Local Business Support Providers

the hive

the hive has 35 years of experience in supporting the businesses of North Somerset with a team of experienced business advisors and services.

Delivered through the hive, and funded by the North Somerset Council Shared Prosperity Fund, is the Business Support Unlocked programme – a free at the point of access pre-start, early growth, and business resilience programme that provides North Somerset businesses with a package of flexible and accessible support to help them overcome challenges and succeed well into the future.

Support includes:

• A 3.5 day Starting in Business Course
• Advice Sessions delivered through face-to-face appointments, by phone, or via online platforms
• A series of workshops that focus on up-to-date information on key priorities and sector support

WofE CA - Growth Hub

The WofE CA Growth Hub provides select support, expert guidance, and access to finance and support programmes to businesses of all sizes across North Somerset who have ambition to grow.

Support includes:

• Triage and Diagnostics Service
• The Good Employment Charter
• Intellectual Property Support
• Thrive at Work

The Food Works SW

The Food Works SW is a food and drink innovation centre in Weston-super-Mare that offers food-grade business units for food and drink manufacturers. The business units are modern, cost-effective and meet the highest standards of environmental health legislation. They also provide access to technical support, sector-based training, networking, conference and room hire, coffee shop and business lounge.

Support Includes:

• Business Units
• Meeting Room Hire
• Development Kitchens
• Business Support Events

Weston College

Weston College is an award winning, Ofsted rated ‘Good’ college with Outstanding ‘Skills’ of further and higher education based across 9 campuses predominantly in North Somerset and also Bristol.

The College offers career-focused courses to connect students with employers and explore opportunities. Networking, job fairs, workshops, and guest speakers offer more than a course, it offers real routes into a career.

They provide education and vocational training to nearly 30,000 learners across the country and work with thousands of businesses across the region, in several sectors to create bespoke training solutions that help businesses grow.

For further information on their targeted business support, please reach out to the team via: employers@weston.ac.uk

Council Services

North Somerset Council offers a wide range of advice, support and services to the business community including, but not limited to; planning, environmental health, licensing, business support, skills and training, signposting to grants and funding opportunities, health and safety, procurement, premises, sustainable travel, business rates and trading standards.

• Licensing
• Trading standards
• Business Rates
• Procurement and Concessions
• Planning
• Grants and Funding