Invest In Swindon and Wiltshire Bucks the Global Trend!

While the last 12 months have seen a worldwide and national downturn in the levels of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), Swindon and Wiltshire have bucked the global trend and seen significant growth in the region in new FDI funded projects and jobs

2020/21 saw almost a doubling (87%) in the number of new internationally funded projects starting in the region compared to the previous year, and a remarkable 7-fold increase in new jobs*. This is all the more remarkable when compared to both global and pan-European investment figures. The global downturn during the pandemic saw a 30% drop in FDI projects and a 40% downturn in new jobs overall.  Europe saw a 30% drop in projects and the UK itself a 35% drop**. To have achieved not just growth but such a significant success story in the face of these overall market conditions is a substantial achievement and a testament to the strong workforce, the quality of property and site solutions, and in-depth support on offer to international investors in Swindon and Wiltshire.

While the last 12 months have seen a worldwide and national downturn in the levels of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), Swindon and Wiltshire have bucked the global trend and seen significant growth in the region in new FDI funded projects and jobs. Thursday 24th June 2021**     Source: DIT & Invest in Swindon and Wiltshire, June 2021**     Source OCO Global, June 2021

The Inward Investment teams at Swindon Borough Council, Wiltshire Council, and the Swindon and Wiltshire LEP, working together under the Invest in Swindon and Wiltshire brand, are delighted to see the success the campaign has delivered, with new investment from companies like Photonica, Thermo Fisher and Becton Dickinson. New investments have covered manufacturing, retail, services, and research & development and include key regional strengths in sectors like Life Sciences, Digital Technology, pharmaceuticals, and Automotive. Councillor David Renard, Leader of Swindon Borough Council commented,

“Investors continue to see Swindon as an economic powerhouse and a great place to do business. We continue to provide the environment, opportunities, skilled workforce, and great lifestyle which enables businesses and their workforce to thrive. Even though the pandemic, investment by national and international companies demonstrates that Swindon is a player on the global stage.”

Councillor Richard Clewer, Leader of Wiltshire Council, said:

“We know Wiltshire is a great place to live and carry out business and this latest announcement shows just how attractive the area is to foreign companies.“The importance of Foreign Direct Investment cannot be underestimated as it creates new jobs and more opportunities for growth as foreign companies transfer funding, knowledge, skills, and technology to the county, providing a vital boost to the local economy. We welcome discussions with any foreign as well as domestic companies looking to invest in the county.”

The Invest in Swindon and Wiltshire Team can also see a very strong pipeline going into 21/22 and have every confidence that this is just the start of the region’s success story.

Find out more via their website: https://www.investinswindonandwiltshire.org/