Herts IQ and Estu are launching a Workforce Productivity Programme for businesses across South West Hertfordshire.

Working in partnership with world-leading researchers from MIT, this fully funded programme will support organisations to apply cutting-edge research in a practical way, helping to drive:

• Productivity
• Business growth
• Staff retention
• Employee engagement

For more information, contact chris.harper@estuglobal.com or visit: https://www.estuglobal.com/herts-iq-workforce-productivity-programme.

On 11 June, Oaklands College will host the World Cup Packathon, a major charity endurance event delivered in partnership with ‘Goods for Good’, bringing together the Hertfordshire business community for a day themed ‘Sport for Good’. As the 2026 World Cup kicks off, 48 corporate teams will each represent a competing nation - not on the pitch, but by working together to pack thousands of boxes of life‑saving humanitarian aid for vulnerable communities in the UK and worldwide.

Hosted in the Oaklands Wolves sports hall, the ambition is to raise over £50,000, pack 4,000+ boxes of essential goods, divert 20 tonnes of surplus items from landfill, and deliver significant carbon savings - while also supporting disadvantaged Oaklands Wolves students locally.

Each team of five commits to raising a minimum of £1,000 (with a £500 deposit) and will benefit from hands‑on team building, networking with regional businesses, brand exposure and a post‑event ESG impact report.

STANTA is the St Albans Enterprise Agency, supporting local small businesses by providing free one‑to‑one advice, business skills workshops, and access to helpful resources. They also offer flexible, easy‑in/easy‑out office space in St Albans, helping new and growing businesses get established and thrive in the local area.

See some of the workshops they are hosting at the STANTA Business Centre below:

• Business Planning Part 1 (2 June)
• LinkedIn for Business (9 June)
• Business Planning Part 2: Financials (10 June)
• How to use Chat GPT to Boost Creativity and Innovation (16 June)

Step2Skills is Hertfordshire Future's adult learning and employment support service. They provide opportunities for adults in Hertfordshire to get involved in learning and employment. 

Some of their online workshops and courses are listed below:

• Introduction to Microsoft Excel (8 June)
• Setting Up Your Own Business (10 June)
• Public speaking and presentation skills (11 June)
• AI in the workplace (11 June)

Are you looking to create new business connections in and around St Albans? Then join the FSB Connect event taking place at the excellent venue of Co Space in St Albans.

Whether you’re looking for collaborations, referrals, fresh ideas or simply a supportive local network, there will be plenty of time to get to know other businesses from across the area. With a mix of both informal and structured networking, you can maximise the number of new connections that you make.

The speaker is Joolz Joseph who will be “Addressing 5 common SME Marketing Challenges”.

Date: Tuesday 23 June 2026 
Venue: Co-Space, Jubilee Square, St Albans AL1 3LT

The Inspiring Hertfordshire Awards 2026, sponsored by SA Law, culminate in a spectacular Gala Dinner and Awards Evening celebrating the very best of Hertfordshire business. The awards provide an opportunity for local organisations to showcase their achievements to clients, partners and the wider business community.

This year’s Gala Dinner marks the 15th anniversary of the Inspiring Herts Awards and promises an evening of celebration, networking and live entertainment. More than 350 Hertfordshire businesspeople will gather for a Black & White themed night, as finalists discover which businesses will be crowned winners.

Date: Thursday 18 June 2026
Venue: Tewinbury Farm, near Welwyn Garden City
What’s included: pre‑dinner drinks, three‑course meal, wine or soft drinks, live entertainment and networking with c.350 business contacts

Tickets:
Member rate: £175 + VAT
Non‑member rate: £209 + VAT
Tables: book nine places and receive the tenth free*

*Tables are not bookable online. To receive the table discount, please contact bookings@hertschamber.com.

Made Smarter East of England is now in Year 2, offering fully funded support to manufacturing and engineering SMEs to adopt digital technologies and improve productivity. Businesses can access specialist advice, leadership training, student placements and match‑funded grants of £5,000 to £20,000 to support digital transformation.

Register your interest via the link below. 

‘Help to Grow: Management’ is a 90% government‑funded programme designed for SME leaders who want to strengthen performance, resilience and long‑term growth. Delivered with industry experts and experienced entrepreneurs, the course has already supported over 100 SME leaders to grow their businesses.

The programme blends the latest business thinking with practical tools, real‑world case studies, peer networking and one‑to‑one mentoring, helping you build the confidence and skills needed to lead change. It’s designed to fit around existing work commitments while delivering practical insights you can apply immediately.

Learning is delivered through a mix of online sessions and face‑to‑face teaching at the University of Hertfordshire. The next cohort starts on 17 September 2026.

Affinity Water is offering a free water efficiency service for non‑household customers across their supply area, including businesses, schools and public sector organisations.

The service includes a site visit, leak checks, water‑saving devices and installation, plus tailored recommendations to help improve water efficiency.

Alongside this, they’ve published new guidance to support organisations in reducing water use, managing costs and meeting environmental and sustainability goals. This includes practical tips, case studies and information on how to access the Water Efficiency Service.

Visit Herts has launched a refreshed Destination Management Service, strengthening support for Hertfordshire’s £2bn visitor economy and building on its long‑standing work with attractions, destinations and hospitality businesses across the county.

Now funded and delivered in‑house by Hertfordshire Futures, the three‑year service will be led by a dedicated Service Manager and delivered with local partners, ensuring a more joined‑up, locally driven approach aligned to Hertfordshire’s priorities.

The updated service will promote the county through inspiring seasonal content, support businesses with access to skills and funding, and work closely with districts to develop place‑based strategies and stronger business tourism.

For more information, contact Daria Godding at: daria.godding@hertfordshirefutures.co.uk.

The Government’s consultation on Hertfordshire’s Local Government Reorganisation proposals has now closed.

In November 2025, Hertfordshire’s 11 councils, along with the Hertfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner, jointly submitted three unitary model proposals for the Government to consider.

A statutory consultation ran for seven weeks from 5 February – 26 March 2026 providing the opportunity for residents, stakeholders and consultees to share their views on the proposals and the future of Local Government in Hertfordshire. A decision is expected from the Government in summer 2026.

The 11 councils continue to work collaboratively to prepare for a smooth transition into the new authorities in April 2028 and are committed to implementing whichever model the Government decides.

Further information can be found at https://www.hertfordshire-lgr.co.uk/

Major improvements have been made to a popular 450-metre stretch of the River Ver trail in St Albans.

The footpath, between Holywell Hill and Cottonmill Lane, has been restored and the pedestrian bridge that crosses the river has been replaced.

Both the path and bridge are now accessible to people with buggies as well as other users.  The new bridge has been widened and ramps built at either end to replace the high stone steps and improve access.

St Albans City and District Council, the leaseholder for the land involved, gained £164,000 from the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund to finance the work.

Councillor Helen Campbell, Chair of the District Council’s Public Realm Committee, and members of the project team are pictured on the new bridge.