Jason Griffiths is the owner of the Swindon Property Group. He lives in Broome Manor, Swindon with his wife Lucy, his son Ryan and his daughter Isabel. He grew up in Stratton, Swindon and he chuckles when people say “Swindon is near lots of really nice places” because he knows how great Swindon is and he wouldn’t live anywhere else.

Do you like living in Swindon? 

I must do as I’ve never considered living anywhere else! I’m a strong believer that it’s the people that make a place. I have lots of close friends living in Swindon, Why would I want to be anywhere else?

Many years ago, a close friend of my wife famously once said “Swindon, it’s near lots of really nice places”! It still makes me chuckle. I can’t deny there’s a little truth in it, but Swindon has its own nice places too!

I truly started to appreciate our beautiful green spaces. Coate Water is on our doorstep, Old Town Gardens, Lydiard Park and Stanton Park. I think I took them for granted before the lockdown. But now I’m out walking or on my bike whenever I can (and the weather’s nice!)

Where do you work? Have you worked in other places in the town?

I am a mortgage broker and the owner of Swindon Property Group and I have been for more years than I care to mention! Before that, I worked from the age of 16, in various roles in Barclays Bank in Swindon.

Do you enjoy your job? Why?

I love my job! I am my job. Don’t get me wrong, there have been some really tough times over the years. But, overall, I enjoy what I do and I’m proud of my small business. I get to spend five days a week with a group of hard-working, loyal, and very fun people. As a result, I get to smile every day. As a mortgage broker, I get to meet so many different people, often in their homes, so I really do know Swindon inside and out!

What’s your favourite past-time in Swindon?

For many years, it was cricket. Summer evenings and weekends – a bit of exercise and a lot of socialising – ideal! What other sport insists you have a full-on picnic halfway through?! Now…it’s probably eating!! (with a little drinking although not so much these days!) There are some amazing restaurants in Swindon, and we have pretty much every cuisine covered – I think we’re really lucky. My absolute favourite place is Kenzo 72 in Old Town – from a few drinks to tapas, to a full-on steak dinner or Sunday roast – I can have a different day out in the same place!

Do you like the We Are Swindon campaign? Why? What do you get from it?

When I came across the We Are Swindon campaign, it was a breath of fresh air. Finally, a positive reflection of all things great about Swindon. I despair at the negativity surrounding Swindon on social media and in the press – we should be proud of where we live not belittling it. We Are Swindon is clearly genuine, not a council enforced paid promotion!

What would you say to someone thinking of moving to Swindon?

As I’ve always lived here, so I asked my wife this question because she moved here 20 plus years ago from the Isle of Wight. A beautiful place which she still calls home, as well as Swindon.

The career opportunities here are amazing – from big corporates to lovely local businesses, there really is something for everyone. There is also a strong sense of community in Swindon. My wife, Lucy thought everyone knew everyone in the Isle of Wight but it’s even more so in Swindon!

Swindon has a good balance of busy town life with countryside close by. The only thing Swindon doesn’t have is the beach on your doorstep!

Sum up your Swindon lifestyle in a few words?

Hectic, sociable, fun.

If you could improve Swindon in one way, what would it be?

A greater variety and amount of sporting facilities for all. I love skiing and I’ve been waiting for the discussed Indoor Ski Dome forever. Also, the closure of the Oasis was a massive loss to the town. In particular, it saddens me the amount of time that children spend in front of the TV or on video games. I believe that team sports teach children a range of social skills so there are extra benefits apart from the actual exercise. Because of this, each year Swindon Property Group I sponsors a youth sports team. So far we’ve supported an ice hockey team and two football teams!