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Welcome to the latest edition of the SVBS newsletter.
This week, we're focusing on the 2025 Budget and the upcoming Small Business Saturday.
We're also highlighting Enterprise Oxfordshire's Net zero webpage, a ministerial letter on cyber security for small businesses, Heathrow's SME exporter grants programme, the Didcot Powerhouse Fund, the Visit Southern Oxfordshire Christmas page, the Diamond Light Source Community Employment Plan, the UK's first neuroinclusive fitted lab space and OSEP's legal structure webinar.
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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The Budget 2025On 26 November, the Chancellor set out the Government’s latest tax and spending plans in the Budget. There are some key changes for small business owners to be aware of, including business rates, dividend tax increases, an increase to the National Minimum Wage, funding for apprenticeships, attracting global talent, salary sacrifice schemes and more. Read the Budget in full via the Government's website.
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Get involved in Small Business SaturdayThis Saturday (6 December) marks this year's Small Business Saturday - a national movement to spotlight the small businesses that make a big difference to our communities and economy. Whether you are a family business, local shop, online business, wholesaler, business service or small manufacturer, the campaign is a great way to showcase your offerings. In Wantage, local businesses will be offering special discounts, tasty treats, exclusive offers and exciting chances to win prizes. Visitors can enjoy live music and a variety of artisan stalls. We're also encouraging local residents to shop locally this Christmas and support our high streets. Shopping at local businesses pumps money into the local economy and creates jobs in local communities, plus you'll find deals that you won't find on giant online retailers. Full details on the campaign can be found via the Small Business Saturday website. |
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Give your business a greener futureAs the global push to combat climate change accelerates, organisations across Oxfordshire are stepping up to join the race to net zero. But for many business owners, knowing where to start or progress your journey can be the hardest part. To help, Enterprise Oxfordshire has created a Net zero webpage to act as a central resource for businesses of all sizes and sectors. The site has information on funding and grants, inspiring stories, calculating your baseline, toolkits, a jargon guide and more. Get started via the Enterprise Oxfordshire website.
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Ministerial letter on cyber security to small businessesMinisters and the National Cyber Security Centre have written a letter to small businesses and business representative organisations about cyber security. The letter sets out two key actions to take:
- Use the Cyber Action Toolkit, a free, personalised cyber security solution which sets out simple, achievable steps for small businesses.
- Adopt Cyber Essentials, the government’s highly effective scheme to protect against common cyber attacks. It includes free cyber insurance, access to a 24/7 emergency helpline and opens doors to government contracts and enhanced business opportunities.
Fraud and cyber crime can be reported to Action Fraud.
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SME exporter grants programmeHeathrow Airport has reopened its World of Opportunity Programme, a grant scheme aimed at helping small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from across the UK export their goods and services to global markets. The Programme is designed to support organisations to boost their export potential, with previous grants being used for trade missions, research and training to further exporting ambitions. Grants of £2,000 will be awarded to 12 businesses across the UK, with one grant awarded to a business from each region and nation. The application window is open until 31 December. Interested organisations can apply via an application form.
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Apply for the Didcot Powerhouse FundThe Didcot Powerhouse Fund 2026 is now open for applications. The theme is ‘Powering a healthy Didcot’. The Fund tackles inequality and deprivation in Greater Didcot and the surrounding villages. Grant applications are invited from charities and organisations providing support to Didcot and the local villages, particularly from those that are working closely with other charities and agencies. Grants from £1,000 - £10,000 are available. Small grants of up to £500 may be available for organisations and/or projects outside the grant criteria at the discretion of the Grants Panel. Find out more and apply via the Oxfordshire Community Foundation website.
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We've launched a new initiative to support small, independent businesses this Christmas.Local businesses and event organisers are invited to promote their festive events and activities for free through our Visit Southern Oxfordshire Christmas page, ensuring they reach hundreds of thousands of residents and visitors across the districts’ market towns and surrounding areas. These festive happenings can include anything from Christmas markets and wreath-making workshops to late-night shopping evenings, carol singing and crafts. We're promoting events across our social media channels and in local and regional media outreach, including magazine, website and outdoor poster advertisements, providing invaluable marketing support during the critical festive trading period. Residents are also encouraged to make the page their first stop for planning festive activities. The page offers a comprehensive, up-to-date calendar of everything happening locally and is frequently updated. Take a look at our Visit Southern Oxfordshire Christmas page to get started! |
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Diamond Light Source Community Employment PlanVale of White Horse District Council, Enterprise Oxfordshire and Sisk have collaborated to create a Community Employment Plan (CEP) for Diamond Light Source, located at Harwell Campus. A CEP is an employer-led strategy, often secured through Section 106 planning obligations for major developments. Its primary goal is to ensure the local community benefits directly through the creation of new jobs, apprenticeships and training initiatives. Over £1.75m of social value was added through the development, with £3.8m spent with local businesses. The project also employed 8 apprentices and 23 full-time employees, and resulted in 4 educational placements. Read the case study in full via the Enterprise Oxfordshire website.
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Harwell Campus opens the UK’s first neuroinclusive commercial fitted lab spaceHarwell Campus has officially opened Lumen, the first neuroinclusive fitted lab space in the UK. The space incudes:
- Neurozones, a mix of collaborative areas and contemplative pods connected with clear floor layouts, support different neurotypes, working styles and sensory needs.
- Acoustic treatments and neuroinclusive colour palettes promote calm and comfort throughout.
- Biophilic design, with indoor planting and natural graphics, strengthen visual connections to the outdoors.
Read the story in full via the Harwell Campus website.
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Form follows function: Setting up the right legal structure for your social businessAre you feeling overwhelmed by the many legal structures available to register your social business? Or does the small print and paperwork leave you confused? Join OSEP for a free webinar designed to demystify the complexities of not-for-profit legal structures. Tuesday 9 December | 6pm - 8pmWhether you're considering a Community Interest Company (CIC), Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) or Co-operative, by the end of the session you’ll be equipped with the information to choose the right legal structure for your enterprise. Register for you free place via OSEP's website.
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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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Know someone else who could benefit from the above information? Forward this newsletter and help us spread the word!
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