Author: Tim Ridgway

Pitch Up! launches in Surrey to offer a leg up to sustainable rural businesses

Published 18 September 2025

Innovation

Pitch Up! is coming to Surrey as farming business Hampton Estate opens its gates to rural enterprises and start-ups. Sustainable businesses in Surrey can submit their ideas – and then find willing partners with the know-how and resources to help them grow.

Why grow a business alone when thereโ€™s land, resources and know-how to tap into? Thatโ€™s the message from Hampton Estate which is welcoming sustainable businesses and start-ups looking for a leg-up to help them grow as part of Pitch Up! 2025.

Hampton Estate is a diversified rural business spanning 800 hectares in between Farnham and Guildford.

The team is looking for others who would like to build businesses in partnership with them. The aim is to grow their regenerative community and circular economy.

This year, Hampton is specifically looking for those wanting to expand or run:

  • Pastured poultry, woodland pigs and/ or sheep flock
  • Market and community gardens
  • Cut flower enterprise
  • Composting business
  • Nature groups

Other opportunities include eco-tourism, running clubs, pond dipping, catering and pop-up events and art-based businesses.

Entrepreneurs and businesses can submit their ideas via an expression of interest to Hampton. Then its ready for the Pitch Up! Applications Season (think Dragonโ€™s Den) which returns this November.

Hamptonโ€™s Molly Biddell says: โ€œFor us, itโ€™s all about creating holistic, regenerative and resilient systems that support amazing landscapes and wonderful communities. We think Pitch Up! is the key to helping us do this.โ€

What is Pitch Up?

Pitch Up! is about farmers working together, independently of government initiatives and funding bodies, to create a different model for local businesses.

The initiative connects regenerative farms such as Hampton Estate with sustainable businesses needing access to land and space. They then share resources, knowledge and land to feed one another and grow together.

Pitch Up! welcomes businesses at all stages. This includes supporting established enterprises with relocation, renovating space customised to their specific needs, or readying land for use.

For start-ups, it could be more about experimental space, trialling packaging and dispatch. Or support developing their pricing models, product offer or production processes.

In return, Pitch Up! farms gain partners, not tenants. Each agreement is different, shaped to be fair to both sides โ€“ whether thatโ€™s profit share, turnover rent, produce use, or longer-term regeneration goals. Itโ€™s about helping farms diversify in a future-focused way

Interested businesses can take the first step and fill out an expression of interest form on the Pitch Up website.

Support for rural businesses in Surrey

With 110,000 businesses, Surreyย is a thriving and diverse economyย which generates ยฃ50 billion a year to the UK economy.

Business Surrey is here to offer free, accessible to all businesses, including those in rural communities.

Get in touch with our team of experts today via our Business Support Form. We’ve got a range of fully-funded support available, including direct funding to help your rural business diversify.

Plus you can sign up to our regular newsletter, which is packed with updates and tips for your Surrey business.

A group of farmers stand in front of hay bales wearing Pitch Up t-shirts

Connect to Work launching in Surrey

Published 17 September 2025

Business news, Skills and workforce

Connect to Work, a major new government programme to break down barriers to employment for thousands of people, will soon launch in Surrey. And employers of all sizes and sectors are encouraged to get involved.

Government says there are currently 2.8 million people out ofย workย dueย toย ill-health across the country. And more than one in four cite sickness as a barrier. This is more than double the 2012 figure of one in ten.

Ministers say it highlights the urgent need for tailored employment support that removes barriers faced by disabled people and those with health conditions.   

Connect to Work delivers localised, tailored support to those who are sick, disabled or face complex barriersย toย work.

Nearly ยฃ10 million has been allocated to Surrey to launch and run the programme across the county.

And ahead of the programme launching we’re looking for employers with suitable opportunities and recruitment gaps to get in touch.

How does Connect to Work work?

Individualsย can self-refer to Connect to Work. Or they can be referred by healthcare professionals and voluntary sector partners.

Expert employment specialists will provide intensive, personalised help to find a suitable employment.

A job matching service will find suitable employers for the individual. Expert employment specialists will then work with both to help individuals stay in work and succeed.

Read more on the FAQs section of the Connect to Work page at STEP Surrey.

Connect to Work – reaction

Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall said:  

โ€œFor too long, too many people in Surrey have been denied the support they need to get back to health and back to work.   

โ€œItโ€™s bad for their living standards, itโ€™s bad for their families, and itโ€™s bad for the local economy.”ย 

Matt Furniss, Surrey County Council’s cabinet member for Highways, Transport and Economic Growth, said:ย ย 

โ€œThis investment will make a real differenceย toย around 2,500 residents across Surrey who face significant barriersย toย employment.ย ย 

โ€œConnect to Work will provide help to disabled people, people with health conditions and those with complex barriers to employment, to get into and stay in work.   

โ€œHelping Surrey residentsย toย access goodย workย and thrive in employment is a key part of our commitmentย toย ensuring no one is left behind. Plus it will helpย toย further support the continued growth of our regional economy.โ€ย ย 

Recruitment support for employers

We know that recruitment is one of the biggest challenges facing Surrey businesses.

Looking for support to fill vacancies? Or simply cannot find those with the skills to help you grow?

Get in touch with the Business Surrey team via our business support form. One of our team will then arrange a call to discuss your challenges and explore ways we can help your business thrive.

You can also sign up to our newsletter for regular updates on skills, workforce and other business news.

3TOP Aviation embarks on growth plans thanks to ยฃ20 million loan from UK Export Finance

Published 8 September 2025

Funding and grants, Surrey Success Stories

3TOP Aviation, a market-leading aircraft trading and refurbishment specialist, has secured multimillion-pound investment to meet growing international demand. This is thanks to support from UK Export Finance (UKEF), the UKโ€™s export credit agency.

The Leatherhead-based firm acquires mid-to-end-life aircraft and engines for onward trading, leasing and refurbishment. They also dismantle aircraft and rebuild the associated components for onward sale to clients, helping to make the aerospace industry more sustainable.

The company โ€“ which employs 18 staff in Surrey plus 16 outside the UK โ€“ aims to grow into new global markets and product lines such as new generation aircraft.

As a result of the UKEF-backed financing, 3TOP Aviation is also planning to expand its UK workforce by 20%.

Plus, it is relocating some of its warehouses in France and the US to a larger site in Leatherhead, bringing further benefits to the local economy.

The financing has been secured with backing from UKEF issued under its General Export Facility. This guarantee enabled HSBC UK to provide a trade finance facility of up to ยฃ20 million, supporting 3TOP Aviationโ€™s export growth.

Chris Emechete, Managing Director of 3TOP Aviation, said:

“We are delighted to have secured substantial funding from UKEF which helps strengthen our position as a leading UK exporter of commercial aircraft aftermarket services and allows us to further exploit new opportunities around the world.

“We are very active in the aviation market globally, so capital backing from UKEF, a major credit export agency with an impeccable pedigree and reputation, aligns perfectly with our growth plans and aspirations.”

Tim Reid, CEO at UK Export Finance, said:

“3TOP Aviationโ€™s story shows how our support empowers UK businesses to create prosperity at home while growing their footprint internationally.

“Their impressive growth in turnover from ยฃ3 million to ยฃ70 million in just four years demonstrates the huge potential for British firms by tapping into global markets. Thatโ€™s where UKEF comes in: weโ€™re here to ensure that lack of finance never stands in the way of firms achieving their true export potential.

“3TOP Aviation brings more than 25 years of industry expertise to the sector, with international offices spanning the United Arab Emirates, United States, Singapore, Germany and India. In the last four years, 3TOP Aviationโ€™s business has boomed with revenue growing from a post-Covid low of ยฃ3 million in 2021 to ยฃ70 million in 2025.”

Grow your business with UK Export Finance

UK Export Finance (UKEF) is the UKโ€™s export credit agency. It’s a government department, working alongside the Department for Business and Trade as an integral part of its strategy and operations.

3TOP Aviation is one of more than 660 companies accessing support from UKEF in the last financial year. It has provided a record ยฃ14.5 billion in new financing, supporting up to 70,000 jobs.

UKEF works with over 100 private credit insurers and lenders to help UK companies access export finance. It complements not competes with the private sector.

UKEF helps UK companies to:

  • win export contracts by providing attractive financing terms to their buyers
  • fulfil contracts by supporting working capital loans
  • get paid by insuring against buyer default

Its export finance managers provide free and impartial consultations, helping UK companies to check they are getting appropriate support and exploring how to bridge any gaps.

You can also arrange a consultation with your local export finance manager via the UKEF website.

Finance support for Surrey businesses

Are you a Surrey business looking for finance? Not sure where to start?

From start-up business funding to business growth funding, Business Surrey helps you at all stages of your business journey.

We can help you access the financial support you need to enable your business to prosper and open the door to business growth.

Our funding and grants page outlines some of the current opportunities available to Surrey businesses.

You can also get in touch with our team of experts via our Business Support Form.

Receiving inspector closely examines a low-pressure turbine disk from a CFM56-5B engine at 3TOP Aviationโ€™s facility in Leatherhead, Surrey.

Companies House ID verification rollout to impact millions of directors

Published 22 August 2025

Advice and support, Business news

Companies House ID verification rollout will impact millions more people from mid-November. It’s all part of a crackdown on misuse of the UK companies register. Government says companies of all sizes will benefit from more accurate and trustworthy register data. Plus, there will be greater protections against fraud.

Companies House isย the UK’s official registrar of companies.ย It’s an executive agency of theย Department for Business and Trade,ย responsible for incorporating and dissolving limited companies, maintaining a public register of company information, and ensuring corporate transparency in the UK.

Since 8 April 2025, individuals have been able toย voluntarily verify their identityย using GOV.UK One Login or via anย Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP).

From 18 November 2025, this will become compulsory when incorporating a new business and new appointments for new directors.

The legal requirements are for directors and people with significant control (PSCs), impacting many Surrey businesses.

The intention is to give more assurance about who is setting up, running and controlling companies in the UK.

Companies House ID verification – how will it impact my business

The Companies House ID verification rollout is impacting six to seven million individuals.

From 18 November 2025:

  • new directors will need to verify their identity to incorporate a company or be appointed to an existing company
  • existing directors will need to confirm they have verified their identity at the same time as they file their next annual confirmation statement
  • existing PSCs will need to verify their identity

For most people this will be a one-off process that can be done in a few minutes.

Companies House will contact companies to tell them what their directors and PSCs need to do to meet identity verification requirements. It encourages individuals to verify their identities as early as possible.

From 18 November, directors and PSCs will also be able to check the Companies House register to see identity verification due dates for all their roles.

Identity verification requirements for limited partnerships, corporate directors of companies, corporate members of limited liability partnerships (LLPs), and officers of corporate PSCs will commence later.

The latest Government survey indicates 81% of respondents support the implementation of a new identity verification process.

How to verify

Individuals can verify their identity with Companies House throughย GOV.UK One Login, or through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP).ย ย 

Identity verification through GOV.UK One Login is free and can be completed quickly online.

In most cases, individuals will only need to verify their identity once. Once they have successfully verified their identity they will receive a personal code from Companies House.

From 18 November 2025, users will need to provide their personal code and a verification statement confirming they have successfully verified their identity for each company role they hold.

Companies House CEO Louise Smyth CBE said: ย 

“Identity verification will play a key role in improving the quality and reliability of our data and tackling misuse of the companies register. To support business and help people verify their identities, Companies House is contacting all companies with advice and guidance. This is part of a coordinated effort to help companies to comply. We encourage people to verify as early as possible.”

Promotional image from Companies House promoting its Verify programme

Surrey Space Institute launches to boost growing sector

Published 15 August 2025

Innovation, Skills and workforce

The Surrey Space Institute is taking off at the University of Surrey in Guildford. Its mission? To train 10% of the UK’s future space workforce in a growing sector which contributes billions to the country’s economy every year.

With the UK’s ยฃ19 billion space economy surging, government and industry urgently need faster research, innovation and skilled talent. Yet more than half of space organisations report critical shortages.

This is the challenge now being tackled by the newly launched Surrey Space Institute at the University of Surrey.

The Institute will convert the University’s 45-year small satellite leadership into mission-ready solutions for climate, resilience and secure global connectivity. 

It will bring together the region’s wider reputation for innovation, bringing sector-strengths in cybersecurity, telecoms, legal and biosciences. The focus is helping the UK stay competitive in a global industry that is growing at pace.ย 

It aims to scale up small businesses. It will also train 10% of the UK’s future space workforce through postgraduate degrees, hands-on missions and professional courses.

About the Surrey Space Institute

The Institute will build on the legacy of the Surrey Space Centre, whereย Professor Sir Martin Sweetingย pioneered the design and manufacturing of small satellites.ย 

Sir Martin founded the highly influential Surrey Satellite Technology Ltdย (SSTL). This university spin-out helped reshape how satellites are built across the global space sector. It has since earned ยฃ1 billion in satellite exports for the UK.ย  ย 

The Surrey Space Institute has been developed under the leadership of renowned astrophysicist and Pro-Vice-Chancellorย Professor Bob Nichol.

It will build on the firm foundations that the university and wider region has in a range of sectors. This includes engineering, telecoms, cybersecurity, biosciences and law.

This interdisciplinary approach is at the heart of the new Institute’s mission โ€“ to rethink how space can support society, the economy and the planet.

It will focus on building new technologies. And on developing the policies, systems and skills needed to run full space missions that respond to real-world needs.

Professor Adam Amara will be the inaugural Director of the Surrey Space Institute while continuing in his role as Chief Scientist to the UK Space Agency.  

Benefits to Surrey and beyond

Space contributes ยฃ7.2 billion directly to the UK’s GDP. It supports more than 52,000 jobs, most of them highly skilled. And it continues to invest heavily in innovation, with ยฃ1 billion spent on research and development.ย 

A key focus for the Surrey Space Institute Institute will be to help the UK grow its ability to run full space missions โ€“ combining hardware, software, policy and operations to tackle problems such as water security, climate resilience and space sustainability.

The Institute will also support small space companies to scale up. It will also give more people the skills needed to work in this fast-moving sector, helping the UK stay competitive in a global industry that is growing at pace.ย 

Currently 52% of UK space organisations reporting critical skills shortages, especially in software, data analysis, artificial intelligence and systems engineering. So the Institute aims to train 10% of the UK’s future space workforce through postgraduate degrees, hands-on missions and professional courses.

The launch of the Institute is timely, aligning with the Government’s industrial strategy, which recognises the space sector’s role in economic growth and UK defence capabilities.

In 2021/22, the UK space sector generated ยฃ18.9 billion in income, up 8% on the previous year, outpacing both the global space sector and the wider UK economy.

Surrey Space Institute – reaction

Professor Adam Amara, Head of School of Mathematics and Physics, said:

“Space is no longer a frontier activity; it is already a critical national and international infrastructure underpinning everything from climate security to high-speed connectivity.

“By uniting Surrey’s 45-year leadership in small satellites with cutting-edge AI and cyber-resilience, the Surrey Space Institute will give the UK the decisive capability it needs to stay ahead in the global space race and to solve complex problems at home and around the world.”

Martin Sweeting, founder of SSTL, said:

“The launch of the Surrey Space Institute is an exciting new chapter that captures that same entrepreneurial spirit as when we started the Space Centre. But it also reflects a much bigger ambition โ€“ to shape how the UK delivers space-based solutions to the challenges we face here on Earth. That means training new kinds of experts, working across disciplines and building systems that are sustainable, inclusive and ready for global deployment.”

Dr Paul Bate, CEO of the UK Space Agency, said:

“The launch of the Surrey Space Institute represents exactly the kind of bold, forward-thinking approach we need to maintain the UK’s position as a leader in space. Surrey’s remarkable 45-year track record in small satellites, combined with its vision to tackle real-world challenges from climate resilience to space sustainability, demonstrates how academic excellence can drive both economic growth and societal benefit.

“As we work to deliver the Government’s space ambitions, partnerships like this โ€“ bringing together world-class research, industry expertise and skills development โ€“ are essential to ensuring the UK space sector continues to thrive and deliver for our economy, our security and our planet.”ย 

Image of a satellite in space orbiting the earth

Start-up Surrey launches with expert support for entrepreneurs and early-stage businesses

Published 12 August 2025

Advice and support, Business news, Innovation

Budding entrepreneurs and early-stage businesses across Surrey are set to receive a major boost with the launch of the Start-Up Surrey programme. This is a dynamic new initiative funded by Surrey County Council’s Business Surrey service and delivered by leading business support provider The IncuHive Group.

This pilot programme will offer free, tailored guidance and practical support to residents who are preparing to launch their own ventures. It’s also available to businesses in their first year of operation.

It will guide founders step by step, with expert-led workshops, one-to-one mentoring, practical advice, and support from others on the same journey.

The programme will engage a diverse range of businesses across Surrey. It will cover key areas such as funding, marketing, finance, digital presence, and scaling strategies.

Itโ€™s the latest initiative from the Council under its Business Surrey offer, which provides free accessible support to help businesses of all sizes to start, grow and thrive.

Matt Furniss, the Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Economic Growth, welcomed the launch, adding:

โ€œSurrey has a wealth of untapped entrepreneurial talent, and this programme provides a much-needed platform to turn ideas into action. It aligns strongly with wider efforts to boost inclusive economic growth, support innovation, and build resilience into our local economy โ€“ all of which provides benefits to our people and communities.โ€

George Scott-Welsh, CEO of The IncuHive Group, said:

โ€œIncuHive is delighted to bring this initiative to life. Weโ€™ve seen first-hand how the right support, delivered at the right time, can completely change the trajectory of a business.

“Weโ€™re not just helping people start businesses. Weโ€™re helping them build viable, resilient ventures that can generate a real income and contribute to the local economy. We are thrilled to be working with Surrey County Council to bring hands-on support and real opportunities to Surreyโ€™s start-ups.โ€

Start-Up Surrey – sign up today

The Start-Up Surrey Programme is available to all start-ups and businesses in their first year of trading across Surrey.

There’s no cost to taking part. That’s because it’s fully funded by the Council via UK government funding.

Interested in finding out more? Register for the introductory webinar on Wednesday August 27 from 11am to 12pm. Register via the Eventbrite event link.

Similar events will follow monthly throughout the autumn. Dates are available on the Business Surrey Events page.

For more information or to register for the programme, visit the IncuHive website.

Or you can contact the Business Surrey team via our business support form.

A man in a business setting presents to a room. He is wearing a smart black top and has the words IncuHive written on a screen behind

Heathrow airport expansion plans submitted to government

Published 5 August 2025

Business news

Heathrow Airport expansion plans are now with government. If approved, the privately-financed plans could unlock jobs and growth for Surrey businesses. But there are still concerns around infrastructure, public transport, pollution and noise.

Heathrow submitted its shovel-ready proposals last week (Friday 1 August), promising a third runway and supporting infrastructure can be ready within a decade.

An expanded Heathrow would cost close to ยฃ48 billion. Benefits include giving passengers more choice, opening up new routes and increasing capacity. Plus terminals will be more spacious and accessible with flights quicker to take off, thanks to a once-in-a-generation redesign of the airfield.

Once completed, Heathrow says its plans would grow the UK economy by 0.43% GDP – providing jobs to Surrey residents and supply chain opportunities to Surrey businesses.

But there are concerns around the impact it could have on those living nearest, especially noise, pollution and transport connections.

Feedback from the Government is required by September to take the plans forward. Further consultation will follow with a planning application expected to be submitted in 2028.

Heathrow Airport expansion plans – in detail

The blueprint submitted to Government is available on the Heathrow website. It is not a formal planning application. The Heathrow airport expansion plans include:

  • A north-western runway up to 3,500 metres โ€“ a design that already has Parliamentary support
  • Increased capacity to serve up to 756,000 flights and 150 million passengers
  • A brand-new terminal โ€˜T5Xโ€™, expanding Terminal 2 and three new satellite terminals

The investment consists of three main elements:

  • ยฃ21 billion for the new runway and airfield infrastructure
  • ยฃ12 billion for new terminal and stand capacity โ€“ the brand new T5X
  • ยฃ15 billion for modernising the current airport through expanding Terminal 2 and ultimately closing Terminal 3

Heathrowโ€™s proposals include more choice and capacity on public transport. This includes enhanced rail capacity plus walking and cycling routes, reducing local and environmental impacts.

A new road tunnel, plans for two dedicated parkways and improvements to the countryโ€™s busiest bus and coach station are also proposed.

Heathrow is also confirming its commitment to reach net zero by 2050. It says it has a deliverable plan to get there, as well as setting targets on noise reduction and air quality.

If the Government implements the necessary policy changes, Heathrow plans to consult with airlines, the local community, local authorities, businesses and others from next year.

A planning application is expected to be submitted in 2028.

Heathrow expansion – impact on Surrey

Heathrow is located to the north of Surrey, neighbouring key towns such as Staines, Egham and Sunbury. It provides employment to thousands of residents and contributes millions to the regional economy.

Heathrow says its expansion plans will offer tens of thousands of employment opportunities during design, construction and operation. It will also unlock lifelong careers for those who live closest.

Meanwhile 40% of the wider supply chain spend will go to companies in London and the South East.

But more flights and a bigger airport means more potential disruption to those living nearest. Noise, emissions and public transport are key concerns.

Heathrow says its noise footprint has reduced by 41% since 2006 and all air quality monitors around the airport are meeting limits. A third runway and redesigned airspace will give communities and passengers more certainty and reliability on flight paths.

For the airport’s nearest neighbours, a community fund is being proposed. And Heathrow says it will continue to engage on how to be a better neighbour to its local community.

Heathrow airport expansion plans – reaction

Heathrow CEO Thomas Woldbye said:ย 

โ€œIt has never been more important or urgent to expand Heathrow. We are effectively operating at capacity to the detriment of trade and connectivity. With a green light from Government and the correct policy support underpinned by a fit for purpose regulatory model, we are ready to mobilise and start investing this year in our supply chain across the country. We are uniquely placed to do this for the country; it is time to clear the way for take-off.โ€

A spokesman for Surrey County Council said:

โ€œWe recognise the crucial role ofย Heathrowย airport in supporting employment for Surrey residents, generating investment in the Surrey economy and in attracting and retaining major businesses to locate in the county.

“Our goal is to work constructively with the Government, the airport, relevant national agencies and other local authorities on the proposals for a third runway in order to protect and promote the interests of Surrey residents and businesses.

โ€œDespite this, we remain strongly of the view that expansion requires the environmental and surface access issues involved to be satisfactorily addressed.”

Looking for support?

Business Surrey provides free and accessible support for all, no matter the size or stage of journey.

We recognise you may need additional help, either via email, phone or face-to-face. So you can get in touch with our expert enterprise advisors at any point.

You can also:

Aerial image of Heathrow airport expansion plans

Small Business Plan unveiled by government

Published 31 July 2025

Business news

The Small Business Plan promising SMEs the tools they need to grow has been published by government. This includes better access to finance and stronger powers on late payments.

Small and medium sized firms employ 60% of the countryโ€™s workforce and generate ยฃ2.8 trillion in turnover. But ministers say, for too long, the odds have been stacked against small businesses.

Government’s Small Business Plan promises action to change that. At its heart is proposals to introduce the toughest laws on late payments in the G7. There’s also better access to finance, including via the British Business Bank.

It follows the recent publication of the long-term industrial and trade strategy thatโ€™s helping businesses plan ahead with confidence.

Scroll down to see how this could impact your Surrey business.

Late payments

Government estimates late payments cost the UK economy ยฃ11 billion per year and closes down 38 UK businesses every day.

New laws will give stronger powers to the Small Business Commissioner. It will empower them to wield fines, worth potentially millions of pounds, against the biggest firms who persistently choose to pay their suppliers late.

The Small Business Commissioner will have new powers to carry out spot checks and enforce a 30-day invoice verification period to speed up resolutions to disputes.

Upcoming legislation will also introduce maximum payment terms of 60 days, reducing to 45 days – giving firms certainty theyโ€™ll be paid on time.

Audit committees will also be legally required to scrutinise payment practices at board level. It places greater pressure on large firms to show theyโ€™re treating small suppliers fairly.

Mandatory interest charges for those who pay late will also be introduced.

These changes will also save small businesses valuable time, freeing up hours currently spent chasing overdue invoices so they can focus on growing their business instead.

A consultation on the proposed changes is running on the government website.

Access to finance

Many small firms struggle to secure the funding they need to invest, expand, or even survive. This is despite the UKโ€™s world-leading financial services sector.

So, Government is launching a new ยฃ4 billion wave of financial support for small businesses. It includes a ยฃ1 billion boost for new businesses. Plus 69,000 Start-Up Loans and mentoring support to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs and small business owners.

The Government is also delivering a new ยฃ3 billion boost to the British Business Bank – raising the total guarantee to ยฃ5 billion. This will help lenders offer more small business loans through the ENABLE programme – providing a government-backed guarantee, better loan terms and lower interest.

Other changes

Small Business Plan – reaction

Michelle Ovens CBE, Founder, Small Business Britain, said:

โ€œI am thrilled to see the Small Business Plan launched today, putting the nationโ€™s smallest businesses at the heart of Government strategy where it should be. These job creators and economy builders will benefit from a huge boost to funding through the British Business Bank, a boost to skills, support for high streets and a long hoped for legislative backing for getting paid on time.

“We will not see economic growth without small business growth. So I am eager to get on and help the Government deliver on this agenda – and help small businesses regardless of their background start, grow and thrive.โ€

Tina McKenzie, Policy Chair of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), said:

โ€œMaking sure businesses are paid on time, that our high streets thrive, and creating conditions in which everyone can start and succeed in business are crucial priorities for small businesses, communities and the economy.

โ€œTodayโ€™s plan is an encouraging commitment from the Government to take the side of small businesses in the great growth challenge ahead.โ€

Support for your small business in Surrey

Business Surrey provides free and accessible support for all, no matter the size or stage of journey.

We recognise you may need additional help, either via email, phone or face-to-face. So you can get in touch with our expert enterprise advisors at any point.

You can also:

Two women running a small business at a table working on their laptops

Skills Bootcamps applications open for Surrey employers and training providers

Published 9 July 2025

Funding and grants, Skills and workforce

Skills Bootcamps applications are being invited from Surrey employers and training providers for 2025/26. Discover how these government-funded courses can upskill your team in a just a few weeks.

Are you a Surrey employer struggling to recruit? Does your team have skills gaps youโ€™d like to fill? Apply today for Skills Bootcamps funding to equip your business with the talent and know-how to thrive. 

Skills Bootcamps are free, flexible courses of up to 16 weeks for anyone aged 19+ to enter employment, upskill or change career. 

We – as part of Surrey County Council – have received ยฃ3.1 million from the Department for Education to deliver courses across Surrey during 2025/26.ย 

Weโ€™re looking for innovative ideas from employers and training providers to design and deliver courses to equip our residents with the skills to grow our future economy. 

Think Skills Bootcamps may be a good fit to help you upskill your team or address your workforce needs? Get in touch to find out more by emailing skillsbootcamps@surreycc.gov.uk. 

A member of the team will then arrange a one-to-one discussion to talk through your challenges and objectives. 

Of if youโ€™re ready to apply, then scroll down to find out more about the process. 

Skills Bootcamps 2025/26 – who can apply 

Applications can be made by: 

  • independent training providers 
  • further education (FE) colleges 
  • employers 

As employers, you will possess the relevant intelligence to support a robust proposal. This includes demonstrating creative design and an understanding of local employersโ€™ needs.

Do you not have experience of skills training? You can partner with organisations that can evidence proven experience and strong local networks to design and deliver innovative courses shaped around the needs of jobseekers and employers. 

Contact the Business Surrey team to discuss this further.

Skills Bootcamps applications

We are now accepting Skills Bootcamps applications from interested parties under a competitive grant award process. They will form part of Wave 6 of the programme, completing by the end of March 2026. 

Applications will need to evidence demand, strategic fit and innovation, setting out: 

  • access to employment post training (preference to partnership bids with employers)
  • how you will meet demand in the local economy, using evidence such as Surrey Economic Growth Strategy and Labour Market Information 
  • who your target learners are 
  • your previous experience delivering employer-led training 
  • previous collaboration with local employers (Training providers only) 
  • how you will deliver the programme 

We actively encourage joint applications from training providers and employers. Make sure they clearly evidence how the course will fill open vacancies.

There is no closing date. We will asses applications on a rolling basis for suitability. But we do advise applicants to submit entries as soon as possible. This is so courses are delivered before the end of March 2026.ย 

Apply now by completing the application form on the Business Surrey website.

Not sure where to start? Looking for more guidance? Get in touch via skillsbootcamps@surreycc.gov.ukย 

Need extra support?

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Looking for more bespoke support? Search our comprehensive business support directory.

Or get in touch with the Business Surrey team direct via our business support form.

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Local Government Reorganisation business webinar – sign up today

Published 3 July 2025

Business news, Events and awards

The way public services are delivered in Surrey is changing – and it could have a big impact on how you do business. Discover more at our Local Government Reorganisation business webinar.

Government wants to transfer more powers and funding from Whitehall to local areas, creating elected mayors in regions where they donโ€™t currently have them โ€“ like Surrey – to drive economic growth.

For this to happen, some areas need to reorganise and streamline local government first, creating single unitary councils rather than the current two tiers of county and districts.

Our Local Government Reorganisation business webinar will feature leaders from Surrey County Council. They will explain what these changes will mean for Surrey and its economy.

Discover what impact it could have on your business. And how it could transform the way that major issues like housing, transport and planning are delivered across the region. 

The event will run via Microsoft Teams from 11.30am to 12.30pm on July 23. Register here.

Submit your questions for our Local Government Reorganisation business webinar

Government asked Surrey leaders to draw up proposals earlier this year as part of its wider devolution agenda. Final plans called Shaping Surreyโ€™s Future were submitted in April and a government consultation on options is now live.

Surrey County Council, Elmbridge Borough Council and Mole Valley District Council are recommending Surrey is arranged into two new unitary councils, East Surrey and West Surrey. 

Discover what this could mean for you at our Local Government Reorganisation business webinar

Attendees are encouraged to pre-submit questions in advance either via the registration form or email to: economy.growth@surreycc.gov.uk. 

You’ll also be able to ask questions during the session via the Q&A function.   

Those questions not covered during the evening will be added to Surrey County Council’s online โ€˜frequently asked questionsโ€™ page.

Do take a look at the Council’s local government reorganisation web pages, where our final plan is also available.

Additional information

After registering via the Microsoft Teams event page you will be sent a notification with a Teams link.

To attend the event, either join directly via the Microsoft Teams app, or via your web browser using Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox, Safari or Google Chrome.

This session will be automatically recorded and sent via email to registered event attendees within a week following the event. We will also send all attendees a recording of the webinar along with a post-event survey.

The only visible people during the session will be the speakers. The names of event attendees may be visible as part of the recording.

For further information on how we use your data please see the Business Surrey Privacy Policy.

Graphic showing a map of Surrey split in two under a Local Government Reorganisation plan