Small business bulletin for Cornwall

Local News 26 Jun 2024

Local small business news from Ann Vandermeulen, your FSB Development Manager. Covering Truro, Penzance, Camborne, Falmouth, Hayle, Helston, Marazion, Newquay, Penryn, Perranporth, Redruth, St Agnes, St Columb, St Ives, the Isles of Scilly, St Austell, Bodmin, Liskeard, Launceston, Looe, Saltash, Torpoint, Callington, Wadebridge, Boscastle, Calstock, Camelford, Delabole, Fowey, Gunnislake, Lostwithiel, Padstow, Par, Port Isaac, Tintagel

In summary

Whilst all eyes may be on the national news this month, there’s plenty of local activity that we don’t want you to miss: A new Economic Forum, our Growth Hub have new RD&I funds for you and there’s some great wellbeing training from Healthy Cornwall for the humans in your business. Read on for the latest success for Cornwall Marine Network, how you can support veterans with our friends across the Tamar at PL1 Civvy Street and much more!

Featured news and events 

Business Voice for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly

Former Business Secretary Lord Hutton is the first Chair of the newly formed Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Economic Forum which will launch formally in June. It aims to embed a strong, independent, and diverse local business voice for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly at the heart of local and national Government. 

FSB’s Development Manager, Ann Vandermeulen said, “I was pleased to meet Lord Hutton recently as part of a sector round table where introductions were made and key points around growth, development and support for businesses were raised. It is an exciting time with big plans for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, but we must also remember that our foundations lie in small business, and we ignore that at our peril.”

Currently in formation, there will also  a new Workforce and Skills Board whose Chair will act as Vice Chair of the Economic Forum. FSB are pleased to note therefore, that training and staffing issues for local businesses will be consistently on the agenda and that our work on the Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) can be regularly included in strategies going forward. We look forward to working with both the forum and the board in the near future.
 

The Cornwall & Isles of Scilly 2nd LSIP Quarterly Forum

Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) and the Cornwall & Isles of Scilly LSIP Leadership Panel are pleased to invite you to the second of our LSIP Quarterly Forum events for 2024.

Book your free place now >


In other news 

Fully Funded Wellbeing Training 

Whether you want to develop your own understanding or that of your community or organisation, the Healthy Cornwall training team has identified key areas of health promotion and developed relevant training that meets the needs of those who live and work here. Within either a physical or digital classroom, through our training they aim to increase the skills, knowledge and understanding that underpin and encourage healthier lifestyle choices across the County and beyond. The Healthy Cornwall Training Team are very much in demand for their Public Health fully funded offer of Mental Health First Aid, Suicide First Aid, Making Every Contact Count and much more. This training offer includes a selection of free workshops written with workplaces in mind – the majority of which are just 2 hours long, so can be completed easily for staff members over an extended lunchbreak. Please check out the Healthy Cornwall website for full information on what  training is available from this helpful, friendly team.

Research, Development & Innovation Capital Funding Available

Don’t miss out on grant funding to support your business to grow if you are introducing new ideas, processes, products, or services. 

The Growth Hub RD&I Business Grants focus on purchase of kit or equipment to progress projects looking to:
•    introduce new products or services to your business.
•    aid adoption of new technologies or processes.
•    create prototypes and bring products to market. 
•    create pilots or proof concept. 
Grants are available up to £25,000 and applicants must provide a minimum of 50% match funding and be able to cashflow project costs, as claims are submitted in arrears.

There is limited funding available so don’t delay!  If you have a project this funding could help support, get in touch with the Growth Hub on 01209 708660

For more details and to watch a full information webinar on all the criteria visit the Growth Hub website.


Still in the news

Cornwall Marine Network announced as winners of Coast Powerhouse Award at 2024 Maritime Awards 

Congratulations to Cornwall Marine Network who have been announced as this year’s winners of the prestigious Coastal Powerhouse Award at the Maritime UK 2024 Awards.
In the Maritime sector of the UK, the Coastal Powerhouse award is quite simply the biggest award that CMN could ever win.

CMN’s win is recognition for its role in supporting its member businesses to grow over the last 20 years, demonstrating it is a true Coastal Powerhouse by announcing the impact of its collaboration with members has resulted in 4,600 new jobs in Cornwall, which has created more than £600 Million of additional value to Cornwall’s economy.

Further information can be viewed here>

PL1 Civvy Street Fundraising Gala

PL1 Civvy Street is a dedicated service for veterans transitioning from military service to civilian life. They offer a wide range of resources and support, including job placement, counselling, social activities, and housing assistance. 

They are holding a fundraising gala on 20 September at the Crown Plaza, Plymouth. It promises to be an unforgettable experience that will be the social event of the season. It's your chance to make a real difference. You'll be a part of history, helping to raise crucial funds to kickstart the opening of PL1 Civvy Street. This exciting initiative is not just a project; it's a promise to make a significant difference in the lives of British military personnel transitioning to civilian life.
Simon Weston CBE and Toby Gutteridge, two distinguished former military servicemen,will share their enthralling and inspirational stories, leaving you empowered and moved.
This exclusive event offers a night of exquisite food, delightful company, and the chance to be a part of something 
extraordinary.
Reserve your place today

Further information can be viewed here>


More news and activity near you 


Get in touch

Ann VanDerMeulen

Your FSB Development Manager for Cornwall is Ann Vandermeulen. If you'd like more information about the topics above, or if you have news about this area that you'd like to share, please get in touch.