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Welcome to the latest edition of the SVBS newsletter.
Please note that the Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) grant scheme has now closed for applications. Further details can be found below.
This week, we're focusing on our 'How to measure your carbon footprint' visual guide for businesses, supporting your staff through the hot weather and the Government's Employer Support Fund for T Level placements.
We're also highlighting The King's Awards for Enterprise, the new Visit Southern Oxfordshire Seasonal highlights page, free cost-cutting and electricity-saving support for hospitality businesses, Harwell Innovation Centre's celebration for supporting over 300 startups and scale-ups, and the Small Business Britain LinkedIn webinar.
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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The Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) is now closed for applications.Please note that the scheme is oversubscribed and we are unable to extend the application deadline.All applicants will be notified if they have been successful in securing funding by September. If you have any questions, please get in touch with us.
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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. This week, we're highlighting our second guide, 'How to measure your carbon footprint'. As well as measuring your emissions, the guide contains handy tips and advice on collating your data and setting goals. Check out our net zero guides on our South and Vale websites.
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Flexible working in summer: supporting staff and staying productiveFrom early finishes on Fridays to temporary hybrid patterns, adjusting your approach to working hours during hot weather can help boost morale, support staff wellbeing and keep your business running effectively. Whether you’re responding to reduced demand or preparing for a seasonal surge, FSB has plenty of advice on how to support your staff. Tips include choosing the right summer working model, setting clear expectations, planning for staff absences and updating your policies. Find out more via the FSB website.
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Employer Support Fund: Helping you host T Level Industry PlacementsWhether you’re interested in offering a T Level placement for the first time or looking to scale up your involvement, the Government's Employer Support Fund (ESF) can help with the essential costs of hosting a student. The fund runs until 31 March 2026 and aims to make it easier for more businesses – especially small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and organisations in priority sectors – to get involved. You can claim for administrative costs, a physical workspace, mandatory equipment or PPE, training that is necessary for student safety or participation, ID passes or security checks, workstation setup, digital access, employer travel to deliver a simulated placement activity at a provider venue, and specialist tools or kit required for student involvement. Further information can be found via the Government's website.
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The King's Awards for EnterpriseThe King's Awards for Enterprise are now open for applications. The Awards are for outstanding achievement by UK businesses in the categories of:
- innovation
- international trade
- sustainable development
- promoting opportunity through social mobility.
Organisations that have previously received an award have reported benefiting from worldwide recognition, increased commercial value, greater press coverage and a boost to staff morale. As well as receiving a Grant of Appointment (an official certificate) and a commemorative crystal trophy, winners will be invited to a Royal reception and presented with the award at your company by one of The King’s representatives, and will be able to fly The King’s Awards flag at your main office and use the emblem on your marketing materials. Apply via the official webpage.
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Not all memorable moments are tied to a specific date! The new Visit Southern Oxfordshire seasonal highlights page showcases the best that South and Vale have to offer throughout the year – think pick-your-own farms, festivals, walking and cycling trails, pools, splash pads and more. These aren’t one-day events – they’re experiences you can enjoy at your own pace, perfect for spontaneous outings or planning your next mini adventure. Open for summer? If you'd like to promote your seasonal events, submit a listing via the Seasonal highlights page. |
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Free cost-cutting and electricity-saving support for small and medium UK hospitality businessesDid you know that the average pub loses £2,000 of profits a year through energy waste? That's the same profit as pouring 16,000 pints down the drain! Zero Carbon Company is offering free carbon footprinting and energy-saving support to 615 small and medium-sized hospitality businesses as part of a 12-month trial, fully funded by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ). The team will pinpoint where your profits are being lost through electricity waste and show you exactly how to fix it. You'll get a tailored Carbon Reduction Plan and access to a Carbon Coach. Register your interest via the Zero Carbon Company website.
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Harwell Innovation Centre Celebrates 25 Years of Supporting Science and Startups
Harwell Innovation Centre is celebrating 25 years at the heart of the UK’s innovation landscape.
Since opening its doors in 2000, the centre has supported over 300 pioneering startups and scale-ups in sectors ranging from space and energy to life sciences and quantum tech.
Astroscale, a leader in space debris removal, is a standout campus success story. Beginning its journey in the Innovation Centre, the company set up mission control for its first successful ELSA-d mission at the Satellite Applications Catapult, earning recognition as one of TIME100’s most influential companies, and has since scaled up into the Zeus Building at Harwell.
Read the story in full via the Harwell Campus website.
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Get Found, Get Clicked, Get Customers: Making LinkedIn Work for Your BusinessJoin Small Business Britain, BT Digital Skills and LinkedIn expert Ashley Leeds for a free, practical, confidence-boosting webinar for small business owners who want to get more out of LinkedIn.
Thursday 17 July | 10am - 11amIn this webinar, you’ll learn:
- The 3 things small businesses are getting wrong on LinkedIn (and how to fix them fast)
- Profile power moves – how to turn your profile into a mini sales page
- Easy content ideas that build trust and drive traffic
- How to show up in just 15 minutes a day (and why it works)
- The secret to connecting with the right people (without feeling salesy).
Expect actionable tips, relatable examples, and plenty of support to help you get started or level up your LinkedIn game. You’ll also receive a free resource pack to keep the momentum going after the session.Register for your free place via Small Business Britain's 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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