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Welcome to the latest edition of the SVBS newsletter.
This week, we're focusing on Enterprise Nation's 'Backing your business' campaign, put together with the Department for Business and Trade. Full details can be found below.
We're also highlighting Oxford Brookes' sustainability survey and interviews for SMEs in South and Vale, Enterprise Oxfordshire's Apprenticeship Levy Support Scheme, protecting your business from fraud with the Stop! Think Fraud campaign, The Cedar Review, planning your Easter adventures via the Southern Oxfordshire website, UKAEA's robotic mice and the OCVA Volunteer Fair.
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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Backing your businessWith key input from the Department for Business and Trade, Enterprise Nation has put together a 'Backing your business' campaign, showing you what government support is available and how to use it. This content brings together official guidance, real-world examples and clear next steps, focusing on the following areas:
- Exporting
- How to sell overseas
- Access to finance
- Tackling late payments and getting money moving
- Digital tools and AI
- High-street resilience.
One of the questions we are most asked is whether we have grant funding to support businesses in South and Vale. While we unfortunately do not have any funding at this time, we wanted to highlight the 'Backing your business to grow: How to get financial support' guide. The guide sets out the main sources of government-backed finance and related support that are currently available to small businesses across the UK. Read the guide in full here.Visit the Enterprise Nation website to access the Backing your business campaign.
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Sustainability survey and interviewsAre you an SME owner or professional in South or Vale who has taken part in our UKSPF programmes? Your experience is more valuable than you might think. Oxford Brookes University is currently conducting a vital study to understand the real-world impact of these programmes. This is a chance to influence the future of local government support, funding and resources. Have your say via the survey. Oxford Brookes is also looking for deeper insights through one-on-one interviews to create case studies, showcasing leading South and Vale organisations who are getting ahead! All interviewees will receive a £20 gift voucher for their time, funded by Oxford Brookes. If you'd like to get involved, please email Dr. Sara le Roux via sle-roux@brookes.ac.uk.
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Apprenticeship Levy Support SchemeThe Enterprise Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Levy Support Scheme helps Oxfordshire employers navigate the levy transfer process and make the most of local apprenticeship opportunities. Any employer can take part in a levy transfer. Large employers who pay the apprenticeship levy can choose to share up to 50% of their unused levy funds with other businesses to fully cover the cost of apprenticeship training and end-point assessment. Smaller employers, or those who do not pay the levy, can receive this support to help them take on apprentices or upskill their staff at no cost. Even levy-paying employers who have already used all their own levy funds can receive a transfer. Find out how to get started via the Enterprise Oxfordshire website.
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Protect your business from fraudJust over four in ten businesses (43%) reported a cyber breach or attack in the last 12 months. Fraudsters are getting smarter, using tools like AI to mimic the brands we trust, but you don't have to be a tech expert to stay safe. The Stop! Think Fraud campaign offers simple, actionable advice for organisations on:
- Payment diversion fraud
- IT support fraud
- Fake calls for tenders or quote
- Investment fraud
- Insider fraud
- Business trading fraud
- Cyber security
- Reporting fraud.
Find further information on the Stop! Think Fraud website.
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The Cedar ReviewThe Cedar Review aims to evaluate the economic contribution of refugees across the UK, through entrepreneurship, innovation and job creation. By combining data, lived experience and expert insight, the review will identify practical ways to remove barriers, improve access to finance and networks, and strengthen business support, ensuring that refugees can start and grow commercially successful businesses and contribute to a more competitive economy. The Review will:
- Launch a Call for Evidence from organisations, academics, NGOs and policymakers.
- Conduct interviews and focus group sessions with refugee entrepreneurs.
- Host in-person events: a launch, a midpoint event and a final report launch.
- Lead a storytelling and advocacy campaign celebrating refugee entrepreneurs and their contributions.
- Produce a final report with clear, evidence-based recommendations for Government and industry.
Find out more via The Cedar Review website.
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We're already counting down to the Easter break, and we bet you are, too! From egg hunts in historic gardens to circus mayhem and outdoor games, Southern Oxfordshire is bursting with activities to keep the whole family entertained during the Easter holidays. Here’s a taste of what’s happening:
- Easter Egg Hunts at Farmer Gow's, Waterperry Gardens, High Lodge Farm and Stonor Park
- Tweedy’s Massive Circus and Farmer Carter's Courtyard at Millets Farm
- Lambing days at Bishop's Court Farm
- Family movies at The Beacon
...and much more! Check out our Easter holidays page to plan your local adventures. Are you running an event? We want to showcase everything our community has to offer. If you’re hosting an Easter activity or workshop in Southern Oxfordshire, submit the details via our 'What's on' page and we'll promote them. |
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AI-trained robotic mice to scurry in the Large Hadron Collider
The UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) and CERN, the European Laboratory for Particle Physics, have been awarded as ‘Highly Commended’ for The Engineer’s ‘Collaborate to Innovate (C2I) Award’ for their joint development of a small autonomous robot, created to inspect the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), the world’s most powerful particle accelerator.
Named ‘PipeINEER’, this first-of-its-kind, 3.7cm-wide robot was designed to travel autonomously through long, narrow pipes called the beamline, along the 27-kilometre-long LHC.
To meet these challenges, CERN partnered with UKAEA’s robotics centre RACE (Remote Applications in Challenging Environments), with remote handling expertise in hazardous and hard-to-reach environments, to develop a robotic solution.
Read the story in full via the Government's website.
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OCVA Volunteer FairCome and discover how you could make a difference at the Volunteer Fair in Oxford! Oxfordshire Community and Voluntary Action (OCVA)'s annual event at the Westgate Shopping Centre offers the opportunity to discuss the various options around volunteering, with a range of local organisations. Wednesday 18 March | 10am - 2pmWhether you only have a little time to spare or more availability, you’re bound to find something that suits. Organisations are always on the lookout for a mix of skills, experience and ages. Oxon Volunteers will be on hand to show you the current volunteering opportunities in Oxfordshire and how to use the search function on the platform. Find out more via the OCVA 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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