The director general of the British Chambers of Commerce was in Cornwall this week to meet local businesses and the discuss the challenges and opportunities for the year ahead.
The two-day visit was hosted by The Cornwall Chamber of Commerce to showcase Cornwall’s strength of industry and inspire Shevaun Haviland to fly Cornwall’s flag on a national level.
It highlighted Cornwall’s strategic alignment with the Government’s Invest 2035 strategy and illuminated Cornwall’s pivotal role in pioneering new industries, training future talent, and fostering sustainable growth.
Accompanied by Alex Veitch, head of policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, the visit kicked off with a tour of Cornish Lithium, followed by a regenerative roundtable featuring representatives from Celtic Sea Power, Spaceport Cornwall, University of Exeter and Cornish Lithium.
The discussion highlighted Cornwall’s capacity to lead the way in the regenerative industry but underscored the need for robust Government backing to realise this potential fully.
Haviland’s visit continued with a tour of Falmouth University, where she was introduced to the flourishing creative talent nurtured there.
A members’ reception welcomed Haviland and Phil Mason, director of sustainable growth and development at Cornwall Council. Together, they provided valuable insights into Cornwall’s growth potential, opportunities, and the local and national challenges to be overcome. The key messages from the event included Cornwall’s pressing need for infrastructure investment, alignment with the Government’s Invest 2035 strategy, and the vital importance of retaining skilled talent within the region.
The second day focused on Cornwall’s burgeoning talent pool, with visits to Pendennis Shipyard, where Cornwall College apprentices showcased their skills in high-level projects, and to Truro and Penwith College’s STEM and Health Skills Centre in Bodmin.
The visit culminated at Spaceport Cornwall, where Haviland met winners of the Cornwall Chamber’s 30 Under 30 Awards. Addressing the future leaders, Haviland spoke about the importance of resilience and ambition, particularly for young women in business and politics.
Cornwall Chamber CEO, John Brown, said: “Shevaun Haviland’s visit has reinforced Cornwall’s position as a strategic leader in the UK’s regenerative economy. Our industries and educational institutions are aligned with the Government’s future vision, but to realise this potential, we need investment not out of altruism, but out of recognising Cornwall’s role as a key driver of economic opportunity.
“We’re proud of the talent, innovation, and ambition here, and we’re ready to make Cornwall a model for sustainable, future-facing growth.”
Haviland added: “Cornwall exemplifies the innovative spirit and commitment needed to drive the UK’s economic future. I am truly inspired by the people I’ve met – from skilled apprentices to visionary entrepreneurs – all of whom are contributing to Cornwall’s exciting growth story.
“For Cornwall to realise its full potential, however, it’s critical that Government support is strong, enabling the infrastructure, investment, and training needed to sustain this momentum and ensure a prosperous future for Cornwall’s communities and businesses.”
