From Campus to Community: Falmouth Lecturers Drive Growth for Cornish Regenerative Businesses

A bespoke marketing consultancy project led by academics from the School of Communication has provided six local businesses with the strategic tools to thrive, while directly enriching the curriculum for Falmouth students. 

Between September and December 2025, Lucy Cokes (Senior Lecturer in Creative Advertising) and Steven Bond (Lecturer in Graphic Design) embarked on a targeted consultancy initiative initiated by Nadine Frisk-Twigg, a Business Development Fellow for Launchpad Futures. The project was designed to bridge the gap between the lecturer’s industry expertise and the practical needs of Cornwall’s burgeoning regenerative business sector. 

The Launchpad Futures programme is funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund as part of the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Good Growth Programme, which supports local projects that contribute to sustainable and inclusive economic growth. 

Utilising a bespoke four-step consultancy process designed over the summer, the duo worked with six businesses specially selected by Launchpad Business Development fellows. Each partnership began with an intensive two-hour discovery meeting, diving deep into the DNA of the brands, and culminated in a suite of actionable marketing communications assets—ranging from comprehensive brand strategies and marketing plans to detailed creative briefs. 

Real-World Impact 

The results of the project have been immediate and practical. For Radical Wax, the consultancy produced a year-long marketing plan and provided essential preparation for a major grant application. Lansdowne Kiln received a full strategic plan, including product naming, strapline development, and a pre-launch action list to ensure a successful entry into the market. 

Perhaps the most significant impact was felt by Horneywink Cider. In addition to a nine-month launch plan, the project also involved BA Graphic Design students in the creation of the brand’s visual identity. 

Sara Reid, founder of Horneywink Cider, commented: "Lucy and Steve have been the most insane amount of help. The tools, recommendations, and insight have been so valuable; I now have a clear path to work with, which is just incredible. I am forever grateful to the team and the University for the support provided." 

Strengthening the Local Ecosystem 

The project wasn't just about delivering documents; it was about fostering a sustainable, resilient local economy. For Plant One, the team produced a draft campaign plan for the 'No Trees, No Seas' initiative, set to launch in March 2026. 

Steven Bond reflected on the cross-sector collaboration: "It’s been fascinating to see how our university expertise can be applied to these real-world scenarios. Involving our Graphics students underscored the richness of working outside given silos to help Cornwall thrive as sustainably as possible." 

Bringing the Consultancy into the Studio 

One of the most valuable outcomes of the Launchpad project is the "knowledge loop" it creates for Falmouth students. The processes developed during these professional consultancies are already being integrated back into the classroom. 

"It has been professionally rewarding to apply my knowledge and develop strategic ideas for such a diverse range of companies," says Lucy Cokes. "I have already built our consultancy process into my module for Marketing Communications students next semester. They will be taking what we’ve learned and providing their own consultancy services for a local Community Interest Company (CIC)." 

By connecting local innovation with academic rigour, the Launchpad Futures project has not only empowered six Cornish businesses but has ensured that the next generation of creative professionals are learning at the very forefront of the industry. 

Launchpad Futures is funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund as part of the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Good Growth Programme. 

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The Companies 

Plant One: A Community Interest Company that brings business, individuals and landowners together to plant trees in Cornish soil. 
https://plantone.co.uk 

Radical Wax: Biodegradable, non-petrochemical Eco Surf Wax. 
https://www.radicalwax.co.uk/ 

Horneywink Cider: Cornish fine cider. Grown, brewed and bottled in Mylor. Keen to nurture and regenerate the Horneywink Woods that surround the orchard.  
Website: Not yet launched. 

Lansdowne Biotechics: A leading biotechnology company based in the heart of Cornwall. All Lansdowne Biotechnics innovations nurture the world around us to make the world a better place. 
Website: Not yet launched.