With a clear ambition to accelerate the development and capacity of the region’s economy, the Council has planned a comprehensive programme of regeneration, residential, commercial and infrastructure development schemes, which will be launched at the conference.
Cornwall, one of the best known and most visited UK regions, has a strong economic performance, growing at four percent in 2016, significantly outperforming the UK average.
The region has diverse and increasingly productive manufacturing and service sectors. Existing businesses are increasingly export-driven and new high-value businesses are making the region home, with the ability to access and retain top talent alongside an unparalleled level of digital connectivity that connects Cornwall to global markets. Existing aerospace assets such as Goonhilly Earth Station and Cornwall Airport Newquay are levers for unlocking investment potential of international significance.
Kate Kennally, Cornwall Council Chief Executive, says:
“Cornwall is an ambitious region with devolved powers, streamlined decision-making and a multi-sector business community. Our economy is expanding, companies are thriving, and we’re developing new systems and ground breaking technologies. With the launch of our new investment proposition and the creation of the Cornwall Investment Fund, we are signalling a broad portfolio of investment opportunities, and a commitment to work alongside investors to deliver commercial returns in an economy and a region that is taking control of its own destiny.
“We have one of the fastest growing regional airports in the UK, we’re leading the bid for the UK’s first space port, our tech sector is growing twice as fast as the rest of the UK and we’re fast becoming an exemplar region for renewable energy. Cornwall is an exciting place to invest in – it’s a place where people want to live and work, is innovative and entrepreneurial, making it a strong proposition for investment.”
Strategic Director Economic Growth and Development at Cornwall Council, John Betty added:
“The UK economic landscape is changing and Cornwall is ready to exploit those changes. The investment programme and the creation of the Cornwall Investment Fund demonstrate that Cornwall is a region committed to providing the support and infrastructure to ensure its own economic prosperity. We are launching our investment programme at MIPIM 2018 to showcase investment opportunities and develop collaborative working relationships with investors, developers and contractors who have a vital role in delivering a prosperous future for Cornwall.”
The investment programme is supported by a major advertising campaign by Cornwall Trade and Investment, in partnership with JCDecaux’s Nurture Programme. Through February and March, the ‘Next Generation Business’ campaign – focused on key sites across London – has raised awareness of Cornwall as a destination for investment and as a location for innovative technology and knowledge-led businesses.
Cornwall’s attendance at MIPIM 2018 will help Cornwall amplify its credentials as an investment location supported by infrastructure investment and an entrepreneurial, enterprising culture.
Kim Conchie Chief Executive of Cornwall Chamber of Commerce, said
“The values the region offers as a place to work, invest, study and live are stronger than ever. A number of factors are now in place to provide the ideal 21st Century, dynamic, positive, connected, clean environment that businesses and their employees desire; MIPIM offers a great opportunity to showcase this”
James Staughton, Chief Executive of St Austell Brewery and Chair of the business-led Cornwall Place Board added:
“Now, more than ever, it is important for Cornwall to confidently showcase its thriving and growing business landscape. The region is truly unique and remains globally competitive as a result across a number of sectors. Today’s announcement is just the latest milestone in its progress. We have strong place making opportunities that show Cornwall is an attractive investment proposition, with private investment creating the places in which people live, work and play while local infrastructure meshes together housing, economy, growth and government.”
To maximise the value of attending this development event for the region, Cornwall Council has offered meeting space to all Cornwall based businesses attending the event.
This support has been welcomed by Cornwall-based Eco-Bos Development Ltd (a joint venture between Orascom Development and Imerys Minerals) who are attending the event to promote the transformational West Carclaze Garden Village project in St Austell.
John Hodkin, Managing Director of Eco-Bos says, “We’re delighted to be showcasing West Carclaze to an international audience as an example of the many exciting development and investment opportunities in Cornwall. Working as a unified delegation at this event also highlights the strong private / public sector partnerships which support the success of ambitious development projects such as ours.”
Find out how Cornwall Trade and Investment can help your business.
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Cornwall has miles of coastline and green open spaces and these natural assets have led the region to be a leader in the UK’s journey to net zero.
Whether you’re looking to locate in Cornwall, or to start exporting beyond its borders, get in touch with our friendly team to talk through your needs.
