The MP described a meeting today with Gary Sumner as “positive”, adding that he was reassured the new administration would back his long-term ambitions for the town.
Posting after the talks, Stone said he was “delighted” to catch up with Sumner and discuss “all things Swindon”, adding that he was pleased the new administration was committed to supporting his vision of making Swindon “the Drone manufacturing hub of the U.K”.
The meeting followed the recent local elections, which resulted in the Conservatives leading a minority administration at Swindon Borough Council.
Despite the political shift, Stone indicated that support for inward investment and defence manufacturing remains firmly in place.
Speaking to Swindon 24 after the meeting, Stone said a number of defence firms had sought reassurance in the aftermath of the election.
“My inbox naturally filled up after the local elections from a lot of the defence companies I’ve been working with, kind of that are on the pipeline of coming to Swindon, wanting reassurances that things haven’t changed,” he said.
“So it was just a really, really important time to have a conversation with Gary, that the new administration are going to be supportive of my plans around making Swindon the Defence Manufacturing Hub.”
He said the discussions were key to “reassuring the markets” and maintaining confidence among businesses considering investing in the town.
Leader of the Council Gary Sumner said:
“Will Stone and I had a positive meeting and we both see that clustering of advanced manufacturing will bring huge opportunities for us, working with our education providers to align courses which will provide a skilled workforce to support this sector.”
Stone revealed he hopes to attract 20 defence and drone-related companies to Swindon by the end of 2026. Seven firms are already in place, with further announcements expected soon.
“My aim is to get 20 companies by the end of the year,” he said.
“That’s an ambitious aim. After the meeting today, I don’t see any reason we’re not going to be able to do that.”
Swindon has increasingly positioned itself as a destination for defence technology and drone manufacturing companies, supported by its transport links and industrial capacity.
Recent developments include proposals from drone firm Tekever at the former Renault building, as well as ongoing interest in sites such as Panattoni Park.
Stone also emphasised the importance of close coordination between his office and the council’s inward investment teams.
“There’s no point in duplicating work,” he said.
“If I’m going through an event, talking to a company, I want to onboard them with Swindon Borough Council, that’s better than both going out trying to make the initial communcations.”
He added: “Ultimately we both want Swindon to succeed.”
The meeting is expected to be viewed as an early sign of cross-party cooperation on what is seen as one of Swindon’s most significant economic opportunities, with both sides aligned on attracting investment and skilled jobs to the area.
