Honda of the UK Manufacturing’s world renowned UK car plant played host to major Swindon based companies and organisations for the official Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce ‘Made in Swindon’ campaign launch.
Many local Swindon based businesses supported the event including Hamilton Grace Apartments, Green Inc, Pure Offices, Kerr Office Group and Swindon Borough Council. Robert Buckland QC MP for South Swindon & HM Solicitor General was also in attendance and spoke extensively to local businesses at the event tweeting: “Delighted to be @Honda_UK for today’s @SwindonMadein launch with @SwindonChamber & local businesses #investment #growth #Swindon.”
Paul Britton, Chief Executive, Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce welcomed the strong group of attendees thanking everyone including Swindon Chamber Council members, adding a special thanks to: “Ian Howells of Honda, Mark Beard from Beard Construction and, Mark Miles from Render media who have already contributed their story behind the scenes.
Further commenting: “Attendees are being asked to share their achievements and aspirations. As we all know Swindon is a magnet for investment. We want to help the regeneration ambitions of Swindon to become a reality and showcase local companies.”
Ian Howells, Senior Vice President of Honda Motor Europe, said: “It was our pleasure to host Made in Swindon and it was great to see the variety of local companies attending the launch event. The diverse capabilities we have in in the area is inspiring. I hope through events like these we can collectively leverage the expertise we have to maintain and grow a thriving community in Swindon.”
Kevin Gwilliam, President of Swindon Chamber and General Manager of The Brunel shopping centre said that he was ‘delighted to be part of Swindon’s future’ adding that The Brunel were investing ‘millions into development of the shopping centre to help secure its success and the town’s success as well.’
“A strong Chamber of Commerce is essential and leads to a stronger voice for local business which can eventually lead to an improved economy. Thames Valley is one of the UKs most successful economic regions to which Swindon is part of and with a broad-based workforce. This has allowed a range of major companies to make it their home, Honda, Nationwide, BMW and Intel to name a few.”
Made in Swindon themed balloons and delicious cupcakes were especially prepared for the launch and proved popular with visitors.
The action-packed event was also the setting for an exclusive preview of a video case study with spokespeople from Honda, Beard Construction and Render media who discussed their companies individual journeys as Swindon based businesses.
Attendees were particularly positive about the launch with many taking to Twitter to highlight their enthusiasm and excitement. Messages of support came in throughout the event including one from Higher Future Hub tweeting: Many thanks to @Honda_UK and @TValleyChamber for hosting us today at the brilliant @SwindonMadein event.
@Events_Raccoon added: “Excited and ready to go @swindonmadein.” The company were also part of a small delegation that were given exclusive access to a behind the scenes tour of the world famous manufacturing site.
Organisations can follow the campaign on Twitter via @swindonmadein
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