Category: Advice and support

Woodlark Nurseries case study: greenhouse expansion sparks growth 

Published 9 December 2025

Advice and support, Funding and grants, Surrey Success Stories

Woodlark Nurseries is family-run nursery in Hersham. Thanks to the Surrey Economic Growth Fund it is doubling its production area, increasing produce, improving efficiency and creating local jobs.

Woodlark Nurseries, run by Graeme Edwards and his father Colin, supplies national and local garden centres including Squires, Garsons Farm and Chessington.  

The five-figure investment via Surrey County Council’s Surrey Economic Growth Fund is allowing it to double the size of its production area, increasing output by an extra 270,000 pots per year. 

It means the team can produce more plants, allowing them to better serve their customers, support the community and create more local jobs. 

The investment has come at just at the right time for the nursery, allowing it to produce a plethora of poinsettia plants just in time for the festive season. 

Graeme Edwards, of Woodlark Nurseries, said: “We grow seasonal plants and bulbs, mainly bedding plants but also Poinsettia plants at Christmas, along with planted containers and hanging baskets. Mainly to local garden centres and also national garden centre groups as well as local landscapers and gardeners.  

“The funding will allow us to expand and upgrade one of our greenhouse facilities, so we can grow more and grow it better and earlier to match demand from our customers. And to make sure they can get more plants that are grown locally, meaning better quality plants for their customers. The funding will also pave the way for increased efficiencies in production in the future.” 

Woodlark Nurseries: supporting the community

The Surrey Economic Growth Fund was launched by the council earlier this year. It brings together a range of public and private funds, including government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund, into a single pot. 

Woodlark Nurseries was one of the first to receive investment following a highly competitive process. It’s using the grant to expand its production area from 1400m2 to 2800m2. 

As well as boosting the business, it will allow the team at Woodlark to support the wider community too. 

Graeme said: “We are proud to sponsor both Hersham in Bloom and work closely with Weybridge in Bloom and Claygate Gardening Society which are all fantastic things run by great people, improving the community for everyone, so we’re looking forward to continuing that. If there’s any other local initiatives which are similar and we could work with, we would love to hear from them.  

“We also look to employ from the local community so this project will mean we’ll need to expand this.  

“And we deal with lots of local garden centres. So this project will hopefully enable us to help them even more by supplying them with locally grown plants, which have a lower carbon footprint and better quality than European imports. 

“We’re really looking forward to starting the project and improving our business as well as supporting the local businesses that we deal with even more.” 

Surrey Economic Growth Fund

Close to £2 million has been awarded to dozens of recipients via the Surrey Economic Growth Fund. This is unlocking significant match funding and private investment.  

The successful bids are collectively estimated to grow Surrey’s economy by £9 million. They are also creating or safeguarding 300 jobs and bringing 1,350 residents into employment. 

Further applications were welcomed in the autumn. And an announcement of recipients from round two will be made in the new year. 

Any business looking for funding or support to grow can receive fully-funded support. Get in touch via our Business Support Form.

A man in an orange fleece and black hat pushes a trolley full of beautigul pot plants around a busy horticultural site.

Surrey Venture Studio launches to turn bright ideas into businesses

Published 8 December 2025

Advice and support, Business news, Innovation

Surrey Venture Studio logo

Surrey Venture Studio is now open, inviting Surrey innovators, academics, students and entrepreneurs to ignite their ideas to build a business. So if you have an idea ripe for commercialisation and are ready to start your business journey, seize this exciting opportunity today! 

Do you have a business idea you believe could be transformational and marketable, but you’re unsure how to take the first step or secure funding?

Perhaps you already have designs, prototypes or research that hasn’t yet reached its full revenue generating potential.

If so, then Surrey Venture Studio is here to help you bridge that gap and fulfil your ambitions.

Surrey Venture Studio – Apply Today! 

Applications are now open for Surrey Venture Studio.

This is an exciting new pre-accelerator programme to help innovators, academics and entrepreneurs across Surrey explore whether turning an idea into a business is the right path. 

This exciting programme includes: 

  • A two-day, in-person ideation workshop
  • Expert mentoring
  • Opportunity to progress to a six-month accelerator
  • Up to £25,000 catalyst grant funding, for successful six-month accelerator participant 

Spaces on the workshop are limited and will be offered to applicants whose ideas are at the right stage of development and show strong potential for innovation and commercialisation. 

At the end of the two-day workshop, participants will be invited to pitch their ideas ‘Dragon’s Den’-style. The successful applicants will secure a coveted place on the six-month accelerator programme and take a step closer to securing £25k in grant funding to launch their business!

Apply directly via the Surrey Venture Studio application form.

  • Want to know more? Join the Discover Surrey Venture Studio webinar on Thursday January 8 at 3pm. This will be your opportunity to hear from delivery partners about how the programme will work and what participants can expect. It’s also a great opportunity for you to get your questions answered. 

Key Dates

  • Applications open – December 8, 2025
  • Discover Surrey Venture Studio Webinar – January 8, 2026
  • Applications close – January 16, 2026
  • Ideation Workshops
    • University of Surrey Ideation Workshop – February 5 and 9, 2026
    • Royal Holloway, University of London Ideation Workshop – February 12 and 16, 2026
    • University for Creative Arts Ideation Workshop – February 19 and 23, 2026
    • Open Call Ideation Workshop at Surrey County Council – February 26 and March 2, 2026

FAQs

Got a question about Surrey Venture Studio? Find answers in our FAQs below.

Innovators, academics, students and entrepreneurs based in Surrey with ideas that have strong commercial potential. 

No. You can apply with an idea, prototype or early-stage research that could become a marketable product or service.

The workshops will be held at the campus of the host university and Surrey County Council’s HQ in Reigate. University for Creative Arts will host at their Epsom site. 

Participants will pitch their ideas to a panel. Successful applicants will join the six-month accelerator programme. 

No, there is not an option to attend online. If you have any accessibility issues that prevent you from attending in person, please contact the Surrey Venture Studio project team to ensure your needs are met. 

You must commit to the two-day workshop and, if successful, the full six-month accelerator programme at around 2 days per month. 

Spaces are limited and offered to those whose ideas show strong potential for innovation and commercialisation.  

No, you do not need one to apply. But you’ll be willing to open one before any grant funding can be paid. 

No, all applications received before the closing date will be judged equally.

The Fine Print

Surrey Venture Studio is funded by the UK Government and Surrey County Council via the Surrey Economic Growth Fund. It is delivered in partnership with the University of Surrey, University for the Creative Arts and Royal Holloway, University of London. 

  • Eligibility: Applicants live, work or study in Surrey and be eligible to work in they UK. Applicants should also comply with UK Subsidy Control
  • Commitment: Applicants agree to attend the two-day workshop and, if successful, commit to the six-month accelerator at approximately two days per month
  • Selection: Participation in the workshop does not guarantee progression to the accelerator
  • Funding: Grant funding is subject to acceptance onto the 6-month accelerator and must be paid into a business bank account
  • Data Sharing: Applicant data may be shared with programme partners for delivery and monitoring purposes
  • Intellectual Property: IP remains with the applicant; Surrey Venture Studio does not claim ownership 
  • Withdrawal: Surrey Venture Studio reserves the right to withdraw or amend the programme at any time

Not all applicants or workshop participants will progress. But those applying will need to commit to the full six month accelerator. This is irrespective of whether they are successful.

Apply directly via the Surrey Venture Studio application form.

A woman in a white lab coat and wearing blue gloves looks into a microscope. She is working in a laboratory.

State of Surrey economy winter 2025 research: residents report worries about employment

Published 3 December 2025

Advice and support, Business news, Skills and workforce

The State of Surrey economy winter 2025 research reveals resident worries about work and employment. Extra support is now available from Surrey County Council after new data showed one-in-three (32%) know someone who has lost their job in the last year. 

The findings, generated by Surrey County Council’s ongoing in-house resident panel research, highlights the growing day-to-day concerns facing the 1.2 million residents in the region.

Responses show more than half report their own personal financial circumstances had worsened in the last year. And, of those currently employed, more than one in five expressed worries about losing their job within the next 12 months. 

It comes as the recent government figures show more than 26,900 people in Surrey are out of work but actively seeking employment. 

The council – working with government, employers and training providers – is responding directly to these challenges. This includes stepping up its county-wide offer for those who are out of work or looking to gain new skills to boost their career. 

Employment support available for Surrey residents

The launch of STEP Surrey, a new single gateway for skills and employment, is now live. This brings together help for jobseekers to learn new skills, find work and access employment support in one place. 

Skills Bootcamps, providing free fast-track training in growing sectors such as construction, cyber security, gaming and green industries, are also available. 

For those with barriers to work, there is dedicated employment support available.  

This includes Connect to Work, a pioneering government-funded programme which aims to support 2,000 residents with disabilities and other complex challenges into suitable sustainable employment over the next five years. 

And WorkWell provides free one-to-one coaching service for Surrey residents with health issues to start, stay or return to work. 

For business owners, budding entrepreneurs and freelancers, the Business Surrey website offers business support and start-up advice.  

Matt Furniss, Surrey County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Economic Growth, said: “While Surrey’s economy is performing well overall, our residents are not exempt from issues facing the whole of the UK. These findings show that many of our residents are being directly impacted by challenges such as the cost-of living, unemployment or health issues. While I appreciate this can bring stress and anxiety, the positive news is there is help available.  

“We are using enhanced responsibilities from Whitehall to work with government, employers and training providers to ensure there is expert support available alongside local job opportunities from businesses who are desperate to recruit local talent. 

“I encourage those impacted to get in touch via STEP Surrey so that we can provide them with the bespoke support they need to find work that works for them and their loved ones.” 

What is the State of Surrey economy winter 2025 research?

The State of Surrey economy winter 2025 research is carried out by Surrey County Council’s residents intelligence unit.

More than 550 people took part in October’s resident panel survey. This asks a range of questions on the economy.  

Responders identified inflation, housing and infrastructure as the biggest economic challenges currently facing the county. And nearly 70% felt the economic situation in Surrey had worsened over the past year. 

For more information on the council’s resident panel, contact research@surreycc.gov.uk 

A series of shops bordering a cobbled street in Guildford, Surrey

Operation Machinize seizes £60,000 of illegal goods from Surrey businesses

Published 25 November 2025

Advice and support, Business news

Operation Machinize sees Surrey’s Trading Standards team working with partners to seize £58,075 of illegal goods from high street businesses across the county. Firms are being urged to take extra care to ensure what they sell is safe for their customers.

Operation Machinize sees Buckinghamshire and Surrey Trading Standards, Surrey Police, Home Office Immigration, Department of Work and Pensions and tobacco detection dogs working together.

Teams targeted high street businesses suspected of criminal activity across Surrey.

Results include 19,740 illegal cigarettes, 8,100 grams of illegal tobacco and 7,128 illegal vapes being seized. Plus 164 illegal e-liquids and one counterfeit Labubu were taken away.

Kevin Deanus, Surrey County Council’s cabinet member for Surrey Fire and Rescue Service and Resilience said: “Operation Machinize has one simple aim: to help keep our high streets safe. And in the build up to Christmas that is more important than ever.

“I was pleased to join our Trading Standards team recently for the day in Godalming, to see their hard work in action.

“This operation demonstrates the power of collaboration in tackling organised crime and the results reflect the dedication of our teams and partners in keeping our high streets safe.”

Why Operation Machinize matters

Operation Machinize focuses on removing illegal and counterfeit goods from the high street.

Illicit and counterfeit items can be extremely dangerous because they are often made with low-quality materials. They also lack safety testing, and may contain toxic ingredients that pose significant health risks.

Trading Standards teams report that illegal goods are sold year-round.

Profits from counterfeit goods can fund other illegal activities. This includes drug dealing, money laundering and human trafficking.

As part of the operation, community engagement days also took place recently. These raise awareness and encourage reporting of counterfeit goods.

These events were held in partnership with Surrey Police, Crimestoppers and One You Surrey, that included the use of tobacco detection dogs to demonstrate how illegal goods are identified.

What can I do about illegal goods?

Trading Standards in Surrey work with businesses to stay compliant while growing confidently. 

Want to understand more about their role? Well, you can sign up to attend our dedicated trading standards webinar on December 2 at 12pm.

Discover what Trading Standards does and how it supports businesses. Plus we will cover the key areas of legislation you need to know. This includes learning how to avoid common mistakes while getting introduced to the EASY 123 scheme.

Want more bespoke advice? Get in touch with us via our Business Support Form.

Two people in black Trading Standards jackets look at goods in shops as part of Operation Machinize

Net Zero toolkit now available for Surrey businesses

Published 20 November 2025

Advice and support, Business news, Innovation

A net zero toolkit for Surrey businesses is now live. The on-demand guide features expert support to help you create a carbon reduction plan for your business. Sign up today in just a few clicks.

There’s never been a better time to start your businesses journey to net zero. But where do you start?

The Business Surrey net zero toolkit will guide you step-by-step through creating and implementing a carbon reduction plan for your business.

Led by Shelley Lawson, founder of Frog Bikes, a series of videos and worksheets will help you apply the learning direct to your organisation.

By the end, you’ll have a bespoke plan which will not only reduce your carbon footprint but also your outgoings. Plus it could help you win more clients and bids.

Access the toolkit today by completing the form on our our net zero toolkit page.

About the Business Surrey net zero toolkit

The four self-learning modules include videos covering a range of topics to help you kickstart the decarbonisation of your business.

Each one also comes with a worksheet so you can apply the learning direct to your own business. These can be downloaded and saved to your device so they can be completed as you go.

By the end, you’ll have a bespoke carbon reduction plan providing a clear and achievable path to reduce costs and open your business up to new opportunities.

  • Video 1: Why is net zero important to my business?
  • Video 2: Carbon Calculator
  • Video 3: Turning your carbon footprint into a plan
  • Video 4: Creating a Carbon Reduction Policy
  • Video 5: Delivering impact

Other Business Surrey toolkits

The net zero toolkit is the latest self-learning resource made available by Business Surrey.

We’ve designed them for businesses of all sizes and sectors to access expert support at a time that suits them.

The videos are engaging while accompanying worksheets allow learning to be applied directly to individual companies.

Other toolkits include

The resources are paid for by UK government via Growth Hub funding to Surrey County Council.

Need more bespoke support? Get in touch via our Business Support Form and we’ll be happy to help!

Two women sat in chairs smile while the are being filmed in a multicamera production.

Skills Bootcamps return to Surrey

Published 28 October 2025

Advice and support, Skills and workforce

Skills Bootcamps return to Surrey for 2025 offering discounted training opportunities for Surrey businesses in key sectors. Upskill your staff or find future talent via this government-funded scheme.

Skills Bootcamps are government-funded courses from Surrey County Council. They allow learners aged 19 and over to gain industry-ready qualifications in super-quick time.

A range of courses are on offer for this year in exciting and growing sectors. This includes construction, cyber security, sustainability and games development.

Training is designed to be as flexible as possible, lasting between two and 16 weeks. The aim is to equip a new cohort of employees with work-ready skills in sectors crucial to Surrey’s future economy.

The role of employers is crucial. You can use the courses to upskill current members of your team. Or you can find new talent with the latest knowledge to help grow your business.

Interested in finding out more? Get in touch via our Contact Us form.

Skills Bootcamps for businesses

Skills Bootcamps can 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.

Courses are being offered in Surrey this year in:

  • Digital marketing
  • Cyber security
  • Games development
  • AI
  • Sustainability and carbon management
  • Bicycle maintenance
  • Landscaping project supervision
  • Domestic energy and retrofit assessor
  • Groundworks plant operations
  • Air source heat pumps
  • Personal training
  • Green electrical
  • Hospitality

Are you a business wanting more information? Get in touch via our Contact Us form.

Filling the construction skills gap with Skills Bootcamps

Skills Bootcamps’ return to Surrey will see new courses on offer.

This includes an introduction to Groundworks Plant Operations. It’s being run by Farnham-based Construction Industry Safety Training Centre (CISTC).

CISTC specialises in providing construction-specific health, safety and plant training that meets the latest industry regulations.

Its expert trainers bring real-world site experience, ensuring every course is engaging, hands-on, and directly relevant to the workplace.

Angela Fowler, CISTC Operations Director, said: 

“This is for people who are looking to move into the sector or those looking to upskill beyond labouring.

“There is a big skills gap and a huge Government drive in terms of construction work. There aren’t enough workers in the industry to provide that, so we’re giving people the skills that are needed.

“We have employment opportunities with our parent company Natta Building Company as well as a number of our clients, so we are hoping it will help our clients tap into potential employees as well.”

Skills Bootcamps: case study

Last year, more than 500 people signed up for Skills Bootcamps in Surrey.

Of those who completed courses, more than half said they’d secured new work or a new position in their company as a result.

MTek Solutions used the Solar PV Skills Bootcamp to upskill their staff as the business branched out into the installation and servicing of solar systems.

Kieran Tuck and Michael Slatcher, MTeK Solutions co-founders, said: 

“Skills Bootcamps are a great way to upskill and boost your earnings – they help add another string to your bow.

“You have to look beyond today. Investing the time to complete the training has opened doors to much greater opportunities than if we had kept putting things off.”

Matt Furniss, Surrey County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Economic Growth, said: “Skills Bootcamps are a great way for residents to gain new qualifications and boost their future earnings, while ensuring employers have access to the skills they need to thrive.

“As one of the UK’s largest regional economies, Surrey’s prosperity depends on having a skilled workforce ready to meet the demands of our thriving sectors. By providing pathways to rewarding careers, we’re building a Surrey where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.”

Workforce support for Surrey businesses

Are you a Surrey business needing support around workforce and skills? Do you have plans to grow but struggling to find the talent to make it happen?

We’ve have decades of experience supporting employers with challenges. There’s lots of support available, including fully-funded programmes from government.

Get in touch via our Business Support Form and one of our team will respond within five working days.

A man in orange hi-vis sits on a roller in a construction site. Either side are banners for Skills Bootcamps and STEP Surrey.
Two men in orange high vis and hard hats stand in a construction site. Behind them is a yellow plant vehicle.

One-stop shop for training and jobs to help more people in Surrey find work

Published 21 October 2025

Advice and support, Skills and workforce

Surrey jobseekers can find jobs, learn new skills and access employment support in a single, simple and accessible way via Surrey County Council’s new STEP Surrey gateway services portal.

Latest figures show that more than one in six people of working age in Surrey (17.9%) are not currently in work. Of these, 22,400 people want to work but can’t find suitable employment.

Barriers include:

  • education (30%)
  • long-term health conditions (20.2%) and
  • care responsibilities (19%).

STEP Surrey aims to change that, providing a single gateway for those looking for work, regardless of their circumstances, background or experience.

The aim is to make it easier for job seekers to access the help and support they need, while helping local employers fill vacancies and skills gaps. Visitors will be able to access a live jobs board which is updated twice a day bringing thousands of live jobs together into a single platform.

Those who need extra support will be able to contact dedicated experts who can provide bespoke guidance to help people in Surrey find work and learn new skills.

Surrey Skills Conference

STEP Surrey was launched last week at the first ever Surrey Skills Conference, which brought together 200 employers, education, academics and government delegates to discuss how skills can power the county’s future economy.

It was organised by the council, in partnership with Surrey Chambers of Commerce, with keynote contributions from Robert West, Head of Employment and Skills at the Confederation of British Industry and Holly Hobbs, a Gen-Z influencer and co-founder of urfuture.

Key topics included how to make the most of the transfer of skills powers locally from government, and addressing challenges, such as driving business growth by equipping people who are out of work with the skills that employers need to thrive.

Employment support for Surrey residents

Delegates also learned more about upcoming government-funded programmes available in Surrey.
This includes Connect to Work, which will support 2,500 people with complex barriers to work into local employment over the next five years; and WorkWell, which provides coaching to those with health challenges to get into, return to and stay in work.

Councillor Matt Furniss, Surrey County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Economic Growth, said: “Surrey is a diverse, vibrant and well-connected region contributing more than £50 billion a year to the UK economy – we have a great economic story to tell.

“But beyond those headlines, we know there are challenges, not least the tens of thousands of residents who are currently out of work but want to work.

“The Government has brought renewed focus to work, health, economic inactivity and skills, and thanks to devolution, for the first time we can shape our approach to skills and employment across a single Surrey footprint.

“STEP Surrey is central to that mission – making it easier for every resident to access the training, support and opportunities they need to thrive in our local economy.”

To access help for people in Surrey to find work, training and skills support, visit www.stepsurrey.co.uk.

Keep up to date with all the latest news from Business Surrey by signing up to our newsletter or checking out our events page.

Business Growth Grants now available to Surrey SMEs

Published 16 October 2025

Advice and support, Business news, Funding and grants

Business Growth Grants totalling £1.7 million are now available to all small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Surrey. Apply now to fund bright ideas to accelerate growth, boost innovation and create jobs. 

The funding is available as part of the Surrey Economic Growth Fund.

Businesses can apply for match-funding of between £10,000 and £75,000 towards new equipment or technology. It can also support developing new products or services, expanding operations or facilities, or investing in staff training and upskilling. 

The key thing is that businesses demonstrate how they will use the investment to deliver real benefits to the people, places and economy of Surrey. 

Apply now via the Economic Growth Fund page before midnight on 16 November. All projects need to be complete by the end of March. 

What is the Surrey Economic Growth Fund?

The Surrey Economic Growth Fund launched this year. It includes a range of public and investment streams, including government UK Shared Prosperity Funding. 

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

Round one saw dozens of organisations receive £2 million in funding, creating scores of new jobs, supporting hundreds of employment opportunities and boosting the economy by up to £9 million. 

Councillor Matt Furniss, Surrey County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Economic Growth, said:

“Following the success of round one, I’m delighted to launch round two of the Surrey Economic Growth Fund. The exceptional quality of applications we received first time around has demonstrated just how much ambition and innovation exists within Surrey’s business community. 

“We’re committed to maintaining the high standards that made round one such a success. Every application will be rigorously assessed to ensure we’re backing businesses that will deliver genuine economic growth, create quality jobs, and produce tangible benefits for Surrey’s communities. 

“Surrey already contributes £50 billion to the UK economy each year. And strategic investments like this will support sustainable growth while delivering benefits to our people and places.” 

How do I apply for Business Growth Grants?

You can apply if your business is: 

  • based in Surrey 
  • small or medium-sized enterprise (SME)
  • able to provide match-funding for at least 50% of total project costs 
  • able to deliver the project by March 2026 

Projects must clearly demonstrate how they will contribute to economic growth in Surrey. This includes creating new jobs, boosting productivity or supporting innovation.

Bids are assessed against a set criteria. An independent panel, including business representatives makes final decisions.

The approach has been developed in collaboration with employers across Surrey. This includes the One Surrey Growth Board and Business Leaders Forum.

Apply direct via the Economic Growth Fund page of the Business Surrey website.

Not sure where to start? Get in touch with the team via our Contact Us form.

How to deal with late payments – advice for Surrey businesses

Published 15 October 2025

Advice and support

Late payments cost the UK economy almost £11 billion per year and cause 38 UK businesses to close every day. Government research shows 28% of businesses are affected by late payments each year, so what can you do to avoid being caught out by unpaid invoices? Here’s some advice on how to deal with late payments for small businesses in Surrey.

It’s important you know how to deal with late payments, as it can impact your cash flow, your ability to pay suppliers, and ultimately the future of your business.

Preventing late payments

The first thing you can do to protect your business against late payments is take some steps to prevent invoices from going overdue.

Make sure you send invoices on time and with clear payment dates so there is no room for ambiguity. The Government recommends a 30-day notice period from the date the invoice is issued.

Include a clause in your invoice or contract setting out late fees – you can use the UK statutory interest rate for business-to-business transactions, which is set at 8% plus the Bank of England base rate.

And if cash flow is a concern, consider requiring upfront deposits or shorter payment terms if agreed by the client.

When a payment is late

The UK Government says a payment is late if it’s overdue by more than 30 days after the customer receives the invoice or the goods or services have been delivered (if this is later), unless another payment term has been agreed.

When dealing with a late payment, the first stage to is send a polite reminder that the invoice is overdue. Often, contacting the customer to let them know their payment is late will be enough to prompt a payment or start a conversation if there is an issue.

If you get no response, you can send a demand letter and a new invoice with a late payment fee included. You can use the Small Business Commissioner’s invoice calculator to work out the late payment interest owed.

If repeated reminders and demand letters are ignored, you can send a final demand letter outlining a deadline for payment before legal action is taken.

Taking legal action

At this stage you can contact the Small Business Commissioner for support with disputes. Available support includes mediation before taking legal action, which can be costly, and damage the client relationship for good. Find out more about the support offered by the Small Business Commissioner here.

For debts under £10,000, you can make a claim through the small claims court, which is a simpler and more cost-effective option than full legal proceedings.

If you’ve tried the other tactics and still haven’t received payment, as a last resort you can take legal action. This involves starting court proceedings and may mean instructing a collections agency for debt recovery.

If you need free, practical advice on running your business in Surrey, access our Business Support form here.

You can also keep up to date with all the latest news from Business Surrey by signing up to our newsletter or checking out our events page.

Coworking spaces in Surrey

Published 7 October 2025

Advice and support

Coworking spaces in Surrey have never been more popular. We’ve picked out a few of the dozens of premium coworking spaces that freelancers and small business owners can use as a base to do business.

Whether you’re a freelancer craving the buzz of the office, or a small business owner needing a professional space for meetings, there are dozens of premium coworking spaces to choose from across Surrey.  

Some have dedicated desk space in modern, sleek offices. Others offer more flexible memberships in coffee house settings. Scroll down to see some of the top coworking venues in Surrey.  

Each of our picks includes superfast broadband as standard. Plus, there’s a great atmosphere that you’ll need for a productive day’s work. 

Six of the best coworking spaces in Surrey

The Long Barn

The Long Barn in Cobham is a luxe-city office in a countryside setting. It offers professional meeting rooms to impress clients, alongside hot-desks for freelancers.

There’s an onsite barista, telephone booths to make private calls, a breakout area to network, and even a shower to freshen up.

It’s dog-friendly and has flexible contracts, whether you just need a day pass all the way up to 12-month memberships.  

Login Lounge  

The Login Lounge in Camberley is a coffee house with flexible memberships suited to working parents (with access during school hours), full memberships for longer days, and ad-hoc offers including a half-day pass.

There’s Nespresso and tea on tap, and bookable themed rooms for meetings; The Tornado features a real jet fighter wing on the boardroom table, and The Classroom comes complete with old-school desks.  

Rocketdesk

Rocketdesk in Guildford is a hub for creative technology freelancers, Rocketdesk has cultivated a strong community among professionals in the sector.

Based at Surrey Research Park, monthly membership gets you your own dedicated desk 24/7, access to the meeting room, networking opportunities and even podcast filming and production as an add-on. 

Collaborate

Modern and friendly coworking spaces, Collaborate has two sites in Woking and Guildford. It offers , offering a mix of coworking desks, hot desks and meeting rooms.

Both sites in Woking and Guildford are designed to be bright and light, with a sleek modern feel. Break-out areas are perfect for quick meetings, and there’s phone booths for private calls.

Access is seven days a week, and there’s occasional social events too so you can network.  

CoTribe

CoTribe offers a community for entrepreneurs and freelancers. It has sites in Sunbury and Leatherhead offering monthly memberships.

There’s access to a hotdesk or dedicated space, plus event spaces and workshops tailored to growing your business. There’s also meeting rooms, a kitchen, unlimited tea and coffee and parking spaces at both sites. 

Deepdene

Deepdene in Dorking is a business lounge on the high street which offers open-plan desk space and booth seating, as well as a private meeting room.

All memberships are pay-as-you-go with half and full day options. You’ll get a continental breakfast and drinks on the house, with affordable lunch and dinner options too.   

Further support for Surrey freelancers

The selection above is just a handful of the coworking spaces in Surrey. You can view a full list on our interactive map.

Are you a freelancer looking for extra support? We offer expert start-up support and additional on-demand resources which can be accessed in just a few clicks.

Get in touch with our team of experts via our business support form to discuss what you need to help your business thrive.

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Aerial image of a coworking space. People are sat in booths working on laptops while drinking coffee.