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Welcome to the latest edition of the SVBS newsletter.
This week, we're focusing on creating a sustainability action plan for your organisation and the 'Showcasing sustainability in Thame businesses' event. Full details can be found below.
We're also highlighting Abingdon & Witney College's Green Skills courses, Experience Oxfordshire's Visitor Economy Business Survey, the Government's Stop! Think Fraud website, sharing your views to inform the new Business Growth Service (BGS), finding things to do this Easter half-term via the Visit Southern Oxfordshire website, grant funding for public engagement in Science, the ROBIN spring networking event and OCVA's Volunteer Recruitment Fair.
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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Every organisation (business, parish council, charity or community group), no matter how big or small, can take action to reduce their carbon footprint, lower costs, and protect themselves and the people who use their services from climate change. You can get started by calculating your current carbon footprint. Understanding this will help you work out where you can make savings. Try the free carbon calculator or the SME Climate Hub business carbon calculator for small businesses or not-for-profit organisations. Once you know your carbon footprint, you can aim to reduce it using a sustainability action plan. The councils each have a dedicated webpage to help you create your own sustainability plan, including a template and what to include. To get started and discover our other net zero resources, visit the South and Vale websites. |
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Businesses and community groups from Thame are invited to attend the ‘Showcasing sustainability in Thame businesses’ event.Join Thame Town Council and 21st Century Thame at The Players Theatre for an exciting event focused on sustainability in the local community. Discover how businesses in Thame are making a positive impact on the environment and learn about local initiatives you can engage with to play your part in promoting a greener future in the town. Enjoy a free glass of wine or a soft drink as you network with like-minded individuals and be inspired by success stories of what others have done. Don't miss this opportunity to be part of the movement towards a more eco-friendly landscape! Reserve your free place via Eventbrite.
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Green Skills courses
South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils have partnered with Abingdon & Witney College to upskill local residents and businesses.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.
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Visitor Economy Business SurveyExperience Oxfordshire is gathering feedback from businesses across Oxfordshire to form a coherent picture of the operational environment and current levels of business confidence. Experience Oxfordshire is keen to hear from operators within the county’s visitor economy, regarding your experiences of operating during the last year and your expectations of this year. Your input will inform dealings with opinion formers and decision makers in local and national government and in developing Experience Oxfordshire's marketing activity, business support services and strategic plans. Have your say via Experience Oxfordshire's website.
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Stop! Think FraudFraud accounts for almost 41% of all crime. Over a 3 year period, 1 in 5 businesses were a victim of fraud. By staying vigilant and always taking a moment to stop, think and check whenever we’re approached, we can help to protect ourselves and each other from fraud. The Government's Stop! Think Fraud website contains useful knowledge and tools you need to stay ahead of scams. This includes advice on securing your online accounts with 2-step verification, spotting the tactics and techniques commonly used by fraudsters, and protecting yourself from fraud. The site also contains helpful information on what to do if you've had money or data stolen. Get started via the Stop! Think Fraud website.
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Share your views to inform the new Business Growth Service (BGS)We want local businesses to help shape the UK’s National Small Business Strategy and the Business Growth Service (BGS). BGS aims to make it easier and quicker for SMEs to find government advice and support all under one roof. SMEs are invited to share their thoughts via OxLEP’s local consultation. Other stakeholders (such as town and parish councils) are also invited to participate.
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Make this Easter half-term one to remember!Whether you’re looking to get out and about in the sunshine or prefer to find things to do indoors over the Easter holidays, South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse have something for everyone. Take part in outdoor Easter trails, meet newborn lambs, get creative with arts and crafts, watch a pantomime, go wild at soft play centres or splash into fun at local leisure pools. Whatever the weather, there’s plenty to keep the whole family entertained!Check out our Easter page to see what's on over the holidays. Plus, if you're hosting an event, or know of one we should be promoting, submit an event listing and we will feature this on our website.
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Grants of up to £20,000 available for public engagement in ScienceUK-based schools, museums, science communicators, community interest companies and community groups are invited to apply for grants ranging from £5,000 to £20,000 under the Science and Technology Facilities Council’s (STFC) Public Engagement Spark Awards 2025A. This initiative aims to foster high-quality public engagement activities, introduce STFC-supported science and technology to new audiences, and showcase STFC’s contributions to the UK. This could include workshops and lectures, exhibitions and interactive displays, community outreach programmes and citizen science projects. The total funding available is £80,000. Full details can be found via the UK Research and Innovation website.
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ROBIN spring networking event
Come along to ROBIN's spring networking event at The Loose Cannon Brewery, located in Abingdon.
Wednesday 26 March | 5pm - 7.30pm
ROBIN (Responsible Oxfordshire Business Involvement Network) facilitates lots of introductions, powerful collaborations and partnerships.
Come along to the 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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Volunteer Recruitment Fair
Come and find out why volunteering could be for you in 2025!
The Westgate Shopping Centre in Oxford will soon host the Oxfordshire Community and Voluntary Action (OCVA) annual Volunteer Fair.
Wednesday 26 March | 10am - 12pm
Whether you have a little or a lot of time to give back, chat with over 20 local charities and see if you can find the perfect volunteering role for you.
If you can’t make it along to the Fair, you can view volunteering opportunities across the county via Oxon Volunteers. You can also register as a potential volunteer on the website.
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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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