A partnership aimed at boosting the economy in Hertfordshire has been given �180,000 by the government.

The Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) received the funds from the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills after a bid to help establish the group as an independent body.

The money will be used to set up a core team to support the LEP and also create an inward investment service aimed at encouraging new businesses to come to Herts, as well supporting existing businesses in the county.

John Gourd of Johnson Matthey, chairman of the partnership’s interim board, said: “We are really pleased to have received 90 per cent of the amount we bid for. In addition to the generous funding we have received from Hertfordshire County Council, this money will be extremely helpful at this crucial stage of developing the Hertfordshire LEP, enabling us to progress our plans more quickly.

“The LEP is working hard to engage with local businesses and organisations through its four programme boards and its business forum, all of which will meet for the first time in September.

“We have high aspirations for Hertfordshire and this funding boost will go some way to helping us achieve them.”

David Lloyd, executive member for resources and economic well-being at county hall and a member of the LEP board said the authority is confident the money will make the partnership a success.

He added: “Despite its apparent affluence, Hertfordshire’s economy has not grown as much as we would want over the last few years and the LEP will be bringing together expertise from all types of organisations in the county to find solutions and to help turn our economy around. We will want to be measured on our success in bringing jobs and inward investment to the county.”