The Cornwall Enterprise Programme

Cornwall’s business leaders are gearing up for a series of inspirational conferences being staged right across the county over the coming weeks. Internationally renowned entrepreneurs such as Lord Digby Jones; Laura Tenison MBE (Founder JoJo Maman Bebe); Deirdre Bounds (Founder i-to-i); Margaret Manning (Founder Reading Room); Sahar Hashemi (Founder Coffee Republic) and serial entrepreneur BJ Cunningham are presenting at the launch of an exciting new programme for Cornish entrepreneurs.

Funded by ERDF (European Regional Development Fund) Convergence, the programme will provide inspiration, knowledge, genuine insights and support for businesses in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. The concept is designed by business, delivered by Plymouth University and Cornwall College in partnership with YTKO. Delegates are invited to attend five unique and innovative events to share in inspiring workshops, hear from the renowned speakers and to find out more about how this new, fantastic offer of support will affect them. The events are taking place during Global Enterprise Week and beyond:

• Evolution: Fit for the Future with Lord Digby Jones and Laura Tenison MBE (Founder and MD, JoJo Maman Bebe); 14th November 2011; Tregenna Castle, St Ives
• Seek the Unique with Deirdre Bounds (Founder, i-to-i); 16th November 2011; St Mellion International Resort, St Mellion
• Digital Vision with Margaret Manning (Founder and CEO, Reading Room)
  18th November 2011; St Michael’s Hotel, Falmouth
• Strong New Leaders with Sahar Hashemi (Founder, Coffee Republic); 23rd November 2011; Pool Innovation Centre
• Keeping Brand Promises with BJ Cunningham (Serial Entrepreneur); 6th December 2011;
  Pavilion Centre, Wadebridge.

Designed to offer business leaders a taste of the new programme, tickets are being offered free of charge but spaces are limited. To book delegates should visit: www.unlockingenterprisepotential.com

One of the keynote speakers at the launch event on 14th November is the 2010 Veuve Clicquot Business Woman of the Year Laura Tenison MBE who, ahead of her talk sharing her experience of business, has been sharing what keeps her awake at night:

"Everything – I’m a huge worrier and I never feel I have done enough. I have a deep sense of responsibility embedded in my psyche and I also have in inability to say no – hence I take on too much and always feel I must give it my all, but there are not enough hours in the day!"

This new support programme for Cornish Business Leaders and Entrepreneurs aims to strengthen the continued growth of Cornwall’s vibrant economy. Mark Smith is currently heading up the project and said: "Our research tells us that the time is now right to support groups of like-minded Cornish businesses in their pursuit of wider goals. We will do this by showcasing the best in global business ideas, listening to reactions to them and then working with those groups of businesses who wish to take those ideas further locally to design programmes.

"We’re not offering a quick fix, we’re here for the long term and can be with you at every stage of your business journey."

Carleen Kelemen, Director of the Convergence Partnership Office for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, said: "The creation and growth of small enterprises is the backbone of the UK economy and even more so for our local Cornish economy. Yet the question of how to assist this diverse range of emerging entrepreneurs is as yet unanswered. This Convergence funded opportunity is piloting a collective and unique approach to meet this challenge."

Professor Julian Beer, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Regional Enterprise, added: "This series of events showcasing and hearing the experiences of world leading entrepreneurs is just the start of what is to come from our newly launched enterprise programme and there will be much more to follow over the next few years.

"Events such as these, will put Cornwall in the Global spotlight for Enterprise and will give local people and businesses the chance to learn and be inspired by those who has been there seen it and done it. However, the programme is so much more than just a series of really exciting events, follow up sessions will be undertaken with all those who are inspired to put what they have heard into practice in starting or developing their own businesses in the context of the far South West."