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Welcome to the latest edition of the SVBS newsletter.
This week, we're focusing on two new competitions for businesses, Energy Saving Week ideas and a grant scheme for voluntary and community organisations in South Oxfordshire.
We're also highlighting the Visit Southern Oxfordshire website and how you can submit your own events, AI growth plans at Culham Campus, simplified ten-day planning to power greener growth at Milton Park, and OSEP's Social Impact Business Bootcamp.
Plus, follow us on Facebook and X to be kept up-to-date in between our weekly newsletters.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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The Department for Business & Trade is calling on businesses across the UK to apply for two new competitions.
- Made in the UK, Sold to the World Awards
The awards celebrate the international sales success of SMEs across the UK and provide a stepping stone for further growth and opportunity. This year, two new categories have been added: Digital & Technology, and Export Services– the latter aiming to recognise the contribution of logistics and distribution businesses that facilitate UK exports.
Other categories include Advanced Manufacturing & Construction, Agriculture, Food & Drink, Consultancy & Professional Services, Creative Industries, Education & EdTech, Financial Services & FinTech, Healthcare, Infrastructure & Engineering, Low Carbon Energy, and Retail & Consumer Goods. The competition closes for entries at 11.59pm on 9 March.
- Smart Data Challenge Prize
The prize will award up to £600,000 to accelerate the most innovative apps and technologies to empower consumers and SMEs through new Smart Data enabled services, that will increase competition and grow the economy.
Successful teams will gain exclusive access to the new Smart Data Sandbox, built especially for the prize, to test and develop their technologies. The Smart Data Sandbox brings together synthetic data on people and businesses across 11 broad data domains, including banking, insurance, investing, property, energy and retail - each encompassing multiple datasets.
This competition closes for entries at 11.59pm on Friday 14 March.
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Get involved in Energy Saving WeekThis year's Energy Saving Week runs from 17 - 23 January, and the councils have put together a list of resources to help home and business owners do their bit for the environment, improve their premises and cut costs. A great place to start is understanding your energy bills and where you’re using the most energy. Try out Low Carbon Hub’s winter warmer checklist. If you have a smart meter you can use Oxfordshire County Council’s FREE Energy Saver app, which links to your phone. It can tell you where your energy is being used in your home and offer money-saving advice, based on your use. You can also use the Energy Saving Trust website. This has a range of simple cost-free switches which could save you up to £356 on your energy bills. There are a number of free opportunities for businesses, outlined on our South and Vale websites. These include free green skills training at Abingdon & Witney College (including the installation of solar panels, heat pumps and EV chargers), support for residents into green skills training and employment, and a Social Impact business support programme. Discover more ways to save energy on our website.
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£60,000 available in grants for performing arts in South Oxfordshire
A new £60,000 Performing Arts grant scheme, run by South Oxfordshire District Council, will open for applications on 3 February 2025.
The scheme is open to voluntary and community organisations in South Oxfordshire, who will be able to apply for a minimum of £500 and up to a maximum of £5,000 in funding for projects that improve community wellbeing across the district.
The grant aims to enhance the cultural landscape of South Oxfordshire by providing a financial boost to projects that help improve the quality of life of people living in the district, through projects that have a significant impact on the community.
Further details can be found via our website.
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Rainy day adventures in Southern Oxfordshire
Don’t let the rain spoil your day! South and Vale have plenty of things to do to brighten up any cold or wet day. Explore fascinating museums, take on an exciting escape room challenge, go for a swim or feed the animals indoors at a local farm. If you prefer to find a cosy pub and enjoy a hearty meal, there are plenty on offer.
Whatever the weather, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Check out our Rainy Days page on the Visit Southern Oxfordshire website for inspiration.
Hosting an event?
If your organisation is hosting an event in 2025, or you know of an event that we should shout about, submit an event listing for free via our Google form. We will then feature these on the website and via our social media channels.
Sign up to our newsletter and follow our Facebook and Instagram pages to be kept up-to-date with the latest events in South and Vale.
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UK’s AI growth plans centre on Culham The Government has announced that Culham Campus, home to the UK’s Atomic Energy Authority, has been chosen as the UK’s first AI Growth Zone (AIGZ). The move is part of the Government’s strategy to maintain the UK’s leadership in AI technology and harness its power in the fields of health, business and scientific discovery. Britain is currently the third largest AI market in the world, with an established, world-leading infrastructure for AI safety. The Culham AIGZ will serve as a testing ground to drive forward research on how sustainable energy, such as fusion, can power AI ambitions. The AIGZ will deliver local benefits to Culham, such as job creation, enhanced digital and energy infrastructure, and sustainability initiatives. Full details can be found on the Oxford Calling website.
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Simplified ten-day planning to power greener growth at Milton ParkMilton Park, the UK’s largest single ownership innovation community for science and technology, is poised to support thousands of new jobs sustainably. The news follows the adoption of a refreshed LDO enabled by the completion of an innovative Section 106 (S106) planning agreement, which focuses on green travel. The LDO, which has now been adopted by the Vale of White Horse District Council, will enable the delivery of flexible laboratories, offices and amenities. Now formally adopted, it permits Milton Park to grow to a total of 4.2 million sq ft and can fast-track planning approvals to just ten days, supporting its long-term strategic 2040 Vision to become a 24/7 hub for innovation and aligning with the period of the new Joint Local Plan. As well as enabling Milton Park to provide more options for renewable energy, a range of local green infrastructure projects will also be explored. Read the full story via our website.
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Social Impact Business Bootcamp Funded via their UKSPF allocation, OSEP is hosting a free business bootcamp for early stage and start up businesses in South and Vale. Friday 7 February | 9.30am - 2.30pm40 Lydalls Road, Didcot, OX11 7HXThe bootcamp is designed to give early stage entrepreneurs a solid foundation to develop an attractive, resilient and successful business. You may have started a business from home, or created a trading charity or social enterprise to help your local community. The session will help you to identify your business mission and increase the positive impact your idea has. There will be opportunities to network with other businesses and find out about further business support. Lunch, teas and coffees, and snacks will be provided. Register for your free place via Eventbrite.
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Boost your business success – stay connected with us!
Are you ready to take your business to the next level? We’re here to provide the tools, insights and resources you need to succeed.
Follow our social media channels for:
- The latest business news
- Important events
- Practical advice and guidance
- Opportunities for businesses.
Follow us on our new Facebook page and X account to keep up to date.
Whether you’re looking for inspiration, knowledge or just a little extra motivation, we’ve got you covered. We’re here to help your business thrive - one post at a time!
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