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One week to go until The Business Show Swindon

January 25, 2012 in News, Events, Opportunities, Swindon, Wiltshire with Comments Off

Excitement is building with only one week to go to the Business Show Swindon.  The show returns on 1 February 2012 at STEAM organised by GWE Business West and sponsored by Team South West, Relays (Regional Educational Legacy in Art and Youth Sport), County Marquees and Manor Printing. The show is an ideal opportunity for Swindon businesses to showcase themselves and will feature over 80 exhibitors from all across the region.  It’s free to attend and will run from 9am to 4pm.

There are only four remaining stands available, prices ranges from £200- £600.  Visit www.businessshowswindon.co.uk for further information.

James Averdieck, founder of luxurious dessert company Gü is set to give a fascinating keynote speech at 12.30pm.  James will share his secrets for success on how he started Gü in 2003 with just £150,000 taking the company to sales of over £30m before selling in 2010.

The show will also feature the innovative LinkedIn Espresso Bar which is exclusively for members of Business West’s LinkedIn group – the largest business group in the South West with over 3500 members.  Organisations can join the group and come along between 11am-12pm or 1.30pm – 2.30pm to enjoy a complimentary cup of coffee and extend online connections offline. Businesses can visit www.bwlinkedin.co.uk to join.

HM Revenue & Customs will be exhibiting at the show. Their specially trained Business Education and Support Teams will be on hand to help you understand your tax responsibilities and give you the confidence to get it right first time. Their services are free of charge and are designed for everyone in business, especially new businesses or new employers.  Drop by stand 36 to find out more about Research and Development (R&D) Relief for Corporation Tax.

Robert Gardner, Chief Economist, Nationwide Building Society has been confirmed as The Swindon Strategic Economic Partnership (SSEP) Annual Conference speaker.  The conference will run in the morning and will provide an update on current activity, including links with the newly formed Local Enterprise Partnership.

To add to the sense of occasion County Marquees will be showcasing their products at the 2012 Show providing a marquee with some stunning extra floor space.  By creating the right ambience for networking opportunities it will allow attendees to meet up with existing or new clients in comfortable and stylish surroundings.

Ian Larrard, Director of The Initiative in Swindon and Wiltshire, GWE Business West said: “The Business Show Swindon 2012 is a great opportunity for businesses to connect with companies in Swindon and beyond, to network, exchange ideas and make new business contacts.  The show provides a platform to connect with hundreds of local businesses in one arena and is an opportunity not to be missed.”

The show is easily accessible from the M4 and Swindon railway station. To register to attend visit www.businessshowswindon.co.uk

Connect with hundreds of organisations at The Business Show Swindon

January 19, 2012 in News, Events, Opportunities, Swindon with Comments Off

Excitement is building with only two weeks to go to the Business Show Swindon.  This show returns on 1 February 2012 at STEAM organised by GWE Business West and sponsored by Team South West, Relays (Regional Educational Legacy in Art and Youth Sport) and County Marquees. The show is an ideal opportunity for Swindon businesses to showcase themselves and will feature over 80 exhibitors from all across the region.  It’s free to attend and will run from 9am to 4pm.

There are only a few remaining stands available, prices range from £200 – £900.  Visit www.businessshowswindon.co.uk for further information.

James Averdieck, founder of luxurious dessert company Gü is set to give a fascinating keynote speech  at 12.30pm.  James will share his secrets for success on how he started Gü in 2003 with just £150,000 taking the company to sales of over £30m before selling in 2010.

Take part in a free speed networking session; fast, furious and fun.  A great way to increase your network of business contacts through this popular, fast-paced networking opportunity.  There are only four sessions remaining, with spaces filling fast, book your slot at www.businessshowswindon.co.uk

HM Revenue & Customs will be exhibiting at the show. Their specially trained Business Education and Support Teams will be on hand to help you understand your tax responsibilities and give you the confidence to get it right first time. Their services are free of charge and are designed for everyone in business, especially new businesses or new employers.  Drop by stand 36 to find out more about Research and Development (R&D) Relief for Corporation Tax.

Robert Gardner, Chief Economist, Nationwide Building Society has been confirmed as The Swindon Strategic Economic Partnership (SSEP) Annual Conference speaker.  The conference will run in the morning and will provide an update on current activity, including links with the newly formed Local Enterprise Partnership.

The show is easily accessible from the M4 and Swindon railway station. To register to attend visit www.businessshowswindon.co.uk

Business Show Swindon returns for 2012

November 17, 2011 in News, Events, Opportunities, Swindon with Comments Off

After the enormous success of the inaugural Business Show Swindon, it returns for its second year on 1 February 2012 at STEAM.  The show is organised by GWE and will feature a broad showcase of 80 exhibitors from across the region.

Delegates can look forward to a high profile key note speaker with details to be announced late November. The ever-popular speed networking sessions return and the show will also feature the innovative LinkedIn Espresso Bar which is exclusively for members of GWE The Initiative and Business West’s LinkedIn group – the largest LinkedIn group in the South West with over 3200 members.  Further information will be posted on the group soon.  Businesses can visit www.gwebwlinkedin.co.uk to join.

Swindon Business News is the show’s media partner this year providing local businesses with timely and relevant opportunities for the Business Show.

Exhibition stands are on sale now with prices ranging from £200 to £900.  Visit www.businessshowswindon.co.uk to download an exhibition floor plan and book your stand.

Ian Larrard, Director of GWE The Initiative in Swindon and Wiltshire said: “This year’s Business Show was a great success with over 750 attendees.  Feedback from local businesses was overwhelmingly positive with a large number expressing support for the show to become an annual event.  I am confident that the Business Show Swindon 2012 will build on this and become the place to network and do business in Swindon.”

The show, easily accessible from the M4 and Swindon railway station, will run from 9am to 4pm.  To register to attend visit www.businessshowswindon.co.uk

Business Show Swindon exhibition stands sold out

January 17, 2011 in News, Events, Opportunities, Swindon with Comments Off

The Business Show Swindon launches on 10th February at STEAM organised by GWE Business West [1] and sponsored by Lloyds TSB Commercial.  All 80 exhibition stands, which will feature a broad showcase of businesses from the region, have now been sold.

Delegates can expect a topical seminar programme, free speed networking sessions and a conference café for networking and refreshments.  There will also be an exclusive espresso bar for members of the Initiative in Swindon and GWE Business West’s LinkedIn group.  The group currently has 1800 members making it the largest LinkedIn group in the South West.  Members can meet at 10-11am or 1-2pm on the mezzanine floor.  Join the GWE Business West LinkedIn group today and come along and meet us!

Ian Larrard, Director of the Initiative in Swindon and Wiltshire, GWE Business West said: “The LinkedIn Espresso Bar is an innovative way of bringing the members together so that they can network face-to-face.  This is an ideal way for people to do business and bring their online discussions to life.”

The seminar programme will cover topics including social media, networking, marketing, intellectual property and funding for growth.  The Funding for Growth seminar will bring together a group of trusted experts to offer advice and up to the minute information on types of funding that are available. Delegates will be networking throughout the afternoon, culminating in a dynamic Q&A panel discussion. 

 Neil Higginson, Programme Manager – ERDF Projects, GWE Business West said: “This seminar will provide a unique insight from organisations whose task it is to help businesses successfully attract funding in these difficult times.  The GWE Business West High Growth team will also be on hand to offer practical advice on other assistance available for growing businesses.”

The Swindon Strategic Economic Partnership (SSEP) Annual Conference will run alongside The Business Show Swindon 2011 in the morning. SSEP will outline their achievements over the last 12 months, together with their vision for the future, including Swindon Borough Council’s ‘One Swindon’ strategic framework. Prior to that there will be a Swindon Chamber of Commerce breakfast in which there will be a launch of the ‘Link to China’ programme.

The show, easily accessible from the M4 and Swindon railway station, will run from 9am to 4pm.  To register to attend visit www.businessshowswindon.co.uk

Business leaders meet with MPs to discuss issues facing Swindon

December 15, 2010 in Policy, Legislation, Swindon with Comments Off

Businesses from across Swindon met with their local MPs recently at a meeting organised by GWE Business West’s [1] Initiative in Swindon [2]. Justin Tomlinson, MP for Swindon North and Robert Buckland, MP for Swindon South, met with over 15 local business leaders to discuss a range of issues and identify areas for future collaboration.

 

 

One of the themes for discussion was the rise in student tuition fees. The businesses voiced their concerns about how this would impact poorer students in the education system. There was a call for universities to be more accountable for the new fees by providing shorter academic years, and businesses were keen to offer more sponsorship opportunities for students.

Other issues raised included the hold on electrification of the mainline and the redoubling of the Swindon-Kemble line. The MPs stated they would keep pushing central government on both these issues and would do all they can to help the projects ultimately go ahead. The Initiative members stated they would do all they could to keep lobbying too.

Other topics debated were:

     

  • GWE Business West recent access to finance survey which highlighted the barriers to growth, problems with accessing finance and relationships with banks

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  • Local procurement issues with Swindon Borough Council, there was a call for business to work more closely with the Council on this issue

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  • Call for business to build on the work carried out by the Plan 500 and support apprenticeships and work experience for young people

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  • Town centre regeneration plans for Theatre Square, Union Square and Station Forecourt. 

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Ian Larrard, Director of the Initiative in Swindon, GWE Business West said: “One clear and positive message that came through from the meeting was a real willingness to work together to make things happen. GWE Business West is well placed to act as a broker in bringing together MPs and the private sector to identify barriers and solutions.”

Swindon Local Business Leaders Discuss Transport Priorities

December 9, 2010 in Swindon, Transport with Comments Off

Swindon Local Business Leaders Discuss Transport Priorities

The second meeting of GWE Business West’s Initiative in Swindon regular Transport and Connectivity Committee took place recently.  A number of senior business leaders attended including Halcrow, Alder King, RPS Planning and Transport and DPDS.

Swindon Borough Council’s Director of Planning and Transport, Dave Potter, attended the meeting to continue discussions about the Council’s plans for the future of transport in Swindon and give an update on the Local Transport Plan 3.

One of the key issues to arise during the meeting was the review of local bus provisions.  The Council is trying to affect a modal shift and encourage people to use public transport. However, the businesses noted that that in order for this to be best achieved the bus routes may need to be realigned to service key employee commuter routes.

Business leaders also expressed their support for the Council’s proposals for the adoption of intelligent transport systems to improve the transport flow in the town. 

Frustration was voiced due to the expense of railway tickets from Swindon to London Paddington which operates one of the most expensive routes in Europe. Further to this, disappointment was also raised due to the hold put on the electrification of the mainline route from London.

Ian Larrard, Director of Initiative in Swindon, GWE Business West said: “Businesses in Swindon are keen to express their views to the Council to help assist with the transport requirements of the town.  The Initiative in Swindon will continue to bring business together to discuss the important issues for the local area, and ensure that the business voice is heard.”

The Business Show Swindon 2011 steams ahead!

November 25, 2010 in News, Events, Opportunities, Swindon with Comments Off

The Business Show Swindon 2011

The Business Show Swindon 2011

Delegates attending The Business Show Swindon 2011 at STEAM on 10th February can expect a broad showcase of up to 80 exhibitors from across the region.

The show, sponsored by Lloyds TSB Commercial, will feature a topical seminar programme, free speed networking sessions and a conference café for networking, refreshment and one to one meetings.

The seminar programme will address current topics, such as marketing for a new age. Sought after speaker, Grant Leboff, will discuss the massive changes that are taking place in a world where the old sales and marketing models are now obsolete, and how businesses with sales and marketing strategies can be successful in this new environment.

There will also be an exclusive Espresso bar for members of the Swindon Initiative and GWE Business West’s LinkedIn business group, which currently attracts over 1550 business people making it the largest LinkedIn business group in the South West. The bar will provide an opportunity for those LinkedIn members to meet face to face and extend online connections offline. Business people across the region can join in business focused discussion and debate at www.gwelinkedin.co.uk

Ian Larrard, Director of the Initiative in Swindon and Wiltshire at GWE Business West said. “There has been a gap without such a show in Swindon for several years. Hopefully moving into a recovery period it is an excellent time for businesses to be marketing and promoting themselves.”

Delegates can also participate in a special Funding for Growth workshop and Q&A session in the afternoon. With businesses finding it increasingly difficult to access funding to grow their business, a group of trusted experts will offer advice and information on the types of funding available. The panel will also advise on the criteria and steps that need to be taken in order to access funding for growth.

Nicky Alberry, Chairman at GWE Business West said “The Business Show Swindon 2011 is a great opportunity for businesses to connect with companies in Swindon and beyond, to network, exchange ideas and make new contacts.”

The Swindon Strategic Economic Partnership (SSEP) Annual Conference will run alongside The Business Show Swindon 2011 in the morning. SSEP will outline their achievements over the last 12 months, together with their vision for the future. Prior to that there will be a Swindon Chamber of Commerce breakfast.

The show, easily accessible from the M4 and Swindon railway station, will run from 9am to 4pm.

To register to attend visit www.businessshowswindon.co.uk

Spending Review: Business relieved not worse than expected

October 21, 2010 in Bristol, Gloucestershire, Policy, Legislation, Swindon with Comments Off

Business leaders from across Bristol, Gloucestershire and Swindon met today to watch George Osborne deliver his long-awaited Spending Review.

GWE Business West [1] brought companies together with public sector representatives in three locations to talk about the impact of the cuts and the issues of concern to business. The overall view was that the Spending Review could have been worse for business.

Phil Smith, Managing Director, GWE Business West said: “Most businesses will be relieved that there were no major surprises today, that to some extent we now know more about what we are dealing with and that as businesses we can just get on with our job.”

“We were however particularly disappointed to see the Chancellor announce the 25% cut to UKTI programmes that deliver much needed direct export support to business and with the uncertainty that still remains around our ability to support new and existing businesses to grow.”

“There is still a key issue that remains unanswered – where will all the new private sector jobs come from to replace the loss of public sector jobs? Businesses want to create new jobs and to grow, but also need the confidence and support to do so. So the question remains, how will government help the private sector to create these new jobs?”

The positive messages that business took from the announcements include:

  • Commitment to tax increment financing that allows local authorities to borrow against increases in locally collected business rates
  • A further £1/2 bn in the Regional Growth Fund to extend this for 1 year
  • Potential opportunities to be provided by the establishment of the Green Investment Bank (£1bn funding to lever in additional investment in sustainable energy and transport projects)
  • Increase in the education budget, to support schools and local education

However there were also significant concerns around the following key issues for business growth:

  • The decision to cut the UKTI programmes by 25% when they deliver direct export support to business.
  • Decision to axe programmes like Train to Gain are less of a surprise but still disappointing.
  • Lack of clarity of key infrastructure schemes in our area – we await further announcements before we will know which, if any, transport schemes have survived.
  • Impact of the defence review, in particular on the supply chains across the West of England, where many SMEs rely on defence contracts to survive.

Launching The Business Show Swindon 2011

October 1, 2010 in News, Events, Opportunities, Swindon with Comments Off

Following its success in Bristol and Bath since 2007, GWE Business West launches The Business Show in Swindon on 10 February at STEAM, to extend the same business-to-business opportunities in the region.

At The Business Show Swindon 2011, delegates can expect a broad showcase of exhibitors from a range of business sectors and sizes, a topical seminar programme, free speed networking sessions and a conference café for networking, refreshment and one to one meetings.

Ian Larrard, Director of the Initiative in Swindon and Wiltshire at GWE Business West said. “There has been a gap without such a show in Swindon for several years. Hopefully moving into a recovery period it is an excellent time for businesses to be marketing and promoting themselves.”

Up to 80 stands will be available, offering a choice of shell schemes and pop-up pitches. The recent show held in Bristol welcomed over 1000 registrations, and a similar turn out is anticipated, aiming to attract delegates from across the region including Swindon, Wiltshire and Gloucestershire as well as further south from Bristol and Bath.

Nicky Alberry, Chairman at GWE Business West said “The Business Show Swindon 2011 is a great opportunity for businesses to connect with companies in Swindon and beyond, to network, exchange ideas and make new contacts.”

 The show, easily accessible from the M4 and Swindon railway station, will run from 9am to 4pm.

 The Business Show Swindon 2011 offers a range of sponsorship opportunities.

Visit www.businessshowswindon.co.uk for details.

Summer offer on serviced office space at Park House Business Centre, Swindon

August 9, 2010 in Swindon with Comments Off

Special offer on serviced office rental at Park House in Swindon – sign a license agreement to rent an office before 31 August 2010 and receive the 3rd and 6th months of occupancy rent-free!

Park House is a Victorian Grade II listed premises situated in Swindon’s Railway Village – within easy walking distance of the Designer Outlet Village, railway station and Town Centre. Suitable for professionals who want to portray a prestigious image, but affordable. Terms are monthly, on an easy-in/out basis. For further information, visit: http://www.parkhouseswindon.co.uk

or tel.: 08458 50 50 66.

Virtual office services and meeting room hire are also available.

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