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:
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 Croatiaโs chefs design lower-impact menus.
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.
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 companyโs sustainability efforts, to align the workforce with the vision of building a more sustainable business.
Results:
Enhanced confidence in the companyโs carbon footprint data.
A solid foundation for long-term sustainability commitments.
Improved team engagement and alignment with the companyโs sustainability goals.
Grant Seuren, Co-Founder/Director of Sail Croatia says, โThank 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
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, itโs our role to provide free help and support to businesses like yours.
Thatโs why we have put together this complimentary handy guide, to provide you which some easy-to-access tips to grow your business.
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 Councilโs 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:
an easy-to-use support directory with more than 120 national and regional schemes.
Dos and Donโts 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 donโts 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 customerโs purpose and needs
Understanding your customers is the cornerstone of sustainable growth. Customers donโt just buy products or servicesโthey 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 referralsโkey 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 Donโts: pitfalls to avoid while scaling
1. Donโt prioritise transactions over relationships
Focusing only on short-term sales can stunt long-term growth. Customers are more than numbers; theyโre your partners in success.
Donโt: Treat customers like one-off transactions. Prioritise trust-building and nurture relationships that encourage loyalty and advocacy.
2. Donโt 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.
Donโt: Cling to outdated strategies. Stay open to innovation and use market trends, customer feedback, and data to inform strategic decisions.
3. Donโt 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.
Donโt: Use jargon or overwhelm your audience with unnecessary details. Keep your messaging clear and focused on how you solve their problems.
4. Donโt 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.
Donโt: Assume growth will happen organically. Develop a roadmap with SMART goals, clear priorities, and actionable steps.
5. Donโt ignore customer feedback
Your customers are your most valuable source of insight. Ignoring their feedback risks missing opportunities for improvement and eroding trust.
Donโt: 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, youโll create a foundation for sustainable growth.
Whatโs 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 businessโs 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.
New Skills Bootcamps for Creatives to boost small businesses in Surrey
Published 20 January 2025
Advice and support, Skills and workforce
Surreyโs 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.
Whatโs 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 Surreyโs 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
Donโt 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.
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.
Sell online with confidence with free product safety courses from Trading Standards
Published 10 January 2025
Advice and support
Does your business sell online products which are regulated for product safety? If the answer is yes, then you can accessย FREEย product safety courses to boost your knowledge and improve how you do business.
Buckinghamshire and Surrey Trading Standards is working with the UK Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) and the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) to provide the offer.
It is available to all Surrey businesses who sell via websites or social media until the end of March.
Those taking part will boost their knowledge and understanding of product safety. It will also improve how you do business and boost customer confidence.
Businesses who’ve already taken part have reported:
increased awareness and education
building a relationship with the regulator,
improving future business with plans for future actions
What does free product safety courses involve?
The product safety training is open to all businesses that sell products online – from sole traders and SMEs to multi-nationals. You may also have retail premises or sell only a few items on social media.
It has three elements:โฏ
An initial conversation with a Trading Standards Officer to discuss your approach to product procurement. This includes your understanding of product safety and online trading requirements.
Free training workshops delivered by the CTSI, plus access to online materials and guidance.
A final conversation between you and a Trading Standards Officer. This establishes the impact of the training and it it has improved your understanding of consumer product safety and online trading.
No personal data or information provided by a business will be reused for any other purposes outside of the training.
And the discussions with Trading Standards officers are simply to establish if you have benefited from the training. They will not be discussing individual products or specific compliance related issue.
Or you can contact Trading Standards direct by calling 0300123 2329.
If you need more general support then the Business Surrey team can also provide free support. Get in touch via the Business Support Form.
New interactive map now live
Published 22 October 2024
Advice and support
Our new interactive map of Surrey businesses is now live and can be viewed here. This interactive tool provides a clear view of the range and number of businesses that have chosen to call Surrey home. It also offers a useful visual demonstration of the concentrations of businesses making up some of the key sectors of importance to Surrey’s economy.
Surrey’s vibrant and diverse business ecosystem is made up of a wide range of businesses, with global brand headquarters sitting alongside entrepreneurial startups and micro businesses. For those looking to relocate into, or within, the county, the map can be a key tool in helping to refine the search and hone in on the optimum location, by enabling the user to filter the map to filter for competitors, suppliers, research resources, co-working spaces, etc.
Filter by a range of categories and sectors
The organisations displayed on the map can be filtered by a number of key categories, including: Top 100 companies (by employee numbers); Top 100 by UK turnover; Creative industry; Cyber; Gaming; Research & innovation assets (including universities, research labs and enterprise zones); Coworking spaces, and many more. Users can also zoom in or out, and view the page as a map or satellite image.
Our toolkit of support for Surrey businesses
Whether you’re making plans for a new business location, carrying out research into Surrey’s key clusters, or investigating the opportunities within the business ecosystem in your local area, our interactive map can help. It’s one more tool in our offering to provide free and accessible support to all businesses in Surrey.
Our team of experts are available to provide tailored advice to help your SME grow and succeed. Get in touch with a member of the team to find out more via our business support form.
You can also register to receive our newsletter, packed with the latest news on support, events funding and more for all Surrey businesses.
Decarbonise your business with free support for Surrey SMEs
Published 14 October 2024
Advice and support, Funding and grants
Free support for Surrey small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to decarbonise their business is now available from Surrey County Council.
Companies with fewer than 250 employees can sign up for the support. It’s only available to those based in the boroughs of Woking, Guildford, Waverley, Reigate and Banstead, Spelthorne and Surrey Heath.
Find out how to cut your energy costs, calculate your carbon footprint and get your business to Net Zero. You could even access a loan to go green!
Scroll down to see the free support which your Surrey business could access.
A free business decarbonisation course is now up and running for eligible Surrey businesses.
The course will:
introduce a bit of business context relating to climate change and carbon literacy,
help you understand where your business’ emissions lay,
enable you to calculate your business carbon footprint;
help you become more sustainable, reduce your energy costs and cut your carbon footprint
help you define your business path to Net Zero, set targets and leverage your efforts to make your business more competitive and your products and services more desirable
empower you to adapt and build resilience to address climate change
Courses are available in person and online.
The in-person courses are:
Thursday 17 October 2024 at Guildford Borough Council
Wednesday 13 November 2024 at Surrey Heath Borough Council
Wednesday 27 November at Waverley Borough Council
Wednesday 22 January 2025 in Reigate and Banstead at Surrey County Council headquarters
Thursday 13 February 2025 in Woking
Thursday 6 March 2025 at Spelthorne Business Hub
On demand online courses will be made available from late October.
Ever wondered how much carbon your Surrey business uses?
As part of the decarbonisation course, you can find out! You’ll be given a one year licence to access and use the Climate Essential carbon calculator tool.
This will enable you to calculate your base line carbon footprint. Plus, you can see where you can make adjustments and gains to further reduce it.
The online meeting is a virtual walk around premises, looking at energy use, transport, and supply chain.
A personalised report identifies opportunities for energy saving and projects which may be eligible for a business decarbonisation loan.
You can then decide if you wish to apply for a business decarbonisation loan to complete any or all of your decarbonisation projects.
There is no obligation to progress any of the potential projects to a loan application.
Business decarbonisation loan
The business decarbonisation loan programme has been created to help business and organisations decarbonise.
It will also allow you to invest to cut your energy bills, improve your premises and be more efficient.
Loans range from ยฃ5,000 to ยฃ15,000. It can can cover up to 50% of the total project cost. You will need to fund the rest.
Projects could include lighting and heating upgrades, installing solar panels, replacing old energy hungry equipment and switching to electric vehicles.
Boost for UK startups as two key investment schemes are extended
Published 2 October 2024
Advice and support, Funding and grants
Startup funding schemes, the Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) and the Venture Capital Trust (VCT) scheme have been extended by ten years to 5 April 2035.
Government extends two leading investment schemes aimed at startups
Thousands of entrepreneurs and startups are set to benefit from the extension of two leading government investment schemes targeted at helping startup businesses get off the ground and grow.
The Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) and the Venture Capital Trust (VCT) scheme were both set to end on 6 April 2025 but will instead run until 5 April 2035.
The schemes are designed to encourage investment into new or young companies through tax-relief incentives, encouraging innovation, creating jobs and stimulating economic growth.
The two startup investment schemes at-a-glance
Both schemes offer incentives to investors of up to 30% upfront income tax relief and an exemption from capital gains tax on any profits made after the sale of shares.
Launched in 1994, the EIS scheme offers investors loss relief as long as shares are held for at least two years.
VCTs, which were then introduced in 1995, are companies listed on the UK stock exchange. They invest in early-stage trading companies on behalf of investors. Dividends received from VCTs are tax-free.
Since the launch of the EIS in 1994 the two schemes have delivered significant impact and success with over ยฃ41 billion raised to date.
What’s in it for startups?
This ten-year extension will benefit startups and help provide access to startup funding by providing investors with the confidence to continue to invest into high-risk, early-stage businesses. Early stage investment of this type is a vital element in supporting long-term growth and the development of the economy on both a regional and national scale.
Business Surrey is a Surrey County Council service providing free and accessible support for all businesses in Surrey, including startups.
Our team of experts can provide independent and impartial advice on accessing startup funding and grants, as well as other sources of support for startups. 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.
Find out more about what we do and how to access one of our many startup-friendly services by completing our Contact Us form.
Business blog: Back to School – 5 ways to kickstart your business this autumn
Published 9 September 2024
Advice and support, Thought leadership
As the leaves begin to change and the air turns crisp, the back-to-school season offers a perfect opportunity for small business owners across Surrey to refresh and refocus.
Just as students return to their studies, itโs time for you to get back to business with renewed energy and strategic planning.
William Wilsnagh, one of our expert business advisors, has five practical tips to help you kickstart your business this autumn.
1. Take stock of your Annual Goals – and set new ones for the quarter
Having worked in business for 20 years in South Africa, September was normally a time when we dusted down our flip flops. In Surrey, Iโm becoming accustomed to this time of year requiring wellington boots.
Regardless of the temperature outdoors, the start of a new season is an excellent time to review your annual goals.
Assess your progress so far and identify areas where you may need to adjust your strategies.
Setting new, achievable goals based on the SMART framework for the upcoming quarter can provide a clear roadmap and keep your team motivated. Clear actions and timelines based on this are essential, broken down into weekly, monthly or quarterly segments.
Whether you’re increasing sales, launching a new product, or improving customer service, having specific targets will help you stay focused and measure your success.
If youโre looking for free and practical support, then weโre more than happy to help. Just get in touch via our business support form.
2. Open yourself up to learning
Just as students are diving into new subjects, autumn is a great time for business owners to embrace learning. Consider taking a course, attending workshops, or reading industry-related books to enhance your skills and knowledge.
Staying updated with the latest trends and technologies can give you a competitive edge and inspire innovative ideas for your business. Encourage your team to do the same, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
Start off as you mean to go on by signing up to a series of FREE webinars Business Surrey is hosting in October. These sessions are targeted specifically at SMEs like yours and will cover themes such as HR and finance and funding strategies.
3. Embrace new routines
With the change in season, itโs an ideal time to shake up your daily routines. Evaluate your current processes and identify areas where you can improve efficiency.
Implementing new routines can help streamline operations and boost productivity.
Whether itโs adopting new software, reorganizing your workspace, or setting aside time for strategic planning, small changes can make a big difference in your overall performance.
4. Get to know new people
There’s no greater back to school feeling than not knowing people in new surroundings. But networking is crucial for business growth, and autumn presents numerous opportunities to connect with new people.
Attend local business events, join industry associations, or participate in community activities to expand your network.
Building relationships with other business owners, potential clients, and industry experts can open doors to new opportunities and collaborations.
Surrey is blessed with a vibrant business networking scene and there are dozens of events taking place across the county which are listed on the events section of Business Surrey website.
5. Promote your activities and events
If youโre doing new and exciting things or hosting events this autumn, make sure to leverage them to their fullest potential.
Use social media, email marketing, and local advertising to spread the word and attract attendees.
Hosting workshops, seminars, or community gatherings can position your business as a leader in your field and provide valuable exposure.
Engaging with your audience through events can also strengthen customer relationships and build brand loyalty.
And if youโre looking to spruce up on marketing tips, weโre hosting a free event early in October which is focused specifically on mastering marketing. Sign up here.
Free “back to school” business support
By taking these steps, you can harness the energy of the back to school season to propel your business forward.
Embrace the opportunities that autumn brings and set the stage for a successful and productive quarter. Happy autumn, and hereโs to your business success!
And, if youโre looking for some free tailored advice then our team of experts are available to talk to. Get in touch via the business support form on our website.
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, weโll 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:
From Idea to Minimum Viable Product
Finance and Funding Strategies
Mastering Marketing and Communications
HR Essentials: Making Your First Hire
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 our Business Support Form.
Browse our directory of business support in Surrey. The directory includes more than 120 local, regional and national schemes and initiatives, which can search through quickly and easily.
Find out more about what we do and how to access one of our many business-friendly services by completing our Contact Us form.
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