In summary
Here is a round up of business news and business support initiatives in the Surrey region. Don’t forget to come along to one of our events, meet the team, share your business story and network with other local members. We have some exciting new products and services this year. Feel free to contact me for more details.
We have some great events coming up and I hope to see you at one soon!
Featured news and events
Civic Agreement for Surrey signed by leaders
A new Civic Agreement for Surrey has been signed by Surrey County Council, in partnership with Surrey’s three leading universities – Royal Holloway, University of London; University for the Creative Arts; and the University of Surrey.
This groundbreaking initiative defines a shared commitment for these organisations to work collaboratively in the interests of the wider Surrey community. The aim is to ensure that no one is left behind.
By pooling resources and expertise, partners believe they are better placed to address local needs, drive innovation, and create a more inclusive and resilient Surrey by 2030.
All will be delivered against four shared priorities, which are:
- Growing a sustainable economy so everyone can benefit
- Tackling health inequality
- Enabling a greener future
- Empowered & thriving communities
Join us for our next Hogs Back breakfast networking event on the 20 November.
This is a chance to meet other business owners and grow your network and enjoy a delicious breakfast.
This month’s speaker is Dave Culley a Carbon, Cost & Procurement Specialist from Auditel who will be discussing the impact that sustainability is having o SMEs and why the time is right to start thinking about Carbon Emissions.
In other news
Decarbonise your business with free support for Surrey SMEs
Free support for Surrey small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to decarbonise their business is now available from Surrey County Council.
Companies with fewer than 250 employees can sign up for the support. It’s only available to those based in the boroughs of Woking, Guildford, Waverley, Reigate and Banstead, Spelthorne and Surrey Heath.
Services include
- Find out how to cut your energy costs, calculate your carbon footprint and get your business to Net Zero. You could even access a loan to go green!
- A free business decarbonisation course is now up and running for eligible Surrey businesses.
- Free carbon calculator tool
- Free business decarbonisation assessment
- Business decarbonisation loan
Details here. Or you can get in touch with our business experts, who can provide free bespoke advice for your business.
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.
Still in the news
New M25 Closure dates announced for A3 Wisley Interchange
National Highways is closing slips roads at the M25 junction 10 gyratory for three weekends this autumn. Both the M25 and A3 will remain open during these weekends, but drivers will not be able to leave or join the M25 or A3 at junction 10.
Dates for the three weekends are:
- 9pm Friday 4 to 6am Monday 7 October - closure of all J10 M25 and A3 exits.
- 9pm Friday 18 to 6am Monday 21 October closure of all J10 M25 and A3 exits.
- 9pm Friday 1 to 6am Monday 4 November closure of the M25 east and westbound to A3 North bound movement. Post completion all movements return to operation.
The first and second weekend slip road disruptions involve closing all slip roads at Junction 10. The third weekend involves closing only the M25 east and westbound slip roads to the A3 northbound.
These disruptions are required to build the new elongated J10 gyratory which will connect and overlay sections of the existing gyratory. These works will allow all four M25 jet lanes to become operational. Delays are likely particularly on the M25. These are likely to be at both J9 and J11 and Painshill
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