Start-up Surrey launches with expert support for entrepreneurs and early-stage businesses
Published 12 August 2025
Advice and support, Business news, Innovation
Budding entrepreneurs and early-stage businesses across Surrey are set to receive a major boost with the launch of the Start-Up Surrey programme. This is a dynamic new initiative funded by Surrey County Council’s Business Surrey service and delivered by leading business support provider The IncuHive Group.
This pilot programme will offer free, tailored guidance and practical support to residents who are preparing to launch their own ventures. It’s also available to businesses in their first year of operation.
It will guide founders step by step, with expert-led workshops, one-to-one mentoring, practical advice, and support from others on the same journey.
The programme will engage a diverse range of businesses across Surrey. It will cover key areas such as funding, marketing, finance, digital presence, and scaling strategies.
Itโs the latest initiative from the Council under its Business Surrey offer, which provides free accessible support to help businesses of all sizes to start, grow and thrive.
Matt Furniss, the Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Economic Growth, welcomed the launch, adding:
โSurrey has a wealth of untapped entrepreneurial talent, and this programme provides a much-needed platform to turn ideas into action. It aligns strongly with wider efforts to boost inclusive economic growth, support innovation, and build resilience into our local economy โ all of which provides benefits to our people and communities.โ
George Scott-Welsh, CEO of The IncuHive Group, said:
โIncuHive is delighted to bring this initiative to life. Weโve seen first-hand how the right support, delivered at the right time, can completely change the trajectory of a business.
“Weโre not just helping people start businesses. Weโre helping them build viable, resilient ventures that can generate a real income and contribute to the local economy. We are thrilled to be working with Surrey County Council to bring hands-on support and real opportunities to Surreyโs start-ups.โ
Start-Up Surrey – sign up today
The Start-Up Surrey Programme is available to all start-ups and businesses in their first year of trading across Surrey.
There’s no cost to taking part. That’s because it’s fully funded by the Council via UK government funding.
Interested in finding out more? Register for the introductory webinar on Wednesday August 27 from 11am to 12pm. Register via the Eventbrite event link.
Similar events will follow monthly throughout the autumn. Dates are available on the Business Surrey Events page.
For more information or to register for the programme, visit the IncuHive website.
Heathrow airport expansion plans submitted to government
Published 5 August 2025
Business news
Heathrow Airport expansion plans are now with government. If approved, the privately-financed plans could unlock jobs and growth for Surrey businesses. But there are still concerns around infrastructure, public transport, pollution and noise.
An expanded Heathrow would cost close to ยฃ48 billion. Benefits include giving passengers more choice, opening up new routes and increasing capacity. Plus terminals will be more spacious and accessible with flights quicker to take off, thanks to a once-in-a-generation redesign of the airfield.
Once completed, Heathrow says its plans would grow the UK economy by 0.43% GDP – providing jobs to Surrey residents and supply chain opportunities to Surrey businesses.
But there are concerns around the impact it could have on those living nearest, especially noise, pollution and transport connections.
Feedback from the Government is required by September to take the plans forward. Further consultation will follow with a planning application expected to be submitted in 2028.
A north-western runway up to 3,500 metres โ a design that already has Parliamentary support
Increased capacity to serve up to 756,000 flights and 150 million passengers
A brand-new terminal โT5Xโ, expanding Terminal 2 and three new satellite terminals
The investment consists of three main elements:
ยฃ21 billion for the new runway and airfield infrastructure
ยฃ12 billion for new terminal and stand capacity โ the brand new T5X
ยฃ15 billion for modernising the current airport through expanding Terminal 2 and ultimately closing Terminal 3
Heathrowโs proposals include more choice and capacity on public transport. This includes enhanced rail capacity plus walking and cycling routes, reducing local and environmental impacts.
A new road tunnel, plans for two dedicated parkways and improvements to the countryโs busiest bus and coach station are also proposed.
Heathrow is also confirming its commitment to reach net zero by 2050. It says it has a deliverable plan to get there, as well as setting targets on noise reduction and air quality.
If the Government implements the necessary policy changes, Heathrow plans to consult with airlines, the local community, local authorities, businesses and others from next year.
A planning application is expected to be submitted in 2028.
Heathrow expansion – impact on Surrey
Heathrow is located to the north of Surrey, neighbouring key towns such as Staines, Egham and Sunbury. It provides employment to thousands of residents and contributes millions to the regional economy.
Heathrow says its expansion plans will offer tens of thousands of employment opportunities during design, construction and operation. It will also unlock lifelong careers for those who live closest.
Meanwhile 40% of the wider supply chain spend will go to companies in London and the South East.
But more flights and a bigger airport means more potential disruption to those living nearest. Noise, emissions and public transport are key concerns.
Heathrow says its noise footprint has reduced by 41% since 2006 and all air quality monitors around the airport are meeting limits. A third runway and redesigned airspace will give communities and passengers more certainty and reliability on flight paths.
For the airport’s nearest neighbours, a community fund is being proposed. And Heathrow says it will continue to engage on how to be a better neighbour to its local community.
Heathrow airport expansion plans – reaction
Heathrow CEO Thomas Woldbye said:ย
โIt has never been more important or urgent to expand Heathrow. We are effectively operating at capacity to the detriment of trade and connectivity. With a green light from Government and the correct policy support underpinned by a fit for purpose regulatory model, we are ready to mobilise and start investing this year in our supply chain across the country. We are uniquely placed to do this for the country; it is time to clear the way for take-off.โ
A spokesman for Surrey County Council said:
โWe recognise the crucial role ofย Heathrowย airport in supporting employment for Surrey residents, generating investment in the Surrey economy and in attracting and retaining major businesses to locate in the county.
“Our goal is to work constructively with the Government, the airport, relevant national agencies and other local authorities on the proposals for a third runway in order to protect and promote the interests of Surrey residents and businesses.
โDespite this, we remain strongly of the view that expansion requires the environmental and surface access issues involved to be satisfactorily addressed.”
Looking for support?
Business Surrey provides free and accessible support for all, no matter the size or stage of journey.
The Small Business Plan promising SMEs the tools they need to grow has been published by government. This includes better access to finance and stronger powers on late payments.
Small and medium sized firms employ 60% of the countryโs workforce and generate ยฃ2.8 trillion in turnover. But ministers say, for too long, the odds have been stacked against small businesses.
Government’s Small Business Plan promises action to change that. At its heart is proposals to introduce the toughest laws on late payments in the G7. There’s also better access to finance, including via the British Business Bank.
Scroll down to see how this could impact your Surrey business.
Late payments
Government estimates late payments cost the UK economy ยฃ11 billion per year and closes down 38 UK businesses every day.
New laws will give stronger powers to the Small Business Commissioner. It will empower them to wield fines, worth potentially millions of pounds, against the biggest firms who persistently choose to pay their suppliers late.
The Small Business Commissioner will have new powers to carry out spot checks and enforce a 30-day invoice verification period to speed up resolutions to disputes.
Upcoming legislation will also introduce maximum payment terms of 60 days, reducing to 45 days – giving firms certainty theyโll be paid on time.
Audit committees will also be legally required to scrutinise payment practices at board level. It places greater pressure on large firms to show theyโre treating small suppliers fairly.
Mandatory interest charges for those who pay late will also be introduced.
These changes will also save small businesses valuable time, freeing up hours currently spent chasing overdue invoices so they can focus on growing their business instead.
Many small firms struggle to secure the funding they need to invest, expand, or even survive. This is despite the UKโs world-leading financial services sector.
So, Government is launching a new ยฃ4 billion wave of financial support for small businesses. It includes a ยฃ1 billion boost for new businesses. Plus 69,000 Start-Up Loans and mentoring support to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs and small business owners.
The Government is also delivering a new ยฃ3 billion boost to the British Business Bank – raising the total guarantee to ยฃ5 billion. This will help lenders offer more small business loans through the ENABLE programme – providing a government-backed guarantee, better loan terms and lower interest.
The new Business Growth Service to ensure SMEs have access to key support
Plans for permanently lower business rates multipliers for the hard-hit retail, hospitality and leisure sector.
Small Business Plan – reaction
Michelle Ovens CBE, Founder, Small Business Britain, said:
โI am thrilled to see the Small Business Plan launched today, putting the nationโs smallest businesses at the heart of Government strategy where it should be. These job creators and economy builders will benefit from a huge boost to funding through the British Business Bank, a boost to skills, support for high streets and a long hoped for legislative backing for getting paid on time.
“We will not see economic growth without small business growth. So I am eager to get on and help the Government deliver on this agenda – and help small businesses regardless of their background start, grow and thrive.โ
Tina McKenzie, Policy Chair of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), said:
โMaking sure businesses are paid on time, that our high streets thrive, and creating conditions in which everyone can start and succeed in business are crucial priorities for small businesses, communities and the economy.
โTodayโs plan is an encouraging commitment from the Government to take the side of small businesses in the great growth challenge ahead.โ
Support for your small business in Surrey
Business Surrey provides free and accessible support for all, no matter the size or stage of journey.
Local Government Reorganisation business webinar – sign up today
Published 3 July 2025
Business news, Events and awards
The way public services are delivered in Surrey is changing – and it could have a big impact on how you do business. Discover more at our Local Government Reorganisation business webinar.
Government wants to transfer more powers and funding from Whitehall to local areas, creating elected mayors in regions where they donโt currently have them โ like Surrey – to drive economic growth.
For this to happen, some areas need to reorganise and streamline local government first, creating single unitary councils rather than the current two tiers of county and districts.
Discover what impact it could have on your business. And how it could transform the way that major issues like housing, transport and planning are delivered across the region.
The event will run via Microsoft Teams from 11.30am to 12.30pm on July 23. Register here.
Submit your questions for our Local Government Reorganisation business webinar
Surrey County Council, Elmbridge Borough Council and Mole Valley District Council are recommending Surrey is arranged into two new unitary councils, East Surrey and West Surrey.
Discover what this could mean for you at our Local Government Reorganisation business webinar
Attendees are encouraged to pre-submit questions in advance either via the registration form or email to: economy.growth@surreycc.gov.uk.
You’ll also be able to ask questions during the session via the Q&A function.
To attend the event, either join directly via the Microsoft Teams app, or via your web browser using Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox, Safari or Google Chrome.
This session will be automatically recorded and sent via email to registered event attendees within a week following the event. We will also send all attendees a recording of the webinar along with a post-event survey.
The only visible people during the session will be the speakers. The names of event attendees may be visible as part of the recording.
Surrey Research Park celebrates 40 years of innovation in 2025. And 600 people including businesses, staff and students came together to celebrate the achievements.
Surrey Research Park is a vibrant innovative business community of more than 200 companies across a 70 acre site.
It was established in 1985 by the University of Surrey. And businesses on the park are estimated to contribute ยฃ660 million a year to the Surrey economy.
Surrey Research Park 40 years celebration saw a community festival taking place earlier this month (June 17, 2025).
Surrey Research Park 40 years celebration
About 600 people โ including Guildford MP Zรถe Franklin โ gathered to mark 40 years of innovation in Surrey.
Employees from 60 companies and partner organisations took part in a dynamic expo, showcasing their sector-leading innovation, research, and company stories.
Several guest speakers also shared fond memories of their time at the park, including:
Dr Malcolm Parry OBE, one of the Parkโs visionary founders
The celebrations also provided students from the Universityโs Department for Hospitality and Events to gain hands-on experience in event management.
Meanwhile, over in the Surrey Technology Centre, the Space Enterprise Lab was temporarily converted into a high-tech TV studio, livestreaming a two-hour innovation and technology show to viewers around the world.
Caroline Fleming, Director of Surrey Innovation District and Innovation Lead for Surrey Research Park, said:
โI think everyone really felt the vibe of a strong community thatโs been built here. We heard from companies proud to call it their home, and from researchers excited to do more with those businesses. For me, itโs been a fantastic event.โ
About Surrey Research Park
Surrey Research Park offersย versatile office spaceย in aย vibrant innovative community. It helps meet the needs of pioneering tech and research-led companies โ fromย solopreneursย andย entrepreneurs,ย ambitious startupsย andย microbusinessesย toย SMEs,ย large companies, multinationalsย andย primes.
By joining the Surrey Research Park community, your business can benefit from:
Access to top-tier talent, expert collaborations, and world-class facilitiesย that span disciplines and sectors.
Spaces for every business need, from workstations in our incubator and small offices to expansive units up to 40,000 sq ft, designed to support your growth and innovation.
Exceptional connectivityย with on-site parking and a strategic location near London and major international hubs.
Looking for more bespoke support to grow your Surrey business? Contact our team of experts for a free consultation via our Business Support Form.
The UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy revealed
Published 26 June 2025
Business news, Innovation, Skills and workforce
The UK’s modern Industrial Strategy has been revealed by government this week. It sets out a ten-year plan to boost investment, create good skilled jobs and make Britain the best place to do business.
The government says the UK’s Industrial Strategy provides long-term clarity and stability to grow the UK economy.
It will include targeted support for the areas of the country and economy that have the greatest potential to grow. Ministers also promise reforms that will make it easier for all businesses to get ahead.
There’s a focus on eight key high-growth sectors. Some of these sectors – such as creative industries, digital and technologies, and professional and business services – are real sector strengths for Surrey.
Ministers say future funding will focus on driving growth in these high-growth sectors. Investment will also focus on funding for SMEs, upskilling the UK’s workforce and redeveloping strategic sites.
Not all of this funding will be immediately available to Surrey. Some will only be available to those areas with directly-elected mayors, such as West Midlands and Greater Manchester. Surrey is currently on the fast-track programme to devolution – but will not have an elected mayor until after local government reorganisation is completed.
The plan will have a direct impact on Surrey’s economy both now and in the future. It aligns closely with the priorities in the Surrey Economic Growth Strategy.
And we – as part of Surrey County Council – will work with government, businesses and partners to make sure Surrey makes the most of the opportunities – ensuring we meet the demands of our 110,000 businesses while ensuring no one is left behind.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:
“This Industrial Strategy marks a turning point for Britainโs economy and a clear break from the short-termism and sticking plasters of the past.
“In an era of global economic instability, it delivers the long term certainty and direction British businesses need to invest, innovate and create good jobs that put more money in peopleโs pockets as part of the plan for change.
“This is how we power Britainโs future – by backing the sectors where we lead, removing the barriers that hold us back, and setting out a clear path to build a stronger economy that works for working people. Our message is clear – Britain is back and open for business.”
What is the UK’s modern Industrial Strategy?
The Governmentโs Industrial Strategy 2025 is also known as Invest 2035. It is a 10-year plan to drive economic growth by supporting eight high-growth sectors.
The sectors – known as the IS-8 – are advanced manufacturing, clean energy, creative industries, defence, digital and technologies, financial services, life sciences, and professional and business services.
The Strategyโs plan of action includes:
Unlocking billions in finance for innovative business, especially for SMEs. Increasing British Business Bank financial capacity to ยฃ25.6 billion, crowding in tens of billions of pounds more in private capital. Additional ยฃ4bn for Industrial Strategy Sectors.
Upskilling the nation with an extra ยฃ1.2 billion each year for skills by 2028-29. Delivering more opportunities to learn and earn in our high-growth sectors including new short courses.
Reducing regulatory burdens by cutting the administrative costs of regulation for business by 25% and reduce the number of regulators.
Supporting 5,500 more SMEs to adopt new technology through the Made Smarter programme while centralising government support in one place through the Business Growth Service.
Boosting R&D spending to ยฃ22.6bn per year by 2029-30 to drive innovation across the IS-8. Allocated more than ยฃ2bn for AI and ยฃ2.8bn for advanced manufacturing over the next ten years. This will leverage in billions more from private investors.
Attracting elite global talent to our key sectors, via visa and migration reforms and the new Global Talent Taskforce.
Slash electricity costs by up to 25% from 2027 for electricity-intensive manufacturers in our growth sectors and foundational industries.
Deepening economic and industrial collaboration with our partners, building on agreements with Japan, the US, India, and the EU.
Reducing planning timelines and cutting costs for developers, by hiring more planners, streamlining pre-application requirements and combining environmental obligations.
Revolutionising public procurement and reducing barriers for new entrants and SMEs to bolster domestic competitiveness.
Supporting the UKโs city regions and clusters by increasing the supply of investible sites through a new ยฃ600m Strategic Sites Accelerator.
Industrial Strategy – sector focus
The plan focuses on 8 sectors where the UK is already strong and thereโs potential for faster growth. These are:
Advanced Manufacturing
Clean Energy Industries
Creative Industries
Defence
Digital and Technologies
Financial Services
Life Sciences
Professional and Business Services
Each growth sector has a bespoke 10-year plan that will attract investment, enable growth and create high-quality, well-paid jobs.
Five sector plans have been published this week:
Advanced Manufacturing – up to ยฃ4.3 billion in funding, including up to ยฃ2.8 billion in R&D over the next five years. Aim of anchoring supply chains in the UK – from increasing vehicle production to 1.35 million, to leading the next generation of technologies for zero emission flight.
Clean Energy Industries – Doubling investment in Clean Energy Industries by 2035. Total funding for the Great British Energy Supply Chain fund to ยฃ1 billion.
Creative Industries – Maximizing the value of our Creative Industries through a ยฃ380 million boost for film and TV, video games, advertising and marketing, music and visual and performing arts. This will improve access to finance for scale-ups and increase R&D, skills and exports.
Digital and Technologies – Making the UK the European leader for creating and scaling Digital and Technology businesses. More than ยฃ2 billion allocated to drive the AI Action Plan. ยฃ187 million for training one million young people in tech skills. Targeting R&D investment at frontier technologies.
Professional and Business Services – Ensuring our Professional and Business Services becomes the worldโs most trusted adviser to global industry. Plan to revolutionise the sector across the world through adoption of UK-grown AI. Also working to secure mutual recognition of professional qualifications agreements overseas.
How will the UK’s Industrial Strategy impact Surrey?
The industrial strategy provides a long-term vision for growing the UK economy.
Surrey has very strong local sector specialisms in some of the key high-growth sectors. This includes professional services, finance, creative and digital. We also have well-established clusters and innovation assets across most of the IS-8 sectors.
We also have demonstrated a commitment to unlocking local economic growth via:
strategic partnerships, such as the Civic Agreement for Surrey with Surreyโs three leading universities,
New National Biosecurity Centre receives ยฃ1 billion government investment
Published 24 June 2025
Business news, Innovation
A new National Biosecurity Centre will begin to take shape in a matter of months after government pledged ยฃ1 billion to the cutting-edge scientific campus in Surrey. When complete, the Animal and Plant Health Agency centre in Addlestone will serve as the UKโs foremost animal biosecurity facility.
Animal disease outbreaks represent a serious and increasing risk to public health, food security, and the UK economy.
The UK’s high containment laboratories for animal health are run by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) at Weybridge. They urgently need renewal to handle escalating disease risks, which is growing due to climate change.
The new facility will join a network of national centres set up by the Cabinet Office under the UK Biological Security Strategy. It will keep the public safe and is essential to responding to biological security risks.
Preparatory work at the Addlestone site is already underway. Planning consent has been secured and a contractor appointed to build the main new facilities.
The first interim labs to support critical science while we transform the site will be ready in 2027 and 2028. The main construction works start in 2027. And the full new National Biosecurity Centre will be live and operational in 2033/34.
Matt Furniss, Surrey County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Economic Growth, said:
“We very much welcome this government investment into our region which strengthens Surrey’s reputation as a leading UK region for innovation and research.
“This cutting-edge facility will not only play a key role in protecting the nation’s health, it will also create jobs for residents and broader prosperity in our communities.
“As government looks to drive growth across the UK, our aim is to ensure that Surrey is a major part of that story โ and weโll continue to work with partners like the Animal and Plant Health Agency to make the most of opportunities, ensuring we meet the demands of our 110,000 businesses while ensuring no one is left behind.”
Why is a National Biosecurity Centre needed?
Approximately 60% of all known human infectious diseases are zoonotic, meaning they can be transmitted from animals to humans. And about 75% of emerging infectious diseases originate in animals. This makes the fight against these diseases about human health and security too.
Without strong and modernised biosecurity infrastructure, disease incursions could severely impact the UK’s farmers, agricultural production, devastate rural communities and disrupt key supply chains.
The export of livestock, meat and meat products, dairy and animal by-products is worth ยฃ16 billion per year to the UK economy.
The funding will now enhance the countryโs detection, surveillance and control capabilities for high-risk animal diseases. These include avian influenza, foot and mouth disease and African swine fever. It will also enhance the UK’s ability to manage concurrent disease outbreaks.
Jenny Stewart, Senior Science Director at the Animal and Plant Health Agency, said:
“This funding is a vital milestone in the delivery of a world-leading facility that will protect the UK from animal disease threats for decades to come.
“Our scientists and specialists at Weybridge are at the heart of the UKโs disease surveillance and response capability and provide a global centre of expertise.
“Investment on this scale will enable them to continue their critical work in modern, fit-for-purpose facilities, supported by the very latest technologies.”
What is the Animal and Plant Health Agency?
The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has its headquarters in Weybridge. It works to safeguard animal and plant health for the benefit of people, the environment and the economy.
APHAโs central laboratory has been in Weybridge since 1917, when it was known as the Addlestone Institute.
It has a long history of work of national and international importance. This has contributed to Surrey being animal health being a key sector for Surrey’s economy.
In 1939 it began an urgent programme for the mass production of anthrax vaccine and antiserum. This was so the country would be able to respond to the threat of a biological warfare emergency.
More recent past achievements include eradicating swine fever in the 1960s. And characterising the first case of BSE in the 1980s. It also developed the first licensed vaccine for TB in badgers in 2009.
APHA was formed in 2014 by merging the Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency with parts of the Food and Environment Research Agency.
The network of national centres announced by government this week marks a new chapter for APHA. It will ensure the UK is better prepared for a crisis, responding more effectively to incidents and delivering a more holistic approach to biological research.
Environment Secretary Steve Reed said:
“Farmers and food producers will now be better protected from diseases, our food security strengthened, and public health better safeguarded against future pandemics. This government is getting on with delivering on our Plan for Change.
“The new National Biosecurity Centre will play an essential role in addressing the full range of biological threats we face, including from hostile nations, and will ensure that the UK retains the scientific capability, infrastructure and expertise needed to lead international efforts to identify, manage, and mitigate disease threats in the years ahead.”
Local Government Reorganisation consultation now live
Published 18 June 2025
Business news
Have your say on the future of public services in Surrey via the Government’s Local Government Reorganisation consultation. This is part of the governmentโs devolution plans for transferring more powers from Whitehall to local or regional authorities.
It will help government to understand what residents, businesses and other stakeholders think about the changes in Surrey. They’ll use the results to help them make a final decision on which option is best for Surrey.
What is Local Government Reorganisation?
Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) is the process where all areas with two-tiers of councils are reorganised into fewer, unitary councils.
The new authorities would have responsibility for all local government services in their area. This includes refuse collection, highways, parks and open spaces, libraries, social care, education and planning. They would replace the current two-tier system of one county and 11 district / borough councils.
The creation of new unitary authorities would also unlock further devolved responsibilities for Surrey. These would sit with a directly elected mayor representing the whole of Surrey. And the mayor would provide strategic oversight for economic development, skills, transport and housing.
Other areas, such as Greater Manchester and the West Midlands, already operate successfully this way. It sees the strategic authority working with employers to drive growth. It also improves employment opportunities for residents and brings investment into their regions.
Surrey County Council, Elmbridge Borough Council and Mole Valley District Council are recommending Surrey is arranged into two new unitary councils, East Surrey and West Surrey.
A resident information event takes place on 7 July to explain LGR and the proposal. Anyone can sign up on the external LGR event page.
Tim Oliver OBE, Leader of Surrey County Council said:โWe urge everyone in Surrey to take part in this government consultation to help us build a stronger future for Surrey. Two unitary councils will simplify services, save money and strengthen communities. This is an important opportunity for people to have their say.
โThis is an exciting time, and Iโm confident that residents will feel the benefit of a new system of local government and community engagement in Surrey, with the proposal for two unitary councils supported by multiple partners who share an ambition to make this county stronger and fit for the future.โ
Other proposals were put forward to government. This includes a plan for three unitary councils supported by other district and borough councils in Surrey.
Ministers will make a final decision in the early Autumn.
LGR โ view from a business leader
Chris Hurren, chair of Surrey Business Leadersโ Forum, wrote an individual letter of support for the two unitary council proposal. He writes:
โWhile we recognise that LGR in itself is a matter for our local authority leaders to discuss directly with [government], on behalf of businesses across Surrey I want to reemphasise the importance of delivering strategic economic functions on a single county footprint.
โOur belief โ supported by examples of devolution elsewhere, such as Greater Manchester and the West Midlands โ is that business growth is dependent upon opportunities to maximise and leverage economies of scale, supporting cross-county collaboration between high-growth clusters and innovation assets.โ
He says: โWhichever path is taken through the Local Government Reorganisation and devolution in Surrey, future success will require collaborative working with strong and independent unitary authorities operating on functional economic areas with a fair and reasonable split of innovation assets and strategic towns.
โWe trust government and our local elected representatives to agree on the best way forward for the businesses, residents and communities of Surrey, ensuring that these authorities are well-placed to provide crucial, efficient and effective public services in the short and long term.โ
The Surrey Economic Growth Fund round one has now closed – with hundreds of businesses and organisations expressing interest in funding for innovative ideas to drive growth in Surrey.
The Surrey Economic Growth Fund is overseen by Surrey County Council. It will see millions of pounds invested to drive growth, creating jobs, improving infrastructure, increasing productivity and upskilling our workforce.
This single pot is made up of a range of public and investment streams, such as UK Shared Prosperity Funding from government.
The idea is to make it as simple and easy-as-possible for those looking to drive growth to apply for funding.
Round one launched in April 2025, and closed at the end of May. Other rounds are expected to follow.
Up to ยฃ7 million is available in round one, and we’ve received more than 300 expressions of interest totalling nearly ยฃ35 million of funding.
What happens next?
We want to say a big thank you to everyone who submitted an expression of interest in round one of the Surrey Economic Growth Fund.
Due to the high volume and quality of initial submissions, not every application will be funded.
Those who have expressed interest will receive a unique online link in the coming days. This will have an invitation to submit further information to support their application. The deadline is the end of June.
Our Investment Panel will meet throughout July to review full applications and make funding decisions.
A320 improvements underway to unlock housing and growth in Surrey
Published 11 June 2025
Business news
A320 improvements are underway between Ottersham and Chertsey, running until 2026. The ยฃ41.8 million project overseen by Surrey County Council will increase capacity on this busy stretch north of Woking. This will unlock new housing and support economic growth in the region.
The A320 improvements is a partnership between Surrey County Council, Runnymede Borough Council and Homes England, which is funding the work.
Runnymede needs to deliver 500 homes every year until 2030 to meet demand. And the A320, as the key link road between the M25 and communities including Woking, Ottershaw and Chertsey, is able to cope with increased numbers of vehicles.
So improvements to the road – including new cycling and pedestrian routes – will support development in the area. It will also improve access to St Peter’s Hospital.
A320 and unlocking local growth
The works will ensure there is extra capacity on the busy stretch of road between Chertsey and Ottershaw to support delivery of the Runnymede 2030 local plan.
It will make sure all the junctions and roads work well together to improve traffic flow. There will also be improvements for walkers and cyclists, including new crossing points and wider foot and cycle paths, and improved access to public transport.
The Runnymede 2030 Local Plan is a blueprint to guide development in the area. It was approved in 2020.
The plan commits to delivering 7,507 high quality additional homes in Runnymede in the period 2015-2030, an average of 500 homes a year.
There is also a commitment to ensuring a mix of employment, retail, leisure, community uses and activities and infrastructure. Plus, protection for the environment and improving accessibility to a range of sustainable and active travel choices.
Of the sites allocated for housing, a large number are reliant on the A320 improvements.
This includes a new Longcross Garden Village, a sustainable settlement of at least 1,700 residential units. And a further 400 homes on St Peter’s Hospital in Chertsey.
What will the A320 improvements deliver?
There will be roadworks on the A320 between Chertsey and Ottershaw from early 2025 until 2026.
Works include:
Improvements to traffic lane facilities and full signalisation of St Peters Roundabout
Provision of an additional, third traffic lane eastbound on St Peters Way East
Provision of a new and improved Ottershaw roundabout with greater circulatory capacity with widened approaches and exits providing additional traffic lanes
Improvements to the M25 junction 11 interchange, including full circulatory signalisation and widened northbound and southbound exit slip roads with new dedicated left turn lanes
Provision of a new roundabout at the Holloway Hill/ Green Lane junction, with flood reduction initiatives, including the construction of attenuation ponds and shallow swales
Provision of shared use footway/cycleways where possible
Improvements to Guildford Road, near Salesian School, include installation of a dedicated drop-off layby / bus bays on the east side of Guildford Road along the front of the school
Improved lighting for all road users and provision of safe crossing facilities for pedestrians and cyclists throughout the whole scheme
Contractors started phase one of the A320 improvements in April 2025.
The initial ten week phase will see lane closures on St Peter’s Way between the St Peter’s Way roundabout and the M25 junction 11 roundabout. A westbound lane closure is also in place on St Peter’s Way.
Works will include:
an extra lane constructed from the St Peter’s Way roundabout towards the M25 on the A320 eastbound
widening of the approach onto the St Peter’s Way roundabout from the M25 on the A320 westbound
widening of the northbound approach onto the St Peter’s Way roundabout from Guildford Road
widening of the footpath from the St Peter’s Way roundabout towards St Peter’s Hospital
resurfacing of the entire St Peter’s Way roundabout
The A320โฏGuildford Road will be closing in both directions, between the Ottershaw and St Peterโs Way roundabouts from 5am on Saturday 14 June to 5am Monday 16 June. The closures are needed to divert the underground services that lie beneath Guildford Road.
The next phase of works in the autumn will see works commence at the Green Lane / Holloway Hill junction.
