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Welcome to the latest edition of the SVBS newsletter.
This week, we're focusing on our Rural England Prosperity Funding grant scheme, where the deadline for applications is rapidly approaching. We're particularly keen to encourage applications from Vale based businesses and organisations, where currently we appear to be undersubscribed. Further details can be found below.
We're also highlighting our sustainability survey, rural crime in your community, shopping locally this festive season, OxLEP's Careers Fest, selling to the councils, the Tourism South East Business Tourism Show and the Net Zero Skills Hub Domestic Retrofit event.
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
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Whether you're seeking funding for solar panels or EV chargers, or you're looking to make changes to your rural organisation, the Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) grant scheme is here to help.
The scheme provides capital funding for businesses and organisations in rural areas of South and Vale.
Who can apply?
- Town and Parish Councils
- Public sector organisations
- Higher and further education institutions
- Rural businesses
- Registered charities
- Constituted community-based organisations
- Social enterprises (like CICs)
- Arms-length bodies of Government
Please note that to be eligible for REPF funding, a business or organisation must be located within an eligible rural, area as defined by Magic Maps. Almost all areas in South and Vale are included (excluding areas of Abingdon, Culham, and Shippon), but if you would like to check if your project is in an eligible area before applying, please contact us.
What can be funded?
Examples of projects include:
- Net-zero and sustainability infrastructure, including solar panels, EV chargers, air-source heat pumps and more
- Bike racks
- Creation and expansion of rural leisure and tourism businesses
- Diversification of farm buildings outside of agriculture
- Purchase of equipment for food processing and promotion
- Nature-based solutions that protect local businesses and community areas from natural hazards (such as flooding)
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We encourage interested organisations to apply as quickly as possible, as the scheme closes for applications at midday on Friday 24 November 2023.
Before applying, please read the supporting documentation carefully on our South and Vale websites. This contains a list of the documents you will need to apply. If you need support or advice with your application, please contact us. Please ensure you apply to the correct council's scheme. Applying to the wrong scheme will result in your application being automatically rejected.
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We have not yet received many applications for our Vale scheme. We strongly encourage applications from organisations based in the district, as those applying may stand a stronger chance of being funded if low application numbers persist.
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Would you like your business to become more sustainable, but you're not sure how to get started? Perhaps you're already making changes, but want to know if you can do more?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 help 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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Have your say on rural crime in your community
The South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse Community Safety Partnership (CSP) is asking for your views on how rural crime is affecting your area. The councils are particularly interested in understanding what rural crimes you are most concerned about and how they are impacting your area.
Rural crime is an offence that relates to farms, agriculture, wildlife, the environment and heritage sites, which are targeted due to rural location and isolation.
The findings of this survey will inform the decisions and plans of the South and Vale CSP on how to tackle rural crime.
Please note this survey will close at 11.59pm on Tuesday 21 November 2023. Complete the survey via this link.
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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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Get involved in OxLEP's Careers Fest 2024
OxLEP Skills are inviting Oxfordshire-based organisations to submit their expression of interest in exhibiting at Oxfordshire’s largest careers event, Careers Fest 2024, which will take place at The Kassam Stadium on 20 and 21 March.
Careers Fest has become a very popular event in the calendar for both Oxfordshire schools/colleges and businesses. In 2024, OxLEP are expecting over 3,000 Year 10-13 students to attend over the course of the two days. There will also be a twilight session for parents and carers to attend.
OxLEP want to make sure that a broad range of industry sectors and pathways are represented. If you are interested in exhibiting at the Careers Fest, please complete this form before the deadline of 30 November 2023. Places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.
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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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Net Zero Skills Hub - Pathways into Domestic Retrofit
Curious about a career in Domestic Retrofit? Come along to Abingdon & Witney College for a free and informal opportunity to explore how you can develop your skill set and business to become a specialist in Domestic Retrofit.
Wednesday 22 November | 3pm - 5pm
Abingdon & Witney College - Abingdon campus
Whether you are a homeowner, contractor, industry professional or looking for a career change, this event is the perfect opportunity to get your questions answered and your curiosity met.
Listen to the testimonials of four guest speakers, as they share the different training routes they took to develop specific skills in Domestic Retrofit and how they became experts in their field.
Register for your free place via Eventbrite.
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