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. 

Ignite Somerset will showcase major commercial opportunities across key growth sectors, and provide a platform for championing Somerset as a serious destination for industry and investment, a place to live, work and grow your business. 

Designed to inform, inspire and mobilise action, Ignite Somerset goes beyond conversation. It connects capital with opportunity, ambition with delivery, and leadership with long-term prosperity. 

The message is clear: Somerset is open for business and ready to accelerate 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 and 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 prrtners: Champion “Pride in Place” and help position Somerset as a leading destination for inward investment.   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 – 9.30am
Welcome from Harry Singer (pictured), CEO Singer Instruments and Chair of the Somerset Economic Growth Board, Faye Long, Regional Managing Director at NatWest and Bill Revans, Leader of Somerset Council
 
9.30am – 10.15am
Hope. Optimism. Belief. 
Keynote from Somerset entrepreneur Brad Burton (pictured), the UK’s #1 motivational business speaker
 
10.15am – 10.45am
Break for refreshments in exhibitor space
 
10.45am – 12.00pm
Somerset’s golden opportunities – why Somerset is the place to invest and do business
Speakers include:

• Andrew Cockcroft, Head of Stakeholder Relations and Social Impact at Hinkley Point C 
• Adam Wardrope, Vice President Market Development at Leonardo Helicopters​
• Aidan Clegg, CEO at West Somerset Lagoon Ltd 
• Steven Braithwaite, Managing Director at Somerset Larder
• Jay Bhart, Chair of Nuclear South West
• Alex Clancy, Assistant Principal – Employer Engagement at Yeovil College
• Simon Brewer, Group Director – Partnerships & Major Projects at University Centre Somerset College Group

 
12.00pm – 12.45pm
Break for lunch and networking
 
12.45pm – 1.30pm
Pitching for investment showcase
Ambitious companies will deliver pitches for investment in front of the room to a panel of investors who will provide feedback.

Panel of investors:

• Olly Cox – Foresight
• Luke Matthews – Maven
• Laurie Felker Jones – FSE Group
• Andrew Scott – Ascot Group

 
1.30pm – 2.30pm
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 and Andrea Walker, Co-Head of Trade and Structured Finance Underwriting at UK Export Finance
• 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.
 
2.30pm – 3.00pm
Break for refreshments and networking with exhibitors
 
3.00pm – 3.45pm
Panel discussion: Preparing our Future Workforce 
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 Business 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​
• Rose Sellman-Leava, Managing Director and co-founder of Inclusive Futures CIC

 
3.45pm – 4.00pm 
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 23. Please note refunds cannot be made in the event of cancellation after bookings have closed.