Business Support Update – Nov 2026

Take a pause, reflect and review

Many business owners I’ve spoken to are starting to look ahead to 2027 and starting to plan, but before you do, it may be helpful to stop and reflect on these 3 questions:

• What has gone well for you this year?
• What didn’t go as planned?
• What have you learned, and how would you do things differently next time?

So often we are stuck on the hamster wheel of being in the business, never stopping, keeping moving ahead to tick off all the tasks from the list, but when we take a pause, we can readjust our plans and then go again.

If you need any support with this exercise, get in touch with me: rebecca.loto@plymouth.ac.uk

Business Events – Past

This year we have hosted numerous events, and since Q3 we have invited external businesses to join in. This dynamic of having new people to connect with has proved popular for both these external businesses and our clients alike.

Another change I have implemented is showcasing the brilliant businesses we have across the three centres by creating ‘showcase’ events. The Property and Construction Showcase was the first one and proved to be hugely popular. Some of our businesses talked about their five top tips or provided a case study, showing off their expertise succinctly, resulting in collaborations and new business afterwards.

Feedback has been incredibly positive: “It has been invaluable learning about how the different businesses within the sector link in and connect with one another. Overcoming the networking ‘dread’. Meeting new companies I didn’t know existed! Thank you for organising this event”. (anonymous feedback from our post-event form).

  

 

Cornwall Chamber of Commerce

Being invited to speak at the Cornwall Chamber of Commerce Big Breakfast at Healeys on 16^th September 2026 was exciting, and I encouraged the audience to engage with our clients who were present. Our clients shared several of the benefits of being part of our community, such as being flexible for growth, the all-inclusive package which gives peace of mind in times of ever-rising business costs, and the opportunity to connect with other businesses. Our centres have enjoyed some visits from the audience since, to enjoy the cafes and view our event and office space.

The event also included a Top Tips for Networking session where I shared my insights into my love of networking, alongside another businesswoman.

Podcast host

The Health and Wellbeing Innovation Centre will host our next podcast sessions, and I look forward to learning more about the businesses that have been invited to be guests.

The full-length podcasts are shared on our YouTube channel, Apple Music and Spotify.

Business Events – Upcoming

From 1^st December, we will be charging external businesses £10 per head, but the events remain complimentary for all Cornwall Innovation Centre businesses. Please see a list of the events programmed now until March 2027.

 

LinkedIn Branding Boost

Interactive workshop so guests will bring their laptops/mobiles during the session

PIC

1^st December 2026

9.30am – 12.30pm

£10 per person for external businesses

FREE for all CIC clients – contact rebecca.loto@plymouth.ac.uk (or ask the reception team) for your promo code

Link to sign up: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/linked-in-brand-boost-for-business-owners-professionals-tickets-2004010454215

Maximum 30 spaces

 

Men in Business Showcase

TIC

26^th January 2027

9.30am – 12.00pm

£10 per person for external businesses

Maximum 30 spaces

 

Property & Construction Showcase

PIC

24^th February 2027

9.30am – 12.00pm

£10 per person for external businesses

FREE for all CIC clients with promo code: CICVIP

Link to sign up: TBC

Maximum 30 spaces

 

Charity Showcase

TIC

23^rd March 2027

9.30am – 12.00pm

£10 per person for external businesses

FREE for all CIC clients

Maximum 30 spaces

 

If you would like to have your five minutes of fame at the Men in Business Showcase, or are working in the property and construction or charity sectors, please get in touch.

Rebecca Loto, Business Support Advisor – Cornwall Innovation