The Cornwall Growth Board met on Thursday 11 December 2025, approving plans to develop an international strategy for Cornwall and endorse the Global Cornish diaspora strategy. The Board also approved an addendum to the Cornwall Good Growth Plan focusing on the defence sector.

Cornwall International Strategy and Global Cornish - the Diaspora Project

The Board supported the establishment of a working group to develop a Cornwall International Strategy, aiming to position Cornwall as a vibrant, internationally connected nation within the UK. This strategy will complement the existing Good Growth Plan and focus on inward investment priorities. The Board also endorsed Global Cornish as Cornwall's diaspora strategy, recognising the significant potential of the estimated six million-strong Cornish diaspora worldwide to act as investors, mentors, and ambassadors. An options paper will be developed to outline the business case and operational model for Global Cornish, potentially establishing it as an entity external to Cornwall Council. This initiative aims to leverage the diaspora's capital of consistency – their willingness to invest even during crises – and their motivation to give back, which can lead to stronger local spillovers and job creation. The strategy anticipates significant financial outcomes, including £1.5 million in direct investment and £1 million in philanthropic investment from the diaspora, alongside an increase in diaspora visitors and the establishment of a high-influence network for trade and investment.

Cornwall's Contribution to Defence Sector

The Cornwall Good Growth Plan 2024-35 Defence Sector Addendum was approved, aligning with the UK Industrial Strategy's increased focus on defence. The addendum highlights Cornwall's existing strengths in sectors such as space, marine, critical minerals, and renewable energy, which are deeply embedded within the UK's defence capabilities. Cornwall's assets, including Goonhilly Earth Station, Spaceport Cornwall, and the National Drone Hub, are identified as nationally significant for space and aerospace. The marine sector's potential for naval and autonomous systems testing, alongside maintenance and refit capabilities at Falmouth Docks, was also noted. The report emphasised the strategic importance of critical minerals, such as lithium, and Cornwall's role in supporting the UK's energy independence through renewable energy sources. The addendum also incorporates suggestions from the Economic Forum, including the recognition of GCHQ Bude and subsea cable networks as defence infrastructure, and the dual-use potential of creative sector technologies like simulation and virtual reality for defence applications.