Author: Tim Ridgway

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, weโ€™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 โ€“ 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 ourย Business Support Form.
  • Sign up to our newsletterย for regular updates on news, events and support for Surrey businesses.
  • Browse ourย directory of business support in Surrey.ย 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 completingย ourย 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.ย ย ย 

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 โ€“ 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? Emailโ€ฏskillsbootcamps@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 ยฃ2,617,000.

They are represented as a collective by the organisation โ€˜Surrey BIDs Togetherโ€™.ย 

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.ย ย 

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.ย 

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 aimsย 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.ย 

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.ย ย 

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 Surreyโ€™s town centres and their local economies.ย ย 

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.ย ย 

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 ยฃ800,000 funding from the Department for Educationโ€™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 estimatedย 178,000 to 234,000 unfilled data-related roles.

Withย 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: โ€œWeโ€™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 Surreyโ€™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 โ€“ 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 includesย T-Levelsย and Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs), plus apprenticeshipsย 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 โ€˜prompt journeyโ€™ 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 withย 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 Collegeโ€™s investment in a new Digital Skills Centre is a transformative step towards acknowledging and addressing the critical skills shortages in Surreyโ€™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 โ€˜launchpadโ€™ for their new UK subsidiary.

This milestone underscores the regionโ€™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 regionโ€™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: โ€œWeโ€™re incredibly excited to welcome the Ramon.Space team into our innovative business community and Space South Central industry cluster.

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

โ€œWeโ€™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.โ€

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 Parkโ€™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 countyโ€™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 โ€“ 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 Councilโ€™s Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Economic Growth, said: โ€œOur 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.

โ€œWe are delighted to have been successful in securing ยฃ2.7 million from the Department for Education to support residents improve their career prospects through these Surrey Skills Bootcamps. 

โ€œEnsuring 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 UKโ€™s largest regional economies. These free flexible courses are a great way to do that.

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

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.

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.