Hertsmere not just a borough it’s a vibrant and thriving community

Nestled in the heart of Hertfordshire, Hertsmere is not just a borough – it’s a vibrant and thriving community. At Hertsmere Borough Council, we’re charting an inspiring course towards economic growth, community well-being, and a sustainable future. This year, we have been making waves with our unstinting commitment to combat climate change, bolster local economies and foster community growth.

Our vision for Hertsmere is at the core of our strategic direction, and it’s nothing short of remarkable. We are on a mission to become a shining example of sustainable development, with a laser-focused dedication to mitigating the impacts of climate change. We are stepping boldly into a greener future.

What truly sets Hertsmere apart are its unique settlements, each with its own vibrant town centre, brimming with character and charm. We are embarking on a journey to revitalise these hubs, starting with

Borehamwood, and then extending our rejuvenation efforts to Potters Bar, Radlett and Bushey. Our collaboration with place consultants is the first step in this exciting transformation.

We owe a debt of gratitude to the business owners and managers who have joined our campaign. We applaud businesses from across the borough, spanning diverse sectors like specialist shops, hairdressers, beauty salons, leisure centres, cafes, and pubs.

Business support is a cornerstone of our economic development strategy. We are committed to offering high-quality support for businesses through partnerships and personalised engagement. We run a series of initiatives to support and train businesses to become more successful and raise their awareness of the help that is available to them, backed up by networking opportunities to meet and trade locally. Hertsmere leverages its rich pool of local businesses to actively seek investment opportunities, resulting in a thriving local economy.

We are also nurturing a skilled workforce, starting with local schools and further education colleges. Our goal is to equip residents with the skills needed to compete for jobs at all levels. We are diligently working to ensure that there are ample local job opportunities for our residents, bridging skills with relevant job openings through collaboration with the Department for Work and Pensions.

Our work with the Community Renewal Fund, in collaboration with DWP and Clarion Housing Association, has empowered 496 residents to enhance their skills and secure employment opportunities. This programme has already led to 342 job placements, strengthening bonds within our communities. We’ve invested further into this scheme to ensure the work can continue.

This month, we are excited to host the second ‘Generation Hertsmere’ programme, supported by Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership. This initiative connects young people from secondary schools across the borough with local employers, fostering invaluable connections. We will have over 50 businesses joining us and inspiring pupils in Years 10-13.

It follows the success of last year’s event which saw business professionals give up their time and spend the day and evening talking to more than 600 pupils, encouraging them to look at the range of opportunities that were open to them as they make their choices.

If you have a child at school in Hertsmere or are a Hertsmere resident aged 15-18 years, please come to the twilight evening by visiting https://www.hopinto.co.uk/generation-careersfair-hub/generation-hertsmere-2023/ or scanning the barcode on the image attached.

Our new Local Plan is in the works, and it’s a golden opportunity to shape the future of the borough while ensuring affordable homes for sale and rent are part of the plan. We’re also working with our South West Herts partners on a Joint Strategic Plan to help us optimise future growth potential in that wider area, whilst levering in new infrastructure that straddles more than just one district.

Our ‘Action Zero’ programme, working with Wenta, is already funding 51 local businesses to combat climate change, reduce carbon footprints, and produce eco-friendly goods and services. In addition to environmental benefits, they gain a competitive edge and contribute to the sustainable goals of the borough.

Collaborating with Welwyn Hatfield Council, our Disability Confident Conference in July 2023 raised awareness about the benefits of employing and trading with people with disabilities, with 120 businesses participating and knowledgeable guest speakers. Next month, we look forward to our ‘Purple Tuesday Masterclass’. inspiring organisations to enhance accessibility in customer environments, whilst understanding the advantages of looking at a relatively untapped talent pool for their staff members and increasing their profitability.

We are deeply committed to fighting climate change, with initiatives like the Beryl Bike Scheme, currently in Borehamwood, but looking to expand to other settlements in the near future, and the tree giveaway promoting environmental sustainability. Solar Together is helping residents boost their home energy efficiency, and we’re implementing new options for cycle storage and repair to encourage sustainable travel.

Elstree Film Studios, while encountering formidable challenges in the form of asbestos and RAAC discoveries within three of our prized soundstages, continues to stand as an indomitable bastion of cinematic artistry. Our unwavering commitment to safeguarding the enduring legacy of this invaluable public asset remains resolute.

These iconic studios, renowned as the veritable jewels in the crown of our borough, transcend mere infrastructure; they are the very embodiment of creative ingenuity and cultural heritage. The ‘Elstree’ brand is a coveted treasure, synonymous with the pursuit of excellence in the world of entertainment.

With resolve and dedication, we shall surmount these challenges and ensure that Elstree’ shines even brighter, illuminating the path forward for generations to come.

Lastly, our new enforcement team is set to launch a trial scheme by mid-2024. These officers will tackle issues like parking infringements, antisocial behaviour and flytipping, freeing up valuable police resources for more serious offences.

At Hertsmere Borough Council, we’re at the intersection of progress and prosperity, where economic growth, environmental sustainability and community development converge are helping the borough to flourish. With innovative initiatives and a crystal-clear vision for the future, we are making a resounding impact on economic development, climate action and community support.

Join us on this incredible journey.