WITH spring around the corner, it's time to look forward to the success the new year will bring to Swindon.
The town centre's Christmas shopping bucked the national trend as reports from retailers have been pretty positive. Planning for next Christmas is already underway and InSwindon, the Town Centre Management Company, will play a prominent part in celebrations.
This year Swindon is set to top last year's visitor numbers as more bookings are being taken in our hotels. The Holiday Inn has seen a 12 per cent increase in the past 12 months alone, leading to the town being recognised in the national media as one of the fastest growing holiday destinations in the UK.
I'm really pleased, but not surprised that there is such growth.
Along with those in the tourism industry, I feel that Swindon's product is improving.
The Swindon Strategic Economic Partnership (SSEP) has been moving forward since our conference last November, and is due to engage with the Swindon Chamber to firmly establish the Major Employers group.
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This group will involve key decision makers from Swindon's top 40 businesses meeting to discuss issues affecting them.
The Marketing group is looking to lay the foundations for a new Swindon brand in order to refresh the town's image, alongside the regeneration of the town centre.
For this group, and indeed all the SSEP's sub-groups, we are always on the look out for more business engagement.
To get involved and find out more contact economicdevelopment@swindon.gov.uk.
One of the events I am looking forward to most is the regeneration of our town centre and particularly the Wharf Green area, where a 35-square metre BBC Big Screen Swindon is being installed.
Other events to look forward to this year include the demolition of the old site of Swindon College in Regents Circus and the opening of the new Swindon Central Library. The Swindon College old site will be replaced with a multi-screen cinema, upmarket restaurants, cafes and bars, a hotel, supermarket, office space, apartments, a public square and covered parking.
Contact Bill Cotton, director of economic development, Swindon Council, at economicdevelopment@swindon.gov.uk
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