What does a company specialising in manufacturing industrial and workplace storage solutions in Bude have in common with a small company making organic children’s clothes on the Lizard?
They both (Bott Ltd and Frugi) perfectly embrace the vibrancy and personify the diversity of the Cornish business scene, and along with TJ International (book manufacturing) and Composite Integration (composite plastics), are all overall winners of the last four Cornwall Business Awards.
I was lucky enough to chair a round table debate with all four businesses at the Eden Project on Friday, which you will be able to read about in the March issue of Business Cornwall, and watch video highlights on this website shortly.
It was a great reminder of the quality businesses we have down here in Cornwall, and an inspiration for everyone looking to succeed in business.
It also goes to show that companies of all shapes and sizes have what it takes to triumph at the business awards. Check out the awards website for a full list of categories and to see details on how to enter.
Further evidence of the lively business scene was published last week in the February issue of Business Cornwall magazine – Cornwall’s Top 20, our list of who we consider to be among the Duchy’s most influential people on the Cornish business scene.
It has certainly provoked much debate within the business community, which we are delighted about, particularly over the number of public sector people we featured.
It’s a tricky balance, but in Cornwall probably more than any other region, the public sector has a huge role to play. For instance, it is the public sector which administers the Convergence spending. It is the public sector which is supposed to create the apparatus and environment for the private sector to flourish. Its influence is great, admittedly probably too great.
Had we published 50 names, there would have been less debate over the public inclusion. But that would have been rather long winded and far less interesting. And debate is good.
