Experts Grow, a new programme from the Cornwall Food Foundation designed to help agri-food and hospitality businesses flourish, will be launching at this year’s Cornwall Expo West event in Wadebridge.

Designed to help Cornish businesses build capacity and skills, Experts Grow works directly with their organisations to help them progress talent within the workforce. Using tailored support, an abundance of practical tools and collaboration with like-minded businesses, the programme empowers owners and executives to grow their business.

Backed by the European Social Fund, Experts Grow is completely free to small and medium-sized businesses in the Cornish hospitality and agri-food sectors – from fishmongers to fine-dining restaurants.

Cornwall Food Foundation, the charity behind Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen Cornwall, developed the programme in order to support both the local economy and to help create progressive, attractive workplaces. They believe that people development lies at the heart of any successful business, and that a focus on skills and knowledge increases passion and loyalty, leading to improved customer experiences and profits.

Matthew Thomson, chief executive of Cornwall Food Foundation says: “Career opportunities in the food and hospitality sectors in Cornwall need to improve if we are to attract enough people to remain viable.

“Cornwall’s food and hospitality businesses face what’s been called by many, ‘a perfect storm’ of economic and political uncertainty, rising costs, volatile consumer demand and regulatory changes, making it difficult for businesses to focus on their people, something we intend to help address through Experts Grow.”

Launching at Expo West, business owners and leaders can visit the team on the Experts Grow stand (L7) to find out more or sign up to an expert one-to-one session to get the ball rolling right away, with expertise including finance, sales, marketing and training.

Expo West runs from Tuesday March 5 to Thursday March 7 at the Royal Cornwall Showground in Wadebridge. The event showcases the best of Cornish food, drink and hospitality, along with the latest innovations in the sector.

For more information on Experts Grow, go to: www.cornwallfoodfoundation.org/experts-grow

For a one-to-one appointment at the event, email Louise Brooks-Curry, Experts Grow Learning and Development Manager: louiseb@cornwallfoodfoundation.org.