Businesses across Somerset continue to navigate a changing economic landscape while looking ahead to the opportunities and challenges that 2027 may bring, writes Somerset Chamber Managing Director, David Crew.
One of the most important roles Somerset Chamber can play is ensuring that the views and experiences of our business community are heard by those making decisions that affect our economy, infrastructure, workforce and future prosperity.
Over the coming weeks, we will be running a county-wide business survey called Somerset Voices in partnership with Chamber member, specialist business consultancy hgkc. It follows on from hgkc’s recent podcast series, Somerset Stories, with many of the county’s key business leaders.
The survey will explore the opportunities and challenges facing organisations across Somerset, providing valuable insight into issues such as recruitment, workforce skills, business confidence, investment, infrastructure, sustainability and growth. Whether you are a small business, a large employer, a charity, a public sector organisation or a growing entrepreneurial venture, your views matter.
The findings will not sit on a shelf. They will form the basis of a lobbying White Paper that Somerset Chamber will use in discussions with Government and other key stakeholders.
We want to create a comprehensive picture of the priorities, concerns and ambitions of businesses across the county. This evidence-based report will help inform conversations with local leaders, MPs, Government departments and other decision-makers who influence the future direction of Somerset.
The timing is particularly important. Discussions are continuing around proposals for a Wessex Strategic Authority and wider devolution opportunities that could bring additional powers and investment into the region. As these conversations develop, it is essential that Somerset businesses have a strong and unified voice. Decisions made over the coming years could have a lasting impact on transport, skills, housing, economic development and investment priorities.
Too often, policy is shaped without sufficient input from the businesses that create jobs, drive innovation and support local communities. Somerset Voices is an opportunity to change that. The stronger the response from businesses of all sizes and sectors, the stronger the evidence we can present on your behalf.
The survey takes jut fives minutes to complete and your contribution will help ensure the Chamber can continue to champion the issues that matter most to Somerset businesses and make the strongest possible case for investment and support where it is needed.
You can complete the survey here:
Somerset Voices The Voice of Business: Shaping the Future of Somerset – Fill out form
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.
