West Hertfordshire is one of 18 new Enviro-Tech Enterprise Zones to be created after backing by St Albans MP, Anne Main.  Chancellor George Osborne announced in the Autumn Statement that the joint bid of St Albans, Dacorum, and the Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership for a new enterprise zone was successful.   

Anne said ‘this is great news for St Albans and Dacorum.  When I wrote to the minister back in September, I said that I was fully behind the councils and the LEP in their bid. 

‘In St Albans we have cutting-edge technology companies, a highly-skilled workforce and top-quality research facilities.  What we had on offer was vital to winning the bid, which I am told was very competitive.

‘We can build on our success, and potential for growth with this type of recognition.  What I was arguing back in September was that the green and sustainable economy that we want, can be delivered if we’re given the backing.

‘I pay tribute to the work of the LEP and both councils in their success.  This goes some way to making the most of the “Green Triangle”, and supports its aim of bringing in new firms and more highly-skilled jobs to the area.’

The multi-site bid covers Maylands Business Park, Hemel Hempstead, and land in Dacorum Borough, west of Green Lane. The enterprise zone can benefit businesses by offering business rates discounts, enhanced capital allowances, simplified local planning and if necessary, government funding.