We understand that COVID-19 has brought unprecedented challenges to many business sectors and over the past year we have been supporting businesses to navigate the information and support available to them.

Alongside COVID-19 recovery planning, we have continued to work on important projects such as improving broadband speed and connectivity in our area, running online workshops for businesses in relation to international trade and investing in our towns to make enhancements.

To deliver the Central Bedfordshire Vision 2050 ambitions, we have also developed and adopted an Economic Strategy which sets out six key themes:

• Creating sustainable places for the future
• Investing in Infrastructure
• Making strategic relationships work for Central Bedfordshire
• Embedding our Council in the Local Economy
• Supporting our Businesses
• Skills for the future

In 2020/2021, we have been supporting businesses by providing:

• 108 businesses received a 1-year free membership with Federation of Small Business
• 113 Business delegates attended free international trade workshops
• £80 Million business grants paid out to businesses impacted by Covid-19
• 900 businesses with Covid-19 business advice & information
• Social distancing measures in place for towns through Reopening High Streets Safely Fund
• 2000 businesses advised on reopening safely
• Supported Covid-19 workplace outbreaks and interventions
• 800 Food safety hygiene visits