Honda was host to a number of major local based companies and organisations for the official Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce Made in Swindon campaign launch.

Many local Swindon based businesses supported the event including Green Inc, Pure Offices, Kerr Office Group and Swindon Borough Council.

Robert Buckland MP for South Swindon & HM Solicitor General was also in attendance and spoke extensively to local businesses at the event.

Paul Britton, Chief Executive, Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce welcomed the strong group of attendees thanking everyone including Swindon Chamber Council members, adding a special thanks to: “Ian Howells of Honda, Mark Beard from Beard Construction and, Mark Miles from Render media who have already contributed their story behind the scenes.

“Attendees have been asked to share their achievements and aspirations. As we all know Swindon is a magnet for investment. We want to help the regeneration ambitions of Swindon to become a reality and showcase local companies.”

Ian Howells, Senior Vice President of Honda Motor Europe, said: “It was great to see the variety of local companies attending the launch.

“The diverse capabilities we have in in the area is inspiring. I hope through events like these we can collectively leverage the expertise we have to maintain and grow a thriving community in Swindon.”

Kevin Gwilliam, President of Swindon Chamber and General Manager of The Brunel shopping centre said that he was delighted to be part of Swindon’s future adding that The Brunel were investing millions into development of the shopping centre to help secure its success and the town’s success as well.

“A strong Chamber of Commerce is essential and leads to a stronger voice for local business which can eventually lead to an improved economy.

“Thames Valley is one of the UKs most successful economic regions to which Swindon is part of and with a broad-based workforce. This has allowed a range of major companies to make it their home like Honda, Nationwide, BMW and Intel.”

Made in Swindon themed balloons and delicious cupcakes were especially prepared for the launch and proved popular with visitors.

The event was also the setting for an exclusive preview of a video case study with spokespeople from Honda, Beard Construction and Render media who discussed their companies individual journeys as Swindon based businesses.

Attendees were particularly positive about the launch with many taking to Twitter to highlight their enthusiasm and excitement.

Organisations can follow the campaign on Twitter via @swindonmadein The Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce Group works with businesses across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Swindon to help companies achieve their full business potential and is one of the largest Chambers accredited by the British Chambers of Commerce in the UK and is the only accredited Chamber in the region.

They are a proven ‘Centre for Excellence’ providing international trade services and global representation; committed to long-term relationships with members and providing them with relevant, value added services that help, support and protect regional, national and international business.http://www.thamesvalleychamber.co.uk