Anchor institutions are large or intrinsically important local organisations that employ people, often spend substantial amounts of money, own and/or manage land and assets and often deliver crucial activities which impact healthcare, education, economic growth or public services. These organisations usually have a long history in their area, are unlikely to move and are connected and pivotal to the success and wellbeing of local people, economies and communities.
Typically, this has been framed as a public sector arena, bringing in bodies such as local authorities, universities and hospitals. Yet, private sector businesses can also act as anchor organisations, particularly larger businesses with local headquarters or a strong presence and embedded relationship with a place, and which can bring about a substantial positive impact through their scale and/or influence. Luton has a long history of industrial and commercial achievement, with aviation, advanced engineering, retail and creative industries intrinsically linked to the area.
