In summary
Here is a round up of business news and business support initiatives in the Surrey region. We have some exciting new products and services this year as well as event speaker opportunities for 2025. Feel free to contact me for more details.
We have some great events coming up in 2025 so please come along and meet the team. I hope to see you at one soon!
Featured news and events
Gatwick Airport supplier opportunity for Surrey construction firms
Construction companies across Surrey are being encouraged to sign up as a potential Gatwick Airport supplier.
With 41 million annual passengers, London Gatwick is the UK’s second largest airports. It is a major driver of national and regional economy, generating £5.5 billion GVA and supporting over 76,000 jobs.
Gatwick has a supply chain commitment to working with businesses based in the region. This means businesses based in the local area can benefit from contracts worth £151 million a year.
As part of its new overarching Supply Chain Strategy, the airport is now looking to expand its database of construction companies.
It has set up a survey form to identify Surrey businesses in construction-related industries that are interested in working at London Gatwick. Those interested should complete the Expression of Interest form on the Gatwick Airport website.
Networking Breakfast at the Hogs Back with MindPower Insights
Join us for a morning of networking and inspiration at the latest FSB Networking Breakfast, a must-attend event for business owners looking to grow their networks and gain valuable insights.
When: 7:30 AM to 9.30AM on the 12th February
Kickstart your day with a continental breakfast. Prefer a heartier start? Upgrade to a cooked breakfast for just £5, payable on the day.
Special Guest Speaker: Harry Mansfield – "The MindPower Champion"
Discover how to “Power Up Your Mind Before It Powers You Down®” with Harry Mansfield, best-selling author and trainer. Harry will share practical strategies from her Transformational Triangle® to help you:
- Strengthen mental resilience
- Avoid mental health challenges
- Boost efficiency and success
This keynote is an unmissable opportunity to learn techniques that can positively transform your mindset and drive professional growth.
Click here to book your ticket
In other news
Transport across the South East
Transport for the South East (TfSE) wants your views about transport challenges and priorities in the South East.
TfSE, the Sub-national transport body which includes Surrey, Sussex and Kent, has published their new draft Transport Strategy, setting out their vision for the region. It highlights plans to use transport to grow the economy, connect our communities and reach net zero in the decades ahead.
They want to know what businesses think about their vision, goals and mission outlined in the draft Transport Strategy consultation which is open until 7 March 2025.
Still in the news
Boost for UK startups as two key investment schemes are extended
Startup funding schemes, the Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) and the Venture Capital Trust (VCT) scheme have been extended by ten years to 5 April 2035.
Thousands of entrepreneurs and startups are set to benefit from the extension of two leading government investment schemes targeted at helping startup businesses get off the ground and grow.
The Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) and the Venture Capital Trust (VCT) scheme were both set to end on 6 April 2025 but will instead run until 5 April 2035.
The schemes are designed to encourage investment into new or young companies through tax-relief incentives, encouraging innovation, creating jobs and stimulating economic growth.
Grants still available to grow the rural economy and communities
Businesses and charities in the rural areas of Waverley, and businesses, charities and community groups in the rural areas of Guildford and Tandridge can apply for a Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) grant.
The minimum grant is £2,500 and the maximum grant is £50,000. Grants are up to 50% of the project costs. The programme is financed by the UK Government through Defra and the Rural England Shared Prosperity Fund via the district and borough councils.
The objectives of the grants are to support rural development, jobs, growth and community enterprise.
Who can apply?
The types of eligible applicants are:
- Micro or small businesses (less than 50 employees and annual turnover under £8.5 million)
- Voluntary organisations
- Registered charities
- Community groups
For more Information click here.
More news and activity near you
- Kent and Medway
- Sussex
- More from FSB South East England
Get in touch
Your FSB Development Manager for Surrey is Tracey Carter. If you'd like more information about the topics above, or if you have news about this area that you'd like to share, please get in touch.
- email us: [email protected]
- follow us on x: @FSBSurrey
- follow us on Facebook: @FSB.Surrey