Category: Business news

UK Budget 2025 – what will it mean for your Surrey business?

Published 26 November 2025

Business news, Innovation, Skills and workforce

The UK Budget 2025 was announced today by the Chancellor of the Exchequer. But what will it mean for your Surrey business? Here’s a snapshot of some of the key measures.

From changes to business rates to frozen tax thresholds, everyone will be impacted by the announcement in Parliament.

Key measures impacting small and medium businesses include increases to the minimum wage, changes to tax support for entrepreneurs and mandatory e-invoicing. Extra charges for electric vehicles and high value homes could also impact Surrey residents.

The measures means the UK’s tax take moves to an all-time high of 38% of national GDP.

The Office for Budget Responsibility forecasts show UK growth averaging 1.5% a year. Inflation is set to ease from 3.5% in 2025 to 2% by 2027. And unemployment is staying near 5% until 2027 with real household incomes stagnating at around 0.25% annual growth.

Explore the full budget on the UK government website.

Business rates

From 1 April 2026, business rates bills in England will be updated to reflect changes in property values since the last revaluation in 2023.

Changes will include:

  • Small business multiplier decreasing from 49.9p in 2025-26 to 43.2p in 2026-27
  • Standard multiplier decreasing from 55.5p to 48p
  • New high-value business rates multiplier at 50.8p in 2026-27. For properties with rateable values of £500,000 and 2.8p above the national standard multiplier
  • New permanently lower retail, hospitality and leisure multipliers introduced to support high streets. These are 5p lower than the national multipliers.

A package worth £4.3 billion over the next three years will support businesses as they transition to their new bills.

Full details are on the government’s Budget 2025 tax support for businesses factsheet.

Enterprise

  • Pension contributions – From April 2029, the government will charge employee and employer National Insurance on any pension contributions made via salary sacrifice above £2,000 a year 
  • Capital gains tax relief halved for bosses selling their businesses to Employee Ownership Trusts from 100% to 50%
  • Charity Tax Relief – a new VAT relief introduced from 1 April 2026. Covers business donations of goods to charity.
  • UK Listing Relief – From 27 November, transfers of a company’s securities will not pay 0.5% Stamp Duty Reserve Tax charge for three years from when the company lists on a UK regulated market.
  • Call for Evidence into the tax support for entrepreneurs – Government seeks views on the effectiveness of the existing tax system for business founders and scaling firms. The aim is to discover how how the UK can better support these companies to start, scale and stay in the country. Closing on 28 February 2026.

Regulation and licensing

  • Extra support for the availability and adoption of business gigabit broadband
  • New Fair Work Agency to take action against illegal working, breaches of employment rights and tax issues
  • Mandating e-invoicing – from April 2029, all VAT invoices to be issued in a specified electronic format.
  • First National Licensing Policy Framework launched to support a modern licensing system. Includes guidance to relevant authorities to consider promoting economic growth in licensing decisions.
  • Funding for new planners and trading standards officers

Skills and workforce

  • National Living Wage and National Minimum Wage increases from April 2026
    • National Living Wage will increase by 4.1% to £12.71 per hour
    • National Minimum Wage for 18-20 year olds will increase by 8.5% to £10.85 per hour
    • National Minimum Wage for 16-17 year olds and apprentices will rise by 6.0% to £8 per hour
    • Accommodation offset will increase by 4.1% to £11.10 per day
  • Youth guarantee – Growth and Skills Levy
    • £1.5 billion over the next four years for additional employment and skills support for young people
    • Focus on ensuring young people have access to high-quality training opportunities
    • include measures to simplify the apprenticeship system
  • Youth Guarantee – Jobs Guarantee scheme
    • Government to fund six-month paid work placement for every 18 to 21 year old on Universal Credit and looking for work for 18 months
    • 100% of employment costs for 25 hours a week at the relevant minimum wage funded, plus wraparound support
  • International student levy
    • Higher education providers to be charged £925 per student per year of study. Introduced from August 2028
    • Income will be reinvested into higher education and skills. This includes funding maintenance grants for disadvantaged students studying priority courses
  • Employer National Insurance contributions (NICs) relief for veterans – extension of employer NICs relief for employers hiring veterans in their first civilian role to April 2028

UK budget 2025 – other measures

  • Tax thresholds will stay frozen until 2031. That is three years longer than previously planned.
  • New mileage charge for electric and plug-in hybrid cars from April 2028. Electric car drivers will pay 3p per mile, while plug-in hybrid drivers will pay 1.5p per mile. Rates will go up each year in line with inflation.
  • 5p “temporary” cut in fuel duty on petrol and diesel will be extended from April. There will be staged increases from September 2026.
  • High Value Council Tax Surcharge for owners of homes worth £2 million or more in 2026. It’s due to come in from April 2028. A public consultation will be held in early 2026. 
  • British Business Bank’s new five year strategy to include increasing capital deployment from £1.5 billion to £2.5 billion a year
  • Expansion of InnovateUK’s BRIDGE AI programme
  • ISA reform – From 6 April 2027 the annual ISA cash limit will be set at £12,000. A further £8,000 can be invested in stocks.
Aerial shot of UK parliament buildings with the River Thames in London at the fore.

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

Published 25 November 2025

Advice and support, Business news

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Why Operation Machinize matters

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

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

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

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

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

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

What can I do about illegal goods?

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

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

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

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

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

Net Zero toolkit now available for Surrey businesses

Published 20 November 2025

Advice and support, Business news, Innovation

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

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

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

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

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

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

About the Business Surrey net zero toolkit

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

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

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

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

Other Business Surrey toolkits

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

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

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

Other toolkits include

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

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

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

Surrey Skills Conference 2025

Published 19 November 2025

Business news, Skills and workforce

The Surrey Skills Conference brought together 200 employers, education, academics and government delegates to discuss how skills can power the county’s future economy. Watch the highlights in our video.

The Surrey Skills Conference was organised by Surrey County Council, in partnership with Surrey Chambers of Commerce.

Taking place at Woking Hilton, the event focused on what more can be done to unlock the talent of Surrey’s workforce.

Robert West, Head of Employment and Skills at the Confederation of British Industry was one of two keynote speakers to speak at the event. Robert was joined by Holly Hobbs, a Gen-Z influencer and co-founder of urfuture.

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

A range of Surrey employers took part. You can still contribute your ideas to the event, by putting forward ideas to the Local Skills Improvement Plan.

Employment support for Surrey residents

The Surrey Skills Conference 2025 launched STEP Surrey. This is a new gateway for residents to find work, learn new skills and access employment support in a simple and accessible way.

Delegates also learned more about upcoming government-funded programmes available in Surrey.

This includes Connect to Work, a five-year programme to support 2,500 people with complex barriers to work into local employment. And WorkWell, which provides coaching to those with health challenges to get into, return to and stay in work.

Both can support Surrey businesses with workforce challenges and skills gaps.

Want to know more? Get in touch via our Contact Us form.

Surrey firm named among UK’s fastest-growing companies

Published 29 October 2025

Business news, Innovation

Guildford-based technology firm Crowd Connected has been recognised as one of the UK’s 50 fastest-growing private companies in the UK Fast Growth Index 2025. This prestigious ranking celebrates innovation and commercial success across the country.

Celebrating innovation in spatial intelligence

Crowd Connected specialises in real-time location systems (RTLS) and spatial intelligence. Its solutions make it possible to measure the use of physical spaces more easily. Sectors such as events, commercial real estate, healthcare and higher education make use of Crowd Connected’s software.

“Being named in the UK Fast Growth Index is testament to our commercial momentum and our mission to make physical spaces measurable, efficient, and intelligent,” said James Cobb, Founder and CEO of Crowd Connected. “Recognition like this reflects the UK’s strength in location intelligence and smart-building technology.”

From events to smart buildings

The company initially gained traction in the events industry, providing real-time visitor navigation and behavioural analytics at exhibitions and conferences. Since then it has expanded into smart buildings and healthcare. Its technology enables indoor navigation, asset tracking, and occupancy analytics, helping organisations optimise people and resource management.

A broad picture of UK growth

The UK Fast Growth Index, founded by Professor Dylan Jones-Evans OBE, showcases the most dynamic and high-performing private businesses across seven UK regions. Jones-Evans said: “The [2025] Index highlights how innovative companies like Crowd Connected make a measurable impact on both regional economies and national productivity. These high-growth firms are proof that advanced digital technology continues to drive the UK’s competitiveness.”

Explore the full list

Crowd Connected joins 49 other standout companies in the 2025 Fast Growth Index. Access the full list of the Top 50 fastest-growing companies via the official website: UK Fast Growth Index – Top 200

Support for Surrey businesses

We offer expert business support and additional on-demand resources for growing businesses.

Contact our team of experts to discuss how we can help your business thrive by completing our business support form.

You can also sign up to our newsletter for the latest news and events across Surrey.

Two new unitary councils for Surrey as LGR plans confirmed by government

Published 28 October 2025

Business news

Two new unitary councils will be created in Surrey in April 2027 after ministers confirmed Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) plans. The move will create a simpler and more efficient system for delivering services across the county. 

Local government minister Alison McGovern announced the decision today via a written ministerial statement. She says this once-in-a-generation reform will see stronger local councils in charge of all local services.

The two new unitary councils – East and West Surrey – will deliver all local services in their area. This includes waste collection, planning, adult social care, children’s services, business rates, parks and highways. 

Ministers say the move will drive economic growth, improve local public services and empower communities. Ultimately this will help drive up living standards.

The two new unitary councils will replace the existing two-tier system of twelve county, district and borough councils in April 2027.

By doing this, government says it will create “a strong foundation for devolution in Surrey”. A strategic authority would have responsibility for high-level issues like transport, economic development and skills.

What happens next?

Elections for the new councils will take place in May 2026. With new authorities formally taking over responsibilities from 1 April 2027.

This transition period will enable detailed work for reorganisation and devolution to take place. Services will be delivered as usual during this time. 

East Surrey will replace the current areas covered by Elmbridge, Epsom and Ewell, Mole Valley, Reigate & Banstead, and Tandridge councils.

A West Surrey unitary will take over the areas of Guildford, Runnymede, Spelthorne, Surrey Heath, Waverley, and Woking. 

Surrey County Council will work together with all councils in Surrey to implement this new model. And ensure a smooth transition.

Government will also commit to repayment in-principle of £500 million of Woking Borough Council’s debt in 2026-27. And they will continue to explore what further debt support is required at a later point. 

Surrey leader response to two new unitary councils

Tim Oliver, Leader of Surrey County Council said: 

“We welcome the government’s direction to create two new unitary councils for Surrey from April 2027 – East Surrey and West Surrey. Reorganisation and devolution are huge opportunities, and this is good news for Surrey residents and businesses. As set out in submissions earlier this year, and confirmed by government, all the evidence points to this being the best outcome for Surrey – saving money, simplifying services and strengthening local communities. 

“As expected, there will be elections to the new unitary councils in May 2026. We also welcome the intention that a Mayoral Strategic Authority will be established, with timings to be confirmed soon following discussions with the Minister. This devolution will unlock huge benefits for Surrey, with more powers held closer to communities, stronger local decision making and turbo charged economic growth for the region. 

“All councils can now come together to push forward the right structures, and put the right resources in place, to enhance our already vibrant county. We are ready and well prepared for this change. And I am absolutely clear that, throughout this process, our vital work supporting residents will continue. Services will be delivered and we will still be here for those who need us most. Our focus is on ensuring a smooth transition and we will communicate with residents along the way.” 

Surrey business response to two new unitary councils

Chris Hurren, chairman of the Surrey Business Leaders Forum, said: 

“We welcome the certainty provided by the government decision today around how local public services in Surrey will be delivered in the future. We‘re confident our local leaders, working together and with partners, will deliver the best outcome for the county’s 1.2 million residents and 110,000 businesses.

“We have long maintained that LGR in itself is a matter for our local authority leaders. But, on behalf of businesses across Surrey, I want to re-emphasise the importance of a strategic authority for Surrey delivering devolved economic functions on a single county footprint.

“Our belief – supported by examples of devolution elsewhere, such as Greater Manchester and the West Midlands – is that moving these powers away from Whitehall will provide clear opportunities for our people, places and economy to grow.”

Further details

To stay informed and follow the latest updates, visit Surrey County Council’s Local Government Reorganisation hub.

Have a question about how this will impact your Surrey business? Get in touch via our Contact Us form.

Map showing East and West Surrey under green text saying "Local government in Surrey is changing"

Business Growth Grants now available to Surrey SMEs

Published 16 October 2025

Advice and support, Business news, Funding and grants

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

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

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

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

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

What is the Surrey Economic Growth Fund?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How do I apply for Business Growth Grants?

You can apply if your business is: 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Surrey Economic Growth Fund round one: £2 million funding announced

Published 30 September 2025

Business news, Funding and grants

Surrey Economic Growth Fund round one invests £2 million to Surrey businesses and wider economy. Collectively the grants will provide an economic boost worth millions, creating scores of new jobs and hundreds of local job opportunities.

From vineyards and biotech to manufacturing and AI firms, a diverse range of organisations from all four corners of the county are receiving investment via the Surrey Economic Growth Fund.

The scheme is made up of a range of pooled funding streams. This includes the government’s UK Shared Prosperity Funding and Rural England Prosperity Fund. It was launched by Surrey County Council in April.

Following a highly competitive process, close to £2 million has been awarded to dozens of recipients, unlocking significant match funding and private investment.

The successful bids are collectively estimated to grow Surrey’s economy by £9 million, create or safeguard 300 jobs and bring 1,350 residents into employment.

Economic Growth Fund round one examples

One business receiving funding is Aero Sensor, a world-leading technology firm in Dunsfold Industrial Park led by a former F1 engineer Dr Barney Garrood.

The company is one of only three companies globally developing new aerodynamic measurement probes for automotive and aerospace applications.

The five-figure grant will support the creation of a new wind-tunnel facility to test its designs, creating new highly skilled jobs in the process.

Dr Garrood said: “The grant enabled us to fully kit out the wind tunnel with tools and instruments we need. We’ll also be hiring new staff and technicians. I have over 20 years of experience in F1 and we’re going to take people on and train them up in a highly skilled job.

“Having our own wind tunnel means we can halve our turnaround time to develop our existing probes that will make them world leading. There are only three other companies in the world that make these things. Having that facility on site is going to massively accelerate our development time and allow us to develop more advanced probes. It’s moved the business forward by about a year.”

Two men stand behind a bright blue high tech piece of equipment with aersensor written on it. Behind them is a banner for Business Surrey.

Agriculture, AI and local supply chains

Other successful bids include Woodlark Nurseries in Hersham creating a new horticultural facility, while Upper Birtley Farm Partnership near Bramley will establish a premium glamping and outdoor education site in the Surrey Hills.

Dorking Distillery received a grant to create a new, custom-built distillery at Denbies Wine Estate, enhancing Surrey’s reputation for world-class food and drink.

And a Godalming business, Sammi-Select, will develop a new ‘practice interview’ tool adapted from an AI platform. This will support marginalised jobseekers such as young people not in education or training and those who are digitally excluded.

There’s county-wide approaches funded too, including allocations for Surrey Venture Studio to support start-ups. This is a collaboration between the county’s three universities. And Source in Surrey, led by the county’s Chambers of Commerce, to encourage larger businesses to ‘buy local’.

Both will offer benefits to many businesses across the county, complementing and enhancing existing support already ongoing through Business Surrey.

“Positive outcomes for Surrey’s communities”

Councillor Matt Furniss, Surrey County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Economic Growth, said: “The new Economic Growth Fund has generated a huge level of interest from across Surrey, demonstrating the real appetite from our amazing business community to drive innovation, growth and job creation in our county.

“Round one was a highly competitive process and we’ve maintained our commitment to only supporting the highest quality bids which fully met the criteria. This ensures every pound invested will deliver genuine growth, create meaningful jobs and produce positive outcomes for Surrey’s communities.

“Our ambition is to position Surrey – which already contributes £50 billion to UK plc every year – as one of the UK’s leading regional economies. This fund is just one of the ways we’re building the foundations to achieve that.”

Round Two of the Surrey Economic Growth Fund is now open. Applicants can expect a streamlined, one-stage process supported by a guidance handbook.

Visit the Economic Growth Fund page for more details.

Economic Growth Fund round one recipients – full list

Six people holding craft gin bottles hold them in the air as a toast. Two of the people are sat on a wooden bench. Behind them is a promotional banner for Business Surrey.

Gatwick Airport’s Northern Runway plans approved

Published 25 September 2025

Business news

Gatwick Airport’s Northern Runway plans are moving closer after receiving government consent. The expansion is projected to inject an additional £1 billion into the UK economy every year, creating 14,000 jobs across the south east.

The airport, which borders the east of Surrey, is the UK’s second busiest. It claims bringing the Northern Runway into routine use is “one of the biggest growth opportunities for the UK today”.

The airport adds the £2.2 billion project is privately financed, requiring no taxpayer money and is shovel ready. Plus, it will continue to operate as the work progresses.

Heidi Alexander, the Secretary of State for Transport, granted consent for the Development Consent Order this week after a detailed review of the proposal.

Despite some clarifications from the airport announced in April, there remain concerns from communities about noise and congestion. Transport and sustainability are also key issues.

Stewart Wingate, VINCI Airports Managing Director for United Kingdom said: “After a lengthy and rigorous planning process, we welcome the Government’s approval of plans to bring our Northern Runway into routine use, ahead of the expected deadline. 

“This is another important gateway in the planning process for this £2.2 billion investment, which is fully funded by our shareholders and will unlock significant growth, tourism and trade benefits for London Gatwick and the UK and create thousands of jobs. 

“As we’ve said previously, it is essential that any planning conditions enable us to realise the full benefits of the project and do not impose unnecessary constraints that make it uneconomic to invest in.  

“We now need to carefully examine the details of the planning consent. Once we have done that, we will be able to comment further.” 

Gatwick expansion plans

Gatwick Airport’s Northern Runway plans include moving the existing northern runway 12 metres to allow London Gatwick to have a second fully functioning runway.

Plans for bringing the northern runway into use were first consulted on in 2021.

The airport says it is already a major catalyst for growth. And that its plan meets the Government’s test of making best use of existing infrastructure and maximising growth.

Gatwick’s response to the national planning process said it will accept stricter limits on aircraft noise. It has also put forward an improved noise insulation scheme for local residents.   

Gatwick has also accepted a requirement of 54% of passengers using public transport prior to bringing the Northern Runway into operation. This would require increased rail services.

If the 54% target is not achieved then London Gatwick has proposed an alternative cars-on-the-road limit. This will be met before first use of the Northern Runway to address concerns about possible road congestion.  

If neither are met, then use of the Northern Runway would be delayed until £350 million of road improvements have been completed.  This would make sure any additional road traffic flows can be accommodated and any congestion avoided.

About Gatwick Airport

With 41 million annual passengers, London Gatwick is the UK’s second largest and one of Europe’s top ten airports. It generates £5.5 billion GVA and supports over 76,000 jobs (2023 report). 

Almost 60 airlines fly from the airport to over 150 short-haul and more than 50 long-haul destinations.  It has a capacity of 55 movements an hour. This makes London Gatwick the most efficient single runway airport in the world.   

The airport sits 28 miles south of the UK capital and is extremely well-connected. More than a quarter of England’s population is less than one hour away by road or rail. 

A six-year, £2 billion sustainable growth programme includes an ambitious plan to be a net zero airport by 2030.

A series of planes line up at passenger docking ports at Gatwick Airport.

Connect to Work launching in Surrey

Published 17 September 2025

Business news, Skills and workforce

Connect to Work, a major new government programme to break down barriers to employment for thousands of people, will soon launch in Surrey. And employers of all sizes and sectors are encouraged to get involved.

Government says there are currently 2.8 million people out of work due to ill-health across the country. And more than one in four cite sickness as a barrier. This is more than double the 2012 figure of one in ten.

Ministers say it highlights the urgent need for tailored employment support that removes barriers faced by disabled people and those with health conditions.   

Connect to Work delivers localised, tailored support to those who are sick, disabled or face complex barriers to work.

Nearly £10 million has been allocated to Surrey to launch and run the programme across the county.

And ahead of the programme launching we’re looking for employers with suitable opportunities and recruitment gaps to get in touch.

How does Connect to Work work?

Individuals can self-refer to Connect to Work. Or they can be referred by healthcare professionals and voluntary sector partners.

Expert employment specialists will provide intensive, personalised help to find a suitable employment.

A job matching service will find suitable employers for the individual. Expert employment specialists will then work with both to help individuals stay in work and succeed.

Read more on the FAQs section of the Connect to Work page at STEP Surrey.

Connect to Work – reaction

Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall said:  

“For too long, too many people in Surrey have been denied the support they need to get back to health and back to work.   

“It’s bad for their living standards, it’s bad for their families, and it’s bad for the local economy.” 

Matt Furniss, Surrey County Council’s cabinet member for Highways, Transport and Economic Growth, said:  

“This investment will make a real difference to around 2,500 residents across Surrey who face significant barriers to employment.  

“Connect to Work will provide help to disabled people, people with health conditions and those with complex barriers to employment, to get into and stay in work.   

“Helping Surrey residents to access good work and thrive in employment is a key part of our commitment to ensuring no one is left behind. Plus it will help to further support the continued growth of our regional economy.”  

Recruitment support for employers

We know that recruitment is one of the biggest challenges facing Surrey businesses.

Looking for support to fill vacancies? Or simply cannot find those with the skills to help you grow?

Get in touch with the Business Surrey team via our business support form. One of our team will then arrange a call to discuss your challenges and explore ways we can help your business thrive.

You can also sign up to our newsletter for regular updates on skills, workforce and other business news.