The Surrey Economic Growth Fund round one has now closed – with hundreds of businesses and organisations expressing interest in funding for innovative ideas to drive growth in Surrey.
The Surrey Economic Growth Fund is overseen by Surrey County Council. It will see millions of pounds invested to drive growth, creating jobs, improving infrastructure, increasing productivity and upskilling our workforce.
This single pot is made up of a range of public and investment streams, such asย UK Shared Prosperity Fundingย from government.
The idea is to make it as simple and easy-as-possible for those looking to drive growth to apply for funding.
Round one launched in April 2025, closing at the end of May.
Up to ยฃ7 million is available for this financial year. In round one, we’ve received more than 300 expressions of interest totalling nearly ยฃ35 million of funding.
What happens next?
We want to say a big thank you to everyone who submitted an expression of interest inย round one of the Surrey Economic Growth Fund.
Due to the high volume and quality of initial submissions, not every application will be funded.
Those expressing interest will soon receive a unique online link in the coming days. This will have an invitation to submit further information to support their application. The deadline is the end of June.
Our Investment Panel will meet throughout July to review full applications and make funding decisions.
A320 improvements underway to unlock housing and growth in Surrey
Published 11 June 2025
Business news
A320 improvements are underway between Ottersham and Chertsey, running until 2026. The ยฃ41.8 million project overseen by Surrey County Council will increase capacity on this busy stretch north of Woking. This will unlock new housing and support economic growth in the region.
The A320 improvements is a partnership between Surrey County Council, Runnymede Borough Council and Homes England, which is funding the work.
Runnymede needs to deliver 500 homes every year until 2030 to meet demand. And the A320, as the key link road between the M25 and communities including Woking, Ottershaw and Chertsey, is able to cope with increased numbers of vehicles.
So improvements to the road – including new cycling and pedestrian routes – will support development in the area. It will also improve access to St Peter’s Hospital.
A320 and unlocking local growth
The works will ensure there is extra capacity on the busy stretch of road between Chertsey and Ottershaw to support delivery of the Runnymede 2030 local plan.
It will make sure all the junctions and roads work well together to improve traffic flow. There will also be improvements for walkers and cyclists, including new crossing points and wider foot and cycle paths, and improved access to public transport.
The Runnymede 2030 Local Plan is a blueprint to guide development in the area. It was approved in 2020.
The plan commits to delivering 7,507 high quality additional homes in Runnymede in the period 2015-2030, an average of 500 homes a year.
There is also a commitment to ensuring a mix of employment, retail, leisure, community uses and activities and infrastructure. Plus, protection for the environment and improving accessibility to a range of sustainable and active travel choices.
Of the sites allocated for housing, a large number are reliant on the A320 improvements.
This includes a new Longcross Garden Village, a sustainable settlement of at least 1,700 residential units. And a further 400 homes on St Peter’s Hospital in Chertsey.
What will the A320 improvements deliver?
There will be roadworks on the A320 between Chertsey and Ottershaw from early 2025 until 2026.
Works include:
Improvements to traffic lane facilities and full signalisation of St Peters Roundabout
Provision of an additional, third traffic lane eastbound on St Peters Way East
Provision of a new and improved Ottershaw roundabout with greater circulatory capacity with widened approaches and exits providing additional traffic lanes
Improvements to the M25 junction 11 interchange, including full circulatory signalisation and widened northbound and southbound exit slip roads with new dedicated left turn lanes
Provision of a new roundabout at the Holloway Hill/ Green Lane junction, with flood reduction initiatives, including the construction of attenuation ponds and shallow swales
Provision of shared use footway/cycleways where possible
Improvements to Guildford Road, near Salesian School, include installation of a dedicated drop-off layby / bus bays on the east side of Guildford Road along the front of the school
Improved lighting for all road users and provision of safe crossing facilities for pedestrians and cyclists throughout the whole scheme
Contractors started phase one of the A320 improvements in April 2025.
The initial ten week phase will see lane closures on St Peter’s Way between the St Peter’s Way roundabout and the M25 junction 11 roundabout. A westbound lane closure is also in place on St Peter’s Way.
Works will include:
an extra lane constructed from the St Peter’s Way roundabout towards the M25 on the A320 eastbound
widening of the approach onto the St Peter’s Way roundabout from the M25 on the A320 westbound
widening of the northbound approach onto the St Peter’s Way roundabout from Guildford Road
widening of the footpath from the St Peter’s Way roundabout towards St Peter’s Hospital
resurfacing of the entire St Peter’s Way roundabout
The A320โฏGuildford Road will be closing in both directions, between the Ottershaw and St Peterโs Way roundabouts from 5am on Saturday 14 June to 5am Monday 16 June. The closures are needed to divert the underground services that lie beneath Guildford Road.
The next phase of works in the autumn will see works commence at the Green Lane / Holloway Hill junction.
Surrey Business Awards 2025 now open for nominations
Published 4 June 2025
Business news, Events and awards
The Surrey Business Awards 2025 is back. This annual event, in association with Surrey Chambers of Commerce, is the largest and most prestigious business event in the county. Entries are now being welcomed with all Surrey businesses invited to apply.
Each year, this highly anticipated annual event celebrates the incredible achievements and contributions of businesses and individuals across Surrey. The calibre of entries is consistently outstanding, both in volume and in the exceptional quality of the submissions.
With a wide range of categories, this yearโs event offers something for every business – regardless of size or industry. Whether you’re a startup or an established leader, there’s a category for you.
Business Surrey is a sponsor of the event once again, overseeing the Best New Business Award.
Donโt miss the chance to showcase your business and join the ranks of Surreyโs most successful and innovative companies. Enter today for the opportunity to be recognised as one of the regionโs top performers.
Business Surrey, as part of Surrey County Council, is a proud sponsor of the Surrey Business Awards 2025.
We’re sponsoring the Best New Business Award. This award recognises a business with entrepreneurial aptitude, vision, ambition, drive and commercial acumen to build a successful enterprise from start-up.
It is open to any business with an office based in Surrey.ย The business must haveย started to trade no earlier thanย April 2022 and no later thanย September 2024.
Winning an award is not just about how great your business is. Itโs about how effectively you can present your case to the judges.
Creating a winning entry takes time, careful consideration and the ability to get straight to the point. You will also need to back up your claims with evidence.
Not sure where to start? Here are some helpful tips to ensure your entry for the Surrey Business Awards 2025 stands out.
Give yourself enough time. Judges can easily tell who has invested time in preparing a thoughtful submission and who hasnโt!
Stay on point. Ensure your answers directly address the questions and stay focused on the topic.
Donโt skip questions. It may seem obvious, but many people skip questions. Leaving questions unanswered or lacking detail will cost you points with the judges.
Stick to the 1,500-word limit. Be conciseโremember, you have limited space to grab the judges’ attention. (Thatโs 1,500 words for the entire submission.)
Quantify your results. Always provide facts and figures. Winning entries back up their claims with solid proof.
Get your staff and colleagues involved. Gather evidence, metrics, examples, testimonials – anything that strengthens your application.
Add the finishing touch. Include achievements or activities like community involvement, staff training and health and wellbeing initiatives.
Choose your best writer. Tell a compelling story. Ensure your submission is free of spelling errors and grammar mistakes and avoid overuse of exclamation marks, fluff, or marketing jargon.
Mark the deadline – July 9th 2025 – in your calendar. This might sound obvious but set reminders and avoid leaving it until the last minute.
Looking for further advice?
Business Surrey is a Surrey County Council service providing expert support and advice to all businesses in Surrey. Our aim is to help you start, grow and thrive.
Rural England Prosperity Fund 2025 now open to Surrey farmers
Published 21 May 2025
Advice and support, Funding and grants
The Rural England Prosperity Fund 2025 is now open. It means farmers in parts of Surrey can secure a six-figure cash injection as part of wider efforts to boost growth in the county.
Surrey County Council is offering capital grants of up to ยฃ120,000 to support innovative ideas to drive diversification in agriculture.
The aim is to help farmers in the districts of Tandridge, Guildford and Waverley to generate new income streams while increasing the long-term sustainability of their estates.
Ideas could include establishing farm shops, developing agritourism, generating sustainable energy or cultivating new crops and livestock.
Applications can be made direct via the Business Surrey website, and close at the end of June 2025. .
It will be a competitive process. And the focus is on supporting a small number of large-scale, high-impact projects in eligible areas. Match funding is encouraged though not mandatory.
Matt Furniss, Surrey County Councilโs Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Economic Growth, said: โAs committed custodians of much of Surreyโs fantastic countryside, farmers play a key role in everyoneโs way of life, producing the food we eat, managing our unique landscapes and creating employment in our rural communities.
โThis fund is intended to support a small number of farmers to diversify and explore new commercial opportunities, supporting them to generate more income while supporting broader prosperity in our rural communities.
โIt forms part of our wider commitment to drive sustainable growth across Surrey while ensuring no one is left behind.โ
What is the Rural England Prosperity Fund?
The Rural England Prosperity Fund 2025 is integrated into the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. It is government funding which supports productivity and prosperity in places that need it most.
In Surrey, this means the Rural England funding is only available in three of the 11 districts. These are Guildford, Tandridge and Waverley.
The Rural Fund is a rural top-up to UKSPF allocations. And it supports activities that specifically address the particular challenges rural areas face.
The Rural Fund sits alongside existing Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) schemes, including the:
The Surrey element of the Rural England Prosperity Fund is a great opportunity for farmers and landowners to progress plans to drive growth. If you have any questions then contact the Business Surrey team.
But we recognise that some rural business owners may not be eligible. Or they may need additional help, either via email, phone or face-to-face.
King’s Awards for Enterprise 2025 winners announced
Published 14 May 2025
Business news, Events and awards
The Kingโs Awards for Enterprise recipients for 2025 have been announced with six Surrey businesses receiving a royal seal of approval. Want to join this elite group? Applications for 2026 can now be submitted.
The Kingโs Awards for Enterprise are among the most prestigious awards for UK organisations. They recognise and reward outstanding business achievements in Innovation, International Trade, Sustainable Development and Promoting Opportunity.
Six Surrey businesses are receiving The Kingโs Award for Enterprise in 2025. Three in Innovation, two in International Trade and one in Sustainable Development.ย Scroll down to view the list.
His Majestyโs Lord Lieutenant Michael More-Molyneuxย โ the Kingโs representatives in Surrey – will present the awards throughout the year. One representative from each winning business will also be invited to a special Royal reception event.
Want to join the winners of the King’s Awards for Enterprise 2025? You can now apply for the 2026 awards until 9 September 2025.
His Majestyโs Lord-Lieutenant of Surrey said: โAs the most prestigious business award in the UK, winning the esteemed Kingโs Award Emblem is an incredible honour. Itโs an internationally recognised symbol of excellence โ one that sets your business apart and gets you noticed.
“These Surrey companies exemplify the talent and entrepreneurial spirit of British business, and it will be a great honour to present them with their Kingโs Award for Enterprise over the coming months. They are all truly outstanding representatives of Surrey business, leading the way in technological development and thoroughly deserving this recognition.”
King’s Awards for Enterprise – 2025 Surrey winners
Gordon Murray Group โ Innovation
Gordon Murray Group is an iconic Surrey-based firm, renowned around the world for exclusive lightweight supercars.
The King’s Award for Innovation is for the T.50. This is the lightest, best packaged, least environmentally impactful, highest revving, and best driving supercar globally.
Professor Gordon Murray CBE, founder and executive chairman of Gordon Murray Group, said: โAs a proud British business, it is such an immense honour for the team at Gordon Murray Group to receive The Kingโs Award for Enterprise.
โThe fact that the award specifically recognises innovation is a source of great pride as we aspire to deliver Driving Perfection through our innovative, highly exclusive supercars. ย
โIt is through the collective skills and creative minds of our entire team that we have built a brand that is recognised around the world as the pinnacle of automotive engineering excellence.
โWe will wear our Kingโs Award with pride, using it as yet more motivation to strive for ever higher levels of innovation in the unique supercars we create.โย
RENOURISH Limited โ Innovation
Renourish Limited was established in 2019 in Surrey. It is the worldโs first fresh soup in a microwaveable, fully recyclable, grab-and-go bottle.
The founder is a former critical care nurse and nutritional therapist. It makes soups from 100% fresh ingredients, with no additives or preservatives.
Designed for busy health-conscious consumers, the soup can be heated and consumed directly from the bottle. At its core is RE:NOURISHโs patented soup bottle, which is a global first.
It combines hot-fill compatibility, blast-chill durability, BPA-free microwave safety, and thermal insulation that keeps soup warm for 40 minutes. No other bottle globally meets these combined demands.
As a result, this innovative packaging is protected by international patents and design registered intellectual property.
Guildford-based RE:NOURISH is not only shaking up the UKโs fresh soup market. It is gaining international recognition as a disruptive force in the global health food sector.
Sirius Constellation Limited โ Innovation
Sirius, which is based near Godalming, is a highly entrepreneurial SME that has developed and deployed next generation maritime domain awareness technology. This promotes and enhances security, safety and sustainability at sea in the UK and in overseas markets.
Siriusโs technology provides maritime authorities with real-time information and autonomous alerts about unusual or suspicious activity at sea. It supports their work tackling modern maritime challenges across defence, environmental damage, illegal fishing, and security.
Malcolm Glaister, Chief Executive Officer of Sirius Insight, said:“It is the greatest possible honour to receive a Kingโs Award for Enterprise. This is a proud day for Sirius Insight and a marvellous accolade for the business and the journey that Sirius Insight has been on since we set up the Company in 2016.
“It is a wonderful tribute to the brilliant and tireless work of our amazing team, and our clients in the UK and overseas whose support and custom have played such a pivotal role in making Sirius the world-class AI maritime surveillance technology business that it has become today, recognised in markets around the world.”
Penta Consulting Limited โ International Trade
Penta Consulting is an Epsom based business. It is a global leader in delivering Technology Resource Solutions across the Information Communication Technology sector.
Penta’s unwavering focus on nurturing its workforce organically has been a cornerstone of its success.
By prioritising local recruitment, comprehensive training, and professional development the “Penta way,” the company boasts an impressive average tenure, defying industry norms.
In 2024, it was ranked among the top 60 UK Technology companies.
Stanhope-Seta Limited โ International Trade
Stanhope-Seta’s King’s Award for Enterprise 2025 is the fifth time it has received the honour. It follows previous Queenโsย Awards for International Trade in 2012 and 2022, and Innovation in 2014 andย 2019.
The manufacturing company in Chertsey creates laboratory quality control instruments across a range of applications. This ranges from jet fuel to lipstick.
Giles Verity, director and owner, said: โReceiving the Kingโs Award is a tremendousย honour and a testament to our teamโs passion, commitment and technical excellence. ย
“The Kings Awards celebrate the very best in British companies. They are internationallyย recognized as a trusted symbol of excellence worldwide. ย We continue to fly the flag for British manufacturing and innovation.”
Denbies Wine Estate Ltd โย Sustainable Development
Denbies Wine Estate in Dorking is one of Englandโs largest single estate vineyards. The estate, independently owned and run, comprises of 380 acres with 265 acres currently under vine. It has a production capacity of 1 million bottles. The first vines were planted on the estate in 1986.
The owner for the last 20 years is Christopher White.ย Under his leadership, Denbies has become one of the largest and most successful wineries in England.
It has been recognised for being a leading light in sustainable and ethical wine tourism. It is also the first vineyard in UK to be certified UKCCC Net Zero.
What are the Kingโs Awards for Enterprise?
The Kingโs Awards for Enterprise were previously known as The Queenโs Awards for Enterprise.
The awards are now in its 59th year. And it has awarded over 8,000 companies since its inception in 1965.ย The awards are valid for 5 years.
Almost all UK businesses can apply, and the application process is free and straightforward.
If you get an award youโll be:
invited to a Royal reception
presented with the award at your company by one of The Kingโs representatives, a Lord-Lieutenant
able to fly The Kingโs Awards flag at your main office, and use the emblem on your marketing materials
given a Grant of Appointment (an official certificate) and commemorative crystal trophy
Organisations that got an award have reported benefiting from:
Interested in applying to the Surrey Economic Growth Fund? A webinar providing top tips to support your bid is now available to watch.
Businesses, employer representative groups and partner organisations are all invited to apply for investment from the new Economic Growth Fund.
Up to ยฃ7 million is available for this financial year. Grants will be awarded to those demonstrating how they will boost economic outcomes for the people, places and businesses of the county.
More than 110 people attended the Economic Growth Fund webinar held today (8 May, 2025).
Applications for the first round are now open, closing at the end of May. Apply via the formย on the Business Surrey website.
Watch the Economic Growth Fund webinar
Watch the webinar in full by clicking on the play button below.
Business Growth Grantsย support companies of all sizes to scale up and create jobs. Match funding of between ยฃ10,000 and ยฃ50,000, covering 50% of project costsย is available.
Theย Innovation Spaces Fundย focuses on physical infrastructure, such as training hubs, collaborative workspaces, and testing facilities. Minimum bid of ยฃ50,000.
Theย Future Surrey Fundย is open to anyone, including partners โ such as employer representative groups, local authorities, research institutions and schools. Applications should focus on innovative ideas that can scale while delivering economic impact in Surrey.
To apply, youโll need to demonstrate how your bid delivers against the three priorities in the refreshed economic strategy. These are workforce and skills; business growth; and economic infrastructure in Surreyโs communities.
Thereโs a two step process for all three areas, starting with an expression of interest.
The county council’s plan advocates the creation of two unitary authorities in Surrey โ East Surrey and West Surrey โ as the most cost-effective, efficient and simple way of providing key local services.
The new authorities would have responsibility for all local government services in their area, including refuse collection, highways, parks and open spaces, libraries, social care, education and planning. They would replace the current two-tier system of one county and 11 district / borough councils.
The creation of new unitary authorities would also unlock further devolved responsibilities for Surrey. These would sit with a directly elected mayor representing the whole of Surrey, providing strategic oversight for economic development, skills, transport and housing.
Other areas, such as Greater Manchester and the West Midlands, already operate successfully this way. It sees the strategic authority working directly with employers to drive growth, improve employment opportunities for residents and bring investment into their regions.
Timeline for Shaping Surrey’s Future
If approved by its cabinet next week, Surrey County Council will submit its Shaping Surrey’s Future proposal to government before 9 May. The full proposal is on the Council website with additional information in the appendices.
District and borough councils will be putting alternative proposals forward by the same deadline.
Ministers will make a final decision in the early Autumn.
“While we recognise that LGR in itself is a matter for our local authority leaders to discuss directly with [government], on behalf of businesses across Surrey I want to reemphasise the importance of delivering strategic economic functions on a single county footprint.
“Our belief โ supported by examples of devolution elsewhere, such as Greater Manchester and the West Midlands โ is that business growth is dependent upon opportunities to maximise and leverage economies of scale, supporting cross-county collaboration between high-growth clusters and innovation assets.”
He added: “Whichever path is taken through the Local Government Reorganisation and devolution in Surrey, future success will require collaborative working with strong and independent unitary authorities operating on functional economic areas with a fair and reasonable split of innovation assets and strategic towns.
“We trust government and our local elected representatives to agree on the best way forward for the businesses, residents and communities of Surrey, ensuring that these authorities are well-placed to provide crucial, efficient and effective public services in the short and long term.”
Gatwick expansion plans latest
Published 30 April 2025
Business news
Gatwick expansion plans are due to be decided by government ministers later this year. Airport bosses are announcing they are prepared to make several changes to proposals relating to noise and public transport.
London Gatwick says bringing the Northern Runway into routine use is “one of the biggest growth opportunities for the UK today”.
The ยฃ2.2 billion project is privately financed and could serve up to 80 million passengers a year. And those at the airport claim it will driveย growth. They claim it will inject an additional ยฃ1 billion into the UK economy every year, creating 14,000 jobs.
The plans include moving the runway (currently used as a standby) 12 metres. This would allow the UK’s second busiest airport to have a second fully functioning runway.
Plans for bringing the northern runway into use were first consulted on in 2021.
A final decision is due by October 2025. Gatwick say work could start this year and be complete by 2030.
Gatwick’s response
London Gatwick responded to the Secretary of State’s minded to approve letter last week. It incorporated feedback on key conditions related to noise and public transport
In its response Gatwick stated it will accept stricter limits on aircraft noise. It has also put forward an improved noise insulation scheme for local residents.
Gatwick has also accepted a requirement of 54% of passengers using public transport prior to bringing the Northern Runway into operation.
The response reiterated the need for third parties, including the Department for Transport, to support delivery. This would include, for example, reinstating the full Gatwick Express train service.
If the 54% target is not achieved then London Gatwick has also proposed an alternative cars-on-the-road limit. This will be met before first use of the Northern Runway to address concerns about possible road congestion. โฏ
If neither are met, then use of the Northern Runway would be delayed until ยฃ350m of road improvements have been completed. This would make sure any additional road traffic flows can be accommodated and any congestion avoided.โฏโฏ
London Gatwick response also included measures to strengthen sustainable design and reduce emissions.
Creative and Cultural Industries Leaders Network launched at Surrey’s UCA
Published 20 April 2025
Innovation, Skills and workforce
A Creative and Cultural Industries Leaders Network has been established in Surrey, driving global conversations on technological change in this crucial regional and national sector.
The UKโs creative and cultural industries are worth ยฃ125 billion and trillions globally. It is a sector that is constantly evolving, with huge technological advances coming and fast.
But with the World Economic Forum employers anticipating 39% of workersโ core skills will change by 2030, there’s a challenge how industry leaders will adapt to change.
The University for the Creative Arts (UCA) is tackling these questions head on, starting by bringing together industry leaders. The inaugural meeting of the Creative and Cultural Industries Leaders Network took place at its Farnham campus last week.
Organisations attending the launch included Warner Bros, British Film Institute, Adobe, ITN and Appleโs Media Arts Lab.
About the Creative and Cultural Industries Leaders Network
Challenges for leadership was the focus of the first session, taking place at UCA’s bespoke Creative Business School.
Professor Lyndsay Duthie, UCAโs Pro Vice-Chancellor Academic Partnerships & Industry Engagement, explained:
โThe creative and cultural industries are full of opportunity, but being part of the narrative is vital to thrive in these changing times. We need to think globally to maximise potential and collaborate across disciplines. UCA has developed this Network with senior industry leaders to share ideas and shape its future.โ
Speakers included:
Samantha Perahia, Head of Production from British Film Commission,
Sara Whybrew Director of Skills at British Film Institute,
Stephen Hancock, Executive Director, Appleโs Media Arts Lab
award-winning TEDx speaker, Andy Coley
All acknowledged the importance of talent pipelines, resilience and leadership.
Other representatives taking part in discussions on leading for the future, considering AI, ethics and cultural power, included:
Kim Rowell, Managing Editor, ITN and Vice Chair of Royal Television Society Technology Centre,
Emma Thwaites from The Open Data Institute
Chris Wheeler from Warner Bros.
Niels Stevens Adobe
UCAโs President & Vice-Chancellor, Professor Jane Roscoe, reiterated:
โUCA is in a great position to facilitate the important discussions we must now have to futureproof our sector. The event confirmed that we can play a leading role supporting, steering and equipping the creative and cultural leaders for the challenges today and tomorrow.โ
If youโd like to join UCAโs Creative and Cultural Industries Leaders Network please email Helen Witt.
Surrey and the Creative Industries
Surreyโs creative industries cluster is a vibrant and dynamic sector. It comprises a diverse array of businesses, educational institutions, and collaborative networks.
It has more than 10,000 digital startups, film and TV studios, artistic producers, and entertainment companies employing 45,000 people.
There is a range of support available for freelancers, startups and businesses in the creative industries. Contact us to find out more.
Image credit: UCA
US tariffs support made available by government
Published 17 April 2025
Business news
US tariffs of 10% have recently been imposed on most UK goods imported into the United States. To support businesses in Surrey and the rest of the country, government is introducing some support measures.
Businesses in Surrey have a long track-record of trading with the world. And with the United States being our largest and closest trading partner, it could have an impact on how you do your business.
UK government has a range of US tariffs support on offer, including:
Government has suspended tariffs on a range of imported goods into the UK.
US tariffs currently in operation
The additional 10% tariff is on top of existing US duties, fees and taxes on imports from the UK. It’s been live since 5 April.
These additional tariffs do not apply to US imports of:
steel, aluminium articles and automobiles, which are subject to separate additional 25% tariffs. Tariffs of 25% on automobile parts are due to be implemented no later than 3 May.
copper, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors and lumber
energy, energy products and other minerals not available in the US
The tariffs situation is fast moving. So, it’s worth discussing the latest situation direct with the UK export support service before making any key business decisions.
UK trade with the US
The UK exports more to the US than to any other single country.
