Next Stage Somerset

Delighted to have been invited by Youth Adventure Trust to an evening at the stunning The Newt in Somerset yesterday as they launched their programmes in the county. It was wonderful to hear about the work they do #inspiringyounglives, the huge impact they have had over the last 30 years in Swindon and across Wiltshire, and their plans in Somerset. Their mission to help vulnerable young people achieve their full potential (whilst building resilience, developing confidence, and learning life skills) really resonates with us. Lexi Shore Nick Porter James Shakespeare Paul Hughes Stephen Wray Mark Davey Louise Balaam Emily Bull

An inspiring afternoon at Somerset Careers Hub's review session of the 'Start Small; Dream Big' pilot, in conjunction with The Careers & Enterprise Company. The project was designed to increase the awareness primary-aged children have of the world of work, raise aspirations and reduce stereotypes. It was fantastic to hear from local educators on their successes and has reinforced to us how important it is for businesses to engage with schools, and for us to reach as many young people as possible. Studies show that from the age of 6 children can adopt limiting stereotypes based on gender, ethnicity and social background. Our chair Lexi Shore was pleased to be able to speak about the impact we had on World Book Day in March where 55 story-tellers from 33 local businesses read and talked about their careers to over 5,200 primary school children across the county. A number we are keen to beat in 2025! Please get in touch if you would like to be involved. Nick Porter James Shakespeare Paul Hughes Stephen Wray

Our chair Lexi Shore was part of the Great South West roadshow panel recently, a great event hosted by Somerset Chamber of Commerce, where topics including #socialmobility were discussed. This is a hugely important conversation, particularly when the latest South-West Social Mobility Commission report shows that 22 of the area's 23 parliamentary constituencies are below the national average for educational achievement for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds. Nick Porter James Shakespeare Paul Hughes Stephen Wray

Great end to the week making another connection - huge thanks to David Baum and Neil Vinnicombe from Begbies Traynor Group for offering their support to the team at Bridgwater College Academy. We look forward to seeing where this leads. Nick Porter James Shakespeare Paul Hughes Stephen Wray Andrew Hanson

Huge congratulations to our Board member Nick Porter on his commendation at the Barclays Citizen and Diversity awards acknowledging his work in Somerset and his role at Next Stage Somerset. Congratulations Nick 👏

Sharing this post about nationwide grants for schools from our neighbours at Promoting Children in Plymouth

Next Stage Somerset Board Members Nick Porter and Lexi Shore met with Patricia Marks FRSA from SBA Community Interest Company (CIC) to learn more about the great work they do supporting young people in Somerset in education, enterprise and employment, as well as advice to individuals and businesses. Great to see another organisation so passionate about business, enterprise and investment in Somerset. Together we can make a difference. Visit www.nextstagesomerset.org for more information. #nextstagesomerset #makeadifference Andrew Hanson Stephen Wray James Shakespeare Paul Hughes

Last week saw Next Stage Somerset collaborating with 55 story-tellers from 33 local businesses to read and talk about their careers to over 5,200 primary school children across the county for our first #Somerset #worldbookday initiative. Here are just a few of the fantastic pictures and quotes from the day. A huge thanks everyone for your support – see you next year! WPA Health Insurance Claims Consortium Group Jeremy Hyams Evo Agency Clarke Willmott Stephens Scown Ballantine Wealth Management Taunton Rugby Football Club & Conference Centre RK BELL GROUP Gworks Surfacing & Civil Engineering Ltd Gooding Accounts Ltd Somerset Cricket Foundation NatWest The Huddle Polly Gibson DipWSET Ian Brett 1610 Active Somerset Education Business Partnership (EBP) and Somerset Careers Hub Lexi Shore Nick Porter Stephen Wray James Shakespeare Paul Hughes Andrew Hanson

Next Stage Somerset were delighted to meet with the team at The Outsourced Recruitment Company who have pledged their support. Just fantastic to see another local business who are so passionate about our local community and working together. We look forward to working with you!

WOW! Just WOW. We have been overwhelmed with support for our first Somerset World Book Day Initiative on March 7th. We now have 55 storytellers taking part, including business leaders, a fighter jet pilot, an MMA fighter, an international musician, and many more story-tellers from local businesses.   A huge thank you to you all for your support – we couldn’t have done this without you! #nextstagesomerset #worldbookday Lexi Shore Nick Porter Andrew Hanson Stephen Wray James Shakespeare Paul Hughes