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South and Vale have partnered with Oxford Brookes Business School to help build our understanding of the challenges faced by local SMEs in becoming more environmentally sustainable. Funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), the study will lead to creation of a programme of decarbonisation and sustainability support for businesses in our districts. This work will also help us to support businesses with the current cost of energy crisis, establishing support to may help to improve energy efficiency and reduce costs. |
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More informationThe survey focuses on sustainability, seeking to establish the starting position of local SMEs, including actions already taken towards becoming more sustainable, challenges being faced, and aspirations towards sustainability. The wider research study will examine the range of existing local and national support programmes, resources and tools, to help us ensure we support the most impactful options for local businesses. Why should I complete the survey?The survey will take around 15 minutes to complete. Your feedback is vital for us to put in place the right level and type of business support to help your business grow sustainably. Please take part in the survey to help inform how we can support your business.If you have any questions, please get in touch with us via business.support@southandvale.gov.uk.
UKSPF
This work is being funded by South and Vale’s allocations from the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). More information can be found via our UKSPF pages below:
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South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils have secured funding through the government’s Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF). The fund supports the aims of the government’s Levelling Up White Paper and Future Farming Programme. The fund will support capital projects for small businesses and community infrastructure that help to improve productivity and strengthen the rural economy and rural communities. |
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REPF grant scheme
We have now launched our REPF grant scheme to make funding available to help achieve aims set out in our Corporate Plan, including action on the climate emergency, and improving community and economic wellbeing.
The grant scheme is open for applications until midday on Friday 24 November 2023.
Our grant funding panel will meet in February 2024 to discuss each project and whether we will be able to award funding.
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Please note that to be eligible for REPF funding, your business MUST be located within an eligible area as defined by Magic Maps. To check if your postcode is eligible, please follow the link, select ‘Administrative Geographies’, ‘Other Administrative Boundaries’, then ‘Rural England Prosperity Fund’ from the list of the left of the screen. Zoom into the map to locate your business, then click the ‘Identify’ icon at the top of the page. A dialog box will pop up that will tell you if the area is eligible for REPF purposes. Further information and an application link can be found on our websites, using the links below: |
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Tech Nation's industry leading growth programmes now open for applications
Tech Nation is the leading growth platform for tech insights, connections, collaboration and talent, empowering ambitious founders and their teams with the access and knowledge they need, from seed stage to success story.
The platform has two six-month long programmes that are now open for applications. Both are completely free to join and include access to the most powerful and influential networks and communities, to mentorship and know-how from industry leaders and the most up to the minute data insights to help keep you on the pulse.
- Climate: Catalysing the Growth of Climate Tech
The programme for climate tech founders, empowering them with the connections and expertise they need to scale and drive down global innovations
- Libra: Diversity Drives Innovation
The programme for underrepresented tech founders, empowering them with the connections and expertise they need to scale and drive change in the tech ecosystem
Apply for your free place via the Tech Nation website.
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Shop local this Black Friday and Christmas
Many small businesses in our districts will struggle with the cost-of-living crisis this winter, and every sale makes a difference.
In the lead up to Black Friday and Christmas, independent businesses based in South and Vale need our support. Below are some of the benefits to shopping locally:
- It's great for the environment - products made locally and eco-friendly gifts have a lower carbon footprint and you can travel fewer miles to collect them
- Helps to grow the local economy
- Boosts job growth in your community
- You'll find one-off products that aren't available on Amazon
- Local shopkeepers are great at giving advice, are passionate about what they sell and pride themselves on the service you receive
This festive season, shop locally in our South and Vale towns - Abingdon, Botley, Didcot, Faringdon, Henley, Wallingford, Wantage and Thame - and support our independent businesses.
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Funding for projects using nature to increase flood resilience
The Government has invested £25 million to support projects that use nature to increase the nation’s flood resilience.
The funding will support natural flood management schemes in England that use techniques such as planting trees and creating wetlands to slow and store water, reducing the risk of flooding. Successful projects will be those that cover a large enough area to provide demonstrable flood risk benefits.
Expressions of interest will close on 10 November. Projects will be delivered during 2024-27.
For guidance on submitting expressions of interest and for the programme prospectus, visit the Government website.
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Selling to the councils - register for the
South East Business PortalThe 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'. A list of contracts shortly up for renewal can be found on the South Oxfordshire District Council website. Further information can be found on our dedicated webpage.
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Tourism South East Business Tourism Show
Join Tourism South East, some of their B2B members and other local businesses at the Business Tourism Show.
Wednesday 15 November | 11am - 3pm
Hilton Garden Inn, Abingdon
This is a great opportunity to meet some of the Tourism South East members and see what the B2B businesses have to offer.
Organisations confirmed to exhibit include:
- MG Car Club
- Concierge History Tours and Wedding Cars
- Henley Scan
- RIMU Marketing
- City Sightseeing Oxford
- Off Beat Marketing Ltd
- Kim Hallett Consulting
- Dylogic(After Cloud)
- Artisan Print & Sign Solutions
- Sauna At The Farm
- Ascot Racecourse
- Didcot Railway Centre
- Ask William
Complimentary tea and coffee will be available. For more information, visit the Tourism South East website.
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Come along to ROBIN's Christmas DrinksROBIN's annual Christmas Drinks event is back for 2023, taking place at Tap Social Movement Taproom in Botley. Wednesday 13 December | 4:30pm - 8pm
ROBIN (Responsible Oxfordshire Business Involvement Network) facilitates lots of introductions, powerful collaborations and partnerships. Come along to the Christmas Drinks event to mingle with ROBIN's growing network of around 1,300 people from businesses, charities, social enterprise, voluntary groups and educational institutions. Register for your free place via Eventbrite.
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