From its rich manufacturing heritage Swindon’s economy is firmly focussed on the future, with impressive clusters of innovative companies operating in growing sectors. Research Councils UK relocated from London to Swindon in 2010 bringing world-class expertise including Biotechnology; Engineering and Physical Sciences and the Natural Environment. The National Trust, English Heritage and UK Space Agency also choose to locate headquarters in Swindon.
Swindon Borough Council’s commitment to renewable energy is demonstrated with simplified planning processes for solar farms and its own ambitious renewable energy targets. RWE-owned NPower and Innogy and German investor BOC are major local employers; driving local business growth and innovation in this vital sector.
Swindon also offers specific commercial opportunities in the New Energy Vehicle industry, click here for more information.
From its early industrial beginnings as the figurehead of the UK rail industry, Swindon’s advanced engineering and manufacturing clusters continue to thrive in a number of globally-growing industries, with local companies developing modern technologies and a skilled workforce.
For more information about automotive, aerospace, pharmaceuticals and rail click here.
In the UK’s top 3 for digital economy jobs, Swindon is a significant player in England’s electronics and telecoms sector; employing over 7,000 people. Swindon companies are leading the market in digital innovations in virtual reality, app development and the internet of things. Swindon’s remarkable mix of tech and finance companies and close proximity to Gloucester’s GCHQ and the MOD at Boscombe Down also create an ideal environment for cyber security companies.
Swindon’s banking and professional services companies create over £1 billion GVA per year with 10% average year-on-year growth. Major players include the Nationwide UK headquarters, Handelsbanken, Zurich and Regulatory Finance Solutions-owned CybSafe; featuring on the FTSE 1,000 of Europe’s Fastest Growing Companies.
To service Swindon’s large business network and take advantage of its excellent location, many well-regarded legal and professional services companies operate here.
The UK’s 8th largest pharmaceutical employment cluster; Swindon is particularly strong in pharmaceutical manufacturing, benefitting from close proximity to both Oxfordshire and Wiltshire’s Porton Down. Swindon’s cluster features major global players in the R&D, manufacturing and supply chain of pharmaceuticals such as: Beckton Dickenson; Biomet Pharma; Catalent; Patheon; Vygon; Wasdell Packaging and Zimmer.