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A predominantly rural county in the South West, 4 of Somerset’s 6 local authorities are classed as Economically Significant Engineering. Somerset is a centre of agriculture and textiles industries, particularly in the Somerset Levels which have benefitted from their rich supply of natural resources. Primary employment centres, include Taunton, Bridgwater, Bath and Yeovil.

Engineering Economy of Somerset

23,500


Employment (avg)

2,182

Businesses (avg)

£64,500


GVA per engineer (avg)

Engineering opportunities in Somerset

The county has more refined manufacturing capabilities, notably aerospace and defence equipment and technology.

Key employment providers are:

Advanced engineering and manufacturing notably:

  • Leonardo and GKN Aerospace (aerospace technology and aircrafts)
  • Renishaw (coordinate-measuring machines and machine tool products)
  • AgustaWestland (helicopter manufacturing), and Thales Optics (defence optronics).

Agriculture and food and drink production as the area is a major producer of cider, juices, and dairy products, including:

  • Thatchers Cider
  • Yeo Valley Organic.

Education and infrastructure

The county suffers from pockets of deprivation, particularly around its urban centres, and does not have the same level of infrastructure, investment or talent to compete or replicate innovation seen in nearby cities. 

However it also has a range of education and innovation facilities to support its local businesses. Somerset is home to University Centre Somerset, which works in collaboration with major universities to develop skills; several innovation networks, including the Yeovil Innovation Centre and the Somerset Innovation Network; and a planned Taunton Digital Innovation Centre which aims to be the centre of digital innovation in the South West.

Transport links and access to engineering opportunities

Somerset has good road and rail links to Bristol, the rest of the South West, and to Wales, and London. Its proximity to the West of England allows it to align with more concentrated aerospace and advanced engineering innovation in Bristol.

Somerset’s 6 local authorities are classed as Economically Significant Engineering.

Engineering in Somerset is vitally important for the people, businesses and communities located there, creating important employment provision and providing a gateway to wider regions and opportunity. With several major businesses and assets, there is potential to deliver higher value jobs and develop a more innovative environment for businesses to grow in the future.