Business

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Bedford’s diverse economy includes manufacturing, retail, hospitality, and service industries. The town has a highly skilled and educated workforce, with a strong focus on science and technology.

Excellent transport links to major cities like London, Cambridge, and Milton Keynes, and the town’s growing population, have helped Bedford’s develop a diverse economy. The successful businesses in the area range from healthcare services, hospitality, and retail to businesses that capitalise on Bedford’s strengths in science and technology, such as biotech or software development.

In recent years, businesses that rely on logistics, fulfilment & distribution have been making use of Bedford’s location.

Breaking news: Green light given for Bedford Universal Studios theme park

The government has granted planning permission for a major Universal Entertainment Resort Complex at Kempston Hardwick in Bedford, with new theme parks, hotels and transport...

Key fob not opening your boot? It might be time for a new lock actuator

But when the problem becomes consistent, it’s usually a sign that something inside the boot-release mechanism isn’t responding as it should. In most modern vehicles, the component responsible...

Free taster sessions at Bedford’s newest photography club

Exposed Photography Club is excited to announce its launch with two free photography taster sessions taking place in January 2026, allowing photographers and hobbyists of all levels...

Alcohol license granted for town centre cafe

Bedford Borough Council’s licensing sub-committee has approved a new premises licence for Maison Le Vôtre, a coffee shop and patisserie at 58A High Street. It can now sell alcohol...

“When is a vacant property not a vacant property? When it’s Debenhams” – empty property report questioned

Bedford Borough councillors have raised questions over how the council defines “vacancy”, after the former Debenhams building was excluded from the official count of empty units...

Why ferries are the eco-friendly choice for short-haul travel

Imagine waking up to the rhythmic sound of waves lapping gently against the hull of your ferry, sunlight glinting off the open sea as your vessel glides towards new horizons...

How fraud prevention shapes the reputation of iGaming brands

The appeal of iGaming platforms to fraudsters relates to the volume of transactions, cross-border payments, and virtual currencies, and it is easy to turn them into real money...

How gaming on the go just got easier

Gaming has long been an activity that adapts to our schedules rather than the other way around. It’s sneaked into a spare five minutes here, our lunch hour there, and even during...

Council declares “high street emergency” across Bedfordshire

Parts of Bedfordshire are facing a “high street emergency”, as businesses struggle to cope with economic challenges, a meeting heard. A motion was presented to a full Central...

Karak chai culture grows in Bedford as new High Street café opens

A new Karak Chaii café has opened on Bedford High Street, serving traditional karak chai and South Asian street food with space for more than 50 diners and a focus on local suppliers and community...

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