Blog | by Rob Young | February 2026
How We Support Startups in Guildford’s Surrey Research Park
Rob Young
Guildford has quietly become one of Surrey’s most exciting places for innovation and a big part of that is the Surrey Research Park and the close proximity to the university.
We’ve had the chance to work with businesses there and what stands out is the pace, the ambition, and the need for proper financial clarity from day one.
Working with businesses at Surrey Research Park
Startups don’t have time for slow processes or unclear numbers.
They need:
• Quick answers
• Clean financials
• A clear view of where they stand
We support businesses on the park with everything from initial setup through to growth planning - making sure their finances don’t hold them back and they are fully prepared for that important investment pitch for additional capital.
Supporting the SETsquared incubator
We’ve also worked alongside the business incubator at Surrey Research Park, part of the SETsquared partnership.
That means helping early-stage businesses:
• Understand their numbers from the start
• Build realistic forecasts
• Get ready to speak to investors
Because at that stage, confidence in your numbers matters just as much as the idea itself.
Getting investment-ready (without the stress)
A lot of founders come to us with the same concern:
“Are our numbers good enough for investors?”
Our job is to make sure the answer is yes by helping with:
• Clear financial models
• Cashflow visibility
• Structuring things properly from the beginning
So when opportunities come up, they’re ready. However, another equally important role we have played for our clients is ensuring the numbers aren’t over-ambitious to create doubt in any investors thoughts. We use our own understanding and experience with businesses to review the key performance indicators (KPIs) to ensure they’re reasonable whilst showcasing the exciting journey your business has ahead of itself.
Why Guildford is such a strong base for startups
Guildford offers a really unique mix:
• Access to talent (especially via the University of Surrey)
• A strong innovation network
• Proximity to London
• A supportive ecosystem
It’s no surprise so many startups choose to grow here and we’re always keen to support them as they do.

Author
Rob Young
Rob is Managing Director at LYA, supporting ambitious businesses to scale with confidence through clear planning and proactive financial insight.
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