Chamber of Commerce

Wharfside Centre nominated for EASE Award

West Cornwall's premiere shopping centre, the Wharfside in Penzance, has been nominated for this year's EASE Awards in acknowledgement of efforts to ensure that their facilities and services meet the needs of disabled people. The awards recognise those companies and organisations that support disabled peoples' right to achieve quality through Ease of Access, Service and Employment.

The Queen Elizabeth Foundation, in partnership with Unum, The Daily Express and Bunzl plc, runs the award scheme. The national charity - which assists over 100,000 disabled people every year - invited members of the public to nominate businesses, employers and voluntary services that demonstrate good practice for disabled people. Categories for nominations include supermarkets, shopping centres, banks and building societies, pubs and restaurants, travel operators and hotels.

Commented Tony Richins, Director of Marketing for the Queen Elizabeth Foundation: "The response to the fifth EASE Awards has been phenomenal. The Awards present a unique opportunity for companies and organisations to gain recognition for their efforts in improving facilities and services for people with disabilities. We hope the EASE Awards will continue to encourage greater awareness and understanding of individual needs."

Each category will have three finalists shortlisted who will undergo extensive audits and assessments. An authoritative panel on disability issues including TV presenter Lara Crooks, athlete Tanni Grey-Thompson, journalist Sue Arnold, Dr Stephen Duckworth, Chris Moon, Gemma Trotter, Disability Rights Commissioner James Strachan, and The Hon. Mark Vestey will decide the winners, who will be announced at a high profile Luncheon at The London Hilton on 18 October.

Delighted with the nomination, Wharfside Centre Manager John Bastow told Focus: "We are very pleased that the public find us user friendly. We always try to maintain the highest quality of service for the able-bodied and disabled alike."

Penzance OnLine Web Success

The Penzance OnLine web site www.penzance.co.uk, set up two years ago with the support of the Chamber of Commerce, Penzance Town Council, Penwith District Council, EEC and commercial sponsorship, has reached a major milestone in its path to success having exceeded 50,000 page visits in a single month and is now well on the way to half a million annually. This is becoming one of the major vehicles of promotion of the town - both for tourist visitors and for potential new businesses as well as a reference source for local residents.

The site has become a major subject of interest not only from within the UK but from over 70 countries around the world. There are informative sections describing the town's history and heritage, coastline, beaches, local attractions and facilities. With over 300 pages of information representing all aspects of life in and around Penzance, the site includes free listings for all shops, accommodation, tourism, businesses, public services, leisure and sports facilities in the area. Some listing entries are linked to organisations' own web sites or pages - whether under the Penzance OnLine "umbrella" or elsewhere. Inclusion in the site is open to all, including non-members of the Chamber.

Many businesses have reported enquiries from home and overseas just from their free listings while those who have links from the site are finding that it has become a major source of new business. While tourism remains the most popular area, shops and other traders are also finding the site a valuable asset in their marketing.

Full details about linking or advertising can be found on the site, by contacting Bocaina Business Services on 01736-364531 or by email: sales@penzance.co.uk.

The Euro Debate

The debate over the financial implications of European monetary union comes to Cornwall next month, as Cornish Business debates the Euro. Speakers in favour of the move are Ken Daly from South West Britain in Europe, and MD of Pirate Radio, Joseph Swain. Arguing against the adoption of a single currency are George Eustice of Business for Sterling, and St Austell Brewery MD, James Staughton.

The event will be held at the Alverton Manor Hotel, Truro, on 10 September. Admission is by ticket only, available at £2 from Mike Eathorne-Gibbons, 43 Treyew Road, Truro, TR1 2BY. Tel: 01872-222552.

Community Radio

West Cornwall is to have its very own community radio station, should proposals by the Morvah Action for the Community and Arts be accepted for funding.

Waveland Radio would be based at Geevor Mine, Pendeen. Programming would be generated by radio professionals and community groups, and would consist of dynamic and intelligent material about and for Cornwall.

A feasibility study is currently underway, and the organisers invite public support in writing to assist funding applications for this important community resource. To show your support, please write to Jane Pugh, The Schoolhouse, Morvah, Penzance, Cornwall TR20 8YT.

Muffins Etc.

From her humble beginnings in providing buffet lunches for Women's Institute events, Sharon Skinner has always dreamed of running her own tearooms. And in May this dream was realized when Muffins Etc. rose from the bakery of steady business growth.

The business began as a sandwich and cake round, delivering tasty morsels to businesses in Penzance. Then came the opportunity for a permanent base at Long Rock Business Centre where Sharon remained for two years. But earlier this year Sharon took over the premises in Bread Street that enabled the launch of her long hoped for tearoom which continues to grow in popularity for drinks, snacks and lunches.

Muffins Etc. offers a full menu of delicious sandwiches, rolls, salads, cakes, and of course muffins. A wide selection of hot and cold drinks are served, including a tempting array of Twining's teas and coffees, and there is a sumptuous choice of ploughman's, fishermen's and farmer's lunches.

Sharon has adopted a quality conscious and community spirited direction in her endeavour. All ingredients are sourced locally. In fact, Muffins Etc. offer what may be the only real Cornish cream tea, since other cafes use factory produce, while Sharon's choice of cream is freshly made, and the jam comes from the able hands of the WI. All baking is done on the premises which creates a wonderful scent of freshly baked bread as you enter. Muffins Etc. cater for everyone with plenty of choice for vegetarians, and child-sized portions are available. Muffins Etc. are peacefully located in basement premises near to the Old Brewery Yard in Bread Street. Turn from Causewayhead by the London Inn, and you won't miss it.

The tearoom has outdoor seating, and is non-smoking throughout. A take-away service is also available, and a catering service, preparing buffets, has had clients including Penwith District Council, the Heliport Cafe and Penzance Police. Future plans include expansion to allow disabled access, a spacious seating area, and space to exhibit the work of local artists.

Muffins Etc. are open Monday to Saturday 10am to 4.30pm. Sharon Skinner may be contacted on Tel: 01736-350865 or email: muffinsetc@37.com.

Guys & Dolls

Guys 'n' Dolls hair salon, conveniently situated at the top of Penzance adjoining the Greenmarket car park, is a combination of the Barbers Shop and what used to be Mirage. The barbers, Tara, Steph and Kelvin, are fully experienced in Gents hairdressing, and can offer styles from the traditional short back and sides to the most up-to-date hair fashions. Their clientele ranges from all ages, and special rates are available for senior citizens. The ladies salon brings a personal service by Pauline and Jenny, who also offer ear piercing at very competitive rates. Both salons have recently been attractively modernised and refurbished, offering comfort and practicality.

Camilla House Hotel

Rosemary and Bill Wooldridge took ownership of Camilla House Hotel in 1995, and have achieved a reputation for quality and service of the highest order. The hotel bears a four diamond AA rating as an excellent bed & breakfast hotel with full amenities and sea views. Built in 1836, Camilla House is a Grade II listed building in a quiet terrace off the Promenade. The hotel was this year awarded first place in Penzance for the hotel and guesthouse class of Beautiful Britain in Bloom.

Rosemary and Bill have been members of the Chamber for six years, and are also members of the Hotel and Guesthouse Association. Enthusiastic and professional in their business activity, they consider this lovely building to be a home which welcomes all. Rosemary and Bill Wooldridge may be contacted on Tel: 01736-363771 or email: visitus@camillahouse-house.co.uk.

Queen's Golden Jubilee Celebrations

On June 3rd 2002 the Queen celebrates 50 years on the Throne that will be marked by a public bank holiday for all in the UK. To commemorate this historic event, communities will be united in festivity through the staging of garden and street parties and the lighting of beacons and bonfires throughout the United Kingdom. Partnerships will be formed between local authorities, church groups, public bodies, business and charitable and other organisations from all parts of the community to host their own special party of celebrations.

The Golden Jubilee Summer Party Guide will serve as the definitive information source on how to stage the perfect party. From license agreements and insurance needs to food and beverage, the requirements of any party will be covered and within the framework of government initiatives to make each party safe, legal and enjoyable. The guide will be the official checklist for party hosting so that no stone is unturned, be it for garden parties, village fetes or more elaborate festivities in public parks, in ensuring each event runs smoothly.

With a print run of 75,000 copies, every parish, town council, city council and MP will receive a copy. It will also be distributed to pub landlords, hospital managers, and presidents of Rugby, Football and Tennis clubs as well as private individuals who will be hosting parties in their gardens. The Golden Jubilee summer party media activities will also involve a beautifully presented 164-page limited edition souvenir magazine. One copy of this will be sent to each and every party organiser, members of Parliament, The Royal Family and other dignitaries at home and abroad. This publication will feature exclusive pictures and editorial from coronation through Silver Jubilee to Golden Jubilee and will feature photography from 50 party locations.

These commemorative magazines represent not only a unique marketing opportunity but also for companies to be part of something historic. The publications will be funded by advertisers, and enquiries may be made to Highbury House Communications PLC via their website http://www.hhc.co.uk, telephone 0207-573-5506, or email: amanda.edwards@hhc.co.uk.

On The Web

Cosmic Princess Beauty Clinic have launched a new website at www.cosmicprincess.co.uk which introduces their extensive range of beauty treatments. To stay abreast of developments at the Wharfside Shopping Centre, visit them online at www.wharfsideshopping.co.uk. Further details regarding the Queen Elizabeth Foundation EASE Awards are available from www.qefd.org.

Join the Chamber

The Penzance Chamber of Commerce offers valuable networking opportunities, and represents the views of local businesses and individuals to all levels of government. We invite membership applications from individuals and businesses large or small. For further information, visit the Membership Enquiry or Membership Application pages on this site or our membership site at www.penzancechamber.co.uk.

Contributions to Focus pages

These pages exist to promote the work of our members, and we invite participation from all involved with the Chamber. We are also happy to publish material from anyone else with an interest in the development of Penzance. Please send your articles no later than the first Thursday of the month to feature in the forthcoming issue, or contact the Press Officer, Penzance Chamber of Commerce, 16 Fore Street, Goldsithney, Cornwall TR20 9HD to arrange an interview or Email Press Officer.

Forthcoming Meetings

The next monthly Chamber Meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 4th 2001 at the Queens Hotel, The Promenade, Penzance at 7.30pm.

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