8,000 new jobs heading for Somerset

MAKING the most of the opportunities presented by nearly 8,000 new jobs being created in Somerset was among the topics for discussion at a conference in the county this week.

The Somerset in Business Conference, one of the key events in Somerset’s business calendar, was expected to attract more than 220 delegates from the Somerset business community on Tuesday.

They were eager to hear how they can benefit from more than £390million investment value and the creation of 7,850 new jobs from four of the county’s biggest developments over the next decade.

Rupert Cox, chief executive of inward investment organisation Into Somerset, said: “Somerset is focused on stepping out of the recession and into the future.

“We have the potential both to enhance existing Somerset businesses and to promote the county to inward investors through these exciting projects. In addition to the business benefits, there are also immense lifestyle benefits for those choosing to relocate to Somerset.”

Developments include:

• Hinkley Point - EDF Energy’s current plans to build a third-generation nuclear power station on the 86 hectare site at Hinkley are expected to create approximately 350 direct permanent jobs and over 2,000 temporary jobs during the peak construction period, as well as further indirect jobs.

• Firepool, Taunton - The first phase of Project Taunton, a 123 acre town centre regeneration scheme. With a total predicted investment value of £270million, it is anticipated the project will create 4,000 jobs.

• Bath and West Showground - The £120 million mixed use project on the showground site is expected to turn the location into a compelling year-round visitor destination and help secure the future of the existing showground operation and create 1,500 jobs.

• Building Schools for the Future – The £multi-million plans will see the demolition and rebuilding of all four secondary schools in Bridgwater.

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