Hertfordshire sets its sights on becoming the UK’s innovation heartland
What does the future of Hertfordshire look like?
If the conversations at Investing in Hertfordshire's Future are anything to go by, it's ambitious, innovative and full of opportunity.
Bringing together business leaders, educators, local authorities and partners from across the county, the event, hosted by Hertfordshire Futures and the University of Hertfordshire, explored the investments, partnerships and ideas that are shaping Hertfordshire's long-term economic future.
The message throughout the morning was clear: collaboration will be key if Hertfordshire is to achieve its ambitious vision of becoming the UK's innovation heartland by 2036.
A bold vision for the county
Hertfordshire Futures has set an ambitious target for the county to be recognised globally as the UK's innovation heartland within the next decade.
That means creating an environment where high-value businesses can start, scale and thrive, productivity is strong, and residents benefit from greater opportunities and prosperity.
The ambition is backed by significant economic targets, including growing Hertfordshire's Gross Value Added (GVA) to £63 billion by 2036 and £80 billion by 2050.
While those numbers are impressive, the conversations throughout the event focused on something much more human: people.
Creating opportunities for the next generation
One of the strongest themes of the day was the need to rethink how young people access work experience, employment and early career opportunities.
Mohamad Khir-Allah, Career Coach and Mentor at the University of Hertfordshire, spoke passionately about the importance of giving young people meaningful and structured opportunities to gain workplace experience.
For businesses facing skills shortages and recruitment challenges, the message was particularly relevant. Investing in young people today helps build the workforce of tomorrow.
That sentiment was echoed by Joao Almeida, Partner at Nando's UK & Ireland, who shared how the restaurant chain is creating opportunities through apprenticeships and entry-level employment.
He said: "Not just in Hertfordshire, but nationally, in the next five years, there's at least 3,500 people whose first job will be Nando's."
His comments highlighted an important point for employers of all sizes: skills can be taught, but attitude, ambition and potential are often the qualities that matter most.
A university driving economic growth
The University of Hertfordshire's contribution to the county's success was another key talking point.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Anthony Woodman outlined the University's impact on both the local economy and wider region. Ranked among the UK's top 50 universities, the institution supports around 34,000 students from more than 110 countries and contributed £330 million in GVA to the local economy in 2023 alone.
Reflecting on the University's achievements, he said: "This University is in the top 50 of the country. I am very, very proud of that and you should be proud of that because you've helped us on that journey."
It's a reminder that universities play a vital role not only in education, but in innovation, research, skills development and economic growth.
Working together to unlock Hertfordshire's potential
If there was one message that united every speaker, it was that no single organisation can achieve Hertfordshire's ambitions alone.
Businesses, education providers, local authorities and support organisations all have a role to play in creating the conditions for growth and innovation.
For Wenta, that message resonates strongly. Supporting entrepreneurs, start-ups and growing businesses has always been about more than individual success stories. It's about helping to create stronger local economies and thriving communities.
Despite ongoing economic uncertainty, the mood in the room was overwhelmingly optimistic. The county is investing in its future, backing innovation and creating opportunities for the next generation.
And if the energy in the room was anything to go by, Hertfordshire is well on its way to becoming a place where businesses, and people, can thrive for decades to come.
Looking to grow your business in Hertfordshire?
Whether you're planning your next stage of growth, exploring innovation opportunities or developing your workforce, Wenta's expert business advisers are here to help. Book a free business advice session today and discover the support, guidance and resources available to help your business thrive.
