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Welcome to Bedford
The M1 and A1 both run through
the area, as do two major rail routes
linking London, cities in the North
and several international airports.
For international travel, London
Luton Airport is within a short
drive or rail journey from the
area and London Stansted can
be reached within the hour.
Both airports offer an extensive
range of European destinations.
With ambitious growth targets
for the area, several significant
improvements have recently
taken place. These include the
dualling of the A421 link road
between the A1 and the M1 and
the completion of the Western
Bypass, which is enhancing the
benefits already afforded by the
A421 bypass. With the Eurostar
station at St Pancras, travel by
rail from the area to Paris or
Brussels can be done in just
over 3 hours!
An Enviable
Business Heritage…
Bedford is proud of its rich
history as a centre of industry
and innovation. During the 19th
century, the area became the
heart of brickmaking in the UK
and the River Great Ouse was a
major route for trade and travel.
In the 20th century, the area
built a reputation for innovative
engineering.
As well as pioneering new
techniques for diesel and aero
engines, the area produced
components for prestige projects
such as the Titanic. The famous
R100 and R101 airships were
also built at Cardington and
this reputation for innovation
and technology in the area
continues today.
A Dynamic Business
Community…
Today, the area has a diverse
and vibrant business community.
Important existing and emerging
sectors include electronics,
research & development,
automotive, logistics and
business services, with a
significant manufacturing
base also growing.
High profile companies in the
area include Unilever, 3M,
Autoglass and Fujifilm. The
business environment is highly
competitive and there are ample
opportunities for entrepreneurs
to network, share ideas, access
support, and make their voice
heard. The area is seen as a
first class business location and
rapidly emerging market, which
is reflected in business optimism
and sustained investment in
the area.
Location
Bedford Borough is located
around 50 miles north of London.
The area has a population of
166,300 (mid-year estimate
2015) and covers approximately
117,723 acres. Bedford and
Kempston are the main urban
areas whilst much of the area
has a pleasant rural feel, with
rural parishes that help make the
area so appealing for both living
and working.
Infrastructure
One of the area’s major
advantages is the combination
of its central location and
excellent connectivity to the
rest of the UK and the world.