Author: Sian Mansbridge

Lights, camera, innovation: Surrey firm transforms product development thanks to Made Smarter South East

Published 23 July 2026

Funding and grants, Innovation, Surrey Success Stories

Removing barriers to growth

Surrey-based specialist film equipment firm Camera Revolution Limited is taking its final step to becoming a fully integrated design, manufacturing and rental business, thanks to support and investment from Made Smarter. 

The business operates as a specialist film equipment rental business and emerging manufacturer of proprietary camera support systems, motion control equipment and stabilisation rigs. The company supplies equipment to major film and television productions for globally recognised clients such as Netflix, Amazon MGM, Apple and Disney.

Innovation sits at the heart of Camera Revolution’s business model. The firm has invested heavily in developing an in-house engineering capability, creating a dedicated design and development function using SolidWorks and developing innovative products. The company frequently develops bespoke equipment for specific film productions, often with lead times measured in days rather than weeks. Directors and cinematographers regularly require unique solutions for individual scenes or camera movements, creating pressure to design, manufacture and deliver functional equipment within extremely short timescales.

A key challenge for growth has been the company’s reliance on external CNC machining suppliers for prototype production, limiting the speed at which new products and bespoke solutions can be developed, tested and refined.

Additionally, engineers spend valuable time managing supplier relationships, waiting for parts and dealing with external production schedules. This slows innovation and limits the number of projects that can be progressed simultaneously.

The limitation and reliance on external manufacturers has forced the business to decline opportunities or use costly expedited machining services, significantly reducing profitability.

Supporting the right solution

Thanks to the Made Smarter investment and support, Camera Revolution has been able to invest in a new Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) 3D printing system. This has enabled the production of high-quality components in-house, delivering durable, accurate and functionally tested parts within days rather than weeks.

Unlike traditional desktop printing technologies, SLS printing produces industrial-grade components suitable for both rapid prototyping and selected end-use applications.

What will the Made Smarter investment and support mean for the business?

By bringing this additive manufacturing functionality in-house, Camera Revolution has reduced prototype iteration times from between two and four weeks to less than 48 hours. This will allow engineers to test and refine concepts rapidly, significantly shortening product development cycles and accelerating the launch of new products.

Thanks to enabling much faster rounds of product development, and bringing components manufacturing in house, the technology significantly helps accelerate innovation within the business.

By removing reliance on external suppliers for early-stage development work, engineering resources can focus on innovation rather than administration and supplier management. This improves productivity, drives efficiency and supports continued growth of the engineering function.

The film production industry is highly time-sensitive. The ability to design and manufacture bespoke equipment in-house within days gives Camera Revolution a significant competitive advantage, enabling the company to respond more effectively to clients’ requirements and secure opportunities that would previously have been unattainable.

The business estimates that the technology could reduce external prototype machining expenditure by at least £40,000 annually while also improving engineering productivity and reducing lost revenue opportunities. Overall annual savings are forecast to be approximately £130,000, with a payback period of around five months.

Rowan Newbitt, Lead Design Engineer at Camera Revolution said:
“The Made Smarter grant has been a genuine enabler for us. We’ve spent three years building an engineering department from the ground up, and SLS printer is the piece of the puzzle that completes our ability to design, prototype and deliver in-house. For an industry where a client can call on a Tuesday needing something on set by Thursday, that capability isn’t just useful, it’s the difference between winning the job and turning it down.”

The future

This investment is about more than introducing a new piece of equipment. It represents the final step in Camera Revolution’s evolution into a fully integrated design, manufacturing and rental business.

Camera Revolution continues to develop innovative products for the film industry and intends to launch multiple new proprietary product lines and expand product sales globally. The investment has given the business the agility needed to compete at an international level. Faster development cycles, enhanced innovation capabilities and the ability to respond rapidly to customer requirements strengthens the company’s position with world-leading production companies, unlock new commercial opportunities and support future export growth.

Support for Surrey businesses

Made Smarter is a government-funded programme to help SME manufacturers and makers boost productivity and increase their competitive edge through the adoption of new industrial technologies and tools. Start your own journey to digitisation – register for a free personalised assessment today.

Looking for support to grow your Surrey business? Get in touch via our Business Support Form.

Surrey businesses backed by Growth Fund shortlisted for prestigious parenting awards

Published 10 July 2026

Events and awards, Surrey Success Stories

Two Surrey businesses supported by Surrey County Council’s Business Growth Grant programme are celebrating national recognition after being shortlisted in the Absolutely Mama Awards 2026. The awards recognise the brands, products and services making a difference to family life, with winners decided through public voting and expert judging. Voting is open until 15 July 2026.


The success of Lesh and More Toddler Meals highlights the strength of Surrey’s growing community of innovative businesses and the impact of support available through the Surrey Economic Growth Fund. To date, the fund has awarded almost £2 million to businesses across the county, helping unlock further investment, create jobs and drive economic growth.


Lesh shortlisted for Best Feeding/Nursing Product


Founded by Epsom entrepreneur Kat Fellows, Lesh was born from Kat’s own experience as a breastfeeding mother frustrated by the lack of practical solutions for milk leakage. After spending more than a year developing and testing products, she launched her innovative leakproof nursing bra brand in 2024.


Lesh received support through Surrey County Council’s Economic Growth Fund to help increase brand awareness and accelerate growth. The funding is helping Kat scale the business, strengthen marketing activity and build towards securing further investment.


Kat said:
“This grant will allow me to drive brand awareness and grow the business to a place where I can pitch for additional funding to become an internationally recognised brand in the maternity space.”

Kat also hopes to create opportunities for local mothers as the business grows, building a Surrey-based team to support areas including social media, customer service and fulfilment.


Lesh has now been shortlisted in the Best Feeding/Nursing Product category, placing the Surrey business alongside well-known names in the parenting sector.


More Toddler Meals shortlisted for Best Mealtime Range or Product


More Toddler Meals was created with a simple mission: to help parents feel proud of the meals they serve their toddlers. The business produces premium, gently dried meals packed with nutrients and designed to make healthy mealtimes easier for busy families.


The company received a Business Growth Grant to part-fund the new product development, allowing More Toddler Meals to expand its range and offer parents more choice.


The founder said:
“The grant has been transformational for our business. Without it we would have just been able to launch one new product so we’ve instantly been able to double the opportunity […] giving more variety for parents to choose from”


The business has now been shortlisted in the Best Mealtime Range or Product category alongside established names including Annabel Karmel and Organix. Reflecting on the recognition, the founder said:
“Being shortlisted for such a prestigious award amongst established brands like Annabel Karmel and Organix is truly humbling. I am so determined to ensure parents have better choices available for feeding their little ones and this recognition gives me the confidence to keep working hard to rebuild the category.”


Vote for Surrey businesses


The nominations are a fantastic achievement for two Surrey businesses that are using innovation to support families while growing their presence nationally.


You can support Lesh and More Toddler Meals by voting in the Absolutely Mama Awards before voting closes on 15 July. Vote here: https://absolutely-mama.co.uk/awards/

Looking for support to grow your Surrey business? Get in touch via our Business Support Form.

Kat Fellows - Lesh founder | Business Surrey

CoSTAR launches new AI accelerator for creative startups and SMEs in Surrey

Published 24 June 2026

Funding and grants, Innovation

Early-stage startups and small businesses in Surrey’s creative industries are being invited to apply for a new AI accelerator programme launching this summer.


CoSTAR National Lab, based at Royal Holloway, University of London, has opened applications for CoSTAR Emerge-AI. The programme is designed to help businesses working with artificial intelligence take early ideas from prototype stage through to initial validation.

Applications are open from 17 June to 18 August 2026, with workshops taking place between October to December 2026.


What the programme offers

  • A tailored three-month support package from October to December 2026
  • Eight expert-led workshops and masterclasses
  • Two one-to-one mentoring sessions
  • Access to specialist facilities and industry connections
  • Cloud credits to support development
  • Up to £5,000 funding to cover project costs

The accelerator forms part of the wider CoSTAR AI for Creativity initiative, supporting innovation across the creative and technology sectors.


Who should apply

  • Early-stage startups and SMEs
  • Businesses developing AI solutions for the creative industries
  • Companies looking to test and validate new products or services

Businesses interested in applying can join the webinar on 7 July to learn more about the programme and ask questions ahead of submitting an application. Find out more, and register for the webinar.

For information on other sources of funding and grants, read our monthly Funding Roundup or sign up for our newsletter.

CoSTAR Emerge-AI - a group of delegates attending a workshop sit at a table working together | Business Surrey | AI accelerator

Deadline extended for Adult Skills provision funding in Surrey

Published 22 June 2026

Skills and workforce

The competitive grant process for delivering Adult Skills Fund (ASF) provision in Surrey for the 2026 to 2027 academic year is now open and providers are invited to apply. Providers can also apply for Free Courses for Jobs (FCFJ) funding through the same process, which includes ringfenced funding for Construction and Engineering.

To give all interested providers the opportunity to apply, the deadline has now been extended to Wednesday 8 July 2026. The opportunity is open to all adult skills providers, with no geographical restrictions.

What the funding supports

Adult Skills Fund (ASF):

  • Supports adults aged 19 and over
  • Focuses on helping people gain skills for sustained employment or further learning with a view to gaining employment afterwards
  • Aims to address skills shortages and increase local productivity
  • Allows for tailored training based on individual needs

Free Courses for Jobs (FCFJ):

  • Funds free Level 3 qualifications (equivalent to A levels)
  • Available to adults without a Level 3 qualification, or those who are unemployed or earning below the regional low-wage threshold
  • Includes a limited number of Level 2 qualifications in construction, engineering and manufacturing

Further information about FCFJ can be found here.

Why this matters

Devolved funding enables Surrey County Council to align skills provision with local economic priorities, while supporting key groups and sectors. This will benefit Surrey residents and employers and will also contribute to economic growth across the county.

How to apply

Applications must be submitted via the competitive grant award application page.

All applicants should take care to read the specification document and complete a proposed delivery plan. For more information and answers to any questions not covered here please contact economy.growth@surreycc.gov.uk or get in touch via our Contact Us form.

Good luck with your application.

A man in a black suit, white shirt and tie stands in front of two promotional banners for STEP Surrey | Business Surrey

Surrey’s Local Area Energy Plan – powering a better future for Surrey

Published 15 June 2026

Advice and support, Innovation

Surrey is developing its first Local Area Energy Plan (LAEP). This is a major new initiative designed to address rising pressure on the county’s energy network and prepare for a future powered by cleaner, more affordable energy. The LAEP will act as an evidence-based roadmap for upgrading Surrey’s energy infrastructure, helping the county meet rising demand from new housing, electric vehicles, and a growing economy.

Why it matters

Surrey’s energy system is already under strain. Without coordinated action, this pressure will limit business and economic growth, increase costs, and slow progress toward net zero.

The LAEP aims to:

  • Encourage investment in renewable and locally generated energy
  • Improve home energy efficiency and reduce long term energy bills
  • Support new green jobs and skills development
  • Strengthen Surrey’s appeal as a place to live, work and invest

Who should get involved

Surrey’s LAEP team would like to engage with businesses and other organisations in Surrey to understand their current and future energy needs. If your organisation uses, stores, or generates significant energy, the team is keen to hear from you. This information will help them understand how Surrey’s energy needs are changing and where investment should be prioritised in future.

The team is particularly interested in organisations that:

  • Have a significant presence in Surrey now, or plan to in the future
  • Have high energy use, transport fuel use, or generate waste heat
  • Work in the energy, transport, infrastructure, or development sectors

Have experienced barriers to producing, generating, installing, or storing energy or fuels. Your insights will help shape a robust, realistic, and future proofed energy plan for the county.

Why get involved

By getting involved, your organisation can help shape Surrey’s future energy system. By taking part your business could benefit from:

  • Confidence that your future energy needs will be met
  • An opportunity to help influence where and when grid upgrades are prioritised
  • Opportunities for investment, innovation, and partnership
  • Support for your decarbonisation and growth plans
  • A stronger, more resilient local economy
  • A role in building a cleaner, more secure energy system for Surrey

Join the LAEP launch webinar to find out more

The Surrey LAEP team are holding a webinar on 21 July to provide an introduction to the LAEP. The webinar will cover the benefits of the LAEP, what it could mean for your business, and how your organisation can help shape Surrey’s future energy pathway. Register here to save your space.

For more information, visit the Surrey LAEP web page or contact the LAEP team at LAEP@surreycc.gov.uk.

43% hit by cyber attacks: Government calls on firms to take action now

Published 12 June 2026

Advice and support

The government is urging businesses across the UK to strengthen their cyber defences against evolving and increasing threats by signing up to a Cyber Resilience Pledge.

The threats businesses face in cyber space can take many forms – including ransomware attacks, denial of service (DoS) attacks, brand impersonation and malware – and they are evolving rapidly. A new generation of AI models is lowering the barrier for cyber criminals, enabling them to find vulnerabilities and carry out attacks at a speed and scale that would have been impossible even a year ago. Recent figures show 43% of UK businesses experienced a cyber breach or attack in the past year, underlining the urgency of action.

Organisations are advised to invest in smarter, more resilient systems that can limit the impact of breaches and keep ahead of attackers, rather than reacting after the damage is done.

What is the Cyber Resilience Pledge?

The pledge, launching later this year, sets out three concrete actions organisations can take to improve their cyber security:

  • Making cyber security a board-level responsibility
  • Signing up to the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC)’s free Early Warning Service
  • Require Cyber Essentials certification across their supply chains – the UK government-backed cyber security standard that blocks the most common cyber threats.

Together, these steps help businesses reduce risk, protect customers and build confidence across the wider economy.

Cyber attacks are included in the list of nine key risks for Surrey. Information and links to help businesses prepare for and recover from attacks – including the NSCS’s free Cyber Action Toolkit – is available on the Surrey Prepared web pages on the Surrey County Council website. District and Borough councils also provide information about business resilience on their websites.

Support for your Surrey business

Looking for support for your Surrey business? Our team of experts are on hand to provide fully-funded advice to all Surrey businesses, including advice on strengthening your cyber resilience.

Get in touch via our Business Support Form to see how we could help your business grow.

cyber resilience pledge | Business Surrey | Cyber security

From classroom to career: how Teacher Encounters are shaping Surrey’s future workforce

Published 8 June 2026

Skills and workforce

Building stronger connections between education and business remains a key priority across Surrey and the Teacher Encounters programme continues to play an important role in bringing this to life. Returning for 2026, the initiative offers teachers the opportunity to step out of the classroom and into local workplaces, gaining first-hand insight into the industries their students may one day join.

What are Teacher Encounters?

Teacher Encounters are immersive, employer-led experiences designed to help educators better understand the skills, behaviours and pathways that are most valued in today’s workforce. By spending time within organisations, teachers can see how subjects are applied in real-world contexts, explore emerging careers and gather practical examples they can take back into their lessons.
This year’s programme has already seen strong engagement, with 11 employers involved and over 100 teachers registered.

Ringway and M Group got the 2026 series off to a great start with a highly insightful Teacher Encounter in February, offering early opportunities for educators to explore careers in the construction and highways industry. The programme continues in June 2026, with a diverse range of Surrey-based organisations opening their doors: RSM, CGI, Cambertronics, RHS Wisley, Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust, Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Supermassive Games, Macro and the Animal & Plant Health Agency.

A typical experience

Each encounter is carefully designed to showcase the breadth of career pathways within an organisation, from early careers and apprenticeships to experienced leadership roles. Teachers hear directly from employees at different stages of their journeys, helping to demystify routes into employment and highlight the importance of both technical knowledge and transferable skills.
Feedback from participants continues to highlight the value of these experiences. Following a recent Teacher Encounter at RSM, one attendee shared:

“Just a note to thank you both for putting on such a great day. Events such as these are invaluable in ensuring what we teach in class not only enables students to secure their academic qualifications but is done in a way to equip them with the life and work skills that today’s employers are looking for. A great reminder of the need to balance educational attainment with well-developed interpersonal / soft skills. Also hearing directly from your early career employees, alongside tenured leaders was incredibly insightful. Fantastic experience, thank you to all who gave up their time to accommodate us.”

While another teacher who attended the encounter at Cambertronics said:

“I really enjoyed the opportunity to learn more about your company and the work you do. It was a valuable and insightful experience. The knowledge and insights I gained will be very useful, and I look forward to sharing them with my students and colleagues to help inspire and inform them.“

This feedback reflects a consistent theme: Teacher Encounters not only enhance teachers’ understanding of industry but also support more meaningful careers guidance for students. By bridging the gap between education and employment, the programme helps ensure young people are better prepared for the opportunities and challenges ahead.

With continued collaboration between schools and employers, Teacher Encounters are helping to build a more connected, informed and future-ready workforce across Surrey.

Find out more

More information about the Teacher Encounters programme can be found on the Surrey County Council website.

Surrey employers who would like to get involved in the 2026 Teacher Encounters programme should contact careers.hub@surreycc.gov.uk.

For updates on the Teacher Encounters programme and other Surrey Careers Hub activity, please follow them on LinkedIn.

Helping high street businesses diversify income streams and reach new customers

Published 26 May 2026

Funding and grants, Surrey Success Stories

The Surrey High Street Growth and Innovation Programme was a county-wide initiative funded by the Surrey Economic Growth Fund to support independent businesses across the whole of Surrey.

The programme was designed to strengthen independent high street and town centre businesses by offering free, practical, and locally tailored support across Surrey high streets.

Smarter Society and The Retail Group were commissioned to deliver the programme in spring 2026. The programme’s package of targeted support included:

  • In-person business engagement
  • Free practical workshops
  • Business toolkits and resources
  • Tailored support

Whilst in operation, the programme supported more than 440 high street-based business across the county. The package of support provided has helped to equip the Surrey business owners who took part with the tools to adapt to an ever-evolving environment. One such business is the Leatherhead Theatre. Manager Ruth Price took part in the programme and tells us about her experience.

Leatherhead Theatre – exploring new opportunities for growth

Ruth describes her experience of the programme: “Running the Leatherhead Theatre means balancing tradition with the need to stay visible and relevant in a very competitive environment. As a long established venue, we face ongoing challenges around raising our profile, diversifying income, and continuing to attract and engage audiences in new ways.

“I attended a local workshop followed by a one to one mentoring session to step back from day to day operations and explore new opportunities for growth. The support helped me think practically about how we promote the theatre and make better use of what we already have.

“The session focused on increasing visibility and clearly communicating the full range of everything the theatre offers, rather than relying too heavily on a single income stream. We looked at ways to improve signage and messaging, promote our strengths more consistently, explore pop up and multi use opportunities within the space, and lean more into our identity as an independent charity to strengthen connections with customers and the local community.

“I found the experience genuinely great. The workshop was accessible because it was local, and it was incredibly valuable to be able to step away from my role for a short period without disrupting the theatre’s operation. The marketing elements in particular were very insightful and immediately relevant. I also really valued the opportunity to network with other businesses – this has already resulted in a new partnership that I wouldn’t otherwise have made.

“The one-to-one mentoring session was especially helpful because it provided tailored, practical advice that I can realistically implement. It helped prioritise actions and turn ideas into clear next steps. I found the experience extremely positive and was very impressed with both the way the session was delivered and the impact it has had.”

The Surrey Economic Growth Fund

To date almost £2 million has been awarded to dozens of recipients across the county via the Surrey Economic Growth Fund. This funding has helped to unlock significant match funding and private investment, growing Surrey’s economy by £9 million.

Any Surrey business looking for funding or help to grow can receive fully-funded support from Business Surrey. Get in touch to find out more via our Contact us form.

Hundreds of young people with SEND explore their futures at Surrey’s 2026 Transitions Fair

Published 13 May 2026

Skills and workforce

Hundreds of young people with additional needs got a taste for their future at Surrey County Council’s 2026 Transitions Fair.

More than 300 young people attended the Surrey County Council-hosted event which brought together over 30 exhibitors and 19 schools from across the county.
This event enabled young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) to understand the options available for their transition from education to employment, further education, training or social settings.

Now in its second year, the fair at the council’s Woodhatch Place HQ in Reigate attracted enthusiastic participation from attendees aged 14 to 25.

It was organised by Surrey Careers Hub, which connects schools and colleges with employers to inspire the county’s future workforce.

Tim Oliver, Leader of Surrey County Council, shared his positive reflections on the success of the fair:
“The Transitions Fair is one element of Surrey’s education, skills and training offer for young people. Surrey County Council is committed to ensuring that every young person in Surrey, regardless of their educational needs, has access to the resources and support that will help them succeed, with no one left behind.

“It is inspiring to see so many young people actively exploring the range of options open to them for their future. I’m sure those attending left feeling inspired and enthused about their futures.”

What the fair covered

The event’s 30-plus exhibitors included colleges and educators, employers, employment support organisations, apprenticeship providers and social settings. All were dedicated to offering valuable guidance and information to help attendees make informed choices about their next steps.

A bespoke film featuring representatives from Surrey County Council’s facilities management contract was commissioned to demonstrate to students the people and the jobs that keep Woodhatch Place a safe, welcoming and accessible working environment. Students were inspired to hear about the types of roles available, learning how staff came to be employed in those roles and how they are continuing to enjoy their roles and grow their careers.

Before the fair started, exhibitors were introduced to Understand Us, who use first-hand lived experience to help organisations improve their services for both customers and employees who live with a learning disability.

One enthused student from The Park School commented: “Thank you so much. I loved it. I know so much more now about what I can do after school.”

And a teacher from Oxted School said “A fantastic opportunity for students who needed additional support and guidance about their future with some amazing exhibitors at hand, who had time to explain their products in a very patient and easy to understand manner.”

Exhibitors also found the event to be highly successful and worthwhile attending, with one representative from Activate Learning commenting: “Events like this play a vital role in ensuring career fairs are accessible to everyone, offering meaningful interactions and opportunities that are achievable for attendees.”

To find out more about Surrey Careers Hub, and about the skills, training and employment support that Surrey County Council can provide, visit STEP Surrey, our skills, training and employment portal today at: www.STEPSurrey.co.uk

About Surrey Careers Hub

Surrey Careers Hub plays a vital role in connecting education with employment, helping all young people, including those with additional needs and disabilities, to identify and progress to their best next step. At the heart of the Careers Hub is the belief that every young person deserves the strongest possible start to adult life, with the freedom to choose their own path and achieve their full potential.

The Surrey Careers Hub sits within Surrey County Council’s Economy and Growth Team. Working in partnership with The Careers and Enterprise Company, it collaborates with careers leaders, educators, employers and training providers to inspire and prepare young people through high-quality, modern careers education fit for the 21st century.

List of exhibitors:

Achieve Together
Activate Learning
Adult Services
Ambitious College
Art Venture
Brooklands College
Choice Care Group
Consensus Support
Skills, Training & Employment Portal – STEP Surrey
County Care
Derwen College
Dramatize
Early Years Workforce Development
Edge Disability
Family Information Service
The Grange
Halow Project
Jigsaw Plus
Linkable
MIT Skills
Nescot
nviro
Orchard Hill College
Parity
Professional Training Solutions
Ringway
SEND Advice Surrey
Skills Bootcamps
Sunnybank Trust
Surrey Choices
Surrey Youth Voice
Voluntary Action South-East
Voyage Care

Surrey Venture Studio’s first incubation programme gets off to flying start

Published 12 May 2026

Advice and support, Funding and grants, Innovation, Surrey Success Stories

Surrey Venture Studio (SVS) is preparing to launch its first six‑month incubation programme, supporting early‑stage founders across Surrey to turn raw ideas and early‑stage concepts into customer‑ready businesses. The incubation accelerator is aimed at pre‑start‑ups who have completed SVS’s business ideation workshops and offers tailored support based on each entrepreneur’s stage of development.

One of the founders joining the inaugural cohort is Natalie Foo, creator of InchStone, a voice‑first app designed to support families raising children with developmental differences.

Meeting a need discovered from personal experience

InchStone was shaped by personal experience. Natalie explains, “I built it because I’m a parent in this community and the gap was too obvious to ignore.”

“The app organises your spoken observations into records ready for therapy, funding applications, and official assessments.”

Natalie first engaged with SVS through its intensive two‑day workshops, which focus on validating ideas before founders rush into building products.

As SVS Manager Odysseas Bassioukas, puts it, “SVS is a venture builder where people are coming to us to build from the idea to a company.”

“The workshops were intense but incredibly helpful,” Natalie says. “They helped me hone in on my idea and start making a plan. The focus on customer development really stood out; SVS puts that the right way around.”

The incubation programme will provide expert mentorship, peer support and hot‑desking facilities, alongside access to professional services such as legal advice, to help founders protect their intellectual property. For Natalie, the timing feels right. “It feels like the right moment to find out what’s actually working,” she says, as she prepares to pilot InchStone and connect with Surrey’s wider business network.

What is Surrey Venture Studio?

This is an exciting new pre-accelerator programme to help innovators, academics and entrepreneurs across Surrey explore whether turning an idea into a business is the right path to follow.

This exciting programme includes:

  • A two-day, in-person ideation workshop
  • Expert mentoring
  • Opportunity to progress to a six-month accelerator
  • Up to £25,000 catalyst grant funding, for successful six-month accelerator participant
  • Spaces on the workshop are limited and will be offered to applicants whose ideas are at the right stage of development and show strong potential for innovation and commercialisation.

At the end of the two-day workshop, participants will be invited to pitch their ideas ‘Dragon’s Den’-style. The successful applicants will secure a coveted place on the six-month accelerator programme and take a step closer to securing £25k in grant funding to launch their business!