@ SWLEP
Visit the SWLEP online at : www . swlep . co . uk
The end of an era and a new beginning
As Paddy gets off the rickety wooden roller coaster , I wish him well as he steps onto a new ride . I joined SWLEP in 2015 and have worked alongside Paddy for more than a decade wearing our respective local authority hats ; a great partnership within the partnership . His departure and the successful conclusion of our role in delivering big capital projects marks the end of one era and the start of another .
I am really looking forward to experiencing the excitement and the thrills of SWLEP ’ s new ride , which I hope will be a thrilling , smooth and fast-paced journey with spectacular views . Looking to the year ahead , my focus , and that of the Board and SWLEP team is to maintain delivery of our LEP ’ s core functions : Growth Hub business support and skills-related services . We will continue to fulfil our remit to represent business , undertake strategic economic analysis and planning and deliver the programmes Paddy referred to opposite .
In parallel , we are starting the first ascent along the Government ’ s position to withdraw its funding to LEPs at the end of March 2024 . The energy is building on our transition , and we are working with both Councils to develop a managed plan to meet national and local requirements . We will sustain the delivery of our core services through the income we generate as a not-for-profit limited company . In doing so , we will continue to develop our commercial activity , in particular through the use of our flagship BCC facilities in Chippenham offering top quality office , events and conference space . For those of you who have not yet visited us there , please pop in to say ‘ hello ,’ take a look around and have a coffee at Franco ’ s Café .
Having worked for the SWLEP in all its guises , I have had the pleasure of working on the sustainable economic growth agenda with a wide range of talented businesses , organisations and individuals . Most recently I went on a part-time secondment to the Western Gateway , the pan-regional partnership for South Wales and western England to lead their hydrogen programme and develop that area ’ s Hydrogen Delivery Pathway 2050 . The Pathway will undoubtedly secure further investment , innovation and jobs for the Swindon and Wiltshire area . We will continue to be an active supporter of the Western Gateway and the LEP Network and maintain the cross-border relationships we have nurtured .
I believe that there are exciting times ahead for the growth of the Swindon and Wiltshire area and I am confident that whilst there will undoubtedly be twists and turns along the way , that SWLEP , our Local Authority partners , academia and business and military communities can work together to overcome them . Collaboration has always been at the heart of what SWLEP has done , and I look forward to our trip together .
Debby Skellern , Acting Chief Executive Officer at the Swindon and Wiltshire Local Enterprise Partnership
debby . skellern @ swlep . co . uk 07767 101 644
" Collaboration has always been at the heart of what SWLEP has done , and I look forward to our trip together ."
To find out more about the SWLEP visit www . swlep . co . uk For specific business support , contact the Swindon and Wiltshire Growth Hub . Visit www . swgrowthhub . co . uk call : 01249 477287 or email : hello @ swgrowthhub . co . uk
THE BUSINESS EXCHANGE 2023 19