An early Friday morning meeting organised by Networking at Dunstable saw the Town Mayor of Dunstable Liz Jones address local businesses and update them on the improvements in the town and why it is attracting more new businesses.
Soon we will see some of the empty units in the White Lion Retail Park occupied by Brantano, Sports Direct, Next and once the final points have been agreed M&S Simply Food. With the recent announcement that Amazon are opening a distribution centre (Amazon to open in Dunstable) this is all very positive and exciting news. A number of the smaller empty units in the shopping centre and some of the empty shops in the town are also seeing work being carried out as businesses move in.
Recent events such as Dunstable Rocks have been attracting visitors from outside the town and local businesses that used the opportunity to have a stall raised their profile ad increased their business,
The new Central Bedfordshire College Kingsway Campus is due to open and is looking very impressive. The improved facilities of the College has been attracting students from as far afield as Bedford and even students attracted to the town add to the footfall and spend money in the local shops.
Once the new junction 11a of the M1 is completed and the lorries no longer have to travel through Dunstable, there are plans to improve the crossings at the main junction to help pedestrians crossing from one side to the other.
The Town Mayor also asked for suggestions for future events and suggestions are welcome from all businesses and residents to help raise the profile of the town and attract more people. One suggestion was an outdoor cinema in the summer.
There was definitely an upbeat feeling within the meeting from the local businesses who all believe that Dunstable is beginning to prove an attractive location for businesses and for people to live.
If you are a local business and wish to attend the next Networking at Dunstable meeting it is on Friday 6th November at the HQ Bar next to the Grove Theatre from 7am-9am. Cost is £15 and includes a full English Breakfast. Email katey@yourmarketingneeds.co.uk for more information
