In summary
Spring is all about new growth and blossoming ideas so in this newsletter we have some information about skills collaboration, inspiration about grants (from those who have successfully applied) and a creative learning opportunity to see how being more climate resilient can benefit your business. Don’t forget that you also have all of the benefits of being an FSB member to support any projects or issues that you are working on. We’re always happy to help!
Featured news and events
Want to be an FSB Networker?
Fashions in networking are a bit like Flares, they come and go. At the peak of Covid, online networking kept us in touch with our fellow businesses. We learned quickly that it’s a great tool for dipping into the world outside the 4 walls of our businesses. However, recently like Flares, in-person networking is now in increasing demand. There are, of course, many benefits of in-person networking:
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Building Genuine Relationships
Face-to-face interactions create deeper, more authentic connections. You can establish trust and rapport quickly through body language, tone, and shared experiences. -
Immediate Feedback
In-person conversations allow for instant reactions, clarifications, and deeper understanding. This fosters more effective communication and quicker problem-solving. -
Non-Verbal Communication
Body language, eye contact, and facial expressions are essential parts of communication that are absent in virtual interactions. They help convey sincerity and enthusiasm. -
Unplanned Opportunities
Chance encounters at events, conferences, or meetings can lead to unexpected collaborations or valuable introductions. -
Stronger Impression
Personal meetings tend to leave a lasting impression, as people remember how they felt interacting with you. This can be pivotal in job searches, partnerships, or sales. -
Access to Exclusive Opportunities
Many opportunities arise through informal conversations, referrals, or insider knowledge shared in a trusted environment, which are harder to replicate online. -
Fostering Community and Support
In-person networking creates a sense of belonging and shared purpose that strengthens professional and personal networks.
Your FSB Development Manager, Ann Vandermeulen wants to set a challenge to members in Cornwall & Isles of Scilly. Are you an experienced networker or event organiser or do you have a suitable venue? Could you lead a local networking event? Email Ann VanDerMeulen if you have what it takes. (N.B. In your email, please give us consent to add you to our circulation list for network leads). IMPORTANT: This is a voluntary role and for venues payment is in kind with increased profile and event footfall with attendees purchasing their own refreshments.
Cornwall Conversations Virtual Networking
Why not set aside an hour each month to join in with our regular "Cornwall Conversations" virtual networking. You'll find lots of new contacts, some familiar faces and a great opportunity to network, chat, make some new friends and discuss some of the issues that are affecting all small businesses at the moment.
Taking place at 2.30pm on Thursday 17 April, this regular monthly networking event is open to all - we'd love you to join the conversation!
In other news
Can we help you with taking payment?
In May 2024, FSB announced a new official payments partnership with NatWest Group. So, coming up to our first anniversary, it is perhaps worth reminding you that by signing up to this service, FSB members are seeing real cost savings and other benefits (subject to eligibility criteria) as result of this partnership. In fact, insight from Tyl by NatWest found that 8 out of 10 businesses could save on fees when switching from an existing card payment provider and our Membership Advisors have some great stories about the savings that our members have been making over the last year. Tyl offers a simple fee structure based on one low rate for personal card transactions (where the card is issued in the UK or Europe) and one for all other transactions. For bigger businesses, Tyl has a range of different fees to fit the needs of the business. In addition to the possible business savings FSB members find Tyl helpful in the day to day running of their business through features including:
- Choice of card machines or a phone app for in-person sales
- Take payments online or over the phone
- Payment links and QR codes to send out so you get paid quickly
- Simple bills and next business day settlement
- Tyl Portal for access to constantly updated sales data
- 7 day a week UK-based service and support line
- Tyl is part of NatWest which brings trust, security and experience to ensure safe payments
- Available now, FSB members could be up and running with Tyl in just 48 hours.
The best way to find out more is to contact either Darren (if you’re in a TR postcode) [email protected] – 07791 465640 or Rory (if you’re in a PL postcode) [email protected] – 07301209980 to arrange a conversation. AND they can tell you more about other FSB benefits that you may be missing out on too. They’d love to hear from you!
Truro & Penwith College Win at the Apprenticeship and Training Awards
Truro & Penwith College Win at the Apprenticeship and Training Awards
The Apprenticeship and Training Awards celebrate the exceptional achievements of employers and training providers across the UK, recognising their vital role in developing a skilled and diverse workforce. Originally launched as the AAC Apprenticeship Awards in 2017, this prestigious programme was relaunched this year as the Apprenticeship and Training Awards (ATA’s) The ATC Gala Dinner and Awards Evening was the highlight of the Apprenticeships and Training Conference, marking the end of the two-day event in Liverpool. This prestigious evening brought together 700 attendees from across the apprenticeship and training sectors to celebrate the exceptional achievements of employers and training providers and we had a winner from Cornwall.
Tom Lal Business Partnerships Coordinator from Truro & Penwith College said “ We are incredibly proud to have been awarded the 2025 Apprenticeship Provider of the Year Award! With hundreds of nominations submitted from employers and providers, winning this prestigious award reinforces Truro and Penwith College's status as an outstanding provider of apprenticeships that create real impact and opportunity for our apprentices, our partner businesses and for the Cornish economy. Congratulations to our fellow nominees, Cardiff and Vale College, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service and the Salford City College Group, and thank you to all of the amazing colleagues, employers and apprentices who have made this possible. Thank you to the ATA Awards and everyone who champions apprenticeships; what a wonderful night!”
Still in the news
#Project50 Apprentice and Employer Ambassadors
Project 50 is all about growing a network of passionate Apprentice and Employer Ambassadors, with a focus on SMEs. The intention is to get partners, businesses and apprentices working together across the region to champion Apprenticeships and create a stronger, more supportive future for Apprentices and their employers in Cornwall. The collaborative partnership includes South West Apprenticeship Ambassador Network (SWAAN), Career Hub Cornwall & Isles of Scilly, ASK, Cornwall College, Duchy College, Falmouth Marine School, Truro & Penwith College and Future Skills Institute.
Benefits of being an ambassador:
- Free to join
- Inspire the next generation of apprentices
- Receive regular e-news bulletins
- Attend ambassador only meetings
- Boost your professional and personal skills
- Build your regional and national networks at their conferences
- Share insights to influence and inform policy decisions
- Ambassador support – access to training and development resources
- Advocacy
SWAAN is one of nine regional voluntary networks across England and is made up of employers and current or former apprentices, and encompasses Cornwall and IoS, Devon, Somerset West of England (incorporating Bristol), Gloucester, Swindon and Wiltshire. SWAAN ambassadors get involved on a voluntary basis and champion apprenticeships through marketing, publicity, supporting and mentoring others, celebrating successes, and taking part in events.
WorkWell Cornwall and Isles of Scilly
WorkWell Cornwall and Isles of Scilly is one of 15 pilots across the UK. Running initially until end of March 2025 the service pilot will also inform the wider work and health strategy and resultant investment and commissioning beyond then. WorkWell is an early intervention and support service offering participants an expert assessment of their health-related barriers to work along with a tailored plan to address these and will serve as a pathway to other local services to help people get the support they need. WorkWell can also provide advice and support to employers where appropriate; triage, signposting and referrals to clinical and non-clinical support including wider community provision, for example, financial advice.
Individuals can be referred to WorkWell through their employer, local services within their area, Jobcentre Plus and primary care network neighbourhood teams such as GPs, social prescribing workers, health and wellbeing workers, and themselves through self-referral. To be eligible for WorkWell people must be aged over 16; with the right to work in the UK; a CIOS address for either their home, their GP, or their local job centre; and a health-related barrier to work which means that they are either:
- In-work, and either off sick or struggling in the workplace due to a health condition; or
- Recently out-of-work and requiring health related support to move into sustainable employment.
- A ‘health related barrier’ includes anyone with a health condition or disability, including mental health conditions.
Referrals can be via: Email (anytime)
Telephone (8am – 8pm every day): 01872 266383
Or via a web from link.
More news and activity near you
Get in touch
Your FSB Development Manager for Devon is Ann Vandermeulen. If you'd like more information about the topics above, or if you have news about this area that you'd like to share, please get in touch.
- email us: [email protected]
- follow us on X: @FSBCornwall
- follow us on Facebook: @FSB Cornwall