Nigel CarterA CONFERENCE is being held next week to discuss ways business can work with the community to improve the quality of life in Swindon.

The event, entitled Swindon Regeneration and Diversity, comes before work on the redevelopment of Swindon's town centre begins.

The redevelopment of the town centre will see a huge expansion of the Brunel Centre. Work is due to start next year with completion in 2007.

It will identify the need for local industry and the community to work together to improve sustainable development in the regeneration of Swindon.

Most businesses recognise that they have a responsibility to support the community they operate in, but finding ways to do that is not always easy. As a result, Swindon Chamber of Commerce has organised this event.

It is supported by some of the town's key organisations including Wilt-shire Wildlife Trust, Enviroskills, Thames Water, RWE Innogy, and Swindon Council, and will cover issues such as corporate responsibility, technological options and master planning.

Nigel Carter from Swindon Regeneration and Diversity said: "We want to encourage business and community leaders to come along, so we can help them find ways to work constructively within the community and help them to understand more about sustainability.

"There is pressure from Govern-ment for communities to produce some 10 per cent of the energy they consume from renewable resources by 2010. This event will help increase understanding of the options for both energy conservation and renewable energy."

Guest speakers will also share information about the ways their organisations are working with communities.

Among them will be Graham Warren, the managing director of town planning and development consultants RPS Chapman,.

He will talk about role of the planner in ensuring there is appropriate provision for transport, recreation and community facilities in new developments.

Anita Longley is head of corporate responsibility at energy company RWE Innogy and will explain what is meant by corporate responsibility and how it is integrated into business practice.

Chris Newbold, a former senior manager in the energy industry will discuss renewable energy options available to communities.

Andy Tasker, the chief executive officer of Worcester Wildlife Trust and Middlemarch Environmental Consultants, will speak about business and its contribution to biodiversity.

The event will be held at Lydiard House on July 8, starting at 10am for 10.30, and will run until 4.30pm.

To find out more, call Tracy Foord at Swindon Chamber of Commerce on 01793 649574.

Anthony Osborne