Author: Tim Ridgway

Business blog: Fund an apprentice in just a few clicks via the apprenticeship levy

Published 10 December 2024

Skills and workforce, Thought leadership

In the latest Business Surrey blog, Renรฉe Canter, Business Surreyโ€™s Gateway & Monitoring Officer, explains why utilising the apprenticeship levy could help you recruit and grow your business.

Whatโ€™s stopping your business from taking on an apprentice?

Cost is quite a common concern, especially for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with fewer than 50 employees.

Time is another, with many smaller businesses worried about the paperwork involved.

But what if someone else fills in the forms and foots the training bill for you?

Well, thatโ€™s exactly what the apprenticeship levy transfer scheme from Surrey County Council offers – with funding to train dozens of apprentices currently available.

This makes it an ideal way for Surrey SMEs to recruit while providing opportunities to local residents.

All about apprenticeships

Apprenticeships are all about opportunity.

They allow people of all ages to earn while they learn and gain the skills they need to build a rewarding career.

Latest figures from the House of Commons Library show that more than 750,000 people took part in apprenticeships in 2022/23 financial year.

Of these, more than 5,200 were in Surrey with courses offered in a wide range of industries, from health to business to engineering and beyond.

But for many SMEs, taking on an apprentice is not something they consider due to concerns about the cost of training and levels of red tape and paperwork.

The introduction of the Apprenticeship Levy in 2017 helps significantly reduce costs and makes apprenticeships even more accessible for SMEs.  

It means employers with a pay bill of over ยฃ3 million per year pay 0.5% of their salary bill towards supporting apprenticeships.

Large organisations can support SME’s who may not pay into the levy by transferring funds to them to use to fund apprenticeships in their own business.

This Apprenticeship Levy helped directly support almost 50% of all apprenticeships in 2017/18. But many businesses are still not fully leveraging this opportunity.

Five ways apprentices can support your Surrey business

1.ย Address Skills Gaps

One of the most pressing challenges businesses face today is the skills gap. As industries evolve, the demand for new skills grows, and traditional education systems often struggle to keep pace.

Apprenticeships offer a practical solution by providing tailored training that meets the specific needs of your business. 

By utilising the apprenticeship levy, companies can develop a pipeline of skilled workers who are trained to their exact specifications.

2.ย Enhancing Employee Retention

Investing in apprenticeships can significantly improve employee retention rates.

Apprenticeships provide employees with clear career progression paths and the opportunity to gain recognized qualifications while earning a salary. 

This not only boosts morale but also reduces turnover, saving businesses the costs associated with recruiting and training new staff.

3.ย Boosting Productivity

Apprenticeships are not just about training; they are about enhancing productivity.

Apprentices bring fresh perspectives and new ideas to the workplace. They are often more motivated and eager to learn, which can lead to increased innovation and efficiency. 

According to the UK government, businesses with established apprenticeship programs report a significant improvement in productivity.

4.ย Cost-Effective Training Solutions

For many businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the cost of training can be a significant barrier.

The apprenticeship levy provides a cost-effective solution. Surrey County Council’s levy transfer facility can cover the full cost of the apprenticeship, which can vary from ยฃ5,000 to ยฃ40,000.

All local businesses need to do initially is fill in the application form and commit to paying the apprentice an ongoing salary. There also needs to be an ongoing commitment to support the apprentice during employment.

This makes apprenticeships an affordable option for businesses of all sizes, enabling them to invest in their workforce without breaking the bank.

5.ย Supporting Diversity and Inclusion

Apprenticeships can play a crucial role in promoting diversity and inclusion within the workplace. They’re useful in attracting a wider range of candidates, including those from underrepresented groups.

This can drive innovation and creativity, while helping businesses build a workforce that reflects the diversity of their customer base and society at large.

How to apply to the Apprenticeship Levy Transfer scheme

Surrey County Council is committed to ensuring No One is Left Behind. This is why it’s made it as easy as possible for businesses to access its Apprenticeship Levy Transfer scheme.

It is open to all businesses in Surrey and can only be used for future apprenticeships, either for new roles or existing employees. Itโ€™s open all year round but funding is allocated on a first come, first served basis.

Business interested in exploring the opportunity can get in touch with the Business Surrey team via our business support form.

You could also apply direct using the application form. A member of the Councilโ€™s careers team will then review your application and be in touch to support in setting-up the levy transfer.

Full terms and conditions are available on the Surrey County Council website.

Spelthorne Business Awards winners for 2024 announced

Published 7 December 2024

Events and awards

The winners of the 2024 Spelthorne Business Awards have been announced – with fresh juice company Mejuicer winning the headline award.

Business Surrey was a proud sponsor of the event held in the Hazelwood Centre in Sunbury.

It saw the hard work, creativity and achievements of dozens of businesses from Staines, Shepperton, Sunbury, Ashford and beyond recognised.

From innovative startups to leading multinational firms, there was a spotlight on the vibrant entrepreneurial spirit that drives economic success.ย 

Cllr Med Buck, Mayor of Spelthorne, shared his admiration for the entrants. He said: “The range and quality of entries this year are proof of the wealth of entrepreneurial spirit, talent, and innovative thinking across Spelthorne.

“This community is truly rich with business expertise, and their achievements make me hopeful for Spelthorne’s bright future. Congratulations to all our finalists and winners. I’d also like to extend our thanks to the sponsors who make this celebration of local talent possible.

“The Spelthorne Business Awards are a wonderful platform to honour the accomplishments of our businesses, regardless of size, especially given the challenging economic conditions.”

Spelthorne Business Awards winners

  • Best Overall Business in Spelthorne – Mejuicer
  • Best New Start-Up Award – The Stewart Academy of Performing Arts
  • Best Small Business Award – Totally Tangerine Cookery
  • Best Restaurant, Bar or Pub Awards – Indian Zest
  • Business Innovation Award – Thames Side Brewery
  • Sustainability Award – Mova Hairdressing Ltd
  • Best Franchise Award – Right at Home Richmond & Twickenham
  • Retail Excellence Award – Mejuicer
  • Best Hospitality & Leisure Business – The Magpie Pub
  • Best Construction & Property Business – Prestige Interiors
  • Corporate Social Responsibility Award – Visit Staines
  • Best Business in Staines & Laleham – Specsavers Staines
  • Best Business in Ashford & Stanwell – Totally Tangerine Cookery
  • Best Business in Sunbury & Halliford – The Magpie Pub
  • Best Business in Shepperton & Charlton – Village Matters Ltd

For a full list of finalists, visit the Spelthorne Business Awards website.

Get free support for your business

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3ti: a Surrey Success Story

Published 5 December 2024

Innovation, Surrey Success Stories

3ti 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 Leatherhead company has become a leading light in renewable energy and EV charging.

3ti: fueling cars with sunshine

Have you heard about the company that creates solar-powered pop-up car parks?

Our latest Surrey Success Story features 3ti, a Leatherhead company which is a leader in the renewable energy, battery storage and EV charging sectors.

Since being founded in 2019, the company has grown from 3 to 33 employees. And it’s forecast to turnover ยฃ10 million in 2024.

3ti’s products have generated eight gigawatt-hours of solar power โ€“ saving customers ยฃ2 million in energy costs and avoiding carbon emissions equivalent to planting over 32,000 trees.

The impact is also clear in the bottom line. The company is growing year on year and almost doubled its headcount in the last 12 months.

Innovation and sustainability

3ti stands for three technology infrastructure – meaning solar, batteries and EV charging.

The company combines these technologies in pop-up car park infrastructure.

3ti’s core product is Papilio3, a pop-up mini solar car park and EV charging hub made out of a converted shipping container.

As founder Tim Evans said: “When I drive home this evening, it will be powered by this afternoon’s sunshine.”

Being based in Leatherhead brings many benefits to the company.

It provides a fantastic quality of life for its employees. There are good schools, thriving communities and accessible countryside in easy reach. Plus there are fast connections to London, Gatwick, the M25 and beyond.

Being based in Surrey allows 3ti to access a highly-skilled talent pool powered by three leading universities.

Ryan Sherratt is a living example. He landed a job with 3ti straight out of university and is now putting his renewables learning into real-life practice with a growing business.

Looking to relocate your business to Surrey?

Thanks to Surrey’s 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 theย Invest in Surrey service. We assist companies looking to invest and grow in Surrey.

So 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.

A white electric car with 3ti on its side is charging at a pop up solar car park made out of a shipping container.
Man sitting at a desk looking at a computer screen and smiling
Man using an electric charging plug to charge up his car. On the back of the white vehicle is a 3ti logo.

Creative Corridor initiative could boost and grow Surrey’s creative industries

Published 2 December 2024

Innovation

Creative Corridor – an initiative to grow and recognise Surrey’s creative industries – has launched. And businesses of all sizes are encouraged to get involved.

Surrey County Council has commissioned the University for the Creative Arts to look at ways to bring together creative producers, education partners and production facilities in and around the region.

The aim is to accelerate development of a Surrey+ Creative Corridor. This would recognise the region as a nationally and globally significant hub for creative technology innovation and economic growth.

The first step is the developing a Surrey+ Strategy, looking at the challenges and opportunities of the creative industries in Surrey.

A series of workshops with businesses and partners are taking place this month. View the details below. Or you can sign up via the Fifth Sector website.

Creative industries – a growing sector

Surrey is a hotbed for the creative industries, with its businesses generating billions to the regional economy and employing thousands of people. This has supported growth across the UK.

The success of the creative sector has generated further growth – leading to a “cluster” of creative industries setting up in the county.

This allows them to collaborate and compete, supporting knowledge exchange and accessing physical spaces such as film studios and cultural infrastructure

In time it attracts more skilled workers, specialist suppliers and investors, fostering a wider environment of collaboration and competition.

Surrey’s Creative Corridor is identified as part of the London and M25 Creative Supercluster hotspot, extending across London, Surrey, Kent, and Sussex. This region accounted for 68% of the UKโ€™s creative industries GVA (ยฃ71 billion) in 2019.

Figures from UKRI show from 2010 to 2019 the creative industries grew more than 1.5 times faster than the wider UK economy. In 2021 they generated ยฃ108 billion in economic value, employing 2.3 million people – a 49% increase since 2011.

What is Creative Corridor?

Theย Creative Corridor Initiative aims to support Surrey’s creative industries by identifying opportunities, addressing challenges, and attracting investment.

Over the next six months, an Advisory Board will shape a report that outlines actionable steps to grow the creative economy in Surrey and South Central. This will be led by commissioned experts the Fifth Sector.

Skills and strengthening the talent pipeline will be a focus. It will also explore the potential for establishing a ‘creative corridor’ with other regional neighbours.

The report launches at UCA Farnham in March 2025.

Get involved with Creative Corridor

Workshops with a diverse group of stakeholders are taking place this month (December 2024)

They will bring together industry, education and the public sector to talk about the future skills needs of the creative cluster, as well as opportunities for collaboration and growth.

Bookings are now open. Sign up below.

  • Surrey+ Cultural, Creative & Media Workshopย – Tuesday 3 December 2024, 10am to 11.30am (online โ€“ register here)
  • Surrey+ Games, Interactive and Convergent Screen Technologies Workshop โ€“ Monday 9 December, 2pm to 3.30pm (online โ€“ register here)
  • Surrey+ Tech Sector Workshop โ€“ Wednesday 11 December, 3pm to 4.30pm (online โ€“ register here)
  • Surrey+ Exploration & Exchange event โ€“ Thursday 12 December, 10.30am to 12pm (The Wells at UCA Epsom โ€“ register here)

These workshops build on the 2023 Surrey Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP), driving a coordinated approach to boost the growth and resilience of the local creative economy while increasing opportunities for the creative workforce across the region.

Support for your business

Business Surrey is a Surrey County Council service providing free and accessible support for all businesses in Surrey. Our team of experts can provide independent and impartial advice on growing your business.

The inside of a cutting-edge virtual production studio, ready for use by the creative industries

CIFAL Surrey brings UN-backed sustainability institute to the region

Published 27 November 2024

Innovation

CIFAL Surrey – a United Nations-backed study centre for sustainability – has launched, aiming to tackle major global challenges by empowering local leaders and communities.  

Drastically improving the UKโ€™s ability to address climate change is the grand challenge that the new United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR)-affiliated CIFAL centre will tackle.  

It launched this week (Monday, 25 November) at the University of Surrey in Guildford with a ceremonial UN flag raising, a Signing Ceremony and a panel event.

In attendance was a senior delegation from UNITAR, Zรถe Franklin, MP for Guildford, and a range of the universityโ€™s collaborative partners in business and government.

What is CIFAL Surrey?  

Situated within the Universityโ€™s Institute for Sustainability, CIFAL Surrey will deliver both training and capacity building on a wide range of sustainability challenges.

This includes helping facilitate knowledge exchange among leaders in government, the private sector, and civil society โ€“ locally, nationally and internationally, as well as UK-based international organisations. 

The CIFAL Centre will draw on the University of Surreyโ€™s strong research heritage and active engagement in sustainability.

It will work with UNITAR (the UNโ€™s training branch) and the CIFAL Global Network among other stakeholders to lead both training and capacity-building initiatives in sustainability.

This will ensure CIFAL Surrey makes a unique and much-needed contribution to empowering climate leadership through enhanced climate literacy within and beyond Surrey. 

CIFAL Surrey will also work in partnership with national and local government, industry, civil society, and beyond. This includes developing sustainable economic practices, and helping to advance action towards the UNโ€™s Sustainable Development Goals.

CIFAL Surrey is the second UN-affiliated centre on campus, following the 2023 launch of the Centre of Excellence for Ageing, which appointed its first cohort of Fellows in June 2024. 

CIFAL Surrey – what they say

Professor Amelia Hadfield, Associate Vice President for External Engagement, and the new Director of CIFAL Surrey, said: Sustainability is far more than just a philosophy limited to net zero here at the University of Surrey. For us, and our community, sustainability reflects our deep, shared commitment to rebuilding a thriving planet for future generations. From the fundamentals of climate change to advanced policy implementation, CIFAL Surrey will provide hands-on training and resources to national and local government, businesses, and community groups, helping them deliver on the demands for a more sustainable future.

Alex Mejia, Division Director at United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), said: “We are honoured to inaugurate CIFAL Surrey, hosted by the University of Surrey, a renowned global institution at the forefront of innovation and learning. This new centre will mark an important step in our mission to advance sustainable development and capacity-building worldwide. It will serve as a vital hub for fostering collaboration, innovation, and knowledge exchange across the United Kingdom and beyond.”

Councillor Matt Furniss, Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Economic Growth at Surrey County Council, said: It’s a pleasure to be able to welcome the team from the United Nations to launch this new international centre in the heart of Surrey.

The CIFAL centre will play a key role in promoting sustainable development at home and abroad while also opening up opportunities for our communities. It also reinforces the region’s global reputation for innovation, research and knowledge exchange.

Sustainability support for your business

Surrey is committed to a net zero future โ€“ and as businesses in our vibrant regional economy, you are vital to achieving this goal by 2050.

There is lots of practical support, courses and funding out there to help your business along the way.

Looking for help to get started? Get in touch via our business support form and we can provide bespoke support for your business.

Surrey County Council is also providing a series of free “decarbonise your business” sessions throughout 2024 and 2025.

Plus you can visit our events page or sign up to our newsletter for further opportunities.

The exterior of a modern glass building standing in leafy surroundings, including trees, lawn and a large lake

First ever Surrey Careers Hub Conference brings employers and educators closer together

Published 19 November 2024

Skills and workforce

Bridging the gap between education and employment to boost opportunities for all was the focus of the first ever Surrey Careers Hub conference.

Up to 70 representatives from employers, schools, colleges and training providers attended the event last week at Nescot College in Epsom.

The aim was to celebrate the successes achieved in the first year of the Surrey Careers Hub and explore ways to raise awareness of all the opportunities available to young people in secondary education so they can take their next best step.

By doing so, this will help young people into fulfilling employment while supporting growth in the regional economy.

Matt Furniss, Surrey County Councilโ€™s Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Economic Growth, opened the event. He said: โ€œProviding clear pathways for our young people to gain the skills and information they need for their future careers is vital. Through Surrey Careers Hub, we have the framework in place to offer world class careers provision across the whole of Surrey. 

โ€œWe have a strong and diverse economy with internationally recognised sectors and outstanding education settings – and it is up to all of us to bring those two things closer together.

โ€œI look forward to seeing our employers and educators continuing to work together to provide opportunities for all our young people, regardless of their background. In time this will deliver benefits to them as individuals, to our businesses and the wider economy.โ€

A year of Surrey Careers Hub

Surrey Careers Hub was launched in September 2023 by Surrey County Council with funding from The Careers & Enterprise Company.

During the first 12 months, the Surrey Careers Hub team has:

  • Engaged 95 maintained schools, colleges, special schools, alternative provisions and Pupil Referral Units;
  • Recruited more than 90 volunteers from the business community to support the delivery of careers related activities for students;
  • Provided opportunities for teachers and students to learn more about careers in Surreyโ€™s growth sectors, such as gaming, cyber security, creative industries and construction and infrastructure;
  • Supported the progression of schools and colleges across all eight Gatsby Benchmarks; the government recognised framework of good careers education.

Georgina Angele, Strategic Hub Lead at Surrey Careers Hub, said: โ€œBridging the skills gap is one of the most pressing issues facing the UK economy, even in a region as large and diverse as Surrey.

โ€œThis gap not only hampers business growth but also hampers wider economic development – which is why the work weโ€™re doing is so important.

โ€œOur ambition is to ensure Surrey has an engaged, informed and skilled future workforce to meet the demands of the modern economy โ€“ but we can only do that with the support and input from employers, educators and our young people.โ€

Highlights of the first-ever Surrey Careers Hub conference

The conference saw a variety of speakers talk about a range of issues relevant to the work of the Surrey Careers Hub.

This included businesses, such as Guildford-based IT support services firm ramsac, which recently hosted two groups of teachers to learn more about their work as part of the Teachers Encounters programme. These are workplace experiences for teachers, helping to connect their subject teaching and learning to the world of work.

Delegates also heard from representatives of The Careers & Enterprise Company, a Headteacher, young people and industry stakeholders.

Julie Kapsalis, Principal of Nescot College, who is also a member of the Surrey Careers Hub Cornerstone Employers Group, said: โ€œI am so passionate about the work weโ€™re doing collaboratively around careers, for us as a business but primarily for students. This allows us to respond far better to the wider economic needs of businesses.

โ€œItโ€™s that commitment to raise the quality of careers education, to tackle disadvantage and barriers to success, which is why I am so proud to be involved with the Surrey Careers Hub.โ€

For more details visit the Surrey Careers Hub website.

Play your part

There are lots of ways Surrey businesses can support Surrey’s future workforce.

  • Want to support the work of the Surrey Careers Hub? Weโ€™re looking for professionals from all sectors and business of all sizes to work with Careers Leaders and Education Leaders as Enterprise Advisers to shape their careers education strategies. Get in touch via our contact us form for further details.
  • Sign up to the Business Surrey newsletter for updates around workforce development
A group of people stand posing for a picture while standing in front of a Surrey Careers Hub promotional banner.
A man in a blue jacket and white shirt stands on stage presenting to an audience. He stands in front of a Surrey Careers Hub banner.
A woman in a black top is at a networking event talking to a group of people. She has a Surrey Careers Hub lanyard around her neck.
Two women - one in a purple blouse, the other in a black and white dress - stand on stage presenting. In the background is a Surrey Careers Hub promotional banner.
A man in shirt and tie is sat in a auditorium with red seats. He is turned to the audience and smiling.
A cake with white and green icing is sat on a plate waiting to be served. It is decorated in Surrey Careers Hub brand colours.

International Trade Week 2024 gets underway – with new Export offer from Business Surrey

Published 12 November 2024

Business news

The fourth edition of International Trade Week (ITW) is taking place this week (Monday 11 to Friday 15 November 2024).

Led by the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) and sponsored by Santander UK, in partnership with industry, ITW 2024 will feature five action-packed days of events, workshops and webinars โ€“ all free for businesses to attend.

Whether youโ€™re looking to secure your first export contract or expand your existing international sales, ITW will have something for you.

The weekโ€™s activities are for UK companies of all sizes and sectors โ€“ you just need an interest in growing your business.

Register for International Trade Week events

You will only need to complete registration once to become a member of the UK Export Academy.

From there, you will be able to register for as many free ITW events as you wish.

Check back regularly as events are being added everyday.

If you have any questions about ITW 2024, contact the Department for Business and Trade via email.

Benefits of taking part

  • Develop your exporting knowledge and skills
  • Discover the wide-ranging support available from DBT and its partners
  • Learn about global opportunities and how to seize them
  • Understand the benefits of trade deals the UK has signed
  • Hear from, and speak to, experts in international trade

Export support for Surrey businesses

Business Surrey is a Surrey County Council service providing free and accessible support for all businesses in Surrey. This includes those wanting to export or trade internationally.

Whether you need help navigating trade regulations or finding overseas buyers, our team can connect you with the right partners and tools to ensure your international success.

As part of the 2024 edition of International Trade Week, we have launched our new Export and International Trade page on our website.

This includes highlighting opportunities from supporting organisations who can guide you on your export journey.

Unlock new growth opportunities by exploring the export support services available to your business.

You can also:

Promotional image for International Trade Week 2024

FORT programme to train future AI and cyber leaders in Surrey

Published 6 November 2024

Innovation, Skills and workforce

Surrey’s reputation as a leader in cyber security and Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been reinforced with the launch of the new multi-million pound FORT programme.

The ยฃ8 million Centre for Doctoral Training in Future Open Secure Networks (FORT) was launched at the University of Surrey’s 5G/6G Innovation Centre last month.

Running in partnership with Queen’s University Belfast, it will support at least 50 PhD researchers to develop their skills and industry-ready innovations over the next eight years.

They will work with industry partners including Rolls Royce, AWS, HP, Virgin Media, BT and Keysight Technologies.

Academic researchers claim these highly specialised skills are crucial for ensuring private and secure communications in the future.

It will underline the university and wider region’s credentials as an innovation powerhouse which nurtures advanced skills in wireless communications, AI, and cyber security.

What is the FORT programme?

The FORT centre for doctoral training is a community of postgraduate researchers who will become industry-conscious thinkers and leaders.

It is supported by ยฃ8 million in government funding, through the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC).

The launch event highlighted the importance of training postgraduate researchers in the fast-evolving fields of wireless communications, AI, cybersecurity, and networking.

It featured demonstrations, discussions and networking sessions. It gave attendees with insights into the future of telecommunications, AI, and cybersecurity.

Industry partners also shared their vision for the collaboration. They also stressed the significance of academic-industry partnerships in addressing the real-world challenges faced by the telecommunications sector.

Professor Rahim Tafazolli, Head of the Institute for Communication Systems (ICS), said: The collaboration between academia and industry is pivotal in positioning the UK as a leader in secure and resilient communications networks.

The launch of FORT is just the beginning of a bold journey towards shaping the future of telecommunications.

“The backing of the EPSRC has been essential in establishing this partnership between Surrey, Queen’s and our 21 valued industry partners. Together we have the potential to deliver a transformational shift in the UK’s position at the heart of innovation for future global telecommunications infrastructure.”

Innovation and Surrey

Surrey is leading the way in several key sectors crucial to the UKโ€™s future economy. And Business Surrey is focused on supporting these sectors to grow and reach their potential.

We’re nurturing and bringing together companies in these key sectors as part of our clusters work.

We are also working with researchers and funding establishments to bring in investment and build infrastructure.

Plus we work with training providers to ensure the countyโ€™s future workforce has the necessary skills for these sectors to prosper for years to come.

Do you work in a cyber or artificial intelligence and looking for support to grow? Get in touch with our experts via our business support form.

The exterior of a large commercial building covered in brown cladding with a large canopy. On the outside of the building is a large University of Surrey logo.

Gatwick Airport supplier opportunity for Surrey construction firms

Published 4 November 2024

Business news

Construction companies across Surrey are being encouraged to sign up as a potential Gatwick Airport supplier.

With 41 million annual passengers, London Gatwick is the UK’s second largest airports. It is a major driver of national and regional economy, generating ยฃ5.5 billion GVA and supporting over 76,000 jobs.

Gatwick has a supply chain commitment to working with businesses based in the region. This means businesses based in the local area can benefit from contracts worth ยฃ151 million a year.

As part of its new overarching Supply Chain Strategy, the airport is now looking to expand its database of construction companies.

It has set up a survey form to identify Surrey businesses in construction-related industries that are interested in working at London Gatwick. 

Those interested should complete the Expression of Interest form on the Gatwick Airport website.

Gatwick’s construction supply chain strategy

London Gatwick has developed a new overarching Supply Chain Strategy linked to its wider Capital Investment Programme.

The new Construction Frameworks will deliver improved facilities and services for its passengers and airline customers over the next six years. It includes construction works, various professional services including design services, and surveys.

To ensure the airport has a capable, engaged, and strong supply chain to respond and deliver the associated works, the Supply Chain team have developed an Expression of Interest Survey for businesses working in construction-related industries. 

This will enable the airport and its contractors to promote future indirect opportunities to work with Tier 1 framework suppliers on relevant projects in 2025 and beyond. 

The opportunity is open to all businesses in Surrey. So whether you have previously delivered works directly to London Gatwick or not, the airport wants to hear from you. This will help it understand the range of capabilities that local and regional businesses offer.

Other Gatwick Airport supplier opportunities

Gatwick is a major driver for the local and regional economy, as well as supporting the wider UK economy. It is committed to supporting local businesses and creating new opportunities associated with its local supply chain. 

Are you a regional small and medium-sized business that wants to work with Gatwick Airport?

Regional small and medium-sized enterprise businesses in certainโ€ฏpostcodes canโ€ฏregister their interest in working with the airport as a supplier. 

Note: this is only open to SMEs located in the RH, BN, CR, KT, TN, GU, PO, SM, ME, CT, BR and DA postcodes).

Full details of Gatwick’s procurement policy is available on its website.

Looking for additional help and support

Business Surrey is a Surrey County Council service providing free and accessible support for all businesses in Surrey. This includes help with contracts, procurement and access to funding.

Our team of experts can provide independent and impartial advice on growing your business.

A series of planes line up at passenger docking ports at Gatwick Airport.

KFC UK: a Surrey Success Story

Published 29 October 2024

Skills and workforce, Surrey Success Stories

KFC UK 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 why Surrey is a great place for this international brand to have its UK base .

KFC UK: an iconic brand with an iconic founder

It’s an iconic global brand with a founder as famous as its food. But how many of you knew that Colonel Sanders’ fried chicken legacy is rooted in Surrey as well as Kentucky?

It’s nearly a century since the white suited Sanders first started serving his fried chicken in a roadside motel in the United States. The taste is now exported round the world, including the UK.

Kentucky Fried Chicken – known better as KFC – opened its first UK restaurant in Preston, Lancashire in the 1960s.

And the UK operation has never looked back. Currently there are more than 1,000 branches in the UK. And its parent company KFC UK has an annual turnover of close to ยฃ300 million.

This major operation is all coordinated from a UK headquarters in the heart of the Surrey town of Woking.

KFC’s secret to success

So how has a company founded in the southern US state of Kentucky come to be so popular?

Well, the food is pretty good – with the unique blend of 11 herbs and spices still very much a top level secret.

The company is also committed to being bold and innovative.

Jo Tivers, Head of Food and Quality, said: “I love working in the fast food industry. As the name suggests, it’s really, really fast. We can be really innovative, we can try new things. We have a customer base that is really interested in trying new things.”

The company is also big on investing in its people – with culture being a real focus. It claims to be “people first culture, really heart-led” – with a real focus on supporting and championing young people, especially with their first jobs.

As Hema Ladwa, People Experience Lead, explains: “We really believe that everyone has the potential, we just need to feed that potential, whether it’s feeding them chicken or whether it’s feeding them through their knowledge and through their learning and development.”

This commitment inspires loyalty and nurtures talent, for now and into the future.

KFC UK and Surrey

KFC UK has had its restaurant support centre in Woking for more than 25 years. About 350 people are based there, with location being a major plus point – for business and for pleasure.

With direct train links to London taking 30 minutes and the M25 and two major airports a short drive away, connectivity couldn’t be better.

Jenny Packwood, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, said: “Not only do we have great proximity to London, the trains are really quick in and out to London for people who live there. And because we’re international, the proximity to Heathrow and Gatwick is also really helpful.”

Woking is also a fantastic place for people to be live, continually being ranked among the best places in the UK to reside.

There’s culture, countryside, shopping, great food and drink plus access to a range of recreational facilities.

Jo Tivers, Head of Food and Quality, said: “It’s great to be able to go into the weekend, enjoy lunch out with the family, take them to the theatre, to the cinema. There’s always something incredible to do.”

Looking 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 and grow in Surrey.

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.

A red and white bucket with the words KFC on it is on a table. In the background is a picture of Colonel Sanders, the founder of KFC.
Image of fried chicken on a wire tray. A person in a black apron is using tongs to lift the chicken into a KFC bucket.
Two people - a man in a black jacket and a woman in a short sleeved grey top - sit at a table talking to each other. In the background is the words "Finger Lickin Good" in neon lighting, which is the slogan for KFC UK.