The Chancellor spoke at a breakfast in Redruth hosted by George Eustice MP and attended by local Cornish business owners. They discussed the local economy, infrastructure and job creation and then visited local manufacturer Teagle, who export agricultural machinery to over 35 countries and are one of many cutting edge and expanding businesses in Camborne, Redruth and Hayle.

Two years after first suggesting the idea, George was pleased to join the Mayors of Hayle and St Ives to officially mark the opening of the new shuttle boat service by taking a trip across the bay and experiencing the quick and easy 10 minute ride between the two towns. The shuttle service will run for a trial period this summer, and is already picking up interest from locals and tourists alike.

Krowji recently began a re-development project that will see new offices and a doubling of capacity at the arts hub, currently home to a variety of creative businesses on the site of the Old Grammar School. The Centre won European and private funding and was supported by George, who pressed the Department of Education to release old school land for the project.  

George recently met with members of Porthtowan Dunes Community Group to discuss the best way forward following recent storm damage. He supports the group’s aims for a new local-led plan to be adopted by Cornwall Council and in the short term wants to see the sand and dune stabilised as quickly as possible. He is pressing for this with the Council and the Environment Agency. 

George recently met with volunteers at RedYOUTH, an inspiring youth based group from Redruth. Initially started and still with a strong focus on teaching street dance, RedYOUTH now organises a range of activities for local children and young people throughout the year. Since its beginning in 2009 it has grown from strength to strength, with over 250 families involved.

Questions and Answers provide specialist adult training courses and apprenticeships across Devon and Cornwall. Their unique approach helps individuals, businesses and charities further develop their skills. George was given a tour of their new offices, and met with clients and the co-founder of the company.

A raft of new measures following the Budget will see savers rewarded and some fundamental reform for pensioners, giving them far greater flexibility over their money. George said ‘I know this an important issue for many in Camborne and Redruth and this is a big step in the right direction.’

George was especially pleased with the increase to the personal allowance, that will see 29,000 people in the South-West taken out of income tax altogether by 2015/16. George said ‘The economy is recovering and we need to make sure this money reaches people’s pockets. The personal allowance increase will do just that and whilst there is still a lot more to do I was really pleased with the measures in the Budget to help hardworking people.’

George was privileged to officially open the new building at St Michael’s Free School in Camborne. The popular school is the first and only Catholic Free School in the country, and since opening its doors in September 2012 it has seen a dramatic rise in pupil numbers.

George, in his capacity as Fisheries Minister, visited the Fishermen’s Mission in Newlyn to discuss the damage caused to their gear and the days at sea lost during the terrible weather of recent weeks. He was joined by Derek Thomas, the Conservative candidate for West Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.  George said: ‘This has been a really tough winter for fishermen and during my visit to Newlyn I learnt first-hand of the damage incurred. The government is looking at measures to help and I hope to have positive news in the near future.’