Local news and events
 
 
People attending a networking event, standing in conversation and holding drinks. The image shows a group gathered indoors in a bright, informal setting, with one person in the centre wearing glasses and a patterned jacket. Other attendees are visible in the foreground and background, creating a lively business networking atmosphere.
Women in Business
A special feature article
 

There's never been a better time for local women to start, grow and scale their businesses. From local networking opportunities to expert-led workshops and national programmes, there is something for everyone.

For more information on what is available, click on the link below to see our round-up of opportunities for women in business.

 
Read more »
 
 
 
Three event attendees stand together in a bright conference or networking venue, looking at a smartphone. All three wear attendee lanyards, while one person holds a notebook and reusable drinks cup. Large windows fill the space with natural light, and additional attendees and seating are visible in the background, suggesting a business event, workshop or networking session.
Connect, Learn and Grow
4 November, Herons Bonsai, Lingfield
 

Join Networked Women at Herons Bonsai on 4 November for two hours of networking, learning and great conversation. Hear practical insights on selling with confidence and staying energised during the working day, meet other women in business from across East Surrey, and discover opportunities to connect, collaborate and grow together.  Register here

 

 

 
Read more »
 
 
 
Illustrated graphic titled “R&B Local Plan” featuring a location pin icon above a stylised community scene. The image shows rows of houses, a train, a road sign, landscaped green spaces and flower beds. People are walking in a park area, with two dogs visible, and a lion statue stands in the background. The artwork uses bright colours to represent homes, transport, public spaces and local infrastructure within the Reigate & Banstead area.
Help shape the future of Reigate & Banstead
Take part in the Local Plan consultation
 

Reigate & Banstead Borough Council has launched the first consultation on its new Local Plan which is your chance to say what the plan should focus on before more detailed proposals are prepared.

 

The local plan will guide how the borough grows and changes up to 2044 – including new homes, jobs, transport links, community facilities and services – while protecting the environment, heritage and the character of local places. Have your say by 17:00 on 26 October

 
Read more »
 
 
Celebrating our local businesses
 

Powertutors in Redhill recently celebrated their 10th anniversary. From taking part in the Council's Entrepreneur Academy, founder, Nazanin Nankali, has gone from strength to strength, creating an award-winning tutoring business supporting 100s of children every year. She recently featured in the FT's list of the UK’s fastest growing companies in the UK!

 

Congratulations go to Rachel Wood (Eco Earlswood) who has won the Environmental Award at the 15th BBC Make a Difference Awards 2026 for her fantastic work in the local community.

 

Popular Reigate restaurant, Nisou, is opening their second outlet - Little Nisou - in Woodhatch.

 

Indian restaurant, Nala, has chosen the Joshua Tree in Earlswood for its second restaurant opening.

 

Mathnasium, a maths learning centre for children, has opened in West Street, Reigate.

 
 
 
Two people stand together outdoors at a community event. One person is wearing a ceremonial chain of office over a blue blazer, checked shirt and light-coloured trousers. The other person is wearing a light purple dress with a name badge. Trees, a wooden pergola structure and several event attendees are visible in the background, with dry grass covering the ground. The photograph appears to have been taken at an informal outdoor gathering or networking event.
Inviting the Mayor to attend your event
 

In May, Cllr Nick Harrison was elected the new Mayor of Reigate & Banstead for the municipal year 2026-2027. The Mayor welcomes invitations to celebrate new business openings, milestones and celebrations. If you would like to invite the Mayor to attend your event, please complete the following form.

 

The Worshipful the Mayor of Reigate and Banstead Councillor Nick Harrison (l) with Nazanin Nankali, founder of Powertutors (r) at her 10th anniversary business celebration event.

 
 
Events round up
Your guide to local business events
 

OCTOBER

 

13 - Try it Tuesday - free co-working day (Bel4, Redhill, 09:00-17:00)

13 - Health & Wellbeing networking (The Market Stores, Reigate, 19:00-21:00)

20 - Introduction to Exporting (Source in Surrey, Sandown Park Racecourse, 10:30-13:30)

21 - RH Networking (Bel4, Redhill, 19:00-21:30)

22 - FSB Connect Reigate & Banstead (Town Hall, Reigate 08:00-10:00)

25 - Earlswood Farmers Market (Sea Cadets HQ, Hooley Lane, 10:00-13:30)

28 - Female Founders Surrey networking dinner (The Seven Stars, Leigh, 18:00-21:00) £30

28 - Be Found, Win Business! (Crawley Innovation Centre, 9:30-12:30)

 

 

NOVEMBER

 

02 - Female Founders Surrey: Talk money over wine (Basil's Wine Bar, 18:00) £19

04 - Networked Women (Herons Bonsai, Lingfield, RH7 6HJ, 12:00-14:00) £10/£8

09 - Health & Wellbeing networking (The Market Stores, Reigate, 19:00-21:00)

13 - Try it Tuesday - free co-working day (Bel4, Redhill, 09:00-17:00)

18 - RH Networking (Bel4, Redhill, 19:00-21:30)

26 - FSB Connect Reigate & Banstead (Town Hall, Reigate 08:00-10:00)

26 - Unlocking Growth: Funding & Finance in Surrey (Woodhatch Place, Reigate, 08:30-13:30)

29 - Earlswood Farmers Market (Sea Cadets HQ, Hooley Lane, 10:00-13:30)

 

 
 
 
Promotional graphic for the London Gatwick SME Masterclass Programme. The design features a dark blue background with the London Gatwick logo and the text “SME Masterclass Programme” displayed prominently in white. The Gatwick for Growth logo appears below, with flowing blue, green and white wave graphics along the bottom of the image.
Be found, win more business!
Boost your sales confidence
 

Local businesses are invited to attend this interactive workshop designed to strengthen sales skills, improve networking techniques and build confidence. Participants will learn practical tools to attract customers, develop professional selling approaches and increase opportunities for business growth.

Register here

 
Read more »
 
Partner news
 
 
Customer receives a pint of dark beer across the bar in a traditional pub. Several people are gathered around the counter, with beer pumps and glassware visible in the foreground and background. Warm lighting and wooden furnishings create a welcoming hospitality setting.
Hospitality Grant Scheme opens in Surrey
 

The Government’s Hospitality Grant Scheme is now open, offering Surrey hospitality businesses the opportunity to access a share of £10 million in funding. The programme supports business start-ups, skills development and community venues, helping organisations innovate, grow and strengthen their role within local communities.

 

Visit the Hospitality Grant Scheme page for full details - applications close 13 October.

 
Read more »
 
 
 
A group of people stand in an office reception area holding large white characters displaying “£210m”. Behind them, a sign reads “British Business Bank | South East Investment Fund”. Wooden shelving, seating and decorative plants are visible in the background, highlighting the launch of the £210 million investment fund for South East businesses.
New £210 million fund launched for South East businesses
 

The British Business Bank has launched the South East Investment Fund, providing £210 million to help smaller businesses access finance. The fund offers loans and equity investment to support innovation, expansion, job creation and sustainable economic growth. Apply now

 
Read more »
 
 
 
Four participants stand side by side against a plain light-coloured background, each wearing a blue cap featuring the Proudly Surrey Hills logo. The group is dressed in smart-casual attire. A large Proudly Surrey Hills logo is displayed in the bottom-right corner of the image. The photo appears to promote Surrey Hills membership, local businesses or a business networking initiative.
A Proud New Chapter for Surrey Hills
 

Surrey Hills Enterprises has launched Proudly Surrey Hills, a new mark helping businesses, charities and organisations showcase their local connection and shared values. A redesigned website also offers members clearer access to resources, training, networking and partnership opportunities, strengthening collaboration across the Surrey Hills’ thriving, sustainable economy and wider community.

 

Surrey Hills Website

 
 
Female Founders Surrey
New network launched for local women in business
 

Running a business can feel isolating, but it doesn't have to be. This growing network connects female business owners across Surrey through relaxed dinners, coffee mornings and occasional online sessions, with no awkward pitches or formal networking. Alongside events, inspiring podcast interviews spotlight local women in business, including a 2022 Entrepreneur Academy winner, Jess Richards!

 
Find out more
 
 
Start-up Surrey
New online support for early stage businesses
 

Start-Up Surrey has relaunched, offering fully funded business support to Surrey residents and new businesses. Backed by Surrey County Council and delivered by Incuhive, the programme provides mentoring, workshops and peer support. Building on a successful pilot, it aims to help around 120 entrepreneurs develop sustainable businesses by March 2027.

Visit the Start-up Surrey page 

 
 
Calling all young entrepreneurs
Closes 12 October
 

The Enterprise Nation Next Generation Grant is giving aspiring young entrepreneurs aged 18 - 24 the chance to turn their business dream into a reality with a £1,500 grant, plus 6 hours of mentoring sessions.

 

Simply fill in the short application form to explain why your business deserves the boost.

 

Grant applications close 12 October 23:59