Many sectors in Cornwall are struggling during this Covid-19 pandemic - tourism, hospitality and manufacturing are some facing the toughest of times, but there are some businesses finding new ways to forge ahead.
Wildanet are one of the Cornish companies that’s seen an influx of new customers wanting access to their guaranteed superfast internet.
Most of them are people needing to work from home for the first time. Founder, Ian Calvert, says their sales have gone up by around 10%.
Wildanet have seen a 10% rise in new customers amid the pandemic. Credit: Wildanet
England’s only tea grower has also had some success during this period, Jonathon Jones, Tregothnan’s managing director, believes more people are having a brew to help them keep calm and carry on.
Some of the workforce at the estate, based near Truro, continue picking, packing and sending tea by post and online sales have soared.
Tea plantation at the Tregothnan Estate. Credit: ITV NewsJonathon Jones in the Tregothnan tea plantation. Credit: ITV News
Jonathon Jones remains optimistic about what’s next.
Tregothnan's online tea sales are up by 12%. Credit: ITV News
With the majority of cafes, hotels and restaurants still closed, Westcountry Fruit Sales based near Falmouth, who usually supply the catering trade, have switched their entire business to supplying food for people at home.
Roger Rossingol stacks shelves at Westcountry Fruit Sales. Credit: ITV News
Despite some successes, all of these businesses are looking forward to a time when trading returns to some semblance of normality.