The Conservative Group on Cornwall Council have visited Falmouth University for a briefing on the Launchpad programme.
Hosted by University CEO and Vice Chancellor Professor Anne Carlisle the group had a presentation from Glas Data, the winner of the 2018 Cornwall Edge awards, on how the course helped them in their start-up
Launchpad brings together teams of software engineers, digital creatives and business people to solve industry challenges - taking on briefs from companies like Sony and Hitachi, in high tech industries including video-gaming, with practical work alongside studying for an MA in Entrepreneurship.
Commenting, Conservative Group Leader, Cllr Linda Taylor, said:
“At a recent Full Council meeting we were pleased to support the investment of nearly £1m of Cornwall Council funding into Launchpad.”
“However at the same meeting we were concerned to hear other Cornwall Councillors from the group that runs the council express concerns about whether this was a valid use of money.”
“Their remarks were an extreme over-simplification of the situation, demonising the video game industry, might generate headlines, but it is important that we as councillors know the facts in order to be able to fully represent the people we are elected to serve.”
“The gaming industry is worth £3.86bn to the UK and employs more than 20,000 people.”
“We were collectively blown away by the enthusiasm and passion shown by the team at Launchpad, and very impressed by the examples of some of the businesses that have had their start there.”
“As Conservatives we understand the need for creative thinking and design innovation and this type of course which attracts and keeps highly skilled, well paid jobs in Cornwall is exactly the sort of thing we should be promoting both now and in the future, to encourage our young people to stay here rather than move away for work.”
“We hope that councillors from across the political spectrum take up Falmouth University’s offer to visit Launchpad and see for themselves why investment in our young people is so important.”
