since reopening in May – having served more than 32,000 breakfasts while looking after 46,000 guests across a busy summer season. With the pandemic having put the hotels at risk of permanent closure last year, a bumper summer since their reopening has seen the four hotels – the Ship & Castle (St Mawes), the St Ives Bay (St Ives) and the Marina and Beresford Hotel (Newquay), which all form part of the Coast & Country Hotel Collection – bounce firmly back.

Craig Lawrence at the St Ives Bay Hotel said: “Looking back on what we’ve achieved in the last few months is always a rewarding feeling, but when you put some numbers on it, it just makes it all the more eye-opening.

Reflecting on a hectic few months, the hotel management teams were pleased to see the numbers of guests they had served in that time after the quiet closure period. This revealed that, by the end of August, the hotels had served 32,171 breakfasts to 46,157 guests between them.

“To think that, between us, we’ve had more than 46,000 guests in already since reopening really underlines how much the hotels and our destinations have to offer and how hard the hotel teams have worked, whilst also offering great positivity for the future.”

NEWS

SPONSORED BY

#FSBCONNECT

STEPS TO FAIRER BUSINESS RATES The FSB has written to the Government to highlight steps that should be taken to protect small businesses, spur economic recovery, and secure green investment as part of a business rates review that is set to move forward this autumn. • As this is a levy that hurts small firms trying to do the right thing, we need Government to stop penalising investments aimed at improving sustainability and working conditions for employees, such as solar panels, insulation, ventilation, recycling facilities and bike sheds – such additions typically cause a property’s value, and by extension its rates bill, to increase. • Our childcare providers, who have done so much to support families throughout an incredibly tough 18 months, are finding it hard to make ends meet. Exempt them from business rates to bring support across England in line with that provided in Wales and Scotland. • We should be aiming to take more small firms out of the system altogether. In particular

to aid high street recovery by accelerating reforms that have seen some of the smallest businesses removed from the rates system by increasing the threshold for 100% small business rates relief to £25k. • Remove a quirk in the system that causes a firm operating across two premises to be charged rates even if its total valuation should see it qualify for relief. • Ensure that efforts, welcomed by the small business community, to conduct more frequent revaluations for business rates purposes are light-touch and transparent, and do not prevent valid appeals. Renewed efforts to ensure that rates bills are based on fair valuations are welcome and much needed – the more we can move to rolling up-to-date valuations, the more we can ensure this is a fair system fit for the digital age. The FSB will be following these requests up with Government as part of the review of a system that they have for a long time described as “regressive and outdated” and an “indefensible disincentive to investment”.

The FSB has launched its 2022 ‘Celebrating Small Business Awards’ which will culminate in both regional and national finals.

FSB’s Celebrating Small Business Awards is the largest event of its kind in the small business calendar. On average over 8,000 small businesses register and enter the awards programme. The UK winners are all outstanding examples of successful and diverse small businesses. The UK Final, sees 132 finalists from 11 categories and 12 geographical finals from across the UK come together to see who will not only be the overall winner in each category for the UK, but who will be the overall FSB Celebrating Small Business of the Year. The south west regional winners will be announced at an awards ceremony in

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has been concerned by recent reports that the Government is planning to scrap the New Enterprise Allowance. This is an initiative that provides those out of work with mentoring and finance to start a business. The scheme has helped thousands to start a business since its launch, the vast majority outside London and the south east. FSB national chair, Mike Cherry, said: “Reports that the New Enterprise Allowance is to be shelved are deeply concerning. With furlough ending, and our critical self-employed community shrinking in size, this is exactly the moment when we should be encouraging more individuals to start businesses – those that have seen firsthand how the economy has changed over the last 18 months can create the thriving firms of the future.

THE SEARCH IS ON Small businesses throughout the south west will battle it out for prizes across 12 different categories and both FSB members and non-members alike can enter the awards for free.

ENTERPRISE ALLOWANCE FEARS

March 2022 and will then go forward to the national UK ‘FSB Celebrating Small Business Awards’ final, where the overall FSB UK Small Business of the Year 2022 will be announced in May. The 12 ‘FSB Celebrating Small Business Awards’ categories are: International, Environmental/sustainability, Micro Business, Start – Up Business, High Growth Business, Family, Young Entrepreneur (Aged 30 and Under), Wellbeing, Community Award, Business Product and Innovation, Self-Employed / Sole Trader, Digital / E-Commerce. For further information and to enter the awards visit www.fsbawards.co.uk For sponsorship opportunities please contact Ann.Vandermeulen@fsb.org.uk

“The scheme has been an important contributor to the levelling-up agenda. Scrapping it, especially at this juncture, would be a mistake. Instead, the Government should be scaling it up, and ensuring it reaches more of the young people who have, in a lot of cases, borne the brunt of covid-linked disruption.”

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

EDUCATION

AND TRAINING

SPONSORED BY

www.truro-penwith.ac.uk

NEW UNI CHIEF EXEC NAMED Professor Emma Hunt has been named as the new vice-chancellor and chief executive of Falmouth University. The appointment follows the announcement back in March that Professor Anne Carlisle OBE would be stepping down. Professor Hunt will take up the post in January.

ANCHORS AWEIGH! A Cornish Pilot Gig built by local college students for a Cornish veterans charity took its maiden voyage last month, 35 years after a previous college cohort built its predecessor.

Professor Hunt will join Falmouth from Arts University Bournemouth, where she has been deputy vice-chancellor since 2013. She also spent seven years at the University of Huddersfield as dean of art, design and architecture. She said: “I’m looking forward to building on the achievements of Professor Carlisle, and in particular to advance Falmouth’s

response to Truro and Penwith College launching Cornwall’s only nursing Apprenticeships with Royal Cornwall Hospital’s NHS Trust, Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust and care providers across Cornwall.

The build was part of a project that study programme manager for boatbuilding at the college, Chris Bosanko-Green said was a “privilege” to be involved with.

The shortlist has been announced for Truro and Penwith College’s 2021 Cornwall Apprenticeship Awards. After a year’s hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the annual Cornwall Apprenticeship Awards is returning for the sixth time with awards set to be announced at a ceremony on November 19. In total, 46 nominees have been shortlisted across 17 categories, including a special one-off Community Champion category which has been added to recognise apprentices who have gone the extra mile to support their employer and local community throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. Apprentices will also be awarded in Health, Care and Public Services for the first time. The category has been added to the event in

42 | BUSINESS CORNWALL

Chair of the board of governors, Chris Pomfret, added: “I would like to thank Professor Carlisle for her commitment to Falmouth over the last twelve years; her visionary approach and strategic drive have delivered exceptional growth and impact during her tenure.”

BRANDON PENWARDON IS PRESENTED THE ACHIEVER OF THE YEAR AWARD AT THE 2019 AWARDS

Its new boat was built under the title of the ‘ENERGY 2’ project by more than 60 students from Falmouth Marine School, a boat building specialist college.

“The new boat is painted in the exact same colour blue as the original 1985 boat “ENERGY”, having been scanned from a half model painted in the original paint. And it has been built from plans, made solely by students, under the guidance of our staff.”

“The university’s role in Cornwall and the region is hugely important, as is its place on the wider national and global stage. I’m excited to be working with the inspirational staff, students and stakeholders of the university, as we develop its future together.”

COUNTDOWN TO APPRENTICESHIP AWARDS

EPIC GIGability is a charity that supports veterans by helping them achieve a healthier, fitter lifestyle with a focus on reducing the negative impact of poor mental health. Registered with the Cornish Pilot Gig Association (CPGA), the organisation aims to develop and train crews to row Cornish Pilot Gigs both socially and competitively.

“Authorised CPGA Gig builders are probably only in single figures, so Falmouth Marine School are incredibly proud to be in this elite group,” he said.

reputation as a real pioneer in Creative Industries Education, Entrepreneurship and Innovation.

College principal, Martin Tucker, said: “We are delighted to announce the shortlist for the sixth annual Cornwall Apprenticeship Awards and are excited for the event to return to celebrate exceptional achievement and outcomes in apprenticeship training across Cornwall. “It’s important we recognise the excellent work that is happening in the county and this event does just that. I’m particularly pleased that we have added the Community Champion category to recognise exceptional contributions throughout the pandemic and the new Health, Care and Public Services category to give focus to exciting apprenticeship developments in these areas and highlight the vital role they have played throughout the pandemic.” To view the fill shortlist, visit www.truro-penwith.ac.uk/caa

CHAMBER

SPONSORED BY

cornwallchamber.co.uk

NEWS

MOVING UP A GEAR SUSTAINABILITY, CONNECTIVITY AND GOOD MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT SHOULD BE ON EVERY BUSINESS’ AGENDA, SAYS CORNWALL CHAMBER CHIEF EXECUTIVE KIM CONCHIE I hope you have all settled into what many of us working outside of the tourism industry in Cornwall see as the start of a new year. It’s been a bumpy summer and I don’t feel I can put pen to paper about Cornwall’s businesses without praising the incredible resilience and strength of our hospitality industry, which has been put through the wringer over the last few months as a result of the pingdemic and a housing crisis. Whilst Cornwall Chamber of Commerce is traditionally an organisation serving B2B businesses, the problem in the Duchy is structural and therefore it’s all hands on-deck to try to find a solution. We are working closely with Visit Cornwall and supporting the organisation in a

number of ways. I am excited to be working on a Housing for Workers Scheme with various leaders in the hospitality industry – more on that soon. In my last column, I talked about the new challenges we face now that offices are reopening and meetings are going ahead in person. Have you brought all of your staff back in? Have employees requested to continue working from home? Have you set criteria for what warrants having a face-to-face meeting with a client versus a virtual chat? I hope that the summer months allowed you some breathing space to think through the next phase of the post-pandemic journey, but have you taken it any further? Regardless of the nature of your business,

in 2020, everything changed. There has never been a greater opportunity to change things up a gear – break that organisational lethargy and do everything you always wished you could. Think about sustainability, connectivity, good mental health support – all of those crucially important factors that a business should be prioritising. Here is your opportunity to introduce new policies, procedures, products and training, and start building the workforce of tomorrow. It can be difficult to break routine, disrupt established systems and interrupt learned behaviour, but the pandemic has done that for us.

CORNWALL CHAMBER Finally, our BIG Breakfasts are back and we’re programming more and more physical events!

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.

It’s been fantastic to speak to so many members via Teams, hold our Business Fair online using amazing software, and secure a number of incredible speakers for whom the trip to Cornwall would usually rule them out of participating. However, the power of connection between two people at a networking event is something we’ve definitely missed. Our annual Business Fair will take place as a physical event next year in all its former glory. The event, held on Wednesday March 9, is the centrepiece of Cornwall’s Festival of Business, which runs from Monday, March 7 to Friday, March 11. Stands are on sale now for Cornwall Business Fair, so don’t miss the first opportunity in a long time to connect with hundreds of businesspeople under one roof. Contact naomi@ cornwallchamber.co.uk to find out more.

Email: hello@cornwallchamber.co.uk Call: 01209 216006 Online: www.cornwallchamber.co.uk

We are looking forward to being able to run more workshops and training through the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Skills Hub soon and really tackle the skills shortage in Cornwall head on. Our Employer-Led Skills (ELS) project is gathering pace as well. The project provides businesses with practical, flexible, and effective accredited, nonaccredited and bespoke training to up-skill and re-skill individuals across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. Our ESF Business Clusters project has made a huge difference to a number of businesses throughout lockdown and continues to engage and support SME and micro-businesses throughout Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. The project determines an organisation’s workforce skills needs and co-designs and pilots new training programmes to enhance the industry-relevance of the local educational offer. Do get in touch with the Chamber if you think either of these projects could help upskill your colleagues. hello@cornwallchamber.co.uk BUSINESS CORNWALL | 43

UPCOMING

EVENTS

OCTOBER

EVENTS 7

wanting to recruit new staff, those with younger family members wanting to stay in their local area or those living in diverse communities. Join Smartline for an interactive discussion about the future of housing. smartline.org.uk

OCTOBER

CORNWALL BUSINESS SHOW

Royal Cornwall Events Centre

Welcome to Cornwall’s leading B2B event, connecting the most proactive professionals with the tools, techniques, and innovations they need to be at the forefront of the ever-evolving world of business. cornwallbusinesshow.co.uk

Online

SW INNOVATION EXPO

HOMES NOT HOUSES: EXPLORING HOUSING CRISIS

Sandy Park, Exeter

The SW Innovation Expo will bring together innovators, entrepreneurs and investors for panel discussions, an interactive technology expo, Pitchfest competition and plenty of networking opportunities. swinnovationexpo.co.uk

St Austell Conference Centre

The housing crisis is impacting everyone; those unable to afford to buy or rent a decent home, those

44 | BUSINESS CORNWALL

Health & Wellbeing Innovation Centre, Truro

St Dennis

Learn what happens to our material waste in Cornwall. Join the Tevi team and local enterprises for a Suez-led tour of the Cornwall Energy Recovery Centre (CERC) at St. Dennis. eventbrite.co.uk

Kresen Kernow, Redruth

B LOCAL CORNWALL

Old Bakery Studios, Truro

Join Cornwall’s B Corp community this October for a B Social and connect with others who are using business as a force for good. A chance to get together with B Corps,

Victoria Inn, Roche

CORNWALL ENERGY RECOVERY CENTRE

CREATIVE CONVERSATIONS Hosted by Cornwall Council’s Culture & Creative Economy Team, this event is aimed at those currently running a creative hub/ workplace/studio/art organisation in Cornwall, thinking of opening one or interested in the future development of creative hubs in Cornwall. eventbrite.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. yourpartnerships.co.uk

EPIC eHEALTH CONFERENCE Do you have an idea for an eHealth innovation that could make the difference to people’s health and care? Perhaps you would like to pivot existing technology into eHealth? If so, join us for Digital Ambitions: The EPIC eHealth Conference 2021 at the Health and Wellbeing Innovation Centre. eventbrite.co.uk

FSB CORNWALL CONVERSATIONS Every Thursday at 2.30pm FSB Cornwall holds its friendly zoom session and would love you to join the conversation. This free FSB virtual networking is open to all businesses - both FSB members and nonmembers are welcome to attend. fsb.org.uk/event-calendar

B Leaders and any organisation that is interested in B Corporation. eventbrite.co.uk

CORNISH PIRATES V COVENTRY Mennaye Field, Penzance

Championship rugby action as the Cornish Pirates take on Coventry. For the full match day experience, why not a try a hospitality package, perfect way to entertain clients and colleagues alike. cornish-pirates.com

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

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ADVERTORIAL

JOIN THE NEW DIGITAL MARKETPLACE Digital Transformation, the most recent ERDF funded programme to be delivered by Unlocking Potential in partnership with Software Cornwall, is launching a fully funded Marketplace which aims to grow and strengthen Cornwall’s digital economy by bringing businesses together. And they are inviting digital businesses to join now. The Marketplace, which includes frequent events, collaboration opportunities and a new website, also features expertise from the programme’s team to help businesses hone their pitching and tendering skills and assisting in creating technical specifications for projects. The Marketplace will then enable businesses to maximise these skills to offer their products and services, physically and virtually, to other Cornish businesses. Frequent events, both online and in-person, will take place at the new Digital Transformation Space - located within the new FibreHub at Pool.

A new Digital Marketplace website will provide a knowledge hub for those who both need and provide digital expertise. All those signed up as Digital Providers will feature in the site’s directory, as well as having access to the digital portal to view tendering opportunities. Other resources and benefits will include videos, and “How To” documents created in collaboration with Digital Providers, and for the benefit of businesses who are looking to purchase technical and software solutions. These will give Cornish businesses the confidence that, whether they’re selling or investing in digital, they’re doing so safely and wisely. Nathan Jeffery, programme lead for Digital Transformation, said: “We’re excited to offer the Marketplace in partnership with Software Cornwall, which we know will offer new opportunities to enable businesses to digitally transform; becoming more competitive and productive.

“We’re at the early stages of this part of the project but our vision for the Marketplace is to become a robust, useful and progressive network for businesses to utilise for growth. For example, if a business has a digital need which the directory of Digital Providers currently can’t meet, we’ll work with those providers to deliver the additional resources (supported by grants) to meet that need. Resulting in business growth through digital transformation.” If you would like to join the Digital Marketplace as a Digital Provider, or if you’d like to receive a call from one of the Digital Innovators to find out more, please email hello@unlocking-potential.co.uk

BUSINESS CORNWALL | 45

OPINION

JUST A THOUGHT

Professor Anne Carlisle OBE, vice-chancellor and chief executive of Falmouth University, explains how the creative industries are a key ingredient in our economic recovery.

POTENTIAL OF CREATIVITY With the nights setting in, we begin a new academic year. As always, it’s heartening to meet new freshers as they begin their university life and I’m always excited to follow their journeys after they leave Falmouth. Equipped with collaboration skills, adept at analytical thinking and experienced at complex problem solving, there are no limits to what they can achieve in the future economy, where creativity is king. But as an institution, our role is not limited to creating the next generation of creative, tech talent – it’s also about powering Cornwall’s future economy. Many of our graduates remain in Cornwall and contribute to our region after graduation, but we’re also working with a host of local business partners, organisations and enterprises to help grow Cornwall. Through its research and innovation, Falmouth University is working alongside industry partners in growth markets, supporting the development of exciting start-ups and the creation of new jobs. For example, in the Launchpad venture studio, global brands are brought together with fresh talent to establish high-growth, high-value businesses and generate inward investment. Our Immersive Business programme is also

46 | BUSINESS CORNWALL

supporting local businesses to take advantage of the potential of new technologies. A recent economic impact report showed that Falmouth University is worth £100 million to Cornwall’s economy and we predict that this will increase to £200 million by 2030. And this is something that I’m passionate about. The potential of creativity to unlock the opportunities afforded by the future of technology. From your iPhone, to the apps that litter its screen and the content you consume via digital platforms, they don’t work without great creativity, innovation and design.

has made the UK a creative powerhouse on the world stage. Just last week, Universities Minister Michelle Donelan described creative degree courses as “critical for our workforce”, while BEIS suggested that innovation will be essential for fuelling a robust economy. Innovation, infrastructure and skills it claimed, will help ‘rekindle the flame’ and be a core part of ‘building back better’ efforts. There’s no better illustration of the transformative role the Creative industries can play than here in Cornwall, where between 2011-2015 alone, the creative economy’s economic output soared by 12% to £2.73 billion, with creative business numbers mushrooming by 25%.

There are no limits to what they can achieve in the future economy

The trouble is that this isn’t always well recognised. In 2018 the creative industries contributed £111.7 billion to the UK economy and was the fastest growing industry sector. Over the summer, we learned that the Government was cutting the teaching grant for creative courses and we’re now just a month away from the corporate spending review announcement, which we anticipate may include further news for universities and proposals relating to fees and funding for creative degree courses – essential for fuelling our talent pipeline which

According the CIOS LEP, the number of creative businesses in the Duchy are projected to grow to over 5,000 by 2030, with the creative tech cluster has seeing an eight-year employment growth of 63% between 2011-2019.

We have so much potential and talent at our fingertips, alongside a thriving cluster of creative businesses who are mobilising to make the most of our G7 legacy, our 2025 City of Culture Bid and ambition to build the UK’s largest creative, rural economy. Whether we choose to see it or not, creativity is the skill of the future and I for one can’t wait to see the role Cornish creatives play in our pandemic bounce back.

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THE LAST

WORD

WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU WERE YOUNG? An artist. I loved watching Tony Hart and Morph and their creative, caring and occasionally calamitous adventures!

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST FULL TIME JOB? Not exactly art! I worked for IBM, in an office full of middleaged men smoking at their desks. I was the most bored I’ve ever been, so I left to go and sail across the Atlantic.

WHAT’S IN YOUR POCKETS? Sand.

HOW DO YOU LIKE TO RELAX? Deeply! Like in a mellow yoga class or a massage. I often listen to a relaxation audio as I’m falling asleep and always wake up in a better mood. Surfing clears my mind too - I make great decisions after a surf.

WHAT HAS BEEN THE BEST MOMENT IN YOUR CAREER? As a young sailing instructor, I realised how life-changing it can be to get out of your comfort zone, with appropriate support. I loved providing that support. I feel the same as a surf mentor with the Wave Project, and in my hypnotherapy work. These things give me energy.

WHAT HAS BEEN THE WORST MOMENT IN YOUR CAREER? Getting stuck in an office for too long, wearing shoes and working too hard.

WHAT’S THE BEST THING ABOUT CORNWALL? It is egalitarian.

IF YOU COULD INVITE ANY TWO PEOPLE FOR DINNER, WHO WOULD THEY BE AND WHY WOULD YOU INVITE THEM? The Dalai Lama, and my Mum, because they would both really enjoy meeting. I can only imagine where the conversations might lead but we’d certainly have a laugh.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE HOLIDAY DESTINATION? Costa Rica. Surf and wildlife.

IF YOU COULD BE GOD FOR A DAY, WHAT MIRACLE WOULD YOU PERFORM? I’d give everyone the peace of mind and confidence they need to look after themselves and each other.

WHAT WAS YOUR BIGGEST MISTAKE IN LIFE? I don’t really have any regrets but I accept that we can learn from mistakes. My biggest one has been undervaluing my own dreams and capabilities and doing things because other people think they are right.

WHAT WAS YOUR LUCKIEST BREAK? Discovering (twice) that it is possible to have a dream job, and surf, in the same place! (Scheveningen in the Netherlands, then Newquay).

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE DOING IN FIVE YEARS’ TIME? Surfing, working, spending time with family and friends, getting involved with fascinating projects I didn’t even know existed, loving life.

48 | BUSINESS CORNWALL

ADAM PEARSON Newquay Hypnotherapy

Information Classification: CONTROLLED

COULD YOU BE A WINNER? Many previous winners have gone onto win regional, national and international awards. Now open for entries until 31st October. Any business, community organisation, school or charity based in Cornwall & the Isles of Scilly can apply or be nominated in one of the following categories: ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪

Growing Greener: Sustainable Food & Farming Carbon Neutral Circular Economy Environmental Growth

Book your place online for our award ceremony on Friday 3rd December.

Don’t delay, apply or nominate today! CORNWALLSUSTAINABILITYAWARDS.ORG

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