Expert Office Advice

Vital stats and business information for companies considering relocation to or setting up an office in Hemel Hempstead.

Hemel Hempstead is a “new town” in the Borough of Dacorum in the County of Hertfordshire. It is situated in a shallow chalkland valley at the confluence of the Rivers Gade and Bolbourne. Hemel Hempstead is famous for its “Magic Roundabout” which allows traffic to go the roundabout way in both directions. This market town developed around a charming quaint town that still exists today.

Hemel Hempstead boasts of some of Hertfordshire’s largest industrial and business areas. Hundreds of big companies including some of their European headquarters are based in Hemel Hempstead. At the other end of the spectrum, small businesses and entrepreneurship abound.

Population
82,704 – derived from National Census 2001
Source: Office for National Statistics

Migration, immigration, ethnic diversity, basic population demographics
• 90.8%of the population is white British, 3.5% is white non-British and 5.7% is non white
• 89.57% is born in England

Unemployment/employment rate
• 69.5% is employed
• 3.4% is unemployed
Source: Key Statistics for HCC Settlements Based on Office for National Statistics 2001 Census

Average income/salary
₤546.50 (Dacorum)
Source: New Earnings Survey 2003 Analyses by Region, County and Small Areas Office for National Statistics

Location within the UK
• Situated 20 miles from London
• To the north lies Luton, Abbots Langley and Kings Langley to the south, St.Albans to the east and Bovington to the west

Transport options to and within
• Hemel Hempstead is near the motorway network M1, M10 and A41 (5 minutes traveling time) and M25 (10 minutes).
• There are local buses running to and from every part of the town, nearby towns and fast coaches to London daily.
• It is served by the main Euston commuter line with a journey time into London of well under half an hour.

Closest airports with average distance from town/city centre
• London Heathrow Airport – 31 kilometres
• London Luton Airport – 8 kilometres
• Milton Keynes Airport – 28 kilometres

Dominating sectors/industries
The services sector has seen a steady rise since 1980, a shift away from the manufacturing industries. The financial services, pharmaceuticals, computer-related industries, telecommunications, information technology are experiencing massive growth. Today, Hemel Hempstead has one of the strongest research and development facilities in the UK.

Large companies that have headquarters or major branches in the location
• The European headquarters of Kodak, Dixons, FreeServe, Fuji Film
• Du Pont, British Telecoms, Epson, HSBC Call Centre

Areas that are considered to be prime business locations
• Maylands Industrial Estate
• Paradise industrial Estate
• Three Cherry Trees Lane
• Riversend Business Park

Awards won by the location – business or otherwise
• The Hemel Hempstead Town Cricket Club won The Premier Division of the Herts League.
• The Hemel Hempstead Camelot Club is one of the top rugby clubs in England

Other
Hemel 2020 Master Plan is about enhancing the quality of life, providing more homes, creating new businesses and employment opportunities.

Restrictions
From 1 July 2007, new laws will require virtually all enclosed public places and workplaces and public and certain work vehicles in England to be smoke free.

Special business benefits/dispensations
• The Small Business Rate Relief is available at 50% for owners occupying single properties with a rateable value up to ₤5,000 with relief declining in percentage terms on a sliding scale until it is 0% at ₤10,000.
• Certain businesses set up on agricultural land or buildings that were previously exempt from non-domestic rate may be entitled to 50% relief if the property is occupied and the rateable value less than ₤7,000.

3 best things about the location
• Hemel Hempstead has excellent transportation links to London and the rest of UK and abroad.
• The workforce covers a wide range of skills and is well-motivated.
• Hemel Hempstead boasts of a green and pleasant environment.

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