Boasting some of the most advanced research centres in the world, Hertfordshire has a very strong bio-science and pharmaceutical cluster. Companies such as Glaxo-Smith Kline have headquarters in Stevenage, while there are a number of specialist research centres dotted around the county.
Welcome to Hertfordshire LEP
Our Local Enterprise Partnership is a business led organisation aiming to make Hertfordshire the ideal environment for businesses to flourish. Based in Welwyn Garden City, our specialised team investigates how we can boost the economy as we look to create an in depth Strategic Plan for Growth. Once complete this plan will set out a twenty year vision, a ten year strategy and a five year, detailed strategic growth plan.
Here to accelerate business-led economic growth in Hertfordshire...
It’s our goal to remove barriers to growth and help create jobs and housing. Hertfordshire is a wealthy county with excellent transport links and a highly educated workforce. Our close proximity to London, Cambridge and Oxford means that we are perfectly placed for business.
Our four objectives are:
- To encourage enterprise and business growth and build on our innovation assets
- To maintain and improve the skills and employment prospects of residents
- To identify and priorities the strategic infrastructure required for economic growth
- To secure greater investment from business and government through improved promotion and advocacy activity
Priorities
Much of the LEP’s work to date has centred on identifying Hertfordshire strengths and deciding which industries will be of the greatest benefit to the local economy. After our initial evaluation, the board has decided to prioritise four key sectors which we can expect to prosper and grow in the future. By encouraging wise investment in these business clusters we hope to generate wealth and job opportunities for the county in years to come. These priority industries are…
Life Sciences
Creative Industries
Hertfordshire is home to some of the biggest and best names in Hollywood, with Warner Bros. Studios, Elstree Studios, and BBC Elstree Studios all based in the county. Numerous big budget blockbusters are filmed here, recent productions include All You Need Is Kill, Jack Ryan, Jupiter Ascending and Les Miserables; and high end dramas such as Eastenders, Silent Witness and Call the Midwife.
Engineering
Companies like Astrium and EADS are part of a strong cluster of Advanced Engineering companies in the area. Hertfordshire is a world leading force in Engineering
Business Services
Close to London and well connected to rest of the country, Hertfordshire offers a range of business services. Many of the high street and the web’s biggest names have their headquarters in Hertfordshire.
Open for business
Click here to see the Hertfordshire 'Open for Business' brochure, including the LEP's priorities, key roles and the board structure.
Commercial property search
Located at the very heart of Cambridge, Oxford and London universities 'Golden Research Triangle'; a UK economic area renowned as an engine of growth, Hertfordshire is the perfect place for companies seeking opportunities to invest in key sectors. Take a look at our commercial property search and find out what Hertfordshire can offer your business.
Enjoy
Experience Hertfordshire's beauty, from villages and towns steeped in history to the spectacular surrounding countryside. Home to Elizabeth 1, Henry Moore, Samuel Ryder of Ryder Cup fame and George Bernard Shaw. Our history & heritage is second to none, with our beautiful treasure houses at Hatfield and Knebworth a must to see.
