We are driving public and private sector investment in Redhill, Horley, Preston and Merstham over the next five years that will make the borough an even better place to live, work and do business.  Ambitious regeneration plans include redeveloping several key sites to deliver commercial, retail, community and residential developments, including 2,600 homes in two new neighbourhoods.

Nine out of ten of our borough’s businesses have fewer than four employees. To recognise their vital role in the local economy we have developed a range of initiatives to help them succeed and grow. These include:

• Business Support Grants of up to £1,000 for small businesses and start-ups who can find it difficult to get the funding needed to develop and grow.
• A free Entrepreneur Academy that gives budding entrepreneurs the information and skills they need to get their business started, along with the chance to win £5,000 start-up funding.
• Our popular Learning Lunches are an opportunity to hear informative presentations on a range of business topics and network with local like-minded professionals.

We are also working with property owners and agents with the intention of identifying low-cost office space so that home-based micro-businesses wanting to grow have the opportunity to do so.

Over the last three years our innovative Young Workers Scheme has helped 160 18-24 year olds gain valuable skills to help them get a foot on the career ladder. The initiative provides six-month paid work placements, along with learning and development support.

We are keen to help other local employers adopt similar schemes and enjoy the benefits.

To find out about these and our other small business support initiatives visit: www.reigate-banstead.gov.uk/business or follow us on Twitter and Linked-In for updates.