In summary
Our local events are quietening down until 2025, however there’s still plenty of local business support available. Do keep an eye on our website and our social media channels for what’s available in your area as well as updates for next year’s events. While Ruth, our Development Manager, has moved into a new role elsewhere, you still have local support available from the South West team. We are very grateful for all Ruth’s hard work.
Featured news and events
Generative AI for Business Skills Bootcamp
Somerset businesses can get hands-on training in Generative AI with Techosaurus and Yeovil College, with a Generative AI Skills Bootcamp designed to help businesses harness the power of artificial intelligence. The bootcamp at iAero Centre, Yeovil, will take place one day per week for 10 weeks.
You’ll dive deep into AI’s transformative potential for businesses, exploring ethical and security considerations around AI usage and learning how to integrate AI into your strategies, identify growth opportunities, and overcome challenges. You’ll gain hands-on experience in using AI to streamline workflows, with detailed case studies showing successful AI implementations across various industries.
By the end of this 10-week bootcamp, you’ll have gained the knowledge and practical skills necessary to fully leverage Generative AI in your business. The course is 90% funded for small businesses (reducing the cost to £349), and if you are self-employed it could be fully funded (free).
Find out more and book the next course, starting 15 January 2025>
Cornwall/Devon virtual Christmas networking quiz
Our next Wiltshire virtual networking and Somerset virtual networking events will be back in the new year. In the meantime, there are still plenty of events across FSB which are available to join.
We also have an upcoming end of year virtual event in the South West, which will be hosted by Ness Gale from our Devon and Cornwall team and is open to anyone, and will feature a fun Christmas quiz as well as great networking.
This will be on Thursday 19 December from 2.30pm to 3.30pm.
Go on - get your festivities off to a good start and book your place. Christmas hats/jumpers optional!
In other news
Connecting Devon and Somerset’s (CDS) Mobile Boost Scheme
This scheme has been designed to help small businesses and households who currently have poor indoor mobile coverage. The programme is funded through Heart of the South West LEP Growth Deal and aims to upgrade indoor 4G coverage within businesses and homes to improve connectivity and the ability to make voice calls. The programme targets premises which have no adequate 4G indoor coverage from any operator or only one operator.
The scheme is available to businesses and homes in Somerset offering vouchers of up to £1300 towards technology; the value of the voucher will be dependent on the type of technology most suitable for the premises in question. Applicants have to pay towards the cost of installation themselves – your supplier will be able to advise on the most appropriate options.
Find out more about the scheme and how to apply>
Winter Safety Advice for Businesses
With shorter days now upon us, it’s essential to ensure that your business’s emergency lighting is sufficient, functioning, and well maintained.
- Are your premises used during periods of darkness?
- Will there always be sufficient lighting to safely use escape routes?
- Do you have a back-up power supply for your emergency lighting?
For more details, see DWFRS’s Winter Safety Advice for Businesses.
IGNITE + CRAFT
This is an open, dynamic event designed for freelancers, creatives, and businesses to come together. This isn’t just another networking event—it's a workshop and platform to explore innovative ideas, materials, and techniques from a wide variety of disciplines, including design, game development, ceramics and more.
- Date: Friday 29 November
- Time: 2pm until 5.30pm ticketed drop-in
- Venue: Scrace Architects, The Enterprise Network, The Old Fire Station, Salisbury
- Cost: Free of charge
This event is the first in a series. See here for more details and to book.
Still in the news
The Wiltshire Marque
October saw the launch of a new scheme celebrating the wonderful food and drink produced across Wiltshire. This new concept provides a directory that is already fostering collaborations between Wiltshire producers and will be an easy way for those interested in Wiltshire produce to meet the makers and those who pride themselves in using local produce. This scheme is more than a website though with plans for Wiltshire Marque events and marketing that will help to raise the profile of Wiltshire as “The Makers’ County”.
If you produce or use Wiltshire food or beverages then why not have a look at joining this new scheme to raise the profile of our local produce? Find out more about how to join here. Members get exposure in the free online directory with a link to your own website and socials. There is also free promotion of your latest offers and news on the Wiltshire Marque blog and social channels, exclusive networking events for Wiltshire Marque members, helpful connections to other local businesses, funded business advice and access to support programmes and us of the Wiltshire Marque on your products and website.
Wiltshire Business Support Programmes
Wiltshire Council are offering four different business support programmes through their Business fit for the Future programme.
- Fit for Growth is a programme led by BIC innovation offering one to one support to help your business to grow
- Fit for Start Up is designed for new businesses and is accompanied by grant assistance to help you to get going
- Fit for net zero helps you to understand your business’ carbon emissions and provides a free energy survey
- The Rural Hubs Programme supports businesses in rural Wiltshire to help them to grow.
You can find out more about all these free schemes here.
More news and activity near you
Get in touch
Your local contact for Somerset and Wiltshire is Beth Doel. If you'd like more information about the topics above, or if you have news about this area that you'd like to share, please get in touch.
- email us: [email protected]
- follow us on X: @FSBSomAndWilts
- follow us on Facebook: FSB Somerset and Wiltshire