Cornish artisan business awards 'boosts economy'

Shop Cornwall said its Made in Cornwall awards help guard local businesses against imitation and misleading marketing

An organisation that champions local businesses in Cornwall said its annual awards help guard them against "imitation, globalism and misleading marketing".

Shop Cornwall, which runs Made in Cornwall, said its awards help local businesses "stand out from the crowd".

The awards highlight the local businesses in different categories including Cornish Craftsmanship, Food Producer, Artist of the Year, Taking Cornwall Places, Eco Champion, Rising Star and Drink Producer.

Andrew Weaver, managing director of Shop Cornish, said the award scheme enabled customers to "buy with confidence".

'Difficult economic climate'

He said the products, food and drink purchased were quality assured and the money spent was "channelled back into the local circular economy".

Mr Weaver said: "With globalism and fakery swallowing up the retail space, coupled with a difficult economic climate and changes in buyers habits, quality handmade products are under threat."

The Taking Cornwall Places gold award winner was Trindleberry Pets.

Owner Christopher Trindle said: "It’s a great selling point, especially in retail stores with tourist spots and markets, and it has been a massive selling point to customers we sell to nationally."

A spokesperson for Randall Pottery, which was awarded bronze for the Cornish Craftmanship said the award strengthened its brand and helped show the "level of quality".

Gold winner for the Cornish Craftmanship award, Louise Daykin, said the scheme underpinned her proud ethos of sourcing locally and creating high quality goods.

Tina Bessell for Cornish Lavender, gold winner of the Rising Star award, said gaining the accreditation had given "credibility" for its products.