Category: Enterprises News

Surrey Hills Enterprises is delighted to announce Lavender Catering as the recipient of the prestigious Gold Trademark Award for 2024. The announcement was made at last week’s highly successful Summer Gala event at the Voco Lythe Hill Hotel, a glittering evening that brought together members and partners of Surrey Hills Enterprises to celebrate excellence in sustainability, collaboration, and community engagement.

Melanie Williams, founder of Lavender Catering, has been a shining example of what it means to be an active and dedicated member of Surrey Hills Enterprises. Lavender Catering, is renowned for its commitment to local producers and sustainable practices. The ‘25 Mile Radius Challenge,’ an initiative that focuses on sourcing produce within a 25-mile range of their Surrey Hills kitchen, underscores her dedication to supporting local suppliers. Melanie’s comprehensive sustainability policy, including zero food wastage and the use of sustainable and reusable products, has set a benchmark for other businesses to follow.

In addition to her business acumen, Melanie has demonstrated unwavering support for the community. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she cooked thousands of meals for NHS staff, showcasing her commitment to helping others during challenging times. Her active engagement in royal visits and recent work with the Harry Edwards Foundation further highlight her invaluable contributions to Surrey Hills.

Melanie’s willingness to share her expertise and mentor other members, combined with her efforts to foster a collaborative spirit among local businesses, has been instrumental in promoting mutual growth and a sense of community within Surrey Hills Enterprises.

The Summer Gala also marked a new chapter for Surrey Hills Enterprises with the introduction of Maggie Howell as the new CEO. Maggie brings a new energy and drive to the organisation, focused on continuing to promote sustainability, support local businesses, and enhance community engagement. Under her leadership, Surrey Hills Enterprises is poised to reach new heights, building on the strong foundation laid by Maggie’s predecessor, Wendy Varcoe and of course its members.

Maggie Howell, CEO of Surrey Hills Enterprises, stated, “The coveted Gold Award is bestowed upon those Surrey Hills Enterprises members that have made a significant impact in relation to environmental sustainability, the inspiration they provide to others and their work to connect with the local community and other members.

Melanie’s dedication to sustainability, her active community involvement, and her exemplary business practices make her a truly deserving winner of this year’s Gold Trademark Award. Her contributions embody the values and mission of Surrey Hills Enterprises. We are thrilled to have her as part of our community and look forward to continuing to support her and other members in their endeavours.”

The Summer Gala was a resounding success, bringing together members and partners to celebrate and recognise the outstanding achievements within the Surrey Hills community. The event was a testament to the vibrant and collaborative spirit that defines Surrey Hills Enterprises.

 

Many thanks to Alex Orrow for the photos and the Voco Lythe Hill Hotel for hosting the event

PEER-reviewed author, Co-Founder of The Forest Bathing Institute, and champion for connecting children and adults with nature, Olga Terebenina, has been nominated as a global leader to follow over the coming decade.

Olga’s drive and passion for the environment and individual health and well-being are at the heart of the ethos of The Forest Bathing Institute. Commenting on the Global Woman nomination as a Top 100 Global Woman Entrepreneur to be inspired by, Olga says: ‘I am absolutely delighted to have been nominated and to be part of such an esteemed network, it is a real honour. I appreciate each of us is dedicated to our personal cause with a vision to improve the welfare of others, and to be an inspiration to the next generation.’

Motivated by a fascination for the environment in her teens, Olga’s focus is to introduce the benefits of spending time in nature to old and young alike. Having experienced the drain on her own energy whilst studying at Kings College and living in Central London in her early 20’s, Olga explains how nature became her salvation.

Commenting on what transpired to be a demanding and stressful time in her life, Olga says: ‘City life is fast-paced, with constant stimulation, which is great, however it can also impact in a negative way and can be draining and cause anxiety and depression – which is what happened to me.

‘It was the introduction by my husband and TFBI Co-Founder, Gary Evans, who had been researching Forest Bathing, a form of eco-therapy underpinned by a mindfulness practice, that I realised how important it was to me to spend regular time in a natural setting, be that a park, garden or the countryside. This helped to recharge my batteries and ground me too.’

Inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin-Yoku and the many years of scientific evidence citing the physiological and mental health benefits of spending mindful time in nature, The Forest Bathing Institute was founded in 2016. At its core is a vision to replicate and expand the Japanese research in the UK and to present the findings to government organisations, including the Department of Health and Social Care, with the aim of establishing the practice of Forest Bathing within the social prescribing initiative.

Ground-breaking UK research has been conducted in the UK in partnership with numerous universities, including the University of Derby, the University of Sheffield and the University of Birmingham, with the published papers detailing the findings, which have been presented to various government departments. There are ongoing discussions with governmental departmental bodies, local councils, charities, and medical professionals.

Currently, the Institute is in contact with circa 100 universities worldwide who are keen to work on new areas of research to evidence nature’s health and well-being benefits. The aim is to integrate this practice into the green social prescribing agenda across the globe. The Forest Bathing Institute regularly receive international delegations interested in launching country-specific projects with the assistance of Olga and Gary.

Reflecting on the journey of The Forest Bathing Institute and her own, Olga comments: ‘As an organisation, one of our goals is to spread awareness about the health and wellbeing benefits of spending time in nature, as well as nature protection. Our founders’ mission is to make nature available to all people from all backgrounds and walks of life.’

My nature journey continues to deepen, and I am always amazed at how enriching an experience it is. Eleven years on, I now live on a 400-acre farm in West Sussex, a beautiful part of Southeast England – a far cry from London!’

If you are interested in finding out more about Forest Bathing and the science behind it, you can read the published scientific papers. Visit our website to find out more about The Forest Bathing Institute, its founders and vision for the future.

Co-Founder, The Forest Bathing Institute, Olga Terebenina

 

In Spring 2020 The Forest Bathing Institute (TFBI) were thrilled to announce that Dame Judi Dench is now a Patron of the TFBI. Full information is available on the website: https://tfb.institute/blog/

 

TFBI have developed a unique form of forest bathing called Forest Bathing+ (FB+) which is now being widely adopted across England. FB+ is a more comprehensive therapeutic form of forest bathing developed in cooperation with numerous universities, professors, doctors, and scientists.

 

During 2019, ground breaking UK pilot scientific studies and research took place with the TFBI at the University of Derby, measuring the health benefits of FB+. The research revealed improvements across 12 areas of well-being. Alongside psychometric testing, heart rate monitors (HRV) were worn by participants to measure changes in the nervous systems relaxation response. The initial analysis of the HRV data highlighted increased activity in the parasympathetic nervous system.

 

Since its inception, Gary Evans Co-Founder and Director of TFBI has been fostering close working relationships with numerous major landowners, including the NHS, Guildford Council, and various universities including the University of Surrey and the University of Derby to advance and promote the health benefits of forest bathing.

 

Indeed, those of us at TFBI have seen first-hand how adopting a mindful state helps to stay present and connected, especially when spending time in woodland and in nature. This in turn helps to quieten the mind and switch the body’s nervous system to that of the parasympathetic, which is the more recuperative healing system.

 

Full information relating to the training offered by TFBI is available on the website.

Explorer urges collaboration at CREST Awards wildlife fundraiser

International explorer Nick Hollis – the man who has taken on the world’s most challenging feats of endurance to promote environmental responsibility praised the golfers he joined at the CREST Business Awards Charity Golf Day who raised £4,000 for Surrey Wildlife Trust.

The event on Thursday (9^th May) at West Surrey Golf Club was organised by CREST – Surrey’s only green business awards – supported by a cross section of local businesses who enjoyed a day at the prestigious golf course as well as the chance to learn about Nick’s 721 Challenge, climbing the world’s highest summits on each of the world’s seven continents, skiing to the two poles and rowing solo across the Atlantic Ocean.

Backed by The World Land Trust, Nick has put the environment at the centre of this challenge. He said the £4,000 raised for SWT was “a fantastic achievement” and welcomed the opportunity to be a part of CREST Business Awards first charity golf day, saying that businesses need to come together, to collaborate and influence politicians to make long term investments to combat climate change.

“If businesses are able to collaborate not just compete, they are going to be able to influence government which is fundamentally what we need. We need a policy change. If organisations come together they are going to be able to drive that change.”

“This event shows the value of CREST Awards programme, in bringing people and organisations together so they can see first-hand the impact of their support, decision, actions and efforts are having. In this case, they have Surrey Wildlife Trust standing in front of them to explain what they’re doing and how the money being raised is being used for the greater good of the community and the people at large.”

Charlie Thefaut, a spokesman for Surrey Trust said: “It’s an amazing result to raise £4,000! It was a fantastic day. Everything from the weather, the golf and the lunch and speeches went so well. It was incredible to hear from Nick Hollis as well.

“I want to extend a huge thank you from myself and everyone at the Trust for all the effort you put into this event. The money raised will have a real impact on our mission to restore nature in Surrey.”

Nick, who has come close to death in a number of his missions, said that he feels very privileged to have seen and done the things he has across the world and it’s made him understand how important the eco-system is to human kind in general.

“That said, I’ve come to realise that people are unable to recognise that if that system breaks down, as it is right now, that is their life support system – they go down with it. We can’t separate ourselves from nature at large.

“I look at the younger generation and it concerns me they are very unlikely to have the same opportunities to enjoy the planet earth in the way that I have. My motivation is to do everything I can to ensure that they have a future, quality air to breath, food to eat. That we have farmlands and oceans that maintain their biodiversity.

“I want to be able to reach the end of my life and look at myself and say I was a part of the problem but I also became a part of the solution.”

Terry Tidbury, Co-Director of CREST Business Awards said: “What a day! With help from our friends at Surrey Wildlife Trust and Nick’s incredible talk we were able to deliver cracking day. I am so proud to have led the team and raise much needed funds. Thankyous must go to all the teams taking part and of course West Surrey Golf Club for allowing us to hold the event.”

CREST Business Awards, works in partnership with the Institute for Sustainability and the Centre for Environment and Sustainability, both at the University of Surrey and is a business showcase for green business as part of Surrey County Council’s Greener Futures Programme.

 

 

Berries made Better 

Berries are one of the UK’s most patriotic fruits and with berry sales continuing to soar  Berrymakers is here to make buying British berries easier than ever. Available to purchase from mid-June via the Berrymakers website www.berrymakers.co.uk all berries can be delivered UK wide or available now direct from local farmers markets and farm shops.

Grown across three picturesque farms located in Berkshire and Surrey, Berrymakers will specialise in selling premium punnets of strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries. Beyond the core range, jams and honey will also be available to ensure no berry is forgotten and likewise, the all-important bees who pollinate the berry fields have their chance to shine too.

 

Berrymakers care as much about the people who grow their fruit as the good it does for you. Known for their dedication to their growers and pickers, their people come first proven through their 70% pickers return rate. Abreast of healthy farming practices, they have an innovative crop system, which sees strawberry crops on a tabletop system, meaning berry pickers can pick quality berries in greater volumes at a faster pace.

 

Berrymakers is also pioneering sustainable growing techniques which includes using water heat pumps to heat their polytunnels. This creates four times the amount of energy as electricity would to grow the berries, making it more efficient and more green.  And what they grow is always the best, making healthy eating an easy and tasty option.

On a mission to inspire and encourage berry enjoyment for everyone, the Berrymakers social media channel @theberrymakers will be full of berry-licious ideas, from serving suggestions to recipe inspiration it will be sure to make your mouth water.

Good for you, good for the planet and the best in class – these really are Berries made Better, meaning Berrymakers is one delivery you’ll want to stay in for.

The Mayor and Mayoress of Guildford attend Harry Edwards Foundation launch event.

(Left to right) Alan Moore, Chair of Trustees, Harry Edwards Foundation, Mrs Parvin Begum, Mayoress of Guildford, Councillor Masuk Miah, Mayor of Guildford and Parm Dlay, General Manager, Harry Edwards Foundation.

NESTLING in the heartland of the beautiful Surrey Hills, the newly re-branded Harry Edwards Foundation in Shere, Surrey has been a sanctuary for thousands of people over the years seeking time out from their busy schedules to step away, reflect and soak up the tranquillity of the environment.

To mark its’ transition to a destination centre for those seeking a journey of healing and wellness, the charity invited The Mayor of Guildford, Councillor Masuk Miah to officiate at the launch event. Accompanied by The Mayoress, his wife, Mrs Parvin Begum, they were both welcomed by the Chair of Trustees, Alan Moore and General Manager, Parm Dlay who gave the VIP guests a tour of the house and wellbeing services on offer.

Also in attendance were guests, including the newly appointed CEO of Surrey Hills Enterprises, Maggie Howell and their Membership Manager Katherine Daire, Members of the Surrey Hills Enterprises community, along with local businesses and residents of Shere were also among the guests on the day.

Commenting, Parm Dlay said; ‘We were honoured to welcome The Mayor and Mayoress of Guildford to the Harry Edwards Foundation.

‘The charity has undergone a transformation during the last six months, and our vision and focus is to become a healing and wellbeing destination centre attracting the young, millennials, corporates with a focus on staff wellbeing, plus those seeking a healing journey to take some time out for themselves, be that via our health and wellbeing workshops or bespoke retreats where they can soak up the tranquillity of the grounds and private woodland, and discover a calm place in a busy world.’

Ms Dlay continues; ‘Longer term we are planning to collaborate with providers to build on our reputation of delivering healing and wellness to a wider community. As part of the move forward, we are also looking to grow our Academy to support our UK and international healing and wellness courses.

‘This is a very exciting time for the foundation working together with our team and our amazing volunteers.’

Set in 30 acres of private grounds with ancient woodland, this healing and wellbeing retreat was established as a charity in 1946 by visionary healer and philanthropist Harry Edwards. His long-term vision was to invite people into his Surrey ‘home’ to recuperate, receive healing, take time to reflect and bring more balance and harmony into their lives.

A world-renowned healer, Harry Edwards attracted an audience of followers from all walks of life and from around the world. With the re-launch and 2024 vision for the Harry Edwards Foundation this is set to continue, so his legacy lives on.

Chair of the Trustees, Alan Moore said; ‘It is a privilege to carry on the ethos of Harry Edwards legacy, and we are very grateful to the support we receive in the continuation of the Harry Edwards Foundation.

‘Today’s launch is a wonderful opportunity to showcase the health and wellbeing services we offer, the stunning backdrop of the Surrey Hills and our very own private woodland where everyone is welcome to enjoy and take time out in nature.’

On behalf of the Trustees, volunteers and the team, I would like to thank The Mayor and Mayoress of Guildford for their support of our charity today and the work we are doing.’

You can find out more about up-and-coming workshops, training, retreats and corporate activities here. Alternatively, you can discuss the events and bespoke workshops with the team, by calling the Harry Edwards Foundation on 01483 202054.

 

(Left to right) Gary Cheetham, Trustee, Katie Griffiths and Michelle Thody – Volunteers,  Nicola Proudlock, Trustee, Tim Ridge, Patriot – Harry Edwards Foundation, Mrs Parvin Begum, Mayoress of Guildford, Councillor Masuk Miah, Councillor Masuk Miah, Mayor of Guildford, Parm Dlay, General Manager, Alan Moore, Chair of Trustees, Tracy Moore, Volunteer and Martin Thomas, Trustee – Harry Edwards Foundation.

 Photography copyright: Matt Barnett –  Photographer & Videographer – Please credit when publishing.

Surrey Hills Enterprises proudly announces the appointment of Maggie Howell as its new Chief Executive Officer

Maggie succeeds the esteemed Wendy Varcoe, who is retiring after 7 years of dedicated service. Maggie Howell brings a wealth of experience and a relentless commitment to advancing the organisation’s vision of fostering a thriving sustainable rural economy in the Surrey Hills.

Maggie Howell’s appointment marks an exciting chapter for Surrey Hills Enterprises, as she steps into the role with boundless energy, passion, and enthusiasm. With over 20 years of experience in running two award-winning local, national, and international businesses, as well as three decades of expertise in marketing, event management, team leadership, and stakeholder management, Maggie is primed to build on Wendy’s incredible success.

“I am honoured and thrilled to lead Surrey Hills Enterprises into its next phase of growth and development,” said Maggie Howell. “Wendy’s legacy is undeniable, and I am committed to continuing her remarkable work of supporting environmentally sustainable businesses, promoting our members to the wider community and forging collaborations with key partners.”

 

Maggie’s deep understanding of Surrey Hills Enterprises, gained from her five years of dedicated service and her intimate knowledge of every member and facet of the organization, positions her as the ideal leader for this role. As an entrepreneur herself, Maggie brings a profound empathy for small businesses, coupled with a relentless drive for collaboration and business support.

Come and meet Maggie

To mark her appointment, Maggie will host her inaugural event on May 23rd, in partnership with the Surrey Sustainable Business Network, coinciding with the launch of the new Guildford Zero premises in Guildford. This collaborative event will bring together a diverse range of organisations committed to Surrey Hills Enterprises’ vision of creating a more sustainable business community in the Surrey Hills. To book a place please click here

Maggie Howell resides in the heart of the Surrey Hills with her husband, five sons, and a beloved rescue dog. Together, they cherish the beauty of the Surrey Hills and are deeply committed to its preservation and prosperity.

Denbies Wine Estate has become the first vineyard and winery in the UK to achieve Net Zero status to the UK Carbon Code of Conduct standard (UKCCC). Denbies joins only a handful of wine producers globally to have achieved Net Zero in wine production.

This achievement reflects Denbies’ ongoing commitment to sustainable and responsible wine production.

“As one of the founder members of Sustainable Wines of Great Britain, we are absolutely delighted that our wines are now produced with Net Zero impact”, commented Chris White, CEO Denbies Wine Estate. “This is another example of the UK wine industry continuing to strive for excellence in all areas of wine production. We committed to becoming Net Zero as part of a five-year plan in 2022 and are delighted to have reached that goal in under two and a half years.”

The Estate, which is both an agricultural business and tourist destination, totals 380 acres, which includes 265 acres under vine and surrounding woodland and sits within the Surrey Hills National Landscape.  As such, Denbies and its staff have taken responsibility for the wider environment and the surrounding countryside very seriously. This includes 10 acres within the vineyard left in their natural state to encourage biodiversity.  Other actions include self-generating green energy that has been installed on the winery buildings and environmental best practice for all new capital investment.

Denbies’ latest figures, which include the bumper harvest and bottling from 2023, show that the Estate sequestered more carbon than it emitted, leaving a carbon balance of -96 tonnes of CO₂e.

Denbies appointed Triage, a leading land management consultancy, to independently certify its Net Zero position and to realise their ambition to create Net Zero wine.

Triage used the UKCCC framework to measure, report and verify all Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions from the wine production process, including bottling and transportation, and measure carbon sequestration from the Estate’s natural capital: its vineyards, habitats and soil. The UKCCC certifies the Net Zero position, ensuring that Denbies’ wine Scope 3 emissions into the retail supply chain are zero.

UKCCC methodology and protocols align with the highest global standards including SBTI (science-based standards) and ICVCM (Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market).

Pete Wain, CPO of Triage, added, “We are delighted to use our expertise to support Denbies in playing their part in the reversal of climate change and biodiversity collapse, all whilst maintaining their primary business objective, i.e. to produce award winning, Net Zero certified wine. We have delivered a fully auditable, robust, and holistic set of baselines, and developed an ongoing carbon emissions’ reduction and sequestration plan, and we look forward to providing continued assistance on Denbies’ nature-friendly farming journey.”

https://www.denbies.co.uk/

https://www.triage.ag/land

 

Denbies is a proud Trade Marked Member of Surrey Hills Enterprises

Azets Barometer

The Azets Barometer January 2024 is now live, providing the latest business insights from hundreds of business leaders.

Azets regularly survey hundreds of business leaders to help equip our clients with information relating to business trends, economic outlook, financial performance, and emerging threats and opportunities.

The Azets Barometer provides valuable up to date insight into the current and future business climate through the perspective of ambitious mid-market, owner-managed, and family-owned businesses across the markets we serve in the UK, Ireland, Norway, Finland, Sweden, and Denmark.

Download our UK report detailing the key findings or explore the interactive dashboard where you can tailor the report by turnover, number of employees, country and sector.

You can find the download links here – Azets Barometer | Azets UK.

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With thanks to Azets -Founding Corporate Partners with Surrey Hills Enterprises

The Surrey Hills is an area of outstanding natural beauty known for its picturesque landscapes and charming villages, but what really sets it apart from other regions is the commitment of its local businesses to sustainability and environmentally-friendly practices.

Those businesses that fully embody this across the Surrey Hills have been awarded the Trade Mark Surrey Hills, a recognisable mark of quality, local provenance, and sustainability granted by Surrey Hills Enterprises. This special certification is a guarantee that when you visit or shop with a Trade Mark Surrey Hills business, you are supporting a company that is committed to preserving the unique character of the region and contributing to its sustainable development.

Read on to discover a selection of some of these local businesses, committed to sustainability and embracing eco-friendly practices!

Wellness

Nature’s Shield is run by two sisters aged 12 and 8 who are crazy about lip balm! Products created are 100% plastic free and made with natural ingredients. Lip balms come in recyclable tins and protect nature and humans from harmful waste and microplastics.

Family business, Nature Reclaimed, came about in response to the increase in litter during lockdown.Inspired to clean up, they soon discovered they could give old glass bottles a second life as scented candles using 100% natural wax, fragranced with pure essential oil blends, hand poured into upcycled glass bottles, each one cut by hand.

Revolutionising skincare: eco-Friendly, local, and purely natural, Puremess has a mission to offer skincare solutions that are as kind to your skin as they are to our planet. Their exquisite range of natural skincare products employ a blend of carefully selected oils, waxes, butters, and botanicals, sourced with sustainability in mind.

Julia Lampard Hair Salon is a retreat in the heart of Guildford where you can be assured of a warm welcome and relaxed environment. Passionate about caring for you, your hair and our beautiful planet, the team work in partnership with Davines, using natural and sustainable hair care products.

Food & Drink

The Chilli Potter handcrafts a wide array of chilli jams using homegrown chillis and ingredients sourced from a sustainable vegetable supplier. Each jams is homemade with lots of love and affection, each also with its own distinctive taste with plenty of fruitiness and fresh flavours.

Wildly Tasty is a range of nutritious plant-based meals for kids and families. They’re on a mission to show children how tasty wholesome plant-based eating can be, eating kindly to the planet whilst being packed with all natural nutritious ingredients. They are a planet-friendly business, working as sustainably as they can, from high quality suppliers and 100% vegan, all natural ingredients, through to recyclable packaging.

Traditional butchers with a modern twist, Surrey Hills Butchers sell meat from local, ethical farms in the Surrey Hills. They believe that every step of our food’s journey is important, from how the animal is fed to how it is slaughtered, not to mention how it is butchered and cooked.

Crumbs Brewing make beer using left over artisan bread from Chalk Hills Bakery in Reigate. Each beer is made with a different type of loaf, that way the style of the beer reflects the character of the delicious bread that makes it. They’re fighting food waste and making tasty, unique beers at the same time.

Chimney Fire Coffee is a B Corp™ Certified speciality coffee roastery, working hard to bring customers great tasting coffee that supports ethical and eco-friendly practices, all the way from farm to cup. They work directly with farmers, cooperatives, and exporters, making regular farm visits and committing to buying each new crop up front.

Just Champagne Ltd supplies champagne in smart gift boxes with your personal handwritten message delivered to the UK and USA. Using local suppliers wherever possible, the company also ensures their packaging is sustainable including recycled and recyclable cardboard boxes and sustainably sourced wooden gift boxes.

Experiences

Joy Farms – Craft, Woodcarving and Art is a friendly creative hub inspired by nature. They offer a variety of experiences to individuals, corporates and private groups looking to learn new skills, a new hobby perhaps or just to escape from it all and enjoy the peace and mindfulness of being creative surrounded by nature.

Harmony In Nature is run by experienced Forest Bathing guides Joanna Bristow-Watkins and Katie Robinson. Sessions combine an educational element, mindfulness and slow walking in woodland with sensory and meditative practices, for an immersive experience of the forest environment.

Lorraine and Paul Matthews at Hedges & Hurdles are passionate about sharing their knowledge and skills with others, encouraging people to discover a newfound love for nature and the outdoors! Offering experiences including hedgelaying, coppicing, and wattle hurdle training courses through to hands-on wood craft and willow art, craft and sculpture workshops.

Fully Charged Guildford are electric bike specialists with many years of expertise. Conveniently located in the centre of Guildford, they offer a carefully curated full range of urban, folding, hybrid, eMTB and eCargo electric bikes for everyone looking to go from A to Beyond!

Offering fresh seasonal, scented and sustainable flowers grown in the Surrey Hills, Plant Passion grows naturally without pesticides. Fabulous for weddings and events, individual and seasonal bouquets as a gift or for yourself, monthly individually picked stems delivered to your door or even to learn the art of flower arranging with Claire.

Art &Craft

Taxidermist, The Surrey Stuffer, works with British Native Wildlife which has died accidentally or as result of pest control/culling, donating a percentage of any profits made to local wildlife rehabilitation.

Alison at Ned+Sloan creates individual and wearable jewellery inspired by her garden, the seaside and a longstanding interest in fashion. Most pieces are one-offs and she particularly enjoys hand casting and using unusual stones. Her preference is for recycled silver and hand casting allows her to re-use all of her ‘scrap’ metal.

Surrey Woodcraft is a collaboration between twins David and Stewart McKenzie that brings together their different woodworking skills, producing a range of handcrafted wooden homeware, kitchenware, stationary, gift items and musical instruments using reclaimed timber where possible, or else locally sourced timber.

Business Services

Working with bold purpose-led businesses as their outsourced chief impact officer, Keartland & Co helps them to make sustainability their competitive advantage. Through bespoke consultancy, they help business leaders build a sustainable business by showing where to start and what steps to take, using a proven five-step approach to create and deliver their sustainability roadmap.

The Crest Business Awards celebrate and recognise success in sustainability. Free to enter and open to any businesses operating in Surrey, they are the only awards of their kind, aiming to inspire and motivate innovation to protect the environment and promote more sustainable working and lifestyle habits.

Raw Clay is a soulful identity and interior design agency, specialising in food and drink, property and lifestyle brands. Digging beneath the surface to craft an identity customers want to immerse themselves in, Raw Clay works exclusively with brands that give back positively to the world.

A carbon management consultancy, 5D Net Zero helps local businesses to reduce carbon emissions, become carbon neutral and achieve net zero by 2050. Supporting businesses in every step of their journey, they deliver tailored carbon footprint measurements to identify the biggest sources of greenhouse gas emissions (GHG), carbon reduction plans and certified carbon credit offsets using the most widely used and internationally recognised standards.

LC Energy is one of the UK’s leading specialists in sustainable wood fuel supply, complete biomass systems and long-term timber purchase agreements. The business is at the forefront of the sector and working with both local independent companies and installations, as well as large national projects such as BAA and Center Parcs.

Hampton Digital Services Ltd specialise in WordPress design for service-based businesses looking to reduce their carbon emissions. They offer green hosting power by 100% renewable energy, along with website design and maintenance, SEO, social media management, competitor analysis and google analytics.

Expatriate Tax Advisory Service Limited are a family-owned tax practice with UK and US qualified tax consultants, providing tax advice and preparing tax returns for British and other individuals, living in the UK or abroad. They became a Certified B Corporation in 2022 and are currently planning their journey to Net Zero by 2030.

To discover more local business offering eco-friendly products, experiences and services, visit: https://surreyhills.org/love-local/find-local-businesses.

A Must-Attend Event for Surrey Businesses!

Surrey Hills Enterprises presents the annual Surrey Hills Sustainable Business Showcase on February 7th, 2024, from 6-9 pm at the Rik Medlik Building, Surrey University. This transformative event brings together local organisations offering insights, tools and techniques to adopt sustainable practices for business success as well as a greener future.

The Surrey Hills Sustainable Business Showcase aims to inspire and empower local businesses by focusing on discussions and insights that guide attendees to make practical, realistic sustainable choices. As the desire for sustainability grows among small businesses, the event dispels the notion that eco-friendly practices are daunting, showcasing evidence of increased bottom lines for organisations embracing eco-friendly values.

Attendees will experience a diverse range of Surrey-based organisations sharing firsthand experiences and success stories. This showcase goes beyond theoretical knowledge, emphasising the effective implementation of sustainable ideas with tools and techniques that will equip organisations to contribute to a sustainable future.

Leading-edge speakers will provide insights on navigating the sustainability transition, accessing funding for sustainability goals, marketing and promoting sustainability benefits, measuring sustainability impact, and effectively communicating and celebrating sustainability success in businesses.

Organised by Surrey Hills Enterprises, a community interest company committed to a robust local economy, tourism industry growth, and environmental sustainability, the event reflects their dedication to fostering a community prioritising sustainability. In addition, Surrey Hills Enterprises has awarded the Trade Mark Surrey Hills accreditation to over 200 organisations, symbolising local provenance, quality, and sustainability.

Wendy Varcoe, Executive Director of Surrey Hills Enterprises says “This event is a collective effort to empower businesses with the knowledge and tools to embrace sustainability and will dispel the misconception that sustainability is overwhelming. With insights from leading-edge speakers and experiences shared by businesses like Nutfield Dairy, Albury Organic Vineyard, Crumbs Brewery, and Coverwood Farm, this event is a unique opportunity to navigate the sustainability transition, access funding, market sustainability benefits, measure impact, and celebrate success.’

Registration is now open, so you can secure their spot for a nominal fee of £20 – attendance is free for Surrey Hills Enterprises Members.

Plus all attendees will receive a free ebook on 40 ways to make their organisation more sustainable!

To be part of this exciting and important event, register now at https://surreyhills.org/event/surrey-hills-sustainable-business-showcase