Swindon has always been synonymous with high tech manufacturing. During the industrial revolution it was at the heart of the blossoming railway industry. Since then, the town’s enviable location, has encouraged a range of high tech companies to relocate.
Where Swindon was once a railway town, it now supports a variety of blue chip companies, with Honda being one of the jewels in the crown.
Clearly, Swindon has not been immune to the effects of the global recession and times are tough for individuals and companies alike. Similar effects have been felt by the automotive industry, with manufacturers, suppliers and dealerships all feeling the squeeze.
However, I firmly believe that Swindon is extremely well placed to emerge strongly from the downturn. Once the recovery begins, the long term success of companies like Honda will provide an extremely strong basis for future growth and a genuine opportunity to attract new investment. The cost of corporate headquarters in the City is increasingly being scrutinised and Swindon would make an attractive alternative.
The presence of many blue-chip companies within Swindon, along with successful small businesses, gives us fantastic ambassadors for the town and we will work with them to demonstrate that this is an excellent location for business.
The fact that Honda has managed the effects of the downturn responsibly, has helped Swindon to weather the worst effects of the global recession. Supporting employees helps maintain stability and skills within the company, but also ensures that the shops, pubs and restaurants that rely upon their wages can survive. The relative strength and diversity of Swindon’s economy has been helped immeasurably by a stable core of major investors.
How many other towns in the country, if not Europe, can boast of the diverse range of successful businesses in their area? Swindon’s business clusters will attract greater investment partly due to its location but also its value for money.
Those of us with long enough memories will know that recessions, however painful, do not last forever. Swindon is a fantastic location for business and working together with key partners such as Honda, we can ensure that it has an extremely bright future.
