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Welcome to the latest edition of the SVBS newsletter.
This week, we're focusing on the relaunch of the UK Business Climate Hub, designed to make sustainability easier for SMEs. Further details can be found below.
We're also highlighting Enterprise Oxfordshire's Connect to Work programme, Vale of White Horse District Council's Nature and Climate Action Fund, Small Business Saturday's Nation's Favourite Businesses campaign, The Open University's new AI Hub, Low Carbon Hub's grant programme beneficiaries, planning your summer with our Southern Oxfordshire website, the Beautiful South Tourism Awards, a South and Vale members trip to Culham Campus, and DWP's Special Educational Needs in the workplace 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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UK Business Climate Hub relaunch
The UK Business Climate Hub is back with a new look and upgraded features, designed to make sustainability easier for SMEs. Thanks to investment from the UK Government, this one-stop shop provides everything you need to save money and stay competitive.
By utilising the Hub, businesses will be able to:
- lower energy bills while improving efficiency
- find financial support and expert advice
- keep up with supply chain and customer expectations
- future-proof your company to ensure it remains competitive.
If you are an SME owner seeking actionable strategies to lower costs and grow your business, the UK Business Climate Hub is an excellent starting point.
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Enterprise Oxfordshire: Connect to WorkEnterprise Oxfordshire would like to partner with businesses who are ready to help people find their way into meaningful and sustainable employment.The Connect to Work programme provides customised, hands-on support to help businesses not only recruit, but also retain and nurture talent, making inclusive employment straightforward and effective while fulfilling actual business requirements.A dedicated employment specialist will work with an employer to match participants with suitable open market jobs, which are paid at, at least, minimum wage. The employment specialist will then continue to support the participant and employer to navigate their working relationship.Register your business’ interest in the programme.
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Supporting Nature and Climate projects in the ValeThe Nature and Climate Action Fund is available for projects that help tackle climate or mitigate its impact, such as improving resilience to flooding, and help restore nature in the Vale of White Horse. From energy audits to solar panel installation, this funding can help projects large or small across the district. Any voluntary or community organisation can apply - you don’t need to have a climate or nature focus, just a project that will benefit residents, tackle climate change and support nature recovery. Grants from £250 to £10,000 per project are available. The grant scheme is open until midday 29 June. Visit the Vale of White Horse District Council website for more information.
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Nation's Favourite Businesses Applications are now open for the 2026 Small Business Saturday Nation's Favourite Businesses awards. Since the campaign began fourteen years ago, winners have benefitted from extensive social media and press exposure, alongside special invitations to London-based receptions at the Treasury, Downing Street and the House of Lords. Entries must be submitted by 30 June and finalists will receive email notification in August. Submit your application via the Small Business Saturday website.
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AI Hub: Free AI learning for every organisation
The Open University and Microsoft have teamed up to launch an AI Hub, designed to help you build confidence and learn new skills, regardless of your current experience level.
Inside, you’ll find a curated collection of learning paths covering:
- AI fundamentals
- Microsoft Career Essentials
- Ethical and responsible AI
- Generative AI skills
- Cybersecurity.
Check out the new AI Hub.
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Low Carbon Hub: Small grants in action 2025-26From thermal imaging campaigns and repair cafes to fashion shows and EV charging upgrades, a small grant from Low Carbon Hub goes a long way. The Low Carbon Hub’s Community Grants Fund provides vital support for local climate action. This year, fifteen Oxfordshire community groups are using their 2025–26 grants to deliver a diverse range of projects, including EV charging upgrades, repair cafes and community energy events. Organisations who have benefitted from grant funding include One Planet Abingdon, Sustainable Didcot, Sustainable Wantage and 21st Century Thame. Read the story in full via the Low Carbon Hub website.
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Make the most of summer in Southern Oxfordshire! From family-friendly festivals and community events to outdoor activities and great days out, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this summer. Explore what’s happening near you and start planning your perfect summer with our handy 'What’s On' calendar.
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Enter the 2026 Beautiful South Tourism AwardsIf you run a tourism or hospitality business, the Beautiful South Tourism Awards are a fantastic way to raise your profile, build credibility, boost morale and set yourself apart from the competition. You’ll receive free feedback just for entering, but if you win in certain categories, you could even go on to represent the South East at the national VisitEngland Awards for Excellence in 2027. There are over 20 awards to apply for. Apply before midnight on 26 June.
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Councillors head to Culham Campus!
Members from both councils, including Leaders Cllr Maggie Filipova-Rivers (South Oxfordshire District Council) and Cllr Bethia Thomas (Vale of White Horse District Council), recently visited Culham Campus alongside our Economic Development team, organised by the Chair of South Oxfordshire District Council, Cllr Katharine Keats-Rohan.
Their visit included an overview of research and development at Culham from the UK Atomic Energy Authority, and visits to the Joint European Torus (JET) and Culham's Robotics Centre RACE. Members also met with apprentices at Oxfordshire Advanced Skills Centre (OAS) for high-tech training, and heard more about on the Campus' status as an AI Growth Zone.
With planned growth at the campus, it was a great opportunity for the councils to find out more about the projects taking place and understand how members can work with partners at Culham to support delivery of economic and community benefits for the local area.
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Supported Internships and working with people with Special Educational Needs in the workplaceDWP and Mencap invite employers to join a session to learn more about Supported Internships, and working with people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities in the workplace. The session will focus on:
- definitions of different client groups under the banner of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities
- an outline of Supported Internships
- top tips for how to communicate and work with client groups
- a breakdown of the support available to employers
- an explanation of the business benefits from hiring from this talent pool
- how you can get involved.
Register for your free place.
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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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