Vibrant Local Economy

Hertsmere has a vibrant and growing local economy, which I am determined to support wherever I can. 

We are a world-leading location for film and TV production. Leading studios include Elstree Studios and the BBC Elstree Centre producing successes such as Eastenders, The Crown and Strictly Come Dancing, I am excited to support the local industry’s continued development. 

I have been thrilled to visit the new Sky Studios Elstree, which is set to create 2,000 jobs and attract £3 billion of investment over the first five years. I was pleased to help secure the £6 million of government funding which supported this project. 

As our production sector continues to thrive and grow, I will be in contact with businesses and residents to ensure local voices are heard. I am also engaging with studios in the area to establish clear routes for local students to obtain vital work experience in the industry, including through Sky Up Academy and Elstree Screen Arts Academy.

We are lucky as well to have a wide range of thriving small businesses which form the backbone of the local economy. I make regular visits to small businesses in the constituency, and I am clear that we must continue to give them the support they need to succeed and grow. 

News

Oliver Champions New Local Pub, The Plough in Elstree

Sir Oliver Dowden MP recently visited the newly opened The Plough in Elstree, with Councillor Harvey Cohen.Oliver met with owner Steve Haslam to get a tour of the pub and to discuss the major economic pressures facing independent hospitality businesses, including National Insurance Contributions, th

Sir Oliver Condemns Labour’s Regulations Destroying Jobs for Young People

Sir Oliver has raised his concerns about Labour’s regulations destroying jobs for young people.Sir Oliver said: "Many young people take time to adapt to new jobs and simply have not proved themselves after six months, but with the coming into force of the Government’s Employment Rights Act 2025, the

Oliver Laments Closure of Bushey Business Amid Parking Charge Concerns

Sir Oliver Dowden MP recently visited Mavis of Bushey following the announcement that the shop will close its High Street doors at the end of February.During the visit, the owners informed Oliver that the removal of free parking at Kemp Place Car Park, alongside the introduction of a Controlled Park

Oliver's Column for My News Bushey - February 2026

As I wrote in December’s issue of Bushey News and in my New Year’s Q&A, the removal of free one-hour parking at Kemp Place Car Park is a major issue for local businesses and residents.Last year, I convened a meeting with affected local business owners to hear directly about the impact of these c

Oliver's Column for My News Bushey - December 2025

In Bushey, we are fortunate to have a fantastic range of small businesses, which make up an important part of our high street and form the backbone of our local economy. These businesses build something that not only supports the business owners, who put their careers, their income and often th

Oliver Joins with Local Businesses to Stand Against Parking Charges

Sir Oliver Dowden MP recently convened a meeting with local business owners who have been negatively affected by the parking charges imposed at Kemp Place Car Park.Kemp Place used to provide parking free of charge for the first hour, allowing residents to park near the high street to buy quick essen

Sir Oliver Raises Concerns About Spending and Investment

Today, Sir Oliver Dowden MP raised his concerns about Labour solving the loss in market confidence by taking decisive action on spending and by attracting inward investment. He intervened in an Opposition Day debate, saying: "Would my right hon.

Oliver Welcomes Announcement of Third Runway at Heathrow Airport

Sir Oliver Dowden MP has welcomed the government's announcement of a third runway at Heathrow Airport but warned the government that it needs to be seen through.In a statement to the House of Commons, the Chief Secretary to the Treasury updated the House of Commons on growing the UK economy.Sir Oliv