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Welcome to the latest edition of the SVBS newsletter.
This week, we're focusing on the chance for you to have your say on upcoming changes to local government. Full details can be found below.
We're also highlighting the extension of OSEP's social impact business support programme, Enterprise Oxfordshire's Business Support Tool, taking part in the UK Net Zero Business Census, the #ShopKind campaign, Small Business Britain's Green Growth Programme, planning the summer holidays via the Visit Southern Oxfordshire website, the Government's £670 million boost in quantum computing 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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South and Vale District Councils are hosting an event offering small and medium sized local businesses* the opportunity to find out more about the changes coming to local government.Come and find out why your business needs to know about local government reorganisation and what the changes may mean for you and the services you access - such as economic development, licensing, planning and business rates.
Date and timeThe event will take place online via Teams on Friday 18 July, from 11am to 12pm. We are asking that you send one representative from your business.
Please register your interest by 16 July. You can submit any questions you have ahead of the event. Unable to attend the event?For those unable to attend, we will record the presentations and circulate the video afterwards on request. You will also have an opportunity to provide online responses to the questions that we ask attendees. If you can’t make it but would still like to receive this information, please email jointheconversation@southandvale.gov.uk. You can also find out more and take part in the public survey, explore our virtual exhibition or read a summary of our proposal for a new Ridgeway Council via the Two Councils website. *Please note that we will be reaching out to large employers and commercial site operators separately.
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Free programme extended to boost social enterprise skills across Oxfordshire
OSEP, working in partnership with Co-operative Futures, Aspire Oxfordshire, Makespace, African Families UK, and Good Food Oxfordshire, has secured further UKSPF funding to continue its successful programme of support for social enterprises and purpose-led start-ups in South and Vale.
The eight-month programme will help entrepreneurs build businesses that support healthy, connected communities, reduce social isolation and create inclusive employment opportunities. This expanded programme builds on the success of a recent pilot, which supported 33 local entrepreneurs and led to the creation of seven new community interest companies.
What support is available?
Participants in the programme will benefit from a wide range of free advice and support, including:
- Business development: One-to-one mentoring, tailored guidance and strategic support, to help new and growing social enterprises thrive.
- Training and workshops: A practical training programme, delivered online and in person across the districts, will cover key topics such as financial management, legal structures, purpose-driven marketing, vision and mission setting, and fundraising.
- Peer support: Facilitated peer groups to share experiences, build networks and strengthen collective knowledge across the sector.
To access tailored 1:1 support, complete OSEP's Social Impact Business Support Quiz.
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Get tailored support via Enterprise Oxfordshire's Business Support ToolEnterprise Oxfordshire signposts Oxfordshire businesses to the most-appropriate business support, grant schemes and events. Completing Enterprise Oxfordshire's free Business Support Tool will help the team to understand your needs and provide you with more targeted help and advice, in the form of a Business Support Plan. On average, the form takes around seven minutes to complete. Get started via the Enterprise Oxfordshire website.
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Take part in the UK Net Zero Business Census 2025Join thousands of businesses and add your voice to the largest UK industry study of business progress on the journey to net zero. Delivered by the UK Business Climate Hub, the UK Net Zero Business Census is an annual survey that creates a nationwide snapshot of how businesses are tackling net zero and climate action. The survey takes just five minutes to complete. Your insights will be taken to the highest levels of policy-making and will shape both future climate policy and the types of support provided to organisations like yours. Have your say via the official webpage.
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Get involved in the #ShopKind campaignThe #ShopKind campaign is backed by the Home Office and supported by major high street retailers, as well as the nation’s independent shopkeepers and the shopworkers union, Usdaw. The aim of the campaign is to encourage positive behaviours in shops, acknowledge the important role of shopworkers, and raise awareness about the scale and impact of violence and abuse against shopworkers. ShopKind is for the whole retail sector and they are encouraged to download the print and social media campaign materials and use them in stores. There are also ShopKind Brand guidelines to help retailers understand how to use the campaign materials. There is space available on materials for retailers to add their own logo to demonstrate your support for the campaign. As well as printed material, there are also a suite of videos which can be downloaded and displayed in stores, on screens or used on social media channels. Further details can be found via the National Business Crime Centre website.
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The Green Growth Programme: Unlock the Financial Power of SustainabilitySustainability isn’t just good for the planet - it’s good for business. Join Small Business Britain's six-week programme designed to help small businesses discover the financial benefits of becoming more sustainable. Each week, you’ll learn from expert trainers and sustainability leaders, explore practical actions you can take right away, and hear real stories from fellow small businesses who are turning sustainability into growth. Topics include:
- The Business Case for Sustainability
- Quick Wins – The 5-Point Plan for Sustainability
- AI and Sustainability
- Marketing Green - Attract More Customers
- Money Talks - Finance and Funding for Sustainability
- Sustain the Gains – Planning for Long-Term Impact
Each session includes a spotlight on a small business already making sustainability work for them. Register for your free place via the Small Business Britain website.
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The school summer holidays are rapidly approaching, and the weather is looking great!Keep the kids entertained and enjoy summer adventures, from picnics in beautiful parks to local events and festivals.Enjoy outdoor pools and splash parks, walking trails and bike rides, ice creams in pretty market towns and action-packed days out. Our events calendar and seasonal highlights page have something for everyone!
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£670 million boost gives certainty to UK quantum computingThe Government has announced a £670 million spending boost in quantum computing, including a first-of-its-kind 10-year funding settlement for the National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC) at Harwell Campus. The NQCC is the national centre focused on addressing the key engineering challenges involved with scaling quantum computers. It supports the UK’s growing quantum ecosystem through collaboration with industry, government and researchers. This long-term backing ensures the NQCC remains at the heart of a new wave of innovation in quantum computing, playing a key role in delivering the next phase of the National Quantum Technologies Programme. The programme aims to get quantum technologies out of the lab and onto the marketplace, via the National Quantum Strategy Missions. Read more via the Harwell Campus website.
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ROBIN summer 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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