"LEPs are responsible for producing a Strategic Economic Plan for their area, identifying barriers and solutions to growth and working with local partners to improve their business environment. Our vision is to accelerate business-led economic growth in Hertfordshire, and for Hertfordshire to become a world-leading economy."

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 LEP 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 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.

Find out more about STANTA on their website at https://stanta.startupinfohub.co.uk/.

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: Loreta.Lingyte@fsb.org.uk, mobile 07464 892681.  

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

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

Some properties are eligible for discounts from the local council on their business rates. This is called business rates relief. Further information on all types of rate relief can be found at https://www.gov.uk/apply-for-business-rate-relief.

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.

Grant Thornton provides proactive cyber services to confidently manage evolving risk. Learn how to protect your business at https://www.grantthornton.co.uk/services/cyber/.

'Business in the Community' has distilled some of the Government's COVID19 support packages for small businesses into a checklist with tips on what's available and how to access them.

If your business can offer support to save and change lives during the COVID19 pandemic, visit the 'Business in the Community' National Business Response Network platform. If you can offer professional support, lend/donate resources or logistics then here's your way to help the coronavirus response.

'Business in the Community' is offering for SMEs needing help with business continuity or employee wellbeing; and community groups needing help with food, technology or social care due to coronavirus.    

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

St Albans City of Expertise. Advice and information from professional service experts: legal, chartered engineering, chartered accountants, financial expertise/banking, planning and surveying. Find out more at http://cityofexpertise.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://stalbans.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/for-traders/hertfordshire.

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.

Advice to help you navigate the risks and opportunities of climate change.

Read about The Carbon Trust at https://www.carbontrust.com/what-we-do.

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/.

St Albans District Council holds three major community events each year:

• The Alban Street Festival (Sunday 25 June 2023)
• St Albans Food and Drink street 'Feastival' (Sunday 24 September 2023)
• St Albans Christmas Cracker (Sunday 19 November 2023)

Attendance at our events continues to be strong, with each one attracting in excess of 16,000 visitors.

If you are interested in sponsorship opportunities at our community events, please contact events@stalbans.gov.uk.