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The Somerset Business Awards are back and gearing up for entries for a sparkling 19th anniversary celebration of the County’s finest. Organised annually by our very own Somerset Chamber of Commerce, leading accountancy firm Albert Goodman is also back and leading the way with support for the occasion as keynote sponsor.
Competition is expected to be fierce but friendly as old rivals and new entrants alike vie for the much-coveted awards – could your business be a winner in 2024?
As a nod to the mixed fortunes of the year, a new category, the Business Resilience and Growth Award aims to recognise businesses which, despite the soaring costs of doing business, have reinvented their offering to go from strength-to-strength. New judges and sponsors across several categories will also be eyeing all entries with interest.
There is also a new-look Manufacturing and Engineering Award, plus awards for the Best Use of Digital Technology and Environmental and Sustainability, an area we know many of our businesses across the county are exploring with innovative solutions and areas for new growth.
With 14 categories covering all sectors and sizes of business and charity, we can guarantee there is something of interest for everyone. The awards are free to enter and businesses do not need to be a member of Somerset Chamber to take part.
Entries are now open until 24 November via the Somerset Business Awards website, so let the applications and competition begin!
Invest Somerset is looking for a wide range of people who are passionate about living and working in Somerset and willing to champion the county as a top business location.
Set up by Somerset Council and Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership Invest Somerset aims to increase economic growth in the county. It offers a one-stop shop approach to facilitate more jobs and investment and works closely with people at key organisations who can support relocation and expansion projects.
The role of an Ambassador is simple but important. Ambassadors will champion Somerset by sharing positive views and experiences of growing up, being educated, working or relocating businesses here. By using their own networks and endorsing and sharing news and campaigns Ambassadors will help to spread the positive message about the county.
If you are interested in becoming an Ambassador a range of support and materials are available on the website or contact the Inward Investment Team at enquiries@investsomerset.co.uk
Local businesses are being encouraged to register on a new Somerset Supply Chain website to ensure they are first in line to find out about contracts arising from a £23.6 million pot of funding to revitalise Glastonbury.
Somerset Chamber of Commerce is working in partnership with the Glastonbury Town Deal team within Somerset Council to help match local businesses to work opportunities through the programme and has launched the Somerset Supply Chain website as a single access point for those keen to bid for contracts.
We're urging residents and businesses to help shape the future of Somerset by having their say on how best to create places that put people at the heart of its design.
We're launching a public consultation on a set of outline “principles” that are designed to steer new development in Somerset. These should guide developers towards creating attractive and high-quality environments, but also inclusive and accessible places for all, regardless of age, gender, mobility, or background, where people enjoy living.
The principles should lead to high quality development and offer substantial benefit to people in Somerset by:
- improving air quality;
- reducing carbon footprints;
- creating safe and easy access to schools; and
- places that are more resilient to the impacts of climate change while protecting and enhancing nature and wildlife.
Creating connected, safe and healthy places will also help to improve quality of life and wellbeing.
What do you want to see from new development?
What makes a high quality place? Which benefits matter most to you? How can we best ensure that new development enables people to realise these benefits?
The consultation launched on the 4 September and will run for six weeks until 16 October.
Did you know you can keep up to date with all the latest news from Somerset Council. We know our businesses may also be interested in Planning Policy, Waste, Ecology & Environment, to name just a few topics. To read the first edition of Plan-It, the planning policy newsletter and to choose your subscriptions:
Under the new laws, in 2024, it will be a legal requirement for all businesses that generate more than 5kgs of food waste to recycle it.
It is expected that local authorities will enforce this action, meaning businesses who are not ready may risk fines.
If you produce more than 5kgs of food waste per month, a food waste collection service may actually save you in overall costs as it reduces the weight collected in general waste bins
- All business within England and Wales will have to comply with the new legalisation. The most impacted industries will be healthcare, retail, education and of course hospitality.
- Food must be separated internally and put in a separate wheelie bin. Food waste can no longer be included in general waste and your waste collector must take this to a food recycling facility or Anaerobic digester.
- This legislation follows the UK Environment act which was passed in 2021.
The Institution of Hospitality South West Region is passionate about hospitality and provides IoH members living and/or working in the South West, a platform to network, share best practices, and promote the highest standards of hospitality within the region.
Through a host of live events and engaging activities, they will support the Institution of Hospitality career development and lifelong learning ethos and help strengthen the delivery of all Institution of Hospitality resources at a local level.
The Institution of Hospitality are hosting local events in Radstock and Taunton:
- IoH South West | Launch event – Radstock, 21 September, 16:00-19:00
- IoH South West | Launch event – Taunton, 21 September, 16:00-19:00
Get in touch with the chairman to find out more.
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