Testimonials
According to a survey of over 250 businesses in Woking, the key factor for businesses when deciding to locate in Woking are its good transport links.
This is closely followed by the availability of suitable premises for the needs of the business.
Woking's good value accommodation and the proximity to clients, customers and suppliers, and being part of a vibrant business community, are also important to businesses, along with easy access to town centre facilities. The range and quality of shopping, leisure and entertainment facilities were cited as influential factors in locating their business in Woking.
Surrey Chambers of Commerce is the largest networking organisation in the County. It sits at the heart of the local community, bringing businesses together and representing them locally, regionally and nationally. Over 140 events are organised annually, reaching over 5000 delegates a year. They provide an excellent platform for networking and also help businesses raise their profile across Surrey.
Surrey Chambers of Commerce's head office is located in Hollywood House, Church Street East, Woking, and has three regional offices across the county supporting local areas. Surrey Chambers has just 12 members of staff but is supported by its board, made up of its patrons and local businesses.
Chief Executive of Surrey Chambers says: "Woking has a vibrant business community, and working closely with Business Link and Woking Chamber helps us to ensure that businesses have the best support. Surrey Chambers covers the whole of Surrey but Woking provides a really good environment for businesses, which makes it conducive for us to deliver our services effectively."
Woking Asian Business Forum (WABF) was formed to help promote, encourage and support the development of Asian businesses in the Borough of Woking and surrounding areas. The WABF is keen to ensure Asian businesses are successful and they explore opportunities within the mainstream business activities. Business networking, professional promotion of their services, and training are all encouraged and supported.
WABF identifies Asian businesses with potential and provides them with the support services they need in order to develop and grow. Close cooperation with agencies such as Business Link, SEEDA, Woking and Surrey Chambers of Commerce, the Learning and Skills Council, Woking Borough Council and the local Asian business community plays an important part in this initiative.
Chair of WABF says: "One of the main reason we based ourselves in Woking, was the fact that Woking Borough Council made us most welcome. The Council's 'can do' attitude was really encouraging. We also find Woking's easy links to the M25, coach link to Heathrow Airport, and trains every ten minutes to Waterloo really convenient - we can be in London within half an hour of leaving our offices. We were also pleased to discover that local businesses were already working well together, and found them both helpful and useful when getting to know the business community."
