Four firms honoured for innovation have been hailed as "an inspiration for Surrey businesses" by county council leader Dr Andrew Povey.
StingRay Geophysical, Gordon Murray Design, Thomson Ecology and Surrey Satellite and Technology (SSTL) were recognised for innovation and growth at the third Ambassador Academy event staged by not for profit organisation Connect 2 Innovation.
After handing satellite designer, manufacturer and operator SSTL its award, Surrey County Council leader Dr Povey said: "All these firms fully deserve this recognition. Their innovation has driven growth and they should be viewed as an inspiration for Surrey businesses.
"With the demise of organisations like regional development agencies, the county council has a much bigger part to play in economic development and we’ll do all we possibly can to support businesses like SSTL and the other award winners to make sure Surrey continues to be a powerhouse of the national economy."
Connect 2 Innovation, based at the Surrey Research Park, was set up to help businesses grow and has been largely funded by the South East England Development Agency.
With the development agency being wound up, the county council pledged £45,000 of funding to help keep the organisation going as part of Dr Povey's commitment to stimulating Surrey's economy. Set up in 2009, Connect 2 Innovation has coached and mentored more than 200 businesses, helping them raise more than £100 million to innovate and accelerate growth.
SSTL, based at Surrey Research Park in Guildford, has just signed a £110m contract with DMC International Imaging to provide three satellites.
Shalford-based Gordon Murray Design last week unveiled its ultra compact city vehicle – described as the world’s most efficient electric car – and is in talks with three potential manufacturers for the T27, which is just 2.5 metres long.
Thomson Ecology is one of the UK’s leading consultants. The Guildford firm, launched in 2004, provides advice, surveys, research and training in all aspects of ecology to a range of private and public sector clients.
StingRay Geophysical, based at the Surrey Research Park, enables oil and gas companies to maximise production and increase their reserves while cutting cost and risk through improved reservoir management. It was founded in 2006.
Anne Crean, CEO of Connect 2 Innovation, said: "The event was a tremendous success. More than 200 firms took part in our networking sessions, where they performed business pitches and connected with entrepreneurs, innovators and investors."
