06.06.07
Graduate success at the Royal Cornwall Show

The theme of this year's Combined Universities in Cornwall (CUC) display at the Royal Cornwall Show is 'Graduate Success'. CUC was showcasing some of the thriving businesses which have been started or boosted by graduates and which are contributing to the economic regeneration of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

One of these was successful freelance photographer, Kirstin Prisk, who took an HND in Photography and Digital Imaging at Truro College before progressing to gain a degree in Photomedia and Design at the University of Plymouth. He is now in great demand in the surf fashion industry and some of his inspirational and varied photography will be shown.

Another graduate featured was Nathan Billings, one of the first people to complete the University of Exeter's groundbreaking Renewable Energy degree, which is housed at the Tremough campus in Penryn. Nathan now runs his own company here in Cornwall, Capture Energy Ltd, which specialises in designing and installing small scale, on-site energy generation systems utilising solar, ground source and wind power.

Also featured were two local companies, Boex 3D Creative Solutions and Finisterre, both of which benefited from CUC's Unlocking Cornish Potential graduate placement scheme. Finisterre, based near St Agnes, is the only company in the world making cutting edge technical apparel specifically for cold water surfers. The company called on Boex's design expertise to create an eye catching retail display for its products. The finished article will be on view at the show.

In addition CUC had a variety of design pieces from the Porthgwyr Garden, created by University College Falmouth BA Garden Design students, which recently won a bronze medal at the Chelsea Flower Show. A short film by foundation degree Animation students from Cornwall College was also shown, along with a number of the models used in its creation.

CUC Executive Director, Dr Ian Tunbridge, commented: "We feel that Royal Cornwall Show represents a great opportunity to demonstrate to the people of Cornwall that all the investment made in university level education in the county in recent years is really starting to pay off. The graduates we are showcasing are just a few of the many people who have been able to start exciting careers in Cornwall, and who are helping to build a more prosperous future for one and all."

For further information please contact Emma Stallard, Combined Universities in Cornwall PR and Communications Officer, on 07717 377581.

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), and in Unlocking Cornish Potential through the European Social Fund (ESF).

Editor's notes:

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 Programme for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, the South West Regional Development Agency, Cornwall County Council and the Higher Education Funding Council for England.

The Unlocking Cornish Potential (UCP) project is part of the Combined Universities in Cornwall (CUC) initiative- it is managed by Cornwall College and backed by Objective One.

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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