Have your say on Portishead Economic Development Fund
3rd June 2025
North Somerset Council has launched the Portishead Business Survey today (Tuesday 3 June), inviting local businesses to share insights that will directly shape the allocation of the Portishead Economic Development Fund, worth £152,942.
The Portishead Economic Development Fund, created in response to the loss of commercial land at Severn Paper Mill, is aimed at supporting local business growth and start-ups through targeted grants. This may include funding for equipment purchases, staff training, premises improvements, and technology investment.
The survey is open from Tuesday 3 June to Monday 30 June to anyone with a business interest in Portishead or Portbury. This may be running a business, planning to start one, exploring expansion into the area, or having a broader interest in local economic development.
Complete the survey here: NorthSomerset-Gov.welcomesyourfeedback.net/ijufc8
Feedback will help the council identify key local business needs, challenges, and growth opportunities. The goal is to ensure the limited funding is used effectively, reaching the areas where it can have the most impact.
The survey seeks to understand specific support, training, and financial needs that will help businesses thrive. It will cover key areas including:
- main challenges
- barriers to expansion
- future business plans and support needed
- awareness and use of existing local business support schemes
- additional feedback to help tailor the grant scheme.
Councillor Mark Canniford, North Somerset Council’s Cabinet Member responsible for the economy , said: “We want to hear directly from Portishead and Portbury businesses to ensure this fund meets the real-world needs of the community. Your feedback will shape a grant scheme designed to fill gaps in current support and help businesses grow sustainably.”
North Somerset Council’s Economy Team aims to design a grant programme that complements existing sector support and additional initiatives funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. This includes Opportunity North Somerset, Business Support Unlocked, Growth Hub, and Green Business Grants.
This fund also supports the council’s upcoming North Somerset Economic Growth Plan, which outlines a strategic approach to sustainable, inclusive growth across the region. Insights from the survey will feed into this broader plan, helping ensure that the needs of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in coastal towns like Portishead are recognised and reflected in future policymaking.
