Author: Sian Mansbridge

From pop-up to permanent: how a Multiply course helped Rita achieve her dream business

Published 6 March 2025

Advice and support, Surrey Success Stories

When Rita gave up her job in a creative agency for health reasons, she knew she wanted to do something different next: she wanted to help people in some way, and make use of the love and knowledge of plants she learned from her grandmother, (also named Rita). Here’s how a Multiply course helped make that happen.

Rita landed on the idea to open a plant shop with a difference – one with a strong community ethos and emphasis on mental health.

Rita and Nonna Rita - how a Multiply course helped Rita

“I just envisioned a place where it would be more of a community-based business. I wanted to not just have a plant shop, my goal was to create a space for people to feel more themselves.”

However, she wasn’t sure how to get started. She felt lacking in investment funds and business knowledge, and crucially, was also lacking in confidence about her numeracy skills.

And that’s where Rita discovered Multiply. Funded by government, Multiply courses were created to help adults without Maths GCSE to improve their maths skills and number confidence. There have been a huge range of different courses offered under the Multiply programme, including many with a practical element, or focusing on specific interests that are related to, but not limited to, maths and numeracy.

Rita was able to take a Multiply course on ‘How to start your own business without money’ run by The Rebel Business School (a Multiply provider for Surrey County Council). It didn’t cost her anything, and boosted her number confidence from a score of 1 out of 5 before the course, to a score of 4 out of 5 on completion.

Importantly the course helped her to understand tax, VAT, and the basics of setting up and running a small business so that she felt confident to make the leap and start her own. She says,

“In terms of numeracy, [the course] really boosted my knowledge. And then I got the confidence when I got through it.”

Following the Multiply course, although Rita still didn’t have any funds to invest in starting a business, she took the resilience and adaptability skills she’d learned on the course and applied to a business competition to win a pop-up-shop premises in Guildford.

“I didn’t have a lot of things to help me to go where I wanted, but [the course] pushed me to find alternative routes. They taught me skills of dig deep, keep looking, just keep going, it will happen, you’ve just got to keep searching, it might take longer but you’ll get there. And how to barter, how to get things.”

Rita won the pop-up premises, and made such a success of it that her plant shop, Rita Botanicals (named after her Nonna Rita), now has a permanent home in Guildford’s White Lion Walk. All thanks to that initial Multiply course she took.

How a Multiply course helped Rita open her dream shop

And has Rita fulfilled her dream of running a business that is also a place for the community to benefit from? She says,

“It’s like this bridge between generations and a common interest, which is really nice to see. And also a lot of people get educated on nature again, because they don’t have the means to get out and about.  Whatever they’re going through it encourages them to bring it home. And I think that really helps a lot of people with their anxieties as well. I have a lot of people with depression that come through and I see how much they feel more at ease in the shop and I love that. So it’s not just a business it’s more of a place as well.”

Support for Surrey businesses

Although the Multiply programme comes to an end in March 2025, there are still many opportunities for Surrey residents to gain skills. Find out more on the Surrey County Council website.

And if you’re looking for support for your Surrey business, speak to our team of experts who can provide tailored advice to help your business grow and succeed. Get in touch to find out more via our business support form.

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

Two exciting new opportunities for creative businesses with CoSTAR network

Published 4 March 2025

Advice and support, Funding and grants, Innovation

CoSTAR network, the national R&D network serving the UK’s world-leading gaming, TV, film and performance sectors, has put out the call for creative businesses to apply to two new exciting opportunities: CoSTAR Ideate: Growth Lab and Residency, and CoSTAR Live Lab.

CoSTAR Ideate – creative technology

The CoSTAR Ideate call is open to 24 early growth companies in the creative technology sector. The programme will deliver enterprise and funding finance support from four of the new CoSTAR Network Labs.

The 24 successful companies will each benefit from a 5-month residency at one of the four CoSTAR Labs, (including desk and lab space). They will also receive business development guidance, lab time to enable product development, access to expert technical support and resources, and access to a community of like-minded start-ups and entrepreneurs from the creative technology sector.  And there are no fees to pay for any of this support.

Join an information session to find out more about Ideate and how to apply.

CoSTAR Live Lab – live performance

CoSTAR Live Lab, is inviting companies, technologists, and creatives to apply for their call to help shape the future of live performance.

While based at the world-renowned Production Park in Yorkshire – where icons like Beyoncé, Metallica and The Rolling Stones prepare for their world tours – this call is open to applications from across the UK.

This call invites applications from teams with creative R&D projects focussed on the live performance sector, looking for the opportunity to accelerate and advance their innovation activity.

The following support packages are available for the successful applicants:

  • up to two intensive one-week development sprints at the CoSTAR Live Lab. This includes on-boarding and orientation by the technical team.
  • research staff will guide and collaborate with you during the tenancy, with further ad-hoc support possible outside of the sprint windows.
  • cash funding of up to £13,000 to contribute towards costs in undertaking the project, such as contracting performers, interaction design, editing, consumables etc.
  • if a project requires a period of residency (two or more days) and if travel distance is more than two hours from that lab, a company stipend of up to £4,000 is available to support travel and accommodation. 

To find out more about the CoSTAR Live Lab call, watch the recording of the information webinar here.

Application timings

Both calls are open to applicants across the UK.

Applications for CoSTAR Live Lab close on Thursday 20 March, 2025, and the CoSTAR Ideate call closes on Monday 24 March 2025, so click the links to find out more information and apply today.

Further support for Surrey businesses

Business Surrey is Surrey County Council’s service providing free and accessible support for all businesses across Surrey. Our team of experts can provide independent and impartial advice on exploring opportunities and how to tackle various challenges.

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

Our offer incudes:

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

Celebrating 50 years of Knowledge Transfer Partnerships

Published 17 February 2025

Innovation, Skills and workforce

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

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

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

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

A Proven Track Record of Success

For 50 years, KTPs have been a catalyst for business success, driving productivity, profitability, and job creation across the UK. The numbers speak for themselves: between 2010-2020, KTPs ​generated over £2 billion for the UK economy. Today, they continue to fuel innovation, supporting around 800 businesses and nurturing the careers of over 850 talented graduates. These aren’t just statistics; they represent real businesses thriving, new technologies emerging, and a brighter future for the UK economy. KTPs are more than partnerships; they are investments in innovation, driving growth and shaping the future.

Surrey Enterprise Hub KTP team: delivering excellence

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

Proven success stories through diverse KTPs:

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

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

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

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

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

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

“It’s not just my academic credentials, it’s my business knowledge, … that is helping the business explore different avenues and different market opportunities.”

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

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

“transferring some understanding, or innovation, or an idea that’s currently in an academic environment … into industry,” and using that to “develop a new product or change an existing product to give new benefits.”

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

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

More support for Surrey businesses

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

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

Funding for new apprenticeships now available to Surrey businesses

Published 12 February 2025

Advice and support, Funding and grants

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Diane Smith, Head of Adult Services says:

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

“The process of completing the Levy Transfer scheme was simple and smooth due to the responsive support from the Council.

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

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

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

According to government figures, benefits of apprenticeships include:

  • 96% of employers report benefits to their business
  • employers make a net gain of between £2,500 and £18,000 per apprentice during their training period
  • 80% of businesses see a significant increase in employee retention

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

apprenticeships levy - Business Surrey

Support for Surrey businesses

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

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

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

Published 11 February 2025

Advice and support, Surrey Success Stories

Background: 

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

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

Challenges:

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

Solution: 

A decarbonisation consultant from Business Surrey was engaged to:

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

Results:

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

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

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

Support for Surrey businesses

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

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

Dos and Don’ts to scale your business: strategic lessons for sustainable growth

Published 21 January 2025

Advice and support

Scaling a business is both a challenge and an opportunity. It requires a sharp strategy, adaptability, and an unwavering focus on your customers. At its heart, sustainable growth is about creating value and fostering trust. While no two businesses are the same, there are clear dos and don’ts businesses can follow to scale successfully.

In this strategic guide, our Specialist Adviser Roya Croudace looks at how you can scale your business while keeping your customers at the centre of your journey. Roya is a skilled Commercial Director, Founder, and Non-Executive Director with over 25 years of expertise in driving business growth, especially for SMEs.

The Dos: building a scalable foundation

1. Define your customer’s purpose and needs

Understanding your customers is the cornerstone of sustainable growth. Customers don’t just buy products or services—they seek solutions that align with their goals, purpose, and aspirations.

Do: Use customer feedback, market research, and data from CRM (customer relationship management) systems to build detailed profiles of your audience. Identify their pain points, motivations, and desired outcomes. Continuously update this knowledge to ensure your offerings remain relevant as your business evolves.

2. Build relationships over transactions

Winning and retaining customers requires more than just making a sale. Building trust and meaningful relationships creates loyalty and generates invaluable word-of-mouth referrals—key drivers for growth.

Do: Listen actively to your customers, personalise your interactions, and deliver consistent value. Show genuine interest in helping them achieve their goals. When customers feel understood and valued, they are more likely to become long-term advocates for your business.

3. Develop a scalable value proposition

Your value proposition must clearly articulate how your product or service solves customer problems, delivers measurable value, and stands out from the competition. As you scale, ensure it evolves to reflect market changes and expanded capabilities.

Do: Focus on benefits over features. Use customer-centric language and provide proof through case studies, testimonials, or ROI (return on investment) data. Test and refine your value proposition to resonate with different market segments.

4. Leverage technology for growth

Technology is a vital enabler for scaling SMEs. From automating workflows to delivering data-driven insights, the right tools can streamline operations, improve decision-making, and enhance customer engagement.

Do: Invest in tools like marketing automation, analytics platforms, and AI-powered CRM systems. Ensure your team is trained to utilise these technologies effectively so you can maximise their potential and ROI.

5. Align your team for success

Scaling a business demands cohesion across all functions. Misalignment between sales, marketing, finance and operations (the 4 pillars of any business) can create inefficiencies and harm the customer experience.

Do: Foster a sales culture that simplifies collaboration through shared goals and transparent communication. Regularly review performance metrics, train and upskill team where necessary and adjust strategies to ensure everyone is working towards the same objectives.

The Don’ts: pitfalls to avoid while scaling

1. Don’t prioritise transactions over relationships

Focusing only on short-term sales can stunt long-term growth. Customers are more than numbers; they’re your partners in success.

Don’t: Treat customers like one-off transactions. Prioritise trust-building and nurture relationships that encourage loyalty and advocacy.

2. Don’t lose sight of adaptability

Markets are dynamic, and scaling businesses must be prepared to pivot. Resistance to change risks leaving your business behind more agile competitors.

Don’t: Cling to outdated strategies. Stay open to innovation and use market trends, customer feedback, and data to inform strategic decisions.

3. Don’t underestimate the value of simplicity

As you scale, complexity can creep into your messaging and processes. Overcomplicated communication risks confusing potential customers and diluting your value.

Don’t: Use jargon or overwhelm your audience with unnecessary details. Keep your messaging clear and focused on how you solve their problems.

4. Don’t operate without a clear plan

Trying to scale your business without a structured plan can lead to wasted resources and missed opportunities. A robust strategy ensures focus and direction.

Don’t: Assume growth will happen organically. Develop a roadmap with SMART goals, clear priorities, and actionable steps.

5. Don’t ignore customer feedback

Your customers are your most valuable source of insight. Ignoring their feedback risks missing opportunities for improvement and eroding trust.

Don’t: Overlook feedback. Actively seek input through surveys, interviews, and reviews, and use this information to refine your products, services, and processes.

Your Call to Action: build, scale, and thrive

Scaling your business requires clarity of vision, strategic focus, and a relentless commitment to your customers. By understanding their needs, building relationships, and leveraging the right tools, you’ll create a foundation for sustainable growth.

What’s your next step? Reflect on these questions:

  • How well do you understand your customers’ goals and challenges?
  • Are you building relationships that foster loyalty and trust?
  • What strategies and tools will you adopt to help you scale your business through your next stage of growth?

Once you’ve reflected, it’s time to take action – do it today. Every decision you make is a step closer to realising your business’s potential!

Business support in Surrey

Business Surrey is a Surrey County Council service providing free and accessible support for all businesses in Surrey, to help you scale your business and thrive.

Our team of experts can provide independent and impartial advice on range of issues. Contact the team for free via our Business Support Form.

Sign up to our newsletter for regular updates on news, events and support for all Surrey businesses.

Not sure what you need help with? Get in touch by completing our Contact Us form.

Business Blog: Dos and Don'ts to scale your business: strategic lessons for sustainable growth

The importance of sustainability skills in business: empowering Surrey’s future through Skills Bootcamps

Published 16 January 2025

Skills and workforce

In today’s changing business landscape, sustainability is no longer a peripheral concern, it is a core strategy for long-term success.

With increasing regulatory requirements, consumer demand for ethical practices, and the impacts of climate change, businesses are rethinking their approaches to growth and operations. In Surrey, the focus on sustainability has never been greater, and equipping the workforce with the right skills has become a pressing priority.

This is where Surrey County Council’s Sustainability and Carbon Management Skills Bootcamp, delivered by Activate Learning, plays a pivotal role. By fostering local talent and providing essential sustainability training, this initiative is bridging the gap between business needs and workforce readiness.

Why sustainability skills matter

Sustainability isn’t just about environmental stewardship; it is a business imperative that drives innovation, enhances reputation, and improves financial performance. A significant majority of executives recognise the importance of sustainability but many feel their organisations are not adequately prepared to address it*.

Key sustainability competencies for businesses include:

  • Carbon management: understanding and reducing carbon footprints to meet net-zero targets
  • Circular economy principles: designing processes to reduce waste and promote recycling
  • Sustainability reporting: communicating progress transparently to stakeholders
  • Regulatory compliance: navigating an increasingly complex legal landscape.

These skills not only help companies meet their environmental goals but also position them as leaders in a competitive market where sustainability is a key differentiator.

Skills Bootcamp’s role in developing local talent and supporting Surrey businesses

Offering a flexible and blended course has enabled those learners already employed to apply their learning quicker, through the development of bespoke sustainability action plans for their organisations.  The real-world expertise from industry leaders, including organisations such as Oxfordshire Greentech and Siemens Healthineers, combined with networking and career support from Activate Learning, has boosted the learners’ confidence and employability.

For businesses in Surrey, the Skills Bootcamps offer numerous benefits:

  • Access to skilled talent: With a growing pool of trained professionals, companies can find the expertise they need locally, reducing the costs and time associated with recruitment
  • Enhanced competitiveness: In this case, sustainability-trained employees drive innovation and efficiency, giving businesses a competitive edge
  • Community impact: By investing in local talent, businesses strengthen Surrey’s economy and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Albury Vineyard, located in the Surrey Hills, recently hosted the graduation for learners of the first Sustainability Skills Bootcamp.  Nick Wenman, owner of Albury Vineyard, said 

“Skills Bootcamps are really great because what they mean is we are not just hiring people with theoretical knowledge – it’s people with real understanding of what that means in a business environment”.

A brighter, greener future for Surrey

As sustainability becomes integral to business success, courses like this Skills Bootcamp are vital for preparing the workforce and supporting local businesses. By developing the skills needed to tackle environmental challenges, Surrey is not only meeting the demands of today but also securing a resilient and prosperous future.

Whether you’re a business looking to strengthen your sustainability efforts or an individual eager to make an impact, find out more about Skills Bootcamps. 

Also remember to check-out our Business Surrey events page, which features a number of sustainability-related events.

a vineyard - row of vines growing with small wildflowers beneath

Support for Surrey businesses

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

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

*Reference: Deloitte’s 2024 CxO Sustainability Report, which surveyed over 2,100 executives across 27 countries.

Event Alert – Unlock the potential of apprenticeships for your Surrey SME!

Published 15 January 2025

Events and awards, Skills and workforce

Are you a Surrey-based small business facing a skills gap? Do you find it difficult to find staff with the right skills to meet the needs of your business now and in the future?

Discover how apprenticeships can be the perfect solution for your business success at the latest in our series of free webinars!

Join us for this informative one-hour session, led by apprenticeship expert Laura Kerry, from Surrey County Council’s careers team. Laura will guide you through the benefits of apprenticeships, explain more about how they work, and uncover just how straightforward the apprenticeship hiring process can be.

Why should you attend – what will you learn about apprenticeships for Surrey SMEs?

By attending this webinar you will learn:

  • How you can benefit from the Apprenticeship Levy by using it to fund your apprentice’s training
  • Real-life success stories of apprenticeships in action
  • Access to resources and support to help you hire your apprentice immediately

Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance and future-proof your workforce’s skills base with skilled apprenticeships for your Surrey SME.

Register now and take the first step towards bridging your skills gap!

Free support for Surrey SMEs

Business Surrey is Surrey County Council’s service providing free and accessible support for all businesses across Surrey.

Our experts are on hand to provide tailored advice to help your business grow and succeed. Get in touch with the team via our business support form.

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.

Three people in professional wear stand in front of a promotional banner for Business Surrey

Runnymede businesses open doors to the workforce of tomorrow

Published 15 January 2025

Skills and workforce

During the month of December, a number of Runnymede-based businesses generously opened their doors and gave their time to groups of secondary school students as part of Runnymede Open Doors programme.

The Open Doors programme allows students to engage with local employers at their workplaces, offering insights into the types of roles available and the different entry paths into the business or industry sector. Open Doors visits provide young people with a valuable chance to explore potential career paths in different industries, learn about the skills employers are looking for, and enhance their own employability skills.

Runnymede Borough Council, Business Runnymede and Surrey Careers Hub worked in partnership to design and deliver the Runnymede Open Doors programme in 2024-2025, supported by the government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

The program kicked off in earnest in November with approximately 180 young people from six secondary schools taking part in 15 experiences at 7 business locations across Runnymede. More experiences are planned over January and February 2025.  

Matt Furniss, Surrey County Council Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Economic Growth said: “We are delighted to be able to run Open Doors in Runnymede to enable young people to gain first-hand experience of differing workplaces and have genuine conversations with local employers.

“Programmes of this type, investing in the workforce of tomorrow, are vital in ensuring the long-term success of our regional economy, and we appreciate the time and energy the participating businesses have invested into the success of the scheme.”

A total of 10 Runnymede businesses have signed up for the scheme, offering to give their time and support to the programme by hosting students at their premises. Each business devised their own unique itinerary to help the students experience a little of what it would be like to work there and hear more about the career pathways available.  At Avery Healthcare the students met several of the home’s residents, toured the premises and watched an exciting match of Balloon Tennis. They also had the opportunity to ask staff and residents for their own views.

Groups of students who visited Kick-X were first able to let off a bit of steam and understand the customer experience by trying out the various hybrid football facilities at the venue. They then took part in an interactive workshop where they brainstormed solutions to real-life challenges and opportunities faced by the business – offering some unique perspectives the business may otherwise not have heard.

The experience was a great success, as this teacher remarked, “We all absolutely enjoyed today’s visit to Kick X. Max has been fantastic. The session was very well planned, delivered. Max was enthusiastic, well-spoken and captured the student’s attention. He talked about the business, jobs, skills and values in a very exciting way and the students have got a lot from the session. They not only enjoyed the practical part but also the theory where they were taking part in some business ideas, offering advice and creativity. All our learning objectives were met thanks to Max. We are very grateful for this valuable opportunity.”

The young people visiting Thorpe Park were tested on their knowledge of the theme park’s history and heard the career stories of several key members of staff before undertaking an eye-opening behind-the-scenes tour of the park. 

Almost every student who completed an evaluation form responded that the visit had helped them to understand more about the jobs and careers available with that employer, and 100% said they’d like to attend more employer visits in the future.

The program will run until the end of March 2025 with planning underway for Open Day experiences for college students in the borough still to take place.   

Participating schools and businesses:

Businesses

  • Thorpe Park
  • Avery Healthcare
  • Kick-X Football Arena
  • Geek Retreat
  • Stanhope-Seta
  • Snap Fitness
  • Achieve Lifestyle
  • Egham Orbit
  • Chop & Change Hair Salon
  • Page Personnel

Schools

  • Chertsey High School
  • Phillip Southcote School
  • Magna Carta School
  • Walton-Leigh School
  • Jubilee High School
  • Fullbrook School

Play your part

There are lots of ways Surrey businesses can support Surrey’s future workforce.

  • Want to support the work of the Surrey Careers Hub? We’re looking for professionals from all sectors and business of all sizes to work with Careers Leaders and Education Leaders as Enterprise Advisers to shape their careers education strategies. Get in touch via our contact us form for further details.
  • Sign up to the Business Surrey newsletter for updates around workforce development.
a group of students walks through Thorpe Park - visiting as part of Runnymede Open Doors programme

Department for Education gets muddy with Multiply

Published 19 December 2024

Skills and workforce

On a slightly damp December day, the Department for Education (DfE) joined the Surrey County Council (SCC) Multiply team at a local community garden. The aim was to see Multiply ‘in action’ and hear about its impact directly from the learners.

Multiply is a range of free, flexible courses (funded by government) to help adults improve their number skills and build their number confidence. Surrey’s Multiply providers have taken a creative and flexible approach to deliver courses that adapt to meet learners’ needs and the DfE were keen to see this in action.

Creative delivery, flexing to meet learners’ needs

The visit was at Surrey Care Trust’s Gateway Community Garden in Reigate. Course leaders here are embedding maths skills into garden projects. This means that students learn and apply maths and numeracy skills while they calculate lengths, areas, volumes etc, to build raised beds, create ponds and grow small crops.

This was the second time the SCC Multiply team has visited the project at the Gateway garden. The first visit took place in early spring 2024 and was captured on video (watch it below). This time the team were delighted to see how much progress had been made, both in terms of the garden projects and the learners’ individual achievements.

One participant, Nick, who has been attending for several months, said: “It’s helped me a lot with everyday life, also with job seeking, numeracy skills, maths skills, soft skills like working in teams with people. It’s generally everything you’d need to get into a job nowadays.”

Multiply is available free of charge to both residents and businesses in Surrey, until the end of March 2025. There’s a huge range of Multiply courses available, with something to suit everyone. Businesses can also benefit from bespoke programs designed to suit the needs of their workforce.

Find out more

You can see the full list of available courses on the Multiply website.

If you’d like to find out more about arranging bespoke courses for your organisation, email multiply.info@surreycc.gov.uk.