Over 20 members of Somerset Chamber of Commerce attended a round table discussion held in association with NatWest at Ashfords Solicitors on the morning of Friday 14th December.   Stephen Henagulph opened the event, welcoming delegates and introducing the event as part of a national project via the BCC.  The event followed the Greater Manchester event on 11th December and proceeds the Su...

Commenting on the news that the Prime Minister will face a vote of no confidence, Dr Adam Marshall, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said: “At one of the most pivotal moments for the UK economy in decades, it is unacceptable that Westminster politicians have chosen to focus on themselves, rather than on the needs of the country. “The utter dismay amongst businesses...

Commenting on the labour market figures for December 2018, published today by the ONS, Suren Thiru, Head of Economics at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said: “While the latest data confirms that the UK jobs market remains in good shape, the second successive rise in unemployment, coupled with a decline in the number of people who are not seeking work, is further evidence of the i...

We are delighted to unveil Milsted Langdon, one of the South West’s leading independent accountancy practices, as headline sponsors of the Somerset Education Business Partnership Awards 2019. The awards, which open for entries on 7 January 2019 will celebrate  businesses and education providers across the county who inspire and equip young people for their future careers.  Joanna Whitehead, C...

Two new directors have been appointed to the Board of Somerset Chamber of Commerce, bringing additional commercial and business growth expertise to the organisation. Graeme Crosbie from Level Up (South West) and Suzanne Roper from Somerset County Cricket Club were voted in by members for an initial three year term at the Somerset Chamber AGM on 21 November.Graeme Crosbie is the owner and Mana...

On the morning of Wednesday 28th November Somerset Chamber and Frome Chamber of Commerce helped bring together some of the larger businesses in Frome with numerous representatives  from Mendip District Council and Frome Town Council to continue a conversation started last year.  The purpose of this event is to give businesses a platform for discussing the issues that concern them and the top...

Lord David Triesman was the guest speaker at this year’s Somerset Chamber of Commerce AGM, sharing insight and anecdotes from his varied career in business, politics and sport with around 60 of Somerset’s business people. Held at the Cooper Associates County Ground in Taunton on Wednesday 21 November, the AGM is a popular event with Chamber members, providing an opportunity to celebrate the y...

Commenting on the announcement from the Prime Minister that the Cabinet has backed the draft Withdrawal Agreement and the political declaration on the future relationship between the UK and the EU27, Dr Adam Marshall, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, said:  “Businesses will recognise the huge efforts made by the Prime Minister and across government to reach this milestone....

On Tuesday 6th November, Phil Riste of TDA hosted a Business Planning workshop with Somerset Chamber of Commerce. Delegates developed their understanding of business planning and delved into the key elements of successful business planning, sharing ideas as a group. Commenting on the recent Business Planning event Phil Riste said, “It was fantastic to deliver the Business Planning workshop for ...

Nearly 50 attended Somerset Chamber of Commerce's Simply Networking event with Yeovil Chamber at Westerly BMW on Thursday 8th November.  Designed to be a relaxed, informal event that allows new connections to be made without a presentation or meal, Westerly laid on a splendid array of canapes, prosecco and soft drinks and created space in their Yeovil showroom for mingling. David Woan of Yeovil ...

Commenting on the labour market figures for November 2018, published today by the ONS, Suren Thiru, Head of Economics at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:   “The slight increase in the unemployment rate suggests that the UK jobs market may be starting to falter under the weight of persistent Brexit uncertainty and chronic skills shortages. While the number of people in work rem...

The Somerset Education Business Partnership (EBP) is inviting members to sponsor the very first Somerset EBP Awards, to be held on 24 April 2019. The Somerset EBP Awards celebrate businesses, schools, colleges, training providers, third sector projects and inspirational individuals across the county who have raised aspirations and helped to develop a future local workforce. The Somerset EBP is a...

The Chancellor’s Autumn Budget is a step in the right direction for business, according to the Chief Executive of Somerset Chamber of Commerce, although he said more detail on road improvements and digital connectivity would have been welcomed.  Speaking following the Budget announcement on 29 October, Somerset Chamber CEO Stephen Henagulph said, “All in all, it was a good budget for busines...

Giving his reaction to the Autumn Budget 2018, Dr Adam Marshall, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:  “In an atmosphere of unprecedented uncertainty and heightened political noise, the Chancellor has demonstrated that he is listening to business concerns by delivering a Budget that supports investment and growth. “The Chancellor responded directly to the BCC...

Over 70 education and business partners gathered for the launch of Somerset Education Business Partnership on 24 October. The Partnership connects education providers with businesses, to raise young people’s awareness of the opportunities in Somerset and to help prepare them for the workplace.Somerset Chamber CEO, Stephen Henagulph set out the importance of this work for the Somerset econom...