One of Cornwall’s best-loved charities has been celebrated for its contributions to the Duchy’s economy at a flagship business awards ceremony.

Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust picked up the Winner of Winners title at last night’s Cornwall Business Awards at St Mellion, beating more than 30 organisations to the top accolade.

The charity also won Employer of the Year for its dedicated work supporting staff and volunteers, while PR and Events Officer Tom Matthews was awarded Best Young Business Person.

Paula Martin, chief executive of Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust said: “We’ve entered different categories of the awards a number of times over the years, and last year won Best Third Sector Business.

“I’m so very proud that our charity has been named Winner of Winners, proving that third sector organisations are just as influential as private sector in flying the flag for Cornwall.

“The awards also recognise how crucial people are to our organisation. Tom thoroughly deserves his award for his work introducing challenge events to our fundraising mix. We also are very proud of our volunteer campaign Groundcrew, which has helped us win Employer of the Year.”

The awards come in a step-change year for Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust. In January, the charity unveiled two new aircraft to serve the county, plus specialist equipment that allows the helicopter crew to fly during hours of darkness.

The helicopter marked its 25,000 mission recently, and has grown to become an almost £4 million turnover charity since its move to dedicated charity and operations headquarters near Newquay Airport.

Suzanne Bond, Chief Executive of Cornwall Development Company, congratulated winners and finalists alike. “For ten years, these have Awards have shone a spotlight on the innovation, dedication and ingenuity that runs right through the core of Cornwall’s business community, showing why we’re such a force to be reckoned with.

“Every year, it gets harder for our independent judges to choose the winners. The creativity, talent, and success stories in the room were all hugely inspiring and everything points towards an exciting future for business in Cornwall.”
Cornwall Air Ambulance was the first service of its kind in the UK, and remains the busiest single helicopter air ambulance in the South West.

Every year Cornwall Air Ambulance flies around 800 rescue missions, delivering fast and effective medical care to patients in their moment of need.