Latest Updates From Surrey Chambers CEO – July 2024

17th July 2024

So, all change on the political landscape, following the General Election. However, even though the government has changed, it is business as usual at Surrey Chambers of Commerce where we continue to represent businesses and work in partnership to create a business landscape that encourages business investment and confidence in the way forward. We are already sharing our business needs with the new government and will focus on influencing business policies.

Business Support

There is a lot of support available for businesses and we will make sure we are promoting these opportunities so that they can be made full use of. One really exciting opportunity is the Artificial Intelligence (AI) training grant.

AI training grant

There is funding available to businesses for AI training through the government’s AI Upskilling Fund, but these must be applied for by businesses by 18^th August 2024. Evidence shows that a lack of AI skills in businesses is hindering AI adoption, in part due to low investment in AI upskilling by UK businesses. This is particularly true in smaller companies. The pilot aims to increase AI adoption and productivity by incentivising greater employer-led investment in skills and training. Eligible businesses can apply for funding for up to 50% of the cost of AI skills training and other AI upskilling activities. The training should support employees to develop their technical skills and/or understanding of AI, helping them develop, deploy, or use AI in their role.

Specifically, the objectives of the pilot are to:

• stimulate employer investment in AI training
• address AI skills gaps in the UK workforce that are limiting AI adoption
• measure the impact of AI upskilling on business productivity and outcomes

Business Surrey

Businesses are now benefiting from the Business Surrey website taking advantage of the information and events geared towards helping them to succeed. The events page includes many opportunities to network across Surrey including the varied series of events put together by Surrey Chambers. There is also the opportunity for some direct advice, so it is worth contacting them to find out more.

Business Awards

Surrey Business Awards are now closed for entry but if your business is based in Tandridge or Spelthorne there are opportunities for local entries. There has been so much evidence to show that winning business awards has a great impact on a business’s success that we would strongly encourage you entering. Details of these awards can be found here:

Tandridge Business Awards

Spelthorne Business Awards

Understanding the skills landscape

One of the aims of the Local Skills Improvement Plan for our area is to make sure businesses are fully aware of the skills provision and initiatives that are available. We have now held 2 webinars covering the Landscape generally and Skills Bootcamps. These webinars are available to view and take 20-30 minutes each to watch.

More webinars in the Webinar Series will take place over the next few months so that businesses can take full advantage of what is available, including:

• How Careers Hubs can help businesses engage with schools and colleges;
• Insights into Apprenticeships / Skills Bootcamps / T Levels, with examples of where and why they work in addressing skills gaps and supporting future talent;
• What is labour market information and how can it help connect people to the world of work?;
• Why should employers be getting involved in work experience opportunities such as internships and placements?;
• How can ‘hidden’ pools of talent help businesses improve diversity and inclusion in their workforces?;