Latest Updates From Surrey Chambers CEO – 28th May 2025

28th May 2025

AI in Surrey 2025 – What a Day!

At Surrey Chambers of Commerce, we’re still buzzing from the AI in Surrey – Tech Summit, held at the fantastic Shilling Building at Royal Holloway, University of London. In partnership with INV Group, FluidOne (Camberley office) and Royal Holloway, we brought together 145 delegates from across Surrey and beyond to explore the fast-moving world of AI in business – and what we all need to do to keep up. This was no ordinary tech event. From the moment our guests arrived, the energy in the room was electric – full of conversations, curiosity, and a genuine appetite to understand how AI is already shaping the way we work, think and grow.

Top takeaways from the day:

• AI is here – and it’s happening now. Businesses of all sizes need to start understanding and implementing it today.
• Future skills matter. And not just technical ones – leadership, ethics, adaptability and critical thinking are all part of the picture.
• Collaboration is key. The real breakthroughs come when business, academia and tech innovators come together.

The day included Inspiring keynotes from Professors Alan Brown and Chris Watkins, followed by industry insights from Russell Horton, Himanshu Sahni, Billy Clackers, and Jürgen Adam. A lively panel session was expertly compered by Paul Zimmerman (INV Group), where all of our speakers were joined by Tessa Bartley from Charles Russell Speechlys, who gave a valuable legal perspective on the future of AI. We also heard two fast-paced and fascinating speed pitches from emerging startups: Jonathan McCallum (Catalyst AI) and Noah Santoni (WhatAIdea).

The event finished with a very buzzy networking lunch, kindly sponsored by FluidOne with great food and even better conversation! Followed by a brilliant tour of Royal Holloway’s cutting-edge Omnidrone facility, giving delegates a glimpse into some seriously exciting drone technology being developed right here in Surrey.

So, what’s next? This is just the beginning. We’re already working on AI in Surrey 2026 – and we’re aiming to go even deeper next year, with more hands-on insight, more practical takeaways, and even more opportunities to connect and collaborate. We will also be working on the skills needs of employers to meet this change in the way we work in a proactive productive way.

 

UK-EU Leaders’ Summit

Meanwhile we have been keeping a close eye on the UK-EU Leaders talks. The recent summit marks a turning point in UK/EU relations which puts our trade relationship at the forefront of our partnership going forward.

For four years, businesses have fought hard to sustain sales to the EU in the face of a rising tide of costs and paperwork which has severely dented their competitiveness. A permanent deal to remove unnecessary checks on food and drink exports in both directions is a huge boost; it will cut costs, reduce waste and increase sales. It was also essential that a defence and security pact was agreed to involve UK defence companies in wider projects to safeguard our democracies. It is vital now that work starts on agreeing access to joint procurement funding. Making quick progress on the use of E-gates at passport control will make life easier for businesspeople who cross EU borders on a regular basis and boost UK tourism.

This summit also saw encouraging movement on other issues that have long been a thorn in the side of many firms. A commitment to focus on securing a youth mobility scheme and linking our emission trading schemes will make life simpler and less costly for many businesses. This agreement must be the foundation on which we aspire to build a much stronger business relationship going forward but there is a lot to be positive about.

 

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.