Swindon’s growing defence and technology industries have received fresh backing from the leader of Swindon Borough Council, who has pledged to support further investment and job creation across the town.
Councillor Gary Sumner reiterated the Council’s commitment during a visit to the Uncrewed Systems Centre at Panattoni Park, where businesses and industry representatives gathered to discuss the future of the UK’s defence sector.
The visit formed part of a national industry event organised by SDO Associates, bringing together companies working in defence, engineering, manufacturing and emerging technologies.
Among those attending were representatives from the Ministry of Defence and Will Green, Director of the Uncrewed Systems Centre, who met with Cllr Sumner to discuss opportunities for the industry and Swindon’s role within it.
The event provided an opportunity to highlight the town’s existing strengths in engineering and manufacturing, alongside its potential to attract businesses developing new defence technologies.
Defence industry already supporting Swindon jobs
Swindon has a long history of manufacturing and engineering, and the Council believes those foundations could help the town benefit from increased national investment in defence.
With the Government looking to strengthen the UK’s defence capabilities, local leaders are keen to ensure Swindon is considered by businesses seeking locations for expansion, research and production.
Speaking following the visit, Cllr Sumner said: “The defence sector already makes a significant contribution to Swindon’s economy, supporting highly-skilled jobs, attracting investment and helping to drive innovation across a wide range of industries.
“It was a pleasure to meet Will Green and representatives from businesses operating across the defence supply chain, as well as officials from the Ministry of Defence.
“The Government has made clear its commitment to strengthening the UK’s defence capabilities and Swindon is well-placed to play an important role in supporting that ambition.”
Council keen to attract further investment
The Council hopes that building stronger relationships with defence companies and government organisations will help bring additional employment opportunities to the borough.
Swindon’s location, transport connections and established workforce are among the factors the authority believes could make the town attractive to companies operating in specialist engineering and advanced technology.
Cllr Sumner added: “As a Council, we are committed to working with partners to ensure Swindon remains an attractive location for investment, innovation and growth.
“Events such as this provide an excellent opportunity to showcase what Swindon has to offer and to strengthen relationships with organisations that can help bring new opportunities and jobs to the Borough.”
The Council says it will continue working with businesses and industry partners to encourage investment across the defence, engineering and technology sectors.
While no specific new investment or employment announcements were made during the visit, the discussions reflect the Council’s ambition to secure a greater share of future defence-related activity.
For Swindon, the potential benefits extend beyond defence companies themselves, with opportunities for local manufacturers, engineering specialists and other businesses supplying the industry.
With its industrial heritage and existing technical expertise, the town will be hoping to turn those opportunities into further investment and skilled jobs in the years ahead.
