Business support and advice

Last updated: 17/04/2012 Add to My Bookmarks Subscribe

Business Support

The Council works in close partnership with many business support agencies across Cornwall, to ensure that information, advice and guidance is available to help your business when you need it, whether you are just starting out, growing your business, relocating to Cornwall or running a social enterprise or charitable organisation.

Business Support Offer in Cornwall

The document below provides and overview of the current business support offer in Cornwall through both the local Convergence Programme and the national Business Link service. This does not include services and support provided by the private or third sector; however work is underway to provide a more detailed website/webpage of business support in Cornwall which will be completed as soon as possible.

The Business Support environment both nationally and through the Convergence Programme is currently undergoing significant changes. The national offer is under review and will be moving away from local delivery to a more centralised offer, with some key products delivered throughout the UK. In addition the Convergence Programme is currently commissioning new products which are based on feedback from businesses and is aimed at providing a simpler and more effective offer for businesses in Cornwall.

Business Support Offer

General business support

Contact Business Link the main gateway for business support across Cornwall.  Business Link can provide a range of services including information, telephone advice clinics, outreach clinics in locations throughout Cornwall and specialist in depth support.

In the current economic climate the the British Chambers of Commerce have produced a 'survival toolkit' details of which can be found on their Business Recovery Website.

Cornwall Development Company are responsible for four core functions. The four themes are:

• Marketing Cornwall / Managing the Visitor Economy
• Sites and Premises Development and Management
• Placed Based and Community Regeneration
• Sustainable, Low Carbon, Economic Development and Renewable Energy
• Business Support and Advice (including relocation)

Creative Industries

If you are a creative business and want help and support contact Creative Skills

Financial business support

If you are seeking investment finance to grow your business, contact South West Investment Group

ICT support

Contact Act Now if you need support with broadband and IT infrastructure.  For networking and ICT support, contact Digital Peninsula Network

Marketing

Marketing Donut and the Start Up Donut launched a few months ago with Google and Royal Mail.  These are online information websites covering all aspects of marketing and starting up a business and they are aimed at small businesses. A free to view resource which might be useful when seeking information on marketing or starting your own business.

Recruitment and Training

The following organisations are able to help you recruit the right staff for your business;

Jobcentre Plus or Cornwall Works and to recruit a local graduate, contact Unlocking Cornish Potential

Retail

Contact the Cornwall Retail Network for training and skills support.  For networking opportunities, contact your local Chamber of Commerce

Social Enterprise

To access information, advice and support for your social enterprise, contact Rise or the Cornwall School for Social Entrepreneurs if you need support in becoming a social entrepreneur !

Support for women in business

Contact Wire UK for specific business support.

Working from Home

Contact the Live Work Network

Youth Enterprise

Contact Young Enterprise for support in helping young people run their own business whilst at school or the Prince's Trust for business support if you are a young person starting out in business.

Specific business support

If you are wishing to start an electrical business, click here for specific support.

Made in Cornwall Scheme

The 'Made in Cornwall' scheme was developed in 1991 in an attempt to identify genuine Cornish produce. Under the control of Cornwall Council's Trading Standards Service, the 'Made in Cornwall' logo was introduced for local producers to use in association with their genuine Cornish Products.