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Welcome to the latest edition of the SVBS newsletter.
This week, we have an update on our Business Decarbonisation Grant. If you're waiting to hear about your application, you can find more details below.
We're also focusing on South and Vale's Joint Local Plan consultation, free opportunities for small businesses, free Net Zero courses at Abingdon & Witney College, new DISC software to protect your business from crime, South and Vale's Street Trading consultation, an in-person event on expanding your business in Europe and OSEP's Social Impact Business Support launch event.
Going forwards, we'll be sharing stories and opportunities from Science Vale. This week, we're highlighting Harwell Campus and Milton Park, who have each scooped national awards.
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.
- South and Vale's Economic Development team
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Our Business Decarbonisation Support grant programme received a large number of applications. The team have now completed eligibility checks and scoring assessments, and funding recommendations have begun to progress through our democratic process.
We will contact all applicants to advise whether they have been successful in obtaining funding within the coming weeks. Please contact us by the end of November if you have applied and are yet to receive a funding decision. Thank you for your ongoing patience.
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Have your say on the South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse Joint Local Plan 2041
South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils are working together on a Joint Local Plan, developing planning policies that help address the climate emergency, restore nature and meet the needs of our residents, such as delivering genuinely affordable low-carbon homes with the right infrastructure.
Prior to submitting the plan, we are publishing it for representations for a six-week period under Regulation 19 of The Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012.
You can now read the plan, and its various supporting documents, and leave your comments via our website.
The deadline for comments is 11.59pm on Tuesday 12 November.
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Free opportunities for small businesses this November
The 2024 Small Business Saturday Digital Tour will run throughout November, ahead of Small Business Saturday on 7 December.
The scheme will offer a free daily programme of online training and insight, including webinars, mentoring and inspiring entrepreneurial stories, open to all small businesses.
Small businesses can sign up to as many free daily webinars as they want. Covering essential topics like marketing on a budget, time management, finance, sustainability and more, attendees will gain practical tips and insights from industry experts.
Organisations can head to the Small Business Saturday website to sign up for the free opportunities.
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Go green and improve your premises
Are you a homeowner planning an extension, have you recently moved into an eco-friendly new build, or are you looking to upgrade your home or business premises to reduce your carbon footprint?
We've teamed up with Abingdon & Witney college to offer free places on a variety of Green Skills courses to local businesses and residents, equipping you with the knowledge and skills you need to transform your building into a sustainable and energy efficient space.
Funded by UKSPF, these flexible courses offer practical insights into the benefits of greener technology and living.
For further details and to sign up for the courses, visit the Abingdon & Witney College website.
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Disc: Protect your business from crimeDisc is a secure online information-sharing system that allows retailers to report and access information about crime in their area, such as shoplifting and anti-social behaviour. At no cost, retailers across the Thames Valley can use the Disc smartphone App or Disc Desktop to:
- Access galleries of known offenders
- Submit incident reports about existing and new offenders
- Submit a crime report direct to Thames Valley Police, saving time by removing the need to report via 101
- Send and receive instant messages and email alerts to other users about anything urgent or important.
Disc is now available for businesses to use in Didcot and Wantage. For more information and to sign up, please email oliver.fletcher@thamesvalley.police.uk or gill.robson@thamesvalley.police.uk.
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Street Trading consultation - have your say
South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils are reviewing their joint Street Trading Policy for the first time in over a decade, and we want your input!
The councils are proposing updates to ensure we encourage the vibrant and expanding street trading scene, as well as helping to tackle the environmental impact of single-use plastics.
Please note that the survey will close for responses at 11.59pm on Tuesday 26 November.
If you are a street trader, or host street traders at your premises, have your say via our website.
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Harwell Campus and Milton Park scoop national awardsHarwell Science and Innovation Campus has been named the UK’s most successful science campus in recognition of its commitment to nurturing world-class science and technological advancements, and its contributions to the UK’s innovation economy. USKPA awarded Harwell Campus for its high growth, economic impact and scientific excellence. The campus has attracted over 50 new organisations to the campus in the past two years, including Moderna and the UK Space Agency while adding new amenities such as a 300-person conference centre, improving sustainability and promoting STEM to the public. Additionally, Milton Park has been named as one of the country’s most sustainable innovation communities, thanks to its initiatives to reduce carbon emissions and maximise biodiversity. The Environmental Sustainability Award, presented at the United Kingdom Science Park Association’s (UKSPA) 40th anniversary conference, celebrates the Park’s efforts to create a culture of sustainability across its 300-acre campus. Full details can be found via the Harwell Campus and Milton Park websites.
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Unlocking the EU market for Retail & Consumer goods
Ready to expand your business in Europe? Join the Department for Business & Trade for a high-impact event designed to give you the confidence and insights needed to succeed in trading with the EU.
Tuesday 12 November | 9am - 4pm
Milton House Hotel, Abingdon
This event is a must for ambitious retail and consumer goods companies targeting the European market. Whether you’re actively exporting or just exploring the possibilities, this is your chance to learn the next steps for your business. If you're looking for expert advice, practical takeaways and a clear path forward, make sure you don’t miss out.
Attendees will unlock expert knowledge on everything from customs and logistics to market-specific challenges and solutions, including critical regulations, such as GPSR.
Register for your free place via the Department for Business & Trade website.
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Social Impact Business Support launch eventWe've awarded UKSPF funding to OSEP, a leading Social Enterprise supporting social impact organisations across Oxfordshire, to improve employment opportunities in areas of deprivation in South and Vale. OSEP has partnered with Co-operative Futures, Aspire Oxfordshire, Makespace, SOFEA, Soha Housing Association and African Families in the UK to offer six months of targeted support for social impact businesses. To kick start the programme, OSEP are hosting a free, in-person launch event for local early-stage, purpose-led businesses and social impact organisations, community groups interested in the programme's benefits, and anyone with a business idea looking to make a positive impact. Wednesday 13 November | 5pm - 7pmThe Junction, 40 Lydalls Road, Didcot
During this event, you’ll hear from the partner organisations about the programme's benefits, resources and tailored support. It’s also a perfect chance to connect with other business owners, share news and explore collaborative opportunities.
Register for your free place via Eventbrite.
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