Breakthrough Helps 650 New Businesses Start-Up in Cornwall
“Breakthrough”, a start-up business support programme is celebrating after helping more than 650 new businesses to start up in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. Breakthrough has received £7 million from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) to support 800 start-ups in the county, as part of the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Growth Programme. Delivered by Oxford Innovation in partnership with Unlocking Potential, Breakthrough has been running since November 2016 and offers a tailor-made, fully-funded package of strategic direction, expertise, workshops, one-to-one coaching and even recruitment support.
Councillor Bob Egerton, Cornwall Council’s Portfolio Holder for Economy says it’s a fantastic milestone, “The news that new businesses are making successful starts in Cornwall is excellent. It can be a daunting experience but with support and guidance available from European funded projects like Breakthrough, the complicated process can be easier to navigate. I’m delighted the Growth Programme and its investments are having a positive impact on the people and prosperity of Cornwall.”
The Breakthrough Programme has supported a diverse range of businesses since it started including an edible insect company, a theatrical sword fighter and a fermented food provider. Other Cornish business ventures include four pregnancy care companies, three film makers, two swimwear brands and a funeral company.
Breakthrough clients and husband and wife Sam and Tim Moore from Ladock, say their dreams became a reality when they successfully launched their business Wild Tipi in January this year. The bespoke tipi and event business has experienced rapid growth and they are now collaborating with the National Trust, Natural England and the Forestry Commission. They’ve been working with their Breakthrough Coach Ernie Capbert since attending a Breakthrough workshop in March and they say the impact has been an important asset.
“Since we started it’s been an emotional rollercoaster but having Ernie on board has been incredible. At times when we’re not sure which way to go, Ernie comes along with so much enthusiasm and motivation. He has helped us identify our brand a lot more and your Breakthrough Coach is someone to bounce ideas off and who has got your back. It’s made us realise we don’t have to pigeon-hole ourselves and gave us confidence to approach bigger companies.”
Ernie Capbert who has been working with the couple says it’s an incredibly, rewarding experience, “They both have so much love and passion for not only the experience they offer people but also the genuine belief that spending more time outdoors, is better for all of us. It’s a simple message and I think people are really starting to hear it. The work with Natural England, National Trust and the Forestry Commission is only going to spread that message further. I’m so excited for them.”
How Breakthrough could help your business
Meanwhile, the Breakthrough team is celebrating reaching their important milestone with their first workshop of 2018 which is nearly fully-booked and is being held in Redruth. Anyone who has been running their business for 12-months or less or anyone with a business idea who wants to take action in 2018, should head to www.breakthroughcornwall.co.uk or call Jules Burton on 0845 600 3660 for more information on how to apply.
Upcoming Breakthrough Start-up Workshops
- Tuesday 30th – Wednesday 31st January – Penventon Hotel, Redruth
- Saturday 3rd & Saturday 10th February – Heartlands, Pool
- Thursday Evenings starting March 1st – Bedruthan Hotel, nr Newquay
- Tuesday 13th – Wednesday 14th March – Atlantic Hotel, Newquay
About Breakthrough
Breakthrough offers tailor-made, fully-funded support to anyone in Cornwall who wants to start a business or who is in their first 12 months trading. Our team of expert coaches provides one-to-one strategic direction which will give you the confidence, momentum and tools to make your business a success. Breakthrough is delivered by Oxford Innovation in partnership with Unlocking Potential and is funded by the European Regional Development Fund.