Source in Surrey comes to Redhill
3 September (10:30-14:30)
We’re excited to announce that the next Buyer-Supplier Exchange event from Source in Surrey is coming to Redhill on 3 September.
Join us at the Bel4 Co-working space to meet buyers and procurement representatives from a range of businesses including the Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust and AtkinsRéalis.
Take part in roundtable discussions and book speed networking sessions to gain direct access to supply chain opportunities and valuable industry insights.
Book your free place
Networked Women launches locally
30 September (12:00-14:00)
Reigate & Banstead Borough Council is delighted to be supporting a series of Surrey Networked Women events which will be run in partnership with the FSB and Tandridge District Council in the local area. Designed to connect and support women in business, join us for inspiring speakers, practical advice and great networking in a welcoming and collaborative community.
30 September (12:00-14:00) at Robert Denholm House, Bletchingley Road, Redhill RH1 4HW.
Register your interest
Congratulations to:
- Lesh (Epsom) - shortlisted in the Absolutely Mama Awards 2026 (Best Feeding/Nursing Product category)
- FraudOps (Redhill) - finalist in three categories at the Insurance Times Tech & Innovation Awards 2026
and to the winners of Rebecca Paul MP's small business competition:
- MLP Wealth (Banstead) - Best Overall Small Business
- The Chapel (Reigate) - Best Independent Cafe
- Murray Designs (Reigate) - Best Independent Shop
- The Garibaldi Pub (Redhill) - Best Community-Supporting Small Business
Events round up
Your guide to free local business events
AUGUST
11 - Try it Tuesday - free co-working day (Bel4, Redhill, 09:00-17:00)
12 - AI for everyday work: Practical use of AI in emails, docs and meetings (business.gov, online, 10:00-11:00)
12 - RH Networking (Bel4, Redhill, 10:30-12:00) Special Event at Wildfit, Bletchingley
24 - Designing your AI Roadmap: A step-by-step guide for growing businesses (business.gov, online, 11:00-12:00)
SEPTEMBER
08 - Try it Tuesday - free co-working day (Bel4, Redhill, 09:00-17:00)
10 - The Marketing Lab: PR & positive media – build credibility and trust (Business Surrey, online, 11:30-12:00)
16 - RH Networking (Bel4, Redhill, 10:30-12:00)
17 - Start your net zero journey with confidence (Business Surrey, online, 11:30-12:00)
24 - FSB Connect Reigate & Banstead (Town Hall, Reigate 08:00-10:00)
Redhill Arts Takeover returns!
5-12 September
Don't miss out on the Redhill Arts Takeover which returns bigger, brighter and bolder for 2026. Showcasing creativity across multiple town centre venues, the event attracts residents and visitors, helping to boost footfall and strengthen connections between businesses, community organisations and customers while celebrating Redhill’s thriving cultural scene.
For full listings and to book tickets
Keep up to date with Local Government Reorganisation
Sign up for the Future Surrey newsletter for partners
Local government in Surrey is changing. From April 2027, the 12 existing Surrey councils will be replaced by two new unitary councils - East Surrey and West Surrey.
The Future Surrey newsletter for partners has been developed to share updates on behalf of all 12 Surrey councils.
Work begins on new Local Plan
Help us shape Reigate & Banstead to 2044
Work is set to start on a new Local Plan for Reigate & Banstead, setting out how the borough should grow and thrive to 2044. The plan will guide where new homes, businesses and environmental improvements should go, while protecting valued green spaces, heritage and local character.
A ‘notice of intention to commence’ has been published - the first official step in the plan-making process - and a timetable showing when you can have your say to help shape the plan
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.
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Surrey Farming Innovation Accelerator
Grants for Growth
Farmers and growers across Surrey can access 100% funded grants of £10,000 to £35,000 through the Surrey Farming Innovation Accelerator. Designed to improve productivity, efficiency and resilience, the programme supports digital innovation projects and includes expert business support, training and peer-to-peer learning.
Apply by 16 August
MDHUB launches first Surrey Peer Group
MDHUB is expanding into the local area with the launch of its first official Surrey peer group for growth businesses. Building on strong local business networks, including members of the PEER 25 growth programme, the group starts on 14 August and two places remain for Surrey-based business leaders. For more information, email the group's facilitator, Simon Bland.
Powering Local Businesses
Funding for a Greener Future
Small businesses can apply for a share of £25,000 through the Powering Local Businesses programme. Five businesses will each receive a £5,000 sustainability grant, while five business owners will win a workplace electric vehicle charger with installation included. Support is available for energy efficiency improvements, equipment upgrades and renewable infrastructure investments.
Closing date: 31 August
Help to Grow Management Programme
Turbo charge your business
Calling all SME leaders! Access the government-backed Help to Grow: Management programme, delivered by Surrey Business School in Guildford. Over 12 weeks, participants gain practical leadership skills, one-to-one mentoring, peer networking and a bespoke growth plan. The programme is 90% government funded.
Starts 7 October. For more details
Funding for businesses who employ young people
Businesses can access a £3,000 Youth Jobs Grant for every eligible 18 to 24-year-old they recruit who has been claiming Universal Credit and seeking work for six months or more. The scheme helps reduce recruitment costs, provides access to motivated jobseekers and supports workforce growth. Eligible roles must be at least 25 hours per week and last a minimum of four months. Interested in growing your team? Download the Youth Jobs Grant Toolkit to find out more.
Making Tax Digital - are you prepared?
The first Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax quarterly update is due on 7 August 2026 and will apply if you work for yourself as a sole trader or earn money from property AND your turnover is above £50k.
Find out more
Young Entrepreneurs invited to apply for prestigious King's Award
Applications are now open for the new Young Founder Award, part of The King's Awards for Enterprise. Free to enter, the award celebrates exceptional entrepreneurs aged 18 to 30 leading growing UK businesses. Eligible founders can gain national recognition, boost credibility, attract investment and join a prestigious network.
Apply by 8 September 2026.
New AI accelerator for SMEs in Surrey
Creative startups and SMEs in Surrey can now apply for CoSTAR Emerge-AI, a new accelerator supporting businesses developing AI solutions. Participants can access expert workshops, mentoring, industry connections and up to £5,000 funding to help you move AI-powered products and services from prototype to market validation.
Applications close on 17 August 2026, with the programme running from October to December.
Surrey launches new employer-led Skills Strategy
Surrey Chambers of Commerce has launched the Surrey Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) 2026-2029, setting out key skills priorities for the county. Developed with employers and partners, the plan aims to tackle workforce challenges, strengthen skills provision and support sustainable economic growth across Surrey.
Surrey Chambers of Commerce has launched the new Surrey LSIP 2026-2029 in partnership with Surrey County Council. The employer-led strategy identifies six priority areas critical to Surrey's future workforce needs: manufacturing and engineering, construction and the green economy, health and social care, digital technologies, employability skills, and employer engagement.
The plan responds to key challenges including skills shortages, recruitment difficulties, workforce retention and the growing impact of technology. Delivery initiatives over the next three years will include programmes to encourage more women into engineering, strengthen construction skills pipelines, support health and social care leadership, improve digital capability and enhance employability skills.
Businesses are encouraged to get involved by sharing insights and helping shape future skills provision.
S100 Club September Pitch Event
UK-registered startups seeking £250,000 to £1.5 million investment can apply to pitch at the S100 Club’s September event (16 September at the University of Surrey). The programme supports innovative, high-growth businesses across sectors including AI, deep tech, life sciences and advanced engineering, connecting selected founders with experienced angel investors and funding opportunities.
Applications undergo a three-stage selection process comprising a written application, pre-selection meeting and panel assessment. Only the strongest opportunities are invited to pitch. Food, beverage and clothing businesses are generally excluded unless technology is central to their model.
Applications opened on 22 July 2026. Find out more.
The Great British Pitch - USA
UK food, drink, consumer goods and retail businesses are invited to showcase their products to international buyers at The Great British Pitch - USA in central London on 8 September. Gain expert export support, pitch via livestream to US buyers, and network with ambitious businesses.
Find out more and register your interest.
Tell us your views on proposed planning controls for small HMOs
We are seeking views from residents, landlords and property owners on proposed planning controls for small Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs). The Article 4 direction would remove permitted development rights so that properties can no longer be converted into small HMOs (shared homes or bedsits) for three to six residents without a full planning application.
HMOs provide an important source of lower-cost housing, so these proposals are not about preventing them but would ensure that the Council can properly consider their location, design, accommodation standards and potential impact on neighbours and communities before any conversion takes place. The consultation runs from 30 July to 24 September 2026.
Take part in the consultation
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