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Welcome to the latest edition of the SVBS newsletter.
This week, we're focusing on the upcoming business rates revaluation and what you need to do to prepare. Details can be found below.
We're also highlighting free energy assessments for businesses, British Finance Week, funding for innovation in UK farming, Oxfordshire Mind's Workplace wellbeing programme, our Visitor Economy Connect event, planning your autumn adventures in Southern Oxfordshire, the grand opening of the Moderna Innovation and Technology Centre, and Enterprise Oxfordshire's Business Surgery at Boston House.
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
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Upcoming business rates revaluationEvery three years, the Valuation Office Agency updates the rateable values of all business properties in England and Wales to reflect changes in the property market. This is called a ‘revaluation’. The next revaluation is scheduled to come into effect on 1 April 2026, based on the open market rental value of a property on 1 April 2024.
We're encouraging organisations in South and Vale to sign up for a business rates valuation account to find out what your future rateable value will be. Business rates are based on the ‘rateable value’ of your property.
Further information can be found via the Government's website.
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Claim your free energy assessmentLow Carbon Hub are providing businesses in South and Vale with a free energy assessment at their site, but you'll need to be quick, as at the time of writing, there is only 1 left in South and 3 in Vale!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%. Apply 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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Business Finance WeekWhether starting your business or looking to grow, finding information and guidance around finance can be complex and challenging. Business Finance Week has been designed to help smaller businesses across the UK, as well as the organisations and people that support them, to understand the different finance options that may be available to support their individual business needs, be that starting up, scaling up, or staying ahead. The British Business Bank is hosting free nationwide and regional in-person events, webinars and more from 30 September - 9 October. Find out more via the British Business Bank website.
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Funding for innovation in UK farmingAs part of the Defra Farming Innovation Programme, businesses can apply for a share of up to £7.8 million for small R&D partnership projects. Projects must benefit England’s farmers, growers, foresters and other businesses to conduct R&D to help boost productivity, enhance sustainable practices, improve environmental outcomes and reduce carbon emissions in England’s agricultural and horticultural sectors. Your project must address a significant industry challenge or opportunity in at least one of the following industry subsectors:
- farmed animals
- plants
- novel food production systems
- bioeconomy and agroforestry.
Further information and a link to apply can be found via the Government's website.
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Workplace wellbeing training programmeOxfordshire 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.
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Visitor Economy Connect success
We had a great time at our Visitor Economy Connect event on Tuesday at The Hilton in Abingdon.
Local hospitality businesses and town councils joined us to hear about culture and heritage, sustainability and accessibility, and upcoming Christmas campaigns!
Want to be the first to hear about the next event? Keep an eye on our newsletter, and let other hospitality organisations know!
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Plan your autumn adventures in Southern OxfordshireAutumn 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. If the weather’s rubbish and you are looking for inspiration for a rainy day, there’s plenty to do indoors, including exploring museums, going wild at soft play, getting stuck into an escape room and enjoying some hearty pub grub. Plus, there's plenty of events happening over for all the family. Check out the Abingdon Michaelmas Fair, pumpkin patches and spooky trails, the Wantage Literary Festival, Alfred Fest, craft and gift fairs, theatre, workshops, live music performances, art exhibitions, town tours and much more. Visit the Southern Oxfordshire website to plan your autumn adventures.
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Image credit: Harwell CampusModerna Innovation and Technology Centre grand openingHealth Secretary Wes Streeting has opened Moderna's Innovation and Technology Centre (MITC). The MITC will produce British-made mRNA respiratory vaccines for the UK public to support NHS seasonal vaccination programmes. The facility will also support research into the potential of mRNA science in areas such as cancer, rare diseases and immune disorders. Read the story in full via the Harwell Campus website.
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Business Surgery @ Boston House
Join Enterprise Oxfordshire for a high-impact event to help your business take the next steps in its growth journey.
Tuesday 14 October | 9am - 1.30pm
Boston House, Wantage
This dynamic day brings together expert business advisors offering free 1:1 sessions in key areas, including Accountancy and Finance, Marketing and Communications, Human Resources and People Management, and AI and Innovation. What’s included:
- 1:1 Business Advice – Book tailored sessions with expert advisors to address your specific challenges.
- Business Growth Workshop – Gain practical tools, insights and strategies to help your business thrive.
- Networking Lunch – Make valuable connections with other local business owners, exchange ideas and explore opportunities for collaboration.
Register for your free place via Eventbrite.
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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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