South Somerset has a population of over 150,000. This is the biggest of Somerset’s five districts. It’s major town is Yeovil which has around 40,000 people.

A particular feature of Somerset is the number of small market towns. These include Chard, Crewkerne, Ilminster and Wincanton.

It’s estimated that 60,000 people work in nearly 5,000 South Somerset businesses.

Manufacturing is vital to the local economy and employs over 30% of the South Somerset workforce. The range of goods produced is increasing all the time.

The Yeovil area is one of the most important aerospace engineering areas in Britain. Much of this is based upon the work of Westland and associated companies.

Haynes Publishing (car manuals), Oscar Mayer (ready meals) and Screwfix Direct (DIY items) are important national businesses in their respective fields.

Transport and tourism are important in South Somerset. The A303 and the Exeter-to-Waterloo railway line pass through the district and there are major tourist attractions such as Cricket St Thomas Wildlife Park and the Yeovilton Fleet Air Arm Museum.

Good agricultural land can be found throughout South Somerset stretching from Blackmore Vale through to the Blackdown Hills. Food and dairy businesses have developed to make the best use of local produce.

The Royal Naval air station at Yeovilton provides significant employment to both military and civilian personnel.