University of Surrey
The first Education Partner of Surrey Hills Enterprises, connecting members with training, research, students and innovation.
University of Surrey partnership launch
Education Partner
About the University of Surrey
The University of Surrey is an anchor institution for the county, with teaching, research and external engagement work that reaches organisations across the region.
Its partnership activity with Surrey Hills Enterprises includes CIFAL Surrey, which delivers UN-affiliated sustainability training and certification, and Surrey Research Park, a 70-acre innovation hub close to many of our members.
Our relationship
The University of Surrey became the first Education Partner of Surrey Hills Enterprises in August 2026, through a nine-month pilot partnership running until March 2027.
The pilot gives members funded and discounted places on University short courses, including sustainability training and certification through CIFAL Surrey; opportunities to work with students on placements and internships tackling real commercial challenges, from food systems to AI to marketing; closer ties to Surrey Research Park; and a joint producer and supplier showcase connecting members with University teams and wider Surrey stakeholders. Both organisations are also exploring wider research collaborations during the pilot.
In the Surrey Hills
Making a difference in the Surrey Hills
The partnership is about long-term resilience as well as day-to-day trading: connecting local organisations with skills, research and innovation so the Surrey Hills economy is better equipped for the future.
“The University of Surrey is an anchor institution for the county of Surrey, and that should mean something concrete to the organisations around us. A student who spends time solving a real problem for a local producer gains vital insights that bring their in-classroom learning to life, and comes away with experience that employers actually value.”
Find out more
Discover University of Surrey
Visit the University of Surrey website, or explore how organisations work with Surrey Hills Enterprises.