Residents, not just politicians and developers, should decide how our county grows, connects, and thrives for generations to come.
Future Bedfordshire Collective brings people together, links communities with experts, and turns small acts of care into meaningful change.
Because the answers we need already live within our communities.
With major development on the horizon, the time to act is now.
We're building a resident-led 100-year vision for an ambitiously green, connected and independent Bedfordshire, and we want you to help shape it.
The future of Bedfordshire,
shaped by the people who live here.
Meet the team
Carly
I was born in Kent, grew up in Essex, and somehow Bedford got me twice. I came for a training course, met my husband, and nine years ago we moved back from Newcastle with our three boys. I work in communications, design and events, and I've spent 20 years running campaigns, organising festivals and designing brands for health, charity and arts organisations. I believe creativity is one of the most powerful tools we have to create change. I love Bedfordshire's indie spirit and I'm here to help build a movement that makes its future a brighter one.
Gabbie
I've owned a local business here in Bedfordshire, and felt the magic of community in this place. Over the years, I have focussed on communicating amazing thinkers’ great ideas to help make our world better. Right now I work for a think tank and impact consultancy and much of our work looks at how best to support our neighbourhoods and communities, and I'm very excited about what I'm seeing. I started FBC because there are too many things I want to do, and the idea of doing good for my home alongside my friends and family felt like something that just couldn't wait.
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Matt
I moved to Bedford at 10. I went to school here, my wife and kids call it home, and I love our green walk to school, our river, and our local businesses. I've worked as a builder, studied environmental management, worked across charities and local government developing green spaces, and I'm currently setting up a Bedfordshire-wide community energy group. I care deeply about bettering the lives of people and places. Universal is coming with their 100-year plan. I want us to build our own, one that protects everything that makes Bedfordshire special.
Simon
I first visited Bedford in 2005 and that's when I met my wife Carly. I returned in 2017 and haven't looked back. I've spent over 20 years running charity services in housing, education and employment, I work in grantmaking, and I'm currently doing a PhD in Social Policy looking at how government can better serve everyone. I studied zoology and I love that if we care well for the natural world, we get to enjoy it more. I believe the people who live here should decide what happens here.