NATIONWIDE will host the first event for its Regional Mentoring Programme on Thursday.

The event 'called The Importance of Building Lasting Start-Up Support Communities' will bring together those who applied for a six-month mentoring programme with the Swindon-based building society.

The programme, launched in August, provides support to young start-up businesses in the form of a mentor from the company, masterclasses, and offer tailored support.

Michelle Simpson, head of innovation partnering at Nationwide Building Society, said: "We are looking forward to supporting local businesses in the Swindon area, providing the space for them to develop innovative products and services and to work in partnership to help start-ups looking to take the next step.

"We would like to help bring the local business community together to support new and growing business in our local area.”

The event is being hosted alongside Switch On To Swindon, a campaign to promote Swindon as a place for new business.

The event will be the the Workshed on October 25, from 4.30 - 7.30. Those wanting to attend can RSVP to regionalgrowth@nationwide.co.uk