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 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, 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 investor-ready 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 innovation and technology campus, every project we’re showcasing at UKREiiF is backed by clarity and real substance.

“And we have ambition to do more – operating at scale to have a transformational impact on our local communities and the wider region. We welcome an open dialogue with investors and developers to co-design a better future for our residents and businesses.”

Adrian attended the Annual Regional Leaders Brunch Roundtable, convened by globally leading investor Federated Hermes MEPC and UKREiiF. Guests included leaders and mayors of local authorities from all four UK nations and Minister for Investment Baroness Poppy Gustafsson.

Throughout the event (May 20 to 22), Hertfordshire Futures was joined on the exhibition stand by partners, The Crown Estate and Gascoyne Estates.

The Crown Estate is developing a new 1.8 million sq. ft business park, just off M1 junction 8, which will also deliver 4,000 new homes, four new schools and a country park.

Gascoyne Estates is seeking partners to deliver the Hatfield Innovation Campus, a landmark development featuring 400,000 sq. ft. of commercial space and key worker accommodation, alongside promoting a new village at Symondshyde Farm, which has opportunities for solar energy and biodiversity net gain.

The ‘Meet Hertfordshire’s Place Pioneers’ panel, sponsored by Hertfordshire Infrastructure and Development Board, took place on May 21 at the SCAPE Public Sector Stage in the Royal Armouries - the UKREiiF venue.

Angie Ridgwell, CEO, Hertfordshire County Council; Rob Chesworth, Head of Strategic Land, The Crown Estate; Rachael Elwin, Senior Development Manager, Strategic Land, Gascoyne Estates; Linda Chandler, Chief Digital Officer, BRE Trustee; and Dan Wilson, Senior Planning Manager, Cala Homes, joined the discussion facilitated by Mayor Peter Taylor, Leader, Watford Borough Council, and Vice Chair, Hertfordshire Growth Board.

Hertfordshire County Council’s new leader, Councillor Steve Jarvis, gave an address ahead of the discussion, less than 24 hours after he was appointed.

Melanie Miller, Hertfordshire Futures inward investment manager, said: “I am really excited that we have brought together such a diverse range of views to give a 360-degree perspective on what good and responsible growth means. This debate will look beyond bricks and mortar to give concrete examples of how we are working together to drive positive social impact for our local communities and ensure Hertfordshire fully leverages its place pioneering past for future generations.”

The Hertfordshire Infrastructure and Development Board (HIDB)— a membership organisation which brings together over 100 private and public sector members from across Hertfordshire—sponsored a post-event drinks and networking session. Established in 2021 by the Hertfordshire Growth Board, HIDB brings the county’s political, civic, health and business leadership together to deliver sustainable economic growth and high quality placemaking.