Somerset Chamber of Commerce has been appointed by North Somerset Council to deliver a new 12-month programme designed to support local construction businesses to access opportunities linked to the Epic Systems campus development in Long Ashton.
The programme will map construction capability across North Somerset, identify local suppliers with the potential to bid for upcoming work packages and provide targeted support to help businesses become contract ready. 
It will also ensure that hyper local firms in and around Long Ashton are at the forefront from the outset of the project.
Somerset Chamber will begin engagement immediately, working with construction SMEs, micros and sole traders across the district. Businesses will be encouraged to register on the Chamber’s Somerset Supply Chain portal.
The portal is a free platform that connects suppliers with Tier 1 and Tier 2 contractors and provides updates on opportunities, workshops and readiness support. The scope of the portal will widen as more local projects are confirmed.
For the Epic contract, a focused supplier group will be set up to help shape the early stages of the programme. The group will bring together representatives from local construction businesses to provide insight and ensure the programme reflects real experiences and challenges within the sector.
David Crew, Managing Director of Somerset Chamber of Commerce, said: “The Epic Systems development represents a major opportunity for local businesses. This programme will help ensure that North Somerset’s construction sector is visible, informed and ready to benefit from the work ahead.
“It’s also the first step for Somerset Chamber to establish the Somerset Supply Chain portal as the region’s most valuable tool to link local businesses with contract opportunities on other, future schemes helping them to grow while boosting local economic growth.”
Cllr Mark Canniford, Cabinet Member for Sustainable Places at North Somerset Council, said: “This is an important first step in helping local businesses prepare for future growth opportunities across the region as a result of the Epic development and we ask our local businesses to take advantage of the opportunities that will arise from Epic settling in North Somerset.
“I’m pleased that Somerset Chamber of Commerce will use their experience and local knowledge to map and analyse the commercial and supplier landscape so we can identify and prepare local businesses and suppliers for future success.
“The wider package of support in the coming year will be especially valuable for sole traders, microbusinesses and smaller firms, helping them prepare for future phases and commercial opportunities both within the Epic project and across the wider regional construction sector.”
Businesses interested in taking part or learning more can register, free-of-charge online at www.somersetsupplychain.co.uk, or for further information, contact Sam Orchard, Supply Chain Engagement Lead, by emailing supplychain@somerset-chamber.co.uk.
Pictured above is the team behind the Somerset Supply Chain who will deliver the Epic supplier support programme for North Somerset Council, from left, Nathan Mode, Supply Chain Research Lead, David Crew, Managing Director of Somerset Chamber of Commerce, and Sam Orchard, Supply Chain Engagement Lead.
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