I'D RATHER BE IN CORNWALL CLUB
NEW HORIZONS FOR YOUR BUSINESS ...
3RD FEBRUARY 2010
The last IRBICC ‘New Horizons for your Business’ was held in London on 3rd February this year. Businesses considering relocating to Cornwall joined us for a drink and a nibble at One Aldwych, London.
Cornwall Pure Business held its first I'd Rather be in Cornwall Club for 2010. This event was aimed at business which are considering relocating to Cornwall and highlighted what business support is available, bringing the idea of relocation to a reality.
A selected panel of industry experts from Cornish regeneration, finance and training organizations were on hand to answer any queries attendees had about relocating their business to Cornwall. The panel answered questions on relocating and showcased the various services available, there was also the opportunity to hear from people who have actually made the move to Cornwall themselves.
Meet some of the panel and what they had to say …
Allyson Glover from Unlocking Cornish Potential (UCP):
The Unlocking Cornish Potential scheme was set up to help facilitate the growth of Cornish small and medium sized enterprises by placing talented graduates within their company.
Graduates gain invaluable experience, new professional skills and a competitive salary, while businesses gain an employee with fresh ideas, enthusiasm, and access to expert industry knowledge and training opportunities.
Q: What are the 'extras' that an employer receives if they hire a UCP graduate?
Working with UCP an employer will get significant help in finding and recruiting the right graduate for their business, and once they have found the right one, we will support that graduate with a significant training, support and mentoring package and potentially some financial assistance toward their salary. We'll work with the employer to shape the role so that the business and graduate get the very best out of the opportunity.
Q: What 'types of people' are UCP graduates?
Whatever the business needs! Generally they are enthusiastic with lots of fresh ideas and thinking. They are not just newly qualified, just looking for a great graduate level opportunity here in Cornwall. We have over 150 graduates currently on the programme from a wide variety of different disciplines.
Q: Can graduates be placed in any industry?
We can work with any business or sector including social enterprise and not for profit.
To find out more about Unlocking Cornish Potential and read some inspiring success stories, visit their website.
Toni Eyriey from Business Cornwall Magazine who made the move to Cornwall:
Q: When and why did you make the move to Cornwall?
My husband, Nick, and I decided to move in 2005 for a better standard of life for us and our children. The July bombings in the centre of London were a major catalyst in our decision although we have always wanted to relocate to this part of the world.
Q: Have you seen much of a shift / changes in Cornwall's business community since you moved to the County?
Cornwall's business community has remained vibrant and active since our arrival. Even the recent doom and gloom over the economy has failed to damage local optimism, with many businesses focused on the recovery rather than the short term difficulties they may be experiencing.
Q: What is the readership of Business Cornwall? Has your 'online' version of the magazine been well received?
The magazine is sent to over 4,000 named decision makers within Cornish businesses and the website regularly receives over 4,000 visits per month. The website has been well received with many local businesses referring to the website on a regular basis to keep up to date with the latest news.
Q: You've really embraced Social Media of all forms in the online version of your magazine. How important do you think it is for businesses to be more open to Social Media?
Social Media offers new opportunities for us to communicate with and engage our readership. Our aim has always been to build a magazine & website that the local business community can feel a sense of ownership over and Social Media is helping us to achieve that aim. We have already seen a number of businesses taking to platforms such as Twitter and Facebook and these are becoming increasingly important channels for dialogue with local businesses.
Ewan McClymont from Bishop Fleming Chartered Accountants:
Bishop Fleming is a regional firm with specialists in all areas of business development. In the past 18 months alone, Ewan has secured over £4.25m of grant funding for South West businesses, with awards ranging from £100k to over £2.2m.
Q: Ewan, why do you think Cornwall is an attractive destination for businesses?
Because of Cornwall's 'Convergence' status, it has successfully attracted EU funding unavailable to other UK areas. This funding is being used in a number of ways to boost the local economy, one of which is to give Cornish businesses specific support schemes to fuel their growth - both for capital and revenue projects.
Q: What are some of the grants and schemes open to Cornish companies?
These include Grant for Business Investment, Gap Funding for Employment Space, Unlocking Cornish Potential, Coaching for High Growth and Partner to Succeed.
Q: How can a company maximise their chances of obtaining funding?
A successful application depends on a number of factors, mainly the quality of the outputs such as skilled job creation, innovation, and benefit to the environment. The main factor is to demonstrate sustainable growth with credible business planning.
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