How Cornwall can turbocharge national missions was the theme at a growth summit that took place last week.
Over 130 delegates came together for a full day of presentations and panel discussion that explored how Cornish growth can be better harnessed for the benefit of the UK.
Businesses operating across defence, clean energy, advanced manufacturing, and the creative industries presented at the summit showcasing the innovations and projects already delivering significant contributions across Cornwall and the UK. Presentations included Mike King from Cornish Lithium, George Gillow from Kensa Heatpumps, Drystan Jones from A&P, Don Turvey from Cornish Metals, Laura Giles from Screen Cornwall and Economic Forum sector lead for the creative and cultural sector, and Piers Guy presenting on the Geothermal opportunity as sector lead for Clean Energy.
Representatives from the British Business Bank, Innovate UK and Bank of England joined panel discussions on the evolving funding landscape, how Cornwall’s businesses can access funding and support and how the region could overcome some of its challenges to growth.
Presentations and debate on the day included Cornwall’s vital defence capabilities, with a briefing from Plymouth City Council’s Head of Economy, Enterprise and Employment, Amanda Ratsey, on Cornwall’s potential to deliver for Devonport with housing, infrastructure and skills. Devonport is set to receive £4.4 billion in investment over the next 10 years to maintain its role as a Continuous At Sea Deterrent (CASD), while Babcock has a skills requirement for 5,500 people over the same time period.
John Hutton, Chair of the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Economic Forum said: “Cornwall really does have assets and businesses of national significance. We have a stronger specialism in clean firms than even London. The scale and range of our renewable energy assets, from geothermal to floating offshore wind to biomethane to onshore wind and solar give us a clear role to play in delivering the UK ambition to become a Clean Energy Superpower.
“Of the eight drivers for growth outlined in the UK Industrial Strategy, Cornwall is almost uniquely - and certainly extremely well positioned - to contribute across four of them – advanced manufacturing, defence, clean energy and the creative industries.”
Minister for the Department for Business and Trade, Blair McDougall shared a video address to the summit. He commented: “Cornwall has a bright future ahead of it. Growth is the driving force of this government. Not growth that just looks good on paper or is confined to London and our major cities, as part of our plan for change, we want to drive growth across every nation and region of the UK.
“That’s why we set up a National Wealth Fund within days of taking office, funnelling investment into the projects and places that can thrive with the right backing. That includes £28m for the South Crofty tin mine which could be an absolute game-changer for the old industrial towns of Redruth and Camborne. We also launched our modern industrial strategy, our 10-year plan for growth driven by real investment, skills and regulatory reform. It will ensure the eight key growth-driving sectors of our economy will continue to flourish here in Cornwall and across the UK.”
Jayne Kirkham, MP for Truro and Falmouth, Chaired the Policy and Positioning Panel at the summit. She said: “Making Cornwall’s presence felt on the national stage has been at the heart of discussions at the Growth Summit. Coherency of voice, collaboration between partners, and an ambition to take Cornwall to the rest of the world were key ideas that have come through the summit’s discussions.
“It’s clear we have the ambition and the assets, and the summit has ignited fresh momentum to make the case for Cornwall as a unique place that has a remarkable offer to central government in terms of its growth agenda.”
Leader of the Council, Cllr Leigh Frost, said: “The Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Growth Summit has been a fantastic opportunity to hear from some of the inspiring businesses driving innovation and growth across our region.
“I was really pleased to join the policy panel, where we discussed how Cornwall can best capitalise on its strengths while tackling the key challenges ahead; from skills and connectivity to infrastructure, housing and sustainability.
“What stood out to me was the ambition and creativity of those leading the way in our economy. With the right collaboration, investment, and policy support, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly can unlock even greater potential and build a resilient, sustainable future.”
ENDS