Welcome to the latest edition of the SVBS newsletter.

This week, we're focusing on our free social media courses for South and Vale based businesses, kicking off on 21 March. The workshops will cover eight different topics, ranging from creating a digital presence for your business to using LinkedIn to generate business. Further details and a registration link can be found below.

We're also highlighting the Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant (OHLG), which closes for applications on Friday 18 March 2022. Grants are open to businesses offering in-person services, where the main service (50% or more of overall income) and activity takes place in a fixed rate-paying premises, in the hospitality, leisure and accommodation sectors.


There are lots more opportunities, events and resources to get stuck into this week, but as always, if you'd like to suggest content for the SVBS newsletter, please get in touch with us.

- Team SVBS
Registrations are now open for our free digital workshops

Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, businesses have had to act quickly to develop an online presence, in order to keep trading. We've received numerous calls for support in navigating the ever-changing, fast-paced social media platforms.

To help, we've teamed up with Concise Training to deliver eight free workshops on the following topics:

  • Creating a digital presence

  • An introduction to Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)

  • Making the best use of Facebook

  • Making the best use of Instagram

  • Advertising on Facebook and Instagram

  • Selling on Facebook and Instagram

  • Creating and sending newsletters using Mailchimp

  • Using LinkedIn to generate Business

Each workshop runs from 11:00 - 12:30 and will be held virtually, using Zoom.

Register for the workshops on our Events page.
Reminder: Apply now for the Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant

The Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant (OHLG) scheme is open for applications from eligible businesses until Friday 18 March 2022.

Grants are open to businesses offering in-person services, where the main service (50% or more of overall income) and activity takes place in a fixed rate-paying premises, in the hospitality, leisure and accommodation sectors.

Eligible businesses must have been in occupation and trading from a rated property on 30 December 2021 to apply for the grant. The amount awarded will depend on the rateable value of the property, as follows:

  • rateable value of exactly £15,000 or under - £2,667

  • rateable value over £15,000 and less than £51,000 - £4,000

  • rateable value of exactly £51,000 or over - £6,000

To find out more about this grant scheme, and to apply, please take a look at our dedicated webpage.
Join us for our first Natural Netwalking event

We've teamed up with Natural Netwalking to host a series of walks for local businesses - a healthy and safe alternative to traditional business networking events and a great way to escape from virtual meetings!

Join us for our event at the Earth Trust in Little Wittenham, followed by complimentary coffees and a tour of the facilities.

Date and time:
Tuesday 8 March
10:00 - 12:00

Book via Eventbrite here.
OxLEP's Pre-Start Bootcamp

For pre-start and start-ups, OxLEP's bootcamp is designed for individuals to focus on the fundamentals of business success.

Date and time:
Friday 25 February

09:00 – 16:00

Each session will be delivered by an experienced business expert, providing practical content to help you learn and make progress on the day, alongside a group of supportive peers.

Topics include:

  • Planning your business
  • Setting up your business
  • Using Social media to win your first customers
  • Business planning for growth
Register on the official Eventbrite page.
Councils adopt new Climate Action Plans

South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils have adopted new Climate Action Plans, outlining the steps they will take to reduce their carbon emissions.  

The plans also outline how the councils will help efforts locally and across the county to tackle the climate emergency.  

The councils are aiming to become Carbon neutral within their own operations by 2025 for South Oxfordshire and by 2030 for the Vale. This means, thanks to the actions put in place, the carbon produced from the councils’ buildings and services will be balanced by the amount absorbed from the atmosphere.   

The two plans feature some important changes to achieve these targets, including how they will deliver services, the policies they will adopt and the projects they will support.   


To view the new Climate Action Plans please see the South and Vale Climate Action pages.   

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South Oxfordshire District Council   | 
Vale of White Horse District Council