BACKED by key business leaders, Somerset West and Taunton Council has launched a new inward investment campaign to put the area on the map with future business investors.

The SWITCH campaign is being delivered to promote the area of Somerset West and Taunton as a key business destination, rich in growth and innovation opportunities.

The campaign, which launched on May 12 at Somerset Cricket Club in Taunton, focuses on the opportunities in key growth sectors and the council’s investment and regeneration plans for the area; highlighting the many benefits for national and international organisations looking for a location for their business to thrive.

Guests at the launch were invited to learn more about the campaign from council leader, Cllr Federica Smith-Roberts and Cllr Marcus Kravis, portfolio holder for Asset Management and Economic Development, as they unveiled the new SWITCH campaign video and revamped Invest Taunton website.

Somerset County Gazette: Cllr Federica Smith-Roberts, leader, Somerset West and Taunton CouncilCllr Federica Smith-Roberts, leader, Somerset West and Taunton Council

The event also included a panel discussion featuring Somerset West and Taunton Council, the UK Hydrographic Office and Singer Instruments.

As part of the new campaign, the council has also created SWITCH support packages for businesses looking to relocate or invest in the region and those already here and keen to expand and grow.

In addition to offering practical assistance with sourcing premises, recruiting talent, and securing funding, SWITCH also connects businesses with 14 local ambassadors from leading organisations.

The ambassadors are able to support businesses looking to relocate or grow by offering advice and sharing their first-hand experience of working in the region.

Cllr Marcus Kravis explained: “The SWITCH campaign demonstrates that, in terms of opportunities for business growth, Somerset West and Taunton is a very viable alternative to locations such as Bristol and London”.

“As well as the cost of living and lifestyle benefits, the district is currently undergoing significant investment with a new £11m Innovation Centre at the Firepool site due for completion this year and £19.4m ‘Growth Deal’ funding to further improve key road infrastructure. Not to mention the Nexus 25 and Riverside at Coal Orchard developments which are tipped to attract significant investment.”

“Many high profile national and international organisations are already choosing to make Somerset West and Taunton their home.

"These range from Medtech companies Rutherford Diagnostics, and Singer Instruments, to the leading recycling and waste management company Viridor and the world-leading centre for Hydrography, UKHO.

“We hope that the SWITCH campaign will prove to more businesses that Somerset West and Taunton is the South West’s next growth hotspot.”

More information about the SWITCH campaign can be found at investtaunton.co.uk