Taunton is bucking the national trend, showing promising signs of retail and economic vitality. Recent data reveals a 2.1% increase in weekly footfall in the town so far this year, significantly outperforming the UK average growth of just 0.5%. This is particularly impressive as the rest of the South West region has seen footfall decline by 2.9%.
New business registrations in Somerset are surging, too. According to Companies House data cited in iwoca’s Business Hotspots 2025 report, Somerset welcomed 1,612 new businesses between January and June—a remarkable 167% rise compared to the same period in 2024. This growth places Somerset among only three local authorities nationwide where business registrations have climbed year-on-year.
Taunton MP Gideon Amos credits the tenacity of local entrepreneurs for these positive trends. Speaking recently during a parliamentary debate on the hospitality sector, he acknowledged the challenges businesses face—from increased National Insurance contributions to higher job taxes. Despite these hurdles, Mr Amos praised Somerset’s resilient business community, including the diverse independent retailers helping to put Taunton on the map.
READ MORE: Record Cider Crops Yield Alcohol Levels Too High for Pub Sales
Susie Thomas, owner of Rocket and Bird gift shop in the Taunton Independent Quarter, shares this optimism. As the manager of the quarter’s social media presence, she has boosted online engagement by 25%, growing followers to over 7,800 and achieving more than four million views on Facebook in just three months. According to Susie, this summer marked Rocket and Bird’s best performance in over six years, echoing feedback from other local shop owners who have noticed increased customer activity.
“There’s an incredible variety of shops, cafés, and restaurants in Taunton that people need to appreciate more,” Susie emphasizes.
Mr Amos urges continued support for Taunton’s small businesses and voices hope for policy changes to sustain this momentum. “Shop owners like Susie, along with hoteliers, publicans, and restaurateurs, are the lifeblood of our town. Ahead of the upcoming Budget, reversing increases in job-related taxes and reforming the business rates system are essential steps to help town centres thrive nationwide.”
He adds a personal commitment to attract more investment and stimulate business growth, particularly in Taunton and Wellington town centres, ensuring Somerset’s economic revival continues.