Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) has launched its Clean Growth programme to grow the county’s sustainable economy and businesses, and provide skills for jobs in green industries.
At its core are two key business-focused goals:
- To drive a green economy by accelerating development of a Low Carbon Environmental Goods and Services (LCEGS) sector
- To improve the environmental performance of businesses, communities and places in Hertfordshire
Hertfordshire LEP has appointed Helen Pollock, who has extensive experience within the sector, as Clean Growth Manager. Helen will play a pivotal role in supporting businesses on their net zero journey and will work with local partners to meet shared sustainability goals.
Helen said: “I am delighted to take on this important role for the county. As we experience one of the hottest summers on record, there is a real and compelling imperative to tackle climate change. Clearly this can’t be done alone so we must work both within and outside our county borders to achieve our clean growth ambitions and drive a step change in behaviours. We all have a role to play in safeguarding our planet for future generations, sharing knowledge and practical steps businesses can take now to reduce their carbon footprint.”
The LEP’s Clean Growth Strategy is the first one for the county and has been endorsed by Hertfordshire Growth Board. The strategy sets out a critical agenda for businesses and a series of actions to grow a sustainable economy and slash carbon emissions. It is part of a series of strategies developed by Hertfordshire LEP in partnership with business, local government, not for profit and education to support its responsible economic growth agenda.
Helen added: “Already we have seen first hand the exponential growth of our key sectors in life sciences, film and TV and advanced manufacturing. This has not happened by chance but it is the result of years of targeted investment and a collaborative approach with industry and local partners. I look forward to the exciting opportunities and challenges that will be taken forward by the LEP to deliver clean, business-led growth.”
The setting-up of the Clean Growth Industry Panel, a group of leading clean technology and sustainable Hertfordshire businesses and organisations, will be among the programme’s first actions. Operating in a similar vein to the LEP’s Life Sciences Industry Panel and the Film/TV Industry Panel, it will bring together a diverse team of experts to support delivery of the Clean Growth Action Plan, ensuring its activities are in line with industry’s needs and that growth opportunities are acted upon.
Herts IQ, Hertfordshire’s Enterprise Zone, has sites in Maylands Business Park and Hemel Hempstead, along with innovation/start-up space on campus at BRE in Watford and Rothamsted Research in Harpenden. The Enterprise Zone is a flagship venture in Hertfordshire attracting new companies to the area involved in delivering low and zero carbon built environment solutions, creating skilled jobs for local people. We will continue to build on this momentum with innovation partners Rothamsted Research, BRE and the University of Hertfordshire. Visit www.herts-iq.co.uk
View Hertfordshire’s Clean Growth Strategy
For more information on the Clean Growth Programme, contact Helen Pollock, Clean Growth Manager, Hertfordshire LEP: helen.pollock@hertfordshirelep.co.uk
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