It feels like a long time ago already but I do hope everyone had good Easter breaks. With the clocks changing and the sun finally emerging it certainly does feel positive and there continues to be much to be optimistic about in the local economy too.

Last week national logistics specialist db symmetry has announced the completion of a new 221,320 ft2 speculatively developed logistics facility at Symmetry Park to the east of Swindon on the A420. This sees the largest speculative commercial development in the Borough for over a decade, with further design and build opportunities available on the site in sizes ranging from 200,000 sq ft up to 1,000,000 sq ft.

This scheme represents a growing commercial confidence in Swindon where developers are prepared to build without an agreed end user. Further evidence of this can be with an additional speculative scheme in the planning process, where Canmoor are intending to build seven units (290,000 ft2) in Dorcan. Market confidence is crucial for Swindon’s economic growth and through the Switch on to Swindon ambassador network we can use examples like this to demonstrate to potential investors and businesses just what an attractive proposition Swindon is.

Swindon continues to have one of the best-performing economies in the country, according the latest Centre for Cities Outlook report which provides an annual economic performance index of the 63 largest cities and towns in the UK. We have updated all of the infographics on the Switch on to Swindon website based on the Centre for Cities report and you can find them on this link - http://switchontoswindon.com/news/swindon-outlook-2018/

This is part of the package of materials on offer to ambassadors to make it easy for them to promote Swindon in their networks. Here are a couple of reminders of some of the headline findings included in the infographics.

Swindon is ranked seventh in Britain when it comes to the rate of productivity per worker – up three places from a year ago. This can be attributed to the breadth of firms in Swindon from large major employers to a thriving SME sector and the fact that many of these are early adopters of new technologies.

The report highlights how the economy is changing and of the need to be able to adapt to those changes. Swindon has a proud tradition of innovation and re-invention so is ideally placed to exploit its competitive advantages and respond to the opportunities that a changing economy presents.

So, lots of information to use that shows Swindon’s economic strengths. In addition to this we are making significant improvements to the Switch on to Swindon site in order provide more materials and information for people to use to highlight why Swindon is such a great place to live and work.

To close I’d just like to welcome recently signed up ambassador the Prospect Hospice and thank them for hosting the Switch on to Swindon team last week for a visit. It is important to celebrate all of the organisations that contribute to Swindon’s prosperity. The free support and services that Prospect offer to local people enables employers to demonstrate their commitment to staff at the toughest of times, and that has to be in everyone’s interests. Please do find out more at www.prospect-hospice.net