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Business Newsletter
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Are you joining Insider Media for their business breakfast on 28 November at The McMillan Theatre in Bridgwater, as they aim to explore Somerset’s growth as a county and ask, how is Somerset as a county adapting to meet the evolving needs of its businesses and communities?
Bringing together a group of key voices in the region, this discussion will explore the economic potential of Somerset in the region, as well as the associated infrastructure, skills and community-building challenges it has to overcome.
A livestream option is also available.
Organisers of eat:Festivals, which take place across Somerset, are offering support to new businesses to enable them to make their first steps into trading. The Bursary, sponsored by Thatchers Cider, aims to encourage business start-ups to consider festival trading and an entrepreneurial spirit in Somerset. The producers may benefit from a free pitch at a festival and there is support from the organisers throughout the year.
The Thatchers Bursary is for food and drink producers who have not engaged in retail trade before. Pitches for 2024 are also open now for bookings:
 The South West Infrastructure Partnership are holding their inaugural all-day conference at the Firepool Centre for Digital Innovation in Taunton on 22 November.
Bringing together regional infrastructure professionals and key stakeholders to build on the findings of the South West Vision 2050 report, there will be a real opportunity to focus on shaping the vision into meaningful change through greater collaboration.
With a focus on sharing best practice and learning lessons about innovative changes already underway on infrastructure decarbonisation this is one for the diary.
 Are you a Somerset business that wants to expand and reach new customers overseas? UK Export Academy can teach you how to trade successfully, whether you’re a complete beginner or an expert at export!
Offering free online training, UK Export Academy can help you learn about international sales and marketing, managing overseas partners, moving goods abroad and how [UK Export Finance] can help you achieve your growth ambitions.
 New national rules are on the way that mean developers will need to leave nature better than they found it – and Somerset Council is seeking your views on how we introduce them to the county.
New government Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) planning legislation, expected to come into force in January next year, means planning applications for new developments in England must leave nature better off than before, and create new habitats and green spaces to compensate for the ones they are eliminating as part of the build.
 Somerset Council is urging businesses to log-on and start planning early for new rules on recycling. The national ‘Simpler Recycling’ reforms announced in October mean all businesses and organisations like hospitals and schools must have separate food waste and recycling collections in place by the end of March 2025.
Businesses have a legal Duty of Care to store waste safely and to dispose of it using a registered waste carrier.
The Somerset Council-supported ‘Business of Recycling’ website has advice on how to prepare for the new regulations, including a tool that lets you check if your waste carrier is registered.
 The Creative Catalyst Challenge Fund is a £250,000 grant fund enabling creative talent to apply their capacity for innovation. The Fund is intended to be used for the research and development of an idea, product, system or process that reduces waste within the Creative Industries, decarbonises and/or reduces impact on the climate.
Proposals must:
- Be from the creative industries or support the creative industries
- Demonstrate clear benefits for the UK creative industry and the wider UK
- Focus on a clear opportunity and the proposed innovation which addresses it
Application close on Monday 27 November at 12 noon.
 Somerset Council is keen to highlight a supplier tender opportunity under a framework for local business support. Split into six lots the Business Support Framework scheme is designed to support Somerset, Devon and potentially wider parts of the SW region.
Lot 1: Business support and growth Lot 2: Academic investigation and evaluation support Lot 3: Specialist business support Lot 4: Productivity and Growth Lot 5: Farming and agricultural business support Lot 6: Marketing and communication support
Successful suppliers can be called on to deliver activities under this £6m framework, subject to securing funding. Devon County Council has developed and is leading on the scheme.
The Business Support Framework (CP2243-23) closing deadline for submissions is Thursday 23 November at 12 noon:
 Business West, in partnership with Hydrogen South West and the National Composites Centre, are delivering the Hydrogen Pathways series. The Government’s Hydrogen Strategy was published in August 2021 and forecasts Hydrogen will deliver a series of potential solutions and opportunities in the UK energy mix.
To get business prepared ahead of the curve, a programme of webinars is taking place to raise the profile of Hydrogen and provide a collaborative platform to discuss sector specific strategies being implemented. The programme explores the opportunities and challenges that Hydrogen poses and address the skills development and training needs in key sectors.
The next event will be held online on Thursday 16 November.
 Whether you’re new to all things digital, or confident with digital technology in your business, this free event will give you fresh insight to harness digital technologies to grow your business and connect you to the right support. Taking place at Wanstrow Village Hall, near Frome, the event will feature workshops and talks with practical advice and information, featuring:
- Peter K Doyle – ‘Once upon a time…the Art of Digital Storytelling!’ How to enhance your business ‘Digital Footprint’ with creative ‘storytelling’
- Heart of the South West Growth Hub – Introducing Digital Link
- Somerset Business Hub – An Intro
- Digital Giraffe – “Digital Heights” – Scaling Your SME
- 4-Front Consulting – From 4-Front to Forefront: Turning Likes into Leads
- South West Cyber Resilience Centre – Digital safety 101: the basics, and free ongoing support
- Snappy SUPS Journey – “Riding the Wave of Social Media Success”
- Q&A and networking
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SBA Start UP is a fully-funded, accredited programme for individuals who are interested in starting their own business or going into self-employment.
The programme will allow you to develop your knowledge in the following areas:
- How to develop your business idea
- Organising and managing finances
- Successful sales and marketing
- Producing a business plan/strategy
Each programme is comprised of 3 x 3 hour sessions that take place over 3 consecutive weeks and will be delivered online.
 If you’re 16–25 and have an innovative tech-led idea, The Young Entrepreneurs Challenge could help you get your business off the ground—or if you’ve already launched, boost it to the next level.
The winner will receive £10,000, mentorship and a technology package to launch their business. They will also receive a ticket to attend the Global One Young World 2024 Montréal Summit.
This annual entrepreneurship competition for young people aims to encourage and attract the dynamic new business leaders of tomorrow. To enter, entrants are asked to record a 60-90 second video, as well as completing an online application form outlining their business idea.
 Looking to improve your skills and knowledge in key business areas? The Federation of Small Businesses, is hosting a series of interactive online workshops with small business experts. Chosen by members, in each two-hour session an industry expert will take you through practical advice, support and business advice. You will come away from each workshop with at least 10 tangible things you can do to move your business forward.
Two identical sessions are held each week throughout November to ensure that you can find a date that suits you.
Tuesday 10:00-12:00 and Thursday 18:00-20:00
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 Come join British Gas for an exciting careers, job and partner opportunities event at on Tues 5 December, from 10am to 5pm in Taunton.
Discover what it's like to work for one of the UK's leading energy companies and get your questions answered by our experts on-hand.
This will cover the full spectrum from gas engineers to our range of rapidly developing net zero roles, such as heat pump installers, system designers, surveyors, EV charger installers, home energy management programme designers and many more.
If you’re an apprentice, currently in full time education or seeking a career change and want to know what a career, either in net zero, or as a gas engineer might look like within British Gas or British Gas Zero, there will be a session for you.
If you’re already qualified as an engineer, plumber or electrician looking for recruitment opportunities, or you’re a local small or medium sized enterprise interested in working with us as a Service Partner, we’d love you to join us.
Tues 5th December 10.00am - 5:00pm, Taunton Rugby Football Club
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Green Finance 14 November - 10:00-12:00 - Wyndham Room, County Hall, The Crescent, Taunton, TA1 4DY
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Becoming Grant Ready 14 November - 10:00-12:00 - online
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Introduction to SALSA Auditing 14 November - 10:00-13:00 - The Food WorksSW, Whirlwind Road, Weston-super-Mare, BS24 8EF
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Import Procedures, International Trade Workshop 15 November - 09:30-13:00 - online
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South West Business, Law, Finance and Apprenticeship Fair 15 November - 18:00-19:30 - Taunton School, Staplegrove Road, Taunton, TA2 6AD
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Hydrogen: H&S & Regulatory for Land Transport & Industry 16 November - 09:30-10:30 - online
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Exploring SFI Options for Your Farm 16 November - 11:30-14:00 - online
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How to Prepare & Submit a Successful SFI Application (Farming) 20 November - 12:00-14:30 - online
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Central Somerset Networking Meeting 21 November - 07:45-08:45 - online
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Strengthening your Sales Strategy for Success 21 November - 09:00-12:30 - Yeovil Innovation Centre, Barracks Close, Copse Road, Yeovil, BA22 8RN
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Training Workshop: Chat GPT: Transforming the Modern Workplace with AI 21 November - 09:30-13:30 - Equity House, Blackbrook Business Park, Taunton, TA1 2PX
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Bid and Tender Workshop 21 November - 09:30-15:30 - Yeovil Innovation Centre, Barracks Close, Copse Road, Yeovil, BA22 8RN
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Market Strategy 21 November - 10:00-14:00 - online
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The Future of FinTech (Digital Somerset) 21 November - 17:30-19:30 - Bridgwater & Taunton College - Taunton Campus, Wellington Road, Taunton, TA1 5AX
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Greening your business sustainably 22 November - 10:00-12:00 - Collar Factory, 122 Saint Augustine Street, Taunton, TA1 1QN
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South West Infrastructure Partnership (SWIP) Conference 22 November - 10:00-16:00 - Firepool Centre for Digital Innovation, Canal Road, Taunton, TA1 1PH
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Exploring Renewable Energy for Business 22 November - 12:00-14:00 - online
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BSL Basics & Deaf Awareness Strategies for Frontline Staff (10 week course) from 22 November - 18:00-20:00 - online
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Local Skills Improvement Plan – Chamber Report 23 November - 08:30-10:30 - Taunton & Pickeridge Golf Club, Corfe, Taunton, TA3 7BY
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Once Upon a Time…The Art of Digital Storytelling 23 November - 09:30am-12:30pm - Wanstrow Village Hall, Frome Road, Wanstrow, Nr Shepton Mallet, BA4 4SX
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Spotlight on Digital Tech 23 November - 09:00-13:00 - Plymouth Science Park, 1 Davy Road, Plymouth, PL6 8BX
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Exmoor Business Networking Day 23 November - 11:00-16:00 - Moorland Hall, Wheddon Cross, TA24 7DU
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Succession Planning for Farm Businesses 23 November - 11:30-14:30 - online
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Wells Business Forum Network Breakfast 24 November - 08:30 start - Wells Museum, 8 Cathedral Green, Wells, BA5 2UE
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Knowledge Transfer Partnerships for Business 24 November - 12:00-13:00 - online
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Sedgemoor Business Excellence Awards 24 November - 19:00-00:30 - The Canalside, Bridgwater, TA6 6LQ
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Slurry Infrastructure Grant: Need to Know and How to Apply 27 November - 12:00-14:00 - online
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Tech Brek: exploring the FREE Digital Business Link scheme over breakfast 28 November - 07:30-09:30 - Mr Miles, 3-4 High Street, Taunton, TA1 3PG
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Future of Somerset: Insider Business Breakfast 28 November - 08:45-10:30 - The McMillan Theatre, Bridgwater Campus, Lower Bath Road, Bridgwater, TA6 4PZ
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How to Stay Safe Online (Farming) 28 November - 10:00-12:30 - online
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Farm Grants Update & Navigating the Agricultural Transition 28 November - 19:00-22:00 - Seavington Millennium Hall, Water Street, Seavington St Mary, Ilminster, TA19 0QH
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Frome Chamber Business Breakfast 29 November - 07:30-09:00 - Riverhouse Café, 2 Bridge Street, Frome, BA11 1BB
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Materials Innovation Day: Simplify & Streamline (Somerset Innovation Network) 29 November - 10:00-16:00 - iAero, Bunford Lane, Yeovil, BA20 2EJ
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Hinkley Point C Site Tour 30 November - 09:00-13:00 - HPC Cannington Park & Ride, Cannington, Bridgwater, TA5 2JA
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Improving your LinkedIn, SEO & Website Presence 30 November - 10:00-12:00 - online
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Hospitality Hub 30 November - 10:30-12:00 - DaVinci, Yeovil, BA21 4DR
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Biodiversity Net Gain: An Introduction for Farmers and Landowners 4 December - 12:00-14:30 - online
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Cost Reduction through Sustainability (Somerset Innovation Network) 5 December - 10:00-12:00 - online
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MD & CEO Forum (Round Table) 5 December - 12:00-14:00 - ibis Bridgwater, Woodlands Court Business Park, Bristol Road, Bridgwater, TA6 4FJ
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Tweet over Mince Pies with Introtweet 6 December - 10:00-12:00 - Sheppy’s Cider, Three Bridges, Bradford-on-Tone, Taunton, TA4 1ER
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Bridgwater Chamber Annual Christmas Lunch 7 December - 12:00 start - Keepers Kitchen & Bar, Bridgwater, TA6 4FJ
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Rural Support: Cost of Living 7 December - 18:00-20:00 - online
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Digital Hub 7 December - 18:00-21:00 - iAero, Bunford Lane, Yeovil, BA20 2GL
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Taunton Chamber Festive Lunch 12 December - 13:00-15:00 - Quantock Restaurant, Wellington Road, Taunton, TA1 5AX
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Leonardo Helicopters Tour 12 December - 09:30-11:30 - Leonardo’s, Lysander Road, Yeovil, BA20 2YB
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Customs Procedures & Documentation: International Trade Workshop 13 December - 09:30-13:00 - online
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Construction Connections @Train4All 14 December - 12:00-14:00 - Train4All, Units 1-4 Jubilee Park, Badgers Cross Lane, Somerton, TA11 7JF
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Yeovil Chamber Business Awards 2023 12 January - 18:00-00:00 - Westland Entertainment Venue, Westbourne Close, Yeovil, BA20 2DD - bookings now open*
 Do you have an Economic Development enquiry? Get in touch with the Somerset Economic Development team:
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