Cornwall is a beautiful place to visit for anyone wanting a UK break! The region boasts incredible landscapes that have attracted visitors for generations, from winding country lanes to stunning coasts. Cornwall is also full of charming towns and villages, many of which haven’t changed for hundreds of years.
While Cornwall does have some major hubs, many of its towns rely on the success of local businesses. For some coastal areas, this will be tourist attractions such as restaurants and cafes, while others may simply rely on local farmers or industries. Ultimately, the prosperity of the region depends upon the success of its local businesses.
Growing Threats
Unfortunately, many of Cornwall’s businesses have been hit with downturns over the last few years. Brexit threatens to strip the region of some of its EU funding, while the recent COVID-19 crisis has severely impacted the region’s vital tourism sector.
Thankfully, there are many ways you can show your support for Cornish businesses, whether you’re staying at one of our Truro holiday cottages or sending your love from further afield. Here are some of the most effective ways to support Cornwall’s economy.
Know Your Local
First thing’s first, you need to know what businesses are local! These days, it can be hard to determine between companies run and owned by local people and those that have a similar appearance but are part of a larger national or international group.
There are multiple ways you can check if a business in Cornwall is a true local or not. Ultimately, politely asking the owner will often allow you to find out how your purchase will benefit the local community. Alternatively, you can check online, as most businesses will have some form of internet presence.
Buy Direct From Cornwall
Many people love Cornish produce. Whether its pasties, cream teas, wines or spirits, so many beautiful products are produced in our region. Just check our blog on Cornwall’s most iconic foods!
Cornwall’s culinary expertise has seen some of its original goods become hugely popular across the UK. The next time you fancy some Cornish salt or an authentic local gin, consider purchasing from a local vendor instead of the big businesses. While it’s only a small step, being more conscious of who you’re buying from ensures that your support is going to the local community.
Share Your Favourite Places
There are many different ways we can show our support for the things we love. While financial support is always important, there are other things you can do to help local Cornish businesses to thrive.
One of the most powerful ways for a small, local business to grow is through word of mouth. If you have a great experience with a small seaside store or a local attraction off the tourist track, share your find with your friends and other visitors! For small Cornish businesses, even just a few more customers can go a long way.
Show Your Support Online
Social media is huge nowadays, not only as a good way to bring people together but also as a platform to share our views and opinions. If you want to support Cornish businesses, then engaging with them on Facebook, Twitter and anything else can prove quite beneficial.
Did you enjoy your time at a local beach? Leave a nice review online and follow their accounts to show your support. If you want to promote the region in general, then you can share a range of local businesses with the online community. While it may seem only small, the knock-on effects of this kind of promotion can be beneficial for small businesses!
We hope that you will continue to support local Cornish businesses the next time you visit! Are you planning your next break? Discover what to look forward to in Cornwall in 2021!