The Workshed – nestled in the restored Brunel Carriage Works – welcomed Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds earlier today as part of a high-profile Government visit.
Their presence marked the official unveiling of the Government’s new Small Business Plan – a package of measures aimed at boosting the UK’s small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) sector.
First opened in 2018, The Workshed has quickly become a beacon for Swindon’s thriving digital, tech and creative start-up community. Providing adaptable office space and business support, the venue was an apt setting for the announcement, symbolising innovation and growth in the heart of the town.
During their two-hour tour, the Prime Minister and Business Secretary met with a diverse line-up of Swindon-based businesses including Bright Affect, Create Studios, Sinewave Energy Solutions Ltd, and SW Group Logistics Ltd. Also in attendance were Council Leader Councillor Jim Robbins and members of the local authority’s Inclusive Economy team, all of whom were keen to showcase Swindon’s economic ambition and collaborative business culture.
Swindon is currently home to nearly 7,000 SMEs – making up 99.4% of all businesses in the borough – and continues to establish itself as a serious player in the South West’s economic landscape.
This visit follows on from earlier engagement between Swindon Borough Council and the Government. Back in the spring, Councillor Robbins and senior officers visited Number 10 Downing Street to present the ‘Heart of Swindon’ town centre vision. On the same day, an investment summit at the House of Lords placed the town’s economic strengths in front of national investors and decision-makers.
Speaking at today’s event, Councillor Jim Robbins said: “It’s a real endorsement for Swindon that the Prime Minister and Business Secretary chose The Workshed as the location for this announcement. Our SMEs are the backbone of the local economy – they’re innovative, ambitious, and embedded in our community.
“The Workshed is a fantastic example of what can be achieved when we create the right environment for ideas to grow. Businesses can scale up easily, whether they need a hot desk, a designated workspace or a full office.
“As a Council, we’re pushing forward a pro-growth agenda. That includes the ‘Heart of Swindon’ vision to reimagine the town centre, our updated Economic and Skills Strategies, and a new Local Plan that will identify prime sites for investment and help generate jobs. It’s about creating the conditions where local business can truly thrive.”
