• Swindon & Wiltshire Economy
• Thursday July 31 2025

Prime minister visits Swindon to announce national SME initiative

Prime minister Keir Starmer visited Swindon today (Thursday, July 31) to unveil the government’s new Small Business Plan.

The PM was joined at The Workshed – the Swindon Council-owned business centre in the town’s former railway works – by business secretary Jonathan Reynolds.

There he unveiled the government’s new Small Business Plan and a package of measures designed to support the UK’s SMEs.

Swindon boasts a thriving ecosystem of approximately 6,990 SMEs, accounting for 99.4 per cent of all businesses in the borough.

The PM also took time to meet some Swindon SMEs including Bright Affect, Create Studios, Sinewave Energy Solutions Ltd, and SW Group Logistics Ltd.

He also chatted with the leader of Swindon Borough Council, Jim Robbins, and officers from the council’s inclusive economy team.

He was introduced by Tina McKenzie from the national board of the Federation of Small Businesses.

The Small Business Plan includes a plan to tackle late payments with the most significant legislative reforms in 25 years – an issue the government reckons costs the UK economy £11 billion a year and shuts down 38 businesses every day.

The Prime Minister said: “From builders and electricians to freelance designers and manufacturers, too many hardworking people are being forced to spend precious hours chasing payments instead of doing what they do best – growing their businesses.

“It’s unfair, it’s exhausting, and it’s holding Britain back. So, our message is clear: it’s time to pay up.

“Through our Small Business Plan, we’re not only tackling the scourge of late payments once and for all, but we’re giving small business owners the backing and stability they need for their business to thrive, driving growth across the country through our Plan for Change.”

A clear endorsement for Swindon and its thriving SME community

The plan also includes a new £4 billion finance boost including 69,000 Start-Up Loans to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs and small business owners.

Cllr Robbins said the prime minister’s choice of Swindon to launch the government’s latest high-profile initiative was: “a clear endorsement for Swindon and its thriving SME community.”

“SMEs form the backbone of our local economy and represent the vast majority of Swindon businesses,” said the council leader.

“The Workshed is an example of the supportive environment we offer for digital, tech, and creative businesses to collaborate, innovate, and grow.

“The office space is ideal for flexibility and convenience – whether businesses want to hot desk, a designated desk or an office, they can upscale easily, taking on more space.

“More generally, our pro-growth agenda is focussed on creating conditions in Swindon for all businesses to make it here.

“That includes progressing a clear Heart of Swindon vision to rejuvenate the town centre and advancing new Economic and Skills Strategies that facilitate a strong, inclusive and prosperous local economy.

“The new Local Plan in development will also provide a clear and supportive framework for business growth, identifying suitable land for economic uses, and setting policies to unlock investment and job creation.”