Hertfordshire Futures is seeking the insights of entrepreneurs and early-stage businesses as it develops a new Economic Strategy for the county for the next decade and beyond. This strategy aims to place residents and businesses at the heart of plans to build a more inclusive and sustainable economy.

Join us at the biz4Biz ConneXions event on 24th October to learn about the emerging strategic themes and discover how Hertfordshire Futures is working in partnership with the public and private sectors to create an optimal environment for accelerating employment, enterprise, and innovation.

Event Details:

• Title: Entrepreneurs are Essential for Society
• Date: Thursday, 24th October 2024
• Time: 11:00 AM - 2:30 PM
• Location: Knebworth House Barns

This event will provide a comprehensive perspective on the entrepreneurial landscape and highlight how life-saving science and technology are keeping Hertfordshire and the UK at the forefront of innovation. It will also give businesses and entrepreneurs the chance to have their say on the future local economy. 

To remain competitive, Hertfordshire must create an optimal business environment that attracts investment, encourages enterprise, and generates jobs and opportunities for all, including those traditionally excluded from the labour market.

Adrian Hawkins OBE, Chair of Hertfordshire Futures and Chairman and Founder of biz4Biz, said: “Hertfordshire is a county of entrepreneurs and innovators. A County of Opportunity. The entrepreneurial base is the backbone of our local economy. Developing a new economic strategy will help us create the right environment for businesses to thrive. For this strategy to succeed, we need diverse views from across the business community and other stakeholder groups. This event offers a fantastic opportunity for businesses to provide early input into the strategic themes and ensure their perspectives are represented.”

A series of conversations are taking place across the county to fully understand the challenges and opportunities facing those who live, work, and invest in Hertfordshire. From business events, such as this one, to workshops with a range of stakeholders, and online surveys, Hertfordshire Futures is engaging widely to ensure a diverse range of views inform the strategy.

Younger people aged 16 plus will also have the opportunity to have their say on the issues that matter most to them through the Hertfordshire Careers Hub, which supports 110 schools in the county, the four FE colleges, and the University of Hertfordshire.

Neil Hayes, CEO of Hertfordshire Futures, said: “For the strategy to be successful, it must represent a wide range of views. That’s why we are consulting broadly to ensure the strategy reflects the diversity of our communities and the unique challenges and opportunities they present. With your collective support and input, we can build a fairer, greener, and more equal society, generating a wealth of future opportunities. This goes beyond what we have collectively achieved before to create a broader definition of socio-economic success that delivers for the many not the few.”

Register your place:

Entrepreneurs are Essential for Society

Find out more about the Economic Strategy and how you can get involved