Graduate is catalyst for Cornish Cottages’s new brand

July 22, 2010 - PRLog -- Following their name change 18 months ago from Mullion Cottages to Cornish Cottages, the company was in need of a new brand that not only worked to expand it’s customer and client base, but also support its excellent reputation.

In February 2010, Sharon Sandercock was appointed as Marketing and Communications Manager.  Sharon graduated from the College of St Mark and St John – one of the Combined Universities in Cornwall (CUC) – with a BA (Hons) degree in Public Relations with Media Studies in 2007.  

Initially, Sharon was tasked with reviewing all of Cornish Cottages marketing activity and materials and looking at ways that this could be developed to meet the needs of its new and existing customers, as well as identifying trends and opportunities in the market.

Carleen Kelemen, Director of the Convergence Partnership Office for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly said, “It is refreshing to see an established tourism business recognise the need to grow and respond to changes in market conditions, and Sharon’s appointment has allowed Cornish Cottages to embrace these changes and really work to their strengths.”

Sharon said: “The Cornish rentals market has changed considerably in recent years, with many new additions to the market.  Cornish Cottages is one of the longest established and I felt it was important to reflect its heritage and strong reputation in the new branding, reminding people that despite the name change Cornish Cottages are still committed to the same excellent service that people have come accustom to in the last 14 years.  The new look aims to attract potential customers and clients, as well as reminding our existing loyal customers and clients of our continued professionalism and commitment.”

One method of targeting a new customer base developed by Sharon is the introduction of the Cornish Cottages exhibition trailer, which will be taken to shows and events throughout the summer.  Sharon has also successfully launched Cornish Cottages into the world of social media, and has used her PR skills to forge links with the media.    

Sharon said: “I was over the moon when I discovered the UCP scheme.  After graduating, I was determined to stay in the South West, despite advice telling me it could be difficult to find a suitable role.  Cornish Cottages is a well established and respected company, and I couldn’t wait to get involved with such an exciting challenge.  The re-branding exercise was all about devising a new image that reflected Cornish Cottage’s reputation as a well-established, approachable and professional company-and I am delighted with the results.”  

Cornish Cottages has been successfully letting self catering cottages for over fourteen years and has a wide selection of properties on their books from coastal cottages and rural farmhouses to timber lodges and harbour side apartments.

Peter Collins, Cornish Cottages MD said: “I speak on behalf of the team by saying I am delighted with Sharon’s progress and impressed with the support that UCP have offered Cornish Cottages and Sharon.  The nature of our business means we work extremely hard to promote Cornwall as a fantastic holiday destination, and we are proud of having a strong Cornish workforce and commission all work to Cornish companies.  UCP allowed us to benefit from Sharon’s expertise and experience whilst allowing her to forge a career in Cornwall; so everyone has benefitted.”

Olivia Khadka, Unlocking Cornish Potential project manager said: “We are delighted to be supporting the growth of Cornish Cottages through the training, mentoring and support package we are offering Sharon. She is already making a significant impact on the way in which the company is marketing itself and is looking to significantly grow the portfolio of clients to support the future growth of the company.”

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Cornish Cottages is your first choice holiday letting specialists when it comes to self-catering holiday homes in Cornwall. Offering an excellent choice of cottages & rural farmhouses to timber lodges & harbour side apartments.