Living And Working In Swindon

Swindon is a large town located in the south west of England, within the county of Wiltshire. It is situated approximately half way between Reading and Bristol. It is around seventy miles from London and there are excellent transport links with easy access to the M4 motorway and mainline train services with a direct train getting you to London in less than an hour.

Swindon has a long and interesting history and was even mentioned in the Domesday Book. Centuries later, after being known as a small bartering market town, the Industrial Revolution helped pave the way for the beginning of Swindon's continued rapid growth, especially with the construction of the canals. The Great Western Railway became significant because of the Isambard Kingdom Brunel's Swindon Works that was constructed for their locomotives and the town had their own village for the workers with health care being of utmost importance. The Works is now a fascinating Steam Museum. The railway industry boomed and at one point was the town's largest employer until its natural decline.

Despite the decline of automotive manufacturing, Swindon remains an industrial hub with many companies contributing to the local economy. Additionally, the town is home to a variety of other manufacturing sectors, including electronics and engineering.

Swindon has increasingly positioned itself as a centre for tech and innovation. The town hosts the headquarters of the UK Space Agency and other large high tech firms which are part of the wider ‘Silicon South’ region. This has attracted a skilled workforce and investments in both research and development.

Swindon’s strategic location along the M4 corridor has made it an important logistics hub. Several larger companies have distribution centres in the area, benefitting from excellent transport links to London, the South West and South Wales.

The financial services sector is significant in Swindon with this sector providing a range of jobs from entry level to highly skilled positions and is a stable part of the local economy.

Retail and hospitality are driven by the regeneration of the town centre and several new developments. Swindon is popular with shoppers and the Brunel Shopping Centre is a key retail hub, featuring a range of high street stores and dining options. The Parade offers a mix of independent shops and well known brands and there are two local retail parks nearby as well as a traditional market and a selection of unique shops situated in the Old Town.

Swindon is home to several beautiful green spaces and parks which include the historic Lydiard Park, Peatmoor Lagoon which is surrounded by woodland, Shaw Forest Park and picturesque Coate Water Country Park. All of these and more, offer some lovely surroundings and tranquil walks while you admire the wildlife or engage in outdoor pursuits. Swindon’s Railway Path is a scenic path following the old railway line, providing a green corridor through the town with routes for both cycling and walking.

There is a thriving cultural scene in Swindon with a choice of annual events and festivals in place throughout the year. Wyvern Theatre presents many wonderful events and shows and with several galleries and museums you will never be wondering what to do next.

Swindon is situated between the Cotswolds and the North Wessex Downs, both which are Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty so there’s plenty of wonderful scenery, historic landmarks and picturesque villages waiting to be explored.

Much of Swindon’s magnetism lies in its harmonious blend of heritage and modernity which offers a high quality of life and diverse opportunities. With a rich industrial history, the town has transitioned into a thriving hub of technology, innovation and business. There is a strong sense of community here which creates a welcome and vibrant atmosphere in a town where history and progress co-exist, Swindon offers a unique and highly fulfilling lifestyle.

The next event being hosted by the UK Careers Fair will be held on September 19th between 10am - 2pm. The venue is The spacious and popular County Ground, SN1 2ED, a stadium that has been home to Swindon Football Club since 1896.