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Welcome to the latest edition of the SVBS newsletter.
This week, we're focusing on ALP Synergy's Net Zero for Businesses - Check In and Chat surgery session, for trouble shooting your carbon calculation and your Carbon Reduction Plan, and also for those getting started on their Net Zero journey. Full details can be found below.
We're also highlighting OSEP's Social Impact Business Support quiz, new guidance on The Procurement Act 2023, the Food Standards Agency's new Food fraud resilience self-assessment tool, Small Business Britain's AI for Small Business programme, Wantage's recognition as one of England's best market towns, Oxford Space Systems' participation in the Government's Earth Observation Mission and OxLEP's online session on pitching to potential investors.
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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ALP Synergy is hosting a free, online drop-in surgery session for trouble shooting your carbon calculation and your Carbon Reduction Plan.
The session is also ideal for those who are yet to get going with their Net Zero journey. If you haven't started your journey, welcome to your first steps. You will be inspired and supported to get started.
Monday 24 February | 1pm - 2pm
This online 'surgery' is a chance for you to meet other businesses who are on the same journey as you, wanting to reduce their carbon.
This will be an interactive event so that the team can support a variety of businesses with any barriers they may have.
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Social Impact Business Support quizUsing their UKSPF funding, OSEP have partnered with Aspire Oxfordshire, Co-operative Futures, SOFEA, Makespace, African Families in the UK and Owned By Oxford to create a business support programme for social impact businesses and entrepreneurs in South and Vale. If you would like to access tailored 1:1 support, you can now complete OSEP's Social Impact Business Support quiz. The quiz is designed to help you find the support and information locally that you need to build a business that helps to make a positive contribution to your community. Get started via OSEP's website.
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New guidance on The Procurement Act 2023Thousands of small businesses across the country will have more opportunities to win valuable contracts with public sector organisations, kickstarting local economic growth and innovation, and creating jobs for local communities. Local councils will soon be able to reserve contracts for small businesses to maximise spend within their area and help boost local economies. Alongside this, a new duty will be placed on firms that win contracts with government bodies to advertise jobs at job centres. Full details can be found via the Government's website.
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Food fraud resilience self-assessment toolThe Food Standards Agency's National Food Crime Unit (NFCU) has developed a Food Fraud Resilience Self-Assessment Tool to provide support, guidance and advice to food businesses on food fraud. Food crime is serious fraud and related criminality in food supply chains. This definition also includes activity impacting on drink and animal feed. The tool will increase your awareness of and resilience to food crime. It will help you to evaluate your business and may identify areas for improvement, while providing you with advice for countering food fraud. Find out how to get started on the Food Standards Agency website.
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AI for Small Business programmeSmall Business Britain has created an AI for Small Business programme, supported by BT Group, designed to help small business owners unlock the potential of AI to improve their businesses and simplify their lives.The six-week course is delivered entirely online and includes the following topics:
- Introduction to AI - What it means for small businesses
- Use AI to transform your marketing
- How to use AI to develop a business plan
- AI for business process and automation
- Supersize your business with AI
- AI safe and secure
Join the academy to help you sharpen your digital skills and stay ahead of the curve.Register for your place via the Small Business Britain website.
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Wantage named among England's best market towns
Wantage has been named as one of England's best market towns, featured on the national list compiled by holiday and travel firm Independent Cottages.This ranking was based on a range of factors deemed necessary to make up a 'quintessential' English market town. This included the age of the town, its number of museums and listed buildings, and its independent businesses. Wantage, dating back to 1246, performed well in the independent business category, boasting 235, and also has over 132 listed buildings.
Discover things to see and do in WantageWhether you’re seeking a relaxing day out or planning a short break in Oxfordshire, Wantage is a great base. Our Visit Southern Oxfordshire website outlines things to see and do in Wantage, including The Ridgeway and The Beacon. Plus, you can explore the other towns in our area and discover events for all the family, via our events calendar. There's something for everyone!
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Oxford Space Systems selected for UK Government Earth Observation MissionAn innovative Wrapped Rib Antenna, developed by Oxford Space Systems, has earned the company a contract with the UK Ministry of Defence to support Airbus Defence and Space on the Oberon earth observation radar satellite project. The Wrapped Rib Antenna is part of a family of Wrapped Rib Antenna products, which have both government and commercial use capabilities covering radar, communications and frequency monitoring applications over a range of radio frequencies. Full details can be found via the Harwell Campus website.
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The Best Pitch Deck for 2025Are you looking for investment? Or do you need to persuade others about your business strategy and plans? OxLEP Business is hosting a free webinar on how to perfect your pitch to potential investors. Friday 28 February | 10am - 12pmHow you approach, shape your mindset and come across when pitching can be the make or break to lead to the financial and practical support that will elevate and grow your business. This online workshop will look at tactics to improve impact, make a real connection and get those investors backing you. 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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