In the last ten years there have been significant changes in employment in the borough. There has been a decline in traditional manufacturing employment and a growth in service and high technology industries, including film and media. Considerable commercial development took place between 1987 and 1992 and several of the borough's older employment sites were redeveloped to provide modern accommodation. The latest large commercial site is Centennial Park in Elstree which has been developed by Slough Estates.

In Borehamwood, One 2 One, Pinnacle Insurance, Adecco Alfred Marks and Pizza Hut all have their head offices and occupy new buildings. Canada Life has its headquarters in Potters Bar. With the growth in high technology industries, older industrial premises have been adapted for use. Amongst such occupiers is Grunwick Processing Laboratories (Bonus Print).

Hertsmere's excellent location with the A1(M), M1 and M25 all very close, means that it is also a significant location for warehousing and distribution. Sainsbury's Elstree Cold Store and Donatantonio - a leading quality food supplier to Marks and Spencer - are located in Borehamwood.

In the media industry BBC Elstree, the home of EastEnders, Newsroom South East and Grange Hill, is located in Borehamwood town centre. Close by is Elstree Film Studios which has now been extended and refitted, providing top quality film and media production facilities. The smaller Millennium and Hillside Studios are also located in the borough.

The pharmaceuticals and research industry employs several hundred people. Bio Products Laboratory, part of the National Blood Transfusion Service, the National Institute for Biological Standards and Control and the Imperial Cancer Research Fund, are all within the borough.

Cranborne Industrial Estate lies on the north-west side of Potters Bar next to the Green Belt. Major companies on the estate include Soundcraft Electronics and Knight Strip Metals. In Bushey there is the Otterspool Way Industrial Site, while Beaumont Gate is an office development near the railway station in Radlett.

There are still several sites in the borough with potential for commercial development and the Council aims to assist the expansion of existing firms whilst attracting new investment.