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Business news
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YouTube video: Better protection from flooding is on the way for Somerset
The award follows a visit to Somerset by Floods Minister Emma Hardy in the wake of Storm Chandra earlier this year, when she met with the Council, businesses and residents.
This award from the Department for Environment and Rural Affairs is a significant opportunity for Somerset farmers and businesses. The money will be used to develop a 2-year programme of work to reduce flood risk, improve preparedness and strengthen long-term resilience.
L-R: Jim, Cllr Woan and Chloe outside The Acorn, Yeovil
Our Associate Lead Member for Business Strategy, Councillor David Woan, has continued his #TalkThingsUp visits to businesses across Somerset, shining a spotlight on those delivering excellent customer experiences and driving local growth.
During a recent visit on 13 May, Councillor Woan met Jim and Chloe Thomson at The Acorn in St John’s Churchyard, Yeovil, to hear directly from a Somerset hospitality business. Now 3 years into their journey, and recently married, Jim and Chloe acknowledge the difficult trading conditions facing the sector.
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Serious about achieving high growth? If your business is entering a critical growth phase – whether that means scaling operations, improving efficiency, strengthening leadership or entering new markets – you’ll know that growth requires more than just increasing sales.
The SME High Growth Accelerator supports established Somerset businesses to overcome internal barriers and deliver measurable results, through structured, expert-led support. This is a highly targeted programme, with places limited to just 8 businesses.
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Ready to scale your food or drink business? If you’re planning significant growth in the next 6 to 9 months, whether that means increasing production, entering new markets, strengthening your team or improving financial performance, you’ll know that scaling brings real challenges.
The Food and Drink Accelerator helps Somerset manufacturers overcome those barriers, with expert support, tailored mentoring and practical guidance to help you grow with confidence. Only 8 places are available on this programme.
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Businesses in Somerset’s hospitality sector are being offered a free digital energy and carbon reduction tool from the Zero Carbon Company, designed to help pubs, restaurants and similar SMEs cut costs and emissions.
Using a business’s own energy data, the tool identifies waste, provides a tailored reduction plan and offers ongoing support through an online portal and virtual coaching, helping businesses track savings and take practical action. The service is fully funded by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, making it a quick, simple way for eligible businesses to reduce energy bills, improve efficiency and support their net zero ambitions.
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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.
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Businesses in Somerset are being invited to take part in the Wellington Jobs Fair hosted by Jobcentre Plus in partnership with Wellington Town Council at the Kings Arms Community Hub in Wellington.
This free event is taking place on Thursday 18 June from 10.00am to 4pm, the event offers employers the opportunity to promote vacancies and meet local jobseekers, with flexible morning (from 10am) or afternoon (from 1.30pm) sessions available. There is no charge to attend, and businesses interested in reserving a stand are encouraged to get in touch to secure their space.
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SBA CIC is offering Launchpad, a free online introductory session designed to support individuals considering self-employment or developing a new business idea. The session provides practical guidance on shaping an initial idea into a viable business model, explores the realities of running a business, and offers access to further resources and mentoring.
This fully funded workshop will take place online on Friday 19 June 2026, from 10.30am to 12pm.
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We’re inviting Somerset businesses to explore new opportunities for growth and innovation at our Ignite Somerset Investment Summit, delivered in partnership with organisations including South West Manufacturing Advisory Service (SWMAS), Tech South West, Sedgemoor Chamber of Commerce, Leonardo and Yeovil College.
Taking place on Tuesday 30 June 2026 from 8.30am to 4.00pm at Haynes Motor Museum, Sparkford, Yeovil, the event will bring together industry leaders, partners and businesses for a day of expert insights, networking and practical support designed to help organisations scale, innovate and connect with key sectors across the county.
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We’re inviting local employers to Unlock the Power of Inclusive Recruitment through a free, in-person networking and learning session designed to help businesses strengthen their workforce and access a wider talent pool.
Taking place on Thursday 9 July, from 9 AM to 12 PM at Yeovil Town Football Club, Brympton d'Evercy, Yeovil, the event will bring together employers from across the county to share real experiences, hear from employees about their journeys into work, and gain practical insight into local support and inclusive hiring practices that can boost productivity, improve retention and enhance workplace culture.
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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.
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Credit: Tech South West
The South West of England recorded its strongest equity investment performance in years in Q1 2026, nearly double the national growth rate, as Tech South West brought the region’s high-growth story to London. Held during London Tech Week, the annual Tech South West London Showcase saw record numbers of investment funds attend, meeting companies from across the region.
According to the latest insight from Beauhurst, deal volumes in the region rose 11% in the first quarter of 2026 and total investment value surged 66% on the same period last year, well ahead of the 34% national value growth recorded across the UK as a whole.
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 If your business needs support, has news, developments, or a good news story, please email the team at ecdev@somerset.gov.uk.
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