Two Falmouth businesses have come together to mark their 21st year of trading by donating to a number of Cornish charities and are encouraging other businesses to do the same.

Trident Plumbing, Heating and Electrical and A1 Appliances, who recently merged to be under the same ownership, wanted to find a special way to celebrate their duplicate historic milestones.

They originally thought to raffle a Cornish hamper but because of the horrible year people have had because of Covid they decided they wanted to give something back. their original celebration plans have been replaced and that budget is now being donated and used to support local community causes instead.

Directors Simon Norris said he and fellow Luke Sleeman got together with staff to choose the 12 charities to coincide with the Giving Back 2020 and Giving Tuesday campaigns which started on December 1.

"Basically it's been a crap year" said Simon. "This year was 21 years for both companies and we were going to do a raffle for Cornish hamper but because we have been so well supported over the years we decided it would be lovely to pick a few local charities we wanted to support.

The 12 charities they have chosen are:

In a joint statement the companies said: “It has taken careful planning and a massive team effort to trade through the two lockdowns. It has been the invaluable support of our customers that has helped Trident and A1 Appliances weather this storm and it seemed right to donate change our anniversary celebration plans and donate that budget to those most in need at this time of year.”

A1 Appliances, based in Kimberley Park Road, began trading in Falmouth Indoor Market in 1999, specialising in the repair and sales of white goods. The rapid growth of the business allowed them to relocate to a bigger site after just nine months. They have expanded operations and premises several times since they began trading. Their current showroom has been extended and the workshop is on a site of its own.

As well as their domestic business, they now work closely with many of the letting agents in West Cornwall, forging strong trading relationships as the trusted repair and Supply Company of choice.

Most recently they teamed-up with Trident of Falmouth so that they can incorporate appliance installation with professional plumbing and electrical services. This allows them to work with house builders and letting agents to provide an enhanced all-in-one service. Getting an electric shower installed used to mean dealing with two companies, now our customers can have professional plumbers and electricians visit in one phone call to A1 Appliances.