Author: Tim Ridgway

Misty Moon Cider: turning food waste into profit

Published 3 November 2025

Funding and grants, Innovation, Surrey Success Stories

Misty Moon Cider is a drinks producer in Farnham that turns surplus fruit into thirst-quenching products. Thanks to the Surrey Economic Growth Fund, the business is investing in new equipment. This will help is scale up, increasing production by six times.

There’s been a bumper crop of apples this season thanks to the hottest summer on record. So a business growth grant from Surrey County Council came at the perfect time for craft drinks producer Misty Moon Cider. 

Kathryn Lockett founded the drinks brand in 2021, making sustainable craft cider from surplus garden and orchard apples in Farnham. She wanted to reduce food waste and make use of the area’s abundant apple stocks by creating an artisan cider. 

Starting out producing 200 bottles in 2024, the investment will help the business scale up to produce up to 12,000 bottles in 2025. And there will be kegs for pubs and bars by 2026.

Kathryn, who is an international development consultant by day, has been able to invest in new pressing and brewing equipment for Misty Moon.

Before receiving the funding, Kathryn and a small team were pressing and bottling all the cider by hand using small-scale equipment. 

“Our new equipment means we don’t have to do everything by hand anymore. It means we’re going to have over 6,000 litres of Misty Moon Cider to sell next year,” Kathryn said. 

The funds have also gone towards hiring more student workers in the area. They have helped to pick and press the apples, in what has been a ‘monumental harvest’ this year. 

Misty Moon Cider: rooted in nature

Kathryn said: “This is something we started about four years ago, motivated by a love of locally produced craft cider.” 

She also wanted to do something to protect the area’s apple trees. Kathryn explained that Farnham has a long history of apple trees and orchards, but many of these have now disappeared. 

When people have too many apples from their trees that fall, rot and attract pests, these also risk being cut down.

Misty Moon Cider was the perfect solution, allowing people to donate their surplus apples, avoiding food waste and helping to protect the area’s precious trees. 

“This year there’s been a massive crop of apples,” Kathryn said.

As well as donations from people’s gardens, Misty Moon partners with community-based organisations too. 

“We get apple donations from the Countryside Regeneration Trust, National Trust Swan Barn and the Enton Community Orchard, where we also help them care for the orchard in partnership with the charity COPSE. 

“We’ve just collected 4,500 tonnes of apples in a week that would have just rotted. And we give the apple pomace to the Hairy Pig Company in Guildford, so nothing goes to waste.

“We’re very much about making delicious cider, supporting the community, protecting trees and preventing food waste.” 

Misty Moon Cider and local businesses

Misty Moon Cider was first sold at the Farnham Sustainable Festival in 2023. Now it’s stocked in Wine Rack, Hogs Back Brewery Shop, the Star Pub in Godalming and the London Cider House in Borough Market.

Misty Moon Cider is also served at the Michelin ‘Maison’ Restaurant in Farnham. 

Support from Surrey’s local independent businesses has been crucial to Misty Moon. And local events are a mainstay for the business, with stands at Farnham Food Festival and various events at Gostrey Meadows. 

The grant has made a huge difference to the business. Kathryn said: “It has given us the professional bottling stock of 2,600 bottles that we have been selling this year which has meant we can sell to more people in more places.  

“It’s paid for our student workforce which has enabled us to bring in this monumental harvest.  

“And crucially, we’ve been able to buy this amazing new equipment, meaning we do not have to hand process everything. It was getting unfeasible doing everything by hand. 

“It will give us the boost we need to produce enough stock to keep our product costs down, expand into new markets and get our brand known more.” 

Kathryn added: “Cider making is one of the oldest UK industries, it’s around 3,000 years old, and we have everything we need for it right here in Surrey – the apples, the tools, the knowledge. 

“However, it is really challenging for small businesses like ours to compete with much larger producers. As such we always encourage people to buy local, support local businesses and support local brewing, whilst enjoying a deliciously tasty Misty Moon Cider.” 

About the Surrey Economic Growth Fund

Do you have a business idea that can drive growth across Surrey?

The Surrey Economic Growth Fund from Surrey County Council has the sole focus of driving economic growth across the region.

Applications are now live for the Business Growth Grant scheme, closing at midnight on 16 November 2025.

It is open to all small and medium size businesses in Surrey.

The award is a match-funded grant of between £10,000 and £75,000, covering up to 50% of eligible project costs.

Funding can support: 

  • Purchasing new equipment or technology
  • Developing new products or services
  • Expanding operations or facilities
  • Investing in staff training and upskilling 

We particularly welcome applications from rural businesses, farms, and those contributing to the rural economy.

Questions? Get in touch via our Contact Us form.

Two women smile while holding bottles of Misty Moon Cider, a drink made in Farnham, Surrey.

Two new unitary councils for Surrey as LGR plans confirmed by government

Published 28 October 2025

Business news

Two new unitary councils will be created in Surrey in April 2027 after ministers confirmed Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) plans. The move will create a simpler and more efficient system for delivering services across the county. 

Local government minister Alison McGovern announced the decision today via a written ministerial statement. She says this once-in-a-generation reform will see stronger local councils in charge of all local services.

The two new unitary councils – East and West Surrey – will deliver all local services in their area. This includes waste collection, planning, adult social care, children’s services, business rates, parks and highways. 

Ministers say the move will drive economic growth, improve local public services and empower communities. Ultimately this will help drive up living standards.

The two new unitary councils will replace the existing two-tier system of twelve county, district and borough councils in April 2027.

By doing this, government says it will create “a strong foundation for devolution in Surrey”. A strategic authority would have responsibility for high-level issues like transport, economic development and skills.

What happens next?

Elections for the new councils will take place in May 2026. With new authorities formally taking over responsibilities from 1 April 2027.

This transition period will enable detailed work for reorganisation and devolution to take place. Services will be delivered as usual during this time. 

East Surrey will replace the current areas covered by Elmbridge, Epsom and Ewell, Mole Valley, Reigate & Banstead, and Tandridge councils.

A West Surrey unitary will take over the areas of Guildford, Runnymede, Spelthorne, Surrey Heath, Waverley, and Woking. 

Surrey County Council will work together with all councils in Surrey to implement this new model. And ensure a smooth transition.

Government will also commit to repayment in-principle of £500 million of Woking Borough Council’s debt in 2026-27. And they will continue to explore what further debt support is required at a later point. 

Surrey leader response to two new unitary councils

Tim Oliver, Leader of Surrey County Council said: 

“We welcome the government’s direction to create two new unitary councils for Surrey from April 2027 – East Surrey and West Surrey. Reorganisation and devolution are huge opportunities, and this is good news for Surrey residents and businesses. As set out in submissions earlier this year, and confirmed by government, all the evidence points to this being the best outcome for Surrey – saving money, simplifying services and strengthening local communities. 

“As expected, there will be elections to the new unitary councils in May 2026. We also welcome the intention that a Mayoral Strategic Authority will be established, with timings to be confirmed soon following discussions with the Minister. This devolution will unlock huge benefits for Surrey, with more powers held closer to communities, stronger local decision making and turbo charged economic growth for the region. 

“All councils can now come together to push forward the right structures, and put the right resources in place, to enhance our already vibrant county. We are ready and well prepared for this change. And I am absolutely clear that, throughout this process, our vital work supporting residents will continue. Services will be delivered and we will still be here for those who need us most. Our focus is on ensuring a smooth transition and we will communicate with residents along the way.” 

Surrey business response to two new unitary councils

Chris Hurren, chairman of the Surrey Business Leaders Forum, said: 

“We welcome the certainty provided by the government decision today around how local public services in Surrey will be delivered in the future. We‘re confident our local leaders, working together and with partners, will deliver the best outcome for the county’s 1.2 million residents and 110,000 businesses.

“We have long maintained that LGR in itself is a matter for our local authority leaders. But, on behalf of businesses across Surrey, I want to re-emphasise the importance of a strategic authority for Surrey delivering devolved economic functions on a single county footprint.

“Our belief – supported by examples of devolution elsewhere, such as Greater Manchester and the West Midlands – is that moving these powers away from Whitehall will provide clear opportunities for our people, places and economy to grow.”

Further details

To stay informed and follow the latest updates, visit Surrey County Council’s Local Government Reorganisation hub.

Have a question about how this will impact your Surrey business? Get in touch via our Contact Us form.

Map showing East and West Surrey under green text saying "Local government in Surrey is changing"

Skills Bootcamps return to Surrey

Published 28 October 2025

Advice and support, Skills and workforce

Skills Bootcamps return to Surrey for 2025 offering discounted training opportunities for Surrey businesses in key sectors. Upskill your staff or find future talent via this government-funded scheme.

Skills Bootcamps are government-funded courses from Surrey County Council. They allow learners aged 19 and over to gain industry-ready qualifications in super-quick time.

A range of courses are on offer for this year in exciting and growing sectors. This includes construction, cyber security, sustainability and games development.

Training is designed to be as flexible as possible, lasting between two and 16 weeks. The aim is to equip a new cohort of employees with work-ready skills in sectors crucial to Surrey’s future economy.

The role of employers is crucial. You can use the courses to upskill current members of your team. Or you can find new talent with the latest knowledge to help grow your business.

Interested in finding out more? Get in touch via our Contact Us form.

Skills Bootcamps for businesses

Skills Bootcamps can be used by local businesses to upskill current employees at a discounted rate.

Large employers will need to contribute 30% of the cost. Small or medium employers (SMEs) will contribute 10%.

There is no cost to a business recruiting someone who has recently completed a Skills Bootcamp.

Courses are being offered in Surrey this year in:

  • Digital marketing
  • Cyber security
  • Games development
  • AI
  • Sustainability and carbon management
  • Bicycle maintenance
  • Landscaping project supervision
  • Domestic energy and retrofit assessor
  • Groundworks plant operations
  • Air source heat pumps
  • Personal training
  • Green electrical
  • Hospitality

Are you a business wanting more information? Get in touch via our Contact Us form.

Filling the construction skills gap with Skills Bootcamps

Skills Bootcamps’ return to Surrey will see new courses on offer.

This includes an introduction to Groundworks Plant Operations. It’s being run by Farnham-based Construction Industry Safety Training Centre (CISTC).

CISTC specialises in providing construction-specific health, safety and plant training that meets the latest industry regulations.

Its expert trainers bring real-world site experience, ensuring every course is engaging, hands-on, and directly relevant to the workplace.

Angela Fowler, CISTC Operations Director, said: 

“This is for people who are looking to move into the sector or those looking to upskill beyond labouring.

“There is a big skills gap and a huge Government drive in terms of construction work. There aren’t enough workers in the industry to provide that, so we’re giving people the skills that are needed.

“We have employment opportunities with our parent company Natta Building Company as well as a number of our clients, so we are hoping it will help our clients tap into potential employees as well.”

Skills Bootcamps: case study

Last year, more than 500 people signed up for Skills Bootcamps in Surrey.

Of those who completed courses, more than half said they’d secured new work or a new position in their company as a result.

MTek Solutions used the Solar PV Skills Bootcamp to upskill their staff as the business branched out into the installation and servicing of solar systems.

Kieran Tuck and Michael Slatcher, MTeK Solutions co-founders, said: 

“Skills Bootcamps are a great way to upskill and boost your earnings – they help add another string to your bow.

“You have to look beyond today. Investing the time to complete the training has opened doors to much greater opportunities than if we had kept putting things off.”

Matt Furniss, Surrey County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Economic Growth, said: “Skills Bootcamps are a great way for residents to gain new qualifications and boost their future earnings, while ensuring employers have access to the skills they need to thrive.

“As one of the UK’s largest regional economies, Surrey’s prosperity depends on having a skilled workforce ready to meet the demands of our thriving sectors. By providing pathways to rewarding careers, we’re building a Surrey where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.”

Workforce support for Surrey businesses

Are you a Surrey business needing support around workforce and skills? Do you have plans to grow but struggling to find the talent to make it happen?

We’ve have decades of experience supporting employers with challenges. There’s lots of support available, including fully-funded programmes from government.

Get in touch via our Business Support Form and one of our team will respond within five working days.

A man in orange hi-vis sits on a roller in a construction site. Either side are banners for Skills Bootcamps and STEP Surrey.
Two men in orange high vis and hard hats stand in a construction site. Behind them is a yellow plant vehicle.

Aerosensor: from F1 to founding a Surrey business

Published 23 October 2025

Funding and grants, Surrey Success Stories

Aerosensor is a technology firm in Dunsfold Industrial Park led by former F1 engineer Dr Barney Garrood. Thanks to the Surrey Economic Growth Fund, it is creating a new wind-tunnel facility and highly-skilled STEM jobs. 

Aerosensor is one of a growing number of Surrey businesses with innovation at its heart.

It is developing new aerodynamic measurement probes for automotive and aerospace applications. And thanks to a five-figure grant from the Surrey Economic Growth Fund, its operation is now expanding.

The grant will support extra staff, infrastructure and the design, build and testing of the probes. ​ 

Dr Barney Garrood is founder of Aerosensor. He explains that he started the business in 2023 to create probes for cycling – but then started selling devices to F1 too. 

“We have continued doing that and the market has grown to other motorsports and even marine industry,” he said. 

He explained that in order to make and develop the probes, the firm needed a wind tunnel to calibrate and test them. 

“Without our own wind tunnel, we were at the mercy of how booked up other facilities were. I even had to travel to Bristol once to test one probe. So I decided to build our own wind tunnel.” 

Aerosensor: a global leader

The new wind tunnel will be transformative for Aerosensor.

Barney explains: “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.” 

He added: “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.” 

The growth of his business will have an impact on the wider Surrey economy beyond jobs too.

For example, he also uses external suppliers in the county. And he has helped to enhance Dunsfold Industrial Park’s legacy as an aerodynamic centre. 

He adds: “Dunsfold Park has a history of aerodynamic development. The Harrier Jump Jet was developed here. And there’s a lot of racing car heritage here, and with fantastic high-tech motorsport such as McLaren in the area, it is the ideal place.”

About the Surrey Economic Growth Fund

Do you have a business idea that can drive growth across Surrey?

The Surrey Economic Growth Fund is overseen by Surrey County Council with the sole focus of driving economic growth across the region.

Applications are now live for the Business Growth Grant scheme, closing at midnight on 16 November 2025.

It is open to all small and medium size businesses in Surrey.

The award is a match-funded grant of between £10,000 and £75,000, covering up to 50% of eligible project costs.

Funding can support: 

  • Purchasing new equipment or technology
  • Developing new products or services
  • Expanding operations or facilities
  • Investing in staff training and upskilling 

We particularly welcome applications from rural businesses, farms, and those contributing to the rural economy.

Questions? Get in touch via our Contact Us form.

A man in a black jumper stands next to a blue wind tunnel with aerosensor on the side in white lettering

Business Growth Grants now available to Surrey SMEs

Published 16 October 2025

Advice and support, Business news, Funding and grants

Business Growth Grants totalling £1.7 million are now available to all small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Surrey. Apply now to fund bright ideas to accelerate growth, boost innovation and create jobs. 

The funding is available as part of the Surrey Economic Growth Fund.

Businesses can apply for match-funding of between £10,000 and £75,000 towards new equipment or technology. It can also support developing new products or services, expanding operations or facilities, or investing in staff training and upskilling. 

The key thing is that businesses demonstrate how they will use the investment to deliver real benefits to the people, places and economy of Surrey. 

Apply now via the Economic Growth Fund page before midnight on 16 November. All projects need to be complete by the end of March. 

What is the Surrey Economic Growth Fund?

The Surrey Economic Growth Fund launched this year. It includes a range of public and investment streams, including government UK Shared Prosperity Funding. 

The idea is to make it as simple and easy-as-possible for those looking to drive growth to apply for funding. 

Round one saw dozens of organisations receive £2 million in funding, creating scores of new jobs, supporting hundreds of employment opportunities and boosting the economy by up to £9 million. 

Councillor Matt Furniss, Surrey County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Economic Growth, said:

“Following the success of round one, I’m delighted to launch round two of the Surrey Economic Growth Fund. The exceptional quality of applications we received first time around has demonstrated just how much ambition and innovation exists within Surrey’s business community. 

“We’re committed to maintaining the high standards that made round one such a success. Every application will be rigorously assessed to ensure we’re backing businesses that will deliver genuine economic growth, create quality jobs, and produce tangible benefits for Surrey’s communities. 

“Surrey already contributes £50 billion to the UK economy each year. And strategic investments like this will support sustainable growth while delivering benefits to our people and places.” 

How do I apply for Business Growth Grants?

You can apply if your business is: 

  • based in Surrey 
  • small or medium-sized enterprise (SME)
  • able to provide match-funding for at least 50% of total project costs 
  • able to deliver the project by March 2026 

Projects must clearly demonstrate how they will contribute to economic growth in Surrey. This includes creating new jobs, boosting productivity or supporting innovation.

Bids are assessed against a set criteria. An independent panel, including business representatives makes final decisions.

The approach has been developed in collaboration with employers across Surrey. This includes the One Surrey Growth Board and Business Leaders Forum.

Apply direct via the Economic Growth Fund page of the Business Surrey website.

Not sure where to start? Get in touch with the team via our Contact Us form.

Coworking spaces in Surrey

Published 7 October 2025

Advice and support

Coworking spaces in Surrey have never been more popular. We’ve picked out a few of the dozens of premium coworking spaces that freelancers and small business owners can use as a base to do business.

Whether you’re a freelancer craving the buzz of the office, or a small business owner needing a professional space for meetings, there are dozens of premium coworking spaces to choose from across Surrey.  

Some have dedicated desk space in modern, sleek offices. Others offer more flexible memberships in coffee house settings. Scroll down to see some of the top coworking venues in Surrey.  

Each of our picks includes superfast broadband as standard. Plus, there’s a great atmosphere that you’ll need for a productive day’s work. 

Six of the best coworking spaces in Surrey

The Long Barn

The Long Barn in Cobham is a luxe-city office in a countryside setting. It offers professional meeting rooms to impress clients, alongside hot-desks for freelancers.

There’s an onsite barista, telephone booths to make private calls, a breakout area to network, and even a shower to freshen up.

It’s dog-friendly and has flexible contracts, whether you just need a day pass all the way up to 12-month memberships.  

Login Lounge  

The Login Lounge in Camberley is a coffee house with flexible memberships suited to working parents (with access during school hours), full memberships for longer days, and ad-hoc offers including a half-day pass.

There’s Nespresso and tea on tap, and bookable themed rooms for meetings; The Tornado features a real jet fighter wing on the boardroom table, and The Classroom comes complete with old-school desks.  

Rocketdesk

Rocketdesk in Guildford is a hub for creative technology freelancers, Rocketdesk has cultivated a strong community among professionals in the sector.

Based at Surrey Research Park, monthly membership gets you your own dedicated desk 24/7, access to the meeting room, networking opportunities and even podcast filming and production as an add-on. 

Collaborate

Modern and friendly coworking spaces, Collaborate has two sites in Woking and Guildford. It offers , offering a mix of coworking desks, hot desks and meeting rooms.

Both sites in Woking and Guildford are designed to be bright and light, with a sleek modern feel. Break-out areas are perfect for quick meetings, and there’s phone booths for private calls.

Access is seven days a week, and there’s occasional social events too so you can network.  

CoTribe

CoTribe offers a community for entrepreneurs and freelancers. It has sites in Sunbury and Leatherhead offering monthly memberships.

There’s access to a hotdesk or dedicated space, plus event spaces and workshops tailored to growing your business. There’s also meeting rooms, a kitchen, unlimited tea and coffee and parking spaces at both sites. 

Deepdene

Deepdene in Dorking is a business lounge on the high street which offers open-plan desk space and booth seating, as well as a private meeting room.

All memberships are pay-as-you-go with half and full day options. You’ll get a continental breakfast and drinks on the house, with affordable lunch and dinner options too.   

Further support for Surrey freelancers

The selection above is just a handful of the coworking spaces in Surrey. You can view a full list on our interactive map.

Are you a freelancer looking for extra support? We offer expert start-up support and additional on-demand resources which can be accessed in just a few clicks.

Get in touch with our team of experts via our business support form to discuss what you need to help your business thrive.

You can also sign up to our newsletter for the latest news and events across Surrey.

Aerial image of a coworking space. People are sat in booths working on laptops while drinking coffee.

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