02/06/2025
The Good Growth Programme is delivering transformative change across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly with funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. This independent evaluation by Wavehill: social and economic research, highlights the scale and depth of the Programme’s impact during 2022-25, and how well activity is aligned to the Investment Plan.
During the first three years, the Programme has invested over £137 million to support projects that are helping local businesses grow, creating better job opportunities, supporting young people and adults to gain new skills, and backing projects that protect our environment.
All performance figures presented in this report are a snapshot as of 10 February 2025, and reflect the status of the Programme at that time. It is also important to note that the timeline for the achievement of outcomes runs until March 2030.
Read the report here
Key findings
£453.7 Million in Private Sector Investment Leveraged
The programme is forecasted to leverage over £453 million in private sector investment, which is an extraordinary return on public funding
1,346 Enterprises Supported to Improve Productivity
Against a target of just 65, the programme is forecasted to support 1,346 enterprises to become more productive. This is over 20 times the original goal.
88% of Projects Paying the Real Living Wage
A major success in promoting fair work: 88% of funded projects already pay the Real Living Wage, with the rest committed to doing so by the end of the programme.
Over 2,500 People Gaining Qualifications
The programme is forecasted to help 2,545 people gain a qualification or complete a course. This is nearly triple the original target of 945.
1,229 People Expected to Enter Employment
The programme is forecasted to support 1,229 individuals into employment, including self-employment.
66,000+ m² of Commercial Space Improved
A total of 66,604 m² of commercial space has been completed or improved against an original target of 3,742 m².
27,483 Tonnes of CO₂ Emissions Forecasted to be Saved
Clean energy and decarbonisation projects are forecasted to reduce emissions by 27,483 tonnes of CO₂e. This is equivalent to over 122 million miles driven.
6,286 Volunteering Opportunities Created
The programme has created 6,286 volunteering opportunities, fostering civic engagement and community development.
1.67 Million People Reached Through Programme Activities
The programme has reached over 1.67 million people, far surpassing the original target of 252,400.
112 New-to-Market Products Developed
Innovation is thriving: 112 new-to-market products are forecasted to be developed, which is 60% more than the original target of 70.