Newquay Airport: Cornwall Chamber of Commerce Urges Review of Partner Selection

Published On: 8 July 2024Last Updated: 8 July 2024By CornishStuff

This morning, John Brown, the new CEO of the Cornwall Chamber of Commerce, issued a striking open letter to Cornwall Council regarding their recent decision to partner with Westcore for the management of Newquay Airport. The letter highlights John’s disappointment with the Council’s choice, urging them to halt progress and reconsider their decision.

Concerns Over Westcore’s Expertise

John’s letter expresses profound concern over the selection of Westcore, questioning their experience in airport management. He emphasises that proficiency in managing airports should be the primary criterion for such a significant role, with property development being a secondary factor.

Call for Transparency and Inclusion

The letter criticises the Council’s lack of consultation with the business community and the opacity of their decision-making process. John calls for a suspension of the current decision, demanding a transparent and inclusive consultation involving key stakeholders from various sectors of Cornish industry.

Key Requests from the Chamber of Commerce

In his letter, John outlines several key requests:

Immediate Suspension of Current Decision: Halt any further progress with Westcore until a thorough review and consultation process has been conducted.
Transparent Consultation Process: Engage in a transparent and inclusive consultation with the business community and other key stakeholders before finalising any decisions.
Criteria for Partner Selection: Ensure that the primary criterion for selecting a partner is demonstrated expertise in airport management.
Stakeholder Advisory Panel: Establish a panel comprising representatives from across the spectrum of Cornish industry to provide ongoing advice and insights on the selection process.
Public Accountability: Commit to regular updates and open communication with the public and business community regarding the progress and decisions related to Newquay Airport.

Importance of Reliable Transport Infrastructure

John underscores the critical importance of reliable and affordable transport infrastructure for the local economy. He insists that decisions about Newquay Airport, involving significant taxpayer investment, must be made through deep and meaningful consultation with all stakeholders who depend on its success.

The letter serves as a strong call to action for Cornwall Council to reconsider their approach and ensure a more inclusive and transparent decision-making process moving forward.

John's Letter

Open Letter to Cornwall Council

Subject: Concerns Regarding the Selection of Westcore as Preferred Partner for Newquay Airport

Dear Cornwall Council,

I am writing to express the Cornwall Chamber of Commerce’s profound disappointment regarding the recent decision to select Westcore as the preferred partner to manage Newquay Airport. This decision, made without consulting the business community and behind closed doors, is both unacceptable and opaque. It disregards the vital role that the private sector plays in our regional economy.

It is particularly troubling that Westcore, the chosen partner, appears to have limited experience in managing airports. Proficiency in airport management should be the foremost criterion in selecting a partner for an asset as critical as Newquay Airport, with property development being a secondary consideration.

The Cornwall Chamber of Commerce stands ready to gather insights and opinions from leaders across business, higher education, and charitable sectors to advise the Council on what we believe to be essential in selecting an appropriate partner.

Our key requests are as follows:

Immediate Suspension of Current Decision: Halt any further progress with Westcore until a thorough review and consultation process has been conducted.
Transparent Consultation Process: Engage in a transparent and inclusive consultation with the business community and other key stakeholders before finalising any decisions.
Criteria for Partner Selection: Ensure that the primary criterion for selecting a partner is demonstrated expertise in airport management.
Stakeholder Advisory Panel: Establish a panel comprising representatives from across the spectrum of Cornish industry to provide ongoing advice and insights on the selection process.
Public Accountability: Commit to regular updates and open communication with the public and business community regarding the progress and decisions related to Newquay Airport.

Reliable and affordable transport infrastructure is the lifeblood of a thriving local economy. Decisions about the future of Newquay Airport, which involves significant taxpayer investment, must be made through deep, meaningful, and transparent consultation with all stakeholders who rely on its success.

Yours sincerely,

John Brown
CEO, Cornwall Chamber of Commerce