Business support services

Hertfordshire Futures is the new name for Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership. This name reflects the newly integrated status into Hertfordshire County Council following the decision by Government to empower democratically elected local leaders in supporting their local economies. This opportunity has been welcomed to align a strategic economic vision with other plans and strengthen the partnership with local government.

A range of information and links with support and advice for businesses, Herts Industrial Strategy, business support and other information can be found on the Hertfordshire Futures website.

Whether you're starting out, getting ready for the future or looking to scale up, the Hertfordshire Growth Hub will get you access to the right support, when you need it and work together with you to make things happen. Hertfordshire Growth Hub is part of Hertfordshire Futures (formerly Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership) – a business-led body driving economic growth across the county.

Information about The Herts Growth Hub and support for businesses can be found on their website at https://www.hertsgrowthhub.com. See their events listing page at https://www.hertsgrowthhub.com/events/.

The STANTA Start Up resource centre has a wide range of information on the legal and practical things you need when starting up a business.

STANTA Start Up Hub

STANTA runs the Get Enterprising programme for businesses under 5 years old, funded by Hertfordshire Futures (formerly Hertfordshire LEP). This gives local businesses up to 12 hours of free business advice and training, which can be used in a variety of ways over a period of time. 

STANTA also offers support for more established businesses (over 5 years old).

STANTA business support

WENTA is a social enterprise that provides a 'one-stop-shop' for business support. They can provide you with a wide range of information and resources to help you start and grow your business including business advice, mentoring and training.

Find out more about WENTA on their website at https://wenta.co.uk/.

Hertfordshire Business School is one of the largest business schools in the UK. Find out how they can assist your business on their website at https://www.herts.ac.uk/study/schools-of-study/business/for-business.

Supporting start-ups and small businesses, identifying opportunities for growth and taking businesses to the next level. Find out more at https://www.herts.ac.uk/enterprise-zone/business-support/business-incubation.

Oaklands College is a further education college in Hertfordshire with campuses in Welwyn Garden City and St Albans, and a further training provision in Borehamwood. Oaklands college can support your business in employing an apprentice, more details can be found at https://www.oaklands.ac.uk/study/apprenticeships/employers/.

Oaklands College also offers courses for adults, for more information go to https://www.oaklands.ac.uk/study/school-leavers/course-finder/?filter=adultLearner.

Federation of Small Business (FSB) is a not-for-profit business organisation that campaigns on issues important to smaller businesses, offers legal, tax and employment advice and protection, funding platform, and discounted business services. 

FSB representative for St Albans district: Suzanna Austin. Services@fsb.org.uk 0808 1693868

Find out more about FSB membership benefits here: https://www.fsb.org.uk/membership 

Find out more about FSB’s policy work here: https://www.fsb.org.uk/media-centre.html 

The Council uses the Supply Hertfordshire procurement portal for all tender opportunities. Find out more and apply at https://in-tendhost.co.uk/supplyhertfordshire/aspx/Tenders/Current.

Government guidance to help businesses and organisations improve online security and protect against cyber threats can be found here https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/cyber-security-guidance-for-business#full-publication-update-history 

Healthy Hub St Albans District offers free information, advice and support to help you stay healthy and well.

The Hub works with a range of professionals who can help you get the right service for your needs.

Please visit us at: https://www.stalbans.gov.uk/healthy-hub.

Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) are private sector led, public sector supported, partnerships. They aim to revitalise their communities by delivering projects and services into the public realm within the BID area. St Albans BID is a not for profit company operating within a defined geographical area in St Albans City centre. It aims to provide additional services to people who live and work in the City Centre. It is largely funded by a levy from approximately 500 businesses in its designated area that totals around £450,000 a year. For further information see www.stalbansbid.com and www.enjoystalbans.com

Read about the St Albans District Chamber of Commerce on their website at http://www.stalbans-chamber.co.uk/.

Read about the Herts Chamber on their website at https://www.hertschamber.com/.

Members only workspace and coworking community for businesses and individuals.

Read about the Harpenden Collective at https://www.theharpendencollective.co.uk/.

Find out how the Businesses Community website can help you at https://thebusinessescommunity.com/

Guidance and advice on food law can be found at http://www.food.gov.uk/.

Find information about the Gambling Commission Regulator at http://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/.

For information about the national regulator for health and safety matters, visit https://www.hse.gov.uk/. 

The Hertfordshire County Council Trading Standards pages have information for businesses and consumers.

For more information about local trusted traders, go to https://trustedtraders.which.co.uk/.

Which? Trusted Traders also offer advice on working with traders.

Aims to reduce the regulatory burden on businesses, support growth and help regulators to better understand the challenges businesses face. Contact bbfa@hertfordshire.gov.uk or find out more at https://www.hertfordshirelep.com/business/better-business-for-all/.

Strategy to reduce emissions from road vehicles and move towards zero emissions.

Read the Road to Zero strategy.

The Carbon Trust - free resources and guides to support businesses, and advice to help you navigate the risks and opportunities of climate change. 

St Albans Greener Together – a free members' network sharing best practice and local news on Sustainability for businesses, community organisations and residents.  

Information for SMEs about joining the UN’s Race to Zero and practical steps that businesses can take to cut emissions.

 Information on sources of funding. 

Practical support for businesses on energy efficiency, reduce energy costs, becoming more sustainable, and boosting overall productivity - the Hertfordshire Growth Hub's knowledge bank has resources for businesses, following a simple online registration on net zero and full funded training for carbon awareness.

Hertfordshire Climate Change and Sustainability Partnership - Resources for sustainability.

Sustainable St Albans – Information on many aspects of sustainability, local initiatives and action.

St Albans Sustainability Officers Networking Group - If you are interested in joining this local group for those tasked with improving sustainability within their organisation or business, please contact candice.luper@stalbans.gov.uk. 

Herts Innovation Quarter (IQ) is "leading the development of 3 million sq. ft. of new commercial space into a zero carbon, digitally connected workplace". Herts IQ offers work spaces from offices to industrial units.

According to their website, Herts IQ is an "Enterprise Zone with a clear vision for the future and the generations to come, we encourage smart, sustainable transport, a high build quality across all new developments and the adoption of low carbon operations. We also support strong engagement with the community we live and work in."

Read more at https://www.herts-iq.co.uk/.

Additions to the list since November 2025 are:

• GTR/Govia rail capacity roundtable meeting - 27 March 2026 (Luton Airport and Universal studios among those attending)
• Business Summit, 9 March 2026 - 40+ businesses represented
• Thameslink - March 2026
• Veolia – January 2026
• Equinix – January 2026
• St Albans District Chamber of Commerce Business Breakfast with St Albans City & District Council – 20 January 2026
• Glinwell Nurseries – December 2025
• Co-Space – November 2025

Earlier (2024-2025)

Businesses

• Rothamsted Enterprises
• Building Research Establishment
• AECOM
• OVO
• St Albans FC
• Segro
• Govia Thameslink
• Uno Buses
• Crown Estate
• Jarvis Homes
• Sopwell House Hotel
• HIDB
• Oakman Inns
• Location Collective and OMA Studio Group
• Perrin Myddelton
• DLA Tow Planning
• Gem Cable Solutions Ltd
• MARS Business Solutions ltd.
• Care Support Empower Ltd
• Iceberg Accounting Limited
• GuideZap
• Wrap n Pac
• Atlas Translations
• Clark and Brown
• EYES on St Albans
• MET Medical Ltd
• Spencer & Fry
• Tabi Health
• Media Powerhouse
• Striking Places Photography
• ColourMeIn Wellbeing
• Jago Jewellers
• Anthony Lewis Photography
• Jo Salagee, Jo – Market Trader

Educational establishments

• Oaklands College
• University of Hertfordshire

Business representative organisations

• St Albans BID
• St Albans District Chamber of Commerce
• Hertfordshire Futures
• Hertfordshire Growth Hub
• St Albans Enterprise Agency
• Hertfordshire Agricultural Society
• Hertfordshire Lieutenancy Business Panel
• Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce
• Herts IQ Board
• Hightown Housing Association 

Health related organisations

• North London NHS Foundation Trust
• South and West Hertfordshire Health and Care Partnership
• Herts and West Essex Integrated Care Board (NHS)
• Primary Care Manager, Central East ICB for South West Herts

Charities/charitable groups

• Harpenden Mencap
• Youth Talk
• Emmaus
• St Albans & District Food Bank
• Citizens Advice St Albans District
• Communities 1st
• Mind in Mid Herts
• St Albans Cathedral