Mondex International:
Reengineering Money

Figure 3:
Why Swindon Was Chosen as Pilot Site

Population

With a population of 156,000 Swindon is big enough to be credible and small enough to be manageable. It is also fairly representative of the UK population in general, although perhaps a bit younger.

Discrete Territory

There is no large student or tourist population nor the shadow of a nearby city to provide a conurbation of the results. The town has its own established press and radio presence.

Corporate Presence

Almost all major retailers with the exception of one major department store was represented in Swindon at the time of the test. All of those present, except for Marks and Spencer, participated in the trial. Because of its UK representative population, Swindon is also home to many similar tests. As UK home to a number of large firms including Honda, Motorola, Nationwide, and Smiths, there is also a significant opportunity for employers to help pull the technology into the marketplace. Mondex personnel, for instance are attempting to install Mondex equipment in corporate canteens and lunchrooms.

Swindon is one hour by car from Heathrow Airport and one hour by train from Paddington Station, London. Its location near the airport makes it an easy visit for overseas visitors considering franchising the Mondex technology and brand as well as for suppliers wishing to see their equipment in use or retailers seeking more information on their own experience with the technology. Other towns that were considered for the test included York, Brighton, and Northampton.

Swindon has a state of the art digital communications network installed. Its location also ensures quick delivery of necessary equipment and fast repairs.