Cornwall's Meaningful Campaigns of 2018

With 2018 drawing to a close, it’s a good moment to reflect on some of the creative campaigns delivered by organisations around Cornwall this year. In these challenging times when everyone is trying to stand out against their competitors, it is encouraging to see some businesses working for purpose as well as profit. Whether it’s Plastic Free Penzance’s initiative to make Penzance the first plastic-free town in the UK or Truro Wool’s Armistice Day commemoration which covered a footbridge in 15,000 woollen poppies, it takes bravery to use precious time and resource to make a positive impact for local communities and the environment.

Kindness: Words and Your Heart

In January 2018, Cornwall-based author Kate Jane Neal published her first children’s book Words and Your Heart with Simon & Schuster. It is a thoughtful, warm-hearted book about the power of words and the importance of what we say to others. It has been wonderful to spend some time with Kate, working through the marketing strategy for her upcoming teacher resources.

For seven days around National Kindness Day, Kate used her Instagram (@katejaneneal) to illustrate that, in the words of Oscar Wilde, “the smallest act of kindness is worth more than the greatest intention”. She posted tips about how to use your words to improve someone’s day and shared beautifully hand-written quotes throughout the week.

Environment: Plastic Free Penzance

This time last year, Penzance became the first town in Britain to receive 'plastic-free' status from Surfers Against Sewage (SAS). The initiative was pioneered by Penzance-based Rachel Yates, who was taken aback by the amount of plastic washed onto the shores after the 2014 winter storms. From then on, she has tirelessly campaigned to unite the local community, run regular plastic-free clinics and persuade more than 60 businesses to ditch single use plastics for good. Since the SAS award was granted, there have been over 400 towns around the UK that have followed suit this year.

Pollination: Solitary Bee Week

Green&Blue are a company of designers and innovators in Perranporth, working to create stylish products that help wildlife. In July, I worked alongside the team to deliver Solitary Bee Week in partnership with University of Exeter’s ESI department. With companies such as Seasalt, Eden Project and Cornwall Council getting involved, the week was a tremendous success in raising awareness about the importance of solitary bees. It has been great to see Green&Blue’s commitment to goals that go beyond profit, using their own business resource to make a positive impact for our environment. In reward for their hard work, they have recently received the esteemed B Corporation status.

"Ultimately we just want to make a difference, make a positive impact for our wildlife"

- Gavin Christmas, Co-Founder of Green&Blue

Community: League of Strangers

Stranger Collective is a creative content agency based in Falmouth. Alongside their day jobs, they run a hot-desking studio space for freelancers and small businesses to work in, connect and be inspired. As a resident in Stranger’s studio, it was a pleasure to be asked to help with the marketing strategy for their ‘League of Strangers’ community. Working with artist Dan Arnold, we created an interactive window display inviting people to peep through the window and write what they spied on a postcard. Stranger also used the installation as a means of collecting sign-ups for their events, workshops and socials. The team do a brilliant job of hosting get-togethers (such as Firelights and Creative Breakfasts) whilst providing community for local creatives. To join the League, sign up for their free bi-monthly magazine.

“Working alone can be quite isolating. We wanted to provide an alternative; a place where creative professionals could come and get their heads down when they need to, but equally meet other like-minds, be inspired, connect and maybe even collaborate”.

- Helen Gilchrist, Partner at Stranger Collective

Remembrance: Truro Wool’s Poppy Appeal

Truro Wool remembered the centenary of World War One by covering a footbridge in Truro with 15,000 hand-knitted and crocheted poppies. Volunteers from around the world donated hundreds of hours to create the project, which encouraged people to travel from afar to pay their respects at the colourful Armistice Day commemoration.

“For each and every one of you who have helped to make this display, your work has touched, moved and been admired by many, many people. A truly wonderful commemoration.”

- Truro Wool