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Welcome to the latest edition of the SVBS newsletter.
This week, we're focusing on the chance to have your say on our future Business Breakfast events. We're keen to host regular opportunities for local businesses to connect, but we need your help in how these should be shaped! Further details can be found below.
We're also highlighting the Government's announcement of Oxfordshire's three new unitary councils, rate relief for South and Vale businesses, a call out for local artists and makers, sustainability grant funding from Enterprise Nation, Enterprise Oxfordshire's Marketplace & Celebration 2026 event, Foundervine's Breakthrough programme for disabled entrepreneurs, planning the summer break via the Visit Southern Oxfordshire website, the Government's Great British Summer Savings scheme, the opening of the UK Space and Defence Gateway at Harwell Campus and Enterprise Oxfordshire's upcoming OxBOoSt event.
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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Thank you to all those who came to our first Coffee and Connections: Business Breakfast networking event earlier this month. We received lots of positive feedback, along with some great suggestions for future events.We're keen to make these events a regular opportunity for local businesses to connect, and we'd like your input on what that should look like.Please complete our quick one-question survey - it takes less than a minute and will help us plan future events! Please note that your details will not be stored when submitting your answer.
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The Government has announced that Oxfordshire and West Berkshire’s seven existing councils will be replaced by three unitary councils from 1 April 2028, as part of its plans for local government reorganisation (LGR). The new councils will be:
- Greater Oxford Council – covering Oxford and its immediate surroundings.
- Northern Oxfordshire Council – covering most of the existing Cherwell and West Oxfordshire districts.
- Ridgeway Council – covering most of the existing South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse districts, combined with West Berkshire.
The full details of the three-unitary proposal can be found on 3councils.org.
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South Oxfordshire businesses
There’s good news on tap for South Oxfordshire’s pubs after the district council approved a one-off ‘top up’ rates relief scheme for 2026/27.
The discretionary scheme will give eligible pubs an additional 15 per cent off their business rates, helping them tackle rising costs and remain at the heart of communities across the district.
Vale of White Horse businesses
Pubs and essential rural businesses across the Vale of White Horse are set to receive extra support following the approval of a new one-off discretionary business rates relief scheme for 2026/27.
The package will provide additional rates relief to around 120 businesses across the Vale, helping pubs across the district meet rising costs while also supporting village shops, post offices and other sole businesses in rural areas that provide a vital service to their community.
Next steps
Eligible businesses do not need to apply. Revised business rates bills showing the reduced amount will be issued over the next month.
If you think you're eligible and haven't heard from the Councils' Business Rates team next month, don't worry - we’ll send out details after this timeframe on what to do next.
For full details, visit the South and Vale websites.
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Calling all local artists and makersCornerstone Arts Centre is launching brand new Makers Spaces, creating a dedicated retail area to celebrate and support local artists, designers and makers. They're looking for a diverse range of handmade work, from art prints, ceramics and jewellery to textiles, homeware, gifts and more. If you'd like the opportunity to showcase and sell your work in the heart of the arts centre, simply email galleryatcornerstone@southoxon.gov.uk with a few images of your work, along with links to your website or social media if you have them, and their team will be in touch. Please also share this opportunity with others!
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Power your sustainability with a £5,000 grant Enterprise Nation and EDF Small Business, with support from NatWest and Square, are offering £25,000 in funding to help five small businesses take meaningful steps towards a greener future.Each successful applicant will receive a £5,000 grant. In addition, five businesses will have the opportunity to receive a free dedicated workplace electric vehicle (EV) charger, including installation, provided by Pod. You can apply for the grant, the EV charger, or both.Whether you're looking to upgrade equipment, boost energy efficiency, or invest in renewable technology, this funding could help your business make a confident move towards greater sustainability.Apply via the Enterprise Nation website before midnight on 31 August.
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Marketplace & Celebration 2026Enterprise Oxfordshire's Marketplace & Celebration 2026 (MAC26) event is back, bringing Oxfordshire's business community together to celebrate success, make powerful connections and unlock new opportunities. This year, the event is shining a spotlight on the incredible SMEs, innovators and leaders who have engaged with Enterprise Oxfordshire Business since April 2022. Whether you want to showcase your business in the lively marketplace or gain recognition through the free-to-enter awards scheme, MAC26 is your chance to step into the spotlight. Entering the awards is completely free, and applying for a marketplace stand gives you the opportunity to raise your profile, share your story and connect with fellow businesses, partners and supporters from across Oxfordshire. Full details can be found via Enterprise Oxfordshire's website.
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Breakthrough with Lloyds: Empowering Disabled Entrepreneurs to Grow and Thrive Foundervine, in partnership with Lloyds, has launched Breakthrough, an eight-week accelerator programme designed to support disabled entrepreneurs who are ready to take the next step in their business journey. The programme aims to remove barriers to growth while providing founders with the skills, confidence and connections needed to scale their ventures. Participants will benefit from a range of expert-led masterclasses, one-to-one coaching, sector-specific mentorship and guidance on accessing grants, subsidies and alternative funding opportunities. A key highlight is the opportunity to pitch to investors and funders at the programme’s Showcase Day, with participants also able to access a £21,000 grant funding pot. Applications are open until 19 August. Find out more and apply via the Foundervine 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 Families across the UK can now discover more affordable days out and discounted children’s meals near them through the Government's Great British Summer Savings website. To help households make the most of the summer while managing rising living costs, the Chancellor introduced a temporary VAT reduction from 20% to 5% on a range of eligible activities until 1 September. This includes family cinema tickets, entry to attractions such as amusement parks for both adults and children, and children's meals at participating restaurants, helping families enjoy outings for less. Find your family's summer offer via the Great British Summer Savings website. Additionally, businesses can register to share their offers via this page.
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His Majesty The King Officially Opens The UK Space and Defence Gateway
Harwell Science and Innovation Campus welcomed His Majesty King Charles III for the official opening of the UK Space and Defence Gateway, a new hub designed to strengthen collaboration between government, academia, investors and industry across the UK’s space and defence sectors.
Based at the heart of the Harwell Space Cluster, the Gateway aims to accelerate innovation, attract investment and support businesses as they scale, helping to shape the future of the UK’s space and defence economy. The initiative is aligned with the Sustainable Markets Initiative’s Astra Carta, championing a sustainable approach to space development.
Read the story via the Harwell Campus website.
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OxBOoSt - August Looking to expand your network and discover new opportunities for collaboration? OxBOoSt (Oxfordshire Business Opportunities & Support) brings together Oxfordshire businesses for an hour of connection, conversation and support. Tuesday 4 August | 4pm - 5pmHosted online by Enterprise Oxfordshire, this free networking event is designed to help local business owners and leaders connect, exchange ideas and learn about the latest business support available across the county. Please note - you must be based in Oxfordshire and have completed Enterprise Oxfordshire’s Business Support Tool since the 1st of November 2025 to attend this event. 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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