Author: Tim Ridgway

Surrey Economic Growth Fund round one: £2 million funding announced

Published 30 September 2025

Business news, Funding and grants

Surrey Economic Growth Fund round one invests £2 million to Surrey businesses and wider economy. Collectively the grants will provide an economic boost worth millions, creating scores of new jobs and hundreds of local job opportunities.

From vineyards and biotech to manufacturing and AI firms, a diverse range of organisations from all four corners of the county are receiving investment via the Surrey Economic Growth Fund.

The scheme is made up of a range of pooled funding streams. This includes the government’s UK Shared Prosperity Funding and Rural England Prosperity Fund. It was launched by Surrey County Council in April.

Following a highly competitive process, close to £2 million has been awarded to dozens of recipients, unlocking significant match funding and private investment.

The successful bids are collectively estimated to grow Surrey’s economy by £9 million, create or safeguard 300 jobs and bring 1,350 residents into employment.

Economic Growth Fund round one examples

One business receiving funding is Aero Sensor, a world-leading technology firm in Dunsfold Industrial Park led by a former F1 engineer Dr Barney Garrood.

The company is one of only three companies globally developing new aerodynamic measurement probes for automotive and aerospace applications.

The five-figure grant will support the creation of a new wind-tunnel facility to test its designs, creating new highly skilled jobs in the process.

Dr Garrood said: “The grant enabled us to fully kit out the wind tunnel with tools and instruments we need. We’ll also be hiring new staff and technicians. I have over 20 years of experience in F1 and we’re going to take people on and train them up in a highly skilled job.

“Having our own wind tunnel means we can halve our turnaround time to develop our existing probes that will make them world leading. There are only three other companies in the world that make these things. Having that facility on site is going to massively accelerate our development time and allow us to develop more advanced probes. It’s moved the business forward by about a year.”

Two men stand behind a bright blue high tech piece of equipment with aersensor written on it. Behind them is a banner for Business Surrey.

Agriculture, AI and local supply chains

Other successful bids include Woodlark Nurseries in Hersham creating a new horticultural facility, while Upper Birtley Farm Partnership near Bramley will establish a premium glamping and outdoor education site in the Surrey Hills.

Dorking Distillery received a grant to create a new, custom-built distillery at Denbies Wine Estate, enhancing Surrey’s reputation for world-class food and drink.

And a Godalming business, Sammi-Select, will develop a new ‘practice interview’ tool adapted from an AI platform. This will support marginalised jobseekers such as young people not in education or training and those who are digitally excluded.

There’s county-wide approaches funded too, including allocations for Surrey Venture Studio to support start-ups. This is a collaboration between the county’s three universities. And Source in Surrey, led by the county’s Chambers of Commerce, to encourage larger businesses to ‘buy local’.

Both will offer benefits to many businesses across the county, complementing and enhancing existing support already ongoing through Business Surrey.

“Positive outcomes for Surrey’s communities”

Councillor Matt Furniss, Surrey County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Economic Growth, said: “The new Economic Growth Fund has generated a huge level of interest from across Surrey, demonstrating the real appetite from our amazing business community to drive innovation, growth and job creation in our county.

“Round one was a highly competitive process and we’ve maintained our commitment to only supporting the highest quality bids which fully met the criteria. This ensures every pound invested will deliver genuine growth, create meaningful jobs and produce positive outcomes for Surrey’s communities.

“Our ambition is to position Surrey – which already contributes £50 billion to UK plc every year – as one of the UK’s leading regional economies. This fund is just one of the ways we’re building the foundations to achieve that.”

Round Two of the Surrey Economic Growth Fund is now open. Applicants can expect a streamlined, one-stage process supported by a guidance handbook.

Visit the Economic Growth Fund page for more details.

Economic Growth Fund round one recipients – full list

Six people holding craft gin bottles hold them in the air as a toast. Two of the people are sat on a wooden bench. Behind them is a promotional banner for Business Surrey.

Gatwick Airport’s Northern Runway plans approved

Published 25 September 2025

Business news

Gatwick Airport’s Northern Runway plans are moving closer after receiving government consent. The expansion is projected to inject an additional £1 billion into the UK economy every year, creating 14,000 jobs across the south east.

The airport, which borders the east of Surrey, is the UK’s second busiest. It claims bringing the Northern Runway into routine use is “one of the biggest growth opportunities for the UK today”.

The airport adds the £2.2 billion project is privately financed, requiring no taxpayer money and is shovel ready. Plus, it will continue to operate as the work progresses.

Heidi Alexander, the Secretary of State for Transport, granted consent for the Development Consent Order this week after a detailed review of the proposal.

Despite some clarifications from the airport announced in April, there remain concerns from communities about noise and congestion. Transport and sustainability are also key issues.

Stewart Wingate, VINCI Airports Managing Director for United Kingdom said: “After a lengthy and rigorous planning process, we welcome the Government’s approval of plans to bring our Northern Runway into routine use, ahead of the expected deadline. 

“This is another important gateway in the planning process for this £2.2 billion investment, which is fully funded by our shareholders and will unlock significant growth, tourism and trade benefits for London Gatwick and the UK and create thousands of jobs. 

“As we’ve said previously, it is essential that any planning conditions enable us to realise the full benefits of the project and do not impose unnecessary constraints that make it uneconomic to invest in.  

“We now need to carefully examine the details of the planning consent. Once we have done that, we will be able to comment further.” 

Gatwick expansion plans

Gatwick Airport’s Northern Runway plans include moving the existing northern runway 12 metres to allow London Gatwick to have a second fully functioning runway.

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

The airport says it is already a major catalyst for growth. And that its plan meets the Government’s test of making best use of existing infrastructure and maximising growth.

Gatwick’s response to the national planning process said it will accept stricter limits on aircraft noise. It has also put forward an improved noise insulation scheme for local residents.   

Gatwick has also accepted a requirement of 54% of passengers using public transport prior to bringing the Northern Runway into operation. This would require increased rail services.

If the 54% target is not achieved then London Gatwick has proposed an alternative cars-on-the-road limit. This will be met before first use of the Northern Runway to address concerns about possible road congestion.  

If neither are met, then use of the Northern Runway would be delayed until £350 million of road improvements have been completed.  This would make sure any additional road traffic flows can be accommodated and any congestion avoided.

About Gatwick Airport

With 41 million annual passengers, London Gatwick is the UK’s second largest and one of Europe’s top ten airports. It generates £5.5 billion GVA and supports over 76,000 jobs (2023 report). 

Almost 60 airlines fly from the airport to over 150 short-haul and more than 50 long-haul destinations.  It has a capacity of 55 movements an hour. This makes London Gatwick the most efficient single runway airport in the world.   

The airport sits 28 miles south of the UK capital and is extremely well-connected. More than a quarter of England’s population is less than one hour away by road or rail. 

A six-year, £2 billion sustainable growth programme includes an ambitious plan to be a net zero airport by 2030.

A series of planes line up at passenger docking ports at Gatwick Airport.

Slitherine Software: doubling turnover in 12 months with Business Surrey’s support

Published 22 September 2025

Innovation, Surrey Success Stories

Slitherine Software is a fast-scaling gaming and defence tech company based in Epsom. With our help, it has implemented new recruitment and HR processes – helping the company to double forecasted turnover to £30 million and increasing headcount by 15% in just 12 months.

The Slitherine Software team approached Business Surrey in 2024. Directors were facing internal pressures over HR and recruitment processes – especially as it looked to rapidly scale.

As CEO Iain McNeil explains: “What worked when we were 20 people wasn’t going to work as we passed 100. We needed help simplifying and scaling our internal processes fast.”

They needed streamlined, practical documentation and better access to talent, without the overhead of complex systems – and that’s where Business Surrey stepped in.

Our Growth Hub team delivered hands-on tailored support that included:

  • Diagnosis to explore the key issues impacting growth
  • A complete review of their employee handbook and removal of unnecessary or duplicate policies
  • Advice on creating practical processes for staff management
  • Support with junior recruitment pipelines, including potential university channels

About Slitherine Software

Slitherine Software is a specialist video game developer and publisher focused exclusively on strategy and wargames.

With a catalogue of 450 titles – including major IPs like Terminator and Starship Troopers – the company sold more than two million games in 2024.

Headquartered in Epsom, Slitherine also has offices in Athens, Milan and Warsaw.

Its detailed wargames are also used by 150+ defence organisations in 25 countries for training and analysis, including under a renewed Enterprise licence with the Ministry of Defence.

Our Impact

Thanks to the Business Surrey team, Slitherine now has a lean, user-friendly HR framework aligned with how the business actually works.

This has made people management more efficient and scalable – crucial for a company that has grown to 110 employees and is managing multi-million-pound government and commercial contracts.

With better internal systems, Slitherine is not only managing today’s growth more effectively, but is also future-proofing for international expansion. In short, it now has operations fit for growth.

As CEO Iain McNeil says: “Working with Business Surrey has been a painless and productive experience. Their team are passionate about what they do and it’s all for free so you’d be mad not to make the most of it!

“Business Surrey provided straightforward, no-nonsense HR support that removed complexity and gave us clarity. We’d recommend Business Surrey to any growing business wanting to accelerate growth ”

Fully-funded support to grow your Surrey business

Looking for help to grow your Surrey business? Get in touch!

Business Surrey is a Surrey County Council service providing free, accessible support for all businesses. Our government-funded Growth Hub provides complimentary support tailored to your business.

Contact the team via our website to find out how we can support your company to start, grow and thrive.

You can also sign up to the Business Surrey newsletter for the latest updates and advice on growing your business.

A group of people pose for an image while standing outside. Two historic buildings stand behind them.
Six people with their backs to the camera are playing video games. Above them is a promotional image for StarShip Troopers, a game by Slitherine Software

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 there’s land, resources and know-how to tap into? That’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 Dragon’s Den) which returns this November.

Hampton’s Molly Biddell says: “For us, it’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.”

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 – whether that’s profit share, turnover rent, produce use, or longer-term regeneration goals. It’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, Surrey is a thriving and diverse economy which generates £50 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 of work due to 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 barriers to work.

Nearly £10 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?

Individuals 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:  

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

“It’s bad for their living standards, it’s bad for their families, and it’s bad for the local economy.” 

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

“This investment will make a real difference to around 2,500 residents across Surrey who face significant barriers to employment.  

“Connect 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.   

“Helping Surrey residents to access good work and thrive in employment is a key part of our commitment to ensuring no one is left behind. Plus it will help to further support the continued growth of our regional economy.”  

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 £20 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 UK’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 – which employs 18 staff in Surrey plus 16 outside the UK – 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 £20 million, supporting 3TOP Aviation’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 Aviation’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 £3 million to £70 million in just four years demonstrates the huge potential for British firms by tapping into global markets. That’s where UKEF comes in: we’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 Aviation’s business has boomed with revenue growing from a post-Covid low of £3 million in 2021 to £70 million in 2025.”

Grow your business with UK Export Finance

UK Export Finance (UKEF) is the UK’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 £14.5 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 Aviation’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 is the UK’s official registrar of companies. It’s an executive agency of the Department for Business and Trade, 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 to voluntarily verify their identity using GOV.UK One Login or via an 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 through GOV.UK One Login, or through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP).  

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:  

“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 £19 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. 

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, where Professor Sir Martin Sweeting pioneered the design and manufacturing of small satellites. 

Sir Martin founded the highly influential Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL). This university spin-out helped reshape how satellites are built across the global space sector. It has since earned £1 billion in satellite exports for the UK.   

The Surrey Space Institute has been developed under the leadership of renowned astrophysicist and Pro-Vice-Chancellor 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 – 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 £7.2 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 £1 billion spent on research and development. 

A key focus for the Surrey Space Institute Institute will be to help the UK grow its ability to run full space missions – 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. 

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 £18.9 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 – 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 – bringing together world-class research, industry expertise and skills development – are essential to ensuring the UK space sector continues to thrive and deliver for our economy, our security and our planet.” 

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.

It’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:

“Surrey 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 – all of which provides benefits to our people and communities.”

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

“IncuHive is delighted to bring this initiative to life. We’ve seen first-hand how the right support, delivered at the right time, can completely change the trajectory of a business.

“We’re not just helping people start businesses. We’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 Surrey’s start-ups.”

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 £48 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 – a design that already has Parliamentary support
  • Increased capacity to serve up to 756,000 flights and 150 million passengers
  • A brand-new terminal ‘T5X’, expanding Terminal 2 and three new satellite terminals

The investment consists of three main elements:

  • £21 billion for the new runway and airfield infrastructure
  • £12 billion for new terminal and stand capacity – the brand new T5X
  • £15 billion for modernising the current airport through expanding Terminal 2 and ultimately closing Terminal 3

Heathrow’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 country’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: 

“It 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.”

A spokesman for Surrey County Council said:

“We recognise the crucial role of 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 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.

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

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Aerial image of Heathrow airport expansion plans