Some of Swindon and Wiltshire’s largest manufacturing businesses, employing thousands of people locally, have formed a special interest group to exchange ideas and shape the conditions for the sector locally.

From infrastructure and supply chain issues to skills and apprenticeships, the Swindon & Wiltshire Initiative Manufacturing Cluster Group will engage with businesses and local decision makers on a range of issues to develop the future of manufacturing in the area.

The first meeting, which took place last week via Zoom, focused on the impact of coronavirus on the sector and how businesses are adapting the workplace to be COVID safe and ensure business continuity. The skills and apprenticeship topic was also discussed as was Brexit, with these three subjects being considered of greatest importance at the present time.