• Swindon & Wiltshire Economy
• Thursday May 22 2025

Swindon makes first-ever appearance at national inward investment forum

Swindon has made its first-ever appearance at the UK’s biggest inward investment forum.

Swindon Council touted its Heart of Swindon regeneration project at the UK Real Estate Investment & Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) in Leeds on Tuesday.

The event is the UK’s biggest inward investment forum, bringing together more than 16,000 professionals from national and local government, investors and developers.

The council said it marked a significant step in promoting Swindon as a hub for investment, innovation, and inclusive economic growth.

Council leader Jim Robbins was joined by the council’s corporate director of inclusive economy and sustainability, James Coulstock, and the council’s head of inward investment and inclusive economy, Andrew Wells.

The team took part in a full day of strategic meetings, panel discussions, and networking events with key stakeholders from both the public and private sectors.

And they had to chance to explain the Heart of Swindon vision, which sets out eight shared ambitions to spearhead the reinvention of the town centre.

The visit to UKREiiF comes two months after the council hosted an investment summit at the House of Lords which sought to promote Swindon’s buoyant economy and investment potential.

“We are serious about attracting inward investment and delivering growth for Swindon, and we need to be seen at events like UKREiiF,” said Cllr Robbins.

“I was proud to be able to showcase Swindon to national and international investors.

“We are building real momentum around our Heart of Swindon vision and increasing our profile at national events like UKREiiF will only help us progress our ambitions for the town centre and the wider borough.

“We connected with our existing investors and made some excellent new contacts. It was great to have so many positive conversations with senior leaders from both the private and public sector, some of which have a strong interest in Swindon and what we have to offer.”