About us

Swindon clocktower

Established in 2010, the Swindon & Wiltshire Initiative grew out of the long established Great Western Enterprises (GWE).  It is a local business leadership and campaign group, which, as part of Business West, aims to promote and preserve the area’s status as one of the leading regional economies in the UK.

Home to some of the UK’s largest employers, most of which are household names at a global and national level, the Swindon & Wiltshire Initiative achieves its social and economic objectives through regular engagement with  businesses and key local decision makers.

Led by Ian Larrard, an experienced corporate manager and former management consultant with extensive knowledge of  the local business environment, the Initiative team work in collaboration with Swindon Borough Council (SBC), Wiltshire Council and the Swindon & Wiltshire LEPs and others on a number of business improvement, social inclusion and environmental sustainability projects.

Guided closely by our advisory board members, our recent successes include the establishment of Swindon 175 and the inclusion of Swindon in the National Infrastructure Commission. These achievements have made a significant contribution toward making the Swindon & Wiltshire area a better place to live, work and run a business, reflected by the fact that Swindon maintains one of the most productive workforces in the UK.

And we won’t stop there.

The Swindon & Wiltshire  Initiative team remain steadfastly committed to ensuring that the region continues to thrive and prosper through the promotion of training and skills, business expansion and growth, in addition to developing the town culturally as a ‘go to’ destination within the broader South West.

In our relatively short history, the Swindon & Wiltshire Initiative and the area we represent have come a long way, but this is just the beginning. We need your help to ensure that Swindon and Wiltshire become the very best that they can be now and into future.

For more information on how to join us in our mission click here.

  • Our story

    Celebrating 30 years of Great Western Enterprise.