Sedgemoor Chamber

Amicus Law Employment Bites - Minehead
2025-11-26 12:00 - 13:00 (Europe/London)
Amicus Law is pleased to announce a new series of free, in-person employment law seminars led by Slade De Lacey, designed to help local employers stay ahead of the latest workplace legislation and best practice.
This first series will focus on the upcoming changes to employment law, including:
– Day-one rights for unfair dismissal and flexible working
– Stronger protections for zero-hours contract workers
– Increases to the National Living Wage and statutory payments
Ahead of the events, Slade shared:
“The upcoming changes to employment law will have a significant impact on both employers and employees, and these lunch sessions are designed to provide a safe, open space for discussion and collaboration. I’m really looking forward to meeting HR leaders from across the region to share the updates and explore how they can manage these shifts to ensure their businesses and employees are well-prepared for the new landscape of workers’ contractual rights.”
All guests will enjoy a complimentary lunch and refreshments, making these sessions a relaxed and informative opportunity to connect, learn, and prepare for the changes ahead.

If you can’t make this session or the location isn’t convenient, don’t worry there are eight sessions taking place across Somerset. To view all upcoming dates and venues, please follow the link below.

AI For Purpose: Building Technology That Actually Matters
2026-01-28 18:15 - 21:15 | Lexus Bristol Patchway, England
FREE MEMBER LED EVENT
Join us at Lexus Bristol for an essential conversation with our AI Thought Leader and co-CEO, Matt Wicks, about moving beyond the AI hype cycle to create technology that delivers real-world impact. In “AI For Purpose: Building Technology That Actually Matters,” we’ll explore a practical, human-centric framework for implementing AI solutions that solve genuine problems and empower people rather than simply implementing technology for its own sake.
This session cuts through the noise to demystify AI tools and provides a clear, actionable four-step framework for building AI applications that create positive value. Through real-world case studies spanning accessibility, scientific discovery, and environmental conservation, you’ll see how organisations are already applying these principles to generate meaningful impact.
Whether you run your own business, work in a small company or a large organisation, or are simply curious about AI, you’ll leave with concrete strategies to evaluate and guide AI initiatives toward creating genuine value for the people and communities they serve.
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AGENDA
6:15PM • Doors Open
Guests arrive and check in, giving everyone a chance to settle in and get ready for the event.
6:15PM – 7:00PM • Networking Social
An informal session to meet fellow attendees, share ideas, and enjoy some bites and refreshments.
7:00PM – 8:15PM • Speaker Session: AI For Purpose
Join Matt Wicks, AI expert and co-CEO, to cut through the AI hype and explore how technology can make a real difference. He’ll share a simple, four step framework for building AI that solves genuine problems and helps people. Using real world examples, from accessibility to environmental conservation, you’ll learn how to spot meaningful AI projects and ensure they create real value.
8:15PM – 9:15PM • Eat & Connect
Enjoy refreshments and food provided by The Virtual Forge. An opportunity to exchange contacts, continue conversations, and reflect on key takeaways.

HMRC's Making Tax Digital & Employment Rights Bill - What you need to know!
2026-01-29 08:30 - 22:00 | Taunton Rugby Football ClubTaunton, England
Solace Business Management Ltd and HR Dept Ltd are hosting a practical update session for Sole Traders and small to medium‑sized employers on two major areas of upcoming changes to legislation: Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self Assessment and the new Employment Rights Bill.
Navigating the changing landscape of business compliance can be challenging for Sole Traders and Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs). Join us for an essential session that demystifies two key legislative updates set to affect your business in 2026 and beyond: Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self Assessment (MTD for ITSA) and the Employment Rights Bill.
The session will be split 50/50 with an opportunity to have your questions answered by experts in these challenging times for small businesses.

MTD for ITSA
Karen will be delivering an informative session on Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self Assessment (MTD for ITSA) designed especially for sole traders and landlords with annual income exceeding £50,000. She will explain what steps you need to take to ensure compliance with HMRC’s quarterly reporting requirements and how to prepare your business or property accounts effectively.
During the session, Karen will:
– Outline the key obligations under MTD for ITSA, including digital record-keeping, submission deadlines, and software requirements.
– Provide a practical walkthrough of how to use Xero to capture income and expenses, maintain digital records, and submit quarterly updates to HMRC.
– Discuss how business owners and landlords can stay compliant, avoid penalties, and streamline their bookkeeping processes using digital tools.
– Offer insights into how MTD will affect those with turnover below £50,000, as HMRC progressively lowers the thresholds to bring more self-employed individuals into the scheme.
– Share practical tips on getting ready for MTD from choosing the right software setup to adjusting your record-keeping habits and workflows.
This session will be relevant not only for those already within the first phase of MTD but also for anyone looking to understand what’s coming and how to future-proof their processes.

Employment Rights Bill
Helen will be covering what changes to expect in employee and employer rights, and how to prepare your business effectively.
You will also gain insight into the forthcoming Employment Rights Bill, covering what changes to expect in employee and employer rights, and how to prepare your business effectively.
During the session Helen will also give insight into the forthcoming Employment Rights Bill which includes proposals to;
– Reducing the qualifying period for unfair dismissal claims from 24 months to 6 months
– Implementing “day-one rights” for sick pay and paternity leave from April 2026
– Lifting the compensation cap on unfair dismissal to allow for higher claims
– Enhancing protections for those taking industrial action, making dismissals for participating automatically unfair
Delivered by experienced professionals specializing in bookkeeping and employment law, this event is a must-attend for business owners who want to future-proof their operations with confidence and clarity.

Beauty and the Beast
2026-01-31 17:00 - 19:00 | Bridgwater Town Hall, High St, Bridgwater, TA6 3BL
Wednesday the 28th to Saturday the 31st of January 2026
Step into a world of magic, laughter and local talent as Bridgwater Pantomime Society returns to the stage with their 2026 production of Beauty and the Beast. This much-loved annual show brings families, friends and the wider community together for a classic pantomime experience with all the fun, sparkle and silliness we look forward to each year.
Bridgwater Pantomime Society has been entertaining local audiences since 1957, with performances taking place at the heart of the town, the historic Bridgwater Town Hall. As a long-standing member of Sedgemoor Chamber, the Society continues to create opportunities for local performers of all ages, while also offering services to other amateur groups across the region.
With multiple evening and matinee performances, Beauty and the Beast is perfect for families, school groups and businesses looking to support a fantastic local production.

Tickets and Group Bookings
The box office is now open. Tickets can be booked online or by phone.
To arrange group bookings or accessible seating, please contact the team directly.
📞 07729 573954 (10:00am to 2:00pm, Monday to Saturday)
📧 BridgwaterPantomime@gmail.com

Future Leader Program
2026-02-04 10:00 - 12:00
We are excited to share more details about the ILM Future Leader Programme 2026, designed to inspire, upskill, and empower the next generation of leaders within your business.

🗓 Monthly sessions: February–September 2026
📍 Locations: Taunton & Bridgwater
Wednesdays (10:00am–12:00pm) — full dates are on the Register your interest Flyer (just scan the QR code on the leaflet attached)

Throughout the programme, your team member will:
– Gain practical skills in leadership, business clarity, marketing, finance, and wellbeing from award winning experts.
– Receive a workbook and dedicated mentor to guide their journey.
– Connect with like-minded, ambitious leaders across sectors, building valuable networks.
– Celebrate their success at a final dinner in September!

The investment is £150+VAT per participant, covering all resources and materials.
There are only 7 spaces left, so don’t miss out!

👉 Action: Scan the QR code on the leaflet (attached) today to register your interest and secure your place. Joining details will be sent in the first week of February.

Amicus Law Connects Minehead
2026-02-11 08:30 - 10:30 | The Beach HotelMinehead, England
Building Connections in West Somerset
Join us for Amicus Law Connects Minehead, a business breakfast networking group designed to bring together local businesses and residents who care about the future of our community.
West Somerset is full of talent and ambition, yet opportunities to connect and collaborate are limited. This event aims to change that by creating a space where ideas can be shared, partnerships formed, and local growth supported.
Why attend?
– Meet and network with other local professionals
– Enjoy a relaxed breakfast
– Be part of a group focused on strengthening West Somerset’s business community
Whether you run a business, work locally, or simply want to support the area’s development, this is your chance to get involved and help shape what comes next.

Valentine’s Day Dinner
2026-02-14 19:30 - 23:00 | The Castle at Taunton, The Castle Hotel. Castle Green, Taunton, TA1 1NF
Treat that special someone this Valentine’s Day, held in our elegant Garden room.

Indulge in an evening of refined flavours with a luxurious four-course dinner purposefully crafted by Head Chef Jacques Ballinger. Have you considered enhancing your evening with wine flights? Perfectly paired to elevate every course and create an unforgettable culinary experience, speak with our team for further details.

This intimate dining experience sets the stage for a truly memorable Valentine’s celebration.

Web link to tickets:
https://www.the-castle-hotel.com/event/valentines-day-dinner/

Biz Nest South West Pre-Show Networking
2026-02-24 10:00 - 12:30 | Sheppy’s Cider Farm, Three Bridges, Bradford-on-Tone, Taunton, TA4 1ER, United Kingdom
Hatched Agency is teaming up with the Business Fest South West team to host an exclusive pre-exhibition networking event for local businesses here in Taunton – and they’d love you to join them.
Taking place at Sheppy’s Cider on Tuesday 24th February 2026, this free, relaxed morning meetup is designed to bring Somerset businesses together ahead of the main Business Fest South West exhibition in April.

Why attend?
• Network with fellow local businesses and exhibitors ahead of the main show
• Exchange insights with past and current Business Fest South West exhibitors
• Build relationships, explore collaborations and get a feel for what attending and exhibiting is all about
• Ask questions, share ideas and connect with the Hatched Agency team
Team Hatched will be on hand throughout the morning to chat, share their experiences, and talk through how Business Fest South West can support your business growth in 2026 and beyond.
You’re also very welcome to bring along another business owner who might be interested in exhibiting – they can be registered via the same form.

Event details
📍 Sheppy’s Cider, The Old Barn, Three Bridges, Bradford-on-Tone, Taunton, Somerset TA4 1ER
📅 Tuesday 24th February 2026
⏰ 10:00 – 12:30pm
💰 Free to attend
👉 Secure your space today – places are filling up fast!
Come along and start building connections that will help make Business Fest South West 2026 a brilliant experience for everyone involved.

Reflecting and moving forward in agriculture
2026-02-24 18:00 - 21:00

The Castle at Taunton, Wedding Fayre
2026-02-28 10:00 - 15:00 | The Castle at Taunton, The Castle Hotel. Castle Green, Taunton, TA1 1NF

Clarke Willmott's Charity Winter Sporting Event
2026-03-19 17:30 - 21:00
After a thoroughly enjoyable evening of rounders last year, Clarke Willmott LLP are delighted to invite you to their new Charity Winter Sporting Event in aid of Young Somerset, taking place on Thursday 19th March 2026.
There will be games of Volleyball, Unihoc, Laser Pistol & Rifle shooting, safety Archery and Boccia throughout the evening with other local businesses, plus a raffle, a bake sale and other refreshments for sale.
Family and friends are welcome and encouraged to make this an evening to remember!
All of the money raised will go towards Young Somerset, the primary voluntary and community sector youth work organisation in Somerset, whose mission is to put young people first.
KEY DETAILS:
🕑Time: Arrival from 5:30pm, with the event to start at 6pm. The sporting will finish at around 8pm where food and drinks will be ready for all attendees in the club room.
📍Location: Taunton Vale Sports Club, Gipsy Lane, Taunton TA2 6LL.
👥Teams: Teams consist of 7 mixed players per team which must include at least 3 ladies on the pitch, there is no maximum amount of players as there is lots of potential for squad rotation so long as an “on pitch” balance of male/female is preserved.
💰Price: £16 per person (so a minimum of £112 per team and with the option of bringing bigger teams by paying an additional £16 per head). Every ticket includes one free drink and food (burger/hot dog with fries).
📞Who to contact: To enter your team, please email Taunton.CommunityTeam@clarkewillmott.com by no later than Monday 2nd March 2026.
If you have any questions about the event, please do not hesitate to contact us at Taunton.CommunityTeam@clarkewillmott.com
*If you are interested in playing but are not able to get a full team together on your own, please let us know and we can see whether anyone else is in a similar position and you can enter together. Friends and family are welcome to join if you cannot make a full team from staff (although due to child protection the minimum age we can allow is 14 years old and any child between the age of 14-17 must attend with a parent).

Quarterly business planning workshop for small business owners
2026-03-20 09:30 - 12:30
Refocus, plan and grow

Are you fed up with trying to wing growing your business?
Do you struggle to make the time to plan your next steps, even though you know working strategically will help you stay focused and in greater control?
This quarterly planning workshop is for small business owners who want guidance and structure to create a clear, actionable plan for the next three months so you can stay focused and see results.

– Space to focus on your business for 3 hours
– Advice on how to work more strategically
– Reflect on the first quarter of 2026
– Refocus your goals for the next 3-12 months
– Create a detailed plan for the next 3-months
– Guided workbook for you to complete and re-use
– Meet like minded business owners
– Refreshments provided throughout the morning

The workshop will take place in the beautiful Georgian Kitchen at The Pig at Combe, where you’ll have the opportunity to connect with other business owners in an intimate group setting.
Date: Friday, 20th March 2026
Time: 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM (refreshments included)
Location: The Pig at Combe, nr Honiton
Investment: £99 (includes workbook)
Limited spaces available.
Optional: Stay on for lunch and continue the conversation

Amicus Law Connects Minehead
2026-04-09 08:30 - 10:30
Join us on Thursday 9th April, 8.30am–10.30am at The Beach Hotel, Minehead, for the next Amicus Law Connects Minehead business breakfast – a friendly, community‑focused networking group created to bring together the brilliant people, businesses and organisations of West Somerset. Our area is full of talent and ambition, yet opportunities to connect, collaborate and share ideas are limited. This event exists to change that. Each month, we create a welcoming space where conversations start, partnerships grow, and local enterprise is supported.

This Month’s Guest Speaker: John Harvey – Networking Rockstar
We’re delighted to welcome John Harvey, known widely as the Networking Rockstar, who will be sharing his energising session on:
NETWORKING WITH INTENTION
John will explore:
– Why having a simple, purposeful networking plan matters
– The “What do you do?” 3‑word game
– How networking can become a powerful part of business development
– Understanding why people buy
– How to get the best out of any event you attend
– Managing your network well — including the power of keeping notes
– The 80/20 rule for major clients and key referrers
– Practical networking tips you can put into action straight away

Whether you’re a confident networker or taking your first step into local events, John’s session will be fun, practical and genuinely useful.

Why Attend?
– Meet and chat with other local professionals
– Enjoy a relaxed, welcoming breakfast setting
– Be part of a group focused on strengthening West Somerset’s future
– Feel involved, supported and connected – whether you run a business, work locally, or simply care about our community
– Come along to help shape what comes next for West Somerset. Everyone is welcome.

Confident Dads, Confident Children
2026-04-09 18:00 - 20:00
We would like to invite you to our upcoming two-hour workshop which will provide you with an opportunity to meet other Dads/Stepdads and learn about how to help your child deal with everyday challenges such as anxiety and low mood.

Sickness absence and its impact on your business
2026-04-22 08:30 - 09:30 | The Princess Theatre and Arts CentreBurnham-on-Sea, England, The Princess Theatre and Arts Centre, Burnham-on-Sea, TA8 1EH, United Kingdom
Is sickness absence holding your organisation back?

Discover the real cost of sickness absence and learn practical steps to reduce avoidable absence and build a healthier, resilient workplace.

Sickness absence affects every business—large or small. But many employers underestimate its true impact on:
– Productivity
– Operational costs
– Team morale and wellbeing
Join us for this focused, practical session to uncover:
✅ The real cost of sickness absence
✅ What early signs to look out for
✅ How to reduce avoidable absence
✅ Simple steps to build a healthier, more resilient workplace
Perfect for:
Employers, managers, HR leads, and anyone responsible for supporting staff wellbeing or business performance.
Why attend?
✔ Gain actionable insights
✔ Strengthen your team
✔ Improve business resilience
✔ Support your people in smarter, sustainable ways
Please note: There is limited on-site parking. Please use the nearest parking / Oxford Street Car Park.

Employer Networking Breakfast
2026-05-08 07:30 - 10:00
We are excited to invite employers to our free Employer Networking Breakfast on Friday 8 May, bringing together organisations from across engineering, construction, digital and wider sectors for a morning of insight, conversation, and collaboration.
This is a fantastic opportunity for businesses to connect with like-minded employers, explore recruitment support for summer and September intakes, and contribute to shaping the future of skills in our region.
Attendees can enjoy great food, make valuable connections, and discover how they can save money, access funding, upskill their workforce, and make the most of our facilities.

Venue: Taunton Conference Centre
Time: 7.30am – 10am

Agenda
7:30am – 8:15am | Arrival, Breakfast & Networking
8:15am – 8:45am | Breakout Sessions (choose one):
• Skills & Professional Development
• Funding & Cost-Saving Opportunities
• Recruitment Support & Solutions
8:45am – 9:15am | Guest Speaker: Roger Smith
Hear from the General Manager of Sedgemoor Chamber of Commerce, Roger, as he shares his experience of working with our T Level and work experience students, and the benefits this can bring to businesses.
9:15am – 10:00am | Networking & Facility Tours
Meet other employers, ask questions, and take a guided tour of our Engineering, Construction and Digital facilities.

We are also gathering employer insight to help shape the future direction of training, including the upcoming Foundation Apprenticeships, which offers a £2,000 government incentive.
Once we understand workforce needs, we can connect employers with candidates from our college talent pool who are ready to take their next step into employment. Similarly, we can support them whilst they upskill their current members of staff.
To book a place or find out more, please follow the link below:
Future, Skills and Growth Networking Breakfast Tickets, Friday, May 8 from 7:30 am to 10 am | Eventbrite

Employment Rights Act 2025: How these changes impact your business
2026-05-14 12:30 - 13:30
There’s been a lot of noise recently about the upcoming changes to the Employment Rights Act 2025 and other legislation. With headlines, opinions and speculation flying around, it’s no surprise many employers, HR teams and managers are feeling uncertain about what’s actually changing and what it means for them.
Now the April changes are squarely in place, we’re here to help you navigate through the bigger changes, due later this year and into 2027.
Join us for a clear and practical webinar where we break down the changes, amongst others, to:

✅Unfair dismissal
✅Zero and low hours contracts
✅Third party and sexual harassment
✅Fire and rehire practices
✅Flexible working requests
✅Non-disclosure agreements

📅 Date: 14 May 2026
⏰ Time: 12:30PM
💻 Location: Online webinar
🎙️ Speakers: Sarah Young, Kate Shawcross, Abigail Askew and Tara Searle

Whether you’re already working through the details or you’re not quite sure where to start, this session will give you the clarity you’ve been waiting for. The session is designed to help you understand the changes, how they impact your business and what steps you should be taking.
Please note that the session will be recorded and sent to attendees. The data submitted in the registration form will be retained by Porter Dodson LLP. For information about how we handle your data, please read our privacy notice, which can be found on our website at Privacy and cookie policy.

Quarterly business planning workshop for small business owners
2026-06-24 09:30 - 12:30, 2026-09-24 09:30 - 12:30
Refocus, plan and grow

Are you fed up with trying to wing growing your business?
Do you struggle to make the time to plan your next steps, even though you know working strategically will help you stay focused and in greater control?
This quarterly planning workshop is for small business owners who want guidance and structure to create a clear, actionable plan for the next three months so you can stay focused and see results.

– Space to focus on your business for 3 hours
– Advice on how to work more strategically
– Reflect on the first quarter of 2026
– Refocus your goals for the next 3-12 months
– Create a detailed plan for the next 3-months
– Guided workbook for you to complete and re-use
– Meet like minded business owners
– Refreshments provided throughout the morning

The workshop will take place in the beautiful Georgian Kitchen at The Pig at Combe, where you’ll have the opportunity to connect with other business owners in an intimate group setting.
Date: Wednesday, 24th June 2026
Time: 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM (refreshments included)
Location: The Pig at Combe, nr Honiton
Investment: £99 (includes workbook)
Limited spaces available.
Optional: Stay on for lunch and continue the conversation
