Scheme supporting local businesses to be launched

An initiative to help businesses in Surrey benefit more from spending in the county's £50 billion economy is set be launched.

"Source in Surrey" has been developed by Surrey Chambers of Commerce after it secured a grant from Surrey County Council's (SCC) Economic Growth Fund.

The initiative is designed to strengthen the regional economy by connecting small and medium-sized businesses with larger organisations for major contract opportunities, SCC says.

The project is one of several projects funded via the council's Economic Growth Fund, combining public and private funds, including government Shared Prosperity Funding, into a single pot.

Since launching in April 2026, SCC says more than £3 million has been invested via the council in local businesses and organisations to support business growth, innovation and employment opportunities.

Roadshows have been organised by SCC to promote the scheme, going to several major towns in the county including Woking, Oxted, Reigate and Guildford.

Louise Punter of Surrey Chambers said: "The Surrey economy is large but much of the spend of the larger organisations is made outside of Surrey, so we want to encourage larger businesses and organisations to 'buy local' and make it easier for smaller businesses to win contracts.

"By bringing these different parts of the business eco-system together we will also facilitate other ways of supporting the smaller businesses through training opportunities and economies of scale."

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