Following on from James’ look back over the year, here is CTS Cornwall’s reflection on 2025

What a year it has been! Busy doesn’t even begin to describe it. Both directors – Stephen and James – with unexpected challenges, each needing a bit of repair courtesy of the incredible staff at the NHS. Starting a new company while recovering was no small feat (or foot in Stephen's case), and we’re deeply grateful for the support of our friends and family who kept us going through those months.

It goes without saying that we couldn’t have done any of this without our fantastic customers. From day one, the one thing we were absolutely clear on when founding CTS Cornwall was this: always do the right thing by the customer. That principle has guided every decision we’ve made. Yes, it’s meant losing money on some jobs, but the trust and loyalty we’ve earned in return has been worth every penny. Our customers appreciate honesty and integrity—and that’s something we’ll never compromise on.

This year, we’ve also worked alongside several competitors. As a smaller company, we’ve doubled down on our commitment to doing the right. Why? Because we’ve seen the damage that can happen when businesses let rivalry get in the way of service. Cornwall is a small place—customers will move between suppliers, and sometimes we’ll share accounts. That’s not something the customer should be punished for. In fact, there’s so much more to gain by working together than anyone stands to lose.

When companies collaborate:

• Customers get an even better service.

• Everyone sees what best practice looks like—and maybe learns something new.

• Stress levels drop when we all show professional courtesy and treat others the way we’d like to be treated.

• You might even make some new friends along the way.

One of our competitors, who we met early in our journey, is now someone we actively recommend to others. Has that meant we’ve lost out on jobs? Yes. Did they do a better job than we could have? Yes. Was it the right thing for the customer? Absolutely. And that’s what matters most.

As we look ahead to 2026, our focus remains the same: doing the right thing, building strong relationships, and continuing to deliver exceptional service. Thank you to everyone—customers, partners, friends, and family—who has been part of this journey. Here’s to another year of growth, collaboration, and shared success.