Business Club: July 2026
The monthly newsletter for businesses in and around Shepperton.
Welcome to the July edition. It was lovely to see everyone who made it to The Ferry last night for Shepperton Business Connect.
The Spelthorne Business Awards finalists are due to be announced by the end of this month, so watch that space if you entered. And there's a meaningful employment law update below that's worth reading before October arrives.
See you in August.
Gareth
Local news: West Surrey transition gathers pace
The West Surrey Shadow Authority Executive met on 9th June to consider a series of reports shaping the future of local government across the area, including an update on the implementation programme, governance arrangements, and the approach to building a Corporate Strategy and Financial Plan for the new council.
The Shadow Authority has also published its forward plan, which sets out the key decisions it intends to make in the coming weeks. The new West Surrey Council formally takes over from April 2027, with existing councils continuing to run services until then.
For businesses, the practical implication remains the same: nothing changes immediately, but the direction of travel for planning, business support, and economic development under the new structure is being set now. It's worth keeping an eye on the corporate strategy work as it develops.
Updates at surreylgrhub.gov.uk.
Funding & support
Spelthorne Business Awards 2026 - finalists announced by end of July
If you entered the Spelthorne Business Awards before the June deadline, finalists will be announced by 31st July. The black-tie awards ceremony takes place on Friday 2nd October 2026. If you haven't heard anything by the end of the month, unsuccessful entrants will also be notified by email.
The ceremony is shaping up to be a strong networking opportunity regardless of outcome, with the full local business community expected to attend. More information at spelthornebusinessawards.co.uk.
An interesting thing to note: the applications for the Outstanding Contribution to Business Award is still open, and will be until 31st August. If you're interested in applying you can do that at https://apply.spelthornebusinessawards.co.uk. It can be either an individual application or a nomination.
Active consultations - have your say
The government has live consultations that directly affect small businesses. Deadlines are coming up fast:
- Zero and low hours contracts reform: closes 25th August. gov.uk
- Employment rights for unpaid carers and parents of seriously ill children: closes 1st September.
These consultations will shape how the Employment Rights Act 2025 is implemented in practice. If any of these affect how you operate, it's worth submitting a response. Find all current consultations at gov.uk/government/consultations.
Employment law: October is closer than it looks
The October employment law changes have been covered briefly in previous editions. With three months to go, it's time to start acting rather than just noting.
Harassment duty strengthened - October 2026
From October, employers must take "all reasonable steps" to prevent harassment of their employees, including harassment by third parties such as customers, clients, and contractors. This applies to all protected characteristics under the Equality Act, not just sexual harassment. If your staff deal with the public in any capacity, your existing policies almost certainly need updating.
Tribunal time limits double - October 2026
Employment tribunal claim time limits are increasing from three months to six months for most claims. This means employees will have longer to bring claims against you, making thorough documentation of HR processes more important than ever.
Tipping law changes - October 2026
Employers will need to consult with workers or their representatives before creating or updating a tipping policy. If your business handles tips, get your policy in order before October.
ACAS has a clear summary of all upcoming changes at acas.org.uk/employment-rights-act-2025.
Networking
Shepperton Business Connect - Thursday 20th August, 5-7pm
The next meetup is on Thursday 20th August at The Ferry Coffee Shop, Shepperton Lock. Free, informal, open to anyone running or working in a local business. Details on The Sheppertonian's social channels nearer the time.
The Ferry Coffee Shop, Ferry Lane, Shepperton, TW17 9LQ.
From The Sheppertonian this month
The Sheppertonian has been busy this month, with new podcast episodes and the weekly What's On guide keeping things moving through the summer. Catch up at www.thesheppertonian.uk/podcast. And don't forget there are lots of paid advertising options if you want to get your business message in front of an engaged local audience.
Sources:
- West Surrey Shadow Authority Executive June meeting: surreyheath.gov.uk
- Spelthorne Business Awards 2026 key dates: spelthorne.gov.uk / spelthornebusinessawards.co.uk/faq
- Active government consultations: business.gov.uk / pinsentmasons.com
- October 2026 employment law changes (harassment, tribunal limits, tipping): acas.org.uk
B2B spotlight - your space (£50)
This slot is available for B2B advertising. If you provide services to other businesses and want a presence here, get in touch. Contact hello@thesheppertonian.uk to find out more.
Sources used:
- Laleham & Shepperton ward election results: spelthorne.gov.uk
- West Surrey elections results overview: spelthorne.gov.uk
- Spelthorne Business Plan Competition 2026: spelthorne.gov.uk
- Business Academy: sbf.biz / business.gov.uk
- Employment Rights Act 2025 (unfair dismissal, harassment): longmores.law / acas.org.uk
- SBF Big Networking Event: sbf.biz
The Sheppertonian Business Club newsletter is published on the third Friday of every month and is free to read. To find out about the paid tiers of the Business Club, visit thesheppertonian.uk/business-club.
