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It's been a hugely busy few weeks at Hertfordshire Futures with a number of important discussions with businesses, investors, educators and place leaders as we develop a new Economic Strategy. Later this month I am delighted that entrepreneurs and businesses will have their opportunity to help shape Hertfordshire’s economic future at this event on 24 October. You can find out more about some of the exciting events planned and how you can get involved here.
Over this academic year, we will be running a record nine Generation careers events across the county - this means that in every corner of the county young people will now have access to first class careers advice either in person or online.
Our sectors continue to go from strength to strength. Hertfordshire has seen a remarkable £5.75M in local economic spend from high-end TV and feature films over the past year. With 231 shoot days dedicated to major productions, this achievement highlights our region’s growing importance in the film industry.
Next month, for the first time, Invest Hertfordshire will be flying the flag for the county at Europe’s premier real estate and investment fair EXPO REAL as part of a wider UK delegation. This demonstrates the strength of our offer and the vital role our inward investment service plays in spearheading growth.
Adrian Hawkins, OBE, Chair, Hertfordshire Futures
Business and Enterprise
20 creative SMEs graduate with flying colours!
A total of 20 businesses so far have successfully graduated from the Create Growth programme this year with applications now open for 2025.
This short animation was created by King Bee Animations, part of the April 2024 Create Growth Programme cohort.
Skills
Hertfordshire opportunities
Funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, this place-based skills advisory service will continue to be delivered until 31 March 2025 with 233 businesses receiving support so far (target of 75).
Generation events - coming soon to a town near you!
Over this coming academic year, we will be delivering nine careers fair Generation events across Hertfordshire, with new events planned in East Herts and St Albans. Find out more about how these events are helping young people to find out more about the amazing opportunities on our doorstep.
Sectors and Investment
Hertfordshire Futures Leads the Charge in the Retrofit Revolution
Over the past few months, Hertfordshire Futures has helped to unlock the capacity and capability of retrofit (installation of energy efficiency and heat decarbonisation solutions) skills and jobs in Hertfordshire.
This article summarises its success so far.
Invest Hertfordshire at Expo Real
For the first time, Invest Hertfordshire will represent the region at Europe’s largest trade fair EXPO REAL in Munich. Invest Hertfordshire is bringing three key sites to this international audience - Hertfordshire IQ, the county’s enterprise zone. Stevenage Town Centre, a major £1bn regeneration programme led by Stevenage Borough Council, and The Assembly. Download our investment prospectus here.
Film & TV
- Sky Up Academy Studios Elstree: This exciting new teaching facility, was officially opened by the Lord-Lieutenant and Adrian Hawkins, OBE, Chair, Hertfordshire Futures. This resource will enable school pupils to take a behind-the-scenes look at Sky and develop their digital confidence with hands-on experience creating digital content.
- HFO will have a stand at production sector trade fair Focus at the Business Design Centre, Islington, 10-11 December. The event is expected to attract thousands of attendees from 84 countries – bringing the HFO brand to a much wider international audience.
Economic Update
Hertfordshire bounces back
Paul Witcombe, Advanced Manufacturing and Life Sciences expert, takes a closer look at how the local economy is performing.
Partner news
Get Enterprising
Get Enterprising is funded by Hertfordshire Futures and UKSPF contributions and has a strong pipeline with over 1,800 clients (early-stage businesses and pre-start entrepreneurs) who have received at least one hour of support to date.
Delivering the Get Enterprising programme on behalf of Hertfordshire Futures, Wenta provided support to the 300th local firm 'Mighty Eve' to benefit from this programme.
Sara Llewellyn, founder of Mighty Eve commented "we empower customers with practical, sustainable options, so they feel confident and fearless every day."
Events
Harness the Power of AI
4th October
Are you looking to harness the power of artificial intelligence to take your business to new heights?
This Hertfordshire Growth Hub workshop is designed to help you understand how to effectively integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into your business and cover both practical applications and any associated risks and mitigation strategies.
Get finance ready
18th October
Create Growth Programme - Investment Readiness
Are you planning to:
- Launch a new product or service?
- Enter a new market?
- Bid for a new contract?
Who should attend:
Those who are currently receiving support through the Create Growth Programme or are interested to find out more about the programme.
biz4biz calls on entrepreneurs
24th October
Providing a comprehensive perspective on the entrepreneurial landscape, this event plans to highlight how life-saving science and technology are keeping Hertfordshire and the UK at the forefront of innovation.
Generation Hertsmere
6th November
Can your business help and inspire young people to secure career opportunities in the borough of Hertsmere?
These events give opportunities for meaningful encounters and give a real insight into local employment.
