Wiltshire Council and Swindon Borough Council are pleased to announce the successful completion of the transfer of business support functions from the Swindon and Wiltshire Local Enterprise Partnership (SWLEP) to Wiltshire Council. The transfer of LEP staff on 1 June was the final step in the transfer arrangements ensuring that the delivery of comprehensive business support and business representative services continue across both the Wiltshire and Swindon areas.
Following the Government’s directive that all Local Enterprise Partnership functions should transfer to local authorities, Wiltshire Council, in collaboration with Swindon Borough Council and SWLEP, has seamlessly taken over the provision of key services and maintaining business as usual delivery of the Growth Hub. New activity underway includes establishing a forum for business voices and developing a new economic strategy.
Cllr Richard Clewer, Leader of Wiltshire Council and Cabinet Member for Economic Development, said:
"The successful transition of business support functions to Wiltshire Council marks a significant milestone in our commitment to fostering economic growth and innovation across our region. By integrating these services, we are better positioned to support our local businesses, drive forward new initiatives, and ensure that Wiltshire continues to thrive as a vibrant and prosperous community."
Leader of Swindon Borough Council, Cllr Jim Robbins, said:
“I am delighted that we have embedded the valuable work of the Local Enterprise Partnership into the work of both of our Councils. I look forward to continued support for business growth and development through the new Swindon and Wiltshire Business and Growth Unit.”
The newly formed Swindon and Wiltshire Business and Growth Unit is responsible for these integrated functions, complementing the existing business advice and support services that Wiltshire Council and Swindon Borough Council already provide. This cohesive approach will continue to foster sustainable economic growth and innovation within our communities.
The new Economic Advisory Board will act as the voice for businesses, ensuring that their insights and needs are central to economic planning and policy development.
Key functions now managed by the Business and Growth Unit include:
- Economic Advisory Board: A platform for businesses to advise both councils on the future direction of the Business and Growth Unit, their insights and influence economic policy.
- Swindon and Wiltshire Economic Strategy: developing a strategy to support the development of area over the next decade.
- Swindon and Wiltshire Growth Hub: The Growth Hub acts as the central access point for free information and advice for local businesses as well as referrals to specialist support services.
- Growing Places Infrastructure Fund: capital investment fund to unlock business productivity and new job creation which meet the strategic priorities of the area
All staff involved in these functions have been successfully transferred to Wiltshire Council, ensuring continuity and expertise in delivering these essential services. Businesses and partners can expect the same high level of support and engagement as previously offered by SWLEP.
For more information on the services offered by the Business and Growth Unit, please visit our website here or contact our business support team.