Aerosensor is a technology firm in Dunsfold Industrial Park led by former F1 engineer Dr Barney Garrood. Thanks to the Surrey Economic Growth Fund, it is creating a new wind-tunnel facility and highly-skilled STEM jobs.ย
Aerosensor is one of a growing number of Surrey businesses with innovation at its heart.
It is developing new aerodynamic measurement probes for automotive and aerospace applications. And thanks to a five-figure grant from the Surrey Economic Growth Fund, its operation is now expanding.
The grant will support extra staff, infrastructure and the design, build and testing of the probes. โย
Dr Barney Garrood is founder of Aerosensor. He explains that he started the business in 2023 to create probes for cycling – but then started selling devices to F1 too.ย
โWe have continued doing that and the market has grown to other motorsports and even marine industry,โ he said.ย
He explained that in order to make and develop the probes, the firm needed a wind tunnel to calibrate and test them.
โWithout our own wind tunnel, we were at the mercy of how booked up other facilities were. I even had to travel to Bristol once to test one probe. So I decided to build our own wind tunnel.”ย
Aerosensor: a global leader
The new wind tunnel will be transformative for Aerosensor.
Barney explains: 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.โย
He added: 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.”ย
The growth of his business will have an impact on the wider Surrey economy beyond jobs too.
For example, he also uses external suppliers in the county. And he has helped to enhance Dunsfold Industrial Parkโs legacy as an aerodynamic centre.ย
He adds: โDunsfold Park has a history of aerodynamic development. The Harrier Jump Jet was developed here. And thereโs a lot of racing car heritage here, and with fantastic high-tech motorsport such as McLaren in the area, it is the ideal place.โ
About the Surrey Economic Growth Fund
Do you have a business idea that can drive growth across Surrey?
The Surrey Economic Growth Fund is overseen by Surrey County Council with the sole focus of driving economic growth across the region.
Applications are now live for the Business Growth Grant scheme, closing at midnight on 16 November 2025.
It is open to all small and medium size businesses in Surrey.
The award is a match-funded grant of between ยฃ10,000 and ยฃ75,000, covering up to 50% of eligible project costs.
Funding can support:
- Purchasing new equipment or technology
- Developing new products or services
- Expanding operations or facilities
- Investing in staff training and upskillingย
We particularly welcome applications from rural businesses, farms, and those contributing to the rural economy.
Questions? Get in touch via our Contact Us form.
