Category: Advice and support

Digital changes coming for Surrey businesses

Published 13 March 2025

Advice and support, Innovation

Digital changes are coming for Surrey businesses of all sizes, which may impact how customers and suppliers contact, pay and invoice you.

In less than two years, all analogue landlines in the UK will be switched off. This could impact how customers contact your Surrey business and how they pay for your services.

Government is also considering the roll out of e-invoicing, which could improve productivity and automate business processes.

Below we set out how and when these changes are coming into force. And why your Surrey business should start thinking about futureproofing your business today.

Digital changes: phone lines

Landlines in the UK are going digital – but is your business ready?

The existing analogue technology – the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) – which has supported phone and broadband services for decades is being retired and switched off. This is because the network is old, and becoming harder and more expensive to maintain.

So by early 2027, all landline calls will be delivered over digital technology, called Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP). You might also see this referred to as โ€˜digital phoneโ€™ or โ€˜digital voiceโ€™.

This is not happening only in the UK. These changes are taking place all over the world.

Business benefits of digital phone lines

Trade magazine ISPreview estimates one in five (22%) of all UK businesses are still using analogue systems.

New digital phone lines will allow communications providers (such as BT, Virgin Media O2, Sky and Vodafone) to offer consumers and businesses clearer and better quality phone calls. There could also be new features such as anonymous caller rejection or three-way calling. 

VoIP is also more resistant to severe weather. The cables used are waterproof and less prone to damage during a storm or other severe weather events.

Landlines may also be used for alternative devices such as lift alarms, fax machines, burglar alarms and card payment systems.

BT has taken the decision to retire its PSTN by January 2027. This means other providers that use BTโ€™s network must follow the same timescale – so, at most, Surrey businesses have 18 months to move over to a new digital network.

Communications providers will not know which devices are connected to their network. So it is important for you to review which devices you’re using and decide if they need replacing or upgrading.

Then contact your current communications provider to discuss alternatives.

To help, Ofcom has published a list of FAQs and prompts. Openreach has also published factsheets for businesses who use phone lines to deliver services. This will help you understand how the move to VoIP services may affect you.

Digital changes: Electronic invoicing

Would electronic invoicing help your Surrey business? Government is seeking views on standardising and increasing its adoption across UK businesses.

E-invoicing is the digital exchange of invoice information directly between buyersโ€™ and suppliersโ€™ financial systems, even if these systems are different. The invoice is then automatically written into the buyerโ€™s financial system without manual processing.

Increased e-invoicing uptake may support economic growth, business productivity, improve business cashflow and reduce errors in tax returns. It has the potential to both support businesses and tax administration.

HMRC and the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) are currently running a joint consultation to understand how e-invoicing may align with you or your customersโ€™ businesses.

Businesses of all sizes โ€“ whether they use e-invoicing or not โ€“ are encouraged to take part, along with interest groups, representative bodies, industry bodies and individuals.

Responses will take a few minutes to complete via this online form.

Looking for further support?

Our team of experts can provide tailored advice to help your business grow and succeed. Get in touch to find out more via our business support form.

You can also register to receive our newsletter, to receive the latest information on events, funding and more, for all Surrey businesses, direct to your inbox every month.

A man sat a desk with a laptop in front of him smiles while looking at a phone. He is in a business environment. There is a pot plant on the table too.

Surrey County Council launches workforce wellbeing programme to boost business performance

Published 12 March 2025

Advice and support, Skills and workforce

Businesses today face increasing pressure to balance operational demands while supporting their employees, and maintaining a competitive edge. ย 

While employee wellbeing often falls down the list of priorities, research shows that organisations which prioritise employee wellbeing experience a number of business benefits including:  

  • Fewer absences and greater productivity
  • Improved employee satisfaction and morale
  • Enhanced recruitment and retention

To help businesses improve mental heath and wellbeing across their teams, Surrey County Council has launched the Workforce Wellbeing programme. This is a free initiative aimed at Surrey businesses with 10 or more employees, and provides a clear path to improving workplace wellbeing and create healthier, more engaged workplaces (without increasing anyoneโ€™s workload).

Empowering businesses with tailored support

The Workforce Wellbeing Programme is designed to tackle the daily hurdles businesses encounter, from tight deadlines to workplace stress. By offering customised support, practical tools, and evidence-based strategies, this programme empowers organisations to improve employee engagement and build a workplace culture based on trust and wellbeing.

A comprehensive framework for success

The programme is built around six key pillars, providing businesses with a clear roadmap to improve workplace wellbeing. Through this initiative, organisations can access a wealth of free resources that make a tangible difference, including:

  • Customised Solutions: Tailored to meet each organisationโ€™s unique needs.
  • Self-Assessment Tools: Identify key areas for improvement.
  • Engagement Materials: Inspire and involve employees in wellbeing initiatives.
  • Expert-Led Training: Training sessions provided by Surrey County Council experts.
  • Research-Backed Strategies: Practical strategies supported by evidence.
  • Collaborative Network: Join a supportive community of businesses prioritising workforce health.

The programme is flexible and accessible and designed to integrate into organisations of all sizes, from ten employees to several hundred or more.

Invitation to Surrey businesses

Surrey County Council invites organisations with 10 or more employees to take part in this free support programme. Whether youโ€™re beginning your wellbeing journey or seeking to build on existing initiatives, this programme provides the tools, expertise, and community needed to succeed.

For more information and to register your organisation, visit the Surrey County Council Workforce Wellbeing page.

Looking for further support?

Use theย Contact Us form on the Business Surrey website.

From pop-up to permanent: how a Multiply course helped Rita achieve her dream business

Published 6 March 2025

Advice and support, Surrey Success Stories

When Rita gave up her job in a creative agency for health reasons, she knew she wanted to do something different next: she wanted to help people in some way, and make use of the love and knowledge of plants she learned from her grandmother, (also named Rita). Here’s how a Multiply course helped make that happen.

Rita landed on the idea to open a plant shop with a difference – one with a strong community ethos and emphasis on mental health.

Rita and Nonna Rita - how a Multiply course helped Rita

โ€œI just envisioned a place where it would be more of a community-based business. I wanted to not just have a plant shop, my goal was to create a space for people to feel more themselves.โ€

However, she wasnโ€™t sure how to get started. She felt lacking in investment funds and business knowledge, and crucially, was also lacking in confidence about her numeracy skills.

And thatโ€™s where Rita discovered Multiply. Funded by government, Multiply courses were created to help adults without Maths GCSE to improve their maths skills and number confidence. There have been a huge range of different courses offered under the Multiply programme, including many with a practical element, or focusing on specific interests that are related to, but not limited to, maths and numeracy.

Rita was able to take a Multiply course on ‘How to start your own business without money’ run by The Rebel Business School (a Multiply provider for Surrey County Council). It didnโ€™t cost her anything, and boosted her number confidence from a score of 1 out of 5 before the course, to a score of 4 out of 5 on completion.

Importantly the course helped her to understand tax, VAT, and the basics of setting up and running a small business so that she felt confident to make the leap and start her own. She says,

โ€œIn terms of numeracy, [the course] really boosted my knowledge. And then I got the confidence when I got through it.โ€

Following the Multiply course, although Rita still didnโ€™t have any funds to invest in starting a business, she took the resilience and adaptability skills sheโ€™d learned on the course and applied to a business competition to win a pop-up-shop premises in Guildford.

โ€œI didn’t have a lot of things to help me to go where I wanted, but [the course] pushed me to find alternative routes. They taught me skills of dig deep, keep looking, just keep going, it will happen, you’ve just got to keep searching, it might take longer but you’ll get there. And how to barter, how to get things.โ€

Rita won the pop-up premises, and made such a success of it that her plant shop, Rita Botanicals (named after her Nonna Rita), now has a permanent home in Guildfordโ€™s White Lion Walk. All thanks to that initial Multiply course she took.

How a Multiply course helped Rita open her dream shop

And has Rita fulfilled her dream of running a business that is also a place for the community to benefit from? She says,

โ€œIt’s like this bridge between generations and a common interest, which is really nice to see. And also a lot of people get educated on nature again, because they don’t have the means to get out and about. ย Whatever they’re going through it encourages them to bring it home. And I think that really helps a lot of people with their anxieties as well. I have a lot of people with depression that come through and I see how much they feel more at ease in the shop and I love that. So it’s not just a business it’s more of a place as well.โ€

Support for Surrey businesses

Although the Multiply programme comes to an end in March 2025, there are still many opportunities for Surrey residents to gain skills. Find out more on the Surrey County Council website.

And if you’re looking for support for your Surrey business, speak to our team of experts who can provide tailored advice to help your business grow and succeed. Get in touch to find out more viaย our business support form.

You can also register to receive our newsletter, packed with the latest information on events, funding and more, for all Surrey businesses.

Two exciting new opportunities for creative businesses with CoSTAR network

Published 4 March 2025

Advice and support, Funding and grants, Innovation

CoSTAR network, the national R&D network serving the UKโ€™s world-leading gaming, TV, film and performance sectors, has put out the call for creative businesses to apply to two new exciting opportunities: CoSTAR Ideate: Growth Lab and Residency, and CoSTAR Live Lab.

CoSTAR Ideate – creative technology

The CoSTAR Ideate call is open to 24 early growth companies in the creative technology sector. The programme will deliver enterprise and funding finance support from four of the new CoSTAR Network Labs.

The 24 successful companies will each benefit from a 5-month residency at one of the four CoSTAR Labs, (including desk and lab space). They will also receive business development guidance, lab time to enable product development, access to expert technical support and resources, and access to a community of like-minded start-ups and entrepreneurs from the creative technology sector.โ€ฏย And there are no fees to pay for any of this support.

Join an information session to find out more about Ideate and how to apply.

CoSTAR Live Lab – live performance

CoSTAR Live Lab, is inviting companies, technologists, and creatives to apply for their call to help shape the future of live performance.

While based at the world-renowned Production Park in Yorkshire โ€“ where icons like Beyoncรฉ, Metallica and The Rolling Stones prepare for their world tours โ€“ this call is open to applications from across the UK.

This call invites applications from teams with creative R&D projects focussed on the live performance sector, looking for the opportunity to accelerate and advance their innovation activity.

The following support packages are available for the successful applicants:

  • up to two intensive one-week development sprints at the CoSTAR Live Lab. This includes on-boarding and orientation by the technical team.
  • research staff will guide and collaborate with you during the tenancy, with further ad-hoc support possible outside of the sprint windows.
  • cash funding of up to ยฃ13,000 to contribute towards costs in undertaking the project, such as contracting performers, interaction design, editing, consumables etc.
  • if a project requires a period of residency (two or more days) and if travel distance is more than two hours from that lab, a company stipend of up to ยฃ4,000 is available to support travel and accommodation.ย 

To find out more about the CoSTAR Live Lab call, watch the recording of the information webinar here.

Application timings

Both calls are open to applicants across the UK.

Applications for CoSTAR Live Lab close on Thursday 20 March, 2025, and the CoSTAR Ideate call closes on Monday 24 March 2025, so click the links to find out more information and apply today.

Further support for Surrey businesses

Business Surrey isย Surrey County Councilโ€™s service providing free and accessible support for all businesses across Surrey. Our team of experts can provide independent and impartial advice on exploring opportunities and how to tackle various challenges.

Whatever your business, our experts are here to help you succeed by providing access to quality resources, expert local knowledge and professional insight.

Our offer incudes:

You can also register to receive our regular newsletter, packed with the latest news on funding, events, free training and support for all Surrey businesses.

Event alert: Accelerate growth and win more customers

Published 15 February 2025

Advice and support, Events and awards

Due to the success of this event in December, we are pleased to offer an opportunity to those who missed out last time – join us for a re-run of this exciting, interactive workshop. The event is designed to help small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) unlock strategies to accelerate long-lasting growth. We will provide you with practical insights and hands-on experience to boost your customer pipeline and drive your business forward. 

Workshop highlights

  • Market Analysis: Understand your market and identify opportunities.
  • Value Proposition: Craft a compelling value proposition that resonates with your target audience.
  • Customer Relationships: Build and maintain strong customer relationships.
  • Sales Techniques: Master closing techniques and negotiation skills.

Event details

  • Date: 3rd April
  • Time: 8:30 AM – 11:00 AM
  • Location:ย Guildford Pavilion
  • Cost: Free (Pre-registration required)

Meet your expert

Roya Croudace - Accelerate Growth and win more customers

The workshop will be led by Roya Croudace, an accomplished Commercial Director, Founder, and Non-Executive Director with over 25 years of experience in accelerating growth. Roya has worked with over 400 scale-up businesses in Surrey and FTSE 100 companies, offering unique insights and effective strategies to achieve measurable results and sustainable success.

Why attend?

  • Actionable Strategies: Learn practical tools to accelerate revenue, attract and retain customers, and boost profits.
  • Expert Guidance: Benefit from Roya’s extensive experience and tailored advice.
  • Networking Opportunities: Connect with other SME owners and entrepreneurs in Surrey.

This event is perfect for SME owners and entrepreneurs looking to grow their businesses. There is no entry fee, and you can bring as many team members as you like, but spaces are limited. Be sure to register today to secure your spot!

Register today to save your place.

Free support for Surrey SMEs

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

Our experts are on hand to provide tailored advice to help your SME grow and succeed. Get in touch with a member of the team via our business support form.

You can also register to receive our newsletter, packed with the latest news on funding, events and support for all Surrey businesses.

A side view of people sitting at a business conference and listening to a speaker talking about how to accelerate growth.

Funding for new apprenticeships now available to Surrey businesses

Published 12 February 2025

Advice and support, Funding and grants

Businesses can grow their workforce and boost productivity in just a few clicks by getting an apprenticeship funded by Surrey County Council.

As part of the Apprenticeship Levy Transfer Scheme, small and medium enterprises across the county can get fully funded support to train local talent.

Apprenticeships are widely recognised as a cost-effective way to recruit, improving diversity and filling skills gaps. In time, they can also help businesses grow, improve employee retention and support the wider economy.

Funding is available to pay for the training of dozens of new apprenticeships across the county.

It is open to all businesses in Surrey and allocated on a first come, first served basis โ€“ meaning those interested should apply swiftly via the Surrey County Council website.

For those unsure of the process, a free 45-minute webinar will be hosted by the Councilโ€™s Business Surrey service on February 26. Reserve your space today to discover more about modern-day apprenticeships and how businesses can access funding.

One Surrey organisation that has benefited already from the scheme is Sight for Surrey, a charity that provides specialist support for people in Surrey with sensory loss. ย 

Diane Smith, Head of Adult Services says:

โ€œWe have used the levy to support internal succession for those wanting to pursue a career in Social Work from the Deaf Community. More recently we used the levy to support three new apprentices in roles that are recognised to be under resourced across the sector nationally as well as in Surrey.

โ€œThe process of completing the Levy Transfer scheme was simple and smooth due to the responsive support from the Council.

โ€œOur Deaf Services Social Worker has recently graduated from Kingston University and our three new apprentices are settled and progressing well in their new careers! All making an impact for residents of the Surrey community.โ€

The call comes in National Apprenticeship Week (February 10 to 16), which is a national celebration of the opportunities presented by the training schemes.

A young man, who is an apprentice, talks to a colleague in a workplace. He has his back to the camera

According to government figures, benefits of apprenticeships include:

  • 96% of employers report benefits to their business
  • employers make a net gain of between ยฃ2,500 and ยฃ18,000 per apprentice during their training period
  • 80% of businesses see a significant increase in employee retention

Almost two-thirds of all UK apprenticeships in the last year have been funded by the apprenticeship levy.

This is a pool of funding made available by large employers, such as the Council, to make apprenticeships more accessible to SMEs.

The Council wants as many local residents and businesses to benefit from the scheme as possible โ€“ which is why the online process can be completed in a matter of minutes.

Matt Furniss, the Councilโ€™s Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport, and Economic Growth, emphasised the council’s commitment to providing opportunities for all. He said:โ€œApprenticeships are a proven cost-effective way to recruit which benefit businesses and employees, as well as the broader economy.

โ€œAs an organisation we are committed to providing opportunities to all of our residents, which includes creating a skilled workforce for the future.

โ€œThe levy transfer scheme is a fantastic way for SMEs to access funding to develop and grow their workforce โ€“ which is why I encourage them to discover more about this fantastic opportunity.”

For more information on how to apply for the Apprenticeship Levy and to start the process of recruiting talented apprentices, visit https://www.businesssurrey.co.uk/workforce/apprenticeship_levy/

apprenticeships levy - Business Surrey

Support for Surrey businesses

Our team of experts can provide tailored advice to help your business grow and succeed. Get in touch to find out more via our business support form.

You can also register to receive our newsletter, packed with the latest information on events, funding and more, for all Surrey businesses.

Supporting Sail Croatia with their carbon reduction strategy: a Business Surrey case study

Published 11 February 2025

Advice and support, Surrey Success Stories

Background:ย 

In 2024, Sail Croatia, a Surrey-based Mediterranean travel operator, approached Business Surrey for assistance in quantifying their carbon emissions and developing a carbon reduction strategy.

Despite their significant efforts to calculate their carbon footprint, they lacked confidence in their methodology and wanted external verification to establish a credible baseline before publicly sharing their emissions data or committing to further action.

Challenges:

  • Without an inhouse sustainability expert, the business lacked confidence in the existing carbon footprint calculation methodology they had used.
  • The team felt external verification was needed to ensure accuracy and credibility.
  • The business had identified the need to develop a comprehensive carbon reduction strategy, including short-term and long-term actions.
  • The senior management team knew that the sustainability plan would only be successful if it was to communicated effectively to the entire team to gain their buy-in and suggestions.

Solution:ย 

A decarbonisation consultant from Business Surrey was engaged to:

  1. Verify and Strengthen Carbon Footprint Calculations:
    • The Business Surrey expert advisor reviewed and validated the assumptions and figures used in the initial calculations to ensure they were robust and accurate.
    • The advisor also provided recommendations for emissions calculators to track emissions from travel, fuels, third-party services such as laundry, and catering.
    • And suggested ways to help Sail Croatiaโ€™s chefs design lower-impact menus.
  2. Develop a Comprehensive Decarbonisation Strategy:
    • Identified short-term wins and long-term actions for carbon reduction.
    • Proposed verifiable offsetting options for emissions that were difficult to avoid.
  3. Effective Communication and Team Engagement:
    • Assisted in communicating the carbon reduction plan in a relatable way to the entire team.
    • Ensured team membersโ€™ involvement, especially those new to the companyโ€™s sustainability efforts, to align the workforce with the vision of building a more sustainable business.

Results:

  • Enhanced confidence in the companyโ€™s carbon footprint data.
  • A solid foundation for long-term sustainability commitments.
  • Improved team engagement and alignment with the companyโ€™s sustainability goals.

Grant Seuren, Co-Founder/Director of Sail Croatia says, โ€œThank you for all your assistance, it has been really valuable to us. Overall, we now have a proper foundation that we can build on.โ€

Grant Seuren - Sail croatia founder. Business Surrey carbon reduction strategy

Support for Surrey businesses

Our team of experts can provide tailored advice to help your business grow and succeed. Get in touch to find out more via our business support form.

You can also register to receive our newsletter, packed with the latest information on events, funding and more, for all Surrey businesses.

Boost Your Business expert guide now available

Published 4 February 2025

Advice and support

Boost Your Business in 2025 with our expert guide. Access tips and advice on how to grow your Surrey business in just a few clicks.

Have you started a business in Surrey and looking for help to take it to the next level?

With 110,000 registered businesses in Surrey, you are not alone โ€“ with thousands of people in a similar
situation.

At Business Surrey, itโ€™s our role to provide free help and support to businesses like yours.

Thatโ€™s why we have put together this complimentary handy guide, to provide you which some easy-to-access tips to grow your business.

Download the guide in just a few clicks via our Boost Your Business Guide form.

What is the Boost Your Business expert guide?

The Boost Your Business expert guide contains lots of tips and advice for those at all stages of their business journey.

There are four main sections covering some of the most popular topics we are asked for information on.

These are:

  • growing your business – including turning your business idea into reality
  • marketing – covering seven steps to promote your business
  • funding and finance – including different ways to secure investment
  • recruitment – knowing when you need to expand your workforce to support growth

Download the guide in just a few clicks via our Boost Your Business Guide form.

We recognise that some business owners may need more bespoke support. So you can get in touch with our business advisors at any point to ask for specific advice.

Further support to boost your business

Business Surrey is Surrey County Councilโ€™s service providing free and accessible support for all businesses across Surrey.

Our team of experts can provide independent and impartial advice on exploring opportunities and how to
tackle various challenges.

We work with you to understand your unique business needs and can direct you to the right resources and opportunities.

Whatever your business, our experts are here to help you succeed by providing access to quality resources, expert local knowledge and professional insight. Our offer incudes:

You can also register to receive our regular newsletter, packed with the latest news on funding, events, free training and support for all Surrey businesses.

Decorative image showing the front cover of the Business Surrey Boost Your Business expert guide

Dos and Donโ€™ts to scale your business: strategic lessons for sustainable growth

Published 21 January 2025

Advice and support

Scaling a business is both a challenge and an opportunity. It requires a sharp strategy, adaptability, and an unwavering focus on your customers. At its heart, sustainable growth is about creating value and fostering trust. While no two businesses are the same, there are clear dos and donโ€™ts businesses can follow to scale successfully.

In this strategic guide, our Specialist Adviser Roya Croudace looks at how you can scale your business while keeping your customers at the centre of your journey. Roya is a skilled Commercial Director, Founder, and Non-Executive Director with over 25 years of expertise in driving business growth, especially for SMEs.

The Dos: building a scalable foundation

1. Define your customerโ€™s purpose and needs

Understanding your customers is the cornerstone of sustainable growth. Customers donโ€™t just buy products or servicesโ€”they seek solutions that align with their goals, purpose, and aspirations.

Do: Use customer feedback, market research, and data from CRM (customer relationship management) systems to build detailed profiles of your audience. Identify their pain points, motivations, and desired outcomes. Continuously update this knowledge to ensure your offerings remain relevant as your business evolves.

2. Build relationships over transactions

Winning and retaining customers requires more than just making a sale. Building trust and meaningful relationships creates loyalty and generates invaluable word-of-mouth referralsโ€”key drivers for growth.

Do: Listen actively to your customers, personalise your interactions, and deliver consistent value. Show genuine interest in helping them achieve their goals. When customers feel understood and valued, they are more likely to become long-term advocates for your business.

3. Develop a scalable value proposition

Your value proposition must clearly articulate how your product or service solves customer problems, delivers measurable value, and stands out from the competition. As you scale, ensure it evolves to reflect market changes and expanded capabilities.

Do: Focus on benefits over features. Use customer-centric language and provide proof through case studies, testimonials, or ROI (return on investment) data. Test and refine your value proposition to resonate with different market segments.

4. Leverage technology for growth

Technology is a vital enabler for scaling SMEs. From automating workflows to delivering data-driven insights, the right tools can streamline operations, improve decision-making, and enhance customer engagement.

Do: Invest in tools like marketing automation, analytics platforms, and AI-powered CRM systems. Ensure your team is trained to utilise these technologies effectively so you can maximise their potential and ROI.

5. Align your team for success

Scaling a business demands cohesion across all functions. Misalignment between sales, marketing, finance and operations (the 4 pillars of any business) can create inefficiencies and harm the customer experience.

Do: Foster a sales culture that simplifies collaboration through shared goals and transparent communication. Regularly review performance metrics, train and upskill team where necessary and adjust strategies to ensure everyone is working towards the same objectives.

The Donโ€™ts: pitfalls to avoid while scaling

1. Donโ€™t prioritise transactions over relationships

Focusing only on short-term sales can stunt long-term growth. Customers are more than numbers; theyโ€™re your partners in success.

Donโ€™t: Treat customers like one-off transactions. Prioritise trust-building and nurture relationships that encourage loyalty and advocacy.

2. Donโ€™t lose sight of adaptability

Markets are dynamic, and scaling businesses must be prepared to pivot. Resistance to change risks leaving your business behind more agile competitors.

Donโ€™t: Cling to outdated strategies. Stay open to innovation and use market trends, customer feedback, and data to inform strategic decisions.

3. Donโ€™t underestimate the value of simplicity

As you scale, complexity can creep into your messaging and processes. Overcomplicated communication risks confusing potential customers and diluting your value.

Donโ€™t: Use jargon or overwhelm your audience with unnecessary details. Keep your messaging clear and focused on how you solve their problems.

4. Donโ€™t operate without a clear plan

Trying to scale your business without a structured plan can lead to wasted resources and missed opportunities. A robust strategy ensures focus and direction.

Donโ€™t: Assume growth will happen organically. Develop a roadmap with SMART goals, clear priorities, and actionable steps.

5. Donโ€™t ignore customer feedback

Your customers are your most valuable source of insight. Ignoring their feedback risks missing opportunities for improvement and eroding trust.

Donโ€™t: Overlook feedback. Actively seek input through surveys, interviews, and reviews, and use this information to refine your products, services, and processes.

Your Call to Action: build, scale, and thrive

Scaling your business requires clarity of vision, strategic focus, and a relentless commitment to your customers. By understanding their needs, building relationships, and leveraging the right tools, youโ€™ll create a foundation for sustainable growth.

Whatโ€™s your next step? Reflect on these questions:

  • How well do you understand your customersโ€™ goals and challenges?
  • Are you building relationships that foster loyalty and trust?
  • What strategies and tools will you adopt to help you scale your business through your next stage of growth?

Once you’ve reflected, it’s time to take action – do it today. Every decision you make is a step closer to realising your businessโ€™s potential!

Business support in Surrey

Business Surrey is a Surrey County Council service providing free and accessible support for all businesses in Surrey, to help you scale your business and thrive.

Our team of experts can provide independent and impartial advice on range of issues. Contact the team for free via our Business Support Form.

Sign up to our newsletter for regular updates on news, events and support for all Surrey businesses.

Not sure what you need help with? Get in touch by completing ourย Contact Us form.

Business Blog: Dos and Don'ts to scale your business: strategic lessons for sustainable growth

New Skills Bootcamps for Creatives to boost small businesses in Surrey

Published 20 January 2025

Advice and support, Skills and workforce

Surreyโ€™s creative community has a new opportunity to thrive with the launch of Skills Bootcamps for Creatives, designed to provide essential business skills for freelancers and small creative businesses.

Delivered by Mastered Studios, this program offers a practical and accessible way to develop the tools necessary to win clients, grow your brand, and do more of what you love.

With a strong focus on supporting smaller businesses, this Skills Bootcamp is ideal for freelancers and entrepreneurs seeking to sharpen their competitive edge in the creative industries.

The course is fully-funded – meaning it is free to freelancers and creative SMEs in Surrey.

Whatโ€™s in the Skills Bootcamps for Creatives?

Participants will benefit from 60 hours of training, mentoring, and coaching spread over 8 weeks. This will cover:

  • Developing a robust business plan
  • Effective marketing and branding strategies
  • Growing your social media presence
  • Pricing and fee negotiation skills
  • And much more!

The course runs for one day a week online, making it flexible and accessible to fit around your busy schedule.

Upon completion, learners will also receive monthly mentoring calls for six months. This ensures ongoing support as they implement their new skills.

Connecting creatives

Running a small business or working as a freelancer can sometimes feel lonely, with the complexities of managing clients, finances, and growth often falling solely on your shoulders.

The Skills Bootcamp for Creatives not only equips you with practical knowledge but also connects you with like-minded professionals, creating a supportive network of peers who understand your challenges and share your ambitions.

Why join?

Small businesses are the backbone of Surreyโ€™s creative economy. This programme is tailored to help you overcome common challenges. It makes it perfect for those looking to scale up, navigate pricing with confidence, or build a compelling brand presence.

Sign up today

Donโ€™t miss this opportunity to take your creative business to the next level.  Visit the Mastered website for more information and to register for upcoming sessions.

For general information on Skills Bootcamps, visit the page on the Surrey County Council website.

Support for Surrey businesses

Our team of experts can provide tailored advice to help your business grow and succeed. Get in touch to find out more via our business support form.

You can also register to receive our newsletter. This is packed with the latest information on events, funding and more, for all Surrey businesses.

Skills Bootcamps for Businesses photo montage