Connect, Learn and Grow
4 November, Herons Bonsai, Lingfield
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
We are delighted to be joined by business performance coach, Julia Searle, on taking the pressure out of selling and building confidence when talking about your business. Nutritional therapist, Helen Moynihan, will share practical advice on maintaining energy and focus throughout a busy working day. The event is supported by Reigate & Banstead Borough Council, Tandridge District Council, and the FSB.
The event includes lunch.
Tickets cost £8 for FSB members and £10 for non-members.
When: 04 November
Time: 12:00-14:00
Where: Wire Mill Ln, Newchapel, Felbridge, Lingfield RH7 6HJ
Next event in the series: 21 January 2027 (Reigate)
Help shape the new East Surrey Council
Have your say
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.
Celebrating local business success
Congratulations go to
🏆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.
Shine like a diamond
Enter the Gatwick Diamond Business Awards
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.
Events round up
Your guide to local business events
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)
HMO Article 4 direction
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
HMOs - often called shared homes or bedsits - provide an important source of lower-cost housing for many people in our community, including young professionals, key workers such as NHS and airport staff and students, among others, so these proposals are not about preventing them. Rather, they are to help ensure that location, design, accommodation standards and potential impacts on neighbours and communities can be properly considered before conversions are allowed to take place.
HMOs with 7 or more residents already require planning permission.
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Andy Haldane to lead new Surrey Economic Commission
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.
The new Surrey Economic Commission will bring together experts from business, education, infrastructure, health and the public sector to explore how Surrey can build on its economic strengths and create future growth opportunities. Chaired by Andy Haldane, former Chief Economist at the Bank of England, the commission will develop action-focused recommendations by March 2027 to help Surrey compete nationally and internationally.
Alongside the commission, Royal Holloway, University of London will produce an independent socio-economic impact report assessing Surrey’s progress over the past six years. The work will support Surrey's ambitions as local government reorganisation and devolution progress.
£10,000 Funding Opportunity for Local Entrepreneurs Aged 40+
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.
Help your business win new contracts with Supply Connect
Free support to access public and private sector opportunities
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
Supply Connect, delivered by Enterprise Nation, offers free personalised support for businesses looking to secure contracts with corporate and government organisations. After completing a business diagnostic, participants receive a tailored training plan, access to practical resources and guidance from sector specialists.
The programme helps businesses understand procurement requirements, improve their readiness to supply and connect with buyers actively seeking suppliers. Businesses can also take part in webinars, pitching sessions and Meet the Buyer events. Supply Connect aims to help businesses access opportunities across public and private sector markets and grow sustainably.
Kick-start your ambition, build your future
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.
Surrey Construction Skills Bootcamp Opens for Referrals
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.
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