Firm appointed to lead TechSwindon project

An ambitious new project to create a ‘British Silicon Valley’ in Swindon will be led by digital cluster experts TechSPARK.

Business ambassador network Switch on to Swindon has announced the Bristol-based not-for-profit firm will deliver its TechSwindon campaign.

TechSwindon aims to attract innovative tech companies to Swindon, creating a tech hub. The contract was awarded by Swindon Borough Council on behalf of Switch on to Swindon.

TechSwindon is working with key business partners, such as Intel, Catalent and Zurich, fast-growth companies like Appsbroker and innovative start-ups. The goal is to shape the campaign and host a series of events in the run up to a 2020 summit, showcasing the very best of Swindon’s tech innovation.

Tomas Foreman, lead marketing planning manager at TechSwindon partner Nationwide Building Society and chairman of the Switch on to Swindon steering group, said: “TechSPARK was awarded the contract as they have proven experience in this field and impressive industry knowledge, so are well placed to help grow the volume of technologists in Swindon and Wiltshire to support business growth.

“The goal of TechSwindon is to engage with our fast growing tech community and showcase their talent to demonstrate that Swindon is an exceptional tech destination with an extremely exciting future.”

Ben Shorrock, managing director of TechSPARK, said: “TechSwindon’s mission is to strengthen the growing tech ecosystem, shine a light on the opportunities the region presents to tech-focused companies and promote Swindon as a place for innovation with a highly skilled workforce. As well as attracting top talent to Swindon, we will work to support the existing workforce and companies, which are pivotal to that growth.

“The campaign will culminate in a tech summit in 2020. Delegates will experience Swindon’s tech scene, including emerging platforms and technologies, which are impacting on real-world problems, with a host of global speakers.”

TechSwindon was launched at a major Switch on to Swindon networking event at Nationwide’s UK headquarters in Swindon back in June.