Future of Yeovil Business Breakfast

Join us on June 20, as we gather business leaders at Yeovil Town Football Club to discuss the future of Yeovil.
 
In the 1800s Yeovil was a glove-making centre, today it is at the heart of the aircraft, aerospace and defence industries.
 
Known as the home of British helicopters due to the town’s main employer Leonardo, the town is also the base for major DIY firm Screwfix, there are plans for its long-established Octagon Theatre to be developed into a modern arts hub and further and higher education centre Yeovil College is a leader in its field supporting students and business in South Somerset and beyond.
 
Leonardo also hosts the iAero innovation centre, a strategic partnership between Somerset Council, the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership and Leonardo Helicopters. iAero has a focus on supporting the economic development of the aerospace and associated sectors in Yeovil offering training, research and development support for businesses.
 
This breakfast networking event will be hosted by David Crew, Managing Director of Somerset Chamber of Commerce.
 
Our speakers will include:
Adam Dance, MP for Yeovil and South Somerset
Mark Bolton, CEO and Principal of Yeovil College
Gabriella Ardessi, Head of Stakeholder Engagement at Leonardo Helicopters
 
Agenda
9am arrival, refreshments will be available 
9.30am Welcome from Somerset Chamber
9.35am Representing Yeovil in Westminster, Adam Dance MP
9.50am Leonardo Helicopters update, Gabriella Ardessi of Leonardo Helicopters 
10.05am Developing skills and placemaking in Yeovil, Mark Bolton of Yeovil College 
10.20am – Panel Q&A
10.50am – Summary comments and further networking
11.30am – Event close
 

 
Adam was elected as the MP for Yeovil and Somerset in July 2024 after previously serving as a district and unitary councillor for South Petherton and the surrounding villages. He has led on Public Health at Somerset Council since May 2022.
 
His key focus since being elected has been on the NHS and access to GPs, the need to build a closer relationship with Europe to boost trade and the economy and the need to protect the environment.
 
He has also campaigned to retain Yeovil Hospital’s hyper-acute stroke unit.

 
Mark joined Yeovil College as Director of Employer Engagement in November 2015 and took on the role of CEO & Principal in October 2019. The college is currently undergoing a transformative £60+ million campus redevelopment to create dynamic learning environments and the continued delivery of its commitment to excellence.
 
It involves a cutting-edge sports centre, a technical construction centre and a large, modern teaching centre, which will house all commercial outlets, including reenvisaged salons and restaurants. A teaching centre is the academic heart of the new campus.
 
The college is also actively involved in the South Somerset/Mid & West Dorset Place Leadership Group (PLG) and has launched a "Next Generation" network, which aims to connect young professionals in the area. This network provides opportunities for networking, workshops and professional development, ultimately aiming to attract and retain young talent in the region.

If you have any dietary requirements or allergies, please notify us when booking. 

Bookings for this event will close 4pm on June 13. 
 

With thanks to our event sponsors Jones Building Group.

Somerset Chamber of Commerce is operating a cancellation policy in line with our terms and conditions which can be found here: https://www.somerset-chamber.co.uk/terms-conditions/