Ignite Somerset Conference 2026 sponsored by NatWest

The Ignite Somerset Conference is Somerset’s flagship annual business and investment event — a high‑impact gathering designed to unlock the county’s economic potential sponsored by NatWest. Somerset Chamber of Commerce is working in partnership with Somerset Council, and the Somerset Economic Growth Board, to deliver this exciting event. 

Bringing together industry leaders, investors, developers and entrepreneurs, the conference will shine a spotlight on the major commercial opportunities emerging across Somerset’s most dynamic growth sectors.

This is more than discussion — it’s a catalyst for action. Ignite Somerset connects capital with opportunity, ambition with delivery, and businesses with the partners who can fuel their growth.

If your organisation is ready to scale, diversify, or enter major supply chains, this is the most important Somerset business event of 2026.

Who Should Attend?

For ambitious SMEs: Learn how to enter supply chains for major projects such as Agratas (gigafactory), Hinkley Point C legacy opportunities, defence, digital infrastructure and more. Move from “business survival” to long‑term strategic growth.

Investors: From Somerset, across the UK, and internationally — looking for high‑value regional opportunities

For Large Corporates: Access local suppliers, innovation partners and skilled talent pipelines.

For Stakeholders & Regional Partners: Champion “Pride in Place” and help position Somerset as a leading destination for inward investment.
 
2026 Core Themes — “The Golden Opportunities”
The programme is built around the growth sectors identified by the Somerset Economic Prosperity Strategy, including:

• Advanced Manufacturing 
• Nuclear Legacy & Energy Transition 
• Aerospace & Defence 
• Digital, Data & AI 
• Clean Growth & Tidal Energy 

Event Format

Morning — The vision
High‑impact keynote speakers from leading corporates will outline their long‑term roadmaps and opportunities for regional businesses. A “State of the Region” address will set out Somerset’s economic prosperity strategy and future growth trajectory.

Lunch — Networking & collaboration
Curated networking sessions will connect SMEs directly with major corporates, stakeholders and exhibitors.

Afternoon — Sharing knowledge
Delegates can engage and hear from expert panellists who will share lived experience:

• Stream A: Supply chain entry
• Stream B: Innovation & funding
• Stream C: Skills & talent

Exhibitors will be available throughout the morning and lunch periods to provide advice and follow‑up support. Why Attend?

• Access real, live commercial opportunities in Somerset’s most important sectors
• Understand what major investors and developers need from suppliers
• Build relationships with decision‑makers who can unlock growth
• Gain practical guidance, not just inspiration
• Be part of Somerset’s strongest collective business voice

Agenda

8.30am – 9.15am
Registration and networking 
 
9.15am 
• Welcome from Harry Singer, CEO Singer Instruments and Chair of the Somerset Economic Growth Board and Faye Long (pictured), Regional Managing Director at NatWest
 
9.30am
Hope. Optimism. Belief. 
Keynote from Somerset entrepreneur Brad Burton (pictured), the UK’s #1 motivational business speaker
 
10.15am
Break for refreshments in exhibitor space
 
10.30am
Somerset’s golden opportunities – why Somerset is the place to invest and do business
Speakers include:
• Nuclear: Andrew Cockcroft, Head of Stakeholder Relations and Social Impact at Hinkley Point C 
• Defence: Adam Wardrope, Vice President Market Development at Leonardo Helicopters
• Tidal energy: Aidan Clegg, CEO at West Somerset Lagoon Ltd 
 
11.45am
Break for lunch and networking
 
12.45pm – 1.30pm
Pitching for investment showcase
Four ambitious companies will deliver pitches for investment in front of the room to a panel of investors who will provide feedback
 
1.30pm – 2.15pm
Scaling up from Somerset – lived experiences of scaling-up in the county and the support available
Speakers:
• Scaling up from Somerset: Adam Sharpe, CEO of Cardstream
• International and diplomatic support: Martin Whalley, Head of Business Engagement at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
• Future Fit in action: What it really takes to scale today. Fireside chat with Simon Brooks, CEO of Rotamec Group; Faye Long, Managing Director Natwest and Alexandra Henderson, Wholesale Credit Risk, Natwest.
 
2.15pm – 2.45pm
Break for refreshments and networking with exhibitors
 
2.45pm – 3.30pm
Panel discussion: Preparing the workforce for the future economy 
Chaired by Emma Warren (pictured), Managing Director of Elite Staffing Solutions (Chair of the Somerset Work, Health & Skills Partnership)
Panellists:
• Andy Berry CBE, Principal & Chief Executive of University Centre Somerset College Group
• Mark Bolton, Principal & Chief Executive of Yeovil College
• Sydney Winter, Somerset Buiness Awards 2026 Apprentice of the Year and Level 7 Architectural Apprentice at BoonBrown 
• Sally Parish, HSE Manager at Singer Instruments, Somerset Business Awards 2026 Employer of the Year​ 

3.30pm – 4pm
Maximising ‘Somerset’s golden opportunities’ through the supply chain
Speakers:
• Our supply chain story: Steven Braithwaite, Managing Director at Somerset Larder
• Delivering the UK’s first SMRs (small modular reactors): Rolls Royce
 
4.00pm – 4.15pm 
Closing remarks from Harry Singer (pictured), CEO Singer Instruments and Chair of the Somerset Economic Growth Board
 
Attendees are welcome to network until doors close at 5pm

Thank you to our headline sponsor NatWest.


NatWest is one of the UK's leading business banks, committed to supporting entrepreneurs and organisations at every stage of their journey. Through dedicated relationship banking, expert guidance, and a wide range of financial solutions, NatWest helps businesses start, grow and scale with confidence. With a strong focus on local economic development, the bank partners with communities and regional networks to drive sustainable growth and prosperity in the area. We're excited to sponsor this event, bringing together leaders and innovators who are shaping the future of our region. By investing in growth, collaboration, and opportunity, we're helping to build a stronger, more prosperous business landscape. 

Thank you also to our partner and co-sponsor for this event, Somerset Council. 

Early booking recommended — tickets are limited

Somerset Chamber, as the event host, reserves the right to cancel and refund all bookings. Please see the event terms, conditions and cancellation policy, click here  

Bookings for this event will close 4pm, June 16. Please note refunds cannot be made in the event of cancellation after bookings have closed.