High-tech hub has got the right stuff From pharmaceuticals to biotech and beyond, the new town of Stevenage is a hotbed of innovation

Just a short drive up the motorway from London and with key domestic and international transport links right on its doorstep, Stevenage can be considered a gateway to Britain – but it has quite a lot going for it in its own right too.

The dynamic new town, designated as such in 1946, is a centre for innovation and research, as cited by accounting and consultancy firm Grant Thornton in its recent Hertfordshire Limited report on the top companies in Hertfordshire – particularly in pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, with sites such as the Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst and GlaxoSmithKline.

Stevenage hosts the world’s third largest cell and gene therapy (CGT) cluster, including the new European headquarters for Autolus Therapeutics in the centre of town – a facility creating life-saving cancer treatments. The town is also home to Airbus Defence and Space, whose site at Gunnels Wood Road famously hosted the Mars rover as it was driven remotely by astronaut Tim Peake during his time on the International Space Station.

The main shopping areas in Stevenage are Queensway, Town Square and Westgate Shopping Centre, with a vibrant indoor market also held from Wednesday to Saturday each week. The town centre is in the midst of a billion-pound regeneration scheme, which will include new homes, improved transport facilities and retail space.

The Old Town, which predates the post-war development of Stevenage as a new town, is a charming hidden gem with great restaurants and thriving independent businesses.

Architectural and planning firm Vincent + Gorbing has been based in Stevenage since its inception, with its founders heavily involved in designing the new town. “One does not exist without the other,” as Associate Director Stephen Chown put it.

Stephen went on: “The town plays a major part in the wider setting of Hertfordshire. Large international companies either have secondary premises here or, like us, have chosen the town as their primary home. Recently Stevenage has been heavily linked to the life sciences sector, with many small startup companies seeing this as the place to set up their office and change the world for the better.

“The town has excellent infrastructure and connectivity. Generous cycle routes and separated pedestrian walkways can take you almost anywhere within the town. Mature trees line many of these routes, with the large sycamore trees offering visual interest throughout the year, changing from green to golden yellow in autumn and shedding their leaves to create a soft golden carpet to walk on.

“We have been here for over 60 years now and look forward to what the next 60 will bring.”

A not-for-profit organisation based in the Old Town, the Anne Robson Trust provides companionship to people facing the end of their lives, and supports those they will leave behind. The trust team believes nobody should have to die alone.

The trust’s priority is helping hospitals to set up teams of volunteers to visit patients dying in hospital. The volunteer visiting team at Stevenage’s Lister Hospital was the first team set up by the trust’s founder and CEO Liz Pryor. The Anne Robson Trust now supports 17 hospitals across the UK to set up and run visiting teams, making a world of difference to people in the precious last days and hours of their lives.

The trust’s Jason Hodges said: “We love Stevenage Old Town for its diverse independent businesses. There are some great places to eat or grab a coffee, and we’re grateful to all the local businesses who have supported our charity.”

Lawrence Dean Recruitment, founded in 2010, is a stalwart of the town and has been based in Stevenage since the company was established. It supports companies with finding top talent that helps their businesses grow within six key areas –customer service, sales, marketing, finance, human resources and business support. This ranges from a flexible temporary workforce that helps them scale quickly to the perfect permanent hire that adds value from day one.

Director Sarah Leete said they chose Stevenage as the organisation’s base because of the collaborative business community and the investment by the borough council to assist companies there.

She said: “Ever since opening we have received strong support from the local council and are proud to be based in the town. And aside from the business community, the area has some beautiful green spaces that I think can sometimes be overlooked. The town really does have a lot to offer.”

Another member of the town’s business community is accountancy firm Menzies, which has been in the town since its merger with chartered accountants Wagstaffs last year. Menzies partner Chris Maloney, who heads up the Stevenage office, said he was delighted with the location.

He said: “Since the merger eight months ago, we believe it has opened doors to a wealth of opportunities including the introduction of new career prospects. The firm’s presence in Stevenage has facilitated deeper engagement with local businesses, fostering meaningful connections and driving awareness of Menzies’ stature as a leading UK accountancy firm. “Moreover, the influx of new talent and the creation of job opportunities have underscored Menzies’ commitmen to nurturing talent and contributing to the socioeconomic fabric of the community.

“Our journey has been marked by milestones of success and a relentless pursuit of innovation, solidifying our position as a trusted partner for SMEs, large corporates, non-profits, and individuals. As Menzies continues its journey of expansion and innovation, the future holds immense promise for not only us and the team here in Stevenage, but for Hertfordshire and beyond.”