Local MPs Welcome Positive Business News For Swindon

The number of new businesses in Swindon has increased by a third over the past ten years according to a report released.

The independent 'Centre for Cities’ 2015 Cities Outlook Report highlights in detail the position of cities and towns across the country; comparing average earnings, qualifications, broadband speeds and more. 

Swindon has seen a 29% increase in business stock over ten years, with a strong entrepreneurial culture and the creation of a number of small knowledge-intensive businesses. The town was also named in the study as the third fastest growing place in the UK. The employment level is 78%, which is the third best of the 64 leading British towns and cities.

Justin Tomlinson MP said: “Despite Labour’s Great Recession of 2008 which hit Swindon hard, we have seen a remarkable recovery. We have seen a staggering 60% fall in unemployment since 2010, with 7010 more people now in work.  We are continuing to attract new start-ups and expanding businesses, with the major investment in our Rail and Road networks pushing Swindon forwards.  I am proud as a former small business owner myself to work with organisations like Outset Swindon to help budding entrepreneurs take that first-step, with many growing to become the next generation of job creators – so vital to our local economy.”

Robert Buckland MP said: "The Centre for Cities reports always make interesting reading, and provide further confirmation that with its strong entrepreneurial culture, Swindon is a great place to start and grow a business. The Great Recession of 08/09 hit us very hard, which explains some of the job losses over the last decade. However, since 2010, joblessness has fallen significantly in Swindon, and employment rates are increasing. There is more to be done, but the outlook for Swindon is encouraging.”