The new ‘Guide to the Surrey Hills’ highlights the Surrey Hills’ most exceptional and sustainable businesses
14th December 2021
A new ‘Guide to the Surrey Hills’ has been launched, showcasing the very best local food, drink, arts and crafts, experiences, venues, local services and events within the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).
Surrey Hills Enterprises, the Community Interest Company that works with local businesses to support the rural economy and promote, protect and enhance the Surrey Hills AONB in a sustainable way, has launched the new Guide as a way to provide the community with a handy resource and directory of the products, experiences, services, locations and more available locally.
The 32-page Guide covers a huge array of Surrey Hills’ businesses that are members of Surrey Hills Enterprises, the majority of which have been awarded the renowned Surrey Hills Trade Mark, a mark of local provenance, quality and sustainability.
Especially useful for people looking to shop locally and to discover and support new small businesses and the hardworking local people behind them, the Guide to the Surrey Hills will encourage consumers to shop in a more environmentally-conscious way and discover the wealth of businesses within the Surrey Hills.
The sustainably printed brochure, produced using eco-friendly paper, will be produced annually and also available online as a digital publication. The Guide profiles businesses under different sections, making it easy to navigate and use: Artisans & Producers, Local Food, Local Drink, Experiences, Places to Stay & Celebrate, Health & Wellbeing, Home & Land, and Services. Alongside this, The Artisan Trail section highlights key businesses offering the chance to taste local food and drink, meet Surrey Hills’ producers and experience traditional handcrafted artisan crafts as part of a self-guided trail across the Surrey Hills AONB.
The colourful Guide also covers fantastic events from Surrey Hills Enterprises that profile amazing local arts, crafts, food and drink artisans – the Surrey Hills Artisan Festival, Surrey Hills Wood Fair and the Surrey Hills Sustainable Business Conference – as well as giving information about the Surrey Hills Champions initiative, launched as a show of community support for the Surrey Hills AONB.
Available to pick up for free at a wide variety of outlets across the Surrey Hills, including train stations, tourist information services, hotels, business premises and Surrey Hills Enterprises’ members locations, it is hoped that the Guide will be used widely and become a staple publication for homes and businesses, both locally and further afield.
Ideal for those looking to discover hidden gems or enjoy a staycation in the Surrey Hills, the Guide also allows people to easily find trusted, high-quality local services for their home, garden and business.
Wendy Varcoe MBE, Executive Director of Surrey Hills Enterprises, said:
“We are delighted to launch the new Guide to the Surrey Hills, the first publication of its kind, highlighting the extraordinary local produce, arts and crafts and the exciting experiences within the Surrey Hills. Sure to be a tremendously useful resource for both local residents and visitors to the Surrey Hills alike, we look forward to seeing even more people supporting local Surrey Hills businesses and getting to learn more about the quality products and services available.”
The Guide to the Surrey Hills is sponsored by Squire’s Garden Centres, the family-owned independent business with 16 garden centres, 11 of which are located in Surrey and the rest in surrounding counties. Squire’s provides local communities with a wide range of quality plants and garden products, coupled with genuine service and expert gardening advice, whilst working hard themselves to achieve higher standards of sustainability in all areas of their business.
Following the launch of the new Guide to the Surrey Hills, Sarah Squire, Chairman of Squire’s Garden Centres, commented:
“The more I get to know the remarkable people and businesses that are involved with Surrey Hills Enterprises the more I find to discover and admire in this beautiful area. The Guide to the Surrey Hills is fantastic because it showcases the range of truly diverse and incredible businesses and artisan makers located right here on our doorstep. Shopping locally is so important – it benefits local businesses, the local community and it is kinder to the environment. I believe that you will undoubtedly find the best quality products and experiences when shopping in the Surrey Hills.”