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About us

The team behind your Cornwall Chamber of Commerce.

Business Advice Cornwall

Who we are

This is who we are: people who care deeply about Cornwall and its businesses, who believe in the power of collaboration, and who are here to make a difference, together.



We’re business leaders, charity directors, council members, politicians, and investors. But more than that, we’re people who call Cornwall home—citizens passionate about creating a better future for our Duchy.



We share a common goal: to leave a legacy that lasts. By championing innovation, supporting businesses, and standing up for Cornwall, we’re working to ensure that future generations inherit a stronger, more vibrant community because of the choices we make today.

Together, we’re shaping a Cornwall we can all be proud of.

Research & Insights
Business Advice from Cornwall Chamber of Commerce

Information

Influence

Advocacy

What we do

At Cornwall Chamber of Commerce, we’re here to make life better for Cornish businesses. It’s as simple—and as powerful—as that. By connecting you with insights, opportunities, and a supportive community, we help you tackle challenges, seize opportunities, and thrive.

We focus on three key areas:

  • Information: From reports and insights to training and business advice, we give you the tools and knowledge to navigate the business world with confidence. Whether it’s export data, market trends, or practical guidance, we’re here to keep you informed and ahead of the curve.

  • Influence: Through accreditation with the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), we take Cornish voices to the national stage. Whether it’s in Whitehall or with local government, we’re at the table, making sure the unique challenges and strengths of Cornwall’s business community are heard and acted upon.

  • Advocacy: Cornwall is unlike anywhere else, with its own challenges and extraordinary potential. We fight for fair opportunities and better support, championing what matters most to Cornish businesses and our wider community.

Operational team

Kirsty Price

Director of People & Operations

kirsty@cornwallchamber.co.uk

About Kirsty

Rosie Lea

Membership Executive

rosie@cornwallchamber.co.uk

About Rosie

Join the Team

Check here for our latest Vacancies

Latest vacancies

Our board

Toby Parkins

President

toby.parkins@headforwards.com

About Toby

Laura Whyte

Chair

laura@whyfield.co.uk

About Laura

Kim Conchie

Director

kimconchie@hotmail.com

About Kim

Joyte Brown

Director

community@blackvoicescornwall.org

About Joyte

Ramon Van de Velde

Director

Ramon@waveproject.co.uk

About Ramon

Kate Wild

Director

kate.wild@wildcard.co.uk

About Kate

Mark Hewson

Director

mark.hewson@imerys.com

About Mark

Jessie Leigh

Director

About Jessie

Sarah Atkinson

Director

s.atkinson@stephens-scown.co.uk

About Sarah

Jon Hurrell

Director

jon@sellectronics.co.uk

About Jon

About Kirsty

Kirsty is our Director of People and Operations, truly the perfect fit for her role. With her amazing communication skills and strong relationships with our Directors, Business Partners, Members, and the Chamber team, she keeps everyone connected and engaged. Thanks to Kirsty, Cornwall Chamber enjoys the highest membership retention in the UK. She’s always looking out for the Chamber’s well-being and future, making sure we’re in great shape for the years ahead.

About Rosie

Rosie is our membership executive and has experience in customer service across different industries, which has given her plenty of opportunities to meet and collaborate with amazing people. When Rosie isn’t working, you might find her playing the saxophone or piano – music is a big part of her life!

About Toby

Toby Parkins is one of the founding directors of Headforwards, where he blends his technical know-how with a keen commercial sense to bring fresh approaches to various business activities.

Having started his internet journey in the early 90s, Toby is well-versed in several programming languages and has a knack for spotting technical opportunities that others might miss.

At Headforwards, Toby handles commercial development. He also founded the Agile on the Beach conference and the Cornwall Digital Meetup Group. Beyond that, he serves as President of the Cornwall Chamber of Commerce, chairman of Tech South West, and is a founding director of Software Cornwall.

In recent years, Toby has moved away from hands-on coding to focus on helping organisations adopt effective software development practices. He’s passionate about improving business strategies around software delivery and understanding how to build impactful teams that enhance the entire business.

About Laura

Laura is the Managing Director of Whyfield Ltd., where she leads a fantastic team of knowledgeable and hardworking staff. Besides guiding the team, she loves providing specialized management accounting advice and support to a wide range of clients.

Before starting Whyfield, Laura worked in both practice and industry, gaining valuable experience at a local accounting firm and then as a finance manager for a construction business. This gave her great insights into both fields, which is why many of Whyfield’s clients come from the construction industry.

Laura enjoys the challenge of solving complex accounting problems, finding the most difficult issues to be the most interesting. She is passionate about helping clients overcome challenges and aims to make Whyfield the friendliest and most knowledgeable accounting service in the South West.

Laura is genuinely passionate about her work and loves connecting with others in similar fields. Helping people and organizations succeed brings her great joy.

With an AAT Level 4 qualification and a CIMA Diploma in Management Accounting, Laura is well-equipped to offer reliable and expert services to help you achieve your financial goals.

About Kim

Kim co-founded Brass Tacks Publishing in 1986, growing it into one of the UK’s top customer publishing and website agencies with clients like Royal Mail, British Gas, and the Bank of Scotland. He sold the company to Chime Communications plc in 2000 and worked with them until 2009.

Kim became CEO of the Cornwall Chamber of Commerce in 2012. His practical vision has turned the Chamber into a vital part of Cornwall’s business community, offering a range of services and representing local businesses on a larger scale.

Kim is also involved in various business and education boards, including SWIG, Cornwall Community Foundation, and Truro School Foundation. He co-founded Navas Drinks Ltd in 2018, creating high-quality Cornish mixers that support The Eden Trust. Visit navasdrinks.com for more details.

In October 2019, Kim was appointed Deputy Lieutenant of Cornwall, where he promotes best business practices and assists with applications for the King’s Award for Enterprise.

About Joyte

Joyte Brown is the co-founder of Black Voices Cornwall CIO, where she’s passionate about building stronger, more inclusive communities. After starting her career in further education, Joyte moved into B2B sales and marketing in London before returning to Cornwall. Back home, she worked as a corporate events director and now leads community and partnership projects for Black Voices Cornwall. She loves working with businesses and networks to create positive change and champion social sustainability.  

Outside of work, Joyte has discovered a new love for entomology. A lifelong fan of spiders (yes, spiders!), she’s an unapologetic arachnophile—though her partner isn’t exactly thrilled about it!

About Ramon

Ramon has been with Cornwall Chamber since April 2019. After moving to the South West 20 years ago, Ramon had the chance to dive into a variety of exciting roles across industries like event management, visitor attractions, hospitality, and historic properties.

Ramon’s career has been a bit of a rollercoaster with highlights including being the Security Director for the Rolling Stones’ 2003 UK tour, Operations Director at Plymouth Pavilions, and Head of Visitor Services at the Eden Project. Most recently, Ramon has held roles like General Manager of St Michael’s Mount, CEO of St Aubyn Estates, and Managing Director of The Lost Gardens of Heligan. Now, he is thrilled to be leading The Wave Project as CEO.

Ramon is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and the Royal Society for Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (RSA), and I have the pleasure of serving as a Governor at Truro & Penwith College. He is passionate about building a strong, engaged team and creating a positive organisational culture.

And here’s a fun fact: back in 1996, Ramon was part of Michael Jackson’s personal security team during his HIStory World Tour in the Netherlands!

About Kate

Kate Wild was born and raised in beautiful Cornwall and is the founder of Wild Card, a communications consultancy with offices in Truro, Bristol, and London. She’s been a Deputy Lieutenant of Cornwall since 2017 and was proud to serve as High Sheriff of Cornwall in 2020/21.  

Kate is passionate about giving back to her community. She’s involved in the Cornwall Lieutenancy, sitting on the Business Committee and co-chairing the Voluntary Committee. She also works tirelessly to support young talent, leading fundraising and sponsorship for Young & Talented Cornwall and The Lord Lieutenant’s Fund. Every year, she co-chairs the Cornwall Christmas Fair at Eden, one of the county’s biggest charity events, raising vital funds for the Cornwall Community Foundation.  

In 2023, Kate took on an exciting new role as a member of the inaugural Cornish Lithium Advisory Board. And when she’s not busy making a difference, you’ll likely find her enjoying one of her favourite things—a good sea shanty!  

About Mark

Mark leads Imerys in the UK and works on its joint ventures, proudly supporting one of the largest employers in the Southwest—and especially in Cornwall. Local and regional businesses are at the heart of the company’s supply chain, making it a real community effort.  

When he’s not at work, Mark is at home in the beautiful town of Fowey, where he’s usually being taken for a walk (yes, you read that right!) by his two bonkers miniature dachshunds. If you see someone being dragged through the streets by a pair of determined sausage dogs, that’s probably him! 

About Jessie

Bio coming soon

About Sarah

Sarah Atkinson is a Partner at employee-owned and B Corp Certified, Stephens Scown, where she heads up the family finance team from the firm’s Truro office. She supports individuals and couples through the divorce process and related financial negotiations or court proceedings. 
 
Specialising in advising business/farm owners and those with significant inherited wealth on the protection of assets from the impact of relationship breakdown (using pre and post nuptial agreements) and their spouses who seek their share of resources, she also acts for professionals and has an in-depth understanding of the nuances of public sector pension schemes.
 
A member of Resolution, an association of family lawyers that promotes a constructive and non-confrontational approach to resolving family issues, Sarah has also launched a new service offering advice to couples who separate amicably so they can avoid the costs and polarisation that can come with each consulting separate lawyers.
 
Within Stephens Scown, Sarah manages a team of 25 lawyers and support staff and is on the training panel dealing with recruitment of future lawyers as trainee solicitors and apprentices. She is also a B-Corp Champion who advocates within the firm for sustainability, community and people-focused initiatives. Outside of work, she is a keen festival-goer and enjoys exploring the County with her family.

About Jon

Jon is the Managing Director of Sellectronics Ltd, a vibrant electronics manufacturing company based in Falmouth. He is proud to build advanced products for exciting fields like aerospace, space, and medical technology. Jon also has the pleasure of serving as the Chief Executive of the Cornwall Manufacturers Group (CMG) and as a Non-Executive Director for the Cornwall Chamber of Commerce.

In Jon’s role with CMG, he gets to work with over 50 fantastic companies across Cornwall, all involved in a wide range of manufacturing activities. His group is all about sharing ideas, supporting each other, and working together to boost the industry and inspire the next generation of manufacturers.

When Jon is not immersed in the world of manufacturing, you might find him reminiscing about his basketball days – he won three National League titles during his playing career!

About Macy

Macy is our newest member of the team, bringing energy, organisation and a keen eye for detail. From supporting in coordinating events to ensuring members receive top-tier service, Macy is passionate about connecting people and making things happen. She is a keen creative and enjoys socialising.

About Rob

Rob’s mission is to empower others to build a better future for the next generation, with impactful venture capital investment as a key driver. An entrepreneur turned venture capitalist, Rob began his career in the UK financial sector before founding his first VC firm in California in 2012 and later launching another fund in Australasia. To date, he has invested in nearly 50 seed-stage startups globally, securing multiple successful exits and pre-seed-funded his first unicorn, focusing on machine learning, media convergence, and innovative consumer products.
 
In 2024, Rob and his family returned to Kernow, where he is passionate about nurturing the Cornish startup sector into an audacious and globally renowned ecosystem. Inspired by his love for Cornish folklore and Celtic mythology, Rob founded DarkCornwall.com, now Cornwall’s leading platform for preserving and sharing local drolls (stories) while stimulating the region’s burgeoning dark tourism economy.
 
Beyond his professional pursuits, Rob is an amateur palaeontologist, an enthusiastic reader, an average surfer, and a keen video gamer—a hobby his boys love and his wife just about tolerates!

About Andy

Bio coming soon

About Patric

Bio coming soon

About Sarah

Sarah is our Marketing & Events Manager, the cheerful creative behind the Chamber’s success, always full of fun and fresh ideas. When she’s not at work, you’ll find her riding horses or staying active with her love for fitness. Sarah’s favourite networking events include the Pig Dippers at Harlyn Bay, our relaxed breakfast meet-ups, and the 30 Under 30 Awards.

About JoHn

John is a communications and branding consultant, keynote speaker and CEO of the Cornwall Chamber of Commerce. He has spent the last 15 years working with firms like Virgin, COOK, lululemon, Natura &Co, McAfee, B Lab UK and more. His focus is on creating fearlessness within brands through radical transparency, human personality and moments of mass engagement. 

John, along with his wife and two children, is a proud resident of Cornwall. As the CEO of the Cornwall Chamber of Commerce, he fervently champions for Cornwall to emerge as a global leader in the regenerative economy. His relentless efforts aim to attract both private and public investment into the Duchy, while also shining a spotlight on the remarkable Cornish businesses.

He’s a dad to two and a husband to one. He believes that to be a great writer, you need to be a great reader, so when he is not out in the Cornish landscape, failing miserably at skateboarding, he can usually be found buried in a book or research paper.

He holds a degree in environmental science and has embarked on a master’s in sustainable futures.