Forward Swindon

Swindon has the potential to achieve economic prominence, with a thriving workforce and a town centre worthy of its population and the businesses that are already achieving success here. The opportunities that lie ahead for Swindon are exciting and, with Forward Swindon leading plans for its growth and regeneration, these opportunities will be realised.

Forward Swindon is a limited company established by Swindon Borough Council, in consultation with partners and stakeholders, to deliver and facilitate economic & cultural development and regeneration within the town. The Company has a Board recruited from locally based commercial organisations and Council representatives, and although funded by the Council, Forward Swindon operates independently.  Many projects undertaken by Forward Swindon require a partnership approach to make things happen, particularly innovative initiatives where the skills and focus of different organisations will make more impact if brought together.  The Company therefore often works with private and public sector partners to achieve the best results.

Forward Swindon produced its business plan in October 2010, covering a 5 year period to 2015, see above. Key areas of focus are:

• Regenerating the town centre
• Increasing the number of jobs in Swindon
• Increasing inward investment
• Growing the knowledge economy
• Increasing skills, enterprise and University access
• Providing economic strategy to support policy and target resources