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Welcome to the latest edition of the SVBS newsletter.
This week, we're focusing on the Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) grant scheme, open for applications until midday on Monday 30 June. Full details can be found below.
We're also highlighting the chance to have your say on the Local Government Reorganisation, our new net zero guides, free energy assessments for Vale based businesses, the Government's national skills drive, #SmallBiz100, Oxfordshire County Council's workplace health survey, the Visit Southern Oxfordshire website, Experience Oxfordshire's resident and visitor surveys, shaping the future of STEM engagement in Oxfordshire and Small Business Britain's Cyber Security webinar.
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 Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) is open for applications until midday on Monday 30 June 2025.
REPF provides capital grant funding to:
- Support new and existing rural businesses to develop new products and facilities that will be of wider benefit to the local economy. This includes farm businesses looking to diversify income streams outside of agriculture.
- Support new and improved community infrastructure, providing essential community services and assets for local people and businesses to benefit the local economy.
Who can apply?
- Town and Parish Councils
- Public sector organisations
- Higher and further education institutions
- Private sector companies
- Registered charities
- Social enterprises, for example CIC’s
- Arms-length bodies of government
How much can I apply for?
Applicants can request a minimum of £2,500 and a maximum of £30,000.
Please note this is a competitive grant scheme, and therefore it will not always be possible to fund every eligible application. Due to the time constraints on this funding, projects must have secured the required match funding and have all relevant consents in place before applying for this scheme.
Full details and an application link can be found via the links below.
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The proposal for two unitary councils covering Oxfordshire and West Berkshire is a response to an announcement made by the Government in December 2024, which will see two-tier authorities, as seen in Oxfordshire, end and new unitary councils created. Unitary councils provide the same services as county and district councils - bringing them together under one roof.The proposal includes the creation of Ridgeway Council, covering the current council areas of South Oxfordshire, Vale of White Horse and West Berkshire.South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils have launched a wide-reaching series of public engagement activities, including an online survey, public drop-in events, and exhibitions around the county and West Berkshire.The aim of these engagement activities is to give our residents, businesses and local organisations the opportunity to let us know what’s important to them based around some topics the government has identified, which will inform our proposal and ensure it’s built using community input.Have your say via the councils' online survey, and find out more about in-person public engagement events via the Two Councils website.
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It's Great Big Green Week, and we have some great big green ideas and opportunities for businesses looking for more sustainable futures. We've just added a series of new net zero guides to our website to help you get started on your net zero journey, or give you some inspiration if you've already started. Topics include:
- Getting started on your net zero journey
- How to measure your carbon footprint
- How to write a sustainability plan
- Meaningful actions that won’t cost the earth
- Energy focus
- Sustainable procurement
- Telling the story
- Success stories to inspire
You can also claim a free energy assessment from Low Carbon Hub (usually worth £1,500). Further details can be found below. Visit our South and Vale websites for more information.
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Vale based businesses: Claim your free energy assessment
Low Carbon Hub are providing businesses in Vale with a free energy assessment at their site.
The surveys will review site and energy data, and provide recommendations across a wide range of topics, including insulation, lighting, renewables and electric vehicle chargers.All participating organisations will receive bespoke recommendations for their premises, each with a rationale and steps for implementation, supported with informed estimates of costs and savings. The report will also include details on suitable finance options to achieve these goals.
Upon receiving an energy assessment and a decarbonisation plan, on average, organisations can cut their energy bills by 19%.
Register your interest via the Energy Solutions Oxfordshire website.
Organisations who have had an energy efficiency report from Energy Solutions Oxfordshire can then apply for the Green Fund. Matched funding of up to £10,000 is available for any SME undertaking energy efficiency or renewables projects. Find out more via the Green Fund webpage.
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Government launches national skills drive to unlock opportunities for young people in techPupils across the country will be given the skills and tools needed to get the AI-powered jobs of the future, thanks to a new skills programme. The “TechFirst” programme brings digital skills and AI learning into classrooms and communities, and trains people of all ages and backgrounds for the tech careers of the future. The flagship strand of this programme, “TechYouth”, will give 1 million students over three years, across every secondary school in the UK, the chance to learn about technology and gain access to new skills training and career opportunities. Read the story in full via the Government's website.
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#SmallBiz100 applications now openAre you looking to shine a national spotlight on your small business? Small Business Saturday is once again highlighting 100 small businesses, one a day for 100 days leading up to Small Business Saturday 2025. For the last twelve years, the 100 have not only received exposure on Small Business Saturday's social media channels and in the local and national press, but also joined the Small Business Saturday team in London at receptions in Downing Street, House of Lords and the Treasury Drum with the Chancellor of the Exchequer. Applications close on June 30, 2025. Apply via the Small Business Saturday website.
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Oxfordshire's new workplace health offer - have your sayThe Workplace Health team at Oxfordshire County Council (OCC) is committed to helping Oxfordshire workplaces to improve the health, wellbeing and employability of their employees. The team have designed an insight survey to help them understand how they can best support our local workplaces, as well as your own place of work, to help shape their new, free service, which will be available soon. The survey should be completed by a senior person in your organisation who has a good understanding of your policies, workplace culture and practices. The survey takes 6 minutes to complete and closes for responses on Friday 25 July. Have your say via Oxfordshire County Council's website.
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The Visit Southern Oxfordshire website is packed with things to do. The carefully curated events calendar makes it easy to find local events within your area, from family friendly festivals and seasonal markets, to outdoor adventures and arts and cultural events – there’s something for everyone! South and Vale are home to high quality independent businesses. While you’re out and about in the market towns, take a break in welcoming cafés, pubs and restaurants, and discover unique gifts from an assortment of small businesses. Check out the Visit Southern Oxfordshire website for a list of things to see and do. Your adventure starts here! |
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Experience Oxfordshire is keen to hear your viewsExperience Oxfordshire is keen to hear your views and perceptions of tourism within the county, and your experience of Oxfordshire as a place to spend your leisure time or holiday. Your answers will help Experience Oxfordshire to develop enjoyable experiences within a welcoming and sustainable environment. Have your say:
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Shape the future of STEM Engagement in Oxfordshire
UKAEA and Connectr are working collaboratively on an innovative research project to map STEM provision for children aged 4 - 18 in Oxfordshire.
The goal of this research is to provide a strong evidence basis for current STEM engagement across the county, upon which further action can be taken to progress and improve future STEM engagement.
Organisations are encouraged to complete a survey about their STEM engagement. Smaller organisations are also invited to attend an interview to share more about their practices.
To complete the survey, please respond via the below links:
The deadline to participate is Friday 20 June.
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Protect Your Business With Confidence (Cyber Security for Small Businesses)Scams targeting small businesses are becoming more frequent - and more convincing. If you use email, social media, apps or online tools to run your business, this session is for you. Thursday 12 June | 10am - 11amJoin Derbyshire Constabulary, Small Business Britain and Lloyds Bank Academy for a no-nonsense session on the most common scams affecting small business owners - and how to stay safe. You’ll find out what to look out for, what to avoid, and how to protect your time, money and reputation. Don’t wait until it happens to you – get the knowledge to stay one step ahead. Book your free place via the Small Business Britain 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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