Cornwall Council Made in Cornwall

Scheme

Andy Burnside and Liz Rickard

Cornwall Council Public Health & Protection Service

Overview

• Set up in 1991 to protect the identity of Cornish made products;

• Administered by Cornwall Council;• Represents most business sectors -

predominantly arts & crafts and micro businesses;

• Over 1000 members have joined the scheme 21 years

• Is the largest approved origin scheme in the UK.

Membership

• Trading Standards Officer visits applicant to assess production methods;

• Criteria – physically made within the County using locally sourced materials where feasible;

• Recommendation sent to Assistant Head of Service who decides whether the business is invited to join the Scheme.

Membership Costs

• Membership fee £25 + £5 per product category + VAT = £36 (average);

• Currently a ‘one-off’ fee;• Members can purchase marketing

materials from the office.

Benefits

• Use of the distinctive logo on accredited products and in advertising;

• Easier access to business support, information and advice;

• Opportunities to attend exclusive ‘Made in Cornwall’ fairs and events;

• Regular newsletter Engine House providing details of changes in legislation and other useful information;

Benefits (continued)

• Entry into the online Cornish Lines Directory of Members accessible to anyone wishing to stock Cornish products;

• Networking with the other members of the Scheme.

Partnership Working

• Retailers: products are available to purchase at Heartlands, Sainsburys, Kernow Mill, National Trust and various other locations;

• Business advice organisations: Cornwall Enterprise, Business Link and others;

• Promotion of food producers through other Council initiatives including CHEFS & Nippers Nutrition Programme.

Events

• Annual Christmas Fair;• Presence at various events

across the County including RNAS Culdrose Air Day and Royal Cornwall Show;

• Signposting to suitable events / event organisers

The Future

• Rebranding and re-launching the Scheme in time for Christmas 2012;

• Using social media to publicise members of the Scheme;

• Increasing the number of events organised;

• Establish a Made in Cornwall ‘Approved Retailer’ scheme to promote retailers selling Made in Cornwall products;

The Future (continued)

• Improve the quality and accessibility of the scheme’s pages on the council website;

• Reviewing membership fees;• Trademark the scheme logo;• Increase training opportunities for

members particularly in relation to marketing and selling;

• To develop Primary Authority relationships with the larger scheme members.

Questions?