As Bodmin’s population expands it is imperative that we develop businesses that are able to provide well paid, stable jobs and careers that will enable the economy to prosper and the community to thrive. The Bodmin Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) team is currently working on reviving the plans for an Agri-food & Drink centre in Bodmin. This idea originated from local business group, Better Bodmin led by Phil Ugalde, and has been the subject of conversations between Better Bodmin, Cornwall Council, Bodmin Chamber and the LEP for a number of years. The conversations were cut short by Covid and then LEP’s spending priorities changed.
BCCI are reviewing the concept with Cornwall Council as part of the ‘levelling up’ conversations that are taking place. We are currently working on an initial business plan so that when funding becomes available, we will be in a position to present a ‘shovel ready’ project for consideration.
Cornwall has a large number of agri-food, fish and drink producers varying from small start-ups who sell their products at local markets up to larger companies who sell their products worldwide. Because of its geographical location, Bodmin is well placed to be the Gateway for Cornwall’s food and drink industry and the plan to develop a facility that will play a key role in boosting Cornwall’s economy by enabling the food and drink industry to grow and the brand ‘Made in Cornwall’ to rise as a leading national brand, synonymous with outstanding quality, sustainability, ethical and green.
The climate emergency is likely to drive a trend for decentralisation and transporting food and drink products large distances to be processed and packaged will need to be addressed. Sustainability and innovative technologies are at the heart of our plan.
Currently food and drink producers in Cornwall struggle to find suitable and affordable premises. Many of the smaller producers are limited to how many units they can produce in their small start-up premises. They then need bigger premises or have to send their product upcountry to be bottled or canned. By doing so, they can no longer claim that their product is ‘Made in Cornwall’ . It is also inefficient and damaging to the environment.
BCCI believes that it makes sense to have a resource centre in Bodmin to serve the whole of the county and we are currently thinking that it could include some or all of the following:
- Bottling and canning plant with green credentials and cutting-edge technology
- Start-up units with shared kitchen space
- Collaboration with the Callywith College, Duchy and Bodmin Colleges, Plymouth, Exeter and Falmouth Universities to facilitate the development of industry related skills and cutting edge agri-food technology,
- Food Agency advice and guidance
- Legal services
- Sustainability advice and support
- Help and support with Administration, Accounts, Marketing and Branding.
- Shared distribution warehouse
- A ‘Made in Cornwall’ retail outlet
- Laboratory facilities for shelf-life and other testing
- Health & Wellbeing facilities – shared facilities for staff that only bigger companies can provide, such as a creche, canteen and gym. This will help with staff recruitment, retention and productivity.
BCCI is developing an evidence base to give a clearer picture of what Cornwall’s food and drink producers need to help them start and grow their businesses. Once this is completed it will be necessary to raise funding for a comprehensive feasibility study . This is an ambitious plan and it is expected that it will be developed in phases and be financed by both government funding and private investment.
Latterly, the BCCI team has been having discussions with Peter Perry, Cornwall Councillor for Camborne, Roskear and Tuckingmill, about his proposal to develop a fish cannery in Cornwall. Although the business models for the two facilities are quite different there may well be synergies that would be beneficial to both and these are also being explored.
