Somerset leads the way in attracting foreign entrepreneurs and investors.

The county’s Into Somerset team has been targeting foreign investors to raise awareness of the range of opportunities within the county, particularly in thriving industries like renewable and low carbon energy, aerospace and advanced engineering and business services.

Exciting developments in the renewable and low carbon energy markets offer an exceptional opportunity for both UK-based and foreign investors.

The renewable energy industry is set for significant growth as traditional energy sources become less readily available and more costly and Somerset is perfectly positioned in the ‘Golden Triangle’ of ideal solar conditions below the M4 corridor.

Meanwhile, EDF Energy’s plans for a third-generation nuclear power station at Hinkley Point will see £10billion of investment up to 2018 and provide up to 25,000 jobs during construction, with around 5,600 working on-site during the peak construction period and many more in the supply chain.

That will involve a huge range of industries, from design and construction companies to professional services, catering suppliers, providing numerous opportunities for a broad range of inward investors.

Into Somerset chief executive Rupert Cox said: “We’ve been liaising with overseas companies for some time and welcoming many of them to Somerset to find out more about the vast range of investment opportunities available here.

“We’ve had a lot of interest, particularly from French investors looking to link into the proposed nuclear new build at Hinkley Point, so these latest changes to the immigration policy are very welcome.”

Many entrepreneurs are also attracted to Somerset because of its cost-effective commercial property, which tends to be at least a third cheaper than in London and the South-East.