Royal Visit to Showcase Surrey Hills Enterprises

7th November 2019

In acknowledgment of the outstanding work of local businesses, Surrey Hills Enterprises were delighted to be visited by HRH The Earl of Wessex KG GCVO on November 6th.

The Royal Visit was a wonderful recognition of the growing reputation and development of the Surrey Hills as a hub of innovative, high quality, sustainable, local products and services.

 

During the visit, His Royal Highness had the opportunity to meet many of the outstanding arts, crafts, food and drink producers who have all been awarded the Trade Mark Surrey Hills – an accreditation and Mark of local provenance, quality and sustainability. The Trade Mark is awarded by Surrey Hills Enterprises, a Community Interest Company whose core activities are focused on building a strong local economy and tourism industry through ‘clean growth’, support of rural businesses and environmental sustainability.

The Royal Visit included a showcase of Surrey Hills food, wine, cheese and coffee and His Royal Highness was presented with a hamper full of delicious treats celebrating the variety and quality of local, sustainable produce.

Simon Whalley, Chairman of Surrey Hills Enterprises stated:

“This is a very exciting time in the development of the Surrey Hills Brand and the Royal visit is testimony to the importance of supporting and developing rural businesses as a conduit to developing an even stronger local economy, which in turn can then help support the protected environment of the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

We are delighted that the recognition received by this Royal Visit will help inspire our local community to support their local businesses and become more aware of the range and quality of local produce.”

Since the launch of the Surrey Hills Trade Mark in 2018, there are now over 100 businesses who demonstrate the best of what Surrey has to offer whilst meeting the required criteria of local providence, sustainability and quality.

A small selection of the outstanding 100+ enterprises participated in the visit including:-

  • Ruth Wheeler – Wood Sculptor & Pyrographer;
  • Rosanna Gethin – leather craft worker;
  • Abinger Stained Glass;
  • Adam Aaronson Glass Studio;
  • Sweet C’s Chocolates;
  • Jack Kerr – Blacksmith;
  • The Surrey Hills Adventure Company;
  • The Salt Box;
  • Trustees of the Wey & Arun Canal;
  • Shere Kitchens;
  • Norbury Blue Cheese;
  • Mandira’s Kitchen;
  • Albury Organic Vineyard;
  • Greyfriars Vineyard;
  • High Clandon Vineyard;
  • Chilworth Manor Vineyard;
  • Denbies Wine Estate;
  • Hill House Farm;
  • Coverwood Farm;
  • Chalk Hills Bakery:
  • Chimney Fire Coffee.

Details of these and all other Trade Marked Members are available at www.surreyhills.org

The Royal Visit was a real celebration of the high quality that reflects the distinct and special nature of the Surrey Hills Brand.

With huge thanks to our partners for all their support