This months presentation Learning Lunch presentation is from Tim Moore, Account Director, Sonin Agency. During the session we will explore how businesses can leverage technology and AI to unlock scalable growth and improve efficiency. The focus will be on practical strategies, actionable insights, and real-world examples to demonstrate how smart use of AI and digital tools can help organisations achieve goals.

Key Talking Points:

• The Foundations of Scalable Growth
• Using AI to Work Smarter
• Realising Financial Gains Through Digital Transformation
• Real-World Success Stories
• Quick Wins for Businesses

The Council’s Executive agreed last night (30 January) that it would earmark up to £10 million for work to bring the Harlequin Theatre back into use.

It follows confirmation in December 2024 that the majority of reinforced autoclaved concrete (RAAC) throughout the building is classified as critical risk.

The Executive agreed recommendations that will progress and support a diverse arts and cultural offer for the local community.

Next steps will see a further Executive report in June seeking budget and design approval to help decide the way forward for the Harlequin in the Warwick Quadrant.

A further report tabled for June will consider the feasibility and provision of a circa 200-seater Redhill performance venue in unit 5 of our own development, The Rise, which could cater for commercial and community hirers for the next three to five years and potentially beyond.

Subject to annual budget approval, community hirers could also be supported with small enabling grants on a one-year pilot basis, while a commitment to grow the Council’s existing arts development offer will see further arts development opportunities in Redhill and borough-wide.

For the latest RB Works blog, we interviewed Ebony Montaque, to hear about her role as Senior Disability Services Coordinator at the YMCA.

Read to find out how she got into her current role and what her job involved on a day to day basis.

*NEW EVENT* Thursday 27 February 12.00-14.00 Learning Lunch, Town Hall, Reigate How to scale your business with AI with Tim Moore, Sonin find out more

Monday 10 March 19.00 - 21.30 RH Networking, Reigate Manor  find out more 

Thursday 20 March 17.30-19.30 Redhill Business Guild find out more

Thursday 27 March  12.00-14.00 Learning Lunch Town Hall, Reigate Understanding the psychology of sales, with Joe Cheal, Imaginarium  Discover the key principles and strategies behind successful sales techniques, and learn how to apply them to your own business.  Book now

Wednesday 21 May 17.30-19.30 Redhill Business Guild find out more

Thursday 22 May 12.00-1400 Learning Lunch Town Hall, Reigate Learn how to attract new customers and create loyal fans with effective marketing strategies PLUS network with other local businesses with Nicola Macdonald, Attractive Marketing Book now.

Monday 9 June 19.00 - 21.30 RH Networking, Reigate Manor  find out more 

Thursday 19 June 12.00-14.00 Learning Lunch Town Hall, Reigate Maintain drive and focus for a winning mindset with  Frank Sinclair, Fit with Frank Book now

Thursday 17 July 17.30-19.30 Redhill Business Guild find out more

Monday 8 September 19.00 - 21.30 RH Networking, Reigate Manor  find out more 

Wednesday 17 September 17.30-19.30 Redhill Business Guild find out more

Monday 8 December 19.00 - 21.30 RH Networking, Reigate Manor  find out more 

Put your business experience to great use in 2025 by helping shape the futures of young people as an Enterprise Adviser.

Surrey Careers Hub is looking for professionals to use their skills and knowledge to work strategically with schools and colleges.

Enterprise Advisers use their experience and networks to help teachers bridge the gap between formal learning and the world of work.

Full training is provided. All you need is a commitment to working with teachers for a couple of hours a month to input into careers programmes. You’ll be joining a network of more than 4,000 people across the UK. And you’ll be helping hundreds of young people be inspired about their futures.

Lisa Jarvis, is an active Enterprise Adviser with Surrey Careers Hub alongside her role at Novo Nordisk. She explains: “As business professionals, we often forget the valuable skills and networks that we have. These could be so beneficial to schools, helping them focus on what they are great at – which is educating our young people.”

• Meet local employers, get advice and explore career opportunities.
• Local businesses showcase your job vacancies and apprenticeships.
• Find across a wide range of sectors, such as retail, hospitality, security, cleaning, design, sales and marketing, administration and office work.

Workshops

Workshops will be delivered by Tara Woodford from National Career Services and Julia Searle from Empoweru. They are completely free to attend, but there are limited spaces so be sure to book your spot early!

For employers

We are offering local businesses with job or apprenticeship vacancies a free stand at the job fair. Benefits include:

• Connect with local qualified talent.
• Gain positive PR by investing in local people.
• Shape the skills of tomorrow’s workforce.

Cyber security is no longer just an IT issue. It’s the new competitive edge. Learn how protecting your business with strong cyber security measures can attract more customers and keep them loyal at nTrusts free online event.

Designed for start-ups tackling sustainability challenges

The Amazon Sustainability Accelerator is an equity-free programme supporting start-ups who are driving sustainable innovation. To help entrepreneurs grow their skills and scale their businesses to maximise their climate impact. The accelerators focus on various sustainability verticals, such as circular economy, recycling technology and more sustainable consumer products.

This bespoke 10-week programme is designed to help entrepreneurs like you scale their businesses while making a meaningful impact.

Applications close 7 March 2025 – Apply now and take your start-up to the next level!

Why apply?

The accelerator begins on 28 April 2025 and offers:

 £20,000 in grants and credits

 Expert coaching and mentorship to refine your business strategy

 Amazon point of contact to boost your presence on Amazon

 Three in-person weeks in the key European sustainability hubs of London and Amsterdam

 Pitching and networking opportunities with top VCs and sustainability leaders

All our networking events can be viewed on Eventbrite our Supporting Local Business web pages for the latest business updates.

Information about Council services can be found on our website.

Follow RBBC on our social media channels:

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LinkedIn Business Group

If you’re a UK-based business or research organisation, you may be able to compete for government-backed funding to research and develop a process, product or service; test your innovation ideas; or collaborate with other organisations

Use the service to search and apply for innovation funding, and submit, track and manage your applications.