Economic Regeneration

The Economic Regeneration Team is the first point of contact within Herefordshire Council for general business and economic development enquiries. The Team is part of the Economic and Community Services Division, itself part of the Adult & Community Services Directorate, and is based at Plough Lane in Hereford.

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.

• Market Towns Regeneration links to specific projects and support available under various market town schemes, and in Hereford, with the contact details for officers based in the towns
• Updates (soon to be called Events & Projects) provides the latest information on current projects, newsletters and other items which may be of interest.
• Useful Links has all the web links to be found on our pages, plus many more which may be of use.

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 Trading Standards website using the link below 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.

Supporting the Herefordshire Partnership

More information on the Partnership can be found on their web site using the link below. The Community Strategy has an Economic Development & Enterprise theme with desired outcomes of more and better paid employment; a more adaptable and higher skilled workforce; and reduced traffic congestion through access to better integrated transport provision.

Our involvement is primarily:

• Facilitating the Economic Strategy Group
• Jointly with Business Link, facilitating the Business Service Providers Network..
• Working on funding bids

Supporting investment in Herefordshire

We do this through:

• Delivery of the Herefordshire Investment Partnership
• Inward investment activities with the Regional Development Agency - Advantage West Midlands.
• Aftercare/investor development, in association with Business Link.
• 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.
• Administering the Herefordshire Council Business Start-up Grant scheme (see Business Grants).
• Support to the Prograta Fund grant scheme (see the section under Business Grants).
• Support to the Creative Industries in Herefordshire Programme.
• Support for the Bridge-it Partnership Herefordshire scheme providing subsidised advice on environmental issues (see Events and Developments).
• Leading on Hereford City Regeneration (see Updates - Projects).
• Advising on other possible sources for business grants or advice (for more info on grants and support schemes see also Business Grants or look at Events and Developments and Useful Links).

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.

• Working to bring employment sites forward for development
• Contributing to the Unitary Development Plan.
• 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 Regeneration 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.

Last Updated: 18 October 07,
Review Date: 20 September 2005