Author: Tim Ridgway

Ann Summers: a Surrey Success Story

Published 12 September 2024

Surrey Success Stories

Ann Summers is the first of our Surrey Success Stories, a collection of video case studies of businesses – large and small – that are putting our region on the map. Click on the video tab below to find the secret to their success.

Ann Summers and Surrey

Ann Summers has been a landmark business in Surrey for more than 50 years. And during that time they have used the region as a base to garner international notoriety.

As chief executive officer Maria Hollins says: “We are known for being trailblazers, for breaking taboos and pushing boundaries. I think we literally are one-of-a-kind.”

The business started out in 1971 as two stores. The Gold family bought it in 1972. Under their leadership it has grown to be an established, iconic British brand.

The company now has 86 stores, a global website, trade with 14 external partners and direct selling business. Its most recent annual turnover was reported to be more than £100 million.

And all of it is centered on a head office and warehouse next to the A22 in Whyteleafe, just north of Caterham.

The secret of Ann Summers

“When you speak to people in our business and you ask them why they joined and why they stay with Anne Summers, it is because of our culture.”

As Talent Acquisition and Engagement Lead at Ann Summers, Lauren Simmons knows the reasons why people love working at the business.

With 360 colleagues working at their Whyteleafe HQ there is lots of scope for progression. And many of those who work for the business have been with the company for many years. This is in part down to the culture, its reputation for innovation and the where it is based.

But why did Ann Summers base itself in Surrey back in the early 1970s?

“We have been here for more than 50 years. The family were based in Surrey so it kind of made sense for the business to be here,” says Melinda Louis, Operations Manager at Ann Summers.

Surrey – a great place to do business

So, what are the advantages of a major retail business being anchored in Surrey?

Well, for those at Ann Summers it’s all about location, location, location.

With two international airports, the M25 just minutes away and excellent connections to London and Dover, there’s nowhere better

Melinda Louis, Operations Manager at Ann Summers, said: “We always talk about the Midlands for logistics. Well, let me tell you, Surrey is the place to be. It’s kind of that feeling of having everything London has, but with additional benefits.”

“We’ve got great transport links. We’re very close to the M25, pretty close to some of the ports and obviously we bring in a lot of product inbound from overseas.”

And with such a prominent HQ next to a major road always, the business is well known to tens of thousands of people using the A22 every day.

Lauren Simmons, Talent Acquisition and Engagement Lead at Ann Summers, said: “We’ve almost become a bit of a landmark actually. The roundabout that is right by our office is now known as the Ann Summers roundabout, which we’re really proud of.”

Melinda Louis, Operations Manager at Ann Summers, said: “We always talk about the Midlands for logistics. Well, let me tell you, Surrey is the place to be. It’s kind of that feeling of having everything London has, but with additional benefits.”

Do you want to 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.

As part of Business Surrey, Surrey County Council offers the Invest in Surrey service.

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

Whether you’re a start-up, SME or international company, you can benefit from specialist expertise, local knowledge and business support. This will help ensure a faster, more successful investment.

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

An picture of the outside of a large office block belonging to a business. The building has grey cladding with large red letters on the exterior

Business blog: Back to School – 5 ways to kickstart your business this autumn

Published 9 September 2024

Advice and support, Thought leadership

As the leaves begin to change and the air turns crisp, the back-to-school season offers a perfect opportunity for small business owners across Surrey to refresh and refocus.

Just as students return to their studies, it’s time for you to get back to business with renewed energy and strategic planning.

William Wilsnagh, one of our expert business advisors, has five practical tips to help you kickstart your business this autumn.

1. Take stock of your Annual Goals – and set new ones for the quarter

Having worked in business for 20 years in South Africa, September was normally a time when we dusted down our flip flops. In Surrey, I’m becoming accustomed to this time of year requiring wellington boots.

Regardless of the temperature outdoors, the start of a new season is an excellent time to review your annual goals.

Assess your progress so far and identify areas where you may need to adjust your strategies.

Setting new, achievable goals based on the SMART framework for the upcoming quarter can provide a clear roadmap and keep your team motivated. Clear actions and timelines based on this are essential, broken down into weekly, monthly or quarterly segments.

Whether you’re increasing sales, launching a new product, or improving customer service, having specific targets will help you stay focused and measure your success.

If you’re looking for free and practical support, then we’re more than happy to help. Just get in touch via our business support form.

2. Open yourself up to learning

Just as students are diving into new subjects, autumn is a great time for business owners to embrace learning. Consider taking a course, attending workshops, or reading industry-related books to enhance your skills and knowledge.

Staying updated with the latest trends and technologies can give you a competitive edge and inspire innovative ideas for your business. Encourage your team to do the same, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

Start off as you mean to go on by signing up to a series of FREE webinars Business Surrey is hosting in October. These sessions are targeted specifically at SMEs like yours and will cover themes such as HR and finance and funding strategies.

3. Embrace new routines

With the change in season, it’s an ideal time to shake up your daily routines. Evaluate your current processes and identify areas where you can improve efficiency.

Implementing new routines can help streamline operations and boost productivity.

Whether it’s adopting new software, reorganizing your workspace, or setting aside time for strategic planning, small changes can make a big difference in your overall performance.

4. Get to know new people

There’s no greater back to school feeling than not knowing people in new surroundings. But networking is crucial for business growth, and autumn presents numerous opportunities to connect with new people.

Attend local business events, join industry associations, or participate in community activities to expand your network.

Building relationships with other business owners, potential clients, and industry experts can open doors to new opportunities and collaborations.

Surrey is blessed with a vibrant business networking scene and there are dozens of events taking place across the county which are listed on the events section of Business Surrey website.

5.  Promote your activities and events

If you’re doing new and exciting things or hosting events this autumn, make sure to leverage them to their fullest potential.

Use social media, email marketing, and local advertising to spread the word and attract attendees.

Hosting workshops, seminars, or community gatherings can position your business as a leader in your field and provide valuable exposure.

Engaging with your audience through events can also strengthen customer relationships and build brand loyalty.

And if you’re looking to spruce up on marketing tips, we’re hosting a free event early in October which is focused specifically on mastering marketing. Sign up here.

Free “back to school” business support

By taking these steps, you can harness the energy of the back to school season to propel your business forward.

Embrace the opportunities that autumn brings and set the stage for a successful and productive quarter. Happy autumn, and here’s to your business success!

And, if you’re looking for some free tailored advice then our team of experts are available to talk to. Get in touch via the business support form on our website.

A woman in a white top and a man in a black suit and white shirt smile to camera. They are stood side with a business presentation in the background.

Surrey businesses gain a greater voice in local economic decision-making

Published 4 September 2024

Business news

Businesses across Surrey now have a much greater voice in guiding the growth of the county’s economy thanks to the relaunched and revitalised Surrey Business Leaders Forum. 

Just weeks after the government handed Surrey County Council greater strategic powers to support economic development across the county, steps have been taken to ensure the private sector has a stronger voice and is right at the heart of local decision-making. 

The Surrey Business Leaders Forum brings together close to 40 individuals representing a diverse range of businesses – from SMEs to Surrey-based multinationals, and including businesses from Surrey’s priority sectors alongside employer representative bodies. 

The Forum will be a driving force to help raise awareness of local business and economic needs. It will also act as a local business champion, ensuring businesses have a voice in decision-making that impacts the local economy.

Acting as an independent advisory group, the Forum will ensure businesses can input, challenge, and guide the Council’s approach to growing the economy.  

The revamped forum met for the first time in May. And this week members took part in a workshop to support the development of a new economic strategy for Surrey. 

Why does the Business Leaders Forum matter?

Matt Furniss, the Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Economic Growth, said: “Surrey has a fantastic economic story to tell, with more than 110,000 businesses generating over £50 billion to the UK economy. 

“We know there is more that we can do to work with our private sector to deliver real benefits to our residents and communities. So, we’ve taken steps to move quickly to make the most of the new powers from government, including creating Business Surrey, which provides free and accessible support to all Surrey businesses.

“Ensuring businesses are at the heart of our decision-making process can only strengthen that approach. I’m looking forward to working with businesses to deliver on our priority to grow Surrey’s economy in a sustainable way, while ensuring no one is left behind.”

Chris Hurren, the Chair of the Business Leaders Forum and partner at RSM UK, a leading provider of audit, tax and consulting services, said: “The Surrey Business Leaders Forum brings together an exciting and diverse group of local business leaders who want to be a driving force in shaping Surrey’s economic future and be a voice for all businesses in Surrey. 

“Their knowledge and experiences from the private sector will play a key role in helping shape local decision-making.”

How does Surrey County Council support Surrey businesses?

The Council took the role as Surrey’s strategic economic leader in April this year. Previously, the role was held by the county’s two Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs), Enterprise M3 and Coast to Capital.  

It means the council is well-positioned to lead on an enhanced, county-wide oversight and delivery role in driving sustainable growth. Indeed, this is a role which Surrey County Council wants to translate into actual economic benefits for residents and businesses.   

Formal responsibilities for business support through the new Surrey-wide Growth Hub and delivering government-funded skills programmes have also been absorbed. 

View this new offer via Business Surrey, which acts as a single gateway for all Surrey businesses to access support and advice.

Navigate the Business Lifecycle with free webinars for Surrey SMEs

Published 2 September 2024

Advice and support, Events and awards

Navigate the Business Lifecycle with a series of free webinars designed by Business Surrey specifically for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Surrey.

Over four engaging sessions, we’ll explore essential topics to help your business thrive at every stage of its journey.

Each session will consist of a 45-minute presentation followed by a 15-minute Q&A session. Our expert speakers will share practical insights, real-world examples, and actionable tips.

The sessions will take place from October 7 to 11. They are titled:

Click on the links above for more details and then sign up via the dedicated Microsoft Teams link.

Each session in the Navigate the Business Lifecycle series will be led by a respected business advisor who is an expert in the topic.

Anyone can sign up to the sessions. You can dip in to one session, attend a couple or even sign up to all four.

They are perfect for those who have just started a business or those who are looking to take their Surrey business to the next level.

Are you a Surrey business looking for free support?

Business Surrey is a Surrey County Council service providing free and accessible support for all businesses in Surrey.

We want you to grow and succeed – and have a range of ways you can access support for your company.

  • Ready to take your business to the next level? Need new or upgraded skills to adapt to new ways of working? Or do you just require advice on how to access funding and grants? Our team of experts can provide independent and impartial advice on exploring opportunities and how to tackle various challenges. Contact the team for free via our Business Support Form.
  • Sign up to our newsletter for regular updates on news, events and support for Surrey businesses.
  • Browse our directory of business support in Surrey. The directory includes more than 120 local, regional and national schemes and initiatives, which can search through quickly and easily.
  • Find out more about what we do and how to access one of our many business-friendly services by completing our Contact Us form.

Upskill your staff and save on recruitment costs with Skills Bootcamps

Published 28 August 2024

Business news, Skills and workforce

Could your business be taking advantage of Skills Bootcamps – flexible training courses available to your workforce, with up to 90% of the costs covered by Government? 

Launched this summer, they provide support to help you train existing and recruit new members of staff – with skills that are focused on growing your business. 

They are delivered via Surrey County Council in a range of sectors crucial to the region’s future economy.

Get in touch today to find out how you could benefit.

Why Skills Bootcamps? 

For many businesses, particularly small or medium employers (SMEs), achieving the balance between upskilling staff and getting the job done can be difficult. 

Skills Bootcamps offer targeted and intensive training that is sector-specific.

They have been designed closely with industry ensuring content is relevant to your sector for growth, now and tomorrow.

They are also completed quickly, in just 12 to 16 weeks. 

Through supporting your talent via a Skills Bootcamps, you also demonstrate commitment to career progression, creating a loyal and skilled workforce. 

Gain support with staff recruitment and save on recruitment costs 

Recruiting the right people with the right qualifications is a challenge for many businesses. 

Did you know, in Surrey alone; 

  • In the health and social care sector, there are over 360 care worker vacancies  
  • In the construction sector, with a predicted demand for over 950,000 installations of retrofit measures, we will need to train around 166 retrofit professionals per year to the peak in 2037 

Skills Bootcamps have been specifically developed to address the skills gap in key sectors. 

Learners are trained online and many courses also include practical teaching and job-shadowing. This ensures they get a realistic understanding of the role before gaining employment.   

Plus, there is no cost to a business recruiting someone who has recently completed a Skills Bootcamp. 

What courses are available? 

Courses have been developed across nine growing industry sectors, aimed at supporting the success of your business and the wider economy. They are delivered through expert providers. 

Courses are available in: 

  • Health and Social Care  
  • Games Development 
  • Cyber 
  • Construction – Insulation, Retrofit & Heat pumps  
  • Sustainability & Carbon Management  
  • Advanced Engineering  
  • Green electrical – electric vehicles and solar panels 

Find our more on the Surrey County Council’s Skills Bootcamps website.

Who is eligible for a Skills Bootcamp? 

Any adult living in Surrey can sign up to a course. This is providing they have the right to work in the UK and they can commit to completing the course.  Adults can only sign up to one Skills Bootcamp a year.   

Skills Bootcamps are used by local businesses to upskill current employees at a discounted rate. Large employers will need to contribute 30% of the cost. Small or medium employers (SMEs) contribute 10%. 

A business may wish to send two or more members of staff on two identical or different Skills Bootcamps. But you cannot send one individual on more than one course in the same funding year. 

Are you a business wanting more information? Email skillsbootcamps@surreycc.gov.uk. 

Or contact our team of experts direct via our Contact Us form. 

Surrey BIDs Together: a shared voice for business improvement districts

Published 23 August 2024

Business news

Thousands of high street and urban businesses across Surrey now have a collective voice through Surrey BIDs Together.

Surrey is currently home to 12 Business Improvement Districts (BIDs). More are likely to be created over the next five years.

Collectively, BIDs in Surrey have a combined total of 3,700 member organisations and an annual income of £2,617,000.

They are represented as a collective by the organisation ‘Surrey BIDs Together’. 

The group brings together representatives from the BIDs in Camberley, Caterham, Cobham, Cranleigh, Dorking, Epsom, Farnham, Godalming, Guildford, Oxted, Staines on Thames and Walton on Thames.

They meet to share ideas, discuss common themes and work through potential issues or concerns.

They also nominate a representative to sit on the Surrey Business Leaders Forum and One Surrey Growth Board. Both guide the work of Surrey County County and Business Surrey in growing the regional economy.

What are Business Improvement Districts?

Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) are made up of communities of individual businesses. They recognise that having BID status delivers benefits and improvements to their local economies.  

A BID is a designated zone (BID Area) in which businesses (BID Levy Payers) pay an extra charge in addition to business rates.

This allows them to benefit from a wide range of additional services over and above those funded through the standard commercial rates and council services. 

There is no limit on what projects or services can be provided through a Business Improvement District.

The only requirement is that it should be something that is in addition to services provided by local authorities. Improvements may include extra security, cleansing, events and environmental measures.

Anyone can propose a BID. But approval is dependent on a ballot of businesses within the designated zone. For full details, visit the government website.

The aims of BIDs in Surrey

BIDs each have individual aims, decided by their member businesses. However they all have an underlying aim. This is to provide residents, workers and visitors with clean, safe, vibrant and attractive places, where events, culture and arts are represented and visible. 

Members of Surrey BIDs are a mixture of retail, hospitality, professional services, education providers, public service providers and service industries. They range in size from start-up micro businesses to household name multinationals.  

BIDs provide employment, goods, services and entertainment for their areas. They have a keen focus on representing their members in supporting. They also promote the sustained success and vitality of Surrey’s town centres and their local economies.  

Get involved with your local BID

Surrey has a number of active BIDs which make a big contribution to their towns.

The areas with active BIDs are: Camberley, Caterham, Cobham, Cranleigh, Dorking, Epsom, Farnham, Godalming, Guildford, Oxted, Staines on Thames and Walton on Thames.  

Find your local BID in our Business Support Directory.

General view of a town centre with high rise and hills in the background

Digital Skills Centre opens at Guildford College in boost to Surrey economy

Published 1 August 2024

Skills and workforce

A new Digital Skills Centre has opened at Guildford College as part of wider efforts to bolster digital and creative skills in Surrey.

National figures show there are currently 2,500 vacancies in data-related roles across the county.

Activate Learning – which runs Guildford College – is working with local employers and strategic bodies like Surrey County Council to address immediate and long-term skills shortages in the data, tech, and cyber sector.

The new cutting-edge Digital Skills Centre at Guildford College is key to those efforts. It has been developed with £800,000 funding from the Department for Education’s Local Skills Improvement Fund (LSIF)

Why is Guildford’s Digital Skills Centre needed?

Digital skills have become fundamental across nearly every industry in Surrey. Yet there is a notable shortfall in local talent.

Nationally, the UK faces a significant challenge, with an estimated 178,000 to 234,000 unfilled data-related roles.

With 2,500 unfilled vacancies in Surrey alone, local employers are struggling to find candidates with the required digital and tech expertise. This hinders productivity and stifles innovation in a growing sector which is key to Surrey’s future economy.

Leaders at Guildford College say the investment in a new Digital Skills Centre showcases its commitment to cultivating the future talent necessary for sustaining growth and innovation in the region.

Neil Shoulder, Group Director of Guildford College, pictured below (left) said: “We’re delighted to be launching the new Digital Skills Centre at Guildford College, which demonstrates our commitment to tackling the digital skills shortage in Surrey head-on.

“By offering targeted courses and training, we are ensuring that Surrey’s economy remains dynamic and competitive in the global market.

“This initiative not only addresses immediate needs in the digital sector but also supports long-term growth and innovation – working with and providing local businesses with the skilled workforce they desperately need.”

Available courses at the Digital Skills Centre

The Digital Skills Centre will provide comprehensive programmes for career changers, young learners, and current employees seeking to upskill.

Courses and qualifications are aimed at all ages. This includes T-Levels and Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs), plus apprenticeships in digital and tech subjects.

Courses will also meet the evolving demands of the industry, ensuring students have the necessary skills to excel in a competitive job market.

Among the first courses offered will be:

  • Practical AI in a Day: A four-hour course introducing AI technologies and the ‘prompt journey’ concept.
  • Applying AI in Your Business: An eight-hour course over two days that builds on this foundation with case studies and hands-on experience in using AI for data analytics and document production.

Visit the AI for Business page on the Activate Learning website to discover more.

Digital Skills Centre and local employers

Activate Learning says that Surrey businesses are key to the success of the Digital Skills Centre.

It is working with iChooseLocal to reach out to local employers to engage in the programme. This will ensure the curriculum remains agile and responsive to industry needs.

It will also maintain a pool of skilled professionals who can significantly contribute to the local economy.

Jon Adams, Chief Strategy Officer at Activate Learning, said: “Guildford College’s investment in a new Digital Skills Centre is a transformative step towards acknowledging and addressing the critical skills shortages in Surrey’s digital and tech sectors.

“By working with employers, we are ensuring that the talent needed for the local economy to grow and thrive is there and that Surrey remains at the forefront of technological advancement and competitiveness.

“This targeted use of LSIF funding will enable us to deliver bespoke training programmes that not only address the immediate skills shortages but also align with the future demands of the tech industry, ensuring sustainable economic growth and innovation in the region.”

Free workforce support for your Surrey business

Looking for further help to develop your workforce and grow your Surrey business?

Business Surrey offer free expert support businesses of all sizes across the county. Get in touch on the links below.

Picture of red brick building in the sunshine. To the fore is a group of young people with a large tree on the right.

Ramon.Space land in Surrey in boost to county’s space sector

Published 25 July 2024

Business news, Innovation

Surrey leaders have welcomed the expansion of a leading space computing company into the county – a move that underlines the region as a thriving place to do business.

Ramon.Space, a global pioneer in space computing and communications, has selected the innovative business community at Surrey Research Park as the ‘launchpad’ for their new UK subsidiary.

This milestone underscores the region’s growing reputation as a premier location for space innovators.

It also promises investment in the region and good-quality jobs for local residents – underlining why the Council is committed to supporting innovation in key sectors as part of wider efforts to grow the Surrey economy.

Matt Furniss, Surrey County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Economic Growth, said: “Surrey is a leading regional economy and is home to an increasing number of companies within the space sector, drawn to our fantastic location, highly-skilled workforce and excellent reputation for innovation and research.

“Attracting a growing international business such as Ramon.Space to the region is a real boon, bringing investment and good-quality jobs for our residents. It is also testament to the collaborative, innovative and entrepreneurial environment within Surrey Research Park and the wider region.”

About Ramon.Space and its move to Surrey

Ramon.Space UK will serve as a key engineering hub, driving innovation and accelerating advancements in space computing and communications both within the UK and globally.

The company is embarking on significant hiring initiatives to attract top local talent, aiming to enhance its engineering capabilities and foster cutting-edge innovation.

Avi Shabtai, Chief Executive Officer at Ramon.Space, said: “We see tremendous potential in the UK space sector and are eager to contribute to its growth.

“Our high-performance computing systems and processors are designed to meet the rigorous demands of satellite and deep space missions, empowering government agencies and commercial providers to achieve mission success with confidence.”

Ramon.Space is the 10th space sector company to be based at Surrey Research Park, further bolstering the region’s position in the global space industry. 

Additionally, it is the second international space company this year to select the location in Guildford for strategic entry into the UK and European markets.

Caroline Fleming, Director of the Surrey Innovation District, which includes Surrey Research Park, said: “We’re incredibly excited to welcome the Ramon.Space team into our innovative business community and Space South Central industry cluster.

“Surrey Research Park has a legacy of being at the cutting-edge of pioneering space technology and we’re thrilled Ramon.Space has recognised the unique benefits we offer businesses looking to seize opportunities in the UK and European space markets.

“We’re especially looking forward to supporting Ramon.Space to thrive as they advance space-based computing and communications, pivotal to unlocking the potential of space.”

Surrey Research Park: A Premier Hub for Space Pioneers

Ramon.Space has joined a distinguished group of international companies at Surrey Research Park, solidifying the park’s status as a top choice for space sector pioneers entering the UK and European markets.

This spring, Australian innovators Myriota, which specialises in satellite communications for Internet of Things devices, also chose the park as their UK base, becoming the Park’s ninth space company.

They join fellow international space pioneers like isardSAT, earth observation experts from Spain, and global aerospace leader Airbus, based in Toulouse, France.

Visit the Space page on the Surrey Research Park website for more information on opportunities for space-related companies.

A group of about 40 people look at the camera for a work group shot

Business Surrey launch video

Published 23 July 2024

Business news

Want to know more about Business Surrey? Check out the Business Surrey launch video below.

Business Surrey is a Surrey County Council service offering free and accessible support to businesses across the county.

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.

It was officially launched by Chancellor of the Exchequer, Jeremy Hunt at an event in Godalming in May.

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 county’s 11 district and borough authorities were among those attending.

Click on the play button below to watch the Business Surrey launch video.

Are you a Surrey business looking for free support?

Business Surrey is a Surrey County Council service providing free and accessible support for all businesses in Surrey.

We want you to grow and succeed – and have a range of ways you can access support for your company.

  • Ready to take your business to the next level? Need new or upgraded skills to adapt to new ways of working? Or do you just require advice on how to access funding and grants? Our team of experts can provide independent and impartial advice on exploring opportunities and how to tackle various challenges. Contact the team for free via our Business Support Form.
  • Find out more about what we do and how to access one of our many business-friendly services by completing our Contact Us form.
Image advertising the new Business Surrey website

Skills Bootcamps launch in Surrey

Published 11 July 2024

Business news

Skills Bootcamps have launched in Surrey, giving businesses a low-cost way to upskill their teams and grow their organisations.

Surrey County Council is offering anyone aged 19 and over the opportunity to gain new skills and boost their earnings via Skills Bootcamps.

Courses are available in nine exciting and growing sectors which are crucial to the region’s future economy.

These government-funded courses are flexible and can be completed in up to 16 weeks – meaning individuals can learn new skills easily and quickly at a time that suits them.

Businesses in Surrey can also use them as a low-cost way to upskill their current workforce.

More than 500 courses are available across Surrey until March. Sectors include health and social care, gaming, cyber, construction and advanced engineering.

For most courses, no previous knowledge of the subject is required.

And all of the Skills Bootcamps courses have been developed closely with industry. This ensures they meet the future needs of local businesses and the wider economy.

View a full list of courses and start dates on the Surrey County Council website.

Why skills matter to Surrey

Matt Furniss, Surrey County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Economic Growth, said: “Our continuous support of improving skills in Surrey is essential to our local economy. Whether learning a new skill or upskilling existing skills these courses will help Surrey residents.

“We are delighted to have been successful in securing £2.7 million from the Department for Education to support residents improve their career prospects through these Surrey Skills Bootcamps. 

“Ensuring our residents have the right skills to secure good-quality jobs in growing sectors within Surrey is vital to us maintaining our position as one of the UK’s largest regional economies. These free flexible courses are a great way to do that.

“Supporting local people into great careers is good for our economy and good for our communities – ensuring we can offer a better quality of life for all, ensuring no one is left behind.”

How can Surrey businesses use Skills Bootcamps?

Any adult living in Surrey can sign up to a course. This is providing they have the right to work in the UK and they can commit to completing the course.

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

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

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

Are you a business wanting more information? Email skillsbootcamps@surreycc.gov.uk.

Or contact our team of experts direct via our Contact Us form.