Category: Innovation

Slitherine Software: doubling turnover in 12 months with Business Surrey’s support

Published 22 September 2025

Innovation, Surrey Success Stories

Slitherine Software is a fast-scaling gaming and defence tech company based in Epsom. With our help, it has implemented new recruitment and HR processes – helping the company to double forecasted turnover to ยฃ30 million and increasing headcount by 15% in just 12 months.

The Slitherine Software team approached Business Surrey in 2024. Directors were facing internal pressures over HR and recruitment processes – especially as it looked to rapidly scale.

As CEO Iain McNeil explains: โ€œWhat worked when we were 20 people wasnโ€™t going to work as we passed 100. We needed help simplifying and scaling our internal processes fast.โ€

They needed streamlined, practical documentation and better access to talent, without the overhead of complex systems – and thatโ€™s where Business Surrey stepped in.

Our Growth Hub team delivered hands-on tailored support that included:

  • Diagnosis to explore the key issues impacting growth
  • A complete review of their employee handbook and removal of unnecessary or duplicate policies
  • Advice on creating practical processes for staff management
  • Support with junior recruitment pipelines, including potential university channels

About Slitherine Software

Slitherine Software is a specialist video game developer and publisher focused exclusively on strategy and wargames.

With a catalogue of 450 titles – including major IPs like Terminator and Starship Troopers – the company sold more than two million games in 2024.

Headquartered in Epsom, Slitherine also has offices in Athens, Milan and Warsaw.

Its detailed wargames are also used by 150+ defence organisations in 25 countries for training and analysis, including under a renewed Enterprise licence with the Ministry of Defence.

Our Impact

Thanks to the Business Surrey team, Slitherine now has a lean, user-friendly HR framework aligned with how the business actually works.

This has made people management more efficient and scalable – crucial for a company that has grown to 110 employees and is managing multi-million-pound government and commercial contracts.

With better internal systems, Slitherine is not only managing todayโ€™s growth more effectively, but is also future-proofing for international expansion. In short, it now has operations fit for growth.

As CEO Iain McNeil says: โ€œWorking with Business Surrey has been a painless and productive experience. Their team are passionate about what they do and itโ€™s all for free so youโ€™d be mad not to make the most of it!

โ€œBusiness Surrey provided straightforward, no-nonsense HR support that removed complexity and gave us clarity. Weโ€™d recommend Business Surrey to any growing business wanting to accelerate growth โ€

Fully-funded support to grow your Surrey business

Looking for help to grow your Surrey business? Get in touch!

Business Surrey is a Surrey County Council service providing free, accessible support for all businesses. Our government-funded Growth Hub provides complimentary support tailored to your business.

Contact the team via our website to find out how we can support your company to start, grow and thrive.

You can also sign up to the Business Surrey newsletter for the latest updates and advice on growing your business.

A group of people pose for an image while standing outside. Two historic buildings stand behind them.
Six people with their backs to the camera are playing video games. Above them is a promotional image for StarShip Troopers, a game by Slitherine Software

Pitch Up! launches in Surrey to offer a leg up to sustainable rural businesses

Published 18 September 2025

Innovation

Pitch Up! is coming to Surrey as farming business Hampton Estate opens its gates to rural enterprises and start-ups. Sustainable businesses in Surrey can submit their ideas – and then find willing partners with the know-how and resources to help them grow.

Why grow a business alone when thereโ€™s land, resources and know-how to tap into? Thatโ€™s the message from Hampton Estate which is welcoming sustainable businesses and start-ups looking for a leg-up to help them grow as part of Pitch Up! 2025.

Hampton Estate is a diversified rural business spanning 800 hectares in between Farnham and Guildford.

The team is looking for others who would like to build businesses in partnership with them. The aim is to grow their regenerative community and circular economy.

This year, Hampton is specifically looking for those wanting to expand or run:

  • Pastured poultry, woodland pigs and/ or sheep flock
  • Market and community gardens
  • Cut flower enterprise
  • Composting business
  • Nature groups

Other opportunities include eco-tourism, running clubs, pond dipping, catering and pop-up events and art-based businesses.

Entrepreneurs and businesses can submit their ideas via an expression of interest to Hampton. Then its ready for the Pitch Up! Applications Season (think Dragonโ€™s Den) which returns this November.

Hamptonโ€™s Molly Biddell says: โ€œFor us, itโ€™s all about creating holistic, regenerative and resilient systems that support amazing landscapes and wonderful communities. We think Pitch Up! is the key to helping us do this.โ€

What is Pitch Up?

Pitch Up! is about farmers working together, independently of government initiatives and funding bodies, to create a different model for local businesses.

The initiative connects regenerative farms such as Hampton Estate with sustainable businesses needing access to land and space. They then share resources, knowledge and land to feed one another and grow together.

Pitch Up! welcomes businesses at all stages. This includes supporting established enterprises with relocation, renovating space customised to their specific needs, or readying land for use.

For start-ups, it could be more about experimental space, trialling packaging and dispatch. Or support developing their pricing models, product offer or production processes.

In return, Pitch Up! farms gain partners, not tenants. Each agreement is different, shaped to be fair to both sides โ€“ whether thatโ€™s profit share, turnover rent, produce use, or longer-term regeneration goals. Itโ€™s about helping farms diversify in a future-focused way

Interested businesses can take the first step and fill out an expression of interest form on the Pitch Up website.

Support for rural businesses in Surrey

With 110,000 businesses, Surreyย is a thriving and diverse economyย which generates ยฃ50 billion a year to the UK economy.

Business Surrey is here to offer free, accessible to all businesses, including those in rural communities.

Get in touch with our team of experts today via our Business Support Form. We’ve got a range of fully-funded support available, including direct funding to help your rural business diversify.

Plus you can sign up to our regular newsletter, which is packed with updates and tips for your Surrey business.

A group of farmers stand in front of hay bales wearing Pitch Up t-shirts

Surrey Space Institute launches to boost growing sector

Published 15 August 2025

Innovation, Skills and workforce

The Surrey Space Institute is taking off at the University of Surrey in Guildford. Its mission? To train 10% of the UK’s future space workforce in a growing sector which contributes billions to the country’s economy every year.

With the UK’s ยฃ19 billion space economy surging, government and industry urgently need faster research, innovation and skilled talent. Yet more than half of space organisations report critical shortages.

This is the challenge now being tackled by the newly launched Surrey Space Institute at the University of Surrey.

The Institute will convert the University’s 45-year small satellite leadership into mission-ready solutions for climate, resilience and secure global connectivity. 

It will bring together the region’s wider reputation for innovation, bringing sector-strengths in cybersecurity, telecoms, legal and biosciences. The focus is helping the UK stay competitive in a global industry that is growing at pace.ย 

It aims to scale up small businesses. It will also train 10% of the UK’s future space workforce through postgraduate degrees, hands-on missions and professional courses.

About the Surrey Space Institute

The Institute will build on the legacy of the Surrey Space Centre, whereย Professor Sir Martin Sweetingย pioneered the design and manufacturing of small satellites.ย 

Sir Martin founded the highly influential Surrey Satellite Technology Ltdย (SSTL). This university spin-out helped reshape how satellites are built across the global space sector. It has since earned ยฃ1 billion in satellite exports for the UK.ย  ย 

The Surrey Space Institute has been developed under the leadership of renowned astrophysicist and Pro-Vice-Chancellorย Professor Bob Nichol.

It will build on the firm foundations that the university and wider region has in a range of sectors. This includes engineering, telecoms, cybersecurity, biosciences and law.

This interdisciplinary approach is at the heart of the new Institute’s mission โ€“ to rethink how space can support society, the economy and the planet.

It will focus on building new technologies. And on developing the policies, systems and skills needed to run full space missions that respond to real-world needs.

Professor Adam Amara will be the inaugural Director of the Surrey Space Institute while continuing in his role as Chief Scientist to the UK Space Agency.  

Benefits to Surrey and beyond

Space contributes ยฃ7.2 billion directly to the UK’s GDP. It supports more than 52,000 jobs, most of them highly skilled. And it continues to invest heavily in innovation, with ยฃ1 billion spent on research and development.ย 

A key focus for the Surrey Space Institute Institute will be to help the UK grow its ability to run full space missions โ€“ combining hardware, software, policy and operations to tackle problems such as water security, climate resilience and space sustainability.

The Institute will also support small space companies to scale up. It will also give more people the skills needed to work in this fast-moving sector, helping the UK stay competitive in a global industry that is growing at pace.ย 

Currently 52% of UK space organisations reporting critical skills shortages, especially in software, data analysis, artificial intelligence and systems engineering. So the Institute aims to train 10% of the UK’s future space workforce through postgraduate degrees, hands-on missions and professional courses.

The launch of the Institute is timely, aligning with the Government’s industrial strategy, which recognises the space sector’s role in economic growth and UK defence capabilities.

In 2021/22, the UK space sector generated ยฃ18.9 billion in income, up 8% on the previous year, outpacing both the global space sector and the wider UK economy.

Surrey Space Institute – reaction

Professor Adam Amara, Head of School of Mathematics and Physics, said:

“Space is no longer a frontier activity; it is already a critical national and international infrastructure underpinning everything from climate security to high-speed connectivity.

“By uniting Surrey’s 45-year leadership in small satellites with cutting-edge AI and cyber-resilience, the Surrey Space Institute will give the UK the decisive capability it needs to stay ahead in the global space race and to solve complex problems at home and around the world.”

Martin Sweeting, founder of SSTL, said:

“The launch of the Surrey Space Institute is an exciting new chapter that captures that same entrepreneurial spirit as when we started the Space Centre. But it also reflects a much bigger ambition โ€“ to shape how the UK delivers space-based solutions to the challenges we face here on Earth. That means training new kinds of experts, working across disciplines and building systems that are sustainable, inclusive and ready for global deployment.”

Dr Paul Bate, CEO of the UK Space Agency, said:

“The launch of the Surrey Space Institute represents exactly the kind of bold, forward-thinking approach we need to maintain the UK’s position as a leader in space. Surrey’s remarkable 45-year track record in small satellites, combined with its vision to tackle real-world challenges from climate resilience to space sustainability, demonstrates how academic excellence can drive both economic growth and societal benefit.

“As we work to deliver the Government’s space ambitions, partnerships like this โ€“ bringing together world-class research, industry expertise and skills development โ€“ are essential to ensuring the UK space sector continues to thrive and deliver for our economy, our security and our planet.”ย 

Image of a satellite in space orbiting the earth

Start-up Surrey launches with expert support for entrepreneurs and early-stage businesses

Published 12 August 2025

Advice and support, Business news, Innovation

Budding entrepreneurs and early-stage businesses across Surrey are set to receive a major boost with the launch of the Start-Up Surrey programme. This is a dynamic new initiative funded by Surrey County Council’s Business Surrey service and delivered by leading business support provider The IncuHive Group.

This pilot programme will offer free, tailored guidance and practical support to residents who are preparing to launch their own ventures. It’s also available to businesses in their first year of operation.

It will guide founders step by step, with expert-led workshops, one-to-one mentoring, practical advice, and support from others on the same journey.

The programme will engage a diverse range of businesses across Surrey. It will cover key areas such as funding, marketing, finance, digital presence, and scaling strategies.

Itโ€™s the latest initiative from the Council under its Business Surrey offer, which provides free accessible support to help businesses of all sizes to start, grow and thrive.

Matt Furniss, the Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Economic Growth, welcomed the launch, adding:

โ€œSurrey has a wealth of untapped entrepreneurial talent, and this programme provides a much-needed platform to turn ideas into action. It aligns strongly with wider efforts to boost inclusive economic growth, support innovation, and build resilience into our local economy โ€“ all of which provides benefits to our people and communities.โ€

George Scott-Welsh, CEO of The IncuHive Group, said:

โ€œIncuHive is delighted to bring this initiative to life. Weโ€™ve seen first-hand how the right support, delivered at the right time, can completely change the trajectory of a business.

“Weโ€™re not just helping people start businesses. Weโ€™re helping them build viable, resilient ventures that can generate a real income and contribute to the local economy. We are thrilled to be working with Surrey County Council to bring hands-on support and real opportunities to Surreyโ€™s start-ups.โ€

Start-Up Surrey – sign up today

The Start-Up Surrey Programme is available to all start-ups and businesses in their first year of trading across Surrey.

There’s no cost to taking part. That’s because it’s fully funded by the Council via UK government funding.

Interested in finding out more? Register for the introductory webinar on Wednesday August 27 from 11am to 12pm. Register via the Eventbrite event link.

Similar events will follow monthly throughout the autumn. Dates are available on the Business Surrey Events page.

For more information or to register for the programme, visit the IncuHive website.

Or you can contact the Business Surrey team via our business support form.

A man in a business setting presents to a room. He is wearing a smart black top and has the words IncuHive written on a screen behind

Surrey Research Park: 40 years of innovation

Published 27 June 2025

Business news, Innovation

Surrey Research Park celebrates 40 years of innovation in 2025. And 600 people including businesses, staff and students came together to celebrate the achievements.

Surrey Research Park is a vibrant innovative business community of more than 200 companies across a 70 acre site.

It was established in 1985 by the University of Surrey. And businesses on the park are estimated to contribute ยฃ660 million a year to the Surrey economy.

Surrey Research Park 40 years celebration saw a community festival taking place earlier this month (June 17, 2025).

Surrey Research Park 40 years celebration

About 600 people โ€“ including Guildford MP Zรถe Franklin โ€“ gathered to mark 40 years of innovation in Surrey.

Employees from 60 companies and partner organisations took part in a dynamic expo, showcasing their sector-leading innovation, research, and company stories.

Several guest speakers also shared fond memories of their time at the park, including:

  • Dr Malcolm Parry OBE, one of the Parkโ€™s visionary founders
  • Professor Sir Martin Sweeting, founder of Surrey Satellite Technology Limited (SSTL)
  • Peter Molyneux, founder of 22 Cans and early pioneer of the Guildford games industry
  • Mark Bennett, Technology Director, BAE Systems Digital Intelligence
  • Juliet Jones, Chief Scientific Officer at NatureMetrics, runner-up in the 2024 Earthshot Prize

The event also saw the launch of the Parkโ€™s new self-guided, AI-enabled and interactive Augmented Reality tour.

The celebrations also provided students from the Universityโ€™s Department for Hospitality and Events to gain hands-on experience in event management.

Meanwhile, over in the Surrey Technology Centre, the Space Enterprise Lab was temporarily converted into a high-tech TV studio, livestreaming a two-hour innovation and technology show to viewers around the world.

Caroline Fleming, Director of Surrey Innovation District and Innovation Lead for Surrey Research Park, said:

โ€œI think everyone really felt the vibe of a strong community thatโ€™s been built here. We heard from companies proud to call it their home, and from researchers excited to do more with those businesses. For me, itโ€™s been a fantastic event.โ€

About Surrey Research Park

Surrey Research Park offersย versatile office spaceย in aย vibrant innovative community. It helps meet the needs of pioneering tech and research-led companies โ€“ fromย solopreneursย andย entrepreneurs,ย ambitious startupsย andย microbusinessesย toย SMEs,ย large companies, multinationalsย andย primes.

By joining the Surrey Research Park community, your business can benefit from:

  • Access to top-tier talent, expert collaborations, and world-class facilitiesย that span disciplines and sectors.
  • Spaces for every business need, from workstations in our incubator and small offices to expansive units up to 40,000 sq ft, designed to support your growth and innovation.
  • Exceptional connectivityย with on-site parking and a strategic location near London and major international hubs.

Discover how it could help your team thrive and your business grow by contacting Surrey Research Park direct.

Looking for more bespoke support to grow your Surrey business? Contact our team of experts for a free consultation via our Business Support Form.

The exterior of a glass fronted office building.
Group of people celebrate outside a research park in Surrey, UK

The UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy revealed

Published 26 June 2025

Business news, Innovation, Skills and workforce

The UK’s modern Industrial Strategy has been revealed by government this week. It sets out a ten-year plan to boost investment, create good skilled jobs and make Britain the best place to do business.

The government says the UK’s Industrial Strategy provides long-term clarity and stability to grow the UK economy.

It will include targeted support for the areas of the country and economy that have the greatest potential to grow. Ministers also promise reforms that will make it easier for all businesses to get ahead.

There’s a focus on eight key high-growth sectors. Some of these sectors – such as creative industries, digital and technologies, and professional and business services – are real sector strengths for Surrey.

Ministers say future funding will focus on driving growth in these high-growth sectors. Investment will also focus on funding for SMEs, upskilling the UK’s workforce and redeveloping strategic sites.

Not all of this funding will be immediately available to Surrey. Some will only be available to those areas with directly-elected mayors, such as West Midlands and Greater Manchester. Surrey is currently on the fast-track programme to devolution – but will not have an elected mayor until after local government reorganisation is completed.

The plan will have a direct impact on Surrey’s economy both now and in the future. It aligns closely with the priorities in the Surrey Economic Growth Strategy.

And we – as part of Surrey County Council – will work with government, businesses and partners to make sure Surrey makes the most of the opportunities – ensuring we meet the demands of our 110,000 businesses while ensuring no one is left behind.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

“This Industrial Strategy marks a turning point for Britainโ€™s economy and a clear break from the short-termism and sticking plasters of the past.

“In an era of global economic instability, it delivers the long term certainty and direction British businesses need to invest, innovate and create good jobs that put more money in peopleโ€™s pockets as part of the plan for change.

“This is how we power Britainโ€™s future – by backing the sectors where we lead, removing the barriers that hold us back, and setting out a clear path to build a stronger economy that works for working people. Our message is clear – Britain is back and open for business.”

What is the UK’s modern Industrial Strategy?

The Governmentโ€™s Industrial Strategy 2025 is also known as Invest 2035. It is a 10-year plan to
drive economic growth by supporting eight high-growth sectors.

The sectors – known as the IS-8 – are advanced manufacturing, clean energy, creative industries, defence, digital and technologies, financial services, life sciences, and professional and business services.

The Strategyโ€™s plan of action includes:

  • Unlocking billions in finance for innovative business, especially for SMEs. Increasing British Business Bank financial capacity to ยฃ25.6 billion, crowding in tens of billions of pounds more in private capital. Additional ยฃ4bn for Industrial Strategy Sectors.
  • Upskilling the nation with an extra ยฃ1.2 billion each year for skills by 2028-29. Delivering more opportunities to learn and earn in our high-growth sectors including new short courses.
  • Reducing regulatory burdens by cutting the administrative costs of regulation for business by 25% and reduce the number of regulators. 
  • Supporting 5,500 more SMEs to adopt new technology through the Made Smarter programme while centralising government support in one place through the Business Growth Service.
  • Boosting R&D spending to ยฃ22.6bn per year by 2029-30 to drive innovation across the IS-8. Allocated more than ยฃ2bn for AI and ยฃ2.8bn for advanced manufacturing over the next ten years. This will leverage in billions more from private investors.
  • Attracting elite global talent to our key sectors, via visa and migration reforms and the new Global Talent Taskforce.
  • Slash electricity costs by up to 25% from 2027 for electricity-intensive manufacturers in our growth sectors and foundational industries.
  • Deepening economic and industrial collaboration with our partners, building on agreements with Japan, the US, India, and the EU.
  • Reducing planning timelines and cutting costs for developers, by hiring more planners, streamlining pre-application requirements and combining environmental obligations.
  • Revolutionising public procurement and reducing barriers for new entrants and SMEs to bolster domestic competitiveness.
  • Supporting the UKโ€™s city regions and clusters by increasing the supply of investible sites through a new ยฃ600m Strategic Sites Accelerator.

Industrial Strategy – sector focus

The plan focuses on 8 sectors where the UK is already strong and thereโ€™s potential for faster growth. These are:

  • Advanced Manufacturing
  • Clean Energy Industries
  • Creative Industries
  • Defence
  • Digital and Technologies
  • Financial Services
  • Life Sciences
  • Professional and Business Services

Each growth sector has a bespoke 10-year plan that will attract investment, enable growth and create high-quality, well-paid jobs.

Five sector plans have been published this week:

  • Advanced Manufacturing – up to ยฃ4.3 billion in funding, including up to ยฃ2.8 billion in R&D over the next five years. Aim of anchoring supply chains in the UK – from increasing vehicle production to 1.35 million, to leading the next generation of technologies for zero emission flight.
  • Clean Energy Industries – Doubling investment in Clean Energy Industries by 2035. Total funding for the Great British Energy Supply Chain fund to ยฃ1 billion.
  • Creative Industries – Maximizing the value of our Creative Industries through a ยฃ380 million boost for film and TV, video games, advertising and marketing, music and visual and performing arts. This will improve access to finance for scale-ups and increase R&D, skills and exports.
  • Digital and Technologies – Making the UK the European leader for creating and scaling Digital and Technology businesses. More than ยฃ2 billion allocated to drive the AI Action Plan. ยฃ187 million for training one million young people in tech skills. Targeting R&D investment at frontier technologies. 
  • Professional and Business Services – Ensuring our Professional and Business Services becomes the worldโ€™s most trusted adviser to global industry. Plan to revolutionise the sector across the world through adoption of UK-grown AI. Also working to secure mutual recognition of professional qualifications agreements overseas.

How will the UK’s Industrial Strategy impact Surrey?

The industrial strategy provides a long-term vision for growing the UK economy.

There are clear connections and alignment with the Surrey Economic Growth Strategy 2025-2035, recently published by Surrey County Council.

Surrey has very strong local sector specialisms in some of the key high-growth sectors. This includes professional services, finance, creative and digital. We also have well-established clusters and innovation assets across most of the IS-8 sectors.

We also have demonstrated a commitment to unlocking local economic growth via:

However, Invest 2035 indicates funding will be targeted outside London and the South East – particularly areas which have elected mayors.

Surrey is currently on the government’s fast-track programme to create a directly-elected Mayoral Strategic Authority.

However, Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) needs to take place first. A consultation into how LGR will work for Surrey is currently ongoing.

Decorative image for the government's UK modern industrial strategy launch

New National Biosecurity Centre receives ยฃ1 billion government investment

Published 24 June 2025

Business news, Innovation

A new National Biosecurity Centre will begin to take shape in a matter of months after government pledged ยฃ1 billion to the cutting-edge scientific campus in Surrey. When complete, the Animal and Plant Health Agency centre in Addlestone will serve as the UKโ€™s foremost animal biosecurity facility.

Government made the announcement this week saying it will protect the British public and the economy from future pandemics.

Animal disease outbreaks represent a serious and increasing risk to public health, food security, and the UK economy.

The UK’s high containment laboratories for animal health are run by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) at Weybridge. They urgently need renewal to handle escalating disease risks, which is growing due to climate change.

The new facility will join a network of national centres set up by the Cabinet Office under the UK Biological Security Strategy. It will keep the public safe and is essential to responding to biological security risks.

Preparatory work at the Addlestone site is already underway. Planning consent has been secured and a contractor appointed to build the main new facilities.

The first interim labs to support critical science while we transform the site will be ready in 2027 and 2028. The main construction works start in 2027. And the full new National Biosecurity Centre will be live and operational in 2033/34.

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

“We very much welcome this government investment into our region which strengthens Surrey’s reputation as a leading UK region for innovation and research.

“This cutting-edge facility will not only play a key role in protecting the nation’s health, it will also create jobs for residents and broader prosperity in our communities.

“As government looks to drive growth across the UK, our aim is to ensure that Surrey is a major part of that story โ€“ and weโ€™ll continue to work with partners like the Animal and Plant Health Agency to make the most of opportunities, ensuring we meet the demands of our 110,000 businesses while ensuring no one is left behind.”

Why is a National Biosecurity Centre needed?

Approximately 60% of all known human infectious diseases are zoonotic, meaning they can be transmitted from animals to humans. And about 75% of emerging infectious diseases originate in animals. This makes the fight against these diseases about human health and security too.

Without strong and modernised biosecurity infrastructure, disease incursions could severely impact the UK’s farmers, agricultural production, devastate rural communities and disrupt key supply chains. 

The export of livestock, meat and meat products, dairy and animal by-products is worth ยฃ16 billion per year to the UK economy.

The funding will now enhance the countryโ€™s detection, surveillance and control capabilities for high-risk animal diseases. These include avian influenza, foot and mouth disease and African swine fever. It will also enhance the UK’s ability to manage concurrent disease outbreaks.

Jenny Stewart, Senior Science Director at the Animal and Plant Health Agency, said:

“This funding is a vital milestone in the delivery of a world-leading facility that will protect the UK from animal disease threats for decades to come.

“Our scientists and specialists at Weybridge are at the heart of the UKโ€™s disease surveillance and response capability and provide a global centre of expertise.

“Investment on this scale will enable them to continue their critical work in modern, fit-for-purpose facilities, supported by the very latest technologies.”

What is the Animal and Plant Health Agency?

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has its headquarters in Weybridge. It works to safeguard animal and plant health for the benefit of people, the environment and the economy.

It is part of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs with more than 2,200 employees.

APHAโ€™s central laboratory has been in Weybridge since 1917, when it was known as the Addlestone Institute.

It has a long history of work of national and international importance. This has contributed to Surrey being animal health being a key sector for Surrey’s economy.

In 1939 it began an urgent programme for the mass production of anthrax vaccine and antiserum. This was so the country would be able to respond to the threat of a biological warfare emergency.

More recent past achievements include eradicating swine fever in the 1960s. And characterising the first case of BSE in the 1980s. It also developed the first licensed vaccine for TB in badgers in 2009.

APHA was formed in 2014 by merging the Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency with parts of the Food and Environment Research Agency. 

The network of national centres announced by government this week marks a new chapter for APHA. It will ensure the UK is better prepared for a crisis, responding more effectively to incidents and delivering a more holistic approach to biological research.

Environment Secretary Steve Reed said:

“Farmers and food producers will now be better protected from diseases, our food security strengthened, and public health better safeguarded against future pandemics. This government is getting on with delivering on our Plan for Change.

“The new National Biosecurity Centre will play an essential role in addressing the full range of biological threats we face, including from hostile nations, and will ensure that the UK retains the scientific capability, infrastructure and expertise needed to lead international efforts to identify, manage, and mitigate disease threats in the years ahead.”

The Animal and Plant Health Agency headquarters in Weybridge, Surrey
Biosecurity lab at the Animal and Plant Health Agency in Weybridge, Surrey

Supercharge your innovation journey with Innovate Local: South East

Published 17 June 2025

Events and awards, Innovation

Do you want to grow or improve your business but arenโ€™t sure how to get started or where to turn? Then Innovate Local: South East could be the answer you’re looking for.

On 15 July, at Royal Holloway, Innovate UK will explore the power of innovation and how it can:ย ย 

  • Drive business growth: learn how innovation can lead to increased profitability, market share, and customer loyalty.
  • Boost competitiveness: discover how staying ahead of industry trends and embracing innovation can give your business a competitive edge.
  • Foster resilience: in todayโ€™s ever-changing business landscape, innovation is a key driver of adaptability and long-term success.

The day will also include dedicated sessions exploring opportunities, challenges, and innovation pathways within the defence and cyber security, AI, and creative industriesโ€”providing tailored insights and sector-specific support. There will be representatives from both Business Surrey and Made Smarter South East in attendance on the day, ready to share more information on how you can access funding and guidance to support your own innovation journey.

Who Should Attend?

Any business based in the South East from any sector / industry. Whether youโ€™re a small start-up or an established enterprise, this event is designed to help you understand the power of innovation and its practical applications. It is the perfect opportunity for all South East businesses to connect with industry leaders, access funding, and fuel your innovation journey.

Why Attend?

  • Connect with innovation experts, funders and potential collaborators from your region.
  • Discover the opportunities and incentives for ambitious innovators and businesses in the South East.
  • Network with like-minded professionals from the South Eastโ€™s thriving business community.
  • Take your next practical step towards transforming your business through innovation.

Don’t miss this chance to supercharge your business’s growth and competitiveness.

Register now to secure your spot at Innovate Local: South East.

Unlock the Future with Business Surrey’s AI Toolkit

Published 27 May 2025

Advice and support, Innovation

In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a luxury reserved for large corporations. Small businesses, too, can harness the power of AI to streamline operations, enhance productivity, and drive growth. In recognition of its importance, we have partnered with experts at the University of Surrey to create a cutting-edge AI toolkit designed to help small businesses embrace this transformative technology.

Why AI matters for small businesses

AI offers numerous advantages for small businesses, making it an essential tool for staying competitive. By automating routine tasks, AI frees up valuable time for employees to focus on strategic activities. It can also provide insights through data analysis, helping businesses make informed decisions and identify new opportunities. AI-driven customer service solutions can also enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty, even leading to increased revenue.

What’s included in the Business Surrey AI toolkit?

The toolkit takes the form of four video modules, each building on the last.

Video 1: The Foundations of AI

Covering how AI developed, and explaining some of the commonly-used jargon associated with AI.

Video 2: People-centred AI

Focusing on the impact AI is having on our day-today lives, explaining how โ€“ with human oversight โ€“ it can be used to support automation in tasks like interpreting data, making meeting notes and reviewing job applications.

Video 3: Applications of conversational AI

Explaining how the development of large language models means AI tools can play a key role in how businesses will have conversations in multiple languages in the very near future – with very real potential for businesses that export and trade internationally.

Video 4: Business view of AI

Focusing on applying the learning to your business – eg identifying fraud in financial services, supporting idea generation in the creative industries, or training and upskilling employees in any sector.

Why implement AI in your business?

Embracing AI is not just about keeping up with the latest trends; it’s about future-proofing your business. As AI continues to evolve, businesses that adopt this technology early will be better positioned to adapt to changes and seize new opportunities. The Business Surrey AI toolkit is your gateway to understanding and using AI, ensuring your business remains competitive in the digital age.

Get started today

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to transform your business with AI. Download the Business Surrey AI toolkit today and take the first step towards a more efficient, productive, and innovative future.

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Creative and Cultural Industries Leaders Network launched at Surrey’s UCA

Published 20 April 2025

Innovation, Skills and workforce

A Creative and Cultural Industries Leaders Network has been established in Surrey, driving global conversations on technological change in this crucial regional and national sector.

The UKโ€™s creative and cultural industries are worth ยฃ125 billion and trillions globally. It is a sector that is constantly evolving, with huge technological advances coming and fast.

But with the World Economic Forum employers anticipating 39% of workersโ€™ core skills will change by 2030, there’s a challenge how industry leaders will adapt to change.

The University for the Creative Arts (UCA) is tackling these questions head on, starting by bringing together industry leaders. The inaugural meeting of the Creative and Cultural Industries Leaders Network took place at its Farnham campus last week.

Organisations attending the launch included Warner Bros, British Film Institute, Adobe, ITN and Appleโ€™s Media Arts Lab.

About the Creative and Cultural Industries Leaders Network

Challenges for leadership was the focus of the first session, taking place at UCA’s bespoke Creative Business School.

Professor Lyndsay Duthie, UCAโ€™s Pro Vice-Chancellor Academic Partnerships & Industry Engagement, explained:

โ€œThe creative and cultural industries are full of opportunity, but being part of the narrative is vital to thrive in these changing times. We need to think globally to maximise potential and collaborate across disciplines. UCA has developed this Network with senior industry leaders to share ideas and shape its future.โ€

Speakers included:

  • Samantha Perahia, Head of Production from British Film Commission,
  • Sara Whybrew Director of Skills at British Film Institute,
  • Stephen Hancock, Executive Director, Appleโ€™s Media Arts Lab
  • award-winning TEDx speaker, Andy Coley

All acknowledged the importance of talent pipelines, resilience and leadership.

Other representatives taking part in discussions on leading for the future, considering AI, ethics and cultural power, included:

  • Kim Rowell, Managing Editor, ITN and Vice Chair of Royal Television Society Technology Centre,
  • Emma Thwaites from The Open Data Institute
  • Chris Wheeler from Warner Bros.
  • Niels Stevens Adobe

UCAโ€™s President & Vice-Chancellor, Professor Jane Roscoe, reiterated:

โ€œUCA is in a great position to facilitate the important discussions we must now have to future-proof our sector. The event confirmed that we can play a leading role supporting, steering and equipping the creative and cultural leaders for the challenges today and tomorrow.โ€

If youโ€™d like to join UCAโ€™s Creative and Cultural Industries Leaders Network please email Helen Witt.

Surrey and the Creative Industries

Surreyโ€™s creative industries cluster is a vibrant and dynamic sector. It comprises a diverse array of businesses, educational institutions, and collaborative networks.

It has more than 10,000 digital startups, film and TV studios, artistic producers, and entertainment companies employing 45,000 people.

There is a range of support available for freelancers, startups and businesses in the creative industries. Contact us to find out more.

Image credit: UCA