County shows offer 'more than money' for traders

Traders say being at big county shows in the South West are about more than money - despite multi-million boost they bring to the economy.

Thousands of people braved the wet weather to visit the opening day of the Royal Cornwall Show in Wadebridge on Thursday to see the variety of displays on offer.

The South West Business Council estimated the event, which was due to run until Saturday, along with the Devon County Show at the Westpoint Arena near Exeter would bring in a combined £80m to the region's economy.

But traders on the ground in Wadebridge said while the figures highlighted these events' importance, there were plenty of other benefits which made them crucial for business.

South West Business Council chairman Tim Jones said events like the county shows were a big money spinner for the region.

He added the £80m figure might even be "quite conservative" because of the reach the shows give firms after the events end.

Mr Jones said: "I was speaking to one of the big specialist construction contractors and last year, he was still getting the benefit of show orders generated during the Royal Cornwall Show six months later."

Phillip Stansfield, managing director of the Cornish Cheese Company, said the company goes to about 45 county shows during the year, with the Royal Cornwall Show being the best financially for the firm.

He said while it does bring in a lot of money, the chance to meet current and new customers and showcase its products were bigger positives for the company.

"We do make a bit of money here, but it's a bit more than that," Mr Stansfield said.

"It's about putting our brands out there, putting tasters out there and getting people to like it and hopefully carry on buying it throughout the year, not just at this show."

Nick Vincent from farm machinery business Vincents echoed Mr Stansfield's thoughts.

"In our trade, people buy off people and these shows are a massive part of that," he said.

"It can really stimulate business for the rest of the year and over the next few years."

Kim Conchie, a non-executive director at the Cornwall Chamber of Commerce, said he felt places like Cornwall thrived on the interconnectivity the shows could provide.

He added: "The shows are almost like another problem for the high streets because people are coming here and spending their money rather than going to their local town centre.

"It's a huge consumer facing exercise."

Bosses from British Wool, an organisation representing farmers who collect, grade and market wool, said the Royal Cornwall Show and Devon County Show were "an excellent shop window" for the industry.

Head of member engagement Gareth Jones said: "The shows provide us with an opportunity to engage with our sheep farmer members and to judge competitions such as the fleece and wool on the hoof, which recognises high standards of wool production."

The National Farmers' Union (NFU) added the platform the shows offered to celebrate the agriculture industry provided an opportunity for growth.

An NFU spokesperson said: "People are genuinely interested in farming and the shows provide a real platform for the industry and for farmers to speak with the public about what they do and for people to enjoy themselves and do some business."

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