Estu and Herts IQ brings MIT expertise to Hertfordshire businesses in new productivity programme
Backed by funding from Herts IQ, Estu will deliver a two-year programme helping 50 local businesses and 150 managers tackle workforce barriers and boost performance.
Estu, the Innovation learning and transformation provider described as “exceptional” by Ofsted, has been selected by Hertfordshire Innovation Quarter(Herts IQ) to deliver a landmark programme that brings cutting-edge workforce research from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) directly to businesses in Southern Hertfordshire and the surrounding area.The Herts IQ partnership with Estu ‘Overcoming Workforce Barriers to Enhance Business Performance, is one of nine projects sharing £1.88 million from the Herts IQ Growth Investment Fund. It addresses a challenge that affects businesses of every size: the gap between having good people and getting the best from them. Research consistently shows that how organisations manage, engage and develop their people has a significant impact on productivity. Yet many businesses, particularly SMEs, lack access to the expertise and evidence base needed to make meaningful change. This programme closes that gap.
Practical support, not theory
The programme combines diagnostics, expert-led masterclasses and one-to-one coaching to help managers make practical, lasting improvements to how their teams work. It is designed to fit around business schedules, with a clear focus on measurable outcomes.
Participating businesses will receive:
- A workforce diagnostic to identify opportunities for improvement across engagement, management practices, team autonomy and job design
- Interactive masterclasses focused on the practices that drive real performance gains
- Targeted coaching and follow-up support to help managers implement changes within their teams
- Impact measurement to track improvements in productivity, engagement and retention
The programme aims to support around 50 businesses and 150 managers, creating or safeguarding 30 jobs and delivering a measurable productivity uplift across participating firms.
Exceptional expertise, local impact
Simon Littlewood, CEO of Estu, said: “This programme is about giving Hertfordshire businesses access to world leading expertise. The research is clear: better workforce practices drive better business performance. What’s been missing is a practical way to translate that evidence into action.That’s exactly what this programme delivers.”
Built on MIT research The programme draws on the work of Dr. Ben Waber,scientist at MIT and author of People Analytics,published by the Financial Times Press. Waber’s research explores how data and behavioural insights can reveal how teams actually work and how management practices influence productivity.His involvement ensures the programme is grounded in evidence, giving participating businesses confidence that the changes they make will deliver results.
Who should get involved
The programme is open to businesses connected to the Herts IQ area, including organisations in Maylands Business Park, Hemel Hempstead, StAlbans and the wider Hemel Garden Communitiesinnovation ecosystem. It is particularly relevant to businesses that employ 10 or more staff and have managers responsible for teams.The programme launches in April 2026 and runs for 18 months.
About Estu
Estu is an Innovation learning and transformation provider. We deliver apprenticeships, Skills Bootcamps and bespoke programmes in innovation,sustainability, AI and change leadership, helping people and organisations adapt, innovate and grow. Described as “exceptional” by Ofsted in 2025, Estu works with organisations ranging from SMEs to global brands including Sky Studios, Skanska, Willmott Dixon and Tata Consultancy Services.
About Herts IQ
Hertfordshire Innovation Quarter (Herts IQ) is leading the development of 3 million sq. ft. of new commercial space into a zero-carbon, digitally connected workplace, 30 minutes outside London. Herts IQ is run by seven partners: Hertfordshire Futures, Hertfordshire County Council, St Albans City and District Council, Dacorum Borough Council, BRE Group, Rothamsted Research and the Universityof Hertfordshire. For more information visit www.herts-iq.co.uk.
Media enquiries
Estu: Silke Anderson,
Herts IQ: Adam Wood,
