Recycling advice for SMEs in the South West
Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) in the South West now have the benefit of their own recycling adviser from WRAP’s (Waste & Resources Action Programme) Recycle at Work Advisory Programme.

New short courses for local business people
Local business people can now access an extensive range of short, practical courses to develop their business skills in a programme launched by the University of Bath in Swindon.

Company relocations to Swindon doubles in six months
Swindon Borough Council's economic development unit has seen enquiries for company relocations to Swindon double in the last six months, with many from London and the South East, “as organisations seek to improve their competitiveness and the quality of life for employees.”

Nationwide expands its UK call centre operation
Nationwide Building Society has announced its intention to expand its UK call centre operation. The Swindon-based call centre, one of five the Society has in the UK, will see 200 additional jobs and will move to new, purpose built premises within the town.

Withy King’s employment law team achieves top ranking
Swindon-based Withy King Solicitors has been ranked in the top-tier of employment lawyers in the region for the second consecutive year by Legal 500 – the legal industry’s bible which has just published its 2007 edition.

Clubman starts production at Swindon plant
BMW Group Plant Swindon has started production of the MINI Clubman, and has announced a significant saving in truck movements as the majority of steel deliveries to the Preymesser GmbHwarehouse in Swindon switch from road to rail.

Businesses in the South West victors not victims of web revolution
The web is having a significant and positive impact on the fortunes of businesses in the South West according to a new study.

Highcross acquires Swindon Business Centre in £4.75m deal
Highcross has acquired BSS House at Swindon’s Cheney Manor Industrial Estate in an off-market deal introduced by agents, Steadman Brierley. The 72,500 sq ft development has been acquired by Highcross for its subsidiary, Bizspace, which is one of the UK’s largest providers of flexible managed workspace.

University plans for Swindon move closer
Plans for a major university in Swindon have moved a step closer with the signing of an agreement to explore the development of a unique learning institution in the town centre.
Swindon Borough Council and the University of the West of England (UWE) are to develop detailed proposals to create the university campus, which will be the first to be designed for, with and by employers

Architectural practice Sutton Griffin joins the Dreweatt Neate group
Sutton Griffin Architects, Newbury-based and one of Southern England’s most successful architectural practices has merged with regional property firm Dreweatt Neate.

One in six SMEs now know their own carbon foot print, but many blame poor understanding for not moving faster on climate change
Britain's SMEs have a good understanding of key climate change terms such as carbon footprint, carbon neutral and carbon offsetting, but only around one in six has so far assessed its own carbon footprint. While many blame a lack of understanding for not having acted more quickly, some 40 per cent of those who say they intend to measure their carbon footprint, plan to do so within the next six months. None say they would leave it longer than two years before they measure theirs.

Stage set for re-opening of the Wyvern Theatre
It will soon be show time again at the Wyvern Theatre thanks to a £1.3m revamp by Swindon Borough Council.

Nationwide merges with Portman
Nationwide Building Society has merged with Portman Building Society.
Nationwide continues to be a mutual building society owned by and run for the benefit of its members. The merger makes the company the second largest retail mortgage lender and the second largest retail savings provider in the UK, with assets in excess of £160bn and around 13 million members.

Bentley Jennison joins seventh largest global accounting network
RSM International, the worldwide audit, tax and consulting network of independent firms, has enhanced its international representation by admitting Bentley Jennison, one of the most progressive and fast growing professional services firms in the UK.  Bentley Jennison, which was recently awarded “Large Firm of the Year” by Accountancy Age, opened its Swindon office in 1994. The firm and the Swindon office have grown rapidly year-on-year; nationally the turnover of £63.7m and offices in 14 UK cities.

Contractor appointed for Wharf Green development
The New Swindon Company, co-ordinator of regeneration in Swindon, has appointed Dean and Dyball as the contractors for the Wharf Green development, which will be the first stage of realising the vision to transform Swindon’s town centre.

Wiltshire manufacturers urged to evaluate risks of off shoring
In light of recent revelations of the inherent dangers of manufacturing toys in low cost foreign locations, the South West Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS) has launched a toolkit to help Wiltshire businesses identify the threats and opportunities of off shoring.