CONTENTS
THE TEAM
Editor & Founder Anita Jaynes anita @ tbesw . co . uk 01793 847966
Editorial Support Ben Carey & Nick Batten press @ tbesw . co . uk
Special Features Fiona Scott Fiona @ fionascott . co . uk
Design Juicy Designs www . juicy-designs . co . uk
Artwork Studio Creative Services www . studio-cs . co . uk
Printed by Acorn Press www . acornpress . co . uk
On the cover Samuel Munson , aka ' The Munson Burner '
Advertising Sales Sian Swift Business Development Manager Sian @ tbesw . co . uk T : 07710 566 145
Follow us on Social @ TBESW The Business Exchange South West tbeswindonandwilts businessexchangesw
© The Business Exchange South West Limited 2023 . Whilst every effort has been made to ensure that adverts and articles appear correctly , The Business Exchange South West Limited cannot accept responsibility for any loss or damage caused directly or indirectly by the contents of this publication . The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of its publisher or editor . All rights reserved . This publication is copyrighted and no part of this publication may be used or reproduced without the written permission of The Business Exchange South West Limited .
KEY STATISTICS
Readership : 15,000 Our audience : 56 % business owner / director level
44 % partner , manager or senior executive
07 08 12
Get ready : The Techies Awards 2023 is opening for entries
REGULARS
04 Business News 16 SWLEP 18 Creative Thinking 22 People 27 Finance 31 Legal 34 Technology
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Video content
EDITOR ’ S NOTE
Podcast
Welcome to this special ‘ Going for Growth ’ edition . This issue is all about celebrating growth and looking at ways to achieve our goals .
Spring is known a time of growth and renewal , and our pages are packed with stories along this theme . Turn to page 4 to read about the regeneration of Brunel ’ s Carriage Works in Swindon and pages 5-6 for stories of expansion , new opportunities , and new openings .
Growth is often achieved through recognising our weaknesses and celebrating our successes which often ignite future ideas and continued growth . Turn to page 7 to hear about the Techies Awards 2023 opening for entries soon . On pages 8-9 find out more about The Business Exchange Charity Conference & Expo where
The Business Exchange South West Charity Conference & Expo is back
FEATURES
10 Local businesses help ignite ' The Munson Burner '
30 Research and Development
we will be asking the question , how can we all work together to find answers to our collective societal challenges from rising inflation to budget cuts , a struggling NHS and more ?
Our cover story is Samuel Munson ( aka the Munson Burner ) a 15-year-old Swindon motorbike racer who ’ s going for growth this year to achieve his dream of becoming one of the UK ’ s best riders . Thanks to the support of local business sponsors , he ’ s set to compete in the 2023 British Super Bikes ( BSB ) Hel Performance Junior Supersport Championship . Read more on page 10 .
To help you move into the fast lane , on pages 12-13 , Features Editor , Fiona Scott looks at what we can learn from ambitious local businesses on how to go for growth , even in a challenging landscape .
The Business Exchange has proved it ’ s not too late to join the pack and is proud
More news at : www . tbebathandsomerset . co . uk and www . tbeswindonandwilts . co . uk
36
The Big Dog Art Trail : It ' s not too late to join the pack !
How does a business go for growth in 2023 ?
PEOPLE
38
33 Meet Rob Curtis 35 John Davies : Is it me ?
Join us at The Business Exchange Big Breakfast as we bust the myths of electric motoring
to be taking part in The Big Dog Art Trail taking place in Swindon this summer . It ’ s the UK ’ s first-ever balloon dog art trail and will raise essential funds for children ’ s hospice charity , Julia ’ s House . Find out how you can get involved on page 36 .
If you ’ re looking to connect with new people and grow your network , why not attend our upcoming networking Big Breakfasts at Cumberwell Park ? Turn to page 38 to get the dates in your diary . I look forward to seeing you there !
Anita Jaynes E : anita @ tbesw . co . uk T : 01793 847 966
THE BUSINESS EXCHANGE 2023 3