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South Wiltshire Economic Partnership (SWEP)

The South Wiltshire Economic Partnership (SWEP) is a partnership between the district and county councils, local businesses and business organisations. It focuses on the development of the local economy for the benefit of local business competitiveness. SWEP’s work is undertaken by Salisbury District Council’s economic development team, making it an informal public/private sector partnership.

SWEP aims to futher the development of the Salisbury and south Wiltshire economy.

Mission statement

The South Wiltshire Economic Partnership is committed to the development of a strong and sustainable economy in south Wiltshire. SWEP works in partnership with others to drive forward the growth of the south Wiltshire economy by supporting existing businesses and other organisations and by attracting inward investment.

By providing the local business community with a single voice on economic development issues, SWEP also works to influence all levels of government and to provide a focus for the delivery of strategic change.

Aims and objectives

SWEP has eight principle objectives. These are to:

  • focus on long term, strategic development of the local economy;
  • provide a forum for consultation on economic issues;
  • raise awareness and understanding of issues affecting the local economy;
  • contribute to policy development and business plans of organisations providing support for the local economy;
  • facilitate better communication, consultation and liaison amongst local businesses and those organisations providing support for the local economy;
  • work with other organisations and partnerships with an interest in the economic development of south Wiltshire;
  • provide representation on the boards of the Wiltshire Strategic Economic Partnership, the South Wiltshire Strategic Alliance and other groups as invited and appropriate;
  • co-ordinate the delivery of projects and initiatives through member organisations and others as appropriate.

SWEP also:

  • works with Salisbury District Council and the Wiltshire Strategic Economic Partnership on the development of their economic development strategies and will, where appropriate, supports and contributes to their implementation; and
  • monitors the economic health and vitality of south Wiltshire by formulating and recording economic indicators.

Members of SWEP sit on the boards of the South Wiltshire Strategic Alliance and the Wiltshire Strategic Economic Partnership.

Economic indicators

Quarterly economic indicators are produced by the council's Economic Development team on behalf of SWEP. We use a number of key indicators agreed on by the board and the South Wiltshire Strategic Alliance.

Membership

SWEP Board

Four private sector representatives:

Peter Le Count, Wilton Carpet Factory (Chair)

Paul Whitelegg, QinetiQ

Mark Bugden, Castleway Construction

George Trytsman, Small Business Advisory Service

District councillors:

Cllr Peter Edge (Portfolio holder for economic development)

Cllr Paul Clegg

Cllr Catherine Spencer

Cllr Ian McLennan, County Councilor

Cllr Fleur de Rhe-Philipe (Cabinet Member for Environment, Transport and Economic Development)

Senior representatives from each of the following local business organisations:

Salisbury and District Chamber of Commerce and Industry: Ian Hudson (President)

Federation of Small Businesses: Mary Webb (Chair)

Salisbury and Stonehenge Tourism Partnership: Peter Carson (Chairman)

Salisbury City Centre Management: Ian Newman (Chairman)

A senior representative from the following sub-regional organisations

Wiltshire Strategic Economic Partnership: Caroline Lewis (Partnership Manager)

Local Authority officers:

Mark Boden - Wiltshire Council Corporate Director for Economic Development, Planning and Housing

Alistair Cunningham - Director of Economy and Enterprise

Graham Gould - Project Director of Salisbury Vision

Claire Smith - Economic Development Manager

How do I join SWEP?

SWEP has no formal membership arrangement however if you would like to receive free newsletters, information on partnership activities, and invitations to forum events please send your name and contact details to swep@salisbury.gov.uk. Your details will be held on a database maintained by Salisbury District Council Economic Development team and will be used for SWEP mailings only.

SWEP Vision and work programme

Vision statement

Making Salisbury and south Wiltshire a centre of excellence for world class business, technology and tourism

Vision aims and work programme

In 2002 SWEP produced its strategic vision with aspirational aims for the future development of Salisbury and south Wiltshire. The vision aims are:

  • more office and employment space
  • a bigger range of shops
  • more housing and particularly affordable housing
  • additional high quality hotels
  • higher wages for employees
  • improved cultural facilities
  • an improved public transport system
  • a much more attractive and 'green' city
  • a more pedestrian (and car driver) friendly city

SWEP News

SWEP produces a regular newsletter focusing on key issues affecting local businesses in south Wiltshire. To sign up and ensure that you are kept up to date with the latest economic information please email us at swep@salisbury.gov.uk or call 01722 434677 with your name, business contact details and email address.

Please note that by subscribing to the SWEP enewsletter, you are agreeing to the terms of our privacy policy.

Inspiration: promoting south Wiltshire for business

The Inspiration and Hi-tech Industries brochures are two examples of successful partnership working between SWEP and Salisbury District Council. They were produced a part of a campaign to attract business to south Wiltshire but also to remind existing businesses what a great place it is to live and work in.

Contacts

For further information on SWEP please contact us:

  • By post:
    SWEP
    Economic Development and Tourism Unit
    Salisbury District Council
    Salisbury SP1 1DX
  • By email: swep@salisbury.gov.uk
  • By telephone: 01722 434677

Contact details:

Telephone:
01722 434677

email:
swep@salisbury.gov.uk

Postal address:
SWEP
3 Rollestone Street
Salisbury
Wiltshire
SP1 1DX