Following a successful launch event earlier this month, we are pleased to announce that Runnymede Business Boost, our new free business support service, is now open for applications.

The programme has been meticulously designed to provide the tools, guidance, and resources your business needs to thrive and innovate in today's dynamic business landscape. The service is led by Runnymede Borough Council and delivered by a team of highly experienced business advisors on our behalf.

Runnymede-based businesses are now able to apply for a range of support including one-to-one business coaching by expert advisors, grants of up to £5,000 for growth, and to join our peer-networking workshops running through the steps your business can take to grow and prosper.

Speaking at the launch event held at Royal Holloway, University of London earlier this month, Cllr Tom Gracey, Leader of the Council said:

“Runnymede is one of the most competitive business locations in England, and we know there are businesses here which have potential to expand. But these are challenging times and many small businesses need a helping hand to bring forward their plans for growth. Enabling small business to grow will create more jobs for local people and bring about greater prosperity, so we are doing all we can to help our amazing local businesses to take the key steps to success."

“Together with our Youth Hub, and our soon to launch programme to encourage over-45s back into work we’re actively supporting the local business community and helping residents to prosper and succeed. We’re also investing in town centres to give retail and leisure businesses a more attractive environment to operate in.”

The first session of Runnymede Business Boost’s Peer Network Programme will be taking place later this month. The programme offers the opportunity to grow your business through a series of collaborative, confidential, and inclusive workshops in small groups of other business leaders. Led by an experienced facilitator, your group will meet regularly over a 12 month period.

Signups are now open for the first session, focusing on sustainable growth and your business ambition. The session will cover:

• Vision, mission, and purpose
• Strategic planning: what does success look like?
• Net zero strategy
• What innovation means to you?

All sessions will be held at the Enterprise Hub at Royal Holloway, University of London

Tuesday 28 November

⏰ 11am – 1pm

Did you know that the A3 is one of the most polluted roads in England? That’s why if you drive a diesel van on the A3 between the A31 to Farnham and the University of Surrey junctions more than three times a week, you could be eligible for a grant of up to £10,000 to upgrade to a fully electric van. Find out more at the link below.

There is no doubt that AI will revolutionise the way we do business. From everything from marketing to order processing, AI is set to change the business landscape significantly in the coming years. Come along to this free event to discover first-hand what AI means for your business as well as to hear from Innovate UK and the EM3 Growth Hub on the latest support available for business.

Tuesday 14 November

⏰5:00pm-8:00pm

Join the Federation of Small Businesses for their latest online networking session for Surrey businesses. This month's guest speaker is Nick Teunon, Director of UK Business Mentoring, who will be giving a talk guiding you through the issues to address in order to successfully sell your business.

Friday 17 November

⏰ 12:00pm - 13:00pm

Join the Surrey Cyber Security for their latest Red Team Thursday event. Designed for tech experts as well as enthusiasts, this month's event focuses on the innovations and implications of the use of 5G technology within the transport sector. During this event, experts will discuss the security and safety requirements of potential drone networks for the delivery of light cargo as well as set out the past, present, and future of self driving vehicles.

Thursday 30 November

⏰ 6:00pm-9:00pm

Join us on social media, where we will be posting regular updates on our X 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.