A message from our Chair

Earlier this month, I announced my decision to step down as Chair of Hertfordshire LEP. It has been my privilege to have been at the helm for six and a half years and I take great pride in what we have achieved together.

There are legions of examples of where the LEP has made huge local impact - whether that is in skills, infrastructure, town centre regeneration, business support, driving through our Strategic Economic and Recovery Plans, our nascent Local Industrial Strategy and our conferences, many engagements with local businesses, MPs and other stakeholders.

Taking on this role has also enabled me to step up as Chair of the LEP Network, which has been an amazing experience. LEPs have demonstrated their worth nationally in delivering the Government’s Levelling Up agenda and their vital role in championing the voice of business.

There is still much to be done to cement LEPs at the centre of decision making across our regions to support Government in delivering its ambitious Growth Plans, and with a new PM and Cabinet in place and the accession of King Charles III, this will ramp up the national workload.

With this in mind, the time has come for a new business leader to step forward locally. We will shortly begin the recruitment process for my successor and I look forward to working with him/her over the coming months to ensure a smooth and orderly transition.

It has been a real honour to serve Hertfordshire and I would like to thank our Board, Sub Boards and Executive Team for all their tremendous work - we’ve come a long way together.

Mark Bretton, Chair, Hertfordshire LEP and the LEP Network

Annual Report 2022

Our Annual Report sets out our key highlights over the past year and evolving role as we move forward with pace to deliver a highly skilled, high performing local economy.

READ THE REPORT

People

Over 1,100 attend Generation Dacorum

Students from schools across Hemel Hempstead attended Generation Dacorum on 28 September; the biggest 'Generation' event held to date by the LEP to showcase the wealth of opportunities available to young people across the county. Learn more.

HOP into TikTok

Hertfordshire Opportunities Portal (HOP) is challenging Year 12 (or equivalent) students to create the most unique and engaging TikTok videos to promote HOP - the #1 website for Hertfordshire career opportunities - for the chance to win £1,500 for their school/college and £100 for themselves. Learn more.

Apprenticeship awareness survey

The Parents & Carers Apprenticeship Awareness Survey highlights progress made locally in terms of careers education, with nearly 3/4 of parents/ carers now likely to encourage their child to consider apprenticeships post- school, and 74% of children identifying a career interest, up from 48% in 2021.

Support our Careers Hub

The Hertfordshire Careers Hub, funded by The Careers & Enterprise Company, enables our schools and colleges to empower local people to acquire job-related skills and actively shape their future careers. Learn how your business could get involved.

Join our Enterprise Adviser Network

Made up of over 120 business leaders, our Enterprise Adviser Network works with Hertfordshire schools and colleges to improve careers education. Are you passionate about getting young people ready for the world of work? Volunteer as an Enterprise Adviser.

Business

Support to cut emissions and business costs

As operational costs continue to rise, support is available from Hertfordshire Growth Hub and partners to help businesses boost energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions and slash costs. Take the cost of living survey to give your views and ensure business support is tailored to your needs.

Film and TV Production Sector Action Plan

The film and TV sector is amongst the most dynamic parts of Hertfordshire’s economy. It has seen significant investment in studio space over recent years and more is proposed. It presents a substantial opportunity and is one that we intend to harness in full. Read our Action Plan to find out how.

Life Sciences Sector Action Plan

Hertfordshire’s life sciences sector has developed over decades and has
real growth potential. From within it has emerged a Cell and Gene Therapy
Cluster which over recent years, has attracted substantial early-stage
investment and is now recognised as the third largest cluster globally. Read the Action Plan to learn more.

Elstree Studios Platinum Stages

The Platinum Stages at Elstree Studios were completed in August, offering a combined workable footprint of 3,210 square metres and designed to meet international space standards in studio design. The £15.6m project was supported by a Getting Building Fund investment from Hertfordshire LEP.

General news

Join our team

We are looking to recruit a new Inward Investment Manager. The post-holder will help attract inward investment into Hertfordshire and support existing business (especially foreign direct investments) to remain and prosper in the county. Learn more and apply by 9 October.

Events

Hertfordshire LEP AGM

Monday 3 October 2022
Webinar, 11.30am – 12.15pm

Our Annual General Meeting will take place at our office in Letchworth Garden City. Members of the public invited to watch online and raise questions in advance by email.

Save the date!

Hertfordshire LEP's Annual Conference will take place on 8 December at Rothamstead Research, Harpenden. We look forward to welcoming you.