The cash was announced in the Budget but details have only now been confirmed.

The Authority has already repaired more than 23,000 potholes in the past year and the £5m extra funding will be used to improve road surfaces in targeted areas, helping to prevent potholes occurring.

“It is great that we have this extra money and I really hope motorists in Somerset soon notice the difference,” said Council Leader Ken Maddock.

Somerset is one of the best performing roads authorities in the South West. Despite having to save £34m from its budget after a harsh government settlement, the Council continues to be committed to investment in preventative road maintenance.

“The two very cold and snowy winters definitely had an impact on the county’s roads,” said Cllr Maddock.

“The extra money is welcome and a sign that the Government are listening when we ask for more cash for specific spending projects.”

For counties like Somerset, which already has a dedicated inward investment team, this is welcome news. The Into Somerset team has been targeting foreign investors for some time in order to raise awareness of the vast range of opportunities within the county, particularly in thriving industries such as renewable and low carbon energy, aerospace and advanced engineering, business services and much more.

Exciting developments in the renewable and low carbon energy markets in particular offer an exceptional opportunity for both UK-based and foreign investors. The renewable energy industry is set for significant growth as traditional energy sources become less readily available and ever more costly, and Somerset is perfectly positioned in the ‘Golden Triangle’ of ideal solar conditions below the M4 corridor, meaning it is a perfect location for harnessing solar energy. It boasts some of the most progressive renewable energy initiatives in the country, including a ground mounted PV array, which will be one of the very first of its type in the country.

Meanwhile, EDF Energy’s plans to build a third-generation nuclear power station at Hinkley Point on the Somerset coast will see £10billion of investment generated between now and 2018 if the project goes ahead. The development would provide 20-25,000 jobs during the construction phase, with around 5,600 people working on the site during the peak construction period and many more in the supply chain off site. In its initial stages, this would involve a huge range of industries, from design and construction companies to professional services, catering suppliers and much more, providing numerous opportunities for inward investors of all sizes and across a broad range of disciplines.

Rupert Cox, Chief Executive of inward investment body Into Somerset, comments, “At Into Somerset, we have been liaising with overseas companies for some time and welcoming many of them to Somerset to find out more about the vast range of investment opportunities available here. We’ve had a lot of interest, particularly from French investors looking to link into the proposed nuclear new build at Hinkley Point, so these latest changes to the immigration policy are very welcome.”

Somerset is a prime location for inward investment due to its excellent road and rail links, meaning London is only two hours away, whilst a choice of international airports mean that Europe and the rest of the world are within easy reach.

Many entrepreneurs are also attracted to Somerset because of its cost-effective commercial property, which tends to be at least a third cheaper than in London and the South East. Top UK broadband connectivity rates and a strong business support network are also important factors, and Somerset has the advantage of being able to balance all of this with good schools, affordable housing, clean air, low pollution and easy access to both coast and country.

Into Somerset offers a tailored business relocation service, giving advice and information to facilitate the process. To find out more about the many varied opportunities that Somerset can offer, or for advice and guidance on setting up a business in Somerset call on 0845 1222 066 or visit www.intosomerset.co.uk.

Despite the difficult economic climate, Somerset has seen some exciting developments in the renewable and low carbon energy markets, with the potential for growth as the country recovers from the recession offering an exceptional opportunity. The renewable energy industry in particular is still in its infancy in the UK but is set for significant growth over the coming years, as traditional energy sources become less readily available and ever more costly.

Rupert Cox, Chief Executive of inward investment body Into Somerset, explains, “Somerset is perfectly positioned in the ‘Golden Triangle’ of ideal solar conditions below the M4 corridor, meaning it is a perfect location for harnessing solar energy. Projects such as a recently approved ground mounted PV array, which will be one of the very first of its type in the country, reinforce Somerset’s status as a green industry pioneer.”

Well-known sites such as the Royal Bath & West Showground and iconic attractions like the Glastonbury Festival are planning significant investments in photovoltaic installations too. The planned regeneration of the Royal Bath & West Showground is set to include the UK’s first photovoltaic renewable energy centre, where visitors will be able to learn more about renewable energy. This will generate around twice the power consumed by the project when completed, saving 2,360 tonnes of carbon dioxide every year.

Meanwhile, Glastonbury Festival owner Michael Eavis has recently had the UK’s largest private solar electricity-generating system installed on the roof of Worthy Farm. The 200kWp system is made up of over 1,100 solar photovoltaic panels and will generate enough power for 80% of the farm’s electricity demand, exporting excess to the grid and saving more than 2,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide over its lifetime.

A recent survey commissioned by Regen SW highlighted the fact that green energy jobs are likely to be instrumental in bringing the South West out of the current economic downturn. The survey of over 200 businesses showed that over the last two years, despite the recession, the number of people employed in the renewable energy sector grew to over 5,000 – a 78% increase.

Cox explains, “Somerset has plenty to offer companies working in the green sector, being one of the UK’s leading environmentally-aware, low carbon counties. It was the UK’s first Transition Local Authority, ensuring that measures to save energy and cut global warming are at the forefront of forward planning. Somerset County Council has also been proactive in the development of wind power initiatives and other renewable projects, including landmark schemes to promote the use of bioethanol.

“Sustainable construction companies, renewable energy specialists, nuclear experts, waste disposal companies, water technology firms and biomass plants are all thriving in Somerset. It is a natural home for businesses working with renewable and low carbon energy, which means there is an established network of professional expertise on tap and a robust supply chain in place.”

In the low carbon energy sector, the decision over planning permission for the proposed Hinkley Point C power station should be determined by the end of 2011. In the likely event that planning permission is approved, this will become a catalyst for economic development throughout the county. EDF Energy’s plans to build a third-generation nuclear power station at Hinkley Point on the Somerset coast would see £10billion of investment generated between now and 2018.

Assuming the project does go ahead, the development is expected to provide 20,000 jobs during the construction phase, with 5,000 people working on the site during the peak construction period and many more in the supply chain off site. In its initial stages, this would involve a huge range of industries, from design and construction companies to professional services, catering suppliers and much more, providing numerous opportunities for inward investors of all sizes across a broad range of disciplines.

The proposed Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) between Somerset and Devon would guarantee a focus on exploiting the potential of the region’s low-carbon energy generation sector, with off- and on-shore wind opportunities, solar farm projects and energy-from waste schemes being explored and developed, boosting the LEP zone’s green economy potential.

There are, of course, numerous investment opportunities outside energy and environmental technology as well. Aerospace and advanced engineering, food and drink, and the creative sector are just some of the many thriving industries in this surprisingly vibrant part of the country.

Into Somerset offers a tailored business relocation service, giving advice and information to facilitate the process. To find out more about the many varied opportunities that Somerset can offer, or for advice and guidance on setting up a business in Somerset call on 0845 1222 066 or visit www.intosomerset.co.uk.

Around thirty of Somerset’s most influential businesspeople gathered at the prestigious Mount Somerset hotel on Wednesday 2 February to hear about Into Somerset’s strategy for the future, many pledging their support to ensure the continuing good work of the county’s highly successful inward investment body.

Gemma Coombs and John Vieth from Magnox South, the management and operations contractor responsible for decommissioning nuclear sites on behalf of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, presented a cheque for £25,000 to Into Somerset Chair, Cllr Anne Fraser MBE, during the evening. These funds will be used to support the ongoing work of the organisation, which raises the profile of Somerset as a business destination with the aim of attracting entrepreneurs to invest, in order to strengthen the economy and create higher skilled, better jobs within the county.

John Vieth, Supplier Relationships Manager for Magnox South, said, “As decommissioning continues at Hinkley A, we are committed to ensuring we leave a positive and sustainable legacy to the local community. Over the past 50 years, Hinkley Point A has built strong business links in Somerset and Magnox South is pleased to continue this tradition by supporting Into Somerset. Somerset is a great place to do business and I hope, with Magnox support, Into Somerset can maximise its potential.”

Magnox South’s contribution was warmly welcomed by Into Somerset Chief Executive, Rupert Cox. “’We are delighted that Magnox South has invested in the Into Somerset project. This will help us to improve our marketing of Somerset as a place to do business and we hope that other Somerset companies will see fit to financially support the programme as well.”

Since its creation only three years ago, Into Somerset has played a key part in around 30 company investments in Somerset which, in addition to the enormous economic benefit generated, should create over 500 new jobs in the county by the summer of 2011. Cox highlighted some of the tactics used to generate awareness to date, including an integrated social media campaign; an outdoor marketing campaign in London; regular media relations activity; sponsorship of Somerset racing driver Ewan Hankey; presence at the iconic Glastonbury Festival; and a vibrant Ambassador programme.

Guests from a wide range of industries including finance, engineering, energy, construction, property, entertainment and many more, were presented with Into Somerset’s plans to encourage more private sector involvement to support the inward investment body’s efforts in the future.

Cox explained, “The six funding local authorities in Somerset are committed to the principles of inward investment and supportive of the project but do not have the budgets they had in previous years, so we are seeking investment from the private sector to support our work.

“There is much to recommend Somerset as a business location. The lifestyle here is, of course, excellent and connectivity is better than most, but the business case rings true as well. IBM, for instance, has invested in Highbridge creating 50 new jobs because it makes good business sense compared to where they relocated from in Uxbridge – it’s up to 30% cheaper on premises, people and other on-costs.”

HSBC Bank sponsored the event and Peter Larcombe, HSBC Area Commercial Director, commented, “HSBC Bank plc is delighted to support Into Somerset. The message from HSBC is that we are very much ‘open for business’. Our strong desire is to work with businesses, to help with their strategic planning so that they can achieve their plans to develop and grow. This includes both existing and new customers within Somerset and those who wish to relocate ‘Into Somerset’.”

Into Somerset offers a tailored business relocation service, giving advice and information to facilitate the process. For more information, visit www.intosomerset.co.uk or call 0845 1222 066.

“We are feeling cautiously optimistic about the future,” declares Cox. “The Bank of England’s decision to maintain the low interest rate of 0.5% means the prospects for borrowing and therefore for business growth and investment are maximised. At a time when many businesses are starting to think more positively about the future, this is a great boost for the economy – and we expect to see a notable impact in Somerset.”

Times of recession are known to trigger a significant rise in new business start-ups and Somerset already has one of the highest business start-up rates of any county outside London. Figures released last year show that the South West as a region has seen the biggest increase in start-up businesses, seeing a 12 per cent growth in the year to the end of June 2010.

Somerset’s cost-effective commercial property prices, easy access to London and the South East in less than two hours and strong business support network all play a big part in this success. And its appeal now has an additional financial incentive too, thanks to a three-year scheme announced by the Government during the emergency Budget last summer. Businesses starting up outside London, the South East and the East of England are exempt from up to £5,000 of employers’ National Insurance Contributions in their first year of trading.

“This little-known tax break means it is more cost-effective than ever to set up a business in Somerset,” says Cox. “Around 20,000 people relocate here every year and the vast majority are from London and the South East, so this is another great incentive for them. With a wealth of opportunities here, such as the proposed £10billion investment in Hinkley Point, the £270million investment in the impressive Firepool Development in Taunton, and an enormous range of renewable energy projects and opportunities, there’s no better time for businesses to make the move to the country!”

Into Somerset offers a tailored business relocation service, giving advice and information to facilitate the process. For more information, visit www.intosomerset.co.uk or call 0845 1222 066.

An increase in the number of pupils at the end of Key Stage 4 achieving five or more A* to C (and equivalent) including English and Maths GCSEs is celebrated by Somerset County Council today.

In 2009, the average percentage reached by Local Authority Secondary Schools was 49 per percent. This figure has now increased by five per cent to 54 per cent.

Secondary Schools that have seen a marked increase since 2009 in their results include Ladymead Community School (now closed), Taunton (23 per cent increase); Huish Episcopi School (now Huish Episcopi Academy), Langport (22 per cent increase); The Castle School, Taunton (12 per cent increase); Kingsmead Community School, Taunton (11 per cent increase) and Haygrove School in Bridgwater (10 per cent increase).

Cabinet Member for Children and Young People at Somerset County Council, Cllr John Osman, said: “We are delighted with this news. It is a great credit to our school leaders, teachers and staff who have educated our young people to see this improvement on our results since last year.”

To see how individual secondary schools have done, check out www.dfe.gov.uk/performancetables.

(thanks to Somerset County Council)

The sponsors were informed in a recent letter from Lord Hill that the funds will allow the site to be completely rebuilt and remodeled turning the dream of world class resources into reality within the next three years.

The Academy will now begin negotiations with contractors to start the design phase with plans for the new site to be completed near to the end of 2013.

Principal of The Taunton Academy, Mark Trusson stated: “We are delighted with this news. The Government has confirmed their intention to fund the rebuild of the former Ladymead site. In the current economic climate, we believe the likely final allocation will be both generous and sufficient to rebuild and remodel the site to the very highest standard. The original vision for the Academy is still very much on course, with the guarantee of first class education
resources in the near future.”

Somerset County Council’s Cabinet member for children and young people, Cllr John Osman said: “Somerset County Council is really pleased that The Taunton Academy will have this investment to enable them to continue to develop and provide excellent opportunities for the young people of North Taunton.”

(Thanks to Somerset County Council Press Office)

They provide the latest information about the nuclear and renewables industries in Somerset to professionals across Europe.

To sign-up or to request a callback about how to relocate your business to Somerset, follow this link.

As guests of Lord Cameron of Dillington, patron of Into Somerset, more than thirty prominent businesspeople were introduced to the aims of the inward investment body and given an overview of the key investment opportunities in the county. The objective was to promote Somerset as the place ‘where you and your business can grow’, raising the profile of Somerset as a great place to do business and thereby encouraging inward investment into the county.

The various speakers presented the county’s business case, encouraging guests to reassess their often outdated perceptions of Somerset.

Rupert Cox, Chief Executive of Into Somerset, spoke about some of the enormous opportunities for inward investment in Somerset in the coming years, including those within renewable energies, nuclear energy, business services and much more. He explained why the work that Into Somerset is doing is so important.

“Somerset has plenty to offer to inward investors and good inward investment can support Somerset by generating new jobs, increase skills base, increase salaries in skilled work and add value to our existing business stock. To date we have supported nearly 30 businesses and individuals, helping them to relocate their business activities to Somerset. When all the investments are complete, we should have helped to create or protect over 500 jobs.”

As part of the programme, Gavin Eddy, Managing Director of the entrepreneurial business Forward Space, spoke about his own experience of relocating to the county, highlighting the many commercial advantages of being located in Somerset – known to many as ‘Britain’s best-kept secret’. “For me the argument had to be about much more than just being a nice place to live – many counties can lay claim to that particular accolade. There is a really strong business case for locating in Somerset to do with proximity and transport infrastructure, connectivity, availability of an educated workforce and an entrepreneurial spirit.”

People from a variety of backgrounds were present at the tea, including MPs, nuclear industry experts and international trade and enterprise bodies. Five lords and one bishop were also among the guests, who were treated to a viewing of Into Somerset’s awareness video, featuring Somerset celebrities including Sarah Parish, Michael Eavis and Deborah Meaden.

The event was the culmination of a successful year’s work by Into Somerset officers, who have attended over a dozen sector conferences and industry events in order to build relationships with companies looking to relocate – companies that are in a position to make an impact on the county’s economy. Subsequent industry-focused e-marketing campaigns have been sent to hundreds of targeted contacts, describing the key business benefits of Somerset for these sectors.

This hands-on approach has resulted in over 350 personal contacts being made within the nuclear and renewables sectors. Some of these businesspeople were invited to the tea, giving them an opportunity to forge new links and relationships with other business people and politicians at the highest level. Around two thirds of the attendees at the event were new contacts for Into Somerset thanks to this year’s highly focused activities.

Into Somerset is actively targeting key influencers and building relationships that will deliver inward investment, supporting the main plank of the government’s economic policy in which the private sector is tasked with driving the economic recovery forward.

Somerset has one of the highest business start-up rates of any county outside London thanks to its cost-effective commercial property, access to London and the South East in less than two hours and strong business support network. In addition, it has one of the best rates of business broadband take-up.

Every year, 20,000 people relocate to Somerset to enjoy its countryside, coast and clean air, short commute times and excellent education and training opportunities.

Gavin Eddy, Somerset investor and founder of the entrepreneurial business Forward Space, spoke at the event of the many commercial advantages of being located in the county, known to many as ‘Britain’s best-kept secret’.

A presentation was given, including our awareness video, featuring celebrities like Sarah Parish, Michael Eavis and Deborah Meaden: