Category: Events and awards

Level up your business: Upcoming events to inspire and empower

Published 8 December 2025

Events and awards

Surrey businesses – we’ve got an exciting line-up of fully funded events designed to help you grow, innovate, and stay ahead. From practical Net Zero guidance to marketing strategies and start-up support, these sessions are packed with value and completely free to attend because we are fully funding them for you. 

Start your Net Zero journey

Decarbonisation is a strategic priority for UK businesses – and SMEs are part of the supply chain. This practical session will help you take the first steps toward reducing emissions.

11 December 2025 | Time: 2:00 pm – 2:45 pm | online | fully funded

You’ll learn to:

  • Calculate your carbon footprint
  • Create an action plan to cut emissions
  • Draft a credible carbon reduction policy

Hear from our expert, Shelley Lawson who brings practical advice borne of tangible experience. Shelley has helped businesses deliver carbon reductions whilst tackling their biggest issues, and strengthening the bottom line.

Register here: Your NetZero journey starts here

Start-up overview

Kickstart your self-employment journey with our interactive Start-Up Overview workshop.
In just one hour, you’ll gain valuable insights into the realities of working for yourself, assess your personal and business readiness, and leave empowered to decide if self-employment is right for you.

18 December | 11:00 am – 12:00 pm | online | fully funded

Register here: Your Start-up journey begins here

Become a go-to supplier for the public sector

Want to align with local authority programmes to thrive and grow? Learn more about the public sector supply chain and discover how to unlock local opportunities in facilities management.

Date: 20 January 2026
Time: 8:30 am – 12:00 pm
Location: Woodhatch Place, Reigate | fully funded | free parking

Why attend?

  • Hear from Macro Group, Surrey County Council’s facilities management delivery partner
  • Explore funding and support
  • Network with peers and partners

Find out more about working with the public sector by registering here

Future events 2026

The Marketing Lab series

Boost your marketing skills with our series of fully funded online workshops. Together they form a series, but there’s no obligation to attend all three; just choose the subjects that are most relevant to your own business. Or come along to all three and really reap the benefits!

1. Communicate with confidence

22 January 2026 | 11:30 am – 12:00 pm | online

Learn how to define and express your brand with clarity and impact.

There’s no limit to the number of attendees, just be sure to register early!

2. Build Your digital growth engine

12 February 2026 | 11:30 am – 12:00 pm | online

Explore smart digital strategies to expand reach and engagement.

There’s no limit on the number of attendees, just be sure to just be sure to register early!

3. Build, automate & accelerate

5 March 2026 | 11:30 am – 12:00 pm | online

Discover CRM tools, workflow design, and automation for sustainable growth.

There’s no limit on the number of attendees, just be sure to register early!

Hear from Dan Chidley, our trusted coach helping people, organisations, communities and good causes through coaching, mentoring, personal and professional development. Accredited Member of the Association for Coaching. Director level marketing and communications professional with 20 years’ experience: in-house, agency and consultancy. Chartered Marketer and Member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing.

More fully funded sessions coming soon – check our events page for details, and follow us on LinkedIn to keep up to date.

All events are fully funded for Surrey businesses and delivered by Business Surrey, a Surrey County Council service offering expert advice to help Surrey businesses thrive. Find the right event for you here
Need tailored support? Contact us via the Business Support form
Want the latest updates? Sign up for our newsletter

Surrey Business Awards 2025 – celebrating the best businesses in the county

Published 19 November 2025

Events and awards

Business Surrey was proud to be a sponsor at the Surrey Business Awards 2025. The awards culminated in a glittering event last week (12 November) at Guildford’s G Live to celebrate the successes of businesses across Surrey.

Each year, this highly anticipated event celebrates the incredible achievements and contributions of businesses and individuals across Surrey. The calibre of entries is consistently outstanding, with exceptionally high quality submissions, making it a hard task for the judges who consider each category.

For the 2025 awards Business Surrey’s Enterprise Mentor, Renée Canter was delighted to judge the Best New Business category. Renée was inspired by the professionalism and creativity shown by the founders and teams of a hugely varied group of organisations all doing great things across Surrey. 

We’d like to congratulate all the finalists in the awards, and particularly in this category: Horizon Leisure Trust, Surrey Hills Motor Company, Innovationin, KPN Accounting Ltd, and Lamplight Media. Special congratulations go to Kingsley Earl of Kings Kleans who won the award for Best new Business 2025, presented by Matt Furniss, Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport, Economy and Growth.

For a full list of finalists and winners see the Surrey Business Awards website. Why not enter next year for the chance to showcase your business and join the ranks of Surrey’s most successful and innovative companies.

Looking for further advice?

Business Surrey is a Surrey County Council service providing expert support and advice to all businesses in Surrey. Our aim is to help you start, grow and thrive.

You can get in touch with our business advisors at any point. Our experts offer thousands of pounds-worth of free bespoke support to eligible businesses.

You can also:

Upcoming Business Surrey events: learn, connect, grow

Published 18 November 2025

Events and awards

Business Surrey is here to help local businesses thrive with fully funded webinars, workshops, and networking opportunities. Whether you’re starting out, scaling up, or looking to future-proof your business, these events are designed for you.

Meet Trading Standards: Stay compliant and confident

Running a business means navigating complex regulations. Join our expert-led webinar to understand the role of Trading Standards and how to avoid common compliance pitfalls.

Date: 2 December 2025 Time: 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm Online | Fully funded

Highlights:

  • Key legislation every business should know
  • Introduction to the EASY 123 scheme
  • Live Q&A with Trading Standards expert Phil LeShirley

Who should attend? Business owners, managers, and anyone responsible for compliance or product safety.

Register here.

Start-up Surrey online workshop – Funding options

Join us for a hands-on workshop designed to help growing businesses navigate the funding landscape.

Discover the full range of funding options available to early-stage and scaling businesses, with a special focus on grants and private equity.

Our expert speaker, Mark Taylor from Grant Hero, brings extensive experience in securing innovation funding, including successful bids with Innovate UK. Mark has helped more than 20 businesses access grants and accelerate growth.

In this session, we’ll cover:

  • How different funding routes work
  • What funders are looking for
  • How to choose the right approach for your stage and ambitions

You’ll also gain practical insights into crafting a compelling fundraising narrative, so you leave with a clear understanding of the funding landscape and the confidence to take your next steps.

Register to hear from our experts on grant and investment options.

Start your Net Zero journey

Decarbonisation is a strategic priority for UK businesses – and SMEs are part of the supply chain. This practical session will help you take the first steps toward reducing emissions.

Date: 11 December 2025 Time: 2:00 pm – 2:45 pm Online | Fully funded

You’ll learn to:

  • Calculate your carbon footprint
  • Create an action plan to cut emissions
  • Draft a credible carbon reduction policy

Hear from our expert, Shelley Lawson who brings practical advice borne of tangible experience. Shelley has helped businesses deliver carbon reductions whilst tackling their biggest issues, and strengthening the bottom line.

Register here.

Start-up overview

Kickstart your self-employment journey with our interactive Start-Up Overview workshop.
In just one hour, you’ll gain valuable insights into the realities of working for yourself, assess your personal and business readiness, and leave empowered to decide if self-employment is right for you.

17 December | 11:00 am – 12:00 pm | Online

Register here.

Become a go-to supplier for the public sector

Want to align with local authority programmes to thrive and grow? Learn more about the public sector supply chain and discover how to unlock local opportunities in facilities management.

Date: 20 January 2026
Time: 8:30 am – 12:00 pm
Location: Woodhatch Place, Reigate | Fully funded | Free parking

Why attend?

  • Hear from Macro Group, SCC’s FM delivery partner
  • Explore funding and support
  • Network with peers and partners

Register here.

Future events 2026

The Marketing Lab series

Boost your marketing skills with our fully funded online workshops:

1. Communicate with confidence

22 January 2026 | 11:30 am – 12:00 pm

Learn how to define and express your brand with clarity and impact.

2. Build Your digital growth engine

12 February 2026 | 11:30 am – 12:00 pm

Explore smart digital strategies to expand reach and engagement.

3. Build, automate & accelerate

5 March 2026 | 11:30 am – 12:00 pm

Discover CRM tools, workflow design, and automation for sustainable growth.

Hear from Dan Chidley, our trusted coach helping people, organisations, communities and good causes through coaching, mentoring, personal and professional development. Accredited Member of the Association for Coaching. Director level marketing and communications professional with 20 years’ experience: in-house, agency and consultancy. Chartered Marketer and Member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing.

More fully funded sessions coming soon – check our events page for details, and follow us on LinkedIn to keep up to date.

All events are fully funded for Surrey businesses and delivered by Business Surrey, a Surrey County Council service offering expert advice to help Surrey businesses thrive. Find the right event for you here.
Need tailored support? Contact us via the Business Support form
Want the latest updates? Sign up for our newsletter

The Event Edit

Published 14 October 2025

Events and awards

Business Surrey is excited to bring you a vibrant line-up of fully funded events this season – all designed to help your business thrive.

Whether you’re looking to boost your sales strategy, enhance team wellbeing, or stay on top of compliance, our events offer expert-led insights and practical support to help you succeed.

Workforce Wellbeing: Ensuring your team are fit for life and work

Support staff wellbeing to boost your business.

Reduce absenteeism and increase productivity with healthier, more energised employees
Attract and retain top talent by prioritising workplace wellbeing
Improve morale and engagement through visible investment in staff welfare

Join our expert panel to explore practical tools and frameworks, including:

How Are You? – a wellbeing framework for your organisation
Workplace Travel Plan – step-by-step guidance to promote sustainable commuting
WorkWell – fully funded one-to-one coaching for Surrey-based staff to help them thrive

Date 21 October 2025 | 12:00pm-1:00pm Online | Fully funded

Register here

Accelerate your growth & win more customers

Join us for a high-impact, in-person workshop led by business growth expert Roya Croudace.

You’ll learn how to:

Understand your market and customer needs
Craft a compelling value proposition
Build customer loyalty
Master closing techniques and negotiation
Ideal for Surrey-based SMEs looking to scale up and sharpen their sales approach.

Royal Holloway, University of London | Thursday 26 November 2025 | 9:30am – 12:00pm | In person | Fully funded

Register here

Meet Trading Standards: business surgery

Following strong demand, our Trading Standards team is back for another interactive Q&A session. This isn’t a webinar – it’s a chance to speak directly with experts, ask questions, and get tailored advice on compliance, product safety, and more.

Hosted by Phil from Surrey Trading Standards and the Business Surrey team.

Tuesday 2nd December 2025 | 12:00pm-1:00pm Online (Interactive Format) | Fully funded

Register here

Start-Up Overview

Kickstart your self-employment journey with our interactive Start-Up Overview workshop.

In just one hour, you’ll gain valuable insights into the realities of working for yourself, assess your personal and business readiness, and leave empowered to decide if self-employment is right for you.

This virtual session is offered regularly by the expert team at IncuHive. The course is fully-funded by UK Government as part of Growth Hub funding to Surrey County Council.

Wednesday 22nd October 2025 | 11:00pm-12:00pm Online (Interactive Format) | Fully funded Register here

Wednesday 19th November 2025 | 11:00pm-12:00pm Online (Interactive Format) | Fully funded Register here

Stay Connected

All events are part of Business Surrey’s mission to help local businesses thrive. Find the right event for you here.
Need tailored support? Contact us via the Business Support form
Want the latest updates? Sign up for our newsletter

People looking interested while meeting other business people at an event. Business Surrey events.

Business Surrey events – Autumn update 

Published 20 September 2025

Business news, Events and awards

What’s on: fully funded business events to power up your Surrey business this autumn

Business Surrey is bringing you a packed calendar of fully-funded events this season, all designed to help you grow your business, support your team, and stay compliant. Whether you’re looking to sharpen your sales strategy, improve staff wellbeing, or get expert regulatory advice, we’ve got you covered.

Workforce Wellbeing: Ensuring your team are fit for life and work

Date 21 October 2025 | 12:00pm-1:00pm Online
Fully funded (registration required)

Support your staff. Strengthen your business.

This practical webinar, hosted by Business Surrey will give you tools, services, and funding opportunities to:

  • Reduce absenteeism and boost productivity
  • Attract and retain talent through wellbeing initiatives
  • Improve morale and engagement

Featured Tools & Resources:

  • How Are You? Wellbeing Framework
  • Smarter Travel to Work Toolkit from Active Surrey
    (Includes grants for cycling facilities, travel events, and more)

Speakers include:
Debbie Wyse (Fidelity), Jacquetta Fewster, Luke Cackett, and Tessa Axelrod from Surrey County Council.

Download the toolkit here.
Find out about the Grants here.
Register for the webinar now.

Accelerate your growth & win more customers

Thursday 26 November 2025 | 9:30am – 12:00pm In person
Royal Holloway, University of London
Fully funded (registration required)

Join us for a high-impact, in-person workshop led by business growth expert Roya Croudace. You’ll learn how to:

  • Understand your market and customer needs
  • Craft a compelling value proposition
  • Build customer loyalty
  • Master closing techniques and negotiation

Ideal for Surrey-based SMEs looking to scale up and sharpen their sales approach.
Register for this event now.

Meet Trading Standards: business surgery

Tuesday 2nd December 2025 | 12:00pm-1:00pm Online (Interactive Format)
Fully funded (registration required)

Following strong demand, our Trading Standards team is back for another interactive Q&A session. This isn’t a webinar – it’s a chance to speak directly with experts, ask questions, and get tailored advice on compliance, product safety, and more.

Hosted by Phil from Surrey Trading Standards, and the Business Surrey team.
Register now.

Stay Connected

All events are part of Business Surrey’s mission to help local businesses thrive.
Need tailored support? Contact us via the Business Support form.
Want the latest updates? Sign up for our newsletter.

Image of people networking at a business event

Mastering marketing and communications – webinar

Published 11 August 2025

Advice and support, Events and awards

Join us for this free online session, hosted by Business Surrey where we’ll explore the ins and outs of marketing and communications. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, this event is perfect for anyone looking to enhance their skills and knowledge in the field.

Ready to dive into the world of marketing?

Workshop highlights

  • Develop a comprehensive marketing plan tailored to your business
  • How defining your target audience will help you focus your marketing activities
  • Explore the exciting possibilities of digital marketing to make the most of your time and resources including using AI tools effectively.

Event details

  • Date: 18 September
  • Time: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
  • Location: Online
  • Cost: Free (Pre-registration required)

Meet your expert

The workshop will be led by Daniel Chidley, our Marketing Advisor. Daniel is an experienced business coach, mentor and director level communications, PR & marketing consultant with 20 years of experience in business. As a Chartered Marketer with the Chartered Institute of Marketing, Daniel has experience in-house, agency and consultancy with experience across a range of industries.

In recent years, Daniel has worked with hundreds of SMEs and high growth businesses as a business coach and is accredited with the Association for Coaching. With a coaching approach, Daniel is passionate about supporting entrepreneurs and business owners in adopting new strategies and techniques to improve their marketing, with a particular focus on early-stage businesses, start-ups, scale up businesses and social enterprises

Why attend?

  • Actionable Strategies: learn why a strategy and plan are crucial foundations on which to build your marketing activities and how to focus your efforts to help your business grow.
  • Expert Guidance: Benefit from Daniel’s extensive experience and tailored advice.
  • This webinar is perfect for SME owners and entrepreneurs looking to grow their businesses. There is no entry fee, and you can invite as many team members as you like. Be sure to register today to secure your spot!

Looking for a different type of business support?

We want you to grow and succeed – and have a range of ways you can access support for your company.

  • 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.
  • Sign up to our newsletter for regular updates on news, events and support for Surrey businesses.
  • 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.
Webinar - mastering marketing and communications

Meet the Regulator webinar

Published 8 August 2025

Advice and support, Events and awards

Join us for this free online session, hosted by Business Surrey in partnership with Surrey Trading Standards. It is designed to help local businesses understand their legal responsibilities, avoid common compliance pitfalls, and access expert support.

Led by Phil LeShirley, Trading Standards Specialist, the session will cover key areas such as product safety, consumer rights, and how to engage with regulators early to protect your business and build customer trust.

Workshop highlights

  • What Trading Standards does (and doesn’t do)
  • Product safety, food standards, and fair trading
  • Consumer rights and refund rules
  • The EASY 123 scheme for early-stage businesses
  • How to engage with regulators before problems arise

Event details

  • Date: 28 August
  • Time: 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
  • Location: Online
  • Cost: Free (Pre-registration required)

Meet your expert 

The workshop will be led by Phil LeShirley a Senior Trading Standards Specialist with over 24 years’ experience in the field.  He is responsible for business partnerships at Buckinghamshire and Surrey Trading Standards, and has had great success at building relationships with corporate clients and trade bodies 

He has significant expertise in general product safety and also delivers delivers a wide range of training courses to businesses. 

Phil and the team at Buckinghamshire and Surrey Trading Standards are seen as exemplars in their field and are multi award winning. 

Why attend? 

  • Actionable Strategies: learn why getting consumer right will help your business grow. 
  • Expert Guidance: Benefit from Phil’s extensive experience and tailored advice. 
  • This webinar is perfect for SME owners and entrepreneurs looking to grow their businesses. There is no entry fee, and you can invite as many team members as you like. Be sure to register today to secure your spot! 

Looking for free business 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 – 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.
  • Sign up to our newsletter for regular updates on news, events and support for Surrey businesses.
  • 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.
Meet the regulator - trading standards webinar

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 don’t currently have them – 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.

Our Local Government Reorganisation business webinar will feature leaders from Surrey County Council. They will explain what these changes will mean for Surrey and its economy.

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

Government asked Surrey leaders to draw up proposals earlier this year as part of its wider devolution agenda. Final plans called Shaping Surrey’s Future were submitted in April and a government consultation on options is now live.

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.   

Those questions not covered during the evening will be added to Surrey County Council’s online ‘frequently asked questions’ page.

Do take a look at the Council’s local government reorganisation web pages, where our final plan is also available.

Additional information

After registering via the Microsoft Teams event page you will be sent a notification with a Teams link.

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.

For further information on how we use your data please see the Business Surrey Privacy Policy.

Graphic showing a map of Surrey split in two under a Local Government Reorganisation plan

Supercharge your innovation journey with Innovate Local: South East

Published 17 June 2025

Events and awards, Innovation

Do you want to grow or improve your business but aren’t sure how to get started or where to turn? Then Innovate Local: South East could be the answer you’re looking for.

On 15 July, at Royal Holloway, Innovate UK will explore the power of innovation and how it can:  

  • Drive business growth: learn how innovation can lead to increased profitability, market share, and customer loyalty.
  • Boost competitiveness: discover how staying ahead of industry trends and embracing innovation can give your business a competitive edge.
  • Foster resilience: in today’s ever-changing business landscape, innovation is a key driver of adaptability and long-term success.

The day will also include dedicated sessions exploring opportunities, challenges, and innovation pathways within the defence and cyber security, AI, and creative industries—providing tailored insights and sector-specific support. There will be representatives from both Business Surrey and Made Smarter South East in attendance on the day, ready to share more information on how you can access funding and guidance to support your own innovation journey.

Who Should Attend?

Any business based in the South East from any sector / industry. Whether you’re a small start-up or an established enterprise, this event is designed to help you understand the power of innovation and its practical applications. It is the perfect opportunity for all South East businesses to connect with industry leaders, access funding, and fuel your innovation journey.

Why Attend?

  • Connect with innovation experts, funders and potential collaborators from your region.
  • Discover the opportunities and incentives for ambitious innovators and businesses in the South East.
  • Network with like-minded professionals from the South East’s thriving business community.
  • Take your next practical step towards transforming your business through innovation.

Don’t miss this chance to supercharge your business’s growth and competitiveness.

Register now to secure your spot at Innovate Local: South East.

Surrey Business Awards 2025 now open for nominations

Published 4 June 2025

Business news, Events and awards

The Surrey Business Awards 2025 is back. This annual event, in association with Surrey Chambers of Commerce, is the largest and most prestigious business event in the county. Entries are now being welcomed with all Surrey businesses invited to apply.

Each year, this highly anticipated annual event celebrates the incredible achievements and contributions of businesses and individuals across Surrey. The calibre of entries is consistently outstanding, both in volume and in the exceptional quality of the submissions.

With a wide range of categories, this year’s event offers something for every business – regardless of size or industry. Whether you’re a startup or an established leader, there’s a category for you.

Business Surrey is a sponsor of the event once again, overseeing the Best New Business Award.

Don’t miss the chance to showcase your business and join the ranks of Surrey’s most successful and innovative companies. Enter today for the opportunity to be recognised as one of the region’s top performers.

Submit your entry today via the Surrey Business Awards website.

Timeline

  • Entry Deadline: July 9th 2025
  • Judging: July 21st to September 19th 2025
  • Finalists Announced: September 24th 2025
  • Event: November 12th 2025, G Live Guildford

Categories

Business Surrey, as part of Surrey County Council, is a proud sponsor of the Surrey Business Awards 2025.

We’re sponsoring the Best New Business Award. This award recognises a business with entrepreneurial aptitude, vision, ambition, drive and commercial acumen to build a successful enterprise from start-up.

It is open to any business with an office based in Surrey. The business must have started to trade no earlier than April 2022 and no later than September 2024.

Other categories include:

  • Large Business of the Year
  • SME Business of the Year
  • Future Talent of the Year
  • Best Customer Service Award
  • Best New Business Award
  • Business Growth Award
  • Businessperson of the Year
  • Community Hero Award
  • Company of the Year
  • Employer of the Year
  • Innovation of the Year
  • International Business of the Year
  • Professional Services Award
  • Sustainability Champion Award

For full details on categories and eligibility visit the categories and entry forms page of the Surrey Business Awards website.

Surrey Business Awards – tips for your entry

Winning an award is not just about how great your business is. It’s about how effectively you can present your case to the judges.

Creating a winning entry takes time, careful consideration and the ability to get straight to the point. You will also need to back up your claims with evidence.

Not sure where to start? Here are some helpful tips to ensure your entry for the Surrey Business Awards 2025 stands out.

  • Give yourself enough time. Judges can easily tell who has invested time in preparing a thoughtful submission and who hasn’t!
  • Stay on point. Ensure your answers directly address the questions and stay focused on the topic.
  • Don’t skip questions. It may seem obvious, but many people skip questions. Leaving questions unanswered or lacking detail will cost you points with the judges.
  • Stick to the 1,500-word limit. Be concise—remember, you have limited space to grab the judges’ attention. (That’s 1,500 words for the entire submission.)
  • Quantify your results. Always provide facts and figures. Winning entries back up their claims with solid proof.
  • Get your staff and colleagues involved. Gather evidence, metrics, examples, testimonials – anything that strengthens your application.
  • Add the finishing touch. Include achievements or activities like community involvement, staff training and health and wellbeing initiatives.
  • Choose your best writer. Tell a compelling story. Ensure your submission is free of spelling errors and grammar mistakes and avoid overuse of exclamation marks, fluff, or marketing jargon.
  • Mark the deadline – July 9th 2025 – in your calendar. This might sound obvious but set reminders and avoid leaving it until the last minute.

Looking for further advice?

Business Surrey is a Surrey County Council service providing expert support and advice to all businesses in Surrey. Our aim is to help you start, grow and thrive.

You can get in touch with our business advisors at any point. Our experts offer thousands of pounds-worth of free bespoke support to eligible businesses.

You can also:

A man in formal suit and white shirt smiles while holding a Surrey Business Awards trophy.