Tag: Startups

Events roundup – July 2026

Published 10 June 2026

Events and awards

Navigating the world of grant funding can often feel overwhelming for small business owners. With so many opportunities available – and just as many application requirements – knowing where to begin is often the hardest part. That’s why we’re making funding simple.

Join us for an informative and practical online webinar at the end of June, where our experts will guide you through the essentials of grant funding – from identifying the right opportunities to crafting strong, compelling applications that stand out. Whether you’re at the early stages of your business journey or looking to grow, this session will help you build confidence and take your next step with clarity.

But that’s just the beginning. Our Business Surrey fully funded events, along with our partner events continue with a range of expert-led sessions designed to help you sharpen your skills, focus your strategy, and grow sustainably. From understanding your ideal customer to identifying the right sales opportunities and exploring Surrey’s Local Area Energy Plan, these sessions connect you to practical insights you can apply straight away.

If you’re ready to learn, grow, and make smarter business decisions, these upcoming events are the perfect place to start.

Funding made simple: Grant applications for small business success

30 June 2026 | 11:30 am – 12:30 pm | Online

Thinking about applying for grant funding but not sure where to start? Join us to hear from our experts at our funding webinar.

Find out more about how to register for the event here.

30 June 2026 | 11:30 am – 12:30 pm | Online

Starting a business? Profiling your ideal customer

7 July 2026 | 11:00 am – 12:00 am | Online

Business Academy’s live events and on-demand videos connect you with expert support and help you master new skills for your business.

Delve into the steps you need to consider when looking for and targeting your ideal customer. Taking into account demographic, location, marketing method and client need you will be sure to have all of the relevant tools you need to start building a profiling you ideal customer base.

Find out more about the day here.

7 July 2026 | 10:00 am – 11:00 am | Online

Sales Lab webinar: Finding the right opportunities

15 July 2026 | 11:30 am – 12:00 pm |Online

Many small businesses are busy, but not always with the right opportunities. This webinar helps business owners step back, sharpen their focus, and direct time and energy towards clients most likely to convert and grow.

Designed for SMEs who feel stretched, reactive, or stuck chasing the wrong leads, it offers a practical framework for prioritising sales effort and aligning it with real business goals.

Find out more about how to register for the event here.

15 July 2026 | 11:30 am – 12:00 pm | Online

Surrey’s Local Area Energy Plan (LAEP) launch event

Surrey is launching its first Local Area Energy Plan (LAEP) – a major new initiative designed to tackle rising pressure on the county’s energy network and prepare for a future powered by cleaner, more affordable energy.

The LAEP will provide a clear, evidence‑based roadmap for upgrading Surrey’s energy infrastructure, helping the county stay ahead of growing demand from new homes, electric vehicles, and low‑carbon heating.

Join our energy webinar to help your organisation understand how to contribute to and benefit from Surrey’s Local Area Energy Plan (LAEP).

Find out more about how to register for the event here.

21 July 2026 | 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm | Online

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 are coming soon – visit our events page for the latest information, or explore our resources page for details of upcoming Business Surrey events, our range of toolkits and our webinar library. Follow us on LinkedIn to keep up to date on the latest news and success stories!

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.

Events roundup – June 2026

Published 18 May 2026

Events and awards

June brings a strong programme of fully funded Business Surrey events, alongside expert-led partner sessions, all designed to help Surrey businesses build knowledge, confidence and momentum. From the emerging world of AI-driven search to practical sales and marketing support, plus a specialist led webinar on how to apply for funding, these sessions focus on the real challenges and opportunities facing businesses today.

This month’s line-up includes a Digital Skills webinar on Generative Engine Optimisation (GEO), helping you understand how to get your business found in AI search, alongside a Sales Lab session offering a practical, confidence-building approach to selling for small businesses. You can also join the Business Academy for an SEO webinar to learn how to drive more traffic and increase visibility, and take part in the Marketing Lab session focused on boosting your digital presence and reaching the right audience.

Alongside these, there are opportunities to strengthen your business foundations with security awareness training, helping you protect against cyber threats, and a finance workshop designed to demystify key financial terminology and requirements when starting or growing a business. Together, these online sessions provide practical insight, expert guidance and valuable opportunities to connect – helping you grow sustainably and stay competitive in a fast-changing landscape.

Digital Skills – GEO: Get found in AI search

4 June 2026 | 10:00 am – 11:00 am | Online

Business Academy’s live events and on-demand videos connect you with expert support and help you master new skills for your business.

Generative Engine Optimisation (GEO) is the emerging discipline that helps businesses adapt to this shift, ensuring your brand is visible, cited, and recommended in AI-generated answers rather than left behind.

This webinar explores what GEO is, why it matters, and what practical steps you can take right now to optimise your digital presence for AI-driven search. 

It will be a great opportunity to hear about the various funding and scaleup support initiatives in train, as well as offer excellent opportunities to network with peers.

Find out more about the day here.

4 June 2026 | 10:00 am – 11:00 am | Online

Sales Lab webinar: Sales for small businesses – a practical approach

10 June 2026 | 11:30 am – 12:00 pm | Online

Join Business Surrey for this practical, confidence-building webinar is designed for small businesses that want to grow without becoming something they’re not.

You’ll leave with a simple, practical sales cycle map you can adapt to your own business, helping you spot gaps, build consistency, and sell with confidence and integrity.

Find out more about how to register for the event here.

10 June 2026 | 11:30 am – 12:00 pm | Online

Digital Skills – Driving traffic with Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)

12 June 2026 | 2.00pm – 3.00pm | Online

Maximising SEO is crucial to improving your online brand awareness. Join the Business Academy and find out how to make your website more visible and increase sales.

Search engine optimisation needn’t be a mystery to exporters – the main methodologies that drive rankings, traffic and enquiries are well established but there are some nuances to consider. This is especially the case with Google updating its algorithm more frequently. With over 8.5 billion searches per day on Google alone, reliance on search is still increasing across all sectors.

Find out more about how to register for the event here.

12 June 2026 | 2.00pm – 3.00pm | Online

Security Awareness Training for Small Businesses

17 June 2026 | 10:00am – 12.00pm |Online

Cyber Resilience Centre – Additional places available for fully funded staff Security Awareness Training

Ensure your staff are fully aware of current and emerging cyber threats

Based on the National Cyber Security Centre’s guidance, Security Awareness Training for Small Businesses provides employees with a basic yet effective understanding of their cyber environment and the confidence to recognise and report potential security issues.

Register here to secure your place!

17 June 2026 | 10:00am – 12.00pm | Online

Starting a Business? Making sense of financial jargon

23 June 2026 | 11:am – 12:00pm | Online

Learn how to manage business finances, meet legal requirements, and choose the right legal structure with confidence.

This workshop will demystify keeping financial records as you start and grow your business, by introducing you to the terminology that you need to know when reporting to HMRC and Companies House.

Register here to secure your place.

23 June 2026 | 11:am – 12:00pm | Online

Marketing Lab Series: Digital visibility – Get seen by the right audience

24 June 2026 | 1:00pm – 1:30pm | online

Increase your online presence and make it easier for your audience to find you. This session focuses on practical ways to boost your digital visibility, strengthen your brand presence, and stand out in a crowded marketplace. 

Register here to secure your place!

24 June 2026 | 1:00am – 1:30 pm | online

Funding made simple: Grant applications for small business success

30 June 2026 | 11:30pm – 12:30pm | online

This practical webinar will help you build the confidence and knowledge to approach grant applications effectively. Drawing on insights from funding programmes delivered in 2025, we’ve seen first-hand that many businesses struggle to combine clear data, compelling storytelling, and measurable impact – all essential ingredients for success. Join us for a practical, insight-led session designed to help you take the next step in securing funding for your business

Register here to secure your place!

30 June 2026 | 11:30am – 12:30 pm | online

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 are coming soon – visit our events page for the latest information, or explore our resources page for details of upcoming Business Surrey events, our range of toolkits and our webinar library. Follow us on LinkedIn to keep up to date on the latest news and success stories!

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.

Events roundup – April 2026

Published 9 April 2026

Events and awards

April brings a strong mix of fully funded Business Surrey events alongside high‑quality partner sessions designed to support Surrey businesses at every stage of growth. Together with trusted regional and national partners, we’re delivering practical, expert‑led events that focus on the skills, insight and connections businesses need right now.

From marketing and sales planning to funding, scale‑up support, networking and cybersecurity, these bite‑sized sessions and in‑person events offer relevant, actionable learning and valuable opportunities to connect with the wider business community. Many sessions are free to attend and designed to fit around busy schedules, helping Surrey businesses plan with confidence, reach customers more effectively and build resilience for the future.

ScaleUp Britain Surrey

16 April 2026 | 12:00pm – 5.00pm | In person

The ScaleUp Institute with the London Stock Exchange, the University of Surrey and our key partners, are hosting a ScaleUp Britain event.

This will be open to all scaling businesses as well as ecosystem players supporting these businesses.

The event will delve into the funding landscape and options to raise capital in 2026 and beyond; providing insights on new initiatives to tap into private capital and access a broader and deeper investor pool, including institutional capital in an easier, simpler way whilst remaining private, while one’s company grows.

It will be a great opportunity to hear about the various funding and scaleup support initiatives in train, as well as offer excellent opportunities to network with peers.

Find out more about the day here.

16 April 2026 | 12:00pm – 5.00pm | In person

Source in Surrey Roadshow – Epsom

23 April 2026 | 8:300pm – 10.00pm | In person

Join the Surrey Chambers for the Source in Surrey roadshow in Epsom – a new series of free, local events designed to help businesses grow.

Hosted at Epsom Downs Racecourse, Epsom, this morning session will introduce our new AI-powered business matchmaking tool, share practical insights from our guest speaker, and create valuable opportunities to connect with other local businesses.

Find out more about how to register for the event here.

23 April 2026 | 8:300pm – 10.00pm | In person

Source in Surrey Roadshow- Elmbridge

28 April 2026 | 8:300pm – 10.00pm | In person

Join the Surrey Chambers for the Source in Surrey roadshow in Elmbridge – a new series of free, local events designed to help businesses grow.

Hosted at Brooklands Museum, Weybridge, this morning session will introduce our new AI-powered business matchmaking tool, share practical insights from our guest speaker, and create valuable opportunities to connect with other local businesses.

Find out more about how to register for the event here.

28 April 2026 | 8:300pm – 10.00pm | In person

Marketing Lab Series: Marketing schedule – plan with purpose

30 April 2026 | 1:00pm – 1.30pm | online | fully-funded

Join Business Surrey experts setting the foundation for effective marketing with a clear, structured schedule. In this session, we’ll help you map out your activity, align your efforts with business goals, and create a realistic plan you can stick to.

What you’ll cover:

  • Turning goals into actionable marketing activity
  • Planning campaigns across the year
  • Building a schedule that works for your time and resources
  • Staying consistent without feeling overwhelmed

Register here to secure your place!

30 April 2026 | 1:00pm – 1:30 pm | online | fully funded

Marketing Lab Series: Content & communications plan – connect with impact

19 May 2026 | 11:30pm – 12:00 pm | online | fully funded

Bring your marketing to life with content that resonates with our Business Surrey experts. This session focuses on creating a strong content and communications plan that helps you engage your audience and deliver the right message at the right time.

What you’ll cover:

  • Defining your key messages and tone of voice
  • Choosing the right content for your audience
  • Planning and organising your content effectively
  • Creating consistent, engaging communications across channels

Register here to secure your place!

19 May 2026 | 11:30pm – 12:00 pm | online | fully funded

Security awareness training for small businesses

Various dates and times | online | fully funded

Cyber Resilience Centre – Additional places available for fully funded staff security awareness training

Ensure your staff are fully aware of current and emerging cyber threats

Based on the National Cyber Security Centre’s guidance, security awareness training for small businesses provides employees with a basic yet effective understanding of their cyber environment and the confidence to recognise and report potential security issues.

Employees are the first layer of cyber defence in any business, so it’s essential to ensure they can spot common cyber security issues or risks. The training is aimed at those with little or no technical knowledge and delivered in small, succinct modules supported by real-world examples relevant to the business’s context.

The National Cyber Security Centre has issued an alert advising businesses take action so please select which date suits you and your team and reserve your place.

Various dates and times | online | fully funded

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

Published 4 February 2026

Advice and support, Business news, Surrey Success Stories

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

Published 16 January 2026

Events and awards

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
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How to start a business on a budget

Published 6 August 2025

Advice and support, Thought leadership

Starting a new business can be exciting and rewarding. However, if not properly planned and budgeted for in advance, it can also be a drain on your finances. This is especially the case if you are self-funding the business from savings or a small business loan (known as bootstrapping) instead of securing funding from venture capitalists or other investors.

If you are bootstrapping your business, here are 3 practical tips on how to start a business on a budget.

1. Work out your needs and reduce unnecessary costs

Assuming you’ve already carefully planned and researched your business idea to ensure it is viable and that there is a market for it, the next thing you’ll need to do is assess what you’ll need to actually set it up and run it.

In addition to business tools, equipment, and initial set-up costs, such as regulatory or licensing fees, you’ll also need to know your ongoing overheads, such as material costs, cost of premises (if applicable), inventory, salaries, admin, etc.

In short, you need to know how much you need to generate a profit by taking into account all the costs and expenses you’ll incur running your business.

It’s important during the start-up phase that your business budget is spent wisely.

It may be tempting to spend money on nice-to-haves, but at this stage, you should only buy what you absolutely need. If you need to purchase business tools and equipment, you could consider re-loved or refurbished equipment. Not only will it save you money, but it is a sustainable business option that can go toward your net zero goal.

Also, consider working from home at the start-up phase to lower overheads if you can.

Now is also a good time to be strict with your outgoings and reduce unnecessary expenditures such as pricey subscriptions to services or apps you no longer use.

2. Adopt a low-cost marketing strategy

You’ll need to market your business so people know you exist.

Marketing can take up a huge chunk of a business’s budget, but there are low-cost and free marketing strategies you can use to make your business visible. For an in-depth framework to help you build your own tailored marketing strategy, check out our free Marketing Toolkit.

Online – social media and website

Building a social media presence is low-cost and effective. You can also do this organically instead of using paid advertisements. Research which platforms your ideal clients are using, and start with the one they use the most.

You can then post content to promote your business and also attract your ideal customers with content that interests them and is relevant and helpful.

If you have an SEO-optimised website, you can use it to market your business effectively. Your website doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive, either. There are low-cost and even free options available. If your website isn’t SEO-optimised, do some research into how to optimise it yourself. There are lots of free online resources available from reputable sources like Hubspot to help you do this without having to pay an expert to do it for you.

In addition to showcasing testimonials, products and services on your website, you can start a blog and develop a content marketing strategy to increase website visitors. For example, you can share your helpful SEO-optimised blog content on your social media channels to drive traffic to your website.

Print and out of home

Another low-cost marketing option that may be suitable for your business, is to create and print leaflets at home and distribute them locally by posting through letterboxes, leaving leaflets at suitable venues, and posting them on public notice boards. These can include a link to your website or social media channels, you could also add a QR code linking to the same.

The personal touch

And don’t forget how effective word of mouth can be, so let all your family, friends and wider network know about your new venture and get them to support you, too.

Finally, adding a personal touch to all your customer interactions can go a long way to building brand loyalty, and it doesn’t have to break the bank. For example, if you sell a product online, you could add a personalised handwritten thank you to the delivery note, or if you do business face to face, provide a simple loyalty card or discount on their next purchase.

All this will go toward building a good reputation, which is invaluable.

3. Make use of free online resources and tools

You can use free online tools to help you manage day-to-day business processes such as invoicing and accounting, project planning, appointment setting, graphic design for content, and many others that are available.

By automating business workflows with free online tools, you are not only saving money but also freeing up your time from tedious admin tasks so you can focus on running a profitable business.

Free online business groups and forums, including those on social media platforms such as Facebook or LinkedIn, are also worth researching. They can connect you with other people in your field or industry and can be powerful networking tools. They can also be a treasure trove of valuable free advice on running your business on a budget.

There may even be collaboration opportunities you can leverage. For example, you can work alongside other businesses to increase your visibility or barter and trade with them for services, to further reduce your overheads.

Support for your small business in Surrey

If you are a Surrey business or looking to relocate to Surrey, you can contact our team of experts for free and accessible advice and support.

Whatever your business, we are here to help you succeed – by providing access to quality resources alongside expert local knowledge and insight.

You can also:

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