Christopher Weavill, Hertzian: How to make Cornwall an economic powerhouse

9 January 2025

Christopher Weavill is the CEO of Cornwall-based Hertzian, one of the country’s leading AI companies with clients including the NHS, Falmouth University and Warner Brothers.

This article was initially published as an open letter via LinkedIn.

Bledhen Nowydh Da! / Happy New Year!

As we bid farewell to 2024 and welcome in 2025, I have taken time to reflect on the future of Hertzian and Cornwall more broadly. As an SME employer deeply invested in Cornwall’s future, I have come to realise that staying silent and not using my voice has not helped the business I have built, or our community.

It’s time for that to change.

For those who don’t know me, I am Christopher Weavill, now CEO and Co-founder of Hertzian, a Cornwall-based AI startup. I started the company when I was 21 (this may be a surprise to quite a few of you!), and now at 32, I’ve witnessed both the growth and challenges that have shaped our region.

Christopher Weavill is the CEO of Cornwall-based Hertzian, one of the UK’s *Christopher Weavill is the CEO of Cornwall-based Hertzian, one of the country’s leading AI companies*

While there have been positive changes, Cornwall still faces tough realities. Harrowing statistics highlight issues like a fifth of children being in poverty in Cornwall¹. Although, statistics might not fully reflect the broader situation, we all recognise that things need to improve.

At Hertzian, we have worked tirelessly to grow, adapt, and contribute to Cornwall’s economy where we can. However, the road ahead is far from certain.

Help where it’s needed

I have reached out to smarter people than I, about business and politics, and asked, “Why don’t businesses and individuals receive the support they need when they need it?”

The answer was simple but profound: “You tend to get the help once you don’t need it.”

Too often, Cornwall sees support arriving only after the hardest struggles have been overcome—or not at all.

Let’s be clear, I love Cornwall—its people, its culture, and its community. However, we need to be honest about what is needed for our region to grow and succeed. Economic prosperity cannot be achieved solely through grants or handouts. Grants are an essential part of the financial equation, they must be viewed as a component of a larger strategy, not as the goal. We have an over-reliance on external funding which leaves us exposed. The fear of job security under publicly funded fixed-term contracts exemplifies this.

The role of business

It is now important to demonstrate what is achievable without public funding. Last year Hertzian invested in a record number of free internships, delivered training, and hosted the Hertzian AI Summit, which brought global businesses like Hershey and government representatives to Cornwall. These initiatives demonstrate what can be achieved when local businesses and institutions—such as Cornwall Council, Falmouth University, and Truro and Penwith College, to name just a few— collaborate with local and global partners to create a meaningful and tangible impact.

What Cornwall truly needs is a broader, more sustainable approach to growth—one that prioritises quality, innovation, and long-term benefits rather than focusing on short-term output. Public funds should be spent to deliver true economic growth, which creates lasting commercial value, not output harvesting which erodes quality and trust! Cornwall businesses have competitive survival rates, and while this may highlight survivability, it doesn’t demonstrate economic impact or growth. In Cornwall, high-growth businesses defined by ONS only represent 0.42%ⁱ of all businesses! Support is critical when needed, but it must be targeted effectively to ensure that every pound invested contributes to increased long-term success and business expansion.

Thinking bigger

To transform Cornwall into an economic powerhouse, we all must think bigger. Our future must be one of opportunity and global recognition. The evidence is overwhelmingly clear, we need to support Micro Businesses 0-9 employees, which makes up 88.5%ⁱⁱ of business in Cornwall, if they are to succeed and grow their operations. Cornwall needs to invest in supporting small businesses in our Growth Strategy sectors meaningfully. We need to make Cornwall a desirable place for innovation and growth, to attract national and international talent, investment, and partnerships. It is hard to attract investment from a position of weakness.

I believe there is a clear path forward, and it begins with thinking big. It is time to focus on projects that deliver genuine commercialisation, local job creation, and economic sustainability. Cornwall must protect and build on its critical infrastructure assets and prioritise initiatives that deliver lasting value. We must be resilient and unwavering in securing the Devolution Deal and elect a Mayor who will represent Cornwall with strength, unity, and vision. Most importantly, it’s time to have honest conversations, as painful as it might be, so Cornwall can progress forward.

Change is on the horizon. I am heartened and encouraged by individuals making a real impact for transformation, supporting business and using their voices meaningfully. We must be brave enough and challenge the status quo to foster honest conversations.

Let’s stop accepting “good enough” as our ceiling.

Let’s take the best of Cornwall—nationally, and globally.

Let’s position ourselves for overwhelming strength, driving long-term success through commercial endeavours, where public support helps accelerate this growth rather than becoming the sole driver.

Christopher Weavill
CEO, Co-Founder, Hertzian