Local Economy - Development
Neighbourhood Working
Maintaining links and utilising networks with
target communities and target business sectors is fundamental to
the work the Economic Development carry out. These links provide
local authorities with a unique ability to respond to local
situations as they arise.
Working with target communities through local
groups, and utilising the Streetrangers wherever possible enables
the Regeneration Unit to gain an in depth knowledge of Bedford’s
communities, and this then helps to shape the services that are
delivered by the Economic Development Unit.
Economic Participation
Economic Participation is a programme to
tackle worklessness, and to ensure that individuals realise their
potential within the workforce. The priority areas for activity in
Bedford have been highlighted as supporting enterprise and
developing skills.
For more information visit our Projects working with People page.
Town Centre Business Support Programmes
In response to the current economic downturn
Bedford Borough Council has introduced a number of initiatives to
support Town Centre businesses during the period through to
economic recovery.
These initiatives include:
1) Hardship rate relief scheme
2) Small Business Rate Relief Scheme
3) Flexible lease terms offered by the Council
on retail units in the Town Centre
4) Initiatives to increase footfall in the
Town Centre
For further information on the support
available please see the Business
Advice section of this website or visit the
Business Link website for details of a range of
initiatives being offered by a number of partners.