Author: Sian Mansbridge

Centenary celebrations as Surrey business marks 100 years in Dorking

Published 18 December 2024

Business news

Throughout 2024 Bucher Municipal has been celebrating the centenary of its UK HQ site in Dorking, Surrey. Bucher engineers and manufactures cleaning and clearing equipment such as street sweepers, snow ploughs and the gritters that help keep our roads safe over the winter months.

The company has spent the last few months celebrating the Dorking site’s 100 year history of manufacturing, innovation and growth. Celebrations kicked off in August with an open day for employees and families. The day included live music, good food, and of course, sweeper rides for all.

Centenary celebrations

In September there was a further formal celebration event at the British Motor Museum with customers, partners, and suppliers. The evening saw over £158k being raised for three local Dorking charities, The Children’s Trust, The Brigitte Trust, and Dorking Beatitudes.

The centenary celebration provided the opportunity to look back at the expansion, and developments that have taken place at the Dorking site over the years, and to reflect on the business’s global sustainability strategy, reflecting Bucher’s commitment to sustainable growth and innovation.

During the year, staff also found time to visit a local primary school to demo street cleaning equipment so reception students could complete their topic on ‘People Who Help Us’.

Bucher Municipal has come a long way since its humble beginnings as a blacksmith’s shop in 1807. With 11 brands and 14 locations across the globe, the business is now a leading manufacturer of vehicles for street cleaning, snow removal and refuse collection worldwide. The company is proud to base its UK HQ in Surrey as it looks forward to its next century.

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Bucher staff and guests at the centenary celebration at the British motor museum

Growth-focused event wins approval from Surrey businesses

Published 17 December 2024

Events and awards

Earlier this month Business Surrey held the latest in its series of complimentary workshops for Surrey businesses in partnership with Tandridge District Council and Reigate and Banstead Borough Council. This particular growth-focused event, was created in response to business feedback and support requests received by the Surrey Growth Hub.

The workshop was delivered by Business Surrey Specialist Advisor Roya Croudace, a skilled Commercial Director, Founder, and Non-Executive Director with over 25 years of expertise in driving business growth.

Roya kicked off the event by busting the myth that winning more customers is all about cold calling and hard selling. Roya then shared her proven sales growth strategies based on developing a strong understanding of your market and building relationships with your customers.

The workshop included a section on what a Value Proposition is, why your business needs to have one, and how to develop your own. Roya also shared strategies and tips for gaining and retaining customers, tips on lead generation, and the art of negotiation and closing.

Roya finished with a helpful section on using AI and digital tools to streamline and support sales and other business processes.

Positive feedback

Workshop attendees were highly engaged throughout, both asking questions and sharing their own experiences. Roya remarked, “It was inspiring to see so many passionate business owners come together, eager to enhance their skills and drive their businesses forward.

“The engagement in the room was outstanding, and the valuable insights shared—both from myself and the attendees—truly highlighted the power of collaboration and learning together.

“A huge thank you to everyone who joined us and to our fantastic partners for helping make this event such a success. Here’s to continued growth and success for all!”

Attendees were equally pleased with the growth-focused event experience, with one remarking, “It was a great workshop and good to see that businesses are being supported.”

And another noting, “Thank you for the continuous support from Business Surrey. I’ve signed up for the newsletter to stay informed about future events and services.”

Support for Surrey businesses

We deliver a program of regular webinars and workshops offering insights and guidance on topics of value to Surrey SMEs. Our workshops and webinars are always free to join, and there are no limits on the number of attendees from a single organisation.

If you would like to be kept informed of upcoming events please join our email newsletter  or follow us on LinkedIn.

Multiply providers’ network meeting reviews achievements of scheme ahead of final quarter

Published 13 December 2024

Skills and workforce

The latest Multiply Providers Network workshop took place in early December at Surrey County Council’s Woodhatch offices, to review the program’s progress so far, and look ahead to the final Quarter.

The workshop was hosted by Surrey Adult Learning Principal, Francis Lawlor, and attended by representatives from the 15 Surrey Multiply training partners. Additionally, three members of the Department for Education (DfE) Multiply team attended; David Saffery, Josephine Howarth and Charlotte Piper.

The workshop was an opportunity for Multiply providers to review and share success stories and best practice, and learn from other organisation’s creative and flexible approaches to meeting learner needs.

The DfE attended to hear first-hand from providers and learn more about the positive impact and outcomes for learners across the county.

Creative approaches by providers

Surrey Multiply providers had previously come together for the first time at a network meeting in September where they were able to begin to build working relationships. At the December meeting providers shared and discussed the results of those professional partnerships. Many providers have been able to refer learners between themselves, and to join together to deliver some Multiply projects.

The meeting’s attendees all agreed to meet again before the program ends in March 2026, to discuss ways to preserve and amplify the Multiply legacy. Everyone agreed this was vitally important in order to ensure the program’s impact has long-lasting positive effects amongst those Surrey communities most in need of numeracy support.

For more information about the Multiply program

Up to 1 in 7 adults in Surrey do not have a GCSE equivalent in maths. The government-funded Multiply programme aims to change that, by offering free flexible numeracy courses packed with practical tips.

The list of available courses can be found on the Surrey County Council website: www.surreycc.gov.uk/multiply.

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.

Event alert: Idea theft ends here! Understanding Intellectual Property

Published 9 December 2024

Advice and support, Events and awards

This interactive workshop has been developed to provide business owners and entrepreneurs with the insights and information you need to understand intellectual property (IP) rights and protect your business’s IP.

This is a complimentary in-person workshop being held by Business Surrey in partnership with Surrey Heath Borough Council. The workshop will take place at Surrey Heath Borough Council offices on Wednesday 29 January, from 8.30am to 11am.

Topics we’ll cover on the day:

  • Introduction to Intellectual Property (IP)
  • The different types of IP Rights available to you 
  • Importance of IP in today’s economy 
  • Practical case studies and examples of IP disputes  
  • Basics of IP registration and enforcement 
  • Interactive Q&A session 

The workshop will be led by Laurie Heizler, from TWM Solicitors. Laurie is a Partner in the Business Law department. He has acted for clients in the technology, media and education sectors as well as for several household names in the world of consumer goods. He has extensive experience of dealing with IP matters and disputes relating to patents, trade marks, designs, copyright and confidential information. Laurie’s well-earned reputation for explaining IP matters clearly, makes him the perfect speaker to bring the topic of IP to life for this workshop. Laurie will be joined by his IP-focussed Trainee Solicitor, Grace Makungu for the Q&A part of the workshop.

By attending this workshop, you can expect to gain a stronger understanding of the principles of intellectual property rights, and how to effectively protect your business’s own intellectual property.

This event is perfect for SME owners and entrepreneurs in Surrey. There is no entry fee and no limit on the number of attendees from a single business. 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.

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Affordable Housing Roundtable underscores the need for a co-ordinated approach

Published 9 December 2024

Business news

In November this year, a roundtable took place to look at the delivery of affordable housing in Surrey. It was attended by over 30 representatives from registered social housing providers, developers and senior local authority representatives drawn from across the county.  

The session was chaired by Brian Horton of Horton Strategic Ltd, with presentations from Cllr Sinead Mooney, Surrey County Council Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, and Lydia McLaren from Savills.

The roundtable highlighted the pressing housing crisis in Surrey. Currently median house prices in the county are 11.9 times the median resident earnings, making homeownership increasingly unattainable for many. The South East has seen a 7% decrease in homes gaining planning consent and an 18% decrease in new home starts as of Q3 2024. Savills estimates there is a sub-market housing need of 187,000 homes per year across England, but many areas in Surrey are delivering less than 20% of their affordable housing need. Some districts have reported no affordable housing completions at all in the last six months.

During the session, representatives from both registered social housing providers and developers gave their views on the current process of delivering affordable housing. Both groups highlighted multiple areas where systemic change is required to enable them to deliver the volume of affordable homes that will be required to meet the county’s current and future requirements.  

Conclusion

The roundtable was a highly engaged session that increased understanding of the challenges faced by different organisations in Surrey and beyond. The session ended with a unanimous call for a follow-up roundtable where attendees could come together again to work towards finding actionable strategies to meet the region’s affordable housing needs.

Organisations taking part in the Roundtable

  • Accent Housing Group
  • Aster Group
  • Bellway
  • Barratt David Wilson Homes
  • DHA Planning
  • English Rural Housing Association
  • Guildford Borough Council
  • Homes England
  • Horton Strategic Limited
  • Hyde Housing
  • Irwin Mitchell Solicitors
  • Kier
  • Mole Valley District Council
  • Raven Housing Trust
  • Reigate & Banstead Borough Council
  • Savills
  • Spelthorne Borough Council
  • Surrey County Council
  • Surrey Heath Borough Council
  • Tandridge District Council
  • Transform Housing & Support
  • Vivid Homes
  • Wates
  • Whitmore Vale Housing Association

Support for your business

Business Surrey is a Surrey County Council service providing free and accessible support for all businesses in Surrey. Our team of experts can provide independent and impartial advice on growing your business.

A key in a doorlock. Business Surrey - affordable housing

Woking FC joins the Multiply team to boost adult numeracy in Surrey  

Published 6 December 2024

Skills and workforce

Woking FC has teamed up with Surrey County Council to encourage its supporters to sign up to Multiply adult numeracy courses so they don’t get caught offside when figuring things out. 

Up to 1 in 7 adults in Surrey do not have a GCSE equivalent in maths and the government-funded Multiply programme aims to change that by offering free flexible numeracy courses packed with practical tips.

Woking FC’s strong links to both the local and wider community meant it was an obvious choice for partnership with the council to promote the Multiply program to the communities who could most benefit. 

Clare Curran, Surrey County Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Families, Lifelong learning, said:  “We are delighted that Woking FC is supporting the Multiply campaign by promoting it to their supporters and the wider community.  

“Around half of the UK working age population don’t have strong numeracy skills, or don’t feel confident about using numbers. Multiply has been created to help bridge that numeracy skills gap to help Surrey adults reach their full potential and ensure no one is left behind.

Simon Jones, Business Development Director for Woking FC said: “Woking FC have always been keen promoters of lifelong learning amongst our own staff and teams, so we are delighted to be able to add our support for the Multiply program.”The Multiply program is a fantastic opportunity for people to improve their maths skills and confidence and we’d encourage all our supporters and visitors to check out the range of free courses on offer.”

There is a wide range of both online and in-person courses available through Multiply. Many have been created to fill the needs of specific industries, such as construction, healthcare and early years, while others are designed to cater to personal interests such as gardening and cooking.  

Courses are running now and continue until the end of March 2025. To qualify, learners must be based in Surrey, aged 19 or over, and without a GCSE (or equivalent) in Maths. 

Multiply for businesses

Multiply is also free for businesses who wish to upskill their workforce. Surrey County Council can support your business by sourcing the most suitable Multiply training provider to deliver a bespoke Multiply course created specifically to solve your own workforce’s numeracy needs. Email multiply.info@surreycc.gov.uk for more information on free Multiply adult numeracy training for businesses, or check out the list of courses here: www.surreycc.gov.uk/multiply.

Other 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.

Woking fc supports Multiply - a photo of 3 members of the team standing behind a Multiply advertising banner at the stadium

Surrey County Council helps fund unique virtual production studio to support local creative technology businesses

Published 25 November 2024

Business news, Innovation

An exciting new virtual production facility, Futures Studio, has now opened at Royal Holloway, University of London, to provide creative technology businesses a space to innovate, showcase their work and collaborate with industry experts and world-class researchers.

The launch was celebrated with an interactive showcase event attended by leading partners in the creative technology industry including Sky, BT and Limax Studios. The event featured a series of inspiring demonstrations in the studio led by Disguise and CoSTAR National Lab specialist teams, while also providing businesses attending the opportunity to network with their fellow industry experts and researchers from academia.

World-leading creative technology

Jointly funded by Royal Holloway and Surrey County Council, the studio is based at the University’s Egham campus and packed with cutting-edge equipment. This includes a unique combination of a virtual production environment and a next generation audio system. The Futures Studio is powered by Royal Holloway’s partnership with Disguise, the platform behind world-leading (and record-breaking) visual experiences including live events for Taylor Swift, Adele, Beyonce and Massive Attack.

The Futures Studio offers businesses an advanced facility to innovate and generate new products and services, and will enable the flourishing local creative economy to thrive and grow. It is also the first facility to be opened as part of the CoSTAR National Lab, a £51.1 million project funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) to create a national infrastructure for creative innovation.

Matt Furniss, Surrey County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Economic Growth, said: “We want to nurture and grow this world-class sector, which is why we have invested £3 million in supporting Royal Holloway and the CoSTAR National Lab.

“This exciting project has innovation and collaboration at its core, allowing local businesses to tap into the cutting-edge research and technologies at Royal Holloway, one of our leading universities in the county.

“In time, this initiative will deliver real benefits to our regional economy, creating up to 300 jobs and supporting 180 businesses while stimulating further investment into our creative sector.”

The Futures Studio launch comes just weeks after the government’s budget confirmed its commitment to support the UK’s growth-driving creative industries, worth £125 billion to the UK economy.

Professor James Bennett, Director, CoSTAR National Lab and Royal Holloway’s Associate Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Creative Industries), said: “Futures Studio is CoSTAR National Lab’s first step in building the UK’s infrastructure for the next generation of creative innovation and entertainment and we’re excited to see how local businesses can benefit from this unique space.

“By providing an accessible facility that combines research and the latest technology we’re lowering the barrier for local smaller businesses to not only compete, but to lead the wider evolving creative tech industry.”

Futures Studio project lead Professor Peter Richardson, Vice-Dean of Research and Knowledge Exchange (School of Performing and Digital Arts) at Royal Holloway, and Head of Worldbuilding for the CoSTAR National Lab, said: “Technology often powers creativity; our approach is to have creativity power technology which allows us to push the boundaries of what is possible. The Futures Studio gives us a space where we can push the boundaries with creative companies in a way that will de-risk their research and development projects.”

How local creative business can get involved

Futures Studio has the potential to support local businesses by creating hundreds of jobs and deliver on the objectives set out in the recent Civic Agreement for Surrey. Small and medium-sized local businesses in Surrey will be offered access to creative technology showcases throughout the year and are encouraged to apply for access to the studio and expertise to develop their projects.

For more information about the upcoming opportunities within Futures Studio, please contact CoSTAR National Lab’s Enterprise and Commercialisation team: futuresstudio@rhul.ac.uk

Looking for additional help and support?

Business Surrey is a Surrey County Council service providing free and accessible support for all businesses in Surrey. Our team of experts can provide independent and impartial advice on growing your business.

Surrey Business Awards 2024 winners announced

Published 13 November 2024

Events and awards

The winners of the annual Surrey Business Awards have been announced at a glittering gala dinner at G Live in Guildford.

Launched in 2007, this year attracted a record number of entries across 16 categories, recognising accomplishments made across all aspects of business; from personal successes to outstanding contributions. 

The ceremony was hosted by Surrey Chambers of Commerce and compered by comedian, Suzi Ruffell. 

Company of the Year

Business Surrey was proud to sponsor the 2024 Company of the Year Award.

The five shortlisted businesses were:

Surrey County Council’s leader, Tim Oliver OBE, presented the winner, Guildford-based Diamond Logistics, with their award. The team were delighted to be awarded this coveted title and noted “This recognition highlights the relentless dedication of our team, who work every day to redefine logistics for our clients. From managing peak season surges to providing the essential support so many businesses rely on, our commitment has truly shone through. Thank you to the Surrey Business Awards for this honour, and to our clients and our fantastic team—this win is for all of you!”

Winners of the Surrey Business Awards

The full list of winners of the 2024 Surrey Business Awards are:

  • Diamond Logistics – Company of the Year
  • Hemisphere Freight Services – International Business of the Year
  • Nescot – Employer of the Year
  • Include.org – Community Hero
  • The Naked Pharmacy – Best Customer Service
  • KickX Football – Best New Business
  • The Naked Pharmacy – SME Business of the Year
  • Invuse – Professional Services
  • Parwez Diloo – Bays Consulting – Future Talent of the Year
  • Surrey Business School – Chamber Member of the Year
  • Direk – Innovation of the Year
  • Pinksheep Marketing – Business Growth
  • Something Big – ESG Champion
  • Aspen Homes – Property Developer of the Year
  • Sven Hughes – Enigma Strategic Communications – Businessperson of the Year
  • Croxsons – Large Business of the Year

Support for Surrey businesses

Our team of experts are available to provide tailored advice to help your business grow and succeed. Get in touch with a member of the team to find out more via our business support form.

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

Company of the Year - Diamond Logistics - Surrey Business Awards 2024

Event alert: Accelerate growth and win more customers

Published 12 November 2024

Advice and support, Events and awards

This interactive workshop has been developed to equip small and medium-sized businesses with effective strategies to accelerate long-lasting growth. Participants will gain practical insights and hands-on experience to stimulate their customer pipeline and drive business success.

This is a complimentary in-person workshop held by Business Surrey, in partnership with Tandridge District Council. The event is being held at Nutfield Priory Hotel and Spa (Nutfield), on Wednesday 11 December, from 8.30am to 11am.

Topics we’ll cover on the day:

  • Understanding your market
  • Crafting a compelling value proposition
  • Building strong customer relationships
  • Closing techniques and negotiation skills

The workshop will be led by Roya Croudace, a skilled Commercial Director, Founder, and Non-Executive Director with over 25 years of expertise in driving business growth, especially for SMEs. With experience spanning over 400 scale-up businesses in Surrey and FTSE 100 companies, Roya offers unique insights into creating robust and effective plans to accelerate growth, achieving measurable results, and building sustainable foundations for ongoing success.

Through her workshops and programs, Roya equips SMEs with practical tools to accelerate revenue, attract and retain customers, and boost profits.

On the day, you can expect to learn actionable strategies that drive success and build strong customer relationships, ensuring lasting impact for growing businesses.

This event is perfect for Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) owners and entrepreneurs in Surrey. 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.

A side view of people sitting at a business conference and listening to a speaker.

Surrey firm signs deal with UK MOD to supply advanced new Earth Observation satellite

Published 8 November 2024

Business news, Innovation

Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL), has successfully signed a deal with the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) to supply a new Earth Observation satellite.

The £40 million project will support around 200 skilled jobs between now and the planned delivery date of 2027, boosting the UK’s space sector and helping to grow both the UK and regional economies.

The new satellite, named Juno, will capture daytime images of the Earth’s surface, strengthening the UK’s Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities. Juno joins an existing satellite also manufactured by SSTL, (named Tyche), in supporting military operations such as monitoring the activities of military adversaries. The two satellites will also contribute to other key government observation requirements, including natural disaster monitoring, the development of mapping information, environmental monitoring and tracking the impact of climate change around the world.   

MOD Procurement representative Maria Eagle said, “The contract for Juno shows the the UK’s commitment to grow one of the most innovative and attractive space economies in the world, and keep our competitive edge in space science and technology.

“Juno will not only support Armed Forces personnel deployed globally, but also support highly skilled jobs, delivering on the government’s growth mission.” 

SSTL Managing Director Andrew Cawthorne said: “We’re incredibly proud that the Ministry of Defence has again placed its trust in SSTL to deliver the UK’s next sovereign intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance spacecraft.

“Juno will offer a step change in imaging capability over Tyche, SSTL’s demonstrator spacecraft which launched in August (2024) and is now being operated for UK Space Command. We look forward to continuing our successful relationship with UK Space Command, DE&S, and Dstl, and playing a leading role in delivering the UK Defence Space Strategy.”

For more information on this key new satellite deal, read more on SSTL’s website.

Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd started out in the late 1970s as an experiment in a small university lab in Surrey, and has since grown to employ more than 400 staff and has launched more than 70 satellites into space for 22 countries. Read our full case study looking at the history of this Surrey Success Story here.

The UK Space sector – a national and regional success story

The UK Space sector is a national success story, employing 52,000 highly skilled professionals and with labour productivity levels of 2.3 times the national average.

SSTL is a member of the UK’s largest space Cluster, Space South Central. This Cluster represents more than 170 space-related businesses and 4 academic institutions across Surrey, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. The Cluster accounts for nearly 20% of the GDP generated by UK Space businesses. 2023 figures show that Surrey and Hampshire alone account for around £3 billion of national space industry turnover, with more than 12,000 people working in the sector across the region.

Space South Central aims to amplify the growth of the space sector both regionally and nationally, by developing long-term partnerships between industry, acadaemia and government.

Looking to relocate your business to Surrey?

Thanks to our desirable location, reputation for innovation and collaborative business ecosystem, Surrey is a top business location of choice for businesses of all sizes and across all sectors.

As part of Business Surrey, Surrey County Council offers the Invest in Surrey service.

Our team of specialist advisors can offer a range of free and confidential services. We assist companies looking to invest and grow in Surrey. Whether you’re a start-up, SME or international company, you can benefit from our specialist expertise, local knowledge and business support.

Get in touch with the team today via our business support form.