EU leaders have agreed to move Brexit talks on to the second phase.  The British Chambers of Commerce, Confederation of British Industry, EEF, Federation of Small Businesses and Institute of Directors comment on the statement from the EU Council. “We welcome the fact that the European Council has approved the progression of talks to the discussion of a transition period, and a future trade rel...

After visiting the HPC site with Laura Rigby our Office Administrator, our new Membership Manager Ritchie Cridge wrote a few words about the visit: Everyone across the South West is familiar with Hinkley Point C (HPC), but have you actually seen it? The scale of the project and equipment involved is immense – jaw dropping up close. When first approaching the site, it is likely you will see ...

Following the success of the 2016 Somerset 5 Peaks charity challenge, the Somerset Young Professionals (SYP) board is pleased to announce its latest fundraiser challenge.    The Somerset Cider Stomp is a 30km hike from Wellington to Ilminster on Saturday 19th May starting at Sheppy’s Cider Farm and ending at Perry’s, two of Somerset’s iconic brands. Travelling across varied terrain and ch...

The Chamber offices will be closed from 13:00 on Friday 22nd December till 08:30 on 2nd January. We wish all our members and businesses across Somerset a Happy Christmas and a healthy and prosperous 2018. Our events calendar is in place for the New Year and is filling up fast so why not book on to start 2018 with a networking event, briefing or workshop.  You can view our upcoming events here ...

A group of French international exchange students from Strode College visited the Somerset Chamber of Commerce on Thursday 7th December as part of their HE Business course.  Accompanied by 2 staff and Adrian Ash from Strode College, the group presented in groups to Alistair Tudor (Head of Chamber Services) and Sam Evans (Hinkley Supply Chain Engagement Manager).  Their presentations focused on ...

The government's new careers strategy has been launched with the strap-line 'Careers strategy: making the most of everyone’s skills and talents' Introducing the strategy The Rt Hon Anne Milton MP (Minister of State for Apprenticeships and Skills and Minister for Women) said : We want to create a stronger, fairer society in which people from all backgrounds can realise their potential. A thriv...

Somerset-based company, DNA Worldwide, is celebrating after winning the coveted Small Business of the Year award, at the British Chambers of Commerce’s annual Chamber Business Awards 2017. The company was a regional finalist in the Small Business of the Year category at the Somerset Chamber of Commerce Awards and went through to compete for the overall national award against nine other finalist...

Every employer has automatic enrolment duties. They need to assess their staff, put them into a workplace pension scheme if they meet certain criteria, write to them to tell them what they’ve done, and complete and submit a declaration of compliance with The Pensions Regulator (TPR). To date, nearly 9 million people have been automatically enrolled in a workplace pension by more than 850,000 em...

Change was the principal theme of the recent Somerset Chamber AGM, with positive changes reported from the Chamber, while the guest speakers reflected on changes in business from the past to now and into the future. Held at the Holiday Inn, Taunton on Wednesday 22 November, around 60 business people attended the AGM to hear an update on Chamber activities over the past 12 months. This included an...

The Chancellor of the Exchequer did not go far enough in delivering change to support the economy, according to the Chief Executive of Somerset Chamber of Commerce.  Responding to Philip Hammond’s Budget speech on 22 November, Dale Edwards, said, “The 2017 Budget comes at a time of uncertainty, both politically and economically, not just in the UK but throughout the world. But the Chancellor...

More than sixty business people attended a panel discussion on 14 November to find out more about the upcoming General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which is due to be enforced from May 2018. Organised by Somerset Chamber of Commerce, the event was held at The Canalside in Bridgwater and was attended by businesses from across Somerset and further afield. The panel of speakers covered the top...

DNA Worldwide Group, a drug and alcohol testing company from Frome, has been crowned one of the winners in the Southern heats of the Chamber Business Awards 2017. Now in their 14th year, the Awards are a highlight of the business calendar, recognising the key role that local businesses play in driving the UK economy. The Small Business of the Year winner, DNA, will now go forward to represent the...

Commenting on today’s interest rate decision by the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee, Mike Spicer, Director of Economics at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said: “Our preferred outcome was for a further period of monetary stability, with interest rates steady over the near term. Today’s quarter point rise may have little effect on most companies, but many will view this...

On 10th October, both Somerset Chamber of Commerce and Taunton Rugby Club were presented with the coveted Ministry of Defence Recognition Scheme Silver Award at the Lord Lieutenant’s Awards ceremony at the Bishops Place, Wells.  The scheme recognises support given to the whole of the Armed Forces Community including reservists, veterans, wounded and sick, spouses and Cadet Force adult voluntee...

In recent years devolution has been a word banded around by national and local politicians alike, as  the Government‘s approach to economic development has been one towards decentralisation, by encouraging decision making from London and into the regions through devolution. This presents an opportunity and a challenge for Somerset to shape its own economic future. A number of devolution deals h...