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.”
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 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.
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)
Hertfordshire’s communities have benefitted from £4m of social impact generated by Tarmac sites across the county according to a new report from Tarmac, the sustainable building materials and construction solutions business.
As a member of the Hertfordshire Infrastructure Development Board (HIDB), Tarmac’s report, titled ‘Creating social impact in Hertfordshire’ shines a light on the positive impact the business has created for people, planet and place across Hertfordshire in 2023 and provides a framework for how Tarmac will continue to operate responsibly in the future. This included a focus on how the business is restoring former industrial sites into vibrant green spaces, like Panshanger Park and Waterford Heath, where it is enhancing biodiversity and ensuring natural spaces are accessible for the community.
With 2024 marking the 10th anniversary of the opening of Panshanger Park to the public, an estimated 5,165 hours were donated by volunteers last year alone, an army of supporters who maintain the landscape in partnership with Hertfordshire County Council and Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust (HMWT).
In honour of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, 17,341 trees and shrubs were also planted at the park to create the new Queen’s Wood. The planting of the woodland would not have been achieved without the hard work and dedication of volunteers, including local schools, residents, businesses and community groups.
Further findings from the report finds Tarmac’s wider operations across Hertfordshire have:
- Generated £1.16m social impact through giving local communities access to green space within 500m of their home.
- Provided eight local apprenticeships and employed 39 people.
- Contributed £40,200 social impact through mental and physical wellbeing support for local employees.
The social impact report follows Tarmac signing the Hertfordshire Growth Board’s Development Quality Charter, pledging commitments to master planning and community engagement; incorporating social impact and environmental management systems into business models; and adhering to sustainability standards which exceed the minimum requirements set out in building regulations.
Forogh Rahmani, Director of the Hertfordshire Growth Board (HGB) said: “We welcome Tarmac’s great social impact at its Hertfordshire sites, and this demonstrates the important benefits of our Hertfordshire Infrastructure Development Board and Development Quality Charter. The HGB welcomes many more businesses signing up to the Charter and to support our ambitions for good growth and a sustainable county where all can thrive and succeed.”
Colin Haigh, Director of Growth and Place at Hertfordshire County Council said: “Signing the Charter ensures well-designed places to live, work, and visit for residents, businesses and communities, setting a quality and sustainability benchmark for new developments across the county. Councils and developers, like Tarmac, recognise that by signing the Charter they can reference it and use the Charter Mark in their corporate promotional material.”
Hertfordshire Infrastructure Development Board (HIDB)
Development Quality Charter
‘Creating Social Impact in Hertfordshire’
As the world marks the International Day of Forests on March 21, Hertfordshire stands proud as a testament to the integral relationship between nature and mental wellbeing. The county’s lush green spaces, from ancient woodlands to sprawling parks, not only harbour rich biodiversity but also serve as sanctuaries for mental wellness and advocates for active travel.
Hertfordshire’s forests, such as the Ashridge Estate, Heartwood Forest, and Cassiobury Park, are invaluable reservoirs of biodiversity. Hertfordshire’s diverse landscape boasts a myriad of green spaces, ranging from expansive woodlands to urban parks, each playing a vital role in supporting biodiversity. These green corridors serve as habitats for a rich tapestry of flora and fauna, preserving the county’s natural heritage and enhancing its ecological resilience. Through strategic planning and sustainable development, the Hertfordshire Growth Board is committed to safeguarding these green assets, ensuring their continued protection and enhancement for future generations to enjoy.
In addition to their ecological significance, Hertfordshire’s green spaces offer huge benefits for good mental health and wellbeing, providing residents with opportunities for relaxation, recreation, and rejuvenation amidst nature’s tranquillity. Research has shown that spending as little as 20 minutes a day in green environments can alleviate stress, improve mood, and enhance overall mental health. As a Growth Board mission – Healthy and Safe Places for All – the Hertfordshire Growth Board understands the importance of incorporating green infrastructure into urban planning initiatives, creating vibrant and inclusive spaces that promote wellbeing and quality of life for all.
Furthermore, Hertfordshire’s green spaces serve as catalysts for active travel, encouraging residents and visitors to embrace sustainable modes of transportation while enjoying the county’s natural beauty. From scenic walking and cycling routes to green corridors connecting urban centres, these initiatives promote physical activity, reduce carbon emissions, and enhance the overall health and vitality of our communities. By investing in active travel infrastructure and promoting environmentally conscious transportation options, the Hertfordshire Growth Board aims to create a more sustainable and resilient transportation network that meets the needs of both current and future generations.
Forogh Rahmani, Director of the Hertfordshire Growth Board, said: “As we mark the International Day of Forests, we celebrate Hertfordshire’s green spaces as invaluable assets that contribute to the health, prosperity, and wellbeing of our residents and communities. Through collaborative efforts and forward-thinking initiatives, we are committed to preserving and enhancing these green corridors, ensuring that Hertfordshire remains a vibrant and sustainable place to live, work, and thrive.”
To read more about Hertfordshire Growth Board’s Vision and Missions.
Vision and Missions
For enquiries contact Luke Fisher, Senior Campaigns Officer.
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