START-UPS in Swindon can benefit from a new mentoring programme from Nationwide to help local businesses thrive.

The building society, headquartered in Swindon, will run the six-month mentoring programme to provide skills, work space and support to help fledgling businesses become a successful enterprise.

The programme is being done alongside Swindon Borough Council and will use a space in the Workshed for start-ups to get advice on tackling challenges to allow them to develop and grow.

Michelle Simpson, head of innovation partnering at Nationwide Building Society, said: "We are looking to support local businesses in the Swindon area, providing space to develop innovative products and services and to work in partnership to help start-ups looking to take the next step.

"We would like to help bring the local business community together to support new and growing business in our local area.”

Coun. Oliver Donachie, Swindon Borough Council’s cabinet member for economic prosperity, added: “We are thrilled to be able to welcome Nationwide to the Carriage Works to get this promising new scheme off the ground.

“This Council is committed to creating a nurturing environment for businesses to thrive, and the Workshed is at the heart of that ambition.

“We look forward to working with Nationwide on this exciting venture which, if successful, could bring huge benefits to Swindon’s economy in the future.”

Those interested are being asked to have a clear focus on contributing to the community, have an inspiring product or service with a development plan already in place, and have a link to Nationwide’s key innovation and venturing themes, such as Financial Wellbeing, Personal Data and Identity and House and Home.

Businesses from Swindon and the surrounding area should apply before 10 September 2018.