The Cornwall Blog

Rocke & Nutter, a stylish new home and fashion accessories brand inspired by the timeless allure of North Cornish Coastal life, today announced the launch of their online store. Founded by Sophie Mason and Jay McInnes, the brand focuses on design-led, locally-sourced and ethically produced products. The store's inspiring range of gorgeous homewares aims to promote the work of the finest Cornish craftspeople - such as the handmade steam-bent lighting of Tom Raffield and the seascape-inspired ceramics of Charlotte Jones. The hunt for hand-made treasures has also led Rocke & Nutter further afield, to Ireland for the wool felt creations of Jamie Lewis and Paris for designer Nadia Dafri's stunning cut glass jewellery. The store also caters for beach-loving 'Little Nutters', with a range of animal-print wetsuits for children. "There's a freshness, a vibe and a purity about life on the North Cornish Coast that we love," says Sophie. "We're...

It's a land as famous for toiling tin in the past as tantalising tourists today. Surrounded by brooding waters and peppered with mines, Cornwall also houses some of the most creative minds in the country. With a relaxed and friendly attitude, the county boasts a rich diversity of businesses. From designers to wordsmiths and caterers to crafters, there is a focus on bringing the elements of Cornwall's unique aesthetic to the fore. Websites use images of the sea, whilst restaurants focus on provenance: incorporating what grows naturally. Artists gather natural resources to produce. Over time, many creatives cite the sea as an inspiration. From the anthropomorphic rocks to the inky waters, Cornwall's natural beauty weaves itself around those who visit and wraps itself inside those who live here; forever holding hearts. Its unique landscape: from the rugged rocks on the North Coast to the harsh hilltops on the moors, from the sandy arcs of St. Ives to the rattling flot...

In January 2013, the government launched a scheme to provide free boilers with free installation to eligible applicants as part of the Energy Companies Obligation (ECO) – £1.3bn project to reduce our energy consumption and pull individuals out of fuel poverty. Part of the ECO is the Affordable Warmth Obligation scheme, which helps individuals who couldn’t otherwise afford it, to install more energy efficient systems. This should result in reduced energy costs through the use of for more efficient boilers than older models. Penryn based Blue Flame Heating Solutions are recognised installers for Cornwall and have already seen success in working with customers to help them review their eligibility, and then installing brand new boilers into properties in the area. They provide no obligation consultations to find out if a free boiler is available for customers, based on whether they are receiving certain qualifying benefits. Funding for the scheme ends in March 2015, so it’s import...

(L to R) Ecoco owner Abigail Billinge and Cornish Mutual Inspector Roger Hawkings viewing some of the products on sale at the new shop in Penryn. An eco-friendly start-up business in Cornwall is set to beat the credit crunch by opening a brand new shop selling organic and fair trade jewellery and clothing supported by South West insurance firm Cornish Mutual. Ecoco, based at Jubilee Wharf in Penryn, is the brainchild of 30 year old Abi Billinge who already runs her own on-line company, Absolution Saves. The shop, which opened earlier this month, is billed as a ‘showcase’ for a number of small, ethical Cornish businesses and products, including clothing made out of recycled plastic bottles from Penzance and recycled copper jewellery. Abi, Ecoco’s Creative Director, says: “Everything we do is about Cornwall and supporting local designer makers and retailers – I’m keen to champion new, different and interesting things happening on our doorstep. I wanted to show everything in one pla...

Cornwall’s first new cinema complex for over 70 years – White River Cinema in St Austell is gearing up for a busy Easter and will be preparing to welcome its 50,000th customer since opening. Owners WTW Cinemas is reporting ‘consistently strong’ business with ‘record’ admissions during the first quarter of this year (January-March 09) and over the Christmas and New Year period. The two most popular films to date have been Academy award winning ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ and children’s feature ‘Bolt’. White River Cinema has been a huge success with local people and visitors to St Austell since the £3.5 million building on Trinity Street was officially opened on Friday 19 December last year. Mark Williams, General Manager of White River Cinema said: “Our initial forecasts for business have been more than exceeded. We are absolutely delighted with the first few months of trading and have been overwhelmed by the support, both locally and regionally and from customers who have visited our...

The Rutherford Group has recently been featured on the BBC news, their managing director, Ian Rutherford, interviewed regarding the new requirement for door attendants to have passed an exam. Although based in Cornwall, they offer security training and services nationwide, covering all of the UK. BBC News Interview They have also launched a new website recently, focusing on their security training Cornwall. This will feature up to date information on what is happening in the company, and also give visitors an idea of what to expect.