Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly have a vision that in 2065 their environment will be naturally diverse, beautiful and healthy, supporting a thriving society, prosperous economy and abundance of wildlife. The county’s Environmental Growth Strategy, the first of its kind, was launched in 2016 and aims to ensure that Cornwall achieves this vision by encouraging businesses, communities and individuals to work together to increase environmental, social and economic prosperity in Cornwall. The circular economy helps towards this goal by increasing resource efficiency by closing loops of resource flows.

Embedding circular economy practices into business operations is not without challenges. Tevi supports companies to overcome these challenges and helps them to capitalise on the business opportunities offered by the circular economy, whilst supporting Cornwall's transition to a circular economy. The initiative is a unique and exciting EU-funded venture, which runs until 2021. It provides small and medium-sized enterprises across the county with expert consultation, opportunities for recognition and certification, and grant funding. Tevi is delivered by the University of Exeter in partnership with Cornwall Wildlife Trust, Cornwall Council and Cornwall Development Company.

Tevi currently supports over 300 enterprises through bespoke consultancy services, challenge networks and a grant scheme. The initiative has been a success. The 28,000 or so enterprises in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly tend to be small, often family-run, and frequently seasonal. Finding ways to shorten supply chains, eliminate waste, and come together to transform the economy are ambitions that fits well with Cornish business owners. Moreover, there is the other ambition of Tevi – to capitalise on the clear reliance upon the natural environment.  All enterprises rely on the environment in some way, making that link explicit has resulted in us unearthing new synergies between businesses and sectors, and in the development of new products and services.