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Welcome to the latest edition of the SVBS newsletter.
This week, we're focusing on your last chance to apply for grant funding, via our REPF scheme. The application window closes at midday on Monday 30 June. Further details can be found below.
We're also highlighting our new net zero visual guides for businesses, the Government's Industrial Strategy, Innovate UK's new Net Zero Innovation Network Supplier Portal, the Made Smarter Support programme, fully funded workplace energy advice, planning your summer adventures via the Visit Southern Oxfordshire website, Diamond Light Source's new experimental drug discovery technology and the ROBIN summer networking event.
Plus, follow us on Facebook and X to be kept up-to-date in between our 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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If you’ve been thinking about applying for the REPF grant scheme, now is the time to act!
Grants from £2,500 to £30,000 are available to help rural businesses, charities, town and parish councils, community groups and more invest in capital projects, including new equipment, facilities or infrastructure.
The scheme closes for applications at midday on Monday 30 June. Please note that we currently do not have any funding to open another round.
Visit our websites using the links below for examples of eligible projects and an application form.
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Want to get started on your net zero journey? Perhaps you’re already making changes, but want to know how you can go the extra mile? To inspire you, we’ve put together several visual guides, covering a variety of topics. The first guide, 'Getting started on your net zero journey', outlines the business benefits of becoming sustainable and features some handy tips to get you started. Check out our net zero guides on our South and Vale websites.
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The Government's Industrial Strategy: What small businesses need to knowThe Government's Industrial Strategy, aimed at delivering long-term economic growth over the next decade, has been published. The Strategy outlines numerous measures of interest for small businesses, including:
- Access to finance
- Government business support
- Late payment
- Adopting digital technologies
- Skills and talent
- Energy
- Research and development (R&D)
- International trade
- Specific sector plans.
Read a summary of key points via the Enterprise Nation website.
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List your business on the Net Zero Innovation Network Supplier PortalInnovate UK has launched the Business Connect Net Zero Supplier Directory – an online directory connecting businesses delivering net zero solutions with public sector organisations across the UK. The portal helps raise business visibility to local authorities and wider public sector buyers who are actively seeking suppliers to support their climate and sustainability goals. To join, complete Innovate UK's short registration form.
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Transform your manufacturing business with Made Smarter SupportThe Government-backed Made Smarter programme has expanded to the South East. This initiative is specifically designed to drive growth within manufacturing SMEs, helping you unlock new levels of productivity through the adoption of cutting-edge industrial technologies.The Made Smarter South East team can guide your business in transitioning to advanced and automated technologies, leading to improved productivity, reduced downtime and boosted competitiveness.Additionally, match-funding of up to £20,000 is available to help you invest in transforming your business.This is a unique one-year pilot programme, running until 31 March 2026. Register now for a free assessment.
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Fully funded workplace energy adviceResidential Energy Services (RES) have successfully launched the new Workplace Energy Advice programme. Sponsored by The Department of Energy Security & Net Zero and Midlands Net Zero Hub, the programme is designed to provide flexible employee access to energy support, to help improve energy use both at work and at home. This programme is a fully funded initiative, providing free, flexible access to energy advice in the manufacturing, production and retail sectors, or anywhere a large workforce may struggle to gain access to community advice. The programme provides guidance on how to save energy and reduce waste, an overview of energy saving measures such as insulation and air source heat pumps, followed by one to one sessions to check funding eligibility, EPC’s and answer any queries the employee may have on how to make their home more energy efficient. Further details can be found via the Residential Energy Services website.
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The weather’s been great lately, and there’s no sign of it changing! Southern Oxfordshire is the perfect place to explore, play and relax during these hot summer days. From riverside picnics and bike rides to ice creams in pretty market towns and action-packed days out, there’s something here for everyone. Whether you’re local or just visiting, we’ve got plenty of ideas to help you make the most of these long, hot summer days. Visit our 'What's on' page to plan your summer activities! |
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Diamond Light Source to help UK become world leader in drug discoveryPeople around the world are set to benefit from new breakthroughs in AI-driven drug discovery to tackle previously untreatable diseases and transforming patient outcomes, using British AI and research expertise. The UK’s ‘OpenBind’ consortium will use breakthrough experimental technology at Harwell Campus to generate the world’s largest collection of data on how drugs interact with proteins, the building blocks of the body. This will be twenty times greater than anything collected over the last fifty years – cementing the UK’s position as a global hub for AI-driven drug discovery. Based at Harwell's Diamond Light Source, the consortium will close critical data gaps, driving breakthroughs in healthcare which will unlock new avenues for drugs that can treat and beat diseases, as well as helping scientists harness the transformative potential of engineering biology to face down a range of other issues, such as designing new enzymes to tackle plastic waste. Read the story in full via the Harwell Campus website.
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ROBIN summer 2025 networking eventROBIN's annual summer networking event is back for 2025, taking place at The Edge Deli at Hexagon Business Centre, Elmfield House. Thursday 10 July | 4pm - 6pm ROBIN (Responsible Oxfordshire Business Involvement Network) facilitates lots of introductions, powerful collaborations and partnerships. Come along to the summer event to mingle with ROBIN's growing network, consisting of 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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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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