Month: February 2025

Rakuten Symphony – a Surrey Success Story

Published 19 February 2025

Surrey Success Stories

Rakuten Symphony 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 this Surrey firm with Japanese roots is reimagining the telecommunications market.

Who are Rakuten Symphony?

Rakuten Symphony is a British firm with a Japanese mentality.

It is one of more than 70 services which form the Rakuten group, a global company with Japanese roots which has more than one billion members.

Located in Weybridge, Rakuten Symphony provides cloud-native, open radio access network and operational support systems solutions to the telecommunications industry.

Its journey started five years ago with the mission to disrupt and reinvent the sector. Its aim is low-cost, fast and high-quality network coverage for every single person. And a key part of driving is digitalising all of its business processes.

A cutting-edge facility in Weybridge opened in April 2023 with support of Japanese and UK governments. This supports the testing of Open Radio Access Network (RAN) and third-party technology, while also allowing mobile operators to come and see how it works.

This approach attracts customers from across the globe. Last month, an agreement was signed with Telkom Kenya to test Open RAN technology throughout Africa. And this month, Rakuten Symphony started testing in Ukraine with a view to developing critical digital infrastructure in the war-hit country.

Rakuten Symphony: where east meets west

Rakuten Symphony’s Japanese roots are evident throughout its UK headquarters.

It’s also evident in its employees, who must embody Rakuten Shugiย (or Basic Principles) through their professional roles.

There is high value on innovation and entrepreneurship. Plus, a focus on the Rakuten group’s overall mission to improve the way people live and drive progress in society through our revolutionary services.

But another crucial ingredient is the region of Surrey, with the benefits supporting business objectives and employee wellbeing.

As UK Managing Director Nastasi Karaiskos says: “There’s a great talent pool to tap into, an accessible area, beautiful place to work, great connections to the motorways, close connections to the airports, close connections to the trains.”

Looking to relocate your business to Surrey?

Looking for a vibrant UK region to base your business? Discover more about the benefits of doing business in Surrey by getting in touch with our expert team.

Thanks to our desirable location, reputation for innovation and collaborative business ecosystem, Surrey is a top business location of choice.

As part of Business Surrey, Surrey County Council can assist companies looking to invest and grow in Surrey via the Invest in Surrey service.

Whether youโ€™re a start-up, SME or international company, you can benefit from specialist expertise, local knowledge and business support.

Get in touch with the team today via our business support form.

Two men - one in a Rakuten Symphony polo shirt - look at a computer rack system which powers cloud based technology.

Business blog – Workforce Wellbeing: a vital ingredient for business success

Published 18 February 2025

Skills and workforce, Thought leadership

In the latest blog for Business Surrey, Surrey County Councilโ€™s Public Health Lead Tessa Axelrod explains why focusing on the wellbeing of your workforce could be a simple way to boost your business in 2025.

In todayโ€™s fast paced and ever evolving work environment itโ€™s easy to focus on little but the bottom line. However, there is one thing that is often overlooked but essential to driving productivity and growth: workforce wellbeing.

Poor mental wellbeing costs employers in the UK an estimated ยฃ42 billion to ยฃ45 billion a year.

So, investing in wellbeing isnโ€™t just a nice to have, itโ€™s crucial for a thriving business.

The good news is that businesses in Surrey can get free expert bespoke advice via the new โ€œHow Are You?โ€ programme.

Not convinced? Well, read our business blog on workforce wellbeing to discover six benefits for your business and the wider Surrey economy when you look after the wellbeing of your workforce.

1. Improves Productivity and Performance

In 2022/23, an estimated 875,000 employees suffered from work-related stress, depression or anxiety, resulting in 17.1 million working days lost.

So, it makes business sense to nurture a well-supported workforce.

When employees feel mentally and physically healthy and know how to manage stress, they will be more energised, focused and more productive.

2. Reduces sick days

When employees feel well cared for and are supported, theyโ€™re less likely to be absent from work for extended periods. So, taking steps to improve the mental and physical health of employees is good for business.

Workplace wellbeing programs that emphasise mental and physical health can significantly reduce illness, stress, or burnout.

These preventative measures can also have a long-term impact โ€“ as healthy employees are less prone to chronic diseases and other health issues.

And itโ€™s good for the bottom line too โ€“ as The National Institute of Clinical Excellence estimates that implementing interventions to promote staff wellbeing could save employers up to ยฃ5,020 per employee.

3. Fosters Positive Workplace Culture

Workplace culture plays a crucial role in shaping an organisationโ€™s overall success โ€“ and employee wellbeing is key to that, creating a more positive, inclusive, and supportive environment.

When done well, employees feel more connected to their colleagues and leaders, which boosts morale and strengthens team dynamics

And this sense of community fosters collaboration, trust, respect and loyalty โ€“ which are all essential ingredients to building a great team and a great business.

4. Enhances Creativity and Innovation

When employees are mentally and physically well, theyโ€™re in a better position to think creatively and innovate.

Stress and burnout can stifle creative thinking, while a healthy and balanced workforce tends to be more open-minded, resourceful, and capable of generating fresh ideas.

Wellbeing programmes that support work-life balance, provide opportunities for personal growth, and encourage creative expression can help employees stay energised and motivated to think outside the box.

Innovation thrives when individuals feel supported and empowered, which is why a focus on wellbeing is an essential component of fostering a culture of creativity.

5. Attracts and Retains Top Talent

In a competitive job market, offering a comprehensive wellbeing programme can set an organisation apart from others. Todayโ€™s workers increasingly prioritise work-life balance, mental health support, and overall wellness when considering potential employers.

Organisations that prioritise workforce wellbeing are signalling to prospective employees that they care about their holistic needs, which makes them a more attractive place to work.

In addition, focusing on employee wellbeing helps retain top talent. Employees who feel valued and supported in their health and wellbeing are less likely to leave, reducing turnover rates and the associated costs of recruitment and training.

6. Builds a Sustainable Future

A healthy, happy workforce contributes to the long-term stability, profitability, and growth of a successful organisation. When employees feel supported, they are more likely to invest their time, energy, and talents into the companyโ€™s success, resulting in a more resilient and adaptive organisation.

Organisations that recognise the importance of employee wellbeing and integrate it into their corporate strategy are more likely to enjoy long-term success, even in times of economic uncertainty or change. Well-supported employees are adaptable, loyal, and dedicated to overcoming challenges and achieving long-term goals.

Want to learn more about workforce wellbeing?

Our business blog on workforce wellbeing is just the start.

If youโ€™re a business in Surrey then you can apply to get immediate support to focus on wellbeing in the workplace.

โ€œHow Are You?โ€ is a fully funded programme to support employers which is delivered by Surrey County Council.

Spaces are limited โ€“ so if you’re interested in taking part then get in touch today.

Our team of experts will work with you to develop a simple approach that works for you and your business. We can support those with 10 or more employees whatever yourย sector.

Two people wearing hi-vis jackets laugh while looking at each other. They are working in a factory. One holds a clipboard, the other is wearing protective gloves.

Celebrating 50 years of Knowledge Transfer Partnerships

Published 17 February 2025

Innovation, Skills and workforce

For 50 years, Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) have been at the forefront of innovation, forging dynamic collaborations between forward-thinking businesses and leading academics. These partnerships extend beyond theory, to provide tangible results, driving growth and transforming business.

Each KTP project is bespoke to address the specific innovation challenges and needs of the business. A highly qualified graduate or postgraduate (the Associate) is embedded within the company supported by a dedicated academic team. Imagine a business struggling to implement new technology or develop a ground-breaking product or service. This unique three-way partnership leverages cutting-edge research and expertise to implement innovative solutions that deliver real-world commercial impact.

Jointly funded by Innovate UK and the business partner, KTPs offer a transformative opportunity for businesses of all sizes. They empower companies to:

  • Develop innovative products, services, and processes that disrupt markets, capture new customers, and boost competitiveness
  • Streamline operations, reduce costs, and enhance efficiency, leading to improved profitability and sustainable growth
  • Access cutting-edge expertise and facilities that would otherwise be out of reach, providing a crucial competitive edge
  • Develop the skills of a highly qualified graduate or postgraduate, providing them with invaluable practical experience while contributing to the UK economy.

A Proven Track Record of Success

For 50 years, KTPs have been a catalyst for business success, driving productivity, profitability, and job creation across the UK. The numbers speak for themselves: between 2010-2020, KTPs โ€‹generated over ยฃ2 billion for the UK economy. Today, they continue to fuel innovation, supporting around 800 businesses and nurturing the careers of over 850 talented graduates. These aren’t just statistics; they represent real businesses thriving, new technologies emerging, and a brighter future for the UK economy. KTPs are more than partnerships; they are investments in innovation, driving growth and shaping the future.

Surrey Enterprise Hub KTP team: delivering excellence

The University of Surrey boasts a track record in supporting KTPs. With a 12-year, 100% success rate in KTP applications, the Surrey Enterprise Hubโ€™s KTP team is committed to excellence in delivering collaborative research and innovation. They provide comprehensive support to businesses, ensuring a smooth journey from project inception to successful completion.ย 

Proven success stories through diverse KTPs:

The Butternut Box Knowledge Transfer Partnerships team (left to right): Ciara Clarke (Butternut Box, In-house Vet and Research Lead), Dan Bance (Surrey Innovation Manager), Charlotte McCormack (Butternut Box, Director of Product Development), David Nolan (Butternut Box, Co-Founder) Jasmeen Kaur (KTP Associate), Susan Armstrong (Surrey Senior Lecturer in Veterinary Clinical Research), Teresa Hollands (Surrey Senior Lecturer in Veterinary Nutrition), Shona Campbell (IUK Business Connect, KT Advisor) ยฉ University of Surrey
Butternut Box KTP team, ยฉ University of Surrey

The Surrey Enterprise Hub’s latest KTP project is with Butternut Box, a certified B Corp company specialising in producing Fresh, human-quality dog food. In collaboration with experts from the Universityโ€™s School of Veterinary Medicine, the team will seek to scientifically prove the nutritional benefits of Fresh dog food, driving category growth and market share. David Nolan, co-founder of Butternut Box and Surrey alumnus, said

โ€œAt Butternut, we’re proud to invest in and support non-invasive research. In recent years, we’ve focused on demonstrating the health benefits of feeding Fresh, as well as broader issues like weight management and fussy eating behaviour. All our findings are made public on our Research Hub at ButternutBox.com. Weโ€™re excited to collaborate with the KTP and the University of Surrey in this ground-breaking study, which we hope will illustrate the transformative power of Fresh over traditional diets.”

Knowledge Transfer partnerships
William Medcalf and James Aitken (c) University of Surrey

In a previous successful partnership with William Medcalf Ltd, a renowned Vintage Bentley automotive engineering business, researchers from the Surrey Business School and the School of Engineering, collaborated with the company to redesign their supply chain and incorporate new technologies into its automative processes. This transformation led to business expansion, restructuring, and creating new roles.

Prof James Aitken, lead academic on the project, brought 30 yearsโ€™ worth of experience in research and industry to the project:

โ€œItโ€™s not just my academic credentials, itโ€™s my business knowledge, โ€ฆ that is helping the business explore different avenues and different market opportunities.โ€

Another success story involved partnering with scientific and medical instrument manufacturer, Thermo Fisher Scientific. The team leveraged the expertise of the Universityโ€™s Advanced Technology Institute and Department of Mechanical Engineering, to develop a novel application of the x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) depth profiling.

Richard White, Director of Application Development at Thermo Fisher Scientific, said a KTP is invaluable for,

โ€œtransferring some understanding, or innovation, or an idea thatโ€™s currently in an academic environment โ€ฆ into industry,โ€ and using that to โ€œdevelop a new product or change an existing product to give new benefits.โ€

The KTP project resulted in a new patented instrument and a lasting partnership between Thermo Fisher Scientific and the University.

To find out more about the benefits of a KTP, visit: https://www.surrey.ac.uk/innovation/funding/knowledge-transfer-partnerships or contact the University of Surreyโ€™s Surrey Enterprise Hub KTP Manager, Dan Bance, at collaborate@surrey.ac.uk

More support for Surrey businesses

At Business Surrey, our team of experts can provide tailored advice to help your business grow and succeed. Get in touch to find out more viaย our business support form.

You can alsoย register to receive our newsletter, to receive the latest information on events, funding and more, for all Surrey businesses, direct to your inbox every month.

Event alert: Accelerate growth and win more customers

Published 15 February 2025

Advice and support, Events and awards

Due to the success of this event in December, we are pleased to offer an opportunity to those who missed out last time – join us for a re-run of this exciting, interactive workshop. The event is designed to help small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) unlock strategies to accelerate long-lasting growth. We will provide you with practical insights and hands-on experience to boost your customer pipeline and drive your business forward. 

Workshop highlights

  • Market Analysis: Understand your market and identify opportunities.
  • Value Proposition: Craft a compelling value proposition that resonates with your target audience.
  • Customer Relationships: Build and maintain strong customer relationships.
  • Sales Techniques: Master closing techniques and negotiation skills.

Event details

  • Date: 3rd April
  • Time: 8:30 AM – 11:00 AM
  • Location:ย Guildford Pavilion
  • Cost: Free (Pre-registration required)

Meet your expert

Roya Croudace - Accelerate Growth and win more customers

The workshop will be led by Roya Croudace, an accomplished Commercial Director, Founder, and Non-Executive Director with over 25 years of experience in accelerating growth. Roya has worked with over 400 scale-up businesses in Surrey and FTSE 100 companies, offering unique insights and effective strategies to achieve measurable results and sustainable success.

Why attend?

  • Actionable Strategies: Learn practical tools to accelerate revenue, attract and retain customers, and boost profits.
  • Expert Guidance: Benefit from Roya’s extensive experience and tailored advice.
  • Networking Opportunities: Connect with other SME owners and entrepreneurs in Surrey.

This event is perfect for SME owners and entrepreneurs looking to grow their businesses. There is no entry fee, and you can bring as many team members as you like, but spaces are limited. Be sure to register today to secure your spot!

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.

You can also register to receive our newsletter, packed with the latest news on funding, events and support for all Surrey businesses.

A side view of people sitting at a business conference and listening to a speaker talking about how to accelerate growth.

Roundup of Surrey events in March

Published 14 February 2025

Events and awards

If you’re keen to leave the office/home office and get out and about a bit more now that Spring is finally on the way, our roundup of Surrey events in March will be just the thing for you, as many of the events coming up are taking place in-person.

Learn something new

Surrey County Council is holding the last of its current series of free business decarbonisation courses in Spelthorne in early March to help you calculate your business’s carbon footprint and drive down emissions. And Mole Valley food businesses can benefit from a fully funded nutrition workshop taking place in Dorking on 21st March. This event is funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and registrants can choose from an in-person event in the morning or afternoon, or opt for an online session instead.

Breakfast or lunch, take your pick for networking in March

As well as the usual business networking events to get your day off to a productive start, March also sees lunch making an appearance on the networking menu. Surrey Chambers mark International Women’s Day, and Mole Valley for Business host a networking lunch, both on 7th March.

March also sees the first of this year’s awards ceremonies taking place, with the celebration of Gatwick Business Diamond Awards on 20th March.

Submit your own event

As ever, our events directory is a great (free) 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 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.

And make sure you always hear about upcoming events by registering for our regular e-newsletter.

Networking scene - business people gathered at a networking event

Skills Bootcamp boosts sales for local business

Published 13 February 2025

Skills and workforce

MTEK Solutions, a local business co-owned by experienced electricians Michael Slatcher and Kieran Tuck, has taken full advantage of Skills Bootcamps, to enhance their expertise and meet the growing demand for sustainable electrical solutions. It’s already paying off.

As strong advocates of professional development and through support from Surrey County Council, Michael and Kieran have completed three courses:

  • Verification, Inspection, and Testing
  • Solar Panel Installation and Battery Storage Training
  • Electric Vehicle Charging Equipment Training

Working across commercial, industrial and residential, this training has helped position them as local leaders in green technology and to future-proof their business. 

Skills Bootcamps boosts sales - MTeK Solutions owner training in MITSkills workshop

Thanks to the Green Electrical Skills Bootcamps delivered by training provider MITSkills, MTeK Solutions hasโ€ฏsecured new work in solar and battery storage.

It is also opening doors to opportunities they wouldnโ€™t otherwise have had access to. They are now bidding for contracts worth three times the value of their biggest job to date. This is a direct result of the training theyโ€™ve undertaken.ย 

Michael and Kieran have a clear message for businesses hesitant to commit the time to Skills Bootcamps: 

“Skills Bootcamps are a great way to upskill and boost your earnings โ€“ they help add another string to your bow. You have to look beyond today. Investing the time to complete the training has opened doors to much greater opportunities than if we had kept putting things off.“

Meeting the growing demand for sustainable electrical solutions

Their commitment doesnโ€™t stop with their own learning. Michael and Kieran actively invest in the future of the electrical sector by employing Surrey residents as apprentices.

Working closely withโ€ฏMITSkills, theyโ€™ve been able to recruitโ€ฏexceptional apprentices who are benefiting from their hands-on guidance and supportive leadership. 

Steve Farrow, Head of Business Development for MITSkills said, “The Green Electrical Skills Bootcamp has allowed MTeK Solutions to increase their offer to local people, while providing opportunities for the company to meet their expansion through the provision of electrical apprenticeships.โ€ 

He added, “We are proud to provide electricians with the skills that enable them to support a โ€œGreener Surreyโ€ and reduce carbonisation.”

Michael and Kieranโ€™s dedication to professional growth and creating opportunities for local people highlights the real-world benefits of Skills Bootcamps โ€“ helping businesses thrive, supporting the community, and unlocking exciting new sales opportunities. 

Skills Bootcamps for businesses

Skills Bootcamps can be used by local businesses to upskill current employees at a discounted rate.
Large employers are contributing 30% of the cost while small or medium employers (SMEs) are paying 10%.


There is no cost to a business recruiting someone who has recently completed a Skills Bootcamp.
For more information about Skills Bootcamps, visit Skills Bootcamps – Surrey County Council

Support for Surrey businesses

Not quite the right fit for your business? Speak to our team of experts who can provide tailored advice to help your business grow and succeed. Get in touch to find out more via our business support form.

You can also register to receive our newsletter, packed with the latest information on events, funding and more, for all Surrey businesses.

Funding for new apprenticeships now available to Surrey businesses

Published 12 February 2025

Advice and support, Funding and grants

Businesses can grow their workforce and boost productivity in just a few clicks by getting an apprenticeship funded by Surrey County Council.

As part of the Apprenticeship Levy Transfer Scheme, small and medium enterprises across the county can get fully funded support to train local talent.

Apprenticeships are widely recognised as a cost-effective way to recruit, improving diversity and filling skills gaps. In time, they can also help businesses grow, improve employee retention and support the wider economy.

Funding is available to pay for the training of dozens of new apprenticeships across the county.

It is open to all businesses in Surrey and allocated on a first come, first served basis โ€“ meaning those interested should apply swiftly via the Surrey County Council website.

For those unsure of the process, a free 45-minute webinar will be hosted by the Councilโ€™s Business Surrey service on February 26. Reserve your space today to discover more about modern-day apprenticeships and how businesses can access funding.

One Surrey organisation that has benefited already from the scheme is Sight for Surrey, a charity that provides specialist support for people in Surrey with sensory loss. ย 

Diane Smith, Head of Adult Services says:

โ€œWe have used the levy to support internal succession for those wanting to pursue a career in Social Work from the Deaf Community. More recently we used the levy to support three new apprentices in roles that are recognised to be under resourced across the sector nationally as well as in Surrey.

โ€œThe process of completing the Levy Transfer scheme was simple and smooth due to the responsive support from the Council.

โ€œOur Deaf Services Social Worker has recently graduated from Kingston University and our three new apprentices are settled and progressing well in their new careers! All making an impact for residents of the Surrey community.โ€

The call comes in National Apprenticeship Week (February 10 to 16), which is a national celebration of the opportunities presented by the training schemes.

A young man, who is an apprentice, talks to a colleague in a workplace. He has his back to the camera

According to government figures, benefits of apprenticeships include:

  • 96% of employers report benefits to their business
  • employers make a net gain of between ยฃ2,500 and ยฃ18,000 per apprentice during their training period
  • 80% of businesses see a significant increase in employee retention

Almost two-thirds of all UK apprenticeships in the last year have been funded by the apprenticeship levy.

This is a pool of funding made available by large employers, such as the Council, to make apprenticeships more accessible to SMEs.

The Council wants as many local residents and businesses to benefit from the scheme as possible โ€“ which is why the online process can be completed in a matter of minutes.

Matt Furniss, the Councilโ€™s Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport, and Economic Growth, emphasised the council’s commitment to providing opportunities for all. He said:โ€œApprenticeships are a proven cost-effective way to recruit which benefit businesses and employees, as well as the broader economy.

โ€œAs an organisation we are committed to providing opportunities to all of our residents, which includes creating a skilled workforce for the future.

โ€œThe levy transfer scheme is a fantastic way for SMEs to access funding to develop and grow their workforce โ€“ which is why I encourage them to discover more about this fantastic opportunity.”

For more information on how to apply for the Apprenticeship Levy and to start the process of recruiting talented apprentices, visit https://www.businesssurrey.co.uk/workforce/apprenticeship_levy/

apprenticeships levy - Business Surrey

Support for Surrey businesses

Our team of experts can provide tailored advice to help your business grow and succeed. Get in touch to find out more via our business support form.

You can also register to receive our newsletter, packed with the latest information on events, funding and more, for all Surrey businesses.

Supporting Sail Croatia with their carbon reduction strategy: a Business Surrey case study

Published 11 February 2025

Advice and support, Surrey Success Stories

Background:ย 

In 2024, Sail Croatia, a Surrey-based Mediterranean travel operator, approached Business Surrey for assistance in quantifying their carbon emissions and developing a carbon reduction strategy.

Despite their significant efforts to calculate their carbon footprint, they lacked confidence in their methodology and wanted external verification to establish a credible baseline before publicly sharing their emissions data or committing to further action.

Challenges:

  • Without an inhouse sustainability expert, the business lacked confidence in the existing carbon footprint calculation methodology they had used.
  • The team felt external verification was needed to ensure accuracy and credibility.
  • The business had identified the need to develop a comprehensive carbon reduction strategy, including short-term and long-term actions.
  • The senior management team knew that the sustainability plan would only be successful if it was to communicated effectively to the entire team to gain their buy-in and suggestions.

Solution:ย 

A decarbonisation consultant from Business Surrey was engaged to:

  1. Verify and Strengthen Carbon Footprint Calculations:
    • The Business Surrey expert advisor reviewed and validated the assumptions and figures used in the initial calculations to ensure they were robust and accurate.
    • The advisor also provided recommendations for emissions calculators to track emissions from travel, fuels, third-party services such as laundry, and catering.
    • And suggested ways to help Sail Croatiaโ€™s chefs design lower-impact menus.
  2. Develop a Comprehensive Decarbonisation Strategy:
    • Identified short-term wins and long-term actions for carbon reduction.
    • Proposed verifiable offsetting options for emissions that were difficult to avoid.
  3. Effective Communication and Team Engagement:
    • Assisted in communicating the carbon reduction plan in a relatable way to the entire team.
    • Ensured team membersโ€™ involvement, especially those new to the companyโ€™s sustainability efforts, to align the workforce with the vision of building a more sustainable business.

Results:

  • Enhanced confidence in the companyโ€™s carbon footprint data.
  • A solid foundation for long-term sustainability commitments.
  • Improved team engagement and alignment with the companyโ€™s sustainability goals.

Grant Seuren, Co-Founder/Director of Sail Croatia says, โ€œThank you for all your assistance, it has been really valuable to us. Overall, we now have a proper foundation that we can build on.โ€

Grant Seuren - Sail croatia founder. Business Surrey carbon reduction strategy

Support for Surrey businesses

Our team of experts can provide tailored advice to help your business grow and succeed. Get in touch to find out more via our business support form.

You can also register to receive our newsletter, packed with the latest information on events, funding and more, for all Surrey businesses.

Boost Your Business expert guide now available

Published 4 February 2025

Advice and support

Boost Your Business in 2025 with our expert guide. Access tips and advice on how to grow your Surrey business in just a few clicks.

Have you started a business in Surrey and looking for help to take it to the next level?

With 110,000 registered businesses in Surrey, you are not alone โ€“ with thousands of people in a similar
situation.

At Business Surrey, itโ€™s our role to provide free help and support to businesses like yours.

Thatโ€™s why we have put together this complimentary handy guide, to provide you which some easy-to-access tips to grow your business.

Download the guide in just a few clicks via our Boost Your Business Guide form.

What is the Boost Your Business expert guide?

The Boost Your Business expert guide contains lots of tips and advice for those at all stages of their business journey.

There are four main sections covering some of the most popular topics we are asked for information on.

These are:

  • growing your business – including turning your business idea into reality
  • marketing – covering seven steps to promote your business
  • funding and finance – including different ways to secure investment
  • recruitment – knowing when you need to expand your workforce to support growth

Download the guide in just a few clicks via our Boost Your Business Guide form.

We recognise that some business owners may need more bespoke support. So you can get in touch with our business advisors at any point to ask for specific advice.

Further support to boost your business

Business Surrey is Surrey County Councilโ€™s service providing free and accessible support for all businesses across Surrey.

Our team of experts can provide independent and impartial advice on exploring opportunities and how to
tackle various challenges.

We work with you to understand your unique business needs and can direct you to the right resources and opportunities.

Whatever your business, our experts are here to help you succeed by providing access to quality resources, expert local knowledge and professional insight. Our offer incudes:

You can also register to receive our regular newsletter, packed with the latest news on funding, events, free training and support for all Surrey businesses.

Decorative image showing the front cover of the Business Surrey Boost Your Business expert guide