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.

Opinion: As another chain store collapses we’re left to pick up the pieces

Well, another one bites the dust then! With the news of the collapse of the HMV owner’s rescue attempt of Wilko we stand in front of yet another empty space in our ever-diminished town centre and ask ourselves...

From Africa to antiques, Studio Seven is Newnham Street’s newest indie addition

After a soft launch over the summer, one of Bedford's newest independent shops is now fully open and welcoming customers to its quirky, off-the-beaten-track showroom. Studio Seven is the brainchild...

Date confirmed for closure of Bedford’s Wilko stores

Staff at Bedford's two Wilko branches are among thousands that will lose their jobs as it has been confirmed that all of the retailer's remaining stores will close. A rescue bid, which it was hoped might save...

Council cease funding of annual Totally Locally retail event

Bedford Borough Council has said it will not pay £160 towards this year's Totally Locally independent retail event, despite the support it gives to local businesses. Fiver Fest is a national event run locally...

Wilko deal collapses leaving fresh uncertainty for Bedford stores

Hopes that Bedford's two Wilko stores could be saved thanks to a rescue package by the owner of HMV could be dashed as the latest deal has fallen through. Canadian billionaire, Doug Putman, had...

Bedford aerospace research and development champion is holding a recruitment event this month

ARA Ltd in Bedford is looking for talented, agile and dynamic individuals who can help solve the toughest engineering problems. We are holding a recruitment event at our site on Manton Lane...

Bedford boys help launch ‘slow fashion’ uniforms for national restaurant chain

Two Bedford boys have swapped katsu for the catwalk and featured at the centre of a new slow fashion campaign for national restaurant chain wagamama and ethical fashion brand PANGAIA...

Breaking news: Wilko stores in Bedford are safe as 52 locations face closure

It has been confirmed that the two Wilko stores within Bedford Borough will remain open, despite the closure of over 50 branches in other locations. This morning (Wednesday), the administrator, PwC...

Opinion: Gunns played their own part in the closure of their Bedford shop

It was a great shame to hear that another of Bedford's historic businesses, Gunns Bakery, was closing its Bedford High Street branch last week. However, while the announcement itself...

Breaking news: jobs at risk as Wilko goes into administration

High street homewares retailer Wilko has failed to find a financial rescue for its 400 stores and has today filed for bankruptcy, putting 12,000 jobs nationally at risk. Wilko has two stores in Bedford Borough...

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