Resources
Dorking has experienced 35% growth in its population from 2011 to 2021. Many of our residents have enjoyed living in Dorking for decades, while others have joined our community more recently due to our beautiful surroundings, the easy commute to London, exceptional schools and charming town.
We’ve experienced an increase in families and young professionals moving to Dorking.
Hello Dorking reaches 160,000 people across socials and has a 47% open rate on emails.
The Stats
Statistics will be updated monthly. We use HUQ to obtain footfall and movement data.
Footfall
Vacancy Rate Report
The Mole Valley District Council Economic Development team gathers and analyses data on high streets and retail activity across the district, supplementing broader economic insights contained in the Mole Valley key information such as vacancy rates, retail classifications, floorspace usage, and business turnover. By tracking all these factors, the council can work with partners such as the Dorking BID to better understand key trends, challenges, and opportunities for improvement.
Key observations:
The vacancy rate for Dorking retailers was 10.4% in April 2026, a slight increase from 10.1% in January, and remains broadly consistent with expected levels.
Retail churn refers to the number of businesses that open or close within a given period. Between January and April, churn is typically around 50% lower than the annual average in Dorking. This seasonal pattern is likely driven by lease cycles and post year end planning, which make April a quieter month for changes in the High Street.
Within this context, churn in the latest period was as expected, with only four recorded openings or closures, compared with the annual average of ten changes per quarter.
Business Support Resources
Hello Dorking produces a weekly email update for businesses, which lands in your inbox every Friday. If you are a levy-paying business and not receiving this, please contact us.
Hello Dorking ran a social media workshop for BID businesses and the following resources were created to help you make the most of your business social media presence.
Mole Valley for Business have lots of free resources you can access, including webinars, networking events, jobs fairs, skills hub and free business advice: Mole Valley for Business – A new business portal from Mole Valley District Council and you can also obtain 1-2-1 Business Support via https://molevalleyforbusiness.co.uk/121-advice/
Business Surrey offers free and accessible support for all businesses in Surrey including information on grants and funding: https://www.businesssurrey.co.uk/
Retail and Business Crime
Surrey Police have created several resources to help with Retail Crime which you can access here
Hello Dorking also have a Crime Reporting online group. Contact us to be added.
Networking
There’s a plethora of Business Networking Groups in Surrey. Here are just a few that Hello Dorking have tried.
Open a Business in Dorking
See why Dorking could be the perfect location for your business opening and what properties are available.
Business Sustainability
All businesses realise the importance of becoming more sustainable but it can feel overwhelming knowing where to start.
There are several local resources out there that can give good advice and starting points for your sustainability journey.
Circular Dorking is a network of businesses, community groups and individuals who are working together as volunteers to strengthen our Dorking community by creating a local circular economy at its heart.
The Sustainable Business Network can offer Free Decarbonisations Courses and Free Energy Audits as well as lots of sustainability advice on all areas of business.
Hello Dorking Events for Businesses
Hello Dorking runs training and networking events throughout the year for both BID and non BID businesses. Take a look at what we have coming up below.
Hello Dorking are offering a free Mental Health First Aid course for BID levy paying businesses. Local First Aid Trainer, Debs Taylor, will run [...]
This session is for Dorking BID businesses only. Please do not book on unless you are a part of Dorking BID – thank [...]
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This session is for Dorking BID businesses only. Please do not book on unless you are a part of Dorking BID – thank [...]
Join us at Downs Solicitors stunning heritage garden for a Summer Social. This is a great chance to get to know other business owners [...]
Hello Dorking News for Businesses
Hello Dorking share a marketing tip each week with our BID levy payers and to make [...]
Hello Dorking are offering a number of new Business Support initiatives for our levy paying businesses [...]
As we look ahead to the 2026/27 financial year, businesses are facing the most significant overhaul [...]
We are pleased to share a Retail Crime Prevention Kit supplied by Surrey Police that details [...]
Dorking Business Owners, we know you're passionate about making your shopfront shine and creating a buzz [...]
Thinking about bringing your business to Dorking? More people are rediscovering the simple joy of a [...]
We know we are only just in September but I’m sure many of you (like us) [...]
Our town has some incredible events and campaigns, from the bustling Christmas Festival to our VE [...]
