ShopAppy closure

Over the past three years, we’ve partnered with ShopAppy to provide an online marketplace for independent High Street businesses located in South and Vale.

Unfortunately, ShopAppy has now ceased trading and as a result, all South and Vale businesses who were registered and trading from the website no longer have access. If you need any further assistance regarding the platform, please contact Clough Corporate Solutions Limited on 0333 456 0078 or admin@cloughcs.co.uk.

We've put together a list of alternative platforms that local organisations may wish to look into:

• Experience Henley
• Made in Henley
• Shocal (due to start up in our area)
• Tillex

Check out the Oxfordshire BIPC

Whether you’re just setting out, need advice on protecting your intellectual property, or have a brilliant idea you want to discuss, the BIPC Oxfordshire is here to help.

The centre is part of the British Library’s National Network of Business & Intellectual Property Centres, which aim to transform the way ideas grow into successful businesses. 

Oxfordshire's BIPC can offer:

• Insights and access to free resources
• Training and events (both online and in-person)
• Help to imagine, start or develop your business
• One-to-one support
• Training workshops
• Networking events
• Copyright, patents and design
• Books and databases
• Access to funding and grants

To book a visit to the centre, get in touch with the BIPC team.

The centre also hosts a variety of events. For all upcoming sessions, check out BIPC's Eventbrite page.

SBRI: Future Telecommunications Challenge

Organisations can now apply for a share of £28 million in the Small Business Research Initiative (SBRI) Future Telecommunications Challenge competition.

The competition aims to drive advancements in telecommunication technologies that can be integrated into functional prototypes and comprehensive system solutions.

You must show how your solutions will:

• Drive advancements in telecommunication technologies
• Lay the groundwork for the networks of the future
• Generate protectable UK based intellectual property

The competition closes for applications on Thursday 23 November 2023 at 11am. Apply now on the official webpage.

Doing Business with the Councils – Insurance Requirements

The council expects all suppliers who are working with the council to hold the following insurance:

• Public Liability *£10m - *£15m (minimum advised £10m project and risk dependent) - mandatory requirement
  
• Employers Liability *£5m - *£10m (minimum advised £5m-£10m project and risk dependent) - mandatory if the supplier employs people and required by law
  
• Professional Indemnity *£1m - *£5m (minimum advised £1m ) - not mandatory, but dependent upon contract value and types of services provided
  

*The above figures are the minimum requirements. Exact requirements are subject to change depending on the nature of the project and associated risks. The council will require evidence that the specific insurances requested are in place.

Find out more about selling to the councils on our website.

OxLEP's Annual Event

OxLEP’s annual event for 2023 hopes to offer inspiration, guidance and support to the county’s business community, whatever stage of their respective business journey they are on.

Monday 30 October   |   9:30am - 2pm
Oxford Belfry

The conference will bring together dozens of Oxfordshire business leaders, entrepreneurs and those working within SMEs, with OxLEP ready to reach out to organisations it has previously engaged with, or those who are new to Local Enterprise Partnership support.

Attendees will have the opportunity to speak with business advisors who can offer support, tips and guidance across a number of key areas, including issues and opportunities around growth, leadership and managing finance, as well as ‘people-focused’ areas, such as apprenticeship provision within businesses. Visitors to the event will also be able to benefit from a range of ‘taster sessions’.

Register for your free place via Eventbrite.