19.04.06
Dream project gets off the ground in Mevagissey

A Cornish couple have received planning support from Business Link Devon and Cornwall which has enabled them to turn a dream project into reality.

Susan and Ian Chinn who run a 160 acre dairy farm in Mevagissey wanted to develop their existing Bed and Breakfast business to become the farm's main source of revenue. Following advice and support from Business Link, construction work is now underway at Polsue Farm to convert existing barns into a restaurant and cookery school. The building will also offer more accommodation for guests, comprising of six luxury bedrooms with spa and swimming pool facilities.

Susan and Ian Chinn plan to run the restaurant with the help of their son Michael, and are in the process of organising themed cookery workshops and mini breaks for food lovers. Susan explained that it has enabled her to turn her passion for food into a business, "My son and I are both trained chefs, so initially we're looking at running the restaurant ourselves. The barn has been renovated beautifully and has a glass wall overlooking the village of Gorran, so it would also provide a perfect location for weddings and other functions. We'll be ready to open this summer but we would never have achieved it if we hadn't got in touch with Business Link. We received 50% funding for a business consultant – James Whilding of Acorus Rural Property Services Limited, who led us through the whole planning process and also advised us about the viability of the business plan."

Acorus associate, James Whilding and his colleagues have been involved with the project from the start and have assisted the couple with issues such as planning advice and applications, building regulations, tendering and contract managing the construction. He thinks the development is a fantastic business idea, "Susan and Ian have identified their existing strengths and interests and built upon them to create an excellent business opportunity. The couple have an immediate advantage because they're in a popular tourist location. The farmhouse Bed and Breakfast, which they've been running for some time, also provides an existing client base for the new business."

The Business Link Rural Business Support Initiative is part funded by Objective One and DEFRA and can give assistance to farmers throughout the entire planning process while diversification developments are taking place on their holding.

Zoe Fox, contract manager with Business Link Devon and Cornwall said, "Many people are under the impression that Objective One funds are fully committed but there is still support available through schemes like this one, which specifically supports diversification projects which require planning permission."

"Susan and Ian are very enthusiastic about the plans for the business and it's great to see the work so close to completion. Many farmers are finding that they need to reassess their assets in order to maximise their business potential and finding out more about the kind of help Business Link can offer them could be enormously beneficial."

For further information please contact Maxine McAdams of the Marketing PR Company on 01566 771862 or email: mmcadams@marketing-pr.co.uk.

The Objective One Programme for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly has invested directly in Polsue Farm Barns through the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund (EAGGF) and in Business Link through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund (EAGGF).

Editor's notes:

Business Link provides a free information and enquiry service via an information gateway on the web www.bldc.co.uk and via the telephone on 0845 600 9966 to all businesses and those considering starting a business. Additionally it provides impartial business advice and support through a network of partner organisations, which it co-ordinates, and a register of independent business practitioners. Business Link for Devon and Cornwall delivers the national Business Link service to the region under contract from the South West RDA.

Business Link has received Objective One investment (European Regional Development Fund and EAGGF) to help companies improve performance and grow.

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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