Getting Building Fund millions

Funding has been announced for  infrastructure projects designed to stimulate jobs and support economic recovery across the county.

The South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership (SEMLEP), which covers Bedfordshire, Milton Keynes and Northamptonshire, has been allocated £27.3million of the pot – more than £15.1 million of which has been allocated to fund six projects in Bedfordshire.

Hilary Chipping, SEMLEP Chief Executive, said:

We are delighted to have secured more than £27m from government to support the economic recovery from COVID-19 in this area.  These projects will support key priorities including skills for young people, the green recovery and innovation, which all generate jobs.

“Last July we published our Local Industrial Strategy, laying out the priorities and interventions we needed to invest in to realise innovation, further improve connectivity and achieve sustainable growth. These Getting Building Fund projects meet these priorities and the needs of the local economy as we strive to recover economically from this pandemic.”

All the projects are due to start in December and be completed by early 2022.

Artificial Intelligence maths and English Learning Platform, Bedford, awarded £440,000:

This grant will fund a new learning platform which has been designed to improve the achievement rate of learners undertaking maths and English qualifications, improve the digital skills and improve teacher efficiency and wellbeing.

Ian Pryce added: “Our AI maths and English Learning software will secure our prime position as the college which promotes cutting edge technology education for the region.”

To see more about COVID-19 recovery in Bedfordshire, Milton Keynes and Northamptonshire click here.