Cornwall Sustainability Awards 2021

Winners Announced for Cornwall Sustainability Awards 2021!

This year’s cohort of the best eco businesses in Cornwall & Isles of Scilly were announced on Friday 3^rd December at the award ceremony held at the Royal Cornwall Museum, Truro. The Vice Lord Lieutenant James Williams officially opened the event, saying it was “beyond exciting”, how impressed he was with the entrants and how well the space had been transformed into a glittering awards ceremony.

Kate Kennally, CEO of Cornwall Council, welcomed the audience saying “As a Council we are one small part, which is why we are proud to champion you through this event alongside our co-organisers at Tevi. Your action is critical in realising the opportunities, and we are blessed in Cornwall to have such active, creative businesses and communities as you. But this evening is not just about recognising what you have achieved, but what you inspire. If nothing else, I hope that this evening amplifies your achievements so that the rest of Cornwall can see what is possible – and makes clear that, beyond the global stage, there is hope in local action.”

Keynote speaker, Springwatch’s Gillian Burke, gave a thought-provoking speech to saying, “Our sector is finally being taken seriously as we’re not just seen as ‘tree-huggers’ anymore. Our sector tends to focus on efficiencies in sustainability work. However, one thing that we need to not make efficiencies on is taking time for people and for communities. The best thing about living in Cornwall is community. It was something I didn’t know I was missing until I moved to Cornwall. Making time for people is so important and Cornish people like to talk! We need to protect the time we have for each other. Real community is when you don’t always get on, but you work together for the greater good. So, in order to sustain us, we need to sustain ourselves.”

Flexi-Hex were crowned Overall Winner, Will Boex, Co-Founder and Operations Director said “The whole team at Flexi-Hex feel honoured to have won the Circular Economy award, especially as we were nominated alongside some amazing companies pushing the boundaries of circular economy and sustainability. To also win the Overall Winner Award has left us speechless. Winning these awards will help highlight us as a growing and ambitious company in Cornwall. We have big international plans and we’re proud to show that the county can be a place where companies thrive on the global stage. Cornwall’s heritage of innovation and design has always been a fascination for both Sam and myself and it’s nice to add to this in a small way.”

Kim Conchie said: “Every year judging Cornwall Sustainability Awards my own level of understanding increases as I marvel at the commitment and expertise that organisations in The Duchy are applying. 2021 with G7 and its Build Back Greener theme and COP26, the focus of all of us on sustainable practices has come under particular scrutiny. And I’m delighted that Cornwall’s businesses have yet again stepped up to the plate”.

Caroline Carter, Business Cornwall and sponsor of Overall Winner said: “What a great evening. The importance of sustainability and care for our planet has never been in sharper focus and Business Cornwall magazine was proud to be associated with the awards.”

Cerys Hartt, Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Growth Hub and sponsor of the Environmental Growth category said: “It was a magical night to hear how businesses across the county are leading the way in environmental growth by developing innovative ways of working and products. The winners were just a whisker ahead of the all the businesses that took part and the awards again show the strength, depth and commitment we have in this part of the world to sustainable business practices”.

Gill Pipkin, Chair of Cornwall AONB Partnership and sponsor of the Growing Greening – Sustainable Food & Farming said: “I was thrilled to present the award on behalf of Cornwall AONB. Food production and farming that sustainably, both economically and environmentally, supports nature recovery, protection of natural resources, reduces carbon footprint and prioritises local communities within the supply chain, must be applauded. These farm businesses are a shining example of what innovation and traditional methods can achieve. The primary purpose of Cornwall AONB is to conserve and enhance the protected landscape. The winner, runner-up and highly commended in this category demonstrate the practical application of our partnership’s values in the Cornish landscape. Congratulations to all.”

Jon Cummins, Chair of the Board at Cornwall Association of Tourist Attractions (CATA) and sponsor of the Circular Economy category said, “We are delighted to have been a part of the Cornwall Sustainability Awards this year. We work with around 40 of the county’s top visitor attractions, and they’re very conscious of the need for sustainability and conservation. For many organisations, this is at the heart of what they do every day. We’re focused on a commitment to sustainability and green practices within our organisation and those we work with. CATA is heartened to see such evidence of great practice, innovation and passion across the Awards, and particularly within our sponsored category of Circular Economy. It’s so important to move towards an economy where we waste less, reuse more and adopt new and innovative practices that rethink the traditional ways of doing things. Congratulations to all winners and participants!”

To watch a video of some of the nominees CLICK HERE

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Results:

Growing Greener – sustainable food and farming

Winner – Newquay Community Orchard

Runner-up – Rosuick Farm

Highly Commended – Bosavern Community Enterprises Ltd

Circular Economy

Winner – Flexi-Hex

Runner up – Waterhaul Ltd

Highly Commended – Boost Innovations Ltd

Commendation – CHX Products Ltd

Environmental Growth

Winner – Falmouth Harbour Commissioners

Runner up – Working Woodlands Cornwall CIC

Highly Commended – Cabilla Cornwall Ltd

Carbon Neutral

Winner – Fluid Branding Ltd

Runner up – Little Gwendreath Holiday Cottages

Highly Commended – The Cornish Funeral Company Ltd

Overall Winner

Flexi-Hex

More info about CSA:

Projects which have made an impact in cutting carbon emissions, improving the environment or promoting sustainable practices were invited to enter the Cornwall Sustainability Awards.

The competition is Cornwall’s leading initiative for rewarding and celebrating organisations and individuals for their contribution towards sustainability, environmental growth, circular economy and carbon neutrality.

Many winners have gone on to win national and international accolades and become leaders in their field.

Categories for the Cornwall Council awards were:

Growing greener: sustainable food and farming

Sponsored by Cornwall Area of Outstanding Nature Beauty

Circular economy

Sponsored by Sponsored by Best Days Out Cornwall

Environmental growth

Sponsored by Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Growth Hub.

Carbon neutral