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Delegates included many graduates who began their career path with a placement supported by Unlocking Potential and businesses that have experienced significant growth in turnover as a result of Unlocking Potential’s support. Programme Director, Allyson Glover addressed the audience at the Alumni Breakfast and spoke of the exciting decade both Unlocking Potential and the people it has supported have had. 

“Our range of services has developed with us over the last 10 years. From our start-up business programme and bespoke support for established businesses via our Fast Forward Groups, to our work experience options for both graduates and undergraduates; we continue to work towards a positive future for our region, its young people and its economy”. 

As well as recognising the success of over 1100 graduates who have completed an Unlocking Potential graduate placement during the last decade, delegates had an exclusive chance to hear from The Future Laboratory, a world-renowned futures consultancy. Among their clients are BBC, L’Oreal, BMW, Marks & Spencer and HSBC so the event was a wonderful opportunity for the businesses and graduates present to benefit from their expertise too. Peter Firth and Martin Raymond from The Future Laboratory used their unique blend of trend forecasting, consumer insight and brand innovation to present to their captivated audience. Anna Pascoe, Business Performance Manager at Liskeard based Cornish Orchards was one of many delegates keen to give their feedback on the event: 

“It has been the ideal event to listen and learn from fascinating speakers, as well as providing the chance to get the innovative juices flowing. Cornish Orchards continue to benefit from access to Unlocking Potential support and it’s been fantastic to see the impact they continue to have on businesses and graduates across Cornwall”. 

The Graduate Placement support is invaluable for graduates who are making the transition from education to employment. The programme is funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the European Social Fund (ESF) and is managed by Plymouth University and Cornwall College. Sarah Voller, completed one of the first graduate placements on The Roseland Peninsula at Treloan Coastal Farm Holidays, and is now running her own company providing English language skills training for foreign business people: 

“The support I received from Unlocking Potential has really helped me throughout my career and I would really recommend it to graduates looking to secure a role now. My company has reached a stage where we’re looking to offer an opportunity to a graduate to help us develop our business. Unlocking Potential support can lead to all sorts of exciting things!”