Somerset Chamber of Commerce appointed to boost future contract opportunities for ‘Epic’ development

A new contract has been awarded to help maximise economic opportunities for local businesses linked to the future Epic development near Long Ashton.

North Somerset Council has appointed Somerset Chamber of Commerce to deliver Phase 1 of a two-phase business engagement and supply chain support programme focused on helping local firms access opportunities connected to the Epic development.

Leading healthcare technology firm Epic Systems has been approved to develop a new European headquarters near Long Ashton. The approved plans promise to deliver more than 2,000 high-quality jobs and inject an estimated £140 million into the regional economy each year, representing a significant investment in the future of North Somerset and the wider West of England.

Businesses are now being invited to learn more and register, free-of-charge online at www.somersetsupplychain.co.uk.

The first phase of the programme will run for up to six weeks and will focus on identifying, engaging and mapping the local construction supply chain across Long Ashton and wider North Somerset.

The work across the programme will also explore barriers that may prevent local businesses from applying for or winning commercial construction contracts. This could include skills shortages, capacity challenges, accreditation requirements, training needs or other obstacles faced by SMEs, microbusinesses and sole traders.

Maximising economic impact across North Somerset

North Somerset Council has negotiated a Section 106 (s106) agreement with Epic Systems Corporation, to make funding available for a package of activities designed to maximise local economic impact and create long-term opportunities linked to the development.

The wider programme of support taking place over the next five years includes:

• Construction Supply Chain Optimisation to help local SMEs and sole traders compete for Epic-related contracts
• A Health Informatics Faculty to address digital skills gaps in healthcare and create pathways into high-value roles
• Business Growth and Supply Chain Cluster Development to attract and grow digital, healthcare and life sciences businesses in North Somerset
• A Skills Pathway to support disadvantaged groups, young people not in education, employment or training (NEETs), and economically inactive residents into employment opportunities linked to Epic and its supply chain.

These activities form the Epic Economic Investment Programme (EIP) and align with North Somerset’s Economic Growth Plan, the West of England Growth Strategy and national priorities set out in Invest 2035, supporting innovation-led growth in life sciences and digital health.

Cllr Mark Canniford, Cabinet Member for Sustainable Places at North Somerset Council, said:

“This is an important first step in helping local businesses prepare for future growth opportunities across the region as a result of the Epic development and we ask our local businesses to take advantage of the opportunities that will arise from Epic settling in North Somerset.

“I’m pleased that Somerset Chamber of Commerce will use their experience and local knowledge to map and analyse the commercial and supplier landscape so we can identify and prepare local businesses and suppliers for future success.

“The wider package of support in the coming year will be especially valuable for sole traders, microbusinesses and smaller firms, helping them prepare for future phases and commercial opportunities both within the Epic project and across the wider regional construction sector.”

David Crew, Managing Director of Somerset Chamber of Commerce, said:

“The Epic Systems development represents a major opportunity for local businesses. This programme will help ensure that North Somerset’s construction sector is visible, informed and ready to benefit from the work ahead.

“It’s also the first step for Somerset Chamber to establish the Somerset Supply Chain portal as the region’s most valuable tool to link local businesses with contract opportunities on other, future schemes helping them to grow while boosting local economic growth.”

Businesses looking for more support and advice on future opportunities concerning Epic should contact Sam Orchard, Supply Chain Engagement Lead, by emailing supplychain@somerset-chamber.co.uk.