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 Somerset businesses thanks to the tie-in with the Somerset Chamber.
The initiative includes access to the prestigious Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Programme and is aimed specifically at ambitious businesses which are keen to grow and expand.
Launched at Haynes Motor Museum, in Sparkford last week, guests heard from representatives from Inspire, Somerset Chamber, the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership, Weston College and the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Programme.
They also heard from ‘alumni’ from previous programmes who told how their profits had grown and their companies had been helped by one-to-one bespoke support and advice.
Rob Perks, Inspire’s CEO, said: “We know businesses all have a place they would like to be but they have a little journey to take to get there – that’s where we come in. We look at the journey and how far they have to go from here to there and help them plug any gaps.”
He said he was delighted to be joining forces with both Somerset Chamber of Commerce and the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership and was pleased so many business leaders had attended last Thursday’s launch.
Stephen Henagulph, Somerset Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive, said: “We are delighted to be joining with Inspire enable us to further complement the business services we already provide. This offers a really world class service to Somerset’s growing businesses.
“We already provide a broad range of business help and support to our members and this will enable us to further enhance our offering growing companies.”
More information about the initiative is available online at https://www.inspirebiz.co.uk/ or by telephoning Somerset Chamber of Commerce on 01823 444924.
Join Somerset Chamber of Commerce to give your business a stronger voice both locally, regionally and nationally. Combined with local town chambers, we represent over 2,000 businesses across Somerset with a direct line to policy-makers at all levels.
