West Country News Media – owners of this newspaper and website - are reporting positive early success with the 2026 Business Accelerator programme.

Business Accelerator is a targeted local promotional and advertising package that combines newspaper and digital advertising with our market leading local newspaper and website portfolio.

Ria Rickward, Sales Manager for West Country News Media newspapers and websites, commented: “We’ve been absolutely delighted with the response to our Business Accelerator programme here in Somerset. We have seen a really positive uptake from businesses who were part of our smaller programmes last year and we have seen a substantial number of new businesses joining our programme for the first time this year.

“Customers have been attracted by excellent value multimedia advertising packages which are offering a saving of up to 80 per cent off our standard rates. The Business Accelerator programme is designed completely with local businesses in mind and offers consistent high-profile advertising generating substantial local reach. We’re really pleased with the response so far.

“We know that most businesses want to reach customers based close to their businesses and Business Accelerator offers this over durations of 13, 26 and 52 weeks.”

Neil Toogood, Owner of Independent Living South West Limited commented: “Independent Living South West has worked with the West Somerset team for many years. Working closely with Ria and the team has helped us generate enquiries from different areas and increase brand awareness. Support from the team and campaign performance insights make it a valuable part of our marketing mix.”

Ian Carter, Managing Director, added: “We are proud to work with businesses like Indpendent Living South West on our Business Accelerator programmes and we are confident that our packages for 2026 offer local businesses the most cost effective way to promote themselves in local markets and we’re confident that this year will be our biggest ever as we help businesses in Somerset generate huge profile and awareness in their local marketplaces.”

More information for Business Accelerator packages in Somerset for 2026 can be accessed by contacting either [email protected] or [email protected].