Weston-super-Mare is rapidly becoming a coastal hub for creative and professional talent.
Embraced by Somerset’s natural beauty and captivating coastline, the town is witnessing an influx of people relocating from Bristol due to evolving work patterns and search for a better work/life balance.
The town also has great connections – a 20-minute train journey from Bristol and Bath, with regular direct trains to London and Manchester and it’s only 15 minutes by road to Bristol International Airport and Avonmouth Port.
Clair Haycraft, Haycraft Creative
“Our life is better since living and working in Weston – better than it was when we were in Bristol – it feels like there’s room to breathe here. We have a miniscule commute, our son’s school is really close by and it’s such a good school. There are some really great primary schools here.
If we need to get away from our desk, we can just head to the beach for a coffee or a spot of lunch in Weston town centre. Also, because the hive itself is very close to Junction 21, our clients are really happy to come and visit us there because they can go out for a little social afterwards and head to the beach.”
Renowned for its entrepreneurial energy, Weston offers perfect conditions for business expansion and innovation, with £90 million invested in infrastructure.
In 2022, Weston achieved the title of England’s most entrepreneurial town, witnessing a staggering 90% increase in established new businesses compared to 2021. With a population of only 82,418, this means almost one new business per 93 residents*.
In 2023, £20 million from the Government’s Levelling Up fund and a substantial grant from the Arts Council will further contribute to the town’s growth.
Efforts to transform Weston into a digitally-connected town were initiated in 2021 by CityFibre. A £22 million investment over 15 years aims to increase productivity by £73 million, expand workforce contribution by £16 million, provide £4 million in Local Authority efficiency savings, and create a £67 million increase in housing value.
The Weston-super-Mare Enterprise Area is a collection of mixed-use development plots, business opportunities, and commercial units and spaces, all set over a 72-hectare, highly-sustainable site.
The area, positioned as a cornerstone of South West enterprise, is primed for collaborations and commerce, fostering innovation and the wellbeing of its people.
It will provide over 2 million square feet of commercial space, 9,000 jobs, and 6,000 new homes.
(Left image credit The Food Works SW)
Wherever you find yourself on your business journey, or whichever industry you operate in, there are people and organisations to help you in Weston. From the North Somerset Council Economy team, to the hive business support hub and workspace.
Weston Business Improvement District (Weston BID) is responsible for improving the public realm, and helping to create a better trading environment for local businesses in Weston.
To discuss opportunities within the town centre contact: Steve Townsend, Town Centre Manager or North Somerset Council Economy team.
The Sovereign Centre is an undercover shopping centre featuring brands such as eBike UFO, JD Sports, EE, Claires, Waterstones and independent café, Can’t Dance Coffee. It also features We are Super co-working space.
Find out more about commercial opportunities and units for rent within The Sovereign.
Weston has several great options for co-working space in and around the town centre with flexible and affordable co-working spaces, and bookable meeting rooms. These include We are Super, community enterprise centre, The Stable, dynamic food and drink innovation centre, Food WorksSW and the hive business centre.
The town benefits from a skilled workforce and strong business engagement, aided by the exceptional support and training provided by Weston College.
The college, rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted, educates and trains around 30,000 learners across the country.
Weston is supported by North Somerset Council, who play a crucial role in the thriving West of England Local Enterprise Partnership and the West of England Combined Authority. This relationship gives Weston opportunities across the region for workforce support and talent recruitment.
Discover more
Ep 3: Establishing a creative business by the beach
In this week’s episode we meet Angela Hicks, Chief Executive of The Hive, and Clair Haycraft of Haycraft Creative. Clair, along with her husband Phil, set up their creative business in Weston, with the help of Angela and her team.
Ep 5: Environmental services and rubbish collection in Weston
Towens is a recycling, waste management, haulage and environmental services business that’s been in the family for over 30 years. We meet Director John Telling, who talks to us about this successful business, which employs 135 staff in the heart of Weston.
Ep 15: Cultivating food and drink innovation in the West Country
Been brewing an idea for something yummy, but not known how to take it forth into the world? Learn about food and drink innovation centre Food WorksSW and how it's helping companies and start-ups take their business to the next level.