Sir Robert Buckland MP joins Barclays and Doubletree by Hilton Swindon to host business roundtable

Swindon business leaders took the opportunity to hear from Sir Robert Buckland MP and discuss the big issues facing Swindon and the economy impacted by recent events such as rising energy costs, skills shortages, AI and Net Zero at a Barclays roundtable event at the DoubleTree by Hilton on Friday (May 12).

Sir Robert was introduced by Emma Richards, director of sales at the DoubleTree by Hilton and the event was hosted by James Jordan, Barclays head of mid-corporate, South West.

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Sir Robert who has been the MP for Swindon South since 2010, was keen to hear from Swindon business leaders on their current pressures and whether the recent Government package of support and policy changes had helped ease rising energy costs and were encouraging the over 50’s back into the workplace aimed at boosting productivity.

Speaking after the event, Sir Robert said: “It was incredibly useful to get together with senior representatives based in Swindon to discuss these important issues.

"It’s vital with the current economic headwinds that we continue to support local businesses to help drive growth and create jobs.

"I’m grateful to Barclays and the DoubleTree by Hilton in hosting and facilitating the discussion and keeping channels of communication open between the business community and government in these uncertain times.”

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Around 20 senior businessmen and women attended the luncheon with the MP answering a number of questions, including Sir Robert’s views on Swindon planning constraints, inward investment and the implications of AI.

James Jordan said: “This event was a great opportunity to bring together businesses and organisations from the area for a face-to-face discussion and to hear first-hand what’s on their minds.

"It is evident that businesses are remaining positive with a strong desire for growth and despite the challenges we are currently operating in there was certainly a degree of optimism around the room.”