Business advice, funding and resources

A range of advice, support, training and funding is available for businesses across the district:

 

  • Ofgem helps on businesses' energy complaints, microbusiness gas or electricity and provdies advice on energy efficiency schemes.
  • Compare Business Energy quotes at Uswitch for Business.
  • Small and medium businesses (SMEs), social enterprises and charities based and trading in Surrey can apply to LoCASE (Low Carbon Across the South and East).

  • Virgin Start Up Loans offers start up loans from between £500 and £25,000, along with a business mentor to help make the best use of the loan.
  • Fredericks Foundation provides specialist finance and mentoring for people who want to expand an existing charity or social enterprise.
  • The Princes' Trust helps unemployed people aged 18-30, or those who have limited means to start-up businesses.

A Business Improvement District (BID) is a business-led and business funded body formed to improve a defined commercial area.

We are very lucky to have two successful and proactive BIDs in Tandridge. The Caterham BID is based in Caterham Valley and Love Oxted in Oxted Town Centre.

 

  • The Carbon Trust helps businesses and the Public Sector to cut carbon emissions and supports the development of low carbon technologies.
  • Surrey County Council's website includes information on where businesses can dispose and recycle waste.

  • Surrey Chambers of Commerce runs a programme of events for members and non-members, including business networking, training opportunities and speaker breakfasts.
  • Lingfield Chamber of Commerce exists to support and connect local businesses of all sizes, to help improve the appearance and general business environment of the village.
  • The Federation of Small Business regularly publishes guidance and advice to help small businesses and the self-employed. It also organises online networking events to support businesses, which can be accessed on its website or by joining its private Facebook group ‘FSB COVID-19 Support’ (non-members can join this group).
  • The Coast to Capital Growth Hub team provides fully funded advice and support to help small and medium sized businesses connect with business support, experts and funding opportunities, as well as post EU transition advice. To speak to a Growth Relationship Manager, complete an online request form.
  • The Department for International Trade helps businesses operating in export and global markets.
  • The Trade Association Forum is available to provide trade associations with the same support they provide their own members.
  • Enterprise Nation helps connects you to the resources and expertise to help small businesses succeed.
  • The Gatwick Diamond has an excellent business support network and access to key decision makers in local authorities and financial institutions. 

Training 

  • Nescot College delivers all levels of apprenticeships across a wide range of industries. It can also help businesses reach local employees with industry-relevant knowledge and practical skills. For more information contact the Business Centre on 0208 394 8593 or businesscentre@nescot.ac.uk.
  • John Ruskin and East Surrey College offer a range of courses (funded and part funded) to businesses, residents and staff.

 

Webinars

  • HMRC’s range of free webinars support businesses, helping to make tax matters easier, quicker, and simpler. Webinars cover topics including PAYE, self-employment, VAT, record keeping and other topics. They last about an hour and are live and interactive so questions can be asked by participants.

A variety of information is available to help you understand what the UK leaving the EU means for your business: