HINKLEY Point C, Somerset University and a new garden town were all on the agenda at the Somerset Chamber’s first event of the year.

The event, which held at The Monks Yard in Ilminster, saw business people turn out in force for as Cllr David Hall discussed the County Council’s priorities for the future.

A range of topics were covered, including the Council and Chamber’s shared key issues of transport infrastructure, superfast broadband, skills and the Hinkley development.

Following the event, Somerset Chamber chief executive, Dale Edwards, said: “The briefing event was both interesting and valuable, enabling local business people to hear about the Council’s priorities for the future, as well as giving them an opportunity to ask questions on a wide range of topics.

“The issues around infrastructure, connectivity and bridging the skills gap are fundamental to the future growth of the county, and it is reassuring for businesses to know that the Somerset Chamber, the County Council and other organisations are all working together to tackle these areas, giving us the best possible chance of success.

“Meanwhile, the Hinkley Point C development is expected to bring huge benefits to the local economy, both now and into the future, putting the county in a strong and enviable position as we head into 2016.”

Cllr David Hall, Deputy Leader of Somerset County Council and Cabinet Member with responsibility for Business, Inward Investment and Policy, assured delegates that the government’s commitment to dualling the A303 and the A358 is real.

Digital connectivity was another important issue covered during the breakfast briefing. Cllr Hall confirmed that following a retender process, Phase 2 of the Connecting Devon and Somerset programme, which will deliver 95% connectivity for Somerset, is likely to begin later this year.

Other topics covered at the briefing event included the need to develop high quality, permanent jobs in the county; a possible Somerset University project; the importance of securing European funding for Somerset; and the Council’s aspirations to create a new garden town.

For more information, visit www.somerset-chamber.co.uk