Insight 45 - Magazine - Page 32
INVEST HERTFORDSHIRE FLIES THE
COUNTY FLAG TO ATTRACT INVESTORS
AND DEVELOPER PARTNERS AT UKREIIF
H
ertfordshire’s growth and
development experts – coming
together under the Invest
Hertfordshire banner - showcased
the county’s outstanding offer and
opportunities at the UK’s Real Estate
Investment and Infrastructure Forum
(UKREiiF) in Leeds.
They presented the many strengths
and assets – including ‘shovel-ready’
sites - for the sustainable and digitally
led development that will help fast-track
the UK Government’s growth plans, to
an audience of investors, developers,
architects and Government officials.
Hertfordshire already contributes £49.7
billion GVA to the UK economy – a growth
of over £10bn in a decade and a larger
economy than many major cities. Key
sectors include seven of the eight high
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value industries identified in the Industrial
Strategy such as life sciences, creative
and clean growth. Digital infrastructure
is another asset with gigabit broadband
exceeding 90% coverage (above the
national average) and Google building its
first UK data centre in the county.
Around 100,000 new homes and jobs
will be created over the next 15-20 years
to support a growing 1.2m population,
through a range of new developments
including two new Garden Towns – Hemel
Garden Communities and Harlow &
Gilston.
Neil Hayes, CEO, Hertfordshire Futures
and Interim Director, Hertfordshire Growth
Board, said: “UKREiiF provides an ideal
platform to showcase how Hertfordshire’s
public and private sectors are working
hand-in-hand to deliver high-quality,
bIZ4BIZ INSIGHT MAGAZINE | JUNE 2025
sustainable growth — not just through
new homes and infrastructure, but by
generating jobs, creating economic
opportunities and delivering meaningful
social impact.
“From Harlow and Gilston Garden Town
to the pioneering DC01UK data centre
in Hertsmere, we’re looking forward
to highlighting Herts’ shared ambition
and joined-up approach to delivering
sustainable growth.”
The county has 24 development sites with
a total GDV of £12.9 billion – 17 investorready now and seven on the horizon –
which were promoted at UKREiiF.
Hertfordshire Futures Chair, Adrian
Hawkins OBE, said: “Whether it’s a major
town centre regeneration project such as
Stevenage’s Station Gateway or Watford
High Street, a global life sciences hub or
