Archive for the ‘Business’ Category
More Local Jobs: Attracting Business to Bedford
Posted by Richard | Filed under Bedford & Kempston, Business, Economy
Jim Lawrence, Chief Financial Officer of Unilever PLC, was my guest at the inaugural meeting of Bedford Futures Business Club. Unilever is a major local employer and I toured their Colworth facility learning about Unilever’s new conference centre and their advances in ice cream technology!
Welcoming Jim Lawrence, Chief Financial Officer, Unilever PLC at the Embankment Hotel, Bedford
Jim spoke about Unilever’s recession beating strategies and expressed support for my campaigns to strengthen Bedford as a business location.
Mid-career unemployment is hitting hard in Bedford and Kempston
Posted by Richard | Filed under Business, Economy
The latest dismal unemployment statistics prompted me to research the data on the personal stories that I am hearing on the doorsteps across town. Many of these are from mid-career people who have found themselves out of work and with tough prospects of getting back a job, or getting back started running their own business.
Much of this unemployment would be hidden from the national statistics, because many do not claim Jobseeker’s Allowance, but the statistics tell the story anyway.
Compared to the national average, Bedford & Kempston has a high level of people aged 25-49 seeking work. Perhaps you are one of these people, or maybe one of your family members or friends? If so, or if you care about how we can get people back in to work in our town, please send me your views by taking our survey, available here.
Why has unemployment in Bedford and Kempston risen under Labour in Bedford but not elsewhere?
Posted by Richard | Filed under Business, Economy
When Labour came to office in 1997, the number of people claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance in Bedford and Kempston was the same as the national average – 4.3% of the working population in both case.
Today, whereas the national average is still below that June 1997 figure at 4.1%, the rate in Bedford and Kempston is much higher at 5.3%.
Employment prospects in Bedford and Kempston have suffered under Labour. We have not capitalised on the boom period to attract new employment, promote local businesses or even to shape a coherent, consistent strategy to restore our economic health. As a Bedfordian, and in my heart, I know we can do better.
