From strategy to delivery – and a chance to shape what comes next

Issue 4, 2026

Our Investing in Hertfordshire’s Future conference this month set out how we're delivering on our Economic Strategy, with its ambition to make the county globally recognised as the UK's innovation heartland by 2036. Inspiring leaders from the private, public, education, and NFP sectors took to the stage alongside youth voices, to discuss how we can drive inclusive growth in the county and what more could be done to unlock Hertfordshire's full potential. 

Our business-led approach has always been central to our success, and we are now inviting business leaders to join the Hertfordshire Futures Board. We particularly encourage applications from women and other underrepresented groups, to ensure our Board continues to reflect the diversity, experience, and ambition needed to guide the county’s future. 

Reflecting the calibre of our Board, my fellow Board member Chris Hulatt CBE was recognised in this year's King's Birthday Honours alongside 20 other Hertfordshire leaders – congratulations to them all.

There is clearly incredible leadership and innovation in this county, and we had the pleasure of welcoming Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Edinburgh to Stevenage earlier this spring, to spotlight our strengths in life sciences, space, and advanced engineering. Moments like this help raise Hertfordshire’s profile – creating opportunities for our businesses to shine. 

Read on to discover our highlights from the month. 

Investing in Hertfordshire's Future

Our Investing in Hertfordshire’s Future conference marked a clear shift from strategy to action - bringing together businesses, educators, and partners to focus on delivery. The event showcased:

• Immediate priorities and major opportunities ahead
• The continued strength of Hertfordshire’s high‑value sectors
• The role of anchor institutions in driving innovation and productivity
• How we ensure growth delivers for people, including young people and under‑represented groups

Discover how our services work together to make a tangible difference to our residents and businesses:

Relive the key moments from the conference with our highlights reel:

Hertfordshire showcases £11.5bn pipeline at UKREiiF 

Hertfordshire made a clear case for mayor-led devolution, positioning itself as ready to deliver growth at scale with an £11.5 billion pipeline of investment opportunities and a programme of high-impact discussions at the UK’s premier investment forum.

The programme highlighted Hertfordshire’s strengths in innovation and placemaking, as well as the importance of collaboration in unlocking future investment. Hear from our Inward Investment and Placemaking Lead, Melanie Miller, above, or read the full story.

Hertfordshire's investible propositions include major regeneration and innovation‑led developments across the county, alongside investor‑ready sites and long‑term growth schemes.

Build your future workforce

By offering modern work experience, Hertfordshire employers can strengthen their talent pipeline, enhance their social value contribution, and shape how young people view their industry.

Businesses of all sizes can benefit. Our Hertfordshire Careers Hub works closely with employers to design experiences that suit their needs – be it a two‑hour workplace visit, a structured three‑day placement, or anything in between.

Get inspired by Affinity Water's insight day and Broxbourne Borough Council's guided tour for students. 

Want to help shape Hertfordshire's future? Join our Board

Hertfordshire Futures is looking for a new Board member to bring strategic expertise, a fresh perspective, and a commitment to supporting economic growth and opportunity across the county.

Our business-led Board brings together senior leaders from the public and private sectors to set bold priorities and steer delivery - ensuring Hertfordshire continues to prosper as one of the UK’s most competitive and forward-looking economies.

The candidate must be a senior management post-holder, an owner or part owner, board level or similar level in a business that represents a key sector within the Hertfordshire area.

We are actively seeking expertise within Advanced Manufacturing (including Space and Defence), Film and TV, Sustainability and Climate Change, and Digital; and positively encouraging applications from women and Black and Asian applicants as they are under-represented. Apply by 30 August.

Apply for the UK's most prestigious business award

Applications are now open for the King’s Awards for Enterprise 2027. Did you know, 89% of last year's winners were SMEs - including micro businesses? 

The awards provide significant business benefits - boosting sales, growth, global recognition, and staff morale. Businesses of all sizes can nominate themselves across five categories, which include: young founder, innovation, international trade, sustainable development, and promoting opportunity through social mobility.

Anthony Lovat, Chairman of three-time winner Opro International Ltd., says: "The most positive effect for us has been in international sales. Being able to print the logo on our packaging or use it on our website and marketing material has given us prestige and set us apart from our competitors.

"Winning has been described as the equivalent of being awarded a corporate knighthood and we have certainly felt the effects of that elevation in status in our company."

Business support and inward investment 

Skills and employment 

Sector support and infrastructure 

Discover more: