Category: Innovation

Leading UK economist to chart a bold vision for Surrey’s future through new Surrey Economic Commission

Published 13 October 2026

Business news, Innovation, Skills and workforce

One of Britain’s most respected economists Andy Haldane will chair a new Surrey Economic Commission to define a bold vision for the future of one of the UK’s leading economies.

With devolution on the horizon, Surrey County Council is engaging the former Chief Economist of the Bank of England to lead an independent review into how Surrey can make the most of future opportunities to drive growth.

The Commission will bring together nationally recognised experts and thought leaders from across business, education, infrastructure, health and the public sector to help shape Surrey’s next chapter of economic success pairing high-level expert roundtables with public engagement and balancing specialised knowledge with vital citizen voices.

By March, it will have developed a series of action-focused recommendations that build on Surrey’s economic strengths, position the county to compete nationally and internationally, and reshape how growth is planned, enabled and delivered.

Alongside this forward-looking work, Royal Holloway, University of London will undertake an independent Socio-Economic Impact Report, providing a comprehensive assessment of Surrey’s economic and social progress in the last six years and helping identify opportunities to deliver further impact.

Together, they will provide both the evidence and ambition needed to shape Surrey’s next chapter, helping the county build on its considerable strengths, unlock new opportunities and reinforce its position as one of the UK’s economic powerhouses.

New Surrey Economic Commission – reaction

Andy Haldane, Chair of the Surrey Economic Commission, said:

“With 1.2 million residents, an economy that generates more than £50 billion every year, a talented workforce and fantastic connections to the capital and beyond, Surrey is already a cornerstone of the UK economy.

“But there is so much more that can be done, especially as the government looks to transfer powers, responsibility and funding out of Whitehall and into local hands.

“As a long-time resident of Surrey, I have a vested interest in seeing the county succeed – which is why I’m determined to deliver a bold, ambitious and inclusive blueprint which has the collective buy-in of local stakeholders, business leaders and the broader community.”

Tim Oliver OBE, Leader of Surrey County Council, said:

“Over recent years we have taken big strides to kickstart growth in Surrey, ensuring our economy delivers real benefits to our people, places and employers.

“It’s been a collective effort, built on successful partnerships across business, education, local government and our communities. 

“With devolution on the horizon, what comes next is crucial – and I can think of no one better to shape a bold vision for Surrey’s economic future than Andy, who brings vast experience, expertise and energy to the role.

“I am delighted he will lead on this vital piece of work which has the potential to positively impact every person, place and business across the county.”

Professor Ruth Livesey, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research & Innovation) at Royal Holloway, University of London, said:

“Capitalising on the many opportunities we have here in Surrey relies on clear understanding of what has been achieved in the last six years, which our Impact Report will evidence.

“More than that, our expertise at Royal Holloway will bring a truly future-facing perspective to what this progress can mean for the region going forwards not least for our students, partners and wider communities.”

Mr Haldane is a former chief economist of the Bank of England. He will combine the Surrey Economic Commission role with his existing responsibilities as President of the British Chambers of Commerce and Chancellor of the University of Sheffield.

The Economic Commission will build on a previous review undertaken by former Chancellor Philip Hammond in 2020.

This helped establish a shared vision for economic growth and informed the Surrey Economic Growth Strategy. Alongside this is a programme of activity delivered through strong collaboration between local authorities, businesses, education providers and wider partners.

Six years on, Surrey’s economy, institutions and operating environment have changed significantly.

In 2024, responsibility for Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) functions transferred to Surrey County Council. This ensured economic delivery across a single Surrey footprint for the first time. It also strengthened the role of local government in leading economic strategy, convening partners and driving inclusive growth.

The move has been hugely beneficial, leveraging in more than £31 million of funding annually. It also unlocks the ability for more targeted economic interventions to address specific needs and opportunities.

Further change is coming as Surrey enters a period of significant public sector reform with Local Government Reorganisation and preparing for the new powers, new partnerships and new governance arrangements that may accompany devolution.

Surrey Farming Innovation Accelerator gives £500,000 boost for rural businesses to grow and innovate

Published 8 October 2026

Advice and support, Funding and grants, Innovation, Surrey Success Stories

A wine producer using bird-repelling lasers and cattle farmer using GPS collars to track livestock are among 17 innovative projects funded from the Surrey Farming Innovation Accelerator, a £500,000 pot to boost Surrey’s rural economy.

Surrey County Council’s Farming Innovation Accelerator supports farmers and growers with funding for projects to modernise operations, improve productivity, diversify and develop commercially.

More than 50 organisations submitted proposals via a competitive process, which is funded via UK government’s Shared Prosperity Funding.

17 projects from all corners of the county have now been progressed, with each recipient receiving a grant of up to £35,000 along with a bespoke programme of expert support to enhance their business growth plans.

Projects supported by Surrey Farming Innovation Accelerator

Thanks to the scheme, Albury Vineyard will install an automated bird‑repellent laser. This will protect 18 acres of grapevines to reduce crop loss which, in turn, will increase production by over 1,700 bottles per year.

Elsewhere Wintershall Valley Farm in Guildford will use cow-collar virtual fencing and a digital livestock management to improve grazing efficiency, extend the grazing season and strengthen medicine tracking.

Various vending machine projects will also benefit. This includes Nutfield Dairy which will invest in three facilities for dairy products, ice cream and coffee. Also Roehurst Farm in Walton will install a vending machine to expand direct sales of lamb, pork and eggs.

GPS tractor guidance

The family business behind Sondes Place Farm, made up of 320-acres between Dorking and Westcott, has been awarded funding for a GPS tractor guidance system. This will help to eliminate overlap, boost productivity and make sure fertiliser and nutrients are applied with precision.

Hugh Broom, the fourth generation of his family to manage the farm, said:

“The grant from Surrey County Council is a real step change for us. By putting proper Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) guidance on the tractor, we can finally match the precision of our genetics and feeding with the same level of precision in the field. It means less overlap, less waste and less diesel, but more importantly it means we’ll be growing better forage off the same acres, with a lower environmental footprint.

“In a year or two the system will have paid for itself in saved inputs, but the real value is that it locks our soil and cropping into the same high‑efficiency, low‑carbon trajectory as the rest of the beef business.

“Without the grant, it would have been very hard to justify that investment on a hired tractor. With it, we can get on and do the job properly.”

Using technology to make money from honey

Another recipient is Browners Bees in Reigate. It’s using digital hive monitoring and mechanised extraction equipment to make honey harvesting more efficient.

Beekeeper Harrison Brown said:

“The funding is going to make a huge difference because it will allow us to invest in technology and equipment that would otherwise be very difficult for our growing beekeeping operation to afford.

“Digital hive monitoring technology will allow us to remotely monitor things such as hive weight, temperature and humidity across our apiaries, giving us much better information about what is happening inside the hives without having to physically visit every colony as frequently.

“We’re also investing in mechanised and automated honey extraction, processing and bottling equipment. As the number of colonies and the amount of honey we produce increases, doing everything manually would become a significant bottleneck.

“The new equipment will allow us to process larger quantities more efficiently, while improving consistency and reducing the amount of repetitive manual work involved.

“Ultimately, the funding gives us the opportunity to build the infrastructure to grow from a small beekeeping operation into a much more efficient, technology enabled business, while continuing to produce locally in Surrey.”

Support for Surrey farmers

The Farming Innovation Accelerator is one of several ways Surrey County Council is supporting its rural economy.

According to a recent University of Surrey report, there are about 500 farms in the county, contributing around £502 million a year to the local economy. This accounts for 14% of national farming income.

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

“It’s fantastic to see this funding reaching such a diverse range of rural businesses, from cattle farms to vineyards. Surrey’s rural economy is far larger and more varied than many people realise, and these projects show the energy and ambition out there to embrace new technology. This support is helping these businesses modernise, diversify and build long-term resilience, and I look forward to seeing the difference it makes in communities right across the county.”

Looking for support to grow your rural business? Get in touch via our Business Support Form.

Surrey’s next generation of tech start-ups takes off with Surrey Venture Studio accelerator

Published 25 September 2026

Advice and support, Innovation

Eight high-potential pioneering Surrey entrepreneurs are a step closer to fulfilling their dream of becoming a successful tech startup founder after being accepted to the Surrey Venture Studios (SVS) early stage tech company Accelerator.

The eight startups will participate in the SVS six-month Accelerator, receiving intensive commercialisation support, expert mentoring and market validation, alongside access to £25,000 of funding from Surrey County Council to accelerate their journey to market.

The successful participants’ business ideas cover a wide range of technologies and sectors ranging from community solutions to deep tech, and sectors such as construction, med tech and motor sports.

High-quality founders highlight Surrey’s innovation potential

Ody Bassioukas, SVS Manager, has been delighted by the success of the programme and the potential for Surrey’s ecosystem growth. “I’ve been incredibly impressed by the quality and ambition of the ventures that participated in this round. The exceptionally high standard made selecting just eight ventures for the Accelerator a genuinely challenging process.
“Congratulations to all the founders progressing to the next stage. Through SVS, we are continuing to build and strengthen the innovation ecosystem, connecting ambitious entrepreneurs with the expertise, networks and investment opportunities they need to turn promising ideas into successful businesses.”

Building Surrey tech start-up ecosystem through collaboration

Launched at the end of 2025, the Surrey Venture Studio programme is delivered through a unique partnership between Surrey County Council, the University of Surrey, Royal Holloway University of London, and the University for the Creative Arts. It brings together academic expertise, entrepreneurial mentoring and local economic development in a way that is helping to knit together Surrey’s wider innovation ecosystem.

What does the future hold?

Looking ahead, the team is excited for the six months to come. The new cohort of founders faces a challenging journey, but with the mentoring, workshops and investor access the Accelerator provides, there is real confidence that these ventures are well placed to succeed.

For more information about SVS, or to register interest in future cohorts, visit the SVS LinkedIn page
or the Surrey Research Park website.

Further support for start-ups is also available from Business Surrey.

Surrey Venture Studio Accelerator - Amanda Lowe and Ody Bassioukas stand in front of a banner for SVS | Business Surrey |

Surrey funding helps ‘forever chemical’ technology start-up move to the next stage

Published 22 September 2026

Innovation, Surrey Success Stories

A Surrey start-up developing pioneering technology to destroy toxic ‘forever chemicals’ is preparing to accelerate its growth with support from the Surrey Economic Growth Fund.

Mantisonix, co-founded by a team of engineers from the University of Surrey, has received funding to help establish a new testing facility and strengthen its business development capacity. This will help the company respond to potential customers more quickly and reach new markets.

The company has developed a pioneering process that uses soundwaves to destroys PFAS, commonly known as ‘forever chemicals’. Its technology breaks them down into naturally occurring compounds without adding any chemicals to the system.

Explaining how the Economic Growth Fund support will help the business grow, co-founder Professor Madeleine Bussemaker said: “This grant will help us create a new facility where we can do enhanced testing of our process. At the moment we rely on external sources, so having enhanced testing in-house will mean we can tell clients much more quickly whether we can work with them, and how.”

The funding will also enable Mantisonix to bring in a new member of staff dedicated to business development, expanding the range of customers the can reach as it looks to grow beyond Surrey.

Tackling the challenge of ‘forever chemicals’

Professor Bussemaker and fellow co-founder Dr Mehrdad Zare explained why finding new ways to tackle PFAs is so important.

“Forever chemicals are a problem because they don’t get destroyed naturally – hence the name,” said Prof Bussemaker. “They last for thousands of years in our environment. There are probably five to ten thousand different types, and some have been linked to very serious health effects, including cancers, endocrine disruption and developmental disorders. Because of their toxicity and persistence, we really need to get rid of these chemicals by actually destroying them.”

Mantisonix’s processes use ultrasound to remove PFAS from sources including landfills, contaminated ground and water systems.

Explaining what sets the technology apart from other approaches, Mehrdad added: “We break PFAS down into naturally occurring compounds. And we can work with renewable energy because we can handle intermittent supply, and we don’t add any chemicals to our system.”

With its technology developed in Surrey and new support helping the company move towards further commercial growth, the founders believe Mantisonix could also help establish the county as a centre for expertise in this emerging field.

Mehrdad added: “By establishing Mantisonix at Surrey, we can say that Surrey can become the hub and the leader for PFAS destruction in the UK and maybe in Europe.”

The Surrey Economic Growth Fund

To date almost £2 million has been awarded to dozens of recipients across the county via the Surrey Economic Growth Fund. This funding has helped to unlock significant match funding and private investment, growing Surrey’s economy by £9 million.

Although the Growth Fund is now closed to new applications, any Surrey business looking for funding or help to grow can receive fully-funded support from Business Surrey. Get in touch to find out more via our Contact us form.

Two of Mantisonix co-founders – Dr Mehrdad Zare and Professor Madeleine Bussemaker

McLaren Automotive to invest £500m to anchor its future in the UK

Published 16 September 2026

Business news, Innovation, Skills and workforce

McLaren Automotive is investing £500 million to expand its UK manufacturing, engineering and operations. It will enable the Woking-based firm to accelerate the development of its next generation of models while bringing jobs and further benefits to Surrey’s economy.

The investment reinforces McLaren’s commitment to Surrey and Britain – where Bruce McLaren founded the company in 1963 and where it produced the legendary McLaren F1, its first supercar.

The programme will create at least 1,000 new direct and indirect jobs across McLaren’s UK operations by 2032, while safeguarding existing roles.

Up to 3,000 additional jobs are expected to be created across supply chain. This will bolster the British automotive sector and boost exports.

The investment strengthens McLaren Automotive’s expertise in lightweighting, carbon fibre and advanced manufacturing, while securing critical intellectual property and production capabilities in the UK.

Matt Furniss, Surrey County Council’s cabinet member for highways, transport and economic growth, said: “For decades McLaren has played a significant role in Surrey’s economy, providing training and employment for thousands of people and bringing millions of pounds of investment and trade into the county every year.

“We warmly welcome today’s announcement which reinforces Surrey’s position as a leader for innovation. This significant investment will support many of our economic strengths, including our automotive, engineering and creative sectors.

“We look forward to continue working with the team at Woking directly to ensure this new investment delivers benefits to our people, places and employers, through direct employment, skills training for young people and broader supply chains.”

Expanding McLaren Automotive in the UK

The investment will enable McLaren Automotive to expand its production capability. It will increase vehicle output to ensure the next generation of McLaren Automotive cars are built in Britain. This includes a newly confirmed performance SUV. This will be made possible by a new vehicle assembly facility planned in the UK.

It will see McLaren Automotive’s manufacturing workforce is set to double in the UK, supported by new apprenticeships to develop the next generation of talent.

For the first time in its history, McLaren Automotive’s future powertrains will be designed and built in-house, starting with two new engines and transmissions. This will support the company’s hybrid engine strategy, building on McLaren Automotive’s pioneering use of hybrid technology.

McLaren Automotive is also expanding operations at the McLaren Production Centre in Woking.

The company has recently opened two new UK sites – a design and innovation centre at the McLaren Creation Centre in Bicester, and a testing and vehicle development facility in the Midlands.

Together with its Woking headquarters and carbon-fibre facility in South Yorkshire, they form an integrated UK operation, from design through to advanced manufacturing.

McLaren Automotive investment – reaction

Nick Collins, Chief Executive Officer of McLaren Group Holdings and McLaren Automotive said: “This investment gives us the platform to grow, develop and build on what makes us distinctive, while investing in the people, technologies and products that will keep us competitive for decades to come.”

Andy Burnham, UK Prime Minister said: “McLaren Automotive is doubling down on Britain, keeping the design, the engineering and the building of every future car here, and taking on a thousand more people to do it. Their investment will create high-quality apprenticeships, jobs and drive growth far beyond their factory gates. It is how you get skilled work, decent wages and pride back into a place.

“It’s this kind of partnership between government and business that will help us reindustrialise communities and make every part of Britain better off. I want young people to see that and know there is a future for them in making things, wherever they grew up.“

A skilled worker assembles a McLaren supercar at the line in Woking, Surrey
Image of the outside of the McLaren HQ building in Woking, Surrey

Economic Growth Fund shortlisted for prestigious national award

Published 3 September 2026

Business news, Innovation

Surrey County Council’s Economic Growth Fund has been shortlisted for a Public Finance Award 2026 in the category of Outstanding Contribution to Economic Growth, recognising its impact in supporting businesses, creating jobs and driving sustainable economic development across Surrey.

The category is new for 2026, and the Economic Growth Fund has been named on a shortlist alongside Greater Manchester Combined Authority. (See shortlist here.)

Launched to help unlock economic opportunities across the county, the Economic Growth Fund has supported a wide range of projects that are helping businesses to grow, develop skills, create employment opportunities and strengthen Surrey’s economy.
The Public Finance Awards celebrate excellence and innovation across the public sector, recognising organisations that deliver meaningful outcomes for residents, communities and local economies. Being shortlisted highlights the success of Surrey’s collaborative approach to economic growth, bringing together businesses, local authorities, education providers and other partners to maximise opportunities across the county.

The fund is a key part of Surrey County Council’s commitment to ensuring the county remains a thriving place to live, work and do business. By investing in initiatives that support enterprise, innovation and workforce development, the fund is helping to create long-term benefits for both businesses and residents.

Matt Furniss, Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Economic Growth at Surrey County Council, said:
“We are delighted that the Economic Growth Fund has been shortlisted for this national award. The fund has enabled us to support ambitious projects that deliver real economic benefits for Surrey, helping businesses grow, creating opportunities for residents, strengthening our local economy and ensuring No one is left behind.”

The winners will be announced at the Public Finance Awards ceremony later this year.

About the Surrey Economic Growth Fund

To date almost £2 million has been awarded to dozens of recipients across the county via the fund. This funding has helped to unlock significant match funding and private investment, growing Surrey’s economy by £9 million.

Although the fund is currently closed to new applicants, any Surrey business looking for funding or help to grow can receive fully-funded support from Business Surrey. Get in touch to find out more via our Contact us form.

Surrey Council Growth Fund Case Studies shot on 5th February 2026. Photograph by Sam Stephenson 07880 703135 samstephenson.co.uk

From family health challenge to business success: Growth Fund helps Surrey founder grow personalised probiotics venture

Published 1 September 2026

Innovation, Surrey Success Stories

When Lindsay’s mother faced a severe diverticulitis flare-up, her doctor’s advice was simple: take probiotics. But despite Lindsay’s 12 years of expertise in probiotic research and clinical trials, she couldn’t find a product that addressed her mother’s specific combination of needs. This frustrating gap in the market sparked an idea that would become GoodBac – a Surrey-based business crafting bespoke probiotic solutions.

Lindsay Rose, a Cambridge-educated scientist with a background in veterinary medicine and probiotic research, recognised a fundamental problem in the gut health industry. While awareness of the microbiome has exploded in recent years, the market offers predominantly one-size-fits-all solutions.

“When I started working with probiotics 15 years ago, no one knew what they were,” Lindsay said. “Awareness is growing so much – everyone is aware of their microbiome now.”

Turning cutting-edge research into personalised solutions

Operating from her laboratory in Tilford, near Farnham, Lindsay developed a platform that links customer health information to the latest probiotic research, creating truly bespoke blends tailored to individual needs. Customers can go on the website and fill out an assessment to create their own blends for their own personal needs.

“If a new study comes out, we can change the algorithm and then everyone is getting that in the mix,” Lindsay explained. “It makes us a lot more flexible – you can respond to the science.”

Funding support helps accelerate growth plans

The business, which launched in 2025, has been a success but has been entirely bootstrapped until now. A grant from the Economic Growth Fund means the business can now expand and respond to market demands.

“We’ve had a lot of interest from nutritionists,” Lindsay said. “We realised there was a need for a health professional service so they can go on the website and make products for their customers. They can design it themselves.”

The grant funding will support laboratory expansion and the development of a portal for health professionals to create evidence-based probiotic blends for their clients.

As a female-founded, science-led business manufacturing in Surrey, GoodBac represents the kind of innovative enterprise that strengthens the local economy. The laboratory expansion will eventually create jobs in advanced manufacturing and support the growing health technology sector in the region.

On receiving the funding, Lindsay said: “I think it is going to be game-changing for the business.”

The Surrey Economic Growth Fund

To date almost £2 million has been awarded to dozens of recipients across the county via the Surrey Economic Growth Fund. This funding has helped to unlock significant match funding and private investment, growing Surrey’s economy by £9 million.

Although the Growth Fund is now closed to new applications, any Surrey business looking for funding or help to grow can receive fully-funded support from Business Surrey. Get in touch to find out more via our Contact us form.

Surrey electronics firm powers growth through digital skills with Made Smarter

Published 11 August 2026

Advice and support, Funding and grants, Innovation, Surrey Success Stories

A Surrey electronics manufacturer is investing in digital leadership and workforce skills to build the foundations for its next phase of growth with support from the Made Smarter programme.

Cranleigh-based Cambertronics, has completed a Digital Transformation Workshop, a Leading Digital Transformation programme and Digital Champions training, helping the business develop a clear roadmap to improve traceability, streamline operations and strengthen digital capability across the organisation.

The starting point

Cambertronics specialises in the design and manufacture of high-tech electronic assemblies. It provides services from prototype development through to full turnkey production for customers across the automotive, marine, agritech, semiconductor test and industrial electronics sectors.

Founded in 1991, the business has built a strong reputation for technical expertise, quality and customer service.
Over the years, it has invested heavily in advanced manufacturing technologies, helping ensure the highest standards of production and reliability. However, many operational activities, including production tracking, quoting, inventory management and customer visibility, were still reliant on manual processes and disconnected systems.

With increasing customer expectations around traceability, responsiveness and supply chain transparency, the business wanted to explore how digital technologies could overcome these historic challenges and enable growth. Simultaneously, Cambertronics recognised that successful digital transformation depends on people, developing the digital leadership capabilities and the culture needed to support future change.

The solution

Cambertronics engaged with Made Smarter South East and completed a Digital Transformation Workshop. The process explored not only where digital tools could deliver most value, but also the skills required to support successful adoption.

Recommendations included barcoding systems to improve traceability, reviewing ERP solutions capable of integrating production, inventory and business data, enhancing customer relationship management processes, and increasing the use of digital tools to automate production tracking and inventory management.

The result was a tailored digital roadmap, providing Cambertronics with a plan for future investment. Jasper Whitefield, Business Development Manager, said: “We’ve invested heavily in advanced manufacturing equipment over the years, but many of our systems, from tracking production to managing inventory, still rely on manual input. We wanted to explore how digital technology could help us improve traceability, streamline processes, and get better visibility across the business.
“The workshop was incredibly valuable. It helped us identify the right areas to prioritise: automated barcoding systems, ERP integration, leadership training, and staff development.”

Jasper also participated in the Made Smarter Leading Digital Transformation programme, helping him strengthen his understanding about how to embed a strategy for change, and his colleague Joe Hildreth, (Production Supervisor), completed the Digital Champions programme, building additional digital capability.

The benefits

Cambertronics has developed a clear roadmap for future improvement and a stronger understanding of the technologies, processes and skills required to achieve its ambitions. The business now has a structured plan to improve operational visibility, strengthen traceability, streamline workflows and build the internal capabilities needed to support continued growth.

Participation in the Leadership and Digital Champions programmes has also helped reinforce the importance of aligning people, processes and technology, creating a strong foundation for future digital investment and organisational development. Jasper said: “Cambertronics is entering an exciting new chapter of growth and innovation. By embracing digital transformation, we are streamlining processes, improving efficiency, and creating opportunities to deliver even greater value to our customers. This investment ensures we can respond faster, offer new services, and maintain the quality and expertise our customers trust, while building a future-ready business.”

The Future

The digital roadmap identified several opportunities for future development which Cambertronics is now exploring, along with opportunities to introduce new technologies helping the business further improve efficiency, quality and customer service.

Support for Surrey businesses

Made Smarter is a government-funded programme to help SME manufacturers and makers boost productivity and increase their competitive edge through the adoption of new industrial technologies and tools. Start your own journey to digitisation – register for a free personalised assessment today.

Looking for support to grow your Surrey business? Get in touch via our Business Support Form.

Lights, camera, innovation: Surrey firm transforms product development thanks to Made Smarter South East

Published 23 July 2026

Funding and grants, Innovation, Surrey Success Stories

Removing barriers to growth

Surrey-based specialist film equipment firm Camera Revolution Limited is taking its final step to becoming a fully integrated design, manufacturing and rental business, thanks to support and investment from Made Smarter. 

The business operates as a specialist film equipment rental business and emerging manufacturer of proprietary camera support systems, motion control equipment and stabilisation rigs. The company supplies equipment to major film and television productions for globally recognised clients such as Netflix, Amazon MGM, Apple and Disney.

Innovation sits at the heart of Camera Revolution’s business model. The firm has invested heavily in developing an in-house engineering capability, creating a dedicated design and development function using SolidWorks and developing innovative products. The company frequently develops bespoke equipment for specific film productions, often with lead times measured in days rather than weeks. Directors and cinematographers regularly require unique solutions for individual scenes or camera movements, creating pressure to design, manufacture and deliver functional equipment within extremely short timescales.

A key challenge for growth has been the company’s reliance on external CNC machining suppliers for prototype production, limiting the speed at which new products and bespoke solutions can be developed, tested and refined.

Additionally, engineers spend valuable time managing supplier relationships, waiting for parts and dealing with external production schedules. This slows innovation and limits the number of projects that can be progressed simultaneously.

The limitation and reliance on external manufacturers has forced the business to decline opportunities or use costly expedited machining services, significantly reducing profitability.

Supporting the right solution

Thanks to the Made Smarter investment and support, Camera Revolution has been able to invest in a new Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) 3D printing system. This has enabled the production of high-quality components in-house, delivering durable, accurate and functionally tested parts within days rather than weeks.

Unlike traditional desktop printing technologies, SLS printing produces industrial-grade components suitable for both rapid prototyping and selected end-use applications.

What will the Made Smarter investment and support mean for the business?

By bringing this additive manufacturing functionality in-house, Camera Revolution has reduced prototype iteration times from between two and four weeks to less than 48 hours. This will allow engineers to test and refine concepts rapidly, significantly shortening product development cycles and accelerating the launch of new products.

Thanks to enabling much faster rounds of product development, and bringing components manufacturing in house, the technology significantly helps accelerate innovation within the business.

By removing reliance on external suppliers for early-stage development work, engineering resources can focus on innovation rather than administration and supplier management. This improves productivity, drives efficiency and supports continued growth of the engineering function.

The film production industry is highly time-sensitive. The ability to design and manufacture bespoke equipment in-house within days gives Camera Revolution a significant competitive advantage, enabling the company to respond more effectively to clients’ requirements and secure opportunities that would previously have been unattainable.

The business estimates that the technology could reduce external prototype machining expenditure by at least £40,000 annually while also improving engineering productivity and reducing lost revenue opportunities. Overall annual savings are forecast to be approximately £130,000, with a payback period of around five months.

Rowan Newbitt, Lead Design Engineer at Camera Revolution said:
“The Made Smarter grant has been a genuine enabler for us. We’ve spent three years building an engineering department from the ground up, and SLS printer is the piece of the puzzle that completes our ability to design, prototype and deliver in-house. For an industry where a client can call on a Tuesday needing something on set by Thursday, that capability isn’t just useful, it’s the difference between winning the job and turning it down.”

The future

This investment is about more than introducing a new piece of equipment. It represents the final step in Camera Revolution’s evolution into a fully integrated design, manufacturing and rental business.

Camera Revolution continues to develop innovative products for the film industry and intends to launch multiple new proprietary product lines and expand product sales globally. The investment has given the business the agility needed to compete at an international level. Faster development cycles, enhanced innovation capabilities and the ability to respond rapidly to customer requirements strengthens the company’s position with world-leading production companies, unlock new commercial opportunities and support future export growth.

Support for Surrey businesses

Made Smarter is a government-funded programme to help SME manufacturers and makers boost productivity and increase their competitive edge through the adoption of new industrial technologies and tools. Start your own journey to digitisation – register for a free personalised assessment today.

Looking for support to grow your Surrey business? Get in touch via our Business Support Form.

Surrey Farming Innovation Accelerator goes live

Published 16 July 2026

Advice and support, Funding and grants, Innovation

Farmers and growers across Surrey can apply for grants of up to £35,000 plus expert support to innovate their offer as part of a £500,000 package to boost the rural economy.

The Surrey Farming Innovation Accelerator is a Surrey County Council initiative. It’s designed to help eligible businesses drive growth, become more profitable and improve efficiency.

It offers 100% direct funding of between £10,000 and £35,000.

The grant requires no match funding. It supports projects designed to modernise operations, improve productivity, diversify and boost long-term resilience.

Participants will also receive expert support to improve their wider business, including specialist consultancy, courses and peer-to-peer learning.

The six-month programme is open to small and medium enterprises in farming, horticulture (including vineyards and hop growers), forestry, beekeeping and equine businesses. It is part-funded by UK Shared Prosperity Funding.

Applications are now being invited until 16 August, 2026. To apply and see full details – including eligibility – visit the Surrey Farming Innovation Accelerator page.

Matt Furniss, Surrey County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Economic Growth, said: “Surrey’s rural economy contributes a huge amount to our communities and wider economy. But the feedback from farmers and growers is that a lack of funding, time and support is holding them back from adopting the technology that could transform how they work.

“The Surrey Farming Innovation Accelerator will give ambitious eligible businesses the tools they need to modernise, diversify and grow. Over time, this will create new jobs and contribute to the ongoing vitality of our villages and towns.

“I encourage anyone who is eligible to apply – and if it proves to be a success, we hope it will provide a model we can build on in the future.”

Applying to the Farming Innovation Accelerator

The programme is open to Surrey-based Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) whose primary activity involves owning, renting or actively managing agricultural or rural land.

Projects must demonstrate how the proposed digital project will deliver measurable improvements. This includes productivity, efficiency, profitability, resilience, sustainability or business growth.

To support your application, we’ve produced:

We advise that all prospective applicants read the above documents before submitting a proposal via the Farming Innovation Accelerator application page.

Support for rural businesses

Agriculture remains a cornerstone of Surrey’s economy. According to a recent University of Surrey report, there are about 500 farms in the county. Together, they contribute around £502 million a year to the local economy. This accounts for 14% of national farming income.

Surrey County Council has provided a range of support to rural business in recent years.

Fourth generation farmer Alec Clouting, of Ivelle Farm in Cranleigh, is one of several rural businesses to benefit from support and funding through a different route. The Surrey Economic Growth Fund helped him to set up a 24/7 meat vending machine at the farm.

He said: “I’m very grateful for the opportunity the Economic Growth Fund has provided me with. And doubled up with the support from the team at Business Surrey, it’s really helped get the project off the ground and build a vision for the future. 

“Farming is a very difficult business to navigate with many layers of complexity. And with the recent added pressures of the farm inheritance tax, it’s becoming harder to make small family farms like ours financially viable.

“Many futures have been thrown into uncertainty. So having a futureproof way of selling my produce as profitably as I can will give me the best chance I could wish for!” 

To apply and find out more, visit the Surrey Farming Innovation Accelerator page.

A man picks strawberry on a farm in Surrey