Open For Business

Cornwall is famed for its independent boutique businesses – and after months of enforced closure – they are back bigger and better than before

- Susan Griffi

It’s almost six months since Boris Johnson announced lockdown. It’s been a tricky and testing period for everyone, not least the local businesses that suddenly had to shut their premises or figure out new ways of working. Business owners and managers across the county tell is about adjusting to the new norm and how the period has provided a time for reflection, reassessment and even offered an opportunity to showcase their entrepreneurial zeal.

Karen Baxter is the General Manager of Hotel Tresanton in St Mawes

“Reopening a hotel after three months of closure and going from zero to 100 in a matter of 48 hours was incredible really, but the team has done extremely well. But because of all the preparation we did in advance, it hasn’t taken as long I thought to adjust to the new normal. Whatever we’ve done behind the scenes, we’re trying to make sure that it doesn’t impact what the Tresanton experience should be. There are advanced cleaning protocols in the rooms, we’ve reduced the amount of covers in the restaurant and all the team are wearing masks or visors throughout the hotel. Our wonderful yacht, Pinuccia, has unfortunately not gone into the water this year due to social distancing, and larger events can’t take place but our beach club has opened just for resident guests. I think they’re relishing the fact it’s a quiet area of the hotel, somewhere they can go and relax on the sun lounger and watch the world go by. We have so many regular guests, but also new guests who might typically go abroad but have taken the opportunity to staycation. I think people are just so happy to be able to get away, to have somebody else do their cooking and cleaning and bring things to them. It’s a luxury that none of us have truly had for the last few months so if anything, it’s enhanced the experience.’