Somerset’s manufacturing and engineering sector is set to benefit from a strengthened partnership between Yeovil College, UCS College Group, and the Somerset Chamber of Commerce, who have confirmed they will work together to deliver a series of regular networking and knowledge‑sharing forums for industry leaders across the county.
The collaboration builds on the success of the Somerset Engineering and Manufacturing Forum, most recently launched at iAero in Yeovil, which brings together senior leaders from engineering and manufacturing businesses to network, share good practice, discuss sector challenges, and showcase Somerset’s world‑class industrial capability.
The forum is sponsored by Yeovil College and UCS College Group, delivered by Somerset Chamber of Commerce, and directly links to the South West Manufacturer Network giving Somerset’s manufacturers a regional platform and voice.
Taking place at key locations across Somerset — including leading innovation spaces such as Numatic International in Chard — the forums offer senior leaders the opportunity to see first‑hand the engineering excellence within the region, engage with industry peers, and strengthen Somerset’s profile as a centre for advanced manufacturing.
The forum is designed exclusively for senior-level leaders in engineering and manufacturing businesses, enabling them to:
The initiative represents a unified commitment from local education providers and the Chamber to support the sector’s growth and provide businesses with access to high‑quality learning, training, and leadership networks.
David Crew (pictured left), Managing Director of the Somerset Chamber of Commerce, said: “Somerset’s engineering and manufacturing businesses are at the heart of our regional economy. This sector represents 26,000 jobs and 17% of the total GVA of our county. Somerset is a proud engineering and manufacturing county.
“By teaming up with Yeovil College and UCS College Group, we’re creating a powerful platform that brings industry and education closer together. These regular forums will help leaders share insight, build meaningful partnerships, and champion the innovation that makes Somerset such a strong manufacturing hub.”
The next forum will take place at Numatic in Chard on Tuesday, April 21. Places can be booked here.
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.
