Surrey Economic Growth Fund round one: ยฃ2 million funding announced
Published 30 September 2025
Business news, Funding and grants
Surrey Economic Growth Fund round one invests ยฃ2 million to Surrey businesses and wider economy. Collectively the grants will provide an economic boost worth millions, creating scores of new jobs and hundreds of local job opportunities.
From vineyards and biotech to manufacturing and AI firms, a diverse range of organisations from all four corners of the county are receiving investment via the Surrey Economic Growth Fund.
The scheme is made up of a range of pooled funding streams. This includes the governmentโs UK Shared Prosperity Funding and Rural England Prosperity Fund. It was launched by Surrey County Council in April.
Following a highly competitive process, close to ยฃ2 million has been awarded to dozens of recipients, unlocking significant match funding and private investment.
The successful bids are collectively estimated to grow Surreyโs economy by ยฃ9 million, create or safeguard 300 jobs and bring 1,350 residents into employment.
Economic Growth Fund round one examples
One business receiving funding is Aero Sensor, a world-leading technology firm in Dunsfold Industrial Park led by a former F1 engineer Dr Barney Garrood.
The company is one of only three companies globally developing new aerodynamic measurement probes for automotive and aerospace applications.
The five-figure grant will support the creation of a new wind-tunnel facility to test its designs, creating new highly skilled jobs in the process.
Dr Garrood said: โThe grant enabled us to fully kit out the wind tunnel with tools and instruments we need. Weโll also be hiring new staff and technicians. I have over 20 years of experience in F1 and weโre going to take people on and train them up in a highly skilled job.
โHaving our own wind tunnel means we can halve our turnaround time to develop our existing probes that will make them world leading. There are only three other companies in the world that make these things. Having that facility on site is going to massively accelerate our development time and allow us to develop more advanced probes. Itโs moved the business forward by about a year.โ
Agriculture, AI and local supply chains
Other successful bids include Woodlark Nurseries in Hersham creating a new horticultural facility, while Upper Birtley Farm Partnership near Bramley will establish a premium glamping and outdoor education site in the Surrey Hills.
Dorking Distillery received a grant to create a new, custom-built distillery at Denbies Wine Estate, enhancing Surreyโs reputation for world-class food and drink.
And a Godalming business, Sammi-Select, will develop a new โpractice interviewโ tool adapted from an AI platform. This will support marginalised jobseekers such as young people not in education or training and those who are digitally excluded.
Thereโs county-wide approaches funded too, including allocations for Surrey Venture Studio to support start-ups. This is a collaboration between the countyโs three universities. And Source in Surrey, led by the countyโs Chambers of Commerce, to encourage larger businesses to โbuy localโ.
Both will offer benefits to many businesses across the county, complementing and enhancing existing support already ongoing through Business Surrey.
“Positive outcomes for Surrey’s communities”
Councillor Matt Furniss, Surrey County Councilโs Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Economic Growth, said: “The new Economic Growth Fund has generated a huge level of interest from across Surrey, demonstrating the real appetite from our amazing business community to drive innovation, growth and job creation in our county.
โRound one was a highly competitive process and we’ve maintained our commitment to only supporting the highest quality bids which fully met the criteria. This ensures every pound invested will deliver genuine growth, create meaningful jobs and produce positive outcomes for Surrey’s communities.
โOur ambition is to position Surrey – which already contributes ยฃ50 billion to UK plc every year – as one of the UKโs leading regional economies. This fund is just one of the ways weโre building the foundations to achieve that.”
Round Two of the Surrey Economic Growth Fund is now open. Applicants can expect a streamlined, one-stage process supported by a guidance handbook.
Gatwick Airport’s Northern Runway plans are moving closer after receiving government consent. The expansion is projected to inject an additional ยฃ1 billion into the UK economy every year, creating 14,000 jobs across the south east.
The airport, which borders the east of Surrey, is the UK’s second busiest. It claims bringing the Northern Runway into routine use is “one of the biggest growth opportunities for the UK today”.
The airport adds the ยฃ2.2 billion project is privately financed, requiring no taxpayer money and is shovel ready. Plus, it will continue to operate as the work progresses.
Stewart Wingate,ย VINCI Airports Managing Director for United Kingdomย said:ย โAfter a lengthy and rigorous planning process, we welcome the Government’s approval of plans to bring our Northern Runway into routine use, ahead of the expected deadline.ย
โThis is another important gateway in the planning process for this ยฃ2.2 billion investment, which is fully funded by our shareholders and will unlock significant growth, tourism and trade benefits for London Gatwick and the UK and create thousands of jobs.
โAs weโve said previously, it is essential that any planning conditions enable us to realise the full benefits of the project and do not impose unnecessary constraints that make it uneconomic to invest in.
“We now need to carefully examine the details of the planning consent. Once we have done that, we will be able to comment further.โ
Gatwick expansion plans
Gatwick Airport’s Northern Runway plans include moving the existing northern runway 12 metres to allow London Gatwick to have a second fully functioning runway.
Plans for bringing the northern runway into use were first consulted on in 2021.
The airport says it is already a major catalyst for growth. And that its plan meets the Government’s test of making best use of existing infrastructure and maximising growth.
Gatwick’s response to the national planning process said it will accept stricter limits on aircraft noise. It has also put forward an improved noise insulation scheme for local residents.
Gatwick has also accepted a requirement of 54% of passengers using public transport prior to bringing the Northern Runway into operation. This would require increased rail services.
If the 54% target is not achieved then London Gatwick has proposed an alternative cars-on-the-road limit. This will be met before first use of the Northern Runway to address concerns about possible road congestion. โฏ
If neither are met, then use of the Northern Runway would be delayed until ยฃ350 million of road improvements have been completed. This would make sure any additional road traffic flows can be accommodated and any congestion avoided.
About Gatwick Airport
With 41 million annual passengers, London Gatwick is the UKโs second largest and one of Europeโs top ten airports. It generates ยฃ5.5 billion GVA and supports over 76,000 jobs (2023 report).
Almost 60 airlines fly from the airport to over 150 short-haul and more than 50 long-haul destinations. It has a capacity of 55 movements an hour. This makes London Gatwick the most efficient single runway airport in the world.
The airport sits 28 miles south of the UK capital and is extremely well-connected. More than a quarter of Englandโs population is less than one hour away by road or rail.
A six-year, ยฃ2 billion sustainable growth programme includes an ambitious plan to be a net zero airport by 2030.
Slitherine Software: doubling turnover in 12 months with Business Surrey’s support
Published 22 September 2025
Innovation, Surrey Success Stories
Slitherine Software is a fast-scaling gaming and defence tech company based in Epsom. With our help, it has implemented new recruitment and HR processes – helping the company to double forecasted turnover to ยฃ30 million and increasing headcount by 15% in just 12 months.
The Slitherine Software team approached Business Surrey in 2024. Directors were facing internal pressures over HR and recruitment processes – especially as it looked to rapidly scale.
As CEO Iain McNeil explains: โWhat worked when we were 20 people wasnโt going to work as we passed 100. We needed help simplifying and scaling our internal processes fast.โ
They needed streamlined, practical documentation and better access to talent, without the overhead of complex systems – and thatโs where Business Surrey stepped in.
Our Growth Hub team delivered hands-on tailored support that included:
Diagnosis to explore the key issues impacting growth
A complete review of their employee handbook and removal of unnecessary or duplicate policies
Advice on creating practical processes for staff management
Support with junior recruitment pipelines, including potential university channels
About Slitherine Software
Slitherine Software is a specialist video game developer and publisher focused exclusively on strategy and wargames.
With a catalogue of 450 titles – including major IPs like Terminator and Starship Troopers – the company sold more than two million games in 2024.
Headquartered in Epsom, Slitherine also has offices in Athens, Milan and Warsaw.
Its detailed wargames are also used by 150+ defence organisations in 25 countries for training and analysis, including under a renewed Enterprise licence with the Ministry of Defence.
Our Impact
Thanks to the Business Surrey team, Slitherine now has a lean, user-friendly HR framework aligned with how the business actually works.
This has made people management more efficient and scalable – crucial for a company that has grown to 110 employees and is managing multi-million-pound government and commercial contracts.
With better internal systems, Slitherine is not only managing todayโs growth more effectively, but is also future-proofing for international expansion. In short, it now has operations fit for growth.
As CEO Iain McNeil says: โWorking with Business Surrey has been a painless and productive experience. Their team are passionate about what they do and itโs all for free so youโd be mad not to make the most of it!
โBusiness Surrey provided straightforward, no-nonsense HR support that removed complexity and gave us clarity. Weโd recommend Business Surrey to any growing business wanting to accelerate growth โ
Fully-funded support to grow your Surrey business
Looking for help to grow your Surrey business? Get in touch!
Business Surrey is a Surrey County Council service providing free, accessible support for all businesses. Our government-funded Growth Hub provides complimentary support tailored to your business.
Contact the team via our website to find out how we can support your company to start, grow and thrive.
Whatโs on: fully funded business events to power up your Surrey business this autumn
Business Surrey is bringing you a packed calendar of fully-funded events this season, all designed to help you grow your business, support your team, and stay compliant. Whether you’re looking to sharpen your sales strategy, improve staff wellbeing, or get expert regulatory advice, weโve got you covered.
Workforce Wellbeing: Ensuring your team are fit for life and work
Date 21 October 2025 | 12:00pm-1:00pm Online Fully funded (registration required)
Support your staff. Strengthen your business.
This practical webinar, hosted by Business Surrey will give you tools, services, and funding opportunities to:
Reduce absenteeism and boost productivity
Attract and retain talent through wellbeing initiatives
Improve morale and engagement
Featured Tools & Resources:
How Are You? Wellbeing Framework
Smarter Travel to Work Toolkit from Active Surrey (Includes grants for cycling facilities, travel events, and more)
Speakers include: Debbie Wyse (Fidelity), Jacquetta Fewster, Luke Cackett, and Tessa Axelrod from Surrey County Council.
Following strong demand, our Trading Standards team is back for another interactive Q&A session. This isnโt a webinar – itโs a chance to speak directly with experts, ask questions, and get tailored advice on compliance, product safety, and more.
Hosted by Phil from Surrey Trading Standards, and the Business Surrey team. Register now.
Stay Connected
All events are part of Business Surreyโs mission to help local businesses thrive. Need tailored support? Contact us via the Business Support form. Want the latest updates? Sign up for our newsletter.
Pitch Up! launches in Surrey to offer a leg up to sustainable rural businesses
Published 18 September 2025
Innovation
Pitch Up! is coming to Surrey as farming business Hampton Estate opens its gates to rural enterprises and start-ups. Sustainable businesses in Surrey can submit their ideas – and then find willing partners with the know-how and resources to help them grow.
Why grow a business alone when thereโs land, resources and know-how to tap into? Thatโs the message from Hampton Estate which is welcoming sustainable businesses and start-ups looking for a leg-up to help them grow as part of Pitch Up! 2025.
Hampton Estate is a diversified rural business spanning 800 hectares in between Farnham and Guildford.
The team is looking for others who would like to build businesses in partnership with them. The aim is to grow their regenerative community and circular economy.
This year, Hampton is specifically looking for those wanting to expand or run:
Pastured poultry, woodland pigs and/ or sheep flock
Market and community gardens
Cut flower enterprise
Composting business
Nature groups
Other opportunities include eco-tourism, running clubs, pond dipping, catering and pop-up events and art-based businesses.
Entrepreneurs and businesses can submit their ideas via an expression of interest to Hampton. Then its ready for the Pitch Up! Applications Season (think Dragonโs Den) which returns this November.
Hamptonโs Molly Biddell says: โFor us, itโs all about creating holistic, regenerative and resilient systems that support amazing landscapes and wonderful communities. We think Pitch Up! is the key to helping us do this.โ
What is Pitch Up?
Pitch Up! is about farmers working together, independently of government initiatives and funding bodies, to create a different model for local businesses.
The initiative connects regenerative farms such as Hampton Estate with sustainable businesses needing access to land and space. They then share resources, knowledge and land to feed one another and grow together.
Pitch Up! welcomes businesses at all stages. This includes supporting established enterprises with relocation, renovating space customised to their specific needs, or readying land for use.
For start-ups, it could be more about experimental space, trialling packaging and dispatch. Or support developing their pricing models, product offer or production processes.
In return, Pitch Up! farms gain partners, not tenants. Each agreement is different, shaped to be fair to both sides โ whether thatโs profit share, turnover rent, produce use, or longer-term regeneration goals. Itโs about helping farms diversify in a future-focused way
With 110,000 businesses, Surreyย is a thriving and diverse economyย which generates ยฃ50 billion a year to the UK economy.
Business Surrey is here to offer free, accessible to all businesses, including those in rural communities.
Get in touch with our team of experts today via our Business Support Form. We’ve got a range of fully-funded support available, including direct funding to help your rural business diversify.
Connect to Work, a major new government programme to break down barriers to employment for thousands of people, will soon launch in Surrey. And employers of all sizes and sectors are encouraged to get involved.
Government says there are currently 2.8 million people out ofย workย dueย toย ill-health across the country. And more than one in four cite sickness as a barrier. This is more than double the 2012 figure of one in ten.
Ministers say it highlights the urgent need for tailored employment support that removes barriers faced by disabled people and those with health conditions.
Connect to Work delivers localised, tailored support to those who are sick, disabled or face complex barriersย toย work.
Nearly ยฃ10 million has been allocated to Surrey to launch and run the programme across the county.
And ahead of the programme launching we’re looking for employers with suitable opportunities and recruitment gaps to get in touch.
How does Connect to Work work?
Individualsย can self-refer to Connect to Work. Or they can be referred by healthcare professionals and voluntary sector partners.
Expert employment specialists will provide intensive, personalised help to find a suitable employment.
A job matching service will find suitable employers for the individual. Expert employment specialists will then work with both to help individuals stay in work and succeed.
โFor too long, too many people in Surrey have been denied the support they need to get back to health and back to work.
โItโs bad for their living standards, itโs bad for their families, and itโs bad for the local economy.”ย
Matt Furniss, Surrey County Council’s cabinet member for Highways, Transport and Economic Growth, said:ย ย
โThis investment will make a real differenceย toย around 2,500 residents across Surrey who face significant barriersย toย employment.ย ย
โConnect to Work will provide help to disabled people, people with health conditions and those with complex barriers to employment, to get into and stay in work.
โHelping Surrey residentsย toย access goodย workย and thrive in employment is a key part of our commitmentย toย ensuring no one is left behind. Plus it will helpย toย further support the continued growth of our regional economy.โย ย
Recruitment support for employers
We know that recruitment is one of the biggest challenges facing Surrey businesses.
Looking for support to fill vacancies? Or simply cannot find those with the skills to help you grow?
Get in touch with the Business Surrey team via our business support form. One of our team will then arrange a call to discuss your challenges and explore ways we can help your business thrive.
You can also sign up to our newsletter for regular updates on skills, workforce and other business news.
Renรฉeโs round-up of grants and funding – September
Published 12 September 2025
Funding and grants
Hereโs a round up of grants that have come through my inbox this month, it’s fast moving so check this every month for updates on what programmes have been released. Iโm increasingly being asked on tips for writing a successful grant application. My ground rules are:
Research thoroughly
Apply early
Be specific
Avoid using technical jargon
Provide all the information and documentation required
Meet the deadline.
Good Luck and let me know how you get on!
Renรฉe
Epic MegaGrants
Epic Games is offering financial support through its Epic MegaGrants programme, designed to advance innovation in real-time 3D creation. The scheme supports individuals and teams across gaming, media, enterprise and education.
Typical awards range from $5,000 to $150,000. Funding may be used for development costs or team-related expenses, such as staffing and continued production.
Creators and projects in the following areas are eligible:
Game Developersโฏ– using Unreal Engine (or transitioning to UE5).
Film and Media Creatorsโฏ–โฏreal-time content using Unreal Engine.
Enterprise and Industryโฏ– Unreal Engine projects in other industries
Education and Researchโฏ– university-level initiatives
Tool and Open-Source Developersโฏ– tools that integrate with Unreal or contribute to the 3D open-source ecosystem
UEFN (Fortnite Creative) Developersโฏ– creators using Unreal Editor for Fortnite
This prize seeks innovative ideas and solutions to transform how food waste is prevented and managed across Hospitality and Food Service sector. Applications should address at least one of the following challenges:
Reducing food surplus
Influencing workplace culture and practices
Managing inedible food waste
The winner will receive ยฃ75,000, the runner-up will receive ยฃ25,000. During the prototyping phase, four finalists will receive ยฃ5,000.
Applications are open to individuals, groups, startups, and organisations across the UK, including students, professionals, non-profits, and for-profits. The solutions must be tested in and applicable to the London Borough of Camden.
The funding is intended to support social entrepreneurs by helping them nurture their social ventures and grow their impact.
The following levels of funding are available:
Starting Upโฏ- funding of up to ยฃ8,000
Scaling Upโฏ- funding of up to ยฃ18,000 for a social enterprise that has been operating for between one and four years.
Together with funding, award recipients will be assigned to one of UnLtd’s dedicated programmes to provide support aligned with the needs of their social venture for up to one year.
Young entrepreneurs in the UK aged 18-30 can apply for financial support to help start or expand their businesses. The Young Entrepreneur Fund is run by Simply Business in partnership with Hatch Enterprise and provides both funding and tailored business assistance.
Grants of ยฃ5,000 are available through the initiative. In addition to financial support, successful applicants will take part in six weeks of business development support delivered by Hatch Enterprise. This aims to help young entrepreneurs address the challenges of launching or growing a venture.
This funding is part of DefraโsโฏFarming Innovation Programme, delivered in partnership with Innovate UK to invest up to ยฃ3 million for on-farm trials and farm experiment projects.
The aim of this competition is to support innovative, on-farm trials or experiments to test ideas or solutions and demonstrate that they will address major on-farm or immediate post farmgate challenges or opportunities. Your project must have the potential to significantly improve one or more of the following:
Productivity
Resilience
Sustainability and progression towards net zero farming
Your proposal must demonstrate to other English farmers, growers or foresters how the idea or solution will be of benefit to them. Your projectโs total costs must be between ยฃ50,000 and ยฃ100,000
The Global Entrepreneurship Network and Alibaba.com are accepting applications for CoCreate Pitch, an international startup competition focused on product innovation.
The initiative is designed to support early-stage businesses in bringing product ideas to market by facilitating industry connections and offering growth-focused resources.
The programme is open to entrepreneurs worldwide and offers the opportunity to compete for a share of $1 million in prizes. Participants will have the chance to connect with global manufacturers and investors. This support aims to assist with rapid prototyping and cost-effective production.
Participating teams receive pitch training and mentorship aimed at addressing specific business challenges, identifying solutions, and improving their presentation skills. Finalists will present their pitches live at a flagship event in London in November.
At the London Pitch Finals, ten winners will each receive prize packages valued at $20,000, comprising $10,000 in non-dilutive cash and $10,000 in credits and in-kind support. One grand prize winner will receive a total of $200,000 in prizes, including $100,000 in non-dilutive cash and $100,000 in credits and in-kind support.
The Start Up Energy Transition Award is an international competition for start-ups and young companies worldwide that are working on ideas affecting global energy transition and climate change.
There are five categories of the award, all with the aim of clean energy promotion. The categories are:
Clean Energy and Storage
Mobility and Transportation
Industry
Buildings and Construction
Quality Energy Access and SDG-7
The winner of each category will receive a prize of up to โฌ10,000 There is also a โฌ5,000 prize for non-winning SGD-7 Finalists.
Farming Innovation Programme: Small R&D Partnership Projects
This funding is part of Defra’s Farming Innovation Programme which is delivered in partnership with Innovate UK, investing up to ยฃ7.8 million in innovation projects.ย
The aim of this competition is to:
Developโฏsolutions with the potential toโฏimprove overall productivity, sustainability, resilience and move existing agricultural sectors to net zero
Ensureโฏsolutionsโฏhave positive outputs for farmers, growers or foresters in commercially relevantโฏsituations
Develop new agricultural solutions by collaborationโฏthrough engagement with end usersโฏand the UK research communityโฏin the innovation process
Accelerate adoption by ensuring knowledge exchange with theโฏwider sector and other stakeholders
Your proposal must be able to demonstrate how the project will benefit farmers, growers or foresters in England. Your projectโs total eligible costs must be between ยฃ1 million and ยฃ3 million.
Future Leaders Fellowship (FLF) support talented people in universities, businesses, and other research and innovation environments.
They also allow universities, research institutes, independent research organisations and businesses to develop their most talented early career researchers and innovators or to attract new people to their organisations.
The aim of this competition is to:
Support ambitious research and innovation to tackle difficult and novel challenges.
Support excellence in innovation, across interdisciplinary boundaries and sectors.
Develop, retain, and attract the next wave of research and innovation leaders.
Working with a host organisation a Future Leaders Fellow will receive at least four years of funding to pursue an ambitious programme of innovation.
Closing date: 5 November 2025 at 11am.
More information can be accessed at the IUK website.
Global Aurora Tech Award to Support Women Entrepreneurs in IT
Applications are open for the 2025 Aurora Tech Award, which provides financial prizes to women-led startups in the information technology sector. The award aims to recognise and support women entrepreneurs by offering cash prizes to help advance their businesses.
Three prizes are available in this round. The first prize is $50,000, the second is $20,000 and the third is $15,000.
The award is open to startups founded or co-founded and led by a woman from any country. The funding can be used to support business development and growth activities, enabling recipients to progress their product or service in the market. The scheme is open to companies working in any area of information technology.
Launched in April this is an easy to access, easy to administer grant from Innovate UK for ยฃ15,000. Apply quickly as the pot ran out by September last year when launched at a similar time. Could be used for product testing, development work or if you need technical expertise to facilitate feasibility.
Closing date: when the fund has all been allocated
The fund offers financial support to UK-based independent studios developing commercial games-for-entertainment. Backed by the UK Government, the initiative aims to help companies scale up, attract investment and generate employment in the creative industries.
Grants will range from ยฃ50,000 to ยฃ150,000. The funding can be used to cover staff and contractor costs directly involved in hands-on development activity.
The scheme targets established games studios operating in the UK. Applicants must be able to demonstrate how the funding would provide clearly support their business growth plans and facilitate further investment.
Closing date: expressions of interest can be made at any time
Homes England and Octopus Real Estate have launched the second phase of the Greener Homes Alliance, providing discounted development finance to small and medium-sized (SME) housebuilders. The initiative supports the construction of energy-efficient homes across England.
A total of ยฃ150 million is available. Loans range from ยฃ2 million to ยฃ20 million. Interest rate reductions of up to 2% are available for developers meeting environmental and social criteria. Eligible applicants include SME housebuilders and developers operating in England.
Closing date: Applications can be made at any time
Co-operative and Community Finance is offering loans of between ยฃ10,000 and ยฃ85,000 for new or existing co-operatives across the UK to assist with the expansion, setup, or development of a co-operative enterprise. โฏ
Loans will only be made to economically viable enterprises that are democratically owned and controlled organisations registered in the UK.
Closing date: Applications can be made at any time
Surrey Hills Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL) Grants
The Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL) programme provides grants to farmers and land managers in the Surrey Hills for one-off projects to make improvements to the natural environment, climate change mitigation, cultural heritage and public access on their land.
The Workplace Charging Scheme provides support for organisations towards the cost of installing up to 40 electric vehicle chargepoint sockets at their sites.
The scheme covers up to 75% of the total costs of the purchase and installation of EV chargepoints (including VAT), capped at a maximum of:
ยฃ350 per socket
40 sockets across all sites per applicant โ for instance, if you want to install them at 40 sites, you will have 1 socket available per site
If you can’t see something in this month’s roundup that suits your business’s specific needs, check out our Support Directory, or contact our team of experts via our Business Support Form.
Sign up to our newsletter for regular updates on funding, business news, events and support for all Surrey businesses.
Business blog – Shaping our future workforce: how employers can inspire the next generation
By opening your doors to students and educators, you can help bridge the gap between education and employment, inspire young people, and build a stronger local talent pipeline. Through modern work experience initiatives including Open Doors and curriculum enriching programmes like Teacher Encounters, Surrey Careers Hub is making it easier than ever for businesses to engage with their future workforce.
Why Employer Engagement Matters
Workplace experiences are transformative for young people. They help students understand how their studies connect to real-world careers, build motivation, and make informed decisions about their future. For employers, these engagements offer a chance to:
Showcase your sector and career pathways
Build relationships with local schools and colleges
Contribute to the development of future talent
Influence curriculum relevance.
Open Doors: supporting experiences of the workplace
The Open Doors programme invites employers to host in-person visits for students, offering them a first-hand look at your workplace. These visits typically include:
Site tours and demonstrations of emerging technologies
Q&A sessions with employees to highlight diverse roles and skills
Practical activities or challenges
Insights into early careers pathways, including apprenticeships and T Levels
Opportunities for feedback and reflection.
These experiences align with Gatsby Benchmark 6, which focuses on meaningful workplace encounters. Employers receive support to tailor visits to student needs, including accessibility considerations and safeguarding guidance.
Teacher Encounters: empowering educators to inspire
The Teacher Encounters programme connects educators with local employers, helping them understand how their subjects apply in the workplace. Teachers gain insight into:
Skills and qualifications valued by employers
Local businesses and labour market trends
Recruitment processes and vocational routes
Career pathways linked to their curriculum.
These encounters have proven highly impactful. According to the 2025 Impact Report:
100% of employers provided greater visibility and understanding of their business as a potential employment destination
86% of teachers understand the full range of job roles and careers in the current labour market that are linked to their subject
100% of employers recognise the value of engaging with schools and colleges and would participate in the programme again
Whether you’re new to employer engagement or looking to expand your outreach, Surrey Careers Hub offers practical support and resources. Hereโs how you can start:
By participating in these programmes, youโre not just offering a visit, youโre opening minds, broadening horizons, building futures, and strengthening your community. Join us in making a lasting impact.
If youโd like to explore any of these collaboration opportunities with a local school, college, SEND or alternative provision, get in touch today – contact Surrey Careers Hub: careers.hub@surreycc.gov.uk.
3TOP Aviation embarks on growth plans thanks to ยฃ20 million loan from UK Export Finance
Published 8 September 2025
Funding and grants, Surrey Success Stories
3TOP Aviation, a market-leading aircraft trading and refurbishment specialist, has secured multimillion-pound investment to meet growing international demand. This is thanks to support from UK Export Finance (UKEF), the UKโs export credit agency.
The Leatherhead-based firm acquires mid-to-end-life aircraft and engines for onward trading, leasing and refurbishment. They also dismantle aircraft and rebuild the associated components for onward sale to clients, helping to make the aerospace industry more sustainable.
The company โ which employs 18 staff in Surrey plus 16 outside the UK โ aims to grow into new global markets and product lines such as new generation aircraft.
As a result of the UKEF-backed financing, 3TOP Aviation is also planning to expand its UK workforce by 20%.
Plus, it is relocating some of its warehouses in France and the US to a larger site in Leatherhead, bringing further benefits to the local economy.
The financing has been secured with backing from UKEF issued under its General Export Facility. This guarantee enabled HSBC UK to provide a trade finance facility of up to ยฃ20 million, supporting 3TOP Aviationโs export growth.
Chris Emechete, Managing Director of 3TOP Aviation, said:
“We are delighted to have secured substantial funding from UKEF which helps strengthen our position as a leading UK exporter of commercial aircraft aftermarket services and allows us to further exploit new opportunities around the world.
“We are very active in the aviation market globally, so capital backing from UKEF, a major credit export agency with an impeccable pedigree and reputation, aligns perfectly with our growth plans and aspirations.”
Tim Reid, CEO at UK Export Finance, said:
“3TOP Aviationโs story shows how our support empowers UK businesses to create prosperity at home while growing their footprint internationally.
“Their impressive growth in turnover from ยฃ3 million to ยฃ70 million in just four years demonstrates the huge potential for British firms by tapping into global markets. Thatโs where UKEF comes in: weโre here to ensure that lack of finance never stands in the way of firms achieving their true export potential.
“3TOP Aviation brings more than 25 years of industry expertise to the sector, with international offices spanning the United Arab Emirates, United States, Singapore, Germany and India. In the last four years, 3TOP Aviationโs business has boomed with revenue growing from a post-Covid low of ยฃ3 million in 2021 to ยฃ70 million in 2025.”
Grow your business with UK Export Finance
UK Export Finance (UKEF) is the UKโs export credit agency. It’s a government department, working alongside the Department for Business and Trade as an integral part of its strategy and operations.
3TOP Aviation is one of more than 660 companies accessing support from UKEF in the last financial year. It has provided a record ยฃ14.5 billion in new financing, supporting up to 70,000 jobs.
UKEF works with over 100 private credit insurers and lenders to help UK companies access export finance. It complements not competes with the private sector.
UKEF helps UK companies to:
win export contracts by providing attractive financing terms to their buyers
fulfil contracts by supporting working capital loans
get paid by insuring against buyer default
Its export finance managers provide free and impartial consultations, helping UK companies to check they are getting appropriate support and exploring how to bridge any gaps.
