Growth Hub Event Highlights Hertfordshire’s Role in the Film & TV Supply Chain

Hertfordshire Growth Hub recently hosted an event designed to spotlight the investment potential within the region’s SMEs, with a particular focus on the film and TV supply chain. The event brought together investors, business leaders, industry leaders, and academic partners to explore how Hertfordshire’s creative ecosystem is not only thriving—but ripe with opportunity.

Inspiring Talks from Industry Experts

Kicking off the event, Adam Morley, Creative Sector Lead, Hertfordshire Futures, delivered an energising keynote, highlighting Hertfordshire’s global significance in film and TV production—boasting more studio space than Hollywood.

Emma Fadlon from Innovate UK Business Connect outlined the wide range of support available to creative businesses. She encouraged attendees to reflect on what sector they are truly operating in—often broader than they might think—and to explore the many funding and collaboration opportunities available through Innovate UK.

Professor Mairi Watson, Deputy Vice Chancellor at the University of Hertfordshire, showcased the university’s commitment to research, education, and business support in the creative fields, reinforcing the region’s role as a hub for innovation and talent development.

Paul Dawson, Director of Facilities at Sky Studios, shared the impressive sustainability credentials of Sky Studios Elstree, including their use of solar energy and diesel-free operations. He also walked us through the journey and life cycle of a production, highlighting the many requirements that arise at each stage, many of which can be met by local businesses.

Business Showcase

Three standout businesses shared their journeys and offers:

King Bee Animation Founder Martyn Niman discussed the studio’s mission to create age-appropriate content for tweens, blending creativity with social responsibility.

Jason White of Weave FX demonstrated how Augmented Reality is transforming historical site visits into immersive experiences—especially appealing to younger audiences.

Gareth Llewellyn, Co-Founder of MagicBeans, captivated the audience with his approach to immersive sound design, leaving many eager to experience his next installation.

Panel Discussion: Innovation, Investment & Impact

A thought-provoking panel explored how the industry can grow responsibly and inclusively:

Amelia Price of Sustainable Film discussed the complexities of environmental transparency in film production, including the challenges of greenwashing.

Paul Dawson from Sky Studios shared their impressive sustainability achievements, including 3 acres of solar panels and a 95% Albert rating.

Lauren Christy highlighted Sky’s commitment to nurturing future talent through placements and training programmes.

Aristos Peters, founder of D-Risk It, introduced his tool D-Risk IT platform that assesses a business’s investment readiness and can be accessed through Hertfordshire Growth Hub.

The event highlighted the vital role that regional suppliers and service providers play in supporting the broader film and TV supply chain. With strong support networks, cutting-edge talent, and a commitment to sustainability and inclusivity, the future looks bright in Hertfordshire.

Interested in joining the next event or learning more about our Create Growth Programme? Get in touch with us today to find out how we can support your business’s growth.