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Welcome to the latest edition of the SVBS newsletter.
This week, we're focusing on OSEP's new UKSPF backed project, providing a programme of support for organisations in South and Vale. Full details can be found below.
We're also highlighting sustainable opportunities for businesses, selling to the councils, Skills Bootcamps from Abingdon & Witney College, Science Vale news, ALP Synergy's 'Completing my SME Business Carbon Reduction Plan' event and ROBIN's Christmas drinks 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.
- South and Vale's Economic Development team
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We've awarded UKSPF funding to OSEP to provide a programme of support and guidance for early-stage, purpose-led businesses and social impact organisations in South and Vale. The programme will be suitable for anyone with a business idea looking to make a positive impact. Whether you’re seeking start-up support, funding advice or opportunities for collaboration, this programme will have something for you.
What support is on offer?
OSEP is partnering with Co-operative Futures, Aspire Oxfordshire, Makespace, SOFEA, Soha Housing Association and African Families in the UK to offer the following:
- A Bootcamp Training Course for early-stage and pre-start enterprises, offering workshops on essential topics such as financial management, funding and fundraising, the social business landscape, vision and mission setting, legal structures and marketing with a purpose.
- Business support specifically aimed at self-employment and sole trader options, empowering individuals with the knowledge to explore entrepreneurial opportunities.
- One to one mentoring with signposting and strategy development tailored to the needs of emerging social enterprises, including bespoke enterprise development and intensive support packages covering legal incorporation, governance, business planning, financial forecasting and funding options.
If you are based in South or Vale and would like to access tailored 1:1 support, please visit OSEP's website. |
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Sustainable opportunities for businessesWe’ve awarded UKSPF funding to several organisations to create free sustainability opportunities for local businesses.
- Low Carbon Hub are providing 22 businesses with a free energy assessment at their site, and a bespoke decarbonisation plan. The surveys are carried out by experienced experts who will review site and energy data, and provide recommendations across a wide range of topics, including insulation, lighting, renewables and electric vehicle chargers.
- ALP Synergy Ltd are carrying out a free Decarbonisation Business Support pilot programme, helping South and Vale businesses to lower their greenhouse gas emissions. The programme consists of Net Zero webinars and workshops, and will support 25 businesses to create a carbon reduction plan. Tailored 1:1 support to explore new processes or technologies is also provided.
- We’ve funded 82 places for ‘green’ building and construction courses from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, under the intervention E39: Green Skills. Taking place at Abingdon & Witney College, the courses include Understanding Domestic Retrofit, Heat Pump Systems, Airtightness and Weather Sealing, Domestic Solar Photovoltaic Systems and more.
- OxLEP's 'No Limits' programme, in a dynamic partnership with SOFEA, empowers residents through green skills training and employment opportunities. This initiative offers comprehensive support, including free laptops and mobile phones for digital skill development, and travel grants, to assist those in financial need to access work, school or college.
Find full details on our South and Vale websites.
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Selling to the councilsThe councils buy goods and services from a variety of contractors, ranging from someone who is self-employed to national organisations. There are lots of opportunities to supply your services or goods to us, either direct or as a sub-contractor. The councils have published several guides to help you get started, including:
- Current contracts
- What we need from you as a supplier
- Ethical considerations and legal requirements
- Standards of conduct
- Climate and ecological impacts
- Procurement Act 2023 update
- Adding social value
If you are interested in selling to the council, you will need to register on the South East Business Portal.Visit our website to get started.
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Abingdon & Witney College to deliver Skills BootcampsAbingdon & Witney College has secured funding from OxLEP to deliver Skills Bootcamps in Green Construction, Sustainability and Engineering, designed to address the skills gap within Oxfordshire. The programme aims to provide free, flexible, 10 week courses. These courses are available to Oxfordshire residents and those working in the area, and are tailored specifically to boost employability for jobseekers, individuals returning to work after career breaks and retirees who may be re-entering employment - many of whom are potentially affected by the cost-of-living crisis. Skills Bootcamps are also a significant benefit for employers, providing an effective way to upskill the workforce and enhance growth, productivity and staff retention. SMEs can access funding for 90% of the course cost per employee, while larger employers can benefit from funding covering 70%. Get involved via Abingdon & Witney College's website.
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Completing My SME Business Carbon Reduction Plan
As part of ALP Synergy's Decarbonisation Business Support pilot programme, the team are hosting an online workshop to walk businesses through completing their carbon footprint calculation and identify actions they could take towards becoming Net Zero.
Thursday 21 November | 9am - 10am
Attendees will look at carbon calculations for their businesses and produce a Carbon Reduction Plan. This will be supported through a follow-up 1:1 meeting.
Register for your free place via Eventbrite, and check out the other webinars in this series.
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ROBIN Network Christmas drinks 2024ROBIN's annual Christmas Drinks event is back for 2024, taking place at Tap Social Movement Taproom in Botley. Tuesday 10 December | 4.30pm - 7pmROBIN (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 1,400 people from businesses, charities, social enterprises, voluntary groups and educational institutions, in a relaxed and friendly environment. Booking is essential. Register for your free place via Eventbrite.
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