Business Breakfasts - New for 2026
Starting in February
 
 
People at a buffet table with pastries, fruit, and drinks.

We are excited to announce that we will be launching a fresh new format for our regular business networking events. Join us for our Business Breakfast series starting in February - a great way to kick-start your day! More details and dates will be shared in the February Business e-bulletin. 


 
 
The local founder bringing whisky to life
From dram to dream - an interview with Shepherd's Cask
 
 
A person wearing glasses and a dark blue button-down shirt with a small, round pin.

Horley-based Shepherd’s Cask is a new start-up redefining whisky tasting. Born from his passion for making whisky accessible, founder, Richard, has established a business that blends flavour, storytelling and community. With support from Reigate & Banstead Borough Council's Entrepreneur Academy and Business Support Grant, Richard shares his business journey and how he is creating unforgettable moments over a 'wee dram'.


 
 
Horley High Street Improvement Works
Have your say
 
 
A lively urban street scene with pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles sharing the road. The area features shops, cafes with outdoor seating, trees, flower beds, and a designated bike lane. People of varying mobility, including a wheelchair user and someone with a cane, are present, highlighting accessibility and inclusivity

As part of the Delivering Change in Horley Town Centre programme, High Street improvement works will start in early 2026. We are encouraging all Horley businesses to have their say to help us minimise disruption and support your operations.


The Horley Town Centre programme of public realm improvements is being delivered as a partnership between Reigate & Banstead Borough Council and Surrey County Council. High Street improvement works will start in early 2026 with changes including making the street one-way for motor vehicles, resurfacing roads and repaving pavements, improving cycling and pedestrian crossing facilities, planting new trees and introducing rain gardens with seating.

We have talked to local businesses, handed out letters, and held a drop-in session in December 2025 to answer questions about the construction phasing plan. To help us minimise disruption and support your operations, we are inviting businesses to complete an online survey. If you haven’t already done so, please submit your response by 15 January 2026.

If you have any questions, you can email the project team.

 
 
Events round-up
 

JANUARY

 

20th  - Become a go-to supplier for the public sector, Surrey County Council, Woodhatch Place, Reigate

22nd - The Marketing Lab: Communicate with confidence, Business Surrey online workshop

22nd - FSB Connect breakfast networking, with guest speaker Ben Green - Practical applications of AI that can make a real, measurable impact to your business - Town Hall, Reigate (08:00-10:00) Book your place

 

 

FEBRUARY

12th - The Marketing Lab: Build your digital growth engine, Business Surrey online workshop

26th - *Save the date* Reigate & Banstead Business Breakfast, Town Hall, Reigate (08:00-10:00) - speaker and booking details to be confirmed

 

MARCH

5th - The Marketing Lab: Build, automate & accelerate, Business Surrey online workshop

 


 
 
 
Boost Your High Street Business in 2026
Register now
 
 
A street view of shops and pedestrians.

The High Street Growth and Innovation Support programme is now open for early registrations, offering tailored support to help Surrey’s independent high street businesses grow, innovate and navigate town‑centre challenges. The initiative strengthens local economies and connects businesses with expert guidance.


High street businesses across Surrey can now register early for the new High Street Growth and Innovation Support programme - a targeted initiative designed to help independent retailers and service providers adapt, grow and strengthen their role in local economies.

The programme will offer tailored support to help businesses scale, navigate the challenges facing today’s town centres and make better use of Business Surrey’s wider services. It aims to boost innovation, build a stronger business ecosystem and reinforce high streets as vital economic and community hubs. The initiative also complements the Government’s Small Business Growth Service, adding extra value for Surrey‑based enterprises.

High street businesses are encouraged to register their interest now. Those who sign up will be contacted by the programme’s delivery team with further details on how to get involved.

Register your interest

 
 
 
Source in Surrey
Driving Growth. Building Connections. Boosting Surrey's Economy
 
 
The Source in Surrey logo features a stylized white flower extending horizontally from a letter B on a blue background.

Source in Surrey is an initiative, delivered by Surrey Chambers of Commerce, to drive B2B sales across the county using a range of resources and networking events designed to enhance the capabilities of SMEs to win contracts and grow their customer base.


This new initative will provide:

  • Roadshows
  • Training
  • AI-powered matchmaking platform
  • How to Guides

Find out more, contact Source in Surrey

 
 
Supercharge your business with the University of Surrey
 
 
A metal sculpture of a deer holding a key, set against a backdrop of trees.

Local businesses can fast‑track innovation and business expertise by partnering with the University of Surrey through their new Innovation & Enterprise Hub. With streamlined access to expert academics, cutting‑edge facilities, funding routes and top student talent, the University can help businesses of every size accelerate growth, solve real‑world challenges and turn ambitious ideas into commercial success.


Far from being ivory towers, universities today are a rich source of innovation and enterprise expertise for businesses seeking to accelerate their growth. But, finding the right academic partner shouldn’t feel like navigating a maze. The University of Surrey has streamlined the process so businesses can focus on what truly matters: driving innovation and accelerating growth.


Through the recent launch of their Surrey Innovation & Enterprise Hub, organisations now have a single, easy point of access to world‑class research expertise, cutting‑edge facilities and a rich pipeline of emerging talent. The Hub removes the complexity traditionally associated with university collaboration, enabling partnerships that deliver rapid, practical impact.

Businesses can tap into a wide range of opportunities, from booking a discovery call to explore tailored support, to partnering on Knowledge Transfer Partnerships, applying for Innovate UK funding, commissioning consultancy projects, or accessing student talent through placements and competitions.

The Hub works with start‑ups, SMEs, large corporates and non‑commercial organisations across sectors including health, engineering, sustainability and digital. Whatever your size or ambition, Surrey provides the expertise and infrastructure to help you innovate with confidence.

Find out more

 
 
Turn your bright idea into a business
Start your innovation journey with the Surrey Venture Studio
 
 
Three people gather around a computer, with "Leadership" and "Innovation" in grey block letters on the wall.

Surrey Venture Studio has launched a new pre‑accelerator programme supporting Surrey innovators, students and entrepreneurs to turn ideas into businesses. It offers ideation workshops, expert mentoring, and the chance to progress to a six‑month accelerator with up to £25,000 funding. Applications are open, with workshops and a webinar scheduled for early 2026.


 
 
STEP Surrey
New portal streamlines local employment support
 
 
Three individuals sit on chairs against a white wall, each reviewing documents.

Find out more about the support available to residents seeking employment and skills support.  STEP Surrey is a new single gateway for skills and employment support which brings together help for jobseekers to learn new skills, find work and access employment support in one place. 

 

 


STEP Surrey is a new single online gateway to help Surrey residents find jobs, skills training, and employment support. Run by Surrey County Council, it centralises resources like Skills Bootcamps, Connect to Work, and WorkWell, offering a unified, accessible platform for job seekers and businesses, connecting people with opportunities and tailored help. STEP Surrey is here to offer inspiration and ideas for those at the very start of their career, returning to work, or wanting to learn new skills that support their passion.

 

Fill out their get support now form, and a STEP Surrey careers expert will be in touch.

 

Our full calendar of business networking events can be viewed on Eventbrite and you can visit our Supporting Local Businesses web pages for the latest business support and updates.

 

Information about Reigate & Banstead Borough Council services can be found on our website.