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.

Bedford’s oldest shop celebrates 120 years in service

Arcadia sweetshop in Bedford has celebrated its 120th anniversary, officially becoming the oldest shop in the town centre. The family-run sweet shop opened in the Old Arcade...

Universal Studios lays out its plans amid expectations of “55,000 visitors per peak day”

Universal Destinations & Experiences (UDX) has laid out plans for its new Entertainment Resort Complex near Bedford, promising a "destination" Theme Park designed to offer "world-class storytelling"...

Planning consultation opens for Bedford Borough’s Universal Studios theme park

The public consultation on plans for the proposed Universal Studios theme park and resort in Bedford Borough is now open, providing residents and stakeholders with the opportunity to share their...

Mayor’s “Universal Day” plan delayed as motion withdrawn from meeting

A proposal by Bedford mayor Tom Wootton to establish “Universal Day” was withdrawn from this week’s full council meeting and will be brought back at a later date, the council has confirmed...

Award-winning Clapham cocktail company looks to the future with crowdfunding campaign

The owners of a Bedford-based business that delivers cocktails by post have launched a crowdfunding campaign after it won gold at this year’s SME Bedfordshire awards. Letterbox Cocktails...

New St. James Club to offer family-friendly fun and games in the heart of Bedford

A brand-new leisure and nightlife venue will open its doors on Bedford High Street on Monday, 1 July, offering interactive darts, pool, and cutting-edge golf simulators under one stylish roof...

Young Bedfordshire entrepreneur flies high at business awards

A 22-year-old from Bedfordshire has been named Young Business Person of the Year at the SME Bedfordshire Business Awards 2025. Harvey Greenwood runs Greenwood Drones which specialises...

Five best commercial mortgage providers in the UK in 2025

A commercial mortgage is a loan secured against business property. It enables companies to buy new premises, refinance existing ones, or unlock capital by leveraging...

Bridges Espresso Bar closes, leaving loyal customers and staff heartbroken

One of Bedford’s most popular independent businesses, Bridges Espresso Bar, has closed with immediate effect, after struggling to survive the combined impact of the pandemic...

Universal’s Bedford theme park moves closer as planning request goes to government

Universal Destinations & Experiences has submitted a formal request to the UK government for permission to build its proposed theme park and resort in Bedford, requesting approval...

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