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Issue 1, 2026
This month marks a significant milestone as partners across Hertfordshire unite behind the new Get Hertfordshire Working Plan 2025–2035.
Our county is home to a strong and growing economy, yet many businesses still tell us they struggle to recruit. At the same time, thousands of residents want to work but face barriers that hold them back. This plan is about closing that gap.
By supporting inclusive recruitment, giving employers clearer routes to the talent they need, and helping people build the confidence and capability to succeed, we can ensure Hertfordshire’s growth is shared more widely.
In the stories below, you can learn more about the plan and explore the many opportunities to get involved in our work, as we continue to drive forward with ambition.
Adrian Hawkins OBE, Chair, Hertfordshire Futures
People
A people-first plan for an ambitious, growing county
Today, around 130,000 working‑age adults in Hertfordshire are economically inactive, including 15,000-25,000 who say they want to work and could do so with the right support. Many face barriers such as long‑term health conditions, caring responsibilities, loss of confidence, or limited access to transport.
The Get Hertfordshire Working Plan brings together Hertfordshire County Council, Hertfordshire Futures, Jobcentre Plus, the NHS, employers, colleges, and the voluntary sector to join up support, build clearer routes into work, and ensure that growth across the county benefits everyone.
Together, partners have set out a series of shared commitments known as the Hertfordshire Pledge: a promise to act collectively over the next decade to -
- improve access to work
- support people with health conditions;
- reduce the number of young people not in education, employment, or training;
- help employers adapt roles to retain and attract talent; and
- ensure every community can benefit from the county’s growth.
Next-gen broadband for rural Herts schools
- 30 schools in hard‑to‑reach areas have received full-fibre broadband upgrades through Government's Project Gigabit Scheme
- Analysis from our Digital Hertfordshire programme helped double the number of schools earmarked for upgrades
Business
Innovation & Incubation Hub planned for Watford
- Aimed at entrepreneurs, tech start-ups, creative SMEs, and more
- Part of Watford Borough Council's Town Hall Quarter transformation
- Supported by Government and Hertfordshire Futures investment
- Co-Space proposed as operator
Airbus Launchpad supports SME growth
- Located in Stevenage and backed by the UK Space Agency
- Offers a no-cost residency programme for SMEs, start-ups, and research organisations, providing access to labs, workspaces, and testing facilities
- Boost the region's contribution to the UK's growing space economy
Nominate a charity for CityFibre's £20k fund
- Grant funding is available to local charities delivering community projects to improve health and wellbeing, strengthen digital inclusion, and tackle inequality
- Digital Hertfordshire can nominate charities for consideration - enquire by 27th February
The case for going green
- Our Clean Growth Manager joins the biz4Biz podcast to set out how small businesses can reduce overheads and build resilience through greener practices
- Hear about local firms that are reaping the benefits and discover simple steps every SME can take to kickstart their sustainability journey
Places
Have your say: the future of local government
- Hertfordshire's two‑tier system of local government will be replaced by 2, 3, or 4 new unitary authorities
- The proposals aim to strengthen service delivery, accountability, and financial sustainability
- Government now invites residents and businesses to give their views
Green light for Dacorum e-bike scheme
- Dacorum Borough Council is set to launch a town‑wide e-bike hire scheme, part-funded by Herts IQ
- The proposed ride zone connects the railway station to the town centre and Maylands business park
- Initially a three-year trial, with the aim of boosting sustainable travel
Topping out of Claxton House, Stevenage
- This ten‑storey development will provide 261 new homes and a ground‑floor commercial unit
- Part of the wider SG1 regeneration set to deliver homes, jobs, office/ retail space, and quality public areas
- Early works were boosted by multi‑ million‑pound Growth Deal funding secured by Hertfordshire Futures
Events
Friday 20 March 2026
Hatfield, 8.45am – 3pm
Ready to scale your business with confidence? Don't miss Hertfordshire Growth Hub's flagship show, designed for ambitious SMEs and growth-focused businesses in Hertfordshire.
Tuesday 31 March 2026
UoH, Hatfield, 9.30am – 3pm
Businesses are invited to connect with key industry players; join tours, talks and demos; access funding guidance and more at this exciting showcase of opportunity.
