BANK of England governor Mark Carney hosted a round-table discussion in Taunton during his visit to the South-West.

His visit is part of a series of regular discussions with business leaders across the region.

Mr Carney was also briefed by Rupert Cox, chief executive of the Somerset Chamber of Commerce, on the opportunities and challenges associated with the proposed Hinkley Point C nuclear power station.

Speaking after the event on Monday (April 28), Mr Cox said: “We were delighted to welcome the governor to Somerset. Mark Carney was not only very informative on the work of the bank and the wider economic outlook, he was also very engaging and interested to hear from our members who attended this important meeting.

“Somerset's economy is in a very exciting place. Manufacturers and exporters doing well, the professional services are busier now than for several years and the construction industry is moving forward with growing order books.

“Add to this the opportunities at Hinkley Point C and it is clear that Somerset is a good place to do business.”