Sedgemoor Biz Newsletter – Important for Wedmore Businesses – September

Spotlight on Somerset Food and Drink – sector support

Local food and drink businesses can now take advantage of a bespoke support package put together by Somerset West and Taunton and Sedgemoor District Councils.

Following on from research and surveys, the Councils have designed a tailored programme that is aimed at businesses in the food and drink sector. Those that take part will be able to apply for a grant of up to £2,500.

In order to qualify, businesses are required to sign up to free training programme, Thrive. Thrive offers a free review meeting, 1 to 1 support and a range of workshops and training sessions.

Apply here: Thrive 

Once signed up, businesses will have to attend at least one of many expert workshops that are available. Topics will cover labelling and allergens advice, IP and supplying the public sector among others.  Alternatively businesses can request of up to 2 hours of free expert advice from The Trading Standards.  

Those that complete these two steps will be able to apply for a grant of up to £2,500 to support their business.

Applications will open in December, applicants will need to demonstrate how the grant will support their business. Applications will be assessed on a ‘first come first served’ basis.

Business Growth Support Programme

Develop your business and achieve your growth goals, with specialist 1-2-1 support, via our Somerset Business Growth Programme.

Available for any Somerset business with growth plans. Receive free, in depth, one-to-one support across a range of topics, from HR processes and training, help with creating a marketing strategy, financial planning, intellectual property, to creating a decarbonisation plan, and developing an innovation plan.

Climate Summit

Join businesses from across Somerset to learn, share and be inspired about reducing the climate impact of our companies – working together using small steps to deliver collective big wins!

The Somerset Business Climate Summit 2022 will take place at Queens College on Wednesday 21 September 2022.

Hear local firms share impactful case studies as we come together to raise awareness of the opportunities and challenges for businesses as we shift toward a low carbon economy.

Guest speakers from businesses of different sizes and industries, including My Carbon Coach, The Field Works, and recently certified B Corp New Leaf Design will discuss topics including the easiest ways for businesses to cut carbon, what Net Zero means, the journey to B Corp, and sustainable agriculture and manufacturing. Businesses will be encouraged examine their current business models and make pledges to reduce their carbon footprints.

Somerset Careers Fairs 

Bridgwater & Yeovil I November 2022

We are really excited to be hosting the Careers Fairs and are looking forward to seeing visitors face to face at two new locations this year:

Tuesday 8 November at Westlands Leisure Complex, Yeovil

Wednesday 23 November The Venue, Junction 24, Bridgwater

The fairs represent a great opportunity for employers to showcase your business and highlight career and job opportunities of the future to bright and emerging talent.

Employers who would like to take part in one or both of these events can sign up by following the link below:

Share your career story to inspire young people in Somerset

Somerset is working in partnership with Future First Alumni to create a unique web platform that will showcase those working in Somerset and their career journeys.

Our ‘Made in Somerset’ Alumni Network has been created to showcase the widest range of jobs being undertaken by people working in Somerset or who went to school in Somerset and are now working across the country and the world.

A guide has been created for all Future First volunteers on how to tell your story through good quality content that engages and motivates young people.

Please share the links with employees so we can start to build a magnificent ‘Made in Somerset’ Alumni Network that showcases the best of Somerset.