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.

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.

The winners of the 2024 Spelthorne Business Awards have been announced – with fresh juice company Mejuicer winning the headline award.

Business Surrey was a proud sponsor of the event held in the Hazelwood Centre in Sunbury.

It saw the hard work, creativity and achievements of dozens of businesses from Staines, Shepperton, Sunbury, Ashford and beyond recognised.

From innovative startups to leading multinational firms, there was a spotlight on the vibrant entrepreneurial spirit that drives economic success. 

Cllr Med Buck, Mayor of Spelthorne, shared his admiration for the entrants. He said: “The range and quality of entries this year are proof of the wealth of entrepreneurial spirit, talent, and innovative thinking across Spelthorne.

“This community is truly rich with business expertise, and their achievements make me hopeful for Spelthorne’s bright future. Congratulations to all our finalists and winners. I’d also like to extend our thanks to the sponsors who make this celebration of local talent possible.

“The Spelthorne Business Awards are a wonderful platform to honour the accomplishments of our businesses, regardless of size, especially given the challenging economic conditions.”

Spelthorne Business Awards winners

• Best Overall Business in Spelthorne – Mejuicer
• Best New Start-Up Award – The Stewart Academy of Performing Arts
• Best Small Business Award – Totally Tangerine Cookery
• Best Restaurant, Bar or Pub Awards – Indian Zest
• Business Innovation Award – Thames Side Brewery
• Sustainability Award – Mova Hairdressing Ltd
• Best Franchise Award – Right at Home Richmond & Twickenham
• Retail Excellence Award – Mejuicer
• Best Hospitality & Leisure Business – The Magpie Pub
• Best Construction & Property Business – Prestige Interiors
• Corporate Social Responsibility Award – Visit Staines
• Best Business in Staines & Laleham – Specsavers Staines
• Best Business in Ashford & Stanwell – Totally Tangerine Cookery
• Best Business in Sunbury & Halliford – The Magpie Pub
• Best Business in Shepperton & Charlton – Village Matters Ltd

For a full list of finalists, visit the Spelthorne Business Awards website.

Get free support for your business

Looking to turn your business into an award-winning enterprise?

Our team of experts have decades of experience in helping businesses. They can provide independent and impartial advice on growing your organisation. Start your journey by:

• Getting free support to grow your business via our Business Support Form.
• Signing up to our newsletter for regular updates on news, events and support for all Surrey businesses.
• Searching more than 120 different local, regional and national support schemes in our service directory.

The winners of the annual Surrey Business Awards have been announced at a glittering gala dinner at G Live in Guildford.

Launched in 2007, this year attracted a record number of entries across 16 categories, recognising accomplishments made across all aspects of business; from personal successes to outstanding contributions. 

The ceremony was hosted by Surrey Chambers of Commerce and compered by comedian, Suzi Ruffell. 

Company of the Year

Business Surrey was proud to sponsor the 2024 Company of the Year Award.

The five shortlisted businesses were:

• Chimney Fire Coffee
• Diamond Logistics
• Something Big
• Invuse
• Hemisphere Freight Services

Surrey County Council’s leader, Tim Oliver OBE, presented the winner, Guildford-based Diamond Logistics, with their award. The team were delighted to be awarded this coveted title and noted “This recognition highlights the relentless dedication of our team, who work every day to redefine logistics for our clients. From managing peak season surges to providing the essential support so many businesses rely on, our commitment has truly shone through. Thank you to the Surrey Business Awards for this honour, and to our clients and our fantastic team—this win is for all of you!”

Winners of the Surrey Business Awards

The full list of winners of the 2024 Surrey Business Awards are:

• Diamond Logistics – Company of the Year
• Hemisphere Freight Services – International Business of the Year
• Nescot – Employer of the Year
• Include.org – Community Hero
• The Naked Pharmacy – Best Customer Service
• KickX Football – Best New Business
• The Naked Pharmacy – SME Business of the Year
• Invuse – Professional Services
• Parwez Diloo – Bays Consulting – Future Talent of the Year
• Surrey Business School – Chamber Member of the Year
• Direk – Innovation of the Year
• Pinksheep Marketing – Business Growth
• Something Big – ESG Champion
• Aspen Homes – Property Developer of the Year
• Sven Hughes – Enigma Strategic Communications – Businessperson of the Year
• Croxsons – Large Business of the Year

Support for Surrey businesses

Our team of experts are available to provide tailored advice to help your business grow and succeed. Get in touch with a member of the team to find out more via our business support form.

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

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 district’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 district’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:

• M and L Hair Design
• Styled Right
• The Lost Sheep

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:

• Colour House interiors – Small Business of the Year Award (less than 10 Employees)
• The Orpheus Centre – Business of the Year Award (more than 10 Employees)
• Morr and Co – Employer of the Year
• KD Jones Heating Engineers Ltd – Rising Star of the Year
• Godstone Farm Ltd – Customer Service Award
• Paradigm 24 Ltd – Sustainability Award
• Accessify – Community Service Provider Award
• The King and Queen– Hospitality Award

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

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