Author: Tim Ridgway

GDLX25 indie games expo comes to Surrey

Published 7 April 2025

Events and awards, Innovation

GDLX25, a leading games expo showcasing the best indie talent in the UK, is coming to Surrey for the first time.

More than 600 people attend the annual event run by Game Dev Local. It’s normally held in east London but was at risk of being cancelled after the venue fell through.

The University for the Creative Arts (UCA) came to the rescue, hosting the fourth edition of GDLX at its Farnham campus this weekend (April 12, 2025)

Stuart De Ville, CEO of GDL, contacted UCA to ask if anything could be done to help. The team at the university then stepped in.

Andy Bossom, UCAโ€™s Industry Engagement Lead for the School of Games and Creative Technology said:

โ€œUCA prides itself on its can-do attitude โ€“ we are agile and were able to step in at the last minute, to become the host partner institution.

โ€œItโ€™s important for us to support the indie developer community, as many of UCAโ€™s games graduates aspire to work on unique indie games after graduation. The last couple of years has been tough for the games industry, in terms of studio closures and the pausing of other key UK games events.โ€

Stuart De Ville, CEO of GDL, said:

“The support from UCA has been nothing short of amazing. When we faced the unexpected challenge of losing our venue, it stepped up to ensure GDLX25 could still happen.

โ€œEvents like this are vital to the indie games industry, providing a space for developers to showcase their work, connect with industry professionals, and build a stronger community. Thanks to UCA, we can continue that mission and bring together some of the brightest talent in indie games this year.โ€

What is GDLX25?

GDLX25 is an indie games expo for indie game developers and enthusiasts.

GDLX25 is taking place Saturday 12 April, from 12pm to 7pm at the University for the Creative Arts in Farnham, Surrey.

With more than 50 independent games companies and around 600 attendees, it will showcase the brightest talent in the industry.

There will be industry talks, networking opportunities, and a careers stage led by experts on a wide range of topics, including game design, programming, art, and sound.

UCA can also announce, GAIN โ€“ Games and Innovation Nexus โ€“ will be the main sponsor of the event. GAIN is a partnership between UCA, the University of Surrey, and the University of Warwick supporting the wider gaming industry.

Games and Surrey

Surreyโ€™s video game industry is one of the largest and most vibrant in the UK. It has over 85 studios and is often called the โ€˜Hollywood of Gamingโ€™.

Surrey has seen many world-first innovations in this growing sector. In total it generates more than ยฃ3 billion a year for the UK GDP and employs almost 50,000 people.

The region is home to a diverse array of studios, from small independent teams to large companies.

We’ve worked closely with UCA and the University of Surrey on the GAIN programme. This aims to strengthen links and develop infrastructure between gaming businesses in Surrey.

If you’re looking for additional support to grow, get in touch via our business support form.

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Three people holding microphones are sat on stage at a conference, with a green background behind them

Funding to boost growth for Surreyโ€™s businesses and economy

Published 1 April 2025

Business news, Funding and grants

Funding to boost growth is now available from Surrey County Council with millions available for innovative ideas to enhance the economy.

Businesses, employer representative groups and partner organisations are all invited to apply for investment from the new Economic Growth Fund.

Up to ยฃ7 million is available for this financial year. Grants will be awarded to those demonstrating how they will boost economic outcomes for the people, places and businesses of the county.

Applications for the first round are now open, closing at the end of May. Apply via the form on the Business Surrey website.

The launch comes as the Council also publishes Surreyโ€™s Economic Growth Strategy 2025 to 2035, which sets out the long-term focus and priorities to drive sustainable growth in the county for the next decade.

What is the Economic Growth Fund?

The Economic Growth Fund has been created by the Council in collaboration with employers from across the county via the One Surrey Growth Board and Business Leaders Forum.

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

So, a range of funds, such as UK Shared Prosperity Funding from government, have been pooled together into a single application process.

The first round covers three areas.

  • Business Growth Grants support companies of all sizes to scale up and create jobs. Match funding of between ยฃ10,000 and ยฃ50,000, covering 50% of project costs is available.
  • The Innovation Spaces Fund focuses on physical infrastructure, such as training hubs, collaborative workspaces, and testing facilities. Minimum bid of ยฃ50,000.
  • The Future Surrey Fund is open to anyone, including partners – such as employer representative groups, local authorities, research institutions and schools. Applications should focus on innovative ideas that can scale while delivering economic impact in Surrey.

To apply, you’ll need to demonstrate how your bid delivers against the three priorities in the refreshed economic strategy. These are workforce and skills; business growth; and economic infrastructure in Surreyโ€™s communities.

There’s a two step process for all three areas, starting with an expression of interest.

Read more about criteria and closing dates on the Economic Growth Fund page.

“A fantastic opportunity”

Matt Furniss, Surrey County Councilโ€™s Cabinet Member for Highways, Infrastructure and Economic Growth, said:

โ€œThis is a fantastic opportunity for businesses, training providers and partners to secure immediate investment in ideas to drive growth in Surrey.

“We know that Surrey has a strong economy, contributing ยฃ50 billion a year to UK PLC. But the refreshed economic strategy highlights several challenges around start-ups, high-growth businesses, retaining talent and an increasing number of people out of work.

“The new Economic Growth Fund is one of the ways we can tackle those challenges while delivering benefits to the people, places and businesses across the county. Our ambition is simple: we want to position Surrey as one of the UKโ€™s leading regional economies while ensuring No One is Left Behind.”

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

“Growth in Surrey, like much of the country, has slowed in recent years. We can only tackle the challenges by working together while focusing on the needs of businesses and outcomes for our people and places.

โ€œThe refreshed Economic Strategy, which is evidence-led and developed in partnership with businesses, employer representative groups, academia and other key stakeholders, is very much the starting point of our journey.

โ€œTogether, weโ€™re determined to drive forward this ambitious agenda and deliver our ambition to benefit our residents, businesses and wider communities.โ€

Read the full criteria and other key details are on the Economic Growth Fund page.

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Marketing toolkit now available to Surrey businesses

Published 19 March 2025

Advice and support, Business news

A marketing toolkit to help Surrey businesses start, grow and thrive is now available via the Business Surrey website.

As part of our work to support businesses of all sizes across Surrey, we’ve developed a series of online training videos focusing on promoting and selling companies to customers.

Marketing is one of the most requested areas of support that we receive from Surrey businesses.

And this toolkit will help increase your understanding and confidence around marketing techniques while developing a bespoke approach to grow your customer base and increase sales.

You can access the toolkit in just a few clicks by completing the form on the Marketing Toolkit page.

What is the Business Surrey marketing toolkit?

The Marketing Toolkit videos are hosted by members of the Business Surrey team in conversation with specialist adviser Daniel Chidley. He has over 20 years of experience in supporting businesses of all sizes with marketing support.

The four videos cover a range of topics on a “learn as you go” basis.

Each one comes with a DIY worksheet document available for downloading. These can be completed as you go – meaning the learning can be directly applied to your own business.

Two completed case studies are also available to provide help and inspiration.

The videos are designed to be watched as a series and cover:

  1. Marketing Strategy
    • why a strategy and plan are crucial foundations on which to build your marketing activities.
  2. Understanding Your Customer
    • defining your target audience, identifying the channels you need to use to reach customers, and creating content to use in your communications
  3. Marketing Technologies
    • focusing on media channels, the importance of a website and social media โ€“ plus customer relationship management tools.
  4. Your Marketing Action Plan
    • covering off budgeting and how much you should be spending, while also looking at who should carry out marketing activities.

Download the guide in just a few clicks via our Marketing Toolkit form.

The toolkit has been funded by UK government as part of our Surrey Growth Hub service. The videos were filmed at Tannery Studios in Send by Lamplight Media.

Need additional support?

The Business Surrey Marketing Toolkit uses technology to provide a different way of providing bespoke business support.

But we recognise that some business owners may need additional help, either via email, phone or face-to-face.

So you can get in touch with our business advisors at any point.

You can also:

Filming of the Business Surrey marketing toolkit - two people sat in chairs look at laptops as filming takes place in the background
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Local government reorganisation interim proposals put forward by Surrey leaders

Published 14 March 2025

Business news

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

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

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

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

Local government reorganisation in Surrey

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

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

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

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

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

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

LGR – what council leaders are saying

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How will LGR and devolution impact Surrey businesses?

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

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

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

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

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

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

What happens next?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Aerial image of Surrey UK

Digital changes coming for Surrey businesses

Published 13 March 2025

Advice and support, Innovation

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

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

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

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

Digital changes: phone lines

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

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

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

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

Business benefits of digital phone lines

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

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

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

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

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

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

Then contact your current communications provider to discuss alternatives.

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

Digital changes: Electronic invoicing

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

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

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

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

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

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

Looking for further support?

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

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

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SME Surrey Business Awards 2025 deadline approaches

Published 11 March 2025

Events and awards

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SME Surrey Business Awards 2025 categories

There are 20 categories to enter, including:

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

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

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

View the categories on the SME Surrey Awards website.

Further support for Surrey SMEs

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

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

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Rakuten Symphony – a Surrey Success Story

Published 19 February 2025

Surrey Success Stories

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

Who are Rakuten Symphony?

Rakuten Symphony is a British firm with a Japanese mentality.

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

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

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

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

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

Rakuten Symphony: where east meets west

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

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

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

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

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

Looking to relocate your business to Surrey?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Published 18 February 2025

Skills and workforce, Thought leadership

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

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

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

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

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

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

1. Improves Productivity and Performance

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

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

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

2. Reduces sick days

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

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

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

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

3. Fosters Positive Workplace Culture

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

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

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

4. Enhances Creativity and Innovation

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

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

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

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

5. Attracts and Retains Top Talent

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

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

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

6. Builds a Sustainable Future

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

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

Want to learn more about workforce wellbeing?

Our business blog on workforce wellbeing is just the start.

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

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

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

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

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Boost Your Business expert guide now available

Published 4 February 2025

Advice and support

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

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

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

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

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

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

What is the Boost Your Business expert guide?

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

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

These are:

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

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

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

Further support to boost your business

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

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

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

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

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

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Heathrow expansion response from Surrey leaders

Published 30 January 2025

Business news

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

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

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

In response, Matt Furniss, Surrey County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Economic Growth, said: “We recognise the crucial role 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 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.

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

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

What are the Heathrow expansion plans?

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

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

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

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

Further details are available on the Heathrow website.

Aerial view of Heathrow Airport, which borders Surrey

Copyright: Photo ยฉ BAA Airports Limited