We’re really proud to launch Cornwall Can Be – a new report that puts the future of Cornwall’s economy front and centre. This is about celebrating what’s already great in Cornwall and helping shape what comes next.
This project is the result of a huge collaboration. We’ve worked closely with the University of Exeter, the Institute for the Future of Work, and Understanding Data, plus listened to businesses all across Cornwall. A massive thank you to everyone who shared their time, knowledge and insights.
What’s it all about?
The report looks at the whole of Cornwall’s economy, breaking it down into 12 sectors we call enterprise clusters. It’s a new way of looking at things – not just through traditional industry labels but through the real kinds of work and business that make Cornwall tick.
From farming and tourism to tech and marine, we looked at:
- Growth – sectors like Digital, Taste (food & drink), and Building are growing fast.
- Value – Cornwall’s economy is worth over £13.8 billion.
- Challenges – like skills shortages, housing, and digital infrastructure.
A few things that stood out:
- Enjoy Cornwall (tourism, hospitality, retail) is our biggest employer.
- Building Cornwall makes up nearly 29% of all GVA (economic value)
- Digital Cornwall saw the biggest growth – GVA up by nearly 88% since 2015.
- Taste Cornwall (food & drink) now supports 29,000 jobs and 6.8% of Cornwall’s GVA.
Why does this matter?
This isn’t just another report. It’s a starting point. We’re creating working groups for each cluster so that people can come together, have a say, and take action. Whether you’re running a small café, managing a care team, or building ports – this is your Cornwall too.
We’ve always known Cornwall has huge potential. This report helps us prove it – and gives us a roadmap to grow it.
