Swindon’s track record as a global centre for business innovation is to be showcased this year as the town celebrates what is effectively its 175th birthday.
The decision by directors of the Great Western Railway in 1841 to site the fledgling company’s rail works close to the small hilltop town of Swindon put it on the map, creating an industrial powerhouse and engineering centre with a worldwide reputation. 
The Swindon 175 celebrations take place as the town’s economy continues to recover.
According to Ian Larrard, director of the Swindon and Wiltshire Initiative – part of Business West – a number of economic boosts last year have paved the way for a buoyant 2016.
“Our region’s unemployment fell to the lowest level in the country, our exports bucked the national trend, and business confidence amongst Swindon and Wiltshire firms stands at a very healthy 65%,” he said.
“This year is set to be even more positive as we look forward to a year of celebrations and a momentous occasion for our town.”
Mr Larrard, who chairs the Swindon 175 steering group, said it presented a great opportunity, not only to celebrate the town’s heritage, but to use it as a springboard for future growth.
“The anniversary gives us a chance to showcase Swindon’s track record as a place of economic innovation, with a thriving business community which will help us enhance ‘brand Swindon’ to attract new waves of investment and visitors,” he said.
“I know that there is a buzz among the business community. We already have a range of organisations involved and even more have shown an appetite to do so. Swindon 175 can raise the profile of our town as a place to live and work and with more business backing we can use the momentum to stimulate another 175 years of growth.
With a year-long programme of events lined up we urge more firms to come forward so we can make 2016 a truly memorable year with a great legacy.”
* Swindon Business News will publish a range of articles this year celebrating Swindon’s proud industrial heritage and its continuing innovation.
