There’s always a huge number of engaging and educational business events taking place across the County and October is no exception – there are far too many to mention here, so be sure to check out the full list on our events page.
Get back more time in your day with online business events, so you can attend, learn and interact all while cutting out the travel time. October’s online events include Business Surrey’s own series of four free webinars covering all stages of the business lifecycle, (7-11 October), the Profit Acceleration workshop for business owners by Surrey Chambers (4 October), plus a webinar on transforming your team’s performance by using AI-powered Smart Agents (Surrey Chambers, 24 October).
Submit your own event
Don’t forget, our events directory is a great way to promote your own business events to a wider audience. If your organisation is hosting or sponsoring a business event in Surrey, you can submit it for inclusion in the directory by completing this simple form.
Free support for Surrey SMEs
Business Surrey offers free and accessible support for all businesses in Surrey.
Our experts are on hand to provide tailored advice to help your SME grow and succeed. Get in touch with a member of the team via our business support form.
Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd: a Surrey Success Story video
Published 26 September 2024
Innovation, Surrey Success Stories
Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd is the latest of our Surrey Success Stories, a collection of video case studies of businesses โ large and small โ that are putting our region on the map. Click on the video below to discover how Surrey helped this company really take off.
From starting out in the late 1970s as an experiment in a small university lab, the company has really taken off.
And now, more than 40 years on, SSTL has 400 employees and launched more than 70 satellites into space for 22 countries.
But, more importantly, it paved a new way in space exploration – demonstrating how relatively small and inexpensive “micro” satellites could be built rapidly to perform successful and sophisticated missions.
Its story is a showcase of British ingenuity, ambition and engineering expertise. And central to it all has been its home region of Surrey.
How Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd took off
In the late 1970s, a group of researchers working at the University of Surrey, led by a young Martin Sweeting, decided to experiment by creating a satellite using commercial off-the-shelf components.
That first satellite, UoSat-1, was built in a small university lab in a cleanroom fabricated from B&Q.
Launched in 1981 with the help of NASA, the small satellite was a great success, outliving its planned three year life by more than five years.
In 1985 Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd formed as a spin-out company to transfer the results of research into a commercial enterprise.
In 2009 Airbus bought the majority shareholding from the University of Surrey, allowing SSTL to fulfill its growth potential.
It continues to go from strength to strength. Future plans include working on the Lunar Pathfinder project. This will be the UK’s first full satellite to go and orbit the moon.
Surrey: home to collaboration and innovation
“Surrey is the sole reason we exist today. I think from my friends at school who went to other universities at the same time that I did, and who tried to do one or two sort of things a little bit out of the ordinary. They tended to get sort of pushed back.”
Rather than being pushed back, Sir Martin Sweeting received backing aplenty, crucially from the University of Surrey.
The institution supported his idea and a home at the Surrey Research Park, where SSTL remains today.
Since being formed more than 40 years ago, SSTL has created more than 2,500 jobs. In the same period, its turnover has been ยฃ1.5 billion, of which ยฃ1 billion has been exports.
Key to growth has been collaboration with other Surrey businesses, including the Space South Central cluster.
Zoe Bowden, Head of Procurement and ESG, said: “We’re the largest space cluster in the UK at the moment. It’s a really fantastic way to unite industry, academia and government. Our indirect supply chain has really benefited from a lot of the SMEs that are around the local area.”
Surrey’s location is also a brilliant selling point to investors and important stakeholders.
Andrew Greenhalgh, Head of Marketing, explains: “The number of visitors we get here, the number of politicians who are interested in space, who love the fact they can be in Surrey within 35 minutes from Waterloo. We’re very proud that we can bring them down to Surrey and show them what we’re doing here.”
Looking to relocate your business to Surrey?
Thanks to our desirable location, reputation for innovation and collaborative business ecosystem, Surrey is a top business location of choice.
Event alert: Unlocking funding opportunities for Surrey SMEs
Published 25 September 2024
Advice and support, Funding and grants
This in-person event aims to empower SMEs in Surrey by providing them with the knowledge and tools needed to access funding opportunities and grow their businesses. By bringing together experts and entrepreneurs, we hope to foster a supportive community that drives economic growth and innovation.
Discover the essential knowledge you need to unlock funding for your business in this half-day event designed by Business Surrey specifically for SMEs in Surrey. We are delighted to be delivering this event in partnership with Mole Valley For Business.
Come along to hear three of Business Surreyโs expert speakers sharing the essential information that can help you find and secure the right type of funding for your business.
This is an in-person event, being held at Denbies Wine Estate, Dorking, on Wednesday 23 October, from 9.00am to 12.30pm.
What to expect on the day
The morning will begin with arrival and refreshments from 9 to 9.30am, followed by presentations and Q&A opportunities. Following the presentations there will be a Marketplace and Networking session.
Topics we will cover on the day include โDemystifying SME funding: An overview of available optionsโ, โGovernment grants and incentives: how to leverage public fundingโ, and โPitch perfect: how to present your business to investorsโ.
Each presentation will be delivered by one of Business Surreyโs respected business advisors, who are all experts in their fields.
The final Marketplace and networking session will offer attendees the additional opportunity to make new contacts and speak directly to a range of funding providers to find out more about the types of funding on offer to SMEs.
Agenda for the event
9.00 to 9.30 – Arrival & refreshments
9.30 to 11.45 – Presentations and Q&As
11.45 to 12.30 –ย Marketplace & Networking
12.30 – event ends
This event is perfect for Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) owners, entrepreneurs, financial advisors, and business consultants in Surrey. It aims to empower SMEs in Surrey by providing them with the knowledge and tools needed to access funding and grow their businesses. By bringing together experts and entrepreneurs, we hope to foster a supportive community that drives economic growth and innovation.
There is no entry fee and no limit on the number of attendees from a single business, but spaces are limited and you must pre-register to attend. Register today to save your place.
Free support for Surrey SMEs
Business Surrey is a Surrey County Council service offering free and accessible support for all businesses in Surrey.
Our experts are on hand to provide tailored advice to help your SME grow and succeed. Get in touch with a member of the team via our business support form.
This groundbreaking initiative defines a shared commitment for these organisations to work collaboratively in the interests of the wider Surrey community. The aim is to ensure that no one is left behind.
By pooling resources and expertise, partners believe they are better placed to address local needs, drive innovation, and create a more inclusive and resilient Surrey by 2030.
For businesses, this includes a pledge to “create the conditions for sustainable economic growth within Surrey, to maintain the countyโs position as one of the strongest economies outside of London”.
The Civic Agreement was formally signed at an event at Surrey History Centre in Woking last week. Discover more by watching the video below.
What is the Civic Agreement for Surrey?
It will serve as a public commitment to working together to bring about real and positive change to the people who live, learn and work in our communities across the county
Details are set out in a 32-page formal document (PDF) which defines shared priorities, objectives, programmes of work and future ambitions.
All will be delivered against four shared priorities, which are:โฏ
Growing a sustainable economy so everyone can benefit
Tackling health inequality
Enabling a greener future
Empowered & thriving communities
Why does it matter?
Tim Oliver OBE, Leader of Surrey County Council said: โSurreyโs universities are engines for regional innovation, with a profound impact across all four strategic priorities. The partners are committed to ensuring our residents, communities and businesses can easily access and benefit from our range of innovation organisations, assets, and networks. These all play a part in addressing the four objectives of our agreement, and ensuring that no one is left behind.โ
Prof. Max Lu, President and Vice-Chancellor University of Surrey said: โThe University of Surrey has a proud track record of collaborating with local government and university partners to address issues that matter to Guildford and the wider Surrey community.
“One recent example is the Games and Innovation Nexus Project, partnering with University for the Creative Arts, Surrey County Council and Warwick University. Other examples include our Centre for Doctoral Training in AI for Digital Media Inclusion, in partnership with Royal Holloway University of London.
“We welcome the strengthening of these ties through the Civic Agreement for Surrey, ensuring the breadth and depth of our expertise from our Institutes for Sustainability and People-Centred AI, and all our schools, and companies on our Surrey Research Park continue to enable our community to grow and thrive.โ
Prof. Julie Sanders, Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Royal Holloway, University of London said: โAs a University of Social Purpose, we want to take a proactive role in tackling societal changes, enabling sustainable social and economic growth, and improving skills and opportunities for those in our community.
“Our inclusive education and research has a focus on achieving positive benefits for and with our local community, and our collaboration with academic partners, community groups, schools and local government brings investment, jobs and opportunity to Surrey.
“As well as through the Centre for Doctoral Training with the University of Surrey and its emphasis on digital inclusion, this effort is integral to the CoSTAR project, which seeks to ensure the UKโs screen and performance industries have the infrastructure, research and innovation skills to compete globally. Declaring our public agenda through the Civic Agreement for Surrey will amplify the positive role the university can play in the region.โ
Prof. Jane Roscoe, President and Vice-Chancellor, University for the Creative Arts said: “As a leading creative university, the University for the Creative Arts plays a pivotal role in driving innovation across the arts, technology and business. Through our partnerships with local government, businesses and fellow academic institutions, we are committed to ensuring that creativity remains at the heart of Surrey’s economic and social growth.
“Our involvement in initiatives like the Games and Innovation Nexus (GAIN) project, alongside Surrey County Council and our university partners, is just one example of how we can harness creative thinking to solve real-world challenges. The Civic Agreement for Surrey reflects our dedication to fostering a creative and inclusive environment that empowers individuals, enriches communities and drives regional innovation.โ
Get involved with the Civic Agreement for Surrey
The launch of the Civic Agreement for Surrey is very much the first step in a long-term collaboration. This will include every part of Surrey.
Are you interested in advancing the shared priorities and objectives in the agreement? Get in touch via: civicagreement@surreycc.gov.uk.
Boost business performance by improving your staff’s number skills with Multiply
Published 18 September 2024
Skills and workforce
If your workforce doesnโt feel confident with numbers it could be holding your business back without you even realising it.
Studies have shown that almost half of the UK working population lack confidence using numbers โ so itโs likely that this could apply to some of your own team. But upskilling your staff by improving their number skills can help reduce number-related errors, increase productivity, improve staff retention and even increase profits.
Multiply can help improve number skills
Multiply is a range of free, flexible courses that can help your workforce improve their number skills and build their number confidence. The courses are funded by government so theyโre completely free to learners. Thereโs also no charge to businesses that want to upskill staff by sending them on an existing course or arranging a bespoke course for their organisation.
Thereโs a huge range of Multiply courses available, from just a few hours online, to more in-depth and in-person courses taking place over a number of weeks. So thereโs something to suit everyone โ but if you canโt find one to suit your workforceโs needs, itโs possible to arrange a bespoke program through one of the official Multiply providers.
Whoโs eligible for Multiply?
Multiply is available to all Surrey residents aged 19 and over, who donโt already have a Maths GCSE (or equivalent). In some cases, people who already have a Maths GCSE, but continue to feel unconfident with numbers, may still be eligible for improving their number skills with Multiply if it will help them to advance at work. And businesses that are based in Surrey can benefit from Multiply too.
Courses are running now, and continue until the end of March 2025.
Find out more
You can see the full list of available courses on the Multiply website.
If youโd like to find out more about arranging bespoke courses for your organisation, email multiply.info@surreycc.gov.uk.
Surrey SME Business Awards 2024 winners announced
Published 17 September 2024
Events and awards
The winners of the Surrey SME Business Awards 2024 have been announced at a black tie ceremony event held in Shepperton.
The annual awards took place last week (11 September, 2024) and celebrated the best small and medium sized enterprises of 250 employees or less in the county.
Winners were announced in a total of 21 categories. And they all championed the people and businesses promoting innovation and growth in our region.
Business Surrey was a sponsor of the two categories – Best New Business and Sustainability Award. Read on to discover more about Surrey SMEs that won these categories.
Sustainability Award – Surrey SME Business Awards 2024
William Wilsnagh, one of our expert business growth advisors, announced the winner of the sustainability award to Pinksheep. The company is a pioneer in sustainable merchandise.
Every product is graded on its sustainability credentials – meaning customers can make informed buying decisions.
Every pound spent with Pinksheep goes towards environmental initiatives. To date it has planted 91,039 trees, offset 5,686 tonnes of CO2, and recovered 2,317,463 plastic bottles.
Pinksheep has also developed Ora, a groundbreaking platform designed to help brands make eco-friendly choices.
Best New Business – Surrey SME Business Awards 2024
The winner of the Best New Business awards was EARLEY+DAUGHTERS.
This one woman candle making operation based in Haslemere started trading in March 2020 as the UK went into lockdown. It officially launched two years later.
As founder Katy writes on her website: “All EARLEY+DAUGHTERS candles are made by me, by hand, from start to finish. They are poured in incredibly small batches ensuring the quality is second to none – and also that there is no waste. Every minute spent blending, pouring, labelling and packaging each one is an absolute joy.”
Everyone at Business Surrey wants to say a big well done to all the winners and shortlisted businesses.
Business Surrey offers free and accessible support for all businesses in Surrey.
Our experts are on hand to provide tailored advice to help your SME grow and succeed. Get in touch with a member of the team via our business support form.
Ann Summers is the first of our Surrey Success Stories, a collection of video case studies of businesses – large and small – that are putting our region on the map. Click on the video tab below to find the secret to their success.
Ann Summers and Surrey
Ann Summers has been a landmark business in Surrey for more than 50 years. And during that time they have used the region as a base to garner international notoriety.
As chief executive officer Maria Hollins says: “We are known for being trailblazers, for breaking taboos and pushing boundaries. I think we literally are one-of-a-kind.”
The business started out in 1971 as two stores. The Gold family bought it in 1972. Under their leadership it has grown to be an established, iconic British brand.
And all of it is centered on a head office and warehouse next to the A22 in Whyteleafe, just north of Caterham.
The secret of Ann Summers
“When you speak to people in our business and you ask them why they joined and why they stay with Anne Summers, it is because of our culture.”
As Talent Acquisition and Engagement Lead at Ann Summers, Lauren Simmons knows the reasons why people love working at the business.
With 360 colleagues working at their Whyteleafe HQ there is lots of scope for progression. And many of those who work for the business have been with the company for many years. This is in part down to the culture, its reputation for innovation and the where it is based.
But why did Ann Summers base itself in Surrey back in the early 1970s?
“We have been here for more than 50 years. The family were based in Surrey so it kind of made sense for the business to be here,” says Melinda Louis, Operations Manager at Ann Summers.
Surrey – a great place to do business
So, what are the advantages of a major retail business being anchored in Surrey?
Well, for those at Ann Summers it’s all about location, location, location.
With two international airports, the M25 just minutes away and excellent connections to London and Dover, there’s nowhere better
Melinda Louis, Operations Manager at Ann Summers, said: “We always talk about the Midlands for logistics. Well, let me tell you, Surrey is the place to be. It’s kind of that feeling of having everything London has, but with additional benefits.”
“We’ve got great transport links. We’re very close to the M25, pretty close to some of the ports and obviously we bring in a lot of product inbound from overseas.”
And with such a prominent HQ next to a major road always, the business is well known to tens of thousands of people using the A22 every day.
Lauren Simmons, Talent Acquisition and Engagement Lead at Ann Summers, said: “We’ve almost become a bit of a landmark actually. The roundabout that is right by our office is now known as the Ann Summers roundabout, which we’re really proud of.”
Melinda Louis, Operations Manager at Ann Summers, said: “We always talk about the Midlands for logistics. Well, let me tell you, Surrey is the place to be. It’s kind of that feeling of having everything London has, but with additional benefits.”
Do you want to relocate your business to Surrey?
Thanks to our desirable location, reputation for innovation and collaborative business ecosystem, Surrey is a top business location of choice.
Our specialised team offers free and confidential services. We assist companies looking to invest in Surrey.
Whether youโre a start-up, SME or international company, you can benefit from specialist expertise, local knowledge and business support. This will help ensure a faster, more successful investment.
Business blog: Back to School – 5 ways to kickstart your business this autumn
Published 9 September 2024
Advice and support, Thought leadership
As the leaves begin to change and the air turns crisp, the back-to-school season offers a perfect opportunity for small business owners across Surrey to refresh and refocus.
Just as students return to their studies, itโs time for you to get back to business with renewed energy and strategic planning.
William Wilsnagh, one of our expert business advisors, has five practical tips to help you kickstart your business this autumn.
1. Take stock of your Annual Goals – and set new ones for the quarter
Having worked in business for 20 years in South Africa, September was normally a time when we dusted down our flip flops. In Surrey, Iโm becoming accustomed to this time of year requiring wellington boots.
Regardless of the temperature outdoors, the start of a new season is an excellent time to review your annual goals.
Assess your progress so far and identify areas where you may need to adjust your strategies.
Setting new, achievable goals based on the SMART framework for the upcoming quarter can provide a clear roadmap and keep your team motivated. Clear actions and timelines based on this are essential, broken down into weekly, monthly or quarterly segments.
Whether you’re increasing sales, launching a new product, or improving customer service, having specific targets will help you stay focused and measure your success.
If youโre looking for free and practical support, then weโre more than happy to help. Just get in touch via our business support form.
2. Open yourself up to learning
Just as students are diving into new subjects, autumn is a great time for business owners to embrace learning. Consider taking a course, attending workshops, or reading industry-related books to enhance your skills and knowledge.
Staying updated with the latest trends and technologies can give you a competitive edge and inspire innovative ideas for your business. Encourage your team to do the same, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
With the change in season, itโs an ideal time to shake up your daily routines. Evaluate your current processes and identify areas where you can improve efficiency.
Implementing new routines can help streamline operations and boost productivity.
Whether itโs adopting new software, reorganizing your workspace, or setting aside time for strategic planning, small changes can make a big difference in your overall performance.
4. Get to know new people
There’s no greater back to school feeling than not knowing people in new surroundings. But networking is crucial for business growth, and autumn presents numerous opportunities to connect with new people.
Attend local business events, join industry associations, or participate in community activities to expand your network.
Building relationships with other business owners, potential clients, and industry experts can open doors to new opportunities and collaborations.
Surrey is blessed with a vibrant business networking scene and there are dozens of events taking place across the county which are listed on the events section of Business Surrey website.
5. Promote your activities and events
If youโre doing new and exciting things or hosting events this autumn, make sure to leverage them to their fullest potential.
Use social media, email marketing, and local advertising to spread the word and attract attendees.
Hosting workshops, seminars, or community gatherings can position your business as a leader in your field and provide valuable exposure.
Engaging with your audience through events can also strengthen customer relationships and build brand loyalty.
And if youโre looking to spruce up on marketing tips, weโre hosting a free event early in October which is focused specifically on mastering marketing. Sign up here.
Free “back to school” business support
By taking these steps, you can harness the energy of the back to school season to propel your business forward.
Embrace the opportunities that autumn brings and set the stage for a successful and productive quarter. Happy autumn, and hereโs to your business success!
And, if youโre looking for some free tailored advice then our team of experts are available to talk to. Get in touch via the business support form on our website.
Surrey businesses gain a greater voice in local economic decision-making
Published 4 September 2024
Business news
Businesses across Surrey now have a much greater voice in guiding the growth of the countyโs economy thanks to the relaunched and revitalised Surrey Business Leaders Forum.ย
The Surrey Business Leaders Forum brings together close to 40 individuals representing a diverse range of businesses โ from SMEs to Surrey-based multinationals, and including businesses from Surreyโs priority sectors alongside employer representative bodies.
The Forum will be a driving force to help raise awareness of local business and economic needs. It will also act as a local business champion, ensuring businesses have a voice in decision-making that impacts the local economy.
Acting as an independent advisory group, the Forum will ensure businesses can input, challenge, and guide the Councilโs approach to growing the economy.ย ย
The revamped forum met for the first time in May. And this week members took part in a workshop to support the development of a new economic strategy for Surrey.ย
Why does the Business Leaders Forum matter?
Matt Furniss, the Councilโs Cabinet Memberโฏfor Highways, Transport and Economic Growth, said:ย โSurrey has a fantastic economic story to tell, with more than 110,000 businesses generating over ยฃ50 billion to the UK economy.ย
“We know there is more that we can do to work with our private sector to deliver real benefits to our residents and communities. So, weโve taken steps to move quickly to make the most of the new powers from government, including creating Business Surrey, which provides free and accessible support to all Surrey businesses.
โEnsuring businesses are at the heart of our decision-making process can only strengthen that approach. I’m looking forward to working with businesses to deliver on our priority to grow Surreyโs economy in a sustainable way, while ensuring no one is left behind.โ
Chris Hurren, the Chair of the Business Leaders Forum and partner at RSM UK, a leading provider of audit, tax and consulting services, said: “The Surrey Business Leaders Forum brings together an exciting and diverse group of local business leaders who want to be a driving force in shaping Surreyโs economic future and be a voice for all businesses in Surrey.ย
โTheir knowledge and experiences from the private sector will play a key role in helping shape local decision-making.โ
How does Surrey County Council support Surrey businesses?
The Council took the role as Surreyโs strategic economic leader in April this year. Previously, the role was held by the countyโs two Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs), Enterprise M3 and Coast to Capital.โฏย
It means the council is well-positioned to lead on an enhanced, county-wideย oversight and delivery role in driving sustainable growth. Indeed, this is a role which Surrey County Council wants to translate into actual economic benefits for residents and businesses.ย ย ย
Formal responsibilities for business support through the new Surrey-wide Growth Hub and delivering government-funded skills programmes have also been absorbed.ย
View this new offer via Business Surrey, which acts as a single gateway for all Surrey businesses to access support and advice.
Navigate the Business Lifecycle with free webinars for Surrey SMEs
Published 2 September 2024
Advice and support, Events and awards
Navigate the Business Lifecycle with a series of free webinars designed by Business Surrey specifically for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Surrey.
Over four engaging sessions, weโll explore essential topics to help your business thrive at every stage of its journey.
Each session will consist of a 45-minute presentation followed by a 15-minute Q&A session. Our expert speakers will share practical insights, real-world examples, and actionable tips.
The sessions will take place from October 7 to 11. They are titled:
Click on the links above for more details and then sign up via the dedicated Microsoft Teams link.
Each session in the Navigate the Business Lifecycle series will be led by a respected business advisor who is an expert in the topic.
Anyone can sign up to the sessions. You can dip in to one session, attend a couple or even sign up to all four.
They are perfect for those who have just started a business or those who are looking to take their Surrey business to the next level.
Are you a Surrey business looking for free support?
Business Surrey is a Surrey County Council service providing free and accessible support for all businesses in Surrey.
We want you to grow and succeed โ and have a range of ways you can access support for your company.
Ready to take your business to the next level? Need new or upgraded skills to adapt to new ways of working? Or do you just require advice on how to access funding and grants? Our team of experts can provide independent and impartial advice on exploring opportunities and how to tackle various challenges. Contact the team for free via ourย Business Support Form.
Browse ourย directory of business support in Surrey.ย The directory includes more than 120 local, regional and national schemes and initiatives, which can search through quickly and easily.
Find out more about what we do and how to access one of our many business-friendly services by completingย ourย Contact Us form.
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