East Surrey Council
Introducing the new shadow authority
Following the local elections in May 2026, the shadow authority is now in place to oversee the transition to the new East Surrey Council.
The newly-elected councillors will be focused on preparing the new council ahead of its formal launch on 1 April 2027, known as Vesting Day.
All council services continue to be delivered in the same way during the shadow year (May 2026 to March 2027).
For more information on the new East Surrey Council, visit the Future Surrey website.
The new East Surrey Council will replace the current districts and boroughs of Elmbridge, Epsom and Ewell, Mole Valley, Reigate & Banstead and Tandridge, as well as the services currently provided by Surrey County Council, bringing everything together under a single organisation.
The existing county, borough and district councils will operate as normal until 1 April 2027, and the existing county, borough and district councillors will continue in their roles until then.
During the shadow year, knowing who to contact depends on the type of question you have.
If your enquiry is about a day‑to‑day council service, or if you need help with a service issue, you should continue to contact your existing county, district or borough council or councillor.
If your question is about local government reorganisation, or about how the new East and West Surrey councils are being set up, you can contact your shadow councillor.
Unlock Funding for Your Business
Discover the latest grants and support available
Power up your social impact
Connect with charities, hear inspiring voices
Join us for a special business and charity sector event with an inspiring panel of speakers, facilitated by Nicola Dawes DL from Stripey Stork. It will be a great opportunity for businesses to connect with local charities. Find out how your business can benefit and add positive social impact through volunteering and sharing expertise with the local voluntary sector.
30 June (09:30-11:00) Town Hall, Reigate. Spaces are limited - sign up now
Learn about the benefits of CSR, including:
- Up-skilling, recruiting and retaining workforce
- Broadening your reach and networks to keep you one step ahead of your competitors
- Maximising PR opportunities by showcasing your connections within the community
- Fulfilling ESG (Environmental, Social & Governance) goals and requirements.
We welcome panelist questions in advance. Please submit your question
Event is being run in conjunction with Voluntary Action Surrey East (VASE), Reigate & Banstead Borough Council and Tandridge District Council.
Events round up
Your free local business events listing
JUNE
09 - Try it Tuesday - free co-working day (Bel4, Redhill, 09:00-17:00)
09 - How to Win the Finance: Tenders, Bids & Grants (Crawley Innovation Centre, 11:00-12:00)
10 - Health & Wellbeing networking (The Market Stores, Reigate, 19:00-21:00)
10 - Sales Lab: Sales for small businesses (Business Surrey, online, 11:30-12:00)
15 - Gatwick Diamond Business membership meet-up (free for both members and non-members, Town Hall, Reigate, 10:30-11:30)
17 - RH Networking (Bel4, Redhill, 19:00-21:30) Try your first RH Networking event for free
17 - Security Awareness Training for small businesses (Cyber Resilience Centre, online, 10:00-12:00)
20 - Source in Surrey: Buyer-Supplier Exchange (1, The Causeway, Egham, 10:00-14:00)
24 - Marketing Lab: Digital Visibility (Business Surrey, online,11:30-12:00)
25 - FSB Connect Reigate & Banstead (Town Hall, Reigate, 08:00-10:00)
30 - Strengthen your business with community impact, (Town Hall, Reigate 09:30-11:00)
JULY
01 - Health & Wellbeing networking (The Market Stores, Reigate, 19:00-21:00)
14 - Try it Tuesday - free co-working day (at Bel4, Redhill, 09:00-17:00)
15 - Sales Lab: Findingthe right opportunities (Business Surrey, online, 11:30-12:00)
16 - RH Networking (Bel4, Redhill, 19:00-21:30) Try your first RH Networking event for free
23 - FSB Connect Reigate & Banstead (Town Hall, Reigate 08:00-10:00)
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Ready to Hire?
Everything you need to recruit and support your first employee
Deciding when to hire your first employee can be daunting for any small business. To help, HR expert Katy Cracknell has created a free guide covering recruitment, legal requirements, and people management. With practical tips, templates, and resources, it gives you the confidence to hire and support the right person successfully.
The Business Surrey HR Foundations Toolkit
Can your business help?
Community Fundraiser in aid of ESDAS
ESDAS (East Surrey Domestic Abuse Services) has put out a local appeal to businesses to donate raffle prizes, vouchers, experiences, products or services in support of their fundraising Community Event at Carrington School in Redhill on 26 June. Every donation - large or small - will help to maximise the amount raised for local survivors and families in crisis.
If you can help, please email Joe Henderson-Jones (Carrington School)
ESDAS will be holding their Community Fundraiser on 26 June at Carrington School in Redhill.
They are an independent local charity based in Redhill providing vital support for survivors of domestic abuse across Reigate & Banstead, Tandridge and Mole Valley. Their work includes counselling, safety planning, legal and housing advice, advocacy support, and specialist help for adults and children affected by abuse.
King's Awards for Enterprise
Get recognised
Applications are now open for the 2027 King’s Awards for Enterprise - a prestigious award for UK businesses.
Since 1965, the programme has recognised more than 8,000 exceptional UK businesses of all sizes.
New for 2027 is the King’s Award for Enterprise (Young Founder) recognising founders aged 18–30 who are actively leading their businesses and driving growth and opportunity.
Deadline for application: 1pm, Tuesday 8 September 2026
To apply and to check eligibility
Award categories include:
Young Founder
Aged 18–30 and leading the business
Show £250k turnover or £500k funding
Evidence across 5 impact areas
Include a short founder story video
Innovation
New innovation (not sold before)
On the market 2+ years
Investment recovered (or will be)
Clear commercial success
International Trade
£100k+ overseas sales in year one
Strong year-on-year growth
No dips in exports
Growth vs sector
Sustainability
Beyond compliance (2+ years)
Embedded in strategy & vision
Show real impact/results
Across product, supply chain or community
Promoting Opportunity Through Social Mobility
Support people from disadvantaged backgrounds
Delivered for 2+ years
Activities like mentoring / training / work experience
Show impact for people, business & community
If you get an award you’ll be:
- invited to a Royal reception
- presented with the award at your company by one of The King’s representatives, a Lord-Lieutenant
- able to fly The King’s Awards flag at your main office, and use the emblem on your marketing materials (for example, on your packaging, advertisements, stationery and website)
- given a Grant of Appointment (an official certificate) and a commemorative trophy
The awards are valid for 5 years.
Organisations that got an award have reported benefiting from:
- worldwide recognition
- increased commercial value
- access to wider export markets
- greater press coverage
- a boost to staff morale
Have your say
Take the QES Survey Today
Got 5 minutes? That’s all it takes to make sure your business voice is heard loud and clear. The Surrey Chambers of Commerce Quarterly Economic Survey is open and your feedback helps shape the future for businesses across Surrey and beyond. You’ll help influence conversations taking place at the highest levels, including HM Treasury, the Bank of England, the Department for Business and Trade, and local decision-makers.
Quarterly Economic Survey Q2 2026
Why does it matter? Because real business insights lead to real action.
Your input helps drive:
- Better business support
- Smarter policy decisions
- Stronger investment across Surrey
- A clearer understanding of what businesses like yours actually need
The more businesses that take part, the stronger our collective voice becomes in Surrey.
Your perspective could help shape what comes next for the Surrey business community.
Apply to be one of the Nation's favourite businesses!
Small Business Saturday
Small Business Saturday is once again highlighting the Nation's Favourite Businesses, leading up to Small Business Saturday 2026.
For the last 14 years, the Nation's Favourite Businesses have not only received exposure on Small Business Saturday's social media channels and in the local and national press, but also joined the Small Business Saturday team in London at receptions in Downing Street, House of Lords and the Treasury.
Apply now - closing date June 30, 2026
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