Category: Events and awards

King’s Awards for Enterprise 2025 winners announced

Published 14 May 2025

Business news, Events and awards

The King’s 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 King’s 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 King’s Award for Enterprise in 2025. Three in Innovation, two in International Trade and one in Sustainable Development. Scroll down to view the list.

His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant Michael More-Molyneux  – the King’s 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 Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Surrey said: “As the most prestigious business award in the UK, winning the esteemed King’s Award Emblem is an incredible honour. It’s an internationally recognised symbol of excellence – 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 King’s 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 – 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: “As a proud British business, it is such an immense honour for the team at Gordon Murray Group to receive The King’s Award for Enterprise.

“The 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.  

“It 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.

“We will wear our King’s Award with pride, using it as yet more motivation to strive for ever higher levels of innovation in the unique supercars we create.” 

RENOURISH Limited – Innovation

Renourish Limited was established in 2019 in Surrey. It is the world’s 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:NOURISH’s 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 UK’s fresh soup market. It is gaining international recognition as a disruptive force in the global health food sector.

Sirius Constellation Limited – 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.

Sirius’s 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 King’s 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 – 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 – International Trade

Stanhope-Seta’s King’s Award for Enterprise 2025 is the fifth time it has received the honour. It follows previous Queen’s Awards for International Trade in 2012 and 2022, and Innovation in 2014 and 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: “Receiving the King’s Award is a tremendous honour and a testament to our team’s passion, commitment and technical excellence.  

“The Kings Awards celebrate the very best in British companies. They are internationally recognized as a trusted symbol of excellence worldwide.  We continue to fly the flag for British manufacturing and innovation.”

Denbies Wine Estate Ltd –  Sustainable Development

Denbies Wine Estate in Dorking is one of England’s 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.  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 King’s Awards for Enterprise?

The King’s Awards for Enterprise were previously known as The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise.

The awards are now in its 59th year. And it has awarded over 8,000 companies since its inception in 1965. 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 you’ll be:

  • invited to a Royal reception
  • presented with the award at your company by one of The King’s representatives, a Lord-Lieutenant
  • able to fly The King’s 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:

  • worldwide recognition
  • increased commercial value
  • greater press coverage
  • a boost to staff morale

Find out if your Surrey business is eligible on the government website.

How to apply

Apply now for the 2026 awards until 9 September 2025.

You’ll need to:

  • create an account and register your details
  • answer questions about your eligibility – this should take less than 15 minutes
  • submit your application by 1pm on 9 September 2025

Need advice? The King’s Award Helpline is 020 4551 0081. Or email kingsawards@businessandtrade.gov.uk.

A timeline for what happens after you apply is available on the government website.

Logo for the King's Awards for Enterprise

GDLX25 indie games expo comes to Surrey

Published 7 April 2025

Events and awards, Innovation

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, UCA’s Industry Engagement Lead for the School of Games and Creative Technology said:

“UCA prides itself on its can-do attitude – we are agile and were able to step in at the last minute, to become the host partner institution.

“It’s important for us to support the indie developer community, as many of UCA’s 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.”

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.

“Events 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.”

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 – Games and Innovation Nexus – 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.

Games and Surrey

Surrey’s video game industry is one of the largest and most vibrant in the UK. It has over 85 studios and is often called the ‘Hollywood of Gaming’.

Surrey has seen many world-first innovations in this growing sector. In total it generates more than £3 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’re looking for additional support to grow, get in touch via our business support form.

Games development software is on a desktop screen, being looked at by two people.
Three people holding microphones are sat on stage at a conference, with a green background behind them

Roundup of Surrey events in April

Published 17 March 2025

Events and awards

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 Next – 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 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.

And make sure you always hear about upcoming events by registering for our regular e-newsletter.

Networking scene - business people gathered at a networking event

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!”

The deadline to enter is currently midday on March 27. Full details are on the SME Surrey Business Awards website.

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 £21.50 plus VAT.

View the categories on the SME Surrey Awards website.

Further support for Surrey SMEs

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.

Group of people in party clothes celebrating an award win

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: Guildford Pavilion
  • Cost: Free (Pre-registration required)

Meet your expert

Roya Croudace - Accelerate Growth and win more customers

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!

Register today to save your place.

Free support for Surrey SMEs

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.

You can also register to receive our newsletter, packed with the latest news on funding, events and support for all Surrey businesses.

A side view of people sitting at a business conference and listening to a speaker talking about how to accelerate growth.

Roundup of Surrey events in March

Published 14 February 2025

Events and awards

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.

And make sure you always hear about upcoming events by registering for our regular e-newsletter.

Networking scene - business people gathered at a networking event

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 Council’s free business decarbonisation courses in Surrey Heath and Woking in early February offer to help you calculate your carbon footprint and drive down emissions. 

Other course topics this month include ‘Unlocking the potential of apprenticeships for your Surrey SME’ – our own free webinar to help Surrey businesses understand how to access the Apprenticeship Levy to fund apprenticeships for your own SME.

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

Don’t 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.

And make sure you always hear about upcoming events by registering for our regular e-newsletter.

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 Council’s 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 apprentice’s training
  • Real-life success stories of apprenticeships in action
  • Access to resources and support to help you hire your apprentice immediately

Don’t 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 via our business support form.

You can also register to receive our regular newsletter, packed with the latest news on funding, events, free training and support for all Surrey businesses.

Three people in professional wear stand in front of a promotional banner for Business Surrey

Growth-focused event wins approval from Surrey businesses

Published 17 December 2024

Events and awards

Earlier this month Business Surrey held the latest in its series of complimentary workshops for Surrey businesses in partnership with Tandridge District Council and Reigate and Banstead Borough Council. This particular growth-focused event, was created in response to business feedback and support requests received by the Surrey Growth Hub.

The workshop was delivered by Business Surrey Specialist Advisor Roya Croudace, a skilled Commercial Director, Founder, and Non-Executive Director with over 25 years of expertise in driving business growth.

Roya kicked off the event by busting the myth that winning more customers is all about cold calling and hard selling. Roya then shared her proven sales growth strategies based on developing a strong understanding of your market and building relationships with your customers.

The workshop included a section on what a Value Proposition is, why your business needs to have one, and how to develop your own. Roya also shared strategies and tips for gaining and retaining customers, tips on lead generation, and the art of negotiation and closing.

Roya finished with a helpful section on using AI and digital tools to streamline and support sales and other business processes.

Positive feedback

Workshop attendees were highly engaged throughout, both asking questions and sharing their own experiences. Roya remarked, “It was inspiring to see so many passionate business owners come together, eager to enhance their skills and drive their businesses forward.

“The engagement in the room was outstanding, and the valuable insights shared—both from myself and the attendees—truly highlighted the power of collaboration and learning together.

“A huge thank you to everyone who joined us and to our fantastic partners for helping make this event such a success. Here’s to continued growth and success for all!”

Attendees were equally pleased with the growth-focused event experience, with one remarking, “It was a great workshop and good to see that businesses are being supported.”

And another noting, “Thank you for the continuous support from Business Surrey. I’ve signed up for the newsletter to stay informed about future events and services.”

Support for Surrey businesses

We deliver a program of regular webinars and workshops offering insights and guidance on topics of value to Surrey SMEs. Our workshops and webinars are always free to join, and there are no limits on the number of attendees from a single organisation.

If you would like to be kept informed of upcoming events please join our email newsletter  or follow us on LinkedIn.

Event alert: Idea theft ends here! Understanding Intellectual Property

Published 9 December 2024

Advice and support, Events and awards

This interactive workshop has been developed to provide business owners and entrepreneurs with the insights and information you need to understand intellectual property (IP) rights and protect your business’s IP.

This is a complimentary in-person workshop being held by Business Surrey in partnership with Surrey Heath Borough Council. The workshop will take place at Surrey Heath Borough Council offices on Wednesday 29 January, from 8.30am to 11am.

Topics we’ll cover on the day:

  • Introduction to Intellectual Property (IP)
  • The different types of IP Rights available to you 
  • Importance of IP in today’s economy 
  • Practical case studies and examples of IP disputes  
  • Basics of IP registration and enforcement 
  • Interactive Q&A session 

The workshop will be led by Laurie Heizler, from TWM Solicitors. Laurie is a Partner in the Business Law department. He has acted for clients in the technology, media and education sectors as well as for several household names in the world of consumer goods. He has extensive experience of dealing with IP matters and disputes relating to patents, trade marks, designs, copyright and confidential information. Laurie’s well-earned reputation for explaining IP matters clearly, makes him the perfect speaker to bring the topic of IP to life for this workshop. Laurie will be joined by his IP-focussed Trainee Solicitor, Grace Makungu for the Q&A part of the workshop.

By attending this workshop, you can expect to gain a stronger understanding of the principles of intellectual property rights, and how to effectively protect your business’s own intellectual property.

This event is perfect for SME owners and entrepreneurs in Surrey. There is no entry fee and no limit on the number of attendees from a single business. Spaces are limited and you must pre-register to attend. Register today to save your place.

Free support for Surrey SMEs

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.

You can also register to receive our newsletter, packed with the latest news on funding, events and support for all Surrey businesses.

Three people in professional wear stand in front of a promotional banner for Business Surrey