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Welcome to the latest edition of the SVBS newsletter.
This week, we're focusing on our upcoming free AI webinar for businesses, taking place on Thursday 6 November. Further details can be found below.
We're also highlighting the Government's Business.gov.uk website, having your say on tackling poor payment practices, Enterprise Oxfordshire's Oxfordshire networking groups directory, guidance for food businesses from the Food Standards Agency, Christmas events in Southern Oxfordshire, Milton Park's new financing deal, OSEP's finding space for your socially impactful business webinar, and South and Vale's next Culture and Heritage 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
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Empowering Local Organisations with Generative AI for Growth and Development Generative AI is transforming the way organisations operate, from automating routine tasks to creating new opportunities for innovation and customer engagement. For smaller organisations and community-focused enterprises, it can:
- Save time and resources by streamlining operations.
- Enhance creativity, innovation and communication through content generation and data insights.
- Support business growth and resilience by enabling smarter decision-making and widening skillsets.
- Upskill teams to feel confident and future-ready.
To help, we've teamed up with Marlow AI Solutions to host a free webinar on 'Generative AI for Business Growth & Development'.
Date and time
Thursday 6 November10.30am - 11.30am
This 45-minute session, designed for SMEs, charities and social enterprises, will provide simple, actionable steps to get started with AI. There will also be practical use cases, opportunities and risks, with a Q&A session at the end.
Register for your free place via this link.
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Find the right support for your business
The Government's Business.gov.uk website acts as the central government portal designed to help UK businesses at every stage - from startup to scale-up - by delivering expert advice, tools and support schemes.
Key topics include:
- Starting a business
- Running and growing a business
- Selling overseas from the UK
- Investing and expanding in the UK.
Users can also speak to experts, locate business networks and select finance options and government-backed schemes to help you start or grow your business. Get started via the Business.gov.uk website.
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Late payments: tackling poor payment practicesThe Department for Business & Trade is seeking views on legislative measures which address late, long and disputed business-to-business payments, and the use of retention clauses in construction contracts. The proposals aim to improve cash flow through supply chains and support small businesses with payment disputes. Views are welcomed from businesses, trade representative organisations, member organisations and interested parties to the proposals. Have your say in the consultation before 23 October.
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Oxfordshire networking groups
Looking to make valuable connections and boost your business success?Whether you're looking to find new business opportunities or share experiences with like-minded individuals, Enterprise Oxfordshire's Oxfordshire Networking Groups directory offers a platform for everyone.
Joining a networking group can open doors to opportunities, helping you expand your professional horizons and grow your business. Don't miss out on the chance to connect with peers who can support you on your business journey!
Find a local networking group via the Enterprise Oxfordshire webpage.
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Guidance for food businesses
The Food Standards Agency has put together an assortment of free resources to help your business stay on top of food safety and hygiene. Topics include:
- Starting your food business safely
- Running a food business
- Food safety and hygiene training
- Providing food at events
- Imports and exports
- Recalls and incidents guidance
- Chemical safety
- CBD guidance.
Access these resources via the Food Standards Agency website.
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It's never too early to start thinking about Christmas...Christmas is a magical time of year in South and Vale, with a delightful blend of festive events. Our picturesque market towns and villages are beautifully decorated with twinkling lights, creating a cosy, traditional atmosphere. Our Christmas events calendar includes everything from light switch-ons and pantomimes, to festive markets, carols and workshops. There’s plenty to entertain the whole family! You can also browse our independent shops for unique gifts, and take a break in the welcoming cafés and restaurants along the way.Plus, if you're hosting an event or know of one we should be promoting, submit it via our 'What's on' calendar.
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Federated Hermes secures £376 million financing for Milton ParkMEPC’s parent company, Federated Hermes, has announced the completion of a £376 million financing deal for Milton Park. The new financing replaces the previous £200 million mortgage loan with Barings and will ensure Milton Park can continue to provide high-quality, flexible spaces for companies of all sizes. The financing was led by Barings Real Estate with support from HSBC UK, reflecting continued confidence from global lenders in Milton Park as a key centre for innovation and research. Read the story in full via Milton Park's website.
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Finding space for your socially impactful businessAs part of a series of training sessions to promote and support social enterprises in South and Vale, OSEP and MakeSpace Oxford are running a free webinar on finding space for your socially impactful business. Wednesday 15 October | 4.30pm - 6pmWithin the session, attendees will learn:
- What the root problems with the property system are, and what would it look like if we were to change the systems at play to support communities’ access to the space they need
- Where to find out more information
- MakeSpace’s approach to meanwhile leases.
Register for your free place via OSEP's website.
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Calling Creative Industries - Help Shape Southern Oxfordshire's Cultural Strategy
South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils are holding a Southern Oxfordshire Heritage, Culture & Creative Industries Symposium to gain feedback from local businesses, particularly those from the creative industries sector, on their priorities before they're shared with the wider community in early 2026.
Wednesday 26 November at 5.30pm
Cornerstone Arts Centre, Didcot
Consultants Flying Geese will lead the session, kicking off with a short presentation on the new cultural strategy, followed by an interactive workshop designed to capture your expert insights. The focus is on key areas: identifying current and priority audiences, leveraging the region's cultural strengths, and addressing essential challenges.
This free event will conclude with light refreshments and informal networking, offering a perfect chance to connect with peers and collectively build a more vibrant cultural landscape.
Don't miss this opportunity for a meaningful conversation. Secure your place now and help define Southern Oxfordshire's next cultural chapter!
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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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