Teachers become students for the day visiting some of Surrey’s brightest and best businesses as part of broader efforts to inspire the region’s future workforce
As this academic year begins to draw to a close, a number of schools, special schools, and colleges across Surrey are taking part in Surrey Careers Hubโs 2025 Teacher Encounters initiative.
This dynamic series of workplace visits is designed to connect educators with leading Surrey employers and has seen enthusiastic participation from teachers across a wide range of Surrey educational settings across the county, helping to bridge the gap between education and the world of work. (See full list of participating institutions below.)
These educators are taking up the opportunity to visit and engage with a diverse range of Surrey employers, including Wates Group, Royal Holloway University, CGI, Supermassive Games, Home Counties Carers, AtkinsRรฉalis, Yunex Traffic, ramsac, Macro and Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust.
What’s involved in a Teacher Encounter?
The visits offer valuable insights into the skills, knowledge, and attributes that employers are seeking in the future workforce. The programme helps educators to understand the wide range of career opportunities available and gain a deeper understanding of how their subject is applied practically in the workplace which they can take back to their classrooms to enrich their curriculum with real-world industry examples, while enabling them to build ongoing relationships with employers.
Following each Teacher Encounter, participating teachers will develop bespoke teaching resources that will translate newly acquired industry knowledge into practical classroom applications or resources to share with their teaching colleagues. The initiative aims to produce a diverse and inclusive suite of materials, tailored to a wide range of subjects and adaptable to the needs of students from all types of institutions.
Matt Furniss, Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Economic Growth at Surrey County Council, praised the initiative:
โThe Teachers Encounters programme is a vital investment in the future of Surreyโs economy. By equipping our teachers with up-to-date industry knowledge and meaningful employer connections, we empower them to better guide their students in making informed career choices. This initiative not only benefits our young people but also strengthens the talent pipeline for local businesses, ensuring Surrey remains a thriving hub of innovation and opportunity.โ
Views from participants
Tim Browning, Recruitment Lead at Supermassive Games said:
โThis programme is a fantastic way to bridge the gap between education and industry. Equipping teachers with industry knowledge is crucial for inspiring and preparing students for their future careers. We’re already looking forward to next year’s programme!”
While Ellie Smith, AtkinsRรฉalis Social Value Consultant shared:
โThe Teacher Encounter programme highlights ncounters programme highlights the importance of collaboration between educators and industry professionals in shaping a skilled workforce and AtkinsRรฉalis is proud to have taken part.โ
With a delighted teacher from East Surrey College adding:
โIt was both enlightening and informative to hear about the company’s early careers programme. The insights and perspectives shared will undoubtedly be incredibly valuable for our students as they look to progress into their careers after completing their college studies.โ
The programme is part of Surrey Careers Hubโs ongoing commitment to enhancing careers education and ensuring that young people are well-prepared for the rapidly evolving world of work. By fostering stronger links between education and industry, the Careers Hub is helping to create a more informed, inspired, and future-ready generation.
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 us on LinkedIn
Surrey Educational settings that participated in Teacher Encounters this year:
Ashcombe School
Brooklands College
Carrington School
Collingwood College
East Surrey College
Epsom College
Esher Sixth Form College
Fox Grove School
Freemantles School
George Abbot School
Godalming College
Guildford County School
Heathside School
Hoe Valley School
Nescot
Pond Meadow School
Reigate College
Rosebery School
St Pauls Catholic College
The Beacon School
Therfield School
Thomas Knyvett College
Warlingham School
Wishmore Cross Academy
Woking College
Teacher Encounters visit to Wates Group. (Main image: Supermassive Games visit)
Supercharge your innovation journey with Innovate Local: South East
Published 17 June 2025
Events and awards, Innovation
Do you want to grow or improve your business but arenโt sure how to get started or where to turn? Then Innovate Local: South East could be the answer you’re looking for.
On 15 July, at Royal Holloway, Innovate UK will explore the power of innovation and how it can:ย ย
Drive business growth: learn how innovation can lead to increased profitability, market share, and customer loyalty.
Boost competitiveness: discover how staying ahead of industry trends and embracing innovation can give your business a competitive edge.
Foster resilience: in todayโs ever-changing business landscape, innovation is a key driver of adaptability and long-term success.
The day will also include dedicated sessions exploring opportunities, challenges, and innovation pathways within the defence and cyber security, AI, and creative industriesโproviding tailored insights and sector-specific support. There will be representatives from both Business Surrey and Made Smarter South East in attendance on the day, ready to share more information on how you can access funding and guidance to support your own innovation journey.
Who Should Attend?
Any business based in the South East from any sector / industry. Whether youโre a small start-up or an established enterprise, this event is designed to help you understand the power of innovation and its practical applications. It is the perfect opportunity for all South East businesses to connect with industry leaders, access funding, and fuel your innovation journey.
Why Attend?
Connect with innovation experts, funders and potential collaborators from your region.
Discover the opportunities and incentives for ambitious innovators and businesses in the South East.
Network with like-minded professionals from the South Eastโs thriving business community.
Take your next practical step towards transforming your business through innovation.
Don’t miss this chance to supercharge your business’s growth and competitiveness.
Roll Up Roll Up! Youโll see in this line up of grants and funding available that there are a fair few competitions, where your business can win a prize โฆ so whatโs the difference between a grant and a prize?
It seems to me that corporate philanthropy is a way for an organisation (or collaboration) to enhance their brand. Traditional grant giving programmes therefore give way to campaigns, competitions and programmes that support their brand and enhance it.
But whichever prize or grant you apply for the devil is in the details. Like we donโt just have one CV these days, there isnโt just one grant application that you can copy and paste into a new application form. Check the eligibility criteria, check the โprizeโ is one that supports your goals and then commit to writing (or producing) a bespoke application. Good Luck!
Rural England Prosperity Fund 2025
Farmers in Tandridge, Guildford and Waverley can secure a six-figure cash injection as part of wider efforts to boost growth in the county. Surrey County Council is offering capital grants of up to ยฃ120,000 to support innovative ideas to drive diversification in agriculture and generate new income streams while increasing the long-term sustainability of their estates.
Ideas could include establishing farm shops, developing agritourism, generating sustainable energy or cultivating new crops and livestock.
Closing date: 30 June 2025
Apply here: Economic Growth Fund application form – Business Surrey
Reigate & Banstead Thriving Communities Match Fund
Voluntary, Community and Faith Sector (VCFS) organisations whose projects help communities in Reigate & Banstead to thrive can now apply for grants between ยฃ2,000 and ยฃ10,000 from a pot of ยฃ50,000.
If you work with local organisations whose projects help our communities to thrive, please encourage them to check the fund criteria and apply if they are eligible.
Closing date: 23 June 2025
Apply here: Thriving Communities Match Fund | Funding for local voluntary and community organisations | Reigate and Banstead
Small Biz 100
This isnโt exactly a funding pot but an opportunity for promotion. Small Business Saturday is always the first Saturday in December. Itโs been running for 12 years and is an opportunity to rally behind the small businesses we all love and wat to support.
#smallbiz100 highlights 100 small businesses, one a day for 100 days leading up to Small Business Saturday 2025! In the past the 100 have not only received exposure on Small Business Saturday’s social media channels and in the local and national press but also joined the Small Business Saturday team in London at receptions in Downing Street, House of Lords and with Chancellor of the Exchequer.
Closing Date: 30 June 2025
Apply Here: Small Business Saturday UK | Another year making a Big Difference!
Accelerated Knowledge Transfer Competition โ Innovate UK
Innovate UK has opened a new round of its Accelerated Knowledge Transfer Competition (AKT4) offering support for projects aimed at addressing drug and alcohol addiction. The initiative will fund short, targeted collaborations between eligible research institutions and business partners.
Each project can receive a grant of up to ยฃ35,000 to support interventions that develop or evaluate innovation with potential impact on treatment, recovery, harm reduction or prevention for those affected by addiction.
Closing Date: 11am 2 July 2025
Apply here: Competition overview – Accelerated Knowledge Transfer 4 (AKT4) Addiction – Innovation Funding Service
AXA StartUp Angel Competition
The AXA Startup Angel Competition has been created to support entrepreneurs hoping to realise their business ambitions. The contest offers a variety of prizes to would-be businesses from across the UK to help them through the next phase of their startup journey.
There are six opportunities to win in 2025. Two winners will receive the top prize of ยฃ25,000 to fund their business idea. These winners will also be awarded mentoring from the AXA Startup Angels and business insurance for a year.
There are also four runners-up prizes featuring over ยฃ18,000 of media, mentoring and exposure. Each runner-up will receive a profile on their business in The Standard, mentoring with a member of The Standard team, plus VIP access to SME XPO 2026.
Closing Date: 6 July 2025 (23:59 hrs)
Apply here: Startup Angelย
Santander X UK Awards
The Santander X UK Awards is Santander’s flagship entrepreneurship pitching competition. The competition has evolved to supporting 3 categories: university entrepreneurs, start-ups and a new SME category added for 2025.
Their aim is to award equity-free funding with prizes of between ยฃ10-30,000 and support for ambitious UK founders to take their ventures to the next level.
Closing Date: 16 July at 23.59
Apply here: Santander X UK Awards
Adobe Express ยฃ1,000 Grant
From now until August, 2 business owners a month will win ยฃ1,000 and mentoring from Adobe Express and Enterprise Nation.
All you have to do is share a creation you have made by using the templates in Adobe Express. It could be a social post, flyer or logo for your brand, upload it and complete the application for to be in with a chance of winning.
Closing date: until August 2025
Apply here:ย Adobe Express Brand Builder | Win ยฃ1,000 for your marketing strategyย
Future Leaders Fellowships
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.
Applications will open on 23 June 2025 and close on 5 November 2025 at 11am.
More information can be accessed at the IUK website.
RTO Catapult Grant Scheme – Innovate UK
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.
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 clear additionality to 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 there isn’t anything 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.
Unlock the Future with Business Surrey’s AI Toolkit
Published 27 May 2025
Advice and support, Innovation
In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a luxury reserved for large corporations. Small businesses, too, can harness the power of AI to streamline operations, enhance productivity, and drive growth. In recognition of its importance, we have partnered with experts at the University of Surrey to create a cutting-edge AI toolkit designed to help small businesses embrace this transformative technology.
Why AI matters for small businesses
AI offers numerous advantages for small businesses, making it an essential tool for staying competitive. By automating routine tasks, AI frees up valuable time for employees to focus on strategic activities. It can also provide insights through data analysis, helping businesses make informed decisions and identify new opportunities. AI-driven customer service solutions can also enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty, even leading to increased revenue.
What’s included in the Business Surrey AI toolkit?
The toolkit takes the form of four video modules, each building on the last.
Video 1: The Foundations of AI
Covering how AI developed, and explaining some of the commonly-used jargon associated with AI.
Video 2: People-centred AI
Focusing on the impact AI is having on our day-today lives, explaining how โ with human oversight โ it can be used to support automation in tasks like interpreting data, making meeting notes and reviewing job applications.
Video 3: Applications of conversational AI
Explaining how the development of large language models means AI tools can play a key role in how businesses will have conversations in multiple languages in the very near future – with very real potential for businesses that export and trade internationally.
Video 4: Business view of AI
Focusing on applying the learning to your business – eg identifying fraud in financial services, supporting idea generation in the creative industries, or training and upskilling employees in any sector.
Why implement AI in your business?
Embracing AI is not just about keeping up with the latest trends; it’s about future-proofing your business. As AI continues to evolve, businesses that adopt this technology early will be better positioned to adapt to changes and seize new opportunities. The Business Surrey AI toolkit is your gateway to understanding and using AI, ensuring your business remains competitive in the digital age.
Get started today
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to transform your business with AI. Download the Business Surrey AI toolkit today and take the first step towards a more efficient, productive, and innovative future.
Business Continuity and Enhancing Resilience
Published 20 May 2025
Advice and support
Ashley Field, Resilience Lead for Surrey County Council, working in the Emergency Management and Resilience Team writes this month’s blog on Business Continuity.
You may not know, but this week is Business Continuity Week! It’s crucial for Surrey business owners and employees to understand the importance of business continuity and how to improve your resilience, but what does this mean in practice?
Business Continuity
I like the definition from the Business Continuity Institute, which defines business continuity as
“The capability of an organisation to continue the delivery of products and services within acceptable time frames at a predefined capacity during a disruption.”
Did you know that nearly one in five businesses suffer a major disruption each year? There have been some high-profile disruptions in the past few weeks, including the severe cyber-attack on M&S, which forced them to suspend online orders and halt recruitment. TfL also experienced a power outage that caused major disruptions across the London Underground network, affecting multiple lines and causing delays.
Business continuity planning ensures that your business can continue to operate during and after disruption. The goal is to minimise the impact on operations and enable quick recovery.
Assessing impacts and risk
The first step in business continuity planning is to identify your critical activities through a business impact analysis (BIA). The BIA estimates the impacts of disruption over time to establish the organisation’s response, recovery priorities, and the resource requirements.
The next step is to conduct a risk assessment and identify potential threats to your business. What would happen if you had an IT network failure, and your customers could not contact you or pay for your products/ services? What would happen if you had no access to your offices or premises or key documents or products were destroyed in a building fire?
Once you have identified these risks, itโs necessary to assess their potential impact on your operations. This will help you prioritise which areas need the most attention.
Developing a Business Continuity Plan (BCP)
A comprehensive BCP is essential and should outline the steps your business will take to continue operations during a disruption. Key components include:
Roles and responsibilities
Key contact details
Outline how the plan will be activated – when, by whom, how?
Critical functions/activities to be recovered, timescales and recovery levels needed
Actions to be carried out
Clear communication process
Process for standing down and returning to business as usual
A top tip is to regularly review and update your BCP to reflect any changes in your business operations or the external environment. This will help ensure that your plan remains relevant and effective.
Training and Testing
Once your BCP is in place, it’s important to train your employees on their roles and responsibilities during disruption. Regular training sessions will help ensure that everyone knows what to do in an emergency. Additionally, testing your BCP through simulations and exercises will help identify any weaknesses and areas for improvement.
Conclusion
Creating a culture of resilience within your organisation is key to effective business continuity. Encourage employees to be proactive in identifying risks and reporting any issues. Building strong relationships with suppliers, customers, and other stakeholders can enhance your business resilience. Collaborate with your partners to develop joint continuity plans and ensure that everyone is prepared for potential disruption.
By taking proactive steps to enhance your business resilience, you can ensure that your business is better prepared to handle disruptions. During this Business Continuity Week, why not take the time to assess your current plans, identify areas for improvement, and implement strategies to strengthen your resilience.
Sign up to our newsletter for regular updates on support, funding, business news, and events for all Surrey businesses.
Renรฉeโs Round-Up of Grants and Funding
Published 16 May 2025
Funding and grants
Lots of information about grants and funding passes through my inbox and this is an opportunity for me to share that with you. This month the funds range from hyper-local to national with some for general small businesses or with a sector focus.
Iโve shared an overview but also links for you to double check the eligibility and requirements of each individual grant. Note the closing dates and times, as some are very specific!
RTO Catapult Grant Scheme – Innovate UK
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.
Reigate & Banstead Thriving Communities Match Fund
Voluntary, Community and Faith Sector (VCFS) organisations whose projects help communities in Reigate & Banstead to thrive can now apply for grants between ยฃ2,000 and ยฃ10,000 from a pot of ยฃ50,000.
If you work with local organisations whose projects help our communities to thrive, please encourage them to check the fund criteria and apply if they are eligible.
Closing date: 23 June 2025
Apply here: Thriving Communities Match Fund | Funding for local voluntary and community organisations | Reigate and Banstead
The Surrey Economic Growth Fund
This is funding to drive growth across Surrey. The Surrey Economic Growth Fund has been created by pooling a range of public and investment streams, such as UK Shared Prosperity Funding from government, into one Economic Growth Fund.
The Fund is administered by Surrey County Council and is now open for applications across three funding streams: Business Growth Grants, Future Surrey Fund, and Innovation Spaces Fund. The Council is seeking bold, innovative ideas that will drive sustainable economic growth across the county and align with Surreyโs strategic priorities.
Closing date: the current round of applications is open until 31 May 2025. Other rounds may follow.
Accelerated Knowledge Transfer Competition โ Innovate UK
Innovate UK has opened a new round of its Accelerated Knowledge Transfer Competition (AKT4) offering support for projects aimed at addressing drug and alcohol addiction. The initiative will fund short, targeted collaborations between eligible research institutions and business partners.
Each project can receive a grant of up to ยฃ35,000 to support interventions that develop or evaluate innovation with potential impact on treatment, recovery, harm reduction or prevention for those affected by addiction.
Closing Date: 11am 2 July 2025
Apply here: Competition overview – Accelerated Knowledge Transfer 4 (AKT4) Addiction – Innovation Fun
Adobe Express ยฃ1,000 Grant
From now until August, 2 business owners a month will win ยฃ1,000 and mentoring from Adobe Express and Enterprise Nation.
All you have to do is share a creation you have made by using the templates in Adobe Express. It could be a social post, flyer or logo for your brand, upload it and complete the application for to be in with a chance of winning.
Closing date: until August 2025
Apply here: Adobe Express Brand Builder | Win ยฃ1,000 for your marketing strategy
AXA StartUp Angel Competition
The AXA Startup Angel Competition has been created to support entrepreneurs hoping to realise their business ambitions. The contest offers a variety of prizes to would-be businesses from across the UK to help them through the next phase of their startup journey.
There are six opportunities to win in 2025. Two winners will receive the top prize of ยฃ25,000 to fund their business idea. These winners will also be awarded mentoring from the AXA Startup Angels and business insurance for a year.
There are also four runners-up prizes featuring over ยฃ18,000 of media, mentoring and exposure. Each runner-up will receive a profile on their business in The Standard, mentoring with a member of The Standard team, plus VIP access to SME XPO 2026.
Closing Date: 6 July 2025 (23:59 hrs)
Apply here: Startup Angel
NatWest Accelerator Pitch Competition
NatWest has announced a ยฃ1 million competition to support small business growth in the UK. The NatWest Accelerator Pitch invites entrepreneurs to submit a 60-second video outlining how financial support would aid their expansion.
Selected entrants will compete in live events, starting with a final in Manchester in July, followed by a London event later in 2025. Five finalists at each event will deliver a 10-minute pitch to a panel of industry experts, who will assess their business models, growth strategies and the potential impact of the prize money.
The competition is open to UK businesses with up to ยฃ1 million revenue, registered in the UK and trading for between one to five years.
Closing date: For Manchester, the closing date for entries is 5pm 25 May 2025.
For London, entries are coming soon
Apply here: Natwest Accelerator Pitch
Future Leaders Fellowships
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.
Applications will open on 23 June 2025 and close on 5 November 2025 at 11am.
More information can be accessed at the IUK website.
The UK Games Fund Content Fund
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 clear additionality to 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
That’s all for this month. Good Luck and let me know how you get on!
Renรฉe
Business support in Surrey
If you can’t see anything in this month’s roundup that suits your 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.
Renรฉeโs Round-Up of Grants and Funding – Marchย
Published 28 March 2025
Funding and grants
Welcome to the first of Renรฉe’s Grants and Funding Roundups. Each month the Business Surrey team receives a wealth of information about new grants and funding.
We want to share these with you in the most helpful way, so Enterprise Mentor, Renรฉe will collate and summarise them into a monthly roundup. Check back regularly (or sign up to our monthly newsletter) to be kept informed of both national and local grants and funding that could benefit your business.
For each item, Renรฉe has shared an overview but also links for you to double check the eligibility and requirements of each individual grant. Note the closing dates and times, as some are very specific!
The Surrey Economic Growth Fund
This is funding to drive growth across Surrey. The Surrey Economic Growth Fund has been created by pooling a range of public and investment streams, such as UK Shared Prosperity Funding from government, into one Economic Growth Fund.
The Fund is administered by Surrey County Council and is now open for applications across three funding streams: Business Growth Grants, Future Surrey Fund, and Innovation Spaces Fund. The Council is seeking bold, innovative ideas that will drive sustainable economic growth across the county and align with Surreyโs strategic priorities.
Closing date: the current round of applications is open until 31 May 2025. Other rounds may follow.
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.
Closing date : has been extended but to be confirmed
B Corp: Creating Positive Impacts through Business Competition
Channel 4, in partnership with B Lab UK, has launched a competition to support B Corporations (businesses that are certified for their social impact) by providing winners with commercial airtime. The initiative aims to help businesses highlight their social and environmental impact to a wider audience.
Up to five B Corps will each receive ยฃ100,000 worth of advertising spend on Channel 4. The funding is intended to assist businesses in showcasing their purpose-driven work while reaching new customers.
Closing date: 11 April 2025
Apply here to enter the Channel 4 B Corp initiative.
F100 Growth Fund
Through the F100 Growth Fund, Sky and BEO are supporting Black entrepreneurs to grow their businesses. The most innovative businesses applying will be able to pitch for funding up to ยฃ15,000 and also be offered a free Sky Business broadband and phone package for 12 months. Additionally, they will take part in a tailored 10-week programme to help them scale their operations through a series of workshops, mentorship, supply chain support and investment readiness support.
Closing Date : 14 April 2025 (24:00 hours).
Applications are made online at the programme website.
The Elevator of Dreams Campaign
The Elevator of Dreams campaign allows individuals to submit a short pitch via a video doorbell outside the Founders Room at the Virgin Hotels London in Shoreditch. Selected pitches will receive feedback from Richard Branson and Simon Squibb, with insights shared through their social media channels. Available prizes include:
One pitch will be selected every week to win ยฃ1,000 that will be supplied by HelpBnk.
At the Judges’ discretion, one pitch during the campaign duration may be chosen to receive the following prizes instead of the ยฃ1,000:
Entrepreneurs Getaway (includes a one-night stay at Virgin Hotels London-Shoreditch in a standard room, no blackout dates).
Virgin StartUp mentor access (30 minutes of mentoring with Simon Squibb, date and time TBD).
Closing Date: 17 April 2025 (subject to extension beyond this closing date)
All submissions must be made through the Ring doorbell at the Virgin Hotels London-Shoreditch.ย More information is available at the Elevator Of Dreams website.
Innovate UK โ BridgeAI Competition
Innovate UKโs BridgeAI competition is for grants between ยฃ25,000 – ยฃ50,000 for innovation projects that address a business challenge or opportunity within one of their challenge holder organisations:
The winning projects will be used to develop Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) driven proof concepts.ย More details can be found in the Innovate UK competition brief.ย ย
Closing Date : 23 April 2025 at 11am
Apply on the Innovation Funding Service (gov) website.
UK Games Fund – Transfuzer
Tranzfuser is intended to support new UK games graduates, taking ideas from concept and prototyping through to publishing.
Teams will have the opportunity to pitch from the UK Games Fund for up to ยฃ25,000 of grant support for the commercial development of their game. All teams will receive ยฃ7,500 prize during the course of the competition.
Tranzfuser is specifically aimed at teams who wish to explore the possibility of establishing an indie development business. Teams must have between three and six members. Applicants may be skilled developers, but need support in the business development side of setting up a studio.
Closing Date: 28 April at 12 noon.
Apply on the Tranzfuser website.
AXA StartUp Angel Competition
The AXA Startup Angel Competition has been created to support entrepreneurs hoping to realise their business ambitions. The contest offers a variety of prizes to would-be businesses from across the UK to help them through the next phase of their startup journey.
There are six opportunities to win in 2025. Two winners will receive the top prize of ยฃ25,000 to fund their business idea. These winners will also be awarded mentoring from the AXA Startup Angels and business insurance for a year.
There are also four runners-up prizes featuring over ยฃ18,000 of media, mentoring and exposure. Each runner-up will receive a profile on their business in The Standard, mentoring with a member of The Standard team, plus VIP access to SME XPO 2026.
Closing Date : 6 July 2025 (23:59 hrs)
Apply on the Axa Startup Angel webpage.
Future Leaders Fellowships
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 yearsโ of funding to pursue an ambitious programme of innovation.
Applications will open on 23 June 2025 and close on 5 November 2025 at 11am.
More information can be accessed at the IUK website.ย
The Workplace Charging Scheme
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 anything in this roundup that suits your 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.
Made Smarter expands to the South East to drive UK manufacturing forwardย with digital technologies, innovation and skills
Published 18 March 2025
Advice and support, Funding and grants
The Made Smarter Adoption programme is set to revolutionize the manufacturing landscape for SMEs and makers in the South East of England.
After operating successfully in the North West since 2019, and further expanding to cover the North East, Humber and the West Midlands, it is now rolling-out to the South East from April 2025.
This initiative is targeted at small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that have a manufacturing element to their business. It aims to provide them with the tools and support they need to embrace digital technologies so they can improve productivity, boost their bottom line and achieve long term sustainable growth.
The Made Smarter Adoption programme โ backed by world-renowned businesses and funded by UK government, is focused on digital transformation delivered by specialist advisors. Applicants can get access to a range of personalised support to help them make everyday improvements to their operations and improve their competitiveness.
Advice, skills and workforce support, plus funding
Made Smarter can support businesses in a number of ways, including:
Funding: up to 50% match funding available to help business implement new technologies
Skills: training and development opportunities for those working in the sector. This includes workshops, mentoring and expert advice
Sustainability: promotion and adoption of energy-efficient technologies to reduce environmental impact and enhance reputation with customers.
Coverage in the South East
The South East programme covers a wide area, with Surrey County Council acting as the lead and coordinator. The regions included are Berkshire, Brighton & Hove, Buckinghamshire, East Sussex, West Sussex, Hampshire, Kent, Medway, Oxfordshire, Solent, and Surrey.
Manufacturing SMEs and makers within the South East area of coverage are encouraged to register their interest now in preparation for when the programme launches in April 2025. Once the programme is live, the Made Smarter team will contact registered businesses to start the process with a free, personalised assessment carried out by a Technology Adoption Specialist advisor.
By using the support and resources offered by the Made Smarter Adoption programme, SME manufacturers and makers can boost their productivity, competitiveness, and sustainability, securing their future in the digital age.
Other support to boost your manufacturing SME
Business Surrey is Surrey County Councilโs service providing free and accessible support for all businesses across Surrey.
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:
An easy-to-use support directory with more than 120 national and regional schemes.
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. We’ll be including regular Made Smarter updates in the newsletter and on this website.
Roundup of Surrey events in April
Published 17 March 2025
Events and awards
If you prefer in-person events to online, next month won’t disappoint, with a selection of upcoming Surrey events in April specifically created to help Surrey professionals build their local networks.
Don’t forget to check back again soon, as new events are being added to the directory regularly.
Learn something new
We begin April with a repeat of our own highly popular in-person workshop on How to accelerate growth and win more customers. This 2025 reboot, again presented by business growth expert Roya Croudace, will be hosted by Business Surrey in partnership with Guildford Borough Council and Waverley Borough Council, and held at Guildford Pavilion on 3rd April. There was high demand for this topic when we first ran this workshop last year, so book early to avoid disappointment.
Networking in April
If you like to do your networking in the morning, why not head to Surrey Chambers’ Business Breakfast at Nescot College on 9th April. These monthly Business Breakfasts are a wonderful opportunity to meet a range of Surrey businesses over a delicious breakfast.
If you’re not a morning person, you might prefer to try Woking Means Business, on 16th April at 12noon. This networking event is being offered free in order to introduce the Woking Means Business exhibition, Woking Chamber of Commerce and Hilton Woking, the new home of Woking Means Business, to as many local businesses as possible.
Young professionals
Now something a bit different – Surrey Chambers are launching Generation Nextย โ a brand-new initiative designed to empower and connect young professionals (18-35) across Surrey, at the Tesla Centre (Guildford) on 10th April, 5.30-8pm. The evening will include the opportunity to test drive an EV, as well as networking and nibbles.
Submit your own event
Our own events directory is a great way to promote your own business events to a wider audience, at no cost. If your organisation is hosting or sponsoring a business event in Surrey over the next few months, 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.
Surrey Careers Hub hosts successful Transitions Fair for Surrey young people with additional needs and disabilities
Published 14 March 2025
Skills and workforce
Over 200 young people attended Surrey Careers Hubโs successful Transitions Fair at Surrey County Councilโs Woodhatch Place, Reigate, as part of National Careers Week (Friday, March 7, 2025).
This event was specifically created to enable young people being educated in specialist schools and alternative provision to understand the options available for their transition from education to employment, further education, training or social settings.
The Fair saw enthusiastic participation from 12 Surrey schools, bringing together over 200 students.
The event was supported by over 20 exhibitors, including colleges and educators, employers, employment support organisations, apprenticeship providers and social settings, all dedicated to offering valuable guidance and information to the young people in attendance.
Bringing careers to life
The Careers Hub also partnered with Macro staff employed on the councilโs facilities management contract to showcase to students the people and the jobs that keep Woodhatch Place a safe, welcoming and accessible working environment.
Matt Furniss, Surrey County Council Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport, and Economic Growth, attended the event to meet with students and exhibitors. He shared his positive reflections:
“The Transitions Fair is a testament to our commitment to ensuring that every young person in Surrey, regardless of their educational needs, has access to the resources and support they need to succeed, with no one left behind. It was inspiring to see so many young people engaging with the exhibitors and exploring the range of options for their future.”
Clare Curran, Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Lifelong Learning said: โThis Transitions Fair, and the work of the Surrey Careers Hub in general, is so important in helping to ensure Surrey children and young people with additional needs and disabilities are informed about the range of opportunities available for them as they head towards adulthood. Iโm sure those attending left feeling inspired about their futures.โ
A teacher who attended said: โThe fair was well organised, quieter and catered well to the needs of our students. The short film [about Macro staff] was brilliant and extremely engaging. All my students loved it and felt a sense of empowerment that they too can go and work for Surrey County Council in all different departments.โ
Students were highly engaged and appreciated the opportunity to meet exhibitors. One commented: โOrpheus has amazing music program, flats on campus and help with getting houses once you’ve left. Sounds amazing.โ
While another said:โI loved talking to the ‘Project Radio’ people and this is something where I can see myself going.โ
About Surrey Careers Hub
The Surrey Careers Hub plays a pivotal role in bridging the gap between education and employment, ensuring that all young people, including those with additional needs and disabilities, have the opportunity to find their best next step. The Careers Hub ethos is that every young person deserves the best possible start to their adult life: to choose their own path and fulfil their potential.
The Careers Hub sits within Surrey County Councilโs Economy and Growth Team. In partnership with The Careers and Enterprise Company, the Careers Hub works with Careers Leaders, educators, employers and training providers to inspire and prepare young people in education with modern, 21st century careers education.
