Specialist business advice and support
South West Manufacturing Advisory Services provides hands on support to manufacturing businesses. This includes mentoring support, specialist support, funding and a gateway to core manufacturing improvement services. You can also find out details about the Hinkley Supply Chain Programme.
Department for International Trade (DIT) helps businesses export and grow into global markets.
Innovate UK and the Knowledge Transfer Network support businesses in developing and realising the potential of new ideas, including those from the UK’s world-class research base. They help businesses to get the best out of creativity, ideas and the latest discoveries.
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Food, drink and the circular economy
A circular economy is based on the principles of designing out waste and pollution, keeping products and materials in use, and regenerating natural systems.
There is a significant scale of opportunity from the circular economy in South Somerset. Research by WRAP has estimated that agricultural food waste in the UK is worth approximately £1.2 billion per annum or 7% of annual agricultural output. Equating this to South Somerset suggests that on this factor alone there could be a market saving of £14 million per annum.
The scope for the greatest potential in South Somerset has been identified in the food and drink and agricultural production sectors. We held an online seminar in October 2020 to local businesses to raise awareness of the circular economy research and initiatives that promote environmental sustainability alongside business growth.
Please see a recording of our Circular Economy Seminar earlier in the year.
If you want to find out more about the Circular Economy here are some good links: