Emerging Opportunities and Developments for St Neots Businesses (2025)

13 Apr Emerging Opportunities and Developments for St Neots Businesses (2025)

This document highlights the major regional initiatives shaping Huntingdonshire’s economic landscape, including new developments such as a Universal Studios theme park near Bedford, significant transport infrastructure projects, and updated local plans. The aim is to help business owners in St Neots understand the key opportunities, anticipate upcoming changes, and strategically position themselves for future success.

Major Regional Development: Universal Studios near Bedford

Overview
A major multi-billion-pound Universal Studios theme park is proposed for a site just south of Bedford, approximately a 25-minute drive from St Neots. If approved, it would become one of the UK’s largest visitor attractions, creating thousands of jobs and drawing millions of visitors each year. Plans include immersive rides, themed lands, on-site hotels, and retail offerings, making this the first Universal-branded park in the UK.

Implications for St Neots
Spillover benefits for St Neots could be substantial. The influx of tourists and workers may stimulate local hospitality, entertainment, and retail services. With its strategic location along the A428, St Neots is well-placed to provide cost-effective accommodation and amenities for those seeking to avoid higher Bedford rates. Supply chain, partnership, and employment opportunities could also arise in areas like construction, creative services, and events management.

Infrastructure Upgrades and Connectivity

A428 Black Cat to Caxton Gibbet Dualling

One of the UK’s largest road schemes is the transformation of the A428 between the Black Cat roundabout and Caxton Gibbet into a dual carriageway. Expected to be completed by around 2027, this project promises to reduce congestion, improve journey times between the A1 and Cambridge, and provide easier access to St Neots. Faster, more reliable roads will benefit local businesses that rely on shipping and commuting.

East West Rail

East West Rail (EWR) is a major new rail line linking Oxford and Cambridge. Plans include a station near Tempsford, south of St Neots, creating a convenient hub for residents and businesses in the region. Upon completion (potentially in the early 2030s), EWR will provide direct rail connections to Bedford, Milton Keynes, and Oxford. This improved connectivity promises to expand the local labour pool, open fresh markets, and enable easier collaboration with organisations across the corridor.

Oxford–Cambridge Arc

The Oxford–Cambridge Arc initiative aims to stimulate growth along the corridor linking these two renowned university cities. St Neots sits in a prime position within this arc, poised to benefit from high-level support for infrastructure, housing, and innovation. Government recognition of the corridor’s potential ensures continuous investment—boosting prospects for knowledge-intensive businesses, advanced manufacturing, and the local economy overall.

Local Growth and Regeneration Initiatives

Town Centre Improvements and Future High Streets Fund

St Neots has already benefitted from significant regeneration funding. Future High Streets Fund bids have focused on enhancing the Market Square, improving riverside access, and elevating the overall visitor experience. Continued investment in the town centre is designed to attract footfall, encourage leisure visits, and create a thriving retail and hospitality environment.

Potential Business Improvement District (BID)

Considerations to establish a BID in St Neots are still live from the previous Economic Growth Strategy, which would pool resources from local businesses to enhance and market the town centre. BIDs often fund projects such as improved signage, marketing campaigns, festivals, and safety measures. For businesses, a BID provides a unified voice in promoting economic vitality and influencing local decision-making.

Wintringham Development

The ongoing Wintringham site east of St Neots presents additional opportunities for commercial and residential growth. Thousands of new homes will expand the local workforce and customer base. St Neots’ combination of relatively affordable property, scenic surroundings, and strong transport links continues to attract new businesses, with Wintringham serving as a catalyst for further investment.

Business and Skills Support

Advanced Manufacturing and Digital

Huntingdonshire’s historically strong manufacturing base has positioned St Neots as a hub for advanced manufacturing. Local authorities and partner networks—like the St Neots Manufacturing Club—offer guidance on product development, exporting, and grants. Meanwhile, an expanding digital sector benefits from lower property costs and easy access to Cambridge, supporting growth in fields such as software development, gaming, and IT services.

Building a Skilled Workforce

Local stakeholders are prioritising skill development through:

Collaborations with further/higher education providers and apprenticeship schemes.

The introduction of new pathways aligned with advanced manufacturing, digital, and other growth sectors.

Networking events and talent programmes that connect local learners with businesses.

Investment in upskilling local residents aims to ensure a steady pipeline of qualified candidates for businesses. For employers, engaging with skills initiatives can mean simpler recruitment, apprenticeships, and internal training programmes.

Networking, Innovation, and Knowledge-Sharing

Cambridgeshire and Peterborough’s networks—combined with local clubs—are especially beneficial for smaller enterprises. Businesses in St Neots can access specialist support, share best practices, and collaborate on innovation-led projects. These efforts are further amplified by council-led digital platforms intended to connect entrepreneurs with universities, funding bodies, and each other.

Practical Takeaways for Business Leaders

1. Track Universal Studios Developments – Engage with local councils and industry forums to discover potential partnerships, supply chain roles, or visitor-facing business opportunities.

2. Maximise Infrastructure Upgrades – Keep informed on the A428 and East West Rail construction timelines, as quicker, more reliable transport links can broaden markets and labour pools.

3. Leverage Regeneration and BID Projects – Take advantage of marketing initiatives, local events, and joint promotion schemes arising from town centre investments.

4. Pursue Collaboration and Networking – Explore membership in the St Neots Initiative or other local networks. Collaborative forums often help businesses share resources, navigate grants, and address common industry issues.

5. Stay Ahead on Skills – Consider partnering with colleges, apprenticeships, or the Combined Authority’s Talent Hub to ensure that your workforce remains trained, adaptable, and capable of supporting new ventures.

Conclusion

St Neots is poised for considerable growth over the next few years, propelled by both local developments and larger regional projects. New transport links, major investment, and the draw of a global theme park can create unprecedented opportunities for businesses. By engaging actively with upcoming projects, strengthening local networks, and staying adaptable, St Neots companies can remain at the forefront of Huntingdonshire’s expanding economy.

Sources

Huntingdonshire Economic Growth Plan 2020–2025

Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority announcements and local authority updates

St Neots Initiative and Business Network communications

UK Government updates on proposed Universal Studios theme park (Bedfordshire) and East West Rail developments

Transport infrastructure updates from National Highways and East West Rail project teams