Forward Swindon, the company responsible for economic growth and regeneration in Swindon, has today launched its new business investment service and website to promote the town to a UK and international business audience, encouraging companies to locate and invest in Swindon.
The website – www.swindon.uk.com – represents the first stage of a three-year campaign and provides a comprehensive range of information about Swindon as a prime location for business.
Forward Swindon head of communications and marketing Julia Falcon said: “We’ve brought together the information any company thinking about relocation might need – all in one place at www.swindon.uk.com .” She continues, “ there is a thriving network of local businesses here, including a high proportion of SMEs, and also some of the best know national and international brands, but awareness of Swindon’s success is low – hence the need for a new website and campaign.”
Names such as Honda of the UK Manufacturing, Intel, National Trust, Arval, BMW Group, Johnson Matthey Fuel Cells, Nationwide, RCUK and the UK Space Agency all have Swindon as their home, and the town can boast a healthy 11% of employment in manufacturing – the highest of any town in the South West, and more than Reading or Milton Keynes – often considered competitor centres.
Forward Swindon conducted an independent survey of senior business people based outside Swindon and Wiltshire, to capture their perceptions and knowledge of the town, and help the campaign team to create relevant marketing messages. A key finding was that there is low awareness of Swindon in the target group.
“Some of the insights were particularly encouraging, for example, 79%* of business people rate Swindon’s prime location on the M4 corridor very highly,” Julia said. “But the research revealed low awareness of Swindon’s other assets, such as our high productivity, affordable premises and the companies already flourishing here.”
Many of these compelling aspects are key features on the website, and will be priorities for the campaign, creating the right image of the town as a superb location to set up or expand a business.
