Churchtown Morgans

The seasonal nature of Cornish equestrian and tourism business Churchtown Morgan made it difficult for it to employ year-round staff.

Owner John Daniels wanted to expand the firm’s equine therapy service in order to attract business and be actively operational throughout the year. So he identified the need to take on an administration apprentice to enhance the company’s reception, IT and social media activities.

John explained: “Bringing in an apprentice was a crucial part of the plan to grow our company. The B&B side of our activity has a seasonal nature, but we wanted to create a sustainable business that operated and was capable of employing and retaining people year-round.”

John and his wife Rosie have been running their B&B business at the Old Vicarage, near St Hilary, for 12 years. They expanded to provide specialist equine therapy four years ago, under the community interest company name Equus Solutions.

They saw the Cornwall Apprenticeship model as an affordable way of achieving their business growth plan, especially as the Agency can handle all the payroll responsibility and recruitment process, so it reduces the risk and the paperwork associated with employing someone.

John said: “We came across Cornwall Apprenticeship Agency online. They came and listened to our recruitment needs and helped us through the process to ensure we found the best possible match. Their specialist advisor even sat through the interview process.”

Successful candidate William Sowden had the core skills and IT knowledge that the business was looking for. He joined the business last September and is now gaining experience in book-keeping, IT, social media and customer-facing duties.

William, 20, from Goldsithney: “After I left college with a Level 3 in ICT, I spent a year trying to get a job. There didn’t seem many opportunities around. I could have gone on to university, but I decided it was better to get on the career ladder. I thought an apprenticeship would be good as you can learn and work at the same time.

“It’s really interesting here. I’m not just doing general admin. It’s very varied and I’m learning new skills such as social media, reception duties, photography and improving my written work. My family are also really pleased for me after so long unemployed.

• Posted: September 21, 2016
• By: Tim Bowerbank