Welcome to the latest edition of the SVBS newsletter.

This week, we're focusing on our ShopAppy launch in Abingdon, Botley and Didcot, the expansion of the government's Help to Grow: Digital scheme and the opportunity to sell your goods and services to the councils.

We're also highlighting our next Networking in... with South and Vale session, and an event from Be the Business on building your financial resilience during the cost of living crisis.

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
ShopAppy to launch in Abingdon, Botley and Didcot

Following the success of our ShopAppy online marketplace for independent High Street businesses in Thame and Wantage, we'll soon be launching in Abingdon, Botley and Didcot.

Our partnership with ShopAppy aims to consolidate local, independent businesses on a single online marketplace, allowing residents access to a platform through which they can purchase goods from South and Vale based businesses.

The platform will be free for the area’s businesses to access over the first 12 months of the scheme (excluding bank / card charges). Best of all, businesses will only need to allocate 20 minutes a week to managing their profile.

If you're based in any of the above towns and you'd like to get involved, find out how on our website.
More than a million businesses now eligible for Help to Grow scheme

The government’s Help to Grow: Digital scheme is nearly tripling in reach, supporting up to 1.2 million UK businesses to adopt the latest digital technology

Businesses with 1 to 249 employees can now access discounts worth up to £5,000 on approved software. Previously, only businesses with more than 5 employees were eligible for the scheme.

eCommerce software has recently been launched through the scheme to help businesses ramp up sales of products and services online. This includes helping them to manage their inventory, take payments and gather data and insights on customers’ needs. Businesses which adopt eCommerce software see on average a 7.5% increase in employee sales over 3 years.

Visit the Help to Grow website to find out more.
Selling to the councils - register for the
South East Business Portal

The councils buy goods and services from a variety of contractors, ranging from someone who is self-employed to national organisations. To provide cost-effective services for our residents, the councils often operate a joint procurement process, and therefore award joint contracts.

Opportunities to supply your services or goods to the councils are often available, either direct or as a sub-contractor.

If you are interested in selling to the councils, you will need to register on the South East Business Portal. Please note that contracts for both councils can be located under 'South Oxfordshire District Council'.

Further information can be found on our website.
'The 3 new business hacks that only the bravest businesses will try'

Join us for our next Networking in... South & Vale event as we welcome Catherine Warrilow, of Daysout.com, to talk about the 3 new business hacks that only the bravest businesses will try.

Wednesday 3 August   |   7:30am - 9am

Stuck on where to take the kids? When launched, Daysout.com is going to be the go-to place to find attractions and book tickets.

The first 40 businesses to register for this event can claim a half-price ticket for just £5, using the code 'SVBS'. 

Register for the event here on the official Networking in... event page.
Inspire: Beating the cost of doing business crisis

The cost of doing business crisis is yet another huge challenge for small business leaders. To help you work through this continuing high cost, high inflation environment, Be the Business has revived their Inspire series with the specific aim of supporting you with real-world tips and advice.

Join Be the Business for a free panel discussion and Q&A session on building your financial resilience. The panellists will share the strategies they’re using to combat financial challenges and boost their business.

Thursday 28 July   |   8am - 9am

As well as coming away from the event with the tools you need to navigate the cost of doing business crisis, you will also receive a free guide to managing your cashflow. The Inspire series also includes networking opportunities following each talk.

Register for the free event via Eventbrite.

Thu 28 July: OBCN Online Networking Event

Mon 1 Aug: How to create a business plan using IBISWorld

Tue 2 Aug: Lunch and Learn: How to build an online presence

Wed 3 Aug: How to advertise your business online

Thu 4 Aug: Thame Business Buzz

Fri 5 Aug: Oxford Business Community Network - Breakfast meeting

Tue 9 Aug: Sales 101 - FREE Sales Training Workshop

Wed 10 Aug: The Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Grant scheme launch webinar

Wed 10 Aug: OBCN South Oxfordshire Breakfast Meeting
Thinking of starting your own business? Here's what you need to know

Watch our latest Networking in... session - 'Three ways to improve your rank on Google'

Not sure how to make your business more eco-friendly? Here's how to get started

Why starting a business can help you lead a better life

'We become what we think about - how to achieve your goals'

Copyright © 2022 South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils, all rights reserved.

To find out more about how the council holds, uses and stores your personal data, please click on the appropriate council’s link:


South Oxfordshire District Council   |  Vale of White Horse District Council
Twitter
Facebook
Email
Web