Unlocking Somerset Talent 2026 in partnership with Passion for Somerset

Join us on September 29, as we gather Somerset’s business and education leaders for Unlocking Somerset Talent in partnership with Passion for Somerset. 
 
Skills and recruitment continue to be among the biggest challenges for Somerset businesses. At the Somerset Chamber in partnership with Passion for Somerset we are bringing businesses and education together to develop practical solutions that address employers' skill needs to support long term economic growth.

This event is an opportunity for business leaders and decision-makers to hear the latest insights from the Local Skills Improvement Plan ( LSIP) research, discover how employers are already making a real impact through education partnerships and explore how your company can benefit from getting involved. 

With thanks to our event sponsors Eurilait and Young Somerset 

Why attend Unlocking Somerset Talent?

• Network with business and training provider contacts
• Visit exhibitor stands to receive information on funding and support available from skills providers
• Hear from employers and current talent who are part of the future workforce
• Have your say 

You will leave this event with valuable connections and having had an opportunity to see how you can be part of shaping the future workforce. 

We would encourage business owners, directors, senior leaders, HR professionals and other key decision makers with responsibility for recruitment or skills to attend, as your insight will be invaluable to help drive growth in this county.

Speakers 
We have a fantastic line up including:

• Mohammed Saddiq, His Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of Somerset 
• Beverley and Sarah Milner Simonds Co-Founders and Directors of Eat:Festivals
• Jude Smith and Tamson McKerrow, Numatic 
• Iain Thompson and Ben Parker, Garador
• Peter Elliot, Young Somerset 
• Paul Titmuss and George Foster, Bristol Website Design
• Alex Clancy, Yeovil College
• Joe Smith, Weston College
• Richard Jenkins, DSTPN
• Jen Reid, Mulberry 
• Ed Leahy, Eurilait
• Calum Smith, Lanier South West
• Karen Wellman, Reframe HR
• Heidi Oliver, SS&L

Agenda:

• 8.30am – Arrival for networking, coffee and registration 
• Welcome from David Crew, Somerset Chamber of Commerce Managing Director 
• Opening address from Mohammed Saddiq, His Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of Somerset 
• How SME's can benefit from variety in their employment working with apprentices and interns
• Future Talent Panel – hear from rising stars in business and how they can transform the workforce
• Headline partner remarks 
• Refreshments break
• Keynote address – Building talent together – bridging education and employment
• Understanding how apprenticeships can help equip businesses for the future 
• Skills roundtable discussion led by Somerset Chamber of Commerce
• Closing remarks from Denys Rayner, Chairman of Passion for Somerset 
• Buffet lunch and further networking with exhibition stands
• 1.30pm – Event close and delegates to depart

 
Unlocking Somerset Talent will be hosted by Somerset Chamber of Commerce and Passion for Somerset.

Passion for Somerset connects businesses with opportunities using community engagement and collaboration to drive trust. As a non-for-profit Community Interest Company, their mission is to inspire pride, foster aspirations and empower communities and organisations by showcasing the very best of Somerset. Through flagship initiatives like Somerset Day and the Pride of Somerset Youth Awards, along with events such as Unlocking Somerset Talent, they bring people together to shine a spotlight on what makes our county unique: its creativity, enterprise and spirit.

 
Tickets are free of charge with lunch provided. A maximum of 2 representatives per organisation. If you have any dietary requirements or allergies, please notify us when booking. 

Are you a training provider?

There are a limited number of training provider exhibitor opportunities at the event. Please email events@somerset-chamber.co.uk to register interest in exhibiting. 

Bookings for this event will close 4pm on September 22 2026. 
 
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/