CONTENTS
THE TEAM
Editor & Founder Anita Jaynes anita @ tbesw. co. uk
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 ESP Colour www. espcolour. co. uk
On the cover Swindon’ s new Fleming Way Bus Interchange
Advertising Sales
Anna O‘ Shea Email: anna @ tbesw. co. uk Call: 01793 847966
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© The Business Exchange South West Limited 2025. 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
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Will the small Business Plan become a reality?
REGULARS
04 Business News 12 People 24 Finance 27 Technology 28 Creative Thinking 32 Property 40 Positive Business 42 Connect
EDITOR’ S NOTE
This issue lands at a time when Swindon is making headlines for all the right reasons. From topping the UK’ s productivity rankings to securing a £ 600,000 boost for the arts, it’ s clear our region is full of energy, ambition and ideas.
We’ ve also seen the Government’ s Small Business Plan launched right here in Swindon, bringing long-overdue focus to late payments, High Street regeneration and SME growth. It’ s a bold move, and one we’ ll be watching closely.
Add to that the opening of the new Fleming Way Bus Interchange, a transformative project that’ s already reshaping the town centre, and you’ ve got a real sense of momentum.
And it’ s not just infrastructure. Business is back post-summer, and there’ s a renewed
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Cover story: A new gateway to Swindon
FEATURES
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10 How to get smarter around recruitment and retention
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Swindon & Wiltshire’ s Top 100 Businesses
drive to connect, collaborate and push forward. Whether you’ re planning your next move or reflecting on the year so far, this edition is packed with ideas to help you finish 2025 strong.
We reveal our Top 100 Businesses list, showcasing the organisations powering our economy. From global players to local legends, it’ s a celebration of the strength and diversity of our business community. Turn to page 22 to see who made the cut.
And if you’ re looking to raise your profile, now’ s the time to enter the 2025 TBE Awards. With categories ranging from sustainability to leadership and innovation, there’ s something for every kind of business. Page 24 has everything you need to get started, including tips from our judges and details of our new AI-powered entry tool. The
More news at: www. tbebathandsomerset. co. uk and www. tbeswindonandwilts. co. uk
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WINNER AI™- TBE Edition: Award entry support
PEOPLE
36
20 Thrings Meets... Interaction’ s Charlie Moss
39 John Davies, Is it me?
From boardrooms to bedspaces with Alabaré’ s James Tomlinson
deadline is fast approaching, entries close on 30th September, so get yours in before it’ s too late.
As always, this issue is full of practical advice, real stories and ways to connect.
Good luck with your TBE Award entries and I look forward to celebrating with you on Awards Night in November!
Anita Jaynes, Founder E: anita @ tbesw. co. uk T: 01793 847 966
THE BUSINESS EXCHANGE 2025 3