The newly-formed Visit Cornwall Community Interest Company (CIC) has marked its first month of operating with a Cornish Cream Tea celebration.
Attended by friends and supporters of the destination marketing organisation, the event took place on Friday (May 15) at Visit Cornwall’s new office at Lakeview Country Club in Lanivet, near Bodmin, and was an opportunity for Visit Cornwall to thank those who supported its move from public to private sector.
Chief executive, Malcolm Bell, said: “The last six months have been very eventful; from being under the wing of Cornwall Council to becoming a Community Interest Company at the beginning of April, it has meant creating a brand new company.
“The support we have received from the tourism industry, as well as from individuals and companies who have assisted us in the transition, has been incredible and we wouldn’t be in the position that we are in today had it not been for their advice, guidance and generosity.”
Alongside Cornwall Council and Cornwall Development Company, Visit Cornwall received expert support from Stephenss Scown, Francis Clark and HSBC, while Lakeview Country Club stepped forward with the offer of office space.
Lord St Levan, Chair of Visit Cornwall, added: “The strength of support that we have received in forming Visit Cornwall CIC is a reflection of the culture of the Cornwall business community.
“By coming together we have developed a long-term solution for marketing destination Cornwall which will benefit businesses across the county for years to come. I would like to thank all those that have supported us on this journey, as well as all those that we will be working with in our future as a CIC.”
Visit Cornwall has a team of five people and a founding board of directors that sees Lord St Levan (St Aubyn Estates) joined by Nigel Carpenter (St Michael’s Hotel and Spa), Gordon Seabright (Eden Project), Tim Light (Fal River) and Will Ashworth (Watergate Bay).
“It is very much business as useful for us,” concludes Bell. “We are committed to our future and to the prosperity of Cornwall tourism.”
