Digital infrastructure is increasingly central to how regional economies grow, attract investment and support local businesses. In Swindon, that infrastructure is being strengthened through a growing collaboration between Swindon Borough Council and European digital infrastructure provider, nLighten.
Earlier this month, the Leader of Swindon Borough Council, Councillor Jim Robbins, visited nLighten’s data centre at the South Marston Industrial Estate to see first-hand how continued investment in local digital infrastructure is supporting businesses and organisations across the Borough.
The visit focused not only on infrastructure upgrades, but on the longer-term role that data centres can play in inward investment, economic resilience and regional competitiveness.
Supporting businesses of all sizes
Data centres are highly secure facilities that house computer servers and networking equipment, enabling organisations to run essential digital services such as cloud applications, websites, email and digital communications. Having this infrastructure located close to where organisations operate helps ensure services are fast, reliable and resilient.
Importantly, modern data centres are no longer just for global technology firms. Facilities like nLighten’s Swindon site support a wide range of users — from local small and medium-sized enterprises to larger businesses and public sector organisations — all of whom rely on secure, always-on digital services.
Investment aligned with regional growth
nLighten is investing up to £10 million across its UK operations, with Swindon forming a key part of this programme. Planned enhancements include upgrades to the Swindon facility, enhanced security, modernised technology and future expansion to improve connectivity options for organisations based in and around the region.
Councillor Jim Robbins, Leader of Swindon Borough Council, said:
“It’s encouraging to see companies like nLighten investing in Swindon. This kind of infrastructure underpins everything from local businesses and jobs to public services and economic growth.
Having a modern data centre in the Borough strengthens Swindon’s position as a place where businesses can grow and innovate. This is particularly important as we continue our work to encourage new companies to bring their operations here and boost our growing and successful local economy.”
A partnership approach to digital infrastructure
Beyond the physical investment, the visit highlighted the value of collaboration between local authorities and digital infrastructure providers. Councils play a vital role in attracting new businesses to an area, while access to secure, resilient and sustainable digital infrastructure is increasingly a deciding factor for organisations choosing where to locate and grow.
Justin Nesbitt, Managing Director of nLighten UK, commented:
“Swindon is a strategically important location for nLighten, and this planned investment reflects our long-term commitment to the town and wider region.
We’re proud to be working closely with Swindon Borough Council to support local businesses, public services and future inward investment by providing secure, resilient and sustainable digital infrastructure close to where it’s needed.”
Building a digitally resilient Thames Valley
As the Thames Valley continues to attract investment across technology, advanced manufacturing and digital services, access to local, high-quality digital infrastructure will play an increasingly important role in supporting growth.
By working collaboratively, local authorities and infrastructure providers can help ensure businesses of all sizes — from start-ups to established enterprises — have the digital foundations they need to operate, innovate and scale.
