New festival aims to put Swindon at centre of business excellence

A new festival aims to put Swindon at the centre of business excellence.

The aim of the festival is to bring together everything that is commendable about business and encourage businesses to find ways to do things better by combining good practice and experience with fresh ideas.

It would take place over a few days, possibly in September 2012, and would consist of a series of presentations, seminars, workshops and other events themed around the topic of improving business processes.

Subjects covered could include innovation, constant improvement, quality management, people management and public responsibility with additional events focusing on personal motivation and excellence in sales, marketing and social media.

The festival is the brainchild of  video production expert and former Chamber of Commerce president, Paul Dunn. Paul is now looking for others interested in working with him on his vision to get in touch.

Paul said: “Rather than focusing on economic doom and gloom, this is a chance to concentrate on finding positive ways to do things better in business and, as a result, make a contribution to our economic future.

"By highlighting excellence and encouraging people in a business, organisation, town, region and even the country to drive improvement within their business processes, we could generate a cumulative effect which would have a very beneficial influence on the economy as a whole.”

Planning is currently at the early stages, with Paul talking to different businesses collecting thoughts and ideas and gauging the level of interest and support. He wants to hear from anyone interested in getting involved in any way, including offers of venues, speakers, ideas for events, and sponsorship.

“If other businesses get involved we can work towards developing and building upon the idea, and organise an event which could attract visitors from around the country.

"With £300,000 of public money currently being spent on a campaign to enhance the perception of Swindon, this is an exciting opportunity for our town to become associated with everything that is great about business,” said Paul.   

Businesses and individuals can find out more and express an interest on the new website www.sfobe.co.uk