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Welcome to the latest edition of the SVBS newsletter.
This week, we're focusing on the Government's Call for Evidence on business rates and investment and our next Visitor Economy Connect event.
We're also highlighting a free skills course for Berinsfield residents, Small Business Britain's Small Awards, the Green Growth 100 and Green Growth Awards, Abingdon & Witney College's Net Zero skills training, Enterprise Oxfordshire's Helping High Streets scheme, planning the Christmas holidays via the Visit Southern Oxfordshire website, Milton park organisations at the OBN Awards and Enterprise Oxfordshire's AI Advantage 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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Business Rates and Investment: Call for EvidenceHM Treasury has launched an important Call for Evidence on Business Rates and Investment to gather detailed evidence from stakeholders on how the current business rates system influences investment decisions. The Call for Evidence specifically seeks input on:
- How the existing business rates system affects your company's long-term investment strategies.
- Concerns raised by some ratepayers regarding the impact of Receipts and Expenditure (R&E) valuation on high-value investment.
The Government is interested in hearing from a wide range of sectors, including all businesses valued on R&E, their agents and tax specialists. The deadline to submit evidence is 11.55pm on 18 February. Have your say via the Government' website. |
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Save the date for our next Visitor Economy Connect
Visitor Economy Connect is a networking and support session focused on the visitor economy, aimed at engaging local hospitality businesses. Due to the success of our previous events, we want you to join us at our next forum!
Further details and a registration link will be shared in the new year, but for now, put Wednesday 28 January, 10am - 12pm, in your diary.
We look forward to seeing you there and sharing lots more ideas!
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Free skills course in Berinsfield
A free 8-week Improving Skills programme for Berinsfield residents starts in February. South Oxfordshire District Council is working in partnership with Abingdon & Witney College, UKAEA, National Careers Service, Enterprise Oxfordshire, DWP, Community Catalysts and Williams Jet Tenders Ltd to provide this free training opportunity, which will cover everything from upskilling, confidence building, starting your own business and more. Those attending can book to do all the modules available or choose individual modules that interest them. At the end of each course, attendants will receive a certificate to confirm the completion of the training. The Improving Skills programme starts on the 4 February, with one session a week at Williams Jet Tenders at Vogue Business Park in Berinsfield from 6.30pm - 8.30pm. Find out more via the South Oxfordshire District Council website.
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Apply for the Small AwardsThere are 5.4 million small businesses in the UK doing great things that may not be recognised by awards due to geography, scale or even awareness of the benefits such awards can bring. The Small Awards, run by Small Business Britain, celebrates the UK’s finest small businesses, from service legends and CICs to Net Zero heroes, digital trailblazers, legendary family-run businesses, innovative start-ups and high street champions. Categories include High Street Hero, Bricks and Clicks Award, Legacy Award, Supply Chain Champion, New Kid On The Block, Digital Star, Heart Of Gold, At Your Service, Sole to Sole, Mission Possible, Net Hero and Small Business of the Year. The application deadline is 28 February. Apply via the Small Awards website.
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Green Growth 100 and Green Growth AwardsSmall Business Britain and BT are hosting the Green Growth Awards and Green Growth 100, a celebration of 100 inspiring UK small businesses that are successfully using sustainability to drive business growth. The Green Growth 100 will champion these entrepreneurs, share their stories and inspire more small businesses to take action on sustainability, while driving profitability. Successful businesses will be invited to an awards event in March, where two standout firms will each receive a Green Growth Award - a £5,000 grant to help them scale their sustainability goals. Submit your entry by Friday 9 January via the Small Business Britain website.
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Abingdon & Witney College awarded funding to deliver affordable Net Zero skills trainingAbingdon & Witney College is proud to announce the launch of a major new project that will significantly improve access to green skills training across Oxfordshire. Supported by funding from the Midlands Net Zero Hub, the College’s Net Zero Skills Hub is now offering key renewable energy and retrofit courses at substantially discounted rates, making vital low carbon training more affordable for local tradespeople, jobseekers and career changers. This funding forms part of a wider regional effort to support the UK’s transition to Net Zero by increasing the number of people qualified in areas such as renewable energy installation, energy efficiency and low-carbon heating. To learn more about the funded courses, check eligibility or enquire about booking, visit the Abingdon & Witney College website.
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Unlock free support to thrive on Oxfordshire’s high streetsDelivered by Enterprise Oxfordshire, Helping High Streets focuses on businesses operating in traditional high street settings – from rural market towns to Oxford’s bustling city centre. The programme recognises the vital role these businesses play in community life and the wider economy. The scheme is set to enhance the prospects of dozens of high street organisations through a mixture of support delivery styles, including:
- Place-based support: targeted support delivered in one key area within each district in Oxfordshire.
- Online resources: Additional support will be available online for eligible high street businesses across the county.
Businesses operating from a high street location, such as retail, leisure, hospitality and service businesses, are eligible for this programme. Register your interest for the programme via the Enterprise Oxfordshire website.
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Christmas in Southern OxfordshireWhether you’re looking for a traditional carol service, a bustling Christmas market or a magical encounter with Santa, there is something for everyone to enjoy in Southern Oxfordshire. Our dedicated Visit Southern Oxfordshire Christmas page is your guide to events running throughout the entire festive season, right up to the New Year. From thrilling pantomimes and enchanting festive light trails to unique family experiences, we have everything you need to fill the days between Christmas and New Year. Plus, we’re aware that Christmas is an expensive time, so we’ve also got some inspiration on free things to do on our website. Check out the Visit Southern Oxfordshire website for inspiration!
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OBN spotlights Milton Park innovatorsThe OBN Awards recognise innovation across the UK’s life sciences sector and celebrate companies of all sizes making ground-breaking contributions. Arctoris, who provide automated drug discovery services that combine robotics, data and AI to help partners accelerate research programmes, were the winners of the Most Impactful CRO of the Year category. Greywolf Therapeutics and Replimune were announced as finalists for the Best Established Biotech Company Award. Replimune’s team focus on developing oncolytic immunotherapies designed to improve outcomes for people with cancer, whilst Greywolf Therapeutics is advancing antigen modulation technology that modulates the immune system by controlling T-cell responses. Read the story in full via the Milton Park website.
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Start 2026 smarter: Turn AI into your business growth engineThe question for local businesses is no longer if they should use AI, but how to use it to gain a competitive edge.Join Enterprise Oxfordshire for an online workshop designed to turn AI into your ultimate business tool.Tuesday 13 January | 9.30am - 11.30am
Key focus areas include spotting local opportunities, uncovering new customers and partners, boosting your marketing and making better decisions.
This is your chance to future-proof your operations and lead with technology in 2026. 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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