The Business Runnymede team would like to take the opportunity to wish all of our subscribers a Happy New Year! We have a lot of events and initiatives planned for the upcoming year, including the first-ever Runnymede Business Awards, so keep an eye out for further news and opportunities available for your business.

To celebrate Runnymede’s position as the most economically competitive UK borough outside London, we’re launching the Runnymede Business Awards to recognise the high quality of businesses in our area. Join us for the official launch of the awards at a complimentary breakfast event on Thursday 26 January.

From sole traders to our largest employers, all Runnymede businesses are encouraged to enter the awards, so come along to be amongst the first to find out about the award categories and the application process, as well as network with other businesses and enjoy a free breakfast. At the event, Runnymede Borough Council's Assistant Chief Executive, Amanda Fahey, will also be setting out the council's budget for 2023/24 and answering any questions businesses may have.

Click the link to secure your free ticket.

Runnymede Borough Council has been granted £1 million of funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund to invest in Runnymede over the next three years. A significant portion of this is to be spent supporting local businesses, alongside improving skills to address employment issues.

Amongst various projects aimed at enhancing the local economy, the funding will see the establishment of the Runnymede Business Growth and Innovation Hub to improve the resilience and success of small businesses and start-ups. The hub will provide, advice, coaching, and mentoring for companies which have the potential to scale up. Businesses will be supported with the development of business growth plans and access to innovation and growth grants of up to £5,000 per business. Keep updated with the Business Runnymede newsletter throughout the year to hear more about how to take advantage of this.

In light of this difficult economic climate, Business Runnymede is seeking to understand how local businesses are doing and what support they could benefit from being offered. If you have a business in Runnymede, please complete this short survey to help us improve the support we can offer.

LOCASE is offering a series of free courses designed to give your business the necessary knowledge required to move towards the goal of net-zero emissions. The free Net Zero 360 courses give you access to workshops, a carbon calculator, action-planning support, and the innovation, expertise, and facilities needed to assist your business in transitioning towards a greener future.

Thursday 12 January

⏰ 9:30am - 12:30pm

Could your business do with some more guidance when it comes to the complex issue of international trade? This free course, provided by Surrey Chambers of Commerce, can help you better understand customs procedures to maximize your efficiency and meet all compliance obligations. This course would normally cost between £250-£350 but government funding means this course is being provided free of charge.

Wednesday 25 January

⏰ 9:30am - 12:30pm

Could you or someone in your organisation do with a refresher on all things mathematical? Thanks to funding from Surrey County Council, Surrey Chambers of Commerce are providing free two-part courses aimed at enhancing the maths skills of businesspeople. The courses are business focussed and participants can choose from five Surrey locations to take part.

⏰ Tuesday 31 January (Woking) or Tuesday 7 Feb (Staines)

More dates and locations available

Join us on social media, where we will be posting regular updates on our Twitter and Instagram accounts. We're also available on LinkedIn at:

Runnymede Borough Council LinkedIn

Come and say hello and follow us! We are happy to share your posts and profiles.