Event Partners

An evening of innovation and recognition

Thanks to everyone who joined us at the first Surrey '40 Under 40' Business Awards. This event is part of our continued commitment to showcase Surrey as a world-leading economic region for growth, providing opportunities for investment and progression.

Invest in Surrey's '40 Under 40' Awards celebrates Surrey's next generation of innovative entrepreneurs and business leaders from the region's primary sectors:

- Automotive
- Health & Life Sciences
- Creative & Digital
- Green Industries
- Technology
- Professional & Business Services
- Hospitality & Leisure

2022 Award Winners

The 2022 Surrey 40 Under 40 Business Awards is complete! We received over 100 nominations that highlighted the impressive work young professionals were doing all across the Surrey region. Our panel of experienced judges carefully assessed the applications to compile the final list of 40 nominees to receive recognition at the awards ceremony at the landmark Surrey County Council offices in Reigate.

See the full list of Winners

Our Speakers

Tim Oliver - Leader, Surrey County Council

Tim was first elected to Elmbridge Borough in 1999 and served Esher for 20 years. He was elected as Elmbridge Borough Council Leader in 2016, elected to Surrey County Council in 2017 and as the Leader of Surrey County Council in 2018. He stood down as Leader for Elmbridge BC and then as an Elmbridge Borough Councillor in 2019, to focus on his County Council responsibilities.

Annelies James - Director, 22 Midnight

Annelies James is a local businesswoman and host who has run her own business(es) since 2018 focusing on personal brand, content marketing and strategy. She has had the privilege of hosting such events as ABP Southampton Marathon, Business Panels for B2B Expos, TEDxSouthampton (Founder) and Business Innovation South Expo, amongst others.

Caroline Fleming - Director of Innovation Strategy, University of Surrey

Caroline is a mechanical engineer by background and brings a wealth of nearly 20 years of experience of working with early-stage technology companies to accelerate their innovations into the marketplace and a strong track record in developing enterprise support programmes and incubators, creating innovation ecosystems.

Damion Potter - Vice President and Head, Global Policy and Government Engagement, GSK Consumer Health Business

After work as a senior diplomat for the UK government (including as Ambassador) and as the International Communications Director at ESPN, Damion took on a role as Vice President and Head, Global Policy and Government Engagement at the Consumer Health Business at GSK on 1 February, 2022. In his final civil service role, Damion worked as the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office COP26 Delivery Director, including at the global events in Glasgow in November 2021.

Louise Bittleston - Corporate & Community Fundraising Manager, WWF UK

Louise joined WWF-UK in February 2021, and works in the Community Fundraising Team. With over 4 years' experience in the charity sector, Louise found her passions collide when she joined WWF: fundraising and protecting the environment.

Tamas Csejtei - People Team Director, Samsung Electronics UK and Ireland

Tamas joined Samsung in 2020 with 20+ years of proven experience as a highly effective international HR executive. He has successfully lead business and functional transformation programs, building and renewing talent bench and business capability, engaging employees on change journeys whilst maintaining utmost integrity.

Duncan Matthews - Land Director, St Edward

Duncan Matthews is the Divisional Land & Planning Director of Berkeley St Edward, a division of the Berkeley Group. St Edward is the joint venture between Berkeley and M&G Investments. Berkeley St Edward currently has 7 sites in production in London and the South East. It directly employs over 400 staff, and sustains a wider workforce of 1,500 people.

Award Judges

Chris Hurren - Office Managing Partner, RSM UK
Francesca Waite - Community Operations Program Manager, Amazon
Tim Wates - Director, Wates Group
Duncan Matthews - Land Director, St Edward