Issue 47 www.businesscornwall.co.uk February 2011

Face to Face with Suzanne Bond, the new chief executive of Development Company

Also Cornish Gems in profile LEP disharmony Business Clinic Insuring what you do naturally

Tel 0845 900 1288 www.cornishmutual.co.uk

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Authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority Contents Issue No.47

Digest

General Air Southwest quits -London route 5 New export service for Cornwall 6 FSB calls for fuel stabiliser 7 Creative & IT Tel: 01209 718688 Goonhilly’s plans to rejoin the space race 8 www.businesscornwall.co.uk Marine Editorial Director Government contract for Marine Network 9 Nick Eyriey Tourism Email: [email protected] Encouraging signs for tourist industry 10 Sales Director Construction Toni Eyriey Contractors drill 600ft borehole at Treleigh 11 Email: [email protected] Business Development Manager Food & Drink Rhys Bonney Keeping it local 12 Email: [email protected] Envrionment Designer New home for recycling company 13 Andy Peat Email: [email protected] Digest+ 15

Business Cornwall magazine is Mixed response to Sir John Banham’s LEP plans published 10 times a year by:

Tonick Business Publishing The Old Farmhouse Business Clinic 16 Nancemellin Cornwall TR14 0DW IP advice from Coodes, Business Link looks forward to 2011, Registered under the Data Protection Act and YTKO on collaborating with confidence 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, Company Profile 19 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 We profile luxury holiday lettings specialist Cornish Gems omissions. Business Cornwall magazine accepts no responsibility for comments made by interviewees that may offend. Face to Face 22

“Richard Caborn came down to Exeter, and said to us ‘Cornwall hates Devon, Devon hates Cornwall, you both hate Bristol, and all of you hate London, but I don’t care, it’s going to be the South West region as a economic development entity”. In conversation with Suzanne Bond, the new chief Business Cornwall is printed on 130gsm Hello executive of the Cornwall Development Company silk paper supplied by Robert Horne and printed in Cornwall by St Ives Roche Ltd Regulars

Letters 4 Business Cornwall is a proud sponsor of Commentary 5 Arts & Business On the Move 14 Events & Networking 28 Business Cornwall magazine is a patron of the Cornwall Chamber The Last Word 30 of Commerce and Industry Kernowpods.com’s Matthew Clarke

Business Cornwall Magazine - February 2011 www.businesscornwall.co.uk Contents 3 Letters Email your letters to [email protected], alternatively post them to the address at the front of the magazine. We endeavour to print all correspondence to the magazine, good or bad, as long as they’re not going to get us into trouble with the lawyers!

Mr Roach states that occupancy rates were at 90% for 2005 Allaying fears and are now down to 80% for 2010 and implies this is because visitors who would normally come here in August are now Dear editor coming in the shoulder months as a result of Cornwall being Our company, Cornwall Tourism Ltd, is one of the leading marketed as an all year round holiday destination. This ration- tourism industry marketing agencies in Cornwall and we have ale is totally flawed. worked very hard for the last three years to get the Cornish Firstly, the UK and Europe, which is Cornwall’s largest mar- tourism sector to accept the need to market their businesses all ket place, has been in a recession since 2008 therefore, visitors year round which is a necessity in the current financial climate numbers will naturally have fallen as a whole, simply because if they are to survive over the next five years. people have less money to spend. Secondly, our extensive mar- I have just read the article on ‘Peak fears for the tourist ket research indicates in previous years visitors were taking industry’ (Business Cornwall, Nov 2010) by Tom Roach of two holidays each year, however, due to the current economic Winter Rule on the issue of marketing Cornwall as a year climate many people are either forgoing the second holiday round holiday destination and felt I had to respond. period in August completely or taking it later in the year when I fully appreciate that you may not print this letter, however, prices are lower. it is important that a view from the Cornish tourism promotion The fact is, Cornwall is an all year round holiday destination industry is clearly stated because statements that promoting and many businesses rely on the off season income to survive Cornwall as an all year round holiday destination is causing so any suggestion that marketing Cornwall as an all year a drop in visitors, just creates unnecessary negativity and is holiday destination is the cause of the fall in occupancy rates in based on seriously flawed thinking. August when there are very obviously other major factors that have impacted on visitor numbers is quite frankly ridiculous. The main problem for the Cornish tourism industry as a whole is that there has been far too little marketing activity Do you have surplus stock? done in the past on both local and more specifically national levels. This situation will only deteriorate further now that End of season lines? the official tourism body has had its budgets slashed. And with businesses seeing falling visitor numbers and revenues, conclusions based on flawed information about the benefits of Customer returns or marketing and promoting your business will only have a nega- slight seconds? tive effect and will ultimately cause many businesses to suffer even more. Rather than continual negativity about the tourism industry Or maybe you just need to being reported which adds no value, we think it is about time make room for new stock? people began to talk it up. The tourism sector in Cornwall has much to offer and with the official bodies figures indicating Why not call Sam at MIL Outsource that around 88% of visitors return to Cornwall, what we need for a no obligation chat to do is create an increase in visitors numbers. This can only be achieved by marketing Cornwall all year We could buy your unwanted goods for re-sale round and business owners have to do this themselves. If they online through sites such as Ebay and Amazon don’t, they may not exist in two years time. In addition, people tend to book their holidays for the following year at the tail end We consider any items from clothing to electricals; of the year or in the early part of the next, so telling business if you’re unsure why not give us a call? owners that promoting their businesses all year round is wrong is completely flawed and shows a complete lack of understand- Call Sam on ing of how the tourism industry actually works. 01872 266774 or 07814 561252 Peter Harding, Cornwall Tourism Ltd Email: [email protected] Bonney on board

A warm welcome to the latest recruit here at Business Cornwall, Rhys Bonney. Rhys joins us under the Unlocking Cornish Potential scheme, and will be responsible for business development.

4 Letters www.businesscornwall.co.uk Business Cornwall Magazine - February 2011 Commentary Standing at the crossroads A strong accent on the local circumstances, and that certainly economy in this month’s Business seems to be what’s happening at the Cornwall magazine. moment. We take an early look at how Sir While the Government has stressed John Banham’s prospectus for a Corn- the importance of a strong private wall and Isles of Scilly Local Enterprise sector involvement in the LEP, there Parternship (LEP) is taking shape, has been much unhappiness in certain while we also speak to new Cornwall quarters over whether this is being Development Company chief execu- adhered to, particularly the involve- tive Suzanne Bond, and learn why she ment of small businesses. thinks this is “Cornwall’s time”. While everyone wants to see the scrap yard, but if a new venture has Clearly, Sir John also thinks this Cornwall’s economy strive ahead, its way, the Lizard facility could soon could be “Cornwall’s time”, but there appear to be stark differences again be striving forward to support whether the Duchy is quite ready to at present on how things should move future space missions to the “Moon, grasp the nettle that he would like us to forward. Mars and beyond.” grasp is another thing. Also this month, we report on big Bond tells us that a “jockeying plans for Goonhilly. It had looked as if for position” is inevitable in such its iconic satellite dishes were set for Nick Eyriey

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Air link blows for Newquay Qualifications at One new route announced, two routes axed, it has been something of a roll- Coodes ercoaster for Newquay Airport in the last few weeks. A partner at law firm Coodes has While the year began on a positive been awarded a Masters Degree note, with Air Southwest opening its in legal practice, while a number new link to Cardiff, this news was soon of trainees have now qualified as tempered by an announcement from solicitors. the same airline that it was pulling out Christian Wilson, who specialises of its four-times daily route to London in commercial law, completed the Gatwick. Master of Laws with the University of And this was followed with the revela- Plymouth after three years of study. tion that Ryanair was pulling out of New- Meanwhile, newly qualified quay altogether, with the withdrawal of Alex Tomlinson has been promoted its summer service to Alicante in Spain, from his role at the office to in protest of the continued imposition of a be based in the residential property £5 tax on departing passengers. department in . Joining While the airport still has a viable Newquay Airport: Ryanair quit him is Sarah Evans, who has also future and will continue to look to been promoted to work in the fam- expand, in the short term the decisions The deal went through for £1.5 mil- ily department. by Air Southwest and Ryanair will come lion, less an expected adjustment of £2.8 Kate Williams will continue to as a blow. million for unflown ticket revenues and work in the Holsworthy office in its And it leaves Flybe as the only carrier working capital. residential property department. linking Cornwall to capital. Air South- west pulled out of its short-lived link to London City last year, while Ryanair axed its Stansted route in 2009. Meanwhile, Sutton Harbour has com- pleted the previously announced sale of Air Southwest to Eastern International Christian Wilson: Masters Airlines.

Business Cornwall Magazine - February 2011 www.businesscornwall.co.uk Digest 5 Digestgeneral Sponsored by www.cornwallchamber.co.uk

Export Cornwall launched

A new business network has been membership is free. It is driven by an launched designed to help businesses advisory team of leading local exporters, in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly including Somar International, Wes Ltd trade internationally. and MJ Medical. Export Cornwall is backed by the The focal point of the network is £2 million UK Trade & Investment a new interactive website which will (UKTI) Globalisation Project, which has enable an online community where busi- received European Regional Develop- nesses can seek advice from within the Robin Barnett: “Prosperity” ment Fund investment through the Cornish business community as well as Convergence Programme for Cornwall from international trade advisors from and the Isles of Scilly firmly on the path and the Isles of Scilly. UKTI. to profitable overseas trade. In turn, this It is designed especially for small and Robin Barnett, MD of UKTI’s Business will lead to higher quality jobs and help medium sized businesses in Cornwall and Group, said: “The Export Cornwall net- boost prosperity in the county.” the Isles of Scilly and for most businesses, work will help set businesses in Cornwall Farmers looking to go back to black

Cornwall Farmers, the farmer-owned agri- for the year to September 30, 2010, but including our former machinery site at cultural supply co-operative, is expecting stressed that £2.5 million of this was from Roche, and we are investing in a larger to return to profit this year after one-off exceptional items. direct sales force to grow our agricultural costs pushed it into the red. This included a loss of £1.5 million from business, while introducing new retail The business, which is owned by its the trading and subsequent disposal of products.” 4,200 members, said its unaudited results its machinery division which was sold in Cornwall Farmers has been supplying showed an expected loss of £2.6 million December, and £1 million of adjustments goods and services to rural communities to reflect overvalued assets on the bal- in Cornwall and Devon for 90 years. It ance sheet, plus some restructuring costs. sells around £45 million of seeds, fertilis- Excluding these exceptional items, ers, feeds and forage to local farmers and Enter Cornwall Cornwall Farmers posted a loss of £100k around £25 million of goods through its on sales of £68 million, which was similar network of 14 country stores every year. Business Awards 2011 to the previous year’s performance. The co-operative employs 270 staff Chairman Peter Thomas said: “These and injects more than £30 million a year Nominations have opened for the were one-off exceptional items and the into the local economy through wages and Cornwall Business Awards 2011. underlying business remains strong, so we what it spends with local suppliers. Any business based in Cornwall or the expect to return to profit in 2011 despite Isles of Scilly can enter one or more of 14 the tough economic climate. award categories, which include Busi- “Next year we anticipate one-off ness Leader of the Year, Best New Busi- profits from the disposal of surplus sites, ness in Cornwall and Customer Focus, which is again sponsored this year by Business Cornwall magazine. £100k business plan competition Suzanne Bond, chief executive of the Cornwall Development Company, com- Cornwall’s biggest business plan have not developed a business plan, mented: “The awards are a great oppor- competition has launched for 2011, Oxford Innovation will be holding a tunity to shine the spotlight on the stars with a prize value of more than number of Winter Training Camps to of the Cornish business community. £100k. give business owners an insight into “This is the sixth year that Cornwall Ignite, which first took place last a range of specific business planning Development Company has staged the year, is open to any Cornish business topics. Cornwall Business Awards and every looking to grow and develop their busi- Also Included in the prize funds is single year, the range and quality of ness or business idea. a radio marketing campaign on Pirate businesses entering seems to be higher.” Companies are invited to visit FM, business and finance advice from Around 300 business leaders are www.ignitecornwall.com to find out Winter Rule, Legal advice from Foot expected to attend the awards dinner, how to enter and details of the prize, Anstey Solicitors, brand and design which will again be held at the St Mel- which includes up to a £25k European services with Creative Edge, free office lion International Resort, on May 19. grant from organiser Oxford Innova- space at Pool Innovation Centre, a A full list of the award categories and tion for the winning business. special feature in Business Cornwall, criteria, and an online entry form, are Businesses interested in enter- website design from NetInsight, and available on the awards website – ing the competition can submit their HR support from Tamar HR. cornwallbusinessawards.co.uk business plans anytime from now until Closing date for entries is March 14. March 31. To help businesses which

6 Digest www.businesscornwall.co.uk Business Cornwall Magazine - February 2011 Digestgeneral Sponsored by www.cornwallchamber.co.uk

New home for Foot Anstey Briefs Regional law firm Foot Anstey has Expansion: -based J&N made a positive statement in Corn- Engineering is targeting further wall by expanding its presence in growth following the purchase of a the Duchy after moving to larger water jet cutting machine. The com- premises in Truro. pany, which specialises in design, The firm has taken 9,000 sq ft of mod- manufacture and assembly of ern open plan office accommodation at precision RF, Microwave waveguide High Water House. components, recently expanded Managing partner John Westwell into new larger premises on the Cal- commented: “Our new Truro office will lywithgate Industrial Estate. enable us to further invest in our team Foot Anstey: New Truro home in Cornwall and provide our clients On course: The county’s largest with first class services and advice. Foot who is growing the firm’s clinical negli- training provider, Cornwall College Anstey is committed to Cornwall and gence practice in Cornwall. Business (CCB), has unveiled details will be further strengthening the team The new office will complement Foot of a new range of short training in the coming months.” Anstey’s other facilities in Plymouth, courses. Available as part of the new Recent recruits include Mike Bird, a Exeter and Taunton. offer, are short courses in Change former deputy coroner for Derbyshire, Management, Coaching with Neuro- linguistic Programming, Lean Service Management, Event Management, FSB calls for fuel stabiliser Carbon Management and Planning for Energy. Tel: 0800 7317594. The Government has been called upon to And it says it is “severely disappointed” deliver on its manifesto pledge for a fuel that the Government has not delivered on Battery power: Truro-based Corn- duty stabiliser as record high fuel duty this pledge. wallBatteries has invested in a new rates put small businesses on knife-edge. FSB Cornwall regional chairman, Kevin fleet of vehicles on the back of sus- As the increase in VAT to 20% hit on Oliver, said: “With the Cornish economy being tained growth. Increased demand January 4, fuel duty also rose to a record substantially reliant upon the self employed from an expanding customer base high putting further pressure onto already and small business sector, many operating has helped fuel growth of more hard-hit small firms’ cash-flow. in rural settings, it is imperative that the than 8% year-on-year for the The Federation of Small Businesses Government carries through its promises on company, which was established by (FSB) says that in opposition, the Con- issues like the fuel duty stabiliser. husband and wife team Jacqualine servative Party promised to put a fuel “As a percentage of turnover, fuel costs and Graham Bultitude in 1972. duty stabiliser – a mechanism to ensure are likely to be higher in Cornwall than in many an automatic freeze on fuel duty increases other areas of the country and when the Magpie: A new online retail busi- and a reduction in duty to match any economy is still fragile, record fuel prices and ness has opened selling purely increases in VAT revenues from higher the hike in VAT, threaten the local recovery.” Cornwall-made goods. -based pump prices. Cornish Magpie is the brainchild of Shirley Cookson, supplies a wide range of products from market trad- ers and small companies, to those wanting to turn a hobby into a busi- ness for themselves.

Not so taxing: Applied Business Solutions is holding free payroll workshops to show local businesses how they can bring payroll in house, while demonstrating Pegasus Open 3 Payroll and HR solutions. Also, chartered accountant Robinson Reed Layton will be there to discuss the ramifications of the legislative and taxation changes coming into force in April. To find out more call 01872 554028.

Poll topper: Regional law firm Stephens Scown has been named ‘UK Family Law Firm of the Year’ at the Finance Monthly Global Awards.

Business Cornwall Magazine - February 2011 www.businesscornwall.co.uk Digest 7 Digestcreative&IT Sponsored by www.digitalpeninsula.com

Goonhilly back in the space race

The plan has been almost three years Local MP Andrew George is right in the making and is the brainchild of behind the scheme and said: “This is an Ian Jones, MD of the space sector com- exciting project. The effort to protect pany, Orbit Research Limited and now Goonhilly’s satellite dishes from the CEO of GES. bulldozers will be more than repaid. GES has worked closely with BT to The important Goonhilly arm of this develop the opportunity and a deal has global project will generate many new been agreed, which includes GES taking jobs and business opportunities in the a three-year lease on most Goonhilly area. It will place west Cornwall in an antennas, including the four largest integral position in a project of global giant dishes, and an option to purchase significance.” the whole site for an undisclosed sum. GES has advanced plans to upgrade the antennas to enable deep space com- munication with spacecraft missions. Goonhilly: “Mars and beyond” In addition, the GES partnership with Oxford University has enabled the scope Briefs The iconic Goonhilly Satellite Earth of the project to include the delivery of Station on Cornwall’s Lizard penin- radio astronomy work focussed on the 3idog’s life: Interior design special- sula could once again play a starring origins of the universe. ist, 3idog, has relocated to new role at the forefront of technology. Jones commented: “Goonhilly is one premises in Truro, after outgrowing The former BT Satellite Earth Station of those amazing places that inspire its original Falmouth base. Run by is set to be upgraded and redeveloped by people and has a pioneering heritage Steve Coombe, 3idog launched in a consortium, Goonhilly Earth Station in international communications from 2009. Over the past year Coombe Limited (GES), for use at the forefront of the time when the first trans-Atlantic and the team at 3idog have worked world-leading radio astronomy projects and satellite TV broadcasts were made in on a diverse range of projects, from Deep Space Network communications. the 1960s. Now we have plans to go one hotels and restaurants to offices and There are also plans to redevelop the stage further and to use the antennas at private homes. visitors centre into a new space-themed Goonhilly to support space science mis- outreach centre. sions to the Moon, Mars and beyond.” Back to Brass Tacks: A new mar- keting company has been formed in Falmouth – Brass Tacks Media. Newquay firm in F1 It is the brainchild of Kim Conchie, who is relaunching the Brass Tacks A Newquay-based company has broken “The requirement was for High Definition brand after selling his successful into the ultra competitive world of the recording equipment that was capable of Brass Tacks Publishing business ten Formula One World Championship. digitally recording the race engine simula- years ago. While the new company One of the world’s leading racing tion programmes being run on the test will offer all aspects of marketing engine development teams discovered rigs so that the engineers could accurately services, its particular focus will be CCTV and Access Control specialist CDA monitor exactly what was happening.” on sports marketing. Solutions while searching on Google for a The CDA system has proved such a hit way to monitor their cutting edge test bed that 48 of the 2010 Formula One World Wizard of Oz: Hall for Cornwall equipment. Championship race engines were built and (HfC) director Tim Brinkman is Andy Watson, joint owner of CDA with monitored using its technology. heading for a new life downunder. business partner Chris Sutherland, said: Brinkman, who has been director of the Truro venue for the last ten years, has been appointed as execu- Western Talk into Orbiss tive of performing arts at the Arts Centre in Melbourne, and will be Truro-based telecommunications spe- provides hotel customers with cutting leaving HfC in early March. cialist, Western Talk, has rebranded edge guest room technology. and re-launched its services under Director Karen Patterson feels that Story to tell: Falmouth PR Mike the new name of Orbiss. the rebranding will help the company Truscott has launched a new Originally launched in 2006, the take their business to the next level. She biography writing service – Golden company has built up a strong client said: “Now is the time to take things on Replay Biographies. With the cost of base across the UK by supplying, install- another step and move forward with a publishing books a fraction of what ing and maintaining fully integrated vibrant, exciting and dynamic brand it used to be, the service is aimed telephone systems for leisure, hotel and that appeals to our local, national and at people with a story to tell, but business customers. international customers alike.” perhaps need a little help in putting Most recently, the company devel- it down in black and white. oped a new system called ‘Clarity’ that

8 Digest www.businesscornwall.co.uk Business Cornwall Magazine - February 2011 Digestmarine Sponsored by www.cornwallmarine.net

Growing global rep for A&P

RFA Cardigan Bay returned to Fal- partnership between A&P and Arab Ship mouth for maintenance after three Repair Yard (ASRY), which has been years in the Gulf supporting coalition recognised as providing a ‘gold standard’ operations and the Iraqi Navy. level of support to vessels within the While the ship was half way across operational theatre. the world, the Cardigan Bay was main- Gerald Pitts, A&P’s cluster pro- tained by members of the Cluster Sup- gramme director, said: “We have a port Team, a joint venture between A&P worldwide reputation for excellence and the MoD based in Falmouth, who and efficiency and have provided sup- RFA Cardigan Bay: Back from Gulf regularly travel to the Gulf. port in Dubai, Bahrain, South Carolina, Work included equipment upgrades Curacao and the Mediterranean. We are Bay is expected back in Falmouth in to cooling and weapons systems; dry delighted our work has been highlighted August for a major refit similar to that docking; operational support and gen- once again with the RFA Cardigan Bay.” of the RFA Mounts Bay, which was com- eral upkeep, and took place in ship yards Following the planned three-week pleted last year. in Dubai and Bahrain, and resulted in a maintenance period, the RFA Cardigan CMN wins Government contract Workboat delivered

Some 200 young people will be helped out each individual in their career progression St Isaac-based Explorer Marine has of unemployment and onto a career ladder path and in sourcing appropriate training. delivered the first special Workboat thanks to a Government contract awarded CMN’s chief executive Paul Wickes 800, which was designed and built for to Cornwall Marine Network (CMN). said: “We are helping to create new jobs Sandbanks Marina and Boatyard in The Future Jobs Fund scheme allows that wouldn’t exist without Future Jobs Poole Harbour. employers to take on 18-24 year olds, who Fund. The training element within the The brief was to build a heavy duty are long-term unemployed, for six months scheme improves young people’s chances workboat fitted with a special crane with their salary and relevant training of starting a successful career.” and winch to lift and service moorings fully funded. throughout the year, and to serve as a The aim is to lift the young person out crew and guest ferry to transport own- of unemployment and CMN will support ers and guests to their boats moored on the company’s moorings all over Poole Green gong for Marine Designs Harbour.

Marine Designs Ltd, part of the A&P Dockmaster pre-cast concrete pontoon Group, has scooped a Green Energy system. award for an innovative pontoon sys- Marine Designs has pioneered its tem designed to support the offshore Dockmaster pontoon – which includes Tidal energy renewables industry. 80% recycled aggregate – to support The company, based in Falmouth, operators installing offshore renewable expertise won the Best Business Innovation energy technologies. Award at the annual Regen SW Green Falmouth-based Mojo Maritime Energy Awards in Bath for its patented has been named Tidal Energy Engineering Firm 2010. The company picked up the SY Christopher launched accolade at the fourth International Tidal Energy Summit, held in Lon- Pendennis Shipyard’s latest new build has don recently. been successfully launched into Fal- MD Richard Parkinson com- mouth’s waters. mented: “We were both nominated The sailing yacht Christopher received and voted for by members of the a customary blessing from Father Jonathan industry who were attending Bielawski from St Mary’s Immaculate Par- the Summit for our contribution ish Church, before the launch itself. to engineering innovation and It marks the conclusion of project that achievement in the tidal energy started at the end of 2008, when Penden- sector. nis announced the partnership with Ron “It is very exciting and a great Holland Design and Palm Beach Yachts privilege to receive such an award International to build a new 46m perform- in recognition of our engineering ance cruising ketch. expertise.” SY Christopher: Splashdown

Business Cornwall Magazine - February 2011 www.businesscornwall.co.uk Digest 9 www.cornishgems.com Digesttourism Sponsored by www.cornishcribs.com

Grass greener in Cornwall

A Cornish specialist holiday lettings He is far from complacent about the company says the ‘staycation’ has situation, however, and added: “But it’s continued to effect early bookings for still early days and the public sector job 2011 with strong early demand. cuts are bound to have an impact on our Classic Cottages, which markets target market. That said, a UK holiday around 700 holiday cottages in Cornwall generally has lower travel costs and is and throughout the south west, believes less risky, so the uncertainty will have the combined effects of last year’s volcanic positive and negative influences – pre- ash, the strength of the Euro and possible dicting the winner is a tough call.” threats of airport and airline strikes has A latter point which is backed by encouraged more people to secure their research from -based rival holiday at home for next year. West Cornwall Cottage Holidays. MD Simon Tregoning said: “Given the It revealed that that a typical holiday saturation of all our news channels with abroad could cost a family over £1k stories about economic cuts, we are reas- more than the equivalent holiday in Simon Tregoning: “Reassuring” sured to be running ahead of last year in Cornwall. forward bookings. It shows that some of The company says that the equal foot- seeing its busiest early January booking the positive ‘staycation’ effect that has ing between the Pound and the Euro has levels for many years. kept us immune from the last two years’ now made many foreign holidays more of recession is still with us.” expensive than those in the UK, and is

Bay owner buys Devon hotel Hotel bookings up

The deal ensures Boringdon Hall, which Hotel occupancy levels in Cornwall is situated on the edge of Dartmoor, is increased by just over 2% in 2010 on safe from administration. the year before, according to the lat- Nettleton Holdings, whose interests est findings from Winter Rule. include ownership of The Bay Hotel The tourism team at the Truro-based and The Esplanade Hotel in Newquay, accountant said the first half of 2010 will unveil plans for refurbishment and was particularly encouraging, with expansion in the near future. occupancy consistently higher than in Director James Nettleton said: “We are 2009, although August continued in its thrilled about the purchase of such a fan- sustained trend downwards. Septem- tastic property. We are looking forward ber, October and November also saw to the challenge ahead and welcome the an increase in hotel stays, but the cold opportunity to bring out the full poten- weather had a significant impact on Boringdon Hall: New ownership tial of Boringdon Hall, for the enjoyment December’s figures. of our guests and the security of the Tom Roach, partner at Winter Rule Newquay-based Nettleton Holdings is employees.” and tourism team leader, said he was expanding its portfolio with the acquisi- “cautiously optimistic” about the outlook tion of Boringdon Hall Hotel in Devon. for 2011, but he said there was some evi- dence of belt-tightening and January’s VAT increase was likely to impact. The great escape

Cornwall has added another title to its growing list of awards having been Hoseasons award voted Favourite UK Country Escape in the Sunday Times Travel magazine’s Luxury holiday resort Reader Awards 2010. Gwel an Mor has been awarded 5,000 votes were cast across the 24 ‘Best in Britain’ at the annual award categories that cover everything Hoseasons awards. from the ultimate short break to favour- The award ceremony, which took ite airline, with readers of the magazine County or Destination in the British place in Dundee, showcased the naming Cornwall above all other UK Travel Awards just last month. achievements of Hoseasons holiday destinations. lodges and holiday parks through- The award comes hot off the back of out the UK. Cornwall being crowned Best UK Holiday

10 Digest www.businesscornwall.co.uk Business Cornwall Magazine - February 2011 Digestconstruction Sponsored by www.latp.co.uk Winner Small Planning Consultancy of the Year – RTPI Planning Awards 2009 Boring in

Contractors building a £2.9 million oil, gas and geothermal industries and factory development in Redruth have requires hostile conditions deep under- drilled a borehole almost 600 feet ground to put its equipment through its (180 metres) into the ground to cater paces. for a high-tech Cornish engineering Calidus is relocating from five sepa- company moving to the site. rate sites in Falmouth and Redruth to The borehole, which is around six new units being developed by Priority inches in diameter, will be used by Cal- Sites on the Treleigh Industrial Estate idus Engineering for systems testing. in Redruth. Calidus has 26 staff and The company specialises in ‘down- intends to double this in three years. hole’ and subsea technology for the Drill: Work at Treleigh Commercial resilience Quintrell Downs space

Stratton Creber director Tim Smart is Developer Priority Sites is seeking expres- The scheme, which includes open market reporting some optimism in the Cor- sions of interest in up to 100,000 sq ft of and affordable homes, retail shops, sheltered nish commercial property market. workspace planned for Quintrell Downs accommodation and a nursing home, is being He highlights the renewable energy near Newquay. developed by local company Fortdown Ltd, sector as a particular driver, with 100 The factory and workspace units, on with Priority Sites acting as the development planning applications anticipated in the land off West Road, would be part of a partner for the workspace element. wake of the solar power rush, represent- mixed-use development. ing a potential investment of £10 million per project. “It is estimated that 40 companies are chasing suitable land in Changes at the top Cornwall,” said Smart. Retail and leisure development activ- the mid and west Cornwall property ity is also apparent, in , with a market. Sainsbury’s store planning application Garrin Webb, with the firm since on the Penzance Heliport site with fur- 2005, has been appointed as a direc- ther development on the existing retail tor alongside existing directors Paul park next to the B&Q mooted. Beevers, Tim Heather and John Lay. And he added: “A planning decision is Richard Margetts, a negotiator with due early in the year for a mixed use devel- the firm for the past six-and-a-half years, opment comprising 60 bed hotel, offices, Team: (l-r) Margetts, Beevers has been promoted to office manager. restaurant/retail units and 14 apartments and Webb Beevers, who has run Heather and on the disused gas work site next to the Lay Property Letting since its inception Wharfside Shopping Centre Penzance. Heather and Lay Property Letting has in 2002, has become the company’s “Hayle is also providing its fair share of strengthened its management set up managing director. retail optimism with supermarket giants as it looks to maintain growth into Asda, Morrison’s and Sainsbury’s all jostling for a position. The ex-Woolworths store in St Ives has 6 national retailers Stratton Creber opens in Truro chasing the prime retail space with best bids being finalised early in the year. South west property consultant, Stratton property and land services across the “In the other sectors, there are several Creber Commercial, has opened a new entire region.” business space schemes under construc- Cornwall office in Truro, headed up by tion at Treleigh, Redruth off the A30. Sev- former Alder King head of agency, Tim eral national house builders are known to Smart. be looking for land in the county.” Stratton Creber Commercial has long May Gurney cuts established offices in Exeter and Plymouth and Plymouth MD Robin Falle commented: National civil engineering “Cornwall has long been a target area for company May Gurney is cutting us and no place is better to open an office 43 posts from its Bodmin-based than the county capital. operation. “The opening allows us to complete The company, which reported a the south west peninsula ‘jigsaw’ and to 31% rise in its pre-tax profits for the provide our extensive range of commercial first half of the year, is consulting with workers and hopes to avoid any compulsory redundancies. Tim Smart: “Optimism”

Business Cornwall Magazine - February 2011 www.businesscornwall.co.uk Digest 11 Digestfood&drink

the shop and a new accounts manager to Keeping it local help with the company’s expansion. Fur- ther new jobs are anticipated next year. As a bonus, Prima has also tied up a deal “These are the first moves in a long- for another Cornish delicacy with close term development programme which neighbour Rodda’s Cornish Clotted Cream. will hopefully see us challenging the After months of research and devel- titans of the Cornish bakery trade,” said opment, Prima has chosen Treluswell Prima bakery manager Ross Buist. Mount Farm at St Gluvias as its sole supplier of potatoes and turnip. A few miles down the road, long-established Home grown: (l-r) Olly Bromley Roskrow butcher RJ Trevarthen will Veggie beer and (Treluswell Mount Farm), Ross Buist, exclusively supply best rump skirt beef. Robert Trevarthen (RJ Trevarthen) As well as upping its pasty market- Cornish stout ing campaign – with out-of-county sales Three Cornish family businesses have planned early next year via a new web- The Duchy’s breweries have joined forces in a keep it local boost site – Prima has revamped its own retail been busy concocting some- for the Duchy’s “national dish” that shop at its Scorrier headquarters. thing a little bit different will create new jobs. And as Rodda’s no longer have a retail recently. A big expansion programme for Scorrier- outlet on its own site, that company’s Across at Rock, Sharp’s based Prima Bakeries is majoring on a re- fresh milk and cream will now be sold in Brewery has created its launch of its Cornish pasty range – using the Prima shop alongside the new range first-ever stout, as part of its a long-established secret family recipe but of “home-grown” pasties. Seasonals range now involving potatoes, turnip and beef Prima now employs 17 staff with the Cornish Stout was launched from two suppliers based near Penryn. addition of a new full-time manager for last month and will be available on draught in pubs and bars until the end of February. The guest cask has been brewed Crisps beat the crunch with roasted barley, wheat and crystal rye, while Apollo hops provide a “resinous The Cornish Crisp Company has been And the award could provide a sig- aniseed backbone” and slow fermentation awarded quality control accreditation for nificant boost to the business. MD Sue gives the beer a “chocolate sweetness”. the food and drink industry. Wolstenholme explained: “We are cur- Meanwhile, Redruth-based Keltek The firm received SALSA (Safe and rently talking to some national buyers who Brewery won an award for producing Local Supplier Approval) standard after require us to have SALSA and therefore the ‘Best Veggie Beer’. undertaking a day-long audit where com- hope that this accreditation will take us to Cook Vegetarian Magazine bestowed pany records, production and operational a new level in sales and better secure the the accolade upon the brewery’s Natural systems and health and hygiene standards future for our staff and the business.” Magik beer, which, ironically, was origi- were closely inspected by a specialist nally developed for use as an ingredient auditor. in high-quality steak and ale pies, but due to its appeal the decision was taken National award for Ginsters to bottle it as a drinking ale.

Ginsters has been named among the country’s top companies in the annual EEF Future Manufacturing Rodda’s healthy first Awards. The -based company won Rodda’s employees are being the EEF South West Region Skills Award offered free and confidential in recognition of a multi-faceted training health checks through a scheme and development programme designed launched with the Duchy Hospital. to support future growth. The 15-minute appointment Ginsters’ MD Mark Duddridge said: includes, among other things, “We are committed to investment in our Winners: Ginsters’ Samantha checks on eyesight, lung function, bakery management staff to prepare Brown and Steve Jones (centre) cholesterol and blood pressure. them for tomorrow’s trading environment receive their award from Sasha Rodda’s Cornish Clotted Cream and to show them how to develop the Bowman of sponsors Westfield managing director, Nicholas Rodda, confidence and competence of their Health and Terry Slater of EEF explained. “It is all too easy for com- teams and to challenge and tackle waste panies to sit on the side lines but we in all its forms. “As a result we have seen the bakery believe that all organisations should “This programme has helped to make consistent progress in its efficiency take some active responsibility for release the potential of our staff, and identify new areas of potential for the well-being of their employees and whether they have many years of experi- the future.” that is what we are trying to do.” ence with us or are new recruits.

12 Digest www.businesscornwall.co.uk Business Cornwall Magazine - February 2011 Digestenvironment Sponsored by www.growcornwall.co.uk

Turning green with Eden Project

Businesses in Cornwall are making businesses and get ahead in the low- lasting New Year’s resolutions after carbon economy in 2011. completing the Eden Project’s sus- For example, Newquay-based Atlantic tainability course. Diving has pledged to use alternative The organisations have taken part marine fuel for their diving boats, while in the Green Foundation programme accountant Philip Sanderson designed to help them react positively is planting trees on a nearby piece of New resolve: Green Foundation to new Government legislation and gain wasteland to offset their carbon outputs. participants a competitive edge in the transition to a Steve Mobbs from Bude Meat Supply low-carbon economy. said: “Without the impetus that I’ve breed product, as well as the sourcing of Since it was introduced last Septem- gained from being involved with the local produce.” ber, 31 organisations have taken advan- Green Foundation, I don’t think I’d have Green Foundation is a ten-day pro- tage of the free, ten-day scheme funded gained the extra enthusiasm. It has had gramme spread across three months and by the European Social Fund. a very positive effect on not just myself will be running every fortnight until And many of the companies have now and the business, but also my farmer’s September 2011. made resolutions to help green their business and the sustainability of a rare

Recycling firm smells the coffee the Barncoose Industrial estate, a short distance from where it started in small A Redruth-based recycling company has Kafévend owns more than 11,000 rented offices just four years ago. won a contract with one of the UK’s larg- machines across the UK and upgrades The new building will provide addi- est vending firms. large volumes of these each year. tional space for the company’s IT refur- The Electronic Waste Company will Meanwhile, the firm has expanded into bishment and secure data destruction manage the recycling of thousands of end- new headquarters following a near-dou- services. of-life vending machines each year owned bling in turnover in 2010. by Kafévend. It has bought new freehold premises on

Orchard picks up top award There was also The Alan Smith Busi- ness Award for Continuous Commitment Cornwall Showground, after being to Sustainability in Cornwall, which named Best Medium Managed Company. went to -based book manufac- Truro-based Event Cornwall was turer, TJ International. named Best Small Managed Company, while Tamar Foods collected the award for Best Large Managed Company. The Low Carbon Business award went Prize guys: Brothers Henry and to Enact Energy, with Robert Wiseman Lighting the solar Jamie Orchard Diaries winning the Resource Manage- ment category. way A scrap metal and car recycling facil- Clayworks from won the award ity was crowned overall winner at the for Products and Services, while Neil Cornwall residents are leading 2010 Cornwall Sustainability Awards. Farrington from Community Energy Plus the way in the south west when -based Henry Orchard and collected the award for Best Individual. it comes to embracing the latest Sons picked up the winner of winners The Scarlet Hotel at Mawgan Porth renewable energy technology. award at the ceremony held at the Royal was awarded Sustainable Construction. According to Cornwall-based renewable energy provider Enact, more households in Cornwall are Renewable advice come to us to appraise offers made to looking to tap into the power of the them by developers. sun and install solar systems on Cornish landowners attended a seminar “So the time was right to organise an their properties than in any other at the Royal Cornwall Showground on the event that would not only advise on what area of the region. opportunities presented by renewable energy. terms the landowners maybe should and The company says Cornish The event was co-hosted by account- should not be signing up to, based on what households are twice as proactive as ant Winter Rule, solicitor Stephens Scown, we and other professionals had collec- households in Devon when it comes chartered surveyor Stratton & Holborrow tively experienced, but also to give a heads to looking into the benefits of solar and Cornwall Agri-food Council. up on other related issues, such as tax power, and more than five times Brian Harvey from Winter Rule, who planning. as proactive as those in Dorset and Somerset. chaired the event, said: “We have seen a number of farmers and other landowners

Business Cornwall Magazine - February 2011 www.businesscornwall.co.uk Digest 13 Onthemove Sponsored by sapiencehr.co.uk

TV exec joins Enact board Goldburn answers the call

Cornish sustainable energy provider, Falmouth-based specialist Enact Energy, has appointed two new clinical negligence solicitor, Tim directors to the board of the company. Goldburn, has been elected as John Egan joins as executive chair- this year’s President of the Corn- man and becomes the largest share- wall Law Society. holder after a significant investment in Goldburn, who is a partner at law the company, while Steve Mundy joins firm Preston Goldburn, takes office the board as finance director. at a time when the legal sector Former TV executive Egan is perhaps faces significant challenges, with a best known as founder and joint MD of relaxation of the restrictions on who sit-up Ltd, which was responsible for can provide legal services due to launching such channels as bid-up.tv John Egan come into effect from October. and price-drop.tv in the UK. He commented: “Whatever the Prior to that, he was responsible for Adrian Wright, founder and CEO of shape and structure of the legal launching Ondigital, a joint-venture Enact said: “I am thrilled to welcome John market place in the future, it is clear owned by former ITV regional compa- and Steve onto the board and believe their that high quality legal services will nies Carlton and Granada. experience and skills will be invaluable still be in demand in Cornwall, Steve Mundy, meanwhile, most as the company moves into a phase of where there are already local high recently managed the Southern African unprecedented growth driven by the Gov- quality professionals providing operations of Chubb, one of the world’s ernment’s new green initiatives.” specialist legal services. leading providers of fire and security “I will be doing everything I can solutions. during my year of office to promote local high quality solicitors and to expand with the acquisition of smaller to ensure that legal services are JLT to hit growth trail local businesses firmly on the radar. available to the remote areas of our Commenting on the appointment, MD county.” JLT Wealth Management is set to hit the Karen McCaffrey said: “We are delighted acquisition trail in Cornwall following the that Diane has moved to Falmouth. Her appointment of a new regional director. appointment further demonstrates our Diane Pepler has moved from the commitment to expanding our offering in firm’s Bristol office to head up the Corn- the region.” wall operation in Falmouth, and is looking

IFAs join forces inheritance tax planning as well as life assurance and critical illness. Ged Dixon Independent Financial “I am delighted to join forces with Advisers has teamed with Truro- Knight O’Byrne,” commented Ged based Knight O’Byrne. Dixon. “The team is dynamic and Tim Goldburn Knight O’Byrne, which has been forward-thinking. I believe that our operating in Truro since 2006, provides combined mix of skills, experience and fee-based financial advice on pensions, approach, provides us with the potential the Pool Innovation Centre from Tolvad- retirement planning, investments and to become collectively the flagship firm don Business Park, where it had been of financial advisers in Cornwall.” since 2006. According to TRAC director Sarah Trethowan, the move to the larger offices at Pool will enable the company to develop its future expansion plans. TRAC move “We wanted to stay in the Camborne/ Redruth area,” she explained, “but needed Cornish Regulatory Affairs special- additional space to support our current ist TRAC has moved to new offices as and future expansion plans and were demand for the company’s services con- delighted to find great new offices at Pool tinues to grow. Innovation Centre which meets all our The company – which provides a range criteria.” of services to pharmaceutical companies Ged Dixon in the UK and Europe – has relocated to

14 On the Move www.businesscornwall.co.uk Business Cornwall Magazine - February 2011 Jockeying for position As Cornwall’s plans for a LEP begin to take shape, there are distinct murmurings of discontent

Former CBI chief and business says, “then Sir John was brought in with- heavyweight Sir John Banham has out any consultation with the business been asked by the Council to take the community.” interim chair of the LEP, and he has been busy preparing a prospectus, And he claims that there were no a blueprint designed to accelerate meetings or correspondence with the Cornwall’s economic growth. FSB, which represents some 9,000 busi- nesses in Cornwall, leading up to the He says Cornwall and Isles of Scilly draft prospectus being given out. needs to rely less on public and Euro- pean handouts. “Self-help must replace Upon receiving it, the FSB duly the dependency of the past,” he says. debated the merits of the document, and “The answer to this challenge will be to unanimously rejected it, and has since attract private capital to invest in profit- come up with its own proposals. able enterprises in Cornwall, in which “We have to get our efforts up at a the people of Cornwall and local employ- The Cornwall Chamber of Commerce strategic level,” he says, “look at Corn- ees will own a significant stake, to drive is not overly impressed with Sir John’s wall as a whole as if it were a ‘balance economic development.” initial recommendations either. sheet’ consideration Limited Company, look through the eyes of Sir John Ban- It is a vision which is nothing if not ham who has friends in high places that ambitious, and focuses on six priorities “I’m afraid that many may be interested in investing in Corn- – affordable housing; green energy; the businesses feel that the wall and selectively move forward in a development of Falmouth as centre for way that benefits Cornwall all round. cruise ships and offshore energy technol- prospectus as circulated has ogy; services to small businesses; trans- neither the right approach “We can’t do this alone so we must get formation of the Post Office network, and behind a high profile leader to see if he bringing the NHS into the digital world in to structure nor priorities” can make a step change that benefits us face of an ageing population. all. Sir John is a passionate Cornishman Chief executive Richard Glover tells so I think he is our best hope. He proposes the partnership should Business Cornwall: “The LEP has the be set up as a Limited Company, and potential to be a real driver of growth in “All other County businessmen are working within that six separate some pretty tough times. However, if it just not high profile enough, which in enterprises, each with their own board doesn’t start off with the right structure my view is something the FSB don’t of directors, overseeing each of the six and priorities then it will be yet another understand.” priorities. Management and employees expensive talking shop. would own up to 10% of each enterprise. The prospectus is likely to go through “I’m afraid that many businesses feel further editing before being commit- Sir John, who lives in west Cornwall, that the prospectus as circulated has ted to stone, but by how much? And if is believed to have been a major factor in neither the right approach to structure fundamental changes are demanded, Cornwall and Isles of Scilly’s application nor priorities. will Sir John hang around, as he clearly to form an LEP being accepted by the stands by his recommendations? Government. “Sir John has made it clear that his paper is simply a starting point for “If this Prospectus can be delivered,” But however impressive his CV might discussion and we certainly hope that is he says, “Cornwall would be among the be, Sir John’s involvement has not gone the case. We look forward to continue leaders in Britain in terms of regional down well with everyone. Kevin Oliver, our work with the LEP partners to shape economic development, with attendant chairman of the Federation of Small the agenda to match that of Cornwall’s benefits in terms of inward investment Businesses, is unhappy how his involve- business community.” and international commercial links.” ment came about in the first place. However, Cornish industrialist Mike That at the moment, though, seems to “We were working with the council Jordan believes Sir John’s involvement is be an almighty a big ‘If’. quite closely for quite a long time,” he exactly what the Duchy needs.

+ Business Cornwall Magazine - February 2011 www.businesscornwall.co.uk Digest 15 Collaborate with Collaboration should be high on every business’ agenda in 2011, says Partner to Succeed Confidence programme director Tim Bryant

skills and time required to bring it to Combine strengths life, we’re here to help you.

A ‘new era’ appears to be dawning for Partner to Succeed act as a ‘third businesses across the UK, with the partner’ to your collaboration project. In credit crunch and economic down- an ‘Active Collaboration’, a Collaboration turn being attributed as the catalyst, Project Manager can be with you through according to the UK’s top business every step of the collaboration process. lobbying organisation. Utilising their collaboration expertise The Confederation of British Indus­ and free access to the very latest ‘Basecamp’ try (CBI) suggested in its report entitled collaborative software ensures that your ‘Shape of Business – the Next 10 Years’ collaboration journey becomes far more that the response to the focused and structured. changes in the economy “Our vision is to We also invite our will determine how com­ ‘active collaborators’ panies interact with each improve Cornwall to apply for a Collabor­ other moving forward. and the Isles of Scilly’s ation Grant (match- funded), which can The paper indicated competitive advantage provide a critical fin­ that many positives will by encouraging and ancial boost to a new in time emerge from the collaborative venture. downturn, with firms enabling a collaborative thinking wider than just culture of thinking Collaborate with themselves, improv­ Confidence ing accountability and throughout Cornish- If you’re not sure who corporate citizenship and based businesses” to collaborate with, creating a more flexible or what to collabo­ and globally aware workforce. rate on, then the new Collaborate with Confidence series of expert-workshops Tel: 01872 613000 The report also claimed that new should be of interest. Web: www.partnertosucceed.co.uk innovative funding streams and more widespread collaboration will become Each Collaborate with Confidence the main driving forces of a rejuvenated seminar is specifically designed to help UK business scene. Is your business businesses to overcome their initial con­cerns ready to take advantage of these emerg­ regarding collaborating with other busin­ ing opportunities? esses, and provides practical and hands-on guidance for the most popular emerging Partner to Succeed, Cornwall’s Busi­ areas for working in partnership including: ness Collaboration Networks, forms Collaborative Tendering, Collaborative part of the Convergence Programme, Distribution and Collaborative Innovation. and is designed to provide expertise and practical guidance in how to successfully Collaboration Catalyst collaborate whatever the size and scope Do you already collaborate with others, of the partnership activity – be it local, but have a collaboration project that sim­ national or international. ply refuses to gain momentum no matter how hard you try? Or perhaps you are During the past year we have listened about to engage in a joint-venture project carefully to feedback from our clients, that could become much larger in scope and have refined and enhanced our with external support? offer of Collaboration Support to provide ‘three streams’ of expert collaboration A Collaboration Catalyst could pro­ guidance and expertise for 2011. vide the solution. Providing an injection of collaborative expertise, a Collabo­ Active Collaborations ration Catalyst is the quickest way of If you have an innovative idea for a col­ releasing the potential of an embryonic laboration project, but simply lack the or stalled collaborative project.

16 Business Clinic www.businesscornwall.co.uk Business Cornwall Magazine - February 2011 Protect your Coodes’ head of business services Christian Wilson explains the importance of a company guarding brand! its intellectual property

to enforce. To succeed in such a claim, Avoid identity theft the claimant must show that its brand has generated goodwill, that there has been A business’s branding is extremely valu- misrepresentation, and that the business able to a business’s identity. To brand a has suffered a financial loss. These tests business, is to establish a business’s name for enforceability are not favourable to and generate its reputation. new businesses that are yet to generate any goodwill. A lack of any goodwill will A business’s brand can also be restrict any such claim at the outset. described as a business’s trade mark. Both a brand and a trade Alternatively mark represent an a trade mark is element of a business “An owner of a registered enforceable through that distinguishes it trade mark is entitled the Intellectual Prop- from their competi- erty Office via an tors and differenti- to the exclusive right to action for infringe- ates their goods or ment. The action services from those the use of the mark and relates to a much made or provided by can prohibit anyone else more distinguishable others. right. It enables the using it or a similar mark owner to sue anyone Often a business’s using an identical brand or trade mark without their permission” or similar mark in is their logo or sym- relation to the same bol but need not be. It could instead be a or similar goods or services if there is a variety of aspects that set the business likelihood of confusion. Email: [email protected] apart. For example, the business’s product Email: [email protected] design, its type of packaging, the shape of Coodes Tel: 01872 246200 their goods, any slogans, or even smells or Coodes offers to apply for the registration www.coodes.co.uk sounds. of a trade mark. Our legal fees for a stand- ard UK application starts at £350 plus VAT The law recognises that these distinc- and plus disbursements. This fee relates tive elements as trademarks should be to those applications that are unopposed capable of protection by the owner. If by any existing trade mark owners. You the business has worked hard to develop should also note that the disbursement fee its reputation through its brand or trade payable to the Intellectual Property Office mark, they should be able to prohibit starts at £200. others from imitating it and thus diluting their identity. We would be more than happy to discuss the application process and our What are the benefits? fees with you in more detail. Should you An owner of a registered trade mark is wish for further information please do not entitled to the exclusive right to the use hesitate to contact either Christian Wilson of the mark and can prohibit anyone else or Alex Tomlinson here at Coodes. using it or a similar mark without their permission.

Trademarks are popular because of their level of protection and their clarity regarding enforceability. If a business does not register its trade mark, it may instead have a claim through the courts for the action against “Passing Off”.

Passing Off is a much more difficult right to establish. This means that it can be more expensive and time consuming

Business Cornwall Magazine - February 2011 www.businesscornwall.co.uk Business Clinic 17 As Business Link’s Convergence business An exciting support programme draws to a close, Peninsular Enterprise CEO Adam Chambers reflects back on its success and future looks forward to emerging opportunities

Value Added) that the service has con- The road ahead tributed to. This stands at an enormously impressive £80 million, driven entirely When we all come to look back at by the county’s business growth during a the ‘interesting’ year that was been period of financial crisis and recession. 2010, we’ll probably regard it as the moment when a radical shift in the The enhanced service contributed to way business support is provided this growth by targeting its support on – across the UK, but perhaps most those fast-growing businesses that do a particularly across Cornwall and the disproportionate amount to benefit the Isles of Scilly – started to emerge. region’s economy – those that have the biggest positive impact on investment, For this was not employment growth just the year when the “We remain passionate and wealth. coalition Government about the fantastic began its programme Out of the close to of spending cuts to county that is Cornwall 28,000 Cornish busi- help UK plc balance – a truly unique county nesses we worked with its books – it was also altogether, around when a new, more with an utterly unique 1,500 were identified locally-focused, busi- business landscape” as meeting the Con- ness support land- vergence criteria. Of scape was outlined. And it was when these, we were involved with over 1,000 the forthcoming closure was confirmed growth projects, and we made close to of our current approach to enhanced 2,000 referrals to our public and private business support under the Convergence sector partners on behalf of more than programme, which aims to help the 820 of them. We also believe that our county’s most innovative and ambitious work has also been directly responsible businesses reach their full potential. for the creation of 1,500 jobs for highly Web: www.businesslink.gov.uk/southwest skilled people. Email: [email protected] But, both for us at Peninsula Enter- Tel: 0845 600 9966 prise and for businesses right across the Now, though, our focus is on the future. county, this should not be a moment for Above all, we remain passionate about the disappointment or frustration. Rather, fantastic county that is Cornwall – a truly it represents a fantastic opportunity for unique county with an utterly unique busi- existing and new relationships and part- ness landscape. I have to say that helping nerships between public and private sec- Cornish businesses is in the DNA of Penin- tor organisations throughout Cornwall. sula Enterprise, and we are determined to expand and strengthen our presence That said, we mustn’t forget that the across the county. enhanced Convergence business support programme, delivered by Peninsula So we are looking forward to the Enterprise over the last couple of years, emerging opportunities for us to support has been highly successful. businesses in Cornwall. It is great to see widespread enthusiasm for the forthcom- First, the big picture: our unique ing Local Enterprise Partnership, and I model of tailored advice, Development believe that we have lots to offer that will Vouchers and brokerage has made a help it in delivering its objectives. substantial difference to the region’s economy. Over the period, our service Special funding will be there to help helped to grow businesses, increased them – it must be used in the most effec- high-level employment and wages, and tive way, enabling Cornish businesses to helped reduce the environmental impact maximise this fantastic advantage that’s of the Cornish business community. available to them. And we are very con- fident that Peninsula Enterprise has the The headline achievement is certainly resources, the expertise and sheer will to the forecast increase in GVA (that’s Gross help everybody make the most of it.

18 Business Clinic www.businesscornwall.co.uk Business Cornwall Magazine - February 2011 The wow factor Business Cornwall profiles holiday home letting agency Cornish Gems and discovers how a decision to focus on the luxury end of the market is paying dividends

The reputation of Cornwall’s tour- While there was no shortage of holi- “Owners value the fact that we offer ist industry has come a long way in day cottage letting companies out there, a fully managed service,” says Shelton. recent years. Where once the Duchy there were not so many purely devoted “We understand that most of our owners was synonymous with bucket and to the top end of the market. live busy lives with many demands. It spade holidays, it is now attracting an can be quite daunting knowing where to increasingly cooler and sophisticated Shelton says: “We thought, if we’re start, particularly if it is their first ven- clientele. going to do it, let’s do something which ture into holiday letting. We simply take is very high end. All our properties are the hassle away from them, effectively Voted for the past two years as very high quality, meet four or five star manage their property so they can reap Britain’s favourite holiday destination, standards and we are extremely proud the benefits of the investment it can Cornwall has again become fashionable. of them all.” return without having to get involved.” Quality over quantity, which is very much the story of Truro-based holiday From the outset, Gems has prided It is evident that Cornish Gems prides lettings agency Cornish Gems. itself in not letting standards slip, offer- itself on offering owners peace of mind ing a fully managed housekeeping solu- with its full property management Cornish Gems was founded four years tion, where properties are constantly service. Its experienced team manage ago by long-time friends, estate agent checked and maintained in tip-top absolutely everything from marketing Julianne Shelton and restaurant man- condition. Up until the end of 2010 this and maintenance through to cleaning/ ager Nadia Durrant, after spotting a gap fully managed service was offered via a laundry servicing and the provision of in the higher-end of the holiday market. number of reputable subcontractors. luxury welcome hampers. Its objective Photos by Toby Weller by Photos

Business Cornwall Magazine - February 2011 www.businesscornwall.co.uk Company Profile 19 strong, but then it tailed off consider- ably from March to about mid-May, and we were beginning to wonder what was going to happen. Thankfully bookings really picked up again after the General Election and we ended 2010 hitting our targets by selling £1.5 million worth of holidays, bringing over 10,000 visitors into the Duchy.”

She adds: “On evaluating our busi- ness last year we uncovered some inter- esting trends. Our finest, most expensive properties were very popular as were our smaller, keenly priced properties. Mid-range properties, which still offered premium quality but perhaps no sea view or wi-fi, were slower to sell. Nadia Durrant and Julianne Shelton “This highlighted that there is a percentage of our customers who is to create the very best first impression to ask ‘what are they offering? Can they aren’t affected by the recession and are for each arrival of guests, because first claim to provide what Cornish Gems booking our top properties anyway. impressions really do count. provide?’ I think we provide an excellent We also found a large number of guests service for a very good price.” had significantly cut back their holiday “Ultimately,” says Durrant, “we want expenditure, staying in the UK and hav- owners to sign up and stay. Not many In hindsight, starting a luxury holiday ing one holiday, but ensuring that the leave, but it is very competitive out there business just as the global recession was property was of the highest standard and agencies are offering new deals all about to hit could have presented its prob- possible offering desirables such as sea of the time and like us are adapting to lems, but Gems has been able to maintain views, parking, wi-fi, more than one TV, changing market forces. steady growth and now employs a team good bedroom to bathroom ratio etc.” of seven soon to become nine. “One thing is for certain, we offer Shelton continues: “At the opposite a very comprehensive service for only “Last year was quite challenging for end of the spectrum we had guests that 20% commission. When we see other us,” admits Shelton. “The year started were also cutting back on their expendi- agencies undercutting us, owners have off well, with early reservations very ture but still wanting two to four breaks

20 Company Profile www.businesscornwall.co.uk Business Cornwall Magazine - February 2011 in the year, so opted for our keenly so the team is continuously looking at priced properties without the costs of how we can strengthen occupancy out- features that they wouldn’t need. They side the school holiday times. also felt safe in the knowledge that although they were selecting our more “For example we’re exploring the inexpensive properties, they would still corporate market,” explains Durrant. be of a high standard to be in our collec- “Because we’ve built up relationships tion in the first instance.” with other reputable businesses pro- viding these great activities, we can “Repeat business is key for us” says organise tailored corporate breaks to Durrant “that’s improving year on year, Cornwall, delivering team building or which is very encouraging and testa- hospitality weekends that give employ- ment to how well we run our business.” ees or clients a real treat and taste of luxury in Cornwall.” But even in the height of the reces- sion, Gems was never tempted to The biggest treat is of course each compromise on only offering four and Crib which takes luxury to an extraor- five star accommodation. Indeed, rather dinary new level. The Daily Telegraph than move more towards the economy reviewed Cornish Cribs as Beverly Hills letting management in Cornwall. Follow- market, the company instead put a meets Cornish clotted cream whilst the ing its recent relocation to much larger capital ‘L’ into Luxury by introducing Financial Times reported a stay in a premises in Threemilestone near Truro, Cornish Cribs in April of last year. Cornish Crib to be an amazing Cornish the company can undertake all servicing holiday of a sort that’s not been possible of the properties via its team of fully- The Cornish Cribs collection features before. trained housekeepers and managers. simply the most opulent and high end properties to rent in Cornwall com- But while Cornish Gems continues plemented with a dedicated holiday “Repeat business is key to expand, with an increasing number concierge service. The ‘Cribs’ tend to be for us and that’s improving of international visitors particularly larger properties, typically featuring benefiting from the exchange rate, the indoor swimming pools, hot tubs, home year on year, which is very company has no ambition to become cinemas, saunas and a host of high tech encouraging and testament mass market. gadgetry. to how well we run our Shelton concludes by saying: “We’re “As long as it’s legal,” jokes Shelton, business” trying to provide a service that’s differ- “we can organise anything. Cornwall has ent. We have no desire to be a mass mar- so much to offer visitors! There is an ever ket business, where we risk diluting our increasing array of land and water based Whether it be Gems or Cribs proper- service and lose touch with our custom- activities offered by some inspiring busi- ties, a key ingredient to the company’s ers. We are a niche business, but with a nesses throughout the region. We don’t success has been the fact that Shelton collection of properties that is second to just sell holidays, we sell experiences, and Durrant openly admit that when none. We have had an outstanding start creating tailored holidays for guests via it comes to the business, they are both to 2011 and look set to achieve close our dedicated holiday concierge service.” control freaks! to 20% of 2011’s overall sales target of £2.5m before the end of January.” Durrant adds: “Last year holistic “That control is so important,” says therapies were popular with Cornish Durrant. “We need it to keep the owners Cribs guests wanting to relax and unwind happy and onboard, and we need it to in the opulence of their chosen Crib. keep the guests happy and coming back. Surfing was a big hit along with private We now have a proven track record of dining. This year we are showcasing achieving excellent occupancy rates and some exciting new packages tailored for incomes, if we are also controlling the the bride or groom to be, well-being and quality and the cost of the housekeeping nutrition right through to fishing, golf we should not be giving our owners a and shooting breaks.” reason to leave.”

There are currently five Cribs on the This desire is a major reason for the company’s books, with another two due launch of a new division at the start Contact to come online shortly. of 2011. Cornish Gems’ new in-house www.cornishgems.com housekeeping division is now available www.cornishcribs.com Because the Cribs are expensive, they to owners ensuring Cornish Gems really Tel: 0844 8002813 don’t tend to rent out 30 weeks in a year is a true one stop solution for holiday

Business Cornwall Magazine - February 2011 www.businesscornwall.co.uk Company Profile 21 Faceto Face Business Cornwall talks to the chief executive of the Cornwall Development Company, Suzanne Bond

Suzanne Bond – Cornwall Development Company

We have had to wait a long time for the Cornwall Development Company (CDC) to appoint a chief executive. It had originally expected to have made an appointment in the autumn of 2009, but that fell through. It got even closer last summer, when it unveiled Homes and Communities director Colin Molton as its man, before he had a last- minute change of heart. But all good things come to those who wait, and CDC finally became third-time lucky when Suzanne Bond took up the reins last November. And Bond certainly looks to have all the required skills and experience to help drive Duchy’s economy forward. A self-proclaimed economic development expert, she first started batting for Cornwall in 1990 as director of Cornwall’s Brussels office. She returned to the UK in 1994 as deputy chief executive of the newly-formed West Country Development Corporation, before becoming executive director of the fledgling South West RDA in 1999, a position she held right up until her appointment at CDC.

Business Cornwall: Cornwall must have public and private sectors should work the new Minister for the Regions, came changed a lot since those early days in together. And, after that, everywhere in down to Exeter, and said to us “Cornwall Brussels? the UK was forming private and public hates Devon, Devon hates Cornwall, you sector partnerships. both hate Bristol, and all of you hate Lon- Suzanne Bond: When I first took the job don, but I don’t care, it’s going to be the in Brussels we were working on the end of There was one being established for Corn- South West region as a economic devel- one European programme and the begin- wall and Devon, called the Westcountry opment entity”. And then I was invited a ning of a new one, so we had to do the Development Corporation (WDC). I came couple of weeks later to work on what an economic strategy for Cornwall. But what back to the UK as deputy chief executive RDA should look like, based on the work we were talking about then compared to there. It involved all the local authorities, we had done at the WDC. now is chalk and cheese, superfast broad- the TEC, the TUC and the private sector. band, energy from the sea, the universi- BC: Was Richard Caborn right to put the ties – it’s a complete transformation. BC: This was still pre-RDA days? South West all together like that?

BC: How long were you in Brussels for? SB: Yes, this was in 1994, the RDAs didn’t SB: From my point of view it is more come about until 1999. about what you do, rather than geography. SB: Seven years, of which four were spent It is a big region, possibly too big, but the running the Brussels office. After that I In my last year at WDC, while serving as way it was managed in the RDA is that it did some work on a project with, what was, acting chief exec, I became involved in a was effectively ‘sub-divided’, at opera- Coopers and Lybrand, looking at examples campaign with the Western Morning News tional level, with area directors. of best practice in economic development for a new deal for Cornwall and Devon, across Europe. It was in the days before where we effectively came up with some On a smaller geographic level, we now people really knew and understood about evidence to suggest that Cornwall and have a Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Local public/private sector partnerships. Devon were the poorest treated parts of Enterprise Partnership (LEP) approved. the country. It’s absolutely right that you can work at So I spent a month in different regions, Italy, that level, but you still have to be outward Spain, and Holland, looking at that. They We came up with a suite of projects that looking. A lot of the things we need to came up with the model that what you need we wanted, including the dualling of Goss work on require us working upstream is a public/private sector partnership with Moor, an industrial site in the east of with Devon and beyond. a shared vision, a set of common objectives, Cornwall called Broadmoor Farm, and that harness the abilities and capacities of more funding. This gave us a lot of profile Take the low carbon agenda as an example. your locality, and that you stick to that vision – including a Minister with special respon- If we think what skills are needed for the with great tenacity, and then you get there. sibilities for Devon and Cornwall. Wave Hub project and offshore renewable energy, for those technical skills we need And Limberg a region of Holland, where The General Election was May 97, the to be looking up to North Devon where Maastricht is, became a template for how following month Richard Caborn, who was the Atlantic Array offshore wind farm will

22 Face to Face www.businesscornwall.co.uk Business Cornwall Magazine - February 2011 Photos by Toby Weller

“Sometimes the greatest power you can have is the power to influence Government” SB: The RDA, under the Business depart- ment’s (BIS) auspices, is in discussions “Whenever there is a period of change, with the Council how we should take this forward. My personal view is that it’s not it is inevitable there is going to be a important who owns them, but rather that the benefit of owning them is felt in jockeying for position” Cornwall and not elsewhere.

But there’s a lot of intellectual property in the RDA, such as learning about marine be built, up to Somerset where you have sort of criticising myself, was more like an renewables that led to the Wave Hub, and the new style of nuclear reactor being academic analysis in what you could do in that’s where I’m concentrating my efforts on proposed; – similar skills, all across the economic development, because we hadn’t asset transfer at the moment. I’ve already, region. Then there’s the composites and tried and tested it. with the RDA’s agreement, had their sustain- aerospace sector around Bristol. It would able resources team here for a whole day, be the worst thing possible not to get as So what the RDA effectively did was with people from the Council and the CDC, much support as we can from outside. have a bonfire of the quangos, collapsing, making sure we know everything there is perhaps, seven organisations into one, to know so we can build on that work. And BC: Critics claim a Cornwall and Isles of enhancing its understanding and learning. similarly there will be other areas like inno- Scilly LEP could be too inward looking. It took a while, but slowly over time as the vation, research and development etc. learning improved, it came together. SB: I think the days when Cornwall There are philosophical and ideological didn’t want to do things with anyone else BC: There’s a lot of expertise at the RDA, reasons why the RDA is going, but we and that it was all about Cornwall have is there a danger that expertise will now need to keep the professionalism and changed. The culture has shifted. People be lost? learning and understanding, to keep grow- understand that you can enhance the ing the Cornish economy. whole Cornwall and Isles of Scilly product, SB: No – not if we work together to capture and still keep its distinctiveness and grow this expertise. The CDC has the hallmark BC: Where will the old RDA powers and its economy, and that you can do that of an organisation that has learned from responsibilities be passed down to? working with other partners. the best and part of my role right now is to ensure that we learn everything we can SB: Some will just disappear, which is why BC: What are you feelings about the from the RDA before it is wound up. I’ve we have to create the future we want it demise of the RDA? It had its critics, but it been executive director at the RDA since to be. Some will go nationally, for example certainly wasn’t all bad. day one and I’ve worked across all parts of the innovation agenda will go back to the the agency so I can bring all of that experi- Technology Strategy Board (TSB), and some SB: Any organisation will have good and ence to the job. I know some people are physical assets work may go to the Home bad. And I’ve been unequivocal with my also looking at the physical assets of the and Communities Agency (HCA), but a lot staff here that the RDA model was a RDA and what we can do with those. will just go. There have been worries about fascinating and useful one. I was a found- a brain drain, and it would have been a real ing person of the RDAs, and the first BC: Who owns them, the Government I risk if we hadn’t been doing what we can to employee of the South West RDA, and I guess? maintain that level of expertise. know what things were like back in 1999. SB: Ultimately the RDA is a Government BC: Talking about the LEP generally, what We couldn’t articulate economic develop- body. will its role be going forward? ment in the same way as we can now. The first RES (regional economic strategy), BC: There has been talk of a fire sale of SB: The Government has been very clear which I was very responsible for so I’m assets to raise much needed public money. in its description of what they should be,

24 Face to Face www.businesscornwall.co.uk Business Cornwall Magazine - February 2011 but the most important element is that the projects and individuals. It’s not just about locality should design it itself. Of course having purse strings to get it done. it’s still early days in the formation of the LEP but the thinking is that it will lead on In some ways, having too much money engagement with business, the low carbon available can take the focus away. With economy, and will represent the business VisitEngland I work with some of the community. biggest players in the world, and they say that they would run the UK’s publicly- BC: Detractors fear it could end up being funded tourism assets at a tenth of the an expensive talking shop and not have cost, because they don’t have the cushion any real powers. of public sector funding.

SB: The intention is that it’s a powerful, Funding pots can sometimes make things influential body. But it depends on what less efficient, but can also limit creativity. you mean by power. Sometimes the great- Sometimes when you have to think differ- est power you can have is the power to ently, you can get more done. influence Government, to make things hap- pen in Cornwall and Isles of Scilly; some- BC: Do you see yourself as a private sec- has been lost is a little bit of the objective times it’s the power to control budgets. tor person, or public sector, or are these and coordination of it. just tags? I think the most important thing we need BC: It has taken a long time for CDC to here is someone to represent the needs of SB: I don’t think I do view myself as one fill your position, much longer than was business at the highest level, nationally and or the other, but I suppose the truth is I anticipated. Have you had to play catch-up internationally, who has all the connections have worked in the public sector, but my in a sense? with governments, investment banks and roles have been about engagement with the people who can effect change. the front line of business. And my charac- SB: We had an outstanding interim chief ter, being who I am, I am willing and able executive here. The company is about BC: What appealed to you most about the to look at things in a different way. I don’t delivery, and he’s been very focused on post at CDC? think I could work in the pure civil service. delivery and he’s still working here on an I just don’t think I could do it. interim basis. So, it’s been working. SB: First of all, if this were an industry, I would probably be an industry expert in BC: One of the first things you said when BC: So you didn’t find a rudderless ship economic development companies by now! taking the job was that early engagement when you arrived. In a Brussels context, and national and with the private sector was a priority. sub-regional context, I have been doing How has that gone? SB: Absolutely not. We’ve just been suc- this now for over 20 years. cessful in our Investors in People, and SB: So far, in these first few weeks, I’ve there’s been a lot of anonymous feedback I am also a Board member of the national targeted those businesses of a certain size from staff, very pleased with how it went tourism body VisitEngland, and have been or sector that don’t fall into the natural on before but delighted now to have a per- for eight years, and so the whole tourism public sector eligibility for engagement. manent chief executive. And I have talked agenda is close to my heart. But funda- And I’ve worked with a lot of the inter- to all the staff and have got to know their mentally, this is Cornwall’s time, and that’s mediaries. There are obviously a lot of skill sets and how we can build on them. what attracted me. things going on in the private sector at the I have lots of ideas how to spread best moment with the advent of the LEP. practice across the company. At a time when the country has been hit by budget cuts, Cornwall still has Convergence What I need to do, in concert with the The main thing, perhaps, has been the running to 2015, with projects such as the LEP and other publicly funded bodies out perception externally not to have had a fastest rural broadband, Wave Hub, innova- there, is agree a proper system for engag- permanent chief executive. People who do tion centres, the continued development ing with business. Because there’s been so not deal with us regularly may not have of the Combined Universities of Cornwall much public funding and business support seen us as a serious organisation. But now (CUC), and a real willingness to do things. in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, what I’m very confident we can change that.

And this company is full of specialist people, totally committed to Cornwall. It’s a repository of everything that’s expert in economic development working on these projects, that’s what attracted me to it.

BC: So you do not feel hamstrung by public cutbacks?

SB: It’s a challenge. We’ve all got to do it. I think I’m a flexible, proactive type of person, and I’m immediately looking at other ways of doing things we need to do. Sometimes, to unlock the delivery of a project, it’s about making the right linkages between other

Business Cornwall Magazine - February 2011 www.businesscornwall.co.uk Face to Face 25 BC: What do you see as your initial of strategic understanding of those ERDF communities can grow new businesses priorities? Convergence funded projects and how and help existing businesses grow. Skills they work together. A priority for me is to can often be overlooked. We know the low SB: Some of the projects I inherited still ensure, in terms of project delivery, it all carbon and environmental technology sec- need to be delivered, like the incredibly links together. That the Wave Hub and the tor has the potential to grow by a factor important work around Newquay Airport. renewable energy park planned for Hayle, of millions over the next 20 years, and we And with the business engagement I’ve link in with Pool Innovation Centre which need to grow the skills of our people so had, every single person I’ve spoken to has in turn links in with Tremough Innova- they can lead the way in that. said the airport is critical. tion Centre, and the Environmental and Sustainability Institute and the whole of It’s not really a role for the CDC per se, BC: You don’t think its importance is the CUC. but many businesses I’ve spoken to want overplayed? us to get more into young person’s skills, All of this is going to create business and to encourage a sense of real entrepreneur- SB: No, I don’t think so. I know a lot of put us on the world stage and help us leap ship, so people become more self directed small businesses who also work in London frog other regions. This is one of the rea- and are able to adapt to change. or the south east, so having that access is sons I say ‘it is Cornwall’s time’. Not only critical for the work of their business. And has it defined itself as to what it’s going It’s not just about what you learn at from a personal perspective, if I have a to be, but it’s also privileged to have some school, but how you apply what you learn, board meeting in London, being able to go funding during a period when other areas so there might be a role for us in concert there and back in a day is important. do not. That’s why with the LEP, if it can with some of the colleges and universities bring the business community together to in that agenda. And the work CDC does on the airport work with people like our organisation, we is to ensure it is a sound proposition for all drive that focus and we can achieve that. BC: And with all the public sector redun- those businesses and industry growing up dancies, ‘entrepreneurship’ is even more around it. And while I can’t say too much at BC: But there are squabbles over the LEP important. the moment, there is some really serious, aren’t there? exciting prospects of serious investment SB: That’s part of the culture of Cornwall. from some heavy hitters that will enable SB: Whenever there is a period of change, When you talk about entrepreneurship, the airport to flourish This could bring of flux, it is inevitable there is going to be there’s a slight difference between people hundreds of jobs in and ensure the airport a jockeying for position. It is not unique to who want to start up a business to make as an entity will continue to flourish. Cornwall. And I think what many people a living, to those who want to transform are saying is that it is time for businesses their company and make it a leader in its BC: Do you think the Council is the right to come together, to be focused. It is one field, and I think in this county we need body to own it? There have been sugges- Cornwall business community as well. The both types. tions from some councillors themselves that cost of not getting this right is huge. it should be sold to help the public coffers? BC: There’s sometimes a criticism that BC: How important is private sector businesses are not aspirational enough in SB: Across the country there are airports inward investment in all of this? Cornwall and that people are just here for that are owned by councils that work really the lifestyle in a beautiful part of the world. well and those that don’t work really well. It SB: In terms of the world we’re going into, has to be a decision for the Council what they it has to be a mixture of inward invest- SB: This doesn’t just happen in Cornwall; do with the airport. But whoever owns it, ment and indigenous growth, because it can happen in other parts of the south making it a serious, viable economic entity is some of the technologies don’t exist in west and beyond, too. But beauty never the critical thing, and we will work with who- Cornwall and are only nascent in other hurt business! That used to be a strapline ever owns it to help make sure that happens. parts of the country or in Europe. for the south of France for their inward investment. But putting the airport aside for the So we need to have a balance, we need moment, the RDA holds the ring in terms to make sure the skills we have in local It’s about showing the way, growing the business and still having quality of life. A lot of people here are quite edgy and quirky and have a pizzazz. What you need is to get the people with savvy to turn around to those people with pizzazz, and say we’re going to turn your product into something that is really out there, that you can market and you can still preserve your quality of life.

That has to be the new model of the econ- omy. Cornwall is never going to become a ‘City of London’ in terms of work, work, work and never doing anything else, but we can encourage people to do what they do, at a time it suits them. And that’s what superfast broadband will be able to do, people working in a different pattern with lots of new business models.

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Clarity BC advert AW.indd 1 14/1/11 15:21:59Orbiss BC advert AW.indd 1 14/1/11 15:21:48 ConnectedCornwall Everyone loves to win an award, and it was no exception in and Newquay respectively for the Cornwall Sustainability Awards and the Hub Awards. Pictures also from a Hub of a different kind – the Wave Hub open day

Photos this month from Wave Hub who has been following the Wave Hub Also this month we have pictures open day in Hayle, plus all the action project for almost four years and for from two recent awards ceremonies – from the Cornwall Sustainability the last 12 months has documented key the Cornwall Sustainability Awards, Awards and the Hub Awards. stages in its construction and installation. which was held at the Royal Cornwall Showground (see p13 for list of win­ Wave Hub hosted a successful open Guy Lavender, Wave Hub’s general ners), and the Hub Awards, held at the day at its office in Hayle recently, to manager, said: “The open day was an opp­ Atlantic Hotel in Newquay. give local people a chance to find out ortunity for the local community to come more about the groundbreaking marine along and find out more about Wave Hub Hub winners included Laura Bower energy project for themselve. and its role as a test site for marine energy, (Treasure Trails), Thomas Hazzeldine and of course to see some of Kurt’s fantas­ (Baker Tom), 3 White Hats, Leap Media, The open day included a sneak tic paintings. It was great to see so much and Sideways Cornwall, which was preview of a series of paintings by enthusiasm for our aim to create a marine named Hub Contributor of the Year. renowned local artist Kurt Jackson, energy industry right here in Cornwall.”

Wave Hub Open Day

1 2 3

4 5 6

All captions L-R 1 Dot Stevens (Mayoress of St Just), John Bennett (Mayor of Hayle) and Dave Stevens (Mayor of St Just) 2 Adam Barber (St Ives Boat Services), Laura Christon (Harveys Foundry Trust), Tamsin Daniel () and Mark Pugh (Trus) 4 Andy Cummins (SAS), Kurt Jackson and Chris Hines (A Grain of Sand) and Guy Lavender (Wave Hub General Manager) 5 Mike Renoylds (A&P Falmouth), Lars Johanning (Peninsula Research Institute for Marine Renewable Energy) and Tim German (Cornwall Council) 6 Richard Freeborn (Ocean Fabrication), Judith Duckworth and Colin Cornish (Marine Energy Matters)

28 Events & Networking www.businesscornwall.co.uk Business Cornwall Magazine - February 2011 Hub Awards 1 2 3

4 5 6

1 Tim Bryant (YTKO) and Caroline Williams (MPAD) 2 Stafford Sumner (Jarrang), Dan Hinchcliffe and Mike Reed (NetInsight) 3 Andrew Weaver (Live Events SW) and Chris Rowe (Worldwide Financial Planning) 4 Guests at the Hub Awards 5 Chris Hines MBE (environmental campaigner) 6 Hub Winners 2010 | Photos: LESW Event Photography

Cornwall Sustainability Awards 1 2 3

4 5

1 Paul Holmes (Eden Project) and Nick Buckland (SWRDA) 2 Graham Hawken and Margaret Larson (Sustainable Furniture (UK) Ltd) 3 Dick Strawbridge and Mark Picken (MPAD) and guest speaker and TV presenter, Charlie Luxton 4 Gitty Ankers MBE (Environment Agency), Lady Mary Holborrow and Caron Thompson (Eden Project) 5 The winners, finalists, judges and sponsors

Business Cornwall Magazine - February 2011 www.businesscornwall.co.uk Events & Networking 29 Thelastword

Matthew Clarke – KernowPods.com

Name: Matthew Clarke Can money buy happiness? Money Company: KernowPods.com can certainly help in achieving your Job title: Owner/director dreams. However, true happiness comes from within. What did you want to be when you were young? I seem to remember telling people Most annoying TV personality? I hon- at a young age that I wanted to be prime estly cannot think of any that really minister (!!??). However, that outland­ish annoy me. I never let it get to that plan turned into wanting to be someone stage. A slight disinterest in what they who hounded politicians: a journalist. are saying makes me flick over chan- nel fairly quickly. What was your first full time job? A sound engineer at a small family-run What has been the best moment in your studio in South London. career? Over the last four months I have learned far more than I ever What is your best quality? This sounds learned before and met many inspir- a little cheesy, but I believe in the ing people. I would not have got to future. It is almost straight out of a this point if it had not been for a Michael Jackson song!!! conversation I had with Toby Parkins of UKNetWeb. What is your worst quality? My visual memory is quite limited – I need to What has been the worst moment in see people a few times before brain your career? It was so bad that I hon- makes the right recognition connec- estly do not want to even talk about it! tions – I have embarrassed myself a few times because of this. What’s the best thing about Cornwall? Too many things to pick from here – What is your favourite book? Beatles but as a speaker of Kernewek, I am Complete: Guitar edition. passionate about the Celtic culture.

What is your favourite restaurant? What makes you angry? Few things Trevaskis Farm in Connor Downs. The – but they are usually related to occa- puddings are amazing! I make sure I have sions when I have worked my back off just a starter and desert to allow plenty to get something done – and then I of room for treacle tart and pavlova! have overlooked something.

If you could build a house anywhere in If you could invite any two people for din- the world where would it be? Penwith, ner, who would they be and why would overlooking the sea somewhere in the you invite them? Paul McCartney – he is Zennor area. For my money – this is a song writing and music genius – and the most beautiful part of the world. Billy Connolly – he makes me laugh and I reckon I could also have a good If you could be a superhero, what super- session with him playing banjo. powers would you like to possess? I would love to be able to exert a What could you not live without? mind-controlling beam out of my eye Friends and family. sockets. It would have to also produce a very sixties sounding hum. What’s your favourite holiday destina- tion? County Kerry, Ireland. I particu- What do you begrudge spending money larly love the Dingle peninsula. on? Car parking! When is honesty not always the best Who was your teenage pin up? This policy? When admitting who your gives so much away… okay in the teenage pinup was!!!!! spirit of doing this honestly, here goes… Rick Astley. I have just lost so Describe yourself in three adjectives. much credibility! Friendly, thoughtful, creative.

30 The Last Word www.businesscornwall.co.uk Business Cornwall Magazine - February 2011 What does your business need?

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When your company is facing financial difficulties, it’s easy to let the problems blind you to the opportunities. Talk to us, together we can turn it around.

Purnells Chartered Accountants & Licensed Insolvency Practitioners Offices at Truro, Falmouth and Mullion

T: 01326 240 680 F: 01326 241 519 www.purnells.co.uk