Author: Tim Ridgway

Fidelity International – spotlight on Surrey careers

Published March 4, 2026

Surrey spotlight

Fidelity International is a major Surrey employer in Tadworth. It provides investment services to 2.5 million clients all over the world. There are dozens of possible career paths available to Surrey residents.

David Hill, Fidelity’s UK site head, explains more about what Fidelity International does and the opportunities at its Surrey site.

Visit the Fidelity International careers pages to discover live opportunities.

What does your company do?

Fidelity International provides investment services and retirement expertise to 2.5 million clients worldwide. That’s everyone from central banks and financial institutions, to wealth managers and private individuals.

Our purpose at Fidelity is to build better financial futures for our clients. This means giving people the power to get, and stay, in great financial health throughout every stage of their lives, right the way through until retirement.

We believe that investing over the long-term is critical to achieving this. And as a privately-owned company, we can think generationally in terms of the services we build and provide, as well as the way in which we invest on our clients’ behalf.

Why is Surrey a great place to work?

As the UK site head for Fidelity, I’m obviously biased! But our Kingswood Fields site is a beautiful place to work. It’s a 28-acre estate that was recently awarded the prestigious Biodiversity Benchmark by the Wildlife Trust, making us the first financial services organisation to have met their rigorous standards.

It’s a great place to work at any time of day – be it taking a mid-morning walk while you gather your thoughts, participating in a lunchtime sports day and BBQ, or a post-work quiz night to support local charities.

What opportunities do you have available?

Anyone can visit the Fidelity International careers website pages and check out the roles we have on offer. From those just starting out, who might be looking for placements, internships or graduate schemes, to those already on the career ladder and looking for a new challenge. We’re always looking for outstanding people from different career backgrounds.

Fidelity’s a great place to work. We were named in the top 50 winners of the annual Glassdoor Employees’ Choice Awards, which is a list of the UK’s 50 best places to work in 2024. And only last year we made The Times’ Top 50 Employers for Gender Equality list.

So, if you’re looking at that job advert and wondering if you should apply, my advice would be to go for it!

What advice would you give to those looking to take their next step?

In the first instance, I’d say take a look at our careers website. There’s a lot of information there about Fidelity and the different roles we have available. And if you think it sounds like a good fit, then see which specific roles we have available and apply online.

urfuture promotes careers to Gen Z in Surrey

Published March 4, 2026

Support, Training

urfuture helps young people seeking jobs and training find their perfect match online. We – as part of Surrey County Council – are teaming up with the company to support the region’s next generation of workers.

The Get Surrey Working Plan indicates there are 2,945 people aged between 16 and 24 registered unemployed in Surrey in September 2025. And roughly one in 20 (4.5%) are classed as not in employment, education or training (NEET) or circumstances not known.

As part of a renewed focus on supporting people of all ages into employment, we’ve teamed up with urfuture. The next generation’s job app reaches young people who aren’t engaging with traditional careers services or jobs boards.

Instead, the urfuture next generation job app platform attracts its audience through social media. It targets those young people who have left education unsure of their next steps, who are increasingly turn to platforms like TikTok and Instagram for guidance.

Rather than relying on CVs, urfuture’s algorithm matches candidates based on traits, motivations and working preferences. It then surfaces relevant opportunities that users may not be aware of.

How is Surrey working with urfuture?

The initial focus is on introducing Surrey youngsters to Skills Bootcamps. There are free fast-track government-funded courses designed to equip workers with the skills needed in Surrey’s growing sectors.

In just a few weeks, dozens of young people have applied for courses – meaning they could be in suitable roles with local employers in just 16 weeks.

urfuture is also helping create short-form explainer videos for social media, covering key roles and sectors that will be needed in the region moving forward.

Matt Furniss, Surrey County Council’s cabinet member for Highways, Transport and Economic Growth, said: “Surrey has a vibrant diverse economy which makes a major contribution to the vitality of our communities and UK as a whole. But we know that many young people are struggling to know how and where they should be looking to take that vital first step into the workplace.

“This innovative approach breaks down some of those barriers. Helping them understand what the roles are within businesses and highlighting where those first steps could take them.“

Gen Z, jobs and urfuture

Holly Hobbs, Chief Communications Officer of urfuture, grew up in Staines. She says the platform was built around a fundamental shift in how Gen Z approaches work.

Holly says: “Gen Z looks for work differently because we’ve grown up in a fundamentally different environment. We’ve been raised in a world of constant information, infinite choice, and algorithm-led discovery – largely driven by social media rather than traditional institutions.

“At the same time, we’ve experienced major disruptions early in life: the pandemic, rapid technological change, and the rise of AI. As a result, trust in linear career paths and traditional hiring signals has weakened. Job titles, CVs, and “one right route” don’t resonate in the same way they did for previous generations.

“Instead, Gen Z expects work discovery to feel more like the platforms they use every day: personalised, visual, fast, and guided. They want clarity, relevance, and authenticity – not endless searching or generic job descriptions. That’s why they don’t search for jobs in the traditional sense. They discover opportunities through content, recommendations, and platforms that understand who they are and what they’re suited to.”

Find out more

Visit our Skills Bootcamps page to find a course that works for you.

Need extra help? Get in touch with our team of experts via our Get Support Now form.

urfuture's Holly Hobbs speaks at a podium at Surrey Skills Conference. Behind her is a banner for STEP Surrey

LIFT for Surrey residents as targeted employment support gets underway

Published January 22, 2026

Blogs, News, Support

A LIFT for Surrey residents looking for jobs or support into work will soon get underway. We’re working with councils across Surrey to contact about 14,500 households about support on offer via STEP Surrey.

The Low Income Family Tracker (LIFT) brings together local authority data from several district and borough councils in Surrey into a single place.

We – as part of Surrey County Council – are working with Policy in Practice (which owns the tool) and other councils to directly contact about 14,500 households about our Surrey-wide offer.

If you’re a Surrey resident receiving either council tax support or housing benefit, then you may soon get a letters from us. Some of you may also receive SMS messages to your phone.

They will include details of the support we offer to help people find a new job, learn new skills or get support into employment.

We will never ask for any personal details or bank details to be shared.

Get support from STEP Surrey

STEP Surrey is a new Surrey County Council service. It helps adults and school leavers find the skills they need and the jobs they deserve.

We can help when you’re starting your career, returning to work or looking to learn something new. You may just need a bit of extra support to get a job.

Opportunities available via STEP Surrey include:

  • Skills Bootcamps – free fast-track training in exciting and growing sectors. Learn new skills and boost your career prospects in a matter of weeks
  • Connect to Work – support for those with complex challenges to work. We’ll help you find and stay in employment
  • WorkWell – one-to-one coaching service which helps those with health issues or disabilities start, stay in or return to work

All are FREE to access for Surrey residents. And registering your interest only takes a couple of minutes via our Get Support Now form.

Plus, we have a live jobs board with thousands of live vacancies across Surrey all in one place. The feed is updated twice a day.

What is LIFT (Low Income Family Tracker)?

Policy in Practice’s Low Income Family Tracker (LIFT) is a data analytics platform for local authorities. It identifies vulnerable, low-income households to target support, maximize income and reduce debt.

Surrey County Council is currently working with seven district and borough councils to use the platform. These are Elmbridge, Reigate & Banstead, Runnymede, Spelthorne, Surrey Heath, Tandridge and Woking.

LIFT links the data from individuals in these areas who are currently claiming council tax support or housing benefit.

Councils can then identify key cohorts to target support to. This includes details of financial support they may be entitled to or important messages relating to changes in eligibility.

State of Surrey economy winter 2025 research: residents report worries about employment

Published December 3, 2025

News, Support

The State of Surrey economy winter 2025 research reveals resident worries about work and employment. Extra support is now available from Surrey County Council after new data showed one-in-three (32%) know someone who has lost their job in the last year. 

The findings, generated by Surrey County Council’s ongoing in-house resident panel research, highlights the growing day-to-day concerns facing the 1.2 million residents in the region.

Responses show more than half report their own personal financial circumstances had worsened in the last year. And, of those currently employed, more than one in five expressed worries about losing their job within the next 12 months. 

It comes as the recent government figures show more than 26,900 people in Surrey are out of work but actively seeking employment. 

The council – working with government, employers and training providers – is responding directly to these challenges. This includes stepping up its county-wide offer for those who are out of work or looking to gain new skills to boost their career. 

Employment support available for Surrey residents

The launch of STEP Surrey, a new single gateway for skills and employment, is now live. This brings together help for jobseekers to learn new skills, find work and access employment support in one place. 

Skills Bootcamps, providing free fast-track training in growing sectors such as construction, cyber security, gaming and green industries, are also available. 

For those with barriers to work, there is dedicated employment support available.  

This includes Connect to Work, a pioneering government-funded programme which aims to support 2,000 residents with disabilities and other complex challenges into suitable sustainable employment over the next five years. 

And WorkWell provides free one-to-one coaching service for Surrey residents with health issues to start, stay or return to work. 

For business owners, budding entrepreneurs and freelancers, the Business Surrey website offers business support and start-up advice.  

Matt Furniss, Surrey County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Economic Growth, said: “While Surrey’s economy is performing well overall, our residents are not exempt from issues facing the whole of the UK. These findings show that many of our residents are being directly impacted by challenges such as the cost-of living, unemployment or health issues. While I appreciate this can bring stress and anxiety, the positive news is there is help available.  

“We are using enhanced responsibilities from Whitehall to work with government, employers and training providers to ensure there is expert support available alongside local job opportunities from businesses who are desperate to recruit local talent. 

“I encourage those impacted to get in touch via STEP Surrey so that we can provide them with the bespoke support they need to find work that works for them and their loved ones.” 

What is the State of Surrey economy winter 2025 research?

The State of Surrey economy winter 2025 research is carried out by Surrey County Council’s residents intelligence unit.

More than 550 people took part in October’s resident panel survey. This asks a range of questions on the economy.  

Responders identified inflation, housing and infrastructure as the biggest economic challenges currently facing the county. And nearly 70% felt the economic situation in Surrey had worsened over the past year. 

For more information on the council’s resident panel, contact research@surreycc.gov.uk.

Image of a high street with shoppers walking down a cobbled street past along a number of shops.

Skills Bootcamps return to Surrey for 2025

Published October 28, 2025

News, Training

Skills Bootcamps return to Surrey for 2025 – giving you the chance to fast-track your career for free in exciting and growing sectors. Learn new skills in a few weeks via these fully-funded courses.

The government-funded courses allow learners aged 19 and over to gain industry-ready qualifications in super-quick time.

We – as part of Surrey County Council – are offering a range of courses are on offer for this year. This includes construction, cyber security, sustainability and games development.

Training is designed to be as flexible as possible, lasting between two and 16 weeks.

On completing the course, you will have the opportunity of an interview with a local employer – meaning you could take your learning straight into the workplace.

Skills Bootcamps are available to all Surrey adults, whether they are in or out work. Sign up takes just a few minutes. Visit our Skills Bootcamps page to find out more.

Skills Bootcamps in groundworks

Skills Bootcamps’ return to Surrey will see new courses on offer.

This includes an introduction to Groundworks Plant Operations. It’s being run by Farnham-based Construction Industry Safety Training Centre (CISTC).

CISTC specialises in providing construction-specific health, safety and plant training that meets the latest industry regulations.

Its expert trainers bring real-world site experience, ensuring every course is engaging, hands-on, and directly relevant to the workplace.

Angela Fowler, CISTC Operations Director, said:

“This is for people who are looking to move into the sector or those looking to upskill beyond labouring.

“There is a big skills gap and a huge Government drive in terms of construction work. There aren’t enough workers in the industry to provide that, so we’re giving people the skills that are needed.”

Skills Bootcamps success

Last year, more than 500 people signed up for a Skills Bootcamp course in Surrey. Of those who completed courses, more than half said they’d secured new work or a new position in their company as a result.

MTek Solutions used the Solar PV Skills Bootcamp to upskill their staff as the business branched out into the installation and servicing of solar systems.

Kieran Tuck and Michael Slatcher, MTeK Solutions co-founders, said:

“Skills Bootcamps are a great way to upskill and boost your earnings – they help add another string to your bow.

“You have to look beyond today. Investing the time to complete the training has opened doors to much greater opportunities than if we had kept putting things off.”

Matt Furniss, Surrey County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Economic Growth, said:

“Skills Bootcamps are a great way for residents to gain new qualifications and boost their future earnings, while ensuring employers have access to the skills they need to thrive.

“As one of the UK’s largest regional economies, Surrey’s prosperity depends on having a skilled workforce ready to meet the demands of our thriving sectors. By providing pathways to rewarding careers, we’re building a Surrey where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.”

How do I sign up?

Want to know more about Skills Bootcamps in Surrey? Look at a full list of courses and start dates on our Skills Bootcamps page.

To take part in Skills Bootcamps, you must:

  • Be aged 19 or over
  • Have the right to work in the UK
  • Live in Surrey (with an eligible Surrey postcode)
  • Meet residency requirements (the training provider can check this)

If you claim Universal Credit, you can apply and continue to claim benefits.

Some Skills Bootcamps have additional eligibility criteria.

To register your interest, complete our Get Support Now form.

A man in orange hi-vis sits on a roller in a construction site. Either side are banners for Skills Bootcamps and STEP Surrey.
Two men in orange high vis and hard hats stand in a construction site. Behind them is a yellow plant vehicle.

STEP Surrey gateway goes live

Published October 23, 2025

Events, News, Support

Surrey residents can find work, learn new skills and access employment support in a single, simple and accessible way via Surrey County Council’s new STEP Surrey gateway. 

Latest figures show more than one in six people of working age in Surrey (17.9%) are not currently in work. 

Of these, 22,400 people want to work but are unable to find suitable employment. Barriers include education (30%), long-term health conditions (20.2%) and care responsibilities (19%).  

STEP Surrey aims to change that, providing a single gateway for those looking for work – regardless of their circumstances, background or experience. 

The aim is to make it easier for job seekers to access the help and support they need, while helping local employers fill vacancies and skills gaps. 

Visitors will be able to access a live jobs board. This is updated twice a day and brings thousands of live jobs together into a single platform. 

Those who need extra support will be able to contact dedicated experts who can provide bespoke guidance to find work and learn new skills. 

Surrey Skills Conference

STEP Surrey was launched last week at the first ever Surrey Skills Conference. This brought 200 employers, education, academia and government delegates to discuss how skills can power the county’s future economy. 

It was organised by the council, in partnership with Surrey Chambers of Commerce. There were keynote contributions from Robert West, Head of Employment and Skills at the Confederation of British Industry and Holly Hobbs, a Gen-Z influencer and co-founder of urfuture. 

Key topics included how to make the most of the transfer of skills powers locally from government. And also addressing challenges. This includes driving business growth by equipping those out of work with the skills employers need to thrive. 

Delegates also learned more about upcoming government-funded programmes available in Surrey.  

This includes Connect to Work, supporting 2,500 people with complex barriers to work into employment over the next five years. And WorkWell, which provides coaching to those with health challenges to get into, return to and stay in work. 

Councillor Matt Furniss, Surrey County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Economic Growth, said: 

“Surrey is a diverse, vibrant and well-connected region contributing more than £50 billion a year to the UK economy – we have a great economic story to tell. But beyond those headlines, we know there are challenges. Not least the tens of thousands of residents who are currently out of work but want to work. 

“This renewed focus to work, health, economic inactivity and skills, alongside ongoing devolution. It means for the first time we can shape our approach to skills and employment across a single Surrey footprint.  

“STEP Surrey is central to that mission – making it easier for every resident to access the training, support and opportunities they need to thrive in our local economy.” 

To access skills, training and employment support, visit www.stepsurrey.co.uk. 

Or you can get in touch with our team of experts via our Get Support Now form.

A group of professionals in suits stand in front of a STEP Surrey banner
Five people sit on a conference stage. Behind them are two banners for STEP Surrey and Surrey Chambers of Commerce

Surrey Youth Arts and Culture Festival 2025

Published October 23, 2025

Events, News

Surrey Youth Arts and Culture Festival 2025 is taking place in Staines on Saturday 8 November 2025. This free, one-day event offers a dynamic mix of workshops, performances, and exhibitions designed to inspire and engage young people with the arts and creative industries.

The festival brings together cultural organisations, artists, and educators to showcase the breadth of creative opportunities available to young people across Surrey.

Surrey Youth Arts and Culture Festival 2025 is running from 11am to 3pm at the newly-opened Surrey County Council Library Hub in Staines.

The event includes:

  • Hands-on workshops
    • Sound Lab with Surrey Arts: Learn music production using Ableton Live and Push
    • Coding Games with Chaos Created: Build your own arcade-style game from scratch
    • Micro-Museum with Amy Stone & Spelthorne Museum: Curate your own mini exhibition
    • Juggling and Object Manipulation: Explore movement and circus arts with Circle of Two
  • Live performances and dance
    • Kathak Indian Dance: Experience classical Indian storytelling through movement
    • SG Troop & Stopgap Dance Company: Inclusive dance performance and workshop
    • Walkabout Puppetry: Meet the Mad Hatter and friends in a magical roaming show
  • Film Festival at Spelthorne Jobs and Skills Hub
    • Macro Filmmaking Workshop: Create a short film starring a snail in a miniature world
    • Industry Insights: Hear from Dr Howard Fine founder of Mindzone Media and a panel of early-career film professionals
    • Film Competition & Awards: View and vote for your favourite on films made by local young people throughout the day
  • Interactive Experiences
    • Missing 10 Hours Virtual Reality: A powerful bystander intervention experience (ages 16+)
    • Design a Film Poster: Get creative with crafts and imagination
    • Live Scribing: Watch artist Annalees Lim capture the day in real-time illustrations
  • Escalate Arts Youth Collective
    • A dedicated exhibition and film review display by young creatives

Why attend Surrey Youth Arts and Culture Festival 2025?

The Surrey Youth Arts and Culture Festival 2025 offers something for everyone.

Attendees will gain hands-on experience and meet professionals. They’ll also discover pathways into creative careers.

So whether you’re exploring a future or simply looking for a fun and inspiring day out, do come along!

Denise Turner-Stewart, Surrey County Council Cabinet Member for Customer and Communities said: 

“The Surrey Youth Arts and Culture festival is a great opportunity to ignite creativity in our young people and help shape the future of our arts and culture sector here in Surrey. By inspiring and empowering our next generation today, we’re investing in a vibrant, inclusive cultural landscape for future generations tomorrow.”

To find out more visit Surrey Youth Arts and Culture Festival page on the Surrey County Council website.

Two young people looking at a video camera at the Surrey Youth Arts and Culture festival

Teacher Encounters with Surrey businesses to highlight future opportunities

Published September 25, 2025

News

Teacher Encounters returns to Surrey for 2025. It sees teachers become students for the day visiting some of Surrey’s brightest and best businesses as part of broader efforts to inspire the region’s future workforce

As this academic year begins to draw to a close, a number of schools, special schools, and colleges across Surrey are taking part in Surrey Careers Hub’s 2025 Teacher Encounters initiative.

This dynamic series of workplace visits connects educators with leading Surrey employers. It has seen enthusiastic participation from teachers across a wide range of Surrey educational settings across the county, helping to bridge the gap between education and the world of work. (See full list of participating institutions below.)

These educators are taking up the opportunity to visit and engage with a diverse range of Surrey employers, including Wates Group, Royal Holloway University, CGI, Supermassive Games, Home Counties Carers, AtkinsRéalis, Yunex Traffic, ramsac, Macro and Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust.

What’s involved in a Teacher Encounter?

The visits offer valuable insights into the skills, knowledge, and attributes that employers are seeking in the future workforce. It helps educators to understand the wide range of career opportunities available and gain a deeper understanding of how their subject is applied practically in the workplace.

They can take this back to their classrooms to enrich their curriculum with real-world industry examples, while enabling them to build ongoing relationships with employers.

Following each Teacher Encounter, participating teachers will develop bespoke teaching resources that will translate newly acquired industry knowledge into practical classroom applications or resources to share with their teaching colleagues. The initiative aims to produce a diverse and inclusive suite of materials, tailored to a wide range of subjects and adaptable to the needs of students from all types of institutions.

Matt Furniss, Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Economic Growth at Surrey County Council, praised the initiative:

“The Teachers Encounters programme is a vital investment in the future of Surrey’s economy. By equipping our teachers with up-to-date industry knowledge and meaningful employer connections, we empower them to better guide their students in making informed career choices. This initiative not only benefits our young people but also strengthens the talent pipeline for local businesses, ensuring Surrey remains a thriving hub of innovation and opportunity.”

Views from Teacher Encounters participants

Tim Browning, Recruitment Lead at Supermassive Games said:

“This programme is a fantastic way to bridge the gap between education and industry. Equipping teachers with industry knowledge is crucial for inspiring and preparing students for their future careers. We’re already looking forward to next year’s programme!”

Ellie Smith, AtkinsRéalis Social Value Consultant shared:

“The Teacher Encounter programme highlights the importance of collaboration between educators and industry professionals in shaping a skilled workforce and AtkinsRéalis is proud to have taken part.”

A delighted teacher from East Surrey College added:

“It was both enlightening and informative to hear about the company’s early careers programme. The insights and perspectives shared will undoubtedly be incredibly valuable for our students as they look to progress into their careers after completing their college studies.”

The programme is part of Surrey Careers Hub’s ongoing commitment to enhancing careers education and ensuring that young people are well-prepared for the rapidly evolving world of work.

By fostering stronger links between education and industry, the Careers Hub is helping to create a more informed, inspired, and future-ready generation.

Find out more

Surrey schools and colleges taking part in 2025 Teacher Encounters

  • Ashcombe School
  • Brooklands College
  • Carrington School
  • Collingwood College
  • East Surrey College
  • Epsom College
  • Esher Sixth Form College
  • Fox Grove School
  • Freemantles School
  • George Abbot School
  • Godalming College
  • Guildford County School
  • Heathside School
  • Hoe Valley School
  • Nescot
  • Pond Meadow School
  • Reigate College
  • Rosebery School
  • St Pauls Catholic College
  • The Beacon School
  • Therfield School
  • Thomas Knyvett College
  • Warlingham School
  • Wishmore Cross Academy
  • Woking College
A group of professional people wearing teal lanyards stand in an office smiling at the camera.

KFC UK: a Surrey Success Story

Published September 10, 2025

Success stories

KFC UK is a global brand with a UK headquarters in Woking, Surrey. Discover more about jobs and careers with KFC UK by watching our Surrey Success Story video.

KFC UK – based in Woking

It’s an iconic global brand with a founder as famous as its food. But how many of you knew that Colonel Sanders’ fried chicken legacy is rooted in Surrey as well as Kentucky?

It’s nearly a century since the white suited Sanders first started serving his fried chicken in a roadside motel in the United States. The taste is now exported round the world, including the UK.

Kentucky Fried Chicken – known better as KFC – opened its first UK restaurant in Preston, Lancashire in the 1960s.

And the UK operation has never looked back. Currently there are more than 1,000 branches in the UK. And its parent company KFC UK has an annual turnover of close to £300 million.

This major operation is all coordinated from a UK headquarters in the heart of the Surrey town of Woking.

Find out more about careers and jobs with KFC UK on the KFC UK careers page.

Working at KFC UK

So how has a company founded in the southern US state of Kentucky come to be so popular?

Well, the food is pretty good – with the unique blend of 11 herbs and spices still very much a top level secret.

The company is also committed to being bold and innovative.

Jo Tivers, Head of Food and Quality, said: “I love working in the fast food industry. As the name suggests, it’s really, really fast. We can be really innovative, we can try new things. We have a customer base that is really interested in trying new things.”

The company is also big on investing in its people – with culture being a real focus. It claims to be “people first culture, really heart-led” – with a real focus on supporting and championing young people, especially with their first jobs.

As Hema Ladwa, People Experience Lead, explains: “We really believe that everyone has the potential, we just need to feed that potential, whether it’s feeding them chicken or whether it’s feeding them through their knowledge and through their learning and development.”

This commitment inspires loyalty and nurtures talent, for now and into the future.

Why work at KFC UK in Surrey?

KFC UK has had its restaurant support centre in Woking for more than 25 years. About 350 people are based there, with location being a major plus point – for business and for pleasure.

With direct train links to London taking 30 minutes and the M25 and two major airports a short drive away, connectivity couldn’t be better.

Jenny Packwood, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, said: “Not only do we have great proximity to London, the trains are really quick in and out to London for people who live there. And because we’re international, the proximity to Heathrow and Gatwick is also really helpful.”

Woking is also a fantastic place for people to be live, continually ranked among the best places in the UK to reside.

There’s culture, countryside, shopping, great food and drink plus access to a range of recreational facilities.

Jo Tivers, Head of Food and Quality, said: “It’s great to be able to go into the weekend, enjoy lunch out with the family, take them to the theatre, to the cinema. There’s always something incredible to do.”

Find out more about careers and jobs with KFC UK on the KFC UK careers page.

Need extra support?

STEP Surrey provides dedicated support to help you and other Surrey residents find work or return to work.

Inside of the KFC UK headquarters in Woking, Surrey. A large red and white bucket stands at the front of the image.
Two people talk while at work in the KFC UK headquarters in Woking. One of them has a laptop in front of them.

Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd: a Surrey Success Story

Published July 12, 2025

Success stories

Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL) is a global company based out of Surrey Research Park in Guildford. It was founded nearly 50 years ago and now has 400 employees. Discover more about the opportunities of working in space that Surrey has to offer by watching our video.

About Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd

Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL) is a Surrey Success Story which is literally out of this world.

From starting out in the late 1970s as an experiment in a small university lab, the company has really taken off.

And now, more than 40 years on, SSTL has 400 employees and launched more than 70 satellites into space for 22 countries.

But, more importantly, it paved a new way in space exploration – demonstrating how relatively small and inexpensive “micro” satellites could be built rapidly to perform successful and sophisticated missions.

Its story is a showcase of British ingenuity, ambition and engineering expertise. And central to it all has been its home region of Surrey.

History of Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd

In the late 1970s, a group of researchers working at the University of Surrey, led by a young Martin Sweeting, decided to experiment by creating a satellite using commercial off-the-shelf components.

That first satellite, UoSat-1, was built in a small university lab in a cleanroom fabricated from B&Q.

Launched in 1981 with the help of NASA, the small satellite was a great success, outliving its planned three year life by more than five years.

In 1985 Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd formed as a spin-out company to transfer the results of research into a commercial enterprise.

In 2009 Airbus bought the majority shareholding from the University of Surrey, allowing SSTL to fulfill its growth potential.

It continues to go from strength to strength. Future plans include working on the Lunar Pathfinder project. This will be the UK’s first full satellite to go and orbit the moon.

SSTL and Surrey Research Park

“Surrey is the sole reason we exist today. I think from my friends at school who went to other universities at the same time that I did, and who tried to do one or two sort of things a little bit out of the ordinary. They tended to get sort of pushed back.”

Rather than being pushed back, Sir Martin Sweeting received backing aplenty, crucially from the University of Surrey.

The institution supported his idea and a home at the Surrey Research Park, where SSTL remains today.

Since being formed more than 40 years ago, SSTL has created more than 2,500 jobs. In the same period, its turnover has been £1.5 billion, of which £1 billion has been exports.

Key to growth has been collaboration with other Surrey businesses, including the Space South Central cluster.

Zoe Bowden, Head of Procurement and ESG, says: “We’re the largest space cluster in the UK at the moment. It’s a really fantastic way to unite industry, academia and government. Our indirect supply chain has really benefited from a lot of the SMEs that are around the local area.”

Surrey’s location is also a brilliant selling point to investors and important stakeholders.

Andrew Greenhalgh, Head of Marketing, explains: “The number of visitors we get here, the number of politicians who are interested in space, who love the fact they can be in Surrey within 35 minutes from Waterloo. We’re very proud that we can bring them down to Surrey and show them what we’re doing here.”

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