Somerset Council is a partner for Growth Forge 2025, a business acceleration programme for ambitious tech companies. Learn more here.
Somerset Council is proud to champion innovation-led growth through its two flagship facilities: the iAero Centre in Yeovil and the Firepool Centre for Digital Innovation (FCDI) in Taunton. These centres are designed to boost productivity, spark collaboration, and create high-value jobs across Somerset’s priority growth sectors.
The iAero Centre is a purpose-built 2,300 sqm research, design, and innovation hub dedicated to advancing Somerset’s aerospace industry. Developed in partnership with leading players including Leonardo UK, the centre supports SMEs to develop cutting-edge aerospace technologies and high-value engineering solutions. iAero offers collaborative workspaces, specialist equipment, and tailored support services to enhance competitiveness, unlock new markets, and drive sustainable growth in a sector at the heart of the region’s economy.
The Firepool Centre for Digital Innovation (FCDI) in Taunton is a purpose built 2,500 sqm facility designed to accelerate Somerset’s fast-growing digital economy. Opened in 2024, FCDI provides flexible office space, co-working zones, event areas, and specialist facilities, including a state-of-the-art podcast studio. The centre serves as a hub for digital and data-led enterprises, supporting innovation, knowledge exchange, and workforce development. It aims to establish Somerset as a thriving destination for digital enterprise, fostering collaboration between businesses, academia, and research institutions.
From flexible hot-desking for startups and solo founders to spacious private offices for scaling companies, both centres cater to businesses at every stage of their journey. They also offer comprehensive wraparound business support designed to help companies grow and succeed.
This autumn, Somerset Council is launching the Somerset Innovation Hub, delivered in partnership with the SETsquared Partnership. Based on the successful model developed by the University of Exeter, the programme offers tailored support to help early-stage businesses transform innovative ideas into scalable, investable ventures.
Sarah Brady, Innovation Lead at Somerset Council, said:
“We’re proud to be joining Growth Forge and connecting Somerset’s innovators with a wider regional network. This partnership will amplify the support we offer and unlock new opportunities for Somerset businesses.”
To learn more about the Centres and the support available for your business, visit:
The FCDI website: www.fcdi.co.uk or follow on LinkedIn.
The iAero website: www.iAero.co.uk or follow on LinkedIn
Share this article
NEWSLETTER
Sign up for our newsletter to keep up to date with the latest news, events and updates from the South West tech sector.