If you’re seeking to employ people local to your business, our Community Employment Hubs (CEHs) are a free, local service designed to match skillsets to local employers. One of our big aims is to encourage 10,000 economically inactive people back to the workplace by 2035, and CEHs are part of this ambition. Many people who are out of the workplace for a variety of reasons have valuable skillsets that could benefit your business.

Our hubs help people move closer to employment while providing valuable support for businesses across Somerset. By partnering with employers, we offer opportunities to promote vacancies, share recruitment processes, advertise roles, and connect directly with potential candidates. We also provide guidance on inclusive hiring through Disability Confident Support and run programmes such as Connect to Work, which helps individuals with disabilities and health conditions into employment as part of our local response to the national Get Britain Working White Paper.

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), part of Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ), has launched a free Cyber Action Toolkit to help sole traders and small businesses strengthen their online security.

With 42% of small businesses reporting cyber breaches in 2024, the toolkit offers simple, tailored steps to protect against common threats. It provides personalised guidance, progress tracking and practical actions suited to different business sizes.

It’s a great starting point for businesses looking to boost resilience and work towards Cyber Essentials – the government-backed certification for cyber security.

In today’s competitive business landscape, the ability to sell effectively is more crucial than ever. Whether you’re a freelancer, a small business owner or a corporate professional, your success hinges on your ability to persuade and influence others. This is a 16-week course with 60 hours of learning total, leading to a level 3 qualification with the Institute of Sales Management.

The course starts on 15 December and is a blend of in person and online sessions. Skills Bootcamps are free if you are self-employed/unemployed. Small Businesses who wish to upskill their own teams contribute 10%.

We’re pleased to share a free online course designed to help employers create more inclusive workplaces for neurodivergent colleagues. Navigating Neurodiversity in the Workplace introduces what neurodiversity means, explores the benefits of supporting neurodivergent staff, and explains your responsibilities under the law.

You’ll learn practical steps for implementing reasonable adjustments, inclusive recruitment, and building a culture that values diverse thinking. By the end, you’ll have the tools and confidence to make your workplace more accessible and supportive for everyone.

Our Somerset Domestic Abuse Service has created a free Employers’ Toolkit to help businesses support staff affected by domestic abuse. The toolkit explains what domestic abuse is, how to spot the signs, and practical steps employers can take to create a safe and supportive workplace.

It also includes guidance on addressing stigma, raising awareness, and signposting employees to specialist help. By using this resource, we can work together to make Somerset’s workplaces safer and more inclusive.

We’re also inviting businesses to have their say on Somerset’s Domestic Abuse Strategy by taking part in our public consultation. Your feedback will help shape how we support victims and prevent abuse across the county.

Edventure Frome, a local non-profit, is launching a new course called Enterprising Together to help Somerset residents turn their business ideas into reality. Running from 16 January to 12 June 2026 at the Edventure Hub in Frome, the hands-on programme offers practical tools, skills, and community support for aspiring entrepreneurs to develop and test their ideas.

The course is open to all adults, with free places available for Somerset residents on lower incomes or meeting priority criteria, thanks to Somerset Council funding. Participants will gain experience in business planning, financial management, and branding, and will benefit from a supportive peer network. Spaces are limited and early application is encouraged.

Small Business Britain, in partnership with BT, has launched the Green Growth Awards and the Green Growth 100 to celebrate UK small businesses that are driving growth through sustainability. The initiative champions firms cutting waste, saving energy, and rethinking supply chains, proving that eco-friendly practices boost profitability.

2 standout businesses will each receive a £5,000 grant at an awards event in March 2026, with additional non-cash prizes for runners-up. Applications are open until 9 January 2026, offering Somerset enterprises a chance to showcase their green credentials and scale their sustainability ambitions.

Next year, 2 Somerset Sustainable Futures Careers Events will bring together schools, employers, and students to explore green career pathways.

To showcase your businesses commitment to sustainability or share resources or expertise with the wider community, simply complete the exhibitor booking form.

• Primary Event: Thursday 29 January 2026 at Yeovil Town FC
• Secondary Event: Monday 9 February 2026 at Taunton Racecourse and Conference Centre