Have your say: Help shape Portishead’s Economic Development Fund
4th June 2025
Local businesses are being invited to take part in a new survey to help shape how £152,942 of funding is allocated to support economic growth in Portishead and Portbury.
North Somerset Council launched the Portishead Business Survey yesterday (Tuesday 3 June) to gather views from businesses, entrepreneurs and others with a stake in the local economy. The funding, known as the Portishead Economic Development Fund, was created in response to the loss of commercial land at the Severn Paper Mill site. It is designed to support business growth, start-ups and wider economic development in the area.
Potential areas for funding include equipment purchases, staff training, premises improvements and technology investment.
The survey is open until Tuesday 1 July and is relevant to anyone with a business interest in Portishead or Portbury – whether currently running a business, planning to start one, exploring expansion into the area, or with a broader interest in local economic development.
Take part in the survey: northsomerset-gov.welcomesyourfeedback.net/s/ijufc8
By completing the survey, participants will help the council understand the challenges businesses face, barriers to growth, and what kinds of support are most needed. The responses will help shape a future grant scheme that meets real-world needs and makes the best use of the funding available.
Councillor Mark Canniford, North Somerset Council’s Executive Member for Placemaking and Economy, said:
“We want this funding to make a meaningful difference to Portishead and Portbury’s business community. The best way to achieve that is by listening to local people and businesses who know what support is most needed.”
The survey results will also feed into the development of North Somerset Council’s wider Economic Growth Plan, helping to ensure coastal communities like Portishead are well represented in future strategies.
Please help spread the word by sharing the survey link with your networks.
For more information, contact the council’s Economy Team at: business@n-somerset.gov.uk
