Dozens of local businesses and hundreds of visitors flocked to the Somerset Business Expo on Friday June 12 to network, showcase their work, and share tips and tricks of the trade across the county's diverse industries.
The event, organised by Sedgemoor Chamber of Commerce, was the first hosted at a bigger new venue at Sedgemoor Auction Centre, near the M5 Junction 24.
The event marks one of the biggest days in the calendar for Somerset's business community, featuring a host of workshops and talks, expert speakers and a visit from the local MP.
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Roger Smith, General Manager of the Sedgemoor Chamber of Commerce, said the event this year attracted 75 businesses exhibitors and around 500 visitors from across Somerset and further afield.
He said: "There was a range of completely different sectors represented, from recycling to travel agents, to legal firms to car dealerships. This is the fourth year that we've held an expo, and this year we really raised the bar to make it an event that really celebrates and showcases somersets incredible businesses community.
He explained: "We wanted to give people an opportunity to enhance their profile, to build new connections and reinforce existing ones, and just show how incredible the businesses community is in this area."
Roger explained that the event was a big step up from 33 exhibitors last year, and their 2027 ambition is to bring the number of exhibiting businesses to over 100.
As well as business stalls, the Expo also featured professional speakers, published authors ad industry experts, running workshops on topical issues like AI use and managing workplace conflicts.
Roger admitted the current economic climate was a "challenging environment" for some Somerset businesses to navigate, but underscored that the work of the Sedgemoor Chambers of Commerce is all geared towards connecting, promoting and supporting the local business community.
He said: "Next year we're looking to go bigger and better. The work has already started [for 2027], we'd like to take it to over 100 exhibitors."
During his visit Ashley met with a range of exhibitors from both the Bridgwater constituency and the wider county, hearing directly from business owners about the opportunities and challenges facing local firms.
Ashley Fox MP said: "Businesses across Somerset continue to face significant pressures.
"Many are dealing with rising costs, increased National Insurance contributions and a challenging economic environment, all of which make it harder to invest, grow and create jobs. That is why it is more important than ever that we champion local businesses and recognise the contribution they make to our communities and economy.
"Somerset is home to an incredible range of businesses, from family-run firms and independent retailers to manufacturers, professional services and growing enterprises. The Expo was a fantastic showcase of what our local economy has to offer."
Ashley also praised the work of the Sedgemoor Chamber of Commerce in organising the event saying: "The Sedgemoor Chamber of Commerce deserves great credit for bringing together so many businesses under one roof.
"I would like to congratulate everyone involved in organising the Expo and thank all the businesses that took part. Their success is vital to the future prosperity of Bridgwater, Burnham-on-Sea, Highbridge and communities across Somerset."
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