Collaboration and communication is the key to unlocking the huge potential Somerset and the wider South West has to offer, according to the county’s business and economic leaders.
More than 120 business representatives attended a sold-out business breakfast held at Haynes Motor Museum, Sparkford, organised by Somerset Chamber of Commerce and pan-regional partnership the Great South West. 
They heard about the work of both the Chamber and the GSW to champion Somerset and the region both locally and in the corridors of Westminster, while a panel of local business people – Sarah Green, Managing Director, of Marston Foods, Becky Bevins, Head of Human Resources, at Numatic International, Clive Higgins, CEO of Leonardo UK, Sam Harper, Director of Planning at event sponsor Stantec and Cllr Mike Rigby, Lead Member for Economic Development Planning and Assets at Somerset Council – discussed the challenges and opportunities facing businesses in the county and wider South West.
They spoke about the county’s diverse economy – from defence and manufacturing to food production, engineering and low carbon energy projects.
Key to that success was working together for a stronger voice and focusing on the skills of the future workforce to ensure young people are fully engaged with the opportunities offered by the county’s businesses.
Somerset Chamber has been instrumental in shaping the future skills agenda through the Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP), working with employers and education providers to share knowledge about skills demands to ensure the county’s next generation leave school and college with the right qualifications to ensure Somerset’s economy thrives.
David Crew (pictured), Somerset Chamber Managing Director, said: “The Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) is central to delivering a skills agenda which is fit for both education providers and employers, as well as learners. It is crucial learners have the skills needed by our local businesses to enable firms to operate efficiently and effectively.
“As part of our commitment to LSIP, we are continuing to engage with businesses and education providers across Devon and Somerset to understand the ever-evolving economic and skills landscapes to ensure businesses have access to a skilled labour market equipped for the future of work.”
Retaining existing talent was also crucial to Somerset’s success as were good physical and technological links. Mr Crew said Somerset Chamber would continue to lobby for the best deal for the county locally and regionally, as well as nationally through the British Chambers of Commerce to ensure Somerset played its part in the Government’s newly published Industrial Strategy.
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.
