Posts Tagged ‘economy’
Boosting apprenticeships for young people and small businesses in Bedford & Kempston
Posted by admin | Filed under Bedford & Kempston, Business, Economy, Education, Universities & Skills
New data shows that 600 Apprenticeships have been delivered in Bedford & Kempston in the last year, up 70% on the previous year.
Richard, who recently visited Ultra Precision Engineering in Kempston, where they have just taken on two new apprentices from the Bedford Training Group, said that the record rise in apprenticeship numbers shows commitment to helping employers train the skilled workers they need to build a stronger, growing economy. He added that companies like Ultra Precision Engineering are providing a vital role in skills development.
He was also delighted with the Government’s announcement that it will offer cash bonuses to employers for taking on an apprentice aged between 16 and 24 and urges companies in Bedford and Kempston to take up this opportunity.
For more information on apprenticeships, please visit this link.
Local business leaders join MP to launch Bedford Business Fund and Mentoring Scheme
Posted by admin | Filed under Bedford & Kempston, Business, Economy, Universities & Skills
A new, local initiative aimed at invigorating the economic recovery by investing in a new generation of start up and early stage businesses is planned for Bedford. One hundred local business leaders from Bedford attended the launch by MP, Richard Fuller at the University of Bedfordshire.
The proposed Fund, which will be advised by local business leaders and managed by South East Fund Managers Limited, an FSA regulated entity, will seek to raise an initial fund of £500,000 in units of £10,000.
This will be boosted by co-investment from Finance South East and national government schemes, with a potential total of £2 million. Investments will be made on a purely commercial basis, with the goal of maximizing financial returns to investors.
