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

Fresh thinking. Real connections. The next generation of Bedfordshire business starts here.

We’ve been listening. Across events and in countless conversations with members, one message has come through loud and clear: our region’s emerging talent is looking for something different. Networking that’s modern, relaxed, and where early-career professionals can make real connections without the pressure of traditional formats.

That’s why we’re proud to launch The NXTGen Network – a brand-new, vibrant community for young professionals in Bedfordshire and beyond to connect, learn, and grow together.

What is NXTGen?

Bedfordshire is entering an exciting decade of investment, transformation, and opportunity. From infrastructure projects to fast-growing sectors like technology, logistics, and hospitality, our business landscape is changing fast.

We want to make sure our county’s young professionals and ready to seize those opportunities and NXTGen will enable them to do exactly that. It is built on three core values: expanding your network, personal growth and fun.

Who can join?

NXTGen is designed for young professionals aged 18–35. Whether you’re starting out or are already well-established in your career, NXTGen is the place for you to:

• Build meaningful, local connections.
• Gain new skills and confidence.
• Share ideas and experiences with peers who understand your stage of the journey.

It’s also a great fit if you’ve found traditional networking intimidating. This is a welcoming environment where you can be yourself, meet people at a similar stage in their careers, and leave with useful contacts and fresh perspectives.

There’s no pressure - just conversations that can genuinely help you grow.

The NXTGen launch event

We’re kicking things off on Thursday 21st August at the D’Parys Hotel in Bedford with an informal evening of great food, free drinks, and plenty of time to meet like-minded people in a relaxed setting.

This event sets the tone for what NXTGen is all about – a friendly atmosphere, inspiring conversations, positive energy and the start of something special.

Backing the Next Generation

A huge thank you to our Strategic Partner, Aegis Support Services, for helping bring this initiative to life. Their support means we can launch NXTGen with real momentum and deliver an engaging calendar of events from social meetups to skill-building sessions.

What’s next

Following the launch, we will be hosting a series of NXTGen networking events alongside development-focused sessions tailored to our next generation of leaders. These will cover everything from confidence-building and personal branding to practical “how-to” topics suggested by attendees. themselves.

If you’ve got a suggestion for a speaker or theme, we want to hear it. This network will be led by the people it has been created for, the next generation.

Get Involved

To book your place at the launch and stay up to date with NXTGen and all upcoming events, please email scott.devine@chamber-business.com or kiahna.mitchell@chamber-business.com

Make sure you keep on eye on LinkedIn and the Chamber website too for all the latest news.

Bedfordshire is brimming with emerging talent and The NXTGen Network is where that talent connects, grows, and takes its place in shaping our county’s future.