Swindon Borough Council Leader Clrr Gary Sumner, Leader of Swindon Borough Council shared the emerging Council Plan with business leaders during a gathering at The Workshed.
The key question at the business breakfast was: "What does Swindon need to do to unlock its next phase of economic growth?"
Cllr Gary Sumner outlined to business leaders his ambitions for the new Council Plan before the business leaders shared their views on the opportunities and challenges facing the town, as well as ideas to help drive future economic growth.
Cllr Sumner said: “Swindon has some tremendous economic strengths and we want to build on those by working much more closely with the businesses that are already investing, employing people and driving innovation here.
“Our role as a council is to understand what businesses and investors need and then look across planning, infrastructure, transport, skills and regeneration to see how we can help create the right conditions for growth.
“This morning was also about listening. As we develop our new Borough Plan, it is really important that our business community has a voice in shaping Swindon’s future and identifying where, by working together, we can make the biggest difference.
“There is a real opportunity to build on Swindon’s strengths in areas such as advanced manufacturing, defence and uncrewed systems, attract further investment and make sure Swindon continues to be a place where businesses want to invest and grow.”
Discussions focused on how Swindon can build on its strengths in sectors including advanced manufacturing, defence and uncrewed systems, while attracting new investment and supporting businesses to grow.
The draft Council Plan will be discussed by the Council’s Cabinet at its meeting in December.
A council spokesperson said of the business breakfast: "It was also great to hear from nLighten about why it chose to invest in Swindon and the role digital infrastructure can play in supporting future growth as well as from Kerr Group, who described how Swindon is a practical place to establish, invest and grow.
"Kris Talikowski, founder of local news website Swindon24, also spoke about why Swindon is a great place to do business.
'Thank you to everyone who joined us and, most importantly, contributed to the conversation.
"Swindon has a strong economic story to tell, and working closely with the businesses already investing, employing and innovating here will be crucial to what comes next."?
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