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.”

With demand for office space in London increasing, leading to big rent increases, more companies are looking at out-of-town options, a spokesman said. The decision to relocate was often triggered by increasing costs or lack of space, and businesses frequently began the process by number-crunching.

Bill Cotton, Swindon's director of economic development said: “In addition to a favourable costs comparison, Swindon has much to offer London businesses.

“Swindon companies have told us in a recent survey that they rate very highly Swindon's accessibility and transport infrastructure from the rest of the UK, as well as the proximity of customers and suppliers.
“Swindon's economy grows stronger every day, but that's only half the story. Businesses surveyed also gave high ratings to important factors for their employees - such as overall quality of life, and availability of schools, colleges and further education.”
Having made Swindon one of 29 new Government growth points around the country, Swindon's thriving economy was recently praised by Prime Minister Gordon Brown in the House of Commons. 

In addition, Swindon has recently come out top of the league of the UK's 50 largest towns and cities for the highest growth in the number of new VAT-registered businesses, according to a recent survey by accountants UHY Hacker Young.
 

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