Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce
Justin Richardson with Shevaun Haviland, Director General, British Chambers of Commerce.
Driving growth: what it means for local businesses
Justin
Richardson CEO
Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce
T e drive to promote economic growth across the UK has long been a key focus for policymakers, with ambi- tious plans designed to stimulate business expansion and regional development. As an accredited Chamber with the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce remains committed to helping local businesses understand and benefit from these evolving opportunities. But what exactly do these growth strategies entail? What
advantages could they bring to businesses in our region, and what realistic expectations should we have regarding timescales and implementation?
Wide-ranging change, far-reaching impact T e latest Government growth initiatives extend beyond straightforward economic stimulus. They encompass strategic infrastructure improvements and leverage major private-sector investments. Here in Bedfordshire, near-term projects such as the
London Luton Airport expansion, the potential Universal Studios theme park, and the East-West rail link each off er direct advantages and opportunities for local businesses. Growth at the airport is projected to create 11,000 new
jobs and add around £1bn per annum to the regional economy. Expanding air connectivity is critical not only for promoting tourism but also for ensuring the region can attract and retain international businesses – particularly crucial when many UK fi rms are seeking new markets and partnerships to mitigate economic pressures. T is leads naturally to another exciting opportunity:
Universal Studios. Securing the theme park in Bedford is a once-in-a-generation opportunity that would put our county on the global map. It is expected to create 20,000 jobs during construction and another 10,000 when it becomes operational – adding £50bn to the UK economy.
ALL THINGS BUSINESS | 48
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60
