@ SWLEP
Visit the SWLEP online at : www . swlep . co . uk
Peer Networks Digital Skills
Some business leaders prefer to interact with others to discuss their issues . It is for this reason that the Peer Networks programme was developed . Sessions are run by trained facilitators allowing business leaders to work in collaboration , without judgement or competition , in a confidential environment to solve their challenges together .
Stuart Climance , Managing Director at Adcutec Ltd , and alumni from the first Peer Network cohort , said ,“ Peer networks provides a great gateway to openly discuss and explore ideas and workable solutions , by sharing experiences and knowledge . The network has a great mix of business leaders who all have a positive approach to building relationships and supporting each other .”
Contact Brea Woods at Peernetworks @ swlep . co . uk for more information .
This Way Up
This Way Up is a successful business growth webinar programme which was started to provide information , advice and guidance through the Covid crisis . The programme continues to offer webinars on a myriad of subjects essential to business growth such as effective digital ; sales ; finance ; mental health ; marketing ; leadership ; cyber and the green agenda . All webinars can be watched again via the ‘ on demand ’ tab found on the webpage detailing all upcoming webinars : growthhub . swlep . co . uk / events / this-way-up / upcoming-webinars
Get in touch e : hello @ swgrowthhub . co . uk t : 01249 477287
As digital skills become even more essential to the effective running of a business , Letitia Wright , Digital Specialist works with you to create and build a digital strategy for your business . During one to one sessions , she will support you to build the skills needed to implement your plans . To find out more email : Letitia . wright @ swlep . co . uk or call 01249 477287 .
The SWLEP is very much looking forward to expanding its support to the business community in 2022 , assisting in bringing about sustainable economic growth and continuing its strategic objectives in skills and talent ( people ), infrastructure , place , business environment and ideas .
INWARD INVESTMENT UPDATE
To grow the economy of Swindon and Wiltshire we need both high performing , home-grown businesses and incoming companies from overseas and elsewhere in the UK , who will bring new investment and competition through innovative products and services . All areas of the country are actively seeking these inward investment opportunities .
Since 2018 , the Swindon and Wiltshire LEP has been a partner and major financial contributor in a European Union ( EU ) - funded inward investment programme with Swindon Council and Wiltshire Council . The objective of this programme agreed with the UK government , who are acting as managing agents for the EU , is to land two new investments from SMEs ( Small and Medium sized Enterprises ) that don ’ t already have a presence in the EU , creating at least ten new jobs . In addition , to providing 12 hours or more of specialist advice to ten inward investment prospects . It is good to report that we have met the objectives of the programme by winning two new investors from outside the EU that are SMEs . One is a Nigerian software company that has set up a sales office in Swindon and the second is a US company specialising in photonics that is expanding in Wiltshire . These will create at least 106 jobs during the next three years . This particular programme ceases at the end of December 2021 , but we have generated a lot of legacy material and contacts to pursue more inward investment opportunities .
We have established an inward investment website with case studies from local companies , videos of key stakeholders and drone footage of key sites ( www . investinswindonandwiltshire . org ). We are creating an Inward Investment Prospectus detailing the key sites across Swindon and Wiltshire . Funding has also been used to support the promotion of the Business Cyber Centre , including the four distinct areas of a products and services catalogue , a skills and talent programme , an incubation and accelerator programme and the growing Swindon and Wiltshire Cyber Cluster . Elements will include video content with key stakeholders as well as computer generated imagery of the high quality fit out of the building and the spaces available for companies to rent .
Our partnership with both local authorities also extends to the Department of International Trade . Working alongside such colleagues , Swindon and Wiltshire had seven ‘ wins ’ in the 2020 / 21 financial year ( two new to the area and five expansions of existing operations ), creating over 250 new jobs . Sectors covered include fintech , electronics and life sciences , with incoming firms spanning Taiwan , China , US , Italy and the Netherlands . The pipeline for 2021 / 22 is strong with ten inward investment wins so far this financial year ( two new operations , one expansion and seven acquisitions ) scheduled to create 67 new jobs .
Chief Executive Officer E : paddy . bradley @ swlep . co . uk
T : 0771 841951
THE BUSINESS EXCHANGE 2021 13