Women in Business
A special feature article
There's never been a better time for local women to start, grow and scale their businesses. From local networking opportunities to expert-led workshops and national programmes, there is something for everyone.
For more information on what is available, click on the link below to see our round-up of opportunities for women in business.
Join us for a series of Networked Women workshops which we are running in partnership with Tandridge District Council and the FSB. Designed to provide a warm and welcoming networking experience, practical advice, fantastic speakers and peer support. The workshops are designed to help women build confidence, develop new skills and expand their business networks.
We're also delighted to see the launch of Female Founders Surrey, a new network bringing together women in business from across the county - a supportive community for women who've had enough of building alone!
For those looking to strengthen their business, Small Business Britain's Female Founder Fundamentals programme gets underway on 13 October, providing expert guidance, practical tools and inspiration for women at every stage of their entrepreneurial journey.
For women with a business idea but unsure where to start, Digital Boost's free Begin programme offers a supportive six-week free online course featuring practical tools, mentoring, networking and advice from successful female founders to help turn ideas into action.
The Surrey Women’s Entrepreneurship Network (SWEN) is a dynamic initiative dedicated to creating opportunities for women to foster growth in both their ventures and networks.
Connect, Learn and Grow
4 November, Herons Bonsai, Lingfield
Join Networked Women at Herons Bonsai on 4 November for two hours of networking, learning and great conversation. Hear 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
Join us to hear from 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. Alongside the speaker sessions, there will be opportunities to network, share experiences and make new connections with women from across the East Surrey business community. 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 future of Reigate & Banstead
Take part in the Local Plan consultation
Reigate & Banstead Borough Council has launched the first consultation on its new Local Plan which is your chance to say what the plan should focus on before more detailed proposals are prepared.
The local plan will guide how the borough grows and changes up to 2044 – including new homes, jobs, transport links, community facilities and services – while protecting the environment, heritage and the character of local places. Have your say by 17:00 on 26 October
Responsibility for plan making will move to the new East Surrey Council on 1 April 2027. Government guidance is that Local Government Reorganisation should not delay Local Plan work. In line with this approach, Reigate & Banstead Borough Council will carry out the early stages of plan preparation
A robust plan is also the best way to maintain control over speculative development and helps to ensure that the everyday facilities and services communities rely on, such as schools, health services and transport links are put in place to support new development.
Celebrating our local businesses
Powertutors in Redhill recently celebrated their 10th anniversary. From taking part in the Council's Entrepreneur Academy, founder, Nazanin Nankali, has gone from strength to strength, creating an award-winning tutoring business supporting 100s of children every year. She recently featured in the FT's list of the UK’s fastest growing companies in the UK!
Congratulations go to Rachel Wood (Eco Earlswood) who has won the Environmental Award at the 15th BBC Make a Difference Awards 2026 for her fantastic work in the local community.
Popular Reigate restaurant, Nisou, is opening their second outlet - Little Nisou - in Woodhatch.
Indian restaurant, Nala, has chosen the Joshua Tree in Earlswood for its second restaurant opening.
Mathnasium, a maths learning centre for children, has opened in West Street, Reigate.
Inviting the Mayor to attend your event
In May, Cllr Nick Harrison was elected the new Mayor of Reigate & Banstead for the municipal year 2026-2027. The Mayor welcomes invitations to celebrate new business openings, milestones and celebrations. If you would like to invite the Mayor to attend your event, please complete the following form.
The Worshipful the Mayor of Reigate and Banstead Councillor Nick Harrison (l) with Nazanin Nankali, founder of Powertutors (r) at her 10th anniversary business celebration event.
Events round up
Your guide to local business events
OCTOBER
13 - Try it Tuesday - free co-working day (Bel4, Redhill, 09:00-17:00)
13 - Health & Wellbeing networking (The Market Stores, Reigate, 19:00-21:00)
20 - Introduction to Exporting (Source in Surrey, Sandown Park Racecourse, 10:30-13:30)
21 - RH Networking (Bel4, Redhill, 19:00-21:30)
22 - FSB Connect Reigate & Banstead (Town Hall, Reigate 08:00-10:00)
25 - Earlswood Farmers Market (Sea Cadets HQ, Hooley Lane, 10:00-13:30)
28 - Female Founders Surrey networking dinner (The Seven Stars, Leigh, 18:00-21:00) £30
28 - Be Found, Win Business! (Crawley Innovation Centre, 9:30-12:30)
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
09 - Health & Wellbeing networking (The Market Stores, Reigate, 19:00-21:00)
13 - Try it Tuesday - free co-working day (Bel4, Redhill, 09:00-17:00)
18 - RH Networking (Bel4, Redhill, 19:00-21:30)
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)
29 - Earlswood Farmers Market (Sea Cadets HQ, Hooley Lane, 10:00-13:30)
Be found, win more business!
Boost your sales confidence
Local businesses are invited to attend this interactive workshop designed to strengthen sales skills, improve networking techniques and build confidence. Participants will learn practical tools to attract customers, develop professional selling approaches and increase opportunities for business growth.
Register here
Delivered by Crawley College with support from Manor Royal Business Improvement District, Gatwick Diamond Business and Crawley Town Centre Business Improvement District, the workshop focuses on modern sales best practice - effective prospecting and networking, developing a positive sales mindset, understanding buying behaviours, building rapport and delivering excellent customer service. Workshops take place at the Crawley Innovation Centre, with free parking and a networking lunch included. Places are limited, so early booking is recommended.
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Hospitality Grant Scheme opens in Surrey
The Government’s Hospitality Grant Scheme is now open, offering Surrey hospitality businesses the opportunity to access a share of £10 million in funding. The programme supports business start-ups, skills development and community venues, helping organisations innovate, grow and strengthen their role within local communities.
Visit the Hospitality Grant Scheme page for full details - applications close 13 October.
Delivered by the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, the Hospitality Grant Scheme builds on a successful pilot programme and will run for three years. Funding is available for projects that support new hospitality ventures, bring vacant premises back into use and create employment and training opportunities. £3 million has been specifically allocated to support Pub is The Hub, helping rural and community pubs diversify their services through initiatives such as village stores, community cafés and activity spaces.
New £210 million fund launched for South East businesses
The British Business Bank has launched the South East Investment Fund, providing £210 million to help smaller businesses access finance. The fund offers loans and equity investment to support innovation, expansion, job creation and sustainable economic growth. Apply now
The South East Investment Fund has been created to improve access to finance for small and growing businesses that may struggle to secure funding through traditional routes. The programme offers debt finance ranging from £25,000 to £2 million, alongside equity investments of up to £5 million for businesses with strong growth ambitions. Managed by specialist investment providers, the fund aims to stimulate economic development while supporting responsible business practices and the transition to net zero. Surrey businesses can also access free guidance and support through Business Surrey to help identify suitable funding opportunities and prepare applications.
A Proud New Chapter for Surrey Hills
Surrey Hills Enterprises has launched Proudly Surrey Hills, a new mark helping businesses, charities and organisations showcase their local connection and shared values. A redesigned website also offers members clearer access to resources, training, networking and partnership opportunities, strengthening collaboration across the Surrey Hills’ thriving, sustainable economy and wider community.
Surrey Hills Website
Female Founders Surrey
New network launched for local women in business
Running a business can feel isolating, but it doesn't have to be. This growing network connects female business owners across Surrey through relaxed dinners, coffee mornings and occasional online sessions, with no awkward pitches or formal networking. Alongside events, inspiring podcast interviews spotlight local women in business, including a 2022 Entrepreneur Academy winner, Jess Richards!
Start-up Surrey
New online support for early stage businesses
Start-Up Surrey has relaunched, offering fully funded business support to Surrey residents and new businesses. Backed by Surrey County Council and delivered by Incuhive, the programme provides mentoring, workshops and peer support. Building on a successful pilot, it aims to help around 120 entrepreneurs develop sustainable businesses by March 2027.
Visit the Start-up Surrey page
Calling all young entrepreneurs
Closes 12 October
The Enterprise Nation Next Generation Grant is giving aspiring young entrepreneurs aged 18 - 24 the chance to turn their business dream into a reality with a £1,500 grant, plus 6 hours of mentoring sessions.
Simply fill in the short application form to explain why your business deserves the boost.
Grant applications close 12 October 23:59
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