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Cabinet approves new Economic Strategy to drive sustainable and inclusive growth in Wiltshire and Swindon

At its meeting yesterday (Tuesday 21 January), Wiltshire Council's Cabinet approved a new Economic Strategy for Wiltshire and Swindon, which sets out the region's economic growth priorities for the next 10 years.

Published 22 January 2025
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The strategy is designed to foster sustainable and inclusive growth over the next decade and outlines key priorities to help unlock opportunities and continue to build a thriving economy for the region's residents and businesses.

The strategy focuses on five key pillars to drive growth:

  • Providing the infrastructure needed for economic expansion
  • Making places work through the regeneration of town centres and high streets
  • Addressing skills gaps and supporting workforce development
  • Supporting business growth, particularly start-ups and high-potential businesses
  • Harnessing research and innovation to underpin economic development

It also looks to strengthen the opportunities to secure additional public sector funding, which will in turn attract private sector investment and help unlock large-scale investments.

The strategy identifies three distinct growth zones within Swindon and Wiltshire, each with unique strengths and the potential for future expansion:

  • Swindon and the M4 Corridor: The largest growth zone, focused on sectors such as advanced engineering, financial services, pharmaceuticals, and defence technologies.
  • The A350 Corridor: An area renowned for high-value manufacturing, ICT, and tourism, including key towns such as Trowbridge and Chippenham.
  • Salisbury and the A303: A hub for life sciences and defence, with a particular emphasis on the MOD's defence research and Salisbury's established life sciences presence.

These zones will be supported by targeted investments in transport, infrastructure, and digital connectivity to maximize their potential for growth and job creation.

Cllr Richard Clewer, Leader of Wiltshire Council and Cabinet Member for Economic Development, said: This new economic strategy is a bold plan for sustainable, inclusive growth over the next decade throughout Wiltshire and Swindon.

By focusing on infrastructure, business development, skills, and innovation, the strategy aims to unlock opportunities for residents and businesses while addressing key challenges head on.

Targeted investments and collaboration across key sectors will help to drive regional prosperity, making the area a dynamic hub for growth, job creation, and long-term economic success.

We are pleased to be working with Swindon Borough Council to bring a sustainable, inclusive future for the region that is full of opportunities.

The strategy is also being presented to Swindon Borough Council's cabinet for approval on 4 February and if approved it will be adopted.

To read the full report, people should go to: https://cms.wiltshire.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=141&MId=15463

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