As we head into 2025, there’s one thing Cornwall must understand: this is no time for meekness. If we want to secure our future and claim our rightful place in the nation’s economic plans, we must be more ambitious, more audacious, and—frankly—louder than ever before. A seat at the top table of government won’t be handed to us. We’ll have to demand it, elbowing our way into the room and making ourselves impossible to ignore.
The government’s Invest 2035 strategy presents a rare alignment of national ambition and regional opportunity. Infrastructure investment, the green economy, advanced manufacturing—these aren’t just abstract concepts; they’re Cornwall’s bread and butter. But here’s the kicker: potential means nothing without action. If we’re serious about unlocking the benefits of Invest 2035, we’ll need to stop wringing our hands and start rolling up our sleeves. That means clear, commercially driven plans—not vague promises.
It’s time to show what we are doing. We’re perfectly positioned to lead the charge on renewables, given our coastline and lithium reserves. We have a creative and entrepreneurial talent pool that could put us on the global map for tech and innovation. And, crucially, we offer a quality of life that no urban centre can compete with—an ace up our sleeve in the battle for investment and talent. But these assets will only work for us if we learn to sell them.
‘Cornwall must unify its voice’
It’s not good enough to be content to whisper across the Tamar, when we should be shouting across the Atlantic. Let me be blunt: the idea that Cornwall is merely a quaint backdrop for a Dickensian character needing another handout needs to die—and quickly. We are a place for serious business, and 2025 is the year to make that clear. That means thinking bigger, bolder, and more commercially than ever before. Let’s challenge the notion that Cornwall is some peripheral region and start showing that we’re central to the nation’s future.
Of course, ambition alone won’t cut it. We need to be ruthlessly strategic. Cornwall must unify its voice—bringing together leaders from across sectors to champion our case with precision and consistency. Every conversation with policymakers, investors, and international stakeholders should hammer home the same message: Cornwall isn’t just ready to take its place at the top table; it’s essential to the UK’s economic success.
But let me be clear: we can’t rely on government alone to save us. If we’re waiting for Whitehall to fix Cornwall’s problems, we’ll still be waiting in 2035. This has to be a two-way street. Yes, we need investment, infrastructure, and support, but we also need to back ourselves, take risks, and deliver results.
2025 will be what we make of it. It’s a year that demands bold moves, unrelenting focus, and a collective refusal to be ignored. Let’s not waste it.
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