Taunton is one of the largest towns in the south-west of England, lying in the county of Somerset, with Devon to the south and Gloucestershire and Bristol to the north. The local council has been concentrating heavily on regenerating many of the suburbs, as well as the town centre, in a bid to sustain the area as a key business hub for the South West.

The town is home to some 63,000 residents, with 81.6% being economically active. More than a third of staff in full-time or part-time employment are in managerial and senior positions, technical positions, or professional occupations. A number of important businesses have made Taunton their home, and therefore the local unemployment rates are some of the lowest in the country. The average annual salary is around £24,000, although graduate qualifications and specialised roles can attract wages of up to £52,000.

Key employers include the UKHO (United Kingdom Hydrographic Office), Debenhams, CANDAC, Viridor (waste collection and disposal services), Western Provident Association, Screwfix, European Care (residential care/assisted living), General Electric, Defra, Musgrove Park Hospital, and the Charity Commission for England and Wales. Enquiries to national and local recruitment agencies will often lead to employment opportunities within these companies.