Forward Swindon Launches New Business Investment Website

Forward Swindon, the company responsible for economic growth and regeneration in Swindon has today launched its new business investment service and website, www.swindon.uk.com, to promote the town to a UK and international business audience, encouraging companies to locate and invest in Swindon.

The website, which has just gone live, represents the first stage of a three year campaign, and provides a comprehensive range of information about Swindon as a prime location for business. The key sections of the site offer details on the economy and workforce; industry sectors and big brand names already based here; a property search for both domestic and commercial property; an idea of Swindon’s lifestyle for those looking to move their families; and a section on “Growing your business” which provides detailed listings of business support organisations in the area. Enquiries can be posted via the site, which will reach the business investment team within Forward Swindon.

Julia Falcon, Head of Communications and Marketing at Forward Swindon said: “We’ve brought together the information any company thinking about relocation might need - all in one place at www.swindon.uk.com.” The new website will be promoted through PR and other communications media during the course of the campaign. “We are hoping that the existing business community will back the campaign as it develops, helping to raise the profile of Swindon,” Julia continues.

A commercially-focused campaign proposition has been agreed with business leaders in Swindon, and a number of them have offered their support already. Their comments about their choice to be based in Swindon are included in the notes below.

In preparation for the launch of the campaign, 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 our target group.

“Some of the insights were particularly encouraging, for example, people are aware of Swindon’s prime location on the M4 corridor.” Julia Falcon continues, “But the research revealed low awareness of Swindon’s other assets, such as our high productivity, and the companies already flourishing here.”

Some of these aspects are key features and messages 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.