On Monday, I was speaking on behalf of Swindon at a breakfast forum organised in Birmingham by the research unit Centre for Cities. It is a sign of our town’s economic importance that they rank us alongside some of Britain’s major cities. At the forum, I showed how Swindon is a business-driven town with four private sector jobs to each one in the public sector. This makes us the third highest of 63 cities and towns in the recent Centre for Cities Outlook 2014 in terms of the ratio of private to public sector workers.

We know that we need economic growth to create wealth and jobs, and our Small and Medium Enterprises will lead this, which is why we are working with Outset Swindon. This is an award-winning programme that specialises in supporting enterprise. It helps residents to start up and grow their own business, with an innovative approach to engaging residents in the community, delivering business start-up workshops, one to one coaching, and networking events. Outset specialises in providing support to those facing the biggest barriers to enterprise, including long-term unemployment, being from an ethnic minority community, being under 25, or having a disability. As a parent and a former Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, I know how important it is that jobs are available for our young people, especially given the massive investment in the town’s schools since 2003.

Twelve locations across the UK have benefitted from the programme, including Bristol, Plymouth, Torbay, and Swindon. The evidence shows why Outset Swindon is the most successful in the programme’s history.

To date, 975 residents have attended all or some part of courses and a further 238 residents have had some form of contact with Outset or have attended an information session. The programme has assisted 480 people into employment so far. As well as supporting individuals, Outset Swindon Advisors have assisted 51 existing businesses, helping them with improving their business performances. To date, we have seen 124 new businesses set up, with a further 17 awaiting confirmation. While I value the role of small and medium enterprises there may be some who yearn for a return to the 1960s. Those were the days when a job and a trade union membership went hand-in-hand and when large, industrial employers dominated Swindon. Those days are past. Others may look to expand the public sector as the best way to create jobs. However, this is only possible if you have high taxes to pay for it, which is not a realistic option.

This administration remains focused on economic growth. We confirm that Swindon is open for business and that our unique geographical position makes the gateway linking London, South Wales, the South West, the Midlands and more.