Bedford for Business - February 2019

Bedford Borough Council sent this bulletin at 22-02-2019 09:45 AM GMT

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This newsletter features highlights from Bedford's business world, gives you a sneak preview of upcoming events and contains important snippets of information for local businesses.

East West Rail – Have Your Say

On the 28th January, the East West Rail Company published an important consultation document on the route of the proposed new railway between Bedford and Cambridge.

The document can be found at https://eastwestrail.co.uk/haveyoursay

The railway is planned to be open within the next ten years and is part of the Government’s proposals for a radical improvement in transport across the Oxford-Milton Keynes-Bedford-Cambridge arc, which Bedford Borough Council strongly supports.

Five route options are set out, three of which skirt Bedford to the south with an interchange with the Midland Main Line around Wixams and two serve the existing station in central Bedford. The Council strongly advocates the central Bedford options in order to support the growth and regeneration of Bedford.

We would urge businesses to make their views known. The consultation ends on 11th March so make sure as a Bedford Borough Business, you have your say!

Calling all small, medium and large sized businesses located in Bedford Borough

Research shows that employees in good health are more energised, motivated and engaged with business priorities and three times as productive as those in poor health. An effective workplace wellbeing offer can result in better business performance and a better working environment for everyone.
Public Health and Sustrans (sustainable travel charity), are inviting you to attend an informative 'WorkWell Bedford Borough' event. This event will give local businesses of all sizes the opportunity to hear how the new Work Well Business Network can help you maximise the health and well-being of your employees. Hear from local speakers and take up this opportunity to network with local public health and leisure services that can support the health and wellbeing of your workforce.

Date: Tuesday 5th March 2019
Time: 9.30am-12.30pm
Venue: University of Bedfordshire, Polhill Avenue

A limited number of tickets are available – BOOK NOW

Growth Hub

Bedford Borough business owners looking for support on a range of business areas, such as finance, business planning or marketing can contact the Growth Hub.

Through the Growth Hub’s gateway service, you can talk to an adviser about your business so they can help you get the independent support, advice or training you need to start-up or grow your business.

The Growth Hub is a fully-funded support service for local businesses offered by the South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership, the body responsible for promoting economic growth across the South East Midlands.

Gateway: 01604 212 696
Business enquiries: growthhub@semlep.com
Web: www.velocitygrowthhub.com

Making a Real Difference: Would you make a good school governor?

In Bedford Borough we need governors with a rich diversity of experience and background to reflect the community they serve.

Individual perspectives and a variety of workplace skills will help to bring another view to the table. Different opinions lead to healthy discussion and ultimately bring about effective strategic decision making.

School governors work strategically with the Headteacher and senior leadership team to drive school performance, initiate change and plan for the future. The key to improving school performance is effective governance.

Governors help EVERY child achieve their full potential in life by ensuring EVERY child gets the best possible education and is nurtured in a safe environment.

To find out more or to register an interest please contact: Julia Newman, Governor Training & Development Co-ordinator - governorstraining@bedford.gov.uk and 01234 718387. Alternatively, visit the Bedford Borough Website

Supporting the growth and development of the Borough's economy

• Business premises & site search facility
• Personalised support for investments & relocations
• Council ‘Open for Business’ events & visits
• Regular news & information updates
• Economic intelligence

Invest in Bedford Borough

c/o Economic Development

Borough Hall, Cauldwell Street

Bedford MK41 9AP

Tel: +44 (0)1234 276254 website: www.investinbedford.com

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