Bedford Borough
A diverse knowledge economy location with space for growth, connectivity and cost advantages
- Research and technology-focused industry clusters: advanced engineering, life sciences, aerospace, security and defence, food and drink, agri-tech, and smart logistics.
- A highly skilled, cost-competitive workforce with a high percentage of graduates, supported by high-performing schools, colleges and universities.
- A range of available sites and properties: flexible and incubation space; office, industrial and logistics units; science parks; and emerging, large-scale development sites.
- Major recent investments include Home of Production (1.5m sq. ft of state-of-the-art film studios) and Fujifilm’s strategic UK HQ (imaging, healthcare and pharmaceuticals).
- Connectivity benefits include easy access to regional knowledge hubs, fast rail services to London, and excellent north-south and east-west road links.
Sources include: Bedford BC; Fujifilm UK; Home of Production
Central Bedfordshire
A technology and innovation hub with affordable space for expanding businesses
- Home to a high-technology cluster underpinned by world-class engineering, digital and supply chain expertise at Cranfield University and Cranfield Technology Park.
- Key sector strengths include high-performance technologies (aerospace and advanced automotive); digital tech; smart logistics; and the visitor economy.
- A highly skilled knowledge economy workforce with a high percentage of graduates and cost advantages versus nearby tech hub locations.
- An extensive portfolio of cost-effective sites and properties, including flexible and incubation space, technology parks, and strategic development sites.
- Key assets include Nissan Technical Centre Europe (NTCE); Millbrook Technology Park (automotive technologies); and Cranfield Aerospace Solutions (clean aviation).
Sources include: BeCentralBedfordshire; cranfield.ac.uk; nissan-global.com; utac.com
Luton Borough
An internationally connected and cost-effective knowledge economy growth hub
- A key air transport hub within the South East and South Midlands knowledge economies, with a track record of attracting multinational and start-up investors.
- Key industry clusters include airport & aviation; advanced manufacturing & engineering; creative & digital; technology; construction; green logistics; and professional services.
- A highly skilled labour catchment and a young, diverse workforce, supported by universities and colleges delivering vocational skills and qualifications.
- Property solutions include new development sites for advanced technology and logistics businesses; town centre regeneration properties; and new urban developments.
- Connectivity benefits include international air links and network expansion at Luton Airport; direct M1 access for UK market access; and fast rail and road connections to London.
Sources include: Step Forward Luton Investment Prospectus
Milton Keynes
The UK’s Smart City, with a thriving, diverse tech economy and space for business expansion
- Home to a large, high-productivity tech economy and workforce, encompassing digital; advanced engineering; life sciences; and financial, business and professional services.
- A world-leader in Smart City innovation – applying advanced technologies and strategies to urban challenges including mobility, health and sustainability.
- Key knowledge assets include the Connected Places Catapult; UK Biocentre; the Red Bull Technology Campus; Santander’s UK technology hub; and the Open University.
- The only UK city designed from its inception with business growth in mind – with ambitious plans for large-scale developments to accommodate expanding companies.
- Connectivity benefits include fast London rail services; direct M1 access; a direct Oxford rail service from 2025; and a private, 5G R&D mobile network.
Sources include: Invest Milton Keynes; MK:Smart; UK Biocentre
North Northamptonshire
A cost-competitive, connected growth location at the heart of the regional knowledge economy
- A strategic location within the Oxford-Cambridge region knowledge economy and central England’s logistics hub, with cost-competitive space for business expansion.
- Key sector strengths include high-performance technologies (including motorsport); renewable and low carbon energy; logistics; manufacturing; life sciences; and visitor economy.
- A large and varied portfolio of affordable, available properties and development land, supported by critical infrastructure.
- A test bed for clean growth technological innovation and renewable power generation, with key assets including Chelveston Renewable Energy Innovation Park.
- Excellent east-west and north-south road connectivity, via the A14 and M1/A1, to UK population centres, airports and East Coast ports.
Sources include: North Northamptonshire Economic Prospectus, 2020
West Northamptonshire
A strategic growth location with technology, connectivity and cost advantages for businesses
- A strategic location for cost-competitive business expansion, with outstanding capabilities in areas including advanced automotive technologies and multimodal logistics.
- Key sector strengths include advanced engineering and manufacturing; motorsport and automotive; logistics; food and drink; the green economy; and visitor economy.
- A diverse portfolio of cost-effective properties and sites including rail-connected M1 sites; office, logistics & industrial properties; and development sites around standout market towns.
- A leading centre for advanced engineering, automotive and motorsport R&D and innovation, with key assets including Silverstone Park (technology and advanced engineering campus).
- At the heart of England’s ‘golden triangle’ central logistics hub, with fast road and rail freight connections to regional technology clusters, UK population centres and East Coast ports.
Sources include: Invest West Northants; Silverstone Park
