Putting young people at the heart of Cornish business

Major business exhibition announces support for county-wide youth charity

Cornwall Business Show 2015 has named Young People Cornwall as its official charity and hopes to help provide various ways for teenagers and businesses to interact and help one another.

The show’s managing director, Andrew Weaver, said: “I feel it’s very important to invest in the future of the county and particularly in people who come from what might be seen as under-privileged backgrounds.

“We aim to help them raise finances to maintain full operation, but importantly also by aiding them to build links between local businesses and these young adults.

“I’ll be encouraging businesses that are exhibiting at the show and the wider business community to get involved and give something back, maybe by giving inspirational talks to groups of young people or offering work experience.”

Mr Weaver hopes local businesses will take up the cause as a part of their commitment to corporate social responsibility.

He said: “As well as helping young people on an individual and inspirational level, I will be hoping to co-ordinate business contributions in three ways. I have launched a crowdfunding initiative and hope to help the charity raise £1,500 to do desperately needed maintenance at its Roche youth centre.

“If businesses don’t feel giving money is right for them, I will be hoping they know how to handle a paintbrush and will feel moved to come along and help redecorate once the structural work is done.

“I also hope that some businesses might choose to sponsor one of the four youth centres – Zeb’s in Truro, Youthy in Illogan and The Roche Centre, as well as The House Youth Project in St Austell.”

Mr Weaver added: “It may seem to be stating the obvious, but these centres provide an essential place for youngsters to go – when sometimes they haven’t got many other options. It is so important they have people and a place to turn to.”

Nick Smith, chief executive of Young People Cornwall, said the charity was excited to have been chosen by the show.

He said: “Young People Cornwall aims to support and inspire young people across the county with youth work that makes a difference.

“The partnership with Cornwall Business Show will help raise the profile of our work to a new audience and enable young people we work with to meet with and hear from some of the county’s leading businesses and entrepreneurs. It is vital that young people living in Cornwall have the chance to be inspired by our business leaders, to be supported to develop their ideas and identify opportunities for future and current employment.

“I would like to thank Andrew for this opportunity and I firmly believe that the partnership will prove to be mutually beneficial.”

Cornwall Business Show 2015 will take place on Thursday, March 19, 2015, at the Royal Cornwall Showground. The event’s print media partner is the Western Morning news and Pirate FM is its broadcast media partner. The show is sponsored by Truro and Penwith College and Microcomms.

To find out more about the event and to request an exhibitor pack, please visit www.cornwallbusinessshow.co.uk, email exhibit@cornwallbusinessshow.co.uk or phone 01872 888733.