This week members of the Place Board are working hard with the Switch on to Swindon team to finalise arrangements for the event on the 14th June. There are still a few places left so please do head over to the registration page if you would like to come - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/switch-on-to-swindon-phase-2-tickets-45650107701

Looking at some of the products and materials we will be unveiling at the event has proved to be a useful reminder of just how far we have come in a little over a year in terms of getting businesses, organisations and people lined up to promote Swindon. It has also shown how our understanding of Swindon’s strengths has developed and which in turn is informing our key messages and selling points. This is particularly important as we focus on promoting regionally and nationally to audiences that, in many cases, know very little about Swindon.

There is a saying in marketing that goes something like ‘just as you are getting tired of repeating your message is probably just when it is beginning to get through to your audience.’ One of the benefits of growing such an extensive ambassador network is we can equip them with key messages to use in all of their networks and broaden the reach of the campaign.

So, throughout things like the new Invest in Swindon folder that we will be handing out next week you will see consistent reference to the following strengths that will help us compete for the best business growth, inward investment and talent.

Swindon is one of the UK’s fasted growing towns and one of the best strategic locations in the country. Connectivity is ingrained in the town’s history and we continue to capitalise on excellent rail and road links. Electrification of the rail link to London will further reduce journey times and will make Heathrow less than hour away by the end of 2018.

We are home to over 9,000 companies from globally renowned brands, international and national headquarters along with a growing network of innovative entrepreneurs, micro and small to medium sized companies. Swindon’s diverse economy is a major advantage.

One of Swindon’s greatest attractors for young professionals is the fast growing, excellent value housing stock. 1,700 new homes are planned to be built a year until 2026, creating new communities at Wichelstowe, Tadpole Farm, New Eastern Villages and in the town centre. This population growth naturally expands the local workforce, grows the economy and makes it even more attractive to potential investors.

Swindon has nationally recognised clusters in automotive engineering; digital and technology; finance and professional services; and life sciences and health. These clusters are even stronger when we work across boundaries with neighbouring areas and with the Swindon and Wiltshire Local Enterprise Partnership.

We have an excellent range of employment sites offering the best value along the M4 corridor. From incubation space at the newly refurbished Carriage Works to one million square feet of manufacturing and distribution land at New Eastern Villages and numerous town centre and out of town options.

These may well be strengths that are familiar to us all in Swindon. The challenge now is to make to consistently get the message out there to the uninitiated and Switch them on to Swindon.