Author: Tim Ridgway

Gatwick Airport’s second runway set for lift off after Court of Appeal ruling

Published 5 August 2026

Business news, Skills and workforce

Work on Gatwick Airport’s second runway will soon begin. It comes as the Court of Appeal rejected campaigners’ appeal against the decision to expand the UK’s second biggest airport.

Airport leaders claim the Northern Runway project will deliver significant business, tourism and trade benefits for the UK, including 14,000 new jobs and a £1 billion boost to the economy every year.

Plans for Gatwick Airport’s second runway were initially approved by government ministers last year.

They include moving the northern runway (currently used as a standby) 12 metres. This would allow the UK’s second busiest airport to have a second fully functioning runway.

But two local campaign groups took the decision to the Court of Appeal, claiming the climate impact was not properly assessed.

This week (4 August, 2026) the Court of Appeal dismissed the case giving Gatwick the green light to start work.

Gatwick reaction

Pierre-Hugues Schmit, Chief Executive of London Gatwick, said: “The Court of Appeal decision to comprehensively reject the legal challenges brought by the two campaign groups opposing London Gatwick’s Northern Runway Project, confirms, yet again, that the September 2025 decision by the Secretary of State for Transport to approve the Northern Runway Project was taken properly and lawfully.

“We are also very pleased that this ruling, from senior Court of Appeal Judges, brings to an end an eight-year planning and legal process which has carefully tested and scrutinised every aspect of our expansion plans on multiple occasions.

“This final ruling means that we can now press on with the important job of bringing this exciting project to life and move forward into the design and delivery phase.

“We would like to thank everyone who has supported our planning application through the various stages and will announce further details in due course.”

About the Gatwick Airport second runway plans

London Gatwick says bringing the Northern Runway into routine use is “one of the biggest growth opportunities for the UK today”.

The £2.2 billion project is privately financed and could serve up to 80 million passengers a year. And those at the airport claim it will drive growth. They claim it will inject an additional £1 billion into the UK economy every year, creating 14,000 jobs.

It also includes a comprehensive education, skills and business strategy. This will bring maximum benefits to local people and the Gatwick region.

Plans for bringing the northern runway into use were first consulted on in 2021.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander announced in February 2025 she was “minded to grant” the proposal, providing key considerations were met.

Construction summer school builds interest in future careers with Surrey students

Published 20 July 2026

Business news, Skills and workforce

Surrey students became property developers and construction workers for the week at a construction summer school. The hands-on work experience course for Year 10 students has been created by Wates hosted with Nescot in Epsom and part-funded by Surrey County Council.

Students from six schools across Surrey took part in the innovative event. The students, aged 14 and 15, spent a week exploring careers in construction and property.

They created plans for a housing development and presenting their ideas to industry professionals. They also experienced a current Wates Residential construction site using Nescot’s immersive virtual reality pod.

Plus they tried operating heavy machinery using advanced construction simulators, practiced carpentry skills building timber structures and developed teamwork and problem solving at an outdoor activity centre.

The scheme was run by development, building and property maintenance company Wates Group. It was part funded by Surrey County Council. Delivery partners include Nescot, Neilcott Construction, community interest company LMP Action and social enterprise Serious about Youth.

About the construction summer school

The programme saw employers, education, community organisations and local government working together to offer modern work experience to the next generation of local workforce.

Almost 40 students took part in an exciting, interactive week. There was the chance to try new things, step outside their comfort zones and build confidence.

They left with a better understanding of how their strengths and interests could translate into future roles. It also opened their eyes to careers they may not have previously considered.

The programme has been running since 2017. It supports students interested in apprenticeships and vocational courses beyond their GCSEs, rather than A levels.

By offering exposure to college life, varied career options and positive role models, it encourages, inspires, and broadens students’ horizons.

The impact of the course can be significant. Following last year’s programme, 90% of participants reported a stronger understanding of career opportunities in construction. Plus 85% said the industry sounded exciting and 72% felt their employability skills had improved.

Construction summer school – reaction

A summer school student said: “I was nervous on Monday but I’ve realised I can make friends…coming here has made me feel I’ve still got it.”

Julie Kapsalis, CEO and Principal at Nescot, said: “This scheme is incredible, bringing together industry experts and our state-of-the-art learning facilities to inspire young people who are often right at the beginning of thinking about a potential career. The programme has given them a glimpse at everything from property development and project management to construction work, architecture and engineering. I’m proud of what they achieved, and I hope they will go forward with new confidence as they consider their options for the future.”

Su Pickerill, Head of Social Value at Wates Group, said: “The summer programme is a great example of how we aim to be brilliant locally, working alongside our communities to create opportunities that truly make a difference. It’s been inspiring to see young people step beyond their comfort zones, and I hope this experience has helped unlock their potential.”

Helping young people across Surrey

The partnership working between Wates and Nescot is supported by Surrey County Council as part of a wider project to help young people into work.

Other programmes include Experience Days. These invite young people into the college for a day to provide meaningful experiences of college life and curriculum areas. They understand their options, feel supported, and become confident about coming to a college after their GCSEs.

Matt Furniss, Surrey County Council’s cabinet member for Highways, Transport and Economic Growth, said: “This investment highlights the opportunities available in one of Surrey’s growing sectors and demonstrates Surrey’s commitment to innovative pathways into further education and employment. By working in partnership with employers, training providers and colleges, we can help more young people develop the skills they need, support business growth, and create positive outcomes for Surrey’s economy while ensuring no one is left behind.”

Neilcott Construction supported the practical element of the programme. This includes arranging skilled carpenters to guide students through reading drawings, using tools safely and constructing the timber towers.

Nescot offers courses on a range of construction trades including highways maintenance, brickwork, carpentry and joinery, plastering, plumbing and electrical installation.

It also offers a wide range of other courses for school leavers and adults. This includes motor vehicles, animal care, hair and beauty, computing and IT, performing arts, childcare and health and social care.

Discover more about studying at Nescot by calling 020 8394 3038, visiting www.nescot.ac.uk or emailing adviceteam@nescot.ac.uk.

Interested in working with training providers to boost Surrey’s future workforce? Get in touch via our Contact Us form.

A man in a black suit stands talking to young people wearing high vis at a further education college in Surrey

Surrey Local Skills Improvement Plan 2026-2029 launched

Published 16 July 2026

Business news, Skills and workforce

Surrey’s new employer-led Surrey Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) for 2026-2029 is now live. It sets out how local training equips people with skills needed by local employers.

The Surrey LSIP has been developed by Surrey Chambers of Commerce, with support from Surrey County Council and employers across the county.

It is one of 39 Local Skills Improvement Plans created across the country to ensure local training equips people with skills needed by local employers.

The aim of the updated employer-led strategy is to address the county’s key skills challenges and support long-term economic growth.

Download the Surrey Local Skills Improvement Plan.

What is the Surrey Local Skills Improvement Plan?

Surrey first developed a Local Skills Improvement Plan in 2023. The updated LSIP provides detailed insight and analysis into what priority economic sectors and jobs are for each given area.

It’s been developed through extensive employer engagement, research and stakeholder consultation. The LSIP also identifies the skills priorities that matter most to local businesses and outlines practical actions to help build a workforce equipped for the future.

The Surrey LSIP focuses on six priority areas that reflect the county’s current and future workforce needs. These include:

  • manufacturing and engineering
  • construction and the green economy
  • health and social care
  • digital technologies
  • employability skills
  • employer engagement

Together, these priorities will help ensure education and training provision remains aligned with the needs of employers. It also supports inclusive economic growth across Surrey.

The plan highlights several challenges facing the county, including skills shortages, recruitment difficulties, workforce retention and changing technological demands.

It also recognises Surrey’s strengths, including its position as a leading UK hub for Artificial Intelligence, and the opportunities this presents for businesses and learners.

What will

The launch of the LSIP marks the beginning of the delivery phase, with a range of employer-led initiatives planned over the next three years. These include:

  • encouraging more women into engineering through targeted role model programmes
  • strengthening the construction skills pipeline through a Supply Chain and Capability Exchange programme
  • delivering ‘Recruit to Retain’ leadership training for health and social care managers
  • piloting digital capability assessments for businesses
  • developing a core employability skills programme to better prepare learners for the workplace.

The Surrey LSIP will continue to evolve through collaboration with employers, education and training providers, local authorities and wider stakeholders.

A spokesman for Surrey Chambers said: “By working together, partners will help ensure Surrey develops a skilled, adaptable and resilient workforce capable of meeting the changing needs of its economy.

“Employers and stakeholders are encouraged to engage with the Surrey LSIP throughout its delivery by sharing insights, participating in sector discussions and helping shape future skills provision.

“Together, these partnerships will support businesses to grow, create new opportunities for residents and strengthen Surrey’s economy for years to come.”

Phil Smith, Chair of Skills England, said: “The Local Skills Improvement Plans give areas a clear roadmap that will help create better skills for better jobs all across the country.

!These LSIPs, alongside the emerging sector jobs plans and the other stakeholder dialogues we are having, are helping us build a much better picture of the skills needs throughout the nation. Skills England is excited to play a key role in that journey, so that employers and learners can benefit in local communities.”

Find out more about the Surrey Local Skills Improvement Plan 2026-2029 by emailing LSIP@surrey-chambers.co.uk.

Five people in suits sit in chairs as part of a panel discussion. Behind them are banners for the Surrey Local Skills Improvement Plan and STEP Surrey.

Surrey Farming Innovation Accelerator goes live

Published 16 July 2026

Advice and support, Funding and grants, Innovation

Farmers and growers across Surrey can apply for grants of up to £35,000 plus expert support to innovate their offer as part of a £500,000 package to boost the rural economy.

The Surrey Farming Innovation Accelerator is a Surrey County Council initiative. It’s designed to help eligible businesses drive growth, become more profitable and improve efficiency.

It offers 100% direct funding of between £10,000 and £35,000.

The grant requires no match funding. It supports projects designed to modernise operations, improve productivity, diversify and boost long-term resilience.

Participants will also receive expert support to improve their wider business, including specialist consultancy, courses and peer-to-peer learning.

The six-month programme is open to small and medium enterprises in farming, horticulture (including vineyards and hop growers), forestry, beekeeping and equine businesses. It is part-funded by UK Shared Prosperity Funding.

Applications are now being invited until 16 August, 2026. To apply and see full details – including eligibility – visit the Surrey Farming Innovation Accelerator page.

Matt Furniss, Surrey County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Economic Growth, said: “Surrey’s rural economy contributes a huge amount to our communities and wider economy. But the feedback from farmers and growers is that a lack of funding, time and support is holding them back from adopting the technology that could transform how they work.

“The Surrey Farming Innovation Accelerator will give ambitious eligible businesses the tools they need to modernise, diversify and grow. Over time, this will create new jobs and contribute to the ongoing vitality of our villages and towns.

“I encourage anyone who is eligible to apply – and if it proves to be a success, we hope it will provide a model we can build on in the future.”

Applying to the Farming Innovation Accelerator

The programme is open to Surrey-based Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) whose primary activity involves owning, renting or actively managing agricultural or rural land.

Projects must demonstrate how the proposed digital project will deliver measurable improvements. This includes productivity, efficiency, profitability, resilience, sustainability or business growth.

To support your application, we’ve produced:

We advise that all prospective applicants read the above documents before submitting a proposal via the Farming Innovation Accelerator application page.

Support for rural businesses

Agriculture remains a cornerstone of Surrey’s economy. According to a recent University of Surrey report, there are about 500 farms in the county. Together, they contribute around £502 million a year to the local economy. This accounts for 14% of national farming income.

Surrey County Council has provided a range of support to rural business in recent years.

Fourth generation farmer Alec Clouting, of Ivelle Farm in Cranleigh, is one of several rural businesses to benefit from support and funding through a different route. The Surrey Economic Growth Fund helped him to set up a 24/7 meat vending machine at the farm.

He said: “I’m very grateful for the opportunity the Economic Growth Fund has provided me with. And doubled up with the support from the team at Business Surrey, it’s really helped get the project off the ground and build a vision for the future. 

“Farming is a very difficult business to navigate with many layers of complexity. And with the recent added pressures of the farm inheritance tax, it’s becoming harder to make small family farms like ours financially viable.

“Many futures have been thrown into uncertainty. So having a futureproof way of selling my produce as profitably as I can will give me the best chance I could wish for!” 

To apply and find out more, visit the Surrey Farming Innovation Accelerator page.

A man picks strawberry on a farm in Surrey

Making Tax Digital: what Surrey sole traders and small businesses need to know 

Published 7 July 2026

Advice and support, Business news, Thought leadership

Making Tax Digital is a major change to the way many self-employed people and landlords manage their tax affairs. But are you fully prepared for the change? Find out what steps you need to take.

HMRC’s Making Tax Digital for Income Tax programme is transforming the traditional Self Assessment process, bringing tax reporting into the digital age.

It’s the biggest change since HMRC launched Self Assessment more than 30 years ago.

So, if you are a sole trader or receive income from property, now is the time to start preparing.

Rather than completing one annual tax return using spreadsheets, Making Tax Digital requires businesses to keep digital records using compatible software and submit updates to HMRC throughout the year.  

Under the new system, businesses will use recognised software to:  

  • record income and expenses
  • send quarterly updates to HMRC
  • submit your final tax return digitally 

HMRC offers a range of approved solutions, including popular accounting platforms such as Xero, QuickBooks and Sage. You can also use software designed to connect existing spreadsheets to HMRC through so-called “bridging software”. This means you can choose a solution that matches your budget and your way of working.  

When will Making Tax Digital be introduced?

Making Tax Digital is now mandatory for sole traders and freelancers earning over £50,000. It also applies if you earn money from property.

Government is rolling out Making Tax Digital in further two stages.  

  • From 6 April 2027, MTD for Income Tax will apply to individuals with qualifying turnover above £30,000
  • From 6 April 2028, it will extend to those with turnover above £20,000 

Early preparation can help you avoid last-minute pressure and make the change much smoother.

HMRC recommends three key steps:  

  1. understand when the rules will apply to you
  2. choose compatible software 
  3. sign up before your start date   

Free and paid software options are available, and many platforms can automate tasks such as bank transaction imports, receipt capture and expense tracking, reducing administration and saving time. 

Renée Canter, Enterprise Mentor at Business Surrey, said: “Changing your processes can feel daunting. But you may find that keeping records digitally give you better visibility to be able to track income, expenses and potential tax liabilities throughout the year, rather than waiting till January to complete you self-assessment and being surprised at the results. 

“Bite the bullet and prep now to make sure you approach the transition confidently.“

Benefits of Making Tax Digital

  • View up-to-date cash flow – useful for business planning
  • No more scrambling for lost receipts – log them as you go, instead of all at once
  • See your predicted tax bill, year round – goodbye to any January surprises
  • Make tax admin easier – software can tally up invoices for you
  • Fix any errors you spot as you go – so you don’t overpay or underpay tax

Have further questions? The FAQs section on the Making Tax Digital campaign page may be able to help.

Looking for support to grow your business? Get in touch via our Business Support Form.

Social graphis promoting HMRC's Making Tax Digital campaign

BiofuelAi wins Manchester Prize for AI innovation

Published 16 June 2026

Events and awards, Innovation, Surrey Success Stories

BiofuelAi – a University of Surrey spinout that uses artificial intelligence to help biogas plants produce more renewable energy at lower cost with reduced emissions – has won the Manchester Prize. The UK government’s flagship AI innovation challenge comes with a £1 million government award.

BiofuelAi, co-founded by Professor Michael Short from the University of Surrey, has developed an AI-powered decision support platform. This transforms how biogas plant operators manage production.  

Where plants have historically relied on experience, know-how and intuitions, the new platform gives operators a real-time picture of what is happening inside their digesters and what action will produce the best outcome.  

Pilot trials have demonstrated revenue increases of between 6 and 10 per cent. Profit is up between 7 and 13 per cent while there is a 28 per cent reduction in carbon emissions.

BiofuelAi’s Manchester Prize win is a real boon for the company, which is based at the Surrey Technology Centre in Guildford.

Expansion plans are underway. BiofuelAi is currently onboarding three new sites with its solution and has signed a UK reseller agreement. In time this could create new roles for the local economy and support regional growth.

BiofuelAi – roots in Surrey

BiofuelAi is a spinout from the University of Surrey’s AI4AD research project. It has attracted more than £1.5m in research funding.

The focus is on biogas. This is produced through anaerobic digestion, the breakdown of organic material such as agricultural waste, food waste and wastewater. It is a significant and growing component of the UK’s renewable energy mix.  

The founding team includes Dr Benaissa Dekhici, Dr Rohit Murali and Dr Ruosi Zhang alongside Professor Short and Alan Beesley. Together they combine over 40 years of modelling expertise with experience of the biogas industry.

BiofuelAi’s platform works by combining mechanistic models, machine learning and hybrid approaches to create a digital twin of a biogas plant.

This allows for simultaneous optimisation of short-term decisions – such as feeding recipes and storage management – and longer-term ones, including feedstock acquisition and digester health. It also accounts for uncertainty in the biological process.

Over five years, BiofuelAi projects its platform could deliver more than £500m in client value. By 2030, the company estimates its platform could mitigate 293,000 tonnes of CO2 equivalent per year across the UK – the equivalent of heating 133,000 homes. 

BiofuelAi and the Manchester Prize – reaction

Alan Beesley, CEO and co-founder of BiofuelAi, said: “The biogas industry is one of the least data-driven sectors in energy. Plants that generate the heat and power for thousands of homes are still largely managed through spreadsheets and operator experience.

“BiofuelAi changes that. Winning the Manchester Prize validates the work of an exceptional team and accelerates our mission to make green energy more affordable, more consistent and more accessible.”

Science Minister Lord Vallance said: “The technology BiofuelAi has built could supercharge our mission to power Britain with clean, affordable energy, helping green energy plants produce even more power and cut carbon emissions. And they are just getting started.

“The Manchester Prize was created to find exactly this kind of innovation. Not AI as an abstract idea, but something that delivers results. This is British AI leadership in practice: world-class researchers tackling hard challenges and helping to build the industries of the future.”

Professor Stephen Jarvis, President and Vice-Chancellor at the University of Surrey, said: “BiofuelAi follows a long tradition of spinouts from our University – grounded in research with a clear purpose, by people determined to see it make a difference beyond the campus.

“The work started here in Guildford and has now won national recognition for what it could mean for the UK’s clean energy supply. That matters because energy security is not an abstract policy question right now. It depends on producing more of what we need at home, and the less efficiently we use domestic resources like biogas, the more dependent we remain on supplies we cannot control.”

Innovation support from Business Surrey

Business Surrey is a free accessible service to anyone looking to start or grow a business.

This includes working with universities and experts to support turning ideas into fully-fledged businesses via programmes like Surrey Venture Studio.

Do you have an idea to drive growth? Get in touch via our Business Support Form.

A group of employees from BiofuelAI in Surrey pose in front of a backdrop for the Manchester Prize

King’s Awards for Enterprise 2026 honour two leading Surrey businesses

Published 19 May 2026

Events and awards, Innovation

The King’s Awards for Enterprise 2026 winners have been announced with two Surrey businesses being recognised for driving innovation and growth.

The annual awards celebrate the achievements of leading businesses from across the UK, recognising their vital role in growing our economy to improve lives.

This year two Surrey businesses have been awarded The King’s Award for Enterprise for Innovation.

The winners are:

  • Anchor Systems (International)
    • Based in Lingfield, this company is recognised for its rapidly deployed innovative foundation and cable management system. This eliminates concrete and reducing carbon emissions significantly.
  • MysteryVibe Ltd
    • Develops ultra-slim flexible medical devices to address prostate pain and reduce prostate cancer from its HQ in Puttenham, near Guildford

His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant Michael More-Molyneux – the King’s representative in Surrey – will be presenting the King’s Awards for Enterprise 2026 to businesses throughout the year. One representative from each winning business will also be invited to a special Royal reception event.

They are among 186 recipients honoured by His Majesty this year in what is billed “the UK’s most prestigious business awards”.

Overall, 76 businesses have been recognised for International Trade and 52 for Innovation. 36 received honours for Sustainability and 22 for Promoting Opportunity (through social mobility).

The King’s Awards – celebrating business success for 60 years

This year marks a significant milestone for the King’s Awards as they celebrate 60 years since the first honours were conferred.

Established in 1965, the programme has since recognised more than 8,000 exceptional UK businesses, highlighting the strength, innovation, and ambition of British enterprise.

To mark this anniversary year, and to ensure the Awards continue to reflect the evolving landscape of UK business, a new category has been introduced for 2027.

The King’s Award for Enterprise – Young Founder recognises those aged 18 to 30 who are actively leading their businesses and driving growth and opportunity.

Blair McDougall, Minister for Small Businesses and Economic Transformation, said:

“A huge congratulations to every business receiving awards this year, who once again have illustrated the best of British innovation and talent.

“These awards show that right across the UK, there are small businesses that are thriving, growing and succeeding and it’s only right that we champion these successes.”

Out of the 186 awards, 164 (89%) went to SMEs. And of those, 24 (13%) are micro-businesses, with 10 employees or less.

The King’s Awards for Enterprise were previously known as The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise. They were renamed two years ago to reflect His Majesty The King’s desire to continue the legacy of HM Queen Elizabeth II by recognising outstanding UK businesses.

King’s Awards for Enterprise 2027 – apply now

The King’s Awards for Enterprise are the highest accolade for business success.

As well as honouring outstanding UK companies, they encourage the development of British business.

There are five categories:

  • International trade
    • Demonstrating growth in overseas earnings
  • Innovation
    • Proven commercial success through innovative products or services
  • Sustainable development
    • Integrating environmental, social, economic and management aspects of sustainable development into their business
  • Promoting Opportunity through social mobility
    • Have had a social mobility programme running for more than two years, helping socially disadvantaged individuals or groups
  • Young Founder
    • recognising founders aged 18 to 30 who are actively leading their businesses and driving growth and opportunity.

You can now apply for 2027 awards until 8 September 2026.

The Surrey Lieutenancy is happy to help and advise you at any stage of your application process. It may also be possible to put you in touch with other companies in Surrey that have successfully applied. Get in touch via the Lieutenancy Office website.

You can also contact the King’s Award team on 020 7215 6880 or emailing kingsawards@beis.gov.uk.

To find out more about how to nominate for the next round of awards, visit The King’s Awards for Enterprise.

Any Surrey business looking for support to grow, contact the Business Surrey team via our Business Support Form.

Four people in high vis vests with Anchor Systems on the back stand around a piece of high tech machinery which is on a construction site

Meat vending machine coming to Surrey farm thanks to Economic Growth Fund

Published 15 May 2026

Funding and grants, Innovation, Surrey Success Stories

A Surrey farmer is bringing consumers closer to his produce – by setting up a meat vending machine at Ivelle Farm in Cranleigh. It’s been made possible thanks to funding from the Surrey Economic Growth Fund.

A decade ago, Alec Clouting spotted an unusual idea at a farming event – vending machines selling local produce. He realised it could be a way to diversify his family’s business and give the community direct access to farm-fresh meat. But with limited funds, the idea had to be put on hold. 

But Alec can now make his dream a reality with help from the Economic Growth Fund. The grant has helped to buy a shipping container, commercial freezer and vending machine. This allows him to sell frozen beef, lamb and pork, seven days a week. 

The meat vending machine selling at Ivelle Farm in Cranleigh is set to open this Spring. 

Are you a Surrey farmer or rural business looking for support to diversify? Or have an idea that will help your enterprise grow? Get in touch with our team of experts via our Business Support Form.

Bringing consumers closer to produce

Most meat from Ivelle Farm is sold wholesale to livestock markets and then re-sold to supermarkets. But selling the meat direct to consumers gives the farmers more control – and more of the profits. 

What’s more, it keeps people connected with food producers. Alec says: “I am a big believer of people being in touch with where their food comes from, for the local community to be able to come to the farm where it comes from and get it direct.” 

Alec is the fourth generation of farmers at Ivelle Farm. His father is currently at the helm. But he’s been working at other farms while looking for a way back into the family firm. 

He explains: “We’re finding there’s a lot of financial challenges with farming. It is a small farm and this will give me an opportunity to come back, have a place in the business and viably sell our produce direct to the consumer. It wouldn’t be happening without the funding.” 

And the impact extends beyond one family’s enterprise. The initiative supports a local butcher and abattoir, creating a network of rural businesses working together.

He says: “The benefits go further than just us, and it is about supporting other local businesses.” 

Alec’s vision doesn’t stop at meat. He said: “I am excited to adapt the farm to what the community consumes and what is in demand in the local area. Down the line I would like to expand so people can come and get all their basics.” 

As a proof of concept, the model could be replicated across other farms through a franchise approach, offering a blueprint for agricultural diversification in an era of farming uncertainty. 

Farming and the Economic Growth Fund

Ivelle Farm is one of several rural businesses to benefit from the Surrey Economic Growth Fund.

Alec said: “I’m very grateful for the opportunity the Economic Growth Fund has provided me with. And doubled up with the support from the team at Business Surrey, it’s really helped get the project off the ground and build a vision for the future.  

“Farming is a very difficult business to navigate with many layers of complexity. And with the recent added pressures of the farm inheritance tax, it’s becoming harder to make small family farms like ours financially viable.

“Many futures have been thrown into uncertainty. So having a futureproof way of selling my produce as profitably as I can will give me the best chance I could wish for!”  

Are you a Surrey farmer or rural business looking for support to diversify? Or have an idea that will help your enterprise grow? Get in touch with our team of experts via our Business Support Form.

Alec Clouting at Ivelle Farm, Cranleigh | Surrey Economic Growth Fund | Rural economy

Surrey Venture Studio round two now open

Published 7 April 2026

Business news, Funding and grants

Surrey Venture Studio round two is now open for those with bright business ideas. Apply now to win £25,000 of funding and six-months of expert support to help launch and scale a new start-up.  

Surrey Venture Studio is a unique business growth initiative developed and delivered by the county’s three universities and Surrey County Council.

It is the only programme for tech businesses in the county that offers standout innovative entrepreneurs the opportunity to funding and support to turn their ideas into a reality

More than 30 early-stage innovators completed the first round of the programme, which launched last year.

Now, Surrey Venture Studio is thrilled to announce that applications for the Summer Cohort are open until 8 May. It offers even more of Surrey’s promising tech entrepreneurs to turn their early-stage innovation ideas into viable technology business ventures.

Want to know more?

What is Surrey Venture Studio?

Surrey Venture Studio offers a unique two-day workshop and pitching programme tailored for people living, working and studying in Surrey to explore the business potential of their early-stage tech idea.

Participants receive practical guidance, expert mentoring, and structured support designed to help accelerate their ideas toward commercial viability.

Following the workshops, participants then pitch to a panel of startup experts and investors.

The standout innovators receive £25,000 of funding and a place on the six-month SVS Business Accelerator, giving founders the resources and momentum to take the next major steps in their ventures.

Ody Bassioukas, Surrey Venture Studio Manager, said: “It’s been incredibly energising to see just how much progress can happen in a matter of days, ideas gaining clarity, confidence building, and new pathways starting to take shape. There’s a real momentum in the room, and it’s been inspiring to witness how quickly concepts are evolving into something tangible. The quality and originality of the ideas coming through have been exceptional, and this feels like just the beginning. I’m excited to see how these ventures continue to grow and where the next stages take them.” 

Surrey Venture Studio’s first cohort

The inaugural round saw a remarkably diverse and energetic group of innovators whose ideas spanned multiple disciplines and sectors.

More than 30 early-stage innovators took part in the process at University of Creative Arts, Royal Holloway, University of London and University of Surrey.

Participants had access throughout the workshops to seasoned mentors from across the start-up ecosystem, receiving invaluable insight, challenge, and encouragement.

Elizabeth Baldwin, Founder of Puzzle Proof – a digital, evidence-based, management system for domestic abuse survivors – said: “It’s thrilling to feel like other people see value in this [Puzzle Proof]. I know this problem exists, and I have the opportunity to solve it. I was nearly at the point of thinking, ‘Am I going to take this further? Is this worth pursuing?’ Surrey Venture Studios has given me that push, saying, ‘Yes, this is worth doing. Let’s make this dream a reality.’ I encourage others to take that same leap.”

Iain Jamieson, Chairman S100 Angel Investment Club, said: “I was delighted to be asked to be a judge at the Surrey Ventures Studio workshop for start-ups, where some very exciting new business ideas were showcased.  The event was expertly organised and is exactly the kind of support that is needed to provide nascent entrepreneurs with the ecosystem to succeed. I hope to see many of the participants seeking funding through the S100 angel investment club in the years to come.”

Looking Ahead: Round Two Now Open

Apply for Surrey Venture Studio round two until 8 May. Workshops are taking place in June at locations across Surrey.

Aspirational entrepreneurs and innovators working or studying in Surrey are encouraged to take advantage of this transformative opportunity

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Get Surrey Working Plan launches to bring thousands into work

Published 17 March 2026

Business news, Skills and workforce

The Get Surrey Working Plan is a bold cross-county plan to bring thousands of people back into work in Surrey. It’s now been launched with the backing of Surrey County Council, government ministers and employers.

The Get Surrey Working Plan brings key partners together to focus on supporting 26,900 economically inactive residents who want to work but currently face barriers to employment.

Surrey currently has a lower-than-average rate of economic inactivity at 17.8% compared to the national average of 21.2%. But around 131,000 of its working age population are not currently employed.

Government ministers and local leaders across government, Jobcentre Plus, health and business are pledging to work together to tackle the issue through a series of interventions. This includes multimillion pound schemes such as Connect to Work, Skills Bootcamps and WorkWell.

The new STEP Surrey portal will streamline access to services. It will help residents finding the right support, learning new skills and finding jobs. Plus they can access assistance in a simple and easy way.

What is the Get Surrey Working Plan?

The Get Surrey Working Plan was formally launched by representatives from the One Surrey Growth Board at Redhill JobCentre Plus.

The plan identifies the key reasons for tens of thousands of Surrey’s working age residents not working. This includes long-term health conditions and caring responsibilities.

It also addresses Surrey’s skills mismatch problem. Currently many highly skilled professionals commute to London for work, leaving local employers struggling to fill vacancies. Key sectors including health and social care, automotive, and technology are particularly affected by recruitment challenges.

To bridge this gap, the plan will deliver targeted business support and skills development programmes. The aim is helping employers fill vacancies while supporting workforce planning and inclusive employment practices.

The soon-to-be-devolved Adult Skills Fund will focus on priority sectors and skills gaps. This enables residents to gain qualifications aligned with local employer needs.

Young people without skills or access to further learning will receive early intervention support in schools to reduce the risk of becoming NEET (not in education, employment, or training), with clear vocational pathways and work experience opportunities.

Why is the Get Surrey Working Plan important?

Matt Furniss, Surrey County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Economic Growth and Chair of the One Surrey Growth Board, said: “While the economic picture in Surrey is largely a positive one, we know that there are thousands of people out there who are currently out of work but not in employment.

“Through the Get Surrey Working, we’re committed to breaking down those barriers and creating a truly inclusive labour market where everyone has the opportunity to access good quality employment and reach their full potential.”

Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Pat McFadden said: “The Get Surrey Working Plan is a perfect example of how partners can come together to support people into work and help local businesses find the talent they need.

“Surrey is a county with real strengths – a thriving economy, top-class businesses and talented people – yet we know there are many more people who want to work but face barriers that hold them back.

“By bringing together local employers and support services we can reach people where they are and give them a genuine route into good work. This kind of practical, locally-led support is exactly what we need to get Britain working.”

The plan has been developed through partnership working. Key stakeholders include public health colleagues, Jobcentre Plus, Surrey Chambers of Commerce and employment support providers.

The aim is to avoid duplication of services and ensure support reaches those who need it most. This is through coordinating the employment and skills offer across Surrey with a clear, joined-up local service.

To access employment and skills support through STEP Surrey, visit: www.stepsurrey.co.uk