Boost in Somerset inward investment enquiries leads to new jobs

A high level of enquiries has led to inward investment body Into Somerset employing two new staff.

Award-winning businessman and successful business advisor Gerard Tucker has been appointed as Into Somerset’s Inward Investment Manager and will handle the increasing enquiries from businesses wishing to relocate to Somerset.

Experienced marketeer and administrator Kim McDonald is Into Somerset’s new Ambassador Programme Co-ordinator and will work with the county’s private sector to help promote Somerset as ‘the place where you and your business can grow.’

Gerard has been seconded for 15 months on a part-time basis from his South Somerset District Council Economic Development Team Leader and Yeovil Innovation Centre manager roles.

His agricultural business won a Somerset Business of the Year award in the 1990s, so Gerard knows exactly what will attract inward investors to relocate to Somerset.

“My aim and ambition is to promote the benefits of doing business in Somerset and provide practical assistance to anyone wishing to relocate here and grow their business.”

Gerard founded and ran a successful international beef semen business in Somerset until it was decimated following the BSE crisis and was later forced to close. He went on to become an Agricultural Development Officer and then a Community Development Officer in Langport.

Kim, from Hertfordshire, spent 13 years in promotion in the educational publishing industry and then became a Public Relations Officer for a Further Education college before working for Demco Worldwide, which specialises in educational and library supplies.

After moving to Somerset in 2007, Kim joined regeneration organisation Yeovil Vision as Personal Assistant to Projects Director Alan Brown. Kim has also changed jobs following reorganisation. In addition to her work for Into Somerset, she will be providing PR support for Somerset Chamber of Commerce, which operates from the same building at Blackbrook Business Park, Taunton.

Kim values her new role because of its community involvement. She says, “I have always tried to work for companies with social merit.

“I want to help Into Somerset ambassadors promote Somerset’s business culture and encourage inward investment, as well as raising the profile of their businesses and celebrating their success.”

Into Somerset is funded by the local authorities.  Its Business Ambassadors help raise awareness of the county’s business benefits and attend regular Into Somerset briefings.

Every year, 20,000 people relocate to Somerset to enjoy its invigorating countryside, coast and clean air, short commute times, low stress and first-class schools.