Hinkley Point C: Building a Somerset Legacy 18 | FEATURE

The Official Magazine of Somerset Chamber of Commerce

August / September 2017

6 | CHAMBER NEWS New manager appointed for Hinkley Supply Chain Team 10 | FOCUS ON: MARKETING & PR Chamber Members discuss elements of their sector 32 | BUSINESS NEWS Citizens rights following Brexit Creating opportunities Get in touch to to connect – stimulating find out how we business growth for Somerset can help your business grow Become a member today - membership packages starting from as little as £150 per year

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CONTENTS

First Word 4 Patron News 5 Chamber News 6-9 Focus On 10-11 Members Area 12-17 Feature 18-21 #WellConnected 22-23 The Big Interview 24-25 18 | FEATURE Members News 26-31 HINKLEY - A SOMERSET LEGACY Business News 32-33 Town Chamber News 34

5 | PATRON NEWS 10 | FOCUS ON Disclaimer

The views expressed in this magazine are 34 | TOWN not necessarily those of the Chamber. This CHAMBER publication (or any part thereof) may not be NEWS reproduced, transmitted or stored in print or electronic format (including, but not limited to, any online service, any database or any part of the internet), or in any other format in any media whatsoever, without the 12 | MEMBERS AREA prior written permission of the publisher. Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information contained in the magazine, Somerset Chamber do not accept any responsibility for any omissions or inaccuracies it contains.

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Get in touch FIRST WORD Marketing Scarlett Scott-Collins Marketing Supervisor We all live in what appears to be an ever-increasing paced life, with technology at the heart of change. If you look at the number of T: 01823 444924 years certain products took to gain 50 million users, it was 62 years E: [email protected] for cars, 12 years for mobile phones and Twitter just under 2 years. This will, no doubt, continue to accelerate. Membership So, sometimes it is good to get off the treadmill and reflect on what has been achieved. For the Chamber, the last 12 months have seen us Alistair Tudor re-defines ourselves in terms of our brand, our vision, our objectives, Membership Sales Manager our values, how we communicate, and I thank my growing team for T: 01823 444924 | M: 07912 054195 their efforts in helping us to develop to benefit our members and E: [email protected] Somerset. Our members now employ over 30,000 staff, compared to 22,000 just over 12 months ago, which includes our growing network of affiliated town chambers. Events Also I remember back in May 2016 there were only a few hundred Loren Gray working at Hinkley Point C. Today the site bears little resemblance, Events Manager with good progress being made and approaching 2,000 workers on site. Whilst many opportunities have and will be presented to South T: 01823 444924 | M: 07821 950379 E: [email protected] West businesses, we recognise the impact the project will have on the local and wider economy of Somerset, and as such we will Brooke Gilbertson continue to work to mitigate them to create a positive legacy. Advanced Business & Administration Apprentice

I would encourage all Somerset businesses who have not entered T: 01823 444924 the Somerset Business Awards so far to do so before the deadline E: [email protected] of 21st August. I am looking forward to the Awards evening on the 20th October, which promises to be another highlight of the Somerset business calendar. Hinkley Supply Chain

Chris Langdon Hinkley Supply Chain Project Lead Dale Edwards T: 01823 443425 | M: 07771 791736 CHIEF EXECUTIVE E: [email protected] Sam Evans Hinkley Supply Chain Business Engagement Manager OUR PATRONS T: 01823 443425 | M: 07525 809274 E: [email protected] Contact us to find out what benefits Alan Windsor Somerset Chamber Patrons receive. Hinkley Supply Chain Data Coordinator T: 01823 443425 T: 01823 444924 E: [email protected] E: [email protected]

General Enquiries T: 01823 444924

E: [email protected] First 5 PATRON NEWS A-Plant Wins Hire Get in touch Somerset Patronage announcement Company of the Year Weston College is an Ofsted Dale Edwards, Chief Executive of Award outstanding college of further and Somerset Chamber of Commerce, higher education in Weston-super-Mare, commented, “I am thrilled to welcome A-Plant was recognised as the providing education and vocational Weston College as the latest Patron Plant, Tool & Equipment Hire training to nearly 30,000 learners across to Somerset Chamber of Commerce, Company of the Year (over the South West and nationally. which has an excellent reputation. £10million turnover) at the The College and the Chamber share The College is regarded as one of the prestigious Hire Association Europe the same passion for providing the top FE colleges in the UK and won (HAE), Hire Awards of Excellence. facilities and environment to develop both “College of the Year” and “Overall our future talent in order to help Further Education Provider of the create a vibrant Somerset economy, Year” at the 2015 Times Educational particularly as we currently have a Supplement Further Education Awards. skills and labour shortage in Somerset The College’s higher education and the South West. We look forward provision, University Centre Weston to working in partnership with the has recently been award a Gold college over many years to come.” rating following the national Teaching The College is entering an exciting Excellence Framework (TEF), which phase as we invest in new skills CEO at A-Plant, Sat Dhaiwal places the College in the top 20% training provision for law and commented, “We are extremely of university providers in the UK. In professional services, health, proud to win Plant, Tool & September 2017, the College will be construction and civil engineering. Equipment Hire Company of the opening a new Law and Professional Our patronage with Somerset Year at the HAE Awards. The HAE Services Academy in the historic Chamber will offer new partnership does a lot of important work for Winter Gardens in Weston. opportunities for the College and we our industry so to win this award Dave Crew, Director of Business look forward to hearing the latest from them is a fantastic honour Growth, said, “We are delighted to member news, supporting Chamber for A-Plant. What’s more it is great become a Patron of the Somerset events and sharing our successes”. recognition for the hard work our Chamber of Commerce as we feel it’s people put in day in and day out, as extremely important to be part of the such this award belongs to them.” business community across Somerset. Sat continued, “In the last 12 months Weston College has strong relationships we’ve continued with a period with employers across the region, of significant growth, our service providing a highly-skilled workforce for centre network has grown, we’ve industry and by strengthening our links employed more people and we’ve in Somerset through the Chamber, we invested record breaking levels in will continue to develop partnerships new equipment and services so our with employers. customers can hire the youngest, safest and most environmentally efficient equipment available.” Defence Minister Visits Leonardo Helicopters

Minister for Defence Procurement and supporting small and medium Harriett Baldwin visited Leonardo enterprises (SMEs) in the supply chain, Helicopters in Yeovil 3rd July to many of which are in the South West. hear how Ministry of Defence (MOD) During her visit, Mrs Baldwin was research and industrial partnerships briefed on the progress being made on with Leonardo are supporting UK jobs, the second phase of a jointly-funded exports, and rotorcraft capability. £8 million Rotary Wing Unmanned The visit also marked a year of the Air System (RWUAS) concept innovative Strategic Partnering demonstrator; cross-Government efforts Arrangement between Leonardo to support the export of the AW159 and Helicopters and the MOD, which lays AW101 helicopters; and company plans out shared commitments to cost for continuous improvement and to Minister for Defence Procurement, Harriett effectiveness, jobs, and exports, underpin design engineering capabilities Baldwin, with Marcus Fysh, Yeovil MP; Daniele recognising the key role both that are vital to ensuring the continued Romiti, Managing Director, Leonardo Helicopters; parties play in building national safety and airworthiness of the MOD’s John Ponsonby, UK Managing Director, Leonardo Helicopters and members of the team working prosperity through exports, sustaining Merlin, Wildcat, Apache and Sea King on the Rotary Wing Unmanned Air System employment and specialist skills, helicopter fleets. concept demonstrator.

SOMERSET VOICE | THE MAGAZINE OF SOMERSET CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017 First 6

CHAMBER NEWS Somerset business leaders gather for annual Chamber dinner

Around fifty of the county’s leading business world. business people gathered in Taunton Instead he has on Thursday 15 June for the annual created a bottom- Business Leaders’ Dinner, organised by up process, Somerset Chamber of Commerce. so the people dealing with the Held at the Castle Hotel, the event is customers have one of the highlights of the Chamber’s the tools that events calendar, attracting many of enable them Somerset’s most successful businesses to change the and biggest employers. It provides an systems and opportunity for the county’s influential procedures within business people to network over dinner, the business. as well as getting an update from the This not only Chamber on key business issues. helps staff to Chamber Chief Executive, Dale feel valued and Edwards, reviewed some of the empowered, but highlights of the past year, including also means they Somerset Chamber’s successful re- are consistently accreditation to the British Chambers For, recognised as one of the LSE’s evolving as a business. This, he says, is of Commerce; the influencing work 1000 Companies To Inspire Europe, key to creating an agile and dynamic that has been undertaken with key and receiving a Queen’s Award for business, able to best serve the needs members of the government such Enterprise in Innovation – the highest of the modern customer. as Business Secretary Greg Clark; official UK award for a British business. EDF Energy was the sponsor of this the ‘green light’ for the Hinkley Point While Jeremy remarked that he had year’s Business Leaders’ Dinner. Chris C project; and the launch of a new never seen so much uncertainty and Squires, the company’s Lead Supply Business Manifesto for Somerset. volatility across so many different Chain Engagement Manager for He referenced the new Somerset industries as there is today, he does Hinkley Point C, summarised the work Chamber logo, which was introduced not believe the economic climate is that has been done with Somerset following a review of the Chamber’s the main risk to business at this time. Chamber and other partners over vision and values by the internal team. Rather, he feels the single biggest the past seven years to help local He also mentioned the introduction threat is understanding the digital businesses get involved in the project. of new Chamber communication revolution and the phenomenon of the He said it fills him with an enormous channels this year, as well as a number modern day customer, saying: “I truly sense of pride when he goes on site of new additions to the Chamber staff believe that unless we get a grip of the and sees so many local businesses – a team that continues to grow, with digital revolution and understand what involved in the project. However, he plans to recruit another apprentice in the modern day customer wants, they said work is only just starting on the the near future. will destroy businesses and possibly heavy civil engineering part of the even bring down industries. construction, so there are years of Following the meal, guest speaker activities ahead where local businesses Jeremy Hyams, founder and CEO of “I need to evolve my business can still be involved in the project. Claims Consortium Group, addressed fast enough to keep up with the the room, sharing his experience technological advances and all the Somerset Chamber of Commerce is and views following over 25 years extra demands from the customer that one of only five accredited Chambers in business. Having started out as the digital revolution brings. I need in the South West and 52 in the whole sole trader in 1991, he has grown the to stop another company coming in of the UK. It works closely with the business organically and now has four and disenfranchising my services, British Chambers of Commerce to offices (two in Somerset), over 300 Uberfying me, and making me make sure Somerset businesses stay staff and a £45million turnover. Jeremy irrelevant.” well connected at both a local and and his team have won numerous national level, and that the voices of Jeremy outlined his belief that the prestigious awards and accreditations, the Somerset business community are traditional hierarchy structure for including being listed in The Sunday heard at all levels of government. business doesn’t work in this fast-paced Times Top 100 Companies To Work

SOMERSET VOICE | THE MAGAZINE OF SOMERSET CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017 7 CHAMBER NEWS

New manager for Hinkley Supply Chain Team

Sam joined the Hinkley Supply Chain Team in January 2014 Somerset Chamber and has been instrumental in developing the local supply Chief Executive, Dale chain database for the Hinkley Point C project, which now Edwards, added, comprises more than 3,800 Somerset and South West “Sam’s experience businesses. and skills have grown considerably over the Her promotion will see her taking on a more senior last 18 months and operational role and will include the line management of her promotion to the the existing Hinkley Supply Chain Team, as well as a new senior management apprentice currently being recruited. team of the Chamber Commenting on her promotion, Sam said, “It’s really good is well deserved. to be acknowledged for the hard work and commitment I The Chamber is have put in over the last three years, and to be given the committed to opportunity to grow with the project. I’m particularly looking developing its staff forward to the work we’re now delivering through the for the benefit of LEP-supported Hinkley Supply Chain Programme, working its members and with SWMAS and Business West, to help local businesses commercial strategic understand, prepare for and win business within the supply partners, and I look forward to chain for Hinkley Point C. This is a huge project, right here on growing the team further over the coming years.” our doorstep, and we want to help as many local businesses The Somerset Chamber of Commerce manages the Hinkley as possible take full advantage of it.” supply chain portal for the South West and is the first point Chris Langdon, the Project Lead for the Hinkley Supply of contact for Somerset and South West businesses wishing Chain Team, said, “I am delighted to see Sam’s career to engage in the construction of the nuclear new build progress. She has earned the respect of many suppliers and project. For information on registration, work packages and stakeholders with her knowledge of the project and her much more, visit www.hinkleysupplychain.co.uk. enthusiasm to ensure effective supplier engagement. She has also built strong relationships with the key people from EDF Energy, Tier 1 contractors and suppliers.”

Somerset Chamber offers members boardroom for free hour hire

Somerset Chamber of Commerce are pleased to announce we will now be offering use of our boardroom to members free of charge. Located on the Blackbrook Business Park just off Junction 25, the conveniently located Equity House is available to Somerset Chamber members who wish to hold short meetings for up to an hour at a Taunton venue.

The Chamber hope that this will be another tangible benefit to our members of all sizes, and will provide further opportunity to have better engagement with members.

For meetings lasting longer than one hour, the boardroom, which holds 12 people comfortably, remains available to members for half-day hire at £50 + VAT, and full day at £100 + VAT. Non-member rates available on request.

To book a slot, please call the office line on 01823 444924 or email [email protected]. All bookings are subject to availability and terms and conditions.

We look forward to seeing you! 8 CHAMBER NEWS

The Benefits of Work Experience for Students

This summer, Somerset Chamber of Commerce welcomed Amelia Crowther, a bright university student seeking work experience within a local SME. Amelia, 21, spent a week at Equity House in Taunton, meeting and getting to know staff and members, in a bid to gain some knowledge in what the real ‘world of work’ is like, outside the lecture hall. Amelia shadowed all departments throughout her stay, including Chief Executive, Dale Edwards, as he visited members and attended meetings and networking events. At the end of her time at the Chamber, Amelia wrote a short piece about the value of work experience; this is what she had to say.

Having just finished my second year studying Geography at the University of Leeds, with a long summer ahead, organising work experience during this time was top of my list. It is widely known that gaining experience in the professional business world whilst still in education gives valuable insight to what working life is really like. An obvious value of work experience is the opportunity it gives students to build up their CVs and improve on a range existing skills learnt at school and university, such as time management and organisation, in turn making them more employable. During my time at the Chamber I created a LinkedIn profile and connected with everyone who I had met, this is a huge benefit as students can start building up a profile of networks and contacts. It is the perfect chance to be introduced to multiple departments and grasp their different roles within the company, whilst also being given responsibility to perform tasks. I believe the main benefit to students is the opportunity it gives to discover an engaging field of work which you may not have given previous thought to.

C elebr atin g 5 y ea this O c tober 9 CHAMBER NEWS Celebrity host announced for Somerset Business Awards 2017

National television personality, Alex Lovell, has been confirmed as the celebrity host of this year’s Somerset Business Awards, returning for the second time.

As a familiar face across the nation’s TV screens, Alex will host this year’s Awards evening with an anticipated audience of 400 VIP guests, announcing each of the 14 Award winners. With many years of experience across a wide variety of television programs from ‘BBC Points West’ to ‘The Bill’, Alex brings knowledge, charisma and kudos to the Somerset Business Awards for 2017.

Commenting on her involvement, Alex says, “I’m really delighted to have been asked to host the Somerset Business Awards for another year. The range of businesses in Somerset is incredible. We hear of world renowned family firms that have been running for several generations and the industrial, mechanical and medical innovations that are born here. It’s really important to recognise best practise, innovation and ambition in new and established businesses”

Dale Edwards, Chief Executive of the Somerset Chamber of Commerce – organisers of the Awards – adds, “It is a great honour to welcome Alex back to present for a second year. The celebratory evening is a time of celebration and success, and we are thrilled that Alex can join us again to commend Somerset’s vibrant business portfolio. The Somerset Business Awards are open for entries and we look forward to another record-breaking year.”

Now in its 13th year, the Somerset Business Awards attract a wide variety of entrants from all sectors within the Somerset business community. This year’s Awards ceremony will be held on Friday 20th October 2017 at Wellsprings Leisure Centre in Taunton – where over 400 guests come together to celebrate the outstanding business in Somerset.

The Awards officially opened for entries on 1st June 2017 and will close on Monday 21st August 2017, at midday. For entry details and to apply online please visit: www.somersetbusinessawards.org.uk.

The Somerset Business Awards is active on Twitter, please follow @SomBizAwards for all the latest news and updates with #SBA2017.

For more information about Alex Lovell, please visit: www.alexlovell.com.

SOMERSET VOICE | THE MAGAZINE OF SOMERSET CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017 10

FOCUS ON: MARKETING & PR Sponsorship – more than just a logo?

Many organisations are regularly about the number of appearances at campaigns, creating competitions, and approached to get involved with events or wearing branded apparel, sharing content that is interesting and sponsorship opportunities, so it’s and whilst it is important to get these relevant will mean your business gets important to make sure that businesses elements agreed, the best sponsorships a share of online conversations and an understand how to identify the right are partnerships – a team who are opportunity to boost engagement. partnerships and leverage the best committed to getting the best from As sponsorship agreements are return on investment. The most their relationship and have a clear activated, take time to regularly check beneficial sponsorships work best understanding of how they are working that the activity taking place meets the when both parties work together for together. objectives originally set out and the the success of each other, rather than Social media channels are increasingly agreed key messages are still current simply publishing a logo on a website important today as traditional and relevant. or email signature. advertising mediums are replaced by For more information about When looking at sponsorship options, peer to peer reviews. Many “fans” or ADPR, please visit: www.adpr.co.uk it’s critical to remain focused on followers are likely to be active across or call us: 01460 241641 your target audience and what you social networks, so delivering targeted are trying to achieve. From brand positioning to targeting new sales environments, increasing social media engagement to highlighting corporate social responsibility, understanding how your business will connect and engage with the audience is critical.

For each and every sponsorship proposal and agreement you receive, it’s important to review these in detail and if it’s something of interest, negotiate hard to secure the elements which matter most to your business. First and foremost, discuss and agree how you will measure success. Sponsorships are more than transactional agreements

(Left) Helly Hansen, (Above) Mark Lloyd and Helly Hansen

SOMERSET VOICE | THE MAGAZINE OF SOMERSET CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017 11 FOCUS ON: MARKETING & PR

Marketing in a mobile world

The marketing world is running every second lost in mobile page to keep up with the changes in load can drop your conversion rate consumer behaviour, with big search by up to 20%. It is not hard to see engines like Google and Bing fuelling the potential problem if your website expectations. And just in case you is not fully optimised for speed and record visitor’s movements so hadn’t heard, Bing has jumped back and user experience. The evidence you can see if the flow and user on the ‘VERY IMPORTANT’ list again is all pointing to a heightening of experience is right. as it is now powering Siri and Edge brand expectation; we are becoming The importance of mobile has been voice searches - predicted to be the intolerant of websites that don’t fulfil made even clearer by Google’s next game changer in search engine our expectations, those that seem recent announcement. Sometime in optimisation work. not to care about their visitor; it has 2018, Google will switch to a mobile- become personal. Google’s clever algorithms and first index. For the first time, Google massive databases are second will determine rankings based on thinking our every move. Put in a What can you do? the quality of the mobile version search query into Google and it will of your site instead of the desktop predict from your browsing history 89% of people are likely to version. A new Googlebot will crawl just what you may want; and they recommend a brand after a your mobile site and determine if will be localised to you because your positive experience on mobile. its performance, content and user phone or tablet has told Google experience are up to scratch. If it Number one rule is to be honest where you are in the world! fails, other sites will be higher ranked. about your website. Is it really as Even if you’re not focusing on mobile good as it might be? When was the you will still be judged by your So what does this mean last time you checked your site’s mobile site, so now is the time to for your company? download speed and performance take action. or ventured into your Google and According to Google Insights Bing analytics to see where your Good marketing is all based around Research (March 2017), internet visitors are coming from, and how? It understanding what your customers users are now 36% more likely to use is all there, the information that will want, so be brave and view your site a smartphone when they look for make your site effective is waiting for with fresh eyes and meet the mobile availability of an item in a local store, you. There are even free programs challenges of today – it will help your than just a year ago. Add to that, that will test the speed of your site bottom line tomorrow.

Understanding the Customer

Do you really know who your then it is likely that the advertising customers are? agency is not communicating with you as you are not their target You may not know them personally, but market. They have done their your marketing, this is information it is an important and often overlooked research getting to understand their to share with them, so you get an element of strategic marketing. I ask client’s customer, as it is vital to their effective result. this question often in my work with client’s success and saves wasting clients, not as bluntly as this perhaps, client’s money on communicating Marketers use different research to but I always want to be 100% confident with people or businesses they don’t help understand customers, but a that they have really explored and want to sell to. team brainstorm asking a number truly understand who their current of straight questions about each By really understanding who your and potential customers are, and what customer type, is a simple but customers are and how to best motivates these customers to engage effective start point (B2B and B2C). engage with them and reach them with a business. After all, how can you I am known to use the stickman saves time and marketing budget, really tell if your website, advertising or diagram to generate a visual of the supporting business growth, but social media, for example really work to customer type in some detail with it doesn’t stop there. Transfer their fullest potential? the team, creating a visual picture, this greater understanding by listing interests and motivational checking your marketing tools details together with marketing tools (website, branding, social marketing, Have you ever wondered why an that fit with this customer type. advert doesn’t make sense to you? advertising and so on) communicate effectively to these customers Don’t forget to include your The wording used doesn’t make in a language or route that they customer’s customer too. Your sense and turns you off, and the understand and for comfortable with! business success may rest on this imagery is not too your taste. If so, If you engage agencies to deliver end customer being kept happy! 12

BRITISH CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE NEWS

BRITISH CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE MONTHLY ECONOMIC REVIEW AUGUST 2017

Monthly headlines: • UK GDP growth up slightly in Q2, boosted by stronger service sector output Chart 1: UK Real GDP Growth • Inflation slows in June, while the UK jobs market goes1. 5from strength to strength 4

Chart1.0 1: UK Real GDP Growth • IMF downgrades its UK growth forecast as latest1.5 BCC QES points to subdued economic4 activity2 0.5 % %

1.0 th Chart 1: UK Real GDP Growth 2 0 th UK GDP growth subdued in Q2... 0.0 Grow

0.5 1.5 4 Grow % Q4 Q2 Q4 Q2 Q4 Q2 Q4 Q2 Q2 Q4 Q2 Q4 Q2 Q4 Q2 Q4 Q2 Q2 Q4 Q2 Q4 %

th -0.5 -2

0 th

The first official estimate for Q2 2017 GDP growth revealed that GDP GDP 20 13 20 14 20 14 20 15 20 15 20 16 20 16 20 17 20 09 20 09 20 10 20 10 20 11 20 11 20 12 20 12 20 13 20 07 20 07 20 08 20 08

0.0 1.0 y 2 Grow -1.0 Grow Q4 Q2 Q4 Q2 Q4 Q2 Q4 Q2 Q2 Q4 Q2 Q4 Q2 Q4 Q2 Q4 Q2 the UK economy grew by 0.3% in Q2 2017, up slightly from the Q2 Q4 Q2 Q4 Quarterly GDP growth -0.5 0.5 -2 -4 % % Annual GDP

growth of 0.2% recorded in Q1 but less than half the pace of growth GDP Quarterl

th Annual GDP growth

-1.5 20 13 20 14 20 14 20 15 20 15 20 16 20 16 20 17 20 09 20 09 20 10 20 10 20 11 20 11 20 12 20 12 20 13 20 07 20 07 20 08 20 08

y 0 th -1.0 0.0 recorded at the end of 2016 (see Chart 1). UK economic output Quarterly GDP growth -4 -6 Grow

-2.0 Grow Q4 Q2 Q4 Q2 Q4 Q2 Q4 Q2 Q2 Q4 Q2 Q4 Q2 Q4 Q2 Q4 Q2 Q2 Q4 Q2 Q4 Annual

is currently 9% above its pre-recession peak. The UK economy Quarterl -1.5 -0.5 Annual GDP growth -2 GDP GDP 20 13 20 14 20 14 20 15 20 15 20 16 20 16 20 17 20 09 20 09 20 10 20 10 20 11 20 11 20 12 20 12 20 13 -2.5 20 07 20 07 20 08 20 08 -8 remains on track to grow by around 1.5% this year, which if realised y -6 -2.0 -1.0 would be the weakest rate of growth since 2012. Overall, the first Quarterly GDP growth -4 Source: ONS preliminary GDP estimate, Q2 2017Annual estimate of UK GDP growth for the second quarter of 2017 provides-2.5 Quarterl -1.5 Annual GDP -8growth -6 further evidence that the UK economy is treading water. -2.0 Chart 2: Domestic Sales Source: ONS preliminary GDP estimate, Q2 2017 60 -2.5 -8

Chart 2: Domestic Sales Source: ONS preliminary GDP estimate, Q2 2017 60 40

40 20 Chart 2: Domestic Sales ...mirroring the latest QES… e 60 nc

la The results of the Q2 2017 Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) 20 0

07 07 08 08 09 09 10 10 11 11 12 12 13 13 14 14 15 15 16 16 17 . The e pointed to sluggish growth in the second quarter of 2017 % Ba 40 nc 2Q 4Q 2Q 4Q 2Q 4Q 2Q 4Q 2Q 4Q 2Q 4Q 2Q 4Q 2Q 4Q 2Q 4Q 2Q 4Q 2Q

la balance of firms in the service sector reporting increasing domestic 0 -20

07 07 08 08 20 09 09 10 10 11 11 12 12 13 13 14 14 15 15 16 16 17 sales fell from +22 to +19 (see Chart 2). In the manufacturing sector, % Ba Services 2Q 4Q 2Q 4Q 2Q 4Q 2Q 4Q 2Q 4Q 2Q 4Q 2Q 4Q 2Q 4Q 2Q 4Q 2Q 4Q 2Q e -40 the balance of firms reporting rising domestic sales held steady at -20 nc Manufacturing la 0 +20. The latest balances show a continued pick-up in export activity Services 07 07 08 08 09 09 10 10 11 11 12 12 13 13 14 14 15 15 16 16 17 -40 % Ba -60 for both service sector firms and manufacturers. The survey also 2Q 4Q 2Q 4Q 2Q 4Q 2Q 4Q 2Q 4Q Ma2Q nufact4Q 2Q uring4Q 2Q 4Q 2Q 4Q 2Q 4Q 2Q -20 Source: BCC QES, Q2recorded 2017 steady business confidence in the second quarter, but that -60 Services rising cost pressures remain a key concern. -40 Source: BCC QES, Q2 2017Ma nufacturing Chart 3: UK GDP by Sector, Q2 vs Q1 2017 -60 1.5 ...as the services sector dominates... Source: BCC QES, Q2 2017 Chart 3: UK GDP by Sector, Q2 vs Q1 2017 Q1 2017 Q2 2017 The first estimate of UK GDP shows that economic growth 1.5 1.0 remains unbalanced, with the service sector accounting for all of

Q1% 2017 Q2 2017 1.0 0.5 Chart 3: UK GDP by Sector, Q2 vs Q1 2017 the growth recorded in Q2. The service sector – which accounts th 1.5 for over three quarters of UK economic output – grew by 0.5% Grow % 0.5 y in Q2 2017, up from the 0.1% recorded in the previous quarter th 0.0 1.0 Q1 2017 Q2 2017 (see Chart 3). In contrast, industrial production and the Grow Quarterl y 0.0 construction sectors were a slight drag on growth in Q2 with % -0.5 0.5

th output falling by 0.4% and 0.9% respectively. Output from the Quarterl agriculture sector rose by 0.6% over the same period. -0.5 Grow y -1.0 0.0 Production Services ConstructionAgriculture

Source: ONS Preliminary GDP estimate, Q2 2017 -1.0 Quarterl Chart 4: Retail Sales Production-0.5 Services ConstructionAgriculture 2.5 Source: ONS Preliminary GDP estimate, Q2 2017 2 ...boosted by higher output from the retail sector… -1.0 1.5 UK retail sales rose byProd uc0.6%tion in JuneServices 2017 as theConst warmerructionA weathergriculture

% 1 helped boost sales of summer clothing.Source: In ONS annual Preliminar termsy GDP es tisalesmate, Q2 were 2017 0.5 up by 2.9%. On a quarterly basis, retail sales increased by 1.5% in change 0 m

/3 Q2 2017, compared to a drop of 1.4% in the previous quarter Q2 -0.5 Q2 7 Q2 7 Q4 8 Q2 8 Q4 9 Q4 0 Q2 0 Q4 1 Q2 1 Q4 2 Q2 2 Q4 3 Q2 3 Q4 4 Q2 4 Q4 5 Q2 5 Q4 6 Q2 6 Q4 3m (see Chart 4). Average store price growth in annual terms slowed 200 200 200 200 20 09 200 201 201 201 201 201 201 201 201 201 201 201 201 201 201 -1 20 17 to 2.7% in June, from 3.2% in the previous month. Despite the -1.5 recent improvement, trading conditions in the retail sector are -2 expected to become more challenging in the coming months as -2.5 Source: ONS Retail Sales, June 2017 . rising inflation dampens consumer spending

Chart 5: UK Full Time and Part Time Employment 250

200

150

100 s 50 000'

0 12 13 14 15 16 13 14 15 16 17 Jul-12 Jul-13 Jul-14 -50 Jul-15 Jul-16 Jan- Jan- Jan- Jan- Jan- Oct- Oct- Oct- Oct- Oct- Apr-12 Apr-13 Apr-14 Apr-17 Apr-15 Apr-16

-100 Full me Part me

-150

Source: ONS labour market data, July 2017

Chart 6: CPI inflation 6

5 4 %

e t

a r

n 3 o i t a l f

n i 2

l a u n

n 1 A

0 Jun- Jun- Jun- Jun- Jun- Jun- Jun- Jun- Jun- Jun- Jun- Jun- Jun- Jun- Jun- Jun- Jun- -1 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 CPI Inflation BoE Inflation Target

Source: ONS Consumer Price Inflation data, June 2017

Chart 7: Public Sector Debt as a % of GDP

100

% 60

20 9 4 9 4 1 1 6 6 02 97 17 12 07 00 05 10 15 03 98 13 08 r- r- r- r- b-04 b-99 b-14 b-09 ug-1 ug-0 ug-0 ug-1 Ap Ap Oct- Ap Oct- Ap Oct- Oct- Jun- Jun- Jun- Jun- Jun- Fe Fe Fe Fe A A A Dec-0 Dec-9 A Dec-1 Dec-0

Source: ONS Public finances data, June 2017

Chart 4: Retail Sales 2.5 Chart 4: Retail Sales 2 2.5 1.5 2

% 1 1.5 Chart 4: Retail Sales 2.5 0.5 % 1 change 2 0 0.5 m /3 change Q2 1.5 -0.5 Q2 7 Q2 7 Q4 8 Q2 8 Q4 9 Q4 0 Q2 0 Q4 1 Q2 1 Q4 2 Q2 2 Q4 3 Q2 3 Q4 4 Q2 4 Q4 5 Q2 5 Q4 6 Q2 6 Q4 0 3m m % /3 200 200 200 200 20 09 200 201 201 201 201 201 201 201 201 201 201 201 201 201 201 1 -1 20 17 Q2 -0.5 Q2 7 Q2 7 Q4 8 Q2 8 Q4 9 Q4 0 Q2 0 Q4 1 Q2 1 Q4 2 Q2 2 Q4 3 Q2 3 Q4 4 Q2 4 Q4 5 Q2 5 Q4 6 Q2 6 Q4 3m 0.5 -1.5 200 200 200 200 20 09 200 201 201 201 201 201 201 201 201 201 201 201 201 201 201 -1 20 17 change 0

m -2 -1.5 /3 Q2 -0.5 Q2 7 Q2 7 Q4 8 Q2 8 Q4 -2.5 9 Q4 0 Q2 0 Q4 1 Q2 1 Q4 2 Q2 2 Q4 3 Q2 3 Q4 4 Q2 4 Q4 5 Q2 5 Q4 6 Q2 6 Q4 -2 3m Source: ONS Retail Sales, June 2017 200 200 200 200 20 09 200 201 201 201 201 201 201 201 201 201 201 201 201 201 201 -1 20 17 -2.5 Source: ONS Retail Sales, June 2017 -1.5 -2 Chart 5: UK Full Time and Part Time Employment 250 13 -2.5 BRITISH CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE NEWS Source: ONS Retail Sales, June 2017 Chart 5: UK Full Time and Part Time Employment 250 200

200 150 Chart 5: UK Full Time and Part Time Employment …UK labour market remains resilient... 150 250 100 s In the three months to May 2017, UK employment rose by 175,000,100 200 50 000' mainly driven by a 133,000 rise in the number of full time workerss 50 150 0 000' 12 13 14 15 16 13 14 (see Chart 5). UK unemployment dropped by 64,000 over the 15 16 17 Jul-12 Jul-13 Jul-14 0 -50 Jul-15 Jul-16 Jan- Jan- 100 Jan- Jan- Jan- Oct- Oct- Oct- Oct- Oct- Apr-12 Apr-13 Apr-14 Apr-17 same period. These figures suggest the UK’s jobs market is edging Apr-15 Apr-16 12 13 14 15 16 13 14 15 16 17 s Jul-12 Jul-13 Jul-14 -50 -100 Jul-15 Jul-16 Jan- Jan- 50 Jan- Jan- Jan- Oct- Oct- Oct- Oct- Oct- Apr-12 Apr-13 Apr-14 Apr-17 closer to full capacity. UK labour market conditions may start to Apr-15 Full meApr-16 Part me 000' moderate over the coming months as uncertainty over the-1 impact00 0 -150 Full me Part me 12 13 14 15 16 13 14 of Brexit and the burden of upfront business costs takes its toll 15 16 17 -150 Jul-12 Jul-13 Jul-14 -50 Jul-15 Jul-16 Jan- Jan- Jan- Jan- Jan- Oct- Oct- Oct- Oct- Oct- Apr-12 Apr-13 Apr-14 Apr-17 on jobs growth. However, the UK jobs market is likely to remain a Source:Apr-15 ONS labour maApr-16 rket data, July 2017 source of strength for the UK economy. -100 Source: ONS labourFull m maerketPart dat ma, eJuly 2017 Chart 6: CPI inflation -150 6 Chart 6: CPI inflation Source: ONS labour market data, July 2017 6 5 …while inflation slows… 5 4 %

t Chart 6: CPI inflation

6 r UK CPI inflation stood at 2.6% in June 2017, down from the 2.9% 4 % n 3 o e i t t rise recorded in the previous month, but is still above the Bank a a r l

5 f n

3 n i

o 2

i l of England’s 2% inflation target(see Chart 6). Falling fuel prices t a a l u f

4 n % n were the main driver behind the fall in the inflation rate last month. i

2 n

e 1 A t a

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Fuel prices dropped by 1.1% in June 2017, the fourth successive n

n 3 n

1 o i A 0 t Jun- Jun- Jun- Jun- Jun- Jun- Jun- Jun- Jun- Jun- Jun- Jun- Jun- Jun- monthlyJun- Jun- Jun- decline. While inflation is likely to resume its upward trend a l

n i

2 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

0 l in the coming months, there is some evidence that inflationary Jun- Jun- Jun- Jun- Jun- Jun- Jun- Jun- Jun- Jun- Jun- Jun- Jun- Jun- Jun- Jun- Jun-

a -1

u n n 01 02 03 04 05 1 06 07 08 09 10 11 CPI 12 Inflatio13 n 14 15 16 17 BoE Inflation Targetpressures in the supply chain are starting to ease. If this trend -1 A continues inflation is likely to peak sooner rather than later. CPI Inflation BoESour Inflationce: ONS Tar Consuget mer Price Inflation data, June 2017 0 Jun- Jun- Jun- Jun- Jun- Jun- Jun- Jun- Jun- Jun- Jun- Jun- Jun- Jun- Jun- Jun- Jun-

Sour01 ce: ONS02 03 Consu04 me05 r Pric06 e Infl07 ation08 data09 , June10 201711 12 13 14 15 16 17 -1 Chart 7: Public Sector Debt as a % of GDP CPI Inflation BoE Inflation Target Chart 7: Public100 Sector Debt as a % of GDP …it still weakens the UK public Sourfinances…ce: ONS Consumer Price Inflation data, June 2017 100 90 Public-sector borrowing (excluding public-sector banks) showed a 90 80 Chart 7: Public Sector Debt as a % of GDP deficit of £6.9 billion in June, £2 billion higher than in June 2016.The 100 increase was due to recent rises in inflation pushing up the 80cost of 70 index-linked bonds for the government. Between April and June70 90

% 60 2017, public sector net borrowing was £1.9 billion higher than in the 80

% 60 same period in the previous financial year. Public sector net debt 50 70 stood at 87.4% of GDP in June 2017, almost three times pre-crisis50 40 levels (see chart 7). With the slowing UK economy likely to weaken % 60 40 30 tax revenues, deficit reduction is expected to prove the increasingly 50 difficult over the near term. 30 20 9 4 9 4 1 1 6 6 02 97 17 12 07 00 05 10 15 03 98 13 08 r- r- r- r- b-04 b-99 b-14 20 40 b-09 ug-1 ug-0 ug-0 ug-1 Ap Ap Oct- Ap Oct- Ap Oct- Oct- Jun- Jun- Jun- Jun- Jun- 9 4 9 4 1 1 6 6 Fe Fe Fe Fe A A A Dec-0 Dec-9 A Dec-1 Dec-0 97 02 17 12 00 07 05 10 15 98 03 13 08 r- r- r- r- b-99 b-04 b-14 30 b-09 ug-1 ug-0 ug-0 ug-1 Ap Oct- Ap Ap Oct- Ap Oct- Oct- Jun- Jun- Jun- Jun- Jun- Fe Fe Fe Fe A A A Dec-9 Dec-0 A Dec-1 Chart 8: UK Exports vs Imports Dec-0 6.0 Source: ONS Public finances data, June 2017 20 9 4 9 4 1 1 6 6 02 97 17 12 07 00 05 10 15 03 98 13 5.0 Source: ONS Public finances data, June 208 017 r- r- r- r- b-04 b-99 b-14 b-09 ug-1 ug-0 ug-0 ug-1 Ap Ap Oct- Ap Oct- Ap Oct- Oct- Jun- Jun- Jun- Jun- Jun- Fe Fe Fe Fe A A A Dec-0 Dec-9 A Dec-1 ...as UK’s trade deficit widens further... Dec-0 4.0 % The UK trade deficit in goods and services was £3.1 billion in May nths Source: ONS Public finances data, June 2017 3.0 2017, a widening of £1 billion from April. In the three months to the 3 mo 2.0 end of May, the deficit widened to £8.9 billion, from £6.9 billion.

1.0 The widening in the deficit was driven by a 1.0% rise in imports, which was only partly offset by a 0.5% increase in exports over the 0.0 Dec-1 Jan- Fe Ma Ap Ma Jun- Jul- Aug- Sep- Oct- Nov-1 Dec-1 Jan- Fe Ma Ap Ma same period (see Chart 8). There remains little evidence that the b-16 b-17 r- r- r-1 y-16 r-1 y-17 16 16 17 16 16 16 17 16 16 6 7 -1.0 5 6 6 drop in the value of sterling since the EU referendum is providing a net boost to UK exporters. That said, with economic conditions Imports Exports in key trading markets improving, we forecast that UK exports will

Sources: ONS UK trade data, May 2017 grow by 3.1% this year, up from 1.8% in 2016.

Bottom line: Overall, the latest data suggest that UK economic conditions are becoming more challenging. It is therefore vital that as well as reaching a comprehensive agreement with the EU, longstanding domestic issues, including the multitude of upfront business costs that continue to undermine the UK’s long-term growth prospects, are addressed.

SOMERSET VOICE | THE MAGAZINE OF SOMERSET CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017 14 MEMBERS AREA

MEMBERS AREA: UPCOMING EVENTS

Wednesday Tuesday

Annual Charity Annual Bank of Golf Day 16 England Breakfast 5 August September We are delighted to welcome Join us for our Annual breakfast golfers of all levels to our 11th with the Bank of England, joined by Annual golf day, this year in aid of chamber members Geoff Harding Deputy agent for the South West who reminiscence learning. The day comprises of a relaxed will provide a summary of the bank’s views on the golfing tournament followed by a two course dinner, prospects for the British economy over the next two auction and raffle with the aim of raising much to three years. needed funds for the chosen charity. Time: 07.30 – 9.30 Time: 10.00 – 20.00 Venue: Cooper Associates County Ground, Taunton Venue: Taunton Pickeridge Golf Course Cost: £20.00 (members) £40.00 (non-members) Cost: £60 per golfer £240 per team of four (breakfast and dinner included) Sponsored by In association with

Sponsored by Main Sponsors

In association with

SOMERSET VOICE | THE MAGAZINE OF SOMERSET CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017 16 MEMBERS AREA

New Members

Welcome to our newest members of the Somerset Chamber.

Queenswood Natural Foods Haynes International Motor Museum Prioryfield House Food & Drink Leisure and Tourism Office Services Ms Lisa Jones T: 01278 726613 Miss Wendy Birch T: 01963 442783 Mrs Louise Walker T: 01823 323363 E: [email protected] www.haynesmotormuseum.com www.prioryfield-house.co.uk E: [email protected] E: [email protected] Sancom Services Property Services CBS Precast Manufacturing Superduper PR Co Mr John Compton M: 07824 506091 Manufacture Marketing / PR E: [email protected] Ms Chris Jarrett T: 01275 874508 Miss Caroline Balmforth T: 0800 083 3093 cbsprecastconcrete.co.uk www.superduperpr.co Bidfood E: [email protected] E: [email protected] Food & Drink Mr Richard Carswell T: 01752 897535 Learn Direct Dispute Resolution Service www.bidfood.co.uk Skills and Training Business Consultancy E: [email protected] Mr Peter Best M: 07733 315017 Mr Peter d’Ambrumenil T: 01278 723016 www.learndirect.com E: [email protected] bmi regional E: [email protected] Hotel and Tourism Journey4 Business Mr David Bond M: 07980 704488 Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance Consultancy www.flybmi.com Charity Mr Stuart Pearce M: 07917 532001 E: [email protected] Mr Bill Sivewright T: 01823 669604 www.journey4.co.uk www.dsairambulance.org.uk E: [email protected] Hinkley Point Training Agency E: [email protected] Skills and Training Level Up (South West) Ltd Mr Neil England M: 07732 712446 Lanes Hotel Business Consultancy hinkleytraining.co.uk Hotel and Tourism Mr Graeme Crosbie T: 01458 253 366 E: [email protected] Mr Tim Turner T: 01935 862555 www.levelupsouthwest.co.uk www.laneshotel.net E: [email protected] Glastonbury Chamber of Comm. E: [email protected] Chambers Howards Group Mr Chris Marshall T: 01458 835678 Juice Recruitment Ltd Transport glastonburychamber.co.uk Recruitment Mr Simon Jones T: 01823 273420 E: [email protected] Miss Jenny Gray T: 01225 447870 www.howardsgroup.co.uk www.juicerecruitment.com E: [email protected] WSP Group Ltd E: [email protected] Construction 3 Generations Ltd Mrs Hannah Goodenough M: 07958 488533 Cohesion Consultants Leisure and Tourism E: [email protected] Business Consultancy Mr Nick Ridgment M: 07889 011644 Mr Daniel Abbott T: 0333 0124602 E: [email protected] Somerset Sight www.cohesionconsultants.co.uk Charity E: [email protected] Miss Holly Sutton T: 01823 333818 www.somersetsight.org.uk Vibe Telecom E: [email protected] ICT Mr Richard Fella T: 01278 420956 Devon & Somerset Law Society www.vibetelecom.co.uk Law E: [email protected] Mr Tony Steiner T: 01392 366444 www.dasls.com E: [email protected]

For more information on Somerset Chamber membership and what we can do for your business, please contact Alistair Tudor, Membership Sales Manager on 01823 444924 or email [email protected]

SOMERSET VOICE | THE MAGAZINE OF SOMERSET CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017 17

Latest Member to Member Profile Member Offers

As a member of Somerset Chamber, all member business employees are able to take advantage of our great range of member to member offers. To post your own offer or to view all our member to member offers, visit www.somersetchamber.co.uk/membership

10% 30% DISCOUNT DISCOUNT Name: Wendy Birch

Company: Haynes International Motor Museum A H Warren Ashtree Job Title: Conference & Hospitality Manager Trust Group Resourcing Ltd Tell us about your business The Museum boasts one of the top conference Chamber members will Ashtree Resourcing is and hospitality venues in the South West. The receive a 10% discount at offering a 30% discount flexible, purpose built air conditioned rooms the Lower Coombe Garage. on the first assignment. can accommodate as little as 10 guests, up to Call 01460 279594 Call 01278 741096 a maximum of 200 banquet and 300 theatre style. Add to this the unique opportunity of hiring exhibition space within the Museum as well as the landscaped external areas and you can begin to understand the versatility of our truly exceptional facilities. 10% 10% What makes you special? DISCOUNT DISCOUNT The experience, professionalism and friendliness of the team make us special. Our people just make things happen. The Channel Harriet team inspire, they go the extra mile and we Group Brine continually strive to be the best that we can be. Rare I know, but it’s true. 10% reduction on all 10% discount on Tell us something that our members won’t know Channel Adventure all products and and Channel Training services for Somerset Yes, we have state of the art conference and products, and more. Chamber members. hospitality facilities, but we are also a motor

museum. You can get married amongst the Call 0845 0833000 Call 07468 515858 cars! We have two licenced areas for civil ceremonies, one in the American Dreams Exhibition and the other outside in the terraced area at the front of the museum.

And, did you know that all catering is provided in-house? Local produce, freshly cooked, with 10% FREE menus to suit all type of functions and budgets; DISCOUNT WASTE AUDIT from canapés to wedding breakfasts and gala dinners, our chef Dave and his team pride TelePA Viridor themselves on delivering simply stunning food. What is the driving force behind your business? 10% discount on Somerset Chamber We share a really positive culture and we are management fees for 12 members receive a encouraged to take real ownership of our job months for all Somerset free waste audit roles. Whether we work in Venue Hire, the Chamber members. from Viridor Workshop and Restoration Centre, Reception Call 01749 685600 Call 0345 300307 and Museum Shop, Café 750, the Collections Department, as part of the Support Services team or as a Volunteer, we are incredibly well supported by the Senior Executive Team and empowered to go the extra mile. SOMERSET VOICE | THE MAGAZINE OF SOMERSET CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017 18

FEATURE Hinkley Point C: Building a Somerset Legacy Inspiring Somerset

EDF Energy’s Nuclear New Build ‘Inspire’ Education Programme is preparing young people in Somerset for the opportunities that will arrive with the construction and operation of a new nuclear power station at Hinkley Point C (HPC) in Somerset. The HPC Project will require skilled workers with a good foundation in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects.

The programme began in the autumn term of 2011 and aims to inspire young people to continue to study STEM subjects - building a sustainable legacy for the future through a pipeline from education to skills and into future long-term employment.

This infographic demonstrates some great facts for the programme on its activities between August 2016 and February 2017.

115 410 9,361 education education pupils institutions professional engaged* *Figures captured between engaged* engaged* September 2016 and February 2017

Challenge for Women

The HPC Inspire programme recently teamed up with Bridgwater and Taunton College to deliver the latest Challenge for Women Programme, which aims to inspire girls in Bridgwater and the surrounding area into STEM related careers. The programme is designed to allow female students to learn about construction and engineering industries, aiming to encouraging women into these careers.

This year saw a group of female students return to the college for their 3rd year to ‘Build a Bungalow’. Their visit was also only days away from International Women’s Day and they gave their time to tell us what they were going to do this year to be #boldforchange.

“I feel it is so important to stand up for inequality, not just in construction but also in general, we need to celebrate men and women.” Rhianna Tester 19 FEATURE

B F G

Construction Update

A: Installation of Temporary Jetty H The construction of the temporary jetty is progressing well with the installation of 4 piles and cross-heads to date.

B: Permanent Aggregate Store The permanent aggregate store has been completed. This is where the materials used to produce concrete on site will be stored once delivered by the jetty. E

C: Spray Concrete Batching Plant To the west of the site a smaller, specialist D concrete batching plant produces spray concrete. This will be used to aid ground stability, particularly the sides of the excavations.

D: Southern Landscaping Area Southern landscaping is well underway. Planting in the eastern corner will commence in this year’s planting season.

E: On-site Accommodation Campus The platform for the on-site accommodation G: Main Excavation Works campus has been completed. The team has now This area is where main excavation works are taking mobilised to site to begin construction of the place and where the reactor buildings will stand modular buildings. once construction is complete.

F: Construction of the East Office H: Green Lane The East office is now being constructed on site Green Lane is an ecologically protected area of to provide further office space for operation the site. This will be preserved throughout the teams on site. It will have 700 desk spaces and a construction and operation of HPC. large canteen.

SOMERSET VOICE | THE MAGAZINE OF SOMERSET CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017 20 FEATURE

Somerset Infrastructure Alliance

As part of Hinkley Point C’s drive to support local businesses bidding for contracts, a number of joint ventures have been formed. One, led by Skanska with two local businesses partners, R K Bell Group Ltd and Forest Traffic Management Limited, are the Somerset Infrastructure Alliance.

In addition to the main site itself the Hinkley Point C Project includes a number of associated developments, which are key to the project’s success. With specialist skills the Somerset Infrastructure Alliance will operate on many of these off site developments as well as future opportunities on-site throughout the life time of the project.

Read below about R K Bell Group, one of the local providers involved with the Somerset Infrastructure Alliance.

CASE STUDY – RK Bell Group

R K Bell Group (Bell Group) is a family-run Bridgwater based At Hinkley Point C upskilling the local workforces is a priority at construction business. Delivering specialist Infrastructure, every stage, for both EDF Energy and its contract partners alike: civil engineering, surfacing, plant hire and waste facilities “It is a real pleasure to be involved in a project which will enable throughout the south west and south Wales, their skills are an us to upskill our employees. The knowledge gained through the integral part of the Hinkley Point C team. process to the business is, and has been, invaluable.” Nick Bell, Currently Bell Group is working on the Bridgwater road Managing Director of R K Bell Group Ltd. improvement project at Wylds Road and The Drove, as well as Extending our overall focus on education, skills and training, providing supporting roles on other off site projects. Focus for and apprenticeship schemes are a perfect way for people of the alliance will continually evolve over the life of the project. a range of all ages and backgrounds to retrain and build their future careers.

“As a business we have adopted apprenticeship schemes and taken on a significant number of employees. Should you wish to get involved, please do get in contact with our HR and Training manager Jo Smith- [email protected].” Nick Bell, Managing Director of R K Bell Group Ltd.

For more information about R K Bell Group Ltd or the services it provides, visit the website at www.rkbell.com. 21 FEATURE

“It was a fantastic day when we learned we were successful” According to the Chinese proverb, “a journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step”.

That sentiment seems appropriate to company history, spending millions on almost 200 new describe the moment the very first piece vehicles for its fleet, much of that dedicated to Hinkley Point C. of earth was removed at Hinkley Point C “This is a serious outlay and investment for Plantforce,” – the first action marking a construction says Geoff. “But given Hinkley is now such a significant process that will take close to 10 years to part of our total turnover it’s entirely justified and a sign of strength both of our standing in the plant hire market complete at a cost of almost £18 billion. and towards the Hinkley Point C project. As well as the clear direct commercial benefits of “I’m very proud to say it was one of our excavators working on Hinkley, the stringent rules around health that dug that very first trench at the site some six years and safety have also made Plantforce, which employs ago,” says Geoff Wyatt, project manager for Tier 2 about 80 people on the site, reassess the entire way it Contractor Plantforce. “We’ve come a long way since looks at operations. those early days, although there’s still an incredibly “Whilst we have of course always had a focus on health long road to go.” and safety, working at Hinkley Point C has taken us to a Plantforce was formed in 1999 and was originally based whole new level,” explains Geoff. in Yatton, North Somerset, although the firm has now relocated its main headquarters into Weston-super-Mare.

In addition the company, which supplies everything from self-drive mini diggers all the way up to 52-tonne excavators and everything in between, has depots in Exeter and, more recently, Bridgwater at Junction 23 of the M5, just 30 minutes from HPC.

“Hinkley is easily the largest construction project the South West has ever seen and, as a local company, as soon as it was confirmed as going ahead we just knew it was something we had to be involved with,” says Geoff.

“It was a fantastic day when we learned we were successful, and from that very first day we’ve now been “Plantforce has six years’ on-site experience in the on site for six years.” nuclear industry, with a dedicated on-site health and As well as registering on the Hinkley Supply Chain safety officer. website, Plantforce’s team also embedded itself into the “Beyond Hinkley Point C we have embedded the health business community in and around the site, attending and safety lessons learned at the site into our entire seminars and networking events held by Somerset company, which makes us a stronger proposition when Chamber of Commerce and forging relationships with responding to other construction invitations to tender.” other contractors. Sticking with the theme of business development, “Business isn’t just about numbers and figures,” Geoff says the mere fact Plantforce is connected to continues Geoff, “it’s about meeting actual people the Hinkley Point C project is a huge growth-driver, and building trust between you and them, and we did adding: “Hinkley Point C is the biggest construction everything we possibly could to raise our profile.” project in Europe, and Plantforce is proud to supply An example of that trust is illustrated by Plantforce kit to the very prestigious development and it’s a making the biggest purchase of new equipment in its great addition to our portfolio.”

SOMERSET VOICE | THE MAGAZINE OF SOMERSET CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017 22

#WELL CONNECTED

Business to Business Yeovil Business Leaders Dinner

p Garry Ford, Latcham Direct Limited; Julie Grant, Blueloop Ltd

p Dale Edwards, Somerset Chamber; Chris Squires, EDF; Jeremy Hyams, Claims Consortium Group; Jamie Driver, EDF Energy; Greg Saunders, Clarke Willmott

p Maria O’Sullivan, ADS Distribution Ltd; Penny Smillie, SS&L

p Business Leaders Jon Beake Wessex, RFCA; Chris Maddox, Bridges Electrical Engineers Ltd

p David Woan, Yeovil Chamber; Will Tozer, ITEC; Nick Parsons, ITEC; Dale Edwards, Somerset Chamber

SOMERSET VOICE | THE MAGAZINE OF SOMERSET CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017 23 #WELL CONNECTED

Summer BBQ TWEETS

@chambersomerset

Big thanks 2Somerset Chamber 4hosting a wonderful summer BBQ last night @KarenMorledgePR @dale_scoc @scarlett_scoc @alistair_scoc #burgers @ActionCoachSW

We had a great time at the #B2B dinner in #Yeovil this week. Well organised and we met a lot of new contacts, thanks everyone for coming! @ItecUK

The Annual Somerset Chamber Business Leaders Dinner went down a storm last night. Thanks to @jeremy_hyams for speaking and all who attended. @chambersomerset

p Lucy Partridge, Barclays; Loren Gray, Somerset Chamber; Rachael Brannagan, Wessex RFCA; Wendy Birch, Haynes Motor Museum A great #networking event organised by #Somerset Chamber @events_ scoc. @Costgard pleased to be there. Great photo @alistair_scoc @costgarduk

@dale_scoc @alistair_scoc – thanks for a great evening. Exciting times ahead. @davewoan

SOMERSET VOICE | THE MAGAZINE OF SOMERSET CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017 24 THE BIG INTERVIEW An Interview with… Jackie Eades is CEO of Briers Ltd and Pignut.

Jackie Eades is CEO of Briers Ltd, which she founded with her husband in 1999. Located in Wincanton, Briers has grown to become an award-winning and internationally successful designer, distributer and manufacturer specialising in gardening gloves, outdoor footwear and garden giftware. Jackie is also a co-founder of the countryside-inspired interiors and fashion brand Pignut, which launched earlier this year.

Jackie was born and grew up in Salisbury before moving to Dorset in 2000, and then Somerset in 2008. She is mother to two boys aged 21 and 14, and enjoys spending any spare time she has at home with her family.

What did you want to be when you grew up? My generation wasn’t particularly aspirational – you tended to think that you’d be a nurse or a hairdresser or a secretary. We weren’t really encouraged to have big aspirations. When I was at school I thought my best career option was to marry Donny Osmond! I mean, what could go wrong with that plan?

What was your first job? What inspired/prompted you to create Briers Ltd? When I first left school I went to work for a bank and then an insurance company. Then an When I had my first child, I found that retail and motherhood opportunity arose for me to go and work for didn’t combine terribly well. That’s when I had another The Body Shop when it opened in Salisbury significant opportunity, when a friend of mine who was a so I worked there for a while as an assistant bookkeeper had a job she was giving up, so I went and got manager before ending up managing the the job and did a crash course in being a bookkeeper. That store. At one point it was the seventh most was an amazing point in my life because I’d always had quite successful Body Shop branch in the UK. It was a financial brain but having the opportunity to really get when I started working for The Body Shop into management accounts and get involved in a production that I really found something I loved doing. facility where I could make luggage and accessories was an amazing step. But I reached a point where although I was Anita Roddick was an amazing inspiration doing a lot for the company, I was still very much on the – the fact that she was confident enough to same level as the other women in the business who were do business her own way and didn’t conform working as PAs. My husband came back from China with to what men around her expected her to some gardening gloves and asked whether I thought we do. She was very purposeful with how she could do something with them and I thought, why not? wanted her business to be run, and also very What could go wrong? So again, just another opportunity encouraging to anybody working for her who and I went for it. Business is all about seizing opportunities. wanted to progress in their careers. She was There’s no such thing as luck – you make your own luck. very supportive and you started to believe in what you could actually do.

SOMERSET VOICE | THE MAGAZINE OF SOMERSET CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017 25

To what do you attribute the success of the company? I’m very driven. You don’t get anywhere without that drive because there are times when you just seem to have problem after problem and rejection after rejection, and you need to pick yourself up, dust yourself down and get on with it. You can’t give in to circumstances and it’s that ability to keep yourself motivated and carry on through adversity that separates out the people that succeed.

In some ways it’s difficult and in others it’s easier to work with your husband. You both get it and you both support each other, but there’s no getting away from the company. It’s not as simple as shutting the office door and going home. Work comes home with us both.

What has been the most important lesson learned in setting up your own business? What do you believe makes your You have to take opportunities in life and don’t be company unique? frightened to push yourself or to try something new. It’s having our own identity with how our products look, keeping the brand identity unique and crisp. That’s actually a big investment programme for us at the moment – we are very much focused on What was your vision at the outset? remaining true to how we should look and feel. It’s also down to the people in the company. We take At the time I wanted to grow a global brand but I was care to maintain a really talented team, and they juggling that with motherhood. When the kids were naturally bring enthusiasm and quality to everything small, our main aim was to work for ourselves and they do. have a business that would sustain that. To achieve those things you have to be focused on positivity, It’s really important for me to maintain the level of cash flow and brand building, so by doing things passion throughout the company as well, because correctly you end up growing the brand anyway. people buy into that. It’s a passionate culture we have managed to build, without a doubt.

How do you go about maintaining your company culture? Particularly at management level, everybody needs to reflect the same values. The trouble is, life happens – you can have the right team but anyone can get hit by a bad set of personal circumstances so you can never be complacent. You must always be aware of what is happening with the team, ensuring that they feel supported, and you always have to be aware of where the next weak spot is likely to be.

What is the best advice Do you have any hidden talents/hobbies? you have ever been given? I don’t really have time for that, to be honest! I have a couple of cats that I absolutely adore. I’m very traditional, I love cooking and being with my You don’t have a company family. It sounds boring really but I’ve always believed you have to work without a good cash flow! hard at your hobbies and passions in order to be successful.

SOMERSET VOICE | THE MAGAZINE OF SOMERSET CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017 26

MEMBER NEWS Air-Seal Products providing a solution for the Royal Mail Group

Local company Air-Seal Products Ltd is the UK’s premier Supporting their needs and saving them money by reducing tyre sealant supplier who became the sole supplier to the their tyre related downtime, and through preventing Royal Mail in October 2010. Initially a three-year deal which punctures and tyre pressure loss, increased fuel economy extended in 2015 and have now been awarded continuous and reduced CO2 emissions. There is no doubt a correctly sole supplier status since their recent privatisation. maintained tyre is made safer with our quality tyre sealant installed. The company supply its heavy-duty tyre sealant to the Royal Mail which has one of the largest van and truck fleets in the “We are delighted that the deal is continuing into the UK. After an initial roll-out period they now treat over 48,000 foreseeable future and we are excited to see where the Royal Mail Group delivery vans and have made savings of partnership takes us moving forward.” over 30% on their tyre cost since using the tyre sealants and Air-Seal Products is based in Wellington and provides a also state that roadside tyre related breakdowns have been unique range of eco friendly tyre sealants that are able reduced by over 70%. to treat machinery and vehicles for both on and off road Managing Director Alex Burnand says “Air-Seal Products environments. The company has been established for over play a major part in the Royal Mail Group tyre management seventeen years and exports to over to thirty different and that has been well proven over the past seven years. countries worldwide.

32 Local Businesses Raise £1,000 for Hangers Heroes at Beach Volleyball Extravaganza

More than 200 local business people dressed in feathers, masks and glitter descended on Weymouth’s sands on Thursday 27th July to battle it out in a beach volleyball contest like no other.

The annual event, which is organised by Battens Solicitors and is now in its 10th year, saw 32 teams of six players from local businesses embrace a carnival theme and take to the court to help raise £1,000 for charity. local causes – a phenomenal achievement anyone who has After a fun-filled evening of back-to-back matches, New ever taken part can be proud of.” Look emerged triumphant, just pipping fellow finalists, BPL Battens Solicitors, which also has its own charitable Solicitors to the post. foundation, is an ardent supporter of community events. Matt Board, of New Look said: Funds raised from this year’s tournament will be donated to Hangers Heroes which raises money for local charities through “New Look have supported the Battens event and its good their Heroes Challenge Walk/Run, being their main event, with causes since it started. We’re proud to have finally won, other fundraising events organised whenever possible. especially in the 10th anniversary year. Both teams had a great night and as always there was a great atmosphere off Businesses that took part in the Battens Volleyball the court too mixing with all the local business teams”. Tournament 2017, included Active Fitness Club, Agincare, Albert Goodman, ASM,BPL Solicitors, Carpets Select, Lou Bird, Marketing Manager at Battens Solicitors said: Conceptai, Dorset County Council, Dorset Echo, FGP “Today’s certainly been one to remember. We wanted to Systems, Freeman Baker, GJ Owens Electrical Contractors, mark the tenth anniversary of Battens’ Volleyball Tournament Goadsby, Nantes, New Look, Old Mill, Parkers Estate Agents, by doing things a little differently, so we asked teams to Redlands Community Sports Hub, Royal Air Force, Spirare, nominate charities close to their hearts, and drew the Symonds & Sampson, The Pet Experience, Weymouth winning charity’s name on the day. It worked really well. The Civil Service Sports Council, Weymouth Family Church, atmosphere’s been electric, and I’m thrilled to say that now, Weymouth Lifeboat and Weymouth & Portland National since this tournament began in 2008, it’s raised £10,000 for Sailing Academy.

SOMERSET VOICE | THE MAGAZINE OF SOMERSET CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017 27 MEMBER NEWS

Green light for Coal Orchard plans

PLANS to regenerate one of Taunton’s prime riverside Cllr Mark Edwards, Executive Councillor for Business quarters have been given outline approval by Taunton Deane Development said: “I am delighted that these plans for the Borough Council’s planning committee. Coal Orchard have been approved bringing us a step closer to the creation of a fantastic riverside space for Taunton. Members agreed to implement the outline proposals They are the result of careful consideration of a number of developed with the Council’s consultation partner, the Mace unique aspects, and points taken into account through a Group, at a meeting in Deane House last night. comprehensive consultation process.” The development respects the special character of Coal Cllr Roger Habgood, Executive Councillor for Planning Orchard with its wealth of niche, independent shops, and will Policy and Transportation, said: “These approved outline bring new vitality to the area putting the River Tone at the plans for Coal Orchard clearly reflect our Garden Town status heart of Taunton. striking a balance between retaining our character and The outline proposals include a mixed development of wonderful environment, and our growth aspirations that will housing, workspace, restaurants and retail. Better access to make Taunton more prosperous in the future.” the river is also planned along with careful consideration of Further discussions will take place with interested parties as flood defences. part of the work in drawing up detailed plans that will come St James Street Pool will be demolished but key features will back to planning committee as reserved matters in be retained in the development – for example the historic due course. foundation stone. The proposals for Coal Orchard are a vital link in the chain of The area around the Brewhouse will also be protected for a wider ‘Rethink’ of Taunton Town Centre which includes the potential expansion of the theatre as unveiled last week. regeneration of Firepool with a unifying theme that puts the If the ambitious proposals receive backing the revitalised River at the heart of the Town. theatre would feature an enlarged auditorium and a range of spaces such as studios, cinema and gallery, while making the Find out more at: www.taunton.uk.com/ most of the river frontage and creating the potential for pop-up performances, markets and events. regeneration/tauntonrethink.htm 28 MEMBER NEWS

School in a Bag’s Home Farm Fest

Home Farm Fest, the charity music With the changes festival we hold at our School in a Bag from last year and the HQ in Chilthorne Domer, Somerset growth in popularity and the biggest annual fundraiser for of Home Farm Fest, the charity, has once again smashed numbers were also its previous year’s fundraising total higher over the coming in at just over £72,700 – even weekend, including if the windy conditions tried its hardest the most ever amount to scupper the music! of caravans, camper vans and tents! Not Last year’s festival raised £60,000 so only that, but with the upward trend of raising more each the seven stages in year for School in a Bag continues – total, there were 139 and it has now raised a total of over different acts on over £325,000 in its 12 year history. the weekend – 43 This year again a few changes were more than last year and a 45% increase goers, traders and volunteers alike and made to the layout of the festival site, on the amount of music and other acts the feedback we get each year is just even introducing a sixth main stage, on offer! brilliant – I still find it hard to believe the Anderson Dance Tent, as well just 12 years ago it was one stage with as a smaller Busk Stop on the new three bands over one evening!” Village Green area. There was also Zoë Fox, Events & Marketing Manager the introduction of e-ticketing, and for School in a Bag and Home Farm one of the most sort after items, the Fest Organiser said: “We did have a plastic Collector’s Cup – a pint-sized testing time on the Saturday afternoon special edition Home Farm Fest 12 cup with gusts of wind reaching up to which allowed for refilling, which had 46mph that meant halting proceedings sold out by Saturday lunchtime! These on our main stage for an hour and a alongside the e-tickets, helped reduce half, but thanks to a lot of teamwork, the amount of paper and waste used the bands affected being amazing, and during the festival. the wind finally subsiding, we were Once again there was an international Luke Simon, Founder & CEO of back on track! football match, England v Scotland School in a Bag and Home Farm Adding: “With the festival getting World Cup Qualifier, which was shown Fest organiser, said: “Once again bigger, it means relying on more and to an enthusiastic crowd shown on the we are bowled over by the festival’s more volunteers and we are so lucky big screen, the ever-popular Silent Disco success and how much it has raised! to have such a brilliant team who help was back with the introduction of a We watched as the ticket orders from setting everything up, being here children’s one as well which went down came in, and surpassed last year’s by over the festival weekend and then very well, and thanks to Steve at Yeovil a considerable amount. In my role as helping tidy up afterwards. We’re only Press, there was even the first edition one of the Poo Patrol team, although a small team who run the charity and of Home Farm Fest Press – a brilliant it may not seem a glamorous job, it organise the festival, so we are truly round-up of what was on including does mean I get to see the whole site grateful for all the help we receive. interviews with some of the bands! regularly, and also chat to festival We’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who helps, from all the musicians who play for free, the sound engineers and stage managers, PlayArt who give up their time to help entertain all the children, the bar staff for pulling more pints than ever before, and the huge number of other volunteers as all this effort amounts to thousands being raised for School in a Bag.”

Planning has already begun for Home Farm Fest 13 and it’s hoped that the upward trend will still continue in the forthcoming years – especially with no Glastonbury Festival next year, who knows where locals especially will turn to instead… For now though, School in a Bag is able to prosper from the gain and put it towards helping even more children gain an education through its SchoolBag initiative. 29 MEMBER NEWS

Preston Primary children sweep the board In Pardoes’ Yeovil Show competition

Children from Preston Primary School dominated a colouring competition run by Yeovil-based Pardoes Solicitors in the run up to, and at, the Yeovil Show winning first and second prizes in both the 0-8 year old and 9-13 year old categories.

There was also a ‘double’ with brother and sister Jamie and Sophie Lawrence submitting the winning entry in both the 0-8 year old category and the 9-13 year old category, winning family tickets to Buckham Fair, together with a photograph with Martin Clunes & sweet treats.

7 year old Sophia Bazley and 6 year old Amber Plowman were joint second In the 0-8 year old category, whilst 9 year old Mya Butcher came second in the 9-13 year old category, winning Buckham Fair T-shirts for the family and sweet treats.

Jamie and Sophie’s Mum said “I was absolutely delighted when I heard that both Sophie and Jamie had won the drawing/ colouring competition run by Pardoes Solicitors. They both spent a lot of time and put a lot of effort into their entries and were both very pleased with their finished pictures. This is lovely news that they have p Back row Chris Palucsis and Catherine Murton from Pardoes. Front row 0-8 year won and I know they will be thrilled and will winner Jamie Lawrence and joint second Amber Plowman and Sophia Bazley at look forward to their day at Buckham Fair.” Preston Primary.

Catherine Murton, a Partner based in Pardoes Yeovil office, who presented the prizes at Preston Primary’s end of term assembly commented “ We had great fun judging the entries – the children had obviously put a huge effort into their colouring and it was a challenging task selecting the winners”. p Sophie Lawrence with her winner’s p Jamie Lawrence with his winner’s certificate and Catherine Murton, certificate and Catherine Murton, Pardoes Partner at Preston Primary Pardoes Partner at Preston Primary

SOMERSET VOICE | THE MAGAZINE OF SOMERSET CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017 30 MEMBER NEWS

HAPPY 150TH BIRTHDAY WINCANTON RACECOURSE Wincanton Racecourse is commemorating 150 years of racing in Somerset and enjoys its official 150th birthday this week.

Throughout the 2017/ 2018 season, which starts on Huw Williams, General Manager of Friday, 20th October, racegoers will be invited to enjoy Wincanton Racecourse, said: “We are Wincanton’s landmark birthday, where it’s heritage and sporting history will be celebrated and remembered at looking forward to celebrating and sharing the racecourse. the racecourse’s rich history throughout the One of the most visually compelling additions to this 2017/2018 season and we hope that all our celebration is the commission of a 60-page hardback book by local author, George Bingham. The book explores 150 racegoers enjoy learning more about this years of racing in Somerset with a series of anecdotes, very special rural racecourse.” stories and photographs; and is a tribute to those that founded the racecourse and helped save it, through various crises, for future generations. WINCANTON For full details about Wincanton’s RACECOURSE – THE FIRST 150 YEARS will be available to purchase from the racecourse office and other outlets. forthcoming season, please visit For one season only, the racecourse will adopt a special wincanton.thejockeyclub.co.uk commemorative ‘150 years’ birthday logo, which will be replicated in the racecard and on other commercial material and merchandise.

Founded on the 1st August, 1867 Wincanton Racecourse has been uniquely synonymous in the sporting and rural communities, coupled with great racing for one and a half centuries.

SOMERSET VOICE | THE MAGAZINE OF SOMERSET CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017 31 MEMBER NEWS

McCarthy and Stone cycle for RVS

McCarthy & Stone are cycling over 200 miles for Royal Voluntary Service because they want to make older people’s lives happier!

Spencer Searle, Tanya Carver-Cox, Ian Parker, Simon Andrews, Simon Mantell and Simon Gait are hosting a Cycle event to raise money for RVS, a charity that enrich the lives of older people by helping them live fuller and happier lives.

It is taking place in September, riding over 200 miles over the course of a weekend, starting on Friday 15th September in Carlyon Bay and finishing on Sunday 17th September in Abergavenny.

They are asking for help in raising as much money as possible for this amazing charity. No matter the size of donation – the message is that every little helps! up the Cycle track known as ‘Festival you’d like - the more, the merrier! On the Saturday, the cyclists will set Way’. This is where families and off from Taunton to Cheswick Village, RVS is a great charity that really makes younger cyclists could join in. The track which will take approximately 5 hours. a difference to the older generation and is 14 miles long and is suitable for all, any help received in raising as much On the last part of this stage they will so please join them on this part of their money as possible would be amazing! be riding through Nailsea and will pick journey and bring as many people as

A remarkable honour for Karen and Plum

Across the globe, within a vast defence, even banking to media, within amount of sectors, women continue these industries are the powerful to shatter glass ceilings and establish women who are striving daily towards themselves as being a significant part great success. of the business world. From healthcare Therefore, the 2017 Influential & pharmaceuticals to aerospace & Businesswoman Awards honour the remarkable achievements made by the strong women from a diverse range of industries. These outstanding individuals have been breaking down barriers with their hard work, devotion and innovative thinking, which is why Acquisition International believe they deserve recognition.

Managing Director of Plum Communications & PR, Karen Morledge, was anonymously nominated and was subsequently presented with the prestigious award my future career and the continued for ‘Public Relations Business Woman development of my business”. of the Year’ & ‘Best Marketing & The award won by Karen was the Communications Agency’ – South only company in the South West of West England. England selected as a winner within Karen said, “I am optimistic about what the 32 categories and only one other the future holds for women working PR agency (London-based) was given in PR, the PR industry as a whole, such an award within the industry. 32 Revised timetable for introduction BUSINESS NEWS of MTD

HM Treasury has published a revised New procurement process for timetable for the introduction of Making Tax Digital (MTD). This is in apprenticeship training response to criticism that the current timetable does not allow sufficient The Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) have re-opened the tender time to ensure a smooth transition to process for the procurement of apprenticeship training provision for non-levy- a digital tax system. Under the revised paying employers. The procurement process was put on hold in April 2017 as the timetable, firms with a turnover above Department for Education and the ESFA concluded that it did not achieve the the VAT threshold will be required to right balance between stability of provision, promoting competition and choice for keep digital records for VAT purposes employers. New contracts will run from January 2018 to April 2019. from 2019. Firms whose turnover is under the VAT threshold will not be For more information about the tender, go to: required to keep digital records or submit quarterly reports to HMRC until www.gov.uk/government/news/update-on-procurement-for-non-levy-paying-employers 2020 at the earliest.

The Treasury has also confirmed that a second Finance Bill will be introduced Increase in UK exports by Amazon sellers in autumn 2017. It will legislate for all of the measures dropped from the Finance Act prior to the General The value of UK exports made by Amazon Marketplace sellers increased by 29% in Election in June 2017. 2016 compared with the previous year to reach £1.8 billion, according to Amazon’s ‘Summer 2017 Trends Report’. The report also revealed that at the end of 2016 over For further information 50% of Amazon products sold were ‘fulfilment by Amazon’ products, which are listed by sellers and stored, packed and delivered by Amazon. about the revised MTD To download the report, go to: timetable, go to: www.gov.uk/government/news/ tamebay.com/2017/07/uk-businesses-exported-1-8bn-2016-grow-29-yr-yr.html next-steps-on-the-finance-bill- and-making-tax-digital

Inquiry into financial regulation after Brexit Read more about the Finance Bill at: The House of Lords EU Financial Affairs Sub-Committee has launched an inquiry www.gov.uk/government/collections/ examining how banks and insurers can maintain access to the EU market after the finance-bill-no2-2017 UK has left the EU. The inquiry will examine how regulation of the UK financial sector can evolve to ensure financial stability. It will also consider if the UK should adopt its own financial rules after Brexit or adopt rules similar to those in the EU.

For more information about the inquiry, go to: parliament.uk/business/committees/committees-a-z/lords-select/ Complex changes eu-financial-affairs-subcommittee/inquiries/parliament-2017/ required to UK financial-regulation-and-supervision-following-brexit/ food policy

The UK is unprepared for the complex changes that leaving Report examines the creative workforce the EU will have on the food sector, according to a new The Creative Industries Federation has published a report which makes a number briefing paper published by the of recommendations for Government to help support creative freelancers. The University of Sussex, University ‘Creative Freelancers’ report reveals that 47% of workers in the creative sector are of London and Cardiff University. self-employed (compared with 14% of the UK workforce as a whole) and that many The paper includes a number feel they are often ignored by Government policy. The federation recommends that of recommendations which the Government should support a UK-wide hub which signposts freelancers to specialist Government needs to address, such business advice and support services, and ensure that creative workspaces can’t be as a new statutory framework for UK changed into residential properties without planning permission. food and establishing a new national commission on food and agriculture. The report can be downloaded from: To read more about the www.creativeindustriesfederation.com/news/federation-launches-new-drive- support-creative-freelance-workforce briefing paper, go to: www.sussex.ac.uk/broadcast/ Source: BAD News (Business Advisers News) read/40848 33 BUSINESS NEWS Citizens’ Rights: Policy Paper Factsheet For Businesses

Background to remain after the UK leaves the Therefore EU citizens do not need to EU under the future immigration apply for documentation confirming Since the result of the referendum last arrangements for EU citizens. their permanent residence status. summer, the UK Government has made it absolutely clear how important it Family dependants who are living with We will be asking EU citizens to make is that we secure as early as possible or join EU citizens before the UK’s exit an application to the Home Office for both the rights of EU citizens in the UK will be able to apply for settled status documentation demonstrating their and UK nationals in EU member states. after five years in the UK too. new settled status in due course.

We are now seeking to provide How will this impact on businesses? We will make the process as certainty both to EU citizens streamlined as possible for all If you are a UK business that employs themselves and the thousands of individuals, including those who an EU citizen, you do not need to do businesses in the UK who employ EU already hold a residence document anything now. There will be no change citizens by publishing a policy paper under current free movement rules. to the rights and status of EU citizens which sets out our offer. living in the UK, nor UK nationals living Anyone who would like to find out the What is the UK Government’s Offer? in the EU before exit. latest information, including when they will need to sign up for the new scheme, We want to ensure EU citizens As outlined above, after the UK leaves can sign-up for email updates here. continue to not only be able to live the EU, EU citizens will need to apply here as they do now but also to for documentation to prove they have What will employees who are EU continue enjoying other important permission to work legally in the UK. citizens need do after the UK leaves rights such as access to healthcare, There will be plenty of time for them the EU? education, benefits and pensions. to do so and we will engage closely All EU citizens and their families in the with businesses and others on how These rights will apply to all EU UK will need to apply to the Home they will be affected by these changes. citizens equally and we will not Office for permission to stay. This is treat citizens of one member state Likewise, we understand the regardless of the date of their arrival. differently to those of another. But importance for many of flexibility in This will be legally required and will this is without prejudice to our special moving across the European Union enable these citizens to demonstrate relationship with Ireland. to live and work - which is why we that they have permission to continue seek a reciprocal deal so those with These rights will be enshrined into UK, to live and work legally in the UK. professional qualifications obtained not EU, law, enforceable through the before the date on which the UK However, there will be a grace period UK judicial system. leaves the EU will be able to use of up to two years to give EU citizens No EU citizen here lawfully before the their qualifications in the UK and EU and their families sufficient time to cut off date, which is yet to be agreed, Member States in the same way. make their application. will have to leave as a result of us leaving We also intend to protect the rights Will UK nationals in the EU receive the EU. There will be no ‘cliff edge’ for of EU nationals who arrive in the UK the same assurances? businesses or individuals and we want to before the specified date to set up keep together families living in the UK. Negotiations with the EU are ongoing and run a business, and we will seek a and the Government expects the EU Under the Government’s offer, what reciprocal agreement for UK nationals and its member states to make the would be the requirements for those EU in the EU. same commitment to British nationals citizens looking to remain in the UK? More broadly, we are working to living in Europe. Our intention is that EU citizens who shape the wider future immigration What about Irish citizens? have been continuously resident here system and will ensure businesses and for five years will be allowed to stay communities are given the opportunity The rights of British and Irish citizens indefinitely by getting ‘settled status.’ to contribute their views. in each other’s countries are rooted This means these citizens will be free in the Ireland Act 1949 and not What do employees who are EU to reside in any capacity, have access impacted by the proposals outlined citizens in the UK need to do now? to public funds and services and apply in our policy paper. for British citizenship. There is no need to do anything now. The The arrangements between both UK will remain a member of the EU until EU citizens who arrived before the cut countries pre-date our respective March 2019 and there will be no change off date but haven’t been here for five memberships of the EU. to the rights and status of EU citizens years will be allowed to get permission living in the UK, nor UK nationals living in As such, Irish citizens residing in the to stay until they have accumulated the EU, during this time. UK will not need to apply for settled five years, after which they will be able status to protect their entitlements. to apply for settled status. Permanent residence status is linked to the UK’s membership of the EU and so EU citizens who arrive after the cut off will no longer be valid after we leave. date will be able to apply for permission

SOMERSET VOICE | THE MAGAZINE OF SOMERSET CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017 34 TOWN CHAMBER NEWS

AFFILIATED TOWN CHAMBERS

Somerset Chamber of Commerce is one of only five The meeting was constructive with a number of key outcomes. accredited Chambers in the South West and 52 in the whole One of these was a consensus from all attendees that there of the UK. We are exceptionally proud to have the largest should be a greater cooperation and collaboration between number of Town Chambers affiliated in the network, and are the County and Town Chambers, and also between the Town pleased that overall Town Chamber membership is growing, Chambers themselves. In addition, Greg Saunders, Chair of which is an indication of how important this countywide Somerset Chamber, assured that a strategy for affiliation network is viewed. would be discussed at the following Board meeting.

In June 2017, the Chief Executive and Chair of Somerset As a result of discussions, the Somerset Chamber Board have Chamber of Commerce invited representatives from the 17 created a new role which will elect a current serving Board affiliated Town Chambers and Member as a primary contact for further Town Chamber Business Groups to visit dealings. Going forward, Nigel Pearce, who represents the Somerset Chamber Taunton Chamber of Commerce on the Board, will over offices for a round the coming weeks make contact with all the affiliate Town table discussion on the Chambers and Business Groups in the county with a view to benefits of affiliation, enabling further development of these important links. and how we can work together to help Somerset become a vibrant place to do business, as well as Nigel would be very pleased to hear from meeting some of the any representatives with views that they Chamber team. would like to express. He can be contacted at [email protected].

Affiliate Town Chambers & Business Associations

Axbridge Chamber of Commerce Levels’ Best Community Interest Company T: 01934 733078 | E: [email protected] T: 01935 851280 | E: [email protected] www.axbridgechamber.co.uk www.levelsbest.co.uk

Bridgwater Chamber of Commerce Shepton Mallet & District Chamber T: 01278 228004 | E: [email protected] T: 01749 681413 | E: [email protected] www.bridgwaterchamber.org.uk www.shepton.biz

Bruton Chamber of Commerce Somer Valley Chamber of Commerce T: 01749 813291 | E: [email protected] T: 07530 042627 | E: [email protected] www.somervalleychamber.com Burnham-on-Sea Chamber of Trade & Commerce T: 01278 238959 | E: [email protected] Taunton Chamber of Commerce www.burnhamonseachamber.org T: 01823 230898 | E: [email protected] www.taunton-chamber.co.uk Cheddar Chamber of Commerce & Industry T: 01934 742326 | E: [email protected] Wells Chamber of Commerce www.cheddartradersassociation.co.uk T: 01749 685236 | E: [email protected] www.wellschamberofcommerce.co.uk Frome Chamber of Commerce T: 01749 342255 | E: [email protected] Wincanton Businesses Together www.fromechamber.com T: 01963 34327 | E: [email protected] www.wincantonbusiness.co.uk Glastonbury Chamber of Commerce T: 01458 835678 | E: [email protected] Wiveliscombe & 10 Parish Business Group glastonburychamber.co.uk T: 01984 684777 | E: [email protected] www.10pbg.co.uk Ilminster Chamber of Commerce T: 01460 240554 | E: [email protected] Yeovil Chamber of Commerce www.ilminsterchamber.org.uk T: 01935 804999 | E: [email protected] www.yeovilchamber.org

SOMERSET VOICE | THE MAGAZINE OF SOMERSET CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017

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