Sixteen-year-old Beth Perkin, from St Ives, has been presented with a 30 Under 30 award, the youngest person to ever pick up the award.
Beth Perkin, of Cornish Spliced, with Kim Conchie, chief executive of Cornwall Chamber of Commerce
The event recognised the 30 most innovative young businesspeople aged under 30 in Cornwall, including entrepreneurs, changemakers, prosperity creators, and eco-warriors. Beth started her business, Cornish Spliced, when she was just 14.
“Starting a new business is a challenge, so meeting this challenge at Beth’s age of 16 is particularly inspiring,” said Kim Conchie, chief executive of Cornwall Chamber of Commerce, which hosted the awards ceremony.
“Cornish Spliced is an example of the innovative, alternative, and collaborative businesses that we have here in Cornwall. Beth is an inspiration to us all that, if you are determined and resourceful, you can make your business ideas a reality.
“On behalf of Cornwall Chamber of Commerce, we would like to congratulate Beth on becoming our youngest ever 30 Under 30 recipient and we will be watching her and Cornish Spliced with interest as I’m sure this is just the beginning.”
Beth said: “It was a surprise to be nominated, let alone receive this award. So I am extremely proud to be the youngest person ever to be recognised.
“What started as a challenge with my grandad to find a purpose for his retired fishing rope has taken on a life of its own. It’s thanks to my family who have supported my idea that Cornish Spliced has grown into an established business.
“Over the past 18 months I’ve been overwhelmed by people’s reaction to Cornish Spliced and how many have wanted to buy products, from individuals to wholesalers. My mission was to offer beautiful and thought-provoking products to people who would love them as much as I do, and Cornish Spliced is achieving that. I’m so grateful to everyone that has helped to make this happen.”
Cornish Spliced breathes new life into salvaged fishing rope and ghost gear, repurposing it into a range of products including wall-hangings, mats, bowls, keyrings, dog leads, and toys.
Now in their eighth year, the 30 Under 30 awards, which are organised by Cornwall Chamber of Commerce in partnership with Whyfield, Business Cornwall magazine, Pirate FM, Coodes, and Truro and Penwith College, look for entries that represent the true diversity Cornwall has to offer and the unique contribution passionate and talented young people are adding to the county.
