Issue 53 www.businesscornwall.co.uk August/September 2011

Also Business Clinic BF Adventure Low carbon agenda in focus Business news roundup Taking The Best of Cornish Sport To The Rest Of Britain

Hospitality From £500 - Table Of Ten

Experience the pre-match atmosphere Sponsor The Match & Really Put make use of the private bar and enjoy Your Business Name In Lights a three course meal, then watch the game from the best seats in the house. Home Matches On Sundays Unless Marked September 11th Doncaster, Wed 21st Bristol (cup) Saturday September 24th Leeds Carnegie October 9th Bedford Blues, 23rd Esher November 6th Rotherham Titans December 4th London Scottish, 18th Cross Keys (cup) Saturday December 24th Plymouth Albion www.cornish-pirates.com For an informal chat about hospitality Call Alex Davies on 01736 335314 For other sponsorship opportunites Call Rudi Grenfell on 01736 331961 Contents Issue No.53 Digest General Camborne BID steps up pace 5 Air Southwest closes 6 UCP Awards winners 7 Creative & IT Bush completes school project 8 Marine Tel: 01209 718688 Port of Falmouth wins Council backing 9 www.businesscornwall.co.uk Construction Editorial Director Work begins on wellbeing centre 10 Nick Eyriey Email: [email protected] Food & Drink Seafood Restaurant named business of the year 11 Sales Director Toni Eyriey Environment Email: [email protected] First solar farms switched on 12 Business Development Manager Tourism Rhys Bonney Progress for Carlyon Bay development 13 Email: [email protected] Designer Andy Peat Email: [email protected] Business Clinic 15 Five star business clinics this month from MailAway, Purnells, Oxford Innovation, Partner to Succeed and Business Cornwall magazine is Harland Accountants published 10 times a year by:

Tonick Business Publishing The Old Farmhouse Nancemellin Camborne Cornwall TR14 0DW Carbon Matters 18 Registered under the Data Protection Act We give the heads up on a major conference taking place at All rights reserved The Eden Project this autumn, explaining why businesses No part of this publication may be reproduced, copied, stored in an electronic retrieval system or transmitted without the written can no longer ignore the low carbon agenda permission of the publisher. Stringent efforts have been made by Business Cornwall magazine to ensure accuracy. However, due principally to the fact that data cannot always be verified, it is possible that some errors or omissions may occur. Business Cornwall magazine can not accept responsibility for such errors or omissions. Business Cornwall magazine accepts no responsibility for comments made by interviewees that may offend. The Big Debate 22 The renewable energy industry is up for discussion in a roundtable debate sponsored by chartered accountants Bishop Fleming

The Billington Bulletin 28 Business Cornwall is printed on 130gsm silk paper Jess Billington introduces us to Otter Surfboards

Regulars Business Cornwall is a proud sponsor of Commentary 5 Arts & Business On the Move 14 Events & Networking 27 Business Cornwall magazine is a patron of the Cornwall Chamber The Last Word 30 of Commerce and Industry BF Adventure chief exec Adrian Richards

Business Cornwall Magazine - August/September 2011 www.businesscornwall.co.uk Contents 3 Advertising Feature Best for business! Coodes Business Services offers expert, legal advice across the business sector with transparent costing

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4 Coodes Business www.businesscornwall.co.uk Business Cornwall Magazine - August/September 2011 Commentary Green issues Not so long ago, planet friendly green While conserving energy is a topic policies were treated with wide­ we talk about in this month’s Business spread scepticism. Not any longer. Cornwall, so is producing it in a With the rising price of energy and renewable way. increasing amounts of green legisla- Cornwall’s renewable energy sec- tion, businesses can no longer afford to tor was up for discussion during the turn a blind eye. Bishop Fleming Debate, on page 22. It is an issue that everyone is taking Cornwall has an abundance of natural seriously. And just how it is likely to resources – wind, wave, sun, hot That, however, now seems a highly affect businesses in Cornwall is the rocks – that must give it a tremendous unlikely to happen. theme for a major conference this opportunity for being a UK leader in While Business Cornwall magazine autumn at The Eden Project – Carbon the sector. takes a short break for the summer, Matters, It’s No Longer Business As A distinguished panel discuss the there’s no rest for our expanding web- Usual. opportunities for Cornwall, but a com- site. So for all the very latest Cornish Challenge or opportunity? Probably mon theme to crop up was the Govern- business news updated daily, be sure to both, and on a number of levels. While ment’s apparent inconsistency in its visit businesscornwall.co.uk energy saving policies can add to the message and the impact likely to be felt bottom line, they can also help win as a result of its controversial review of lucrative contracts, with big businesses the Feed in Tariff. and the public sector increasingly When the tariff was originally adopting green procurement policies. unveiled last year, a £1 billion solar Turn to page 18 to find out more. gold rush was predicted for Cornwall. Nick Eyriey

Digestgeneral Sponsored by www.cornwallchamber.co.uk

Step closer for Camborne BID Nominations open For business sake, clean up and take a pride in your town – that was the on Hub Awards message from a recent survey of Camborne businesses conducted by Entries are now open for the 2011 the steering group of the proposed Hub Awards. Camborne Business Improvement Now in their seventh year, the District (BID). awards recognise the achievements Camborne is looking to follow in the of young entrepreneurs, business footsteps of Truro, Falmouth and, most people and green conscience com- recently, Newquay, in forming a BID – a panies across Cornwall. People can now enter or business-led and business-funded body Camborne: Cornwall’s fourth BID? nominate in the following catego- aimed at improving a defined commer- ries: Employee of the Year (must cial area. expectations are higher than ever, it be under 30); Best Business Start From car parking issues to develop- really is time that we all pulled together Up; Young Entrepreneur of the Year ment of empty shops and initiatives for the collective good of business in (must be under 30); Green Business for the young, the survey responses Camborne. of the Year. threw up a wide range of suggestions to “The proposed BID is one way of get- Visit www.cornwallhub.co.uk for improve Camborne’s town centre. ting ourselves a ‘kitty’ for all of those more information about the awards A ballot of town centre businesses things that we can neither individually and to download an application or will be held in February, and if a major- afford nor expect the Council to deal nomination form. ity vote yes to the idea every business with as an extra in these austere times. Tickets for the awards, which will be required to pay the proposed 2% The BID is not a threat; it is an opportu- will take place on Thursday Novem- levy on their business rates to estab- nity for collective thinking and collec- ber 24, will go on sale soon. lish the BID’s working capital of nearly tive action on things that matter to all £600k over five years. of us.” Alan Honeybone of Specsavers is in favour of the plans. He said: “Customer

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

Air Southwest grounded for last time Chamber changes The airport’s MD Al Titterington said: “This decision is obviously disappointing The Cornwall Chamber of Com­ for Newquay Cornwall Airport and the merce has taken its final step Cornish economy. The timing of this news is to becoming a fully-accredited particularly difficult as airlines have already member of the national chamber Air Southwest: End of the runway finalised their existing flight schedules. network. “We are currently working with a At a special meeting following last Newquay Airport has been delivered a number of alternative airlines to find month’s chamber breakfast, mem- blow with the news that its biggest com­ replacement services and are confident bers voted to change the constitu- mercial flight operator is closing down. that these will prove successful in the tion, which will see it have a smaller The airline’s owner, Eastern Airways, future, although it is inevitable that there board of six directors and a chief delivered the bitter news last month, will be a break in some services.” executive, and a separate council, to after conducting an extensive review of Chris Ridgers, Cornwall Council promote members’ opinions. Chief executive Richard Glover operations. cabinet member for economy and regen- said it was the conclusion to a long The last Air Southwest flights to Glas- eration, added: “The decision by Air process of improvement. He commen­ gow, Guernsey, Jersey and Manchester Southwest is disappointing but we will ted: “We have been an active member will depart on September 14, while its continue to work with other airlines to of the British Chambers of Commerce remaining Newquay routes to Aberdeen, maintain a variety of destinations from for some time but their criteria for Bristol, Cork, Dublin and Leeds Bradford Newquay Cornwall Airport.” full membership provide a lengthy will end on September 30. And local MP Stephen Gilbert said: list of requirements to be fulfilled. Its London Gatwick route was shelved “This is a blow for both the economy of “We have been working on those at the beginning of February. Cornwall and Plymouth and also for the for the past three years and I think It marks the conclusion of an inglori- people working for the airline who will the improvement to our services is ous tenureship. Eastern Airways only be facing an uncertain future. evident. The last item on that list acquired Air Southwest last autumn, “Before being a candidate for Parlia- called for a change of governance but in a statement said that “forward ment I worked with Air Southwest and structure to bring us into line with bookings are significantly lower than am personally saddened to see the busi- other regional chambers, so today’s required and the level of demand is not ness end this way.” decision completes our work.” financially viable”.

Leadership funding

Up to £1k of matched funding is being offered to local business leaders looking to fuel growth. The funding, from the Leadership and Management Advisory Service, is being made available to support businesses and social enterprises in the south west who have from 2 to 249 staff and the potential for high or fast growth. Matched funding can be accessed by MDs and owner managers to help develop leadership and management skills. The service from Skills South East, includes training needs analysis from an experienced management adviser who helps the MD or company owner identify the training and development requirements. Dave Rowland, chief executive of Skills South East, explained: “The importance of securing competitive advantage in the UK and abroad will be critical over the next year. The search for differentiation in business, and for products and services which meet changing consumer needs will continue across every sector.” Tel: 0845 026 4298

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

UCP celebration Briefs Some of Cornwall’s most talented Top PIC: The Camborne branch of graduates working in local businesses AC 1 Recruitment has relocated to were recognised last month at the the Pool Innovation Centre. Manag- annual Unlocking Cornish Potential ing director Tony Cousins explained: (UCP) awards ceremony in St Austell. “The Pool Innovation Centre is an UCP Awards: Celebration More than 150 people from the ideal location and just reaffirms our Cornish business community attended position in the market place as a pro- the event at The Keay Theatre, including Contribution to Environmental Sustain- fessional and dynamic organisation.” Council chief executive Kevin Lavery ability: Amy Hurst (The Hotel and Extreme and the director of the Convergence Academy); Contribution to the Knowledge Swizzel stick: A new ticket only net- Partnership Office, Carleen Kelemen. Economy through Innovation: Marcus Hold working group with a twist is being She paid tribute to the contribution (Engineered Arts Ltd); Catalyst to Busi- launched in Falmouth this Septem- that the UCP scheme has made to the ness Growth: Cherish Maxwell (Cornish ber. The Cocktail Cabinet will mix local economy and said: “Under the Crabbers); Individual Achievement Award: traditional business networking clouds of public sector cuts, declining Antony Best (Eddie Jewell Acoustics); Crea- opportunities with the opportunity consumer spending and media scandal, tive Enterprise Cornwall (CEC) project: Freya to learn how to make cocktails, shines a beacon of excellence which is Morgan (Little Egret Press). and will meet for the first time at St Unlocking Cornish Potential.” Michaels Hotel on September 8.

UCP award winners 2011 Cleaning up: A Cornish franchise of Best Marketing Strategy: Lucy Craven the professional valeting operation (Cornish Orchards); Contribution to Business Chamber welcomes Ovenu is being set up in Helston. Growth: Jakki Magowan (Matthew Stevens Former Navy man Paul Bardsley will & Son); Excellence in Project Management: rates plans manage and direct operations for the Sarah Wooding (ShelterBox); Contribution to business that will serve customers Business Improvement: Andy Nicholas (PSG The recent announcement over the locali- throughout west Cornwall. Cornwall); Best Use of ICT: Steve Jenkin sation of business rates has been broadly (SouthwestCRM). welcomed by the British Chambers of Smart-ing up: Redruth-based Commerce (BCC). office supplies dealer Office Smart, Director General David Frost called the together with its commercial inte- Government’s plans to allow councils to rior design business, Interior Smart, Prince praises retain business rates a “step in the right is taking its services into the Plym- direction”. outh area, with a view to extending CHSW efforts He said: “Giving councils the freedom elsewhere in the county. to lower rates will help them attract thriv- Prince Charles was in Cornwall last ing businesses to their areas, which in Bigging up: Lady Mary Holborow, month and heard about some of the turn will boost enterprise and growth.” the Lord Lieutenant of Cornwall, is fundraising efforts for Children’s Richard Glover, chief executive of this year’s recipient of the Trelawny Hospice South West (CHSW). Cornwall Chamber, added: “If this offers an Plate. The award honours a person The Duke of Cornwall was invited incentive to all local authorities to support who is considered to be ‘the living to Dairy Crest in Davidstow to open investment in growing business, wealth embodiment of the spirit of Corn- its environmentally friendly biomass and jobs then it could well be a good thing – wall’. The biennial award was intro- boilers and start the production of the provided it isn’t seen as a way of offsetting duced in 2007 with Bishop Bill the Davidstow Diamond Jubilee Cheddar. general taxation through council tax. first recipient. Shelterbox founder Whilst there he met with Emma “There are some interesting ideas Tom Henderson was the second Lloyd, CHSW’s head of fundraising around for how Cornwall might use recipient in 2009. (west), who commented: “It was a real increased investment and this proposal honour to speak to Prince Charles about could further strengthen private sector Children’s Hospice South West. “He said he felt it was very important involvement in those plans.” for companies to have a positive impact on their local communities, and the wonderful £15k raised by Dairy Crest to help complete Little Harbour was a great example of that. BIH targets St Erth dashed last year, a move to Newquay “We really couldn’t have got this airport had been suggested. far without the marvellous support of British International Helicopters However, BIH has confirmed St Erth local people, groups, and companies (BIH) has published plans to establish as its preferred location, with the advan- like Dairy Crest. When it opens, Little a new base in St Erth. tages of the A30 and main line Padding- Harbour will be something very special With an agreement in place to sell its ton rail links close by. we can all be extremely proud of.” Penzance heliport site to Sainsbury’s, and hopes to switch to Land’s End airport

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

Bush on the school run

Telecoms specialist Bush Telegraph Bush technical director Lee Russell has successfully completed a major explained: “We were delighted to be project to streamline the communica­ asked to help solve the communications tion systems at a St Austell school. issues for Treverbyn and the nursery. We Treverbyn Primary School needed to quickly realised the enormity of the pro- merge its system with a nearby nursery ject but due to our experience we knew and associated children’s centre work- exactly what was needed.” ers, to create a more streamlined and Bush Telegraph produced a proposal cost effective operation. that included a flexible and scaleable Connected: Treverbyn’s new The objective was to create a single Samsung 7100 comms system that phone system phone system that linked all the separate included feature rich applications at buildings, together with enhancing the a cost effective price. Voicemail was a selection of handsets was proposed school’s internal communications to the added to each of the teacher’s exten- depending on the usage. seven individual classrooms, the com- sions in the staffroom, auto-attendant Tel: 01872 245245 mon room, kitchen and SEN room. was programmed to re-route calls and

Creative director Adrian Taylor Aawen targets growth explained: “Many of our clients are based Lost in translation? around Truro, the office on Lemon Street A Cornish design agency has relocated to will make us a great deal more accessible.” Penryn-based Anja Jones Transla­ Truro’s city centre in a move to expand Aawen has been joined at the new tion is offering a new translation the business. office by Rob Wheele of Wheelhouse service specifically aimed at the hotel Aawen Design Studio, which had been Design, who is expanding his business, market. based at Penstraze Business Centre near which already has an office in Brighton, The new offering combines website Chacewater for the past 11 years, has into Cornwall. translation with search engine moved to Lemon Street. optimisation. Anja Jones explained: “Hotels that are looking to increase their number of Backup for the future overseas visitors need to have a website that is well-written in the language of A Cornish data management company the customers they are trying to entice. Data-Frame officially unveiled its new “A hotel website needs to make sense branding to business leaders at the in the customer’s language and culture – Pool Innovation Centre last month. otherwise it’s just another hotel that will The company, formally known as be judged against its competitors purely Forward-ITC, took the opportunity to Security: Data-Frame directors on price and location.” showcase its services by holding a data Rojer and Wendy Isaacson management seminar and interactive demonstrations. Frame were CF Systems, Big Brave Dog, To celebrate the relaunch, and to UKNetWeb, Niddocks Internet Market- show how confident it is about its ser- ing, Brand Innovations and Firegrass Nice for Grice vices, Data-Frame is offering businesses Communications. a free 30-day trial. Tel: 01872 668997 An IT specialist from Cornwall The extended team involved with the has been recognised for his work remodelling and rebranding of Data- with young people in the county. Mark Grice, managing director of Redfuse Internet, was awarded Pop up Boex the Outstanding Education Business Partner award 2011 by Cornwall Design agency Boex has recently com- Learning Education Business Part- pleted the interior design of the new Nike nership (CLEBP). 6.0 ‘Boardshort Bar’ – a pop-up concept Grice picked up the award fol- store in Newquay’s, Bank Street. lowing the launch of the Redfuse The store in the centre of Newquay, Web Academy in 2009. previously unoccupied, offers a hangout Previous recipients of the award for the local surf community with events Nike 6.0: Boex’s latest project include Ginsters, Newquay Zoo, being hosted throughout the summer until Worldwide Financial Planning and the end of August. with interactive elements and experiences PFA Research. Creative director Sam Boex said: “It’s playing a more important role, Nike 6.0 more than your average retail experience. have a clear understanding of this.” High street retail is evolving and changing

8 Digest www.businesscornwall.co.uk Business Cornwall Magazine - August/September 2011 Digestmarine Sponsored by www.cornwallmarine.net Supporting Cornish marine businesses Royal visit for Cockwells

HRH The Princess Royal visited Motor Launches. Importantly though, Cockwells Modern and Classic Boat­ the team are still keen to showcase the builders last month to unveil its latest best of Cornish craftsmanship in the vessel – The Duchy 27. Ducky 27 with the hand-built English The production of the Duchy 27, a oak interior including special touches classic gentleman’s motor launch, marks like the hand-blown glasses from St Ives a culmination of 15 years of buoyant and local bone china crockery. Weather beater: The Princess Royal business for the Cornish boatbuilder This latest project provides the at Cockwells which has doubled its workforce, dou- company with the potential for further bled their turnover, and taken over new growth with the ability to produce at Royal Highness The Princess Royal premises in the past two years. least 12 craft per annum retailing indi- here to unveil our first Duchy 27 and a Traditionally producing bespoke vidually at £120k (ex vat). wonderful recognition of the skills and boats, the Duchy 27 is Cockwells’ first Director Dave Cockwell said: “It has commitment of the Cockwells team.” foray into production boats, Duchy been a great honour for us to have Her

Chris Ridgers, Cornwall Council cabi- Port plans win council approval net member for Economy and Regenera- tion, said: “This represents a very signifi- Hopes for the development of Falmouth docks is phenomenal news and not just for cant milestone for the Port of Falmouth.” have received a boost from Cornwall Council. Falmouth. It will be to the benefit of the The proposals, which centre around Fal- The Council’s cabinet unanimously whole of Cornwall and beyond.” mouth Docks, set out projects for the next approved the Port of Falmouth Master- One of the proposals is the dredging five years, as well as for the longer term up plan, which includes modernising ship of a new approach channel to the Docks, to 2026. These include modernising ship repair facilities, upgrading wharves at the which would be of great economic benefit repair facilities, upgrading wharves at the docks, improving bunkering services and as larger ships including cruise ships docks, improving bunkering services and providing a new superyacht basin. would then be able to access the port. providing a new superyacht basin, work- If the scheme goes ahead, it is expected Cllr Varney said that Cornwall Council shops and associated facilities. to create and protect thousands of jobs. should “champion a solution” to the issue Mike Varney, Cornwall Council mem- of dredging and work with central govern- ber for Falmouth Boslowick, said: “This ment to find a way forward.

CMN conference facilities Apprenticeship Cornwall Marine Network (CMN) held success Business Cornwall’s roundtable debate at its brand new conference facilities Marine businesses are embrac­ located at Falmouth Business Park. ing opportunities to take on new Key representatives including staff through Cornwall Marine Andrew George (MP), Ewan McClymont Network’s (CMN) new appren­ (Bishop Fleming) and Jonny Gowdy ticeship programme. (RegenSW) visited the facilities to dis- Debate: Panelists Former slate sign-maker Niall cuss emerging renewable energy oppor- Dungey had been unemployed for tunities for Cornwall (turn to page 22). boards for businesses and our members four months before being taken on CEO Paul Wickes said: “We are del­igh­ted and host high profile events for organisa- as an apprentice laminator by yacht- builders Cornish Crabbers in Rock. to be able to offer comfortable, bright and tions such as Business Cornwall.” Now he is enjoying working spacious facilities kitted out with the latest Tel: 01326 211382 alongside some of the top lamina- technology, including interactive SMART tors in the south west, while acquir- ing skills and qualifications that will make him a real asset to his Wave Hub wins sustainable award new employer. Crabbers’ sales manager Peter Wave Hub has been named Sustainable technologies that will build the low-carbon Thomas said: “There’s a real short- Project of the Year in the businessGreen economy of the future”. age of skilled laminators in the Leaders Awards 2011. Wave Hub was shortlisted alongside South West and to train someone The marine energy project, situated leading national and international com- up to the required level takes a lot ten miles off the Hayle coast, received the panies including HSBC, Tesco and British of time. The apprenticeship scheme award at a ceremony held in London. Sky Broadcasting. reduces the financial cost and The awards recognise the businesses, allows us the time needed for this organisations and individuals that are training process.” “pioneering sustainable techniques and

Business Cornwall Magazine - August/September 2011 www.businesscornwall.co.uk Digest 9 Digestconstruction

Retailers move in

A new national retailer is moving into Acting on behalf of the building’s the former Woolworths premises in owner, Trinity College, Cambridge Liskeard. University, the premises are being let Acting on behalf of landlord Mar- to Country Casuals Limited, part of the ley Pensions Limited, Alder King and Austin Reed Group, at a rent of £170k Stephens McGuire and Company have per annum. secured Superdrug as the new tenant in Significant refurbishment work Fore Street, on a ten-year lease. began at the beginning of August. Truro: Former QS premises The premises comprise 1,898 sq ft of Over in Falmouth, the premises of a retail sales area and 1,683 sq ft of base- former off-licence fetched almost £100k The new owner plans to refurbish ment storage. above the asking price. the building and then let it to a national Meanwhile, Miller Commercial has Alder King Property Consultants sold retailer. negotiated a ten-year year lease on the the old Threshers shop in Church Street former QS store in Boscawen Street in to a private London investment company Truro. for £472.5k. Fore Street work begins

The “final piece in the jigsaw” to regenerate ite paving and improved drainage. “We want to make sure that the ben- St Austell town centre has got underway. Chris Ridgers, cabinet member for efits are felt throughout the town centre The £1.3 million scheme on Fore Street economy and regeneration at Cornwall and Fore Street is the final piece of the marks the final phase of town centre Council, said: “The redevelopment of jigsaw. A thriving town centre will be a improvements which were started two Fore Street in St Austell is a priority for driver for the economy of the area and for years ago with White River Place. Cornwall Council because it builds upon business confidence.” Major street works will see the current the significant private sector investment street surface replaced with Cornish gran- in recent years. Work starts on HWIC centre

Work gets underway this month on more than £3.3 million from Cornwall a multi-million pound project on the Council. Royal Cornwall Hospital Trust site in The 4,260sqm of space will create 81 Truro. new jobs and will be built to BREEAM The £13 million Health and Wellbeing Excellent standard (Building Research Innovation Centre (HWIC) will provide Establishment Environmental Assessment quality laboratory and office space for Method). The construction work will be new and growing companies in the sector. carried out by BAM Construction. The project will receive almost £10 HWIC: Work underway million of Convergence investment and It’s a dog’s life Interserve project Work has begun on the new The centre, which cost around £20 £600k Penzance Cricket Pavilion. million, was project managed by Ward Interserve has been appointed Williams Associates, which also previously as principal contractor for the new delivered guide dog training schools in building, which will also provide Scotland and Manchester. modern educational and sports Director of project management, Mar- facilities for Penwith College. tin Ayliffe, said: “The breeding centre is a The majority of funding has been unique project, there are no comparables. put forward by Truro and Penwith Working extremely closely with the client College, with additional funding ensured no interruption to the breeding being contributed by the England Breeding Centre: “Unique project” operation. It was a challenge but, in many and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and aspects, the type that we relish.” Penzance Cricket Club. A Truro-based international construction The new pavilion is due for com- consultant has completed the Guide Dogs pletion in December. for the Blind Association’s new National Breeding Centre, near Leamington Spa.

10 Digest www.businesscornwall.co.uk Business Cornwall Magazine - August/September 2011 Digestfood&drink Sponsored by www.growcornwall.co.uk

Stein wins Business of the Year

The Seafood Restaurant in Padstow were also impressed with their plans to has been recognised as the West of keep growing in the future”. England Business of the Year 2011, in The Seafood Restaurant was estab- the sub-£25 million turnover category. lished by Rick and Jill Stein in 1975 and Rick and Jill Stein’s Seafood Restau- currently employs more than 350 staff. rant is the first Cornish company to win The business consists of six restau- the award in the last five years. rants; The Seafood Restaurant, St Pet- Tracey Bentham, of award organiser roc’s Bistro, Rick Stein’s Café and Stein’s Prize guys: the Seafood PriceWaterhouseCoopers and chair of the Fish & Chips in Padstow, as well as Rick Restaurant team judging panel, said: “The judges’ decision Stein’s Fish & Chips and Seafood Bar in was unanimous in choosing the Seafood Falmouth. The company also operates Industry magazine, Caterer and Restaurant as a worthy winner. The great four retail outlets, a pub, 40 bedrooms, Hotelkeeper, released its annual Top 100 progress they have made in the last year a cookery school, mail order department listing and ranked Stein at 27th, up from was most impressive to the judges, not and production unit. 41st in 2010. He is also named as the only in developing their new Falmouth Meanwhile, Rick Stein has been sixth most influential chef, up from 11th businesses, but also in the structure and announced as one of the most influential last year. strategy within the organisation. We people in the hospitality industry.

Trewithen acquires Bradley’s Every little helps for Rodda’s Two long-established Cornish family busi- Stressing that the independents and nesses are merging following Trewithen corner shops are a foundation of the Rodda’s has secured a Tesco listing Dairy’s acquisition of Delabole-based Trewithen business, MD Bill Clarke com- across Cornwall for its bottled range Bradley’s Dairy. mented: “These new customers fit exactly of ‘locals’ milk’. Bradley’s will continue with doorstep with what is important to us and we look The milk is bottled by Rodda’s at its deliveries, with some production continuing forward to a long and fruitful business Redruth dairy and then delivered directly this summer, but it is planned that all its six relationship with the Bradley family and to store, ensuring minimum ‘food miles’. production and delivery staff and process- our new customers in north Cornwall.” MD Nicholas Rodda said: “Rodda’s ing facilities will transfer to the Trewithen Daily production at Trewithen is have always taken care to carefully base, near Lostwithiel, by the autumn. expected to rise to 100,000 litres over the select the right farms to supply our The move is the latest chapter in a next two years, with its further growth in milk, inviting them to join the Rodda’s major expansion programme for Tre- the volume of Cornish milk collected from Producer Group. withen, supported by grant funding from local farms. “All our farms are based within the Rural Development Programme. 30-miles of our dairy and we insist on Trewithen, which currently employs 92, very high standards of animal welfare to anticipates a sales increase of £1.85 million ensure rich, full flavoured milk.” per year with the Bradley’s acquisition.

MPs like Sharp’s Simply Cornish Gold A secret Cornish recipe for Saf­ Parliamentary Beer Group (APPBG) fron Cake dating back over 100 annual awards dinner last month. years has taken Gold at this year’s The APPBG’s role is promote under- national Great Taste Awards. standing amongst Parliamentarians of The Simply Cornish Saffron Cake the UK beer and pubs industries. Previ- was up against over 7,000 food and ous winners include Steve Wellington of drink products from across the UK Molson Coors, Alistair Heeley of Greene and was named as a coveted 3 star King, Dr Mike Powell-Evans of Adnams Gold Award winner – achieved by and Stefano Cossi from Thornbridge. fewer than 2% of entrants. Upon receiving the award Howe said: The Penzance company’s Straw- “This is a massive honour and looking berry and Clotted Cream Short- Cheers: Howe (l) with MP Nigel Evans down the list of great brewers who have bread was also named a 2 Gold Star won the accolade before me makes me winner at the awards, organised by The quality of Sharp’s beer has been very proud.” the Guild of Fine Food, the UK trade recognised in Westminster. association for speciality food and Head brewer Stuart Howe was named drink producers in the UK. Brewer of the Year at the All Party

Business Cornwall Magazine - August/September 2011 www.businesscornwall.co.uk Digest 11 Digestenvironment Sponsored by www.solenenergyuk.co.uk

Switch on for first solar farms Bright future for Energy, said: “It’s fantastic to see our first solar farm in the south west opera- hot rocks tional. It’s been a race against the clock to get it connected to the grid by the end EGS Energy’s vision for the future of the month. of engineered geothermal systems (EGS) has been incorporated in a “While it’s been disappointing that recent report by the International the Government has decided not to sup- Energy Agency (IEA). port the large scale solar sector going ‘Technology Roadmap: Geother- Hendra: Power for the people forward, the solar farms developed this mal heat and power’ shows that there summer will play a critical role in the is potential to achieve at least a ten- Wheal Jane won the race to become supply of green energy in the UK.” fold increase in the global production the south west’s first solar farm to be The following day, Hendra Holiday of heat and electricity from geother- connected to the grid. Park, in Newquay, turned on its solar farm. mal energy between now and 2050. Based at the site of a disused tin mine, The 1.15MW facility will provide The IEA report says that ‘hot the 1.4 MW farm covers a 7.2 acre plot more than 50% of the power to what is rocks’ energy could account for and is the first of many renewable energy one of Cornwall’s biggest holiday parks. around 3.5% of annual global projects planned at the reclaimed mine. The installation comprises 5,000 230W electricity production and 3.9% of The farm’s 5,680 solar panels will solar panels. energy for heat (excluding ground generate 1,437 MWh of electricity a Hendra director Jon Hyatt said: “It’s source heat pumps which the report year, enough to power the equivalent of always been a concern for Hendra that did not consider) by 2050 – a sub- 430 homes in the area and save over 737 we operate the business in sustainable stantial increase from current levels tonnes of CO2 emissions a year. way, minimising the impact on the envi- of 0.3% and 0.2%, respectively. Conor McGuigan, head of planning at ronment as much as possible.” solar developer Lightsource Renewable

4 MONTHFREE TRIAL White Paper welcomed * Cornwall Council has given “There is no doubt that experience a cautious welcome to the we need to create a stable Government’s published framework for investment in the benefits of proposals to reform the an improved electricity grid electricity market. and in renewable energy. It cloud services The Electricity Market is vitally important, how- Reform White Paper sets ever, to see a consistency in out key measures to attract energy policy, legislation and Change the way investment and create a incentives which will help you work for good. secure mix of electricity to regain the confidence of sources including gas, new industry and communities in Up to 80% savings nuclear, renewables and car- a multi technology renew- on IT infrastructure bon capture and storage. able energy market.” Reduce travel costs & The Renewables’ Road- But he warned: “The save time in meetings map, published alongside this, White Paper does not go far outlines a plan to accelerate enough to give confidence Increase employee renewable energy deploy- that the Government’s productivity ment – to meet the target of ambition to decarbonise the Lower your communication 15% of all energy by 2020 – UK goes beyond the hugely costs with familiar Microsoft while driving down costs. expensive and controver- applications Cornwall Council has sial rebuilding of the UK’s ambitions of its own for nuclear power plants and www renewable energy and has the current development of Take advantage of our free 4 month trial its own target to be energy offshore wind farms.” self-sufficient by 2025. Tel: 01872 245 245 Julian German, cabinet member responsible for the We are supporting Council’s Green Cornwall Programme, said: “Generally the proposals outlined in this White Paper are helpful to our low carbon ambitions in * Terms and conditions apply. Cornwall Council.

12 Digest www.businesscornwall.co.uk Business Cornwall Magazine - August/September 2011 Digesttourism

Five stars for Trenython Briefs

Trenython was awarded five stars by Open: St Austell Brewery has offi- Cornwall Council’s food safety envi- cially opened its first hotel in Truro, ronmental officer, in the national food the 33-bedroom lodge adjoining the hygiene rating system ‘Scores On The County Arms at Highertown. The Doors’, a scheme which lists the official hotel is linked to the County Arms local authority hygiene ratings. and operated by the pub’s existing In another accolade, head chef Rich- managers, Antony and Kelly Wood- ard Bennett has been nominated for a cock. The brewery said it was part Gold Star for healthier eating. of a long-term expansion strategy Resort manager Nick Waddington to add to its 174-strong estate in said: “We work very hard to make Cornwall and Devon. sure that our standards of hygiene and Richard Bennett: Healthy eating cleanliness are always at the forefront Booked: Penzance-based holiday in our kitchen, and I am pleased that the lettings company West Cornwall Trenython Manor, the luxury spa work of our highly trained staff has been Cottage Holidays has reported resort in Fowey, has been recognised recognised.” a buoyant start to the season, for its standards of food hygiene. with “extremely high, double digit” enquiry and booking levels since early January. MD Austyn Hallworth said: “January started Fresh hope for Carlyon Bay extremely well with significantly increased booking levels compared The £250 million Carlyon Bay develop- to recent years. We were waiting to ment could soon be set to proceed after see if this spike leveled off but it has Cornwall councillors voted unanimously in continued month on month.” its favour. Since being granted extant planning Rubbish: Kelly’s of Cornwall is permission in 1990 to build around 500 doing its bit for tourism this sum- apartments, the project has been tied up mer by working with the Clean in red tape and dogged by any number of Cornwall Campaign in some of the obstacles and objections, mainly revolving busiest Cornish tourist hotspots. around its plans for sea defences. The ice cream company will be A public enquiry in 2006 led to plans issuing over 5,000 recycled brown being rejected, but the developers, Com- paper bags to Cornish residents and mercial Estates Group, returned last year Carlyon Bay: Blue skies ahead? tourists in a bid to encourage the with a revised scheme for a more sustain- public to dispose of their rubbish able design and realigned sea defence Carlyon Bay Watch protest group, who responsibly. system. have long campaigned against the plans. Now the Council has given its consent, Positive: Reef Film Production has the Secretary of State will consider the released a four-minute web movie application. showcasing a ‘Positive Newquay’, The decision, however, has been amid fears that stories in the press greeted with “dismay” by members of the of drunken holiday behaviour gives the resort a bad name.

Well House sold

The Well House in St Keyne has been sold to a German concern for an undisclosed fee. The new owners, the Stingel family A renowned country house hotel from Germany, plan to close the hotel that has previously been awarded and fully refurbish it before reopening. three Rosettes and includes nine well- The hotel was sold for an undisclosed presented letting bedrooms and a three sum, but said to be close to the asking bedroom semi-detached house for price of £995k freehold. the owners, The Well House stands in approximately three acres of gardens with ponds, a swimming pool and tennis Well House: New owners court.

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

Heartlands names chief exec Lawyer dispute

The newly-created Heartlands Trust Regional law firm Stephens has filled two of the top positions at Scown has appointed new solici- its £35 million development in Pool. tor Davina Haydon as an associ- Vicky Martin, formerly director of ate to join its Cornwall dispute Wentworth Castle and Stainborough resolution team. Park Heritage Trust in South Yorkshire, Haydon, who has 20 years’ expe- has been appointed chief executive; rience as a civil litigation lawyer, while Kate Turnbull has been named to has been promoted to head of civil the marketing manager role. litigation and dispute resolution. Malcolm Moyle, chair of the Heart- She specialises in commercial lands Trust, said: “With the completion Vicky Martin (r) with Kate Turnbull and insurance litigation including and opening of Heartlands now in sight, professional negligence claims. it is great to have two outstanding peo- manager will be responsible for deliver- Partner Peter Marshall said: ple in post to manage the development ing our vision for Heartlands and will be “We’re confident that having Davina going forward. key to its long-term success.” on board will further strengthen the “The chief executive and marketing team’s expertise in Cornwall.”

Purnells promotion Managing director Chris Parkman said: “Kerry is a valuable member of our team Purnells Insolvency Practitioners has pro- and I am sure she will adapt very well to moted Kerry Lycett to practice manager of her new role with us. its Mullion office. “As Purnells is currently in the process Lycett joined Purnells two years ago as of expanding and relocating to Falmouth, an office administrator, and has worked it is nice to have such a loyal network of her way up through the business, taking staff working for the firm.” on a number of key roles.

Management shake up Davina Haydon new head of business development will be part of a four-person senior manage- ment leadership team, alongside MD, Partners and the staff for all of their sup- Alan Goddard and finance director, port over the years. I can’t imagine any Peter Beaumont. other line of work, I’ve had a wonderful Plowright, who is based in the Truro life in law and that’s down to the people head office, will be working across that I’ve worked with.” the organisation and now has overall responsibility for HR with her new role taking in the areas of recruitment and training.

Sharon Plowright Chairman to step Two new leadership roles have been down created by rural insurance company Cornish Mutual. The chairman of Quality Solicitors Nalders Member services manager Sharon has announced that he is to retire next April. Plowright takes up the new position of Steve Davies, who has worked for the head of operations. The firm is also cur- Cornish legal firm for 28 years, has now Steve Davies rently in the process of recruiting a new handed over the chairman’s role to Cilla head of business development. James in readiness for his retirement. As part of Cornish Mutual’s future He said: “We’re a family and I’ll really strategic growth plan, Plowright and the miss the buzz. I’d like to thank the

14 On the Move www.businesscornwall.co.uk Business Cornwall Magazine - August/September 2011 The MailAway’s Anna Penrose explains why email marketing is extra mile so important for your business

you work with to guide you through this You’ve got mail process and help you to construct effec- tive, attractive, target market-friendly The benefits of email marketing have emails that simultaneously convey your never been as apparent as they have brand message and adhere to legislation. been during the recent economic From design to marketing and technical downturn. It is whilst weathering these help; it is important to have a team that tough times that people fear spending can offer you the full service you require. money on their marketing when ironi- cally, it is during these periods that Emails are also one of the best forms we need to spend extra time and often of marketing for client/customer retention. money on our marketing efforts. After all everyone knows the saying “it is far cheaper to keep a customer than to acquire As email marketing specialists, we have a new one”. A customer on your email list seen an increase in new clients, which is is actively interested in your product and perhaps because businesses realise they what you do, keep doing what you do best need to go the extra mile, and your list will keep or maybe because they are “She receives £100+ growing and these people cutting back from the more translate into loyal brand traditional and less measur- in revenue within ambassadors. able methods of marketing. the first 12 hours of When building an With email marketing sending the email online strategy, your not only can you see your website acts as a hub. return on investment, but each time” Supporting the hub are you can access real-time your search, social media Tel: 0845 241 4620 figures that show you open rates, click- and other strategies. These are extremely Email: [email protected] through statistics and purchases (if you effective as a form of client acquisition. www.mail-away.co.uk sell products on the site). You can see how Email can then be used most effectively as long customers are spending on your site a form of conversion and turns potentially and how often they visit via the newsletter. interested leads into genuine customers.

A MailAway newsletter campaign will Used in tandem with other marketing set you back £10 per campaign and 2p per tactics, this approach can be extremely email contact so if you have 1,000 people successful and is often much more effec- on your email list it will only cost you £30 tive than traditional above-the-line, direct each time you send an email. marketing or advertising. This is truer than ever today, in an advert-clad world One of our clients recently reported that where, as the famous saying goes “the she only spent around £15 per campaign customer isn’t listening”. and customers who received the email stayed on her website for seven minutes There is no doubt that email marketing – the longest time on the site (measured has a vast amount of benefits and for the against other channels). As a sender of ROI alone it is worth pursuing. However, product based emails she receives £100+ in if done correctly, what I love most is that revenue within the first 12 hours of sending email can be truly interactive. You are the email each time. That is a wise invest- never upset to see a genuine and relevant ment, although she still has masses of room email in your inbox (unlike unwanted take- to grow her list substantially and potential away menu mailings through your door to increase her revenue far beyond that. when you’re on a diet!) because you have signed up to know more (and potentially This is where strategy comes in. It is buy more) from the company in question. important to have a strategy which is well thought through with campaigns that are And with the growth of smartphones targeted and planned in advance. For an giving people the ability to check email on email marketing company, this is how we the move, the opportunity to reach your add value. You need to use the company customers via email is greater than ever.

Business Cornwall Magazine - August/September 2011 www.businesscornwall.co.uk Business Clinic 15 All about We increasingly hear about pre-pack administrations, but what exactly are they? Purnells’ licensed insolvency pre-packs practitioner Chris Parkman explains all

the administrator must be able to explain A total sell out? and justify why a pre–packaged sale was considered appropriate. Creditors are A pre-pack administration sale is a furnished with a comprehensive report in way of selling the business and assets that regard with the first notification of of a company to a third party imme- the administrators appointment but is this diately after it has been placed into really good enough? At the end of the day, administration. despite now being provided with a full and detailed account of the transaction, A pre-pack administration can be creditors are still, more often than not, advantageous as it ensures continuity first learning of the sale, after it has been of the underlying business but rids the concluded. new owners of the debts of the insolvent company. Proposed pre-pack reforms On March 31, Edward Davey, Minister for In that connection, the sales contract Employment Relations, Consumers and is drawn up and finalised prior to the Postal Affairs; Department for Business, company being placed Innovation and Skills, into administration and proposed that the pro- is signed immediately or “Creditors are still, cedure for pre-packaged shortly after, the adminis- more often than not, Administration sales trators appointment. be reformed in order to first learning of the ‘improve transparency But what about the sale, after it has been and confidence in pre- creditors of the packaged sales’. insolvent company? concluded” Chris Parkman, Licensed Insolvency Practitioner Pre-pack administration The intention is that Purnells Licensed Insolvency Practitioners sales are recognised in the insolvency pro- creditors have an opportunity to voice any & Chartered Accountants Offices in Truro, fession as being an effective and speedy concerns and to ensure that pre-packaged Falmouth & Helston and elsewhere. means of rescue however they have administration sales are entered into always been particularly unpopular with “fairly and reasonably.” Tel: 01326 240680 creditors, as historically they have often Fax: 01326 241519 had no say in the matter and are informed It is intended that administrators now E-mail: [email protected] of the sale, only after it has happened. be required to give notice to creditors Web: www.purnells.co.uk where they propose to sell a significant Creditors would often feel particularly proportion of a company’s assets or its aggrieved if the pre-pack sale was to a business to a connected party, in circum- new limited company that had been incor- stances where there has been no open porated by the directors of the insolvent marketing. company! By giving creditors notice of the pro- SIP 16 posed sale it will enable them to express Statement of Insolvency Practice No 16 any particular concerns, or indeed make (“SIP 16”) was commissioned by the Joint a higher offer for the assets and the Insolvency Committee and sets out basic administrator would need to give proper principals and essential procedures that consideration to any issues raised. insolvency practitioners are required to comply with when entering into a pre- The recommended notification period packaged sale agreement. Its aim is to for creditors is currently understood to be prevent the perceived possible misuse of just three days, which does beg the ques- “pre-packs”. tion, I think, as to whether the proposed reforms really go far enough to improve SIP 16 was introduced with a view the position of creditors of an insolvent to providing creditors with as much company when a pre-packaged adminis- information as possible in connection to tration sale is envisaged. the sale. The information that must be provided to creditors is extensive and

16 Business Clinic www.businesscornwall.co.uk Business Cornwall Magazine - August/September 2011 Failure – the Don’t be afraid of failure, says Oxford Innovation business advisor Dr Simon Gill. Learn from successful way it and let it make you stronger

Learn by mistakes things. We must remember such initiatives require commitment to invest time and money and a policy of rewarding experi- Failure. As business people we shud- mentation as well as success. der at the thought of it. But as indi- viduals it is how we develop – making Fail fast mistakes, learning from them, adapt- Yahoo have an incubator called “The ing our approach and moving on. Brickhouse” where staff are free to Harnessing this innovation cycle in experiment with new product proposals business is crucial to ensure survival before being screened by management. and continued growth. This allows ideas to be identified, explored and developed or dropped very quickly. In Many successful our own experimenta- companies have been tions we must be sure founded on the basis of “Do you know what to identify when we one innovative concept. they call a failed have failed in our new Remaining success- initiatives, and do it ful however, requires entrepreneur in Silicon rapidly. Before begin- continuous improvement Valley? Experienced” ning, set reviews so and innovation. Compa- that when ideas reach nies who fail to change a certain point they are what they offer their customers and the tested against the pre-determined criteria. way they do it often face situations that If the idea meets this target it goes to the are difficult to overcome. They can be next stage of development and if it does derailed by external events or overtaken not, it is stopped. by competitors who gain market share by embracing a development in technology or Fail on a manageable scale exploiting a new business model. Forward3D, a web search marketing Tel: 01872 300116 company, looks for gaps in the market by Email: [email protected] The challenge is to sustain the entre- exploring popular internet search terms www.growcornwall.co.uk preneurial spirit in a growing company for products that fail to attract online whilst acknowledging that with innovation advertising. They discovered one of these comes failure. Entrepreneur Steve Blanks terms was “parrot cages”. Once identi- coined the phrase “Do you know what fied, a small website is created offering they call a failed entrepreneur in Silicon the product for sale and hits to this site Valley? Experienced.” Learning from fail- are monitored. When sufficient demand ure need not cost you your business – it is detected, a business is set up to sell the can be achieved at much lower cost if the product which is how they became the right elements are considered: UK’s largest importer of parrot cages! The websites they create are cheap and Fail frequently as most fail to demonstrate demand this Google provides “20% time” whereby staff minimises the cost of each failure. spend 20% of their time on new ideas; staff at WL Gore (creators of GoreTex) Failure should be managed so that spend half a day per week in “dabble it does not cause resource or economic time”; and at 3M (from where the Post-it problems for the business. It is important Note originates) staff are given “slack also not to forget that the cumulative cost time” in which all staff members are of multiple failures can be high. encouraged to trial new concepts. This is done with recognition that most ideas will By innovating in this way and taking have no benefit, but amongst them will be risks with new ideas we will experience a successful one. failure. But if we can learn lessons along the way and ensure that this failure can We may not be able to devote as much be quick and cheap, the resulting success- resource to this initiative but we should ful idea will assure our place in a rapidly spend time exploring new products, changing business world. marketing strategies and ways of doing

Business Cornwall Magazine - August/September 2011 www.businesscornwall.co.uk Business Clinic 17 Carbon matters It’s no longer business as usual – that’s the stark message that is being promoted by a conference addressing issues on the low carbon agenda to be held at The Eden Project on October 11

The low carbon agenda is moving beyond from being just an altruis- tic goal to a legally binding policy designed to commit the UK to two decades of drastic cuts in carbon reducing carbon will become a massive sector. The same is becoming true with emissions. imperative. low carbon strategies.”

But the Government’s ‘Green Deal’ “Despite the current economic climate Holmes says that the recently throws up as many questions as it does and squeeze on public spending, the pub- launched Clear About Carbon partner- answers, and many in the business com- lic sector is already beginning to drive the ship has already begun working closely munity will no doubt be left scratching low carbon agenda through its procure- with public sector procurement officers their heads as to how it affects them. ment practices – if businesses can’t talk on how they are use carbon as a metric this language and respond positively, to evaluate contracts and bids. But affect them it will, and businesses they’ll miss out. will need to engage in the carbon reduc- “Carbon isn’t a deal maker/breaker just tion process if they want to compete. The yet,” he says, “but increasingly it will be.” free-to-attend Carbon Matters confer- “Carbon isn’t a deal ence at the Eden Project on October 11 maker/breaker just yet, The half-day conference will examine will address these issues and explain these issues and more, equipping the Cor- how new Government policies will but increasingly it will be” nish business community with vital infor- affect the way you run your business in mation on the opportunities and commer- Cornwall. “If today a business didn’t have a cial benefits of low carbon engagement. health and safety policy or an equality Event organiser Paul Holmes from the and diversity policy, for example, they A number of high profile speakers have Eden Project explains: “For businesses, wouldn’t get a look in with the public already confirmed their attendance at the

18 Low Carbon Agenda www.businesscornwall.co.uk Business Cornwall Magazine - August/September 2011 “you don’t need no baggage, you just get on board...” The ripples of the change Carbon soundbites being produced in the public and private through the years sectors are bound to touch everyone so we are all on board, whether we like it “Businesses should prepare or not. for a second industrial “Sooner or later someone will ask revolution...carbon will you a carbon question, if not a regula- become part of the daily tor, then a business client or individual currency of business.” customer. When that happens you will Dr Gary Felgate, director of need your baggage and in it the knowl- business delivery, The Carbon edge, skills and capacity to demonstrate Trust, Oct 2004 that you can engage in the dialogue and address the challenges expected from Paul Holmes “Carbon will be the currency of you.” the coming age.” Carbon UK Report, conference – including Shaun McCa- In truth, the shift to a low carbon Environmental Change Institute, rthy, director of social enterprise Action economy has been building for many University of Oxford, 2004 Sustainability and chair of the Commis- years now, but perhaps it is only now sion for a Sustainable London 2012; and that true reality is beginning to dawn. Mike Berners-Lee, author of the celebrated “Businesses should accept that book How Bad Are Bananas? – The Carbon Holmes draws an analogy to what is carbon accounting will be as Footprint of Everything. happening now to the rise of personal important as their financial computers and the internet in the 1990s. accounting.” Dr Fernando Correia from the Uni- Elliott Morley, UK Environment versity of Exeter Business School will “You don’t need no Minister, May 2006 also be presenting. He says that the low baggage, you just get on carbon train has already left the station, “By 2030 we will need 50% and that we had all better catch up. “Big board” businesses are not looking at just their more food, 50% more energy, own emissions,” he states, “but expect- He says: “Most people are now com- 30% more water. We simply ing reciprocity from their suppliers. puter literate. They can use a keyboard cannot go on as we are and we and mouse, for example – they can even cannot underestimate the scale “I’m afraid the following verses of the tell you what they do and how to use or duration of the need for old Curtis’ song only got it half right – them, even if they know nothing about truly disruptive change.” the technical workings of a computer. Sir Stuart Rose, former chairman and chief executive, M&S, “In future, people will be just as com- April 2011 fortable with carbon issues, using them in their day to day lives at work and at home. They will be carbon literate. business landscape has changed dramatically. “It’s where our future economic growth will come from, where a million “Carbon reduction will have the same new ‘green jobs’ will come from.” impact.”

But the challenges shouldn’t be seen as a threat.

“This will provide tremendous oppor- tunities for those firms that can engage and respond,” he says. “I can remember business people telling me back in the 1980s that they could never see the need Carbon Matters – It’s no longer to have a computer in their business. A business as usual decade later many businesses told me (October 11, 9am-1pm). that the internet was good, but it would To book your place, go to never drive sales! Now look at Google, carbonmatters.eventbrite.com Amazon, EBay and many others – the

Business Cornwall Magazine - August/September 2011 www.businesscornwall.co.uk Low Carbon Agenda 19 Fresh A new style of ‘organisational thinking’ has arrived, explains Partner to Succeed project manager Chloe Teale – thinking Collaborative Leadership

zones to regularly engage with organi- A new structure sations that we’ve never come across before can feel quite intimidating. It wasn’t long ago that the traditional ‘command and control’ style of opera- Thankfully it doesn’t have to be this tion was the default modus operandi way. In January, Partner to Succeed for most businesses. Not anymore. launched a series of Collaboration Clubs with the principle aim of providing In a world where technological devel- locally based businesses with collabo- opments continue to chip away at bar- rative solutions to their priority busi- riers associated with distance, location ness challenges such as Sales Growth, and language, businesses have become Resource Efficiency and Managing nimbler and better connected forcing Capacity. Clubs also provide attendees leaders to radically adapt their organisa- with the ideal environment to develop tional thinking and structures. their Collaborative Leadership skills.

In response to the increasingly inter- Matthew Clarke, director of Kernow- connected business environment, a new pods.com, recently completed a Sales and rapidly evolving style Growth Collaboration of organisational thinking Club as part of his has arrived: ‘Collabora- “Other businesses can innovative business tive Leadership’. help you rather than growth strategy. And he commented “the According to the latest compete with you, key thing you begin Harvard Business Review and I have learned to to appreciate when article ‘Are You a Collabo- talking about collabo- rative Leader?’ (July-Aug embrace this” ration is that other 2011), Collaborative Lead- businesses can help ership is “…the capacity to engage people you rather than compete with you, and I and groups outside one’s formal control have learned to embrace this for the bet- Tel: 01872 613000 and inspire them to work toward common terment of my service.” Web: www.partnertosucceed.co.uk goals – despite differences in convictions, cultural values, and operating norms”. In summary, modern collaborative leadership is about pro-actively bring- The basic premise behind this style of ing together a wide variety of people leadership shares much in common with sometimes with conflicting beliefs and the concept of the ‘Networked Entrepre- opinions to generate extraordinary solu- neur’ that we spoke about in our previ- tions to everyday business challenges. ous article, but the key difference is the ability to engage with people and groups I’ll leave you with a quote from ‘Are outside one’s formal control. You a Collaborative Leader?’ which hopefully will inspire you: “Differences The Partner to Succeed team is observ- in convictions, cultural values, and oper- ing at first hand that the most successful ating norms inevitably add complexity to collaborations are those with a healthy collaborative efforts. But they also make mix of experienced people combined with them richer, more innovative, and more newcomers from a variety of industries valuable. Getting that value is the heart and a ‘Collaborative Leader’ at the helm, of collaborative leadership.” who recognises the need to regularly step outside of their comfort zone. ‘Are you a Collaborative Leader?’ can be downloaded from www.harvard But how do you take those first steps businessreview.com towards developing a collaborative lead- ership style when so much of your focus Find out more about Partner to today will need to be upon your own Succeed’s Collaboration Clubs at www. business? It’s certainly easier said than partnertosucceed/collaborationclubs done, and stepping out of our comfort

20 Business Clinic www.businesscornwall.co.uk Business Cornwall Magazine - August/September 2011 Tweet Harland Accountants’ Deborah Edwards embraces social media to share some top business tips success! from leading local entrepreneurs

“Be adaptable & be in the right market; Sound online advice one that you are passionate about. The passion will pass on to your employees & We were pleased to be invited to your customers.” the Ignite Cornwall business plan Jen Hallinan, Director with Uneeka competition awards in May and were Ltd, shops in Boscawen Street, Truro blown away by the level of energy and & online innovation on show by the fledgling businesses that evening. “When I started growing organic fruit and vegetables I was sure of my market Cornwall has always been a melting before I began” pot of creative ideas and entrepreneurs Tom Petherick, journalist and gardener who have never shyed away from embrac- – Petherick, Urquhart and Hunt ing technology in the fight for progress and prosperity. “It is essential in this climate to inno- vate, customers want stimulation and One such technology, the Internet, excitement in the retail environment “ has forged a new frontier of communi- Angie Coombes, general manager – cation, networking Duchy of Cornwall opportunities and Nursery, Lostwithiel cross-fertilisation of “Get the right folk on ideas that has been There you have it, particularly relevant board and trust them in 140 characters or for rural areas like to do what you got less straight from those Cornwall. who have walked the Tel: 08453 883 274 them in to do” walk, demonstrating the www.harlandaccounting.co.uk So with a sprin- resilience, flexibility and kling of irony as you read this on paper, foresight that makes Cornwall such a I have asked six home-grown entrepre- great place to do business. neurs to ‘Tweet’ me (in 140 characters or less) their business secrets in homage As small business accountants, we to that Internet social and business see many businesses evolve through the networking phenomenon Twitter, where various stages of the business life cycle users broadcast everything from the and are proud to support them. mundane to blow by blow accounts of uprisings and revolutions. If we had to sum up our Tweet for suc- cess, we would say “Keep an eye on your What advice have our business finances. Know your costs, how much experts Tweeted? money you need personally from your business. Treat this as an expense.” “Get the right folk on board and trust them to do what you got them in to do.” Talking of evolution, an early Tweet Tom Kay, managing director, from Charles Darwin is must for all Finisterre online retailers businesses: “In the struggle for survival, the fittest win because they succeed in “Continually invest in your website. Don’t adapting themselves best to their envi- just assume that once it’s done and up ronment.” that people will come and keep coming.” Rosie Houghton, partner – Illustrated And from little acorns do Mighty Living, Lemon Street Market, Truro & Oaks grow…. Let Harland Accountants online help you grow. Call us now on Newquay 08453 883 274, St. Austell 01726 74573 “Be organised and committed. Be brave. or Falmouth 01326 319191 for a no- Don’t be afraid to take calculated risks. obligation discussion. And learn from experience.” Lisa Malone, partner – Zodiac Interiors, Newquay

Business Cornwall Magazine - August/September 2011 www.businesscornwall.co.uk Business Clinic 21 The big debate - renewables The renewable energy sector and its opportunities for Cornwall were up for discussion recently in the big debate, sponsored by chartered accountants Bishop Fleming and held at Cornwall Marine Network’s offices

The Government’s recent review of At a time when the Council was hav- installation company Microgeneration, the Feed in Tariff (FIT) was always ing to make deep public spending cuts, expressed his unhappiness with how likely to be one of the dominant topics it was planning a 5mw installation of its the ‘consultation process’ for the review of the debate. own in Newquay. had been carried out. And he pointed to Germany being a model example of how When the last Government first “Literally hundreds of sites were a renewable energy policy should be announced the FIT scheme last year, a being looked at,” said German. “30 managed. solar ‘gold rush’ was widely predicted in applications had been granted in Corn- Cornwall, with companies keen to capi- wall with many more in pipeline. “The Germans see the solar market as talise on the huge financial incentives a massive industry,” he said, “and frankly involved and take advantage of the best “As a Council we didn’t want people just don’t understand why we haven’t natural light conditions in the UK. coming in on a hit run exercise, we wanted managed it better in that respect. to use local jobs and skills as much as Whether it just underestimated the possible, and get local supply chain activ- “I was at the Intersolar trade show take up, or was just an unfortunate vic- ity going here as well. People who have recently – 20 massive halls filled with tim of the spending review, the Govern- already invested a lot of time and money technology, equipment, jobs and all the ment effectively whipped the rug from are going to be very badly affected by this.” supporting infrastructure.” under the feet of many business plans, by slashing the tariff for larger projects German said that the Council had Honey said that while he understood installed after August 1 by over 70%. “immediate discussions” with the the economic challenges the country Government about the review. “But they faces, the decision to so dramatically Tim German, renewable energy and stuck to their guns,” he said, “and now reduce the tariff for larger projects is not partnerships manager at Cornwall Coun- the top level has been reduced from going to create the sort of industry they cil, conceded that the Council saw the 5mw to 50kw – a huge difference.” have in Germany. FIT as a huge economic opportunity, not just for the solar industry in Cornwall, Andrew Honey, founder of Torpoint- “It’s just going to create small scale but for itself as well. based renewable energy supplier and mom and pop type capability,” he said. Photos by Toby Weller by Photos

22 The Bishop Fleming Debate www.businesscornwall.co.uk Business Cornwall Magazine - August/September 2011 The big debate - renewables “And if we want to see manufacturing Getting the message and other supply chain stuff we really The panel was unanimous in its belief The panelists need to go back to it. I believe it will that more consistency was needed from come back in another form, I believe the Government in their message. Andrew George ministers didn’t understand Photo Vol- MP for St Ives taic (PV) at the time.” Andy McKenzie, business develop- ment manager at environmental busi- Katie Ashworth, a renewables special- ness specialist Low Carbon Futures, ist at law firm Murrell Ashworth, also believes damage has already been done. agreed that larger projects would return Ewan McClymont as technology prices came down, but “After years of good work building up Director of corporate voiced her concern at the damage in the reputation and case for the FIT,” he development, Bishop credibility to the UK energy market on said, “all of a sudden business confi- Fleming the world stage. dence has been knocked and they don’t want to know. Businesses don’t want to Jonny Gowdy, programme director even consider energy efficiency meas- Andy McKenzie at south west renewable energy agency ures at the moment. They are keeping Business development Regen SW, felt that the Government reac- at arm’s length away from it, especially manager , Low tion was one of “panic”, but conceded it after the economic times we’ve had.” Carbon Futures was the Treasury rather than Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) Ashworth believes the Government that was pulling the strings. may have been scared off by the initial Andrew Honey excitement that the FIT generated. She Founder, His biggest fears now, however, likened the Cornish solar gold rush, Microgeneration wasn’t what the Government had just to onshore wind in Scotland a few done, but what it might do in the future, years back, where, she says, only 7% of with the findings of a further review set options were actually taken up. She said to be published next April. talk of a “£1 billion” solar rush was never Tim German going to happen, and that the Govern- Renewable energy He told the panel: “We’re already ment was frightened off by this potential & partnerships getting feedback that Government is demand and consequently reeled the manager, Cornwall not just looking at tariff levels but the tariff in. Council structure in which the FIT is being set up – linking it with energy efficiency meas- “The lesson to be learned is not to Katie Ashworth ures, which on the face of it could be a overplay these things,” agreed Gowdy. Partner, Murrell good thing, but it could also create extra “It sends the wrong message to Govern- Ashworth hurdles making it more difficult to get ment and they do over react. We should the FIT and also making it more difficult deal with facts and evidence.” for small companies that specialise in PV to offer the full services that you would West Cornwall MP Andrew George Jonny Gowdy need to achieve energy efficiency. admitted that the Government could Programme director, have handled it better, but in the wake of Regen SW “I wouldn’t want the large insulation the cutbacks, a review was inevitable. companies coming down and picking off all the microgeneration work we can do. And he agreed that there needed to be a consistency in message. “The Amanda Pound industry needs to have confidence where Marine renewable “All of a sudden business it’s going,” he said, “but the Government services manager confidence has been clearly understands this.”

knocked and they don’t Gowdy disagreed with George on this want to know” point, however, pointing out to a recent

Business Cornwall Magazine - August/September 2011 www.businesscornwall.co.uk The Bishop Fleming Debate 23 compared to what it previously was, marine renewables, Gowdy said Corn- about 29p, is quite a derisory amount.” wall and the south west can be a leader, pointing to the calibre of company He said that “other mechanisms” already operating in the market such as needed looking at to try and get the Mojo Maritime, Seacore, KML, and A&P. larger scale schemes back on track. “The Council is revisiting its plans at Amanda Pound, marine renewables the moment,” he said. “There are two services manager at A&P Falmouth, reasons why we wanted to build one, agreed and highlighted the “joined up one is to make money to support activi- thinking” already taking place in her ties as a council, and secondly because sector. of leadership, where we can demonstrate leadership in a renewable world which She said: “We have all the skills on briefing meeting over next year’s review. we think is very important. The Coun- the marine side of renewables down “They warned there would be changes cil’s own site is still being considered as a here in the south west. to FIT level and structure but said they long-term basis.” didn’t know what the changes would “We often hear about the domina- be, but they were thinking of all sorts of Cornwall – a centre for UK renewables? tion in Scotland which has an incredibly things. In terms of sewing uncertainty, Wind, waves, sun, Cornwall also strong presence, but we now have our we came out of that meeting thinking apparently has the perfect conditions own voice as well and have demon- ‘crikey’.” to progress geothermal, or ‘hot rocks’ strated we have all the skills down here power. But how realistic an aim is it and the physical resources as well. And Ashworth echoed that investors into for Cornwall to become a UK centre for that joined up thinking is starting to the market always expected a review renewables? come through.” and understood the economic climate, but it was the rush into the review and Ashworth said one of the problems is German said there was great poten- the uncertainty created that had shaken that Cornwall often works “in a dispa- tial for the Cornish marine renewables them. rate way, working in small pockets”. sector.“You have the here and now,” explained German, “which is wind and “If it had been more structured,” she She commented: “Sometimes I look at solar; the mid-term, which is geother- said, “they would have understood. They it and wonder whether Cornwall really mal, a proven technology and we have fully expected the FIT to be brought wants to challenge the likes of Scot- the best resources in the UK and two down in 2012/13, but weren’t expecting land who are really starting to plough sites which have planning permission; it to be hijacked in 2011.” forward. We need to have more joined then you have the longer term which are up thinking and a county-wide conver- our marine resources, and those are the Ewan McClymont, director of corpo- sation that takes in wave, wind, solar discussions where the real interest lies at rate development at accountancy firm etc. We have an abundance of resources the moment.” Bishop Fleming, said the Government which other areas just don’t have.” had underestimated demand. He said: George said the renewables industry “They are actually blaming the industry “If it had been more needed a clear strategy. “We need a writ- for the take up which has been spectacu- ten down and agreed ambition on where lar. If you look at the figures, they are so structured they would have we are going to go in next 20 years,” he skewed towards encouraging large scale understood” said. “I would like to see a clear indica- arrays, it’s no wonder it was so popular.” tion from the sector where the main Gowdy added: “We need to put it opportunities are, which can then be There was also confusion as to into perspective, the south west is taken to Government so they can see whether the Government ever had a pretty small beer in terms of mega watts where help is specifically needed.” fixed budget for the FIT. George said produced. At the moment the south west there was an “implied budget” while has just over 200mw installed. 200mw is German admitted that budget figures a medium-sized wind farm in Scotland. were “really a grey area”. And that’s after five years of growth.

German said the review effectively “But what we do have is niche areas – killed off the larger scale schemes in PV is one area, geothermal is another area. Cornwall, for the time being at least. Wave energy in particular is another area “The price of technology is coming where we can be leaders, but in terms of down all the time,” he said. “We always scale of market, still quite small.” anticipated a digression rate of the tariff to reflect the price of technology coming But in terms as a centre for knowl- down. But to offer only 8.5p per kw hour edge and expertise, particularly in

24 The Bishop Fleming Debate www.businesscornwall.co.uk Business Cornwall Magazine - August/September 2011 McKenzie was in no doubt that Corn- that it is decommissioning its nuclear wall can become a true leader in renewa- power stations, at a time the UK is bles, and it wasn’t just about scale. investing in new ones.

He said: “A long time ago the Corn- Ashworth said the German market wall Sustainable Energy Partnership got enjoys a far greater public awareness the ball rolling, companies like Microgen and positive support than here in the were ahead of their time, long before the UK. Access to finance and investment is FIT was making a case for the market. I also considerably more straightforward, think with the smart grid idea, with a lot with charges that the banks in the UK of rural communities being on the end just don’t understand the market. of a piece of string, Cornwall has huge opportunities to embrace this concept, It is a common issue, according when looking at generation and grid to McClymont. He said: “If you are a However, the Green Investment Bank management.” domestic homeowner, with £15k sitting isn’t due to be up and running until 2016. around the bank, solar panels are an Pound called for a regional centre of absolute no brainer. But for a business, “There is a lease mentality among excellence. “We should be looking at a a 50kw installation will cost at least ten banks,” said Gowdy. “They’ll happily renewable energy park in the south west times that, which is a big ask for a com- lend money to a farmer to buy a tractor, for all renewable energies,” she said, “with pany when banks won’t lend.” because if push comes to shove they can go a 20-year road map that shows how we are and get the tractor back. But PV panels on going to utilise microgeneration now.” “We’re hoping the Green someone’s roof are practically valueless.”

Honey said he was encouraged by the Investment Bank will McKenzie added: “We’ve had so many Council’s apparent commitment to a low have real credibility and a issues of banks coming to us and saying carbon economy. “What has been cre- what if FIT stops, what’s the saleable ated has been a breath of fresh air,” he capability to do proper due value of the installation? And it’s not just said. “Cornwall uniquely has a baseline diligence” the banks. Independent financial advis- carbon map, and a programme Clear ers as well. It can be hard to find IFAs about Carbon, explaining where carbon And the banks feel vindicated in their who will even discuss it with clients.” fits in with the procurement cycle. decision not to lend, says McClymont, We need to make this message more when the Government cuts its tariffs. The panelists agreed that Govern- explicit, but the elements are starting to ment does appear to like to over compli- come together.” Gowdy said that banks don’t under- cate things with its green policies. The stand renewable energy projects on forthcoming Regional Heat Incentive McClymont added: “Cornwall has all any level and that’s a real problem. He was touched upon, but again criticised the ingredients and has gone a long way expressed the hope that the Govern- as being “over complicated”. down the road with the Council and the ment’s Green Investment Bank initiative development company in formulating a will change that scenario. Gowdy said: “All these complicated strategy to make the county more energy polices are because we’re frightened to efficient.” “We’re hoping the Green Investment bite the bullet and have a proper price of Bank will have real credibility and a carbon. If we did that, we wouldn’t need But he warned that a clear message capability to do proper due diligence,” all these complex policies to encourage needs to the sent to the Government, for he said. “It will then perform a func- business to do all these energy efficien- less tinkering and more encouragement. tion of what we call crowding in – if the cies. Carbon costs money, let’s just have Green Investment Bank is investing, it this standard tax and grin and bear it.” Question of finance should be a signal to all the other invest- One of the main reasons that the FIT ment bodies.” All at sea? came in the first place, of course, is that Cornwall’s marine resources arguably the UK has EU carbon targets to meet. hold the greatest potential for the Duchy to become a leader in a part of the indus- By 2020, 15% of the country’s power try very much still in its infancy. must come from renewable sources. But to give you an idea of how far ahead The Wave Hub has seen considerable Germany is, that’s a figure it has already investment already (some £40M+). But moved past. It is looking at 80% by despite it being deployed and ready for 2040. action, we find ourselves in the slightly strange predicament of it currently lying Germany is committed to the renew- redundant on the sea bed, waiting for able generation, it has even announced the rest of the technology to catch up.

Business Cornwall Magazine - August/September 2011 www.businesscornwall.co.uk The Bishop Fleming Debate 25 “If the ROC review is there to review The future the climate in which these things are The panel was agreed that there is huge going to be brought forward, it might potential for the renewables market in be worthwhile constructing arguments Cornwall, but there is a long, long way to for a justification of a unique financial go. Renewable energy on a larger scale driver for the Wave Hub project.” was needed, but Government policy and spending cutbacks made the picture a Honey agreed and that it should be little unclear. done quickly that things should progress because Europe is bound to provide Gowdy said: “A report published a competition for Wave Hub. couple of years ago said to meet the targets for 2020, a mix of renewable Ashworth made the point that the energy is needed and we would need marine renewables industry could be a to be looking at over 7GW. Considering Gowdy said a few developers were good project for the fledgling Cornwall we are now at just over 200mw, the first at the cusp but the technology was and Isles of Scilly LEP to get its teeth message is that there’s a long way to go. nowhere near where it was expected to into. “It is a fantastic opportunity,” We need some big things. be. “A few years ago the industry was she said. German reported that he and saying we need Wave Hub, we need it Jonny Gowdy had already met with the “There’s a mountain to climb, but it now,” he said. “Now we’ve got it, there is LEP chairman to raise the issue. is do-able. But our projection was based a bit of a hiatus.” around the policies that were in place in “Energy efficiency has 2008, pre FIT and pre RIH. FIT coming Pound admitted that there were cur- in has improved things, but now the FIT rently no developers ready to plug into almost become a dirty word. has changed, I’m not sure.” Wave Hub, but said a pre-commissioning But it should be efficiency testing facility in Falmouth harbour – While all the work behind renewable FabTest – could soon help change this. first, and then generation” power sources was all very encouraging, McKenzie pointed out that we shouldn’t She said: “We have people waiting to Gowdy said it was important that forget about conserving what we’ve come on to the site. Once up and run- additional funding was sought for pro- already got. ning, I think we’ll see a much clearer jects like Wave Hub. “Assuming we get road map leading up to utilisation of parity on the ROCs in the market, the “Energy efficiency has almost become Wave Hub. Testing devices on a small onus is on us to attract additional invest- a dirty word,” he said. “But it should be scale close to the dockyard, reduces the ment and we need to give that signal efficiency first, and then generation.” risk and developers will be able to really that we are prepared to do that. Then understand what will happen. all the other things we have, Grid, ports, Honey agreed and said that it made supply chain, skills, infrastructure, all good economic sense to lower your “There is a huge focus on bringing those come to bear and we’re in a really energy costs and take a good review of technology forward.” good position.” what you’ve got. “You’ll be surprised at what you will be able to flush out,” he “The marine renewable energy He suggested some private busi- said. industry is really interested in the south nesses could even perhaps be encour- west, no doubt about that,” said German, aged to pay a premium for local marine “My concern is we’re making life very “and in Falmouth and Hayle in particu- energy. “If companies like Tesco’s and expensive for ourselves in the future lar. Developers are really switched on Sainsbury’s had a plaque on the wall because we’re not doing the right things to having a pre commissioning site like saying “We’re powered by Cornish wave now. We must get out of that short-term FabTest.” power”, that could be attractive.” quarterly report type attitude.”

George also voiced his optimism for the marine renewable sector, and said while there were no devices currently attached to Wave Hub, a lot of businesses in the south west were already working in offshore wind.

“I am concerned we don’t lose too Contact much time,” he said. He also touched www.bishopfleming.co.uk upon the issue of funding for Wave Hub, Tel: 01872 275651 and Renewable Obligation Certificates Email: [email protected] (ROCs).

26 The Bishop Fleming Debate www.businesscornwall.co.uk Business Cornwall Magazine - August/September 2011 ConnectedCornwall Pictures from the UCP and Empowering Smart Women awards ceremonies

The Falmouth Hotel was the venue and the Isles of Scilly to enhance their included Amanda Barlow of Spiezia last month as Truro & Penwith’s career and entrepreneurship prospects. Organics, Samantha Smith (CEFAS) and Empowering Smart Women project Nicki John of Right Hand Woman. celebrated with its awards ceremony. Holly Young of Holly Young Hats picked up the ‘most enterprising new Meanwhile, St Austell’s Keay Theatre More than 200 women took part in business’ award, while Rhowen Yoki of hosted the annual Unlocking Cornish the Convergence-funded programme, Fusion Fashion took the ‘inspirational Potential Awards (UCP). For a full list of designed to assist women in Cornwall leadership’ category. Other winners winners, please turn to page 7.

Empowering Smart Women Awards

1 2 3

All captions L-R 1 Amanda Barlow, Rhowen Yoki, Holly Young, Nicki John and Samantha Smith 2 Daphne Skinnard from BBC Radio Cornwall 3 Empowering Smart Women project coordinator, Heather Forster

UCP Awards

1 2 3

4 5 6

1 Andy Peters (UCP), Sandra Rothwell (Cornwall Council), Cherish Maxwell (Cornish Crabbers), Peter Thomas (Cornish Crabbers), Allyson Glover (UCP) 2 Debbie Wilshire (Cornwall College), Sarah Wooding (ShelterBox), Tom Henderson (ShelterBox) 3 Aren Grimshaw 4 Rosa Pedley (Wild Card), Kathryn Woolf (Sea Communications) 5 Simon Gill (PSG Cornwall) 6 Marcus Hold (Engineered Arts)

Business Cornwall Magazine - August/September 2011 www.businesscornwall.co.uk Events & Networking 27 The Jess Billington; founder of treatalady.com provides her monthly round up Billington of new businesses and news for entrepreneurs Bulletin in Cornwall Introducing….Otter Surfboards He is originally from Bucking- James’ approach is so refreshing to hamshire but visited Cornwall for see in business. He is 24, vibrant and holidays growing up and moved energetic – truly a breath of fresh air. here after his final year. Since then Above all it is his self-deprecating nature he has set up his own workshop and pure passion for his trade that stand (explaining the work boots!) and out. So what does the future hold for opened shows for art galleries Otter Surfboards? He plans to just see locally. He sells to two primary how it goes “if you don’t try, you’ll never markets: the surfing community know right?” he shrugs. and also those who purchase the It’s only as I’m making small talk and boards as artwork. packing my stuff up that I discover he is Personally, I found it hard to building a board for the SAS, is a mem- envisage anyone having a surf- ber of Cornwall Craft Association and board as a piece of art. Then I saw that he just won Best Newcomer award. her. Single Diamond was her name Alongside this he recently opened an art and she was the sleekest looking show at Trelissick and won himself asso- wood (fibreglass finishing appar- ciate membership of the Devon Guild of ently). I had this overwhelming Craftmanship. urge to touch it and despite the fact that I have never gone surfing “If you don’t try, – I wanted one. The current range includes you’ll never know James Otter four types of boards, handplanes, right?” T-Shirts, boardbags and 100% When I meet James he is sitting in natural wax. Environmentally friendly is Finally, he mentions that he is currently the Blue Bar in casual clothes and a very important part of the company working in collaboration with Bear Surf- work boots, drinking a cup of ethos and James is very passionate boards: a global company who have asked coffee and looking out to sea. about only using sustainable yet durable him to supply boards for them, giving him James Otter; director of Otter Surf- materials. greater brand power. As he leaves the board is not a salesman in any way. He He describes his boards as thought- bar with a spring in his step I feel like I’ve is a craftsman and as I ask him about his ful, beautiful and fun. Boards are made learnt a lot this morning and my deadlines successes he shifts uncomfortably in his to order so they are completely bespoke seem slightly less important. seat, appearing a little embarrassed. and can be customised. He even offers Ironically, there is something inher- Otter Surfboards launched in Novem- customers the opportunity to get ently Cornish about James that makes me ber last year run single-handedly by involved, get their hands dirty and help reflect on my deadlines and think “I’ll do James, following his degree in 3D Design. create their own board. it dreckly”. Tremough....In the know! Following the success of out spaces, a shared work- and direct access to business start-up businesses and is Pool Innovation Centre, a space area (FormationZone) to support organisations. It will designed to enhance the new innovation centre is support the incubation of early also enable access to a range growth of Cornish enterprise! due to open in late Janu- stage businesses and a modern of excellent resources includ- All applicants should be at ary 2012 adjacent to the conference facility with high ing postal service, telephone ideas stage, early business Tremough campus on the quality video conferencing. facilities, reception service, car stage, or can be an estab- outskirts of Falmouth. The innovation centre will parking, out-of-hours security lished business with a The new centre will house be a supportive and collabora- and conference facilities with new product or service to up to 70 businesses with tive environment with busi- preferential rates. develop. offices of varying sizes, four ness mentoring and advice Best of all, the centre is The centre is looking for shared meeting rooms, break clinics, peer-to-peer support aimed at passionate innovative applicants that demonstrate

28 Billington Bulletin www.businesscornwall.co.uk Business Cornwall Magazine - August/September 2011 Agile on the Beach I have been wondering to be held in Cornwall is tak- what on earth is this ing place September 15-16 Ambitious plans Agile stuff everyone is and will feature some of the tweeting about? most respected speakers in I have now researched it the field today from the UK forAmbitious your business? plans extensively and the word- and the USA. perfect dictionary definitions So do you have to be A new service to equip you with don’t resonate with me or a “techie” to attend this fortheAmbitious skills your you need business? to growplans success make it any clearer. conference? What will “us A new service to equip you with So, after asking the normal people” get out of for your business? people in the know (Oxford the experience? the skills you need to grow success Innovation & UKNetWeb), it The conference will allow A new service to equip you with appears that Agile is a differ- participants to gain a full ent approach to developing understanding of what Agile the skills you need to grow success and writing software. is, how it has been adopted Up to It focuses on being in large organisations like more efficient and effec- HSBC bank and how com- tive, which reduces the risk panies in Cornwall are using £1,000Up to of projects running over Agile to compete interna- in grant funding to help you budget and schedule. Using tionally. The speakers at the pay for theUp training to you need to Agile, tasks are delivered conference will explain how £1,000help your business grow faster, at a higher quality, adopting Agile could have in grant funding to help you with less problems. an impact on the bottom £1,000pay for the training you need to Companies such as the line of your business, mak- help your business grow BBC, GE Energy, Yahoo, ing it more efficient and in grant funding to help you the Financial Times and The therefore more profitable. pay for the training you need to Guardian are already using Now it’s sounding clearer help your business grow it and the UK Government is to me and what my business also moving to adopt Agile. will achieve, I may be book- The first Agile conference ing my place soon!

Find out more www.skillssoutheast.co.uk Skills 0845 026 4298 Funding Tremough....In the know! Find out more Agency [email protected] innovation, passion, commit- of services), it could be a wise www.skillssoutheast.co.uk Skills ment, high standards and investment! 0845Find 026 out 4298 more Funding Agency potential for growth. And with For further information visit [email protected] office rates starting from as low www.tremoughinnovation Skills as £150 per month (inclusive centre.co.uk 0845 026 4298 Funding Agency [email protected]

Got a new business and want to be featured on this page or simply want a chat and some advice from someone who has been there and done it? – get in touch: [email protected]

Business Cornwall Magazine - August/September 2011 Thelastword

Adrian Richards – BF Adventure

Name: Adrian Richards hostel sites whilst acting as opera- Company: BF Adventure tions manager Cornwall and Devon Job title: Chief Executive Officer for the YHA.

What did you want to be when you were What do you begrudge spending money young? A fighter pilot or failing that a on? Car parking in Cornwall. lollipop man! If you only had £1 left in the entire What was your first full time job? world, what would you spend it on? Apprentice cabinet maker and A lottery ticket. antique restorer. What’s the best thing about Cornwall? What is your best quality? A positive Its coastline, stunning views, great outlook. beaches and the surf.

What is your worst quality? Needing to What is the most valuable lesson you remind myself that Rome wasn’t built have learned in life? Every cloud has a in a day! silver lining.

What is your favourite book? The Hitch- What makes you happy? Family and a hiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. day at the beach.

What is your favourite film? What makes you angry? Rudeness. Big Wednesday. If you could invite any two people for What is your favourite restaurant? I dinner, who would they be and why can’t recall the name but it’s a local would you invite them? Stephen Fry – fish restaurant in Sagres Portugal, a as the fountain of all knowledge and sizzling seafood skewer followed by a Laird Hamilton – Hawaiian extreme chocolate mousse to die for! waterman – to hear what it feels like to face a moving mountain of water. How do you like to relax? In the ocean. What could you not live without? My If you could build a house anywhere in family and time in the ocean. the world where would it be? On the beach at Taranaki in New Zealand. What’s the greatest invention ever? The World Wide Web – for its endless If you could be a superhero, what super- potential and for bringing the planet powers would you like to possess? Time together (key driver in worldwide travel and gills – the ability to breath political change and in improving underwater. human rights amongst other things).

Who was your teenage pin up? Jet from What’s your favourite holiday destina- Gladiators. tion? Bali, Indonesia.

Can money buy happiness? No but a lit- When is honesty not always the best tle helps to oil the wheels. policy? Trick question!?

Most annoying TV personality? Harry What’s your #1 ambition? To still be Hill. making a difference and enjoying it throughout the rest of my life. What has been the best moment in your career? Being offered the CEO role at What was your biggest mistake in life? BF Adventure. Waiting six years to propose to my wife!

What has been the worst moment in Describe yourself in three adjectives: your career? Having to close one of my Positive, intuitive, adventurous.

30 The Last Word www.businesscornwall.co.uk Business Cornwall Magazine - August/September 2011 Walk the walk

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