Vision to 2036
To ensure all our communities benefit from inclusive and sustainable growth , making the Swindon and Wiltshire area world-renowned for its convergence of innovation , entrepreneurialism , and great quality of life
Our vision and investment
In March 2020 , SWLEP published the Swindon and Wiltshire Local Industrial Strategy , the long-term plan for achieving sustainable and inclusive growth for our area . It was developed following extensive engagement with our business community and stakeholders and we are committed to delivering its strategic priorities focussing on : attracting innovation activity nurturing the skills and talent of our residents and workers enabling infrastructure improvements delivering flexible business support services achieving the inclusive , sustainable growth of our places .
A great deal of work has been undertaken during the year to mobilise these priorities with good foundations laid to deliver sustainable and inclusive growth and support the UK ’ s transition to Net Zero .
One of our strengths as an area is its central location and we have extended our reach to work with neighbouring LEPs in relation to delivering infrastructure improvements focussing on new energy vehicles , especially hydrogen . We are working with Thames Valley Berkshire , Oxfordshire , Gloucestershire , and the West of England LEPs on these projects .
We have also developed a closer working relationship with the Western Gateway and England ’ s Economic Heartland Sub-national Transport Bodies focussing on the delivery of our Rail and Hydrogen Strategies .
The Western Gateway Powerhouse ( which includes Swindon and Wiltshire , Gloucestershire , Bath , Bristol , North Somerset and cities in South Wales ) has gained more traction with Government and we have supported its focus on international trade , connectivity , advanced manufacturing , and digital and cyber technologies .
In the last year we have maintained a strong emphasis on delivering our Local Growth Fund programme , the funding window for which came to an end in March 2021 . The benefits and outputs from our investment will continue to be realised and monitored over the coming years . In the summer , we were also successful in securing additional capital investment for three priority schemes through the Getting
Building Fund , which will underpin our innovation-led activity for our area over the forthcoming year .