This May, Somerset Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a Business Brunch at The Grove at our Knightstone Campus, where local employers will have the opportunity to stay in touch with existing contacts and make new connections.

Somerset Chamber of Commerce networking events are a great way to get out and meet new people. This event is also a great opportunity to meet contacts face-to-face while enjoying a delicious brunch, served by our very own Weston College students!

We will be joined by representatives from Somerset Chamber of Commerce’s event sponsor Westcotts Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors. The company has been collaborating with businesses and individuals in the region for over 30 years and has offices across the South West, including Tallford House, in Walliscote Road, in Weston-super-Mare.

The Business Brunch will also be an opportunity to hear from Pat Jones, Principal and Chief Executive, of Weston College. Pat has worked in the public sector for over 30 years, 17 of which have been within the Further Education sector. Pat joined Weston College in July 2024 as Principal and Chief Executive, having previously held the post of Deputy Chief Executive at the Bedford College Group.

Highlighting her leadership capabilities, Pat was shortlisted for the FE Leader of the Year category in 2019 and Bedfordshire Business Leader in the same year. Driving organisational development, Pat has engaged with and delivered national policy changes, driven significant growth, and led successful college mergers and the acquisition of independent training providers.

Notably her work on Estate strategy has seen Pat raising close to £50m in grants, building net zero carbon college sites, working with local councils on large regeneration projects, and the redevelopment of old education sites, benefiting future generations of learners.

As a qualified accountant, Pat maintained outstanding financial health at The Bedford College Group throughout her tenure there as Deputy Chief Executive. This success has led Pat to start a PhD at Oxford University exploring how FE can achieve sustainable finances and how the sector can develop systems leadership to benefit from the research findings.

Pat says, “I am looking forward to sharing my insights into my career journey in the public sector at the Weston Business Brunch this May. How public sector plays a key role in underpinning the basic fabric of society. I look forward to sharing my insights of the amazing careers that support the work that is uniquely theirs to do. This event will be a brilliant opportunity to meet like-minded individuals and to connect with local businesses.” 

David Crew, Managing Director of Somerset Chamber of Commerce, says, “Somerset Chamber of Commerce is the most well-connected business membership organisation in the county and our networking events are a great way for businesses to make their own connections and promote their companies.

“We are delighted to be able to work with Weston College and our sponsor Westcotts for our new business brunch and I am looking forward to making my own new connections and hearing from the college’s Principal and Chief Executive, Pat Jones.”

Get your ticket for the Weston Business Brunch, here.