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School business partnerships

For further information about working with Bedford Borough schools and School Business Partnership opportunities, please email Economic Development invest.inbedford@bedford.gov.uk.

Mark Rutherford business partnership aims

This is a partnership of local organisations interested in supporting the successful transition of young people from education to the world of work. It was established in 2011 by teaching staff at Mark Rutherford School.

The partnership was set up to encourage better communication between schools and businesses particularly in relation to the needs of the local labour market. Over time, the aim is to have a comprehensive understanding of the recruitment needs and skills gaps faced by local businesses and for this to inform the careers advice and work experience provided within schools. In the long run, the intention is to see what impact this information could have on a school’s curriculum, where the need for particular skills could be met with specific courses in different subject areas. 

How partners help young people move from education to work

Individual partners get involved with Mark Rutherford School in a variety of ways:

  • offering work experience placements and visits
  • running workshops
  • attending careers events
  • develop specific business projects for students to tackle in their curriculum or spare time
  • act as mentors to students during their time in education

Businesses associated with the partnership

Businesses associated with the partnership include: 5th Avenue, ARA, Asda Distribution, Bedford Fire Service, BPHA, Bedfordshire and Luton Chamber of Commerce, Bedfordshire on Sunday, Biogreenfinch, Briton Ems, Capita, Clarity 4D, County Town Books, Cranfield University, Cycle King, DA Woolgar, Goldington Tesco, Halfords, Harvey Ingram Borneo's, JTL, Kaplan, Keens Shay Keens Ltd, LA Fitness, Lloyds TSB, Manton Engineering, Michael R Peters, Mowsbury Golf Club (Catering), Nicholas Tye Architects, Pronto Services, Russell HR Consulting, Springfield Business Supplies Ltd and Unilever.

Intermediary organisations that support young people

The partnership also attracts intermediary organisations that support young people in their education and transition to the workplace. These organisations are often in a unique position to give an overview of the wider issues facing education and employment in the Borough and share useful information across different sectors. Intermediary organisations associated with the partnership include:

New partners 

The partnership welcomes new members from the locality and runs regular breakfast meetings at Mark Rutherford School. If you would like to find out more about the aims of the partnership or would like to get involved, please contact Sam Baker, Head of Department for Business and Enterprise: sam.baker@mrus.co.uk or visit Sam's LinkedIn.