Enterprise

Rural Surrey has a thriving business enterprise sector. In addition to farming, food and tourism, rural Surrey is home to a vast array of small, innovative, and high growth businesses as well as major multi-national headquarters. Many of these are attracted by the beauty of the Surrey countryside, quality of life, accessibility - key transport routes and two international airports on the doorstep, skilled workforce and high quality schools and universities.

Surrey’s rural businesses face a number of challenges, some of which are the same as their urban counterparts, others which are exacerbated by their rural location. These challenges include: pressures on the agricultural sector; the growing importance of leisure and tourism; difficulties recruiting skilled staff; lack of affordable housing; congestion on the roads; the cost of land and property; the cost of renting space; planning restrictions impeding business growth; and, for many, difficulties accessing reliable, high speed broadband. And, on top of all this, rural businesses are having to deal with the pressures associated with the economic downturn. But change brings opportunities for those businesses that can adapt and find new ways of working and support is on hand to help businesses.

Business Link provides access to information, advice and support to start a new business or grow an existing one. Fully funded by the Government, the Business Link service is free of charge. Practical support is available through:

• A workshops programme to land based industries in Surrey. The workshops include Business Diversification and possible grant opportunities www.ruralbookings.co.uk
• The Business Review – a meeting with a Business Link Adviser who will give an objective view of your business, and provide practical guidance

Find out about Business Link support for Rural Businesses and current opportunities, such as RDPE funding. Call 0845 600 9 006, visit www.businesslink.gov.uk/southeast or email success@businesslinksurrey.co.uk

For other sources of advice please visit Surrey Economic Partnership