TAUNTON played host to 14 business students from Paris recently, as they completed two weeks in the county by visiting Somerset Chamber of Commerce.

The international business students spent a morning at the chamber, where they gave presentations to member of the board about different aspects of the Somerset economy.

The students, who ranged in age from 18 to 22, were then presented with certificates to mark the completion of their two week long assignment.

Graham Knight, chairman of the Somerset chamber, said: “I was delighted to welcome the students to the chamber and, with the help of board colleagues, to be able to review their final presentations.

“They had been working hard on some key business topics relevant to Somerset and I have to say, the quality of presentations and their logical, structured approach were very creditable.”

The visit to the chamber was the culmination of the students’ two week stay in the UK, during which they focused on the key industries of tourism, food & farming, aviation and energy.

Laurent Sigoigne was one of two teachers who accompanied the group during their time in Somerset.

This is the fourth such visit he had led in recent years – having previously having been to Hungary, Estonia and the Netherlands – said that the visit to Somerset by far the best that he and his students had experienced to date.

“This type of activity fits well with our own education and skills agenda and the work we are undertaking with local colleges and schools,” Mr Knight added.

“In addition, our growing links with France via the planned Hinkley Point C development and our work with EDF Energy were further reinforced.

“Personally I met the group when they arrived in the UK and to see at the end of their visit how their confidence had grown was particularly encouraging.”

Student Sofian Boulahtar said: “My English has improved massively through speaking in the language with students, teachers and other people all day long. My lasting memory will, however, be presenting our project in front of the Somerset Chamber of Commerce.

“I would like to thank everyone for organising this visit and making us welcome – I will never forget it.”