Businesses from across Swindon met with their local MPs recently at a meeting organised by GWE Business West’s [1] Initiative in Swindon [2]. Justin Tomlinson, MP for Swindon North and Robert Buckland, MP for Swindon South, met with over 15 local business leaders to discuss a range of issues and identify areas for future collaboration.
One of the themes for discussion was the rise in student tuition fees. The businesses voiced their concerns about how this would impact poorer students in the education system. There was a call for universities to be more accountable for the new fees by providing shorter academic years, and businesses were keen to offer more sponsorship opportunities for students.
Other issues raised included the hold on electrification of the mainline and the redoubling of the Swindon-Kemble line. The MPs stated they would keep pushing central government on both these issues and would do all they can to help the projects ultimately go ahead. The Initiative members stated they would do all they could to keep lobbying too.
Other topics debated were:
- GWE Business West recent access to finance survey which highlighted the barriers to growth, problems with accessing finance and relationships with banks
- Local procurement issues with Swindon Borough Council, there was a call for business to work more closely with the Council on this issue
- Call for business to build on the work carried out by the Plan 500 and support apprenticeships and work experience for young people
- Town centre regeneration plans for Theatre Square, Union Square and Station Forecourt.
Ian Larrard, Director of the Initiative in Swindon, GWE Business West said: “One clear and positive message that came through from the meeting was a real willingness to work together to make things happen. GWE Business West is well placed to act as a broker in bringing together MPs and the private sector to identify barriers and solutions.”
