Ambassadors

Our Ambassadors

These are the people influencing economic growth and showcasing Somerset as a place to live, work and grow ensuring sustainable prosperity for the future. Driven by Invest Somerset and supported by Somerset Council this group plays a vital role in the future of Somerset.

Andrew Cockcroft

Senior Manager - Community Relations, Strategy and Corporate Affairs, EDF

Andrew Cockcroft

Senior Manager - Community Relations, Strategy and Corporate Affairs, EDF

The first new nuclear power station to be built in the UK in over 20 years; Hinkley Point C in Somerset will provide low-carbon electricity for around 6 million homes, create thousands of jobs for local businesses and spur inward investment into the area. Andrew says: “Somerset is home to one of the most important projects in the UK’s net zero ambitions. We’re investing millions into infrastructure, skills and employment and working with local businesses and colleges to drive innovation and enterprise.”

Becky Wright

Creative Director & Founder, New Leaf Workplace Wellbeing

Becky Wright

Creative Director & Founder, New Leaf Workplace Wellbeing

New Leaf Workplace Wellbeing is a B Corp Company and provides Mental Health First Aid Training, counselling, and wellbeing services to businesses. They focus on growth and change in a caring, fully supported environment. Becky Wright is the founder, she engages with green initiatives locally in order to raise awareness of the relationship between our environment and our wellbeing. Becky comments: “Somerset is the centre of wellbeing for the UK. The balance between positive working environment and homelife can be easily achieved. We are surrounded by nature in a rich green tapestry. You can easily feel part of a positive small business community with great support.”

Ben Trickey

Director, Summerfield Commercial

Ben Trickey

Director, Summerfield Commercial

Summerfield has earned a reputation throughout Somerset and the South West as a developer of high quality homes, offices and commercial properties, characterised by craftsmanship and the personal touch. Ben Trickey, Commercial Director is responsible for commercial property development and investment. “Somerset area offers businesses a superb location in the South West of England, which is highly accessible, well connected and with a skilled workforce.” says Ben. “All of this whilst being close to a wonderful coastline, world renowned beaches and Exmoor National Park.”

Harry Singer

CEO/MD, Singer Instruments

Harry Singer

CEO/MD, Singer Instruments

Harry Singer has been the Managing Director of Singer Instruments for over 25 years. Harry and the team at Singer believe that they have a responsibility to science. Through scientific research and hard work, SInger works with the scientific community to develop solutions to important issues, and to make research life easier. Harry says: “The South West is a fantastic place to live and to do business. We’re surrounded by the remote, natural beauty of Exmoor National Park and the coastline, and our staff get to enjoy what the area has to offer. At the same time, we are able to trade internationally, and collaborate with other businesses and initiatives such as Tech South West, which champions and supports the growing South West tech sector.”

Matt Tudor

Director of Commercial Development, Strategy and Partnerships, Bridgwater and Taunton College

Matt Tudor

Director of Commercial Development, Strategy and Partnerships, Bridgwater and Taunton College

Matt Tudor is the Director of Commercial Development, Strategy and Partnerships at Bridgwater and Taunton College. The college is one of the largest further and higher education colleges in the region and works closely with industry to ensure that the future skills needs of the workforce are met. Matt says: “The benefits of being based in Somerset are immense. With strong geographical and economic links to the region and fantastic opportunities for engagement with the digital and Healthcare sectors as one of the colleges main focuses.”

Martin Jenkins and Sassi Holford

Managing Director and Designer, Sassi Holford

Martin Jenkins and Sassi Holford

Managing Director and Designer, Sassi Holford

At the heart of Sassi Holford is the atelier in Taunton, Somerset where the team of thirty creates the luxury bridal and fashion ranges bought by discerning women in the UK, Europe, USA and further afield. This is a heritage brand that prides itself on being ‘made in Britain’ and prioritises its environmental responsibilities. Sassi Holford is the award winning designer who drives the business forward. She works with absolute attention to detail and an uncompromising eye for quality to create collections that are all about being confident and feeling fabulous. Martin Jenkins is the Managing Director with a background in marketing and PR. He is responsible for the Sales, Marketing and Finance operations, and is also Sassi’s husband. Sassi moved the business to Taunton in 1985 and it has grown steadily to encompass a thriving wholesale business, two retail stores and an ecommerce site. Whilst we continue to recruit locally and run an apprenticeship programme, increasingly relocation is seen as a positive lifestyle choice in our recruitment. Sassi also appreciates that she can be in her London flagship store 2½ hours after leaving the Taunton atelier.

Nick Porter

Business Banking Regional Manager, Somerset, Dorset & Wiltshire, Barclays

Nick Porter

Business Banking Regional Manager, Somerset, Dorset & Wiltshire, Barclays

Nick Porter is Barclays Regional Manager for Business Banking in Somerset, Dorset and Wiltshire. He also leads Barclays ‘Rebuilding Thriving Local Economies’ programme for Taunton Deane. Nick’s career working with businesses spans nearly 30 years, with the past decade focussed on supporting Somerset businesses, which he is particularly proud about having grown up in the area. Nick Porter, Barclays Regional Business Manager, says: “Somerset is a fabulous location for inward investment. It’s strategically located at the heart of the South West blending a quality lifestyle with excellent transportation links to London, the Midlands and the rest of the UK. Added to this is an established ecosystem, including manufacturing, food and health-tech industry, helping to retain and attract a highly-skilled workforce.”

Jo Reynolds

Justelle Marketing and Media Ltd

Jo Reynolds

Justelle Marketing and Media Ltd

In the regions, for the regions” Mercia Asset Management invests equity in early-stage companies and provides debt once profitable. Part of a team of four based in and investing in businesses in the South West, Max believes the early stage business ecosystem in Somerset and the South West is more advanced than most may realise. Max is keen to be a part of that communication that will help see the area achieve the success that is coming our way.

Max Slinger

Venture Capital Investor, Mercia Asset Management

Max Slinger

Venture Capital Investor, Mercia Asset Management

"In the regions, for the regions” Mercia Asset Management invests equity in early-stage companies and provides debt once profitable. Part of a team of four based in and investing in businesses in the South West, Max believes the early stage business ecosystem in Somerset and the South West is more advanced than most may realise. Max is keen to be a part of that communication that will help see the area achieve the success that is coming our way.

Trish Caller

Business Owner and Founder, Genius PR and Events

Trish Caller

Business Owner and Founder, Genius PR and Events

Trish was born in Taunton and has lived here all her life. She is passionate about her home town and dedicates a huge amount of time talking the town up! Following a long career in the Ministry of Defence locally, Trish arranged the first ever Taunton Comedy Festival in 2013 in the grounds of Taunton School. Milton Jones headlined this first show and it sold out very quickly and raised £1,000s for a local charity. Following the success of this first large event she went on to put on shows in various venues across Taunton and then out across Somerset. Trish has worked hard over the years by networking with local businesses, arts and cultural groups. Connecting businesses to help each other. Knowing the right people to talk to etc. Trish also works with all the Sports clubs in Taunton – Taunton Town Football Club, Taunton Titans and Somerset County Cricket Club. Her dream is to get the whole town, businesses, sport clubs and the community to work together. Encourage visitors to stay longer when they come to town. Fill our hotels, restaurants, bars, cafes etc. Fill our tills and boost our local economy. Provide plentiful employment for our residents!

Nigel-Muers-Raby

CEO & Founder of Passion for Somerset CIC

Nigel-Muers-Raby

CEO & Founder of Passion for Somerset CIC

Passion for Somerset CIC, the organisation for everyone who loves Somerset, is the not-for-profit Community Interest Company founded in 2014 which runs Somerset Day and Shop Somerset. We inspire and empower communities and businesses and all who live and work in Somerset to share a passion for Somerset and to encourage them to celebrate all the county has to offer. “Somerset is often the county people pass through on their way to the West Country, but it has more to offer than any other county in the West Country. It is home to breathtaking scenery, and a long list of ‘ the best’, including, cider, cheese, the largest music festival in Europe, the biggest construction project in Europe at Hinkley Point, the longest Heritage railway in the UK, one of the largest illuminated carnivals in the world, the oldest residential street with original buildings surviving intact in Europe (Vicars Close, Wells) and much, much more. We have so much to offer businesses and individuals as a place to live, work, play and learn”.

Alan Swan

Regional Operations Director, Stantec UK

Alan Swan

Regional Operations Director, Stantec UK

“I’m delighted to be an ambassador for Somerset. I truly believe that it’s a great place to live and work and I feel privileged to be able to champion the opportunities it offers. Whilst not a native I have been warmly welcomed by the people here and really appreciate the beautiful environment, the culture, and the excellent connectivity. Having raised my family in Somerset I am passionate about the prospects on offer for young people and have based my career on improving employment opportunities and the quality of life for communities” Alan works for Stantec UK Infrastructure and is the Regional Operations Director for the South West and Wales region, which includes 300 staff spread across four offices. He leads development and infrastructure projects across the UK as well as heading up the Taunton office with its team of over 60 people. Alan is committed to making a difference through the quality of the environments we deliver to create sustainable communities and better places. Alongside the Stantec team, Alan has been leading social value activities across Somerset working with local schools and education facilities; work which led to them winning the ‘Inspiring the Next Generation’ award at the 2023 Somerset Business Partnership Awards. Alan relocated to Somerset from London over 20 years ago and is passionate in his belief that the region offers a high-quality environment in which to live, work and play. He is working alongside developers and local authorities to create better places and inspire the next generation to commit to the area through the work he does in his community and as part of the Somerset Quality Review Panel.

Jane Holleyoak

Strategic HR Business Partner (NHS) & Owner of The HR Explorer

Jane Holleyoak

Strategic HR Business Partner (NHS) & Owner of The HR Explorer

Jane Holleyoak relocated to Somerset ten years ago and is the founder of The HR Explorer, which provides businesses with expert advice on improving staff engagement and company culture to strengthen business productivity. Jane also works part time for Somerset NHS Foundation Trust and is Chairperson of SBA Community Interest Company. “Somerset is a fantastic place to live and work and I am proud to be an ambassador showcasing the best of the county! I am passionate about the well-being and progress of the county, and I see this role as an opportunity to actively contribute to its growth.”

James Godman

Fellow RAeS, BSc, Cert Man

James Godman

Fellow RAeS, BSc, Cert Man

Highly motivated creative leader and a champion for diversity and inclusion. Has a track record of successful customer and stakeholder management, strategic planning, business transformation, mentoring, innovation development, partnership development and management/delivery of multi-million-pound projects at director Level. Creator of the GKN Global Technology Centre in Bristol, instrumental in the creation of the NCC in Bristol, the EPIC Centre in Torbay and Vertical Lift Centre (iAero) in Yeovil, Somerset. Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society, Chair of the RAFA Frome Branch, CEO of local SME and Community Interest Company (CIC), member of the Aerospace Growth Partnership. (AGP). Former Chair of the National Composite Centre (NCC), Vice Chair of Torfaen Business Forum, Swansea University IMPACT Centre External Advisory Board member, Women in Aviation and Aerospace Steering Board Member and former councillor. Having served in the military, public and private sectors James has wide experience of leading successful cross-sectoral teams with government, academia, industry and the wider public sector. Inclusive and approachable with extensive national and international experience, committed and passionate about the UK and Somerset.

Phil Wade

Katmar Properties Limited

Phil Wade

Katmar Properties Limited

Phil Wade has been named multiple times as one of the most influential people in property by Business Insider's Property Power List. With vast experience in creating new business parks and individual bespoke units for occupier. He has won numerous awards and accolades for his work including in sustainable building and has help attract a number of companies to inward invest and create new jobs in Somerset. Phil loves the work life balance that Somerset offers; and when not working he is normally to be found mountain biking or horse riding in one of Somerset's areas of outstanding natural beauty of the Mendip Hills, Quantock Hills or national park of Exmoor.

Our Ambassadors

These are the people influencing economic growth and showcasing Somerset as a place to live, work and grow ensuring sustainable prosperity for the future. Driven by Invest Somerset and supported by Somerset Council this group plays a vital role in the future of Somerset.

How We Can Help You