More than 140 business leaders from across the county attended the launch of an initiative which will boost high-growth businesses across Somerset as part of a new partnership between Somerset Chamber of Commerce and support organisation Inspire. Inspire has already been running successfully across the border in Wiltshire, spearheaded by Wessex Chambers and that knowledge will now be brought to S...

Mental Health Awareness Week runs until 19th May and Somerset Chamber members can benefit from the expertise provided by the national BCC scheme Quest which offers members access to a wide range of HR, Legal and Health & Safety support. Quest’s team can offer advice on managing and supporting mental health at work, including training schemes for employers and how to encourage employees to d...

Recruitment intentions were strong in the first quarter of the year but nearly 75% of firms reported a shortage of suitable candidates, according to the landmark publication of the Quarterly Recruitment Outlook released today (Wednesday) by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) in partnership with Totaljobs. Over half (53%) of UK businesses attempted to recruit new hires in the first quarter of ...

The UK economy grew 0.5% in the first three months of 2019, according to the latest figures released today by the Office for National Statistics. The figure was up 0.2% on the previous quarter – but the ONS said the figure had been driven by manufacturers rushing to deliver orders before the original Brexit deadline of 29 March. Suren Thiru, Head of Economics at the British Chambers of Commerc...

The Somerset Education Business Partnership (EBP) Awards 2019, attended by over 130 guests from schools, businesses and education providers across Somerset, were held at The Canalside in Bridgwater. The awards recognised businesses, employees, teachers and students from Taunton, Yeovil, Minehead and across the county, who are committed to developing a skilled local workforce, inspiring young peop...

Local businesses are being invited to celebrate the new-look Somerset Business Awards 2019 at the official launch at the Museum of Somerset later this month. As well as a glass of bubbly and a gourmet buffet, the evening on 30th May will include the chance to network with sponsors, previous winners and other finalists and entrants. It will also see the official launch of the new Somerset Busines...

Business believes that the UK tax system is fundamentally unfair and wants more support to stay compliant, according to new research released today (Tuesday) by the British Chambers of Commerce. The BCC survey of over 1,000 firms from across the UK, found that nearly three-fifths (58%) of respondents thought that the UK tax regime was unfair to businesses like theirs. The findings largely signal...

SPEAKERS from the Bank of England and Merchant Banking business Salamanca Group will be joined by Hinkley Point C and British Chambers of Commerce representatives to give a critical insight into the state of the Somerset economy and forecasts for the future at a half-day event in May.The Somerset Economic Update, organised by the Somerset Chamber of Commerce, is aimed at decision-makers an...

According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), inflation remained stable in March at 1.9% as a rise in fuel prices from the previous month was offset by a fall in food prices. House prices rose in February at the weakest rate since February 2019 but fell by 3.8% in London. The ONS said house price growth had slowed over the last two years.  Commenting on the inflation statistics for Mar...

Commenting on the labour market figures for April 2019, published today by the ONS, Suren Thiru, Head of Economics at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:                                    “The strong increase in employment, coupled with another fall in the number of people out of work, suggests that the UK labour market remains in good order. “However, behind t...

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the Hinkley Supply Chain Team and be part of the construction of the first new nuclear power station in a generation at Hinkley Point C, near Bridgwater. The Hinkley Supply Chain Team (HSCT), a collaboration including the Somerset Chamber and EDF Energy, has managed the South West supplier registration portal (www.hinkleysupplychain.co.uk) and associated...

Fruit pomace experts A & R House (BCL) Ltd, of Purn House Farm, Bleadon, were the winners of the Chamber’s prize draw to win a hamper packed-full of Somerset goodies. Jenn Chidley-Sanders, the Chamber’s Member Engagement and Policy Manager, presented the hamper to Alistair House at the family farm. A & R House was chosen at random from more than 150 entries to win the hamper, which i...

BUSINESS support organisations Inspire and Somerset Chamber of Commerce are joining forces to deliver even more support for high-growth businesses across the region as part of a partnership which will include access to the prestigious Goldman Sachs 10,000 small business programme. Inspire has already been running successfully across the border in Wiltshire, spearheaded by Wessex Chambers. That kn...

The British Chambers of Commerce’s (BCC) quarterly economic survey – the largest private sector survey of business sentiment and leading indicator of UK GDP growth – found that key indicators of UK economic health weakened considerably in the first quarter of 2019.  Key findings included: The balance of services firms reporting a rise in export sales was at its lowest level in a deca...

On Friday, 29 March, Stephen Henagulph, Chief Executive of Somerset Chamber of Commerce, officially opened the Somerset Skills & Learning Head Office, Courtenay House in Taunton. The event was attended by local businesses, students and staff.    Stephen Henagulph, who cut the ribbon, said: “It was a great honour to be invited to officially open the offices of Somerset Skills & Le...