AS THE Christmas lights go up again and the temperature falls, it's time to reflect on 2007 and our Town.
Dennis Turner, chief economist of HSBC - and one of the most amusing economic commentators I have ever had the pleasure to hear speak - holds the view that the economy for 2008 will remain stable, provided oil prices don't spiral out of control.
So, if the general economy is sound, what does 2008 hold for the Swindon economy and community?
Mid-November saw the launch of the Swindon Strategic Economic Partnership. The SSEP is the vehicle that seeks to link together the key stakeholders in Swindon.
It is a joint initiative of the business community, the education, academic and cultural sectors, Swindon Borough Council, the Regional Development Agency and other stakeholders.
Coupled with the work of the New Swindon Company and the excitement of seeing cranes on the horizon, the SSEP offers a powerful structure for providing a unified way forward.
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There is now some real sign of momentum building, and if we are investing our time and our family's future in Swindon it is beholden upon us all to get involved.
To find out more about the SSEP, visit www. ssep. org. uk and get involved.
Dennis Turner, referred to above, presented to a packed Blunsdon House Hotel audience in November at an event jointly sponsored by the Swindon Chamber of Commerce and the Great Western Breakfast Club.
Previously, these two organisations were intending to hold separate events. I don't believe any of the attendees would disagree that the joint event was more potent.
Additionally, the Swindon Chamber of Commerce plugs in throughout the previously mentioned SSEP structure.
Are we in danger of at last getting some joined-up thinking rather than the fragmentation we have seen too long in the town? I hope so.
Let's face it - Ricky Gervais and The Office have a lot to answer for the external image of Swindon, but those of us who work and live here know it's a great place, with great people.
Yes we still have a number of issues to address but with our joint effort we will address them.
So, when you're making your New Year resolutions put "talking up Swindon" at the top - and we can all look forward to a bright future for the town.
Contact Rob Harman at Morris Owen on 01793 603900.
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