The Business Exchange Swindon & Wiltshire Edition 46: Dec/Jan 2019 | Page 4

BUSINESS NEWS
Last chance to enter
South West Business &
Community Awards
Jenny Groves, Switch on to Swindon
SWINDON COLLEGES SET
TO MERGE IN 2020
Swindon College and New College are set to combine
forces ahead of the 2020/2021 academic year.
The plans come in preparation for the construction
of the town’s new Institute of Technology (IOT).
The Department of Education confirmed its
approval for the planned Institute of Technology in
Swindon to be realigned with the merger project.
In April, the IOT Consortium, comprising
both colleges, local universities, employers and
wider stakeholders, won its bid for a £21 million
capital project designed to bring 1,000 new higher
education places to the area by 2026.
Governors of both colleges believe the merger
will bring a wide range of features and benefits for
students and employers, including a well-planned
and more cohesive high-quality curriculum.
Charlotte Mannion, chair of the governing body
at New College Swindon, said, “This merger is an
opportunity for our two Colleges to come together
to better meet the region’s education, skills and
training needs.
“Together we will be a major force, shaping
future learning opportunities and helping to drive
the economic prosperity of the Swindon and
Wiltshire area.”
Rob Beale, chairman of governors at Swindon
College, added, “The coming together of our two
institutions is absolutely right for Swindon, local
people and employers.
“The joint strength and expertise of the two
Colleges, along with the opportunities that the
IoT will afford, means greater choice, enhanced
skills development and improved progression
opportunities for everyone – right through to the
higher education level.”
The merger announcement has also been
welcomed by business ambassador group Switch
on to Swindon.
Chair of Switch on to Swindon, Jenny Groves,
said, “After the recommendation to merge from
the Department for Education several years ago,
it’s great that both colleges can now combine
their academic talents into an outstanding Further
Education provision of the future.”
“Swindon’s focus on academic growth over the
last few years, with the awarding of the Institute
of Technology funding, will mean an even better
and brighter pathway for students into a variety
of Higher Education courses. The merger should
allow both campuses to expand on their local
presence, improve the cultural and academic offer
for students and build a stronger identity
and reputation.”
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The Cricklade Club, winners of the 2019 South West Business
& Community Awards Start-up of the Year category.
Nominations are set to close on
Sunday 15th December for the 2020
South West Business & Community
Awards.
The award scheme run by Great
British Expos, celebrates the
achievements of businesses, charities
and individuals across the South West.
There are 13 award categories you
can enter, including, Apprentice of the
Year, Start-up of the Year, Employer
of the Year and the Contribution to the
Community Award.
It is free to enter and nominations
can be made by organisations
themselves, or individuals who believe
a business, charity or individual
deserves to be recognised.
The awards are judged by an
independent panel of some of the UK’s
most significant business leaders,
entrepreneurs, charity ambassadors
and regional influencers. Local judges
include James Phipps, Chairman of
Excalibur Communications and Anita
Jaynes, Publisher of The Business
Exchange.
The shortlisted nominees will
be announced on Tuesday 17th
December 2019 and the winners will
be announced at a glittering black-tie
award ceremony on Thursday 23rd
January 2020 at the DoubleTree by
Hilton Swindon. Unique to the South
West Business & Community Awards,
all profits generated from the award
scheme and evening ceremony are
donated to selected charities. In 2019
organisers raised and donated over
£10,000.
To find out more and to enter visit
the website.
For more info:
www.southwestbusinessawards.co.uk
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