HONDA hosted a number of major, locally-based companies and organisations for the official Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce Made In Swindon campaign launch.

Swindon businesses supporting the event included Green Inc, Pure Offices, Kerr Office Group and Swindon Borough Council.

South Swindon MP Robert Buckland was also there to speak to local businesses at the event.

Paul Britton, the chief executive of Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce, welcomed the 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."

He said: “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, the senior vice-president of Honda Motor Europe, said: “It was great to see the variety of local companies attending.

“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, the president of Swindon Chamber and the general manager of The Brunel Shopping Centre, said that he was delighted to be part of Swindon’s future.

He said The Brunel was investing millions into development of the shopping centre to help secure its success and that of the town.

“A strong chamber of commerce is essential and leads to a stronger voice for local business which can eventually lead to an improved economy,” he said.

“Thames Valley is one of the UK’s 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 a preview of a video case study with spokesmen 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. 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