Join the next East of Surrey Networked Women event at Herons Bonsai on 4 November for two hours of great networking and 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

Residents, businesses and community groups are invited to help shape the future of East Surrey Council. Feedback on the new Council Strategy will influence priorities, services and investment decisions. Anyone who lives or works in East Surrey can take part. The consultation closes on 15 November.

🏆Rosie Robinson from Chalk Hills Bakery in Reigate who received the Phil Ashford Award at the recent MDHub Leadership Awards for her leadership style. 

🏆Ineke Nugteren, CEO of Nourish in Reigate, is a finalist in the Woman of the Year category at the International Confectionery Awards 2026. Nourish has also been awarded a Bronze in the Great British Food Awards 2026.

🏆AVIEL Intelligence in Reigate has won two awards at The Pay360 Awards for Best Use of AI in Payments and Leading Industry Startup.

🏆FraudOps was awarded Highly Commended for Best Use of AI (Service Provider) at the Insurance Times Tech & Innovation Awards 2026.

Could you be the next New Business of the Year?

The Gatwick Diamond New Business of the Year Award celebrates recently established small businesses that are making a big impact. Free to enter and open to businesses launched on or after 1 September 2023, the award recognises growth, ambition and entrepreneurial success.

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

04 - The Sales Lab: Better discovery, better conversation (online, 11:30-12:00)

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

12 - Developing a Sustainability Strategy - Gatwick Airport workshop (Online, 14:00-16:00)

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

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

18 - Discover the South East Investment Fund (online, 10:00-11:00)

18 - Unlocking creative technology markets (CoSTAR, Royal Holloway, 13:00-17:00)

19 - The Marketing Lab: Partnership Marketing (online, 11:30-12:00)

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)

27 - Cybercrime & Modern Fraud (Bucks & Surrey Trading Standards, online, 14:00-15:30)

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

DECEMBER

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

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

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

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

New planning controls will come into force that remove the ability to convert homes into small Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) without planning permission.

The Article 4 direction, confirmed on 29 October, withdraws permitted development rights for converting properties into HMOs for between three and six people. Instead, a full planning application is needed before a property can be converted.

Find out more about the changes

Former Bank of England Chief Economist Andy Haldane has been appointed to chair the new Surrey Economic Commission. The independent review will help develop a long-term vision for Surrey’s economy, identifying opportunities for growth, investment and prosperity as the county prepares for devolution.

Simply Business is offering five entrepreneurs aged 40 and over the chance to receive £10,000 in funding alongside one-to-one business coaching through its Second Act Entrepreneur initiative. Local founders looking to start or grow a business can apply before 12 November 2026. The programme is supported by entrepreneur Levi Roots.

Supply Connect helps small businesses become contract-ready and connect with buyers across the public and private sectors. Businesses can access free tailored support, training, expert advice and procurement opportunities, helping them build capability, increase visibility and compete for new contracts.

Find out more 

Kick Off in Business has opened registrations for its free, fully funded November courses for adults aged 19+. Delivered online, the programmes includes information on Business Start-Up, Digital Skills, Digital Promotion, and Money & Finance. Ideal for aspiring entrepreneurs or anyone looking to build confidence, skills and qualifications.

A new fully funded Surrey Construction Skills Bootcamp programme starts in Horley on 23 November, with 20 places available for adults looking to enter the construction sector. The programme includes construction training, health and safety certification, employability support and employer interviews, helping local residents develop skills and progress into sustainable employment.