Over Christmas and the New Year: 12 independent businesses opened in new premises in the Business Improvement District (BID) zone of Bedford town centre. They bring to 60 the total of start-ups and “moving up” businesses unveiled in Bedford in the last 12 months.

BedfordBID Director Christina Rowe said: “This is proof positive that Bedford is open for business and entrepreneurs are coming to our town to set up shop.”

Among the newest names is The Flute wine bar in Ram Yard, Harko, Chinese restaurant in Lime Street and Thali & Tandoor, Indian restaurant in Castle Lane.

Expanding businesses included Limes who moved between Christmas and New Year to bigger premises at the bottom of the Victorian arcade.

“Another good sign is that fewer businesses have closed in the last 12 months in the BID zone. The churn, particularly of independents, is something common in town centres – one opens, one closes. But only 36 businesses have vacated premises – and as we can see that is sometimes to move up.

“These are not pop-up shops or here today, gone tomorrow Christmas shops, they are committed entrepreneurs who want to be in business in Bedford.”

BedfordBID is an organisation through which 575 business pay a levy to support the promotion and marketing environment of a major part of the town centre. Run by businesses for businesses, the BID attracts customers into the town centre, manages projects like the customer service survey and helps make sure the area is safe and welcoming, night and day.

Bedford was a BID pilot back in 2005, now the Coalition Government has stated they are the way ahead for town centres.