Latest news

New portal for Somerset Council suppliers

On 24 February 2025, the rules that shape how public bodies buy goods and services changed. The Procurement Act 2023 will improve and streamline the way procurement is managed, requiring better oversight of decisions and strengthened payment terms.

If you’re interested in working with us to provide goods, works or services, as part of the changes brought about by the new legislation, you’ll need to register via the Proactis Supplier Network Portal to receive automatic notifications when opportunities becomes available.

Skills Bootcamps: 1 year impact review on businesses and individuals

With Wave 6 of our DfE-funded Skills Bootcamps programme due to start from 1 April, it’s a good time to look at the positive effect it’s had on businesses and individuals over the last year.

To date, the programme has allocated 654 learner places to training providers across Somerset and Dorset, with the total likely to be 84% of the allocation by the end of this month.

Partner updates

Survey launched to give businesses the right support to recruit

Stock image by Anna Tarazevich from Pexels

Somerset Chamber of Commerce has joined forces with Somerset Council to get Somerset working by helping employers recruit through a new programme of support, shaped directly by the views of local businesses.

Somerset Chamber of Commerce has launched a survey to find out what support businesses need to offer employment to those with significant barriers to employment or to support those at risk of dropping out of work, due to ill health or disabilities.

Is your business ready for Simpler Recycling legislation?

Image courtesy of Defra

From 31 March, workplaces to include businesses and non-domestic premises in England with 10 or more full-time equivalent staff will need to recycle plastic, metal, glass, paper, card and food waste. Workplaces with fewer than 10 full-time equivalent employees will need to comply from 31 March 2027.

The Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has published guidance to outline how this affects workplaces and waste management providers collecting from these premises. This includes guidance on how dry recyclables can be co-collected in the same container.

Somerset businesses halt recruitment and investment amid national insurance hike

Image courtesy of Somerset Chamber of Commerce

Redundancies and a freeze on pay rises, investment and recruitment are all on the cards for Somerset businesses as a direct result of the Government’s decision to increase employers’ National Insurance contributions.

In a survey conducted by Somerset Chamber of Commerce, 96% of respondents said they were either somewhat or very concerned by the increase, which is due to take effect in April.

Connect, learn and grow with Business Fest SW 2025

Business Fest SW 2025 will be held at Exeter’s Westpoint Arena on 2 April and is set to attract over 2,000 visitors, including SME business owners, entrepreneurs, and self-employed professionals from various industries.

The event features exhibitor stands showcasing innovative products and services, seminars and workshops led by industry experts, and numerous networking opportunities. Attendees can gain valuable insights, generate leads, and connect with potential clients and partners.

Finalists announced in the Somerset Business Awards 2025

The finalists have been announced for this year’s prestigious Somerset Business Awards 2025, after a rigorous judging process which saw sponsors travelling to all corners of the county to meet the teams behind the shortlisted entries.

Farming sector support

South West AgriTech Showcase to highlight importance of innovation in food security

Image courtesy of South West AgriTech

Innovation is critical to UK food security and this year’s South West AgriTech Showcase will focus on how key stakeholders are rising to the challenge.

Returning to Westpoint Arena in Exeter, Devon, on Thursday 20 March, the event will address the need for continued development and commercialisation of new innovations which will help cement UK food security.

Business support

Faced with having to make cuts to your staff?

Our Response to Redundancy Task Force is available to support businesses faced with the difficult decision of having to reduce their workforce. Comprised of several Somerset organisations, the aim of the Task Force is to minimise the impacts on both employers and employees – whether supporting business growth or helping redundant staff back into work as quickly as possible. For more information or to request help, email our Senior Economic Development Officer, Hattie Winter, at hattie.winter@somerset.gov.uk.

The business skills directories designed specifically for local businesses

In response to the Local Skills Improvement Plans for Dorset and Somerset, Dorset and Somerset Training Provider Network (DSTPN) has produced a handy ‘Business Skills. Sorted!’ directory for easy-to-digest information on the skills and learning opportunities for businesses across the area. The DSTPN Apprenticeship and Skills Advisers are also on hand offering free, impartial advice and guidance as part of Skill Up Somerset, should you have any questions and would like to discuss your skills needs in more detail.

Prioritise workplace safety with Somerset Business Hub’s Emergency First Aid training

Enhance workplace safety and ensure compliance with health and safety regulations by enrolling in Somerset Business Hub’s Emergency First Aid at Work Training. Led by qualified instructors, our comprehensive QA Level 3 Award in Emergency First Aid at Work (RQF) courses are available in 1-day or 3-day formats and cover a wide range of emergency scenarios, ensuring your team can respond confidently and effectively.

Your apprenticeship cost and levy transfer queries answered

Are you an SME and worried about the cost of hiring an apprentice or are you an Apprenticeship Levy-paying company looking to transfer your unspent levy to a smaller business? For all things concerning ‘Apprenticeship Levy’s’, including financial support for training, levy transfers, Government contributions, support for SMEs, non-levy employer benefits and full funding for specific apprentices, Skill Up Somerset is here to provide you with all the information you need and to help bridge the gap!

Is your business ready for the new Digital Markets and Consumer Rules?

The Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers (DMCC) Act 2024 brings significant changes to digital platforms, competition rules, and consumer rights. This major reform has several implications for small businesses who sell online, rely on customer reviews, or offer subscription services. To help businesses understand the impacts, Trading Standards UK is offering free training webinars covering key changes and practical steps to stay compliant.

£2m fund for SMEs to accelerate Cloud Migration and adoption

ANS has set up a £2 million fund to finance Cloud Migration and adoption projects for small and medium sized businesses in the UK. The Fund gives SMEs access to the latest Cloud and Dynamics solutions from Microsoft, ANS expertise, best practice and support. Companies with less than 300 employees can apply for funding to deliver their Cloud Migration and Dynamics projects.

Kickstart your business journey with free award-winning courses

Kick Off in Business offers free, fully funded, award-winning online courses designed to help individuals start their own business or become self-employed. These short, jargon-free courses cover essential topics such as business planning, legal requirements, finance, marketing, and more. Participants also receive ongoing support for 3 months after course completion and gain 2 enterprise qualifications.

Unlock your digital potential with HotSW Growth Hub’s Digital Link service

The Heart of the South West (HotSW) Growth Hub’s Digital Link service offers free, fully funded digital business support to small businesses in Devon, Somerset, Plymouth and Torbay, helping to unlock digital potential through guidance on digital marketing, CRM, social media, SEO, customer experience, and AI. This service includes 1-2-1 advice from experienced Digital Business Advisers, digital guides, workshops, and courses.

UK Export Academy webinars to Fuel your Business Growth

If you’re looking to give your business a spring-clean or boost its reach, UK Export Academy is holding new ‘Fuel Your Business Growth’ webinars, providing essential knowledge to grow your business, upskill your team, and increase profits by reaching more customers. These webinars are being held until April 30 and are ideal for businesses aiming to start or scale up, those with big growth ambitions seeking increased confidence, and those wanting to develop their business, access finance, and market to the right customers.

Free training tool to boost allergen safety

AllergyPAL is a free educational tool for food and drink businesses providing interactive scenarios to demonstrate the correct application of Precautionary Allergen Labelling (PAL). Allergen cross-contamination can occur unintentionally during production, especially when multiple products are made on the same premises. Businesses can use PAL only if the risk is identified in their risk assessment and cannot be managed.

Business 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

Contact us

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