Create Growth, Capture Opportunity

The business of film is booming in Hertfordshire, and behind every binge-worthy streaming series and cinematic blockbuster is an army of small businesses powering the production from behind the scenes.

After all, shoot days require logistics, film crews need catering, and sets don’t build themselves.

For a vast array of businesses in Hertfordshirefrom sound designers to security, animators to accountants - the Film & TV industry represents a previously untapped market with serious growth and expansion potential.

But how can businesses get themselves noticed?

The answer lies in the Create Growth Programme – a national initiative led locally by Hertfordshire Futures, aimed at SMEs with big ideas but limited access to the right networks, funding or commercial know-how.

Whether you’re already supplying the industry or looking to tap in, this programme offers tools, insights and high-value connections to help your business grow.

Four Steps To Unleashing Growth

The programme takes a four-pronged approach, with two core components and two optional extensions for deeper support.

• Business Growth Assessment: A one-toone diagnostic, delivered by Hertfordshire Growth Hub, assesses ambition, opportunity and capacity across 12 key areas to lay the groundwork for strategic scaling.

• Supply Chain Innovation Programme: Learn to innovate, increase sales and secure new commercial opportunities with this intensive 8-week course delivered by Estu and the Royal College of Art, in association with industry influencers and major film studios.

• New Product/Service Development Support (optional extension): Accelerate the creation and launch of high-value products/services that can help scale your business, with bespoke support from the University of Hertfordshire.

• Investment Readiness Support (optional extension): Get ready to grow with finance masterclasses and one-on-one mentoring from Innovate UK Business Growth and Hertfordshire Growth Hub.

“The Create Growth Programme has so many different touchpoints—from tools, advice, grants, support and networks. I’d recommend that any Hertfordshire business applies.”

Martyn Niman, Founder, King Bee Animation.