Latest Updates From Surrey Chambers CEO – 19th August 2025

19th August 2025

This week sees the GCSE results for another cohort of students. Our best wishes go to them, hoping that they move forward towards a career that they love and are excited to pursue. Many people talk about falling into their career, without much planning but there is so much information available about the many sectors one could work in. In addition to that every sector will include specific professions from Finance, Marketing and Analytics to Human Resources, Artificial Intelligence and Facilities. It’s worth checking out https://www.surreycc.gov.uk/business/careers-hub. The Surrey Careers Hub works with many employers who offer work experience for students. Through the Local Skills Plan Surrey Chambers has been facilitating links between employers and training providers to ensure our future workforce is well prepared, We are always looking for employers, who are interested in this mission and encourage anyone to contact us at LSIP@surrey-chambers.co.uk

Call out to Manufacturers

An exciting new initiative has just been launched offering manufacturers an opportunity to benefit from expert advice and funding. In order to reach as many relevant businesses as possible all of the organisations that support businesses have come together to deliver a face-to-face event at the factory of one of Surrey’s leading manufacturers, Vision Engineering.

Why Attend?

• Free expert advice from specialist technology consultants.
• Match funding up to 50% (up to £20,000) for tech adoption.
• A fully-funded digital roadmap tailored to your business.
• Leadership development training to boost your digital confidence.
• Access to skilled student talent through funded placements.
• Opportunity to hear about other funded support available to your business,

Anyone interested can book directly through our website

The latest thoughts on hybrid working

As part of the national network of chambers we have just published some revealing data on business attitudes to hybrid working. Nearly 600 firms were surveyed, and the key takeaways were:

• 41% of businesses have required staff to spend more time working on site over the past year
• Nearly half of surveyed businesses (48%) expect all working days for staff to be on site during the next 12 months
• Nearly two-thirds of manufacturers (62%) and business-to-consumer companies (61%) say that all working days will be on-site, compared with less than a third (27%) of business-to-business firms

This new data marks a shift in attitudes. For comparison, previous polling by the BCC in 2023, found that just 27% of responding firms predicting their staff will be fully in-person over the next five years. The trend is being led by manufacturers and consumer-facing businesses, while around two thirds of B2B service firms continue to operate hybrid models. With the cost of doing business continuing to escalate, firms are looking to boost productivity.  Hybrid working can help firms attract and retain a skilled and engaged workforce. However, some employers are identifying significant benefits of bringing all staff together again onsite.

International Trade News

Last week, the Office of National Statistics (ONS) released data showing British exports to the US have plummeted to their lowest level in three years, in the wake of Donald Trump’s tariffs. Total goods exports across the Atlantic for Q2 2025 were 13.5% lower than a year ago. This was the first full quarter of the ‘reciprocal’ US tariffs, which add an extra 10% to most UK sectors, from food and drink to chemicals. The effect of these higher costs is becoming clear, with the lowest levels of goods exports to the US for 3 years. Implementation of the UK’s trade deal with the US in full is now needed to improve prospects, particularly for steel and aluminium goods. The agreement should be a platform to discuss further tariff reform with the US, especially in goods sectors where there is little competition on production.

Surrey Chambers of Commerce can be reached on 01483 735540, info@surrey-chambers.co.uk, @surreychambers www.surrey-chambers.co.uk

We are always happy to help businesses find what they need to help them grow and prosper.