Author: Tim Ridgway

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.”

Looking for support?

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

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

You can also:

Aerial image of Heathrow airport expansion plans

Small Business Plan unveiled by government

Published 31 July 2025

Business news

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

Small and medium sized firms employ 60% of the country’s workforce and generate £2.8 trillion in turnover. But ministers say, for too long, the odds have been stacked against small businesses.

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

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

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

Late payments

Government estimates late payments cost the UK economy £11 billion per year and closes down 38 UK businesses every day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Access to finance

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

So, Government is launching a new £4 billion wave of financial support for small businesses. It includes a £1 billion boost for new businesses. Plus 69,000 Start-Up Loans and mentoring support to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs and small business owners.

The Government is also delivering a new £3 billion boost to the British Business Bank – raising the total guarantee to £5 billion. This will help lenders offer more small business loans through the ENABLE programme – providing a government-backed guarantee, better loan terms and lower interest.

Other changes

Small Business Plan – reaction

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

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

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

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

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

“Today’s plan is an encouraging commitment from the Government to take the side of small businesses in the great growth challenge ahead.”

Support for your small business in Surrey

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

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

You can also:

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

Skills Bootcamps applications open for Surrey employers and training providers

Published 9 July 2025

Funding and grants, Skills and workforce

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

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

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

We – as part of Surrey County Council – have received £3.1 million from the Department for Education to deliver courses across Surrey during 2025/26. 

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

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

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

Of if you’re ready to apply, then scroll down to find out more about the process. 

Skills Bootcamps 2025/26 – who can apply 

Applications can be made by: 

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

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

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

Contact the Business Surrey team to discuss this further.

Skills Bootcamps applications

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Need extra support?

We know workforce and skills is a key priority for Surrey businesses. There’s lots of way you can keep up-to-date with available opportunities.

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

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

Three men talk to each other in a construction classroom. The man in a middle is wearing a high vis jacket with M.I.T. Skills on it

Local Government Reorganisation business webinar – sign up today

Published 3 July 2025

Business news, Events and awards

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

Government wants to transfer more powers and funding from Whitehall to local areas, creating elected mayors in regions where they don’t currently have them – like Surrey – to drive economic growth.

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

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

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

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

Submit your questions for our Local Government Reorganisation business webinar

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

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

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

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

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

Those questions not covered during the evening will be added to Surrey County Council’s online ‘frequently asked questions’ page.

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

Additional information

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

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

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

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

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

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

Surrey Research Park: 40 years of innovation

Published 27 June 2025

Business news, Innovation

Surrey Research Park celebrates 40 years of innovation in 2025. And 600 people including businesses, staff and students came together to celebrate the achievements.

Surrey Research Park is a vibrant innovative business community of more than 200 companies across a 70 acre site.

It was established in 1985 by the University of Surrey. And businesses on the park are estimated to contribute £660 million a year to the Surrey economy.

Surrey Research Park 40 years celebration saw a community festival taking place earlier this month (June 17, 2025).

Surrey Research Park 40 years celebration

About 600 people – including Guildford MP Zöe Franklin – gathered to mark 40 years of innovation in Surrey.

Employees from 60 companies and partner organisations took part in a dynamic expo, showcasing their sector-leading innovation, research, and company stories.

Several guest speakers also shared fond memories of their time at the park, including:

  • Dr Malcolm Parry OBE, one of the Park’s visionary founders
  • Professor Sir Martin Sweeting, founder of Surrey Satellite Technology Limited (SSTL)
  • Peter Molyneux, founder of 22 Cans and early pioneer of the Guildford games industry
  • Mark Bennett, Technology Director, BAE Systems Digital Intelligence
  • Juliet Jones, Chief Scientific Officer at NatureMetrics, runner-up in the 2024 Earthshot Prize

The event also saw the launch of the Park’s new self-guided, AI-enabled and interactive Augmented Reality tour.

The celebrations also provided students from the University’s Department for Hospitality and Events to gain hands-on experience in event management.

Meanwhile, over in the Surrey Technology Centre, the Space Enterprise Lab was temporarily converted into a high-tech TV studio, livestreaming a two-hour innovation and technology show to viewers around the world.

Caroline Fleming, Director of Surrey Innovation District and Innovation Lead for Surrey Research Park, said:

“I think everyone really felt the vibe of a strong community that’s been built here. We heard from companies proud to call it their home, and from researchers excited to do more with those businesses. For me, it’s been a fantastic event.”

About Surrey Research Park

Surrey Research Park offers versatile office space in a vibrant innovative community. It helps meet the needs of pioneering tech and research-led companies – from solopreneurs and entrepreneurs, ambitious startups and microbusinesses to SMEs, large companies, multinationals and primes.

By joining the Surrey Research Park community, your business can benefit from:

  • Access to top-tier talent, expert collaborations, and world-class facilities that span disciplines and sectors.
  • Spaces for every business need, from workstations in our incubator and small offices to expansive units up to 40,000 sq ft, designed to support your growth and innovation.
  • Exceptional connectivity with on-site parking and a strategic location near London and major international hubs.

Discover how it could help your team thrive and your business grow by contacting Surrey Research Park direct.

Looking for more bespoke support to grow your Surrey business? Contact our team of experts for a free consultation via our Business Support Form.

The exterior of a glass fronted office building.
Group of people celebrate outside a research park in Surrey, UK

The UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy revealed

Published 26 June 2025

Business news, Innovation, Skills and workforce

The UK’s modern Industrial Strategy has been revealed by government this week. It sets out a ten-year plan to boost investment, create good skilled jobs and make Britain the best place to do business.

The government says the UK’s Industrial Strategy provides long-term clarity and stability to grow the UK economy.

It will include targeted support for the areas of the country and economy that have the greatest potential to grow. Ministers also promise reforms that will make it easier for all businesses to get ahead.

There’s a focus on eight key high-growth sectors. Some of these sectors – such as creative industries, digital and technologies, and professional and business services – are real sector strengths for Surrey.

Ministers say future funding will focus on driving growth in these high-growth sectors. Investment will also focus on funding for SMEs, upskilling the UK’s workforce and redeveloping strategic sites.

Not all of this funding will be immediately available to Surrey. Some will only be available to those areas with directly-elected mayors, such as West Midlands and Greater Manchester. Surrey is currently on the fast-track programme to devolution – but will not have an elected mayor until after local government reorganisation is completed.

The plan will have a direct impact on Surrey’s economy both now and in the future. It aligns closely with the priorities in the Surrey Economic Growth Strategy.

And we – as part of Surrey County Council – will work with government, businesses and partners to make sure Surrey makes the most of the opportunities – ensuring we meet the demands of our 110,000 businesses while ensuring no one is left behind.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

“This Industrial Strategy marks a turning point for Britain’s economy and a clear break from the short-termism and sticking plasters of the past.

“In an era of global economic instability, it delivers the long term certainty and direction British businesses need to invest, innovate and create good jobs that put more money in people’s pockets as part of the plan for change.

“This is how we power Britain’s future – by backing the sectors where we lead, removing the barriers that hold us back, and setting out a clear path to build a stronger economy that works for working people. Our message is clear – Britain is back and open for business.”

What is the UK’s modern Industrial Strategy?

The Government’s Industrial Strategy 2025 is also known as Invest 2035. It is a 10-year plan to
drive economic growth by supporting eight high-growth sectors.

The sectors – known as the IS-8 – are advanced manufacturing, clean energy, creative industries, defence, digital and technologies, financial services, life sciences, and professional and business services.

The Strategy’s plan of action includes:

  • Unlocking billions in finance for innovative business, especially for SMEs. Increasing British Business Bank financial capacity to £25.6 billion, crowding in tens of billions of pounds more in private capital. Additional £4bn for Industrial Strategy Sectors.
  • Upskilling the nation with an extra £1.2 billion each year for skills by 2028-29. Delivering more opportunities to learn and earn in our high-growth sectors including new short courses.
  • Reducing regulatory burdens by cutting the administrative costs of regulation for business by 25% and reduce the number of regulators. 
  • Supporting 5,500 more SMEs to adopt new technology through the Made Smarter programme while centralising government support in one place through the Business Growth Service.
  • Boosting R&D spending to £22.6bn per year by 2029-30 to drive innovation across the IS-8. Allocated more than £2bn for AI and £2.8bn for advanced manufacturing over the next ten years. This will leverage in billions more from private investors.
  • Attracting elite global talent to our key sectors, via visa and migration reforms and the new Global Talent Taskforce.
  • Slash electricity costs by up to 25% from 2027 for electricity-intensive manufacturers in our growth sectors and foundational industries.
  • Deepening economic and industrial collaboration with our partners, building on agreements with Japan, the US, India, and the EU.
  • Reducing planning timelines and cutting costs for developers, by hiring more planners, streamlining pre-application requirements and combining environmental obligations.
  • Revolutionising public procurement and reducing barriers for new entrants and SMEs to bolster domestic competitiveness.
  • Supporting the UK’s city regions and clusters by increasing the supply of investible sites through a new £600m Strategic Sites Accelerator.

Industrial Strategy – sector focus

The plan focuses on 8 sectors where the UK is already strong and there’s potential for faster growth. These are:

  • Advanced Manufacturing
  • Clean Energy Industries
  • Creative Industries
  • Defence
  • Digital and Technologies
  • Financial Services
  • Life Sciences
  • Professional and Business Services

Each growth sector has a bespoke 10-year plan that will attract investment, enable growth and create high-quality, well-paid jobs.

Five sector plans have been published this week:

  • Advanced Manufacturing – up to £4.3 billion in funding, including up to £2.8 billion in R&D over the next five years. Aim of anchoring supply chains in the UK – from increasing vehicle production to 1.35 million, to leading the next generation of technologies for zero emission flight.
  • Clean Energy Industries – Doubling investment in Clean Energy Industries by 2035. Total funding for the Great British Energy Supply Chain fund to £1 billion.
  • Creative Industries – Maximizing the value of our Creative Industries through a £380 million boost for film and TV, video games, advertising and marketing, music and visual and performing arts. This will improve access to finance for scale-ups and increase R&D, skills and exports.
  • Digital and Technologies – Making the UK the European leader for creating and scaling Digital and Technology businesses. More than £2 billion allocated to drive the AI Action Plan. £187 million for training one million young people in tech skills. Targeting R&D investment at frontier technologies. 
  • Professional and Business Services – Ensuring our Professional and Business Services becomes the world’s most trusted adviser to global industry. Plan to revolutionise the sector across the world through adoption of UK-grown AI. Also working to secure mutual recognition of professional qualifications agreements overseas.

How will the UK’s Industrial Strategy impact Surrey?

The industrial strategy provides a long-term vision for growing the UK economy.

There are clear connections and alignment with the Surrey Economic Growth Strategy 2025-2035, recently published by Surrey County Council.

Surrey has very strong local sector specialisms in some of the key high-growth sectors. This includes professional services, finance, creative and digital. We also have well-established clusters and innovation assets across most of the IS-8 sectors.

We also have demonstrated a commitment to unlocking local economic growth via:

However, Invest 2035 indicates funding will be targeted outside London and the South East – particularly areas which have elected mayors.

Surrey is currently on the government’s fast-track programme to create a directly-elected Mayoral Strategic Authority.

However, Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) needs to take place first. A consultation into how LGR will work for Surrey is currently ongoing.

Decorative image for the government's UK modern industrial strategy launch