Sedgemoor Chamber

Free HR and people management support
2026-06-12 12:00 - 13:00 (Europe/London) | Junction 24, Market Way, North Petherton, Somerset, TA6 6DF, United Kingdom
This session is part of the Somerset Business Expo Business Support Pod, offering free 1-to-1 support from local industry experts. Across the hour, businesses and professionals can book one of four free 15 minute sessions to discuss specific challenges, ask questions and receive practical guidance.
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. I guarantee confidentiality, clarity, really effective listening, no judgements made and a conversation based on years of actual experience. My objective is for you to feel liberated by the time you leave our session and as you walk out of Somerset Business Expo. I set the bar high.
Session Host

Our work is rooted in contributing to the strength and resilience of Somerset’s incredible business community through navigating people challenges confidently and proactively. We’re excited to contribute our expertise and clarity, build meaningful relationships and help organisations thrive through practical, impactful performance-driven HR.
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.

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. karen@reframehr.co.uk

Want to explore the full Expo programme?
Find out more about the Somerset Business Expo, including exhibitors, workshops, business support sessions and connecting events below.
View the Somerset Business Expo Page

Teach Your AI New “Skills” So It Works the Way You Do
2026-06-12 13:00 - 13:45 | Junction 24, Market Way, North Petherton, Somerset, TA6 6DF, United Kingdom
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.
AI is rapidly moving beyond one-off prompts. The next stage is creating reusable AI skills, simple sets of instructions, examples and templates that help AI complete regular business tasks more reliably.
During the session, Scott will build a live example showing how an AI skill can turn conversation notes into follow-up emails, CRM updates and next actions. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of where AI is heading, what practical opportunities exist for their business, and ideas for the first repeatable AI task they could create themselves.

Scott Quilter FBCS is the Co-Founder and Chief AI & Innovation Officer at Techosaurus, an award-winning EdTech consultancy helping businesses make AI, automation and modern workplace tools practical and accessible.
With more than 20 years of experience in technology, digital transformation and training, Scott is known for his jargon-free, hands-on approach to making emerging technology useful for real people and real businesses.

Want to explore the full Expo programme?
Find out more about the Somerset Business Expo, including exhibitors, workshops, business support sessions and connecting events below.
View the Somerset Business Expo Page

Free branding and marketing support
2026-06-12 13:00 - 14:00 | Junction 24, Market Way, North Petherton, Somerset, TA6 6DF, United Kingdom
This session is part of the Somerset Business Expo Business Support Pod, offering free 1-to-1 support from local industry experts. Across the hour, businesses and professionals can book one of four free 15 minute sessions to discuss specific challenges, ask questions and receive practical guidance.
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.
He will quickly review where your current marketing may be falling flat, what your audience is actually seeing, and which parts need attention first. Attendees will leave with honest, practical advice, a clearer view of what might be holding them back, and a few focused actions they can take before spending money in the wrong place.
Session Host

Gavin Sadler is Managing Director of Hatched, an award-winning creative, digital and marketing agency. He helps businesses strengthen their brand, sharpen their message and make their marketing work harder. With experience across strategy, design, digital and campaign planning, Gavin helps organisations depart from ordinary and turn good ideas into work that gets noticed.
We hatch ideas and make them fly.

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. karen@reframehr.co.uk

Want to explore the full Expo programme?
Find out more about the Somerset Business Expo, including exhibitors, workshops, business support sessions and connecting events below.
View the Somerset Business Expo Page

Every big opportunity starts with a little conversation
2026-06-12 14:00 - 14:45 | Junction 24, Market Way, North Petherton, Somerset, TA6 6DF, United Kingdom
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.
Most people think connecting is about collecting business cards or delivering the perfect pitch. It is not. Stefan will share simple mindset shifts and conversation techniques that help turn awkward small talk into genuine business relationships.
Attendees will leave with practical approaches to starting conversations, following up naturally and making the most of every opportunity to connect. Whether you are completely new to business events or have been attending them for years, this session is designed to change the way you approach connecting with others.

Stefan Thomas is the author of Business Networking for Dummies, Instant Networking and Win The Room. A professional speaker and MC with more than 20 years of experience, Stefan has attended over 1,500 business events and built a reputation for helping people connect more effectively and confidently.
He has spoken for organisations across the UK including BT, Lloyds Bank and The Loo of the Year Awards, helping businesses and professionals improve their communication, confidence and relationship building skills.

Want to explore the full Expo programme?
Find out more about the Somerset Business Expo, including exhibitors, workshops, business support sessions and connecting events below.
View the Somerset Business Expo Page

Free business strategy and growth planning support
2026-06-12 14:00 - 15:00 | Junction 24, Market Way, North Petherton, Somerset, TA6 6DF, United Kingdom
This session is part of the Somerset Business Expo Business Support Pod, offering free 1-to-1 support from local industry experts. Across the hour, businesses and professionals can book one of four free 15 minute sessions to discuss specific challenges, ask questions and receive practical guidance.
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.
If you are looking to set up, grow or exit a business and want practical advice from someone who has actually done it, this is your chance to have an open conversation. Helen can share the things you may not know, and the things people do not always tell you.
With first-hand experience of setting up and growing a business to £4 million, across four locations, before selling to a national agency, Helen brings real insight into the different stages of business growth.
No presentation, just an open and honest chat about your plans, the potential pitfalls and what you can do now, whatever stage your business is at.
Session Host

Helen brings experience from Board level Director and Chair roles, as well as running a sales team, setting up, growing and exiting a business, and wider recruitment and marketing knowledge.
In January, Helen started the ILM Level 7 Coaching, Leadership and Mentoring course, delivered by the British School of Coaching, offering her clients and the wider business community even more support.

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. karen@reframehr.co.uk

Want to explore the full Expo programme?
Find out more about the Somerset Business Expo, including exhibitors, workshops, business support sessions and connecting events below.
View the Somerset Business Expo Page

37,000,000 views in 6 Months: How to grow your business with social media
2026-06-12 15:00 - 15:45 | Junction 24, Market Way, North Petherton, Somerset, TA6 6DF, United Kingdom
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.
In today’s market, attention drives trust and trust drives business. Yet most local businesses are still creating content that gets ignored, feels overly promotional, or never reaches the right audience.
In this workshop, Jacob Sotiris, Founder of SHOUT agency, will share the practical strategies behind generating over 37,000,000 local business views for clients in the last six months, alongside more than 190,000,000 views generated online overall.
Attendees will learn how to create simple short-form videos that stop people scrolling, position their business as the trusted local expert, and turn everyday customer questions into content that drives real awareness and enquiries.

Jacob Sotiris is the Founder of SHOUT agency, helping local South West businesses generate more awareness, trust, and enquiries through simple short-form video content on social media.
Through strategic, conversational content creation, Jacob has generated over 190 million views online, including more than 37 million local business views in the last six months alone. Known for his direct, lighthearted and practical approach, Jacob specialises in helping businesses become the recognised and trusted choice in their area through authentic content that connects with customers.

Want to explore the full Expo programme?
Find out more about the Somerset Business Expo, including exhibitors, workshops, business support sessions and connecting events below.
View the Somerset Business Expo Page

Speed Networking Session
2026-06-12 15:00 - 16:00 | Junction 24, Market Way, North Petherton, Somerset, TA6 6DF, United Kingdom
Looking to make lots of new business connections in a short space of time? Our Speed Networking Session at the Somerset Business Expo is designed to help you meet a wide range of local professionals, businesses and organisations in a fun, structured and fast-paced environment.
Taking place during the Somerset Business Expo, this session gives attendees the opportunity to introduce themselves, exchange ideas and build valuable new relationships through a series of quick-fire conversations.
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.
What to expect
– A structured and fast-paced networking session
– The opportunity to meet a large number of businesses in a short amount of time
– A great way to build new relationships and raise your profile during the Expo

We are proud to have Hilton Ames Chauffeurs sponsoring the Somerset Business Expo Speed Networking Session.
Hilton Ames Chauffeurs are the UK’s leading chauffeur company, with their Somerset office based in Bridgwater. Operating a fleet of premium high-end vehicles, they provide professional chauffeur services for both business and leisure travel across the UK.
Their experienced chauffeur team, many of whom are retired traffic police officers or ex-military personnel, are known for delivering a smooth, reliable and stress-free travel experience.
Whether travelling for business, family trips or special occasions, Hilton Ames Chauffeurs offer a premium service with comfort and professionalism at its core.

Want to explore the full Expo programme?
Find out more about the Somerset Business Expo, including exhibitors, workshops, business support sessions and connecting events below.
View the Somerset Business Expo Page

Somerset Business Expo: Networking Summer Feast
2026-06-12 16:00 - 18:00 | Junction 24, Market Way, North Petherton, Somerset, TA6 6DF, United Kingdom
After a busy day of workshops, exhibitors, conversations and connecting at the Somerset Business Expo, join us for our Networking Summer Feast to round off the day in a relaxed and sociable atmosphere.
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.
The Summer Feast brings together exhibitors, visitors, sponsors and businesses from across Somerset for an informal end to one of the region’s biggest business events.

What to expect
– A relaxed afternoon with great food and conversation
– The chance to continue connecting after the Expo
– An informal setting with businesses from across Somerset
– The perfect way to wrap up your Expo experience

Sedgemoor Business Excellence Awards Launch
We’ll also be officially launching the 2026 Sedgemoor Business Excellence Awards during the event, including the first opportunity to hear about this year’s categories, timelines and plans for the awards celebration.
If you are thinking of entering this year’s awards, or simply want to find out more, this will be a fantastic opportunity to get an early insight and celebrate the launch alongside the local business community.

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.

Want to explore the full Expo programme?
Find out more about the Somerset Business Expo, including exhibitors, workshops, business support sessions and connecting events below.
View the Somerset Business Expo Page

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

Chamber Chat
2026-07-02 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-08-06 10:00 - 11:00 | Online
Chamber Chat is a monthly online event hosted by us at Sedgemoor Chamber of Commerce. Open to members and non-members, this is your opportunity to connect with the local business community, share best practices, and discuss challenges in a safe, supportive environment.
Whether you’re a long-time member or new to the Chamber, Chamber Chat offers something for everyone:
• For Members: Strengthen connections with fellow members, share ideas, and discover opportunities to collaborate.
• For New Members: Learn more about the Chamber, meet Roger Smith (our General Manager), and explore how to make the most of your membership.
• For Non-Members: Get a taste of what the Chamber has to offer and see how joining could benefit your business.
This informal session is the perfect way to start your Thursday. Grab a cuppa, take a moment to relax, and enjoy being part of this business community. Whether you’re looking to solve a business challenge, build relationships, or simply catch up with others, Chamber Chat is the place to be.
Join Zoom Meeting: Join here
Meeting ID: 837 1110 0858

Summer BBQ
2026-07-09 18:30 - 21:00 | Blackmore Farm, Blackmore Farm Blackmore Lane Cannington, BRIDGWATER, Somerset, TA5 2NE
Our annual Summer BBQ returns for another relaxed evening of great food, conversation and connecting with the local business community.
This year, we are hosting the event at the beautiful Blackmore Farm, a stunning 15th-century manor house nestled in the Somerset countryside at the foot of the Quantock Hills. Full of character, history and charm, it provides the perfect setting for a summer evening with fellow businesses from across the region.
Whether you are a regular attendee or joining us for the first time, the Summer BBQ is designed to offer a more informal and sociable opportunity to catch up with familiar faces, meet new people and enjoy time away from the day-to-day pressures of work.
What to expect
– A relaxed summer evening with local businesses from across Somerset
– A meal served by the team at Blackmore Farm
– Plenty of opportunities for informal connecting and conversation
– A beautiful countryside setting with indoor and outdoor spaces to enjoy

We are proud to have Amicus Law sponsoring this event. With more than 20 years’ experience and ten offices across Somerset, Devon and Dorset, Amicus Law provides clear, compassionate legal advice for individuals, families and businesses.
From buying or selling a home, wills and probate, lasting powers of attorney and family law, through to employment, commercial property and dispute resolution, their team focuses on explaining options in plain English and guiding clients through each step with care and confidence.
As an award winning practice, Amicus Law is deeply rooted in the communities it serves, supporting local people, charities and organisations across the South West. Whether you need help with a personal matter or support for your business, their specialists are on hand to help you move forward.
amicuslaw.co.uk | info@amicuslaw.co.uk | 01278 664060

NOBODY BUT BUBLÉ
2026-07-10 19:00 - 21:00
BRIDGWATER PANTOMIME SOCIETY in association BH ENTERTAINMENT SERVICES present JORDAN HILL in “NOBODY BUT BUBLÉ” on Friday 10th July 2026 at Bridgwater and Albion RFC.
Doors open 7:00pm. Tickets: £12.50.
Book online at www.ticketsource.co.uk/nobodybutbuble or call on 07808 665838
Jordan Hill brings Bublé’s world to life in his own natural, charismatic style. Polished yet playful, Nobody But Bublé is a feel-good show with big songs, big smiles, and timeless entertainment — the music you love, delivered with style, heart, and the unmistakable Bublé flair.
Featuring Bublé’s greatest hits. Including: Feeling Good, Home, Everything, Haven’t Met You Yet and many more!

Discover Hinkley Point C: Breakfast & Site Tour
2026-10-08 08:00 - 12:00 | Hinkley Point C, HPC Cannington Park and Ride, Bridgwater, TA5 2JA
Join us for our final Hinkley Point C site tour of the year, a special autumn edition of this popular event series, offering another chance to explore the evolving landscape of the UK’s largest low-carbon energy project.
We’ll begin the morning with a buffet breakfast at Greenway Farm, followed by a guided site tour and project briefing delivered by EDF’s team. This is your opportunity to connect with fellow professionals, learn more about what lies ahead for Somerset’s energy future, and get an up-to-date look at the site’s latest milestones.
If you have not yet attended one of this year’s tours, this is your last chance to do so in 2026. New dates will be announced for our 2027 tours in due course.

What to expect
– Guided site tour and project briefing from EDF
– Buffet breakfast and networking at Greenway Farm
– Coach transfer to and from Cannington Park and Ride
– A chance to see the latest updates and future plans for HPC

Why attend?
– Gain first-hand insight into one of the UK’s most important energy projects
– See how the construction is progressing in real time
– Connect with local business leaders and professionals
– Be among the first to hear what’s coming next for Hinkley Point C
Breakfast Menu: Homemade sausages, smoky bacon, fried and poached eggs, grilled tomatoes and mushrooms, hash browns, baked beans, orange juice, teas and coffees.

Schedule
8:00am – Arrive at Greenway Farm for breakfast
9:30am – Depart Cannington Park and Ride for the guided site tour
12:00pm – Return to Cannington Park and Ride

Important Information
-On the day of your visit ALL visitors (aged 18 years and above) are required to produce valid photographic ID, either a current Passport or photo Driving Licence card. If either of the above forms of ID are not available, access to HPC Site will be denied.
-Sensible footwear must be worn on Site, no high heels or open toe shoes.
-Bags and personal belongings must be kept to a minimum. Please be aware a bag search will be carried out ahead of the visit to HPC Site.
-It is not permitted to use cameras and mobile telephones on HPC Site. We ask for phones to be either switched off or put on silence for the duration of the Site tour. Other prohibited items include radio transmitters, animals, weapons, knives, explosives of any kind, personal radios, and music players.
HPC Cannington Park and Ride Directions PDF

Interested in sponsoring this event?
Our Hinkley Point C Networking Breakfast & Site Tours are among the most well-attended events in our calendar, regularly attracting 40 or more guests, including a strong mix of Chamber members and wider business professionals from across the region.
It’s a fantastic opportunity to get your business in front of a highly engaged audience, many of whom work in construction, engineering, sustainability, skills and supply chain sectors. Sponsorship includes the chance to speak during the morning networking session, share your business materials, and stay involved throughout the experience.
If you’re looking to raise your profile and align your brand with one of the South West’s most high-impact projects, we’d love to hear from you.
Full details and packages are available here

Sedgemoor Business Excellence Awards 2026
2026-11-20 18:30 - 23:30
The Sedgemoor Business Excellence Awards return in November 2026, once again celebrating the people, passion, and progress that make Sedgemoor’s business community thrive.
Each year, hundreds of businesses enter to showcase their achievements, from start-ups making their mark to long-established firms leading the way in innovation, sustainability, and community impact. The awards shine a spotlight on the dedication and resilience that define Sedgemoor’s business landscape, bringing together entrepreneurs, teams, and community leaders for an unforgettable evening of celebration.
If you want to be part of next year’s story, now is the time to get ready.
Applications will open in July 2026, and registering your interest today means you’ll be the first to know when submissions go live. We’ll send you helpful reminders, entry tips, and updates so you don’t miss your chance to apply early.
The awards evening itself is one of the highlights of the local business calendar. Guests can look forward to a black-tie dinner, live entertainment, professional photography, and plenty of networking with fellow business leaders — all wrapped up in a night that celebrates achievement, connection, and community spirit.
Whether you’re hoping to apply, attend, or sponsor the event, this is your opportunity to be part of Sedgemoor’s biggest business celebration.

Highlights from the 2025 awards
The 2025 Sedgemoor Business Excellence Awards were our busiest to date, with more than 130 entries and over 240 guests joining us on Friday the 21st of November. We celebrated businesses of all sizes, from new start ups to long established employers, and introduced a brand new category, Building and Construction Business of the Year.
This year also saw our first ever Charity Raffle, with all proceeds going to our Charity of the Year, Ups and Downs Southwest. Thanks to the generosity of everyone who took part, we raised over £1,800 to support their vital work with children, young people and families. The evening was rounded off with live music and a fantastic atmosphere, making 2025 a record breaking year and a brilliant platform for the awards to grow again in 2026.

Somerset Business Expo 2027
2027-06-11 10:00 - 15:00 | Junction 24, Market Way, North Petherton, Somerset, TA6 6DF, United Kingdom
Register your interest for Somerset Business Expo 2027
After the success of Somerset Business Expo 2026, we are pleased to be looking ahead to the next event.
Somerset Business Expo has quickly become one of the county’s biggest days for business, bringing together exhibitors, visitors, speakers, sponsors and local organisations for a full day of connecting, showcasing and practical support.
This year, the Expo welcomed businesses from across Somerset and beyond, with a busy exhibition floor, free workshops and talks, speed connecting, business support sessions and additional networking events across the day.
Plans are now underway for Somerset Business Expo 2027, and while full details will be announced in due course, you can now register your interest to be among the first to hear updates.
Why register your interest?
By registering your interest, you can be first to hear about:
– Visitor ticket release dates
– Exhibitor stand bookings
– Sponsorship opportunities
– Workshops, talks and session announcements
– Networking event details
– Key Expo updates and launch news
Whether you are thinking about attending as a visitor, showcasing your business as an exhibitor, or exploring sponsorship opportunities, registering your interest is the best way to stay informed.
Be part of Somerset’s next biggest day for business
Somerset Business Expo is designed to bring businesses together, create opportunities and celebrate the strength of our local business community.
