Business
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Somerset business support
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All you need to know about the new Procurement Act
The Procurement Act went live in February 2025. This act aims to drive greater efficiency, transparency and fairness in public sector procurement.
Working with our affiliated Chambers and the Federation of Small Business, we’ve put together a series of free events across the county for businesses to hear from Procurement experts about the Act, changes in the Procurement law, how to access opportunities and how you can be successful in winning public sector contracts.
Wave 6 Skills Bootcamps: A thriving success in Somerset and Dorset
Wave 6 of the Skills Bootcamps has officially begun in Somerset and Dorset, and it’s already proving to be a fantastic success.
With an impressive 68 applications to date, this initiative is creating valuable opportunities for individuals looking to upskill and advance their careers and for businesses to upskill their workforce. The programme is designed to support local businesses, ensuring they have access to a highly skilled workforce trained in key industries that drive the regions’ economies.
Join us for a series of exciting events this September
We’re thrilled to announce the Invest Somerset Showcase 2025, a series of events designed to highlight Somerset as a dynamic and thriving hub for business and investment.
Taking place over 3 weeks in September, this showcase aims to promote key investment sites and opportunities to potential investors, as well as informing a new Economic Development Strategy for Somerset.
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Economic development news
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Investing in Somerset’s future: how your business can make a difference for care leavers
At a recent “Celebrating Care Leavers – Making a Difference Together” conference in Bridgwater, Somerset came together to recognise the resilience and potential of young people leaving care – and to spotlight the vital role local businesses can play in their success.
With over 350 care leavers aged 18 to 25 in Somerset, the call to action is clear: businesses are uniquely positioned to offer life-changing opportunities. Whether through apprenticeships, mentoring, training, or employment, your organisation can help bridge the gap between care and independence.
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Free business support available through the Growth Hub
The Heart of the South West (HotSW) Growth Hub offers fully funded, impartial support to help Somerset businesses start, grow, or adapt. Whether you’re looking for advice on funding, digital tools, training, or navigating challenges, their team of advisers can connect you with the right resources, programmes, and events.
Support includes 1-to-1 guidance, access to grant searches, digital business reviews, and signposting to local and national initiatives. It’s free, flexible, and tailored to your business needs.
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Using story-based underwriting to support SMEs
According to recent industry reports, 61% of commercial brokers expect to increase their use of alternative lenders this year.
This is great news for Community Development Finance Institutions (CDFIs), who take a more tailored approach to lending. Unlike automated, algorithm-driven decisions, CDFIs take a personal approach – focusing on potential over collateral. Through story-based underwriting, they get to know each business and its people to offer tailored support.
If your clients need a more flexible, human approach to funding, SWIG Finance is ready to help. Call 01872 227 930 or email info@swigfinance.co.uk.
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HSE Health and Safety Guide
Keeping on top of health and safety doesn’t need to be complicated or time-consuming. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has a free online guide designed specifically for small businesses, offering straightforward advice on how to manage risks and meet your legal duties.
Whether you have one employee or a growing team, this practical resource can help you put the right measures in place without the jargon. It also includes useful templates to help you get organised and stay compliant.
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Growth Forge Marine Tech
Thanks to recent support from PASD Freeport, the newest track of Tech South West’s hugely popular Growth Forge programme, the Marine Tech accelerator, will be fully funded for eligible businesses.
Designed specifically for South West marine tech businesses, the specialist track provides ambitious scale ups in the sector with the support they need to accelerate their growth plans.
Businesses can join and be part of the Marine Tech Growth Day being held on 25 June at the University of Plymouth.
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Farming Equipment and Technology Fund
Applications for the Farming Equipment and Technology Fund (FETF) is open to applications until 10 July and offers a great opportunity for farmers, growers, foresters and their contractors to invest in new kit that boosts productivity, improves slurry management, or supports animal health and welfare.
A total of £46.7 million is available, with grants ranging from £1,000 to £25,000 per theme. You’ll be able to apply under 3 themes – Productivity, Slurry Management and Animal Health and Welfare. Equipment examples include robotic weeders, low-emission slurry spreaders and cooling systems for poultry.
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Somerset business leaders invited to shape South West’s economic future
Yeovil, courtesy of the Great South West Partnership
Somerset’s business leaders are invited to help shape the future of the county’s economy at the Future of Somerset Business Breakfast, taking place on Wednesday 16 July at Haynes Motor Museum, Sparkford.
Delivered by the Great South West Partnership and Somerset Chamber of Commerce, the event will bring together business leaders, investors, and policymakers for a high-level conversation on growth, investment, and the development of Somerset’s new economic strategy.
Regional investment opportunities critical to national growth at high-impact UKREiiF 2025
Image courtesy of the Great South West Partnership
The Great South West Partnership has wrapped up three impactful days at UKREiiF 2025, where the region’s Pavilion delivered a high-profile programme showcasing investable projects across clean energy, housing, innovation and regeneration.
Backed by a powerful coalition of public and private sector leaders, the Great South West made a compelling case for its role as a national engine of clean growth, energy resilience and inclusive economic development at the UK’s Real Estate Investment & Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF).
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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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