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...

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...

The winners of the 2018 Somerset Business Awards were announced at a glittering black-tie event last Friday (19 October 2018), where nearly 400 influential business people celebrated the best of Somerset businesses at Wellsprings Leisure Centre in Taunton.Hosted by Somerset cricket all-rounder and cult hero, Peter Trego, the 14 Awards were presented by their sponsors, before the winners were a...

Lord David Triesman, the British politician, will be the guest speaker at this year’s Somerset Chamber of Commerce AGM, it has been announced. As Executive Director of Salamanca Group, which is developing a major new enterprise zone in Somerset, he is keen to engage with businesses across the region.  Lord Triesman has built a wealth of commercial experience in finance and real estate, as well...

ONS figures released today show demand for British goods and services continues to grow with exports continuing to rise to £637bn in the year to August 2018. UK exports to the world rose by £33bn – an increase of 5.5% compared to the same time last year. Other main points from today’s release include:The country’s renowned service sector continues to grow with exports up 5.3% to a re...

Exports of South West food and drink increased to £760m in the year to March 2018, an increase of 7% compared to the previous 12 months, the latest HMRC figures show. South West food and drink exports increased by 7% in the year to March 2018, compared to the 12 months previous Meat and dairy are most popular South West food and drink exports Food and drink exports to China showing stro...

The British Chambers of Commerce’s quarterly economic survey – the UK’s largest private sector survey of business sentiment, and a lead indicator of UK GDP growth - shows little to be cheerful about as growth flatlines and business confidence weakens. Key findings:Percentage of services firms attempting to recruit is at its lowest level for 25 years Of those services firms recruiting...