Cornwall’s Business Leaders Warn Council: Get the Basics Right or Risk Holding Us Back

Business community calls for action ahead of 1st May elections

With local elections just days away on 1st May 2025, Cornwall’s business community has issued a stark warning to candidates: focus on the fundamental issues or risk stalling the Duchy’s future prosperity.

Following a survey conducted by the Cornwall Chamber of Commerce, 43 business leaders from a wide cross-section of sectors have outlined the top priorities they want the new administration to tackle urgently.

Strong Cross-Sector Representation

The survey captured views from across the business landscape, with respondents from education, professional services, business support, manufacturing, property, construction, tourism, telecommunications, creative industries and agriculture.

Businesses of all sizes participated, highlighting a broad consensus: 30% of respondents were micro-businesses (1–9 employees), while 42% were either small (10–49 employees) or medium-sized (50–249 employees) companies. A further 16% represented large employers with over 250 staff.

Transport, Housing and SME Support Top the List

The survey revealed a united voice among Cornwall’s businesses, with three issues dominating the results:

• Improving transport and connectivity (56%)

• Delivering affordable housing (47%)

• Supporting SMEs, start-ups, and scale-ups (47%)

Boosting skills and employability (40%) and delivering strategic economic planning and investment (35%) were also identified as key areas for urgent action.

As one business leader commented, “Infrastructure and transport links are poor; we need to also invest in our young people and their training.”

Another added, “We need quality careers, not just jobs — a mixture of supporting SMEs as they are the mainstay of the county and enabling careers with larger companies.”

Key Barriers Highlighted by Businesses

When asked about the barriers they face, several common themes emerged:

• Poor public transport links remain a major concern.

• Difficulties with planning processes were frequently cited.

• Affordable housing was flagged as a significant obstacle to recruitment and business growth.

• Calls were made for improved digital infrastructure to support businesses of all sizes.

Businesses Urge Council to Work in True Partnership

Another strong theme was the desire for Cornwall Council to change the way it works with businesses. Respondents called for a shift away from a ‘big brother’ style approach and towards genuine collaboration.

One respondent said, “Talk to business; we have knowledge, ideas, and want the County to prosper. After the elections, engage in a meaningful way, not just lip service.”

Businesses also urged the council to:

• Invest in better digital networks and focus on digital leadership.

• Support training and upskilling in key sectors such as construction, green industries and AI.

• Advocate nationally on issues like pollution which are impacting tourism and hospitality.

Clear strategic leadership was repeatedly stressed as critical, with one respondent saying, “The Council should focus on economic growth, have a clear strategic plan, and then just get on with it, stop procrastinating.”

Cornwall Chamber of Commerce Calls for Bold and Collaborative Action

John Brown, CEO of the Cornwall Chamber of Commerce, said:
“Cornwall’s business community is clear. Focus on being a Council and commercial opportunities will flourish. Get the foundations right with housing, transport and digital infrastructure and work with us to progress and shape the future economy. We are all in this to realise the extraordinary potential of Cornwall and position it firmly as a pillar in the success and security of the UK. Let’s be agile, audacious and collaborative, knowing where the strengths of both sectors lie.”