Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership

Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership
Name	Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership
Founded	2011
Location	Hertfordshire, United Kingdom
Area served	Hertfordshire
Focus	Economic development, Business growth, Infrastructure

Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership. The Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership is a business-led body established to drive sustainable economic growth across the county of Hertfordshire. It operates as a strategic partnership between the private sector, local authorities, and educational institutions, focusing on key areas such as innovation, skills development, and infrastructure investment. The organization plays a central role in shaping the county's economic strategy and securing funding from national programs like the Local Growth Fund.

Overview

The partnership was formed as part of the Coalition Government's localism agenda, replacing the former East of England Development Agency. Its primary objective is to improve productivity and competitiveness within the county's diverse economy, which includes significant sectors like life sciences, advanced engineering, and creative industries. Geographically, it covers the entire administrative county, working closely with ten district councils and the Hertfordshire County Council. Key strategic documents, such as the Strategic Economic Plan, guide its interventions to support businesses from SMEs to major corporations like GlaxoSmithKline and Ocado.

History

The organization was officially launched in 2011 following the publication of the government's Local Growth White Paper. Its creation aligned with the broader dissolution of the Regional Development Agencies across England. Initial leadership involved prominent figures from the Hertfordshire business community and representatives from University of Hertfordshire. Early years were focused on developing its inaugural Strategic Economic Plan, which was submitted to the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills to access the first round of the Local Growth Fund. Subsequent milestones include the launch of the Hertfordshire Growth Hub in 2014 and the refresh of its economic strategy following the European Union referendum.

Structure and governance

Governance is led by a Board comprising senior executives from the private sector, alongside leaders from Hertfordshire County Council and the Local Enterprise Partnership Network. The Board is chaired by a business figure, with past chairs including leaders from companies like BRE Group and Harlow College. Day-to-day operations are managed by a small executive team based in Hatfield. Accountability is maintained through an annual report presented to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and scrutiny by the Hertfordshire Local Authorities.

Key initiatives and projects

Major programs include the management of the Growing Places Fund, which has financed critical infrastructure such as the A414 improvement scheme and the Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst. The Hertfordshire Growth Hub provides a single point of contact for business support, while the Skills for Growth program works with providers like Oaklands College to address local skills shortages. Significant capital projects have included investments in the West Anglia Main Line and the development of innovation quarters around Kings Langley and Welwyn Garden City.

Economic impact

Analysis by Oxford Economics has indicated that interventions have contributed to increased GVA growth rates within the county, particularly in high-tech sectors clustered around the M1 motorway and M25 motorway. Initiatives have supported the creation of thousands of jobs, with notable success in expanding apprenticeship starts through partnerships with Lifetime Training Group. The partnership's focus on superfast broadband rollout has also enhanced digital connectivity for businesses across Dacorum and Three Rivers.

Funding and finance

Primary funding has been secured through competitive government rounds, notably the Local Growth Fund administered by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities. Additional finance has been drawn from the Getting Building Fund and the European Regional Development Fund, prior to the UK's withdrawal from the European Union. Investments are typically match-funded by contributions from the Hertfordshire County Council and private sector partners like Taylor Wimpey and Countryside Properties.

Partnerships and collaborations

Strategic alliances are fundamental to its model. It works extensively with the South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership on cross-boundary issues like the Oxford-Cambridge Arc. Key academic partnerships include joint research programs with the University of Hertfordshire and Cranfield University. Collaboration with infrastructure bodies such as Highways England and Network Rail is routine, while private sector engagement involves regular forums with organizations like the Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce and Institute of Directors.

Category:Local enterprise partnerships in England Category:Organisations based in Hertfordshire Category:2011 establishments in England