Getting to know our new Account Director for Swindon and Wiltshire Initiative

The Membership team at Business West are thrilled to welcome Darren Brindley as our new Account Director for Swindon and Wiltshire Initiative. We spoke to him to find out more about him and his experience and what his aspirations are for the role. 

Can you tell us a bit about yourself? 

I was born and brought up in Manchester (via a couple of years in Cornwall) and have lived in Cirencester for the last 20 years with my wife, 2 children and our cat. I’m a huge sports & music fan.

What were you doing before you joined Business West as our new Account Director for Swindon and Wiltshire?

I worked for 9 months as a Client Director for a training provider, and for the previous 12 years I was with CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants) supporting organisations around the world with lifelong learning solutions in mainly finance areas.

What are your aspirations for this role and for your team?

I want to work with our members to ensure that they are getting the maximum value out of their membership, across the range of services and activities that we have available. I’m looking forward to working with them and our other stakeholders to ensure that they can succeed and thrive in Swindon & Wiltshire.

What attracted you to work in Business West’s Membership team?

It’s quite rare to find a role where I can use my expertise and experience in commercial relationship building for something that supports the long-term future of the area I live in. This role does that and I’m really looking forward to seeing how it evolves and impacts the area.

Additionally, meeting various members of the team during the recruitment process gave me a real insight into how the organisation works and coming into a truly purpose-led place had a big appeal.

How will your role impact our Membership communities, and more specifically our members in Swindon and Wiltshire?

There is a lot that we do in the area that is well established, but there is scope to work with our team and members to evolve further and make what we do even more impactful. I hope that working with the member community will foster an even more engaged group across the region and build on what has been achieved already.

What is the best business advice you could give to the next generation?

Learning doesn’t stop when you leave school, college or university – it’s essential to keep refreshing your skills as your career develops.

If you could have any superpower what would it be?

Teleportation – takes out traffic jams, train delays and airport hassles.

What is your favourite holiday destination and why?

Australia – I just loved the outdoor lifestyle. The food and wine weren’t bad either…

What is your favourite thing to do in your spare time?

Spend time with friends and family, either over a meal or doing a fun activity.