The Hertfordshire Growth Board met to appoint its new Chair and Vice-Chairs, and to discuss and endorse the draft Digital Strategy for Hertfordshire. The Board also reviewed its Delivery Plan and Budget for the upcoming year.

Appointment of Chair and Vice-Chairs

Steve Jarvis was unanimously appointed as the new Chair of the Hertfordshire Growth Board. Jeremy Newmark and Richard Henry were reappointed as Vice-Chairs.

Draft Digital Strategy

The Board discussed and endorsed the draft Digital Strategy for Hertfordshire, a 10-year plan aiming to enhance digital infrastructure, inclusion, adoption, and development across the county. Key discussion points included:

• Digital Infrastructure: Concerns were raised about the remaining areas with poor broadband coverage, particularly in rural locations and multi-dwelling units. The strategy aims to achieve over 90% full fibre coverage by 2036. Mobile infrastructure coverage was also highlighted as a concern, with calls for significant improvements and a concerted campaign to address not-spots.
• Digital Inclusion: The strategy acknowledges the ongoing challenge of digital exclusion, particularly for older people and those with dementia, and aims to ensure all residents have access to essential digital skills and affordable services. The Digital Help Finder tool was mentioned as a resource to support individuals.
• Digital Adoption: The strategy recognises the link between digital adoption and business productivity, with a focus on supporting SMEs to embrace digital technologies, including AI. The need for granular guidelines for responsible AI use, tailored to different sectors like film and TV, was emphasised.
• Digital Development: The significant growth in data centres in Hertfordshire was discussed, alongside the associated challenges of energy and water consumption. The strategy aims to attract investment while promoting sustainable practices and exploring opportunities for heat networks. The potential for AI growth zones and the benefits of designation were debated, with some questioning the tangible benefits offered by the government.

Several members highlighted the rapid pace of technological change, particularly with AI, and the need for the strategy to remain adaptable and regularly reviewed. There was also a strong emphasis on embedding sustainability and nature-based solutions within the strategy, especially concerning data centre development. The need for clearer governance and alignment across different bodies involved in digital initiatives was also raised.

Hertfordshire Growth Board Delivery Plan and Budget

The Board reviewed its Delivery Plan and Budget for 2026-27. The plan outlines key areas of activity, including advocacy, strategic engagement, and supporting devolution readiness. The budget, drawn from the Hertfordshire Business Rates Retention Pilot Growth Reserve, was presented, showing a projected spend within the available funds. The plan aims to strengthen Hertfordshire's position as a coherent place for growth and investment, particularly in light of Local Government Reorganisation and the move towards devolution. The evolving role of the Growth Board as a custodian of the place-based narrative and a bridge between strategy and delivery was highlighted.

The strategy will be finalised by the Digital Hertfordshire team within Hertfordshire Futures before publication.