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 £19 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.

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, where Professor Sir Martin Sweeting pioneered the design and manufacturing of small satellites.

Sir Martin founded the highly influential Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL). This university spin-out helped reshape how satellites are built across the global space sector. It has since earned £1 billion in satellite exports for the UK.

The Surrey Space Institute has been developed under the leadership of renowned astrophysicist and Pro-Vice-Chancellor 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 – 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 £7.2 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 £1 billion spent on research and development.

A key focus for the Surrey Space Institute Institute will be to help the UK grow its ability to run full space missions – 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.

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 £18.9 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 – 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 – bringing together world-class research, industry expertise and skills development – are essential to ensuring the UK space sector continues to thrive and deliver for our economy, our security and our planet.”

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.

It’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:

“Surrey 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 – all of which provides benefits to our people and communities.”

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

“IncuHive is delighted to bring this initiative to life. We’ve seen first-hand how the right support, delivered at the right time, can completely change the trajectory of a business.

“We’re not just helping people start businesses. We’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 Surrey’s start-ups.”

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

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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 £660 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 – including Guildford MP Zöe Franklin – 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 Park’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 Park’s new self-guided, AI-enabled and interactive Augmented Reality tour.

The celebrations also provided students from the University’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:

“I think everyone really felt the vibe of a strong community that’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, it’s been a fantastic event.”

About Surrey Research Park

Surrey Research Park offers versatile office space in a vibrant innovative community. It helps meet the needs of pioneering tech and research-led companies – from solopreneurs and entrepreneurs, ambitious startups and microbusinesses to SMEs, large companies, multinationals and primes.

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

Access to top-tier talent, expert collaborations, and world-class facilities 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 connectivity 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 Britain’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 people’s pockets as part of the plan for change.

“This is how we power Britain’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 Government’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 Strategy’s plan of action includes:

Unlocking billions in finance for innovative business, especially for SMEs. Increasing British Business Bank financial capacity to £25.6 billion, crowding in tens of billions of pounds more in private capital. Additional £4bn for Industrial Strategy Sectors.
Upskilling the nation with an extra £1.2 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 £22.6bn per year by 2029-30 to drive innovation across the IS-8. Allocated more than £2bn for AI and £2.8bn 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 UK’s city regions and clusters by increasing the supply of investible sites through a new £600m Strategic Sites Accelerator.

Industrial Strategy – sector focus

The plan focuses on 8 sectors where the UK is already strong and there’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 £4.3 billion in funding, including up to £2.8 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 £1 billion.
Creative Industries – Maximizing the value of our Creative Industries through a £380 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 £2 billion allocated to drive the AI Action Plan. £187 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 world’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:

strategic partnerships, such as the Civic Agreement for Surrey with Surrey’s three leading universities,
fostering sectoral clusters, such as the Surrey Cyber Security Cluster,
delivering operational services, such as the Business Surrey Growth Hub, Surrey Careers Hub, and the Made Smarter Adoption programme for the south east

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 £1 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 £1 billion to the cutting-edge scientific campus in Surrey. When complete, the Animal and Plant Health Agency centre in Addlestone will serve as the UK’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 – and we’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 £16 billion per year to the UK economy.

The funding will now enhance the country’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 UK’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.

APHA’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.”

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 aren’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:

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 today’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 industries—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 you’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 East’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.

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 – with human oversight – 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 leveraging 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.

Free use image of computer particulates demonstrating AI use

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 UK’s creative and cultural industries are worth £125 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 workers’ 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 Apple’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, UCA’s Pro Vice-Chancellor Academic Partnerships & Industry Engagement, explained:

“The 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.”

Speakers included:

Samantha Perahia, Head of Production from British Film Commission,
Sara Whybrew Director of Skills at British Film Institute,
Stephen Hancock, Executive Director, Apple’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

UCA’s President & Vice-Chancellor, Professor Jane Roscoe, reiterated:

“UCA is in a great position to facilitate the important discussions we must now have to futureproof 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.”

If you’d like to join UCA’s Creative and Cultural Industries Leaders Network please email Helen Witt.

Surrey and the Creative Industries

Surrey’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

GDLX25 indie games expo comes to Surrey

Published 7 April 2025

Events and awards, Innovation

GDLX25, a leading games expo showcasing the best indie talent in the UK, is coming to Surrey for the first time.

More than 600 people attend the annual event run by Game Dev Local. It’s normally held in east London but was at risk of being cancelled after the venue fell through.

The University for the Creative Arts (UCA) came to the rescue, hosting the fourth edition of GDLX at its Farnham campus this weekend (April 12, 2025)

Stuart De Ville, CEO of GDL, contacted UCA to ask if anything could be done to help. The team at the university then stepped in.

Andy Bossom, UCA’s Industry Engagement Lead for the School of Games and Creative Technology said:

“UCA prides itself on its can-do attitude – we are agile and were able to step in at the last minute, to become the host partner institution.

“It’s important for us to support the indie developer community, as many of UCA’s games graduates aspire to work on unique indie games after graduation. The last couple of years has been tough for the games industry, in terms of studio closures and the pausing of other key UK games events.”

Stuart De Ville, CEO of GDL, said:

“The support from UCA has been nothing short of amazing. When we faced the unexpected challenge of losing our venue, it stepped up to ensure GDLX25 could still happen.

“Events like this are vital to the indie games industry, providing a space for developers to showcase their work, connect with industry professionals, and build a stronger community. Thanks to UCA, we can continue that mission and bring together some of the brightest talent in indie games this year.”

What is GDLX25?

GDLX25 is an indie games expo for indie game developers and enthusiasts.

GDLX25 is taking place Saturday 12 April, from 12pm to 7pm at the University for the Creative Arts in Farnham, Surrey.

With more than 50 independent games companies and around 600 attendees, it will showcase the brightest talent in the industry.

There will be industry talks, networking opportunities, and a careers stage led by experts on a wide range of topics, including game design, programming, art, and sound.

UCA can also announce, GAIN – Games and Innovation Nexus – will be the main sponsor of the event. GAIN is a partnership between UCA, the University of Surrey, and the University of Warwick supporting the wider gaming industry.

For more information, directions, and tickets visit www.uca.ac.uk/gdlx25.

Games and Surrey

Surrey’s video game industry is one of the largest and most vibrant in the UK. It has over 85 studios and is often called the ‘Hollywood of Gaming’.

Surrey has seen many world-first innovations in this growing sector. In total it generates more than £3 billion a year for the UK GDP and employs almost 50,000 people.

The region is home to a diverse array of studios, from small independent teams to large companies.

We’ve worked closely with UCA and the University of Surrey on the GAIN programme. This aims to strengthen links and develop infrastructure between gaming businesses in Surrey.

If you’re looking for additional support to grow, get in touch via our business support form.

Games development software is on a desktop screen, being looked at by two people.

Three people holding microphones are sat on stage at a conference, with a green background behind them

Digital changes coming for Surrey businesses

Published 13 March 2025

Advice and support, Innovation

Digital changes are coming for Surrey businesses of all sizes, which may impact how customers and suppliers contact, pay and invoice you.

In less than two years, all analogue landlines in the UK will be switched off. This could impact how customers contact your Surrey business and how they pay for your services.

Government is also considering the roll out of e-invoicing, which could improve productivity and automate business processes.

Below we set out how and when these changes are coming into force. And why your Surrey business should start thinking about futureproofing your business today.

Digital changes: phone lines

Landlines in the UK are going digital – but is your business ready?

The existing analogue technology – the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) – which has supported phone and broadband services for decades is being retired and switched off. This is because the network is old, and becoming harder and more expensive to maintain.

So by early 2027, all landline calls will be delivered over digital technology, called Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP). You might also see this referred to as ‘digital phone’ or ‘digital voice’.

This is not happening only in the UK. These changes are taking place all over the world.

Business benefits of digital phone lines

Trade magazine ISPreview estimates one in five (22%) of all UK businesses are still using analogue systems.

New digital phone lines will allow communications providers (such as BT, Virgin Media O2, Sky and Vodafone) to offer consumers and businesses clearer and better quality phone calls. There could also be new features such as anonymous caller rejection or three-way calling.

VoIP is also more resistant to severe weather. The cables used are waterproof and less prone to damage during a storm or other severe weather events.

Landlines may also be used for alternative devices such as lift alarms, fax machines, burglar alarms and card payment systems.

BT has taken the decision to retire its PSTN by January 2027. This means other providers that use BT’s network must follow the same timescale – so, at most, Surrey businesses have 18 months to move over to a new digital network.

Communications providers will not know which devices are connected to their network. So it is important for you to review which devices you’re using and decide if they need replacing or upgrading.

Then contact your current communications provider to discuss alternatives.

To help, Ofcom has published a list of FAQs and prompts. Openreach has also published factsheets for businesses who use phone lines to deliver services. This will help you understand how the move to VoIP services may affect you.

Digital changes: Electronic invoicing

Would electronic invoicing help your Surrey business? Government is seeking views on standardising and increasing its adoption across UK businesses.

E-invoicing is the digital exchange of invoice information directly between buyers’ and suppliers’ financial systems, even if these systems are different. The invoice is then automatically written into the buyer’s financial system without manual processing.

Increased e-invoicing uptake may support economic growth, business productivity, improve business cashflow and reduce errors in tax returns. It has the potential to both support businesses and tax administration.

HMRC and the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) are currently running a joint consultation to understand how e-invoicing may align with you or your customers’ businesses.

Businesses of all sizes – whether they use e-invoicing or not – are encouraged to take part, along with interest groups, representative bodies, industry bodies and individuals.

Responses will take a few minutes to complete via this online form.

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