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.
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.
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.
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.
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, we’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:
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 – 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.
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 Spelthorne’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
Don’t miss this opportunity to gain recognition for your business’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
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.
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 King’s Awards for Enterprise are the UK’s most prestigious business awards. They enable winners to help consolidate market presence, strengthen their competitive position and to generate new business.
His Majesty’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.
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 King’s Award for innovation in 2023 followed by a 2024 King’s Award for international trade.
Speaking at the event, Conor McCarthy the Chief Executive of two-time King’s Awards winner ipTEST, said: “The King’s Award has significantly raised the company’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: “The King’s Award is a fantastic opportunity to shine a spotlight on Surrey’s pioneering businesses and toensure the county’s expert teams are recognised for their amazing contributions. We look forward to more of our Park community members joining ipTEST in the hall of fame of King’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.
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.
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.
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. The details are in this Sponsorship booklet or 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).
Business Surrey launched by the Chancellor of the Exchequer
Published 21 May 2024
Business news, Events and awards
Business Surrey – a new Surrey County Council service offering free and accessible support to businesses across the county – has officially been launched by Chancellor of the Exchequer, Jeremy Hunt.
From start-ups to longstanding SMEs, Surrey companies of all sizes, sectors and stages of their business journey can access expert support for no cost via the new Business Surrey website.
The Council developed the offer to coincide with the transfer of strategic powers to grow the economy previously held by the county’s two Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs).
It means for the first time there is a single, co-ordinated business support offer for the whole of Surrey – something which is welcomed by local leaders.
Matt Furniss, Surrey County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Economic Growth, said: “Surrey has a fantastic economic story to tell – with more than 100,000 businesses, a highly-skilled workforce and world-leading sectors helping generate more than £50 billion a year to the UK economy.
“But we know there’s more that we can do – which is why I am delighted we have developed Business Surrey, providing a simple and easy way for companies of all sizes to access the support they need to grow.
“By being in a position to support businesses from day one of being handed these functions from LEPs, we are ahead of the national curve – something which can only be positive for our 1.2 million residents and 110,000 businesses.”
The new website also brings together of the business-facing aspects of the Council’s work, including trading standards, Greener Futures and Surrey Fire & Rescue.
Business Surrey went live in April and was officially launched at Huskins in Godalming by the Chancellor Jeremy Hunt last week (Friday May 17).
Also speaking was Tim Oliver, Leader of Surrey County Council; Shahid Azeem, the High Sheriff of Surrey; and local tech entrepreneur Terence Naidu.
Representatives from Surrey County Council, business groups, universities and the county’s 11 district and borough authorities were among those attending.
Business Surrey launch – what they said
Jeremy Hunt, Chancellor of the Exchequer and MP for South West Surrey, said: “Surrey is a fantastic place to do business. The innovation and ideas of its residents, combined with sector strengths in creative industries, and tech and life sciences, make it a pivotal region in driving growth for the whole of the UK.
“That’s why it’s great to see Surrey County Council using the newly transferred powers formally held by LEPs to develop a clear offer to support businesses.
“I would urge businesses at all stages of their journey to contact the Business Surrey team to access expert help and support.”
Tim Oliver, Leader of Surrey County Council, said: “Growing the economy in a sustainable way is a priority for the Council, which can only be achieved by working and engaging with our fantastic business community. Growth is not only good for business; it also generates opportunities for local people, supports investment in our communities, and improves the lives and wellbeing of our 1.2 million residents.
“We’re looking forward to continuing to work closely with our universities, businesses, and local authority partners to capitalise on our enhanced strategic economic role, as it is only through shared expertise that we stand the best chance of growing our economies.”
Business Surrey roadshow
As part of the Business Surrey launch, Surrey County Council has teamed up with Surrey Chambers of Commerce to hold a series of Business Surrey Roadshow events next month.
The sessions will include practical ways for business owners to access support to grow their enterprises, as well as opportunities to connect with like-minded professionals.
The events take place on:
June 4 in Camberley – Login Lounge from 8am
June 6 in Egham – Royal Holloway, University of London from 6pm
June 13 in Horley – Langshott Manor Hotel from 8am
June 21 in Leatherhead – Fetcham Park House from 8am
Come and experience the Business Surrey roadshow, an exciting series of dynamic business events which could help your business grow and prosper.
Following the successful launch of Business Surrey – which offers free accessible support to all businesses in the county – Surrey Chambers of Commerce is partnering with Surrey County Council to showcase a wide range of support available to local businesses.
The interactive sessions are a fantastic opportunity to learn about available support, connect with like-minded professionals and discuss challenges to the future success of your business and the wider economy.
Places are FREE but must be booked in advance on the links below.
When and where is the Business Surrey roadshow taking place?
The Business Surrey roadshow will take place at various locations throughout June.
Tickets are free but must be reserved in advance via the above links.
Why should you attend?
Join us at the Business Surrey Roadshow for a personalised experience, where you can:
Connect with the Business Surrey team for expert guidance and support.
Explore valuable resources tailored to your business needs.
Engage in insightful discussions with industry specialists.
Network with like-minded business owners and expand your connections.
Don’t miss this opportunity to accelerate your business success. Whether you’re seeking advice, connections, or inspiration—our roadshow has something special in store for you!
Our partners
Business Surrey wants to thank a range of partners for helping us host these events, including:
The Surrey Women’s Entrepreneurship Network (SWEN) is a burgeoning network which fosters innovation and investment-readiness through mentoring programmes, expert business support and links with the local ecosystem of funders, policy makers, investors and other stakeholders.
This includes access to information and support for women entrepreneurs, creating positive impact locally and beyond.
In addition to bringing people together, its focus is on:
Championing women
Spotlighting and promoting the contribution of women in the innovation ecosystem, raising the profile of entrepreneurs and companies across all sectors who are underrepresented
Investor-readiness
Supporting women to access funding for their businesses and source and prepare for investment raises and grant applications
Growth opportunities
Creating opportunities for women to grow their networks, build interest in their ideas and receive expert business advice
The network launched in December 2023 at the Surrey Research Park in Guildford.
The audience heard a keynote by Nathalie Hinds delivered beautifully by Monique Raats on “Three Powerful Words”, before two inspiring panels took to the stage.
Kathy Slack OBE closed the event with great energy and a clear message to the audience to “feel that buzz in your belly” and keep the momentum going forward.
SWEN Co-founder Kat Mack says, “It was wonderful to see so many people in the room committed to the support and pursuit of women’s entrepreneurship. The community is vibrant and poised! I can’t wait to see the network flourish!”
Nominations open for the Runnymede Business Awards 2024
Published 26 March 2024
Events and awards
Businesses in Chertsey, Addlestone, Egham and surrounding areas are being encouraged to submit their entries to the 2024 Runnymede Business Awards.
Organised by Business Runnymede and Runnymede District Council, the annual awards have nine categories for companies and individuals to enter.
It is free, quick, and easy to apply, with the deadline for applications Wednesday 24 April 2024.
Shortlisted businesses will be invited to a gala lunchtime awards ceremony in the Founders Dining Hall at Royal Holoway University of London on Friday 21 June.
A spokesman for Business Runnymede said: “Winning an award is a fantastic way to raise the profile of your business and to build contacts with other leading businesses in the area.
“All you have to do to enter is choose an award category, read the relevant judging criteria, and write no more than 500 words on why your business deserves to win the award.”
The nine categories are:
Growth Award
Sustainability Award
Entrepreneur and Innovator Award
Community Hero Award
Best New Business
Best Town Centre Business
Best Neighbourhood Business
Employer of the Year
Outstanding Contribution (Individual or Team)
Businesses can enter more than one award category, but they must submit an application for each award category you enter.
The overall winner will be awardedBusiness of the Year.
The headline sponsor for the event is Royal Holloway, University of London with additional sponsors including Tesco, Thorpe Park, and Surrey Careers Hub.
