Hertfordshire Prosperity Ltd (HP Ltd) is the sub-regional economic partnership for Hertfordshire - the economic development umbrella group for the county with membership drawn from organisations with a stake in the county's future.

Hertfordshire Prosperity has been in existence since 1991, although it only became incorporated (as a company limited by guarantee) in 2005. It was originally formed to meet the demise of the defence and aerospace industries, and ameliorate the impact on the local economy. It has been reviewed and reorganised a number of times since then to reflect changes in the economy and the evolving relationship between partners.

HP Ltd's role is to:

• Provide representation and leadership to encourage growth of the Hertfordshire economy;
• Encourage cohesion between partners;
• Lobby on regional and sub-regional issues;
• Develop and ensure delivery of the Hertfordshire economic development strategy;
• Develop new programmes;
• Manage the delivery of existing programmes.

The HP Ltd Board consists of four subscribers (similar to shareholders):

• Exemplas Ltd;
• Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce & Industry;
• Hertfordshire County Council; and
• University of Hertfordshire.

In addition there are seven 'observers' (similar to non-executive directors) who attend and participate in board meetings:

• Connexions
• District Council representatives - Dacorum Borough Council
• East of England Development Agency
• Job Centre Plus
• Learning & Skills Council Hertfordshire
• Hertfordshire Careers Services Ltd
• Voluntary & community sector representative - Councils for Voluntary Service

Click here to access the East of England Development Agency website.