Business leaders will shape the future of the South West of England at a regional roadshow in Somerset.

The event, set for October 3, is the third in a series of four regional roadshows organised by the Great South West Pan-Regional Partnership.

The focus of these roadshows is to influence Westminster to work more effectively for the South West.

Each roadshow is tailored to address the unique challenges and opportunities within its respective area.

The Somerset roadshow is being organised in collaboration with the Somerset Chamber of Commerce and will take place at the Firepool Centre for Digital Innovation in Taunton.

It will feature a panel discussion on mobilising the South West, with panellists including Karl Tucker, Clive Higgins, CEO of Leonardo UK, councillor Bill Revans, leader of Somerset Council, and other senior business leaders.

Karl Tucker, chair of the Great South West Partnership, said: "We are excited to announce our third regional roadshow, in Somerset.

"The Somerset roadshow is a crucial opportunity for us to bring together the region’s most influential voices.

"We are committed to ensuring that the South West’s unique challenges and opportunities are not only recognised but acted upon at a national level."

David Crew, managing director of Somerset Chamber of Commerce, said: "The South West is a great place to do business and we are pleased to be able to support this event to unite business leaders, investors and officials to raise the profile of our region and champion our business community.

"By working alongside the Great South West, it will further amplify the voice of Somerset business in the corridors of power locally, regionally and nationally, ensuring our businesses have the opportunities and investment they deserve to thrive and grow."

The Somerset roadshow will unite senior business leaders, investors, and local authorities, and will highlight the strengths of the region's business community and elevate its interests on the national stage.

The Great South West is developing a range of key events and activities through 2024, including the regional roadshows, economic and sector insight reports, Westminster events and a major national conference, in Exeter, on September 13.

A delegation will also be working at the UK’s main investment show, UKREiiF, in Leeds in May, to set out the array of opportunities across the region to national and international investors.

The final roadshow in the series will take place in Cornwall later this year.