Author: Tim Ridgway

Local government reorganisation interim proposals put forward by Surrey leaders

Published 14 March 2025

Business news

Local government reorganisation in Surrey is moving a step forward as leaders of all 12 Surrey councils agree on the key points of an interim proposal for the county.

Under the plans – which need to be signed off by ministers – Surrey Council Council along with the county’s 11 district and borough councils could be dissolved by April 2027. They would be replaced by a series of new unitary councils.

Ministers say streamlining local government could lead to greater efficiencies, improved service delivery, and economic growth for businesses in the area.

Government adds that Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) in Surrey will then unlock further devolution in the county. This could see greater responsibilities transferred out of Whitehall to local leaders to drive economic growth.

Local government reorganisation in Surrey

In February, government asked Surrey to move forward quickly with plans for local government reorganisation and devolution.

All Surrey Council Leaders have worked together over recent weeks, agreeing key areas of collaboration and principles for reorganisation and devolution in the county.

Surrey County Councilโ€™s Cabinet are meeting next week (March 18) to agree and submit its interim proposals ahead of the governmentโ€™s March 21 deadline.

The proposal sets out how the county council will work jointly with district and borough councils through LGR and devolution. It also highlights opportunities for residents and businesses across Surrey.

District and borough councils in Surrey are also discussing options for reorganisation and will publish their recommendations in due course.

Government will give direction on whether any of these options should be developed further. A full business case will then be submitted on 9 May.โ€ฏ A final decision is expected from ministers in the Autumn.

LGR – what council leaders are saying

Tim Oliver, Leader of Surrey County Council said: โ€œIโ€™m pleased that Surreyโ€™s Leaders have come together to agree the principles of a local government reorganisation proposal โ€“ which makes Surrey the first area in the country to agree a collective plan with all councils.

“I am clear that two unitary councils would bring the most benefits for Surreyโ€™s residents. It would create a simpler model of local government that is more efficient, offers better value for money and improved outcomes for all.

“We are well prepared for change in Surrey and our proposal would set the foundations for better public service alignment and unlock further devolution, meaning we can elect a mayor which will bring more power, flexibility and funding. 

“Throughout the development of this proposal we’ve engaged with partners across Surrey to ensure weโ€™re putting the best option forward to government. Itโ€™s important to consider how all council services, as well as other bodies like the police, fire service, health services operate, so any new system makes sense for residents.”

Hannah Dalton, Chair of Surrey Leaders Group said: “The leaders of Surreyโ€™s councils have been meeting weekly to discuss how local government will be structured here in Surrey.

“Today, district and borough councils will publish a report outlining potential options on what form local government reorganisation may take, which will include scenarios for two and three unitary councils. The vast majority of the 11 districts and boroughs are supporting three unitaries.

“Next week, Extraordinary Council Meetings will take place across the county, at which councillors are invited to note the initial submission.

“We remain committed to working together to agree a proposal that achieves the best possible outcomes for our residents.”

How will LGR and devolution impact Surrey businesses?

The creation of new unitary councils across Surrey will affect businesses across the county.

From a practical point of view, who you pay business rates to will change. Other local services like commercial waste, planning, licensing, environmental health and trading standards could also move to a new authority.

Devolution could have an even greater impact. Evidence from areas like Greater Manchester and West Midlands shows that handing greater powers to regional leaders can drive growth. It can also strengthen local economies.

Surrey is already benefiting from some devolved responsibilities. This includes business support delivered via Business Surrey’s Growth Hub service and Surrey Careers Hub.

Additional devolution could see transport, skills, employment support and strategic planning move under an elected regional mayor.

This will mean greater control and local accountability over the development of Surrey’s economy.

What happens next?

Government has asked Surrey County Council to submit an interim plan by next week (March 21). A final proposal is due by May 9. Ministers will then decide on the best option for Surrey by Autumn this year.

To help meet the ambitious timelines, government has postponed County Council elections for one year to May 2026. โ€‹

Elections to new ‘shadow’ unitary councils are expected to take place in May 2026. They could officially go live in April 2027 when existing councils will dissolve. โ€‹

Devolution is set to follow once LGR is complete. This could see a Mayoral Strategic Authority (MSA) created for the county, enabling further devolution across Surrey. Or Surrey could join a neighbouring MSA.

The draft LGR business plan will be available on Surrey County Council’s Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation page when published.

Visit the FAQs page on the County Council website for further information.

Aerial image of Surrey UK

Digital changes coming for Surrey businesses

Published 13 March 2025

Advice and support, Innovation

Digital changes are coming for Surrey businesses of all sizes, which may impact how customers and suppliers contact, pay and invoice you.

In less than two years, all analogue landlines in the UK will be switched off. This could impact how customers contact your Surrey business and how they pay for your services.

Government is also considering the roll out of e-invoicing, which could improve productivity and automate business processes.

Below we set out how and when these changes are coming into force. And why your Surrey business should start thinking about futureproofing your business today.

Digital changes: phone lines

Landlines in the UK are going digital – but is your business ready?

The existing analogue technology – the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) – which has supported phone and broadband services for decades is being retired and switched off. This is because the network is old, and becoming harder and more expensive to maintain.

So by early 2027, all landline calls will be delivered over digital technology, called Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP). You might also see this referred to as โ€˜digital phoneโ€™ or โ€˜digital voiceโ€™.

This is not happening only in the UK. These changes are taking place all over the world.

Business benefits of digital phone lines

Trade magazine ISPreview estimates one in five (22%) of all UK businesses are still using analogue systems.

New digital phone lines will allow communications providers (such as BT, Virgin Media O2, Sky and Vodafone) to offer consumers and businesses clearer and better quality phone calls. There could also be new features such as anonymous caller rejection or three-way calling. 

VoIP is also more resistant to severe weather. The cables used are waterproof and less prone to damage during a storm or other severe weather events.

Landlines may also be used for alternative devices such as lift alarms, fax machines, burglar alarms and card payment systems.

BT has taken the decision to retire its PSTN by January 2027. This means other providers that use BTโ€™s network must follow the same timescale – so, at most, Surrey businesses have 18 months to move over to a new digital network.

Communications providers will not know which devices are connected to their network. So it is important for you to review which devices you’re using and decide if they need replacing or upgrading.

Then contact your current communications provider to discuss alternatives.

To help, Ofcom has published a list of FAQs and prompts. Openreach has also published factsheets for businesses who use phone lines to deliver services. This will help you understand how the move to VoIP services may affect you.

Digital changes: Electronic invoicing

Would electronic invoicing help your Surrey business? Government is seeking views on standardising and increasing its adoption across UK businesses.

E-invoicing is the digital exchange of invoice information directly between buyersโ€™ and suppliersโ€™ financial systems, even if these systems are different. The invoice is then automatically written into the buyerโ€™s financial system without manual processing.

Increased e-invoicing uptake may support economic growth, business productivity, improve business cashflow and reduce errors in tax returns. It has the potential to both support businesses and tax administration.

HMRC and the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) are currently running a joint consultation to understand how e-invoicing may align with you or your customersโ€™ businesses.

Businesses of all sizes โ€“ whether they use e-invoicing or not โ€“ are encouraged to take part, along with interest groups, representative bodies, industry bodies and individuals.

Responses will take a few minutes to complete via this online form.

Looking for further support?

Our team of experts can provide tailored advice to help your business grow and succeed. Get in touch to find out more via our business support form.

You can also register to receive our newsletter, to receive the latest information on events, funding and more, for all Surrey businesses, direct to your inbox every month.

A man sat a desk with a laptop in front of him smiles while looking at a phone. He is in a business environment. There is a pot plant on the table too.

SME Surrey Business Awards 2025 deadline approaches

Published 11 March 2025

Events and awards

The countdown is on for Surrey businesses to enter the Surrey SME Business Awards 2025.

The SME Surrey Awards are an exciting opportunity to support and share in our vision to raise the profile of industrious, hardworking and enterprising SMEs in Surrey.

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are businesses whose personnel numbers are 250 employees or less.

SMEs are also said to be responsible for driving innovation and competition in many economic sectors. These awards are the perfect chance to showcase your work to a wider audience.

As the organisers of the event say: “Business awards are a sought after accolade of achievement, a veritable endorsement of success in business which offers exceptional marketing and PR opportunities as well as increasing your credibility and standing in the eyes of your peers and your customers. Of course, it feels pretty wonderful too!”

The deadline to enter is currently midday on March 27. Full details are on the SME Surrey Business Awards website.

All entries are judged by up to four of the awards’ national panel of judges.

The winners will be announced at a ceremony in the Harbour Hotel, Guilford, on June 10.

SME Surrey Business Awards 2025 categories

There are 20 categories to enter, including:

  • Apprentice of the Year
  • Best Enterprising Business
  • Best New Business
  • Business Person of the Year
  • Employer of the Year
  • Corporate Social Responsibility Award
  • Community Business of the Year
  • High Growth Business of the Year
  • Young Business Person of the Year
  • Service Excellence
  • Website of the Year

There are also two separate Business of the Year Awards – one for businesses with fewer than 50 employees; and one for those with more than 50 employees.

You may enter up to 3 awards categories and 1 public vote category. Each entry costs ยฃ21.50 plus VAT.

View the categories on the SME Surrey Awards website.

Further support for Surrey SMEs

Our team of experts can provide tailored advice to help your business grow and succeed. Get in touch to find out more via our business support form.

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

Group of people in party clothes celebrating an award win

Rakuten Symphony – a Surrey Success Story

Published 19 February 2025

Surrey Success Stories

Rakuten Symphony is the latest of our Surrey Success Stories, a collection of video case studies of businesses โ€“ large and small โ€“ that are putting our region on the map. Click on the video below to discover how this Surrey firm with Japanese roots is reimagining the telecommunications market.

Who are Rakuten Symphony?

Rakuten Symphony is a British firm with a Japanese mentality.

It is one of more than 70 services which form the Rakuten group, a global company with Japanese roots which has more than one billion members.

Located in Weybridge, Rakuten Symphony provides cloud-native, open radio access network and operational support systems solutions to the telecommunications industry.

Its journey started five years ago with the mission to disrupt and reinvent the sector. Its aim is low-cost, fast and high-quality network coverage for every single person. And a key part of driving is digitalising all of its business processes.

A cutting-edge facility in Weybridge opened in April 2023 with support of Japanese and UK governments. This supports the testing of Open Radio Access Network (RAN) and third-party technology, while also allowing mobile operators to come and see how it works.

This approach attracts customers from across the globe. Last month, an agreement was signed with Telkom Kenya to test Open RAN technology throughout Africa. And this month, Rakuten Symphony started testing in Ukraine with a view to developing critical digital infrastructure in the war-hit country.

Rakuten Symphony: where east meets west

Rakuten Symphony’s Japanese roots are evident throughout its UK headquarters.

It’s also evident in its employees, who must embody Rakuten Shugiย (or Basic Principles) through their professional roles.

There is high value on innovation and entrepreneurship. Plus, a focus on the Rakuten group’s overall mission to improve the way people live and drive progress in society through our revolutionary services.

But another crucial ingredient is the region of Surrey, with the benefits supporting business objectives and employee wellbeing.

As UK Managing Director Nastasi Karaiskos says: “There’s a great talent pool to tap into, an accessible area, beautiful place to work, great connections to the motorways, close connections to the airports, close connections to the trains.”

Looking to relocate your business to Surrey?

Looking for a vibrant UK region to base your business? Discover more about the benefits of doing business in Surrey by getting in touch with our expert team.

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

As part of Business Surrey, Surrey County Council can assist companies looking to invest and grow in Surrey via the Invest in Surrey service.

Whether youโ€™re a start-up, SME or international company, you can benefit from specialist expertise, local knowledge and business support.

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

Two men - one in a Rakuten Symphony polo shirt - look at a computer rack system which powers cloud based technology.

Business blog – Workforce Wellbeing: a vital ingredient for business success

Published 18 February 2025

Skills and workforce, Thought leadership

In the latest blog for Business Surrey, Surrey County Councilโ€™s Public Health Lead Tessa Axelrod explains why focusing on the wellbeing of your workforce could be a simple way to boost your business in 2025.

In todayโ€™s fast paced and ever evolving work environment itโ€™s easy to focus on little but the bottom line. However, there is one thing that is often overlooked but essential to driving productivity and growth: workforce wellbeing.

Poor mental wellbeing costs employers in the UK an estimated ยฃ42 billion to ยฃ45 billion a year.

So, investing in wellbeing isnโ€™t just a nice to have, itโ€™s crucial for a thriving business.

The good news is that businesses in Surrey can get free expert bespoke advice via the new โ€œHow Are You?โ€ programme.

Not convinced? Well, read our business blog on workforce wellbeing to discover six benefits for your business and the wider Surrey economy when you look after the wellbeing of your workforce.

1. Improves Productivity and Performance

In 2022/23, an estimated 875,000 employees suffered from work-related stress, depression or anxiety, resulting in 17.1 million working days lost.

So, it makes business sense to nurture a well-supported workforce.

When employees feel mentally and physically healthy and know how to manage stress, they will be more energised, focused and more productive.

2. Reduces sick days

When employees feel well cared for and are supported, theyโ€™re less likely to be absent from work for extended periods. So, taking steps to improve the mental and physical health of employees is good for business.

Workplace wellbeing programs that emphasise mental and physical health can significantly reduce illness, stress, or burnout.

These preventative measures can also have a long-term impact โ€“ as healthy employees are less prone to chronic diseases and other health issues.

And itโ€™s good for the bottom line too โ€“ as The National Institute of Clinical Excellence estimates that implementing interventions to promote staff wellbeing could save employers up to ยฃ5,020 per employee.

3. Fosters Positive Workplace Culture

Workplace culture plays a crucial role in shaping an organisationโ€™s overall success โ€“ and employee wellbeing is key to that, creating a more positive, inclusive, and supportive environment.

When done well, employees feel more connected to their colleagues and leaders, which boosts morale and strengthens team dynamics

And this sense of community fosters collaboration, trust, respect and loyalty โ€“ which are all essential ingredients to building a great team and a great business.

4. Enhances Creativity and Innovation

When employees are mentally and physically well, theyโ€™re in a better position to think creatively and innovate.

Stress and burnout can stifle creative thinking, while a healthy and balanced workforce tends to be more open-minded, resourceful, and capable of generating fresh ideas.

Wellbeing programmes that support work-life balance, provide opportunities for personal growth, and encourage creative expression can help employees stay energised and motivated to think outside the box.

Innovation thrives when individuals feel supported and empowered, which is why a focus on wellbeing is an essential component of fostering a culture of creativity.

5. Attracts and Retains Top Talent

In a competitive job market, offering a comprehensive wellbeing programme can set an organisation apart from others. Todayโ€™s workers increasingly prioritise work-life balance, mental health support, and overall wellness when considering potential employers.

Organisations that prioritise workforce wellbeing are signalling to prospective employees that they care about their holistic needs, which makes them a more attractive place to work.

In addition, focusing on employee wellbeing helps retain top talent. Employees who feel valued and supported in their health and wellbeing are less likely to leave, reducing turnover rates and the associated costs of recruitment and training.

6. Builds a Sustainable Future

A healthy, happy workforce contributes to the long-term stability, profitability, and growth of a successful organisation. When employees feel supported, they are more likely to invest their time, energy, and talents into the companyโ€™s success, resulting in a more resilient and adaptive organisation.

Organisations that recognise the importance of employee wellbeing and integrate it into their corporate strategy are more likely to enjoy long-term success, even in times of economic uncertainty or change. Well-supported employees are adaptable, loyal, and dedicated to overcoming challenges and achieving long-term goals.

Want to learn more about workforce wellbeing?

Our business blog on workforce wellbeing is just the start.

If youโ€™re a business in Surrey then you can apply to get immediate support to focus on wellbeing in the workplace.

โ€œHow Are You?โ€ is a fully funded programme to support employers which is delivered by Surrey County Council.

Spaces are limited โ€“ so if you’re interested in taking part then get in touch today.

Our team of experts will work with you to develop a simple approach that works for you and your business. We can support those with 10 or more employees whatever yourย sector.

Two people wearing hi-vis jackets laugh while looking at each other. They are working in a factory. One holds a clipboard, the other is wearing protective gloves.

Boost Your Business expert guide now available

Published 4 February 2025

Advice and support

Boost Your Business in 2025 with our expert guide. Access tips and advice on how to grow your Surrey business in just a few clicks.

Have you started a business in Surrey and looking for help to take it to the next level?

With 110,000 registered businesses in Surrey, you are not alone โ€“ with thousands of people in a similar
situation.

At Business Surrey, itโ€™s our role to provide free help and support to businesses like yours.

Thatโ€™s why we have put together this complimentary handy guide, to provide you which some easy-to-access tips to grow your business.

Download the guide in just a few clicks via our Boost Your Business Guide form.

What is the Boost Your Business expert guide?

The Boost Your Business expert guide contains lots of tips and advice for those at all stages of their business journey.

There are four main sections covering some of the most popular topics we are asked for information on.

These are:

  • growing your business – including turning your business idea into reality
  • marketing – covering seven steps to promote your business
  • funding and finance – including different ways to secure investment
  • recruitment – knowing when you need to expand your workforce to support growth

Download the guide in just a few clicks via our Boost Your Business Guide form.

We recognise that some business owners may need more bespoke support. So you can get in touch with our business advisors at any point to ask for specific advice.

Further support to boost your business

Business Surrey is Surrey County Councilโ€™s service providing free and accessible support for all businesses across Surrey.

Our team of experts can provide independent and impartial advice on exploring opportunities and how to
tackle various challenges.

We work with you to understand your unique business needs and can direct you to the right resources and opportunities.

Whatever your business, our experts are here to help you succeed by providing access to quality resources, expert local knowledge and professional insight. Our offer incudes:

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

Decorative image showing the front cover of the Business Surrey Boost Your Business expert guide

Heathrow expansion response from Surrey leaders

Published 30 January 2025

Business news

Heathrow expansion plans are being backed by government following an announcement by Chancellor Rachel Reeves this week.

In a speech delivered yesterday, the Chancellor said a third runway would “unlock further growth, boost investment, increase exports, and make the UK more open and more connected”.

The government, she added, invites proposals to be brought forward by summer.

In response, Matt Furniss, Surrey County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Economic Growth, said: “We recognise the crucial role ofย Heathrow 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 agenciesย andย other local authoritiesย onย proposals for a third runwayย in order to protect and promote the interests of Surrey residents and businesses.

“Despite this, we remain strongly of the view thatย expansion requires the environmental and surface access issues involved to be satisfactorily addressed.

“Any expansion will only be a success for Surrey residents and businesses and for the wider South East if there is a clear and agreed framework for the necessary infrastructure, including southern rail access, together with appropriate mitigation measures and commitments to address environmental impacts in place before any new runway comes into operation.

“We call on the Government to take the lead in developing such a framework.”

What are the Heathrow expansion plans?

Heathrow expansion plans include a new, full length, runway to the north-west of the airport and several new facilities both on and off the airfield.

An economic impact report published by Heathrow estimates a third runway could boost the UK economy by close to ยฃ17.1 billion per annum by 2050 (0.43% of GDP).

Heathrow is currently consulting with investors, government, airline customers and regulators on next steps.ย Proposals include:

  • A new terminal building to the west of Terminal 5 and the eventual demolition of Terminal 3 to make way for a series of new satellite terminals
  • Creating new public transport interchange points and consolidating parking facilities
  • Adding surface access capacity to the airport, taking advantage of planned future railway upgrades in the area
  • Significant community compensation schemes and impact mitigation measures
  • Increasing capacity for an additional 260,000 flights per year

Further details – including a series of FAQs – are available on the Heathrow website.

Aerial view of Heathrow Airport, which borders Surrey

Copyright:ย Photo ยฉ BAA Airports Limited

New Skills Bootcamps for Creatives to boost small businesses in Surrey

Published 20 January 2025

Advice and support, Skills and workforce

Surreyโ€™s creative community has a new opportunity to thrive with the launch of Skills Bootcamps for Creatives, designed to provide essential business skills for freelancers and small creative businesses.

Delivered by Mastered Studios, this program offers a practical and accessible way to develop the tools necessary to win clients, grow your brand, and do more of what you love.

With a strong focus on supporting smaller businesses, this Skills Bootcamp is ideal for freelancers and entrepreneurs seeking to sharpen their competitive edge in the creative industries.

The course is fully-funded – meaning it is free to freelancers and creative SMEs in Surrey.

Whatโ€™s in the Skills Bootcamps for Creatives?

Participants will benefit from 60 hours of training, mentoring, and coaching spread over 8 weeks. This will cover:

  • Developing a robust business plan
  • Effective marketing and branding strategies
  • Growing your social media presence
  • Pricing and fee negotiation skills
  • And much more!

The course runs for one day a week online, making it flexible and accessible to fit around your busy schedule.

Upon completion, learners will also receive monthly mentoring calls for six months. This ensures ongoing support as they implement their new skills.

Connecting creatives

Running a small business or working as a freelancer can sometimes feel lonely, with the complexities of managing clients, finances, and growth often falling solely on your shoulders.

The Skills Bootcamp for Creatives not only equips you with practical knowledge but also connects you with like-minded professionals, creating a supportive network of peers who understand your challenges and share your ambitions.

Why join?

Small businesses are the backbone of Surreyโ€™s creative economy. This programme is tailored to help you overcome common challenges. It makes it perfect for those looking to scale up, navigate pricing with confidence, or build a compelling brand presence.

Sign up today

Donโ€™t miss this opportunity to take your creative business to the next level.  Visit the Mastered website for more information and to register for upcoming sessions.

For general information on Skills Bootcamps, visit the page on the Surrey County Council website.

Support for Surrey businesses

Our team of experts can provide tailored advice to help your business grow and succeed. Get in touch to find out more via our business support form.

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

Skills Bootcamps for Businesses photo montage

Magical Mushroom Company – a Surrey Success Story

Published 20 January 2025

Innovation, Surrey Success Stories

Magical Mushroom Company is the latest of our Surrey Success Stories, a collection of video case studies of businesses โ€“ large and small โ€“ that are putting our region on the map. Click on the video below to discover how Surrey is harnessing nature to help it grow.

Magical Mushroom Company: growing from nature

Meet the Surrey company harnessing the power of nature to tackle plastic pollution.

Magical Mushroom Company launched in Esher in 2019. Since then has grown from startup to a scaling business producing millions of pieces of packaging for a huge range of companies across Europe.

The company harnesses the natural flexibility and strength of mycelium, the material structure of fungi, to grow protective packaging by combining it with agricultural waste such as hemp, cork and sawdust.

This offers a safe, sustainable and totally home-compostable alternative to plastic foams. Clients include Selfridges, Lush and drinks company Seedlip.

As well as packaging it has grown chairs, beehives, hampers, and even funerary urns!

Growing in Surrey

Magical Mushroom Company continues to grow from its Surrey roots.

Its base in Esher has provided a strong foothold for business in the capital while able it to recruit top local talent. It also provides employees a great quality of life.

Magical Mushroom Company continues to evolve- and now the only firm in the world mass producing mycelium products.

Since 2020, the company has produced millions and millions of pieces of Mushroomยฎ Packaging, effectively removing thousands of tonnes of plastic packaging from landfill.

Thanks to a ยฃ1.1 million loan from Innovate UK, it has opened a UK-based raw materials plant so it can ramp up production.

With factories in Nottingham and Sofia, its capacity has grown to 200,000 units per week.

All this means it has about 50 full-time employees and on track to turnover ยฃ6 million in 2024.

Looking to relocate your business to Surrey?

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

As part of Business Surrey, Surrey County Council can assist companies looking to invest and grow in Surrey via the Invest in Surrey service.

Whether youโ€™re a start-up, SME or international company, you can benefit from specialist expertise, local knowledge and business support.

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

Two men looking at products in a Building Materials merchants
Man wearing gloves sprinkling sawdust into a container
An image of inside the Magical Mushroom Company factory in Esher, Surrey

Sell online with confidence with free product safety courses from Trading Standards

Published 10 January 2025

Advice and support

Does your business sell online products which are regulated for product safety? If the answer is yes, then you can accessย FREEย product safety courses to boost your knowledge and improve how you do business.

Buckinghamshire and Surrey Trading Standards is working with the UK Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) and the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) to provide the offer.

It is available to all Surrey businesses who sell via websites or social media until the end of March. 

Those taking part will boost their knowledge and understanding of product safety. It will also improve how you do business and boost customer confidence.

Businesses who’ve already taken part have reported:

  • increased awareness and education
  • building a relationship with the regulator,
  • improving future business with plans for future actions

What does free product safety courses involve?

The product safety training is open to all businesses that sell products online – from sole traders and SMEs to multi-nationals. You may also have retail premises or sell only a few items on social media.

It has three elements:โ€ฏ 

  1. An initial conversation with a Trading Standards Officer to discuss your approach to product procurement. This includes your understanding of product safety and online trading requirements. 
  2. Free training workshops delivered by the CTSI, plus access to online materials and guidance. 
  3. A final conversation between you and a Trading Standards Officer. This establishes the impact of the training and it it has improved your understanding of consumer product safety and online trading. 

No personal data or information provided by a business will be reused for any other purposes outside of the training. 

And the discussions with Trading Standards officers are simply to establish if you have benefited from the training. They will not be discussing individual products or specific compliance related issue.  

How do I sign up?

Businesses interested can sign up via Surrey County Council’s online form.

Or you can contact Trading Standards direct by calling 0300123 2329.

If you need more general support then the Business Surrey team can also provide free support. Get in touch via the Business Support Form.

A man in a black suit and white shirt stands in from of a promotional banner for Buckinghamshire and Surrey Trading Standards