Author: Tim Ridgway

King’s Award for Enterprise launched for Surrey businesses

Published 8 July 2024

Business news, Events and awards

Entries to the The King’s Award for Enterprise are now being welcomed from businesses across Surrey looking for royal approval for their work.

The Kingโ€™s Awards for Enterprise are the UKโ€™s most prestigious business awards. They enable winners to help consolidate market presence, strengthen their competitive position and to generate new business.ย 

His Majestyโ€™s Lord-Lieutenant of Surrey, Michael More-Molyneux, visited Surrey Research Park last week to encourage companies of all sizes to take advantage of the unique opportunity to showcase their excellence.ย 

Entries for the 2025 are now open. Apply online via the government website by 1pm on September 12, 2024.

The categories for nomination are:

  • Innovation
  • International trade
  • Sustainable development
  • Promoting opportunity through social mobilityย 

Winners attend a Royal reception. They will also have a trophy presented at their business by the Surrey Lord Lieutenancy.

Awards are valid for five years.

King’s Award winner case study: ipTEST

ipTEST, which operates from Surrey Research Park, specialises in cutting-edge semiconductor testing.

It won a Kingโ€™s Award for innovation in 2023 followed by a 2024 Kingโ€™s Award for international trade.

Speaking at the event, Conor McCarthy the Chief Executive of two-time Kingโ€™s Awards winner ipTEST, said: โ€œThe Kingโ€™s Award has significantly raised the companyโ€™s profile, leading to new business opportunities and increased credibility in our field. Most importantly though, it recognises the hard work and dedication put in by everyone at ipTEST. This has been a true team effort across our entire company.”

Caroline Fleming, Director of the Surrey Innovation District, based at Surrey Research Park, said: โ€œThe Kingโ€™s Award is a fantastic opportunity to shine a spotlight on Surreyโ€™s pioneering businesses and to ensure the countyโ€™s expert teams are recognised for their amazing contributions.ย We look forward to more of our Park community members joining ipTEST in the hall of fame of Kingโ€™s Award winners.”

Learn more about the King’s Award for Enterprise

There’s lots of help for businesses in Surrey interested in applying for the King’s Award for Enterprise.

A webinar will take place on Wednesday 17th July at 11am. Hear from Founder of Enterprise Nation Emma Jones CBE and Chairman of the British Business Bank, Stephenย Welton CBE.

Or you can contact the Kingโ€™s Award team direct on 020 7215 6880 or by emailย kingsawards@beis.gov.uk.

Find out more about the next round of awards on theย The Kingโ€™s Awards for Enterprise web page.

Group of about 30 people in professional outfits stand outside a building. Some have their hands in the air in celebration.

Electric vehicle grants of up to ยฃ10,000 available for businesses

Published 8 July 2024

Funding and grants

Businesses ready to make the switch from diesel vans to electric, and who use the A3 regularly, can apply for electric vehicle grants of up to ยฃ10,000 to help fund the purchase.

The A3 Electric Vehicle (EV) grants for electric vans offer ยฃ5,000 towards the cost of a small new electric van and ยฃ10,000 towards a medium or large electric van. 

The A3 EV grant is being introduced to help lower air pollution levels on the A3 road by Guildford.

To be eligible for support, applicants must:

  • own a roadworthy, business-insured diesel van;
  • drive at least 3 single journeys a week or 150 per year on the A3 by Guildford, between Woodbridge Hill A25/A322 junction and A31 to Farnham junction.  

If your business meets these criteria you can apply online on the Surrey County Council website before you purchase or lease your new electric vehicle through an accredited dealer.

You can apply for up to 10 grants per business per year.

This is not a scrappage scheme, so London-based small businesses and residents can apply for the London Clean Air Zone scrappage scheme in addition, and you can also benefit from the plugin grant when purchasing the vehicle regardless of where you are based. 

The A3 EV grant is part of Electric Towns and Cities initiative (ETCI) – Guildford, aimed at reducing nitrogen dioxide (NO2) emissions level on the stretch of road which runs through the town.

This is an ยฃ11 million scheme, which also includes a rapid EV charging network and active travel programme.

ETCI is financed by National Highways and delivered by Surrey County Council in partnership with Guildford Borough Council.  

How do I apply for Electric Vehicle Grants?

To check your eligibility, find an accredited dealer and apply online, visit the Surrey County Council website. 

If you’re a Surrey business looking for free help and support with Net Zero or green technology, get in touch with our experts via our business support form.

A white electric vehicle is parked outside a car showroom. On either side stand four people - two on each side.

Rural business grants of up to ยฃ50,000 now available

Published 3 July 2024

Funding and grants

Rural business grants of up to ยฃ50,000 are now available to small businesses (with up to 50 employees), charities and community groups in parts of Surrey.

Companies with up to 50 employees based in Waverley, Guildford and Tandridge are invited to apply. Grants can be used for up to 50% of eligible projects.ย ย 

The funding is provided by the Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF). It aims to support development, jobs, growth and community enterprise in rural areas.ย 

The rural business grants are between ยฃ2,500 and ยฃ50,000.

It can be used to help towards the costs of a range of items. This includes new tools and equipment, refurbishments, vehicles, digital infrastructure, green tourism, farm diversification and other rural projects.

Applicants will need to demonstrate how their project helps contribute to Net Zero or nature recovery objectives, whilst being good value for money.ย ย 

Information on the types of projects that are eligible is available on the Surrey County Council website. Apply for the funding online here.ย ย 

The Rural England Prosperity Fund is financed by the government.

It is administered and managed by Surrey County Council (SCC) on behalf of the District and Boroughs of Tandridge, Guildford and Waverley.ย ย 

How to apply for rural business grants

Applications for a grant from the Rural England Prosperity Fund can be done online via the Surrey County Council website.

The window for applications are now open. All funding is expected to be allocated by November 2024.

Before applying, businesses are encouraged to visit the government website toย check your geographical eligibility.

Applications will be reviewed and assessed regularly on a first come first served basis by an independent Local Action Group (LAG) panel.

All projects will be scored with funding handed out to successful projects.

What other Net Zero support is available?

Going green is good for business. It can help your business grow, seize new opportunities, create new jobs, encourage investment and adapt against the challenges of a changing planet. Reducing emissions can also save your business money.

We are working with businesses and organisations to nurture innovation to help the transition to a net zero economy. Find out more on our dedicated Green and Net Zero page.

Or, you can get free advice and support for your Surrey business via our business support form.

You can also search for information near you via our Support Directory.

NatureMetrics’ expansion continues with new Southeast Asia base

Published 26 June 2024

Business news, Innovation

NatureMetrics, Surrey’s fast-growing global nature intelligence company, is continuing its expansion story with the opening of a new in-country partner laboratory in Indonesia.

The company, which was founded in 2014 and now has 200 employees, announced the addition of a independent testing site in West Java this week (24 June, 2024).

The new lab will enable NatureMetrics to reach new projects in one of the worldโ€™s top โ€˜megadiverseโ€™ countries – opening up its world-leading eDNA service to new and current clients operating in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region.

Those at the company add that it will also strengthen its global reach and better serve companies operating in the area who are striving to reduce their impact and improve reporting on nature.

It marks the continuation of the rapid growth of the business to meet the increasing international demand for biodiversity monitoring services.

Dimple Patel, CEO at NatureMetrics, said:

“Recognising the urgent global call for scalable and meaningful biodiversity monitoring, our expansion into Indonesia signifies a milestone in our ambition to become the worldโ€™s leading provider of nature intelligence services globally. We look forward to supporting more organisations in the whole APAC region deliver vital biodiversity insights to support their nature goals.โ€

NatureMetrics provides an end-to-end biodiversity reporting solution, providing companies with simple insights so that they can make the best decisions for nature and business.

By bringing advanced environmental DNA (eDNA) technology and nature intelligence expertise to Indonesia, it aims to empower local companies with the tools they need to achieve better outcomes for nature and drive sustainable development in the region.

NatureMetrics was founded in 2014 by tropical ecologist Dr Kat Bruce, who is a leading expert in the use of environmental DNA for biodiversity assessment.

In 2021 it announced a ยฃ6.5 million Series A investment and relocated to Surrey Research Park in Guildford.

The move helped the company expand from 50 to 70 employees while also scaling up the delivery of biodiversity data to businesses, NGOs and governments using DNA.

It also has a base in North America with a laboratory in Ontario, Canada.

The company is now working with over 500 customers across 100 countries, including Nestle, Tesco, Anglo American and Fauna & Flora.

The expansion into Southeast Asia โ€marks the continuation of a successful 2024 for the company. NatureMetrics was recently selected as a 2024 World Economic Forum (WEF) Technology Pioneer.

This brings together 100 early-stage start-ups from around the world, all working on cutting-edge technologies and innovations, to collaborate with society’s foremost political, business, and cultural leaders on the most pressing issues facing people and the planet.

For more details on how Surrey is at the forefront of the UK’s Net Zero drive, visit our Green and Net Zero page.

A woman working in a lab looks into a microscope

Games Innovation Zone launches in boost to Surrey’s world-leading gaming sector

Published 11 June 2024

Business news, Innovation

The UK’s first ever Games Innovation Zone has opened in Surrey as part of a ยฃ2.3 million programme helping to reinforce Guildfordโ€™s status as the UKโ€™s โ€˜Hollywood of video gamesโ€™.

The new space opened at the University of Surrey’s Stag Hill campus in Guildford last week (6 June). It is the epicentre for an exciting new venture that will bring together a top taskforce of world-class academics, local game developers and creative tech leaders, and amateur gamers and e-sport pros to solidify Surreyโ€™s reputation as a leader in the global video game industry.

A UK-first, the new zone is part of a wider ยฃ2.3m programme called Games And Innovation Nexus (GAIN), which is part funded by Surrey County Council. It brings together cutting-edge academic research and expertise from fields such as AI, neuroscience, psychology, blockchain and metaverse with game developers and creative tech studios to cover every stage of game production – from concept to console.

Two especially notable academics contributing to the project are Prof. Ferrante Neri, a specialist in AI recognised by Stanford University as one of the top 2% of scientists worldwide, and Prof. Yu Xiong, Chair of the Advisory Board of the UK governmentโ€™s All-Party Parliamentary Group on Metaverse and Web 3.0.

Inside, the Games Innovation Zone is split into two distinct areas: an Innovation Cube for collaboration, and the Games Cube for testing and playing games.

Working together, in the Innovation Cube, the unique cooperative will use their world-class combined expertise and insights to tackle some of the gaming industryโ€™s biggest challenges, fortifying Guildfordโ€™s gaming legacy, and shaping the future of video games.

The GAIN programme is funded by Research England, Surrey County Council, the University of Surrey, UCA Farnham, Warwick University, and Warwickshire County Council.

Along with enhancing the UKโ€™s gaming industry outside of London, the programme aims to strengthen collaboration between Guildford Gaming and Silicon Spa, two of the UKโ€™s biggest gaming clusters outside the capital.

Caroline Fleming, Director of the Surrey Innovation District, said:

โ€œItโ€™s so exciting to see the Games Innovation Zone come to life. As well as being the hub for academic collaboration, creativity and gameplay, todayโ€™s opening is a leap forward towards the next generation of gaming. The innovative solutions generated inside the new Zone will help to tackle the industryโ€™s biggest challenges, showcasing to the world Guildfordโ€™s credentials as the UKโ€™s โ€˜Hollywood for Video Gamesโ€™.”

Dawn Redpath, Director for Economy and Growth at Surrey County Council, said:

“The games industry is one of Surrey’s real success stories, showcasing our county and its talented workforce on a global stage. We’re delighted to be working with our universities and industry partners to take this growing, innovative sector to new heights, creating high-quality jobs and generating inward investment into our communities – both of which would be good news for our residents.”

A group of people sit at computers wearing headphones. In the background there is a bright logo on a TV screen.
A group of about 30 people stand posing in front of the outside of a brick building

Invest in Surrey champions the county at UKREiiF 2024

Published 29 May 2024

Business news

“Invest in Surrey to boost your business” was the message promoted loud and clear by a delegate of Surrey County Council representatives at UKREiiF 2024.

A team from the council’s Inward Investment arm – which is part of Business Surrey – attended the three day event in Leeds this month.

They were supported by representatives from Guildford Borough Council, Reigate & Banstead Borough Council and Mole Valley District Council.

During the three day event, the team spoke to hundreds of people interested in relocating, investing or promoting the county as a fantastic place to do business.

A portfolio of 20 sites was also promoted, with the aim of encouraging investment in the county, which is one of the UK’s leading regional economies.

Delegates were also presented with a prospectus championing Surrey’s strengths – including our fantastic location, world-leading sectors and highly-skilled workforce.

Download the prospectus via the Invest in Surrey website.

About UKREiiF 2024

UKREiiF – which stands for the UK’s Real Estate, Investment & Infrastructure Forum – is an annual event.

The aim is to connect people, places, and businesses to accelerate and unlock sustainable, inclusive, and transformational investment.

Setting up the Invest in Surrey stand at UKREiiF

This three-day event brings together key decision-makers from every area of the built environment. This includes the public sector โ€“ with every core UK city and region involved โ€“ alongside government, investors, funders, developers, housebuilders.

Check out these numbers for 2024:

  • 12,000+ Event Attendees
  • 2,500+ Fringe Event Attendees
  • 800+ Speakers Across 30 Stages
  • 40+ Stages
  • 150 Exhibitors
  • 100+ Fringe Events
  • 250+ Local Authorities Attending
  • 1,500+ Investors Attending
  • 750+ Occupiers Attending
  • 500+ Developers Attending

Why Invest in Surrey

Invest in Surrey is a dedicated resource to help you relocate your business to Surrey.

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

Our specialised team offers free and confidential services. We assist companies looking to invest in Surrey.

Whether youโ€™re a start-up, SME or international company, you can benefit from specialist expertise, local knowledge and business support to help ensure a faster, more successful investment. This is regardless of where your business is in the relocation or expansion decision-making process.

Companies looking to relocate to Surrey originate from all over the world. Most direct inward investment enquiries are currently coming from the USA, India, and Germany.

For more details contact our team of experts via our business support form.

Tandridge Business Awards 2024

Published 29 May 2024

Events and awards

Entries for the Tandridge Business Awards 2024 are now being accepted. It is the first time ever the district is holding the event, which will celebrate the diverse range of businesses in the area.

Tandridge District Council is behind the event and promises it will be a standout occasion, offering your business a fantastic opportunity to shine, raise your profile and celebrate with Tandridge’s business community.

Entries for a range of categories are now being accepted. Independent judges will evaluate entries with finalists announced on Monday 2 September before the event in October at Lingfield Park.

Tandridge Business Awards 2024 – Categories

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to impress a leading panel of judges, gaining recognition for your achievements and stand out from the competition. The following categories are open to businesses in the district, no matter whether you are an established business or a budding start-up.

You can enter up to three categories:

  • Small Business of the Year (less than 10 employees) – sponsored byย Champ Consultants.
  • Business of the Year (more than 10 employees) – sponsored byย East Surrey College.
  • Employer of the Year – sponsored byย My Club.
  • Rising Star of the Year – sponsored byย North Downs Hospital, Caterham.
  • Customer Service Award – sponsored byย LoveOxted.
  • Sustainability Award
  • Community Service Provider Award – sponsored byย Ann Summers.
  • High Street Business Award
  • Hospitality Award

Find out more about each of the categories and the terms and conditions.

Tandridge Business Awards 2024 – how to enter

The awards are free to enter for all businesses with a trading address in the Tandridge District.

Please submit a new application form for each category you want to enter. You can enter up to three categories.

Enter by 11.59pm onย Sunday 4 August via the Application form.

Independent judges will evaluate entries with finalists announced on Monday 2 September.

Preparing your entry

The team behind the Tandridge Business Awards 2024 have provided an Entry Preparation worksheet, to help you prepare your application in advance. This will allow you time to draft a response as well as research and gather evidence so you can quickly and easily complete your online entry form.

Training sessions

You can also join one of our training sessions, online or in person to maximise your chance of success. These are on:

  • Thursday 30 May: 12pm-2pm, online using Microsoft Teams, or come to the Council Offices, Oxted. Please arrive at 11.30am for a 12pm start. ย 
  • Monday 1 July: 6pm-8pm, online using Microsoft Teams, or come to the Council Offices, Oxted. Please arrive at 5.30pm for a 6pm start. ย  ย 

The Council Offices are at 8 Station Road East, Oxted RH8 0BT. Book your place by contacting the awards team.ย 

Tandridge Business Awards 2024 ceremony

Save the date! Winners will be announced at our black tie Tandridge Business Awards ceremony on Thursday 3 October at the Lingfield Park Resort.

All finalists must be able to attend the award ceremony. We are also extending the invitation to businesses in the district.

The ceremony, hosted by Richard Stillgoe includes a three course meal and welcome drink and a fantastic lineup of entertainment.

More details about the ceremony will be shared soon, including how to purchase tickets.

Interested in sponsoring an award category?

If you or your business would like the opportunity to provide sponsorship in return for marketing and PR do get in touch. The details are in thisย Sponsorship bookletย or contact the Tandridge District Councilย Business Support Team.

Sponsors can still enter the awards, except for the category they are sponsoring. 

Any surplus sponsorship not used to cover the cost of the event will be shared among the Tandridge Chairman’s charities.

Key dates

  • Thursday 30 May: Training session (online / in person).ย ย 
  • Monday 1 July: Training session (online / in person).ย ย 
  • Sunday 4 August: Entry deadline is at 11.59pm
  • Monday 2 September: Finalists announced.
  • Thursday 3 October: Awards ceremony from 7pm atย Lingfield Park Resort.ย 

Other Surrey Business Awards

Looking to celebrate your business achievements but not based in Tandridge?

There are a range of other awards events taking place across Surrey this year, including the Surrey Business Awards and SME Surrey Business Awards.

Business Surrey launched by the Chancellor of the Exchequer

Published 21 May 2024

Business news, Events and awards

Man speaking with microphone in front of a blue backdrop to a group of people

Business Surrey โ€“ a new Surrey County Council service offering free and accessible support to businesses across the county โ€“ has officially been launched by Chancellor of the Exchequer, Jeremy Hunt.

From start-ups to longstanding SMEs, Surrey companies of all sizes, sectors and stages of their business journey can access expert support for no cost via the new Business Surrey website.

The Council developed the offer to coincide with the transfer of strategic powers to grow the economy previously held by the countyโ€™s two Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs).

It means for the first time there is a single, co-ordinated business support offer for the whole of Surrey โ€“ something which is welcomed by local leaders.

Matt Furniss, Surrey County Councilโ€™s Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Economic Growth, said: โ€œSurrey has a fantastic economic story to tell โ€“ with more than 100,000 businesses, a highly-skilled workforce and world-leading sectors helping generate more than ยฃ50 billion a year to the UK economy.

โ€œBut we know thereโ€™s more that we can do โ€“ which is why I am delighted we have developed Business Surrey, providing a simple and easy way for companies of all sizes to access the support they need to grow.

โ€œBy being in a position to support businesses from day one of being handed these functions from LEPs, we are ahead of the national curve – something which can only be positive for our 1.2 million residents and 110,000 businesses.โ€

Business Surrey provides free and accessible support for all businesses in Surrey – such as targeted bespoke support for high growth companies, highlighting networking events, promoting the countyโ€™s innovative sectors, and hosting a live directory of more than 100 national and local initiatives.

The new website also brings together of the business-facing aspects of the Council’s work, including trading standards, Greener Futures and Surrey Fire & Rescue.

Business Surrey went live in April and was officially launched at Huskins in Godalming by the Chancellor Jeremy Hunt last week (Friday May 17).

Also speaking was Tim Oliver, Leader of Surrey County Council; Shahid Azeem, the High Sheriff of Surrey; and local tech entrepreneur Terence Naidu.

Representatives from Surrey County Council, business groups, universities and the countyโ€™s 11 district and borough authorities were among those attending.

Business Surrey launch – what they said

Jeremy Hunt, Chancellor of the Exchequer and MP for South West Surrey, said: โ€œSurrey is a fantastic place to do business. The innovation and ideas of its residents, combined with sector strengths in creative industries, and tech and life sciences, make it a pivotal region in driving growth for the whole of the UK.

โ€œThatโ€™s why itโ€™s great to see Surrey County Council using the newly transferred powers formally held by LEPs to develop a clear offer to support businesses.

โ€œI would urge businesses at all stages of their journey to contact the Business Surrey team to access expert help and support.โ€

Tim Oliver, Leader of Surrey County Council, said: โ€œGrowing the economy in a sustainable way is a priority for the Council, which can only be achieved by working and engaging with our fantastic business community. Growth is not only good for business; it also generates opportunities for local people, supports investment in our communities, and improves the lives and wellbeing of our 1.2 million residents.

โ€œWeโ€™re looking forward to continuing to work closely with our universities, businesses, and local authority partners to capitalise on our enhanced strategic economic role, as it is only through shared expertise that we stand the best chance of growing our economies.โ€

Smiling man in a suit jacket and shirt talking to another person

Business Surrey roadshow

As part of the Business Surrey launch, Surrey County Council has teamed up with Surrey Chambers of Commerce to hold a series of Business Surrey Roadshow events next month.

The sessions will include practical ways for business owners to access support to grow their enterprises, as well as opportunities to connect with like-minded professionals.

The events take place on:

  • June 4 in Camberley โ€“ Login Lounge from 8am
  • June 6 in Egham โ€“ Royal Holloway, University of London from 6pm
  • June 13 in Horley โ€“ Langshott Manor Hotel from 8am
  • June 21 in Leatherhead โ€“ Fetcham Park House from 8am

Pre-booking for the events is essential. Secure your space via the Business Surrey events page.

Branded water bottles on a table with a window at the background and pot plant to the left

Business Surrey roadshow: book now to attend

Published 16 May 2024

Events and awards

Come and experience the Business Surrey roadshow, an exciting series of dynamic business events which could help your business grow and prosper.

Following the successful launch ofย Business Surreyย โ€“ which offers free accessible support to all businesses in the county โ€“ Surrey Chambers of Commerce is partnering with Surrey County Council to showcase a wide range of support available to local businesses.

The interactive sessions are a fantastic opportunity to learn about available support, connect with like-minded professionals and discuss challenges to the future success of your business and the wider economy.

Places are FREE but must be booked in advance on the links below.

When and where is the Business Surrey roadshow taking place?

The Business Surrey roadshow will take place at various locations throughout June.

Tickets are free but must be reserved in advance via the above links.

Why should you attend?

Join us at the Business Surrey Roadshow for a personalised experience, where you can:

  • Connect with the Business Surrey team for expert guidance and support.
  • Explore valuable resources tailored to your business needs.
  • Engage in insightful discussions with industry specialists.
  • Network with like-minded business owners and expand your connections.

Donโ€™t miss this opportunity to accelerate your business success. Whether youโ€™re seeking advice, connections, or inspirationโ€”our roadshow has something special in store for you!

Our partners

Business Surrey wants to thank a range of partners for helping us host these events, including:

  • Surrey Chambers of Commerce
  • Surrey Heath Borough Council
  • Runnymede Borough Council
  • Mole Valley District Council
  • Reigate & Banstead Borough Council
  • Federation of Small Business
  • Institute of Directors
  • Gatwick Diamond Business

Major Surrey company build interest in construction careers at Nescot

Published 9 May 2024

Skills and workforce

Construction professionals of the future were provided a chance to learn more about careers in the industry in an interactive day at Surrey’s Nescot College.

Representatives from Ringway Infrastructure Services, Surreyโ€™s leading highway maintenance contractor, led the session at the further education college in Epsom.

Students from a range of courses had the chance to find out more about the new Construction Skills for Highway Maintenance courses being delivered by the college with Ringway and supply chain partner Eurovia Surfacing.

The day was supported by the Surrey Careers Hub, a Surrey County Council service which connects employers to training providers to ensure young people can take their next best step.

Slavina Kalendzhieva, Head of Foundation Learning at Nescot said:

โ€œWe are delighted to be working in partnership with Ringway and Eurovia to deliver these courses which create lots of opportunities for our students. The courses offer clear pathways from education to vocational, employment and apprenticeship opportunities and will help students develop skillsets for next steps after college.

โ€œThe opportunity to meet with industry professionals has also given our students an insight into the varied opportunities available in the highway sector.โ€

Carolyn Jay, Community and Place Manager at Ringway said:

โ€œWe are really excited to be working with Nescot. The accredited construction curriculum courses offer masterclasses by Ringway and Eurovia. Students will have the opportunity to interview for a job or apprenticeship with Ringway, Eurovia and supply chain partners following course completion.

โ€œThe college has been so excellent and responsive to us being on campus to demonstrate to students the wide range of work opportunities in the highways industry which needs young people. We want to showcase how accessible it is to work in this sector.โ€

Students had the opportunity to try out specialised equipment to lay a paving slab. Others used electric hand tools including a fully electric steel saw used for cutting slabs and tarmac. Some explored the vehicles used, including an Accident and Emergency vehicle, a Roller and a Low Loader used for transporting highway kit.

Bricklaying student Jack who enjoyed exploring the Roller vehicle said:

โ€œItโ€™s been a fantastic experience finding out what is involved with working on the roads and the various equipment used. It is great that these courses are being offered, they sound very interesting and I think they will enhance my learning.โ€

Highways Maintenance courses at Nescot

The one-year Level 1 and Entry Level Construction Skills for Highway Maintenance courses develop skills in construction, employability and digital with a focus on highway maintenance.

They are designed to provide a pathway to the Ringway Highways Maintenance/Groundworks Apprenticeship, or similar roles with Eurovia and other supply chain partner.

Certified by the Gateway examining body, the Building and Construction specification is delivered with input from Ringway and Eurovia staff. It includes live briefs, industry projects, masterclasses and enrichment activities.

Students will have the opportunity to interview for a job or apprenticeship with Ringway, Eurovia and supply chain partners following course completion.

Ringway manage and maintain the largest portfolio of highways service contracts in the UK. This covers over 43,000km of strategic and local highway network on behalf of National Highways, Transport for London, and local authorities.

Student in high vis jacket sits on a construction vehicle, with a tutor on the ground advising him how to use it.