Skills Bootcamps applications open for Surrey employers and training providers

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Two exciting new opportunities for creative businesses with CoSTAR network

CoSTAR network, the national R&D network serving the UK’s world-leading gaming, TV, film and performance sectors, has put out the call for creative businesses to apply to two new exciting opportunities: CoSTAR Ideate: Growth Lab and Residency, and CoSTAR Live Lab.

CoSTAR Ideate – creative technology

The CoSTAR Ideate call is open to 24 early growth companies in the creative technology sector. The programme will deliver enterprise and funding finance support from four of the new CoSTAR Network Labs.

The 24 successful companies will each benefit from a 5-month residency at one of the four CoSTAR Labs, (including desk and lab space). They will also receive business development guidance, lab time to enable product development, access to expert technical support and resources, and access to a community of like-minded start-ups and entrepreneurs from the creative technology sector.  And there are no fees to pay for any of this support.

Join an information session to find out more about Ideate and how to apply.

CoSTAR Live Lab – live performance

CoSTAR Live Lab, is inviting companies, technologists, and creatives to apply for their call to help shape the future of live performance.

While based at the world-renowned Production Park in Yorkshire – where icons like Beyoncé, Metallica and The Rolling Stones prepare for their world tours – this call is open to applications from across the UK.

This call invites applications from teams with creative R&D projects focussed on the live performance sector, looking for the opportunity to accelerate and advance their innovation activity.

The following support packages are available for the successful applicants:

  • up to two intensive one-week development sprints at the CoSTAR Live Lab. This includes on-boarding and orientation by the technical team.
  • research staff will guide and collaborate with you during the tenancy, with further ad-hoc support possible outside of the sprint windows.
  • cash funding of up to £13,000 to contribute towards costs in undertaking the project, such as contracting performers, interaction design, editing, consumables etc.
  • if a project requires a period of residency (two or more days) and if travel distance is more than two hours from that lab, a company stipend of up to £4,000 is available to support travel and accommodation. 

To find out more about the CoSTAR Live Lab call, watch the recording of the information webinar here.

Application timings

Both calls are open to applicants across the UK.

Applications for CoSTAR Live Lab close on Thursday 20 March, 2025, and the CoSTAR Ideate call closes on Monday 24 March 2025, so click the links to find out more information and apply today.

Further support for Surrey businesses

Business Surrey is Surrey County Council’s service providing free and accessible support for all businesses across Surrey. Our team of experts can provide independent and impartial advice on exploring opportunities and how to tackle various challenges.

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.

Funding for new apprenticeships now available to Surrey businesses

Businesses can grow their workforce and boost productivity in just a few clicks by getting an apprenticeship funded by Surrey County Council.

As part of the Apprenticeship Levy Transfer Scheme, small and medium enterprises across the county can get fully funded support to train local talent.

Apprenticeships are widely recognised as a cost-effective way to recruit, improving diversity and filling skills gaps. In time, they can also help businesses grow, improve employee retention and support the wider economy.

Funding is available to pay for the training of dozens of new apprenticeships across the county.

It is open to all businesses in Surrey and allocated on a first come, first served basis – meaning those interested should apply swiftly via the Surrey County Council website.

For those unsure of the process, a free 45-minute webinar will be hosted by the Council’s Business Surrey service on February 26. Reserve your space today to discover more about modern-day apprenticeships and how businesses can access funding.

One Surrey organisation that has benefited already from the scheme is Sight for Surrey, a charity that provides specialist support for people in Surrey with sensory loss.  

Diane Smith, Head of Adult Services says:

“We have used the levy to support internal succession for those wanting to pursue a career in Social Work from the Deaf Community. More recently we used the levy to support three new apprentices in roles that are recognised to be under resourced across the sector nationally as well as in Surrey.

“The process of completing the Levy Transfer scheme was simple and smooth due to the responsive support from the Council.

“Our Deaf Services Social Worker has recently graduated from Kingston University and our three new apprentices are settled and progressing well in their new careers! All making an impact for residents of the Surrey community.”

The call comes in National Apprenticeship Week (February 10 to 16), which is a national celebration of the opportunities presented by the training schemes.

A young man, who is an apprentice, talks to a colleague in a workplace. He has his back to the camera

According to government figures, benefits of apprenticeships include:

  • 96% of employers report benefits to their business
  • employers make a net gain of between £2,500 and £18,000 per apprentice during their training period
  • 80% of businesses see a significant increase in employee retention

Almost two-thirds of all UK apprenticeships in the last year have been funded by the apprenticeship levy.

This is a pool of funding made available by large employers, such as the Council, to make apprenticeships more accessible to SMEs.

The Council wants as many local residents and businesses to benefit from the scheme as possible – which is why the online process can be completed in a matter of minutes.

Matt Furniss, the Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport, and Economic Growth, emphasised the council’s commitment to providing opportunities for all. He said:“Apprenticeships are a proven cost-effective way to recruit which benefit businesses and employees, as well as the broader economy.

“As an organisation we are committed to providing opportunities to all of our residents, which includes creating a skilled workforce for the future.

“The levy transfer scheme is a fantastic way for SMEs to access funding to develop and grow their workforce – which is why I encourage them to discover more about this fantastic opportunity.”

For more information on how to apply for the Apprenticeship Levy and to start the process of recruiting talented apprentices, visit https://www.businesssurrey.co.uk/workforce/apprenticeship_levy/

apprenticeships levy - Business Surrey

Support for Surrey businesses

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.

Decarbonise your business with free support for Surrey SMEs

Free support for Surrey small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to decarbonise their business is now available from Surrey County Council.

Companies with fewer than 250 employees can sign up for the support. It’s only available to those based in the boroughs of Woking, Guildford, Waverley, Reigate and Banstead, Spelthorne and Surrey Heath.

Find out how to cut your energy costs, calculate your carbon footprint and get your business to Net Zero. You could even access a loan to go green!

Scroll down to see the free support which your Surrey business could access.

Or you can get in touch with our business experts, who can provide free bespoke advice for your business.

Free business decarbonisation course

A free business decarbonisation course is now up and running for eligible Surrey businesses.

The course will:

  • introduce a bit of business context relating to climate change and carbon literacy,
  • help you understand where your business’ emissions lay,
  • enable you to calculate your business carbon footprint;
  • help you become more sustainable, reduce your energy costs and cut your carbon footprint
  • help you define your business path to Net Zero, set targets and leverage your efforts to make your business more competitive and your products and services more desirable
  • empower you to adapt and build resilience to address climate change

Courses are available in person and online.

The in-person courses are:

  • Thursday 17 October 2024 at Guildford Borough Council
  • Wednesday 13 November 2024 at Surrey Heath Borough Council
  • Wednesday 27 November at Waverley Borough Council
  • Wednesday 22 January 2025 in Reigate and Banstead at Surrey County Council headquarters
  • Thursday 13 February 2025 in Woking
  • Thursday 6 March 2025 at Spelthorne Business Hub

On demand online courses will be made available from late October.

To book your space visit the Surrey County Council website.

Free carbon calculator tool

Ever wondered how much carbon your Surrey business uses?

As part of the decarbonisation course, you can find out! You’ll be given a one year licence to access and use the Climate Essential carbon calculator tool.

This will enable you to calculate your base line carbon footprint. Plus, you can see where you can make adjustments and gains to further reduce it.

Free business decarbonisation assessment

The free business decarbonisation assessment helps small and medium businesses in six Surrey boroughs to decarbonise and save on energy.

The online meeting is a virtual walk around premises, looking at energy use, transport, and supply chain.

A personalised report identifies opportunities for energy saving and projects which may be eligible for a business decarbonisation loan.

You can then decide if you wish to apply for a business decarbonisation loan to complete any or all of your decarbonisation projects.

There is no obligation to progress any of the potential projects to a loan application.

Business decarbonisation loan

The business decarbonisation loan programme has been created to help business and organisations decarbonise.

It will also allow you to invest to cut your energy bills, improve your premises and be more efficient.

Loans range from £5,000 to £15,000. It can can cover up to 50% of the total project cost. You will need to fund the rest.

Projects could include lighting and heating upgrades, installing solar panels, replacing old energy hungry equipment and switching to electric vehicles.

The loan is only available to businesses who have had a free business decarbonisation assessment.

Boost for UK startups as two key investment schemes are extended

Startup funding schemes, the Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) and the Venture Capital Trust (VCT) scheme have been extended by ten years to 5 April 2035.

Government extends two leading investment schemes aimed at startups

Thousands of entrepreneurs and startups are set to benefit from the extension of two leading government investment schemes targeted at helping startup businesses get off the ground and grow.

The Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) and the Venture Capital Trust (VCT) scheme were both set to end on 6 April 2025 but will instead run until 5 April 2035.

The schemes are designed to encourage investment into new or young companies through tax-relief incentives, encouraging innovation, creating jobs and stimulating economic growth.

The two startup investment schemes at-a-glance

Both schemes offer incentives to investors of up to 30% upfront income tax relief and an exemption from capital gains tax on any profits made after the sale of shares.

Launched in 1994, the EIS scheme offers investors loss relief as long as shares are held for at least two years.

VCTs, which were then introduced in 1995, are companies listed on the UK stock exchange. They invest in early-stage trading companies on behalf of investors. Dividends received from VCTs are tax-free.

Since the launch of the EIS in 1994 the two schemes have delivered significant impact and success with over £41 billion raised to date.  

What’s in it for startups?

This ten-year extension will benefit startups and help provide access to startup funding by providing investors with the confidence to continue to invest into high-risk, early-stage businesses. Early stage investment of this type is a vital element in supporting long-term growth and the development of the economy on both a regional and national scale.

Read more: Boost for UK growth as start-up investment schemes extended – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

More help for startups

Business Surrey is a Surrey County Council service providing free and accessible support for all businesses in Surrey, including startups.

Our team of experts can provide independent and impartial advice on accessing startup funding and grants, as well as other sources of support for startups. Contact the team for free via our Business Support Form.

Sign up to our newsletter for regular updates on news, events and support for all Surrey businesses.

Find out more about what we do and how to access one of our many startup-friendly services by completing our Contact Us form.