22.05.07
Worldwide class at Cornwall Business Awards

The multi-award winning team at Worldwide Financial Planning Ltd added to their impressive array of accolades on Thursday night by claiming the Best Marketing Strategy of the Year Award at the Cornwall Business Awards at St Mellion International Golf and Country Club.

The award was particularly encouraging for Jess Bartlett, a marketing graduate who joined Worldwide as the Marketing and PR Assistant in January through Combined Universities in Cornwall's (CUC) graduate placement scheme, Unlocking Cornish Potential (UCP).

Jess, who is originally from Scotland and now lives in Newquay, was delighted to have found a position with such a highly regarded firm, as she explains: "I thought it might be difficult to find a suitable job in Cornwall, particularly in marketing, as it's so competitive. But UCP has given me a brilliant opportunity to work within a well respected company, contribute to their success and also to learn throughout the project. Winning this award has been such an added bonus. We are all delighted!"

Worldwide's team of Independent Financial Advisers (IFAs) provide specialist advice in areas such as inheritance tax, investment, commercial finance and mortgages, with branches across the South West. Jess initially took on a 12 month UCP project to co-ordinate the marketing function of the business with the Managing Director, creating a new website, managing a series of seminars, setting up a marketing database for the company, arranging advertising, as well as event management and planning.

Throughout the project Jess has the support of an external mentor, as well as regular visits from her UCP project officer and the option to attend courses covering topics such as project management to assist in her working life. Jess explains: "UCP is a really good support mechanism – you get so much added value that you just wouldn't get anywhere else. I really am enjoying my work here immensely."

Unlocking Cornish Potential, which is backed by Objective One and managed by Cornwall College, has proved to be hugely successful across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, with over 70% of graduates gaining full time employment at the end of their projects. Worldwide has already recruited two other graduates through UCP as Managing Director Peter McGahan explains: "I think it is essential for a business to have a broad range of employees, some of whom provide maturity and experience and others, like graduates, who are enthusiastic and keen to learn. UCP has been really helpful in finding the right graduates for us."

At the end of her project it is planned for Jess to take on the marketing in a permanent role. In the meantime, she has much more planned for Worldwide. As well as organising a stand at The Royal Cornwall Show, Jess is co-organising 'The Best Golf Day…Ever!' where teams of golfers will play for top prizes at St Mellion, while four lucky golfers fly by helicopter across Cornwall playing one hole at eighteen different courses in one day. The event will raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support. For more details contact Jess on 01208 816667.

For further information please contact Emma Stallard, Combined Universities in Cornwall PR and Communications Officer on 01326 370446 or email emma.stallard@cuc.ac.uk.

The Objective One Programme for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly has invested in the Combined Universities in Cornwall (CUC) project, both Phase 1 and Phase 2, through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the European Social Fund (ESF), in Unlocking Cornish Potential through the European Social Fund (ESF) and in Business Link through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund (EAGGF). Cornwall College is a partner of the CUC.

Editor's notes:

The Unlocking Cornish Potential (UCP) project is part of the Combined Universities in Cornwall (CUC) initiative and is managed by Cornwall College. UCP builds on five years of highly successful, ESF funded activity by the University of Plymouth. The UCP project seeks to measurably improve the efficiency, competitiveness and growth potential of SMEs in Cornwall through the placement of graduates in companies to undertake business development projects. These projects can last from six to 12 months.

The Combined Universities in Cornwall is a dynamic and visionary partnership that is one of the driving forces behind Cornwall's economic renaissance. This partnership combines the Universities of Exeter and Plymouth, University College Falmouth, The Open University, The College of St Mark & St John, and the Peninsula Medical School, with Cornwall’s Further Education colleges - Cornwall College, Truro College and Penwith College. It aims not only to provide the students of the future with more choice and greater opportunities, but also to boost the economic fortunes of the region for the benefit of one and all.

The CUC initiative has been invested in by the Objective One Partnership for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, the South West Regional Development Agency, Cornwall County Council and the Higher Education Funding Council for England.

Clare Morgan
Media Relations Manager
Objective One Partnership Office
Castle House
Pydar Street
Truro TR1 2UD
Mobile: 07973 813647
Telephone: 01872 223439

cmorgan@cornwall.gov.uk

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