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Welcome to the latest edition of the SVBS newsletter.
This week, we're focusing on our next Visitor Economy Connect event, taking place on 13 May. This time, we'll be showing you how to market your business with AI. Further details can be found below.
We're also highlighting free employee wellbeing and mental health support, South and Vale's review of off-street parking orders, Abingdon's new larger business forum, Small Business Britain's The Great British Pitch, Enterprise Nation's free business support guides, planning for the May bank holidays and half-term via the Southern Oxfordshire website, UKAEA's 16th Supplier's Event, the next Breakfast of Champions event and Small Business Britain's Side Hustle Lab.
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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Join us at our next Visitor Economy ConnectAre 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. Our upcoming session will focus on using AI for marketing your business.
Date, time and locationWednesday 13 May 10am - 12pm Hilton Garden Inn, Abingdon
Using AI for marketing your business
If you aren't integrating AI into your workflow, you aren't just falling behind - you're working harder than you need to.
We'll be joined by Bluezone Media for a ChatGPT beginner session on getting fully set up on all your devices and learning how to use ChatGPT effectively, from first login to writing great prompts.
This session will cover:
- what ChatGPT is and what it can do
- getting set up
- free vs. Pro
- using the mobile app
- customing ChatGPT for your business
- prompting basics.
We'll also share an overview of stats from our Southern Oxfordshire project and an update on our next steps. This session is your opportunity to engage with like-minded entrepreneurs, share insights and learn from experts. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to build your network and gain practical insights for your hospitality business! Please note that spaces are limited.
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Partnering for Success: Employee Wellbeing & Mental Health SupportIndividual Placement and support (IPS) is an employment support service within Oxford Health, a tailored service designed to help individuals with lived experience of mental health find or retain employment. The service partners with businesses to foster inclusive workplaces, offering mental health awareness workshops and developing pathways into competitive employment. They can also provide skilled candidates for your open roles, provide guidance on the Equality Act, reasonable adjustments, Access to Work, and other schemes or accreditations. Check out the official brochure for more information.
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Review of the Off-Street Parking Orders for South and Vale
The car parks team are currently reviewing the Off-Street Parking Orders for South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils’ car parks until 11.59pm on Friday 8 May 2026.
As part of this process, we are proposing updates to several car parks, including a move to ticketless parking, meaning displaying a physical ticket in a vehicle is no longer required.
You can find out more information and have your say by viewing our webpage.
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Abingdon Larger Business ForumAbingdon Connected is a new business‑led forum, bringing together senior leaders from Abingdon’s larger businesses to strengthen collaboration and provide a unified strategic voice for the town’s economic future. The forum will focus on shared priorities such as skills, infrastructure, sustainability, transport and long‑term growth, helping to shape local opportunities and position Abingdon as a vibrant, forward‑thinking place to do business. Developed with encouragement from Abingdon‑on‑Thames Town Council, Abingdon Connected will operate independently and be guided by representatives from the business community. Larger businesses with a significant presence in or around Abingdon are warmly invited to participate and help shape the forum’s early direction. For expressions of interest, please contact elio.astone@abingdon.gov.uk.
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The Great British PitchTo help small business owners get to know more about exporting and the real opportunity it presents, Small Business Britain and Government's Department of Business and Trade (DBT) launched the Great British Pitch campaign in November 2025. This was created to sustain a pipeline of confident, export-ready small businesses by reducing barriers, improving knowledge and opening doors to international opportunities. The Great British Pitch took place during International Trade Week 2025 with a one-day, in-person event held at BT's HQ in London. It welcomed more than 100 small businesses, giving them the opportunity to secure global export deals and experience pitching to an international audience. The next event, taking place on Tuesday 16 June, will give 50 UK small businesses the opportunity to pitch directly to buyers in India. Alongside the pitching slots, there will be expert talks, workshops, mentoring and a reception event. Register your interest via the Small Business Britain website.
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Enterprise Nation: Free business support guides
With key input from the Department for Business and Trade, Enterprise Nation is outlining the available Government support and how to use it.
The free-to-access content brings together official guidance, real-world examples and clear next steps.
The support focuses on four key areas:
- Exporting
- Access to finance
- Digital tools and AI
- High-street resilience
Visit the Enterprise Nation website for further information.
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Calling all Southern Oxfordshire event organisers: May is coming!
Now that Easter's been and gone, we're looking ahead to the May bank holidays and half-term.
Whether you’re hosting a family-friendly workshop, a nature trail, a local market or a live performance across South and Vale, we want to help you spread the word via our 'What's on' events calendar and social media channels.
Why list with us?
- Visibility: Reach thousands of local families looking for activities.
- It’s free: We offer free listings for community and local events.
- Support local: Help us showcase the very best of what our region has to offer.
Simply visit our 'What's on' page to submit your event. Be sure to include a high-quality photo and clear booking information to make your listing stand out!
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UKAEA 16th Suppliers' Event
The next UKAEA Suppliers’ Event will provide an executive overview of UKAEA’s updates, and major programmes and projects. Thursday 23 April | 10.30am to 3.30pmThe event includes a morning of presentations from UKAEA’s Executive team and other key speakers, networking, exhibition booths hosted by UKAEA teams, The Fusion Cluster and UKIFS, direct access to UKAEA Commercial and technical representatives, and clear insight into how your organisation can support UKAEA’s mission and upcoming work. This event is open to suppliers representing large organisations or SMEs whose capabilities align with the fusion energy sector and related technologies. A maximum of two tickets per organisation will be permitted. Please note that only virtual tickets remain. Secure your ticket via the UKAEA website.
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Breakfast of ChampionsOxfordshire County Council is hosting a free Breakfast of Champions event at Bee House, located in Milton Park.Thursday 23 April | 8am - 10.30am You'll be able to hear inspirational local people talk about what makes Oxfordshire special to them, and about sustainable business ideas with initiatives where accessible, engaging, green spaces enable nature and people to thrive in balance, showcasing heart-warming stories from the people that are making them happen.Alongside this, you will be able to meet colleagues and build networks with people from a range of different sectors that will benefit you and the county.Register to attend the Breakfast of Champions event.
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Side Hustle LabSmall Business Britain's Side Hustle Lab returns for 6 weeks this May, in partnership with eBay, to help you sharpen your approach, increase sales and take your side hustle to the next level. Over 6 weeks, you'll learn how to:
- get your products in front of the right customers and stand out online
- price with confidence and learn what’s driving your profit
- use AI in ways that genuinely save you time (and effort) day-to-day
- deliver a customer experience that brings people back again and again
- take the next step - whether that’s scaling up or selling internationally
- build connections with other sellers who are on the same journey.
The course starts on 6 May. Register via the Small Business Britain 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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