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Happy New Year! Welcome to the first 2026 edition of the SVBS newsletter.
This week, we're focusing on HMRC's warning on self assessment scams, HM Treasury's call for evidence on business rates and investment, free Skills Bootcamps and the Small Business Growth Awards.
We're also highlighting our next Visitor Economy Connect event, the Helping High Streets programme, Harwell's 80th birthday Beam, Enterprise Oxfordshire's Pathways to Start webinar and OSEP's financial strategy, basic financial skills and AI workshop.
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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4,800 Self Assessment scams reported
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has issued a warning after more than 4,800 Self Assessment scams have been reported since February 2025.
Scammers use persuasive and threatening tactics to target people when they are more likely to receive correspondence from HMRC. They send fake tax demands or attempt to pressurise people to hand over personal information.
In the last 10 months, customers have reported more than 135,500 HMRC-related scams, including 29,000 scams referring to fake tax refund claims.
The Self Assessment deadline to file returns and pay any tax owed for the 2024 to 2025 tax year is 31 January 2026. Customers can file online on GOV.UK, but please be aware of scammers.
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Business Rates and Investment: Call for Evidence
HM 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's website.
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Free Skills BootcampsEnterprise Oxfordshire has announced the return of Skills Bootcamps, part of the Government’s Skills for Life programme, after a successful first phase in autumn 2024. Skills Bootcamps are free, short courses for adults aged 19 and over. They provide practical, employer-led training in high-growth sectors and include a guaranteed job interview at the end of the course. The courses are suitable for those in work and looking to progress, self-employed or unemployed individuals, or those returning to work after a career break. Sectors covered via Skills Bootcamps include:
- Construction
- Green skills
- Digital and AI
- Cyber security
- Transport and logistics
- Health and life sciences.
Further information can be found via the Enterprise Nation website.
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The Small Business Growth Awards
Entries are now open for The Small Business Growth Awards, hosted by HSBC UK and FSB.
The categories are:
- Micro Business Award
- Start-up Business Award
- Family Business Award
- Community Award
- Innovation Award
- Diversity and Inclusion Award
- Service Excellence Award
- Expansion and Growth Award.
Regional finalists will receive great networking opportunities in their regions and also at a national level. National winners will receive a mentoring session with Sara Davies MBE and national promotion by HSBC UK and FSB.
The application window closes on 9 February. Apply via The Small Business Growth Awards website.
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Come along to our next Visitor Economy Connect
Are you a local hospitality or tourism business looking to grow your reach and connect with like-minded professionals?
Visitor Economy Connect is a networking and support session focused on the visitor economy, aimed at engaging local hospitality businesses.
Date, time and location
Wednesday 28 January | 10am - 12pm
Hilton Garden Inn Abingdon Oxford
Why should I attend?
- Influence the Strategy: We’re looking ahead to 2026. This is your chance to tell us what matters most to your business and help shape our upcoming focus.
- The Power of the Purple Pound: Learn how to tap into the £14.6 billion accessibility market. We’ll explore practical ways to improve your offering and welcome more visitors.
- Insights and Impact: Get a first look at the results from the last 12 months of the Visit Southern Oxfordshire project, including key campaigns and stats.
- Local Networking: Connect with fellow B&B owners, pub and café managers and event specialists, over coffee and pastries.
Secure your free space via Eventbrite.
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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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Laser Light Celebrates 80 Years of UK Science at Harwell A spectacular laser beam lit up the Oxfordshire sky in early January as the Harwell Science and Innovation Campus celebrated its 80th anniversary. The vertical pillar of light, visible across much of the county, was switched on at the Diamond Light Source science centre. The laser reached up to 8km into the sky and was described as 2.2 million times more powerful than a typical laser pen. Read the story in full via the BBC News website.
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Pathways to StartThinking about starting your own business, or taking your first steps, but not sure where to begin? Join Enterprise Oxfordshire for Pathways to Start, an introductory webinar designed to give you an overview of the Pathways to Start Programme and help you decide whether it’s right for you. Wednesday 21 January | 12.30pm to 1.30pmThis session will introduce Enterprise Oxfordshire's fully funded, six-week online programme for people living in Oxfordshire. The programme is designed especially for those who are thinking of starting a business, but may lack the confidence to make the next step. No business or previous experience is needed - just curiosity and a willingness to give it a go. Register for your free place via Eventbrite.
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Financial strategy, basic financial skills & exploring the implications of AI for business
Join OSEP for a free, online session, exploring some of the basic financial skills you need to run your business.
Thursday 22 January | 5pm - 7pm
The session will include advice on how to create a simple cashflow, bookkeeping and some basic IT skills. The team will also be discussing the implications of AI for small businesses and how to best use AI to your advantage in a fast changing world.
Secure your free place via the OSEP 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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