Cornwall on track to becoming UK flexi-working capital

30.12.2006

The growth of the knowledge-economy is leading to an increasing number of flexi and home workers in Cornwall, putting the county on course to becoming the leading flexi-working capital in the UK, according to the inward investment body, Cornwall Pure Business.

The South West already has the highest number of rural home-based workers (165,300)* in the UK, in terms of both numbers and proportion of workforce.

With the advent of IT, the benefits of flexi and/or home working are becoming more compelling. Increasingly flexible working practices enable employees to manage their work life balance more effectively, be more creative and productive and in the majority of cases more environmentally friendly.

As a result of Cornwall developing its knowledge economy, an evolution in its business base has occurred, transforming Cornwall's traditional business landscape which used to be reliant on industries such as fishing, agriculture and mining.

Nick Blandford of Cornwall Pure Business said: "Increasingly employers are recognising the benefits of flexi or home working. It's essential for any business to have motivated staff. Having the ability to work from home or adopt flexible working hours ensures employees are able to manage a healthier work life balance, reduce the stress of commuting and subsequently be more productive.

"Cornwall offers an ideal flexi-working environment due its entrepreneurial culture and exceptional work life balance. The high level of connectivity has provided greater opportunity for businesses to flourish. For example, we have seen an increase in IT based and creative businesses coming to Cornwall."

Last month saw the launch of a unique flexible working pilot programme, actnow flex, run by actnow, the organisation that helps businesses in Cornwall to access broadband. actnow is seeking up to 50 companies to get involved in a project that will involve trialling various flexible working practices in a bid to produce a tool kit suitable for any small or medium business wanting to implement flexible working. The project is part of a number of initiatives designed to break down traditional thinking about business and demonstrate there is more than just a 9-5 office-based activity.

One company that's taking advantage of the trend for flexible working is email marketer Jarrang (www.jarrang.com). The company has recently handed in the keys to its office and implemented a totally virtual and flexible working environment which allows its employees the freedom to work from at home, anytime or anywhere in the world. Founder Stafford Sumner admits the move has financial benefits, but believes it also makes perfect sense for his geographically and circumstantially diverse workforce.

Sumner said: "The advent of broadband and internet telephony means that now there really is no or little need for physical premises for companies like ours. While flexi-working isn't for everyone, many smaller companies are potentially missing out on the benefits it can offer as they are afraid to move away from established and traditional working practices.

"With various family situations and working requirements it made both common and financial sense to give up the office entirely and collaborate virtually instead. Now, we can communicate with colleagues and customers wherever we are in the world and we are not limited by having offices in just one location."

ENDS

*FT research centre, July 2006, 'Knowledge economy in Cornwall' study.

Notes to Editors

Other research available:

PFA research, August 2006

A recent survey carried out by Cornwall Pure Business of 100 knowledge economy home-based businesses in Cornwall revealed that:

68% were working from home for the first time;
Two thirds recognised that their occupation provides for a better "work-life balance";
82% agree or strongly agree that working at a distance from major UK cities and economies is not a problem for the business;
94% agree or strongly agree that it is not a problem for their customers that the business is based in Cornwall; and
99% of businesses are optimistic for the future

BT Research, 2005

Research carried out by BT in 2005 has shown that flexible working leads to higher levels of staff satisfaction and retention. It also reduces the need for people to travel to work, resulting in lower emissions of the greenhouse gases that are causing global warming.

Exposed survey, conducted by Creative Kernow

Cornwall creative sector growth rate 2003-04 = 12-15 per cent / national average = five per cent

Examples of available Case Studies:

Flexi-working:
Jarrang - email marketing

Home Working:
Dodo Pad - stationary importer / retailer
SciArt -using art to explain scientific issues