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Welcome to the latest edition of the SVBS newsletter.
This week, we're focusing on upcoming rate relief for eligible pubs and live music venues, and the Vale Leader's letter to the Chancellor, requesting further support. Further details can be found below.
We're also highlighting South and Vale's new taxi policy, the Thrive at work Oxfordshire programme, the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Grant Fund, Small Business Britain's Bot Up Your Business programme, our recent Visitor Economy Connect event, Experience Oxfordshire's Visitor Economy Business Survey, Enterprise Oxfordshire's Successful High Streets webinar, Open Cosmos' European satellite license and Enterprise Oxfordshire's Pathways to Start programme.
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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Vale Leader urges Chancellor to go further in supporting hospitality businesses
The government has announced that from 2026/2027, eligible pubs and live music venues will benefit from a 15 per cent business rate relief on top of the support announced in the budget. Bills will then be frozen in real terms for a further two years.
Please note that we do not yet have guidance on the scheme. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) will shortly publish full guidance for local authorities, and further details on the scheme will be published on the council website as soon as possible.
Following this announcement, Councillor Bethia Thomas, Leader of Vale of White Horse District Council, has written to the Chancellor to raise concerns on behalf of local hospitality businesses. Cllr Thomas has expressed the focus on pubs and live music venues is too narrow, and that hospitality operators across the district are still facing significant financial pressures that the discount for a limited number of businesses alone will not resolve.
Read the letter in full via the Council's website.
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Have your say on a new taxi policy
South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils are consulting on updates to their Joint Taxi Licensing Policy.
Your input matters to shape a policy that supports local businesses. Updates include topics such as card payments, revised emission targets and safety checks.
Find out more and share your views by 10 March 2026.
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Thrive at work OxfordshireThrive at Work is a free programme helping workplaces in Oxfordshire to create inclusive, healthy environments, where people and businesses thrive. Investing in workplace wellbeing benefits both your employees and your organisation. Benefits include better staff retention and job satisfaction, improved morale and loyalty, increased productivity, reduced recruitment costs and more. Organisations that register will gain access to:
- a structured framework covering four key areas of workplace wellbeing, leading to certification
- topic-based training webinars
- a staff survey to help you understand your workforce's wellbeing needs
- guidance notes, policy templates and other resources
- tailored advice and support.
Find out more and register your interest via the Oxfordshire County Council website.
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CIL Grant Fund - now openSouth Oxfordshire District Council collects CIL funding from liable housing developments to provide infrastructure required to support the growth of the district. £750,000 from the CIL fund has been allocated to a grant scheme. The fund supports projects that are needed because of new development in the area. This includes community centres, sports and cultural facilities, open spaces, play areas and other key local amenities. Applicants will be able to submit a bid for a minimum of £75,000 and a maximum of £250,000. Town and Parish Councils, Constituted community groups and Not for profit organisations are invited to apply for funding. This scheme closes for applications on 30 March 2026 at 5pm. Further information can be found via the South Oxfordshire District Council website.
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Bot Up Your BusinessSmall Business Britain and BT Group have launched 'Bot Up Your Business' - a free, four-week digital course designed to help small business owners explore how AI can make marketing easier and more effective. The programme is delivered online each week. Attendees will receive tangible takeaway actions to help their business, access to a network of small businesses to share questions, solutions to challenges, access to course experts during and beyond the 4 weeks, and digital recordings and catch-up sessions. Secure your free place via the Small Business Britain website.
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Visitor Economy Connect success
Our Visitor Economy Connect event on 26 January was another big hit!
Visitor Economy Connect is a networking and support session focused on the visitor economy, aimed at engaging local hospitality businesses.
We were joined by a range of organisations and town councils from across South and Vale to discuss the Purple Pound and a review of our Visit Southern Oxfordshire project, plus we shared ideas on what we could do going forward.
If you'd like to be involved in our next event, due to take place in the spring, please let us know.
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Visitor Economy Business SurveyExperience Oxfordshire, the county’s Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP) and Destination Management Organisation, is gathering feedback from all businesses across Oxfordshire to form a coherent picture of the operational environment and current levels of business confidence. The team are keen to hear from you regarding your experiences of operating during the last year and your expectations of this year. Your input will inform Experience Oxfordshire’s dealings with opinion formers and decision makers in local and national government, and in the development of marketing activity, business support services and strategic plans designed to grow the value of the county’s visitor economy. Have your say via the Experience Oxfordshire website.
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Successful High Streets – Setting The AmbitionHosted by Enterprise Oxfordshire, Successful High Streets – Setting the Ambition is a lively, online launch event designed to help local high street businesses set clear, practical ambitions for the next three months and tap into fully funded expert support. Wednesday 4 February | 2pm - 3pmThis webinar is being delivered online for businesses trading on the High Street. Join fellow business owners to explore what the Helping High Streets programme can do for you, from strengthening your business plan to sharpening your customer experience, brand and digital presence. You will hear how the programme’s spotlight sessions, one-to-one advice and local promotion will help boost performance, visibility and resilience on your high street. Register for your free place via Eventbrite.
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Open Cosmos secures European satellite licence
Open Cosmos has triumphed in a competitive bidding war for a prestigious satellite spectrum license, beating out rivals funded by US billionaires and Chinese investors.
This milestone allows the Harwell-based firm to develop its sovereign LEO broadband constellation. Beyond the technical achievement, these spectrum rights serve as a crucial geopolitical asset, strengthening Europe’s pursuit of independent and secure global communications.
Read the story in full via the Harwell Campus website.
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Pathways to Start Programme
Thinking about starting your own business, but not sure where to begin?
Enterprise Oxfordshire's Pathways to Start Programme is a fully funded, six-week online programme for people living in Oxfordshire. The programme is a Peer Networking Programme, helping you recognise your skills, grow in confidence and feel more prepared for your next steps.
Sessions take place online every Thursday from 12pm – 2pm, beginning on 12 February.
You’ll be part of a small, welcoming group and take part in practical, hands-on activities. Each group member is able to offer and obtain insight and advice. It is a very respectful yet relaxed forum. No business experience is required – just curiosity and a willingness to get involved!
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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Know someone else who could benefit from the above information? Forward this newsletter and help us spread the word!
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