Employment & Skills Support Somerset

FSB South West

FSB near you

One of the unique benefits of joining FSB is the local support we provide to our members through our team of dedicated staff and volunteers located in every region across the UK.

Living and working locally ensures they are not only part of the local business community but also understand the unique issues facing small businesses in each part of the country. We meet business owners, council leaders, MPs and many other stakeholders on a daily basis to ensure the voice of small businesses is represented in your town or city. Equally important, our local teams also organise events, seminars and exhibitions to allow business owners to develop strong local networks within their communities.

Website: Visit FSB South West website

Federation of Small Businesses

FSB is the UK’s leading membership organisation for small businesses and the self-employed. With us by your side, you can do what you do best even better.

Website: Visit Federation of Small Businesses website

Find a Chamber – British Chambers of Commerce

Whether you’re a business looking to expand your network, access support, or grow your presence in the UK and beyond, our extensive network of Chambers is here to help.

Website: Visit Find a Chamber – British Chambers of Commerce website

Connect to Work fo Employers

Connect to Work is a fully-funded service that works with employers

Website: Visit Connect to Work fo Employers website

Somerset Start Up and Grow

Somerset Start Up & Grow gives free, practical help to people starting or growing a business in Somerset. Funded by Somerset Council through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, you can get up to six hours with a local business advisor. We help with your plan, money, marketing, day-to-day running, new ideas and hiring. If you’re in the Somerset Council area and run a small or medium business (under 250 staff) — or you’re just getting started — you can join. Not sure if you’re eligible? Use the Council Checker or get in touch for a quick chat.

Email: Email Somerset Start Up and Grow

Website: Visit Somerset Start Up and Grow website

Apprenticeship Levy Transfers

Skill Up Somerset are working with some local large employers who are willing to transfer their levy to smaller local employers, subject to certain criteria.

Email: Email Apprenticeship Levy Transfers

Website: Visit Apprenticeship Levy Transfers website

Somerset Business Agency (SBA)

SBA CIC // Enterprise
Take initiative. Lead a programme. Level-up your business leadership. We’re here to support start up owners, existing businesses and employees in reaching for the stars.

SBA CIC // Education
We work with schools and other education establishments to deliver enterprising training, preparing students for the world of business. We also offer a range of courses, for those looking to upgrade their skills.

SBA CIC // Employment
The world of work just got more accessible. Build your confidence and get yourself employment-ready with our expert career guidance and skill development.

Email: Email Somerset Business Agency (SBA)

Website: Visit Somerset Business Agency (SBA) website

Employer-led Skills Bootcamps

Employer-led Skills Bootcamps help businesses in Somerset and Dorset. They are for any business that wants to teach their current staff new skills or find new employees with special skills.

View approved Skill bootcamps

Email: Email Employer-led Skills Bootcamps

Website: Visit Employer-led Skills Bootcamps website

Business Skills Sorted

We provide a directory called Business Skills Sorted to help businesses find training and education options.

Email: Email Business Skills Sorted

Website: Visit Business Skills Sorted website

Somerset Business Mentoring

This programme is designed to help Somerset’s small and medium (SME) businesses learn from our experienced business leaders and serial entrepreneurs. They will share their knowledge on accelerating business development, making better strategic decisions, being more productive and ultimately growing your business.

Email: Email Somerset Business Mentoring

Website: Visit Somerset Business Mentoring website

Somerset Education Business Partnership (EBP)

Somerset Education Business Partnership connects employers with education providers so that young people are aware of local career opportunities and develop the skills needed to thrive at work.

Email: Email Somerset Education Business Partnership (EBP)

Website: Visit Somerset Education Business Partnership (EBP) website

Somerset Careers Hub

We work with every state-funded secondary school, special educational needs school, alternative provision & post 16 college, helping them to link with local employers to deliver high quality careers support for students.

Email: Email Somerset Careers Hub

Website: Visit Somerset Careers Hub website

Response to redundancy for businesses

Coordination of the strategic response to redundancy for businesses.

Helping businesses plan and manage when they need to reduce staff.

Email: Email Response to redundancy for businesses

Website: Visit Response to redundancy for businesses website

Somerset Work Experience Partnership

The Somerset Work Experience Partnership helps schools with work experience for students. We have a list of job placements, check that they are safe, and provide schools with the resources and paperwork needed. We make sure work experience is safe, exciting, and useful for everyone.