What the Expo is all about
The Somerset Business Expo is a full day dedicated to showcasing Somerset enterprise and supporting practical business growth.
In 2026, the Expo took a major step forward by moving to a larger venue at Junction 24 near Bridgwater, expanding capacity to more than 70 exhibition stands and creating a Somerset-wide event that reflected the ambition and momentum across our business community.
The day brought together a busy exhibition floor, free practical workshops, talks from local leaders, speed connecting sessions and free business support from specialists, creating a valuable space for businesses to connect, learn and discover new opportunities.
Whether attending as a visitor, exhibitor or sponsor, businesses from across Somerset and beyond came together to be part of one of the county’s biggest days for business.
Ready to be part of Somerset’s next biggest day for business?
Highlights from the 2026 Expo
Networking Breakfast
Join us before the Somerset Business Expo opens for a relaxed networking breakfast, bringing together businesses, exhibitors and guests from across Somerset. It is a great chance to make new connections, have valuable conversations and start the day well before heading into the Expo itself.
Hope. Optimism. Belief.
Can a motivational speaker really and positively change your life in just 45 minutes? You’re about to find out. In this powerful keynote, Somerset-based international speaker Brad Burton shares the mindset, self-leadership principles and life experiences that helped him go from living on benefits and delivering pizzas to building 4Networking, one of the UK’s largest joined-up business networks.
The Key to Growth and Mitigating Risk: Connection
When businesses create genuine connections amongst their people, they reduce employment risk and unlock opportunities for long-term growth. In this workshop, Karen Wellman and Dan Smith will explore how stronger communication, curiosity, courage and candour can help build healthier teams, improve performance and create more resilient organisations.
Speed Networking
Speed networking is one of the most effective ways to maximise your day, raise your profile and meet people you may not otherwise come across. No long speeches, no pressure and no awkward introductions, just a welcoming space designed to encourage conversation and help businesses connect.
Free website and digital support
When it comes to websites, custom software solutions and digital marketing, we know the ever-evolving landscape can be hard to navigate. Whether you are an SME finding your footing or an established firm ready for the next level, book a free 1-to-1 with me and I’ll help you figure out exactly where to turn next.
Disputes Without Drama: A Smarter Way to Handle Business Conflict
Disputes cost businesses financially, disrupt operations and waste valuable time. In this practical workshop, Lisa Haywood will explore how to respectfully and efficiently defuse disputes to help businesses salvage relationships, save money and stay focused on what they do best.
Free HR and people management support
Known across my clients and my network for having straight-talking, powerful conversations about any aspect of the subject called “People”, let’s do the same for those attending Somerset Business Expo. See you there.It’s your session, use it wisely. Choose whatever people subject you want. It could be absence, high turnover, low engagement, performance, behaviours, business growth or anything else that you want to discuss.
Teach Your AI New “Skills” So It Works the Way You Do
Most businesses are now experimenting with AI, but many still get mixed results because every task starts from a blank prompt. In this practical, demo-led session, Scott Quilter will introduce a new way of working with AI called “skills” and explain how businesses can make AI more consistent, useful and aligned with the way they actually work.
Free branding and marketing support
It’s Not Your Website. It’s Your Brand. Why your marketing isn’t working and what to fix first. In these 15-minute sessions, Gavin will help you look past the usual “we need a new website” assumption and get to the real issue: your brand, message and marketing direction.
Every big opportunity starts with a little conversation
In this practical and energising session, Stefan Thomas will show you how to walk into any room, work it with confidence, and leave with real connections, opportunities and sales that move your business forward.
Free business strategy and growth planning support
Let’s talk about your business, what stage you’re in and where you want to get to. This session offers first-hand, practical experience from someone who has started, grown and sold a company, with honest insight into the plans, pitfalls and actions you can take now.
37,000,000 views in 6 Months: How to grow your business with social media
Most businesses post content that gets ignored. This workshop will show you how local businesses are using simple video content to build trust, increase awareness, and stay top-of-mind with customers at scale.
Speed Networking
Speed networking is one of the most effective ways to maximise your day, raise your profile and meet people you may not otherwise come across. No long speeches, no pressure and no awkward introductions, just a welcoming space designed to encourage conversation and help businesses connect.
Networking Summer Feast
Whether you’ve attended the Expo from the very start or are joining us later in the afternoon, this event is the perfect opportunity to continue conversations, catch up with fellow professionals and reflect on the day’s highlights over great food and good company.
Our 2026 sponsors
Maxwells Chartered Accountants
Event Partner
Maxwells are a long established independent firm of Chartered Accountants based in Bridgwater. We offer a complete range of accountancy, financial and business consultancy services to both businesses and individuals. This provides a cost-effective, high value solution for all your financial needs. We are passionate about helping businesses grow through business support and taxation efficiency. It’s about being approachable and plain English speaking with no jargon, providing a personal service that engenders loyalty.
West Country Business Show
Event Partner
The West Country Business Show is the South West’s leading business event, providing networking opportunities, CPD-accredited speakers, and a floorplan full of trade stalls with everything you could ever want to make your business a success.
Amicus Law Solicitors
Exhibitor Lounge Sponsor
We provide a wide range of legal services, including conveyancing, wills and probate, lasting powers of attorney, family law, employment law, personal injury, commercial property, and education law. Whether you’re dealing with a change of name deed, navigating the legalities of buying a home, or seeking guidance following separation or divorce, our expert solicitors are here to provide straightforward, personalised advice in a supportive and approachable setting.
BTG Restructuring
Breakfast Networking Sponsor
Turning complexity into clarity. BTG delivers strategic solutions that drive resilience, growth, and long-term success.
Restructuring in the face of a shifting and unpredictable economic and consumer landscape takes a robust yet flexible strategy rooted in technical expertise and commercial insight. When emotions are running high, a calm and measured approach is key to bring stability.
Reframe HR
Business Support Pod Sponsor
Reframe HR maximises passion, knowledge and experience to liberate businesses to surge ahead through practical, powerful conversations. With a clear focus on impact we support organisations in addressing challenges such as absence, high turnover, low engagement, performance and grievances, all of which carry significant financial and operational consequences. By partnering with businesses to get people management right Reframe HR helps significantly reduce costs, management time and expensive mistakes while improving performance, engagement and long-term sustainability.
Hilton Ames
Speed Networking Sponsor
Hilton Ames Chauffeurs are the UK’s leading chauffeur company with their Somerset office based in Bridgwater. Operating a fleet of high-end vehicles with each valued at around £100k or more you can be sure of a very smooth ride. The smooth ride is further enhanced by the superb driving skills of the chauffeur team, most of which are retired traffic police officers or ex-military personnel. We take the stress out of travel and despite our amazing credentials we are not as expensive as you would think. So, the next trip you have to undertake, whether that’s family or solo travel, leisure or business, contact us for a quote.
Parker Service Group Ltd
Networking Summer Feast Sponsor
Parker Service Group Ltd provides inspection, maintenance and repair services for construction, agricultural, transport and access equipment. With over 16 years’ experience, we support businesses across the UK with reliable servicing, LOLER and PUWER compliance, and electrical fault-finding solutions.