Hertfordshire has emerged as one of the UK’s most compelling places to build an innovative business.
It combines the ingredients that matter – world-class research, specialist facilities, fast access to London and global markets, and a culture that encourages collaboration – with a distinctive sense of place.
During the last quarter of 2024, Hertfordshire saw the creation of approximately 1,460 new businesses, reflecting a 2% increase from the previous year. This growth stands out against the UK’s overall 8.5% decline in new business registrations, highlighting Hertfordshire’s resilience and capacity for growth amidst broader economic challenges.
This is a county where breakthroughs move from lab to market, productions go from script to screen, and long-horizon research shapes the future of food and materials.
Crucially, it’s also a place where leaders can convene – heritage venues and modern campuses sit side by side, creating the conditions for ideas to be tested, funded and scaled. These include the Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst and the Hertfordshire innovation quarter.
Read on to discover more about the innovative organisations doing business in this dynamic county.
A Great Place to Do Business
Located between London, Cambridge and Oxford, Hertfordshire offers businesses an ideal location. With fast trains reaching the capital in just 26 minutes and easy access to the M1, A1(M), and M25, visiting clients and suppliers is remarkably convenient. For international travel, Luton airport is just 25 minutes away by car, while Stanstead airport takes 48 minutes.
This physical connectivity is matched by a deep talent pool. The University of Hertfordshire supplies graduates across life sciences, engineering, computing and the creative arts, while the county’s quality of life – green space, well-kept towns, excellent schools – helps companies recruit and retain experienced teams.
Also in the area, Hatfield Business Park is a commercial hub hosting major companies like Ocado Group and Computacenter alongside a mix of smaller businesses. It is involved in collaborative innovation initiatives such as the Hertfordshire Living Lab – a smart technology testbed developed in partnership with the University of Hertfordshire and Hertfordshire LEP (now Hertfordshire Futures).
Stevenage and Advanced Therapies
Stevenage has become a focal point for advanced therapies in Europe, anchored by a unique cluster of companies who blend research, manufacturing, and finance.
The Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst brings start-ups and global players together on one campus, providing scale-up laboratories, specialist GMP-grade manufacturing access, and an investor network attuned to the demands of translational science. Companies based at the Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst have raised around £2.9 billion in equity since 2012. More than 45 companies are based here, employing over 1,000 people.
Alongside this, the Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult’s manufacturing centre provides high-quality production facilities, making it easier for new treatments to reach patients. In addition, the first phase of the Elevate Quarter – which will be Europe’s largest life sciences campus – is due to be completed in late 2025 and is expected to create up to 5,000 highly skilled jobs by 2031.
Rothamsted – Agri-Science With Global Impact
Hertfordshire’s innovation story isn’t limited to the laboratory. In Harpenden, Rothamsted Research – one of the world’s longest-standing agricultural research institutions – continues to shape the future of food.
Its unique long-term field experiments, some dating back to the 19th century, provide unparalleled datasets on soil health, crop performance, and environmental change.
Today, Rothamsted pairs this heritage with cutting-edge science in areas such as sustainable farming systems, disease-resistant crops, biodiversity, and climate resilience.
On the campus, Rothamsted Enterprises helps start-ups with workspace and services. The SHAKE Climate Change programme funds and mentors new businesses working on food security and lower emissions.
A Powerhouse for Film and Television
The county is also a creative hub for film and TV. Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden and Elstree Studios attract productions from all over the world, creating skilled jobs and supporting local businesses from construction to post-production.
They attract major film and high-end TV projects, bringing inward investment, developing specialist skills and supporting a wide supplier base – from set construction and visual effects to catering and logistics.
Warner Bros. is expanding with ten new soundstages, increasing capacity by more than 50%. Construction began in 2024 and is scheduled to finish by 2027.
The studios’ continued expansion has a multiplier effect – more stages lead to more consistent work, which sustains training programmes and apprenticeships, which in turn deepens the regional skills base.
Elstree Studios is also upgrading to meet growing demand and remains one of the UK’s most recognised studio names.
Infrastructure of Innovation
A defining feature of Hertfordshire is the breadth of its innovation infrastructure. Science and business parks provide high-specification labs, cleanrooms and collaboration spaces; incubators and accelerators supply mentorship, investor access and specialist services; and sector-specific institutions translate research into standards and practice.
In Watford, the Building Research Establishment (BRE) specialises in research focused on the future of building, from safety to sustainability. Its Science Park offers high-quality facilities and a collaborative space for new ideas in construction and building technology.
Across the south and west, the Hertfordshire Innovation Quarter helps businesses grow in areas like clean energy, advanced engineering, and new energy solutions. It provides specialist workspaces and services designed to support companies as they expand. Nearby, Hatfield Business Park complements the area’s innovation and growth ecosystem, with tenants including Ocado and Computacenter.
For entrepreneurs and businesses looking for support, Hertfordshire Futures, the business growth organisation, works closely with Hertfordshire County Council to foster growth and investment in key sectors, including life sciences, digital technology, and the creative industries.
A Business Culture That Connects
Innovation thrives in places where people can meet the right partners at the right time. Hertfordshire’s business community is notably open and networked.
Chambers, sector groups and university-industry programmes run a steady calendar of meet-ups, investor showcases and knowledge-sharing sessions.
This shortens the distance from introduction to collaboration for founders. For established firms, it opens doors to pilots, procurement opportunities and spin-out partnerships.
Heritage and Innovation Work Well Together
History isn’t just a beautiful backdrop in Hertfordshire. It provides credibility and a strong sense of place for modern businesses. Venues such as Hatfield Park offer more than beautiful surroundings – they offer credibility, help convene senior audiences and encourage long-term thinking. Bringing leaders together in a place that has hosted politicians, scientists, and artists over centuries signals ambition and continuity.
Learn more about our new mixed-use development, Salisbury Square – creating Old Hatfield’s new heart.
The Estate’s location – just minutes from the A1(M) and Hatfield station – keeps London and the innovation corridors within easy reach for your business.
At Gascoyne Estates, the focus on long-term social and commercial value and careful custodianship of the communities in which the Estate operates mirrors the mindset of many innovative companies: invest wisely, think in decades, and build assets – intellectual and physical – that endure.
Read about why you should move your business to Old Hatfield.
Future Growth Potential
Hertfordshire is also home to many emerging industries, such as digital health, green energy, and gaming. Businesses such as software design company Imagination Technologies are choosing to grow here. Meanwhile, ongoing investment from both the public and private sectors means better infrastructure, more labs and office space, and a steady flow of talented people. For ambitious businesses and forward-thinking investors, Hertfordshire offers plenty of space to grow.
More opportunities for growth are on the horizon as Gascoyne Estates plan the Hatfield Innovation Campus, a hub for science and technology talent. This live-and-work community will enable R&D companies to scale up and drive innovation in the heart of the Golden Triangle.
Connecting and Collaborating
Events like TEDx St. Albans bring together thought leaders and local entrepreneurs. The University of Hertfordshire also plays an active role, teaming up with businesses on research and innovation projects.
The Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce – which is located in Old Hatfield – organises initiatives and events, including the Inspiring Hertfordshire Awards, making it easy to connect and collaborate.
CEO Donna Schultz says, “Our events calendar has been bursting with energy, bringing members together to learn, connect and celebrate success. From networking breakfasts to unique activities, it’s been inspiring to see the breadth of talent and ambition within our business community.”
Gascoyne Estates also host regular charrettes – public meetings focused on responsible renewable energy development, development plans and encouraging community feedback.
Looking Ahead
The future looks bright as Hertfordshire continues to attract new companies and talent from around the UK and beyond. If you’re planning a conference, investor meeting, industry workshop, or a unique location for your business, consider Hatfield Park – a heritage venue for modern business.
Find out more about holding an event at Hatfield Park, or explore commercial property and office space in Hertfordshire, including Salisbury Square and Old Hatfield.
