Forgotten south worry for Cheryl

Cheryl Smart, chief executive of Luton-based Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce, has welcomed an extra £1billion in Regional Growth Funding from Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg and has vowed to promote the county as much as possible.

She said: “It’s really important that Bedfordshire doesn’t become a victim of the ‘forgotten south’

“We are in the middle of the country, have first class transport links to all parts of the UK as well as an international transport hub. Few areas have our advantages but we need investment and an environment that actively promotes business to make the most of them.”

She feels that at the moment that the majority of government funding tends to be directed to the poorer areas of the north. But the area still needs investment to grow.

She added: “We received Regional Growth Fund monies in previous rounds for Luton, with General Motors and Luton Borough Council winning funding. We know how important it is towards ensuring there are jobs and opportunities in the area. Funding such as this really stimulates growth, boosts confidence and shows that the government has confidence in our area.”

Now Bedfordshire Chamber wants to see other parts of Bedfordshire benefit from the funding:

The MBE-holder continued: “Over the coming weeks, the government must go further to improve the business environment, and to encourage companies to invest. As we approach the Budget, ministers must follow through on the delivery of key infrastructure projects, and do everything they can to help companies in all parts of the country build the confidence they need to expand, invest and create jobs.”