Thirty of Somerset’s most talented young professionals have been named in the inaugural Somerset Future 30, a new programme created by Somerset Chamber of Commerce to recognise the county’s emerging business and community leaders.
The initiative celebrates individuals aged under 30 who are already making a significant contribution to their organisation, industry or local community while demonstrating the potential to become future leaders within Somerset.
Following nominations from businesses and organisations across the county, an independent judging panel from sponsors Barclays, Elite Staffing Solutions, Yeovil College/NextGen, Hatched Agency and Stantec selected the final 30 from a strong field of entries representing a wide range of sectors. 
David Crew, Managing Director of Somerset Chamber of Commerce, said: “The quality of nominations received for the inaugural Somerset Future 30 was outstanding and highlighted the wealth of talent we have across Somerset.
“The individuals recognised this year have already demonstrated exceptional commitment, achievement and potential in their respective fields. They are making a positive impact within their organisations and helping to shape the future success of Somerset’s economy and communities.
“Congratulations to all 30 individuals who have earned their place in the Somerset Future 30. We look forward to celebrating their achievements and sharing their stories.”
The Somerset Future 30 for 2026 are:
Abi Bradley, Numatic International, Chard
Miles Broughton, Summerfield Developments, Taunton
Phoebe Coombes, Numatic International, Chard
Edward Dawtrey, Leonardo, Yeovil
Polly Farey, Katie Thomson Marketing, Hambridge
Jack Frampton, Queens College, Taunton
Emily Gordon, Simply Made Marketing, Somerton
Racheal Gould, Stephens Scown LLP, Taunton
Sam Harkness, Clarke Willmott, Taunton
Amber Hart, Leonardo, Yeovil
Bryony Hoddinott, Leonardo, Yeovil
Izzie Jobbins, Yeovil Art Space
Thomas McCullagh, Stephens Scown LLP, Taunton
Chelsea McMath, UCS College Group, Taunton
Michael Milburn, Numatic International, Chard
Ethan Mills, Dorset and Somerset Training Providers Network, Taunton
Alex Murphy, Young Somerset, Taunton
Shannon Nutkins, Lendology, Bradford-on-Tone
Kia Pearson, Stephens Scown LLP, Taunton
Ellice Pounder, Porter Dodson, Taunton
Lauren Whiteman, Weston College
Ryan Scott, SBX, Weston-super-Mare
Sam Speakman, Cardstream, Taunton
Quentin Taschini, Self-employed composer from Wells
Josh Wedderburn, FlowsMade, Bridgwater
Lauren Salter, Teapot Creative, Hambridge
Paige Whittaker, Dust Till Dawn Ltd, Yeovil
Luke Williams, AMS Nuclear Engineering Ltd, Bridgwater
Charlie Wright, Blackdown Financial, Taunton
Libby Young, Numatic International, Chard
The Somerset Future 30 will be honoured at a celebratory lunch at Somerset County Cricket Club on November 27, bringing together winners, sponsors, judges and business leaders from across the county.
Tickets for the event can be booked through the Somerset Chamber of Commerce website under the events listings section at www.somerset-chamber.co.uk.
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.
