Superfast broadband has arrived in Cornwall. The pioneering £132 million superfast broadband scheme for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly has announced that the first 50 Cornish customers have now been connected. The sophisticated technology is now available to more than 1,000 homes and businesses in the Chiverton Cross and Chacewater areas. And soon it is expected to ‘go live’ in St Agnes, St Day, Portreath, Devoran, Leedstown, Stenalees and Par offering the high-speed service to another 14,000 customers.

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Expressions of Interest are invited from organisations interested in delivering a new Superfast Cornwall Business Support Programme which will provide support to businesses following the roll out of superfast broadband in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

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Prospects Services Ltd and Working Links have been named as the organisations that will deliver the government’s Work Programme in Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, Dorset and Somerset. Providing a new approach to supporting people into employment, the Work Programme will begin in June when the first customers are referred from Jobcentre Plus.

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Environmental company Clear-flow Ltd has moved into brand new, high quality workspace that has cost more than £867,000. The build received £425,000 ERDF (European Regional Development Fund) Convergence investment. The move will enhance the business opening up opportunities for expansion and job creation.

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A Fowey based company which designs and manufactures innovative and interactive youth sports and exercise equipment has expanded into international markets with European Regional Development Fund Convergence support.

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“In every walk of life people face adversity and frequently in this, overcome barriers that had previously seemed insurmountable. And sometimes this acts as a trigger, catalyst or role model for other people – producing a reaction such as ‘Yes I can achieve that too’ or perhaps ‘If you can do that, I can do better!’

“And often these achievements – on the surface at least – are in the most surprising of ways. Whether this is Surf Action using surfing as a route through Post Traumatic Stress Disorder for ex-service personnel or South West Fishing for Life – a charity that celebrated its third birthday this weekend, that helps men and women who have suffered from breast cancer regain movement and flexibility through learning the graceful movements of fly-fishing.

“It is as important to recognise success and achievement in economic regeneration programmes, such as Convergence and Objective One, as it is any other walk of life.

"Throughout the lifetime of Convergence the success of the investments and the people involved have and will continue to be recognised, as will their contribution to the business success and economic regeneration of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

"Alongside the stalwarts of the Cornwall Business Awards and the Cornwall Tourism Awards which frequently feature winners that have been beneficiaries of European investment there are specific celebration events such as the annual graduation of trainees from Fifteen Cornwall , the Unlocking Cornish Potential celebration event, and the Unionlearn event that celebrated the role of the Trades Unions and partners in employment and skills.

"The Cornwall Works WISE awards celebrate individuals’ and organisations’ achievement and excellence in employment and skills across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. One of last year’s individual award winners was Rich Emerson of Surf Action – his success didn’t stop there, Surf Action won support from the People’s Millions Lottery Fund to continue their work supporting veterans with PTSD and physical injuries.

"Why celebrate success? Because it shows that change does matter and is happening here and now. The strength of our economic regeneration is based on tapping into the talents of all of our people. And we are all inspired by the achievements of others!"

So far this year over £34,000 has been awarded from the European Fisheries Fund to help the Cornish fishing industry. The funding has been awarded to 3 individual fishermen, based in Newlyn and Padstow and will be used towards new engines, upgrading a net hauler and improving on board comfort, working conditions and safety.

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Applications for investment can be made at any time, however those for grants over £100,000 are assessed by a panel on a quarterly basis. The deadline for applications for the next round of the judging panel is 11 May 2011.  To apply, or find out more about the investment available visit the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) website or one of the MMO coastal offices in Newlyn or Truro.

For contact details and information about the fisheries programme visit:
> Convergence website

Information about the Rural Development Programme in the South West can be found on the SW Rural Gateway website and on the Convergence website.