March 2026

Featured update

Community Employment Hubs: a valuable resource for businesses seeking employees

Somerset Film YouTube video: The Somerset Community Employment Hub

One of the aims of our 2025-45 Economic Prosperity Strategy for Somerset is to encourage back into the workplace individuals with valuable skillsets who, for one reason or another, have dropped out of the workplace.

Although employment levels in Somerset are above the UK average, over 58,000 people in Somerset are economically inactive – but many of these wish to work. We’re working with employers and external support providers to bring 7,000 economically inactive people back into meaningful employment by 2035, and by 2045 to have no areas of Somerset within the 10% most deprived nationally.

‘Sky is the limit’ for Somerset as helicopter manufacturer lands £1 billion contract

The award of a major contract to build 23 New Medium Helicopters (NMH) to Leonardo in Yeovil has been welcomed by Somerset Council’s Lead Member for Economic Development, Planning and Assets, Councillor Mike Rigby.

The £1 billion contract for the Ministry of Defence (MoD) looks set to create hundreds more jobs at the site, as well as safeguarding 3,300 existing jobs and around 12,000 in the wider supply chain across the UK.

Events

Upcoming events to highlight in this month’s edition

High street and retail businesses across Somerset can access a free week of practical support to attract more customers, boost sales and build local visibility through the Somerset High Street Growth Programme. Organised by the Growth Hub, the programme runs from 23 to 27 March and includes 4 online Lunch and Learn sessions, followed by an in‑person Retail Marketing Bootcamp in Taunton on Friday morning.

Designed for independent retailers and local businesses, the sessions cover marketing, profitability, repeat custom and day‑to‑day trading confidence. Businesses can book individual sessions or take part in the full week.

We’re inviting Somerset employers to join us for Sickness Absence: Its Impact on Your Business, a practical, 1‑hour breakfast session exploring how sickness absence can affect business performance. Taking place on 22 April, 8:30 to 9:30am at the Princes Theatre in Burnham‑on‑Sea, the session will look at the real costs of sickness absence, early warning signs to watch for, and simple, effective steps to reduce avoidable absence.

Designed for employers, managers and HR leads, the event will offer actionable insights to help strengthen teams, improve productivity and build a healthier, more resilient workplace.

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.

• Federation of Small Businesses (FSB)
• Heart of the South West (HotSW) Growth Hub
• National Farmers’ Union (NFU)
• Sedgemoor Chamber
• Somerset Chamber of Commerce
• South West Manufacturing Advisory Service (SWMAS)
• Taunton Chamber
• Visit Somerset (for tourism / Visitor Economy related events)
• West of England Aerospace Forum (WEAF)

Business support

Master Your Money, Grow Your Business helps small businesses build financial confidence

Small Business Britain is offering Master Your Money, Grow Your Business – a free, practical programme designed to help small business owners strengthen their financial confidence. The programme provides expert‑led guidance on managing cash flow, understanding finances, planning for growth and making informed business decisions, supporting entrepreneurs to build more resilient and sustainable businesses.

Funding and partnership support available for community projects near One Stop stores

The One Stop Community Partnership is a funding and support programme delivered by Groundwork in partnership with One Stop Stores Ltd, designed to help local organisations make a positive difference in their communities. It offers grants of up to £1,000, alongside the opportunity to build a longer‑term partnership with a local One Stop store, including support with volunteering, fundraising and raising awareness. Charities, community organisations, schools, social enterprises, parish councils and other not‑for‑profit organisations operating within two miles of a One Stop store can apply by 31 March, for projects focused on priorities such as tackling food poverty, supporting vulnerable people, improving the environment and helping low‑income families.

Economic development news

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.

Partner updates

Major employment drive to help unlock 200,000 new jobs and apprenticeships for next generation

A major youth employment drive backed by £1 billion will help create 200,000 jobs for young people, alongside the biggest transformation of apprenticeships in a decade. It comes as apprenticeships starts amongst young people are down 40 percent in the last decade and almost one million young people are not earning or learning – a rise of 248,000 between 2021-2024.

Contact us

If your business needs support, has news, developments, or a good news story, please email the team at ecdev@somerset.gov.uk.