News

Latest updates and stories from Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce and its Members

These Bedfordshire Businesses Won Big on Election Day!

Both country and county were on tenterhooks on 4th July – the country for the election result, and the county for the outcome of the SME Bedfordshire Business Awards 2024!

And what an outcome it was. Proud winners in 23 different categories, and a night to remember - not just for its drinks reception, fine dining, and high-end entertainment, but for its turnout (the highest yet) and its serious networking opportunities.

Read More

Wyboston Lakes Resort wins Silver for Sustainability in Conference & Events Awards

Wyboston Lakes Resort has again been recognised among the most sustainable venues in the country. 


The award-winning Bedfordshire conference, training and leisure resort has won Silver in the Sustainability category for Venues at the highly coveted Conference & Events Awards.

Read More

Bedford Radio announces Curry and Quiz fundraiser

Bedford Radio invites Bedfordians to tickle their taste-buds and test their general knowledge at its first Curry and Quiz night, on Monday August 5th.

Bedford’s local radio station is partnering with the New Bombay restaurant on Harpur Street, for a fun evening that will also raise funds to cover Bedford Radio’s broadcasting costs.

Read More

Getting Down to Business with the New Government

As the nation held its breath for the outcome of the General Election on 4th July, the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) had already made its intentions clear - whatever the result.

It would continue to champion the cause of our businesses, our towns and cities, and our communities at the top table in Westminster.

And as members of BCC, at Bedfordshire Chambers we’re proud to be part of that process. But what do the objectives look like?

Read More

Bedford bus operator calls for more communication with other road users, as figures show the value of local buses


Stagecoach East, Bedford’s largest bus operator, has called for improved communication to tackle the scourge of local traffic congestion, after figures highlighted the role that buses play in shrinking jams, cleaning up our air, tackling climate change, and improving our health and local economy.

Read More

Wyboston Lakes Resort continues to be More Sustainable

The latest sustainability initiatives at the pioneering venue

‘More Sustainable, No Apology continues to be the ethos driving Wyboston Lakes Resort’s unstinting commitment to introducing new initiatives that make the venue more sustainable.

Read More

This Is Our Message to Whoever Gets Into Power on 4th July

Nobody has a crystal ball, and the outcome of the forthcoming General Election is far from certain.

But whichever party gets into power, it will make no difference to the five-point election action plan that the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) - of which we at Bedfordshire Chamber are a member - is calling on the post 4th July Government, of whatever hue, to deliver against.

Read More

Strategic Partner Interview: Dawn Coker, Ryan – Funding and Tax Expertise to Propel Chamber Members’ Growth

As Chamber members, you’ll be excited to learn that Ryan, an award-winning global tax services firm, has entered into a strategic partnership with us to help local businesses maximise the tax breaks and financial support available to them. But this is much more than just a special offer.

In fact, as Ryan Client Services Director Dawn Coker explained when we caught up with her recently, there’s a whole programme of initiatives already underway and in planning.

Read More

Sustainable Tech4Good Need Your Tech

Through partnering & working with SustainableTech4Good 438 Laptops have been donated to the young people KidsOut support in refuges.

Read More

Lockheed Martin UK’s 2024 Carbon Reduction Plan

Lockheed Martin UK’s 2024 Carbon Reduction Plan has a number of initiatives that will enable it to reach its goal of zero carbon emissions emitted through its UK operations by 2050.

Read More

Pharmacy Team From Bedford Step Up To Support Dementia Charity

Bedford’s Smarta Healthcare Pharmacy team has launched a 20,000,000-step challenge to raise funds for Tibbs Dementia Foundation.

Read More

Do you have what it takes?

At a time when estimates show that the UK needs over 200,000 new Engineers and Technicians each year, the Engineering Director of Bedford’s largest bus operator explains about how he keeps the wheels moving.

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Aurora Managed Services and Fujifilm team up to launch new range of Multifunction office printers for the UK Market

Fujifilm branded “Apeos” office printer series now available in the UK, following a successful introduction in Italy

Read More

Member Interview: Andy Chesterman, PrivacyHelper – Data Protection and Privacy with no Fuss

Say ‘data protection’ or ‘privacy’ to most businesspeople, and their eyes roll. They know it’s important, they know they need to be on it, but it is so complex.

But say those same words to Andy Chesterman, Managing Director of Bedford-based PrivacyHelper, and his eyes light up – for he’s got a way of simplifying things that businesses will want to know about.

Read More

Driving Global Trade at Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce: The Team and the Initiatives

Enabling local businesses to spread their wings and sell beyond the nation’s borders has long been an objective of Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce, which has been supporting businesses in the region for almost 150 years.

And this vision not only has its own specialist champions within the Chamber – the global trade and Chamber Customs team – but it is now entering an exciting new chapter, thanks to both Government funding and partner initiatives.

Here’s more on the team and the work they’re doing.

Read More

Boosting Efficiency and Service: Our Expansion in Membership Card Production and Mailing Services

In the fast-paced world of customer relationship management, ensuring seamless and efficient delivery of membership cards is crucial. At Dmlink, we are proud to announce a significant enhancement in our membership card production and associated mailing services, a move designed to better serve our growing client base and meet the increasing demand for high-quality, timely service.

Read More

Business Manifesto Outlines 5-point Action Plan

A five-point plan for immediate action by the new government is at heart of the British Chambers of Commerce Election Manifesto published today.

Read More

New programme showcasing grassroots local music comes to Bedford Radio

Bedford Radio, the local radio station for Bedford, is excited to announce a brand new programme showcasing grass-roots local music in Bedford.

Read More

Right FM leaves an indelible impression

Winning a prestigious industry award, Community Engagement, and forging Global Collaboration aboard the renowned QE2 Ship in Dubai, while spearheading the expansion of the British Education System to Qatar, Dubai, Mauritius and beyond.

Read More

Winning These Awards is the Royal Seal of Approval for Your Business

When a business award comes from the King himself, it’s recognition on an entirely different level. 

And in the King’s Awards for Enterprise, our region produced the joint highest number of UK recipients, with 89% of the total recipients being small and medium enterprises (SMEs), 36 of which had fewer than 10 employees.

In short, you could be in the running – so here’s what you need to know, and what to do next.

Read More

Somnus Scientific announces partnership with Life Science Group and Creonate

Somnus Scientific has agreed a collaborative partnership with Life Science Group (LSG) and Creonate Manufacturing for the next phase of product development.

Read More

Bedford bus operator commits to reduce near-term carbon reduction targets

Stagecoach, the parent company of Bedford’s largest bus operator, Stagecoach East, has announced that its near-term greenhouse gas emission targets have been approved by corporate climate action organisation, the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). Stagecoach was supported in developing its climate change targets by specialist consultancy, Net Zero International.

Read More

Member Interview: Bina Briggs, Plain Talking HR - Personalised Service that Puts Simplicity First

Plain Talking HR’s website spells its message out loud and clear. The hazard sign top and centre bears the legend ‘No Jargon!’

And for the last 15 years, this Luton-based HR specialist has been flying the flag for plain talking and simplicity across clients ranging in size from a handful of employees to 200, in industries as diverse as construction (a key focus), medicine, dentistry, accountancy, and many others.

Read More

Member Interview: Steve Blythe, Jaltek – Super-Excited About the Awards, and Banging the Drum for Luton!

 

 

We previously caught up with Steve Blythe, at Luton-based electronics manufacturer and Beds Chamber member Jaltek, back in 2022. So when we interviewed him again last month he had much to report – and the company’s platinum sponsorship of the forthcoming SME Bedfordshire Business Awards was high on the list!

Read More

Beds Chamber Members to Meet the Bank of England – and You Can Be There

Have you heard of the Bank of England’s Chief Economist, Huw Pill?

Would you like to meet him, and ask him some searching questions about monetary policy, inflation, interest rates, and all the other factors that impact on your business? Well, you can.

Read More

Member Interview: Jennifer Condon, Wenta – Free Business Support Takes the Stage at the SME Bedfordshire Business Awards

Currently celebrating its 40th year, social enterprise Wenta is a remarkable resource for anybody considering starting a business, already running a business, or looking to grow their business.

Dispensing free, impartial business advice, CPD accredited skills training, templates and toolkits, accompanied by free hot-desking facilities, affordable workspace, sustainability advice and access to specialist early stage growth support and funding, Wenta is the helping hand every new and aspiring small business needs to know about – and through its sponsorship of the SME Bedfordshire Business Awards, it’s determined to get the message ‘out there’.

Read More

Aegis Support Services appoints head of national operations to support growth plans

Aegis Support Services, the fast-growing security and facilities management services provider, has appointed experienced operations professional Darren Austin to its team as head of national operations.

Read More

Member Interview: Qadeer Qureshi, Aegis Support Services – Security: SME Awards, and Beyond

One supplier, one invoice, one request – not for nothing is this the mantra of Luton-headquartered Aegis Support Services.

The company prides itself on being a one-stop-shop for all manner of services that protect people, buildings, and assets – from security and facilities management to hygiene and training, and much more besides.

Read More

The Future of the Economy: Have Your Say

The future of the economy may sound like an awfully big topic – and one you can’t influence. But in fact these conversations – and some great networking opportunities that go with them - are within your reach!

Read More

Member Interview: Unisnacks – Bringing Peace, Prosperity, and Unity, Through the Business of Food

It was as a best business practices mentor in the early days of his career at Unilever, and later with Panasonic in Japan and Siemens AG globally, that Unisnacks CEO Hyder gained expertise in the areas that would underpin the start-up success of the company he now leads: food production and distribution, and Eastern food culture.

In 2006, Hyder envisioned Unisnacks to - as he puts it - “bring some excitement into the snack business by putting East Asian food in your corner shops, not just speciality stores. Global foods, locally!”

Read More

These Bedfordshire Businesses Won Big on Election Day!

Both country and county were on tenterhooks on 4th July – the country for the election result, and the county for the outcome of the SME Bedfordshire Business Awards 2024!

And what an outcome it was. Proud winners in 23 different categories, and a night to remember - not just for its drinks reception, fine dining, and high-end entertainment, but for its turnout (the highest yet) and its serious networking opportunities.

Read More

Wyboston Lakes Resort wins Silver for Sustainability in Conference & Events Awards

Wyboston Lakes Resort has again been recognised among the most sustainable venues in the country. 


The award-winning Bedfordshire conference, training and leisure resort has won Silver in the Sustainability category for Venues at the highly coveted Conference & Events Awards.

Read More

Bedford Radio announces Curry and Quiz fundraiser

Bedford Radio invites Bedfordians to tickle their taste-buds and test their general knowledge at its first Curry and Quiz night, on Monday August 5th.

Bedford’s local radio station is partnering with the New Bombay restaurant on Harpur Street, for a fun evening that will also raise funds to cover Bedford Radio’s broadcasting costs.

Read More

Getting Down to Business with the New Government

As the nation held its breath for the outcome of the General Election on 4th July, the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) had already made its intentions clear - whatever the result.

It would continue to champion the cause of our businesses, our towns and cities, and our communities at the top table in Westminster.

And as members of BCC, at Bedfordshire Chambers we’re proud to be part of that process. But what do the objectives look like?

Read More

Bedford bus operator calls for more communication with other road users, as figures show the value of local buses


Stagecoach East, Bedford’s largest bus operator, has called for improved communication to tackle the scourge of local traffic congestion, after figures highlighted the role that buses play in shrinking jams, cleaning up our air, tackling climate change, and improving our health and local economy.

Read More

Wyboston Lakes Resort continues to be More Sustainable

The latest sustainability initiatives at the pioneering venue

‘More Sustainable, No Apology continues to be the ethos driving Wyboston Lakes Resort’s unstinting commitment to introducing new initiatives that make the venue more sustainable.

Read More

This Is Our Message to Whoever Gets Into Power on 4th July

Nobody has a crystal ball, and the outcome of the forthcoming General Election is far from certain.

But whichever party gets into power, it will make no difference to the five-point election action plan that the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) - of which we at Bedfordshire Chamber are a member - is calling on the post 4th July Government, of whatever hue, to deliver against.

Read More

Strategic Partner Interview: Dawn Coker, Ryan – Funding and Tax Expertise to Propel Chamber Members’ Growth

As Chamber members, you’ll be excited to learn that Ryan, an award-winning global tax services firm, has entered into a strategic partnership with us to help local businesses maximise the tax breaks and financial support available to them. But this is much more than just a special offer.

In fact, as Ryan Client Services Director Dawn Coker explained when we caught up with her recently, there’s a whole programme of initiatives already underway and in planning.

Read More

Sustainable Tech4Good Need Your Tech

Through partnering & working with SustainableTech4Good 438 Laptops have been donated to the young people KidsOut support in refuges.

Read More

Lockheed Martin UK’s 2024 Carbon Reduction Plan

Lockheed Martin UK’s 2024 Carbon Reduction Plan has a number of initiatives that will enable it to reach its goal of zero carbon emissions emitted through its UK operations by 2050.

Read More

Member Interview: Andy Chesterman, PrivacyHelper – Data Protection and Privacy with no Fuss

Say ‘data protection’ or ‘privacy’ to most businesspeople, and their eyes roll. They know it’s important, they know they need to be on it, but it is so complex.

But say those same words to Andy Chesterman, Managing Director of Bedford-based PrivacyHelper, and his eyes light up – for he’s got a way of simplifying things that businesses will want to know about.

Read More

Driving Global Trade at Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce: The Team and the Initiatives

Enabling local businesses to spread their wings and sell beyond the nation’s borders has long been an objective of Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce, which has been supporting businesses in the region for almost 150 years.

And this vision not only has its own specialist champions within the Chamber – the global trade and Chamber Customs team – but it is now entering an exciting new chapter, thanks to both Government funding and partner initiatives.

Here’s more on the team and the work they’re doing.

Read More

Boosting Efficiency and Service: Our Expansion in Membership Card Production and Mailing Services

In the fast-paced world of customer relationship management, ensuring seamless and efficient delivery of membership cards is crucial. At Dmlink, we are proud to announce a significant enhancement in our membership card production and associated mailing services, a move designed to better serve our growing client base and meet the increasing demand for high-quality, timely service.

Read More

Business Manifesto Outlines 5-point Action Plan

A five-point plan for immediate action by the new government is at heart of the British Chambers of Commerce Election Manifesto published today.

Read More

New programme showcasing grassroots local music comes to Bedford Radio

Bedford Radio, the local radio station for Bedford, is excited to announce a brand new programme showcasing grass-roots local music in Bedford.

Read More

Right FM leaves an indelible impression

Winning a prestigious industry award, Community Engagement, and forging Global Collaboration aboard the renowned QE2 Ship in Dubai, while spearheading the expansion of the British Education System to Qatar, Dubai, Mauritius and beyond.

Read More

Winning These Awards is the Royal Seal of Approval for Your Business

When a business award comes from the King himself, it’s recognition on an entirely different level. 

And in the King’s Awards for Enterprise, our region produced the joint highest number of UK recipients, with 89% of the total recipients being small and medium enterprises (SMEs), 36 of which had fewer than 10 employees.

In short, you could be in the running – so here’s what you need to know, and what to do next.

Read More

Somnus Scientific announces partnership with Life Science Group and Creonate

Somnus Scientific has agreed a collaborative partnership with Life Science Group (LSG) and Creonate Manufacturing for the next phase of product development.

Read More

Bedford bus operator commits to reduce near-term carbon reduction targets

Stagecoach, the parent company of Bedford’s largest bus operator, Stagecoach East, has announced that its near-term greenhouse gas emission targets have been approved by corporate climate action organisation, the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). Stagecoach was supported in developing its climate change targets by specialist consultancy, Net Zero International.

Read More

Member Interview: Bina Briggs, Plain Talking HR - Personalised Service that Puts Simplicity First

Plain Talking HR’s website spells its message out loud and clear. The hazard sign top and centre bears the legend ‘No Jargon!’

And for the last 15 years, this Luton-based HR specialist has been flying the flag for plain talking and simplicity across clients ranging in size from a handful of employees to 200, in industries as diverse as construction (a key focus), medicine, dentistry, accountancy, and many others.

Read More

Member Interview: Steve Blythe, Jaltek – Super-Excited About the Awards, and Banging the Drum for Luton!

 

 

We previously caught up with Steve Blythe, at Luton-based electronics manufacturer and Beds Chamber member Jaltek, back in 2022. So when we interviewed him again last month he had much to report – and the company’s platinum sponsorship of the forthcoming SME Bedfordshire Business Awards was high on the list!

Read More

Beds Chamber Members to Meet the Bank of England – and You Can Be There

Have you heard of the Bank of England’s Chief Economist, Huw Pill?

Would you like to meet him, and ask him some searching questions about monetary policy, inflation, interest rates, and all the other factors that impact on your business? Well, you can.

Read More

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