HIGHBRIDGE is set for a jobs boom next year as new businesses will be setting up shop in the town.

Jobs will not be in short supply as Highbridge Enterprise Centre is set to expand next year with nearly half a million pounds being spent on the expansion.

Planning permission has been granted by Somerset County Council to add three more light industrial units on the site which is already home to 17 businesses and 25 jobs.

The £490,000 expansion is scheduled to be completed by September 2017, providing 234 square metres of new space.

There are 17 businesses already based at the centre, including Puddy Vehicle Solutions (PVS), this year’s winner of New Business of the Year Award at Somerset Chamber of Commerce Business Awards.

Cllr David Hall, cabinet member for economy and inward investment, said he hoped small businesses would look to move into the new units.

Cllr Hall said: “This is excellent news for Highbridge and for Somerset.

“Supporting more businesses in the community will mean more jobs in the local area.

“Small businesses are the engine of the Somerset economy. It’s where most of our growth comes from.

“Finding the right sort of space is a real barrier to these businesses setting up and expanding, which is why we have established the Enterprise Centre network across the county.

“I look forward to this project’s completion and seeing what new and exciting businesses make their home in Highbridge.”

Marcus Puddy, owner of PVS, encouraged local firms to follow in his footsteps and move to the centre once the development had been completed.

Mr Puddy said: “Moving into the Enterprise Centre has allowed me to bring on an additional employee to support the continued growth of the business.

“Being in nice, friendly, accommodating facilities, the Enterprise Centre allows you to talk to like-minded people and support each other through those growth challenges.

“I have also experienced the opportunity to network in and around the area.

“They support you with breakfast meetings and allow you to understand what is happening in and around the community.

“The Enterprise Centre has exceeded all my expectations and brought about some really good professional relationships.”

Highbridge is one of five Enterprise Centres across the county providing light industrial and office space, particularly in more rural areas.

Together with the others in Frome, Dulverton, Wheddon Cross and Minehead, the network supports 45 businesses and more than 100 jobs.