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Welcome to the latest edition of the SVBS newsletter.

This week, we're focusing on our next Visitor Economy Connect event, taking place on Tuesday 30 September at the Hilton Garden Inn Abingdon Oxford. Further details and a link to register for your free place can be found below.

We're also highlighting Oxfordshire Mind's workplace wellbeing training programme, South Oxfordshire District Council's Councillor Community Grant Scheme, the Rebel Business School's free small business course, Small Business Britain's #iAlso100 campaign, planning your autumn adventures via Visit Southern Oxfordshire, UKAEA's open day and the ROBIN autumn networking event.

Plus, follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn 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
Due to the success of our previous Visitor Economy Connect events, we want you to join us at our next forum!

Visitor Economy Connect is a networking and support session focused on the visitor economy, aimed at engaging local hospitality businesses.

Tuesday 30 September
10am - 12pm
Hilton Garden Inn Abingdon Oxford

In this session, you'll hear from South and Vale's Culture and Heritage Network, Climate Action team and Thame Town Council, and get valuable tips on accessibility and sustainability. Plus, we want you to get involved in our upcoming Christmas campaigns!

Whether you run a B&B, a café or a bustling restaurant, or specialise in events, we’d love to welcome you along.

Please note that spaces are limited.

Register for your free place via Eventbrite.
Workplace wellbeing training programme

Oxfordshire Mind is developing a new workplace wellbeing training programme specifically tailored to support the retail sector.

The training will focus on mental health and wellbeing in the retail sector, covering topics such as:
  • Understanding trauma and recognising the signs – in colleagues and customers
  • Applying trauma-informed principles in the workplace  
  • Building confidence in having supportive mental health conversations
  • Creating an open mental health culture in the workplace 
  • Establishing boundaries to support personal wellbeing. 
The team are keen to connect with anyone working in retail who can share insights into the current challenges. Your input will help ensure the training is impactful and meets the needs of the sector.

If you’d like to find out more or share your thoughts, please contact Ciara at Ciara.mcginley@oxfordshiremind.org.uk.
Councillor Community Grant Scheme 2025/26 – now open

Each South Oxfordshire district councillor has £7,500 to award to projects and activities that offer community benefits in their ward area, budget permitting.

The council is particularly keen to fund projects of greatest impact for residents, such as activities that protect and restore our natural world, promote action on the climate emergency, and support thriving, healthy and inclusive communities .

Applications should focus on projects that deliver a clear and demonstrable benefit to the people of South Oxfordshire, specifically in the ward area they are applying to.

This scheme closes for applications at midday on 5 December.

Visit the South Oxfordshire District Council website for examples of previously funded projects and a link to apply.
Free small business course

The Rebel Business School team have created a free, virtual 10-week programme to help you launch and grow your business or side hustle.

Topics include:
  • How to Build a Side-Hustle and Choosing an Idea
  • What are you Selling and How Much Does it Cost?
  • Who Are You Selling to and Taking Care of Your Customer
  • The Rebel Guide to Tax, Legal and Business Setup
  • Getting Customers to Notice You
  • Using Social Media to Find Customers
  • Power of Purpose: What Are You Doing This For?
  • Money Mindset: Take Control of Your Finances
  • Tech to Drive Traffic: Get Ready for Artificial Intelligence
  • Launch: Productive Steps & Action Roadmap
Sessions will take place each Monday, from 8pm - 10pm, starting on 8 September.

Reserve your free space via The Rebel School website. 
Enter the f:Entrepreneur #iAlso100

Run by Small Business Britain, f:Entrepreneur is a campaign dedicated to championing, celebrating and supporting female business owners.

Launched in 2018, the #iAlso campaign was created to celebrate 100 women from all over the UK who are living the #iAlso life – a new approach to the “portfolio” career, taking on many roles, achieving in many different spheres of life and demonstrating that women are paving a new path for what entrepreneurship means.

Each member of the #iAlso100 is showcased on f:Entrepreneur’s website and all social media platforms. There are exclusive monthly events for members to attend and opportunities to host events, as well as speak on panels throughout all of Small Business Britain’s campaigns, and receive dedicated press and PR support.

Full details and a link to apply can be found via the f:Entrepreneur website.
Now that the summer has come to an end, cosy season is upon us!

Autumn in Southern Oxfordshire offers families a wealth of seasonal delights - think pumpkin picking, Halloween events, and walking and cycling trails full of fallen, crunchy leaves. And if the weather's rubbish, there's plenty to do indoors, including exploring museums, going wild at soft play and enjoying some hearty pub grub.

Plan your autumnal adventures via our 'What's on' calendar.
UKAEA Open Day for IF Oxford Festival

To celebrate 60 years of Culham Campus, UKAEA is hosting a public open day.

The session will offer you a unique opportunity to see in-person some of the amazing work the team are doing to develop sustainable fusion energy. You will receive an introductory talk covering the basics of fusion energy, followed by tours of the world’s largest fusion experiment; the world record breaking Joint European Torus (JET) and the cutting edge Remote Applications in Challenging Environments (RACE).

Tours will be led by engineers, scientists and technicians, who are currently working on the experiments, so you'll have the opportunity to ask anything about the work at UKAEA.

Book your space here and be quick, as they're going fast!
ROBIN autumn networking event

ROBIN's annual autumn networking event is back for 2025, taking place at Hill End Outdoor Education Centre.

Wednesday 24 September   |   4pm - 6pm
 
ROBIN (Responsible Oxfordshire Business Involvement Network) facilitates lots of introductions, powerful collaborations and partnerships.

Come along to the autumn 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.
Boost your business success – stay connected with us via LinkedIn!

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 LinkedIn page to be kept 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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