Luton Borough Council

25/03/2025 - Anchor organisations helping to deliver Luton’s 2040 vision

Local organisations showed their support last week (19 March) by signing up to be part of a framework to help increase wealth and well-being to Luton.

The Luton Anchors’ Framework has been developed to help key local organisations work together to drive local business best practice and create social benefit. Organisations that qualify are ones that contribute greatly to the local economy. They may have a long history in the area and are important to the success and wellbeing of local people and the economy.

By signing the Framework agreement, they will make a pledge to demonstrate their commitment to local employment, business growth, skills, incomes, and health and wellbeing. This will help communities thrive and become places where people want to live, and businesses want to invest, whilst helping set people on a path to long term success.

Councillor James Taylor, Portfolio Holder for Regeneration and Inclusive Growth at Luton Council, said: “We are delighted that some of Luton’s most influential organisations are signing up to be part of the Anchors’ Framework and so contributing to us achieving our shared goal of making Luton a thriving community.

“These Anchor organisations are central to delivering Luton’s 2040 vision by demonstrating they are supporting their staff and the local community through good practice. Good quality workplaces for Luton residents are key to making Luton a healthy, fair and sustainable town where everyone can thrive”.

Professor Andrew Church, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Research and Innovation) at the University of Bedfordshire, said: “The University is proud to be a signatory of the Anchors’ Framework for Luton, reinforcing our commitment as a major employer in the town centre and a leader in sustainability. As the top-ranked university in the People & Planet University Green League, we play a vital role in driving progress towards net zero and a greener future for our community”.

The first set of organisations that signed the Framework on 19 March are;

- University of Bedfordshire

- Luton Sixth Form College

- Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce

- Active Luton

- Luton Council

There are lots of ways in which anchors institutions can make a difference, for example with their policies on recruitment, pay and conditions, progression and health. Also, through procurement of goods and services – which can be designed to support opportunities for other local businesses and bring community benefits.

The next set of local organisations will be officially signing up to the framework during spring.

To find out more, visit the Step Forward Luton website or email [email protected].