A new business networking group is set to launch in Royal Wootton Bassett this September, with well-known PR professional Fiona Scott taking the lead as Cotswold Networking expands into the Swindon area for the first time.
The move marks the organisation’s ninth networking group since it was founded in 2022 and represents its first venture beyond its traditional Cotswold heartland into Royal Wootton Bassett and Swindon.
Founded by Angela Roberts in the wake of the pandemic, Cotswold Networking was established to help local businesses reconnect, collaborate and build lasting professional relationships. The network has since grown to include successful monthly groups in Malmesbury, Cirencester, Cheltenham, Bath, Bristol, Witney, Corsham and Worcester.
The new Royal Wootton Bassett group will be hosted by Fiona Scott, founder of PR agency Scott Media, and will meet monthly from 7pm to 9pm at The View Gallery, owned by local businessman Jon White of Gold Traders.
Meetings will follow Cotswold Networking’s established around-the-table format, encouraging members to introduce themselves, exchange ideas and hear from guest speakers drawn from within the network.
The official launch event will take place on Thursday, 17 September, with presentations from both Jon White and Fiona Scott. Fiona will then become the group’s permanent leader from October.
Speaking about the new venture, Fiona Scott said: “I’m delighted to be the face of this new group based in Royal Wootton Bassett and to be supporting my colleague in business, Angela Roberts, who, in Cotswold Networking, has built a brand to envy.
“Angela truly understands the importance of building relationships in business and supporting and empowering each other to achieve our goals.”
Angela Roberts said expanding into the Swindon area was a significant milestone for the organisation.
She said: “Royal Wootton Bassett and Swindon have a strong, lively business community, and opening here stretches us beyond our Cotswold heartland and into Swindon for the very first time, reaching a whole new pool of businesses we cannot wait to welcome in.
“Fiona is one of the best-connected PR professionals in the region, with deep roots in the local business and media landscape, and we are absolutely thrilled she is taking the helm.”
Early bird tickets for the launch event are now on sale and include a welcome drink. Businesses can also apply for Founder Membership, priced at £40 plus VAT per month, with those signing up before September receiving immediate membership benefits while paying nothing until the group officially launches.
