Hertfordshire Futures has published the county’s response to Invest 2035: the UK's modern industrial strategy setting out how and where Hertfordshire can positively drive the UK’s growth agenda.

Hertfordshire is well positioned to contribute to rapid economic growth and drive up UK productivity performance across a number of key areas, leveraging its achievements over the past decade and its future ambitions. This paper summarises our response:

Sector strengths: Hertfordshire has significant strengths in seven of the eight identified key sectors. In Life Sciences, Advanced Manufacturing and Creative, Hertfordshire Futures has set up private sector-led sector panels which have overseen targeted action plans for investment. Hertfordshire Futures recommends that Construction and Agri-tech should also be included in the list of priority sectors/clusters due to their strategic importance, with Hertfordshire offering substantial potential in both areas.

‘Whole system’ response: This is essential for sectors to thrive, relying on effective local economies with robust labour markets, infrastructure, investment, networks and other factors. Hertfordshire’s Strategic Economic Plan embraced this approach years ago, demonstrating significant achievements and identifying areas for further improvement. It's important to note that the need for such a response in high-performing and high-potential areas such as Hertfordshire should not be confused with specific governance arrangements.

Local Growth Plans: These should align with the new Industrial Strategy, be long-term, involve strong business input and respect various economic geographies of different forms (not just city regions) and all areas with major growth potential, not just Mayoral Combined Authorities (MCAs). They must also align with other local strategies, especially Local Plans and Local Transport Plans.

Cross-Boundary Collaboration: We recognise the importance of supporting the wider economic footprints of key sectors and clusters, which often requires working across administrative boundaries. We are very comfortable with this approach and are experienced in collaborating with different partners and geographies to achieve this.

Investment in Employability and Workforce Skills: There is a need for investment in measures to increase employability and develop workforce skills. While larger corporates are reasonably engaged, our local skills and employment work indicates that much remains to be done across the broader economy. Greater local control of available resources could make a significant difference in this context.

Employment Land and Power Supply: Within Hertfordshire, it is crucial to ensure an adequate supply of employment land. The significant loss of employment sites in recent years has become a key constraint, especially for potential inward investors. Additionally, power supply issues are increasingly problematic, delaying development and investment processes.

Investment in Transport Infrastructure and Housing: Sustained and sustainable economic growth in Hertfordshire depends on investment in transport infrastructure and housing delivery. These areas are challenging due to dispersed growth patterns, where small-scale developments may not trigger necessary infrastructural investments. A devolved infrastructure investment fund, building on our local commitments, could significantly address these challenges and support the UK government's wider growth ambitions.

Adrian Hawkins OBE, Chair, Hertfordshire Futures, said: “We welcome the Government’s Industrial Strategy Green Paper. As a high-performing and high growth potential region, Hertfordshire is ready to play a key role in driving the UK government's growth agenda by leveraging our strengths in key sectors and fostering collaboration. Greater flexibilities at a local level would allow us to meet the skills demands for businesses and reduce labour market pressures, driving up local growth and creating more opportunities to participate fully in society.”

Read Hertfordshire’s Response to Invest 2035: The UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy in full here