The campaign to promote Swindon as a prime location for advanced engineering businesses and expertise is stepped up a gear today when it exhibits at a major trade show.
Forward Swindon, the council’s economic development company, is showcasing the town at the Advanced Engineering Show at the Birmingham NEC today and tomorrow.
More than 600 exhibitors from key engineering fields including automotive and green technology are taking part in the show – making it an excellent event to present Swindon’s case as a strong relocation option for engineering, manufacturing and other technology businesses looking to move or expand.
Key factors behind the town’s case are its existing expertise, skilled workforce and the reasonable costs to get established.
Forward Swindon director of investment Phil Young said: “We’re showcasing the town and pointing out that we have a highly-successful engineering industry in Swindon – and one of the most productive and skilled workforces in the country.
“After 18 months of running the investment service at Forward Swindon, I know that people who are looking to move their business have lots of choice. But some of the larger, less competitive centres may not be able to offer such a bespoke personal service as we can, and this is where we feel we have the edge.” 
Forward Swindon is inviting companies based in the town to join it at the exhibition to help get its message across.
Kembrey Park-based Cleeve Technology, which makes electrical wiring, cabling and connectors, has already committed to take part.
Swindon has the UK’s first open-access hydrogen re-fuelling station – at Swindon’s South Marston plant – and a local authority economic strategy that endorses the development of hydrogen applications.
The striking stand design for Swindon campaign was created by local design agency Jazzbones, which has produced a range of campaign materials for Forward Swindon.
Swindon’s stand is in Hall 5 and forms part of the low-carbon vehicles area of the show – a location that echoes the town’s leadership in hydrogen fuel technologies.
