Invest in your business to grow and thrive

Find out about the latest business news from the Business & Investment Team at Central Bedfordshire Council

Achieve your business goals with fully funded programmes at Cranfield University

Whether you’re looking to grow your business or reduce your carbon footprint, the Bettany Centre at Cranfield University has fully funded programmes that will support you to review your current strategy and help to identify the steps needed for success.

Climate Action Planning

This 2-day programme will enable you to understand the environmental impact of your business and identify how you can reduce your carbon emissions and leverage this for your advantage.

Ready for Scale

This 12-week programme can help you to transform your business and develop your growth plan.

VentureDay 2024

Hear from world-leading business leaders and entrepreneurial thinkers on the biggest issues facing SMEs at this annual conference.

Register your interest or visit the Cranfield University website for more information.

Workplace Charging infrastructure grant

The Workplace Charging Scheme provides support for organisations towards the cost of installing up to 40 electric vehicle charge point sockets at their sites.

The scheme covers up to 75% of the total costs of the purchase, and installation of EV chargepoints (including VAT), capped at a maximum of £350 per socket.

The grant provides support towards the costs of the purchase, installation and infrastructure of electric vehicle chargepoints at eligible places of work.

Closing date: 31 March 2025.

There are many benefits of recruiting and investing in an apprentice:

• a great way to recruit fresh, new talent

• little to no recruitment or training costs

• you can tailor their on-the-job training to meet your business needs

• high retention rates – they want to stay and progress further with their employer after completing their apprenticeship

Bedfordshire Employment and Skills Academy (BESA) works with local employers to deliver the Level 3 Business Administration apprenticeship over 18 months.

Take advantage of government funding to pay for the apprenticeship training. Currently, 100% of the training cost will be funded for small to medium employers, worth £5,000 for the Level 3 Business Administrator apprenticeship.

Find out more on our Central Bedfordshire Council BESA web pages, or get in touch with our engagement officer, at academy@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk.

Central Bedfordshire is open for business. We look forward to supporting your investments in our area, while creating an excellent environment for businesses to grow, and people to live and work.

Find out more on our Be Central Bedfordshire website.