ALMOST every day I am discovering something new about Swindon or meeting people and organisations that are doing amazing things, writes JENNY GROVES.

We need to find new ways of communicating these successes, creating a consistent story that can change people’s perception of Swindon.

Last week I chaired the first Switch On To Swindon Place Board meeting and this was the main topic of discussion.

We also had the opportunity to consider a draft of the council’s refreshed economic strategy which will go out to public consultation in the summer.

Meaningful engagement in such documents is really important. We need to understand the research that supports choices that are made to ensure Swindon continues to prosper long term, while adding local insight and intelligence wherever possible.

We will flag all opportunities to engage in the forthcoming consultation and in the meantime it is worth looking at the economic stats and facts available at www.swindonjsna.co.uk/dna/Economy.

Of course we need to be focused on making a number of things better for the future but the overriding feeling from members of the Place Board was that there are great things about the place that need to be communicated more effectively right now.

Swindon is a great place to invest in, grow a business, work and live in right now.

There is a story to tell right now and that has to start with the businesses, organisations and people who are already here.

How many people in Swindon know how successful the businesses we have here, both large and small, really are?

How many people understand the opportunities that exist in Swindon or feel like they could tell other people about those opportunities?

How many people in Swindon feel like they could talk confidently and positively about the place if they were asked to?

Turning the passion that so many people clearly have for Swindon into a confident proposition that can be taken outside of the borough boundaries to new audiences is where Switch on to Swindon will look to add value.

With a ‘salesforce’ of ambassadors we can promote Swindon more effectively and make sure it is seen as a place of innovation, enterprise and business success. We will do that by:

  •  Highlighting the achievements, companies, brands, assets and people that make Swindon so attractive and successful
  •  Creating a powerful group of advocates for Swindon, our Ambassadors
  • Giving people the knowledge, opportunities and materials so they can promote Swindon through all their networks with confidence
  • Deliver activity that isn’t already happening but should be, while adding value to existing initiatives where possible.

Following the launch of Switch on to Swindon in January, I am looking forward to hosting our first ambassador event next week on April 6 at the National Self Build and Renovation Centre. I will talk more about the focus of the campaign, what we hope to achieve over the next 12 months and what we are asking ambassadors to actually do.

Demand for places at the event has been high but there is still time to sign up. Visit ambassadorsevent.eventbrite.co.uk and I hope to see you there.