For the first time, Hertfordshire will be represented at Europe’s premier real estate and investment fair EXPO REAL this October as part of a wider UK delegation.
Invest Hertfordshire, the county’s new inward investment service, has been invited alongside UK Innovation Corridor (UKIC) to promote and attract investment into sites across the region at Europe’s largest trade fair.
As well as participants spanning the real estate and property sectors, the three-day event from 7-9 October attracts politicians, developers and investors keen to find out about wider trends and market opportunities.
Invest Hertfordshire will bring three key sites to market:
- Herts IQ and Hemel Garden Communities: The county’s enterprise zone is leading the development of 3 million sq. ft. of new commercial space into a zero carbon, digitally connected workplace, just 30 minutes outside London. Hemel Garden Communities is an ambitious development programme that will transform Hemel Hempstead and create attractive and sustainable new neighbourhoods and communities to the north and east of Hemel Hempstead, through the delivery of around 11,000 new homes and 10,000 new jobs
by 2050. - Stevenage Town Centre: a major £1bn regeneration programme led by Stevenage Borough Council delivering a reinvigorated town centre with a mix of transport facilities, leisure, culture, retail and commercial spaces, and town centre living.
- The Assembly: Developer Reef Origin and investment bank UBS are delivering The Assembly, sitting in the heart of a growing life sciences industry and bringing commercial life science space, retail, restaurant and collaboration areas.
Invest Hertfordshire, managed by Hertfordshire Futures, formerly Hertfordshire LEP, was established in2023 to showcase the county’s key strengths, business clusters and opportunity sites, and act as a gateway for companies looking to relocate or expand. A dedicated inward investment team manages enquiries, tapping into expert sectorial knowledge and local intelligence and providing access to wider networks across education, business support, commercial agents and suppliers. With a new inward investment website, brand and support team, Hertfordshire is now strongly positioned to generate and manage investment queries, helping businesses to successfully land and succeed.
The service was officially launched at the UK’s Real Estate, Investment and Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) in Leeds (21-23 May 2024). Over the past year, Hertfordshire is now listed in the top five UK locations for foreign direct investment jobs growth (2023/24). Its GVA of £46bn pa is on a par with UK city regions and is driving growth across several key sectors spanning film and TV, the built environment, advanced manufacturing and life sciences with a global recognised specialism in life-saving cell and gene therapies.
Melanie Miller, Investment Manager, Hertfordshire Futures said: “I am delighted that Invest Hertfordshire has been invited to join the UK delegation. This demonstrates the strength of our offer and enables the county to compete on an international platform, putting Hertfordshire on a par with other cities and regions across Europe. Opportunities such as this enable us to showcase our strategic advantage and ensure the benefits of economic growth are more fully realised.”
Adam Wood, Hertfordshire IQ manager, said: “EXPO REAL presents an exciting opportunity to bring our enterprise zone to an international audience. Located in the heart of the ‘Golden Research Triangle’ between Oxford, Cambridge and London, Herts IQ provides the optimum location outside London to connect tech, talent and research. The zone offers a raft of benefits for a growing business community and is ideal for organisations in agri-tech, sustainable construction and clean tech, of any size from start ups to SMEs and multi-nationals.”
To find out more about the opportunities available, visit:
Invest Hertfordshire
To find out more about Invest Hertfordshire and speak to the team, telephone: 01462 244 700 or
email: info@investhertfordshire.co.uk
The University of Hertfordshire’s new state-of-the-art, School of Physics, Engineering and Computer Science – known as Spectra – opened to students and staff last week.
Bringing together the University’s physics, engineering and computer science departments, facilities, equipment and knowledge into one place for the first time, the £100m, five-storey building is the largest structure on the University’s College Lane campus following six years of building work.
Kitted out with some of the highest spec equipment available, new facilities include:
- Two dedicated physics laboratories.
- Two isolated cyber systems rooms that allow cyber security students to test themselves against cyber-attack.
- A £2m suite of wind tunnels.
- A strong floor to help test material strength.
- New robotics labs and a robot football pitch for developing and testing autonomous robot behaviour.
- Flight simulators that can land in any airport across the world have also been installed, alongside a welding bay and controls testing suite.
- Plus two Caterham lightweight sports cars and a Tesla for use in autonomous vehicle design.
Professor Daniel McCluskey, Dean of Spectra at the University of Hertfordshire, said:
“Spectra has been deliberately designed to provide students with an environment that mirrors the working environments in their future careers. This is to ensure we deliver on the University of Hertfordshire’s mission to provide the highest quality, career-focused education that hugely enhances career prospects and ensures our students graduate both work-ready and able to make an impact in real-world settings.”
The increased range of research, education and training made possible by Spectra will help address crucial skills gaps within the STEM sector – with 35% of UK firms reportedly having difficulties recruiting staff with skills in STEM. It will also advance the University’s capacity to partner with local, regional and national aerospace, engineering, bioscience and other STEM companies to support their needs, and together develop economically viable research and products.
The design of the building, which has been developed to ensure all research and teaching areas are visible throughout, is intended to ensure students and researchers are always aware of what each other are doing. Communal workshops on each floor will allow staff and students from different subjects to collaborate more efficiently together.
“We are confident that the cross-thinking encouraged by Spectra will lead to an increase in postgraduate research and raise the University’s international reputation,” added Professor McCluskey.
University of Hertfordshire’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Quintin McKellar, said:
“The core of Herts’ ethos is providing a career-focused education that meets real-world challenges. Spectra will not only bridge crucial skills gaps and generate growth, but it will produce students who are work ready, fit for the high-tech, net zero economy of the future and able to contribute to society in a positive way. This will not only benefit their own prospects and success, but also that of the wider nation’s growth, progress and development.
“Spectra will be an incredible, cutting-edge facility for our academics to progress groundbreaking research and to teach in fantastic facilities. It will also encourage businesses to come and research, develop and test their latest innovations.
“To see this incredible building come to fruition, and to be able to provide such an epic learning and training environment for the benefit of so many is truly a privilege. I want to thank everyone who has worked so hard to get us to where we are today, and I can’t wait to see all the great work to come from our new home for Physics, Engineering and Computer Science.”
Herts has been ranked first for overall student positivity, for the second year running, among universities in the east of England.
The Hertfordshire Infrastructure and Planning Partnership (HIPP) welcomes the opportunity to comment on the government’s proposed changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). Representing the collective views of the district and borough councils and county council, HIPP is committed to ensuring that the proposed reforms support sustainable growth and development across Hertfordshire.
HIPP acknowledges the government’s commitment to delivering 370,000 homes annually. Hertfordshire has pledged to build an additional 100,000 homes and create 100,000 new jobs over the next decade. Collaborative efforts with Homes England and other partners are already underway to deliver significant projects such as the Harlow and Gilston Garden Town and Hemel Garden Communities, alongside other new settlements proposed through District and Borough Local Plans. These initiatives are supported by a Development Quality Charter aimed at promoting high-quality design and sustainability standards.
Cllr Jeremy Newmark, Chair of Hertfordshire Growth Board and HIPP said: “We welcome the opportunity to comment on the Government’s NPPF consultation and support a brownfield-first approach in sustainable locations. We advocate for the definition of a Grey Belt to prioritise the development of underperforming sites within the Green Belt. However, we must ensure that development occurs in sustainable locations, along with affordable housing to support the needs of our residents and communities.”
Cllr Stephen Boulton, Executive Member of Sustainable Economic Growth, Hertfordshire County Council said: “We support the proposed revisions to the NPPF to increase support for renewable energy schemes and to safeguard our environmental resources. A vital area of focus is the improvement of our water supply in providing safe water, and a robust sewage and drainage infrastructure for the benefit of residents and the overall environment.”
Councillor Jeremy Newmark, the Leader of Hertsmere Borough Council, has welcomed the submission of a planning application for a new data centre in South Mimms, highlighting its potential to deliver significant economic growth.
The application also includes a proposal for a technology and innovation hub at the site of the former White Hart pub, with the building to be refurbished and then used to provide training and apprenticeship opportunities for local people.
Cllr Newmark, who is also Chair of the Hertfordshire Growth Board, said: “This is incredibly exciting news. It shows that Hertsmere is an extremely desirable location for business and is a natural base for the cutting-edge technology and critical infrastructure which will serve Britain in the coming years and for many future generations.
“The project is aligned with the council’s vision. It will be a major boost for our economic development, creative and climate change strategies. The prospective economic benefits are clear. A scheme like this will deliver significant growth for the area. It will create many new jobs, both during and after construction, and new businesses.
“Of course, the application is subject to the normal planning process and will be thoroughly assessed. We will, as always, listen and speak to residents about the plans, and a public consultation on the proposals will be held. I am certain that local people will realise the benefits of the scheme. It has my full support.”
The University of Hertfordshire (UoH) is welcomed into the Hertfordshire Growth Board (HGB) following its election as a co-opted member. Professor Wendy Wills, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research and Enterprise) will represent the university to better align the strategy and work of the university with HGB and delivery of the HGB’s Missions, as well as engagement with Government on good growth for the county and securing investment.
Cllr Jeremy Newmark, Chair of HGB and Leader of Hertsmere Borough Council said: “I am thrilled to welcome Wendy and the University of Hertfordshire to the Hertfordshire Growth Board. Wendy’s expertise and a stronger partnership with the university, will be vital in the delivery of our Vision and Missions for the benefit of residents, businesses, and communities across Hertfordshire.”
Professor Wendy Wills said: “I am delighted that the University of Hertfordshire has been elected to the Hertfordshire Growth Board. As a modern, enterprising university many of our strategic aims align with the missions of the Growth Board. Having this opportunity to engage will be a catalyst for stronger, informed partnerships with the potential to support education and enterprise excellence”.
For more information on HGB’s work and its members, visit:
Hertfordshire Growth Board > About
Today, the Hertfordshire Growth Board (HGB) made up of Leaders from Hertfordshire’s borough and district councils, Hertfordshire County Council, Hertfordshire Futures, Police and Crime Commissioner and Herts & West Essex Integrated Care Board wrote to Baroness Taylor of Stevenage expressing interest in being a trailblazer for strategic planning outside of Mayoral areas.
The Board has been actively engaged in strategic planning over the past two years, including exploring new settlements and is committed to delivering quality and sustainable housing and job growth. The Board is therefore keen to discuss the potential for Hertfordshire to become a strategic planning trailblazer and explore options to deliver the government’s growth and housebuilding agenda in Hertfordshire in ways that deliver affordable, high quality and sustainable homes in the right locations.
View our letter from the Board to Baroness Taylor of Stevenage.
>> HGB Letter
Today, the Chair of the Hertfordshire Growth Board (HGB) Cllr Jeremy Newmark, Vice Chairs Mayor Peter Taylor and Cllr Richard Henry and Chair of Hertfordshire Futures Adrian Hawkins OBE wrote to the Deputy Prime Minister, welcoming the Government’s commitment to re-set the relationship between local and central government to deliver economic growth and improve public services.
As an economic powerhouse, Hertfordshire is critical to the Government’s plan to power up Britain and stands ready to trailblaze local growth to boost productivity and ensure that all communities benefit from improved living standards. By unlocking more local powers and funding, Hertfordshire can better address barriers relating to quality sustainable housing, access to skills, good jobs, the environment, and transport infrastructure, and fulfil the county’s economic potential.
View our letter from the Chair and Vice Chairs of the HGB and Chair of Hertfordshire Futures to the Deputy Prime Minister.
Leader of Hertsmere Borough Council, Cllr Jeremy Newmark, has been elected as the Chair of Hertfordshire Growth Board (HGB) at the formal board meeting (July 17).
Cllr Newmark, who became Leader of Hertsmere Borough Council in May 2023, is joined by Mayor Peter Taylor, Leader of Watford Borough Council and Cllr Richard Henry, Leader of Stevenage Borough Council as Vice Chairs.
The new Chair replaces Cllr Richard Roberts, Leader of Hertfordshire County Council.
Of his new position, Cllr Jeremy Newmark said:
“I am delighted to take on the role of Chair of the Hertfordshire Growth Board. Growth across our county is something I am passionate to see thrive. We are ready to work with the Government on the barriers we face in Hertfordshire and to deliver our Missions on housing, transport, economy, sustainability, healthy and safe places, and digital inclusion that will benefit all residents, businesses, and communities for years to come.”
Speaking on the new appointments, Forogh Rahmani, Director of HGB said:
“I look forward to working with Leader Cllr Jeremy Newmark in partnership with all members of HGB to deliver the Missions, so that all Hertfordshire’s residents, communities and businesses benefit from economic growth, and living standards are improved.”
In tribute to Cllr Richard Roberts, Leader of Hertfordshire County Council, Cllr Newmark said:
“I would like to thank Cllr Richard Roberts for his leadership in bringing together the County, District and Borough Councils with the NHS, Police, business, and government to launch a Vision and Missions that will see us deliver good growth across the county over the next decade and beyond. I know that he will continue to play a seminal role in that process.”
To learn more on the Hertfordshire Growth Board visit:
Hertfordshire is known for its lush green landscapes, rich history, and idyllic garden towns and villages, but it is also a major engine for UK growth. From a booming multi-million movie industry to a world-leading cell and gene sector centred in the golden triangle, Hertfordshire boasts an economy that is larger than many city regions. It’s this quality of life and access to a thriving economy that attracts residents from all walks of life to locate here.
The Hertfordshire Growth Board has already set its vision and missions, taking a unified approach with leaders from the county, district, and borough councils, as well as the NHS, Police and business. From new employment opportunities and quality and sustainable homes, to healthy places that are well connected for the digital age with a sustainable transport infrastructure, the Growth Board has ambitious plans and is ready to work closely with the new Government and MPs.
I’ve been Chief Executive of St Albans City and District Council since 2017 and I’ve overseen various projects, including new sports and cultural centres in Harpenden, and a cycling and community hub in St Albans. I’ve also been involved in developing a seven-acre site in the heart of St Albans and the Strategic Local Plan for housing and development.
Naturally my ambitions for St Albans play a major part of my involvement in the Hertfordshire Growth Board where I’ve led on setting up aspects of the Transport mission. I’d like to see public transport better joined up regionally, particularly east to west. That would require a whole county approach and will need input from central Government to make it happen.
Hertfordshire’s growth potential
We have a strong track record of innovation, with leading clusters in space and defence – responsible for a third of the world’s satellites, built in Stevenage – and the county is Europe’s top cell and gene cluster. Yet a short drive down the A1 in Elstree and Borehamwood, and Watford we’re at the centre of the UK’s film production industry that’s set to rival Hollywood.
Our proximity at the centre of the golden triangle between London, Oxford and Cambridge is what gives us the edge, and in Hertfordshire we have the luxury of affordable key development sites for large organisations to set up shop and invest.
But it’s not just about big business because our town centres and high streets are bustling with independent shops and cafes. It’s these local businesses, run by local people that help to keep us fuelled and they’re part of the reason why so many visitors come.
Transforming transport
Our transport infrastructure has always been a hot topic but we’re eager to improve our public transport links as well as build on our existing active travel networks.
One standout example is HertsLynx which acts a bit differently to your traditional bus service. It operates in North Herts, East Herts and Dacorum, and doesn’t follow the usual bus timetable. Instead, passengers can use an app to choose a pick-up and drop-off point. This has been popular with residents and a welcome improvement.
Working with a new Government
A change of administration offers the opportunity to reset our relationship with Government. Our biggest priority is to work collaboratively to showcase what makes Hertfordshire unique, so that our asks to Government come with an offer from us that evidences a return which supports the country at large.
Hertfordshire is an engine of growth with £42bn GVA pa. We contribute more to UK plc than many city regions.
As well as our strong track record of innovation, with leading defence, space, and biosciences’ sectors, we pioneered the first garden cities and new towns, and councils locally are already committed to building thousands of additional new homes and generating new jobs in the next 10 years.
But we are facing barriers to further growth. The new Government could unlock these through a strong devolution deal so we can tailor interventions to the needs of residents and businesses.
We must ensure economic growth is inclusive and sustainable; that we get high quality, sustainable housing growth in the right places; and that we protect our outstanding natural landscapes including our globally significant chalk streams.
To do this, we need more funding and local powers over skills, business support, regeneration, housing and strategic planning, transport, sustainability, energy, and digital infrastructure.
Making an impact
The Growth Board and our partners have come a long way in the last 12-18 months. The Hertfordshire Economic Board has already launched a Hertfordshire Film Office which works with film and TV creatives, and major studios globally to secure suitable shooting locations in the county. This is a service that the industry has welcomed with open arms and makes it easier and faster for studio execs to scout locations and get filming.
Invest Hertfordshire, which is the county’s new inward investment service, promotes development and opportunity sites in the county so that businesses can make easy decisions on where to locate or invest.
We have also secured additional Government funding for Hertfordshire, targeting the roll-out of Full Fibre coverage to around 7,000 premises in hard-to-reach and rural areas of the county.
To strengthen our role as planning authorities, I’ve started work on improving planning resilience in the county so that we can better meet the growth needs of the county.
Hertfordshire is open for investment and is ready to work with Government and other funding partners to secure deals and drive inclusive growth for the benefit of our residents, communities, and businesses.
The Hertfordshire Growth Board joins the Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce and local business in celebration of innovation and resilience in business with the Inspiring Herts Awards, which took place last night (27 June).
This year, the spotlight shines on the new Excellence in Business Diversification category, proudly sponsored by the Hertfordshire Growth Board. Among the esteemed nominees are GeoSmartPro, L D Collins, One YMCA, and Tier 2 Consulting—each a testament to the transformative power of adversity and innovation.
Winner’s spotlight
GeoSmartPro is a Hertfordshire-based start-up, innovating and developing multi-award-winning smart home appliances for better comfort and convenience that fit into our daily lifestyle. It has grown as a company and made a surplus of £10,000 in 2023/24, with two award-winning products. It had a single product and recognising the need to remain competitive and viable as a year-round business, it has developed new products which aren’t seasonal, expanding internal opportunity for staff, and bringing new products to market which can benefit consumers. Doing so has enabled the business to grow and look at expanding into wider markets.
The event was attended by Hertfordshire County Council representatives Scott Crudgington, Interim Chief Executive and Julie Greaves, Head of Sustainability, as well as Hertfordshire Growth Board Director, Forogh Rahmani.
Forogh Rahmani, Director of the Hertfordshire Growth Board, said: “The Inspiring Herts Awards are a testament to the determined spirit of our business community. The Hertfordshire Growth Board is proud to sponsor the brand-new Excellence in Business Diversification category, these companies have not only transformed their markets but have also shown that through innovation and adaptability, any challenge can be turned into a triumph. They are the problem solvers of today, shaping a brighter tomorrow for Hertfordshire. Well done to all four organisations on their shortlisting but huge congratulations to GeoSmartPro on its win at last night’s award”
As we applaud these businesses, we recognise that their stories are far more than narratives of success, they are blueprints for a future where diversity in business is not just encouraged but celebrated. The Inspiring Herts Awards is a ceremony that champions the resilience and creativity that thrive within the heart of Hertfordshire’s business landscape.
Learn more about the awards at:
Inspiring Herts Awards 2024 — Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce (hertschamber.com)