More local jobs to be created after £1m investment

Surrey could see dozens of new jobs created as green tech innovators and gourmet food producers look set to benefit from grants totalling £1m.

Nearly 30 companies and entrepreneurs are receiving individual grants of up to £75K each in the latest round of funding by Surrey County Council (SCC).

The investment, which is largely made up of UK Shared Prosperity Funding from the government, will unlock millions of pounds of match funding.

Dorian Isaacson, of Rhevia, a firm using hardware and AI to improve highway safety and efficiency, called the grant "transformational".

He said the money would enable the company to recruit two new team members and significantly advance their technology.

Isaacon said: "That progress has directly helped us win new customers and accelerate our growth.

"As we scale, we expect this to translate into high-value jobs, continued innovation, and a growing contribution to the Surrey economy."

Matt Furniss, cabinet member for highways, transport and economic growth, said: "This investment represents another significant step in strengthening and growing Surrey's economy."

"I'm delighted we have been able to support close to 30 companies with their innovative ideas to grow and look forward to seeing them delivering benefits to our people and places over the months to come."

SCC launched the Economic Growth Fund last April with a focus on supporting ideas to accelerate growth, boost innovation and create new employment opportunities.

About £2m was distributed when the first round of grants was announced in September, bringing the total amount invested locally this yearto more than £3m.

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