Latest Updates From Surrey Chambers CEO – 2nd October 2025

2nd October 2025

October marks a season of momentum at Surrey Chambers of Commerce, as our calendar is now in full swing with opportunities to inspire, connect, and grow. Following a lively September, we’re building on the energy with events that bring members together to share knowledge, make new connections, and strengthen business across the county. With a busy programme ahead, now is the perfect time for members to engage, collaborate, and look ahead with confidence.

Added to our business as usual we will be looking for a new CEO for Surrey Chambers of Commerce! After 25 years I will be staying with the chamber but looking after some of the major projects we have secured, including most recently an initiative to encourage more business-to-business sales in Surrey. Named “Source in Surrey” there will be more announced soon. If you would like to be considered for the CEO post contact tara.wavre@surrey-chambers.co.uk

Generation Next team building day

Our recent team building day was a fantastic success. While many attendees arrived feeling a little hesitant, the atmosphere quickly transformed into one of energy and connection. By the end, the room was buzzing with conversation and new relationships forming, which is exactly what Generation Next is all about. Building on this momentum, we’re excited to be hosting a Leadership Workshop in November, offering young professional’s practical tools and inspiration to take the next step in their careers.

Annual Property Lunch

Once again this proved to be a highlight in the Surrey Chambers calendar. Bringing together professionals from across the residential and commercial property, construction, and investment sectors, it delivered rich insights into the latest trends shaping the built environment. Since reintroducing this event, it has grown year on year and this time we were close to maximum capacity. A special thank you goes to our keynote speakers, whose expertise and thought-provoking talks made the day especially valuable.

Local Skills Improvement Plan-Take 2

The new Surrey LSIP hosted its first Hospitality & Tourism roundtable at The Horton Arts Centre in Epsom in advance of the official start from October. Local employers and FE colleges discussed recruitment and skills challenges affecting the sector. The discussion focused on soft skills, communication, customer service, and confidence which employers see as vital for excellent customer experiences. Succession planning was also a concern, with experienced staff leaving and too few new entrants to replace them. Smaller businesses face extra pressure, struggling to retain staff due to lower wages and competition from London and the gig economy, while often lacking time to plan for long-term skills needs.

News from Westminster

In the run-up to the Autumn Budget, the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has been vocal in urging government to support business confidence and competitiveness. The key message is no further tax rises. With firms already facing higher wage, energy, and borrowing costs, it is warned that additional tax burdens could deter investment and recruitment at a time when growth is fragile. Workforce health has also been under the spotlight. The BCC highlights the scale of long-term sickness holding back productivity and is calling for reforms to the “fit note” system, wage subsidies for young people with health conditions, and better training for employers on mental health and neurodiversity. These changes, it argues, would help more people stay in work with adjusted duties rather than leaving the labour market altogether. Meanwhile, recent ONS figures show flat economic growth, reflecting ongoing challenges for many businesses. On trade, while exports to the US have picked up, services exports remain under pressure. We continue to push for reduced red tape and greater certainty in EU trade talks.

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