Newquay Business Week returned for the second year, bringing an array of expert speakers to venues across the town. Sessions were free for Newquay BID members to attend and the week saw businesses from all over Cornwall coming to Newquay to develop their skills and see how the business industry is thriving in the town. This year’s event saw an increase in attendees with around 500 representatives from an array of businesses; from established companies to smaller start-ups, freelancers, charities and community groups. Sponsored by the Newquay Voice and PSP Insurance, Business Week saw twenty sessions taking place, across eight of Newquay’s conference venues, covering subjects from sustainability and customer service, to social media, branding and innovation in business.
Business Week launched with a welcome breakfast at Rick Stein, Fistral, featuring a motivational talk on brain science from Adam Pearson of Newquay Hypnotherapy, inspiring attendees ready for the week ahead. Google partner, Rob Edlin, of Niddocks, presented information and updates on the search engine, how you can help your business by utilising google, and getting the best from your website. Aren Grimshaw presented to a packed room on social media, giving tips and advice on using Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Cornwall’s best selling business author, Chloë Thomas shared her insights into selling online and offered tips on converting online visits to sales and retaining customer loyalty. Newquay BID hosted a launch evening, sharing their vision for their ‘Love Newquay’ digital project, presenting how the multi-platform project with connect audiences with all BID member businesses in the town.
Other events included an inspirational talk from surfers against stage co-founder, and former sustainability director of the Eden Project, Chris Hines MBE. Malcolm Bell, of Visit Cornwall, discussed the tourism landscape in Cornwall, whilst Matthew Thomson, chief executive of Fifteen at Watergate Bay, led a session on innovation in business.
Karen Hoyle, Newquay BID director says of the week “Newquay has proved for the second year running that it is becoming a true destination for business. We attracted industry leading speakers and the sessions focused on really forward thinking content that gives those who attended a competitive edge. The venues for business week showcased Newquay’s conferencing abilities and the feedback from key business leaders in Cornwall has been that others are envious of Newquays ability to work together in this way to deliver such an impressive event and they are impressed at the drive to lead business forward reflecting the amazing entrepreneurs in the town”
Newquay Business Week was created last year by the BID, to support business in Newquay, and give members the tools to help them and their businesses grow and thrive. The event has grown this year with almost 150 more tickets being sold. Amy Smith of Visit Newquay says “We have really enjoyed every workshop we have been and the speakers have been really interesting and inspiring. Well done to Newquay BID for organising such a fantastic week”
Sarah Mitchell, Sales & Events Manager at Hotel Victoria says of the week “I decided to attend many sessions during Newquay Business Week to take advantage of networking and to make the most of the exciting opportunities that both the town and Newquay BID has to offer. I am always looking to gain new knowledge and insight into all aspects of Newquay, hospitality and sales, and the sessions I attended were exactly what I had hoped. All the sessions were well organised and well attended with enthusiastic and knowledgeable speakers. Newquay Business Week is a wonderful event for the town”
BID Manager, Gemma Taylor says “We are delighted with how this year’s Business Week has been received, we have had very positive feedback from those who came along to sessions. We would like to thank our sponsors, the speakers and the participating venues, and all those who attended the event. We look forward to planning next years’ event”.
