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

When I meet business owners, I love hearing how they’ve built their business up and what their plans are for the future. One of the questions I always ask them is have they future proofed their business at which point many of them look at me quite quizzically.

In any business, cash flow is king, and in smaller businesses, cash flow issues can cause particularly severe impacts.

A recent survey from the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) found that over half of respondents who sought additional finance for their business said cash flow was the main reason.

But the good news is you can manage cash flow better – and so improve it – by adopting just five key habits.

Both country and county were on tenterhooks on 4^th 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.

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.

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.

As the nation held its breath for the outcome of the General Election on 4^th 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?

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.

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.

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 4^th July Government, of whatever hue, to deliver against.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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!

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.

Currently celebrating its 40^th 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’.

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.

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.