Thinking Of Opening A Small Business In Swindon? Read This First

Primarily known for its manufacturing heritage, the town of Swindon has evolved to host a variety of businesses across different sectors in recent years. Nestled in the southwest of England with a population of near 230,000 people, Swindon has become an increasingly popular destination for those looking to open small businesses in the hospitality sector.  

So, if you're also planning on opening your own small business in Swindon, here's everything you'll need to consider. 

Unique Selling Proposition 

First and foremost, you’ll need a unique selling proposition (USP). A USP is of utmost importance when establishing a solid foothold in Swindon's thriving hospitality industry. 

For example, if a speciality coffee shop is what you're aiming towards, it’s crucial to differentiate your coffee shop from the rest in the area. Your USP could be anything from a distinct brewing method to rare and ethically-sourced coffee beans. Whatever it is, shout about it so that it gets engrained in the business’ brand.? 

If you want to incorporate your USP within your business’ name so that you can build upon your brand’s unique identity, there are tools online to help you do so. No one has enough hours in the day to spend pondering over what to call their business. Get ideas with this business name generator, so that you can spend your precious time focussing on other important matters to do with opening a small business in the local community.? 

Market Research 

If you’re new to this charming town, you’ll need to research before doing anything more. Market research allows you to gain insights into the local hospitality market of Swindon so that you can understand your competition and target audience. From here, you can make the most informed decisions about your shop’s offerings and strategies. For example, with the arrival of the Green Market in April 2022, you’ll have to think about where this leaves you in Swindon's hospitality market. What are the successful businesses in the Green Market doing right? Which businesses have fallen behind, and why? 

Location 

Of course, you'll also need to consider the best location to open your beloved business. Putting the coffee shop example back to good use; with Swindon’s proximity to a cluster of universities and colleges, you’ll find a pool of talented coffee enthusiasts and baristas eager to spend all of their money and expertise within your coffee shop. Strategically choose a location for your shop that has good foot traffic to these particular areas of high concentration. Coffee shops near university premises are always a good idea.?Students love coffee, it’s a fact! 

Menu Diversity 

What will  set your business apart from other similar businesses in Swindon? A diverse menu, perhaps? Offer a menu that caters to different tastes and dietary preferences. Consider serving locally sourced pastries and snacks that also have some sort of USP attached to them. The south of England is known for being on the ‘boujieer’ end of the spectrum, so think along the lines of pumpkin flour-based brownies or avocado chocolate mousse. A bit of health and sweetness combined seems to do the trick for both millennials and Gen Z these days. Stay up to date with these food trends on TikTok.? 

Settle Into Swindon 

Opening a small business in Swindon is an exciting yet competitive venture, and market research is your compass to navigate the bustling scene of this vibrant town. With market research as your trusty guide, a prime location and a banging menu to boot, Swindon is sure to welcome you with open arms into their lovely little community.