Get to know Surrey

Why Invest in Surrey?

Hear from the Invest In Surrey team and key business leaders from across the region on why Surrey is the UK’s best location to do business.

With innovation at the centre of its economic growth strategy, more than 100,000 businesses already call Surrey home.

Easy International Access

Surrey and the South-East has the highest number of foreign owned businesses operating anywhere in the UK.

Neighbouring London, Surrey benefits from a wide range of international owners due to it’s easy access to London Heathrow and Gatwick airports and close proximity to Southampton and Portsmouth docks.

Surrey’s access to international travel and it’s enviable amount of green space makes Surrey first choice for internationally minded businesses locating and relocating in the UK.

Infrastructure

With Unrivalled quality of life

Surrey is able to offer business owners and their staff an enriched location through it’s unrivalled quality of life.

Surrey is the most tree covered area in the UK and recently named top of the UK’s ‘Sunday Times Best Places to Live’ award and the UK’s Vitality Index/

Surrey has comprehensive net-zero objectives for the region and can reward businesses who prioritise sustainability with a ready workforce with high quality living standards.

Living in Surrey

and talented People

If you are looking for a highly skilled workforce, there’s no better location than Surrey. The region has the highest population of 16-64 NVQ Level 4 or higher, in the UK, and are in the top 3 for highest number of people employed in professional occupations.

Surrey’s connectivity, quality of life and international business make-up enables the region to easily draw in talent from around the world.

In Surrey you’ll find 4 world class universities, a prestigious research park and the global number one university incubator producing the skills and expertise of the future workforce.

Innovation & Skills

Surrey Skills Plan

Our vision is for a dynamic, demand led skills system which hones Surrey’s leading edge, recognises the needs of all businesses and maximises inclusion, whilst powering economic growth across the UK

Read the Surrey Skills Plan
shadow

Surrey at a glance

Surrey Values Business

In Surrey, we value your business. The Invest in Surrey team is on hand to provide location support and guidance to businesses considering investing, setting up, or growing in the region. We'll provide you with a single point of contact to support you through your journey in Surrey.

For businesses of scale, we are able to work on land assembly and bespoke development on the basis of a pre-let and long-term lease. Surrey is a desirable place to do business and we'll do all we can to help you choose Surrey.

Find out more

Latest News

An interview with Monika Baunach from WWF UK

We caught up with Monika Baunach, Public Affairs Adviser for WWF UK and winner of a 2022 Surrey 40 Under 40 Business Award, to discuss where there plans for the future and why...

Read More

Business Events

The Surrey Skills Summit 2022

About the Event The Surrey Skills Summit is designed to ensure that Surrey’s skills system continues to power the economic success of the county This will be done by...

Read More

Testimonials

Andrew Smith OBE

Corporate Affairs Director - Pinewood Studios Group
Read More
Close

Andrew Smith OBE

Corporate Affairs Director - Pinewood Studios Group

“For almost 90 years, Shepperton Studios has been fortunate to call Surrey home. Located just outside of London, Surrey and Spelthorne where the Studio is located, has consistently provided us with access to a wealth of creative talent and innovative resources. Surrey is a hub for the creative industry and offers a unique base for businesses and individuals within inspirational surroundings.

Its close proximity to London means that we have the best of both worlds – access to a thriving metropolis while also being able to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of a more rural setting and an abundance of filming locations. Overall, we believe that Surrey is an ideal location for companies looking to tap into the creative talent and innovative resources that the county has to offer. We are proud to call Surrey home and to be a part of its thriving business community.”

Yvonne Spencer

Director of Science Transformation - Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA)
Read More
Close

Yvonne Spencer

Director of Science Transformation - Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA)

“The Animal and Plant Health Agency’s headquarters and specialist science site is based in Surrey. There is a wealth of local bioveterinary sciences talent and high quality education, universities and innovation centres.

These resources are invaluable, providing access to a skilled and knowledgeable workforce to build our world leading animal health and disease control capability. The range of opportunities, connectivity and environment in Surrey is also a major draw for our employees, making it a great place for us.”

Jean Launberg

Strategy & Business Director - Gordon Murray Design
Read More
Close

Jean Launberg

Strategy & Business Director - Gordon Murray Design

“Gordon Murray Group are a leading car manufacturer and mobility engineering consultancy, which has been in Surrey from its inception and growth phase, and we are thrilled to have committed to Surrey as the location for our new headquarters, brand new car factory, and all-new Technology Centre at the new under-construction campus at Windlesham. There were several reasons why we chose to stay and grow in Surrey, including its green credentials, high quality of life, and access to global markets.

One of the main reasons we chose Surrey was its commitment to sustainability and the environment. As a car designer and manufacturer, sustainability is a top priority for us and we wanted to be in a location that shared our values. Surrey has a strong track record when it comes to environmental initiatives and we were impressed by the efforts the local community has taken to reduce its carbon footprint. Many environmentally-focused measures are being incorporated into the new campus under construction.

In addition to its green credentials, Surrey also offers a high quality of life for our employees. The region has a diverse population, excellent schools and healthcare facilities, and a wide range of recreational activities. We believe that our employees will continue to thrive in this supportive and welcoming community. As we inboard new people – myself included – from the UK, and from other countries and world regions, their feedback re-emphasizes that Surrey is an outstanding place to live.

Finally, Surrey’s location makes it an ideal place for us to do business. It is conveniently located near major transportation hubs, which will allow us to easily access global markets; it also has a highly educated talent pool, and first-class supporting services. We are confident that our new headquarters in Surrey will be a major asset for our company, and our clients, as we continue to grow and expand.”

Mike McNicholas

Managing Director, Infrastructure - Atkins Global
Read More
Close

Mike McNicholas

Managing Director, Infrastructure - Atkins Global

“Today Atkins is a global engineering consultancy with offices and clients around the world, working in all areas of the built environment. But our roots are firmly in Surrey where we started our growth from our Epsom home, helping to re-build the country following the second world war.

It remained our home and most recently we moved into a new state-of-the-art office in the town, designed by our own highly skilled team, which has played a key role in attracting new, talented people to the business most recently.

Being a business in Surrey has many benefits, and has certainly played a role in the success of the business over the decades. We remain committed to our position here for decades to come.”

Tim Wates

Director - Wates Group
Read More
Close

Tim Wates

Director - Wates Group

“As a leading family-owned built environment specialist and developer, the Wates Group considers the long-term environmental impact of all the projects we work on and the buildings we design, build, and maintain. Our sector-leading targets in moving towards being a Net Zero operator not only contribute to a healthier planet, but also help us stand out in a competitive industry.

We believe that Surrey is a great location for companies like ours, as the county is rich in innovation and talent. The access to these resources, combined with the high quality of living in the area, makes Surrey an ideal place for us to thrive.

We highly recommend Surrey as a location for any company looking to not only succeed, but also make a positive impact on the world.”

Invest in Surrey

How Can We Help?

More than 100,000 businesses already call Surrey home. Find out how we can help you today.