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Welcome to the latest edition of the SVBS newsletter.
This week, we're focusing on our upcoming Visitor Economy Connect, where we'll be delving into using AI for marketing your business. Further details can be found below.
We're also highlighting Oxford Brookes' survey and interviews for UKSPF programme attendees, cyber security advice, Enterprise Oxfordshire's Business Support Tool, Small Business Britain's Cedar Review, planning your May bank holiday via the Southern Oxfordshire website, Oxford Brookes Business School's Help to Grow Management Programme, UKAEA's Global Fusion Guide for SMEs, and Enterprise Oxfordshire's 'Find your Pathway to Growth' 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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Visitor Economy Connect - AI marketing special
Are you a local hospitality or tourism business in South Oxfordshire or Vale of White Horse? Join us for the next Visitor Economy Connect - a streamlined 2-hour session designed to fit into your busy schedule.
Wednesday 13 May
10am - 12pm
Hilton Garden Inn Abingdon Oxford, Abingdon
Alongside high-value networking with local peers, we’re featuring an AI marketing session with Bluezone Media.
If you think you don’t have time to learn AI, think again. In this 20-minute session, you’ll learn:
- how to get ChatGPT set up on all your devices instantly
- how to customise AI for your organisation
- the difference between Free and Pro (and which you actually need)
- the "Golden Rule" of prompting for better marketing results.
We’ll also share an exclusive data update on our Southern Oxfordshire project. Maximize your morning, gain expert insights and get back to your business for lunchtime!
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Did our UKSPF programmes help your business?Oxford Brookes University is measuring the real-world impact of our UKSPF programmes. Your feedback is the evidence local councils need to design future funding, resources, and support for SMEs in South and Vale. You can quickly share your experience via Oxford Brookes' survey. This is a chance to influence the future of local government support, funding and resources.
Want to be a featured case study? Speak with Dr. Sara le Roux to showcase your progress and receive a £20 gift voucher as a thank you, funded by Oxford Brookes.
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Cyber security advice for small to medium sized organisationsIn today’s digital landscape, cyber security is no longer just a concern for tech giants. According to recent data from the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), 1 in 2 UK businesses reported a cyber attack in the last year. For small and medium-sized organisations, these incidents can be more than just a nuisance - they can impact your reputation and your bottom line. To help you stay secure, the NCSC has put together a variety of free resources and actionable advice tailored specifically for smaller teams. Take ten minutes this week to visit the NCSC website. It’s one of the best investments you can make for your business’ future!
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Directing you to the right business supportAll Oxfordshire businesses, no matter size or stage, will come across challenges they can’t face alone. To help, Enterprise Oxfordshire signposts the county’s businesses to the most-appropriate business support, grant schemes and events. Completing Enterprise Oxfordshire's Business Support Tool will mean that, no matter what stage you are at, the team can better understand your needs and provide you with tailored support and advice. Complete the Business Support Tool via Enterprise Oxfordshire's website.
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Cedar Review - Survey for Refugee EntrepreneursOrganised by Small Business Britain, the Cedar Review will examine the current state of refugee entrepreneurship, assess the economic value of refugee-led businesses, draw on international best practice, and develop evidence-based recommendations for Government, business and support organisations to drive economic growth by increasing the success and scale of refugee-founded businesses. The Cedar Review survey explores the journeys of refugee entrepreneurs, evaluating the effectiveness of existing resources and identifying the specific support needed to help future founders succeed. Those who take part in the survey will have a chance of winning £250. Have your say via the Cedar Review website.
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Spring has officially sprung, and with the first May bank holiday just around the corner, Southern Oxfordshire is the place to be. Whether you’re a fan of local food and drink, live music or epic shows, we’ve rounded up some of the best local events to fill your long (and hopefully sunny!) weekend. Check out our 'What's on' calendar to make the most of the break! |
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Help to Grow Management ProgrammeExperience Oxfordshire is collaborating with Oxford Brookes Business School to offer you, or someone in your team, a fully-funded place on the Help to Grow Management Programme, valued at £7,500pp. Structured to complement your professional schedule, this 12-week course integrates a hands-on curriculum with personalised mentorship from industry leaders and exclusive alumni networking events. The programme is a unique opportunity for senior leaders to build expertise across the key areas and to boost business performance, resilience and long-term growth. By the end of the programme, attendees will have developed a business growth plan to help them lead their business to release its potential. Further details can be found via the official website.
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Global fusion sector scaling up, creating UK SME opportunities
UKAEA has introduced a Global Fusion Guide for SMEs, offering practical roadmaps for businesses looking to partner with and supply fusion developers on a global scale.
As fusion energy transitions from experimental research to full-scale power plants, developers are turning to external partners. This evolution creates a massive opportunity for UK firms specialising in engineering, robotics and digital systems, and even those currently operating outside the fusion sector.
The guide introduces the major public and private programmes worldwide, explores the key technologies required to deliver fusion power and sets out global routes to market.
Find out more via the Government's website.
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Introducing your 2026/27 Business Support - Find your Pathway to Growth Want your business to do more than just survive the next few years? Join Enterprise Oxfordshire for their 'Introducing your 2026/27 Business Support - Find your Pathway to Growth' webinar, looking at how your business can plug into the Enterprise Oxfordshire Business support programme. Thursday 7 May | 12.30pm - 1.30pm With thousands of hours of fully funded support available for Oxfordshire’s SME community, Enterprise Oxfordshire will share some of the most impactful ways you can get help - from start-up basics and leadership development, to innovation, exporting and investment readiness. 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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