Navigate the Business Lifecycle with free webinars for Surrey SMEs

Published 2 September 2024

Advice and support, Events and awards

Navigate the Business Lifecycle with a series of free webinars designed by Business Surrey specifically for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Surrey.

Over four engaging sessions, we’ll explore essential topics to help your business thrive at every stage of its journey.

Each session will consist of a 45-minute presentation followed by a 15-minute Q&A session. Our expert speakers will share practical insights, real-world examples, and actionable tips.

The sessions will take place from October 7 to 11. They are titled:

Click on the links above for more details and then sign up via the dedicated Microsoft Teams link.

Each session in the Navigate the Business Lifecycle series will be led by a respected business advisor who is an expert in the topic.

Anyone can sign up to the sessions. You can dip in to one session, attend a couple or even sign up to all four.

They are perfect for those who have just started a business or those who are looking to take their Surrey business to the next level.

Are you a Surrey business looking for free support?

Business Surrey is a Surrey County Council service providing free and accessible support for all businesses in Surrey.

We want you to grow and succeed – and have a range of ways you can access support for your company.

Ready to take your business to the next level? Need new or upgraded skills to adapt to new ways of working? Or do you just require advice on how to access funding and grants? Our team of experts can provide independent and impartial advice on exploring opportunities and how to tackle various challenges. Contact the team for free via our Business Support Form.
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Browse our directory of business support in Surrey. The directory includes more than 120 local, regional and national schemes and initiatives, which can search through quickly and easily.
Find out more about what we do and how to access one of our many business-friendly services by completing our Contact Us form.

Introducing Work Wise employment support programme for jobseekers

Published 29 July 2024

Advice and support, Business news, Skills and workforce

Businesses are invited to get involved in Work Wise, a free employment support programme aimed at jobseekers aged over 16 who may struggle to get into work due to health issues or disability.

It has been designed to empower and bolster the local workforce, by providing support to jobseekers and improving their employment opportunities, and by supporting businesses to increase their workforce diversity and fill vacancies.

The programme is being delivered by Surrey County Council in partnership with Surrey Choices, Richmond Fellowship, Get Set UK, Surrey Welfare Rights Unit and Citizens Advice.

Employment support for individuals

Individuals who register on the scheme will be paired with a dedicated employment specialist. For scheme participants who are already employed, their dedicated specialist will support them to stay in work, and for jobseekers, the specialist will assist with their job search and applications, assisting with CV writing, interview preparation and benefits advice.

Work Wise support for businesses

Surrey County Council will work with suitable businesses and employers in the County to help deliver the Work Wise programme. The Council can support businesses by helping to identify suitable roles, matching jobseekers to skills gaps, and importantly, providing training and advice to develop inclusive employee support services which benefit both employee and employer.

Mark Nuti, Surrey County Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, and Public Health said:

“Making job opportunities accessible to everyone is very important to us. However, we know that people with disabilities or health challenges often face big challenges when trying to find work, so I’m delighted we are launching this initiative, providing vital employment support for those who need it most. Work Wise marks a significant step forward in improving job opportunities and breaking down barriers, empowering residents whilst helping to reduce unemployment rates, and fostering successful futures in our communities across Surrey so that no one is left behind.”

Businesses interested in taking part in the Work Wise scheme to help fill vacancies and get support to become a more inclusive employer can find out more here: www.surreycc.gov.uk/workwise

Looking for free support and advice for your Surrey business?

Business Surrey is a Surrey County Council service providing free and accessible support for all businesses in Surrey.

Find out more about what we do and how to access our many business support services by completing our Contact Us form.

Or you can browse our directory of business support in Surrey. The directory includes more than 120 local, regional and national schemes and initiatives providing support, guidance and help with funding.

A young man with Down's Syndrome is working in a cafe, handing a plate to a customer.

Growth Guarantee Scheme launched to help smaller businesses

Published 18 July 2024

Advice and support, Funding and grants

Smaller businesses in Surrey can now get access to finance to invest in and grow their company via the British Business Bank’s Growth Guarantee Scheme (GSS).

The new scheme is the successor to the Recovery Loan Scheme and has been designed to support UK smaller businesses to access the finance they need to invest and grow.

So far, there are 41 accredited lenders providing access to finance under the Scheme, with more expected to be accredited by the British Business Bank over the coming weeks.

The GGS will provide access to a range of different types of finance to suit the needs of smaller businesses, including term loans, overdrafts, asset finance, invoice finance and asset-based lending.

The Key Features of the Scheme

The key features of the GGS are broadly similar to those of its predecessor, The Recovery Loan Scheme, and include:

Finance available from £1,000 up to £2m per business group, depending on the type of finance product

Wide range of products including: term loans, overdrafts, asset finance, invoice finance and asset-based lending facilities

Term length: Term loans and asset finance facilities are available from three months up to six years, with overdrafts, invoice finance and asset-based lending available from three months up to three years

Access to multiple schemes: Businesses that took out a Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS), Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CLBILS), Bounce Back Loan Scheme (BBLS) or a Recovery Loan Scheme (RLS) facility before 30 June 2024 may still access the Growth Guarantee Scheme

Pricing: Fees and interest rates charged by lenders will vary but will take into account the benefit to the lender of the Government guarantee

Personal Guarantees: Can be taken at the lender’s discretion, in line with their normal commercial lending practices. (Principal Private Residences cannot be taken as security within the scheme)

Guarantee is to the lender: The scheme provides the lender with a 70% government-backed guarantee. Please note: the borrower always remains 100% liable for the debt

Decision-making is at the lender’s discretion: finance is provided at the discretion of the lender subject to their usual credit application checks.

How do I apply for the Growth Guarantee Scheme?

More information on the Growth Guarantee Scheme, including the list of accredited lenders, is available on the British Business Bank website.

What other support is available for smaller businesses in Surrey?

We offer a range of advice and support for Surrey businesses. Get in touch today to find out more via our business support form.

You can also search for information and support available near you via our Support Directory.

Woman stands outdoors holding a box of plants. She stands in cobbled street

Free short online course launched for SMEs by government

Published 1 May 2024

Advice and support, Business news

Small business leaders across Surrey can now access Help to Grow: Management Essentials, a free short online course packed with practical tips to help their company grow.

The Department for Business and Trade launched the new Help to Grow: Management Essentials course last week (April 24, 2024).

Based on the 12-week Help to Grow: Management Course, Essentials is suited to leaders of newer or smaller SMEs, or those who are looking to explore the principles of business growth and management before taking the next step and enrolling in the full course.

It is intended to support Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) leaders to establish their roots as they look ahead to scale up and grow their business.

How do I access Help to Grow: Management Essentials?

Essentials is the latest addition to the extensive package of SME support announced by Government as part of the ‘Help to Grow’ campaign: a one-stop shop for SMEs.

The course is free, with content divided into three easy-to-access modules consisting of short videos and supporting resources covering the essential business concepts required to unlock growth. Business leaders can access the course through the Help to Grow website.

Businesses in Surrey can also access free bespoke support from the new growth hub service run by Surrey County Council via the business support form on the Business Surrey website.

What do businesses say about Help to Grow: Management Essentials?

Byron Dixon, founder of Micro Fresh said:

“These videos are jam-packed with inspiration and practical tips for small business leaders. I wish I’d had this type of resource available to me when I was scaling my business.”

Martin McTague, National Chair of the Federation of Small Businesses, said:

“FSB has been making the case for a streamlined, digital taster session version of the Help to Grow Management course, and we’re delighted to see this now delivered. Businesses with fewer than five employees were ineligible for the full Help to Grow course, so this is particularly good news.

“This will better fit with the busy lives of small business owners who struggled with the initial commitment for 12-week intensive learning. It means many more can now access the benefits of Help to Grow and see the benefits of committing to the longer course as follow-up.”

Michael Hayman, MBE, Chair of the Small Business Charter said:
“Designed by the experts at Small Business Charter accredited business schools, the Help to Grow: Management Essentials Course will provide new opportunities for smaller firms to unlock their business potential.

“Essentials joins the full Help to Grow: Management Course which has already helped thousands of business leaders develop the skills they need to accelerate growth, productivity and innovation. Together they provide a unique opportunity for businesses across the SME community to benefit.”

Enterprise Nation Founder and CEO, Emma Jones CBE, said:

“As a delivery partner on the Help to Grow: Management course, we see the positive impact this initiative has on small business confidence and productivity every day. One thing that stands out is the value that working one-to-one with a matched mentor can have, bringing the lessons learned on the course alive in a very practical setting.

“Helping business leaders understand the clear benefits that taking time out of the business to sharpen business knowledge can have – and practical support on how to apply that to their own business cannot be overstated.”