Stop apologising for Swindon because it could one day become a top tech hub, says the boss of one of the town's biggest employers.

The IT and telecommunications company Excalibur Communication's chief executive Peter Boucher wrote a piece pushing for the town’s potential of becoming a nationally-renowned technology powerhouse to be realised.

Mr Boucher, who is also the non-executive director of Business West, penned the op-ed during a major week-long virtual conference which brought together the local and national business community to share top tech tips and ponder the future of the town.

He said: "The TechSwindon Summit 2020 showcased the scale and diversity of our tech community in Swindon, which got me thinking.

"The first part [of the term TechSwindon] is obvious – even before Covid, the term tech already seemed so broad and mainstream.

"However, a few months later as we look to the economy going forward, it is all about tech.

"Having spoken to my bank manager – something that is akin to seeing the headmaster! – he told me the tech sector was the only sector which is managing the Covid crisis almost unscathed.

"We won’t be having tech events in a few years because that term will encompass almost everything.

"Now onto the second part of the term and my favourite – Swindon.

"I took over an IT and telco firm in Swindon three years ago when I led an management buyout and have spent the last few years getting to know the area.

"The first and main thing I noticed was that most of the locals spent their time apologising for the town and for no real reason. Thankfully the town’s ambassadors almost seem to be doing the reverse.

"As a town it has a lot going for it. A rich history; a varied local economy from small to very large firms; it is an upwardly mobile town with a strong record of inward investment – both public and private and finally incredibly well connected both geographically and technically.

"Not a bad set of credentials but let me add – it is also cheaper than almost all comparable local areas and wrapped in beautiful countryside on all four sides. Time to get those bags of chips off our shoulders!

"It is a great place to run a business, full of great people who actually really want Swindon to fulfil its potential.

The TechSwindon Summit 2020 has demonstrated a good range of businesses covering all sectors and from mainstream technology to cutting edge.

"The town is well set to play its part in the UK economic recovery with strong foundations.

"I write this article looking onto the Steam railway museum from our new office and wonder what Brunel would have made of it all. His combination of technical genius and a relentless drive and ambition is just what we all need now.

"No more apologising please. Time for Swindon to raise its head and become one of many great tech places in the UK."

Excalibur Communications provides managed IT and services to UK businesses, backed by Vodafone Communications and Microsoft Gold.

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