Category: Funding and grants

Aerosensor: from F1 to founding a Surrey business

Published 23 October 2025

Funding and grants, Surrey Success Stories

Aerosensor is a technology firm in Dunsfold Industrial Park led by former F1 engineer Dr Barney Garrood. Thanks to the Surrey Economic Growth Fund, it is creating a new wind-tunnel facility and highly-skilled STEM jobs. 

Aerosensor is one of a growing number of Surrey businesses with innovation at its heart.

It is developing new aerodynamic measurement probes for automotive and aerospace applications. And thanks to a five-figure grant from the Surrey Economic Growth Fund, its operation is now expanding.

The grant will support extra staff, infrastructure and the design, build and testing of the probes. ​ 

Dr Barney Garrood is founder of Aerosensor. He explains that he started the business in 2023 to create probes for cycling – but then started selling devices to F1 too. 

“We have continued doing that and the market has grown to other motorsports and even marine industry,” he said. 

He explained that in order to make and develop the probes, the firm needed a wind tunnel to calibrate and test them. 

“Without our own wind tunnel, we were at the mercy of how booked up other facilities were. I even had to travel to Bristol once to test one probe. So I decided to build our own wind tunnel.” 

Aerosensor: a global leader

The new wind tunnel will be transformative for Aerosensor.

Barney explains: “Having our own wind tunnel means we can halve our turnaround time to develop our existing probes that will make them world leading.

“There are only three other companies in the world that make these things. Having that facility on site is going to massively accelerate our development time and allow us to develop more advanced probes. It’s moved the business forward by about a year.” 

He added: “The grant enabled us to fully kit out the wind tunnel with tools and instruments we need. We’ll also be hiring new staff and technicians. I have over 20 years of experience in F1 and we’re going to take people on and train them up in a highly skilled job.” 

The growth of his business will have an impact on the wider Surrey economy beyond jobs too.

For example, he also uses external suppliers in the county. And he has helped to enhance Dunsfold Industrial Park’s legacy as an aerodynamic centre. 

He adds: “Dunsfold Park has a history of aerodynamic development. The Harrier Jump Jet was developed here. And there’s a lot of racing car heritage here, and with fantastic high-tech motorsport such as McLaren in the area, it is the ideal place.”

About the Surrey Economic Growth Fund

Do you have a business idea that can drive growth across Surrey?

The Surrey Economic Growth Fund is overseen by Surrey County Council with the sole focus of driving economic growth across the region.

Applications are now live for the Business Growth Grant scheme, closing at midnight on 16 November 2025.

It is open to all small and medium size businesses in Surrey.

The award is a match-funded grant of between £10,000 and £75,000, covering up to 50% of eligible project costs.

Funding can support: 

  • Purchasing new equipment or technology
  • Developing new products or services
  • Expanding operations or facilities
  • Investing in staff training and upskilling 

We particularly welcome applications from rural businesses, farms, and those contributing to the rural economy.

Questions? Get in touch via our Contact Us form.

A man in a black jumper stands next to a blue wind tunnel with aerosensor on the side in white lettering

Business Growth Grants now available to Surrey SMEs

Published 16 October 2025

Advice and support, Business news, Funding and grants

Business Growth Grants totalling £1.7 million are now available to all small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Surrey. Apply now to fund bright ideas to accelerate growth, boost innovation and create jobs. 

The funding is available as part of the Surrey Economic Growth Fund.

Businesses can apply for match-funding of between £10,000 and £75,000 towards new equipment or technology. It can also support developing new products or services, expanding operations or facilities, or investing in staff training and upskilling. 

The key thing is that businesses demonstrate how they will use the investment to deliver real benefits to the people, places and economy of Surrey. 

Apply now via the Economic Growth Fund page before midnight on 16 November. All projects need to be complete by the end of March. 

What is the Surrey Economic Growth Fund?

The Surrey Economic Growth Fund launched this year. It includes a range of public and investment streams, including government UK Shared Prosperity Funding. 

The idea is to make it as simple and easy-as-possible for those looking to drive growth to apply for funding. 

Round one saw dozens of organisations receive £2 million in funding, creating scores of new jobs, supporting hundreds of employment opportunities and boosting the economy by up to £9 million. 

Councillor Matt Furniss, Surrey County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Economic Growth, said:

“Following the success of round one, I’m delighted to launch round two of the Surrey Economic Growth Fund. The exceptional quality of applications we received first time around has demonstrated just how much ambition and innovation exists within Surrey’s business community. 

“We’re committed to maintaining the high standards that made round one such a success. Every application will be rigorously assessed to ensure we’re backing businesses that will deliver genuine economic growth, create quality jobs, and produce tangible benefits for Surrey’s communities. 

“Surrey already contributes £50 billion to the UK economy each year. And strategic investments like this will support sustainable growth while delivering benefits to our people and places.” 

How do I apply for Business Growth Grants?

You can apply if your business is: 

  • based in Surrey 
  • small or medium-sized enterprise (SME)
  • able to provide match-funding for at least 50% of total project costs 
  • able to deliver the project by March 2026 

Projects must clearly demonstrate how they will contribute to economic growth in Surrey. This includes creating new jobs, boosting productivity or supporting innovation.

Bids are assessed against a set criteria. An independent panel, including business representatives makes final decisions.

The approach has been developed in collaboration with employers across Surrey. This includes the One Surrey Growth Board and Business Leaders Forum.

Apply direct via the Economic Growth Fund page of the Business Surrey website.

Not sure where to start? Get in touch with the team via our Contact Us form.

Surrey Economic Growth Fund round one: £2 million funding announced

Published 30 September 2025

Business news, Funding and grants

Surrey Economic Growth Fund round one invests £2 million to Surrey businesses and wider economy. Collectively the grants will provide an economic boost worth millions, creating scores of new jobs and hundreds of local job opportunities.

From vineyards and biotech to manufacturing and AI firms, a diverse range of organisations from all four corners of the county are receiving investment via the Surrey Economic Growth Fund.

The scheme is made up of a range of pooled funding streams. This includes the government’s UK Shared Prosperity Funding and Rural England Prosperity Fund. It was launched by Surrey County Council in April.

Following a highly competitive process, close to £2 million has been awarded to dozens of recipients, unlocking significant match funding and private investment.

The successful bids are collectively estimated to grow Surrey’s economy by £9 million, create or safeguard 300 jobs and bring 1,350 residents into employment.

Economic Growth Fund round one examples

One business receiving funding is Aero Sensor, a world-leading technology firm in Dunsfold Industrial Park led by a former F1 engineer Dr Barney Garrood.

The company is one of only three companies globally developing new aerodynamic measurement probes for automotive and aerospace applications.

The five-figure grant will support the creation of a new wind-tunnel facility to test its designs, creating new highly skilled jobs in the process.

Dr Garrood said: “The grant enabled us to fully kit out the wind tunnel with tools and instruments we need. We’ll also be hiring new staff and technicians. I have over 20 years of experience in F1 and we’re going to take people on and train them up in a highly skilled job.

“Having our own wind tunnel means we can halve our turnaround time to develop our existing probes that will make them world leading. There are only three other companies in the world that make these things. Having that facility on site is going to massively accelerate our development time and allow us to develop more advanced probes. It’s moved the business forward by about a year.”

Two men stand behind a bright blue high tech piece of equipment with aersensor written on it. Behind them is a banner for Business Surrey.

Agriculture, AI and local supply chains

Other successful bids include Woodlark Nurseries in Hersham creating a new horticultural facility, while Upper Birtley Farm Partnership near Bramley will establish a premium glamping and outdoor education site in the Surrey Hills.

Dorking Distillery received a grant to create a new, custom-built distillery at Denbies Wine Estate, enhancing Surrey’s reputation for world-class food and drink.

And a Godalming business, Sammi-Select, will develop a new ‘practice interview’ tool adapted from an AI platform. This will support marginalised jobseekers such as young people not in education or training and those who are digitally excluded.

There’s county-wide approaches funded too, including allocations for Surrey Venture Studio to support start-ups. This is a collaboration between the county’s three universities. And Source in Surrey, led by the county’s Chambers of Commerce, to encourage larger businesses to ‘buy local’.

Both will offer benefits to many businesses across the county, complementing and enhancing existing support already ongoing through Business Surrey.

“Positive outcomes for Surrey’s communities”

Councillor Matt Furniss, Surrey County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Economic Growth, said: “The new Economic Growth Fund has generated a huge level of interest from across Surrey, demonstrating the real appetite from our amazing business community to drive innovation, growth and job creation in our county.

“Round one was a highly competitive process and we’ve maintained our commitment to only supporting the highest quality bids which fully met the criteria. This ensures every pound invested will deliver genuine growth, create meaningful jobs and produce positive outcomes for Surrey’s communities.

“Our ambition is to position Surrey – which already contributes £50 billion to UK plc every year – as one of the UK’s leading regional economies. This fund is just one of the ways we’re building the foundations to achieve that.”

Round Two of the Surrey Economic Growth Fund is now open. Applicants can expect a streamlined, one-stage process supported by a guidance handbook.

Visit the Economic Growth Fund page for more details.

Economic Growth Fund round one recipients – full list

Six people holding craft gin bottles hold them in the air as a toast. Two of the people are sat on a wooden bench. Behind them is a promotional banner for Business Surrey.

3TOP Aviation embarks on growth plans thanks to £20 million loan from UK Export Finance

Published 8 September 2025

Funding and grants, Surrey Success Stories

3TOP Aviation, a market-leading aircraft trading and refurbishment specialist, has secured multimillion-pound investment to meet growing international demand. This is thanks to support from UK Export Finance (UKEF), the UK’s export credit agency.

The Leatherhead-based firm acquires mid-to-end-life aircraft and engines for onward trading, leasing and refurbishment. They also dismantle aircraft and rebuild the associated components for onward sale to clients, helping to make the aerospace industry more sustainable.

The company – which employs 18 staff in Surrey plus 16 outside the UK – aims to grow into new global markets and product lines such as new generation aircraft.

As a result of the UKEF-backed financing, 3TOP Aviation is also planning to expand its UK workforce by 20%.

Plus, it is relocating some of its warehouses in France and the US to a larger site in Leatherhead, bringing further benefits to the local economy.

The financing has been secured with backing from UKEF issued under its General Export Facility. This guarantee enabled HSBC UK to provide a trade finance facility of up to £20 million, supporting 3TOP Aviation’s export growth.

Chris Emechete, Managing Director of 3TOP Aviation, said:

“We are delighted to have secured substantial funding from UKEF which helps strengthen our position as a leading UK exporter of commercial aircraft aftermarket services and allows us to further exploit new opportunities around the world.

“We are very active in the aviation market globally, so capital backing from UKEF, a major credit export agency with an impeccable pedigree and reputation, aligns perfectly with our growth plans and aspirations.”

Tim Reid, CEO at UK Export Finance, said:

“3TOP Aviation’s story shows how our support empowers UK businesses to create prosperity at home while growing their footprint internationally.

“Their impressive growth in turnover from £3 million to £70 million in just four years demonstrates the huge potential for British firms by tapping into global markets. That’s where UKEF comes in: we’re here to ensure that lack of finance never stands in the way of firms achieving their true export potential.

“3TOP Aviation brings more than 25 years of industry expertise to the sector, with international offices spanning the United Arab Emirates, United States, Singapore, Germany and India. In the last four years, 3TOP Aviation’s business has boomed with revenue growing from a post-Covid low of £3 million in 2021 to £70 million in 2025.”

Grow your business with UK Export Finance

UK Export Finance (UKEF) is the UK’s export credit agency. It’s a government department, working alongside the Department for Business and Trade as an integral part of its strategy and operations.

3TOP Aviation is one of more than 660 companies accessing support from UKEF in the last financial year. It has provided a record £14.5 billion in new financing, supporting up to 70,000 jobs.

UKEF works with over 100 private credit insurers and lenders to help UK companies access export finance. It complements not competes with the private sector.

UKEF helps UK companies to:

  • win export contracts by providing attractive financing terms to their buyers
  • fulfil contracts by supporting working capital loans
  • get paid by insuring against buyer default

Its export finance managers provide free and impartial consultations, helping UK companies to check they are getting appropriate support and exploring how to bridge any gaps.

You can also arrange a consultation with your local export finance manager via the UKEF website.

Finance support for Surrey businesses

Are you a Surrey business looking for finance? Not sure where to start?

From start-up business funding to business growth funding, Business Surrey helps you at all stages of your business journey.

We can help you access the financial support you need to enable your business to prosper and open the door to business growth.

Our funding and grants page outlines some of the current opportunities available to Surrey businesses.

You can also get in touch with our team of experts via our Business Support Form.

Receiving inspector closely examines a low-pressure turbine disk from a CFM56-5B engine at 3TOP Aviation’s facility in Leatherhead, Surrey.

Skills Bootcamps applications open for Surrey employers and training providers

Published 9 July 2025

Funding and grants, Skills and workforce

Skills Bootcamps applications are being invited from Surrey employers and training providers for 2025/26. Discover how these government-funded courses can upskill your team in a just a few weeks.

Are you a Surrey employer struggling to recruit? Does your team have skills gaps you’d like to fill? Apply today for Skills Bootcamps funding to equip your business with the talent and know-how to thrive. 

Skills Bootcamps are free, flexible courses of up to 16 weeks for anyone aged 19+ to enter employment, upskill or change career. 

We – as part of Surrey County Council – have received £3.1 million from the Department for Education to deliver courses across Surrey during 2025/26. 

We’re looking for innovative ideas from employers and training providers to design and deliver courses to equip our residents with the skills to grow our future economy. 

Think Skills Bootcamps may be a good fit to help you upskill your team or address your workforce needs? Get in touch to find out more by emailing skillsbootcamps@surreycc.gov.uk. 

A member of the team will then arrange a one-to-one discussion to talk through your challenges and objectives. 

Of if you’re ready to apply, then scroll down to find out more about the process. 

Skills Bootcamps 2025/26 – who can apply 

Applications can be made by: 

  • independent training providers 
  • further education (FE) colleges 
  • employers 

As employers, you will possess the relevant intelligence to support a robust proposal. This includes demonstrating creative design and an understanding of local employers’ needs.

Do you not have experience of skills training? You can partner with organisations that can evidence proven experience and strong local networks to design and deliver innovative courses shaped around the needs of jobseekers and employers. 

Contact the Business Surrey team to discuss this further.

Skills Bootcamps applications

We are now accepting Skills Bootcamps applications from interested parties under a competitive grant award process. They will form part of Wave 6 of the programme, completing by the end of March 2026. 

Applications will need to evidence demand, strategic fit and innovation, setting out: 

  • access to employment post training (preference to partnership bids with employers)
  • how you will meet demand in the local economy, using evidence such as Surrey Economic Growth Strategy and Labour Market Information 
  • who your target learners are 
  • your previous experience delivering employer-led training 
  • previous collaboration with local employers (Training providers only) 
  • how you will deliver the programme 

We actively encourage joint applications from training providers and employers. Make sure they clearly evidence how the course will fill open vacancies.

There is no closing date. We will asses applications on a rolling basis for suitability. But we do advise applicants to submit entries as soon as possible. This is so courses are delivered before the end of March 2026. 

Apply now by completing the application form on the Business Surrey website.

Not sure where to start? Looking for more guidance? Get in touch via skillsbootcamps@surreycc.gov.uk 

Need extra support?

We know workforce and skills is a key priority for Surrey businesses. There’s lots of way you can keep up-to-date with available opportunities.

Looking for more bespoke support? Search our comprehensive business support directory.

Or get in touch with the Business Surrey team direct via our business support form.

Three men talk to each other in a construction classroom. The man in a middle is wearing a high vis jacket with M.I.T. Skills on it

Surrey Economic Growth Fund round one update

Published 12 June 2025

Business news, Funding and grants

The Surrey Economic Growth Fund round one has now closed – with hundreds of businesses and organisations expressing interest in funding for innovative ideas to drive growth in Surrey.

The Surrey Economic Growth Fund is overseen by Surrey County Council. It will see millions of pounds invested to drive growth, creating jobs, improving infrastructure, increasing productivity and upskilling our workforce.

This single pot is made up of a range of public and investment streams, such as UK Shared Prosperity Funding from government.

The idea is to make it as simple and easy-as-possible for those looking to drive growth to apply for funding.

Round one launched in April 2025, and closed at the end of May. Other rounds are expected to follow.

Up to £7 million is available in round one, and we’ve received more than 300 expressions of interest totalling nearly £35 million of funding.

What happens next?

We want to say a big thank you to everyone who submitted an expression of interest in round one of the Surrey Economic Growth Fund.

Due to the high volume and quality of initial submissions, not every application will be funded.

Those who have expressed interest will receive a unique online link in the coming days. This will have an invitation to submit further information to support their application. The deadline is the end of June.

Our Investment Panel will meet throughout July to review full applications and make funding decisions.

If you have questions about the next stage, get in touch with the team via the Business Surrey Contact Us form.

Funding for businesses in Surrey

Funding for businesses in Surrey is a regular ask from companies of all sizes.

There’s lots of way you can keep up-to-date with available opportunities.

Looking for more bespoke support? Search our comprehensive business support directory.

Or get in touch with the Business Surrey team direct via our business support form.

Two women stand in a shop smiling. One is wearing a black jacket and learning on a shop counter, the other is wearing a white jacket and behind the counter. Behind them is a sign for The Gate Boutique, a retail unit in Guildford, Surrey

Rural England Prosperity Fund 2025 now open to Surrey farmers

Published 21 May 2025

Advice and support, Funding and grants

The Rural England Prosperity Fund 2025 is now open. It means farmers in parts of Surrey can secure a six-figure cash injection as part of wider efforts to boost growth in the county.

Surrey County Council is offering capital grants of up to £120,000 to support innovative ideas to drive diversification in agriculture.

The aim is to help farmers in the districts of Tandridge, Guildford and Waverley to generate new income streams while increasing the long-term sustainability of their estates.

Ideas could include establishing farm shops, developing agritourism, generating sustainable energy or cultivating new crops and livestock.

A total of £360,000 is available as part of the government’s Rural England Prosperity Fund for 2025/6.

Applications can be made direct via the Business Surrey website, and close at the end of June 2025. .

It will be a competitive process. And the focus is on supporting a small number of large-scale, high-impact projects in eligible areas. Match funding is encouraged though not mandatory.  

Grants will be awarded and distributed via the Surrey Economic Growth Fund.

Matt Furniss, Surrey County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Economic Growth, said: “As committed custodians of much of Surrey’s fantastic countryside, farmers play a key role in everyone’s way of life, producing the food we eat, managing our unique landscapes and creating employment in our rural communities.

“This fund is intended to support a small number of farmers to diversify and explore new commercial opportunities, supporting them to generate more income while supporting broader prosperity in our rural communities.

“It forms part of our wider commitment to drive sustainable growth across Surrey while ensuring no one is left behind.”

What is the Rural England Prosperity Fund?

The Rural England Prosperity Fund 2025 is integrated into the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. It is government funding which supports productivity and prosperity in places that need it most.

In Surrey, this means the Rural England funding is only available in three of the 11 districts. These are Guildford, Tandridge and Waverley.

The Rural Fund is a rural top-up to UKSPF allocations. And it supports activities that specifically address the particular challenges rural areas face.

The Rural Fund sits alongside existing Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) schemes, including the:

Support with your bid

The Surrey element of the Rural England Prosperity Fund is a great opportunity for farmers and landowners to progress plans to drive growth. If you have any questions then contact the Business Surrey team.

But we recognise that some rural business owners may not be eligible. Or they may need additional help, either via email, phone or face-to-face.

So you can get in touch with our business advisors at any point. You could receive thousands of pounds-worth of free bespoke support from our expert team.

You can also:

Economic Growth Fund webinar now live

Published 8 May 2025

Advice and support, Funding and grants

Interested in applying to the Surrey Economic Growth Fund? A webinar providing top tips to support your bid is now available to watch.

Businesses, employer representative groups and partner organisations are all invited to apply for investment from the new Economic Growth Fund.

Up to £7 million is available for this financial year. Grants will be awarded to those demonstrating how they will boost economic outcomes for the people, places and businesses of the county.

More than 110 people attended the Economic Growth Fund webinar held today (8 May, 2025).

Applications for the first round are now open, closing at the end of May. Apply via the form on the Business Surrey website.

Watch the Economic Growth Fund webinar

Watch the webinar in full by clicking on the play button below.

What is the Economic Growth Fund?

The Economic Growth Fund has been created by the Council in collaboration with employers from across the county via the One Surrey Growth Board and Business Leaders Forum.

The idea is to make it as simple and easy-as-possible for those looking to apply for funding to boost growth.

So, a range of funds, such as UK Shared Prosperity Funding from government, have been pooled together into a single application process.

The first round covers three areas.

  • Business Growth Grants support companies of all sizes to scale up and create jobs. Match funding of between £10,000 and £50,000, covering 50% of project costs is available.
  • The Innovation Spaces Fund focuses on physical infrastructure, such as training hubs, collaborative workspaces, and testing facilities. Minimum bid of £50,000.
  • The Future Surrey Fund is open to anyone, including partners – such as employer representative groups, local authorities, research institutions and schools. Applications should focus on innovative ideas that can scale while delivering economic impact in Surrey.

To apply, you’ll need to demonstrate how your bid delivers against the three priorities in the refreshed economic strategy. These are workforce and skills; business growth; and economic infrastructure in Surrey’s communities.

There’s a two step process for all three areas, starting with an expression of interest.

Read more about criteria and closing dates on the Economic Growth Fund page.

Close up of a computer screen during a online webinar. On the screen is a title page called "Understanding the Surrey Economic Growth Fund"

Funding to boost growth for Surrey’s businesses and economy

Published 1 April 2025

Business news, Funding and grants

Funding to boost growth is now available from Surrey County Council with millions available for innovative ideas to enhance the economy.

Businesses, employer representative groups and partner organisations are all invited to apply for investment from the new Economic Growth Fund.

Up to £7 million is available for this financial year. Grants will be awarded to those demonstrating how they will boost economic outcomes for the people, places and businesses of the county.

Applications for the first round are now open, closing at the end of May. Apply via the form on the Business Surrey website.

The launch comes as the Council also publishes Surrey’s Economic Growth Strategy 2025 to 2035, which sets out the long-term focus and priorities to drive sustainable growth in the county for the next decade.

What is the Economic Growth Fund?

The Economic Growth Fund has been created by the Council in collaboration with employers from across the county via the One Surrey Growth Board and Business Leaders Forum.

The idea is to make it as simple and easy-as-possible for those looking to apply for funding to boost growth.

So, a range of funds, such as UK Shared Prosperity Funding from government, have been pooled together into a single application process.

The first round covers three areas.

  • Business Growth Grants support companies of all sizes to scale up and create jobs. Match funding of between £10,000 and £50,000, covering 50% of project costs is available.
  • The Innovation Spaces Fund focuses on physical infrastructure, such as training hubs, collaborative workspaces, and testing facilities. Minimum bid of £50,000.
  • The Future Surrey Fund is open to anyone, including partners – such as employer representative groups, local authorities, research institutions and schools. Applications should focus on innovative ideas that can scale while delivering economic impact in Surrey.

To apply, you’ll need to demonstrate how your bid delivers against the three priorities in the refreshed economic strategy. These are workforce and skills; business growth; and economic infrastructure in Surrey’s communities.

There’s a two step process for all three areas, starting with an expression of interest.

Read more about criteria and closing dates on the Economic Growth Fund page.

“A fantastic opportunity”

Matt Furniss, Surrey County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways, Infrastructure and Economic Growth, said:

“This is a fantastic opportunity for businesses, training providers and partners to secure immediate investment in ideas to drive growth in Surrey.

“We know that Surrey has a strong economy, contributing £50 billion a year to UK PLC. But the refreshed economic strategy highlights several challenges around start-ups, high-growth businesses, retaining talent and an increasing number of people out of work.

“The new Economic Growth Fund is one of the ways we can tackle those challenges while delivering benefits to the people, places and businesses across the county. Our ambition is simple: we want to position Surrey as one of the UK’s leading regional economies while ensuring No One is Left Behind.”

Chris Hurren, Chair of the Surrey Business Leaders Forum, said:

“Growth in Surrey, like much of the country, has slowed in recent years. We can only tackle the challenges by working together while focusing on the needs of businesses and outcomes for our people and places.

“The refreshed Economic Strategy, which is evidence-led and developed in partnership with businesses, employer representative groups, academia and other key stakeholders, is very much the starting point of our journey.

“Together, we’re determined to drive forward this ambitious agenda and deliver our ambition to benefit our residents, businesses and wider communities.”

Read the full criteria and other key details are on the Economic Growth Fund page.

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Made Smarter expands to the South East to drive UK manufacturing forward with digital technologies, innovation and skills

Published 18 March 2025

Advice and support, Funding and grants

The Made Smarter Adoption programme is set to revolutionize the manufacturing landscape for SMEs and makers in the South East of England.

After operating successfully in the North West since 2019, and further expanding to cover the North East, Humber and the West Midlands, it is now rolling-out to the South East from April 2025.

This initiative is targeted at small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that have a manufacturing element to their business. It aims to provide them with the tools and support they need to embrace digital technologies so they can improve productivity, boost their bottom line and achieve long term sustainable growth.

The Made Smarter Adoption programme – backed by world-renowned businesses and funded by UK government, is focused on digital transformation delivered by specialist advisors.
Applicants can get access to a range of personalised support to help them make everyday improvements to their operations and improve their competitiveness.

Businesses can register their interest now, in readiness for the April launch.

Advice, skills and workforce support, plus funding

Made Smarter can support businesses in a number of ways, including:

  • Funding: up to 50% match funding available to help business implement new technologies
  • Skills: training and development opportunities for those working in the sector. This includes workshops, mentoring and expert advice
  • Sustainability: promotion and adoption of energy-efficient technologies to reduce environmental impact and enhance reputation with customers.

Coverage in the South East

The South East programme covers a wide area, with Surrey County Council acting as the lead and coordinator. The regions included are Berkshire, Brighton & Hove, Buckinghamshire, East Sussex, West Sussex, Hampshire, Kent, Medway, Oxfordshire, Solent, and Surrey.

Manufacturing SMEs and makers within the South East area of coverage are encouraged to register their interest now in preparation for when the programme launches in April 2025. Once the programme is live, the Made Smarter team will contact registered businesses to start the process with a free, personalised assessment carried out by a Technology Adoption Specialist advisor.

By using the support and resources offered by the Made Smarter Adoption programme, SME manufacturers and makers can boost their productivity, competitiveness, and sustainability, securing their future in the digital age.

Other support to boost your manufacturing SME

Business Surrey is Surrey County Council’s service providing free and accessible support for all businesses across Surrey.

Whatever your business, our experts are here to help you succeed by providing access to quality resources, expert local knowledge and professional insight. Our offer incudes:

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. We’ll be including regular Made Smarter updates in the newsletter and on this website.