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Welcome to the latest edition of the SVBS newsletter.
This week, we're focusing on a local good news story - Rhubarb Seating has been named a Circularity Champion Manufacturer Leader in Design Conformity’s 2026 industry report! Further details can be found below.
We're also highlighting Oxfordshire County Council's Thrive at Work Oxfordshire programme, the Government's Youth Guarantee Journey, Enterprise Oxfordshire's Business Support Tool, Small Business Britain's The Great British Pitch - USA event, planning your summer holidays via the Southern Oxfordshire website, the Government's Great British Summer Savings scheme, UKAEA's new Spinout Accelerator and Enterprise Oxfordshire's Unlocking the Purple Pound 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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'Rhubarb Seating named Circularity Champion in landmark UK Furniture Industry Report'Oxfordshire-based Rhubarb Seating has been named a Circularity Champion Manufacturer Leader in Design Conformity’s 2026 industry report, placing the company among the UK and Europe’s top-performing sustainable furniture manufacturers. The report, one of the sector’s most comprehensive independent sustainability assessments, reviewed more than 170,000 furniture businesses across Europe. Rhubarb Seating was one of only four UK manufacturers recognised for excellence in carbon efficiency and circular design, with just 0.1% of all assessed companies achieving Leader status. Read the story in full via the Furniture & Joinery Production website.
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Thrive at Work Oxfordshire - coming soonOxfordshire County Council (OCC) will soon be launching a free support programme developed to assist Oxfordshire-based workplaces who are passionate about creating happy, healthy, and inclusive environments, where organisations and employees can thrive. Any Oxfordshire-based workplace with three or more employees is eligible to access the programme. 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 from an expert team.
Register your interest via the OCC website.
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Youth Guarantee JourneyThe Government is providing additional support for unemployed 16 - 24-year-olds. New Universal Credit claimants in this age group can take part in a 13-week programme of intensive support with a dedicated Work Coach to help them move into employment.Jobcentre Plus is keen to work with local employers who can offer work experience placements (from two to eight weeks), as well as job vacancies or apprenticeship opportunities for young people. If this is of interest, please contact James Gilpin, Oxfordshire Partnership Manager.Additionally, to encourage employers to recruit young people who may face barriers to work, the Youth Jobs Grant offers financial support for businesses hiring 18 - 24-year-olds who have been claiming Universal Credit for six months or more.Eligible employers can receive up to £3,000 per successful job outcome, paid in stages, for approved vacancies that are registered with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) in advance. Businesses can register their interest through the Build Your Future Workforce website.
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Enterprise Oxfordshire Business Support ToolWhether you’re just starting out, looking to grow or facing new challenges, finding the right support can make all the difference. Enterprise Oxfordshire’s Business Support Tool has been designed to help businesses across the county access the most relevant advice, funding opportunities, programmes and events. The free online tool takes around seven minutes to complete and asks a series of questions about your business, its current position and future ambitions. Using this information, Enterprise Oxfordshire creates a personalised Business Support Plan, tailored to your specific needs. Get started via the Enterprise Oxfordshire website.
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The Great British Pitch - USAAre you interested in pitching your business to buyers in the USA? Small Business Britain and the Government's Department of Business and Trade (DBT) are looking for businesses in the following sectors:
- Food and Drink
- Consumer Goods / Retail
Successful applicants will attend a dedicated pitching day, where approximately 50 UK small businesses will have the opportunity to pitch directly to buyers in the USA. Alongside the pitching slots, there will be expert talks, workshops, mentoring and a reception event. Register your interest via the Great British Pitch 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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Great British Summer Savings
HM Government has introduced a temporary VAT reduction from 20 per cent to 5 per cent on selected family-focused goods and services. The scheme is designed to support household spending and increase footfall for businesses during summer 2026.
The reduced VAT rate will run until 1 September 2026 (inclusive). After this period, VAT returns to the standard rate. To help build awareness of the scheme, we've put together some business FAQs.
Register your business via the official website.
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UKAEA launches new Spinout Accelerator
The UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) has unveiled a new Spinout Accelerator at Culham Campus, designed to help innovators turn promising technologies into successful commercial ventures. The purpose-built facility provides early-stage teams with dedicated workspace, collaboration areas and access to specialist support, enabling them to develop ideas and bring them to market more quickly. One of the first projects to benefit from the new facility is Simvue, a technology transfer initiative preparing to spin out from UKAEA. The organisation believes the accelerator will strengthen the UK’s fusion innovation ecosystem and support the growth of high-potential businesses emerging from scientific research. Read the story in full via the UKAEA website.
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Unlocking the Purple PoundDid you know that improving accessibility could help your business reach more customers, strengthen loyalty and boost growth? Enterprise Oxfordshire is hosting a free online webinar, 'Unlocking the Purple Pound', designed to help SMEs understand the commercial benefits of disability inclusion. Wednesday 15 July | 4pm - 5pmLed by Linda Cole of WITH Us, the session will explore how businesses of all sizes can make simple, practical changes that create more accessible experiences for customers and clients. 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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