Spark Somerset and the Somerset Chamber of Commerce have announced a new partnership to promote SkillShare – a project that connects local voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) groups across the county with professional support and expertise.
The partnership will make it easier for businesses across Somerset to share their time, skills, space, or resources with grassroots organisations that make a real difference in our communities. 
SkillShare matches offers of help with groups that need them – from professional expertise in areas such as marketing, HR, IT, finance, and web development, to mentoring, volunteering, providing meeting space, or donating equipment and other resources. The focus is on building lasting relationships that benefit both parties.
James Landamore, Head of Volunteering Development at Spark Somerset, said: “This project builds on the enthusiasm we saw at the Business and VCSE Leaders’ Forum we co-hosted with the Chamber in June, where fresh ideas, lively discussions, and new connections showed just how much potential there is when our sectors come together.
“We’re looking forward to continuing those conversations at the next meeting on Thursday January 29, in Ilminster, which will be another great opportunity for networking and collaboration.
“With SkillShare, groups and charities benefit from skills and resources they might otherwise struggle to access, while businesses can enhance their brand reputation, engage their employees, and make a real difference in their local area. It’s a win-win for our communities!”
David Crew, Somerset Chamber of Commerce Managing Director, said: “The Somerset Chamber business community is a great supporter of the county’s charity sector but all too often members are not always sure how best to match their professional skills and expertise with the right charitable cause.
“This exciting new partnership with Spark Somerset will provide that vital link between the business and charity sectors, enabling firms to deliver their CSR (corporate social responsibility) goals and helping charities to both continue and expand the great work they are already doing across the county.
“We have already been able to link businesses with charities following our very first Business and VCSE Leaders’ Forum which was held in Somerton in June and are looking forward to being able to share updates on the projects in due course.”
Spark Somerset and Somerset Chamber are inviting all Somerset businesses to get involved – whether or not they are Chamber members. Find out more on the dedicated SkillShare page on the Spark Somerset website and get in touch using the expression of interest form or by emailing james.landamore@sparksomerset.org.uk.
Booking details for the January forum can be found at https://www.somerset-chamber.co.uk/events/view/business-and-vcse-leaders-forum-27787/.
The Somerset VCFSE SkillShare project is supported by funding from the UK Government, provided through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Main photo: Katherine Nolan, Chief Executive of Spark Somerset and David Crew, Managing Director of Somerset Chamber of Commerce.
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