South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership
We are an active member of the South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership (SEMLEP), which brings together businesses, universities and colleges, community groups, social enterprises and local government to support economic growth across the region.
Use SEMLEP's labour market information to make crucial decisions for your business.
Providing free business support, the Growth Hub helps local businesses to identify and connect with the right guidance and funding to maximise potential and overcome challenges.
Semlep’s Growth Hub run business skills workshops, webinars, information and networking events throughout the year to equip ambitious businesses to grow successfully. You can also find local events organised by partners and local business support organisations.
Economic prospectus
On 5 October 2020, the Arc Leadership published the Arc's Economic Prospectus. This sets out a joint vision for the Arc, shared ambitions and investment propositions that will enable the Arc to fulfil its true potential to deliver transformational economic growth that will benefit the whole of the UK.
The Local Industrial Strategy looks at the successes and strengths of our area and identifies priorities and interventions to realise innovation, further improve connectivity and, achieve growth that is sustainable, inclusive and makes a positive impact on our environment.
University of Bedfordshire
The University of Bedfordshire is committed to making a significant social and economic contribution to the local and national economy. They are aware of challenges faced by businesses and entrepreneurs; and have a range of academic resources and expertise to help you thrive through a range of programmes that include professional consultancy, funding opportunities, work experience placements and targeted training sessions.
KTPs are a long standing government funded scheme, designed to link our world-class academics with forward thinking companies for specific industry collaborations, to deliver strategic innovation projects within the UK.
Research and Knowledge Exchange understands the key challenges faced by businesses and entrepreneurs; and use our academic resources and expertise to help you thrive through a range of programmes that include professional consultancy, funding opportunities, work experience placements and targeted training sessions. For more information, please contact ris@beds.ac.uk or visit the University of Bedfordshire Research and Innovation website.
Cranfield University
Cranfield University offers businesses and entrepreneurs and range of opportunities to establish and grow in a science and technology environment. They provide the perfect setting for new company, with advanced technology and management expertise right on your doorstep. Being in a hub of innovation on their campus will be invaluable for your business, both in its formative stages and during growth.
Pre-start up advice and mentoring in conjunction with our world-leading School of Management, and the Bettany Centre for Entrepreneurship
AVIATE+, Cranfield University has been designated as a University Enterprise Zone and has been awarded £1.2 million from Research England to help to create a UK Aviation Innovation and Technology Entrepreneurship cluster.
Cranfield Eagle Lab, an exciting collaboration between Barclays and Cranfield University, is an innovation Lab specialising in aviation technology. It offers a co-working space for ambitious entrepreneurs to scale and grow their businesses.
Larger or more established businesses can choose from flexible options on our Cranfield University Technology Park such as office space in the supportive Innovation Centre or self-contained units.