Inspiration - we live in thriving communities

There are a number of places within the UK and beyond that might inform how we more opportunities for our residents to work locally in the jobs right for them.

Here are just some of the places and ideas that might help us define approaches that are right for Central Bedfordshire.

Live work balance - The Impact Hub

Innovations in technology over the past two decades have led to a notable increase in flexible working practices, and providing suitable workspaces have been a key part in this transition. The Impact Hub is one of the world’s largest community of flexible workers, with 16,000+ members in over 100 locations across the globe. It specialises in leasing flexible space to entrepreneurs, and the spaces are designed to encourage a vibrant community where residents are able to collaborate and share ideas.

Supporting local skills – ERIC Fest

ERIC Fest is a revolutionary new careers advice company that seeks to help young people get i to digital and creative industries. The company, which hosts 3-4 large-scale events each year, moves away from the traditional careers fair format where attendees move around a series of stalls, and instead delivers experimental shows, immersive theatre events and live Q&A sessions designed to equip young people with the skills and information they need to make their way in the industry. ERIC Fest also creates helpful digital content for its users to access online at their own leisure, and all events and content are accessible free of charge.

Creating affordable space – Folkestone Creative Trust

The Folkestone Creative Foundation was set up in 2002, as an arts charity dedicated to the regeneration of the historic core of Folkestone Old Town through cultural activity. The Trust purchased and refurbished a number of run- down properties, which are rented out on 125 year peppercorn leases to artists, craft workers and other small businesses, including cafés and restaurants. The growth in arts-related businesses, cafés and restaurants has added significantly to the culture and identity of the place and attracted an increasing number of visitors.

Innovation Growth Lab

Despite the importance of innovation and high-growth entrepreneurship in stimulating economic growth, there is currently little evidence on how best to support entrepreneurs and innovators in the UK. The Innovation Growth Lab, set up by a National Lottery-funded foundation, trials new instruments for supporting entrepreneurship and evaluates them rigorously to produce evidence- based recommendations. The research helps to solve problems commonly encountered by entrepreneurs and early innovators, in turn supporting them to solve the world’s most pressing issues and boost the UK economy.

London Co-investment Fund

The London Co-investment Fund provides early stage equity funding for London SMEs as part of a portfolio of investments. The scheme, which is delivered by Funding London and Capital Enterprise, was established by the London Economic Action Partnership (LEAP) and is supported by the Mayor of London. The Fund co-invests in seed rounds between £250,000-£1,000,000, led by selected co-investment partners. Beginning in May 2019, the fund has already supported investments in a range of sectors and seeks to achieve commercial viability with positive economic or social outcomes.

Sheffield University Partnerships and Regional Management

The University of Sheffield has a long history of civic engagement in Sheffield, and is actively engaged in shaping a culturally and economically vibrant city. Founded in 1904 using donations from the working people of Sheffield, the University continues to work with organisations to help shape the regional economy and boost the city’s arts and heritage destinations. The University’s Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District works closely with local manufacturers, while the School of Architecture engages in several live community projects.