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 arenโt 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:ย ย
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 todayโs 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 industriesโproviding 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 youโre 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 Eastโs 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.
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 yearโs 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.
Donโt miss the chance to showcase your business and join the ranks of Surreyโs most successful and innovative companies. Enter today for the opportunity to be recognised as one of the regionโs top performers.
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.ย The business must haveย started to trade no earlier thanย April 2022 and no later thanย September 2024.
Winning an award is not just about how great your business is. Itโs 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 hasnโt!
Stay on point. Ensure your answers directly address the questions and stay focused on the topic.
Donโt 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 conciseโremember, you have limited space to grab the judges’ attention. (Thatโs 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.
King’s Awards for Enterprise 2025 winners announced
Published 14 May 2025
Business news, Events and awards
The Kingโs Awards for Enterprise recipients for 2025 have been announced with six Surrey businesses receiving a royal seal of approval. Want to join this elite group? Applications for 2026 can now be submitted.
The Kingโs Awards for Enterprise are among the most prestigious awards for UK organisations. They recognise and reward outstanding business achievements in Innovation, International Trade, Sustainable Development and Promoting Opportunity.
Six Surrey businesses are receiving The Kingโs Award for Enterprise in 2025. Three in Innovation, two in International Trade and one in Sustainable Development.ย Scroll down to view the list.
His Majestyโs Lord Lieutenant Michael More-Molyneuxย โ the Kingโs representatives in Surrey – will present the awards throughout the year. One representative from each winning business will also be invited to a special Royal reception event.
Want to join the winners of the King’s Awards for Enterprise 2025? You can now apply for the 2026 awards until 9 September 2025.
His Majestyโs Lord-Lieutenant of Surrey said: โAs the most prestigious business award in the UK, winning the esteemed Kingโs Award Emblem is an incredible honour. Itโs an internationally recognised symbol of excellence โ one that sets your business apart and gets you noticed.
“These Surrey companies exemplify the talent and entrepreneurial spirit of British business, and it will be a great honour to present them with their Kingโs Award for Enterprise over the coming months. They are all truly outstanding representatives of Surrey business, leading the way in technological development and thoroughly deserving this recognition.”
King’s Awards for Enterprise – 2025 Surrey winners
Gordon Murray Group โ Innovation
Gordon Murray Group is an iconic Surrey-based firm, renowned around the world for exclusive lightweight supercars.
The King’s Award for Innovation is for the T.50. This is the lightest, best packaged, least environmentally impactful, highest revving, and best driving supercar globally.
Professor Gordon Murray CBE, founder and executive chairman of Gordon Murray Group, said: โAs a proud British business, it is such an immense honour for the team at Gordon Murray Group to receive The Kingโs Award for Enterprise.
โThe fact that the award specifically recognises innovation is a source of great pride as we aspire to deliver Driving Perfection through our innovative, highly exclusive supercars. ย
โIt is through the collective skills and creative minds of our entire team that we have built a brand that is recognised around the world as the pinnacle of automotive engineering excellence.
โWe will wear our Kingโs Award with pride, using it as yet more motivation to strive for ever higher levels of innovation in the unique supercars we create.โย
RENOURISH Limited โ Innovation
Renourish Limited was established in 2019 in Surrey. It is the worldโs first fresh soup in a microwaveable, fully recyclable, grab-and-go bottle.
The founder is a former critical care nurse and nutritional therapist. It makes soups from 100% fresh ingredients, with no additives or preservatives.
Designed for busy health-conscious consumers, the soup can be heated and consumed directly from the bottle. At its core is RE:NOURISHโs patented soup bottle, which is a global first.
It combines hot-fill compatibility, blast-chill durability, BPA-free microwave safety, and thermal insulation that keeps soup warm for 40 minutes. No other bottle globally meets these combined demands.
As a result, this innovative packaging is protected by international patents and design registered intellectual property.
Guildford-based RE:NOURISH is not only shaking up the UKโs fresh soup market. It is gaining international recognition as a disruptive force in the global health food sector.
Sirius Constellation Limited โ Innovation
Sirius, which is based near Godalming, is a highly entrepreneurial SME that has developed and deployed next generation maritime domain awareness technology. This promotes and enhances security, safety and sustainability at sea in the UK and in overseas markets.
Siriusโs technology provides maritime authorities with real-time information and autonomous alerts about unusual or suspicious activity at sea. It supports their work tackling modern maritime challenges across defence, environmental damage, illegal fishing, and security.
Malcolm Glaister, Chief Executive Officer of Sirius Insight, said:“It is the greatest possible honour to receive a Kingโs Award for Enterprise. This is a proud day for Sirius Insight and a marvellous accolade for the business and the journey that Sirius Insight has been on since we set up the Company in 2016.
“It is a wonderful tribute to the brilliant and tireless work of our amazing team, and our clients in the UK and overseas whose support and custom have played such a pivotal role in making Sirius the world-class AI maritime surveillance technology business that it has become today, recognised in markets around the world.”
Penta Consulting Limited โ International Trade
Penta Consulting is an Epsom based business. It is a global leader in delivering Technology Resource Solutions across the Information Communication Technology sector.
Penta’s unwavering focus on nurturing its workforce organically has been a cornerstone of its success.
By prioritising local recruitment, comprehensive training, and professional development the “Penta way,” the company boasts an impressive average tenure, defying industry norms.
In 2024, it was ranked among the top 60 UK Technology companies.
Stanhope-Seta Limited โ International Trade
Stanhope-Seta’s King’s Award for Enterprise 2025 is the fifth time it has received the honour. It follows previous Queenโsย Awards for International Trade in 2012 and 2022, and Innovation in 2014 andย 2019.
The manufacturing company in Chertsey creates laboratory quality control instruments across a range of applications. This ranges from jet fuel to lipstick.
Giles Verity, director and owner, said: โReceiving the Kingโs Award is a tremendousย honour and a testament to our teamโs passion, commitment and technical excellence. ย
“The Kings Awards celebrate the very best in British companies. They are internationallyย recognized as a trusted symbol of excellence worldwide. ย We continue to fly the flag for British manufacturing and innovation.”
Denbies Wine Estate Ltd โย Sustainable Development
Denbies Wine Estate in Dorking is one of Englandโs largest single estate vineyards. The estate, independently owned and run, comprises of 380 acres with 265 acres currently under vine. It has a production capacity of 1 million bottles. The first vines were planted on the estate in 1986.
The owner for the last 20 years is Christopher White.ย Under his leadership, Denbies has become one of the largest and most successful wineries in England.
It has been recognised for being a leading light in sustainable and ethical wine tourism. It is also the first vineyard in UK to be certified UKCCC Net Zero.
What are the Kingโs Awards for Enterprise?
The Kingโs Awards for Enterprise were previously known as The Queenโs Awards for Enterprise.
The awards are now in its 59th year. And it has awarded over 8,000 companies since its inception in 1965.ย The awards are valid for 5 years.
Almost all UK businesses can apply, and the application process is free and straightforward.
If you get an award youโll be:
invited to a Royal reception
presented with the award at your company by one of The Kingโs representatives, a Lord-Lieutenant
able to fly The Kingโs Awards flag at your main office, and use the emblem on your marketing materials
given a Grant of Appointment (an official certificate) and commemorative crystal trophy
Organisations that got an award have reported benefiting from:
GDLX25, a leading games expo showcasing the best indie talent in the UK, is coming to Surrey for the first time.
More than 600 people attend the annual event run by Game Dev Local. It’s normally held in east London but was at risk of being cancelled after the venue fell through.
The University for the Creative Arts (UCA) came to the rescue, hosting the fourth edition of GDLX at its Farnham campus this weekend (April 12, 2025)
Stuart De Ville, CEO of GDL, contacted UCA to ask if anything could be done to help. The team at the university then stepped in.
Andy Bossom, UCAโs Industry Engagement Lead for the School of Games and Creative Technology said:
โUCA prides itself on its can-do attitude โ we are agile and were able to step in at the last minute, to become the host partner institution.
โItโs important for us to support the indie developer community, as many of UCAโs games graduates aspire to work on unique indie games after graduation. The last couple of years has been tough for the games industry, in terms of studio closures and the pausing of other key UK games events.โ
Stuart De Ville, CEO of GDL, said:
“The support from UCA has been nothing short of amazing. When we faced the unexpected challenge of losing our venue, it stepped up to ensure GDLX25 could still happen.
โEvents like this are vital to the indie games industry, providing a space for developers to showcase their work, connect with industry professionals, and build a stronger community. Thanks to UCA, we can continue that mission and bring together some of the brightest talent in indie games this year.โ
What is GDLX25?
GDLX25 is an indie games expo for indie game developers and enthusiasts.
GDLX25 is taking place Saturday 12 April, from 12pm to 7pm at the University for the Creative Arts in Farnham, Surrey.
With more than 50 independent games companies and around 600 attendees, it will showcase the brightest talent in the industry.
There will be industry talks, networking opportunities, and a careers stage led by experts on a wide range of topics, including game design, programming, art, and sound.
UCA can also announce, GAIN โ Games and Innovation Nexus โ will be the main sponsor of the event. GAIN is a partnership between UCA, the University of Surrey, and the University of Warwick supporting the wider gaming industry.
Surreyโs video game industry is one of the largest and most vibrant in the UK. It has over 85 studios and is often called the โHollywood of Gamingโ.
Surrey has seen many world-first innovations in this growing sector. In total it generates more than ยฃ3 billion a year for the UK GDP and employs almost 50,000 people.
The region is home to a diverse array of studios, from small independent teams to large companies.
We’ve worked closely with UCA and the University of Surrey on the GAIN programme. This aims to strengthen links and develop infrastructure between gaming businesses in Surrey.
If you prefer in-person events to online, next month won’t disappoint, with a selection of upcoming Surrey events in April specifically created to help Surrey professionals build their local networks.
Don’t forget to check back again soon, as new events are being added to the directory regularly.
Learn something new
We begin April with a repeat of our own highly popular in-person workshop on How to accelerate growth and win more customers. This 2025 reboot, again presented by business growth expert Roya Croudace, will be hosted by Business Surrey in partnership with Guildford Borough Council and Waverley Borough Council, and held at Guildford Pavilion on 3rd April. There was high demand for this topic when we first ran this workshop last year, so book early to avoid disappointment.
Networking in April
If you like to do your networking in the morning, why not head to Surrey Chambers’ Business Breakfast at Nescot College on 9th April. These monthly Business Breakfasts are a wonderful opportunity to meet a range of Surrey businesses over a delicious breakfast.
If you’re not a morning person, you might prefer to try Woking Means Business, on 16th April at 12noon. This networking event is being offered free in order to introduce the Woking Means Business exhibition, Woking Chamber of Commerce and Hilton Woking, the new home of Woking Means Business, to as many local businesses as possible.
Young professionals
Now something a bit different – Surrey Chambers are launching Generation Nextย โ a brand-new initiative designed to empower and connect young professionals (18-35) across Surrey, at the Tesla Centre (Guildford) on 10th April, 5.30-8pm. The evening will include the opportunity to test drive an EV, as well as networking and nibbles.
Submit your own event
Our own events directory is a great way to promote your own business events to a wider audience, at no cost. If your organisation is hosting or sponsoring a business event in Surrey over the next few months, you can submit it for inclusion in the directory by completingย this form.
Free support for Surrey SMEs
Business Surrey offers free and accessible support for all businesses in Surrey.
Our experts are on hand to provide tailored advice to help your SME grow and succeed. Get in touch with a member of the team via our business support form.
SME Surrey Business Awards 2025 deadline approaches
Published 11 March 2025
Events and awards
The countdown is on for Surrey businesses to enter the Surrey SME Business Awards 2025.
The SME Surrey Awards are an exciting opportunity to support and share in our vision to raise the profile of industrious, hardworking and enterprising SMEs in Surrey.
Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are businesses whose personnel numbers are 250 employees or less.
SMEs are also said to be responsible for driving innovation and competition in many economic sectors. These awards are the perfect chance to showcase your work to a wider audience.
As the organisers of the event say: “Business awards are a sought after accolade of achievement, a veritable endorsement of success in business which offers exceptional marketing and PR opportunities as well as increasing your credibility and standing in the eyes of your peers and your customers. Of course, it feels pretty wonderful too!”
All entries are judged by up to four of the awards’ national panel of judges.
The winners will be announced at a ceremony in the Harbour Hotel, Guilford, on June 10.
SME Surrey Business Awards 2025 categories
There are 20 categories to enter, including:
Apprentice of the Year
Best Enterprising Business
Best New Business
Business Person of the Year
Employer of the Year
Corporate Social Responsibility Award
Community Business of the Year
High Growth Business of the Year
Young Business Person of the Year
Service Excellence
Website of the Year
There are also two separate Business of the Year Awards – one for businesses with fewer than 50 employees; and one for those with more than 50 employees.
You may enter up to 3 awards categories and 1 public vote category. Each entry costs ยฃ21.50 plus VAT.
Our team of experts can provide tailored advice to help your business grow and succeed. Get in touch to find out more via our business support form.
You can also register to receive our newsletter, packed with the latest information on events, funding and more, for all Surrey businesses.
Event alert: Accelerate growth and win more customers
Published 15 February 2025
Advice and support, Events and awards
Due to the success of this event in December, we are pleased to offer an opportunity to those who missed out last time – join us for a re-run of this exciting, interactive workshop. The event is designed to help small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) unlock strategies to accelerate long-lasting growth. We will provide you with practical insights and hands-on experience to boost your customer pipeline and drive your business forward.
Workshop highlights
Market Analysis: Understand your market and identify opportunities.
Value Proposition: Craft a compelling value proposition that resonates with your target audience.
Customer Relationships: Build and maintain strong customer relationships.
Sales Techniques: Master closing techniques and negotiation skills.
Event details
Date: 3rd April
Time: 8:30 AM – 11:00 AM
Location:ย Guildford Pavilion
Cost: Free (Pre-registration required)
Meet your expert
The workshop will be led by Roya Croudace, an accomplished Commercial Director, Founder, and Non-Executive Director with over 25 years of experience in accelerating growth. Roya has worked with over 400 scale-up businesses in Surrey and FTSE 100 companies, offering unique insights and effective strategies to achieve measurable results and sustainable success.
Why attend?
Actionable Strategies: Learn practical tools to accelerate revenue, attract and retain customers, and boost profits.
Expert Guidance: Benefit from Roya’s extensive experience and tailored advice.
Networking Opportunities: Connect with other SME owners and entrepreneurs in Surrey.
This event is perfect for SME owners and entrepreneurs looking to grow their businesses. There is no entry fee, and you can bring as many team members as you like, but spaces are limited. Be sure to register today to secure your spot!
Business Surrey is a Surrey County Council service offering free and accessible support for all businesses in Surrey.
Our experts are on hand to provide tailored advice to help your SME grow and succeed. Get in touch with a member of the team via our business support form.
If you’re keen to leave the office/home office and get out and about a bit more now that Spring is finally on the way, our roundup of Surrey events in March will be just the thing for you, as many of the events coming up are taking place in-person.
Learn something new
Surrey County Council is holding the last of its current series of free business decarbonisation courses in Spelthorne in early March to help you calculate your business’s carbon footprint and drive down emissions. And Mole Valley food businesses can benefit from a fully funded nutrition workshop taking place in Dorking on 21st March. This event is funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and registrants can choose from an in-person event in the morning or afternoon, or opt for an online session instead.
Breakfast or lunch, take your pick for networking in March
As well as the usual business networking events to get your day off to a productive start, March also sees lunch making an appearance on the networking menu. Surrey Chambers mark International Women’s Day, and Mole Valley for Business host a networking lunch, both on 7th March.
March also sees the first of this year’s awards ceremonies taking place, with the celebration of Gatwick Business Diamond Awards on 20th March.
Submit your own event
As ever, our events directory is a great (free) way to promote your own business events to a wider audience. If your organisation is hosting or sponsoring a business event in Surrey, you can submit it for inclusion in the directory by completing this form.
Free support for Surrey SMEs
Business Surrey offers free and accessible support for all businesses in Surrey.
Our experts are on hand to provide tailored advice to help your SME grow and succeed. Get in touch with a member of the team via our business support form.
Events and courses – February roundup of Surrey events
Published 17 January 2025
Events and awards
After a quiet January, the Surrey business community is gearing up for a busy schedule of events in February, with both online and in-person events covering a wide range of subjects, including a few that are a little out of the ordinary.
Surrey County Councilโs free business decarbonisation courses in Surrey Heath and Woking in early February offer to help you calculate your carbon footprint and drive down emissions.
For early birds who like to do their business networking before starting the workday, there are a range of in-person breakfast networking events taking place in February, including Surrey Chambers’ Guildford Business Breakfast on 4th February, and the regular FSB Hogs Back Business Breakfast on 12th February.
Workforce, jobs and careers
If you’re a Tandridge business looking to connect with local talent, or looking for a new role yourself, why not take part in the Tandridge Jobs Fair being held at Tandridge District Council offices on 13th February? And if your CV needs a bit of a polish before you can start your jobsearch in earnest, this online CV workshop on 7th February could be just the ticket.
Events with a difference
Looking for a business event that’s a bit different? Surrey Chambers are holding a pottery and paint networking social for Business Women In Surrey at the Fired Frog Pottery Cafe in Camberley, with nibbles and fizz included.
Submit your own event
Donโt forget, our events directory is a great way to promote your own business events to a wider audience. If your organisation is hosting or sponsoring a business event in Surrey, you can submit it for inclusion in the directory by completing this simple form.
Free support for Surrey SMEs
Business Surrey offers free and accessible support for all businesses in Surrey.
Our experts are on hand to provide tailored advice to help your SME grow and succeed. Get in touch with a member of the team via our business support form.
Event Alert – Unlock the potential of apprenticeships for your Surrey SME!
Published 15 January 2025
Events and awards, Skills and workforce
Are you a Surrey-based small business facing a skills gap? Do you find it difficult to find staff with the right skills to meet the needs of your business now and in the future?
Discover how apprenticeships can be the perfect solution for your business success at the latest in our series of free webinars!
Join us for this informative one-hour session, led by apprenticeship expert Laura Kerry, from Surrey County Councilโs careers team. Laura will guide you through the benefits of apprenticeships, explain more about how they work, and uncover just how straightforward the apprenticeship hiring process can be.
Why should you attend – what will you learn about apprenticeships for Surrey SMEs?
By attending this webinar you will learn:
How you can benefit from the Apprenticeship Levy by using it to fund your apprenticeโs training
Real-life success stories of apprenticeships in action
Access to resources and support to help you hire your apprentice immediately
Donโt miss this opportunity to enhance and future-proof your workforce’s skills base with skilled apprenticeships for your Surrey SME.
Register now and take the first step towards bridging your skills gap!
Free support for Surrey SMEs
Business Surrey is Surrey County Council’s service providing free and accessible support for all businesses across Surrey.
Our experts are on hand to provide tailored advice to help your business grow and succeed. Get in touch with the team viaย our business support form.
