Hertfordshire’s Workplace Revolution: What’s Coming?

Hertfordshire stands at the cusp of a workplace revolution, driven by its strategic location, robust economic sectors, and strong educational foundations. However, addressing infrastructure constraints, housing pressures, skill disparities, and productivity challenges will be crucial for harnessing its full potential.

As businesses and stakeholders collaborate to transform these challenges into opportunities, Hertfordshire is poised to emerge as a leading economy within the UK’s Golden Triangle. ​

But why are businesses choosing to establish their workplaces in Hertfordshire, and what industries are thriving in the county? Let’s delve into the complex dynamic between Hertfordshire’s economy and the organisations that operate within it. 

What industries are choosing to settle in Hertfordshire?

Contributing £42bn to the UK economy every year, Hertfordshire boasts a population of 1.2m, 80% of whom are economically active. 

It is a dynamic region driving innovation and growth across five key sectors:

1. Advanced manufacturing – Focus on high-tech engineering and production.
2. Creative industries – Encompassing film, media, and design.
3. Digital & technology – Leading in IT and software development.
4. Green industries – Emphasising sustainable development and environmental tech.
5. Life sciences – Specialising in pharmaceuticals and healthcare innovations.

Hertfordshire is positioning itself as a hub for green industries, contributing £5.8 billion to the local economy and employing over 4,000 people. The Herts IQ enterprise zone also supports sectors like sustainable construction and enviro-tech.

The Hertfordshire council aims to meet housing and job demands with sustainable developments and transport links, building a community conducive to ongoing growth and a sustainable economy. 

It’s no wonder, then, that businesses are choosing to set up shop in Hertfordshire, with the county having a particular magnetism for life sciences organisations. The life sciences industry is a significant employer, with a robust presence in pharmaceuticals and healthcare innovation, making substantial contributions to the local and national economy.

6 reasons businesses are moving to Hertfordshire

There are many reasons why businesses are choosing to establish themselves  in Hertfordshire, including:

1. Its strategic location and connectivity

Hertfordshire benefits from its proximity to London, which offers substantial opportunities for economic growth and connectivity. 

The county’s strategic location within the UK’s Golden Triangle (London, Cambridge, Oxford) positions it perfectly for scientific and technological collaboration and innovation.

Organisations with strong ties to the capital are opting to operate out of Hertfordshire, safe in the knowledge that London is a stone’s throw away.

Require a flight? Stansted, Heathrow and Luton are all close by. 

Taking the train? HS2 is passing through, and no less than 4 of the major London termini (both West Coast and East Coast) are accessible from Hertfordshire. 

Prefer to drive? The M1, A1 and M25 provide easy access to both London and the Midlands, meaning that Hertfordshire may well be the ideal location for organisations operating between the two.  

2. Its diverse and robust economic sectors

Hertfordshire is home to globally recognised sectors including film and TV production, life sciences, sustainable construction, agri-tech, and advanced engineering/manufacturing. 

Notable companies like GlaxoSmithKline, Airbus, Ocado, MBDA, and Johnson Matthey are based in the county.

3. Its strong educational and research institutions

The presence of leading institutions such as the University of Hertfordshire, Rothamsted Research, and various specialised research centres bolster the county’s capabilities in R&D and innovation. The Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst and the Cell and Gene Therapy Manufacturing Centre exemplify Hertfordshire’s cutting-edge contributions to life sciences.

Not only this, but its close proximity to both the University of Cambridge and the University of Oxford only further strengthens the region’s scientific and industrial pedigree. 

4. Its high-quality workforce

Hertfordshire has a well-qualified workforce with over 310,000 working-age residents holding at least degree-level qualifications. 

Organisations that are looking for high-value employees are turning to Hertfordshire to provide the talent. 

5. Its growing economy

With a gross value added (GVA) of around £40.41bn and approximately 665,000 jobs, Hertfordshire’s economy is substantial and growing. The county has seen a significant increase in job numbers, reflecting its economic vitality.

The county is experiencing a spike in economic growth; many organisations have realised that now is the time to invest in Hertfordshire, taking advantage of this growth and ensuring that they get in before prices skyrocket. 

6. Quality of life

If you are looking to attract the best talent and expect them to settle near the workplace, Hertfordshire offers fantastic housing stock, high-quality education (both public and private) and excellent universities, all in a semi-rural setting, but with all the convenience of the town centre at little more than arms’ length. 

East Hertfordshire was even named the UK’s best place to live according to the Halifax Quality of Life Survey 2020. 

The best locations in Hertfordshire for growing businesses

There are a variety of locations in Hertfordshire that are growing in popularity with organisations of all sizes. 

If you’re considering a move within Hertfordshire, this list may help to provide you with a better understanding of where is right for your business.

Stevenage

Stevenage is a superb option for life science businesses due to its science and technology parks. 

In fact, there are a broad range of ongoing investments in Hertfordshire’s life science industry, including a new £900m life science campus being approved in August 2023. 

Welwyn Garden City

Welwyn Garden City boasts strong transport links and modern amenities, making it a fantastic option for a broad range of industries. 

With easy access to the A1(M) and direct links to London via rail and road, Welwyn Garden City is a fantastic all-round option for Hertfordshire businesses. 

St Albans

“Quaint Streets, historic buildings and outstanding landmarks jostle for attention with award-winning restaurants, incredible shops and stunning parkland. Old meets new at every turn.” This introduction to St Albans quite succinctly sums up the local appeal. 

St Albans appeals to businesses for a variety of reasons, including its charm, commercial centres and office spaces. It’s also conveniently positioned between the M1, A1(M) and the M25. Its cultural scene and transport links make it attractive to creative professionals. 

Watford

Watford is a thriving business hub, with a unique concentration of media companies settling here. 

It is the biggest town in Hertfordshire and provides convenient access to both London and the Midlands – perfect for businesses where mobility is key. 

Broxbourne

Broxbourne is a thriving hub of industrial and business zones. With its growing residential areas and investments in overall quality of life, Broxbourne is an emerging location for any organisations looking for a space to grow. 

Hemel Hempstead

Hemel Hempstead offers a strategic geographic position north-west of Watford. With growing commercial and industrial centres, it’s an ideal location for any business that is looking to expand in the coming years. 

As with many locations in Hertfordshire, Hemel Hempstead has fantastic transport links (and sits roughly 11 miles away from London Luton Airport, should you require it!). 

Cheshunt

Cheshunt sits a mere 16 miles north of central London, making it a superb option for organisations with strong business ties to the capital. 

It offers a perfect balance between a scenic location and an effective platform for business growth, meaning that organisations of all kinds are opting to settle in Cheshunt. 

Is Hertfordshire your springboard for growth?

Is a move to the county the right thing for your organisation?  

Of course, that’s a complex question to which there can be no simple answer.

It’s clear Hertfordshire has a lot going for it, and if you are in one of the thriving industries mentioned above, or are looking for a base outside London with a better standard of living, then this could be the place. 

Whatever your primary case for considering a business relocation, we recommend the first step is answering the following questions:

• Access to markets – Will a workplace here give you better access to your market (think sectors, or transport links)?
• Access to Skills – Will Hertfordshire enable a continuing supply of the talent you need. (ready-skilled, and graduate programmes)? 
• Access to Space – Does the county have the quality of office/lab/warehouse space you need (including for future growth) to allow your enterprise to flourish?
• Hidden Constraints – Are there any hidden constraints that you’d do well to be appraised of prior to making a 10 year commitment to a district? From flood risks to poor internet connectivity, insufficient electric power supply or an unexpected tax levy, it’s important to be fully aware of what your new location brings to the table. 

If you’re unsure, Rhino’s Workplace Consultants are here to help. We provide impartial advice on workplace relocation, geographic considerations and premises selection. Get in touch if you’d like to chat about your move to Hertfordshire, and whether it’s right for you. 

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