Events roundup – February 2026

Surrey businesses, exciting things are coming! Our fully funded programme of high‑impact events is now underway. Dive into expert-led sessions on marketing or start‑up success and a dedicated sales half‑day workshop – all free to attend, with no cost to you.

Start-up overview

Kickstart your self-employment journey with our interactive Start-up overview workshop.
In just one hour, you’ll gain valuable insights into the realities of working for yourself, assess your personal and business readiness, and leave empowered to decide if self-employment is right for you.

20 February | 11:00 am – 12:00 pm | online | fully funded

Your Start-up journey begins here

The Marketing Lab series

Build, automate & accelerate

Boost your marketing skills with the last in the series of three fully funded online workshops. Together they form a series, if you have missed out on attending our previous sessions, join us for the final session and hear about how to expand your reach and engagement by using smart digital strategies. If you can’t make it, then why not visit our resources page to access our our expert marketing toolkit to help you develop a bespoke plan to achieve your business goals

5 March 2026 | 11:30 am – 12:00 pm | online | fully funded

Discover CRM tools, workflow design, and automation for sustainable growth.

There’s no limit on the number of attendees, just be sure to register early!

Hear from Dan Chidley, our trusted coach helping people, organisations, communities and good causes through coaching, mentoring, personal and professional development. Accredited Member of the Association for Coaching. Director level marketing and communications professional with 20 years’ experience: in-house, agency and consultancy. Chartered Marketer and Member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing.

Accelerate your growth & win more customers

19 March 2026, 8.30am – 12.30 noon 

Join us for a dynamic and practical fully funded workshop designed to help small and medium-sized businesses unlock sustainable growth and attract more customers. Whether you’re looking to sharpen your sales strategy or build stronger customer relationships, this session will give you the tools to succeed. ​

Interested in joining us for this packed day of useful tips and advice?

19 March 2026 | 08:30 am – 12:30 pm | Double Tree by Hilton, Woking | fully funded

Learn how to level up this February and register early to secure your place!

With over 25 years of experience supporting more than 400 scale-up businesses in Surrey and advising FTSE 100 companies, Roya Croudace, Commercial Director, Founder, and Non-Executive Director brings a wealth of knowledge in accelerating growth for SMEs. Her workshops are known for delivering practical, results-driven strategies that help businesses boost revenue, attract and retain customers, and build long-term success.

Submit your own event

Don’t forget, our events directory is a great way to promote your own business events to a wider audience. If your organisation is hosting or sponsoring a business event in Surrey, you can submit it for inclusion in the directory by completing this simple form.

Free support for Surrey SMEs

All events are fully funded for Surrey businesses and delivered by Business Surrey, a Surrey County Council service offering expert advice to help Surrey businesses thrive. More fully funded sessions coming soon – check our events page for details, and follow us on LinkedIn to keep up to date event for you here

Our experts are on hand to provide tailored advice to help your SME grow and succeed. Get in touch with a member of the team via our business support form.

And make sure you always hear about upcoming events by registering for our regular e-newsletter.

Lesh: maternity brand borne out of sleepless nights looks ahead to a bright future

Kat Fellows launched Lesh, a leak-proof nursing bra brand, from her Epsom home in August 2024. Now, with match funding from Surrey County Council’s Economic Growth Fund, she’s scaling the business and plans to hire local mothers as her team grows.

Before becoming an entrepreneur, Kat worked as a director in beauty marketing. “I got pregnant during Covid, not knowing what to expect when I returned to work,” she said. “As time went on, it became clear this corporate life wouldn’t mesh with being a mother.”

She decided to start a business solving a problem she’d experienced firsthand as a breastfeeding mother.

“The second my son latched on, it was amazing – I had this incredible experience,” Kat said. “I loved breastfeeding, but the only thing I didn’t love was that I leaked constantly.”

She cycled through countless disposable and reusable breast pads, and said: “They would move around, and I’d still wake up soaked, lying in a puddle of milk. Sleep is sacred when you have young children. Plus, the disposable ones are so wasteful.”

When she searched for alternatives, nothing met her needs. “Most products had clearly not been live-tested on a mum with oversupply like myself,” she said. I thought, “If no one is doing it the right way, I’m going to do it.”

Live-testing early Lesh prototypes

Kat spent a year and a half developing and testing prototypes during her second breastfeeding journey. “I never had to buy a disposable pad,” she said. “It took that long until I had something I was comfortable launching.”

Since launching in August 2024, Lesh has gained momentum, and the Economic Growth Fund will help propel it further.

“This grant will allow me to drive brand awareness and grow the business to a place where I can pitch for additional funding to become an internationally recognised brand in the maternity space,” Kat said.

Looking ahead, Kat envisions building a team of local mothers. “The first hire I needed was for social media – I’ve been using an agency, but I’d like that work to go to a local mum. I want to employ mothers who need that extra income. Eventually, I want to convert the garage into an office and warehouse, with local mums supporting customer service, order fulfilment, packaging, and returns.”

Evidently, big plans lie ahead for this innovative Surrey business.

More about the Surrey Economic Growth Fund

To date almost £2 million has been awarded to dozens of recipients 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.

Any Surrey business looking for funding or help to grow can receive fully-funded support from Business Surrey. Get in touch via our Contact us form.

Unlock new opportunities: Join our fully funded business events

Surrey businesses, get ready! We’re rolling out a series of high‑impact, fully funded events to help you innovate and grow. Dive into expert-led sessions on marketing and start‑up success and more – all free to attend, with no cost to you.

Start-up overview

Kickstart your self-employment journey with our interactive Start-Up Overview workshop.
In just one hour, you’ll gain valuable insights into the realities of working for yourself, assess your personal and business readiness, and leave empowered to decide if self-employment is right for you.

23 January | 11:00 am – 12:00 pm | online | fully funded

Your Start-up journey begins here

20 February | 11:00 am – 12:00 pm | online | fully funded

Your Start-up journey begins here

The Marketing Lab series

Boost your marketing skills with our series of fully funded online workshops. Together they form a series, but there’s no obligation to attend all three; just choose the subjects that are most relevant to your own business. Or come along to all three and really reap the benefits!

1. Communicate with confidence

22 January 2026 | 11:30 am – 12:00 pm | online

Learn how to define and express your brand with clarity and impact.

There’s no limit to the number of attendees, just be sure to register early!

2. Build your digital growth engine

12 February 2026 | 11:30 am – 12:00 pm | online

Explore smart digital strategies to expand reach and engagement.

There’s no limit on the number of attendees, just be sure to register early!

3. Build, automate & accelerate

5 March 2026 | 11:30 am – 12:00 pm | online

Discover CRM tools, workflow design, and automation for sustainable growth.

There’s no limit on the number of attendees, just be sure to register early!

Hear from Dan Chidley, our trusted coach helping people, organisations, communities and good causes through coaching, mentoring, personal and professional development. Accredited Member of the Association for Coaching. Director level marketing and communications professional with 20 years’ experience: in-house, agency and consultancy. Chartered Marketer and Member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing.

More fully funded sessions coming soon – check our events page for details, and follow us on LinkedIn to keep up to date.

All events are fully funded for Surrey businesses and delivered by Business Surrey, a Surrey County Council service offering expert advice to help Surrey businesses thrive. Find the right event for you here
Need tailored support? Contact us via the Business Support form
Want the latest updates? Sign up for our newsletter

Level up your business: Upcoming events to inspire and empower

Surrey businesses – we’ve got an exciting line-up of fully funded events designed to help you grow, innovate, and stay ahead. From practical Net Zero guidance to marketing strategies and start-up support, these sessions are packed with value and completely free to attend because we are fully funding them for you. 

Start your Net Zero journey

Decarbonisation is a strategic priority for UK businesses – and SMEs are part of the supply chain. This practical session will help you take the first steps toward reducing emissions.

11 December 2025 | Time: 2:00 pm – 2:45 pm | online | fully funded

You’ll learn to:

  • Calculate your carbon footprint
  • Create an action plan to cut emissions
  • Draft a credible carbon reduction policy

Hear from our expert, Shelley Lawson who brings practical advice borne of tangible experience. Shelley has helped businesses deliver carbon reductions whilst tackling their biggest issues, and strengthening the bottom line.

Register here: Your NetZero journey starts here

Start-up overview

Kickstart your self-employment journey with our interactive Start-Up Overview workshop.
In just one hour, you’ll gain valuable insights into the realities of working for yourself, assess your personal and business readiness, and leave empowered to decide if self-employment is right for you.

18 December | 11:00 am – 12:00 pm | online | fully funded

Register here: Your Start-up journey begins here

Become a go-to supplier for the public sector

Want to align with local authority programmes to thrive and grow? Learn more about the public sector supply chain and discover how to unlock local opportunities in facilities management.

Date: 20 January 2026
Time: 8:30 am – 12:00 pm
Location: Woodhatch Place, Reigate | fully funded | free parking

Why attend?

  • Hear from Macro Group, Surrey County Council’s facilities management delivery partner
  • Explore funding and support
  • Network with peers and partners

Find out more about working with the public sector by registering here

Future events 2026

The Marketing Lab series

Boost your marketing skills with our series of fully funded online workshops. Together they form a series, but there’s no obligation to attend all three; just choose the subjects that are most relevant to your own business. Or come along to all three and really reap the benefits!

1. Communicate with confidence

22 January 2026 | 11:30 am – 12:00 pm | online

Learn how to define and express your brand with clarity and impact.

There’s no limit to the number of attendees, just be sure to register early!

2. Build Your digital growth engine

12 February 2026 | 11:30 am – 12:00 pm | online

Explore smart digital strategies to expand reach and engagement.

There’s no limit on the number of attendees, just be sure to just be sure to register early!

3. Build, automate & accelerate

5 March 2026 | 11:30 am – 12:00 pm | online

Discover CRM tools, workflow design, and automation for sustainable growth.

There’s no limit on the number of attendees, just be sure to register early!

Hear from Dan Chidley, our trusted coach helping people, organisations, communities and good causes through coaching, mentoring, personal and professional development. Accredited Member of the Association for Coaching. Director level marketing and communications professional with 20 years’ experience: in-house, agency and consultancy. Chartered Marketer and Member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing.

More fully funded sessions coming soon – check our events page for details, and follow us on LinkedIn to keep up to date.

All events are fully funded for Surrey businesses and delivered by Business Surrey, a Surrey County Council service offering expert advice to help Surrey businesses thrive. Find the right event for you here
Need tailored support? Contact us via the Business Support form
Want the latest updates? Sign up for our newsletter

Upcoming Business Surrey events: learn, connect, grow

Business Surrey is here to help local businesses thrive with fully funded webinars, workshops, and networking opportunities. Whether you’re starting out, scaling up, or looking to future-proof your business, these events are designed for you.

Meet Trading Standards: Stay compliant and confident

Running a business means navigating complex regulations. Join our expert-led webinar to understand the role of Trading Standards and how to avoid common compliance pitfalls.

Date: 2 December 2025 Time: 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm Online | Fully funded

Highlights:

  • Key legislation every business should know
  • Introduction to the EASY 123 scheme
  • Live Q&A with Trading Standards expert Phil LeShirley

Who should attend? Business owners, managers, and anyone responsible for compliance or product safety.

Register here.

Start-up Surrey online workshop – Funding options

Join us for a hands-on workshop designed to help growing businesses navigate the funding landscape.

Discover the full range of funding options available to early-stage and scaling businesses, with a special focus on grants and private equity.

Our expert speaker, Mark Taylor from Grant Hero, brings extensive experience in securing innovation funding, including successful bids with Innovate UK. Mark has helped more than 20 businesses access grants and accelerate growth.

In this session, we’ll cover:

  • How different funding routes work
  • What funders are looking for
  • How to choose the right approach for your stage and ambitions

You’ll also gain practical insights into crafting a compelling fundraising narrative, so you leave with a clear understanding of the funding landscape and the confidence to take your next steps.

Register to hear from our experts on grant and investment options.

Start your Net Zero journey

Decarbonisation is a strategic priority for UK businesses – and SMEs are part of the supply chain. This practical session will help you take the first steps toward reducing emissions.

Date: 11 December 2025 Time: 2:00 pm – 2:45 pm Online | Fully funded

You’ll learn to:

  • Calculate your carbon footprint
  • Create an action plan to cut emissions
  • Draft a credible carbon reduction policy

Hear from our expert, Shelley Lawson who brings practical advice borne of tangible experience. Shelley has helped businesses deliver carbon reductions whilst tackling their biggest issues, and strengthening the bottom line.

Register here.

Start-up overview

Kickstart your self-employment journey with our interactive Start-Up Overview workshop.
In just one hour, you’ll gain valuable insights into the realities of working for yourself, assess your personal and business readiness, and leave empowered to decide if self-employment is right for you.

17 December | 11:00 am – 12:00 pm | Online

Register here.

Become a go-to supplier for the public sector

Want to align with local authority programmes to thrive and grow? Learn more about the public sector supply chain and discover how to unlock local opportunities in facilities management.

Date: 20 January 2026
Time: 8:30 am – 12:00 pm
Location: Woodhatch Place, Reigate | Fully funded | Free parking

Why attend?

  • Hear from Macro Group, SCC’s FM delivery partner
  • Explore funding and support
  • Network with peers and partners

Register here.

Future events 2026

The Marketing Lab series

Boost your marketing skills with our fully funded online workshops:

1. Communicate with confidence

22 January 2026 | 11:30 am – 12:00 pm

Learn how to define and express your brand with clarity and impact.

2. Build Your digital growth engine

12 February 2026 | 11:30 am – 12:00 pm

Explore smart digital strategies to expand reach and engagement.

3. Build, automate & accelerate

5 March 2026 | 11:30 am – 12:00 pm

Discover CRM tools, workflow design, and automation for sustainable growth.

Hear from Dan Chidley, our trusted coach helping people, organisations, communities and good causes through coaching, mentoring, personal and professional development. Accredited Member of the Association for Coaching. Director level marketing and communications professional with 20 years’ experience: in-house, agency and consultancy. Chartered Marketer and Member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing.

More fully funded sessions coming soon – check our events page for details, and follow us on LinkedIn to keep up to date.

All events are fully funded for Surrey businesses and delivered by Business Surrey, a Surrey County Council service offering expert advice to help Surrey businesses thrive. Find the right event for you here.
Need tailored support? Contact us via the Business Support form
Want the latest updates? Sign up for our newsletter

The Event Edit

Business Surrey is excited to bring you a vibrant line-up of fully funded events this season – all designed to help your business thrive.

Whether you’re looking to boost your sales strategy, enhance team wellbeing, or stay on top of compliance, our events offer expert-led insights and practical support to help you succeed.

Workforce Wellbeing: Ensuring your team are fit for life and work

Support staff wellbeing to boost your business.

Reduce absenteeism and increase productivity with healthier, more energised employees
Attract and retain top talent by prioritising workplace wellbeing
Improve morale and engagement through visible investment in staff welfare

Join our expert panel to explore practical tools and frameworks, including:

How Are You? – a wellbeing framework for your organisation
Workplace Travel Plan – step-by-step guidance to promote sustainable commuting
WorkWell – fully funded one-to-one coaching for Surrey-based staff to help them thrive

Date 21 October 2025 | 12:00pm-1:00pm Online | Fully funded

Register here

Accelerate your growth & win more customers

Join us for a high-impact, in-person workshop led by business growth expert Roya Croudace.

You’ll learn how to:

Understand your market and customer needs
Craft a compelling value proposition
Build customer loyalty
Master closing techniques and negotiation
Ideal for Surrey-based SMEs looking to scale up and sharpen their sales approach.

Royal Holloway, University of London | Thursday 26 November 2025 | 9:30am – 12:00pm | In person | Fully funded

Register here

Meet Trading Standards: business surgery

Following strong demand, our Trading Standards team is back for another interactive Q&A session. This isn’t a webinar – it’s a chance to speak directly with experts, ask questions, and get tailored advice on compliance, product safety, and more.

Hosted by Phil from Surrey Trading Standards and the Business Surrey team.

Tuesday 2nd December 2025 | 12:00pm-1:00pm Online (Interactive Format) | Fully funded

Register here

Start-Up Overview

Kickstart your self-employment journey with our interactive Start-Up Overview workshop.

In just one hour, you’ll gain valuable insights into the realities of working for yourself, assess your personal and business readiness, and leave empowered to decide if self-employment is right for you.

This virtual session is offered regularly by the expert team at IncuHive. The course is fully-funded by UK Government as part of Growth Hub funding to Surrey County Council.

Wednesday 22nd October 2025 | 11:00pm-12:00pm Online (Interactive Format) | Fully funded Register here

Wednesday 19th November 2025 | 11:00pm-12:00pm Online (Interactive Format) | Fully funded Register here

Stay Connected

All events are part of Business Surrey’s mission to help local businesses thrive. Find the right event for you here.
Need tailored support? Contact us via the Business Support form
Want the latest updates? Sign up for our newsletter

People looking interested while meeting other business people at an event. Business Surrey events.