Category: Enterprises News

With the countdown to Christmas firmly on, choose to shop sustainably this year by looking to local businesses to provide the perfect solution. Not only does shopping within the Surrey Hills support small businesses and people locally, but it also reduces the carbon footprint of the products purchased, provides the ability to track provenance and quality more closely and makes a tangible difference to the local economy.

The Surrey Hills boasts a wealth of talented artisans and creative small businesses offering a huge array of experiences, events and products right on the doorsteps of those living locally and Surrey Hills Enterprises – the Community Interest Company that provides a support network for local businesses – represents the very best. Start shopping for the ideal Christmas present or gift experience, order delicious locally crafted food or drink to adorn the Christmas table or kick start the festive season by attending a Surrey Hills event or two – there’s something for everyone when you look to local.

Here are some inspiring ideas from local businesses and Surrey Hills Enterprises’ members offering an enticing array of festive gifts, experiences, stocking fillers, local produce and events this Christmas:

Gift Products

Natural skincare company, Puremess, has cosy gifts for wellness lovers this Christmas. Their ‘Soy Wax Melts with Ceramic Wax Melter’ (£12.50) includes non-toxic, non-paraffin Pumpkin Spice Melts, each of which can last between 10-15 hours. The wax melts contain Cinnamon, Ginger, Clove, Nutmeg and Cardamom essential oils to fill your house with the perfect festive aroma and packaging is 100% biodegradable. Alternatively, their ‘‘Love’ Christmas’ gift pack (£25) contains everything needed for a relaxing night in this winter. With a pair of fluffy socks, Puremess Sleep Balm, Hand Cream and a Lip Balm, all cosied up in a beautiful hessian bag and tied with a Christmas bow and gift tag, this is the dream gift for snuggle season.

Talented writer and founder of Winning with Words, Steve Markwell, has produced ‘Surrey Hills SuperHeroes’ (£13.99), new stories perfect for children and adults this Christmas-time. A collection of tales set in the Surrey Hills, where real-life and magical characters battle threats to the beauty of our landscape, this beautifully-illustrated book invites you to find your inner hero this Christmas. Get a copy of the illustrated book by emailing: stevemarkwell1l@gmail.com.

‘The Christmas Pamper Hamper Box’ (£44.95) from Sensiful makes the ideal present for someone who needs to take the weight off their feet and relax. They can kick back with Semi Sparkling Wine by Sea Change (or a gin from Wessex Distillery) and Pink Marc de Champagne Truffles by Wicked & Wonderful, whilst enjoying the subtle scents of the Dove for Peace Soy Candle by INZHO. There’s also a Spacemask and a Fika Bag full of selfcare products from Puremess to make the pampering session complete! All products are Surrey-sourced with sustainable packaging and free UK shipping, making shopping with Sensiful the easy way to shop locally this Christmas.

Local Drink

Coffee lovers will enjoy counting down to the big day with 12 Days of Discovery 2022 – Coffee Advent Calendar (£45) from Dorking-based Chimney Fire Coffee. Within this specially curated collection of coffees from the company’s 2022 Discovery Coffee range, each coffee has been carefully selected by the roastery team to satisfy different tastes and introduce a new and interesting coffee from around the world. Be that a new origin or region that hadn’t been sourced from before, a new process or varietal, or something seasonal with a unique flavour profile, from Malawi to India, there is something new for everyone to discover. £1 from every box will be donated to Re-Cycle, a small charity who refurbish donated bicycles from the UK, working with local partners to distribute them to rural communities in Africa. The Coffee Advent Calendar includes 12x70g bags of coffee, plus a guide containing more information about this year’s Discovery selection.

Albury Vineyard is a small, family-run biodynamic vineyard producing the highest quality organic English wines. This Christmas they are offering the Albury Estate Sparkling Wine Case (£159.70) to bring more than a little sparkle to your festive period. Enjoy £20 off a case of sparkling wine with free delivery when you use the code CHRISTMAS20 online and celebrate Christmas in style with English fizz!

Birtley Estate in Bramley has launched a limited edition brandy, crafted using apples grown from the estate’s cider apple orchard of 700 trees. The orchard was planted in 2012 and is managed with environmental care. The small batch premium apple brandy, in the style of Calvados, is matured at Birtley then distilled at the Silent Pool Distillery in Albury. The delicious spirit is then aged in oak barrels before bottling. BEORC LEAH – the old English name for the Birtley Estate – retails at £70 per 50cl bottle. To order, call 01483 678394 or email juliet.b@birtleyhouse.co.uk.

Local Food

RoniB’s Kitchen, the award-winning producer of artisan Philippine flavoured sauces, condiments and preserves, has launched the Tropical Sauces Gift Box (£15) in time for Christmas shopping, locally. A unique Christmas gift packed with tropical flavours for foodie family or friends, this gift box contains Ihaw Ihaw BBQ Sauce, Banana Ketchup and Labuyo Hot Chilli Sauce.

Hampton Estate boasts 2250 acres of historic parkland, grazing meadows, arable fields, award winning woodlands and traditional farmyards in Seale, Farnham. As a producer of fresh Hampton prime beef, wild roe venison, Special Steak Pies and Sausages of all varieties, their Christmas Collection Day will take place from 10.30am to 3.30pm on 2^nd December for those who wish to buy local for their festive fayre and get ahead on their Christmas meal planning. Plus there will be mulled wine and other local producers on site with their own stalls to browse for that early Christmas present. Order in advance and don’t miss out!

Surrey Hills Experiences

Surrey Outdoor Learning and Development (SOLD) are offering a number of festive fun activities during December for both families and corporate groups. During ‘TAZ Festive Family Fun’, enjoy a festive session in the outdoors making rustic seasonal decorations, play festive games and enjoy toasting marshmallows over an open fire with the family. Sessions are priced at £22 per adult, £17 for aged 5-18 years and free for under 5s. Alternatively, ‘TAZ Holiday Fun’ will take place from 9.30am-4.15pm on 20^th and 21^st December. For children 6 – 11 years, enjoy outdoor activities, make a festive decoration and enjoy a Christmas lunch, priced at £52 per child.

Corporate groups and those businesses looking for an alternative Christmas party this year should also look to SOLD for the solution. Their ‘Festive Team Gatherings’ is the ideal Christmassy get together with colleagues. Make rustic seasonal decorations, enjoy festive team games and savour a hearty, homemade meal served over an open fire. Book either 2.30-5pm or 6-8.30pm on weekdays from 12^th December. Priced at £30 per person (min 10/max 30) – just wear warm clothes and bring along festive spirit! The beautiful Barnett Hill Hotel near Guildford is offering a tempting ‘Festive Afternoon Tea’ this winter season. Priced at £26.50 per person, indulge in delicious treats from delicate finger sandwiches to freshly baked patisserie items. Dressed to impress, the hotel is positively decked and just waiting for the sounds of the clinking of glasses and the popping of corks – visit Barnett Hill to celebrate in style this Christmas.

The beautifully-maintained parkland Bramley Golf Club will host special festive lunches throughout December with all the Christmas trimmings.

The ‘Christmas at Bramley’ menu offers the choice of 1 course (£19.95), 2 courses (£24.95) or 3 courses (£28.95) and features delicious dishes including Smoked Salmon, Leek and Dill Tarlets, Roast Turkey with all the trimmings, Confit of Duck on a Chorizo and Bean Cassoulet, Caramelised Oranges with Rum and Raisin Ice Cream and Traditional Christmas Pudding with Brandy Sauce.

 

Gift Vouchers

The Village Spirit Collective has ‘Gin Distillery Tour & Experience Vouchers’ (£25), perfect for that special someone this Christmas – or for yourself! Meet the distiller and gain an insight into the distillation process whilst enjoying a welcome drink. Explore the intriguing gin range and the individually distilled botanicals to determine your flavour profile. Vouchers are sent by email and are ideal for family or friends.

A Photography Gift Voucher from Sian T. Photography is the perfect solution for that difficult to buy for person this Christmas. A personal gift that won’t break the bank, Sian is offering the chance to double your money this festive period. Purchase a £100 gift voucher for just £50 or a £200 gift voucher for just £100 using coupon code ‘XmasX2’ on the website for a voucher that can be used against all Sian T. Photography services and products. Vouchers valid until 30^th November 2023.

Give the gift of Barnett Hill this Christmas with an indulgent voucher for something to look forward to in the New Year. Including relaxing massages, scrumptious afternoon teas, al fresco suppers or a Surrey Hills getaway, there is something for everyone in the Barnett Hill gift shop.

Festive Events

Get fully in the festive spirit by booking onto the Wreath Making Workshop (£65) at Gate Street in Bramley.Taking place from 7pm-9pm on Tuesday 29^th November, arrive to a welcome drink and enjoy festive nibbles, then be guided by the Gate Street floristry team in creating a festive wreath to add a touch of homemade charm to your front door this year. All materials needed will be provided, including foliage foraged from Gate Street’s woodlands and surrounding farmland to build up the frame and an array of decorations to suit your style, including natural greenery and dried orange slices plus a variety of other joyful options. The wreath-making workshop is intimate, allowing for one-to-one support, and is the perfect event to kick off festivities with friends or family.

The Surrey Circle Winter Event will take place in the enchanting Garden Cobham from 10.30am-9pm on Thursday 1^st December and from 9.30am-4.00pm on Friday 2^nd December. Start your Christmas celebrations with family and friends by browsing sumptuous stalls, taking part in creative workshops, enjoying tantalising food and drink and soaking up the festive atmosphere with live music and carols. Advance purchase adult tickets are priced at £3.50, or £5.50 on the day, with 25% donated to local Surrey charities.

Visit the atmospheric Silent Pool in Albury from 11am-5pm on Saturday 3^rd December to attend Silent Pool Distillers‘ popular and evocative Christmas Market. Enjoy exclusive offers, a lucky dip, stalls by talented local artisans, rousing carol singers, steaming mulled gin and more as part of this magical festive event.

 

The Kelly’s Santa Run from Kelly’s Storage Charity Events is back on Sunday 4^th December, this time with a Christmas market! Enjoy a winter run round Stoke Park, choosing from the 2.5k (fully accessible) or 5k route around the park, then finish off with a wander through the Christmas market to enjoy festive food and drinks, activities and gifts – children can even visit Santa in his grotto! Each entrant gets a Santa hat to wear for the run (or a festive bandana for any four-legged friends) and a decoration for the tree when they finish! Every penny donated will go to Challengers, a local charity that provides truly inclusive, fun and safe places where all disabled children and young people can spend time with their friends. Non-runners who just wish to attend the market are welcome too, with free market entry from 10am-2pm.

For more Surrey Hills Christmas shopping ideas, visit: www.surreyhills.org/support-your-local-businesses-this-christmas.

With climate change, the loss of natural spaces and protecting threatened species being topics on everyone’s minds, an upcoming Surrey event will help provide practical tips and inspiration on how to look after the natural world – starting in our very own backyards.

The Surrey Hills Wood Fair 2022 will take place on Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 September at Fish Pond Copse in Cranleigh and will feature a ‘Making Space for Nature’ zone to help educate and inspire the whole family to live greener.

The zone will feature a wide array of interactive activities and demonstrations, as well as advice from experts on how to help create a safe space for bugs, bees, plants and other species in and around your own home and garden. The Making Space for Nature zone will show how making small changes and taking simple steps can have a huge impact on the recovery and success of nature within the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and further afield.

Get involved in creating a mini habitat from cut logs and branches to discover how to support wildlife in your own green space in the inspiring zone and children of all ages will love to colour a Surrey Hills Indicator Species, whilst learning more about the wildlife living locally around us. There will be the chance to contribute to an artistic centrepiece, ‘Seeds of Hope’, which will be on display at this year’s ‘Harvest’ event on Box Hill on 17 September (free tickets can be claimed here). By mindfully binding yarn around discarded branches, become part of the mass effort of hundreds of people and community groups that have created their own ‘Seedpods’, connecting us to each other and nature.

Throughout the day in the special zone at the Surrey Hills Wood Fair, discover the folklore and science of the woodland during ‘tree walks and talks’ or explore more about the brilliance of the humble bumble bee. There will also be exciting children’s activities on offer and experts will be on hand to talk to the whole family about how we can all play our part in making space for nature.

Just one of many fun-filled areas to explore at this year’s Surrey Hills Wood Fair, discover fascinating traditional woodland crafts, listen to nature-inspired storytelling, take a shire horse and wagon ride, try tree climbing and digger driving, have a go at making a fire or axe-throwing, meet farmyard animals, listen to educational talks, play giant wooden board games and much more. With live music, a wide range of exceptional stalls from local artisans to browse and an array of delicious Surrey Hills’ food and drink to enjoy, there really is something for everyone at the Surrey Hills Wood Fair 2022.

The Surrey Hills Wood Fair 2022 will take place from 10am to 5pm on Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 September at Fish Pond Copse, Bookhurst Road, Cranleigh. Advance tickets are £7.50 or £10 on the gate, with free entry for children under 16. Advance ticket sales close at 12 noon on Friday 9 September. Free parking on site and friendly dogs welcome on leads.

For more information and to book, visit: https://surreyhills.org/events/surrey-hills-wood-fair-2022.

On Wednesday 8^th June, the Surrey Hills Enterprises’ team visited Pilgrim Brewery in Reigate for a special networking event organised by Reigate and Banstead Business, the Economic Prosperity team from Reigate & Banstead Borough Council, in partnership with Surrey Hills Enterprises.

Bringing together local Reigate and Banstead-based businesses under a theme of ‘the Power of Place’, the event considered the importance of local provenance, local values and sourcing locally to building a successful brand, whilst celebrating unique Surrey businesses and their contribution to the local economy and ‘brand Surrey Hills’.

The afternoon event included guest speakers sharing their take on the theme and their wisdom with the other local business attendees.

Chris Robinson from Chalk Hills Bakery and Morgan Arnell from Crumbs Brewing, both talented Surrey Hills Enterprises members who are trailblazers in their fields, working in an artisanal and sustainable way to produce products of the highest quality, spoke on the power of place to their individual brands and how they have harnessed the sense of locale in building successful businesses, both within the Surrey area and further afield.

Wendy Varcoe MBE, Executive Director of Surrey Hills Enterprises, spoke on the benefits of Surrey Hills Enterprises’ membership and the strength of the Trade Mark Surrey Hills, awarded to businesses that stand for quality, local provenance and sustainability within the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and easily recognisable to both consumers and other businesses alike.

As the afternoon progressed, refreshments were provided by Ranmore Common-based Chimney Fire Coffee, who served their delicious responsibly-crafted coffee to eager guests, alongside beers from Pilgrim Brewery.

Chalk Hills Bakery served a sumptuous afternoon tea including Sponge Cake, Orange and Almond Cake and moreish scones with clotted cream and local jam, irresistible to many.

A relaxed and positive event, the afternoon provided a vital platform for fantastic conversations to take place between local business leaders and entrepreneurs, with discussions on the theme of ‘the Power of Place’ and working collaboratively to further grow successful, sustainable Surrey businesses.

To learn more about Surrey Hills Enterprises’ membership, visit: www.surreyhills.org/enterprises/membership-benefits

The second annual Surrey Hills Artisan Festival, held on Saturday 21^st and Sunday 22^nd May 2022 at Denbies Wine Estate was a great success, seeing around 3,000 people visiting to enjoy the vibrant weekend event in a beautiful setting near Dorking.

Organised by Community Interest Company, Surrey Hills Enterprises, in partnership with Denbies Wine Estate and Surrey Artists Open Studios (SAOS), the festival was a celebration of the talented artisans of the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), with more than 70 local artisans in attendance. Showcasing the region’s very best art, crafts, food and drink, the festival featured stalls from artisans and a large artists’ marquee from SAOS members, as well as live music and entertainment in a central arena, including Rock Choir performances, samba rhythms from Bloco do Sul, jazz from Philip Hopkins Jazz Duo, steel drums from Melodic Pan Man and morris dancing from the Rampant Roosters. Lots of fun for all ages!

Surrounded by hay bales, the central area of the Bacchus Field was the ideal place for visitors to relax in the sunshine, whilst listening to the excellent entertainment, soaking up the rays and the relaxed atmosphere of the festival, and enjoying the huge array of local food and drink on offer. With Thai curries, African cuisine, wood fired pizza, ice cream and sorbets, Surrey Hills wine, freshly ground coffee, botanical beers and much more, there was something for everyone!

New for 2022, the Surrey Hills Artisan Festival also featured a fantastic demo tent, which hosted talks, tastings and demonstrations throughout the weekend from a wide variety of artisans – from cooking to craft making to nature activities to mindfulness to leather craft to cocktail making to fascinating stories of success from local businesses, there was lots to engage and inspire attendees, all included within their entry ticket.

Under sunny skies, there was also lots to entertain younger visitors too, with Surrey Hills’ storytelling, giant garden games, arts and crafts tables, a cartoon mural and an art installation to get involved with, inspiring creativity in children of all ages. All generations were also inspired by the art being created live at the festival by local artists in various mediums, showing their techniques and talents.

With a wide variety of stalls showcasing products and produce from within the Surrey Hills, from local small businesses, there was much to browse and buy, with many visitors discovering new Surrey products that they hadn’t before tried and meeting the talented artisans behind the Surrey businesses.

With so much on offer and with such a stunning setting, with views of both the grape vines and nearby Box Hill, many visitors stayed for the day and made the very most of the spring sunshine at the Surrey Hills Artisan Festival. Stallholders, organisers and visitors alike are already looking forward to next year.

The next Surrey Hills Enterprises’ event, the Surrey Hills Wood Fair will take place at Cranleigh Show Ground on Saturday 10^th and Sunday 11^th September 2022. Be sure to add the date to your diary and book in advance for a discount on tickets.

For more information about the next Surrey Hills Enterprises’ event, the Surrey Hills Wood Fair, visit: www.surreyhills.org/events/surrey-hills-wood-fair-2022.

Yesterday we were delighted to celebrate our many brilliant local businesses and their sustainability achievements at the CREST22 Sustainable Business Awards. CREST22 is Surrey’s only awards uniquely aimed at recognising and celebrating business sustainability, the awards were this year held at the WWF Living Planet Centre.

We would like to congratulate all of the nominees and winners at the CREST22 Awards. We are especially proud of our amazing Surrey Hills Enterprises members who were nominated for an award, with the following winning their categories:

• Nordic Wellness Drinks winning the ‘Going Circular’ award for their progress in environmental impact
• Crumbs Brewing winning the ‘Transforming Food’ award for their environmental efforts through produce
• Clandon Wood Nature Reserve & Natural Burial Ground winning the ‘Sustainability Impact’ award for their focus on wellbeing and improving people’s lives on a day-to-day basis
• Plant Passion winning the ‘Efficiency Champion’ award for their significant resource saving improvements and greater use of renewable resources

A huge thank you and congratulations to all our Surrey Hills Enterprises members for their continued passion and commitment towards being a sustainable business and to Carol Miller for all her inspirational endeavours with the CREST22 Sustainable Business Awards. 

An exciting two-day outdoor festival at Denbies Wine Estate will celebrate the very best of the Surrey Hills’ food, drink, arts and crafts this spring: the Surrey Hills Artisan Festival 2022.

Taking place on Saturday 21^st and Sunday 22^nd May at England’s largest vineyard in Dorking, the weekend festival will showcase the artisans of the Surrey Hills, giving visitors the chance to see enthralling demonstrations, try their hand at fun-filled activities, buy locally-made produce or products, enjoy delicious food and drink and see master craftspeople in action.

Hosted by Surrey Hills Enterprises, the Community Interest Company that works with local businesses to support the rural economy and promote, protect and enhance the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), in partnership with Denbies Wine Estate and Surrey Artists Open Studios, the Festival is sure to be a feast for all the senses.

Perfect for families looking for a fun day out or those interested in discovering new produce, art pieces or crafts, the Surrey Hills Artisan Festival offers something for everyone.

Taking place in Denbies’ Bacchus Field, with an enviable setting amongst the vines and views across to Box Hill beyond, the Festival will be interactive, with the chance to meet local artists, gain knowledge from exceptional skilled artisans, see intriguing craft making and enjoy live music and entertainment.

This Surrey Festival will feature a special Surrey Artists Open Studios (SAOS) marquee, with a number of talented local artists displaying their pieces to browse and buy, from artworks created from pastels, oil, pencil and ink, to handcrafted jewellery, hand-cut glass, lino printed pieces, textiles, handmade felt accessories, wooden gifts, hand-thrown ceramics and much more.

Alongside this, the Festival will bring together over 60 Surrey Hills’ artisans, with a fascinatingly wide array of stands. Buy directly from local, independent businesses offering chocolate, wine, beer, gin, skincare, jewellery, candles, textiles, woodwork, glass, pottery, pet portraits, sculpture, garden wares and more.

Enjoy food and drink from the Surrey Hills whilst soaking up the relaxed festival ambiance, from South African dishes to Thai street food, hot, freshly-baked waffles to edible cookie dough, seasonal sandwiches, salads and more, all accompanied by a glass of Surrey Hills wine, botanical beer or perhaps a locally-made gin or rum.

The Surrey Hills Artisan Festival 2022 takes place from 10am to 5pm on Saturday 21^st and Sunday 22^nd May at Denbies Wine Estate, Dorking. Tickets are priced at £7.50 in advance or £10 on the gate, with free entry for children under 16. Advance ticket sales close at 12 noon on Friday 20^th May. Onsite parking is free, or Dorking railway stations are a 15-minute walk away.

For more information about the Surrey Hills Artisan Festival and to book tickets, visit: www.surreyhills.org/events/surrey-hills-artisan-festival-2022.

With stress, anxiety and depression more prevalent than ever amongst the modern workforce, the focus of businesses on the wellbeing of their employees is more important than ever before.

Particularly relevant in light of the upcoming Mental Health Awareness Week 2022 (9^th-15^th May), corporate wellness initiatives can play a vital role in creating a more positive working environment and a more resilient workforce, something that is beneficial to both the individuals themselves and the business as a whole.

With the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) able to provide a stunningly beautiful countryside setting and a wealth of high quality independent businesses working sustainably to offer an array of wellness experiences, corporates should consider the Surrey Hills as a destination when looking to enhance employee wellbeing. Whether it be through team building activities, community volunteering, mindfulness, opportunities to get outside and into nature, to learn a new skill or something more unusual, Community Interest Company, Surrey Hills Enterprises’ new ‘Corporate Activities, Meetings and Experiences in the Surrey Hills’ guide covers the very best of these options and more within the Surrey Hills AONB.

Shown to improve productivity, focus and creativity, working together as a team outside of the usual work or office environment can help to build bonds and create a more cohesive working group. Learning a new skill can be one way of attaining this – and a sense of achievement in the meantime. Hedges & Hurdles Country Skills & Crafts offer a variety of courses for both individuals and groups in heritage skills and crafts, such as coppicing, willow craft and bushcraft. Ideal for taking a break from screens and enjoying a digital detox, courses are held in beautiful woodland locations across the Surrey Hills and its surrounds, including Birtley Woodland Art’s Space in Bramley, Priory Farm Estate in South Nutfield or Sussex Prairie Gardens, near Henfield.

Those looking instead to learn the art of mindfulness could consider an experience with The Forest Bathing Institute (TFBI), also featured in the new guide. An international organisation launched by a Surrey Hills husband and wife team, TFBI helps people improve their mental health and wellbeing by harnessing the benefits of nature, by immersing them in natural settings. With mindfulness having been shown to positively help to manage stress, such experiences can have a powerful impact on the morale of staff, lifting moods, providing a much-needed wellbeing boost and restoring mental energy of a fatigued workforce – particularly useful following periods of intense pressure and stress, such as key deadlines or busy periods of the year. With half and full day events available, as well as team building weekends, there are options to suit all company types and needs.

The family-owned Health & Wellbeing Centre, Surrey Hills Physiotherapy, offers a wide variety of bespoke classes, both in their beautiful studio in The Barn at the heart of Denbies Wine Estate in Dorking, or virtually online. Choose from a range of specialist professional instructors and teaching styles to best suit the team’s requirements, from Pilates to Barre, Tai Chi to Yoga. These calming classes can provide the ideal option for setting a workplace wellness challenge or a regular ‘Wellness Wednesday’ team activity. With one-off wellbeing days or retreats also available, activities can be combined to create a bespoke package, with dining options in the Vineyard Restaurant or overnight stays in The Denbies Vineyard Hotel next door, wine tastings, cycle tours and more.

Active teams may choose instead to explore the great outdoors, with many associated benefits. Spending time in green spaces has been shown to reduce cortisol levels in the body and in turn stress levels, as well as improve energy, increase happiness, create connections and even reduce inflammation. A University of Michigan study also found that group nature walks were linked with enhanced positivity and mental health, reducing occurrences of depression and stress-related disorders. Corporate groups inspired to harness these health benefits could look to Back on Track, a Surrey Hills’ company that provides guided group hikes and walks with drink and dine experiences. Led by Simone, a qualified hiking guide and fitness coach, and working collaboratively with other Surrey Hills Enterprises members, Back on Track offers experiences such as a Silent Pool walk with a gin distillery tour and tasting or Surrey Hills walk and biryani on the patio at Mandira’s Kitchen, as well as more strenuous adventures such as the Surrey Three Peaks Hike with a pub finish.

Improved wellness does not, however, only have to be found in physical or fitness challenges. Doing something good for a cause or giving back to the community can also provide just as many benefits for the body and mind. The Wey & Arun Canal Trust, a registered charity restoring London’s lost route to sea, offer bespoke canal cruises and corporate volunteering days, where teams can get involved with vital conservation work, from restoration to clearing towpaths, painting lock furniture and tree planting. Providing the change of scenery much craved by those teams that feel disconnected due to the pandemic or those who now work remotely, spending time on or close by the canal can improve mental wellbeing whilst giving back, providing a sense of achievement and positivity.

Corporate groups looking for something a little unusual in the Surrey Hills should take part in a Llama Trekking experience with the Merry Harriers in Hambledon. Expect the unexpected whilst walking with the friendly herd of 12 Llamas, the perfect companions to an exploration of the Surrey Hills AONB – whatever the weather! With the chance to learn interesting facts about these beautiful animals and enjoy a picturesque picnic in their company, teams will have the opportunity to bond with the creatures and each other and let their laughter release important endorphins. This quirky experience would work brilliantly as a staff reward, making individuals feel appreciated and cared for, also combined with an overnight stay in a stunning shepherd’s hut or garden room.

The new ‘Corporate Activities, Meetings and Experiences in the Surrey Hills’ guide from Surrey Hills Enterprises features these and many more activities and is a brilliant resource for companies planning to enhance their staff wellness offering. To learn more and to read the new Corporate Guide, visit: https://surreyhills.org/corporate-meetings-incentives-and-events-in-the-surrey-hills. 

Surrey Hills Enterprises and Inchcape UK’s Lexus Guildford are delighted to announce the renewal of their partnership which aims to build a thriving rural business community and strengthen sustainability within the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

The corporate partnership, which was first launched in 2019, was renewed this month in a positive move that sees the luxury car retailer continue to grow its relationship with Community Interest Company, Surrey Hills Enterprises.

With support from Lexus Guildford, Surrey Hills Enterprises works with local businesses to promote, protect and enhance the Surrey Hills, whilst also awarding the ‘Trade Mark Surrey Hills’, a mark of local provenance and quality granted to those businesses that actively work to support the local environment.

The joining forces of the two organisations reflects their key shared values: a sustainable future for the Surrey Hills and inspiring others to enjoy the outdoors and explore more widely.

Speaking on the partnership, Wendy Preston, General Manager of Lexus Guildford, said:

“I am delighted that Lexus Guildford is continuing the partnership with Surrey Hills Enterprises and reinforces our joint commitment to sustainability. As one of the world’s leading car manufacturers, Lexus takes our responsibility to help protect the environment very seriously. We are creating vehicles which have as little impact as possible on the natural world around us. It is important to us to find cleaner, sustainable ways of making vehicles and disposing of them when they reach the end of their useful life.”

In order to address global environmental issues such as climate change, water shortages, resource depletion and loss of biodiversity, Lexus is promoting measures based on six challenges, aiming to reduce the negative environmental impacts of manufacturing and driving vehicles as close to zero as possible, making net positive impacts on society.

The all-new Lexus NX450h+ Plug-In Vehicle (pictured) is available as Self-Charging and Plug-In Hybrid powertrains which have been developed using Lexus’ extensive knowledge of pioneering electrification experience. The halo plug – in model in the new NX range features a four-cylinder 2.5-litre hybrid engine and a rechargeable lithium-ion battery.  It has an EV driving range of in excess of 40miles enabling all-electric driving at speeds up to 83 mph. The NX 450h+ benefits from low BIK taxation while offering the reassurance of self-charging hybrid power when the battery is depleted.

Lexus has received the What Car? Reliability Award for a third year in succession, acknowledging its continued success in the magazine’s annual Reliability Survey, along with the NX450h+ vehicle being voted the What Car? 2022 best plug-in vehicle of the year.

Visiting Wendy Preston at the company’s Guildford showroom at Slyfield Green alongside Wendy Varcoe MBE, Executive Director of Surrey Hills Enterprises, Simon Whalley, Chairman of Surrey Hills Enterprises, said:

“We are delighted to have the chance to continue our partnership with the Lexus Guildford team. The partnership is hugely important to Surrey Hills Enterprises in the work that we do to support rural businesses and local communities within the Surrey Hills. To partner with a business that shares our sustainability values is key and we are thrilled that Lexus Guildford are such trailblazers in this respect. A huge thank you to Wendy Preston and her team at Lexus Guildford for their continued support.”

To learn more about Surrey Hills Enterprises, visit: www.surreyhillsenterprises.co.uk.

For more information on Inchcape, visit www.inchcape.co.uk.

For more information about Lexus Guildford, visit  www.lexus.co.uk/guildford.

The Allianz Tree Planting Day, held on Friday 25^th February at Knowle Park in Cranleigh, saw 1,000 trees and shrubs planted as part of a new scheme to enhance the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and increase regional sustainability.

Held to celebrate the successful efforts of Allianz Insurance – one of the largest general insurers in the UK – in reducing their paper use as a business, including having removed 75% of their printers, the special tree planting event saw staff from the Guildford Head Office come together to help plant the native trees and shrubs.

Part of the Surrey Hills Corporate Champions programme, run by Community Interest Company, Surrey Hills Enterprises in partnership with charitable trust, Surrey Hills Society, the Allianz tree planting is the first corporate event of its kind, marking the first time an organisation has become involved in this pivotal programme to give back to the Surrey Hills AONB.

The Allianz tree planting day took place at Knowle Park, a new 60-acre public park and community project in Cranleigh, run by the Knowle Park Trust charity. Across three different planting sessions, Allianz staff donned their boots, rolled up their sleeves and got involved in digging and planting the native tree and shrub species that included English Oak, Sweet Chestnut, Black Cherry Plum, Scots Pine and Wild Crab Apple seedlings.

The area planted will be known as the ‘Allianz Copse’ and marked with a routed wooden sign, handmade by Deej Carter of Carving Designs, a local company based in Ewhurst. The trees and shrubs will be managed and maintained by Knowle Park Trust for the benefit of the community and future generations.

Attended by the Lord Lieutenant of Surrey, Michael More-Molyneux, the planting day was a great success and a huge amount of fun for Allianz staff, as well as being an important landmark event in promoting a sustainable future for the Surrey Hills.

Michael More-Molyneux, the Lord Lieutenant of Surrey, commented:

“I applaud this excellent partnership between Surrey Hills Enterprises and Allianz, with the objective to plant more trees and to improve the environment and sustainability of our county. This is Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee year, and one of the major parts of the celebration is the planting of the Queen’s Green Canopy across the country, calling on individuals and organisations alike to plant trees for the beauty of the countryside, and as an everlasting reminder of The Queen’s service to our country.  I applaud both organisations on their forethought and concern for our environment.”

Commenting on the tree planting, Carolyn Rich, Head of Brand Marketing and Social Responsibility at Allianz, said:

“Allianz employees care very much about the environment and it was great to get together to do something that is both symbolic and practical. We all get 20 volunteering hours a year and more than 120 colleagues used part of that time to plant these trees and secure the future of this area of natural beauty.”

Following the Allianz Tree Planting Day, Wendy Varcoe MBE, Executive Director of Surrey Hills Enterprises, commented:

“It was truly inspiring to see the staff of Allianz gather for the tree planting event at Knowle Park, celebrating their fantastic achievement in reducing their use of paper is a business, whilst in turn pledging their support for a sustainable future for the Surrey Hills. We are sure their efforts will prove to be an inspiration for many.”

The corporate event follows the success of the first public Champions tree planting day last November, which saw 50 individual Surrey Hills Champions plant a new 50-metre long native hedgerow at Clandon Wood Nature Reserve in West Clandon. Champions – both individual and corporate – play an important role in protecting the Surrey Hills AONB for future generations, aiding nature recovery and supporting local wildlife to thrive.

For a donation of £25, those with a love of the Surrey Hills can sign up to become a Surrey Hills Champion, meaning they too can have the chance to attend a special tree planting day to have a sapling planted in their name, as well as receiving access to special offers with sustainable Surrey Hills businesses, exclusive events and updates.

To learn more about becoming a Surrey Hills Champion, visit: www.surreyhills.org/surreyhillschampion.

Whether you’re having a cosy night in or planning a lavish night out, Valentine’s Day is the ideal opportunity to buy local, showing love for the Surrey Hills whilst delighting someone special with locally-made goodies.

Surrey Hills Enterprises, the membership organisation that works to support local businesses and develop a thriving rural Surrey Hills economy, is encouraging people to shop locally ahead of 14^th February this year, as part of their campaign to ‘Buy 1 in 5’. They’re asking people to take a self-motivated pledge to make at least one in every five of their purchases from a Surrey Hills based business.

The Surrey Hills offers a bounty of products to add a touch of romance to this year’s Valentine’s Day and by shopping locally, consumers will be giving back to the Surrey Hills economy, supporting individual artisans and reducing the carbon footprint of products that they’re buying, all whilst purchasing special, handcrafted products, often made with local materials and ingredients from individuals and companies close by.

Those looking to shop in the Surrey Hills this Valentine’s Day, should consider these locally-made products from Surrey Hills Enterprises members:

Guildford-based natural skincare company, Puremess has created the Romantic Retreat bundle, ideal for those looking to relax and cosy up this Valentine’s Day. Containing a beautiful hand-poured Soy Wax candle with Sweet Orange, Bergamot and Lavender essential oils for relaxation, a mineral-rich Rose Clay Mask to naturally enrich skin and a box of four unique chocolates from Sweet C’s Chocolates. Priced at £30.

Chimney Fire Coffee has teamed up with Ranmore Common neighbour, Ranmore Candle Co., to produce the perfect gift for the coffee lover.

The Coffee Candle Care Pack includes a special candle infused with Chimney Fire Coffee’s directly-sourced El Salvador El Cipres, to create a sweet, subtle coffee fragrance, as well as a bag of El Salvador coffee, plus a bag of Brazil Signature Espresso and a Chimney Fire Coffee tote bag. Priced at £35.

The Surrey Copper Distillery is an independent craft distillery based in Cranleigh distilling a distinctive library of spirits inspired by history and reflecting the essence of England.

They have created the premium Copperfield and Merchant’s Heart Mini Gift Pack, containing three Copperfield Dry Gins (3 x 50 ml) with their perfect pairings of Merchant’s Heart Spirit Enhancers. Priced at £24.95.

Greyfriars Vineyard in Puttenham has teamed up with Kokoh Chocolate to offer two Valentine’s gift sets this 14^th February. The Rose Reserve 2018 gift set (£43.99) or the “X” Blanc de Noirs 2017 (£52) combines a bottle of the premium wine alongside two Greyfriars branded sparkling wine flutes and two bars of decadent, handmade local chocolate, presented in a beautiful Surrey Hills gift box.

Creating sumptuous handcrafted chocolates made with single origin beans, Sweet C’s has put together a tempting Valentines Chocolate Hamper to bring some decadence to a loved one this year.

With specially selected handcrafted chocolates in a valentine gift box, heart shaped lollies in ruby and white chocolate, a treat bag of mini hearts with romantic messages, an I LOVE CHOCOLATE mug with hot chocolate and two bars of their most popular couverture Colombian chocolate in milk and dark, all presented in a wrapped gift hamper. Priced at £35.

Adam Aaronson Glass Studio produces stunning individual glass pieces from his studio in West Horsley. Each piece in is unique and original, created using traditional glassblowing methods, inspired by a love of nature, the play of light on water and the landscape. Making for the ideal thoughtful gifts, there is a wide range to choose from, including this Lavender Fields Heart, priced at £55.

Artisan, Rosanna Clare, works with leather to create a wide range of products for the home, for her and for him, including leather bags and accessories. The Waterproof Canvas & Leather Wash Bag for him, made with a combination of waterproof 12oz canvas cotton and quality leather for a stylish and modern design. Priced at £45.

Spoil the man in your life with the Men’s Traditional Suede Leather Slippers from MateusMonique, the eco-friendly and vegan accessories company. Traditional, comfy and super light, these leather slippers for men are handmade from 100% leather upper and inner, perfect for year-round use and the ideal replacement for artificial, plastic slippers.

Horny Pants range of premium bamboo underwear and organic cotton tshirts for him and her are the perfect gift for a loved one.

With 10% from sales supporting endangered wildlife, through their work with the Born Free Foundation and the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation, the products are comfortable, environmentally sound and stylish. Buy the Black Horny Pants for Men for £25.

Making premium rums in the Surrey Hills, Ripping Yarns Distillery is a family business covering the whole rum-making process, from fermentation to bottling, or from ‘molasses to glass’. Their award-winning Premium Golden Spiced Rum (£42.99) is twice pot-distilled and then gently infused with a carefully chosen blend of botanicals and spices. An easy sipping Rum that can also be enjoyed with a mixer or as part of a cocktail, it is lightly spiced so that the rum spirit can still shine through.

The Acorn Earrings from Oddie & Hope make for the perfect nature-inspired Valentine’s gift. Beautiful white freshwater pearls set in sterling silver hand textured acorn caps with a twisted wire ‘stem’, hung onto sterling silver gently textured hoops, they can be worn with the acorn or on their own.

A beautiful silk scarf is a classic choice for a loved one, something to last a lifetime, and those from Kate Lloyd are truly exceptional. Created using images taken by Kate herself and inspired by horses and the natural world, such as reflections in water, stunning leaves or the calming sea, each scarf has its own story and is presented in a gift box with fully recyclable packaging. The Square Shadow Horse Silk Scarf, featuring a limited edition printed image, is priced at £120.

Nourish and Glow Drinks’ Ceremonial Cacao contains 40 times the antioxidants of blueberries, more calcium than cow’s milk and magnesium for a healthy heart and brain.

This vegan drink is luxurious and a natural mood elevator, created from hand shaved Cacao Paste – as unprocessed as you can get. A delicious treat this Valentine’s Day, it’s a wonderful choice for the person that has everything.

To discover more brilliant businesses in the Surrey Hills, visit: www.surreyhills.org/local-businesses.

 

 

Christmas is a time for giving and, this Christmas, one local woman has helped provide more than a little festive cheer to many through her work to produce a very special advent calendar – the Surrey Hills Advent Calendar.

Gemma Cockrell from Guildford has collated 25 gifts from Surrey Hills-based businesses that are fellow members of Surrey Hills Enterprises – a support network for local businesses that works to develop a thriving rural economy – as part of a unique advent calendar to be gifted to 50 carefully chosen, lucky recipients. From charity organisations within the Surrey Hills, to notable individuals particularly deserving of a festive treat, the advent calendar has been created as a way for businesses to give back this Christmas.

Founder of natural skincare company, Puremess, Gemma was named as this year’s Surrey Hills Gold Trademark winner for her work collaborating with other local businesses and in supporting the local community, presented by Sally Ashford of Charles Russell Speechlys, Surrey Hills Enterprises’ Corporate Partner.

Earlier this year, Gemma worked with other Surrey Hills Enterprises’ members to produce a Key Worker Care Pack to give back to NHS staff who had worked tirelessly during the pandemic.

As part of her ongoing work to support the community, Gemma decided to create the Surrey Hills Advent Calendar as a way of spreading the love for local this Christmas, to demonstrate what the Surrey Hills has to offer in terms of independent businesses, products and services.

Presented in a beautiful Christmas box, the advent calendars contain a wide range of festive treats for the lucky recipients, including candles, jewellery, skincare, vouchers for experiences, ornaments, chocolates, crafts, fudge and glass pieces, all generously gifted from independent artisans within the Surrey Hills and with a retail value of over £350 each. Numbered presents will be drawn out each day by the individual or organisation gifted an advent calendar, providing a festive treat and an insight into a special Surrey Hills Enterprises’ business each day in the run-up to Christmas.

This huge project, of coordinating the different small businesses that were to contribute, was something that Gemma worked tirelessly on, with lots of late nights spent collating the items and working with the other Surrey Hills Enterprises’ members to finalise all the worthy recipients. The resulting beautiful offering has been presented to a wide array of individuals and Surrey Hills’-based organisations, including worthy local charity recipients such as Cherry Trees, Shooting Star Children’s Hospices and Re:work. The Surrey Hills Enterprises’ members involved in the project, personally presented a box to a chosen recipient – an emotional moment, with the boxes being very gratefully received.

Gemma said: “Working alongside such an array of inspiring Surrey Hills Enterprises’ members to create this beautiful Surrey Hills Advent Calendar has been a real labour of love. It is wonderful to be able to share those businesses and their amazing products and services with the recipients as part of a month of decadent treats, whilst giving back to the community that has supported us all, as small local businesses, during the pandemic. Made with love and passion for the area in which we all live, it has been a truly special project.”

The Surrey Hills Advent Calendar is part of Surrey Hills Enterprises’ campaign to inspire local people to support local through their ‘1 in 5 Pledge’, urging consumers to buy at least 1 in every 5 of their purchases this Christmas from a Surrey Hills based business. By taking the 1 in 5 Pledge, people can be assured that they are not only supporting individual small businesses and their families, but also helping to boost both environmental sustainability – reducing the carbon footprint of the items they purchase – and supporting the local economy.

Shopping locally this Christmas also ensures that consumers can track the provenance of the products they buy, with many businesses offering the chance to visit their premises for tours and tastings, providing insight into the behind-the-scenes process and ingredients used and, ultimately, a closer connection to the gifts that we are buying. Find out more at: www.surreyhills.org/enterprises/surrey-hills-virtual-artisan-market.

To learn more about membership and the work of Surrey Hills Enterprises, visit: www.surreyhillsenterprises.co.uk.

To learn more about Puremess, visit: www.puremess.co.uk.

Advent Calendar Contents:

INZHO – Soy Wax tealight

Horny Pants – Horny Pants Voucher

Delightfully Decadent – Biscoff Fudge

Abinger Stained Glass – Mini stained glass window ornament and a fused star

Silver Anvil Jewellery – Sterling silver pin

binary botanical – Bottle of botanical beer

Puremess – Lip balm and mini sleep balm

Silent Pool Distillers – Mini Silent Pool Gin

Flourishing Health – Voucher

Chimney Fire Coffee – Taster pack of coffee

Long Acre Preserves – Jam

Lorraine Clifton Ceramics – Ceramic Christmas decoration

Sian T. Photography – Voucher

Sally Rule – Candle

Mandira’s Kitchen – Spice Sachet

Naked Nanny Hand Made Soap – Soap

Surrey Outdoor Learning & Development (SOLD) – Voucher

Sweet C’s Chocolates – Bar of Christmas chocolate

Ruth Wheeler – Aromatherapy oil

Oddie & Hope – Sterling Silver earrings

Rewards Dog Training – Voucher

Hedges & Hurdles – Hedges and Hurdles Voucher

Adam Aaronson Glass Studio – Hand blown glass bauble

Sarah Cox (sjcoxart) – Voucher

Packhouse – Radiator room scenter sachet