Cornwall Businesses Warn: “We’re Working Harder for Less” Ahead of Budget

As the Chancellor prepares to unveil the Autumn Budget, Cornwall’s business community has made its message clear: the cost of doing business is biting hard, and confidence is on a knife edge.

Cornwall’s Business Climate on the Brink

The Cornwall Chamber of Commerce surveyed 93 businesses across every sector and constituency, from sole traders in St Ives to manufacturers in Truro. The results paint a cautious picture. On average, respondents rated the Cornish business climate 4.1 out of 10, reflecting a growing strain across the Duchy.

According to the survey, 43% of businesses named the rising cost of doing business—covering energy, wages and insurance—as their biggest challenge. A further fifth pointed to weak demand and fragile consumer confidence.

One respondent said:

“We’re all working harder for less. There’s no incentive to grow when every new hire feels like a penalty.”

Despite the pressures, there’s still determination among Cornwall’s entrepreneurs. As another business owner put it:

“Give us the tools, and we’ll power Britain’s green and digital future.”

A Call for Both Relief and Reform

Cornwall Chamber CEO John Brown said the survey highlights both the strain and resilience within Cornwall’s economy.

“Cornwall’s businesses are being squeezed by the rising cost of doing business, yet they’re still showing extraordinary resilience and ambition,” said John. “This isn’t about asking for handouts, it’s about unlocking potential. Cornwall feeds the nation and powers its energy security, but now we need a Budget that feeds our ambition too. Give us the tools and we’ll do the rest.”

Small and micro businesses are calling for immediate relief through reduced taxes, National Insurance cuts and less red tape. One small retailer commented:

“I spend more time feeding forms than feeding customers. Government needs to get out of the way so we can get on with trading.”

Meanwhile, larger employers are pushing for long-term investment in housing, transport and skills to retain staff and boost productivity. A major manufacturer said:

“We can invest in machinery all day long, but without affordable homes and reliable transport, we can’t invest in people.”

The Chamber’s report concludes that relief without reform is short-term, while reform without relief is tone-deaf.

Frustration Across the Duchy

Sentiment varied by constituency. Businesses in Truro and Falmouth showed realism and resilience, while those in Camborne and Redruth voiced frustration with slow local bureaucracy. One respondent noted frustration with “a council that takes months to make a decision on anything.”

In St Austell and Newquay, housing and connectivity were top concerns. Respondents said the lack of affordable homes is not just a social issue but an economic barrier that limits growth.

What Cornwall Wants from the Budget

When asked what the Chancellor should prioritise, businesses ranked their top demands as:

• Reduce NI, taxes and VAT (32%)

• Support skills, apprenticeships and workforce development (12%)

• Expand access to finance and investment (8%)

• Reform business rates (8%)

• Invest in transport, energy and digital infrastructure (7%)

A strong 80% of respondents also believe Cornwall doesn’t receive its fair share of regional funding compared to other parts of the UK. The Chamber argues this isn’t about grievance but fairness, with Cornwall leading in food security, clean energy, and critical minerals.

Confidence on a Knife Edge

Businesses rated their confidence for the year ahead at 2.9 out of 5, signalling fragile optimism that with the right government support, Cornwall can adapt, innovate, and thrive.

The Chamber’s message to the Chancellor is clear:

1. Cut the cost burden and provide relief on National Insurance.

2. Unlock infrastructure through investment in transport, energy, and digital networks.

3. Back skills and housing to secure long-term growth.

4. Reform business rates to support ambition.

5. Trust Cornwall’s businesses as partners in national prosperity.

A Fair Shot for Cornwall

As the Chamber’s report concludes:

“Cornwall feeds the nation, powers its energy security, and inspires millions. We don’t just want a fair share of funding, we want a fair shot at shaping Britain’s economic future.”

The full survey results can be viewed at cornwallchamber.co.uk