Invest in Cornwall, a team focused on encouraging inward investment into Cornwall to achieve its economic potential, has launched a campaign promoting the opportunities on offer for next-generation businesses.

The two-week advertising campaign is in partnership with JCDecaux’s Nurture programme, to attract tech-led businesses and start-ups while driving awareness of the region. It also hopes to position Cornwall as a destination of choice for both existing and future businesses in a series of advertisements across billboards at some of London’s main train station termini.

Opportunities

From Goonhilly, the world’s most advanced satellite Earth station, to Falmouth University, one of the UK’s best arts universities, to Wave Hub, the world’s most advanced marine renewables testing site, the region is full of opportunities which companies including Crowdfunder, Sanders Studios and Radix Communications are already making the most of. In addition, many others are teed up to sign on the dotted line and make the move from countries as far as New Zealand and Australia to make the most of the business opportunities available.

In spite of the influx of companies moving to Cornwall, and the region’s tech economy growing at a rate that outperforms the rest of the country, many still consider the region as no more than a tourist destination. This bold, visual campaign kicks off a wider campaign highlighting the region’s economic opportunities and success as a UK business hub.

Cornwall’s SME turnover has reached almost £10 million with 3,415 new businesses launching last year, and is home to an economy that grew by 4% in 2016. With a five-year survival rate for SMEs at 46.7% (The State of Small Business Report 2017), the region is one of the top in the country for setting up a small or medium-sized enterprise.

Increasingly, next-generation businesses are tech entrepreneurs, setting up fast-paced, innovative practices in alternative locations. With over 95% of Cornwall now benefitting from fibre connectivity, creating the world’s biggest fibre broadband network, the region is able to compete with major cities including London, often exceeding UK averages for speed and quality of connectivity. Thanks to Cornwall’s broadband infrastructure, businesses are able to connect with a global client base whilst reaping the benefits and offering employees unrivalled lifestyle opportunities, including lower overheads, access to prime talent and a coast that offers a fantastic work / life balance.

Head of Inward Investment at Invest in Cornwall, Nicola Lloyd, said: “This is a major campaign drive to increase the visibility of Cornwall, both in the UK and across the globe, as a destination for business.

“We believe the tech companies of tomorrow can help drive the business success of the region, and we’re excited about where this may lead us. The economic growth here is already significantly outperforming the UK average and we’re delighted to launch a campaign that matches the region and its local business’ ambition.”