The Business Exchange Swindon & Wiltshire Edition 35: Feb/March 2018 | Page 3

CONTENTS NOTE FROM THE EDITOR INSIDE THIS EDITION 2018, it’s here! By the time you’re reading this we’ll be into the second month of the year. How’s it been for you so far? Have you stuck to your New Year resolutions? Or did you wain in week 2? For me, it’s been non-stop since I returned from the Christmas break, it was an interesting one this year as it was overshadowed by my wedding that took place at the end of December. With all the excitement I’m behind on my plan and I don’t feel like 2018’s landed yet! February’s going to be my month and I’m going to get to work on my written plan, not just doing. I had a plan which I stuck to in 2017 and it paid back in dividends. See Ellis Bardsley’s guide to achieving your goals on page 10. 2018 has got off to a good start for businesses in the region with an air of optimism. The South West Business & Community Awards took place on January 18 and this set the tone for a positive year ahead, with many winners coming from the Swindon & Wiltshire area- see page 36 to find out who won and view our image gallery. If you’re going for growth this year, visit the new Swindon & Wiltshire Growth Hub online (see page 21). It’s the SWLEP’s ‘go to’ gateway for business support and advice. It’s free, all you have to do is register. In this issue we put the spotlight on Chippenham and Corsham, looking at plans for the towns future. We also go back in time and look at how Corsham’s Hartham Park has been making history for Wiltshire for centuries (see pages 14-15). One thing i’m really excited about is the launch of our Techie Awards, celebrating the best of Swindon and Wiltshire’s tech community. We’ve already seen a lot of interest in the award scheme and the website is now open for entries, see page 20 for more. We’re still looking for some award sponsors, so if you’re looking to align yourself with the best in Swindon and Wiltshire tech, please get in touch. Editor: Anita Jaynes E: [email protected] T: 01793 847966 Special Features: Fiona Scott www.fionascottmediaconsultancy.co.uk Motoring: Geoff Maxted www.drivewrite.co.uk Social media: David Bolton www.tainbrae.co.uk 4 BUSINESS NEWS A round-up of the latest business news 8 APPOINTED Recent appointments made in Swindon and Wiltshire 9 FINANCE Financial news and advice to help your business 12 LEGAL 10 Minutes with Robert Millbourn, Partner at Bower & Bailey Solicitors 14 FOCUS ON CHIPPENHAM & CORSHAM We reveal the plans for the future of these towns 16 CELEBRATING APPRENTICESHIPS We look at some of Swindon & Wiltshire’s successful apprentices 18 CREATIVE THINKING Lis McDermott gives her tips to make you picture perfect 20 TECHNOLOGY The Techies open for entries 26 COMMERCIAL PROPERTY News from the commercial property sector 28 REVVED UP Geoff Maxted reviews the new Jaguar E Pace 31 IN PROFILE Chris Spratling, Chalk Hill Blue 38 CONNECT Networking events happening in Swindon & Wiltshire ADVERTISE WITH US RAISING 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, online and social media to ensure your message is heard. We are passionate about supporting local 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. Please get in touch to receive our media pack including our testimonials. Design: Juicy Designs www.juicy-designs.com Artwork: Studio Creative Services www.studio-cs.co.uk Print: Acorn Press www.acornpress.co.uk SEND US YOUR STORY To send in your business news email us at the following addresses: Swindon & Wiltshire [email protected] T: 01793 847966 Bath & Somerset [email protected] T: 01225 300043 SALES ENQUIRIES Sian Swift Business Development Manager THE BUSINESS EXCHANGE KEY STATISTICS - PRINT Readership: 15,000 Circulation: 5,000 E: [email protected] T: 07710 566 145 Follow us on Social Media @TBESW Facebook.com/tbeswindonandwilts “The Business Exchange Swindon & Wiltshire” THE BUSINESS EXCHANGE 2018 3