One of the most important roles of a Chamber of Commerce is connecting businesses with the organisations that help them succeed.
At Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce, we see every day how businesses benefit from access to skills, infrastructure, advice and opportunity. No single organisation can provide all of that alone, which is why partnerships are so important.
That is why we have built strong, strategic partnerships with four organisations that play a vital role in supporting the region’s economic growth: London Luton Airport, The Bedford College Group, Wenta and the Aegis Group of Companies.
Each partner represents a different part of the business ecosystem. Together they help ensure Bedfordshire businesses have access to the infrastructure, talent and support they need to grow.
Driving regional growth and opportunity
London Luton Airport is one of Bedfordshire’s most important economic assets. As a major international gateway, it connects the region to more than 130 destinations and supports thousands of jobs across the local economy.
The airport handled around 17.5 million passengers last year, directly employs around 1,000 people, and the wider airport campus and supply chain support approximately 28,000 jobs.
A significant proportion of the airport’s supply chain spending is directed towards companies within the region, helping ensure economic activity generated by the airport benefits local businesses.
Neil Bradford, Head of Marketing at London Luton Airport, said: “We know how important the airport is to the regional economy, not just through the jobs we create directly but through the opportunities we generate for local businesses. A strong and dependable local supply chain makes a real difference to us, which is why our partnership with the Chamber is so valuable.”
Looking ahead, the airport’s expansion plans to increase capacity from 19 million passengers to 32 million by 2043 are expected to create 11,000 new jobs and generate £1.8 billion annually for the UK economy.
Strengthening the regional skills pipeline
Alongside infrastructure and investment, businesses consistently highlight skills and talent as one of their biggest challenges.
Our strategic partnership with The Bedford College Group helps address this by strengthening the connection between education and industry.
The group serves approximately 19,000 students across eight colleges in Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire, offering a wide range of technical, vocational and academic pathways. From apprenticeships and T Levels to adult education and degree-level study, it plays a central role in developing the region’s future workforce.
Through the partnership, businesses can engage more closely with education providers, helping shape curriculum development, offering placements and internships, and contributing to projects that prepare students for real-world careers.
Yiannis Koursis OBE, CEO of The Bedford College Group, said: “Partnering with the Chamber enables us to deliver real value to students, the community and regional businesses. It allows us to tailor education and training solutions to meet employers’ needs and address the skills shortages businesses are experiencing.”
For employers, this creates stronger recruitment pipelines. For students, it provides clearer pathways into employment and valuable exposure to the world of work.
Supporting start-ups and growing businesses
Entrepreneurship is another essential part of a thriving local economy. New businesses bring innovation, create jobs and strengthen the diversity of the business community.
Our strategic partnership with Wenta helps ensure entrepreneurs and small businesses across Bedfordshire can access the advice and support they need.
For more than 40 years, Wenta has helped people start and grow businesses through practical advice, training and mentoring. As one of the UK’s largest not-for-profit enterprise agencies, it has supported thousands of entrepreneurs and small businesses.
Through our partnership, Wenta has a business advisor based weekly at Hart House Business Centre in Luton, providing free one-to-one support on areas such as business planning, cash flow management, sales and marketing.
Ed Jordan, CEO of Wenta, said: “We have always believed that business support should be easy to access and built around people’s real needs. This strategic partnership helps more Bedfordshire residents and businesses become aware of the support available and access the advice they need to succeed.”
By working together, we are creating a more joined-up support network for entrepreneurs across the county to easily access the support they need to build sustainable businesses.
Supporting business growth and collaboration
Strategic partnerships are not only about institutions; they also involve working closely with businesses that play an active role in strengthening the regional economy.
The Aegis Group of Companies became a strategic partner following its long-standing involvement with the Chamber and its commitment to supporting the wider business community.
Originally established as a security and facilities management provider, Aegis has grown into a diverse group of companies operating across sectors including property, technology, events, retail and
training. The group now includes ten businesses and is expanding internationally, with operations launching in Dubai and plans for further growth in India and Morocco.
Through its strategic partnership with the Chamber, Aegis will help support business engagement across the network, share insight and contribute to initiatives that connect and strengthen Bedfordshire’s business community.
Karen Younes, Marketing & Events Executive at Aegis, said: “Our relationship with Bedfordshire Chamber has always been about building strong connections within the local business community. Becoming a strategic partner allows us to play a more active role in supporting that network and helping create opportunities for businesses across the region.”
Stronger together
Each of our strategic partners contributes something unique to Bedfordshire’s economic landscape.
London Luton Airport provides the infrastructure and connectivity that drives growth. The Bedford College Group develops the skills and talent businesses need. Wenta supports entrepreneurs and small businesses at the earliest stages of their journey. Aegis demonstrates how ambitious Bedfordshire companies can grow locally while competing globally.
Together, they form part of a wider network that strengthens the region’s business community.
By working collaboratively, Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce and its strategic partners are helping ensure the county remains a place where businesses can start, grow and succeed.
By Justin Richardson, CEO at Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce
For further information about becoming a Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce member, call the team on 01582 522448, or visit their website.
