Deborah Meaden and Yeovil College’s Alex Clancy to Headline Unlocking Somerset Talent Event at North Cadbury Court
Renowned entrepreneur and Dragons’ Den investor Deborah Meaden will join Alex Clancy, Assistant Principal at Yeovil College, alongside business leaders, educators and SMEs at North Cadbury Court on Wednesday 6th November for Unlocking Somerset Talent – an inspiring event dedicated to exploring how apprenticeships and partnerships between education and industry can help businesses thrive.
Organised by Passion for Somerset CIC and sponsored by Porter Dodson and Eurilait, the event showcases the power of collaboration between employers and educational institutions. Unlocking Somerset Talent will highlight practical insights, success stories and strategies to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in building a skilled workforce while fuelling growth and innovation.
A key moment of the day will be an exclusive ‘In Conversation with Deborah Meaden’, where she will share her unique perspective on the importance of nurturing future talent, investing in people and creating meaningful collaborations that strengthen both businesses and communities.
Speaking about her involvement, Deborah Meaden said:
“Apprenticeships and strong links with education are crucial to ensuring businesses, especially SMEs, have the talent they need to innovate and succeed. I’m looking forward to being part of this event and to hearing the inspiring stories of businesses across Somerset who are investing in the next generation.”
Joining Deborah Meaden on stage will be Alex Clancy, Assistant Principal, who will present alongside her to offer an educational perspective on the evolving landscape of skills development.
Alex commented:
“At Yeovil College, we believe that unlocking Somerset’s potential starts with investing in people. Our Apprenticeships are employer-led programmes, designed to give individuals the confidence, capability and leadership skills to thrive – and we’re proud to work in partnership with businesses across the region to make that happen. We’re proud to be part of this collaborative event because it brings together the very best of Somerset’s education, business and civic leadership to champion opportunity. At Yeovil College, we see first-hand the impact that partnerships have in unlocking talent.”
The event will bring together employers, training providers, colleges and apprentices, creating a forum to exchange ideas, explore opportunities, and showcase the transformative impact of apprenticeships and skills development.
Event details:
- Date: Wednesday 6th November 2025, 9.00am – 2.30pm
- Location: North Cadbury Court, Nr Yeovil, Somerset.
Businesses across Somerset are encouraged to attend and be part of shaping a stronger, more innovative future through talent development and collaboration.