The new 2026 Somerset Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) has been published, setting out the skills priorities that will help local people access local jobs while supporting businesses to grow and thrive across the county.
From agri-food, low carbon energy and advanced manufacturing to digital, construction, logistics and health and care, the plan reflects the real needs of Somerset employers and the opportunities shaping Somerset’s future economy.
Produced in partnership between Somerset Chamber of Commerce and chamber colleagues at Business West, the Somerset LSIP provides a summary of: 
The Somerset LSIP has been developed through collaboration between employers, education providers and local partners, ensuring training provision responds to genuine workforce demand and future growth opportunities.
It highlights the priorities linked to Somerset’s distinctive economy, including agri-food and land stewardship, visitor and cultural sectors, low carbon energy, high-value manufacturing, digital and data, construction, transport and logistics and health and care, while also recognising the importance of essential skills, employability and work readiness in helping people move into and progress within local jobs.
David Crew, Somerset Chamber MD, said: “Somerset Chamber of Commerce is proud to help shape the 2026 Local Skills Improvement Plan, ensuring it reflects the real needs of businesses across the county.
“This plan sets out a shared commitment: to equip people with the skills they need, enable businesses to grow and compete and support a resilient, inclusive economy for Somerset. We look forward to continuing to work with partners across the system to turn these priorities into reality.”
Matt Tudge, Head of Skills at Business West, added: “Since their inception in 2021, the LSIPs have given employers a stronger voice in shaping local skills priorities. These reports are not an end point; they are a platform for continued action.
“Employers have been clear about the skills, behaviours and training access they need to grow, adapt and invest with confidence. Our role now is to help keep those conversations alive, strengthen collaboration across the system, and ensure local skills delivery continues to respond to real economic need.”
There are 39 LSIPs in England and 33 of them are run by Chambers of Commerce. They bring together businesses, education providers and other stakeholders in their areas to identify the skills needed to support local economies.
LSIPs have been running for four years and have engaged thousands of people and employers in the training and education that firms desperately need. This is the first LSIP dedicated solely to Somerset.
The Government has confirmed funding for a further three years, in a move welcomed by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC).
Kate Shoesmith, Director of Policy at the BCC, said: “This announcement will mean our employers and educators can continue to work together to provide the training young people need for the jobs of tomorrow.
“LSIPs have involved thousands of businesses, training providers and learners over the past four years, to deliver great employment outcomes because they think about what is needed in their locality.”
The full 2026 Somerset LSIP report can be found here.
For more information or to get involved, email lsip@somerset-chamber.co.uk.
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