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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
Camberley on June 4 – The Login Lounge at 8am
Egham on June 6 – Royal Holloway at 6pm
Horley on June 13 – Langshott Manor Hotel at 8am
Leatherhead on June 21 – Fetcham Park House at 8am
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.
Businesses and training providers across Surrey can now sign up to showcase their opportunities at the 2024 Festival of Skills.
The first ever Surrey Festival of Skills took place in November 2023 and left hundreds of young people fired up about their futures.
More than 1,300 people from schools and colleges across Surrey attended the free one-day event, engaging with 80 exhibitors, including Samsung, British Airways, Pfizer, Haleon, and BAE Systems.
The event was organised and funded by Surrey County Council, with support from the Association of Learning Providers Surrey (ALPS) and Surrey Event Professionals.
Planning for the 2024 event is now underway with the festival set to return in the autumn. Businesses, training providers and educational settings who wish to attend can register their interest via https://surreyfestivalofskills.co.uk/
The Festival of Skills is open to young people 14 to 18 who are in education in Surrey.
Those attending access inspirational talks and interactive displays, while also learning about potential career opportunities.
Sectors represented included the creative arts, construction, cyber security, health and social care, technology, engineering, public sector, and hospitality.
Tim Oliver, Leader of Surrey County Council, described the 2023 event as “a big success”.
In opening the 2023 event, Cllr Oliver said: “We have a vibrant, thriving, and diverse economy in Surrey, which generates roughly £50 billion a year for the UK.
“With a skilled workforce, high business success rate and enviable location, there is huge potential to grow the economy of Surrey sustainably in years to come.
“The single most important component to achieving that growth is the individual contributions of our workforce. It’s their talent, their ideas, their passion which makes organisations thrive and prosper.
“That is why the Festival of Skills is so important. Because it provides opportunities for our local young people to experience, to connect, to be inspired about their future.”
Star attractions on the day included a prototype supercar worth more than £2 million created by Guildford-based Gordon Murray Automotive and a robotic dog, which construction firm Balfour Beatty utilised on the M25 improvements and other major schemes.
Matt Furniss, Surrey County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport & Economic Growth, said: “The first-ever Festival of Skills was a day to remember for all involved – providing young people with the chance to rub shoulders with major employers and be inspired about their futures.
“Providing opportunities for employers to connect with the county’s future workforce is integral to our wider Skills agenda and achieving our mission to ensure No One is Left Behind.”
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