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Issue 2, 2026
It’s been a productive start to spring at Hertfordshire Futures, as we marked a major milestone with the publication of Hertfordshire’s Economic Strategy 2026 - 2036. Backed by local leaders and industry, the strategy sets out the county’s roadmap to becoming the UK’s innovation heartland over the next decade.
We were delighted to join Hertfordshire Growth Board in Westminster to launch the strategy to more than 100 senior Government representatives and stakeholders - reinforcing that Hertfordshire is united behind a long‑term plan to drive growth, widen opportunity for all, and strengthen the county’s contribution to the national economy.
Earlier this week, we had the pleasure of co‑hosting the first ever Space East conference in Hertfordshire, aimed at SMEs and held at the University of Hertfordshire’s incredible SPECTRA building. It was a fantastic showcase of the sector’s regional strengths, growth potential, and opportunities for collaboration. During the event, Airbus announced Hertfordshire Futures’ new role in supporting the delivery of its Launchpad - set to open doors and widen horizons for growth potential businesses within the local supply chain.
We also celebrated the relaunch of our Visit Herts destination management service, now delivered in‑house by Hertfordshire Futures to support the growth of the county’s £2bn visitor economy. Our enterprise zone, Herts IQ, announced a £1.8m programme of investment to deliver new projects to enhance sustainability, skills, and connectivity across key employment areas in Hemel Hempstead and St Albans.
Explore these stories in more detail below - and I wish you all a wonderful Easter break.
Adrian Hawkins OBE, Chair, Hertfordshire Futures
Economic Strategy
Hertfordshire leaders came together at Westminster on 12 March to launch the county’s Economic Strategy and set out a shared ambition for future growth.
With a £50bn economy, world‑leading innovation assets and a strong track record of delivery, Hertfordshire begins this next chapter from a position of strength. The county is home to Europe’s leading cell and gene therapy cluster in Stevenage; nationally important agri‑tech and clean‑growth institutions; an emerging space and defence cluster centred around Airbus; significant investment in digital infrastructure and data centres; and the second largest film and TV production economy outside London - home to one of Europe’s highest concentrations of major studios.
The Hertfordshire Economic Strategy 2026 - 2036 sets out a vision for how the county will build on these strengths over the next decade. By 2036, Hertfordshire will be recognised globally as the UK’s innovation heartland - a high value, productive and sustainable economy where businesses and people thrive, and everyone will feel that life is tangibly better.
Read more to discover the five priorities that will drive future growth and the scale of Hertfordshire's ambitions - both what the county can deliver over the next decade and what could be accelerated by 2050.
Businesses
Spotlight on Hertfordshire at Space East conference
Hertfordshire Futures partnered with Space East and the University of Hertfordshire to host 'Herts & Minds' - an event showcasing the exciting growth and collaboration opportunities available within the East of England's space and defence sectors.
Over 130 SMEs had the chance to explore growth avenues for their business, tap into the University’s research expertise and talent pipeline, and forge new industry connections.
An exhibition gave a glimpse into the region's innovation capabilities, and the University held tours of its state-of-the-art SPECTRA building. Attendees heard from expert speakers representing Airbus, the UK Space Agency, the Satellite Applications Catapult, and the East of England Regional Defence and Security Cluster, among others.
To learn more about funding pathways and innovation support, or to explore sector specific advice, visit Space East:
Herts IQ invests £1.8m towards 9 key projects
The projects, which have a combined value of £5.7m, will boost sustainable travel, expand skills provision, and increase employment opportunities across the enterprise zone. They include a two-year business productivity programme drawing on research from MIT, an e-bike scheme, a green corridor initiative, and more.
Visit Herts launches refreshed service
Building on a decade of experience supporting local attractions, destinations, and hospitality businesses, the new Visit Herts service will sharpen Hertfordshire’s offer and boost inclusivity. Previously managed by GoToPlaces, Visit Herts will now be funded and delivered in-house by Hertfordshire Futures.
All The Help You Can Get promotes smart growth
Hertfordshire Growth Hub's flagship business support show was held on 20th March to glowing reviews, with 90% of respondents rating the event as having a high/moderate impact on their immediate business goals. The event offered a range of interactive workshops, a vibrant exhibition, and talks from sector specialists.
Businesses: switch to digital phone lines by 2027
With the national analogue switch‑off approaching, Digital Hertfordshire is urging businesses to prepare for the transition to digital phone services. Those using traditional copper lines for alarms, lift services, card machines, telecare devices, or other equipment may be affected.
People
HACRO joins Connect To Work programme
Led locally by Step2Skills, the programme supports residents with disabilities, health conditions, or other barriers, to gain meaningful employment. HACRO is the latest delivery partner to join, bringing extensive experience working with those involved in the criminal justice system.
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