Your Business Expo Bedford will shine a spotlight on the multi-billion-pound Universal Studios development when it returns this autumn, placing one of the UK’s most significant investment projects centre stage for local firms.

The Bedfordshire business expo takes place on Thursday 9 October 2025 at Bedford International Athletic Stadium, with more than 70 exhibitors and hundreds of visitors expected. Supported by Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce, the event will focus heavily on what the Universal Studios Bedford project means for the regional economy.

Preparing local firms for opportunity

Justin Richardson, chief executive of Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce, will lead a dedicated seminar titled Universal Studios Bedford: What It Means for Local Business and How to Be Ready. He will outline the latest developments and explain how companies can position themselves for supply chain and procurement opportunities.

Justin said: “Universal’s investment represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Bedfordshire. Thousands of jobs will be created and the scale of procurement will be significant. However, businesses must start preparing now if they want to secure contracts.”

He will be joined by Kirsty Maynard of THSP, who will share five practical steps to help businesses become tender ready. The session aims to give firms a clear roadmap for competing for contracts linked to the Universal Studios project.

Full expo programme

Alongside the headline seminar, the expo will include:

Breakfast Networking from 8.30am to 10am

Exhibition hall open 10am to 3pm with 70+ stands

Free seminars and workshops running throughout the day

Kerry Lewis Stevenson, organiser of Your Business Expo, said the scale of the Universal Studios development has added fresh momentum to this year’s event.

She said: “This is our third Bedfordshire expo and the conversation around Universal Studios is driving huge interest. We want to make sure local businesses understand the opportunities ahead and have the right contacts and knowledge to take advantage.”

Visitor entry is free, and exhibition stands and sponsorship packages remain available for organisations seeking greater visibility within the Bedfordshire business community.

Headline sponsors include Qoob and Business MK, with additional support from Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce, Dragon Information Systems, Yellowyoyo, OCM Wealth Management and 3RS IT Solutions.

Event details

Your Business Expo Bedford
Date: Thursday 9 October 2025
Venue: Bedford International Athletic Stadium, Barkers Lane, Bedford, MK41 9SB
Exhibition: 10am – 3pm

Breakfast Networking tickets and free visitor registration are available via the official event booking pages.