Joint statement from Paul Britton, CEO of the Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce and Les Durrant, President of the Swindon Chamber of Commerce
“At a time when energy, momentum and confidence returned to the town, and with significant regeneration plans firmly in place, Swindon has been dealt a significant blow. This will have a ripple effect throughout both the local community and wider supply chain.
“However, Swindon businesses are resilient. Over the coming months we will be focusing our efforts on working with the wider business community, BEIS and the local authority to minimise the impact and provide ongoing support and reassurance.
“We are already working closely with Honda, in conjunction with our strategic partners, and have established a local task force, allowing us to support both the Swindon and wider Thames Valley business community. Together, we aim to ensure that the economic impact is reduced as much as possible.
“Whilst the government’s inability to remove uncertainty for businesses during BREXIT negotiations may have played its part, we have to recognise that this decision is part of wider changes to the global automotive sector.
“The entire Thames Valley business community and wider Chamber of Commerce network is coming together to support Swindon.”
