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 and Swindon 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 and Swindon 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 and Swindon 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

SWEP Board

SWEP Board members

The SWEP Board meets at least four times a year and is chaired by Peter Le Count, Managing Director, Wilton Carpet Factory. The Board comprises:

Two private sector individuals:

  • Peter Le Count, Wilton Carpet Factory (Chair)
  • Paul Whitelegg, QinetiQ

District councillors:

  • Cllr Penny Brown (Deputy Portfolio Holder for Planning and Economic Development)
  • Cllr Elizabeth Chettleburgh
  • Cllr Ian McLennan County Councillor
  • 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: Neil Philpott (Chairman)
  • Federation of Small Businesses: Wendy Turkington (Vice Chair)
  • Salisbury Tourism Partnership: Mary Webb (Chairman)
  • Salisbury City Centre Management: Ian Newman (Chairman)
  • Senior representatives from two sub-regional organisations
  • Business Link Wiltshire: George Trytsman (Manager)
  • Wiltshire and Swindon Economic Partnership: Caroline Lewis (Partnership Manager)

SWEP is an informal membership organisation, there is no fee to be a member. Whilst SWEP works for all businesses in the district, by becoming a member you will be able to receive regular updates on SWEP activities, events and other useful business information.

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

‘For Salisbury to be recognised as a European Centre for International Business, Technology and Tourism’

Vision aims amd work programme

In 2002 SWEP produced its strategic vision with aspirational aims for the future development of Salisbury and south Wiltshire. The vision aims being revised and a work programme produced for 2006. Details will be available soon.

SWEP News

SWEP produces a regular newsletter focusing on key issues affecting local businesses in south Wiltshire. The Adobe PDFSWEP News - Winter 2006 edition 430kb also promotes the next SWEP Forum being held on 29 November, and open to all businesses in the district. Call Daniel Thompson on 01722 434677 or email swep@salisbury.gov.uk to book your place.

This edition is the last in the old format - we will soon be launching our new SWEP enewsletter. To sign up and ensure 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
    Marketing, Economic Development and Tourism Unit
    Salisbury District Council
    3 Rollestone Street
    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