Mayor of Swindon Cllr Imtyaz Shaikh brought together businesses, community groups and VIPs for a gathering at his official office.
The first ever Mayor's Chamber Business Summit was described as a landmark moment for Swindon’s civic and economic life, drawing wide participation from the town’s vibrant business, community, and civic sectors.
The summit brought together over 50 local businesses, more than 40 community organisations, and numerous influential people, which the Mayor said was a major step in uniting public, private, and voluntary sectors under a shared vision for Swindon’s future.
Among the distinguished guests were South Swindon MP and Secretary of State for Transport Heidi Alexander, North Swindon MP Will Stone and several local councillors. Their presence, the Mayor said, underscored the importance of promoting inclusive economic development and civic engagement at the local level.
The Mayor said: “This kind of platform not only recognises hard work but also fosters unity. It’s a blueprint for how we can move forward—together.”
Heidi Alexander said: “This summit shows what’s possible when local people come together to lead the conversation about growth and community. Swindon is full of energy, diversity, and innovation—today’s event reflects that spirit.”
Will Stone said: “Local businesses and organisations are the backbone of our society. This summit highlights the power of cooperation and the importance of recognising those making a difference on the ground.”
The initiative was coordinated by Payslip Accountants, a Swindon-based accountancy firm with long-standing involvement in supporting local enterprise and grassroots initiatives. The firm played a key role in organising and delivering the event in close collaboration with the Mayor’s Chamber.
Sumon Roy, Managing Director of Payslip Accountants, said: “Our vision for this summit was to celebrate the extraordinary contributions of Swindon’s diverse business and community landscape.
"The way local organisations—from care providers and barbershops to doctors, supermarkets, and cultural groups—work together to serve this town is truly inspiring.”
As part of the programme, Certificates of Appreciation were awarded to over 40 community organisations, honouring their dedication and service. More than 50 businesses across a wide range of sectors—including construction, healthcare, catering, finance, education, law, banking, and retail—were also recognised for their contributions to Swindon’s economy and community wellbeing.
The summit concluded with a strong message of collaboration and a renewed commitment by business leaders, professionals, and community stakeholders to continue building a more connected and inclusive Swindon. Organisers hope to establish the Mayor’s Chamber Business Summit as an annual tradition to celebrate the town’s diversity, achievement, and unity.
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