Ian Larrard joins the Initiative in
Swindon and Wiltshire
With GWE Business
West’s Initiative in Swindon and Wiltshire gaining momentum, Ian
Larrard’s appointment as director brings an additional dimension of
experience to its development.
A Midland/HSBC man for 32 years, Ian was
previously seconded to Great Western Enterprise (GWE) in Swindon in
the late 1980s and early ‘90s, and as he settles into his new
office at Emlyn Square he’s clearly delighted to be back.
“It feels like I’ve come home!” said Ian
Larrard. “My first job is to meet with as many businesses as I can
and find out what may be hindering their growth and success – and
identify how the Initiative can help take those barriers to
business away. Our role is to provide a primary voice for the
business community here to identify, articulate and address the
issues. We will be lobbying, and challenging where appropriate, as
well as supporting Wiltshire Council, Swindon Borough Council and
Forward Swindon. The role of business and private sector partners
working with the public sector is a crucial one.”
Ian is optimistic for the future of Swindon,
“It’s a great place to do business and an excellent location
geographically.
“Commercial rents are still low and there are
strengths in many sectors such as research, finance and heritage.
And we are seeing physical signs of economic confidence, like the
imminent regeneration of the old Swindon College site, cranes on
the horizon at the ex-Burmah Castrol site building a brand new
community in an attractive location, and some major commercial
lettings, including the iconic Spectrum building let to a growing
manufacturing company.”
GWE Business West recently held a
well-received meeting with the town’s two new MPs, Robert Buckland
and Justin Tomlinson, and members of the Initiative in Swindon to
exchange views and information, and plans to continue these
meetings once a quarter. The meetings are part of an ongoing
dialogue, to discuss issues of importance to business and to debate
the value of the British Chambers of Commerce “Business Recovery
Test”. As well as to hear from local MPs about issues of
interest/concern to them.
“The change of Government is already proving
interesting, and the new quarterly meetings between business and
the Swindon MPs is a very encouraging step. We are a private
company with a focus on improving competitiveness and encouraging
business growth in the South West, and I’ve no reason not to feel
optimistic about future growth here, as long as we all pull
together and have a cohesive strategy.”
To get involved with the work of the
Initiative in Swindon and Wiltshire contact Ian.Larrard@gwebusinesswest.co.uk
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GWE Business West
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Business services. Playing a major role in shaping and supporting
economic growth and success.
GWE Business West exists to help provide an
environment in which business can thrive and prosper. It is a
private company with a public, business responsible purpose. It
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Acting on behalf of its members and customers, GWE Business West is
a powerful voice for the business community across the Bristol,
Bath and North East Somerset, Gloucestershire, Swindon and
Wiltshire region, with strong roots in each of its local
communities.
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