Business advice

Supporting local business

Swindon Strategic Economic Partnership

The Council provides practical help and support to local business through its partnership with the Swindon Strategic Economic Partnership (SSEP). The SSEP is the primary driving force for the economic prosperity and wellbeing of local business. Facilitated by the Council and run by local businesses for local businesses, the SSEP aims to:

• Develop and promote the economic wellbeing of Swindon
• Co-ordinate and influence the Swindon Economic Development Vision and Framework
• Challenge all stakeholders to make a positive impact on the economy of Swindon
• Deliver the Partnership's Delivery plan, including Local Area Agreement outcomes.

Local business can become members of the SSEP and help steer a pathway to economic prosperity. Find out more at www.ssep.org.uk.

Practical help from national and local support agencies

Businesses can access a range of national and local business support from a number of organisations that cover virtually all aspects of managing a business. Visit the Links for Business Support information for details.

Business Rates and relief

Local businesses may be able to apply for Business Rate Relief in certain circumstances or even to appeal against their current business rate amount. Full details of how businesses can appeal or apply for rate relief are provided in the business rate pages in the Swindon Borough Council website at www.swindon.gov.uk/businessrates.

Chancellor announces Deferred Payment
Scheme for Business Rates

As part of the ongoing support for businesses during these difficult economic times, the Chancellor has announced today further assistance to businesses by introducing a deferred payment scheme for business rates.

Under this new scheme, business will have the option of deferring up to 60% of the total increase in their business rate bill for 2009-10 until 2010-11 and 2011-12. This will help assist business with managing cash flow and cope with the difficult times ahead.

Further details of the scheme can be accessed on the CLG website:

http://www.communities.gov.uk/localgovernment/businessrates

Bidding for Council contracts

Swindon Borough Council encourages local businesses to bid or tender for Council supply contracts. Details of our procurement contracting process are provided in the procurement pages of the Swindon Borough Council Website at www.swindon.gov.uk/procurement.

Supporting the local economy

Swindon Borough Council continues to work with local businesses and developers to help them bring forward new ideas and create employment opportunities. The proposed major redevelopments within the Swindon town centre and other redevelopments in community areas, such as Cavendish Square, are examples of the proactive way the Council is helping to develop the local business economy.

Details of these exciting regeneration projects are available in the Swindon Borough Council Website at www.swindon.gov.uk/communityprojects.

We also continue to seek Government funding for new development projects, such as new schools in the area.

Starting your own business

If you are thinking of starting your own business there is a wealth of support and guidance available for you. There are many practical tools that you can access in order to ensure you have the best chance of starting a successful business. Find out more at Business Link:

www.businesslink.gov.uk