Spotlight Focus A borough that blends creativity, commerce and community

With a robust and diverse economy nestled amid picturesque green spaces, the borough of Hertsmere offers an exceptional environment for both business and community life.

Comprising Borehamwood, Bushey, Potters Bar, Radlett, Aldenham, Shenley and the surrounding villages, Hertsmere benefits greatly from its proximity to London. Excellent transport links – including mainline rail services, access to the M25, M1 and A1 and five nearby airports – make the borough highly accessible for residents, visitors and businesses.

Home to more than 18,000 companies, including nearly 100 scale-ups, Hertsmere fosters a dynamic and supportive environment for business growth and innovation.

A recognised hub for the creative industries, Hertsmere is home to leading film and technology enterprises such as Sky Studios Elstree, Elstree Film Studios, BBC Elstree, Fairbank Studios, Canada Life, Kedrion (BPL), Fujitsu, Info Plus Tech and Elstree Aerodrome.

The borough’s thriving film and television sector boasts an impressive portfolio of productions, including The Crown, The King’s Speech, Paddington and Wicked. Ongoing filming includes household favourites like Strictly Come Dancing, The Chase and the iconic EastEnders.

Elstree Studios, which celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2025, is a cornerstone of the local creative economy. With over 90,000 square feet of filming space, nine sound stages and more than 40 resident production companies, the studio remains a premier destination for film, television, commercials and music rehearsals. Legendary titles such as Star Wars, The Dirty Dozen and 2001: A Space Odyssey were all filmed here.

For local talent like award-winning producer and director Rob Finlay, Hertsmere provides the ideal balance. He said: “The best things about living and working in Hertsmere and Hertfordshire as a whole is the access to green space while having the benefit of such close proximity to the capital.”

In 2024, Rob produced Welcome to Hertsmere, a video tour showcasing the borough’s natural beauty and unique character.

Creativity isn’t the borough’s only strength. Hertsmere’s economy is also fuelled by a fast-growing technology sector, supporting nearly 140,000 jobs. The area’s employment growth rate stands at 8.05 per cent, with 245 businesses reporting workforce expansion – a clear sign of ongoing opportunity.

Award-winning Minerva IT Services exemplifies this momentum. Founded over 40 years ago, the company has built a reputation for delivering tailored IT solutions across industries, including cloud services, software development and telecommunications.

Victoria Livingston, Marketing Manager at Minerva, said: “Hertsmere offers a wealth of local amenities, from professional services to leisure facilities, creating an attractive environment for employees and visitors alike. Minerva benefits from being part of a dynamic local economy with strong community ties.”

To further support its thriving business ecosystem, Hertsmere Borough Council hosts quarterly networking events, provides one-to-one business support and runs a Creative Forum. It also leads the Hertsmere Skills Partnership, collaborating with the Hertfordshire Chamber, local colleges, the University of Hertfordshire, representative businesses from key sectors and organisations such as WENTA and the DWP to address skills gaps and foster talent.

The borough is home to long-established companies like Purple Marketing, which has been delivering pragmatic and impactful solutions for more than 38 years. Founder Jeremy Silverstone described Hertsmere as “a creative and media hub with a diverse population, a vibrant arts scene and strong community spirit”. He added: “Its accessibility to London, combined with Hertfordshire’s green spaces and historical heritage, creates a balanced lifestyle that appeals to suppliers, partners and clients alike.”

When it comes to leisure and culture, Hertsmere offers residents and visitors a wide range of activities. Community groups play a central role in sustaining cultural life, supporting museums, theatres, festivals, cinemas, live music and other events.

Accommodation options like the DoubleTree by Hilton London Elstree offer business and leisure travellers the perfect mix of city connectivity and countryside calm. Its close proximity to major studios makes it a top choice for production teams and media professionals.

Hertsmere’s cultural calendar is bolstered by Inspire All, a charitable trust that manages several leisure centres and coordinates events and festivals in parks across the borough. Another standout initiative is the work of Small Acts of Kindness, a charity that organises corporate volunteering sessions to combat loneliness among older residents. Each year, the organisation distributes more than 15,000 gift bags and promotes a culture of kindness and social responsibility.

Hertsmere’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its exceptional green spaces, many of which have been recognised with prestigious Green Flag Awards – a mark of excellence in park and green space management. These accolades, managed by the environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, are awarded under licence from the UK Government and serve as a national benchmark for quality outdoor environments.

One of the borough’s most celebrated parks is King George Recreation Ground in Bushey, which has proudly held Green Flag status for an impressive 26 consecutive years. Not far behind is Oakmere Park in Potters Bar, another community favourite, which has received the award 22 times. In Borehamwood, Aberford Park has maintained its Green Flag credentials for over 17 years, while nearby Parkfield in Potters Bar has earned the award 16 times.

Bushey Rose Garden continues to be a highlight of the borough’s green offering. Now in its 14th year of recognition, the garden has also achieved the prestigious Green Heritage Site Accreditation, supported by Historic England, in recognition of its carefully preserved historical features and thoughtful management. Mary Forsdyke Garden and Warren Lake, nestled in the heart of Bushey Heath, have also been honoured seven times and Meadow Park in Borehamwood has recently received its second award, reflecting ongoing investment in local parks.

Adding to this environmental achievement, Fisher’s Field Nature Reserve in Bushey has earned a Green Flag Community Award for the 16th time. This special accolade acknowledges the dedication of local volunteers who, in partnership with the council, work tirelessly to maintain and enhance this natural haven.

Together, these green spaces reflect Hertsmere’s ongoing efforts to balance growth with environmental responsibility – offering residents and visitors places to relax, recharge and connect with nature.

Hertsmere Borough Council is committed to sustainable growth. Guided by its Hertsmere Vision 2022-2027 economic strategy, the council aims to build a vibrant and resilient economy that supports all residents and businesses.

The strategy outlines bold ambitions to deliver high-quality support, create local jobs and ensure a balanced economy for the borough’s growing population. In collaboration with partners, the council is fostering innovation, entrepreneurship and community engagement – helping people and organisations reach their full potential.

With its unique combination of creative industries, tech innovation, cultural vibrancy and environmental stewardship, Hertsmere stands out as a borough where business and lifestyle thrive side by side.

Elstree Studios, which celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2025, is a cornerstone of the local creative economy. With over 90,000 square feet of filming space, nine sound stages and more than 40 resident production companies, the studio remains a premier destination for film, television, commercials and music rehearsals.