Economic Development

Our main aim is to address the priorities within the Herefordshire Community Strategy, and to work to achieve the objectives of the Herefordshire Economic Development Strategy. The vision of the strategy is that Herefordshire is a place where people, business and an outstanding natural environment will together bring about sustainable prosperity and well being for all. A copy of the strategy is downloadable from the Resources box below. To obtain more information on different aspects of our work click on the appropriate menu item.

Most links on this page are in the External Links box at the foot of this page. If you are looking for business advice you can visit the pages or ring their Helpline on 01432 260764. You will also find practical advice for businesses, particularly new ones, at Business Link below. A list of other possible contacts is available by clicking on Advice and Contacts in the Resources box below.

To meet our aim the services provided are targeted in four main ways, outlined below.

Economic Development Strategy

The production of the new Economic Development Strategy is now underway. The final consultation document, which is available in the resources box on the right, focuses on the evidence that will form the foundation of the new Economic Development Strategy, ensuring that the conclusions made ring true with local experience. Consequently, the document will also outline the key issues that need to be addressed and priorities for the future.

Supporting investment in Herefordshire

We do this through:

• Discussion with national and international inward investors in association with the Herefordshire Business Board regarding investment opportunities on the Hereford Enterprise Zone and other
• Inward investment and Property Enquiry Service - including production and distribution of the Property Register (see Property Register for more about property).

Encouraging business growth and expansion

Our work in this area encompasses:

• Production of the Herefordshire Business Directory.
• Support to the Creative Industries in Herefordshire Programme.
• Advising on other possible sources for business grants or advice (for more info on grants and support schemes see also Business Grants)

Click on Advice and Contacts in the Resources box for a downloadable list of organisations who may be able to provide advice or information for businesses in Herefordshire, with contact details.

Infrastructure Development

This involves improving the County's infrastructure, employment land and workspace provision. Our role is summarised below but information on individual projects can be obtained under the Updates item on the menu.

• Development of the Hereford Enterprise Zone
• Working to bring employment sites forward for development
• Contributing to the Local Development Framework.
• Management of Workspace and Infrastructure Projects.
• Development of funding packages for infrastructure projects.
• Commenting on planning applications.
• Contributing to transport infrastructure improvements.

Contact Details

The Team's aim is to make it as easy as possible for businesses to grow and to invest in Herefordshire. The scope of our work is very wide ranging and we will help in any way we can, even if only to put you in contact with the people who can help.

For any general enquiries relating to economic development please contact:

Economic Development Team
Herefordshire Council
PO Box 4
Plough Lane
Hereford
HR4 0XH

Tel: 01432 261758
Fax: 01432 383031
E-Mail: economicinvestment@herefordshire.gov.uk

If you have any issues you wish to take to a higher level, or if you wish to make a complaint, you can write to the Head of Economic and Community Services at the above address.

Data Protection Act

To provide services for you, we need to handle personal information about you. You can find out more about the Council's Data Protection policy and how to make a request for access to information held about you by the Council on the Data Protection pages on this website using the related page link below.