My Vegan Dulce de Leche by Vegan Crazy has been announced as the winner of this year’s Entrepreneur Academy. The Redhill-based food business, founded by Cintia Yankelevich, was one of 16 new businesses to compete to win an investment grant provided by Reigate & Banstead Borough Council.

The Redhill venue is getting ready to open its doors after months of closure on Monday 17 May 2021, as part of phase 3 of the Government's roadmap. A varied and exciting range of live shows, films and event screenings is on offer. Plus, the Harlequin café will also reopen, serving delicious freshly made food and barista coffee. Extensive measures will be in place to make visiting the Harlequin a safe and enjoyable experience for all.

One of the theme's of this year's Surrey Day, celebrated on Saturday 1 May, was towns and villages. Not only do we have four great high streets in the borough - Banstead, Horley, Redhill and Reigate - but there's also a number of smaller shopping parades and villages, home to some fantastic local businesses. Please continue to follow Government guidelines when out and about.

Businesses can find information about the latest grants - including the new application window for the Additional Restrictions Grant - on our website.

We hope you are enjoying using our parks and open spaces to catch up with your friends and loved ones. Please continue to use these spaces safely and keep your distance from those outside your household.
 
Remember it’s everyone’s responsibility to keep these spaces looking their best. Please put your litter in the bin or take it home with you. Remember, BBQs and fires are NOT allowed in any of our parks or open spaces. If you’re taking the dog, please bag and bin any dog poo. You can use the litter bins for both so there are no rubbish excuses!

Six more electric vehicles have joined our fleet and will be out and about in the borough soon. Low carbon transport is one of the priorities in our Environmental Sustainability Strategy, which aims to reduce the borough's environmental impact. So far we've installed 15 electric vehicle charging points across the borough (with 7 included in the Zap Map of public charging points). 

Are you considering an extension or conversion or creating a garden office and aren't sure what the difference is between Planning and Building Control? Our Building Control team in conjunction with Planning and Trading Standards is hosting a 1 hour webinar at 3pm on 25 May offering practical advice and tips to guide you through the process. Find out more here.

Your children could be in with a chance of winning a £50 Hobbycraft voucher if they put their creative skills to paper and enter The Mayor's Art Competition. Terms and conditions can be found on our website. Closing date for entries is now Monday 10 May.

In line with the Government's roadmap out of lockdown, we are now on step 2, which included the reopening of hospitality, hairdressers, non-essential retail and our leisure centres. However, many restrictions remain in place and people should continue to work from home where possible. More restrictions are due to lift on Monday 17 May.

Vaccinations are now being offered to anyone over 40, alongside the other priority groups. Find out more about vaccinations in Surrey here.

Alongside the vaccine rollout, regular testing is at the heart of plans to reopen our society and everyone in England, including those without symptoms, can now take a free, rapid COVID-19 test twice a week. 

And of course, it's important to continue with the basics - hands - face - space - fresh air - and to self-isolate and get a test if you have any of Covid-19 symptoms.

If you need to self-isolate to help stop the virus, you may be worried about how you'll cope. Whether you need food or medication delivered, emotional support, or help with your caring responsibilities - there is help available. If you are struggling financially, you may be eligible for a £500 Test and Trace Support Payment.

You and your family will usually need to apply to continue living in the UK by 31 June if you are from the European Union (except Ireland), Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Switzerland and started living here by 31 December 2020. If you or a family member need help applying, support is available and application to the EU Settlement Scheme is free of charge.