October 2025

Featured updates

Strategy sets clear vision for Somerset’s economic future

We’ve now published a far-reaching strategy that will help drive economic prosperity in Somerset over the next 20 years.

Our Somerset Economic Prosperity Strategy 2025 to 2045 sets out a clear vision, and priorities to bring about a significant change in economic prosperity in Somerset. It aims to build a thriving, fair and green Somerset economy that leads the UK on low-carbon energy, aerospace and defence, high-value manufacturing and digital and data.

Somerset chosen to pioneer drones project

We’re proud to have been awarded funding from Innovate UK to help deliver a pioneering project that could transform disaster response and environmental protection across Somerset.

The award for the £191,370 project comes from the Future Flight Regional Demonstrator Fund for our Project RESCUE that will investigate the potential for drones to be deployed to monitor environmental emergencies.

Somerset business support

Applications now open for our Business Mentoring Programme

Are you a Somerset business owner ready to grow, adapt, or tackle new challenges? Our fully funded mentoring programme offers 6 hours of expert guidance over 6 months, tailored to your needs – from marketing and finance to leadership and scaling up.

With only 15 places available, this is a rare opportunity to gain practical, personalised support from experienced mentors who’ve helped businesses just like yours thrive.

Apply now to be a business mentee and join Somerset’s network of ambitious entrepreneurs. Your next step starts here.

Support for your businesses to go green

We’re helping businesses to reduce their carbon emissions and save money on their energy costs by rolling out the next phase of a twin grant and support scheme.

Our Go Green Scheme offers small businesses practical advice and support to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions, alongside Green Grants of between £2,000 and £15,000 that require equal match funding from participants.

Start up and growth support for new ventures and established SMEs

Our ‘Somerset Start Up and Grow’ programme, backed by the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund, is a fully funded support initiative for individuals, start-ups, and established SMEs.

The programme provides up to 6 hours of tailored one-to-one guidance from experienced local business advisors, bespoke action plans covering key areas such as strategy, finance, marketing, innovation, and HR, and access to workshops on topics ranging from market research and branding to CRM tools.

Economic development news

Somerset businesses shine at Invest Somerset Showcase 2025

Over 3 action-packed weeks in September, we proudly delivered the Invest Somerset Showcase 2025, a series of 5 dynamic events tailored to our business community. Aligned with the launch of our new Somerset Economic Prosperity Strategy 2025-2045, the Showcase was designed to spotlight the county’s most promising growth and innovation opportunities, while providing a platform for local enterprises to connect, learn, and flourish.

Have your say on the future of Yeovil town centre

We’re encouraging businesses and those with an interest in the Yeovil area to share their views on how the town should develop in future. A consultation to support the development of a Town Centre Masterplan is now open until Sunday 2 November, so that people can have their say and help shape Yeovil in years to come.

Contract helps future-proof world-famous carnival

We’re pleased to announce the appointment of Rigg Construction to help future-proof the world-famous Bridgwater Carnival – the biggest illuminated Carnival in Europe. Work is expected to start soon on regenerating the Bristol Road site, where local Carnival Clubs build their spectacular carts that parade through the streets for the annual Guy Fawkes procession.

TV show shines a light on Somerset coast

An iconic Somerset landmark and life-saving charity were recently featured as part of a new Channel 5 series celebrating the UK’s exciting coastline. Filmed in May with the help of our film office, Screen Somerset, Burnham-on-Sea’s Low lighthouse and BARB Search and Rescue team were both featured in episode 8 of Coastal Adventures alongside former JLS pop band member turned presenter, JB Gill, and our Harbour Master, Captain Jessica Tyson.

Partner offers

Free ‘Be Supported and Grow’ webinar for local businesses

Taunton Chamber of Commerce is hosting a free online Be Supported and Grow webinar on 14 October 2025. The session will showcase a range of fully funded business support and upskilling programmes available to Somerset-based enterprises this autumn, including Somerset Start Up and Grow, Somerset Business Mentoring, and the Go Green Scheme. Attendees will also hear about the upcoming Connect to Work programme and digital skills workshops, such as “Smarter Marketing with AI”. The event is funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and aims to help businesses at all stages access tailored guidance and practical tools for growth.

HotSW Growth Hub Digital Link programme

The Heart of the South West Growth Hub’s Digital Link programme offers fully funded, one-to-one digital business support to small enterprises across Somerset, Devon, Plymouth and Torbay. Delivered by Devon County Council and funded through the Local Growth Fund, the service connects businesses with expert advisers who provide tailored guidance on digital marketing, CRM, SEO, customer experience, and even introductory AI applications. Participants begin with a Digital Business Review and receive a personalised action plan to help unlock their digital potential and drive growth.

South West Investment Fund

The British Business Bank has launched the £200 million South West Investment Fund, designed to boost economic growth and innovation across the region – including Somerset. Open for applications, the fund offers a range of commercial finance options including smaller loans (£25k to £100k), debt finance (£100k to £2m), and equity investment (up to £5m). It aims to support new and growing businesses that may otherwise struggle to access funding, helping to break down barriers and increase the diversity of early-stage finance.

eBay Launches ‘AI Activate’ Programme with OpenAI

eBay UK has launched the AI Activate programme in partnership with OpenAI, offering over £3 million worth of fully funded AI tools and training to support up to 10,000 small businesses selling on its platform. Participants will gain access to ChatGPT Enterprise for up to 12 months, alongside tailored virtual and in-person training designed to boost productivity and growth. The initiative includes bespoke GPT development support from eBay’s dedicated team, helping businesses apply AI to tasks such as financial analysis, campaign creation, and research. As the first online marketplace to provide OpenAI’s tools free of charge to small businesses, eBay aims to democratise access to cutting-edge technology and ensure UK entrepreneurs are equipped to compete nationally and globally.

Partner updates

New partnership links Somerset businesses with community groups through SkillShare

Credit: Somerset Chamber of Commerce

Spark Somerset and the Somerset Chamber of Commerce have announced a new partnership to promote SkillShare – a project that connects local voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) groups across the county with professional support and expertise.

The partnership will make it easier for businesses across Somerset to share their time, skills, space, or resources with grassroots organisations that make a real difference in our communities.

Stellar line up of speakers announced for South West’s business conference

Credit: The Great South West

The Great South West has revealed a roster of prestigious speakers and national industry leaders for its Annual Conference, as momentum builds towards the region’s premier business event on Friday 17 October at Sandy Park, Exeter.

This year’s conference theme, ‘Leading the Delivery of the UK’s Industrial Strategy’, comes just weeks after the Government launched its new national strategy for economic growth.

Entries open for the Somerset Business Awards 2026

Credit: Somerset Chamber of Commerce

Entries are now open for the 21^st annual Somerset Business Awards with judges, sponsors and local businesses helping to officially launch the awards at a reception held at Hestercombe House and Gardens, near Taunton.

Organised annually by Somerset Chamber of Commerce, the awards have honoured scores of businesses, charities and individuals since they started – and leading accountancy firm, Albert Goodman, is returning as the headline sponsor for the 16^th consecutive year!

Events

Check the following websites for a series of insightful upcoming business events, ranging from online networking to in-depth workshops and in-person training sessions.

Whether you’re looking to expand your network, gain new skills, or explore new opportunities, there’s something for all business types.

• Somerset Chamber of Commerce
• Federation of Small Businesses
• Heart of the South West Growth Hub Hub

Contact us

If you have an Economic Development enquiry, get in touch with us at ecdev@somerset.gov.uk.