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Welcome to the latest edition of the SVBS newsletter.

This week, we're focusing on Abingdon & Witney College's free Green Skills courses. There are only a handful of spaces left, and these must be taken prior to 31 March 2025. Full details can be found below.

We're also highlighting the new Procurement Act, Retrofit Practical Workshops, tailored advice for businesses via OxLEP's Business Support Tool, planning your Southern Oxfordshire trip this spring, Harley-Davidson's new UK hub at Milton Park's Nebula development and OCVA's Finding Funding Advice Session for voluntary sector organisations.

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
South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils have partnered with Abingdon & Witney College to upskill local residents and businesses.


Green Skills courses

The councils have 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:

  • Level 3 Award in Heat Pump Systems
  • Unvented Hot Water Systems
  • Carbon Literacy Training
  • Water Regulations (WRAS)
  • Domestic Solar Photovoltaic Systems
  • Electrical Energy Storage Systems (EESS)
  • Domestic, Commercial and Industrial EV Charging Equipment Installation
  • Safe Isolation
  • Inspection and Testing

There are now only a few spaces left on these courses. Fully funded places will no longer be offered after 31 March 2025.

Apply for one of the last free places via the Abingdon & Witney College website.
New Procurement Act now in force

The Procurement Act (“PA23”), in force from 24 February 2025, is intended to provide greater transparency about how public money is spent.

How will the new legislation impact businesses?
  • Offering more flexibility – PA23 is intended to simplify the bidding processes to make it easier to bid, negotiate and work in partnership with the public sector.

  • Making it easier for smaller businesses – PA23 aims to remove barriers for SMEs and voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSEs) so they can compete for more contracts.

  • Better processes to support prompt payment throughout the supply chain – meaning businesses can benefit from 30-day payment terms on a broader range of public sector contracts.

  • Offering greater transparency via a “Central Digital Platform” (CDP) – this will make it easier to find and bid for contracts. The CDP will be an enhancement to the existing Find a Tender Service.
Keep up-to-date with the new rules via the council's website page.
Retrofit Practical Workshops

Abingdon & Witney College's Net Zero Skills Hub has launched a series of fully funded Retrofit Practical Workshops, open to all building professionals and trades.

Each workshop includes a technical CPD to introduce key principles and discuss case studies. This is followed by the practical application of sealing and insulation products under the guidance of experienced industry professionals, with further discussions about detailing and challenges encountered on site.

It is recommended that you book all four workshops for the best learning experience, but you can also pick individual ones. The courses are as follows:
  • Service Penetrations & Junctions: Airtight Sealing
    Tuesday 25th March Time: 9am - 12pm

  • Windows: Airtight Sealing of replacement and existing
    Tuesday 25th March Time: 1pm - 4pm

  • Suspended Timber Floors: Insulation & Airtight Sealing
    Tuesday 11th March Time: 9am - 12pm
    Tuesday 18th March Time: 9am - 12pm

  • Internal Roofs: Insulation & Airtight Sealing
    Tuesday 11th March Time: 1:00 - 4:00pm
    Tuesday 18th March Time: 1:00 - 4:00pm
Register for your free place via the enrolment form. Only select course titles beginning with RIBA.
Get tailored advice via the OxLEP Business Support Tool

All Oxfordshire businesses will come across challenges they can’t face alone.

No matter what stage your organisation is at, OxLEP's Business Support Tool can provide tailored advice and support for your organisation.

The tool takes just a few minutes to complete, and will ask you questions to build and optimise your Business Support Plan.
 
Check out the Business Support Tool on OxLEP's website.
The weather is improving, and spring is on the way!

Whether you’re a family looking for inspiration, a couple looking for a restful retreat or a group of friends seeking an active weekend away, the Visit Southern Oxfordshire website is packed with things to see and do in South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse.

For outdoor enthusiasts, the region offers a variety of walking paths, from gentle riverside strolls to challenging hikes. Experience the natural beauty of Badbury Hill in Coleshill, where woodland paths and trails weave through beech trees and seasonal bluebells, and wander along the iconic Uffington White Horse and the tranquil Thames Path National Trail.

Cyclists can explore numerous trails that wind through picturesque villages and rolling hills, and The Thames provides opportunities for boating, kayaking and paddleboarding.

Plus, the website’s carefully curated events calendar makes it easy to find events within the area, from family friendly festivals and seasonal markets, to outdoor adventures and arts and cultural events – there’s something for everyone!

Plan your trip and check out our events calendar via southernoxfordshire.com.
Harley-Davidson to create UK hub at Nebula

Milton Park has officially opened Nebula, a £40 million sustainable R&D development.

It's now been announced that Harley-Davidson will become Nebula’s first occupier, as the global brand gears up to create its UK hub at the Park later this year.

Comprising seven sustainable R&D workspaces totaling nearly 80,000 sq ft, Harley-Davidson’s new hub will cover 8,523 sq ft, bringing UK-based employees of Harley-Davidson and LiveWire to the new space, which will be complete with collaboration spaces and workshop facilities.

Further details can be found via the Milton Park website.
Space propulsion startup Magdrive raises $10.5m for sustainable space exploration
 
Milton Park celebrates two years of inspiring future innovators

ATOM Festival Peagram Lecture: Professor Tony Hey CBE
Finding Funding Advice Session

Are you a voluntary sector organisation looking for funding guidance? Would you like to meet with organisations that can help you find funding?

Oxfordshire Community and Voluntary Action (OCVA) are hosting a dedicated funding support session, where you can meet with funders for tailored advice, gain insights into funding opportunities and local initiatives, and enhance your organisation’s capacity with expert guidance.

Tuesday 18 March   |   10am - 3pm
Southern Community Centre, Didcot

The Regional Funding Officer from the National Lottery Community Fund and representatives from OCVA and Oxfordshire Community Foundation will be available to chat to. A representative from South Oxfordshire District Council will also be on hand to chat about their grants programme for 2025/26 and book you onto their funding session on 20 March, where you’ll get tailored advice for your project.

Register to attend via the OCVA website.

Fri 7 Mar: OxLEP: International Women's Day Afternoon Tea & Networking Event

Mon 10 Mar: Enterprise Nation: Embracing the fear of failure

Tue 11 Mar: OxLEP: Trouble Shooting Your Pitch Deck

Wed 12 Mar: OBCN: South Oxfordshire Breakfast Meeting

Thu 13 Mar: Enterprise Nation: Money Chats: March 2025 (money habits special)

Fri 14 Mar: FSB Creatives Connect

Fri 14 Mar: Reducing the Risk of Domestic Abuse: Business Friends Launch Webinar

Mon 17 Mar: OxLEP: Stop Winging it - Getting Your Service Business Ready to Scale

Tues 18 Mar: Oxford STEM Network - March meet up

Wed 19 Mar: FSB: ADHD Awareness – Empowerment and Practical Support

Thu 20 Mar: Boston House Networking Morning 
Can you help Larkmead School with Make A Difference Week?

What makes a business successful?

Introducing Ask EMA: The AI-powered personal business assistant for small businesses

Five simple time management tools for small business owners

Eight benefits of a cyber security policy

How to secure funding for your dream business

Managing home workers' health and safety
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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