01278 228004

Chamber News

You are here: 

Two new accelerator programmes open for ambitious Somerset businesses ready to grow

Monday 22nd June, 2026

Sedgemoor Chamber of Commerce is pleased to share 2 new accelerator opportunities for ambitious Somerset businesses that are ready to scale, strengthen performance and plan their next stage of growth with confidence.

With applications now open and only 8 places available on each programme, these accelerators are designed to give businesses expert support, tailored insight and a clear structure for action.

The first opportunity, the Food and Drink Accelerator, is aimed at Somerset food and drink manufacturers who are ready to tackle the real challenges of scaling, from production and margins to winning new customers. The programme is designed for businesses with 6 or more employees, 3 or more years of trading, and plans for significant growth.

The programme includes a 1 to 1 business diagnostic to identify key challenges across operations, people, finance and markets, 3 masterclasses covering production scaling, financial management, team development and growing sales, and 6 hours of tailored 1 to 1 mentoring from an experienced industry specialist.

Alongside this, the Somerset SME High Growth Accelerator has opened for Somerset businesses with 8 or more employees, 3 or more years of trading, and clear plans for significant growth or change in the next 6 to 12 months.

This programme is designed for businesses that are serious about achieving high growth and want structured support to overcome barriers, improve performance and accelerate measurable results. It includes a 1 to 1 strategic business diagnostic to identify key growth constraints and set clear, actionable KPIs, 2 structured workshops focused on improving performance and driving growth, a peer group collaboration and support network, and 6 hours of tailored 1 to 1 mentoring based on each business’s diagnostic needs.

Both programmes are positioned as focused, high impact opportunities for local businesses that are ready to move forward with purpose and make meaningful changes in how they grow.

Sedgemoor Chamber of Commerce is encouraging eligible businesses to review the criteria carefully and consider whether one of these programmes could help them unlock their next phase of development.

The deadline to apply for both programmes is 12 July 2026.

To apply:

Food and Drink Accelerator

Somerset SME High Growth Accelerator

Latest news

Somerset Businesses Invited to Future Skills and Growth Networking Breakfast hosted at Mulberry
August 6, 2026

Employers from across Somerset are being invited to attend a special networking breakfast focused on workforce development, skills, recruitment and business growth. Hosted by UCS College Group in partnership with Mulberry, the Future, Skills and Growth Networking Breakfast will take place on Wednesday 9 September from 7:30am to 10:00am, bringing together businesses from across the…

Read More
Sedgemoor Chamber Business Awards return in 2026 with a fresh new look
August 6, 2026

Applications open on 13 August for 18 award categories celebrating the very best of Somerset business, as the Chamber's flagship awards get their own refresh Sedgemoor Chamber of Commerce is gearing up for its 2026 Business Awards, and this year's edition arrives with a new look designed to match the ambition of the businesses it…

Read More
PRM Waste Systems Expands Manufacturing Capacity with New Lowmoor Facility
August 3, 2026

Wellington-based recycling machinery specialist marks major milestone in continued growth PRM Waste Systems, the Wellington-based supplier and manufacturer of waste recycling and volume reduction machinery, is celebrating a significant expansion of its manufacturing operation with the opening of its new Lowmoor unit, on Lowmoor Industrial Estate, Wellington. The new 4,000+ sq ft facility will be…

Read More
Porter Dodson strengthens partnership with a trio of new Partners
August 3, 2026

Porter Dodson is delighted to announce the appointment of three new Partners across its Private Client and Commercial Property teams, further strengthening the firm’s expertise and continued growth across the Southwest. Victoria Emmett joins Private Client team in Taunton Victoria Emmett has joined the firm as a Partner in the Private Client team, based in…

Read More