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 aren’t 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:
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 today’s 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 industries—providing 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 you’re 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 East’s 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.
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 – with human oversight – 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, it’s 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.
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Made Smarter expands to the South East to drive UK manufacturing forward 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 – 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 Council’s 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.
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 Hub’s successful Transitions Fair at Surrey County Council’s 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 council’s 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: “This 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. I’m sure those attending left feeling inspired about their futures.”
A teacher who attended said: “The 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.”
Students were highly engaged and appreciated the opportunity to meet exhibitors. One commented: “Orpheus has amazing music program, flats on campus and help with getting houses once you’ve left. Sounds amazing.”
While another said:“I loved talking to the ‘Project Radio’ people and this is something where I can see myself going.”
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 Council’s 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.
Surrey County Council launches workforce wellbeing programme to boost business performance
Published 12 March 2025
Advice and support, Skills and workforce
Businesses today face increasing pressure to balance operational demands while supporting their employees, and maintaining a competitive edge.
While employee wellbeing often falls down the list of priorities, research shows that organisations which prioritise employee wellbeing experience a number of business benefits including:
Fewer absences and greater productivity
Improved employee satisfaction and morale
Enhanced recruitment and retention
To help businesses improve mental heath and wellbeing across their teams, Surrey County Council has launched the Workforce Wellbeing programme. This is a free initiative aimed at Surrey businesses with 10 or more employees, and provides a clear path to improving workplace wellbeing and create healthier, more engaged workplaces (without increasing anyone’s workload).
Empowering businesses with tailored support
The Workforce Wellbeing Programme is designed to tackle the daily hurdles businesses encounter, from tight deadlines to workplace stress. By offering customised support, practical tools, and evidence-based strategies, this programme empowers organisations to improve employee engagement and build a workplace culture based on trust and wellbeing.
A comprehensive framework for success
The programme is built around six key pillars, providing businesses with a clear roadmap to improve workplace wellbeing. Through this initiative, organisations can access a wealth of free resources that make a tangible difference, including:
Customised Solutions: Tailored to meet each organisation’s unique needs.
Self-Assessment Tools: Identify key areas for improvement.
Engagement Materials: Inspire and involve employees in wellbeing initiatives.
Expert-Led Training: Training sessions provided by Surrey County Council experts.
Research-Backed Strategies: Practical strategies supported by evidence.
Collaborative Network: Join a supportive community of businesses prioritising workforce health.
The programme is flexible and accessible and designed to integrate into organisations of all sizes, from ten employees to several hundred or more.
Invitation to Surrey businesses
Surrey County Council invites organisations with 10 or more employees to take part in this free support programme. Whether you’re beginning your wellbeing journey or seeking to build on existing initiatives, this programme provides the tools, expertise, and community needed to succeed.
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.
“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.
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.
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:
an easy-to-use support directory with more than 120 national and regional schemes.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
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.”
