Summer Newsletter: Investing in Hertfordshire's Future

I am honoured to take on the role of Chair at a pivotal moment for Hertfordshire as we accelerate our ambition to secure a Mayoral Strategic Authority by 2028. I would like to thank my predecessor, Mayor Peter Taylor, for his leadership and commitment in laying the groundwork for this next phase.

This has been an important and energising period for Hertfordshire, marked by the launch of the county’s new Economic Strategy at Westminster in March. This milestone demonstrated both the strength of our partnerships and our readiness to take the next step in our devolution journey. Our ambition is clear: to grow the economy to £80bn, support up to 800,000 jobs, and deliver 200,000 homes by 2050.

However, we cannot deliver this ambition through existing powers alone. Devolution is essential to unlocking Hertfordshire’s full potential, enabling local decision-making, securing the right investment and aligning national priorities with the needs of our places. We are ready to take on these responsibilities and to work with government to deliver growth more effectively for our communities and businesses.

We have continued to raise Hertfordshire’s national profile through strong engagement with government and industry. From our leadership role in the UK Screen Investment Programme to exploring plans for a Hertfordshire Film and TV Festival, we are creating new opportunities that support growth, innovation, and access to the sector.

Our presence at major events both nationally and internationally has further reinforced Hertfordshire’s position as a leading destination for investment. As we move forward, we remain focused on strengthening our partnerships and ensuring we are ready to deliver growth at scale.

World Class Economy

Hertfordshire has set out its plans to turn the county’s long-term Economic Strategy into action, bringing together leaders from business, education, the public sector and the voluntary sector at last week’s Investing in Hertfordshire’s Future conference. With ambitions to grow the economy to £63 billion by 2036, attract investment, create high-quality jobs and ensure growth benefits all communities, the conference focused on the practical steps needed to make Hertfordshire the UK’s innovation heartland. to read more visit: Investing in Hertfordshire’s Future

Transport for Hertfordshire

Work continues on Hertfordshire’s new Local Transport Plan, setting the vision for the county’s future transport system. Following the Government’s Better Connected transport vision and Local Transport Plan updated guidance, this work has now been accelerated with adoption targeted for early 2027.

We are working closely with local authorities and partners we are shaping a plan that really works for Hertfordshire – making it easier, safer and more suitable for getting around the county. At the same time, we’re building stronger links with national organisations to help unlock funding and support key priorities. This includes working with bodies like Active Travel England, as well as focusing on improving active travel options and keeping freight moving efficiently across the county.

Healthy & Safe Places for All

With the Healthy and Safe Places Framework now agreed, Hertfordshire is now embedding healthier, safer communities at the heart of how it plans and grows. The focus now is on putting these principles into practice, shaping Local Plans, informing the emerging Spatial Development Strategy, and influencing decisions across the system. This is about making healthy placemaking a core part of how we design places, not an add-on.

Hertfordshire is also building momentum beyond the county – showcasing what works, learning from others, and strengthening its position as a leader in healthy placemaking, with wellbeing and prevention fully built into future policy and long-term growth. 

Right Homes, Right Places

We are strengthening our ability to deliver the right homes in the right places, with a clear pipeline that shows where growth can happen and where investment is needed. Working with all ten Borough and District Councils, we are setting out a shared view of the infrastructure required to support that growth and create well-connected communities.

At the same time, we are taking a more joined-up approach to planning for the future – through the Spatial Development Strategy and by exploring new types of housing, including build-to-rent. Throughout, the focus is on quality – making sure new homes are well designed, energy efficient, and support healthier, more sustainable places.

HIDB

Established in 2021, the HIDB brings together both the public and private sector from across Hertfordshire, giving over 80 members a seat at the table to understand and influence the future of the county.

To find out more about benefits and membership visit: www.hidb.co.uk/membership/

Future Events & Webinars

16th September | HIDB meeting
21st October | HGB Meeting