Local news and events
 
 
Promotional poster for the Source in Surrey Buyer-Supplier Exchange event. The image features business networking tables in a conference-style venue with attendees in discussion. Event details include 3 September, 10:30am-2:30pm, at Bel4 Office Complex, 60 Station Road, Redhill, RH1 1PL. The free event is designed to help Surrey buyers and suppliers explore procurement opportunities and connect with experts. Logos for Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust, AtkinsRéalis, Surrey County Council, Surrey
Source in Surrey comes to Redhill
3 September (10:30-14:30)
 

We’re excited to announce that the next Buyer-Supplier Exchange event from Source in Surrey is coming to Redhill on 3 September.

Join us at the Bel4 Co-working space to meet buyers and procurement representatives from a range of businesses including the Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust and AtkinsRéalis.

 

Take part in roundtable discussions and book speed networking sessions to gain direct access to supply chain opportunities and valuable industry insights.

 

Book your free place

 
 
 
Two people networking at a business event in a bright indoor venue. One person in a white shirt is engaged in conversation with another person holding a notebook. Greenery and refreshments are visible in the background, illustrating professional networking, collaboration and relationship-building within a business community.
Networked Women launches locally
30 September (12:00-14:00)
 

Reigate & Banstead Borough Council is delighted to be supporting a series of Surrey Networked Women events which will be run in partnership with the FSB and Tandridge District Council in the local area. Designed to connect and support women in business, join us for inspiring speakers, practical advice and great networking in a welcoming and collaborative community.

 

30 September (12:00-14:00) at Robert Denholm House, Bletchingley Road, Redhill RH1 4HW.

 

Register your interest

 
 

Congratulations to:

  • Lesh (Epsom) - shortlisted in the Absolutely Mama Awards 2026 (Best Feeding/Nursing Product category)
  • FraudOps (Redhill) - finalist in three categories at the Insurance Times Tech & Innovation Awards 2026

and to the winners of Rebecca Paul MP's small business competition:

  • MLP Wealth (Banstead) - Best Overall Small Business
  • The Chapel (Reigate) - Best Independent Cafe
  • Murray Designs (Reigate) - Best Independent Shop
  • The Garibaldi Pub (Redhill) - Best Community-Supporting Small Business
 
 
Events round up
Your guide to free local business events
 

AUGUST

 

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

12 - AI for everyday work: Practical use of AI in emails, docs and meetings (business.gov, online, 10:00-11:00)

12 - RH Networking (Bel4, Redhill, 10:30-12:00) Special Event at Wildfit, Bletchingley

24 - Designing your AI Roadmap: A step-by-step guide for growing businesses (business.gov, online, 11:00-12:00)

 

SEPTEMBER

 

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

10 - The Marketing Lab: PR & positive media – build credibility and trust (Business Surrey, online, 11:30-12:00)

16 - RH Networking (Bel4, Redhill, 10:30-12:00)

17 - Start your net zero journey with confidence (Business Surrey, online, 11:30-12:00)

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

 
 
 
Promotional poster for the RedHill Arts Takeover. The design features a black-and-white illustration of a person holding an artist’s palette against a bright orange and pink radial background. Text reads “RedHill Arts TakeOver”, “R&B Arts Takeover”, and “Saturday 5 to Saturday 12 September”. Reigate & Banstead Borough Council logo appears at the bottom.
Redhill Arts Takeover returns!
5-12 September
 

Don't miss out on the Redhill Arts Takeover which returns bigger, brighter and bolder for 2026. Showcasing creativity across multiple town centre venues, the event attracts residents and visitors, helping to boost footfall and strengthen connections between businesses, community organisations and customers while celebrating Redhill’s thriving cultural scene.

 

For full listings and to book tickets

 
 
 
Illustrated map of Surrey showing a proposed county-wide strategic authority made up of two council areas: West Surrey Council (Guildford, Waverley, Woking, Runnymede, Spelthorne and Surrey Heath) and East Surrey Council (Elmbridge, Epsom and Ewell, Reigate and Banstead, Mole Valley and Tandridge). The map includes icons representing communities, housing, cycling, recreation, trees and transport, with labels identifying each district and borough. An arrow points to the outline of the county labe
Keep up to date with Local Government Reorganisation
Sign up for the Future Surrey newsletter for partners
 

Local government in Surrey is changing. From April 2027, the 12 existing Surrey councils will be replaced by two new unitary councils - East Surrey and West Surrey.

 

The Future Surrey newsletter for partners has been developed to share updates on behalf of all 12 Surrey councils.

 
 
 
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.
Work begins on new Local Plan
Help us shape Reigate & Banstead to 2044
 

Work is set to start on a new Local Plan for Reigate & Banstead, setting out how the borough should grow and thrive to 2044. The plan will guide where new homes, businesses and environmental improvements should go, while protecting valued green spaces, heritage and local character.

 

A ‘notice of intention to commence’ has been published - the first official step in the plan-making process - and a timetable showing when you can have your say to help shape the plan

 
Read more »
 
Partner news
 
 
Person inspecting and harvesting ripe strawberries in a commercial greenhouse. Rows of strawberry plants hang above waist height, with red and green fruit visible throughout the growing area. Green crates are stacked in the background, illustrating modern fruit production and agricultural operations.
Surrey Farming Innovation Accelerator
Grants for Growth
 

Farmers and growers across Surrey can access 100% funded grants of £10,000 to £35,000 through the Surrey Farming Innovation Accelerator. Designed to improve productivity, efficiency and resilience, the programme supports digital innovation projects and includes expert business support, training and peer-to-peer learning.

Apply by 16 August

 
 
 
People seated and networking at a business event. In the foreground, a person wearing glasses sits on a chair facing to the side, while another attendee is seated nearby. The image features the promotional text: “NEW MEMBERS GROUP LAUNCHING IN SURREY” and “WITH SIMON BLAND”. The setting appears to be an informal professional gathering.
MDHUB launches first Surrey Peer Group
 

MDHUB is expanding into the local area with the launch of its first official Surrey peer group for growth businesses. Building on strong local business networks, including members of the PEER 25 growth programme, the group starts on 14 August and two places remain for Surrey-based business leaders.  For more information, email the group's facilitator, Simon Bland.

 
 
 
Close-up of a technician testing an electric vehicle charging unit mounted on a wall. The technician is using a digital multimeter to check electrical connections inside an open distribution box, while a coiled charging cable hangs beside the charger. The image illustrates installation and maintenance of EV charging infrastructure.
Powering Local Businesses
Funding for a Greener Future
 

Small businesses can apply for a share of £25,000 through the Powering Local Businesses programme. Five businesses will each receive a £5,000 sustainability grant, while five business owners will win a workplace electric vehicle charger with installation included. Support is available for energy efficiency improvements, equipment upgrades and renewable infrastructure investments.

 

Closing date: 31 August

 

 

 
 
 
Promotional graphic for the Help to Grow: Management Course. White and green text on a dark blue background reads "Help to Grow Management Course" and "Grow with expert business support at your side." The Surrey Business School, University of Surrey logo appears on the right alongside circular graphic elements.
Help to Grow Management Programme
Turbo charge your business
 

Calling all SME leaders! Access the government-backed Help to Grow: Management programme, delivered by Surrey Business School in Guildford. Over 12 weeks, participants gain practical leadership skills, one-to-one mentoring, peer networking and a bespoke growth plan. The programme is 90% government funded.

 

Starts 7 October. For more details

 
 
Funding for businesses who employ young people
 

Businesses can access a £3,000 Youth Jobs Grant for every eligible 18 to 24-year-old they recruit who has been claiming Universal Credit and seeking work for six months or more. The scheme helps reduce recruitment costs, provides access to motivated jobseekers and supports workforce growth. Eligible roles must be at least 25 hours per week and last a minimum of four months. Interested in growing your team? Download the Youth Jobs Grant Toolkit to find out more.

 
 
Making Tax Digital - are you prepared?
 

The first Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax quarterly update is due on 7 August 2026 and will apply if you work for yourself as a sole trader or earn money from property AND your turnover is above £50k.

Find out more

 
 
Young Entrepreneurs invited to apply for prestigious King's Award
 

Applications are now open for the new Young Founder Award, part of The King's Awards for Enterprise. Free to enter, the award celebrates exceptional entrepreneurs aged 18 to 30 leading growing UK businesses. Eligible founders can gain national recognition, boost credibility, attract investment and join a prestigious network.

 

Apply by 8 September 2026.

 
 
New AI accelerator for SMEs in Surrey
 

Creative startups and SMEs in Surrey can now apply for CoSTAR Emerge-AI, a new accelerator supporting businesses developing AI solutions. Participants can access expert workshops, mentoring, industry connections and up to £5,000 funding to help you move AI-powered products and services from prototype to market validation.

 

Applications close on 17 August 2026, with the programme running from October to December.

 
 
Surrey launches new employer-led Skills Strategy
 

Surrey Chambers of Commerce has launched the Surrey Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) 2026-2029, setting out key skills priorities for the county. Developed with employers and partners, the plan aims to tackle workforce challenges, strengthen skills provision and support sustainable economic growth across Surrey.

 
Read more »
 
 
S100 Club September Pitch Event
 

UK-registered startups seeking £250,000 to £1.5 million investment can apply to pitch at the S100 Club’s September event (16 September at the University of Surrey). The programme supports innovative, high-growth businesses across sectors including AI, deep tech, life sciences and advanced engineering, connecting selected founders with experienced angel investors and funding opportunities.

 
Read more »
 
 
The Great British Pitch - USA
 

UK food, drink, consumer goods and retail businesses are invited to showcase their products to international buyers at The Great British Pitch - USA in central London on 8 September. Gain expert export support, pitch via livestream to US buyers, and network with ambitious businesses.

 

Find out more and register your interest.

 
 
Tell us your views on proposed planning controls for small HMOs
 

We are seeking views from residents, landlords and property owners on proposed planning controls for small Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs). The Article 4 direction would remove permitted development rights so that properties can no longer be converted into small HMOs (shared homes or bedsits) for three to six residents without a full planning application.

 
Read more »