5th February 2012
Briefing Paper -- Business Support and Inward
31st Oct 2001
Bedford has traditionally been a popular place for business due to its many positive attributes such as good communications, workforce, commercial property, quality of life and strategic location within the Oxford to Cambridge Technology Arc. However, it is the Council’s role to maintain and enhance this competitive advantage and overcome obstacles preventing further expansion. This process can not be done in isolation but as part of a regional and sub-regional structure, and the unit has worked extensively with key regional and sub-regional agencies including acting as Chair and secretariat of the Bedfordshire and Luton Economic Development Partnership.
The Bedford Development Agency continues to play an important role in the promotion and development of Bedford as a prime business location, and as a forum between the Council and our existing business community. There may be issues facing this community which may attract them to other areas and deter potential inward investors. Therefore, the unit aim has been to create a ‘one stop shop’ where companies can contact the unit on issues both within and outside the Council’s remit.
PROGRESS THIS YEAR:
1 Bedford Development Agency Website – www.investinbedford.com
Officially launched in April 2001 including:
- Online property register incorporating property details, photographs and direct email facilities to property agents
- List of companies from the Business Guide with facility for users to add their company details
- Key information about living and working in Bedford
- Bulletin board for key news
- Hyperlinks to key organisations
2 Business Guide
Self funding publication produced jointly with Mid Beds District Council includes:
- List of over 700 companies in Bedford
- Useful maps of industrial estates
- Key information on living and working in Bedford
3 Folders
Correspondence sent to the private sector speaks volumes to companies about it
