Elevate Somerset New Year Reception

Join fellow business and community leaders for the latest Elevate Somerset New Year Reception, an exclusive leadership forum focused on one of Somerset's most important challenges and opportunities: developing our future workforce.

This event will include attendance and a speech by His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant and Somerset Chamber Patron, Mohammed Saddiq.

Elevate Somerset is Somerset's strategic leadership network, facilitated by the Somerset Chamber of Commerce. It brings together influential business and civic leaders, partners and anchor institutions to help shape the future of the county. Designed as an invitation-only forum for senior decision-makers, Elevate provides a trusted environment where leaders can collaborate, share insight, discuss strategic priorities and influence conversations that support Somerset's long-term economic success.

Built around the Chamber's vision to Connect, Influence and Grow, Elevate exists to strengthen collaboration between leaders, create a stronger and more unified business voice, and support initiatives that drive innovation, productivity and inclusive economic growth across Somerset.  

Young People & Our Future Workforce
As employers continue to navigate recruitment, retention and skills challenges, understanding the aspirations and expectations of the next generation has never been more important.

Hosted by Richard Huish College, this thought-provoking discussion will include a panel with young people, our future workforce. We'll explore what factors influence our young people when they are approaching career choices, what influences their decision-making, and how employers can better attract, develop and retain future talent.

Speakers and panellists will include representatives from:

• His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Somerset, Mohammed Saddiq
• Bill Revans, Leader of Somerset Council
• Richard Huish College
• WPA
• A panel of young people from across Somerset

Together, they will share perspectives on education, employability, workplace expectations, career pathways and the opportunities and challenges facing the workforce of tomorrow.

Why Attend?
This event provides a unique opportunity to:

• Connect with senior leaders from across Somerset in a trusted leadership forum
• Build valuable relationships with leaders from business, education, charity and civic sectors  
• Hear first-hand insight into how young people are thinking about careers and employment to better understand the expectations of the emerging workforce
• Contribute to discussions that help influence Chamber advocacy and support Somerset's long-term ambitions around skills, productivity and economic growth  

Attendance Criteria
This event is open to Somerset Chamber members only - those with Elevate, Charity and Business Partner memberships.

Attendees should be senior-level decision-makers, including:

• Managing Directors, CEOs and Directors
• Senior Managers
• Trustees
• Non-Executive Directors

A maximum of two representatives per organisation can attend. Attendance is complimentary, but advance booking is required via the Somerset Chamber website.  

Non-members who would like to attend should email memberships@somerset-chamber.co.uk to enquire about the Elevate membership of Somerset Chamber. Details regarding membership can be viewed on the Somerset Chamber website www.somerset-chamber.co.uk/membership 

Shaping Somerset's Future Together
The choices, ambitions and expectations of today's young people will define tomorrow's workforce. This event offers a valuable opportunity to hear their voices directly, gain fresh perspectives from education and business leaders, and explore how Somerset can create the conditions for future talent to thrive.
Join us for an engaging discussion, meaningful connections and practical insights that will help shape the future of Somerset's workforce.
 
Bookings for this event will close at 4.00pm on December 23 2026. Please note that refunds cannot be made following this date. If you have any dietary requirements or allergies, please notify us when booking.
 
Somerset Chamber of Commerce is operating a cancellation policy in line with our terms and conditions which can be found here: https://www.somerset-chamber.co.uk/terms-conditions

Member pricing & non-member attendance policy  
Our members are at the heart of everything we do. In recognition of their ongoing investment in the Chamber, members receive access to the discounted ticket prices displayed for our events.
From January 1, 2027, non-members are welcome to attend up to two Chamber events as guests, providing an opportunity to experience the value of our network and business community first-hand.
Should non-members wish to attend additional Somerset Chamber events, membership will be required before purchasing an event ticket to attend a third Chamber event. We would be delighted to welcome you as a Somerset Chamber member, giving you access to member pricing and the full range of Chamber benefits. Please visit www.somerset-chamber.co.uk/membership to become a member.
This policy ensures our members continue to receive the exclusive benefits associated with their investment in the Chamber, while giving prospective members the opportunity to experience the value of our business community before joining.