The competition is for 100% fully funded grants for between £10k and £30k to support innovation projects for businesses in the creative industries in Create Growth regions (of which Hertfordshire is one).

Projects must focus on one or more of the creative industries sub-sectors: advertising & marketing; architecture; crafts; design & designer fashion; film; IT, gaming, software & computer services; museums, galleries & libraries; music, performing & visual art; photography; publishing; radio; TV; and video.

The application closing date is 19 June at 11 am.

Join Hertfordshire Growth Hub and partners for this free in-person workshop on 18 June at Theobalds Enterprise Centre, Cheshunt.

This is an interactive workshop, where you will hear from a host of business and finance experts on why financing your business correctly is key for realising your business’s potential. There will be information on what options are available, what financial providers are looking for and how to access them. For further information and to book your free place click on the link below.

Businesses in Hertfordshire can access a package of support aimed at SMEs within the county's booming film and TV sector, and those looking to join the sector's supply chain.

Find out more about the Hertfordshire Create Growth programme here.  

See the information on Herts Film Office https://www.hertfordshirefilmoffice.co.uk/ where businesses can sign up and get involved:

Suppliers:  https://england.reel-scout.com/crew_registration.aspx?type=S&cl=S

Crew:  https://england.reel-scout.com/crew_registration.aspx?type=C&cl=C

Locations:  https://mscs-filmoffice.openbrolly.com/hertfordshire/location

Location Collective, the UK’s third largest studio owner-operator, has announced the opening of OMA V Film Studios in Park Street designed to provide purpose-made space for high-end TV shows and feature films. The new five-acre, 10,300 sq. metres film studio site, is the first high specification film studio facility in the St Albans area.

Wednesday 12 June at Hunton Park Hotel, Kings Langley

Hertfordshire’s housing is undergoing significant transformation to make homes greener and more energy efficient. Hertfordshire has around 500,000 homes that require retrofit, has already secured over £100m retrofit investment, and is driving the reduction of carbon emissions from homes by the installation of retrofit measures, including low-energy heating systems, solar, and insulation.

Herts LEP is accelerating business growth opportunities for local people and businesses, creating new green jobs and upskilling opportunities. Hertfordshire needs around 60,000 retrofitters (tradespersons, retrofit assessors, installers, sales, and customer advisors)

To access the retrofit (Greener Homes) business growth opportunity in Hertfordshire,

The Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce has been asked to create a Local Skills Improvement Plan in partnership with the Department for Education. It’s a programme supported by the British Chambers of Commerce to identify what skills and training local businesses need for future growth. As a local employer, have you had issues getting the right people and skills into your organisation?

Firms tell the Chamber that they struggle to find and keep trained people which is affecting their business development, and the Hertfordshire Chamber and others want to help. To do that, evidence is needed to make the business case. Find out more at https://www.hertschamber.com/lsip or go straight to the survey below.

Invest Hertfordshire is a gateway for businesses looking to relocate to, and expand in, Hertfordshire. It offers a free service tailored to individual companies' needs by providing access to expert knowledge and local intelligence. This can enable faster and more successful relocation and expansion.  

Support is available to both national and international firms of all sizes that wish to expand or relocate to Hertfordshire.

Research conducted by the Chartered Institute of Trading Standards has shown that 97% business websites did not comply with consumer protection legislation. The full report is available here.

Support is available on the business companion website (www.businesscompanion.info) and via this in-depth guide: www.businesscompanion.info/sites/default/files/Starting-an-online-business-Dec-2022.pdf. The purpose of this guide is to enable sellers to establish what their legal obligations are and to provide new businesses with an introduction to the UK’s consumer and trading laws.

The Department for Business and Trade has  launched the Help to Grow: Management Essentials course, a free online course with practical tips and resources for small business leaders.  

Essentials is the latest addition to the ‘Help to Grow' toolkit supporting UK small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The course is suited to new or smaller SMEs, and those looking to explore the principles of business growth and management. Business leaders can access the course through the Help to Grow website.

STANTA recently celebrated 40 years of helping an array of local businesses in the District to set up and thrive. At the same time Mel Hilbrown, Executive Director, has just retired and Ginny Cooper, Operations Director, will be retiring soon stacking up at least 20 years each at Stanta. 

Steve Bedford now takes the helm. STANTA will continue to offer in-person support for start-ups and young businesses in St Albans, Harpenden and surrounding villages, through advice meetings, business planning sessions or attendance at STANTA’s range of workshops. STANTA will continue to play an increasingly active role in the local business community. See https://stanta.co.uk/ or call 01727 837760.

This is a one stop shop for talent in Hertfordshire, providing:

• Career paths
• Employment opportunities
• Apprenticeships and work experience
• Skills development and professional qualification programmes

HOP enables employers to reach and recruit their future staff and upskill and provide progression opportunities for existing staff. See https://www.hopinto.co.uk/

Saturday 22 June from 11am to 5pm

Alban Day, delivered jointly by St Albans City and District Council and St Albans Cathedral, and sponsored by St Albans BID, combines the pageantry of the Pilgrimage procession with the vibrant Alban Festival, set against the backdrop of the traditional St Albans Charter Market.

The Pilgrimage Procession, with 3.5 metre puppets, will weave through the streets, retelling the story of St Alban – from whom the City gets its name. The procession begins at St Peter's Church at 11am, and will go down St Peter's Street and onto  High Street, culminating at the West End of the Cathedral.

Afterwards, activities and entertainment will take place on High Street between 12pm and 5pm and include performances at the Clock Tower with face painting, arts and crafts and a treasure trail.

Windrush Day celebrations will also be taking place outside The Vintry Gardens on Waxhouse Gate. There will be a community choir, a steel pan player and a dominoes tournament plus other activities. Lots of fun for all the family!

Councillor Paul De Kort is the new Leader of St Albans City and District Council.

He was elected to the role at the annual meeting of the  Council on Wednesday 22 May.

Cllr De Kort will chair the Council’s Strategy and Resources Committee which has responsibility for the budget and financial strategy.

He will also chair the Planning Policy and Climate Committee, which is currently drawing up a new Local Plan, a blueprint for the District’s future growth.

The Full Council meeting also agreed to the appointment of other Lead Councillors who will each have a wide range of responsibilities.