The Business Exchange Swindon & Wiltshire Edition 33: Oct/Nov 2017 | Page 3

CONTENTS NOTE FROM THE EDITOR INSIDE THIS EDITION 4 BUSINESS NEWS In this edition we celebrate Swindon and put the spotlight on the Switch On To Swindon (SOTS) campaign, designed to change how the town is perceived locally, nationally and internationally. (Turn to page 20 to fi nd out more.) We also put the spotlight on SOTS chair Jenny Groves in our In Profi le feature, see page 33. I fi rst worked in Swindon aged 16. I used to volunteer my time on a Sunday morning at BBC Radio Wiltshire. I assisted the late Sandy Martin with the phone lines for song requests and competitions and was often invited into the studio to talk about topical subjects or music trivia. Being a ‘Bath girl’, Swindon wasn’t a town I knew. It was only my interest in radio that led me to the place and my willing mother, happy to give up her time and take on a 60-mile round trip. This was just the start of my relationship with Swindon and I’ve now worked in the town on and off for 18 years. From day one, I noticed that the people in Swindon were always friendly and made me feel at home. Unlike Bath, no one is interested about where you’re from or if their friends do business with you, you’re taken on face value and if someone likes you, they will work with you. Swindon is often unfairly subjected to bad press. It may not be a town with an abundance of Georgian architecture like some of its neighbours, but if everywhere looked the same our appreciation would dwindle. What the town does have is a hard-working attitude. This may stem from the grit of its railway days, or from the ambitious people that have fl ocked to the town to work in one of the many UK head offi ces based in Swindon. Either way, the determined attitude cannot be ignored. Swindon has been great for me and my business and I wouldn’t dream of not working in the town. Without the support of the people and the businesses based here, you might not be reading this. Editor: Anita Jaynes E: [email protected] T: 01793 847966 Special Features: Fiona Scott www.fi onascottmediaconsultancy.co.uk A round-up of the latest business news 8 APPOINTED Recent appointments made in Swindon and Wiltshire 10 LEGAL Bower & Bailey’s David Janata talks insolvency and corporate recovery 12 FINANCE Financial news and advice to help your business 14 PERSONAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT TBE experts provide top tips and advice for getting ahead in business 20 SWITCH ON TO SWINDON Why Swindon is a great place to live, work and invest 26 TECHNOLOGY CIS talks GDPR 28 CREATIVE THINKING Lis McDermott tells us how to strike a pose and Steve Munson says “It’s all in the timing” 31 REVVED UP Geoff Maxted reviews the Skoda Kodiaq 32 COMMERCIAL PROPERTY News from the commercial property sector 33 IN PROFILE Jenny Groves, Place Board Chair, Switch On To Swindon 38 CONNECT Networking events happening in Swindon & Wiltshire ADVERTISE WITH US DECEMBER/JANUARY EDITION 2017/2018 BUSINESS REVIEW OF THE YEAR 2017 A look back at Wiltshire fi rms’ successes in the past year. The perfect feature to be in if you’ve had something to celebrate in 2017. WHAT’S NEW 2018 We look at emerging trends, legislations and events that are likely to change the business landscape in the coming year. INVESTING IN TECHNOLOGY FOR BUSINESS SUCCESS We reveal the latest tech and how embracing these products will give you the business edge. Design: Juicy Designs www.juicy-designs.com Motoring: Geoff Maxted www.drivewrite.co.uk Artwork: Studio Creative Services www.studio-cs.co.uk Social Media: David Bolton www.tainbrae.co.uk Print: Acorn Press www.acornpress.co.uk RAISE YOUR PROFILE WITH THE BUSINESS EXCHANGE IN 2018 Are you planning your marketing strategy for the year ahead? If so, why not give us a call? We offer bespoke packages combining print, digital and social media coverage ensuring your message is heard. We are passionate about supporting businesses and helping them grow. Being a local, independent publisher we pride ourselves on our reputation and building campaigns for clients that deliver results. That’s why so many of our advertisers renew their activity with us. SALES ENQUIRIES Sian Swift, Business Development Manager E: [email protected] T: 07710 566 145 THE BUSINESS EXCHANGE KEY STATISTICS - PRINT Readership: 15,000 Circulation: 5,000 Follow us on Social Media @TBESW Facebook.com/tbeswindonandwilts “The Business Exchange Swindon & Wiltshire” THE BUSINESS EXCHANGE 2017 3