While Cornwall has so much to shout about and be proud of, it continues to suffer from chronic underfunding from the Government. That's the parting shot from Kim Conchie, the outgoing chief executive of the Cornwall Chamber of Commerce, who believes that after 12 years in the job, tirelessly promoting the county to the rest of the world and to Whitehall in particular, Cornwall remains the poor child compared with many other regions when it comes to Government investment.

Over the decade or so as the voice of the business community in the county, Kim has seen much change for good but he believes there is still a long way to go before Cornwall is taken seriously as something other than a holiday destination for the rest of country.

He said: "The hospitality industry has come on strong in the past decade or so. The food and drink produced in Cornwall are top class and have helped put Cornwall on the world map. There is a rebirth of the critical minerals industry and we have the potential to be leaders in the renewable energy sector.

Read next: Sloop Inn in St Ives sold to American businessmen

Read next: 'Shafted' Cornwall fishermen reject 'Brexit lie' and change parties

"We have had decades of under investment from the Government and what we want to see is more funding to support Cornwall's ambition."

He believes there is a renewed confidence and ambition in Cornwall but also feels that ambition can be further nurtured in schools, colleges and universities and teachers and parents should be encouraged to foster it in young people so they feel that they do not need to leave the county to be successful, but can do so by staying in the county.

Kim said Cornwall can hold its collective head high when it comes to ethics and striking the right chord when it comes to work-life balance, but insisted even more ought to be made of Cornwall's natural beauty to attract investment, businesses and people from other parts of the UK.

However, while Superfast Cornwall may have been a pioneering partnership, funded by the EU, Cornwall Council, UK Government and BT, that led Cornwall's fibre broadband rollout between 2010 and 2021, to Kim, more must be done once again on the digital front or there is a risk Cornwall could go back into its slumber and be left out when it has the talent and work-life-balance assets to attract the best in that field.

Want the latest Cornwall breaking news and top stories first? Click here to join CornwallLive on WhatsApp and we'll send breaking news and top stories directly to your phone. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.

Kim has announced that he will step down from the role of CEO of the Chamber of Commerce at the end of July but will take a more advisory role on the board. He said he's hoping to have more time - while having 'retired' - to travel more, visit his grown up children and enjoy walking Cornwall's amazing coast path.

He said something he is particularly proud of from his tenure as CEO is promoting young entrepreneurs, teaming up with Cornwall Pride and working with Black Voices Cornwall. Kim will be replaced as CEO of Cornwall Chamber of Commerce by John Brown. John will take over the reins of the independent, not-for-profit, membership organisation next month.

With a background in brand building and communications, John has worked with brands such as Virgin, Cook, lululemon, Bird, Frugi, Go Pro, Natura and Vivobarefoot. He most recently founded and led Don’t Cry Wolf, a creative agency with brand activism at its heart, and is a renowned podcaster, B Corp ambassador and keynote speaker. He is also completing a Masters in sustainable futures at the University of Exeter, Penryn Campus and volunteers as a Parish Councillor on Mevagissey Parish Council.

John said: “I want the world to know that Cornwall is the blueprint for the future economy and to invest, learn from and collaborate with every element of our rich business tapestry.

“Every major area is represented in the 1,375 square miles of this gorgeous landscape. How we will feed ourselves. Power ourselves. Clothe ourselves. Exploring new materials and metals, new ways of getting around, even beyond the boundaries of our own atmosphere! Pushing the edges of excellence in hospitality, tourism and creativity. All the while nurturing both a fierce community spirit coupled with an ingrained sense of planetary stewardship.

“It’s my great privilege to support, fight for and deliver results to the full scope of the Cornish economy. From the exciting micro businesses through to the pioneering corporates.

“Whether it’s investment, policy change, awareness or engagement, my focus is on representing the Cornish business voice as we navigate a new economic era.”

Laura Whyte, Chair of the Cornwall Chamber of Commerce Board, added: “John has incredible dynamism. Through his brand communications and activism experience, he will continue to put the Chamber at the cutting-edge of the business sector. Having stood in the shoes of business owners, John can appreciate the challenges they face and the support they need.”