New Somerset Growth Hub launches to support local businesses
We’ve now launched the Somerset Growth Hub, giving businesses of all sizes, sectors and stages a central place to access fully funded, impartial advice, mentoring and guidance.
Whether you’re starting out, planning your next stage of growth or tackling a specific challenge, we’ll discuss your needs and connect you with the right advice, expertise and opportunities.
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Topic of the month: accessing finance for growth
Whether you’re looking to manage cash flow, invest in new equipment, recruit staff, launch a new product or scale your business, understanding the range of finance options available is an important part of planning for growth.
The government’s Business Academy offers a free on-demand webinar, Navigating the SME Funding Landscape: Strategies for Success, helping you understand the funding options available for your business and how to identify the most appropriate solution for your needs.
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Somerset Innovation Hub: summer slowdown? Not for Somerset’s founders
Enquiries to the Somerset Innovation Hub surged over the summer, as founders and growing businesses sought support with product development, funding, new markets and business models.
Whatever stage an innovative idea has reached, the Hub can connect Somerset businesses with practical expertise, testing opportunities and the right routes to help move it forward.
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Celebrating towns that back local business
Visa, in partnership with Nationwide and supported by the British Retail Consortium, is inviting UK towns to enter the 2026 Let’s Celebrate Towns competition.
Winning projects that help local businesses and communities thrive will receive a £20,000 grant. Entries span 5 categories, including High Street Revival, Backing Local Business and Community Pride, and close on 25 October 2026.
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Economic development news
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Visit our news archive to stay informed on the latest business and economic developments shaping Somerset.
From growth opportunities and funding updates to insights on local initiatives, you’ll find everything you need to keep your business ahead.
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Upcoming events to highlight in this month’s edition
Somerset Innovation Hub is hosting the free Your first hires – getting it right in the early stages session at the Firepool Centre for Digital Innovation on Wednesday 23 September, from 12.15pm to 2pm.
Alan Furley from ISL Talent will share practical advice on avoiding common hiring mistakes, with free 1-to-1 sessions also available.
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UCS College Group is hosting a Creative Industries Networking Event from 6pm to 8pm on Wednesday 7 October 2026 at Taunton College.
Creative businesses, freelancers and sector professionals can explore funding, facilities and skills development, network with peers and help shape future support for Somerset’s creative industries.
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Somerset businesses, entrepreneurs and innovators can join a free AI Hackathon from 10am to 4pm on Thursday 8 October 2026 at the Firepool Centre for Digital Innovation in Taunton.
Attendees will collaborate to build and pitch an AI tool addressing employment, opportunity or everyday challenges, with prizes and mentoring for winning teams.
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In-house marketing and communications leaders can attend the Somerset Marketing Professionals Forum from 9.30am to 11.30am on Wednesday 14 October 2026 at Thatchers.
The confidential roundtable will explore sector challenges, practical solutions and best practice, with opportunities to connect with peers.
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Employee-owned businesses and organisations considering the transition can attend the Southwest Employee Ownership Conference on Thursday 15 October 2026, from 12am to 11.59pm, at Winslade Park.
Keynotes, panels and peer-led sessions will cover growth, governance, leadership, communication and long-term success, with opportunities to share experiences and make connections.
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Also, don’t forget to 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.
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Simpler recycling regulations for small businesses
If you own or run a business with fewer than 10 employees, you’ll soon need to make sure your waste collections follow the new Simpler Recycling rules.
A change in the law means that, from April 2027, microbusinesses will also need to comply with the changes introduced for other organisations in April 2025.
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Game-changing digital tracking takes fight to rogue waste traders
Waste criminals are running out of places to hide as the government launches its Digital Waste Tracking service to follow every piece of permitted waste across the country in real time.
As part of its major crackdown on waste crime under the government’s Waste Crime Action Plan, new laws being laid in parliament will require businesses to create a real-time audit trail for the waste they handle.
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Entries open soon for the Somerset Business Awards 2027
Businesses, charities and other organisations are being invited to find out more about the county’s biggest and most prestigious awards at the official launch of the Somerset Business Awards 2027.
Entries open next month for the Somerset Business Awards 2027, which celebrate the very best of Somerset’s business community and voluntary sector.
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