The business of film is booming in Hertfordshire, and behind every binge-worthy streaming series and cinematic blockbuster is an army of small businesses powering the production from behind the scenes.
After all, shoot days require logistics, film crews need catering, and sets don’t build themselves. For a vast array of businesses in Hertfordshire - from sound designers to security, animators to accountants - the Film & TV industry represents a previously untapped market with serious growth and expansion potential.
But how can businesses get themselves noticed?
The answer lies in the Create Growth Programme – a national initiative led locally by Hertfordshire Futures, aimed at SMEs with big ideas but limited access to the right networks, funding or commercial know-how.
Whether you’re already supplying the industry or looking to tap in, this programme offers tools, insights and high-value connections to help your business grow.
Four Steps To Unleashing Growth
The programme takes a four-pronged approach, with two core components and two optional extensions for deeper support.
- Business Growth Assessment: A one-to-one diagnostic, delivered by Hertfordshire Growth Hub, assesses ambition, opportunity and capacity across 12 key areas to lay the groundwork for strategic scaling.
- Supply Chain Innovation Programme: Learn to innovate, increase sales and secure new commercial opportunities with this intensive 8-week course delivered by Estu and the Royal College of Art, in association with industry influencers and major film studios.
- New Product/Service Development Support (optional extension): Accelerate the creation and launch of high-value products/services that can help scale your business, with bespoke support from the University of Hertfordshire.
- Investment Readiness Support (optional extension): Get ready to grow with finance masterclasses and one-on-one mentoring from Innovate UK Business Growth and Hertfordshire Growth Hub.
“The Create Growth Programme has so many different touchpoints—from tools, advice, grants, support and networks. I’d recommend that any Hertfordshire business applies.” - Martyn Niman, Founder, King Bee Animation
"The programme not only helped me develop a new business idea, including £4,000 university of Hertfordshire accelerator support, but it also empowered me to take it to the next level. We are now in the process of pitching this idea to META, and the experience has been a significant milestone in our journey." - Lisa Courts, Special Protection Services Ltd
Innovate to Accelerate
At the heart of the offer is the Supply Chain Innovation Programme—an expert-led course that has already helped dozens of businesses sharpen their offer, win new contracts, and build long-term resilience.
It’s designed to help business leaders understand what decision-makers within the sector are looking for, and how to position their business to meet that demand.
Participants benefit from:
- Weekly workshops and tutorials led by world-class faculty and industry insiders.
- Behind-the-scenes insight into procurement and supply chain trends.
- Practical tools to refine your value proposition and business model.
- One-to-one advisory support and mentoring.
- A grand finale pitch event held at Sky Studios Elstree.
The next cohort of this programme begins in September 2025 with limited places - register now
"The support and advice from the Hertfordshire Growth Hub and the rich learning experience provided by Estu gave me the tools and the impetus to successfully reshape the direction of my business in a rapidly changing creative sector.
"The many networking opportunities it provides, the expert mentoring in product innovation and the advice with funding have been key in helping us launch our new venture in the AR industry, growing the company in this exciting new area.” - Jason White, Weave VFX
Who’s It For?
✔ Ambitious businesses based in Hertfordshire
✔ SMEs with high growth potential
✔ Suppliers or service providers looking to work with the film and TV sector
✔ Entrepreneurs ready to innovate, collaborate and scale
Ready to step into the spotlight?
Speak to the Growth Hub team on 01707 952777 or register online:
The Create Growth Programme has so many different touchpoints—from tools, advice, grants, support and networks. I’d recommend that any Hertfordshire business applies.
The Create Growth Programme has so many different touchpoints—from tools, advice, grants, support and networks. I’d recommend that any Hertfordshire business applies.