Category: Events and awards

Event alert: Accelerate growth and win more customers

Published 12 November 2024

Advice and support, Events and awards

This interactive workshop has been developed to equip small and medium-sized businesses with effective strategies to accelerate long-lasting growth. Participants will gain practical insights and hands-on experience to stimulate their customer pipeline and drive business success.

This is a complimentary in-person workshop held by Business Surrey, in partnership with Tandridge District Council. The event is being held at Nutfield Priory Hotel and Spa (Nutfield), on Wednesday 11 December, from 8.30am to 11am.

Topics we’ll cover on the day:

  • Understanding your market
  • Crafting a compelling value proposition
  • Building strong customer relationships
  • Closing techniques and negotiation skills

The workshop will be led by Roya Croudace, a skilled Commercial Director, Founder, and Non-Executive Director with over 25 years of expertise in driving business growth, especially for SMEs. With experience spanning over 400 scale-up businesses in Surrey and FTSE 100 companies, Roya offers unique insights into creating robust and effective plans to accelerate growth, achieving measurable results, and building sustainable foundations for ongoing success.

Through her workshops and programs, Roya equips SMEs with practical tools to accelerate revenue, attract and retain customers, and boost profits.

On the day, you can expect to learn actionable strategies that drive success and build strong customer relationships, ensuring lasting impact for growing businesses.

This event is perfect for Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) owners and entrepreneurs in Surrey. There is no entry fee and no limit on the number of attendees from a single business, but 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.

A side view of people sitting at a business conference and listening to a speaker.

Events Roundup – November 2024

Published 18 October 2024

Events and awards

Once again, November sees a range of events happening across Surrey to help you boost your business.  From free seminars and workshops to networking and learning lunches; there are many events to chose from that fit around the working day.  Highlights are included here but donโ€™t forget to check out the full list on our events page.

This month sees a range of both online and in-person business events, covering a range of sectors and topics: from Free Workshops for Mole Valley food businesses (Leatherhead, 4 November) to Solving the Recruitment Conundrum (Camberley, 14 November).ย 

November continues to see businesses recognised for their innovation, leadership and entrepreneurial spirit with the Surrey Business Awards (7 November).ย  There are also a number of events for Business Women in Surrey, including the Surrey Womenโ€™s Entrepreneurship Network Anniversary Event (28 November) plus a number of IoD Surrey Branch Directors events.

Breakfast events in Surrey

If youโ€™re a morning person there are plenty of in-person breakfast events to get your day off to a great start, including Epsom Business Club November Networking with Business Surreyโ€™s Renee Carter (6 November), ย Business Women in Surrey Business Breakfast (13 November) and Mole Valley Chamber Breakfast networking โ€“ Secrets to Smarter Pricing (20 November)

Online events

If you canโ€™t make the in-person events, why not join some of the free webinars on offer which include: Futureproofing your accounting software with Azets (6 November) and Business Surreyโ€™s seminar: Pathways to Sustainability for SMEโ€™s in Surrey ย (14 November)

Submit your own business event

Let us help promote your business event to a wider audience by submitting it to our events directory. 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, from startups to established businesses.

Our experts are on hand to provide tailored advice across the whole range of business topics to help your SME grow and succeed. Get in touch with a member of the team via our business support form.

Fully-booked Surrey Festival of Skills set to be even bigger and better for 2024

Published 11 October 2024

Events and awards, Skills and workforce

The Surrey Festival of Skills is set to fire up thousands of young people to be inspired about their futures.

Now in its second year, the event gives over 2,000 young people the chance to connect with and learn more about some of Surreyโ€™s brightest and best businesses and training providers.

The Festival of Skills is open to all young people in education aged 14 to 18 โ€“ whether they are educated in school, college, at home or by any other educational route.

The event has been organised and funded by Surrey County Council, with support from the Association of Learning Providers Surrey (ALPS). Sponsorship is provided by consumer health company Haleon and highways services provider Ringway.

Due to overwhelming interest, regular registration is now closed, however the organisers are operating a waiting list for those who still wish to register.

Routes to work plus training and skills pathways

This free one-day careers event will be held at Surrey Sports Park, Guildford on Tuesday 15th October and will bring together over 80 exhibitors from a diverse range of industries, including household names like Balfour Beatty, Siemens, McLaren and London Gatwick Airport.

Organisations from more unexpected or specialist sectors will also be exhibiting on the day, representing areas as diverse as private detectives, cyber security, osteopathy and early years education.

All of Surreyโ€™s Further and higher education providers are exhibiting, along with a range of  independent training providers so that the young people attending can learn more about the  training and skills pathways available.

Public sector institutions will also be represented with the Animal & Plant Health Agency, National Highways, Police and Surrey Fire & Rescue among those attending.

The organisers expect this diverse mix of exhibitors will provide information, guidance and inspiration for the whole range of young people attending, no matter what their interests and future career aspirations may be.

Cllr Matt Furniss, Surrey County Councilโ€™s Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport & Economic Growth, said: “We expect this yearโ€™s Festival of Skills to build on the success of last yearโ€™s inaugural event in providing the young people of Surrey with the chance to meet and speak with major employers and educators, learn about what theyโ€™re looking for, and be inspired about their futures.โ€

Lewis Bridgman, Business Unit Manager at Ringway said: โ€œRingway are committed to supporting local talent and building a brighter future for young people in our county. We believe in investing in skills and creating opportunities that pave the way for rewarding careers for a diversity of talent within the highways industry. Together we can build strong foundations for tomorrow’s workforce. Ringway are proud to sponsor the 2024 Surrey Festival of Skills.”

Abeera Mohammad, STEM Lead at Haleon said: โ€œHaleon are proud to be sponsoring the Festival of Skills this year. As a world-leading consumer health company with our Headquarters based in Surrey, we are excited to be able to promote STEM careers and have the opportunity to give back to the community.โ€

For further information visit www.surreyfestivalofskills.co.uk.

Tim Oliver, (leader, Surrey CC), Dawn Redpath (Surrey CC), Jack Kennedy (Surrey CC), Richard Grainger (Business Leaders Forum) at the 2023 event.

Tandridge Business Awards winners announced

Published 10 October 2024

Events and awards

The winners of the inaugural Tandridge Business Awards have been announced at a glittering award ceremony at Lingfield Park Resort.

Launched in May 2024, the awards attracted over 120 entries showcasing the districtโ€™s businesses. The winners were drawn from an impressive array of high calibre entries with finalists announced in September.

The ceremony was compered by Sir Richard Stilgoe, founder of the Orpheus Centre in Godstone, a charity and college where young disabled people use the arts to prepare for independent living.

Business Surrey sponsored the event, along with a host of local organisations, including Ann Summers, East Surrey College, LoveOxted and Surrey Chambers of Commerce.

A spokesman for Tandridge District Council said: “Our first Tandridge Business Awards received an incredible response, with over 120 applications showcasing the best of our districtโ€™s businesses.
 
“Well done to everyone who entered. The quality of applications was exceptionally high and our independent judges had a difficult task to select the winners.”

High Street Business of the Year

Business Surrey was proud to sponsor the High Street Business of the Year Award.

With Tandridge home to a several thriving towns and villages – such as Oxted, Caterham and Godstone – there were some strong entries to judge.

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) joined the Business Surrey team in judging the award.

The three shortlisted businesses were:

The winner was The Lost Sheep, an independent gift and tea shop in Caterham.

Writing on her website, owner Sally said: “For many years I have wanted to open a tea shop and gift shop which serves the local community. When we finally opened the shop in November 2019 it was the start of a dream being fulfilled. I wouldn’t have made it this far without the support from my family and friends.”

Winners of the Tandridge Business Awards

The other winners of the 2024 Tandridge Business Awards are:

For a full list of shortlisted businesses visit the Tandridge Business Awards web page.

Four people - two men and two women - in formal evening dress pose for a picture in front of promotional banners for the Tandridge Business Awards.
Two women in formal evening wear pose for a picture while sat down at a round table. They are sat in an awards ceremony.
A man in a black suit stands up next to a round table, which is full of people in evening wear. They are at an awards ceremony.

Events Roundup – October 2024

Published 30 September 2024

Events and awards

There’s always a huge number of engaging and educational business events taking place across the County and October is no exception – there are far too many to mention here, so be sure to check out the full list on our events page.

This month sees a range of online and in-person business events covering topics as diverse as Keeping your business safe from Cybercrime (Mole Valley Chamber, 16 October), to Unlocking funding opportunities for SMEs (Business Surrey seminar, 23 October), and Breaking down barriers to access and inclusion for those affected by sight and hearing disabilities (Sensory Services by Sight for Surrey, 16 October). And of course, October sees the annual Surrey Festival of Skills, plus the longest running business show in Surrey, Woking Means Business, taking place.

Breakfast events

If you’re a morning person there are plenty of in-person breakfast events to get your day off to a great start, including Epsom Business Club networking (2 October), Surrey Chambers networking breakfast (8 October), and Woking Means Business Breakfast Forum (9 October – before the business show), to name a few.

Online events

Get back more time in your day with online business events, so you can attend, learn and interact all while cutting out the travel time. October’s online events include Business Surrey’s own series of four free webinars covering all stages of the business lifecycle, (7-11 October), the Profit Acceleration workshop for business owners by Surrey Chambers (4 October), plus a webinar on transforming your team’s performance by using AI-powered Smart Agents (Surrey Chambers, 24 October).

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.

a group of three women chat together at a business networking event

Surrey SME Business Awards 2024 winners announced

Published 17 September 2024

Events and awards

The winners of the Surrey SME Business Awards 2024 have been announced at a black tie ceremony event held in Shepperton.

The annual awards took place last week (11 September, 2024) and celebrated the best small and medium sized enterprises of 250 employees or less in the county.

Winners were announced in a total of 21 categories. And they all championed the people and businesses promoting innovation and growth in our region.

Business Surrey was a sponsor of the two categories – Best New Business and Sustainability Award. Read on to discover more about Surrey SMEs that won these categories.

To view a full list of winners, visit the awards website.

Sustainability Award – Surrey SME Business Awards 2024

William Wilsnagh, one of our expert business growth advisors, announced the winner of the sustainability award to Pinksheep. The company is a pioneer in sustainable merchandise.

Every product is graded on its sustainability credentials – meaning customers can make informed buying decisions.

Every pound spent with Pinksheep goes towards environmental initiatives. To date it has planted 91,039 trees, offset 5,686 tonnes of CO2, and recovered 2,317,463 plastic bottles.

Pinksheep has also developed Ora, a groundbreaking platform designed to help brands make eco-friendly choices.

Best New Business – Surrey SME Business Awards 2024

The winner of the Best New Business awards was EARLEY+DAUGHTERS.

This one woman candle making operation based in Haslemere started trading in March 2020 as the UK went into lockdown. It officially launched two years later.

As founder Katy writes on her website: “All EARLEY+DAUGHTERS candles are made by me, by hand, from start to finish. They are poured in incredibly small batches ensuring the quality is second to none – and also that there is no waste. Every minute spent blending, pouring, labelling and packaging each one is an absolute joy.”

Everyone at Business Surrey wants to say a big well done to all the winners and shortlisted businesses.

To read more about the awards, visit the awards website.

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.

We are also hosting a series of free webinars this autumn designed specifically for small and medium-sized enterprises.

The sessions are taking place from October 7 to 11. Register today and discover more via the links below.

  • From Idea to Minimum Viable Product
  • Finance and Funding Strategies
  • Mastering Marketing and Communications
  • HR Essentials: Making Your First Hire
A group of people in formal wear celebrate winning an award. They stand in front of a branded backdrop smiling at a camera.

Navigate the Business Lifecycle with free webinars for Surrey SMEs

Published 2 September 2024

Advice and support, Events and awards

Navigate the Business Lifecycle with a series of free webinars designed by Business Surrey specifically for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Surrey.

Over four engaging sessions, weโ€™ll explore essential topics to help your business thrive at every stage of its journey.

Each session will consist of a 45-minute presentation followed by a 15-minute Q&A session. Our expert speakers will share practical insights, real-world examples, and actionable tips.

The sessions will take place from October 7 to 11. They are titled:

  • From Idea to Minimum Viable Product
  • Finance and Funding Strategies
  • Mastering Marketing and Communications
  • HR Essentials: Making Your First Hire

Click on the links above for more details and then sign up via the dedicated Microsoft Teams link.

Each session in the Navigate the Business Lifecycle series will be led by a respected business advisor who is an expert in the topic.

Anyone can sign up to the sessions. You can dip in to one session, attend a couple or even sign up to all four.

They are perfect for those who have just started a business or those who are looking to take their Surrey business to the next level.

Are you a Surrey business looking for free 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 โ€“ 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.

Spelthorne Business Awards 2024

Published 22 July 2024

Business news, Events and awards

Applications are now open for the 2024 Spelthorne Business Awards. Organised by Spelthorne Borough Council, and sponsored by Business Surrey, the Awards are now in their sixth year, and are a great opportunity to recognise and celebrate the best and brightest businesses in Spelthorne.

There are 15 categories in total, catering for the whole range of Spelthorne-based businesses; large or small, online or bricks-and-mortar, new or well-established. One overall winner will be crowned Spelthorneโ€™s Best Business 2024.

Entries are open now, and the closing date is midnight on Monday 16 September. Finalists will be announced on Tuesday 8 October, with winners announced at the black-tie Awards Ceremony to be held on Friday 1 November.

All businesses with a Spelthorne trading address are invited to enter, and there is no entry fee.

Award Categories

Donโ€™t miss this opportunity to gain recognition for your businessโ€™s achievements and stand out from the competition. The following categories are open to all businesses located in the district, no matter whether you are an established business or a budding start-up.

  • Best Business in Staines-upon-Thames and Laleham
  • Best Business in Sunbury and Halliford
  • Best Business in Ashford and Stanwell
  • Best Business in Shepperton and Charlton Village
  • Best New Start Up Award
  • Best Small Business Award
  • Best Restaurant, Bar or Pub Award
  • Business Innovation Award
  • Sustainability Award
  • Best Franchise Award
  • Overseas Trader of the Year Award
  • Retail Excellence Award
  • Best Hospitality and Leisure Business
  • Best Construction and Property Business
  • Best Corporate Social Responsibility Business Award

For more details and to enter, visit www.spelthornebusinessawards.co.uk

Other Surrey Business Awards

There are plenty of other opportunities for Surrey businesses to achieve recognition and celebrate their achievements. There are a range of other awards events taking place across Surrey this year, including the King’s Award for Enterprise, and the Tandridge Business Awards.

A gold star on a starry background - Spelthorne Business Awards - Business Surrey

King’s Award for Enterprise launched for Surrey businesses

Published 8 July 2024

Business news, Events and awards

Entries to the The King’s Award for Enterprise are now being welcomed from businesses across Surrey looking for royal approval for their work.

The Kingโ€™s Awards for Enterprise are the UKโ€™s most prestigious business awards. They enable winners to help consolidate market presence, strengthen their competitive position and to generate new business.ย 

His Majestyโ€™s Lord-Lieutenant of Surrey, Michael More-Molyneux, visited Surrey Research Park last week to encourage companies of all sizes to take advantage of the unique opportunity to showcase their excellence.ย 

Entries for the 2025 are now open. Apply online via the government website by 1pm on September 12, 2024.

The categories for nomination are:

  • Innovation
  • International trade
  • Sustainable development
  • Promoting opportunity through social mobilityย 

Winners attend a Royal reception. They will also have a trophy presented at their business by the Surrey Lord Lieutenancy.

Awards are valid for five years.

King’s Award winner case study: ipTEST

ipTEST, which operates from Surrey Research Park, specialises in cutting-edge semiconductor testing.

It won a Kingโ€™s Award for innovation in 2023 followed by a 2024 Kingโ€™s Award for international trade.

Speaking at the event, Conor McCarthy the Chief Executive of two-time Kingโ€™s Awards winner ipTEST, said: โ€œThe Kingโ€™s Award has significantly raised the companyโ€™s profile, leading to new business opportunities and increased credibility in our field. Most importantly though, it recognises the hard work and dedication put in by everyone at ipTEST. This has been a true team effort across our entire company.”

Caroline Fleming, Director of the Surrey Innovation District, based at Surrey Research Park, said: โ€œThe Kingโ€™s Award is a fantastic opportunity to shine a spotlight on Surreyโ€™s pioneering businesses and to ensure the countyโ€™s expert teams are recognised for their amazing contributions.ย We look forward to more of our Park community members joining ipTEST in the hall of fame of Kingโ€™s Award winners.”

Learn more about the King’s Award for Enterprise

There’s lots of help for businesses in Surrey interested in applying for the King’s Award for Enterprise.

A webinar will take place on Wednesday 17th July at 11am. Hear from Founder of Enterprise Nation Emma Jones CBE and Chairman of the British Business Bank, Stephenย Welton CBE.

Or you can contact the Kingโ€™s Award team direct on 020 7215 6880 or by emailย kingsawards@beis.gov.uk.

Find out more about the next round of awards on theย The Kingโ€™s Awards for Enterprise web page.

Group of about 30 people in professional outfits stand outside a building. Some have their hands in the air in celebration.

Tandridge Business Awards 2024

Published 29 May 2024

Events and awards

Entries for the Tandridge Business Awards 2024 are now being accepted. It is the first time ever the district is holding the event, which will celebrate the diverse range of businesses in the area.

Tandridge District Council is behind the event and promises it will be a standout occasion, offering your business a fantastic opportunity to shine, raise your profile and celebrate with Tandridge’s business community.

Entries for a range of categories are now being accepted. Independent judges will evaluate entries with finalists announced on Monday 2 September before the event in October at Lingfield Park.

Tandridge Business Awards 2024 – Categories

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to impress a leading panel of judges, gaining recognition for your achievements and stand out from the competition. The following categories are open to businesses in the district, no matter whether you are an established business or a budding start-up.

You can enter up to three categories:

  • Small Business of the Year (less than 10 employees) – sponsored by Champ Consultants.
  • Business of the Year (more than 10 employees) – sponsored by East Surrey College.
  • Employer of the Year – sponsored by My Club.
  • Rising Star of the Year – sponsored by North Downs Hospital, Caterham.
  • Customer Service Award – sponsored by LoveOxted
  • Sustainability Award
  • Community Service Provider Award – sponsored by Ann Summers.
  • High Street Business Award
  • Hospitality Award

Tandridge Business Awards 2024 – how to enter

The awards are free to enter for all businesses with a trading address in the Tandridge District.

Please submit a new application form for each category you want to enter. You can enter up to three categories.

Enter by 11.59pm on Sunday 4 August.

Independent judges will evaluate entries with finalists announced on Monday 2 September.

Preparing your entry

The team behind the Tandridge Business Awards 2024 have provided an Entry Preparation worksheet, to help you prepare your application in advance. This will allow you time to draft a response as well as research and gather evidence so you can quickly and easily complete your online entry form.

Training sessions

You can also join one of our training sessions, online or in person to maximise your chance of success. These are on:

  • Thursday 30 May: 12pm-2pm, online using Microsoft Teams, or come to the Council Offices, Oxted. Please arrive at 11.30am for a 12pm start.  
  • Monday 1 July: 6pm-8pm, online using Microsoft Teams, or come to the Council Offices, Oxted. Please arrive at 5.30pm for a 6pm start.    

The Council Offices are at 8 Station Road East, Oxted RH8 0BT. Book your place by contacting the awards team.ย 

Tandridge Business Awards 2024 ceremony

Save the date! Winners will be announced at our black tie Tandridge Business Awards ceremony on Thursday 3 October at the Lingfield Park Resort.

All finalists must be able to attend the award ceremony. We are also extending the invitation to businesses in the district.

The ceremony, hosted by Richard Stillgoe includes a three course meal and welcome drink and a fantastic lineup of entertainment.

More details about the ceremony will be shared soon, including how to purchase tickets.

Interested in sponsoring an award category?

If you or your business would like the opportunity to provide sponsorship in return for marketing and PR do get in touch. Contact the Tandridge District Council Business Support Team.

Sponsors can still enter the awards, except for the category they are sponsoring. 

Any surplus sponsorship not used to cover the cost of the event will be shared among the Tandridge Chairman’s charities.

Key dates

  • Thursday 30 May: Training session (online / in person).  
  • Monday 1 July: Training session (online / in person).  
  • Sunday 4 August: Entry deadline is at 11.59pm
  • Monday 2 September: Finalists announced.
  • Thursday 3 October: Awards ceremony from 7pm at Lingfield Park Resort. 

Other Surrey Business Awards

Looking to celebrate your business achievements but not based in Tandridge?

There are a range of other awards events taking place across Surrey this year, including the Surrey Business Awards and SME Surrey Business Awards.