Swindon has the potential to achieve economic prominence, with a thriving workforce and a town centre worthy of its population and the businesses that are already achieving success here. The opportunities that lie ahead for Swindon are exciting and, with Forward Swindon leading plans for its growth and regeneration, these opportunities will be realised. Forward Swindon produced its first Business Plan in October 2010, covering a 5 year period to 2015, please see adjacent.
About the Company:
Forward Swindon is the company established by Swindon Borough Council in 2010 to deliver and facilitate economic growth and property development in the town. Forward Swindon is a limited company, funded by the Council, but operating independently. The Company has a Board recruited from locally based commercial organisations and Council representatives. The Company staff includes specialists in economic growth and inward investment, property development, marketing, project management and stakeholder engagement, with a mix of backgrounds in the private and public sector.
Annual Delivery Plan 2012-13
A new Annual Delivery Plan has been agreed between Forward Swindon’s shareholder, Swindon Borough Council and the Company’s Board. With the UK economy still experiencing low or negative growth, Forward Swindon’s priority this year is to focus on encouraging economic growth in Swindon, and dealing with issues which could prevent businesses staying and flourishing in the town. Three key strands of work are set out in the Plan - please see opposite:
- Bringing more businesses into Swindon – through start-ups, expansions or relocations
- Helping businesses already based in Swindon to remain and grow
- Delivering regeneration and development projects which will generate future prosperity
Forward Swindon’s new business investment site, www.swindon.uk.com is designed to promote Swindon, and includes key facts about the economy and major brands based here, the commercial property market and lifestyle. Visitors to the site can search for property in Swindon and contact us about relocation, moving around Swindon, or investing in projects or businesses within the town. The new site also holds a range of practical information to support local businesses, within "Growing your business".