Piran networking group

19/08/2026

At this week's breakfast meeting Gill Morgan talked about Larf Cornwall, a charity which is very close to her heart 💙

Gill is one of the Trustees of LARF and we are proud to support the cause at Piran Business Group.

LARF (Lauren and Rosie Fund) was founded in 2010 in memory of two courageous young women, Lauren and Rosie, whose friendship during treatment inspired their families to create a lasting legacy of hope and support.

The charity provides essential services such as clinical psychology, specialist nursing, and play therapy, which support teenagers and young adults undergoing cancer and leukaemia treatment across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

If you would like to support this wonderful charity there are many ways you can get involved.

Easy Fundraising - Every time you shop online the retailer will donate part of what you spend - Easy to use and Completely Free to you! - More information can be found here https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/larf-cornwall/

Direct Donations - https://www.justgiving.com/charity/larfcornwall

Fundraising events - https://www.larfcornwall.co.uk/fundraise

And of course...tomorrow night there will be the Speed Quiz at Zafiros Truro (see our featured post for more details)

17/08/2026

Networking with a view!

A couple of our Piran Business Group members kicked off their morning with a 1-to-1 meeting in this spot today at The Cornish Barista

Building strong, trusted relationships is at the heart of what we do. These informal catch-ups outside of our main meetings give everyone a chance to collaborate, share advice, and grow together.

We’d love to welcome you to our next event:

Next Breakfast Meeting: Tomorrow morning!
Tickets: Grab yours here ⬇ https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1307032051049?aff=oddtdtcreator

If you can't join us tomorrow, don't worry...we meet fortnightly.

Secure your spot for the next one and come introduce yourself to the group!

12/08/2026

Speed Quiz to help raise valuable funds for Larf Cornwall 💛💛

Who's coming along?

So it’s just over a week until our next speed quiz - use the link to reserve your table and claim your free bowl of chips 🙌🙌
The Jackpot on the envelope game is now £150 😊😊😊😊
Come along for a laugh- no paper or pens needed just an iPad or your phone 👍 plus you will be raising money for at the same time ❤️

zafiros.co.uk/event-details-registration/speed-quizzing-of-zafiros-2

05/08/2026

There was plenty to see at this week's Piran Business Network meeting, as Jeremy from Mid Cornwall Printing showcased a range of branded merchandise and printed products.

From lanyards and pens to notebooks and other promotional items, members were given a glimpse into the many ways businesses can keep their brand visible and memorable.

Jeremy shared examples of how promotional merchandise can support networking events, exhibitions, customer engagement and everyday brand awareness, while demonstrating the variety of options available to businesses of all sizes.

The session sparked plenty of ideas and showed how practical, branded products can help businesses make a lasting impression.

An informative and engaging presentation, packed with inspiration for businesses looking to elevate their marketing and branding.

05/08/2026

At the last Piran Business Network, members enjoyed a great presentation from Kelly at Ka-Pow Admin I VA & Social Media Support on the importance of consistency in social media.

Looking at a real-world example, the session explored what happened when a business went from posting occasionally to posting consistently for just one month. The results showed how regular activity can help increase visibility, engagement and brand awareness.

The presentation also challenged the idea that every post needs to be perfect, highlighting how showing up consistently is often far more effective than spending time chasing perfection.

A really useful discussion, with one key message standing out above all others: consistency beats perfection! 🚀

23/06/2026

One of the highlights from the recent Piran Business Network meeting was an insightful presentation by bookkeeper Deborah Taylor Keating on what self-employed business owners can claim as allowable expenses.

Understanding which expenses are tax deductible can make a real difference to your business, helping you keep accurate records, maximise legitimate claims, and ensure you're paying the correct amount of tax.

Some of the areas discussed included:
✅ Travel and mileage for business journeys
✅ Office expenses and stationery
✅ Marketing and advertising costs
✅ Business insurance
✅ Professional fees and subscriptions
✅ Working from home expenses
✅ Tools, materials and stock used for your business

The key message? Good record-keeping throughout the year makes tax time far less stressful and helps ensure you don't miss expenses you're entitled to claim.

A big thank you to Deborah Taylor Keating for sharing her expertise and practical guidance with the Piran Business Network community.

20/06/2026

Demystifying the UK Tax System: Key Insights from Tolvern Accountants

At a recent Piran networking event, we had the pleasure of hearing from David of Tolvern Accountants. He provided an insightful overview of the UK tax landscape, successfully breaking down a complex subject into accessible and practical takeaways for professionals.

The session underscored why a deeper understanding of tax matters far beyond simple compliance.

1. Beyond the Payslip: The Societal Role of Tax

A primary theme was reframing taxation from a simple deduction to a crucial funding mechanism for society. It is easy to focus on the amount paid, but this revenue is what supports the essential public services we all rely on, including:

· The National Health Service (NHS)

· National Defence

· Public Infrastructure

Viewing tax through this lens transforms it from a burden into a contribution to societal well-being.

2. A Diverse and Complex System

David highlighted the sheer scale of the UK's tax framework, which extends far beyond Income Tax and National Insurance. With over 90 distinct taxes and levies in place, the system includes a wide array of charges such as:

· Value Added Tax (VAT)

· Corporation Tax

· Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT)

· Specialised levies like Bingo Duty

This complexity reinforces the need for professional guidance and continuous learning.

3. Shaping Behaviour and Financial Decisions

A key insight was how the tax system is intentionally designed to influence economic behaviour. Understanding the incentives and disincentives embedded within various tax policies allows individuals and businesses to make more strategic financial decisions, aligning their actions with favourable tax treatments where appropriate.

4. The Case for Active Engagement

Rather than viewing tax as a passive obligation, David encouraged a more proactive stance. By engaging with the system and understanding where tax revenue is allocated, taxpayers can become more informed participants in the economy. This fosters more meaningful conversations about public spending and fiscal policy.

Our thanks to david and the Tolvern Accountants team for a highly informative and engaging session. Their ability to make a complex topic clear and relevant was greatly appreciated.

27/05/2026

Great session at this week’s Piran Business Network with Steve Bodfish Income adding Expert from Utility Warehouse talking about goal setting.

One line that really stood out:

“A goal without a plan or timeline is just a dream.”

We were encouraged to step back, write down both personal and business goals, identify what really matters, and most importantly — put realistic timescales against them.

It’s easy to stay busy, but taking time to focus on priorities and create a clear plan is what turns ideas into action.

A good reminder that progress rarely happens by accident.

14/05/2026

This week at Piran Business Network, members were treated to a fascinating and interactive presentation on the science behind seated massage therapy from keheren therapy’s owner Debbie.

Using a professional massage chair demonstration, the talk explored how stress affects the body and nervous system, and how even short massage sessions can help reduce tension, improve relaxation, and support workplace wellbeing.

The presentation also highlighted the growing role of on-site chair massage at corporate events, staff wellbeing days, conferences, and workplaces looking to boost morale and create a positive working environment.

A brilliant session that combined science, wellbeing, and hands-on experience — and definitely one of the most relaxing networking meetings we’ve had!

26/04/2026

🥚 Don’t Put All Your Eggs in One Mortgage Basket 🏡

Great insight from Gill Morgan Mortgage Advisor, at our recent networking meeting 👇

Most people think getting a mortgage is simple:
➡️ Find a house
➡️ Go to your bank
➡️ Take the rate

But that approach can cost you *thousands* over time.

Here are the 3 biggest mistakes people make:

❌ **1. Sticking with one lender**
Your bank can only offer *their* products — not the whole market. The best deal for you might be elsewhere.

❌ **2. Chasing the lowest rate**
The cheapest rate isn’t always the best option. Fees, flexibility, and life changes matter more than a headline number.

❌ **3. “Set it and forget it”**
Fixing your mortgage and never reviewing it can mean slipping onto higher rates without even realising.

💡 **The key takeaway:**
A mortgage isn’t just about today — it’s about where your life could be in 2, 3, or 5 years.

Having someone who understands the full market and keeps things under review can make a huge difference.

If you (or someone you know) haven’t reviewed your mortgage in a while or aren’t sure if you’re on the right deal, now’s a great time to take a look.

Always good to hear practical, no-nonsense advice like this at networking 👏