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We, along with Dorset and Wiltshire Councils, have revised our Expression of Interest in devolution, committing to a Mayoral Combined Authority for the Heart of Wessex region.

In a joint statement, our leaders agreed that Mayoral devolution could support regional ambitions for a thriving economy, long-term investment of critical infrastructure and the ability to bring in private sector investment.

To help founders and entrepreneurs navigate the funding landscape, Eagle Labs has designed a programme helping to demystify the options available to them, providing the skills and knowledge they need to fund their business growth.

The Programme, which is delivered online via virtual workshops and educational content, is designed for UK-based founders ranging from early-stage businesses to established scale-ups who are considering investment or funding to develop and grow their business.

UK registered organisations can apply for a share of up to £2 million for Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions to support AI upskilling in BridgeAI key sectors from Innovate UK.

The aim of this competition is to develop responsible and ethical AI personalised learning solutions, to support AI competency development in the key sectors of construction, transport and logistics, creative industries and agriculture and food processing. The closing date is 29 January 2025.

Somerset businesses can get hands-on training in Generative AI with Techosaurus and Yeovil College, with a Generative AI Skills Bootcamp designed to help businesses harness the power of artificial intelligence. The bootcamp at iAero Centre, Yeovil, will take place one day per week for 10 weeks.

By the end of this 10-week bootcamp, you’ll have gained the knowledge and practical skills necessary to fully leverage Generative AI in your business. The course is 90% funded for small businesses (reducing the cost to £349), and if you are self-employed it could be fully funded (free). To find out more and book the next course, starting 15 January 2025, visit techosaurus.co.uk/ai-skills-bootcamp.

Innovate UK’s Scaleup Programme is designed for the most outstanding scaling businesses that are disrupting their industries, capable of internationalisation and growing fast.

Providing one-to-one, bespoke and funded support centred around innovative scaleups’ specific needs, it’s available to companies achieving, or with the potential for, 50% Compound Annual Growth Rates (CAGR) and over.

The Marketing Essentials Bootcamp is designed to equip you with the skills, tools, and knowledge you need to effectively market your business, stay ahead of the competition, and achieve measurable results. Whether you’re new to marketing or looking to expand your expertise, this course provides the foundation for long-term success in a rapidly evolving industry.

Starting 22 January 2025 at Yeovil Innovation Centre, this bootcamp runs for 10 weeks. Funding is available and, in some circumstances, there’s no cost to the learner (UC, Self Employed, etc.) For businesses up to 250 employees, you only pay a 10% contribution (£349.99).

The South West Visitor Economy Hub (SWVEH) is excited to announce the launch of a revolutionary new online tool that’s free to use, designed specifically for tourism businesses in Devon and Somerset.

SWVEH provides unparalleled access to a wide array of data from multiple sources, helping you to understand how your business is performing compared to others, the impact of your marketing, visitor trends, demographics and feedback through simple visuals.

Our Public Health team is dedicated to enhancing the health of employees across Somerset. We’re pleased to offer 3 free services designed to support your workforce’s health: ‘Take the Pressure Off’, Workplace Health Checks and Smokefree Somerset.

These initiatives provide valuable health screenings and advice, helping to identify potential health issues early and guide employees towards healthier lifestyles.