Happy New Year to everyone and here’s to a successful 2018. There is no resting on laurels in the Switch on to Swindon team and we are starting the year as we mean to go on with a renewed focus on the following objectives:

- To increase inward investment enquiries;

- To support business growth through local business networks and supply chains;

- To continue to positively promote Swindon, raise its profile and change perceptions.

In line with our focus on securing investment for Swindon we’ve refreshed and updated our invest offer on the SOTS website. The invest and grow section provides businesses looking to invest in, relocate to or find more out about Swindon with all the information they should need. Please take a look and refer any businesses who you may be aware of who are potentially looking at Swindon as a place to invest or relocate.

Switch On To Swindon is a long-term campaign dedicated to promoting Swindon and securing investment for the town. We’re ramping up our activities for 2018 with more externally focused marketing activity to bring new people, investors and businesses to the Town. In the meantime, we need Swindon ambassadors to continue to shout about the Town and get people talking positively about the area.

Ambassadors are the backbone of the campaign and play a crucial role in spreading the positive Swindon message amongst all of their networks. Over the past year our Ambassadors have embraced their role in just some of the following ways:

- Recruitment - ambassadors have been able to secure high quality candidates by promoting the Switch On To Swindon video and marketing materials to attract talent to the area.

- Induction – lots of employers in the area show the Switch On To Swindon video in their corporate inductions for apprentices/graduates/all new employees.

- The image gallery on the website is the most used resourced by local businesses which means Swindon is consistently being shown in the best possible way.

- So many businesses have included the SOTS logo in their e-mail footers, put the SOTS sticker in their windows, on signs all of which builds the brand recognitions and support

- The multitude of blogs, posts, articles and media coverage which have all contributed to showcasing the positive aspects of Swindon.

We will continue to grow the network and put it to work on behalf of Swindon and if you haven’t already signed up then head over to switchontoswindon.com and get on board.

A couple of mentions before I close, firstly a big welcome to Metro Bank who have opened a new branch in the town centre to rave reviews. Already signed up the SOTS cause we will be working with then to host an event or two in the coming months.

Secondly a plug for the Women in Business Conference taking place on Thursday 8th March at Bowood Hotel and Spa. This is an opportunity for business women from around Swindon and Wiltshire come together to celebrate innovation and creativity in their businesses.

Now in its fourth year, the event will offer advice, information and support on every aspect of starting and growing a small business, from the very first step, to taking on employees and exporting abroad. Further details and ticket reservation online at www.theenterprisenetwork.co.uk/wib