New JCI Cornwall granted provisional organisation status
New JCI Cornwall granted provisional organisation status
Posted By admin |17 Nov 2019
Mark Smith National President 2019 of JCI UK is delighted to announce and welcome JCI Cornwall as a new ‘provisional organisation*’ to the JCI UK family of local chambers! This is the third new JCI chamber awarded 'PO' status in 2019, following JCI Chester (PO) and JCI Isle of Man (PO)!
Niki Davies, former JCI Sheffield Marketing Director and JCI London member is leading by example and personally championing the new local chamber where she lives in Cornwall, which is due to formerly launch in 2020. After moving to the county four years ago and working between Cornwall and London, Niki missed having a JCI on her doorstep and decided to take the plunge and launch one in the South West.
Niki said “I am really pleased to have been granted provision organisation status which will see the establishment of a JCI Chamber in Cornwall. Having been a member of JCI for several years with multiple chambers, I have experienced first-hand the positive impact this organisation can have on an individual, within businesses and local communities. The JCI spirit is incomparable, and the opportunities that come with being a part of an international organisation like JCI are second to none. I have met some incredible people and lifelong friends, travelled internationally, learnt a host of new skills and completed challenges that I never thought I was capable of. Now it’s time for me to give back and bring some of that fresh JCI energy to the young professionals of Cornwall.”
Why Cornwall?
Cornwall has a population of 565,000 across the county and is best known for its beautiful beaches, rugged coastline, rich mining history, world class waves and of course, Poldark! The county welcomes a staggering 5 million tourists each year which makes up around a quarter of the economy, with the majority of visitors venturing from elsewhere in the UK. Although much of its industry relies on footfall throughout the summer seasons, Cornwall also has a thriving business, tech and startup community, with a huge agricultural industry and most recently secured funding to prepare to launch Spaceport Cornwall and Cornwall Airport Newquay!
However, like most areas, it is not without its problems, and Cornwall is one of the poorest areas in the UK with a GVA (Gross Value Added, which measures the value of goods and services in an area, industry or sector of an economy) of 70.9% of the national average. This makes the county one of four UK areas that qualifies for poverty-related grants from the EU (European Social Fund) which has helped fund local regeneration projects, innovation in sustainability, renewables and marine technology, and activities and skills development for the unemployed, among others.
JCI Cornwall’s mission is directly aligned with the mission of all JCI Chambers in that it will provide development opportunities that empower young people to create positive change in their communities, helping them be better in their personal and professional lives.
Niki adds “At the start of 2020, we will be hosting a launch event in Cornwall and invite anyone interested to come along and find out more. Next year, you can expect training events, networking opportunities, local business tours, inspiring speakers, opportunities to get involved in community projects to practice your new skills and of course, socials! With JCI being an international organisation, you will also be invited to all international events hosted by chambers throughout the UK, Europe and Worldwide which are incredibly inspiring and a great way to visit somewhere new, learn something you didn’t know and make some international connections.”
As JCI Cornwall is currently a provisional organisation, it has not yet established a website so to keep up to date with upcoming events or to make contact, follow @JCICornwall on Twitter or contact Niki Davies directly via LinkedIn.
*JCI UK National Board considers application from brand new JCI Chambers and can grant them ‘provisional organisation’ status. Once the new Chamber has 10 members, a bank account and a constitution, it can apply it the JCI UK National Council (‘the supreme authority of the organisation) for affiliation and therefore the PO status is no longer required. Affiliated JCI UK Chambers have the right to vote at National Council.
By JCI Manager
