Government funded Skills Bootcamp in Sales offers free places for self employed people and subsidised training for employees across Somerset
Sedgemoor Chamber of Commerce is encouraging businesses across Somerset to take up a new government funded Skills Bootcamp in Sales, delivered by The Growth Academy Somerset. The programme offers practical, accredited sales training one morning a week, designed to help local business owners, directors and staff increase sales, win new customers and build confidence for a stronger 2026.
The Skills Bootcamp is funded through Somerset Council and the Department for Education. It runs online over sixteen weeks, with around sixty hours of learning and support, and leads to a Level 3 sales qualification endorsed by the Institute of Sales Management.
As a Chamber we know that many brilliant local businesses are held back by a lack of confidence around sales, rather than the quality of what they do. This bootcamp is a chance to change that. It is a practical way for businesses to invest in themselves, build skills and turn more of their hard work into sustainable growth.
The programme is led by Sales Director and trainer Richard Palmer from The Growth Academy Somerset, who has over thirty three years of experience in sales, business development and coaching. The course covers core sales skills, negotiation, communication, business development, account management and the use of technology and artificial intelligence to generate and convert leads. Sessions are built around coaching and real life situations, helping participants apply what they learn directly to their own business or role.
Who is eligible
To be eligible, participants must:
- Be self employed or employed under PAYE
- Be aged nineteen or over
- Live or work within the Somerset Council authority area
- Be able to commit to one morning a week of online learning for the duration of the course
Bath and North East Somerset is not included in the funded area.
What will it cost
The Skills Bootcamp is funded through Somerset Council and the Department for Education. The contribution depends on how you are engaged in work and the size of the business.
- Self employed participants pay £0.00. Their place is fully funded.
- Employees in businesses with fewer than 249 staff pay a contribution of £360.00.
- Employees in businesses with 250 or more staff pay a contribution of £1,080.00.
- All directors who are paid through PAYE are treated as employees for funding purposes.
How local businesses can get involved
We are encouraging businesses and individuals across Sedgemoor and wider Somerset to:
- Share this opportunity with self employed contacts who would benefit from fully funded sales training
- Consider placing key staff on the bootcamp as part of their training and development plans for 2026
- Use the course to support new starters or team members moving into sales related roles
Self employed people can access the course at no cost. Employers can enrol staff for a contribution starting from three hundred and sixty pounds per person, depending on the size of the organisation.
To register your interest or secure a place, visit www.thegrowthacademysomerset.org or email growthacademy@skillsandbusinesshub.org.
About The Growth Academy Somerset
The Growth Academy Somerset delivers specialist sales and business development training through funded Skills Bootcamps and tailored programmes. Working with Somerset Council and the Department for Education, the team helps individuals and organisations build practical skills that lead to real business growth.
