Question 1

What is Surrey Hills Enterprises?

Accepted Answer

Surrey Hills Enterprises is a membership organisation connecting more than 240 organisations with an economic interest in the Surrey Hills. Its role is to create practical opportunities through connections, collaboration, profile raising, training, events, partnerships and access to support. Members include small businesses, charities, CICs and larger organisations. The focus is not simply where an organisation is based, but how it contributes to a thriving, sustainable Surrey Hills economy.

Question 2

Who can join Surrey Hills Enterprises?

Accepted Answer

Businesses, charities, CICs and other eligible organisations can apply. You do not have to be located inside the Surrey Hills, but you must have a genuine economic interest in the area and commit to the Surrey Hills Enterprises pledge. Applications should demonstrate a positive connection to the local economy, community, quality, sustainability or local provenance.

Question 3

Does my organisation need to be based in the Surrey Hills?

Accepted Answer

No. Organisations outside the formal Surrey Hills boundary can apply if they have a genuine economic interest in the area. This may include serving Surrey Hills customers, employing local people, sourcing locally, supporting the visitor economy, working with local organisations or contributing to the landscape and community. Location alone does not decide eligibility.

Question 4

How much does Surrey Hills Enterprises membership cost?

Accepted Answer

Business membership costs £300 plus VAT a year for 1 to 5 employees, £425 plus VAT for 6 to 20 employees and £600 plus VAT for 21 employees and over. Charity membership costs £206 plus VAT for charities with under 20 employees and £309 plus VAT for charities with 21 employees and over. Business, 1 to 5 employees: £300 plus VAT per annum Business, 6 to 20 employees: £425 plus VAT per annum Business, 21 employees and over: £600 plus VAT per annum Charity, under 20 employees: £206 plus VAT per annum Charity, 21 employees and over: £309 plus VAT per annum

Question 5

What do members receive?

Accepted Answer

Membership provides access to a collaborative local network, member-only events, training, practical resources, profile opportunities, member communications, introductions and routes to specialist support. Depending on relevance and availability, members may also feature in Surrey Hills digital channels, the annual Guide to the Surrey Hills, newsletters, social media, public events and corporate activity promotions.

Question 6

Is Surrey Hills Enterprises membership worth it for a sole trader?

Accepted Answer

It can be, particularly if you want stronger local connections, trusted introductions, practical learning and opportunities that are difficult to access alone. It may be less suitable if you only want immediate sales leads and do not have time to participate. Before joining, identify two outcomes you want in the next year and compare them with the membership fee and the time you can commit.

Question 7

Is membership suitable for charities and CICs?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The network includes charities and CICs as well as commercial organisations. Membership can support partnership building, profile raising, introductions, fundraising knowledge, volunteering links and connections with local suppliers and corporate organisations. Reduced charity rates recognise that their needs and budgets differ from many commercial members.

Question 8

How quickly will I see value from membership?

Accepted Answer

Some value can be immediate, such as introductions, information and event access. Stronger results usually come from regular participation over several months. Members who explain what they need, attend suitable events, follow up introductions and contribute to the network are more likely to create useful partnerships and opportunities.

Question 9

Who should not join Surrey Hills Enterprises?

Accepted Answer

Membership may not be right if you have no meaningful economic interest in the Surrey Hills, want guaranteed sales, cannot commit any time to the network or do not support the membership pledge. A specialist referral network, sector body, free business support service or visitor marketing platform may be a better fit. The most honest approach is to compare your objective with each organisation's purpose.

Question 10

Does membership guarantee new customers or funding?

Accepted Answer

No membership organisation can guarantee customers, referrals, contracts or grants. Surrey Hills Enterprises creates access to people, knowledge, profile and opportunities, but members must still participate and follow up. Funding also depends on eligibility, timing and the strength of an application. Membership should be viewed as a platform for growth and collaboration, not a guaranteed return.

Question 11

How do I apply for membership?

Accepted Answer

Complete the website application with your organisation details, employee band, Surrey Hills connection and commitment to the pledge. Surrey Hills Enterprises reviews the application and makes a recommendation to the Membership Committee. Once approved, the team confirms the fee, issues the membership agreement and starts the onboarding process. Applicants who are unsure about eligibility can request a conversation first.

Question 12

What happens after I apply for Surrey Hills Enterprises membership?

Accepted Answer

The team reviews your application, checks your Surrey Hills connection and sends an approval recommendation to the Membership Committee. If approved, you receive confirmation, a membership agreement and payment information. The onboarding process then introduces the network, profile and marketing opportunities, member communications, events and the practical steps that help you become active quickly.

Question 13

Does Surrey Hills Enterprises membership renew automatically?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Under the current membership terms, membership renews annually unless you give written notice at least 30 days before the renewal date. Payment is normally made by direct debit unless agreed otherwise. Fees are non-refundable once paid, except in the case of an administrative error.

Question 14

How do I cancel Surrey Hills Enterprises membership?

Accepted Answer

You can cancel by giving written notice. To prevent the next annual renewal, the current terms require at least 30 days notice before the renewal date. When membership ends, the organisation must stop using Surrey Hills Enterprises membership branding and remove current membership references from its materials and digital channels.

Question 15

How can I make the most of Surrey Hills Enterprises membership?

Accepted Answer

Start with two or three clear objectives and tell the team what you need. Complete your profile, use the member mark correctly, join relevant member groups, attend selected events, share useful news, respond to collaboration opportunities and follow up introductions. Regular, focused participation creates more value than trying to use every benefit.

Question 16

Will my organisation receive an online member profile?

Accepted Answer

Members currently receive a profile within the wider Surrey Hills digital ecosystem, subject to the relevant platform, categories and content requirements. The profile should explain the organisation clearly, use strong images, link to the correct website and contain accurate contact information. Members remain responsible for supplying current details.

Question 17

Can members promote news and events through Surrey Hills Enterprises?

Accepted Answer

Members can submit relevant news, stories and opportunities for possible use in member communications, public marketing and social media. Hospitality and visitor events will use the agreed visitor-economy platform, while business-to-business and member events remain part of the Surrey Hills Enterprises offer. Inclusion depends on relevance, timing, available space and the quality of the information supplied.

Question 18

Can members take part in Surrey Hills public events?

Accepted Answer

Eligible members can apply for stalls, demonstrations, talks and other opportunities at Surrey Hills Enterprises public events. Members may receive priority access or preferential rates for selected events, but suitability, availability, safety requirements and event terms still apply. Producers should compare the audience, full cost and likely return before booking.

Question 19

How does Surrey Hills Enterprises promote its members?

Accepted Answer

Surrey Hills Enterprises connects members with residents, visitors, other organisations and corporate audiences through events, digital channels, newsletters, social media, the annual Guide to the Surrey Hills and partnership activity. The 2026 Guide has 10,000 printed copies plus a digital edition. Promotion is selective and collaborative, so members should provide strong, timely content and should not expect guaranteed individual coverage.

Question 20

What is Proudly Surrey Hills?

Accepted Answer

Proudly Surrey Hills is the member mark of Surrey Hills Enterprises. It gives businesses, charities and organisations within our membership a visible way to show their connection and commitment to the Surrey Hills. Members displaying the mark are part of a wider network working to support a thriving, sustainable Surrey Hills economy through collaboration, responsible business and positive involvement in the area.

Question 21

What does the Proudly Surrey Hills mark mean?

Accepted Answer

The Proudly Surrey Hills mark shows that an organisation is a member of Surrey Hills Enterprises and has made a commitment to supporting the Surrey Hills and its economy. It represents connection, participation and commitment rather than simply geographical location. It does not mean that Surrey Hills Enterprises has independently certified every product, service or activity offered by the organisation.

Question 22

Who can use the Proudly Surrey Hills mark?

Accepted Answer

The Proudly Surrey Hills mark is for members of Surrey Hills Enterprises. Membership includes businesses, charities and other organisations with a genuine connection to the Surrey Hills and an interest in supporting a thriving and sustainable local economy. Members should use the mark in accordance with the Proudly Surrey Hills usage guidelines supplied with their membership.

Question 23

Does my organisation have to be based in the Surrey Hills to become Proudly Surrey Hills?

Accepted Answer

No. Surrey Hills Enterprises includes organisations based within the Surrey Hills as well as organisations outside the area that have a genuine economic connection to the Surrey Hills. What matters is the organisation's relationship with the area and its willingness to contribute positively to the Surrey Hills economy and community.

Question 24

How do I become Proudly Surrey Hills?

Accepted Answer

Proudly Surrey Hills is available through membership of Surrey Hills Enterprises. If your organisation has a genuine connection to the Surrey Hills and shares our commitment to supporting a thriving and sustainable Surrey Hills economy, you can explore membership and complete the membership application. If you are not sure whether membership is right for you, our membership quiz gives an indicative answer in a few minutes.

Question 25

Is Proudly Surrey Hills an accreditation or quality mark?

Accepted Answer

No. Proudly Surrey Hills is a member mark showing an organisation's membership of Surrey Hills Enterprises and its commitment to the Surrey Hills. It should not be interpreted as independent certification or verification of every product, service, sustainability claim or business practice of a member.

Question 26

Does Proudly Surrey Hills mean a product was made in the Surrey Hills?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily. The Proudly Surrey Hills mark represents the member organisation and its connection and commitment to the Surrey Hills. Members include producers and makers based within the Surrey Hills, but the wider network also includes hospitality businesses, charities, professional services, larger employers and organisations based outside the boundary with a strong connection to the area. Consumers looking for specific information about where a product was made or sourced should refer to the information provided by the individual producer.

Question 27

Where can members use the Proudly Surrey Hills mark?

Accepted Answer

Members can use Proudly Surrey Hills to communicate their membership and connection to the Surrey Hills, subject to the usage guidelines. Depending on the organisation, this could include: Websites Email signatures Social media Premises Market stalls and events Printed marketing materials Appropriate product or packaging applications Members should follow the supplied brand and usage guidance when displaying the mark.

Question 28

Can charities and community organisations be Proudly Surrey Hills?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Surrey Hills Enterprises membership is not limited to commercial businesses. Charities, community organisations and other eligible organisations with a genuine connection to the Surrey Hills can also become members and use Proudly Surrey Hills.

Question 29

Can hotels, restaurants and visitor businesses be Proudly Surrey Hills?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Hospitality and visitor businesses are an important part of the Surrey Hills economy and Surrey Hills Enterprises membership. Proudly Surrey Hills can help these organisations show their connection to the area and their participation in the wider Surrey Hills business and organisational community. Hospitality members are well placed to champion local producers, experiences and supply chains, which is one of the most visible ways to contribute to the Surrey Hills economy.

Question 30

Can professional services businesses be Proudly Surrey Hills?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Surrey Hills Enterprises includes professional services organisations alongside producers, hospitality businesses, charities and other sectors. A professional services organisation does not need to manufacture a Surrey Hills product. Its contribution might instead come through supporting other organisations, sharing expertise, collaborating locally, employing people or contributing to the Surrey Hills economy.

Question 31

What commitment do Proudly Surrey Hills members make?

Accepted Answer

Proudly Surrey Hills members are part of a community committed to supporting a thriving, sustainable Surrey Hills economy. How each organisation contributes will vary according to its size and type, but we encourage members to participate in the network, collaborate with others, consider their environmental and community impact and look for ways to support the Surrey Hills economy. This is a shared commitment rather than a claim that every member operates in exactly the same way.

Question 32

How does Proudly Surrey Hills support the local economy?

Accepted Answer

Proudly Surrey Hills helps make the Surrey Hills Enterprises network more visible and encourages connections between organisations, customers and communities. Through Surrey Hills Enterprises, members can collaborate, promote their organisations, access learning and opportunities, make introductions, support local supply chains and contribute to initiatives that strengthen the Surrey Hills economy.

Question 33

How can I find Proudly Surrey Hills businesses and organisations?

Accepted Answer

You can explore organisations in the Surrey Hills member directory, which lists Surrey Hills Enterprises members across food and drink, hospitality, retail, professional services, charities and more.

Question 34

What is the relationship between Proudly Surrey Hills and Surrey Hills Enterprises?

Accepted Answer

Proudly Surrey Hills is the member mark of Surrey Hills Enterprises. Surrey Hills Enterprises is the organisation that brings together the business, charity and organisational community. Proudly Surrey Hills gives members a visible way to demonstrate their membership and commitment to the Surrey Hills.

Question 35

What is the relationship between Surrey Hills Enterprises and Surrey Hills National Landscape?

Accepted Answer

Surrey Hills Enterprises works closely with Surrey Hills National Landscape as part of the wider Surrey Hills family, alongside Surrey Hills Society and Surrey Hills Arts. Surrey Hills National Landscape leads on the protection and enhancement of the landscape, while Surrey Hills Enterprises focuses on organisations, connections and the rural economy. The organisations work together because a thriving, sustainable economy and a well-cared-for landscape are closely connected.

Question 36

What are the Surrey Hills Awards?

Accepted Answer

From 2027, Surrey Hills Enterprises plans to introduce a Surrey Hills Awards programme to recognise outstanding achievements by members in areas including sustainability, community and collaboration. The awards will be separate from Proudly Surrey Hills. Proudly Surrey Hills is the shared member mark, while the future awards will recognise particular achievements and contributions. Further details will be announced in 2027.

Question 37

How do I find the right membership option for my organisation?

Accepted Answer

Take our membership quiz to answer a few questions about your organisation size, type and goals. It gives an indicative membership result and points you to the right next step, whether that is applying, exploring benefits or talking to the team first.

Question 38

Surrey Hills Enterprises or Surrey Chambers of Commerce, which should I join?

Accepted Answer

Surrey Chambers offers a countywide chamber network, business services, events and representation. Surrey Hills Enterprises is more place-led and focuses on organisations with an economic interest in the Surrey Hills, including visitor, food, drink, craft, charity and service organisations. The right choice depends on whether you need broad countywide business support or deeper Surrey Hills connections. Some organisations benefit from both.

Question 39

Surrey Hills Enterprises or BNI, which is better for referrals?

Accepted Answer

BNI is designed around structured, frequent referral meetings, usually with one representative per profession in a chapter. Surrey Hills Enterprises offers a broader collaborative network with events, profile, training, partnerships and place-based opportunities. If weekly referral activity is your priority, BNI may suit you. If you want cross-sector Surrey Hills connections and wider support, Surrey Hills Enterprises may fit better.

Question 40

Surrey Hills Enterprises or the Surrey Sustainable Business Network?

Accepted Answer

The Surrey Sustainable Business Network provides free, impartial sustainability and decarbonisation support for Surrey-based organisations. Surrey Hills Enterprises is a paid membership network covering growth, connections, marketing, events, partnerships and sustainability. They are complementary. Use the Sustainable Business Network for specialist carbon support and Surrey Hills Enterprises for wider place-based opportunities.

Question 41

Surrey Hills Enterprises or Visit Surrey, what is the difference?

Accepted Answer

Visit Surrey focuses on attracting visitors and promoting Surrey's visitor economy through destination marketing and visitor information. Surrey Hills Enterprises focuses on the organisations behind the local economy through membership, collaboration, training, business-to-business events and partnerships. A hospitality or visitor organisation may use Visit Surrey for visitor reach and Surrey Hills Enterprises for connections, support and local collaboration.

Question 42

Can I belong to more than one networking or membership organisation?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Different networks serve different purposes. Before joining several, define the role of each one, such as referrals, visitor marketing, specialist advice, local influence or peer support. Review the combined cost and time every six months and track useful introductions, collaborations, learning and sales rather than counting attendance alone.

Question 43

How can I get more local customers in Surrey?

Accepted Answer

Start with a clear description of your ideal customer and the problem you solve. Make your Google Business Profile accurate, collect recent reviews, create location-specific website pages, ask existing customers for referrals and build partnerships with complementary local organisations. Test one activity at a time and record enquiries, bookings and sales.

Question 44

How can a small organisation improve local visibility without a large budget?

Accepted Answer

Prioritise channels that people already use to find you. Keep your Google profile, website details and social profiles consistent. Publish answers to real customer questions, ask for reviews, contribute useful expertise to local groups, attend selected events and agree cross-promotion with complementary organisations. Consistency usually produces more value than spreading a small budget across many channels.

Question 45

What is the best low-cost marketing for a local organisation?

Accepted Answer

The best option depends on where customers make their decision. For many local organisations, the strongest starting combination is Google visibility, customer reviews, email, referrals and partnerships. Hospitality and visitor organisations should also maintain current listings and events. Producers may gain more from sampling, markets, stockist relationships and repeat-purchase email. Track the source of every enquiry before spending more.

Question 46

How do I find local organisations to collaborate with?

Accepted Answer

Look for organisations serving the same audience with a complementary offer. Define a simple shared benefit, such as a joint package, event, referral route, content feature or supplier relationship. Start with a small test, agree responsibilities and measure the result. Membership networks can reduce the time needed to find credible partners, but a clear proposal still matters.

Question 47

Is business networking worth the time and cost?

Accepted Answer

Networking is worthwhile when the audience is relevant, the format suits you and you follow up. It is less useful when you attend without a clear objective or expect immediate sales. Test two or three groups, set a three-month goal and track introductions, useful knowledge, collaborations and opportunities. Include travel and preparation time when comparing the true cost.

Question 48

How do I get better results from networking?

Accepted Answer

Go with one clear objective and a short explanation of who you help. Ask useful questions, listen, offer relevant introductions and follow up within two working days. Record the people you meet and agree a next action. Regular attendance builds familiarity, but selectivity matters. Choose events where your customers, partners or useful specialists are likely to be present.

Question 49

Can local fairs and events help me win customers?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if the event audience matches your offer and you plan beyond the day. Set a goal for sales, leads, sampling, research or stockist conversations. Make the offer easy to understand, collect consented contact details and follow up quickly. Calculate total cost, including stock, staffing, travel and your time, then compare it with immediate and later sales.

Question 50

How important is my Google Business Profile?

Accepted Answer

For organisations serving a local area, it is often one of the first things customers see. Keep your category, address or service area, opening hours, contact details, photographs and services current. Respond to reviews and publish updates when useful. The profile will not replace a clear website, but it can materially improve how easily nearby customers find and assess you.

Question 51

How do I get more customer reviews?

Accepted Answer

Ask shortly after a positive experience and make the process simple with one direct link. Explain that an honest review helps other customers decide. Do not offer rewards that could undermine trust, and do not ask people to include claims they cannot support. Respond to positive and negative reviews calmly, showing how you handle feedback.

Question 52

What should I write about to attract potential customers?

Accepted Answer

Answer the questions customers ask before they buy, including price, suitability, alternatives, common problems, timescales and risks. Use the exact language customers use in calls, emails and search. One strong answer is more useful than several general updates. Add local detail only where it genuinely changes the advice.

Question 53

How can referrals generate more business?

Accepted Answer

Be specific about the customer or opportunity you want. Ask satisfied customers and trusted contacts at the right moment, give them a simple explanation they can forward and thank them promptly. A formal reward is optional. The quality of the introduction and your follow-up matter more than the size of an incentive.

Question 54

How should I measure whether local marketing is working?

Accepted Answer

Track enquiries, source, conversion rate, average sale, repeat purchases and gross margin. Use unique links or codes where practical, but also ask every new customer how they found you. Review results monthly. Website visits and social reach can help diagnose performance, but they are not substitutes for enquiries, bookings or revenue.

Question 55

What grants are available for small organisations in Surrey?

Accepted Answer

Grant availability changes frequently. Start with Business Surrey's funding and grants service, the government Find a Grant service and relevant borough, sector or rural programmes. Check eligibility, match-funding, deadlines and delivery dates before writing an application. Avoid building a project around a grant unless the activity already supports your organisation's strategy.

Question 56

Where should I start when looking for business funding?

Accepted Answer

Define how much you need, what it will pay for, when you need it and how it will create income, savings or impact. Then compare grants, loans, self-funding and investment. A grant may be attractive but can be slow, restricted and competitive. Use current official funding finders and speak to an adviser before paying an intermediary.

Question 57

Are business grants free money?

Accepted Answer

No. Grants do not normally need repayment, but they often require match-funding, evidence, reporting, specific outputs and delivery within a fixed period. Some costs may be ineligible, and payment may come after you spend the money. Read the full guidance and calculate the staff time and cash flow required before applying.

Question 58

What makes a small organisation ready for a grant application?

Accepted Answer

You need a clear project, eligible costs, a realistic budget, delivery capacity and evidence of demand or impact. Prepare recent accounts, forecasts, quotes, policies and match-funding information. Strong applications explain why the project is needed, what will change and how results will be measured.

Question 59

Can I get funding for equipment, technology or growth?

Accepted Answer

Possibly. Current programmes may support equipment, manufacturing technology, innovation, skills, energy efficiency or rural growth. Eligibility and match-funding vary. Search by project type and location, not simply small business grant. Business Surrey currently lists regional and national finance routes, including support for makers and manufacturers.

Question 60

What funding is available for charities and CICs in Surrey?

Accepted Answer

Charities and CICs may be eligible for trusts and foundations, local community funds, corporate support, social investment and some public grants. The right source depends on the beneficiary, geography, activity and legal structure. Build a mixed income plan rather than relying on one grant, and allow enough time for governance approval and reporting.

Question 61

Is there funding to reduce energy use or carbon emissions?

Accepted Answer

Schemes change, but support may include energy reviews, advice, training, loans or match-funded equipment. Start with Business Surrey's net zero support and the Surrey Sustainable Business Network. Establish a baseline and prioritise actions with measurable savings before seeking capital funding.

Question 62

Can Surrey Hills Enterprises help me get funding?

Accepted Answer

Surrey Hills Enterprises can share relevant opportunities, connect members with expertise and provide training or peer insight. It does not control most grant decisions and cannot guarantee funding. For current public schemes, the best first route may be Business Surrey or the official government grant finder. Membership adds value through connections, readiness and local intelligence.

Question 63

How do I calculate my organisation's carbon footprint?

Accepted Answer

Start with a defined 12-month period and collect data for electricity, gas, fuel, vehicles, business travel, waste and major purchased goods or services. Use a recognised calculator and record the assumptions and emissions factors. The first result does not need to be perfect. It needs to be consistent enough to identify priorities and measure progress.

Question 64

Where can I get free carbon footprint support in Surrey?

Accepted Answer

Business Surrey provides a net zero toolkit and local signposting. The Surrey Sustainable Business Network offers free, impartial advice, courses and energy support for Surrey-based organisations. 5D Sustainability, a Surrey Hills Enterprises member, also supports organisations with practical carbon footprinting and sustainability advice. Availability changes, so confirm the current offer before applying.

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