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PRIVACY
Enterprise

Business support agency sees huge increase in calls during pandemic

The Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Growth Hub has been inundated with inquiries since the coronavirus crisis began

Cornish towns, and many of their businesses are in lockdown during the coronavirus pandemic

One of Cornwall’s key business support agencies has reported a fivefold increase in phone calls and a fourfold increase in web traffic as companies seek support through the coronavirus pandemic.

The Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Growth Hub provides free, impartial help to new and established businesses in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, signposting them to business support and advice.

To help with growing demand it has just appointed an agriculture expert who will also work with businesses in sectors such as food, fishing and mining, funded by the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP).

Since the start of the coronavirus lockdown the Growth Hub has co-ordinated information about the local and national coronavirus support packages available, with a dedicated team helping businesses navigate what’s on offer.

In the March Budget, Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced a further £10million to increase the capacity of all 38 Growth Hubs in England. The money will help fund additional staff on the ground and extend the scope of the Growth Hub’s services.

In the meantime the LEP has funded the recent appointment of agricultural expert Chris Godolphin as one of a team of business connectors, who work directly with businesses to help identify their needs and find the right support.

Mr Godolphin has worked with agri-businesses for more than a decade, including five years with the Rural Business School at Duchy College, and with Cornwall Development Company’s agri-tech project, supporting innovation in agriculture.

Most recently he was part of the policy team at Cornwall Council’s Economic Growth Service.