Ambassadors celebrate Into Somerset success
The crème de la crème of Somerset’s business community turned out for the Into Somerset Ambassadors’ Reception on 10th October, to celebrate the county’s vibrant food and drink sector and hear more about the work done to date by the inward investment organisation in promoting Somerset’s dynamic business culture.
With companies such as Yeo Valley Organics, Styles Ice-Cream, the award-winning Jon Thorner’s Ltd and one of Somerset’s biggest supporters, Deborah Meaden, all in attendance this really was the meeting of Somerset’s food and drink giants.
Somerset has one of the largest numbers of food and drink producers in the UK, with the county’s food and drink sector worth £508million. It is one of the county’s key industries, employing around 15,000 people, from micro businesses through to high-flying international brands.
Yeo Valley Director of Communications, Graham Keating, commented, “The great work of Into Somerset has helped attract new business to the county but we have also seen a very valuable additional spin-off benefit. It’s now definitely becoming easier to attract top-flight professionals to the county; where perhaps Somerset was previously seen as a nice place to move to at the twilight of one’s working life, we’re now attracting younger people intent on growing their careers. With some great consumer brands like Clarks, Thatcher’s and Yeo Valley in Somerset, plus many other high-tech and media businesses, there are huge opportunities for people to make a difference and to enjoy the lifestyle benefits of the place at the same time.
“Yeo Valley’s latest advert on The X Factor says: “Be a little funky, choose the West Country” and we’re delighted that Into Somerset is helping the county shed the outdated sleepy-villages-and-cider image that some people may still hold.”
Since its creation only three years ago, Into Somerset has helped over 40 businesses move to or set up in Somerset, creating around 700 new jobs. Into Somerset Ambassadors play a vital part in helping to raise awareness of the county’s business benefits and opportunities, encouraging other entrepreneurs and business to relocate to Somerset.
Matthew Turner from Clarks International added, "As a global business we attract talent from far and wide to keep making shoes that consumers fall in love with. We know that talented people look to work in a vibrant and entrepreneurial environment, so Clarks back Into Somerset to keep pushing the county as a great place to work and a place in which businesses can flourish."
The reception was held at Langford Fivehead, a stunning medieval manor house in the heart of the Somerset Levels, which has recently been shortlisted in the New to Somerset category of the Somerset Business Awards. Set up by a high-flying couple from London earlier this year, their aim is to make the property the most exciting boutique destination in South West England for country house weekends and celebrations.
Co-owner Peter Steggall commented, “'For us, Into Somerset has been an invaluable start for discovering what is happening in the county and what is on offer to a new business in this area. The spirit of Into Somerset is friendly and informal, and whenever we have needed information or contacts, they have done everything they can to lend a helping hand.
“We opened Langford Fivehead on 1st March this year and it has been a real pleasure to work with national and international magazines and papers to show them what is happening in our county.
“Even more exciting has been making local discoveries on our doorstep! The Somerset Cider Brandy Company and Brown and Forrest smokery are famous, but we have also been delighted to discover many lesser-known but equally wonderful producers – Whitehole Springs mineral water in Cheddar, butchers Scrivens and Sons in Langport and Thoroughly Wild Meat Company in Shepton Mallet, to say nothing of New Cross Farm for asparagus and fruit, and in Fivehead itself, market gardener extraordinaire Maggie Thorne. We are thoroughly enjoying doing business in Somerset, and feel that we have received the warmest of welcomes.”
Somerset has the highest business start-up rate of any county outside London. Located in the heart of the South West, it is extremely well-connected thanks to its excellent road and rail links, meaning access to markets is maximised whilst the cost of transportation can be kept to a minimum. London is only two hours away and with a choice of international airports on the doorstep, Europe and the rest of the world are within easy reach.
Chief Executive of Into Somerset, Rupert Cox, says, “Into Somerset’s Ambassadors are an invaluable resource for the county, spreading the word far and wide about how great it is to do business here. Somerset’s entrepreneurial heritage and culture is second to none and we are always delighted to show new businesses what we have to offer in Somerset and support them in their creation or relocation.”
A recent multi-million pound government investment in Somerset’s superfast broadband connection will ensure that businesses within the county can become even more competitive, adding to its already impressive £9billion economy.
Into Somerset offers a tailored business relocation service, giving advice and information to facilitate the process. To find out more about the many varied opportunities that Somerset can offer, or for advice and guidance on setting up a business in Somerset call on 0845 1222 066 or visit www.intosomerset.co.uk.