News
The latest news from Influence and Swindon's top business stories
Read the latest Influence bulletin here.
Influence Bulletin - 28 March 2013
Read the latest Influence bulletin here.
Business opportunities from Army 2020
Find out more about the opportunities available for your business through the Army 2020 programme.
22 April 2013 – Special Lunch Time Event for HR Managers on the opportunities and benefits of employing Service Leavers. De Vere Village Hotel, Swindon
26 June 2013 – Living and Working in Swindon and Wiltshire Job Fair - a showcase of job and re-location opportunities. Tidworth Leisure Centre
For more information on either of these events, contact Tina Doyle at Business West on 01793 698048 or tina.doyle@businesswest.co.uk.
Influence Bulletin - 22 February 2013
Read the latest Influence bulletin here.
Swindon fifth in UK economic performance
4 February 2013
Swindon has ranked fifth in terms of UK economic performance in the UK outside of London. The town also features on the top ten for both knowledge-based businesses and productivity... Read more here
From around Swindon - Full STEAM ahead to The Business Show Swindon
24 January 2013
Building on the success of the last two years' Business Shows, the leading business-to-business exhibition returns for its third year on 19 March 2013 at STEAM... Read more from Business West
From around Swindon - £350m RGF fourth round opens
17 January 2013
The fourth round of the Regional Growth Fund (RGF) has opened today (17 January 2013) with Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg urging businesses across the South West to bid for a share of the £350m cash pot... Read more from the South West Business Insider
From around Swindon - A positive 2013 for business and economy - from recession to growth?
7 January 2013
Phil Smith, managing director of Business West reflects on the past year and looks forward to the coming year being one of stability followed by growth... Read more from Business West
Influence Bulletin - 21 December 2012
Read the latest Influence bulletin here.
Consultation on the Swindon Borough Local Plan Pre-Submission draft 2026
20 December 2012
Swindon Borough Council has published the ‘Pre-Submission Draft’ of the Swindon Borough Local Plan 2026 for public consultation; formally known as the Swindon Borough Core Strategy and Development Management Policies. The Local Plan is a document that sets policies to direct and manage development within the Borough. Once adopted, the Swindon Borough Local Plan 2026 will form part of the statutory Development Plan for Swindon Borough.
In order to reduce the amount of paper that the Council produces, they are not sending out paper copies of the document but instead are encouraging people to view and comment on the document on the Council’s website at www.swindon.gov.uk/localplan.
From around Swindon - £35 million expansion for Swindon Designer Outlet
11 December 2012
Almost 50,000 sq ft of retail space is to be added to the Swindon Designer Outlet Centre as part of a £35m investment in the centre... Read more from South West Business Insider
Get Involved
11 December 2012
As 2012 draws to a close, it’s worth looking at what Influence has been working on, and what we’ve achieved in the ten months since we were established... Read more
From around Swindon - £3.75m Innovation Voucher scheme launched to support South West SMEs
3 December 2012
Small to medium sized companies across the South West Competiveness area can now get support to access the expertise within universities, colleges and public research establishments to innovate and grow. Under an exciting new European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) scheme launched this month, businesses can use subsidised vouchers to purchase academic support and research support from a partner of their choice. Read more from the Swindon and Wiltshire LEP
Influence Bulletin - 29 November 2012
Read the latest Influence activity bulletin here.
Have your say - Reservists and Employers
22 November 2012
The way that our Reserve Forces will be used in the future is currently under review. The Ministry of Defence is currently asking for the views of Reservists and Employers into possible changes and the offer available for both. To take part in the survey (closes 18 January 2013) and air your views, click here - http://surveys.defenceconsultations.org.uk/limesurvey/index.php?sid=82751&lang=en.
From around Swindon - Second round of 'Growing Places' Infrastructure Fund launched
20 November 2012
The Swindon & Wiltshire LEP Board met last week to review the progress of the "Growing Places" Infrastructure Fund. Three projects are now in advanced negotiation with contracts expected to be in place by the end of the year. They have, therefore, approved the launch of another round of the GPIF as funds have become available for further investment... Read more from Swindon and Wiltshire LEP
From around Swindon - Technical College to select preferred site
14 November 2012
Two sites in the town centre have been shortlisted for Swindon’s new University Technical College (UTC) – and a preferred location is expected to be announced before Christmas... Read more from the Swindon Advertiser
Help influence our future prospects
13 November 2012
If you've ever wanted to know more about the thinking behind some of the major strategic decisions affecting businesses in Swindon, put the date of Tuesday March 19, 2013 in your diary right now... Read more
Influence the vision for our town
18 October 2012
The organisation that acts as Swindon’s collective business voice is urging companies in the town to read and comment on the draft plan for Swindon’s future before the consultation period ends this Friday... Read more
Rapid Progress on University Technical College for Swindon
September 2012
Exam results are out, young lives are being set on specific courses, and once again we’re reminded that one of the challenges that UK PLC faces is educating and training our young people to do the jobs of the future. Which is why Influence is delighted to see rapid progress being made on the University Technical College (UTC) being led by joint sponsors Johnson Matthey Fuel Cells and Oxford Brookes University... Read more
Collaborative effort to secure Swindon's Economic Future
August 2012
Recently members of Swindon’s business community and the town’s civic leaders from all three political parties joined workshops to participate in developing a borough-wide economic strategy and action plan for the town. Overseen by Influence, Forward Swindon and Swindon Borough Council, this is a collaborative effort to provide a roadmap for a sound economic future for the town over the next 15 years... Read more
Earlier stories
August 12 - Swindon success could inspire young people
July 2012 - The future looks green
June 2012 - Public/private partnership working drives Swindon's momentum
June 2012 - GWE launches free business start-up programme for Swindon
May 2012 - Railway consultation: Fair fares for Swindon
April 2012 - Introduction to Influence - by Nicky Alberry, Chair of Influence