Author: Sian Mansbridge

Fully-booked Surrey Festival of Skills set to be even bigger and better for 2024

Published 11 October 2024

Events and awards, Skills and workforce

The Surrey Festival of Skills is set to fire up thousands of young people to be inspired about their futures.

Now in its second year, the event gives over 2,000 young people the chance to connect with and learn more about some of Surreyโ€™s brightest and best businesses and training providers.

The Festival of Skills is open to all young people in education aged 14 to 18 โ€“ whether they are educated in school, college, at home or by any other educational route.

The event has been organised and funded by Surrey County Council, with support from the Association of Learning Providers Surrey (ALPS). Sponsorship is provided by consumer health company Haleon and highways services provider Ringway.

Due to overwhelming interest, regular registration is now closed, however the organisers are operating a waiting list for those who still wish to register.

Routes to work plus training and skills pathways

This free one-day careers event will be held at Surrey Sports Park, Guildford on Tuesday 15th October and will bring together over 80 exhibitors from a diverse range of industries, including household names like Balfour Beatty, Siemens, McLaren and London Gatwick Airport.

Organisations from more unexpected or specialist sectors will also be exhibiting on the day, representing areas as diverse as private detectives, cyber security, osteopathy and early years education.

All of Surreyโ€™s Further and higher education providers are exhibiting, along with a range of  independent training providers so that the young people attending can learn more about the  training and skills pathways available.

Public sector institutions will also be represented with the Animal & Plant Health Agency, National Highways, Police and Surrey Fire & Rescue among those attending.

The organisers expect this diverse mix of exhibitors will provide information, guidance and inspiration for the whole range of young people attending, no matter what their interests and future career aspirations may be.

Cllr Matt Furniss, Surrey County Councilโ€™s Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport & Economic Growth, said: “We expect this yearโ€™s Festival of Skills to build on the success of last yearโ€™s inaugural event in providing the young people of Surrey with the chance to meet and speak with major employers and educators, learn about what theyโ€™re looking for, and be inspired about their futures.โ€

Lewis Bridgman, Business Unit Manager at Ringway said: โ€œRingway are committed to supporting local talent and building a brighter future for young people in our county. We believe in investing in skills and creating opportunities that pave the way for rewarding careers for a diversity of talent within the highways industry. Together we can build strong foundations for tomorrow’s workforce. Ringway are proud to sponsor the 2024 Surrey Festival of Skills.”

Abeera Mohammad, STEM Lead at Haleon said: โ€œHaleon are proud to be sponsoring the Festival of Skills this year. As a world-leading consumer health company with our Headquarters based in Surrey, we are excited to be able to promote STEM careers and have the opportunity to give back to the community.โ€

For further information visit www.surreyfestivalofskills.co.uk.

Tim Oliver, (leader, Surrey CC), Dawn Redpath (Surrey CC), Jack Kennedy (Surrey CC), Richard Grainger (Business Leaders Forum) at the 2023 event.

Boost for UK startups as two key investment schemes are extended

Published 2 October 2024

Advice and support, Funding and grants

Startup funding schemes, the Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) and the Venture Capital Trust (VCT) scheme have been extended by ten years to 5 April 2035.

Government extends two leading investment schemes aimed at startups

Thousands of entrepreneurs and startups are set to benefit from the extension of two leading government investment schemes targeted at helping startup businesses get off the ground and grow.

The Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) and the Venture Capital Trust (VCT) scheme were both set to end on 6 April 2025 but will instead run until 5 April 2035.

The schemes are designed to encourage investment into new or young companies through tax-relief incentives, encouraging innovation, creating jobs and stimulating economic growth.

The two startup investment schemes at-a-glance

Both schemes offer incentives to investors of up to 30% upfront income tax relief and an exemption from capital gains tax on any profits made after the sale of shares.

Launched in 1994, the EIS scheme offers investors loss relief as long as shares are held for at least two years.

VCTs, which were then introduced in 1995, are companies listed on the UK stock exchange. They invest in early-stage trading companies on behalf of investors. Dividends received from VCTs are tax-free.

Since the launch of the EIS in 1994 the two schemes have delivered significant impact and success with over ยฃ41 billion raised to date.  

What’s in it for startups?

This ten-year extension will benefit startups and help provide access to startup funding by providing investors with the confidence to continue to invest into high-risk, early-stage businesses. Early stage investment of this type is a vital element in supporting long-term growth and the development of the economy on both a regional and national scale.

Read more: Boost for UK growth as start-up investment schemes extended – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

More help for startups

Business Surrey is a Surrey County Council service providing free and accessible support for all businesses in Surrey, including startups.

Our team of experts can provide independent and impartial advice on accessing startup funding and grants, as well as other sources of support for startups. 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.

Find out more about what we do and how to access one of our many startup-friendly services by completing our Contact Us form.

Events Roundup – October 2024

Published 30 September 2024

Events and awards

There’s always a huge number of engaging and educational business events taking place across the County and October is no exception – there are far too many to mention here, so be sure to check out the full list on our events page.

This month sees a range of online and in-person business events covering topics as diverse as Keeping your business safe from Cybercrime (Mole Valley Chamber, 16 October), to Unlocking funding opportunities for SMEs (Business Surrey seminar, 23 October), and Breaking down barriers to access and inclusion for those affected by sight and hearing disabilities (Sensory Services by Sight for Surrey, 16 October). And of course, October sees the annual Surrey Festival of Skills, plus the longest running business show in Surrey, Woking Means Business, taking place.

Breakfast events

If you’re a morning person there are plenty of in-person breakfast events to get your day off to a great start, including Epsom Business Club networking (2 October), Surrey Chambers networking breakfast (8 October), and Woking Means Business Breakfast Forum (9 October – before the business show), to name a few.

Online events

Get back more time in your day with online business events, so you can attend, learn and interact all while cutting out the travel time. October’s online events include Business Surrey’s own series of four free webinars covering all stages of the business lifecycle, (7-11 October), the Profit Acceleration workshop for business owners by Surrey Chambers (4 October), plus a webinar on transforming your team’s performance by using AI-powered Smart Agents (Surrey Chambers, 24 October).

Submit your own event

Don’t forget, our events directory is a great way to promote your own business events to a wider audience. If your organisation is hosting or sponsoring a business event in Surrey, you can submit it for inclusion in the directory by completing this simple 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.

a group of three women chat together at a business networking event

Event alert: Unlocking funding opportunities for Surrey SMEs

Published 25 September 2024

Advice and support, Funding and grants

This in-person event aims to empower SMEs in Surrey by providing them with the knowledge and tools needed to access funding opportunities and grow their businesses. By bringing together experts and entrepreneurs, we hope to foster a supportive community that drives economic growth and innovation.

Discover the essential knowledge you need to unlock funding for your business in this half-day event designed by Business Surrey specifically for SMEs in Surrey. We are delighted to be delivering this event in partnership with Mole Valley For Business.

Come along to hear three of Business Surreyโ€™s expert speakers sharing the essential information that can help you find and secure the right type of funding for your business.

This is an in-person event, being held at Denbies Wine Estate, Dorking, on Wednesday 23 October, from 9.00am to 12.30pm.

What to expect on the day

The morning will begin with arrival and refreshments from 9 to 9.30am, followed by presentations and Q&A opportunities. Following the presentations there will be a Marketplace and Networking session.

Topics we will cover on the day include โ€œDemystifying SME funding: An overview of available optionsโ€, โ€œGovernment grants and incentives: how to leverage public fundingโ€, and โ€œPitch perfect: how to present your business to investorsโ€.

Each presentation will be delivered by one of Business Surreyโ€™s respected business advisors, who are all experts in their fields.

The final Marketplace and networking session will offer attendees the additional opportunity to make new contacts and speak directly to a range of funding providers to find out more about the types of funding on offer to SMEs.

Agenda for the event

  • 9.00 to 9.30 – Arrival & refreshments
  • 9.30 to 11.45 – Presentations and Q&As
  • 11.45 to 12.30 –ย Marketplace & Networking
  • 12.30 – event ends

This event is perfect for Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) owners, entrepreneurs, financial advisors, and business consultants in Surrey. It aims to empower SMEs in Surrey by providing them with the knowledge and tools needed to access funding and grow their businesses. By bringing together experts and entrepreneurs, we hope to foster a supportive community that drives economic growth and innovation.

There is no entry fee and no limit on the number of attendees from a single business, but spaces are limited and you must pre-register to attend. Register today to save your place.

Free support for Surrey SMEs

Business Surrey is a Surrey County Council service offering 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.

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

Funding event, Business Surrey | a photo of a group of business people talking and networking at an in-person event.

Boost business performance by improving your staff’s number skills with Multiply

Published 18 September 2024

Skills and workforce

If your workforce doesnโ€™t feel confident with numbers it could be holding your business back without you even realising it.

Studies have shown that almost half of the UK working population lack confidence using numbers โ€“ so itโ€™s likely that this could apply to some of your own team. But upskilling your staff by improving their number skills can help reduce number-related errors, increase productivity, improve staff retention and even increase profits.

Multiply can help improve number skills

Multiply is a range of free, flexible courses that can help your workforce improve their number skills and build their number confidence. The courses are funded by government so theyโ€™re completely free to learners. Thereโ€™s also no charge to businesses that want to upskill staff by sending them on an existing course or arranging a bespoke course for their organisation.

Thereโ€™s a huge range of Multiply courses available, from just a few hours online, to more in-depth and in-person courses taking place over a number of weeks. So thereโ€™s something to suit everyone โ€“ but if you canโ€™t find one to suit your workforceโ€™s needs, itโ€™s possible to arrange a bespoke program through one of the official Multiply providers.

Whoโ€™s eligible for Multiply?

Multiply is available to all Surrey residents aged 19 and over, who donโ€™t already have a Maths GCSE (or equivalent). In some cases, people who already have a Maths GCSE, but continue to feel unconfident with numbers, may still be eligible for improving their number skills with Multiply if it will help them to advance at work. And businesses that are based in Surrey can benefit from Multiply too.

Courses are running now, and continue until the end of March 2025.

Find out more

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

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

Introducing Work Wise employment support programme for jobseekers

Published 29 July 2024

Advice and support, Business news, Skills and workforce

Businesses are invited to get involved in Work Wise, a free employment support programme aimed at jobseekers aged over 16 who may struggle to get into work due to health issues or disability.

It has been designed to empower and bolster the local workforce, by providing support to jobseekers and improving their employment opportunities, and by supporting businesses to increase their workforce diversity and fill vacancies.

The programme is being delivered by Surrey County Council in partnership with Surrey Choices, Richmond Fellowship, Get Set UK, Surrey Welfare Rights Unit and Citizens Advice.ย 

Employment support for individuals

Individuals who register on the scheme will be paired with a dedicated employment specialist. For scheme participants who are already employed, their dedicated specialist will support them to stay in work, and for jobseekers, the specialist will assist with their job search and applications, assisting with CV writing, interview preparation and benefits advice.

Work Wise support for businesses

Surrey County Council will work with suitable businesses and employers in the County to help deliver the Work Wise programme. The Council can support businesses by helping to identify suitable roles, matching jobseekers to skills gaps, and importantly, providing training and advice to develop inclusive employee support services which benefit both employee and employer.

Mark Nuti, Surrey County Councilโ€™s Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, and Public Health said:

โ€œMaking job opportunities accessible to everyone is very important to us. However, we know that people with disabilities or health challenges often face big challenges when trying to find work, so Iโ€™m delighted we are launching this initiative, providing vital employment support for those who need it most. Work Wise marks a significant step forward in improving job opportunities and breaking down barriers, empowering residents whilst helping to reduce unemployment rates, and fostering successful futures in our communities across Surrey so that no one is left behind.โ€

Businesses interested in taking part in the Work Wise scheme to help fill vacancies and get support to become a more inclusive employer can find out more here: www.surreycc.gov.uk/workwise  

Looking for free support and advice for your Surrey business?

Business Surrey is a Surrey County Council service providing free and accessible support for all businesses in Surrey.

Find out more about what we do and how to access our many business support services by completing our Contact Us form.

Or you can browse our directory of business support in Surrey. The directory includes more than 120 local, regional and national schemes and initiatives providing support, guidance and help with funding.

A young man with Down's Syndrome is working in a cafe, handing a plate to a customer.

Spelthorne Business Awards 2024

Published 22 July 2024

Business news, Events and awards

Applications are now open for the 2024 Spelthorne Business Awards. Organised by Spelthorne Borough Council, and sponsored by Business Surrey, the Awards are now in their sixth year, and are a great opportunity to recognise and celebrate the best and brightest businesses in Spelthorne.

There are 15 categories in total, catering for the whole range of Spelthorne-based businesses; large or small, online or bricks-and-mortar, new or well-established. One overall winner will be crowned Spelthorneโ€™s Best Business 2024.

Entries are open now, and the closing date is midnight on Monday 16 September. Finalists will be announced on Tuesday 8 October, with winners announced at the black-tie Awards Ceremony to be held on Friday 1 November.

All businesses with a Spelthorne trading address are invited to enter, and there is no entry fee.

Award Categories

Donโ€™t miss this opportunity to gain recognition for your businessโ€™s achievements and stand out from the competition. The following categories are open to all businesses located in the district, no matter whether you are an established business or a budding start-up.

  • Best Business in Staines-upon-Thames and Laleham
  • Best Business in Sunbury and Halliford
  • Best Business in Ashford and Stanwell
  • Best Business in Shepperton and Charlton Village
  • Best New Start Up Award
  • Best Small Business Award
  • Best Restaurant, Bar or Pub Award
  • Business Innovation Award
  • Sustainability Award
  • Best Franchise Award
  • Overseas Trader of the Year Award
  • Retail Excellence Award
  • Best Hospitality and Leisure Business
  • Best Construction and Property Business
  • Best Corporate Social Responsibility Business Award

For more details and to enter, visit www.spelthornebusinessawards.co.uk

Other Surrey Business Awards

There are plenty of other opportunities for Surrey businesses to achieve recognition and celebrate their achievements. There are a range of other awards events taking place across Surrey this year, including the King’s Award for Enterprise, and the Tandridge Business Awards.

A gold star on a starry background - Spelthorne Business Awards - Business Surrey

Growth Guarantee Scheme launched to help smaller businesses

Published 18 July 2024

Advice and support, Funding and grants

Smaller businesses in Surrey can now get access to finance to invest in and grow their company via the British Business Bankโ€™s Growth Guarantee Scheme (GSS).

The new scheme is the successor to the Recovery Loan Scheme and has been designed to support UK smaller businesses to access the finance they need to invest and grow.

So far, there are 41 accredited lenders providing access to finance under the Scheme, with more expected to be accredited by the British Business Bank over the coming weeks.

The GGS will provide access to a range of different types of finance to suit the needs of smaller businesses, including term loans, overdrafts, asset finance, invoice finance and asset-based lending.

The Key Features of the Scheme

The key features of the GGS are broadly similar to those of its predecessor, The Recovery Loan Scheme, and include:

  • Finance available from ยฃ1,000 up to ยฃ2m per business group, depending on the type of finance product
  • Wide range of products including: term loans, overdrafts, asset finance, invoice finance and asset-based lending facilities
  • Term length:โ€ฏTerm loans and asset finance facilities are available from three months up to six years, with overdrafts, invoice finance and asset-based lending available from three months up to three years
  • Access to multiple schemes:โ€ฏBusinesses that took out a Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS), Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CLBILS), Bounce Back Loan Scheme (BBLS) or a Recovery Loan Scheme (RLS) facility before 30 June 2024 may still access the Growth Guarantee Scheme
  • Pricing:โ€ฏFees and interest rates charged by lenders will vary but will take into account the benefit to the lender of the Government guarantee
  • Personal Guarantees: Can be taken at the lenderโ€™s discretion, in line with their normal commercial lending practices. (Principal Private Residences cannot be taken as security within the scheme)
  • Guarantee is to the lender:โ€ฏThe scheme provides the lender with a 70% government-backed guarantee. Please note: the borrower always remains 100% liable for the debt
  • Decision-making is at the lenderโ€™s discretion:โ€ฏfinance is provided at the discretion of the lender subject to their usual credit application checks.

How do I apply for the Growth Guarantee Scheme?

More information on the Growth Guarantee Scheme, including the list of accredited lenders, is available on the British Business Bank website.

What other support is available for smaller businesses in Surrey?

We offer a range of advice and support for Surrey businesses. Get in touch today to find out more via our business support form.

You can also search for information and support available near you via our Support Directory.

Woman stands outdoors holding a box of plants. She stands in cobbled street

Students get early taste for cyber careers at special event

Published 15 July 2024

Innovation, Skills and workforce

Cyber-curious students from Ash Manor School have been inspired to consider future careers in the sector after taking part in a special one-day workshop.

The event was hosted by Surrey County Council in collaboration with the Surrey Cyber Security Cluster (SCSC) and SATRO Education Charity as part of the Inspire Surrey pilot program, and was held at the Hogs Back Hotel in Farnham.

The Digital Detectives Challenge

The โ€˜Digital Detective Challengeโ€™ was developed to harness the imagination of the students and encourage them to consider a future career in this exciting and fast-growing industry.

At the end of the day, almost all of the year 8 students taking part (28 out of 31) said they would now consider taking up a career in cyber โ€“ a resounding success for the day.

Matt Furniss, Surrey County Councilโ€™s Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Economic Growth, said: โ€œCyber security is a growing, highly innovative sector of huge importance to our regional economy. Events like this are fantastic to really capture the interest of enquiring young minds โ€“ the vital future leaders of this sector – and ensure cyber securityโ€™s continued growth and success in Surrey. Iโ€™m delighted the event was such a triumph for all participants.โ€

Surrey is a world-leader in cyber security, as home to a large and growing number of security firms and consultancy agencies including BAE Systems, CGI and F5.

Two of the UKโ€™s five Gold Standard Cyber Security Universities (Royal Holloway and University of Surrey) are also based in the county, helping to drive innovation in the sector.

Surrey County Council is further nurturing the sector and supporting growth through its involvement in the Surrey Cyber Security Cluster.

Feedback from the day

Mr S Coomber, Head of Computer Science at Ash Manor School, said:โ€œEvents like this enable students to explore what itโ€™s like to work in cyber security. By showcasing the breadth of opportunities available, we hope to empower students to make an informed decision about considering a career in the cyber sector.โ€

Jane Sheridan from SATRO Education Charity, said: โ€œTodayโ€™s event was not just about solving puzzles; it was about igniting passion and curiosity for cyber careers among young minds. We wanted to provide students with a glimpse into the exciting world of cyber security while emphasizing the importance of critical thinking and problem-solving skills.โ€ 

Hani Momeninia, Director of the SCSC, highlighted the significance of nurturing future talent in the cyber field. He said: โ€œAs the cyber landscape continues to evolve, there is a growing demand for skilled professionals capable of defending us against emerging threats. Initiatives like this play a crucial role in inspiring and nurturing the next generation of cyber leaders. Itโ€™s been great to work with the Surrey Cyber Security Cluster and SATRO Education Charity to design and host an engaging event for our budding cyber professionals.โ€

Inspiring careers in cyber

The event was one of a number of initiatives intended to inspire a range of audiences to consider a career in cyber by the Council’s Economy & Growth Team, in collaboration with the Surrey Cyber Security Cluster. Other events included a workshop for mums returning to work and a cyber careers fair at Brooklands Museum for secondary school students across the county.

Business Surrey, as the Councilโ€™s new business initiative, is committed to supporting sectors, such as cyber security, with support to grow. If you are looking for support and advice with workforce needs please contact our team of experts for free support.

The Surrey Careers Hub also works to connect employers with schools and colleges to support young people to take their next best step. Find out how you can get involved here.

team of students at the Digital Detectives challenge workshop - considering cyber careers