Mayor of London, Boris Johnson and local MPs, Justin Tomlinson and Robert Buckland, spoke of their delight as they met with new members of Nationwide's successful apprenticeship programme during a visit to the bank's headquarters in Swindon.
Each year, Nationwide takes on a group of young people with the aim of providing them with the skills to succeed in the financial service sector and the opportunity of progressing with the company. During the visit Justin, Robert and Boris spoke with staff members from the successful Swindon-based bank about the vital role the financial industry plays in delivering economic growth and the importance the Government places on supporting the apprenticeship programme.
In addtion, Boris took to the stage, addressing more than 2,000 Nationwide employees who gathered in the atrium of the company's headquarters. Almost every Nationwide employee at the Pipers Way site came out to hear Boris speak about the importance of the apprenticeship programme and the success of the Government's reforms to safeguard the economy.
Boris also took the opportunity to put record his opinion that Swindon represents the "Best of British" and got behind the "Made in Swindon" label, showcasing the fantastic manufacturing and commercial opportunities available across the town.
Justin Tomlinson MP said: "We all had a real sprinkling of Boris magic. He has a unique ability to enthuse, engage and captivate an audience. He had almost every member of staff from Nationwide staff hanging on every word. Boris really believes in Swindon's economic recovery and we were able to get across our positive and constructive message about the transformation of the town."
Robert Buckland MP said: "I was very pleased to welcome Boris back to the town. He received a tremendous reception from thousands of people and celebrated the achievements of a leading British institution here in Swindon. At a time when we are coming out of an economic downturn, Boris was enthusiastic about Swindon's economic success and optimistic for our future."
Boris Johnson, Mayor of London, said: "Nationwide is a great financial institution which has contributed a great deal to our economy. I am a big believer in the importance of apprentices. Just four or five years ago the word apprentice conjured up images of workers in oily rag but that has changed completely because of companies like Nationwide. Swindon is a great economic success; it manufactures cars and contributes to the financial economy. There has been a big fall in unemployment in Swindon recently thanks to the hard work of the local MPs Justin Tomlinson and Robert Buckland and I am delighted to be able to support them. I like Swindon a great deal. I drove over the Magic Roundabout on the way here and I like it. It is a curious masterpiece."
Alison Robb, Nationwide's Group Director of People, Customer, Communication and Commercial said: "I'm always delighted when Nationwide receives the recognition it deserves and today's visit by Boris Johnson has highlighted some real achievements that my colleagues and I are very proud of. Giving talented, young people the start they deserve through Nationwide's highly successful apprenticeship programme is just one of these achievements."
