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Welcome to the latest edition of the SVBS newsletter.
This week, we're focusing on our upcoming Visitor Economy Connect event for hospitality and tourism businesses in South and Vale. Further details can be found below.
We're also highlighting the Councils' consultation on the second Joint Local Plan, Small Business Britain and Starling's Female Founder Fundamentals programme, Enterprise Oxfordshire's Commercial Leadership for Growth Programme, advice on managing your commercial waste, the Let's Celebrate Towns 2026 campaign, making the most of rainy days with the Southern Oxfordshire website, Milton's Park official launch of Signal Yard, The Rebel School's Start a Rebel Business online course and ROBIN's Autumn Networking 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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Visitor Economy Connect: Grow your business, build new connections
Calling all hospitality and tourism businesses in South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse!
If you're looking to attract more visitors, strengthen your business network and hear about upcoming opportunities for the sector, join us for Visitor Economy Connect, a free networking and insight session taking place this September.
With the busy autumn and festive season fast approaching, now is the perfect time to connect with fellow businesses, gain fresh ideas and ensure you're ready to make the most of the months ahead.
Date, time and location
Tuesday 29 September
10am - 12pm
Sudbury House Hotel, Faringdon
Why attend?
- Meet and connect with local hospitality and tourism businesses
- Discover support, funding and training opportunities from Enterprise Oxfordshire
- Learn about upcoming promotional campaigns and projects
- Share ideas, challenges and best practice with industry peers
- Enjoy complimentary tea, coffee and pastries.
You'll also get an exclusive update on insights from our Southern Oxfordshire visitor economy project, plus a preview of upcoming marketing activity and campaigns to help businesses make the most of the all-important Christmas trading period.
Whether you're a hotel, attraction, restaurant, pub, café, experience provider or accommodation business, this is a fantastic opportunity to strengthen your local network and pick up practical insights to help your business thrive.
Spaces are limited and the event is just a few weeks away, so book your place today to avoid missing out.
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Consultation on Councils’ second Joint Local Plan launched
A consultation has launched this week on the South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils’ second Joint Local Plan.
A local plan sets out how development will be planned and delivered over time to meet the current and future needs of people living and working in a particular area. It guides where development should go (and where it shouldn’t), including new housing and employment, as well as identifying the supporting infrastructure needed.
The two councils are working on a joint plan that covers both districts. This stage of the process, known as a ‘scoping consultation’, is an initial step to get an idea of what communities, businesses and the planning industry think the plan should include and how the councils should approach future engagement.
This consultation does not include any proposed policies or strategies for the plan, as the councils are at such an early stage in the plan making process.
The consultation runs from Tuesday 8 September until Tuesday 29 September at 11.59pm. Please have your say via the dedicated webpage.
You can visit this webpage for more background information on the Joint Local Plan 2045 (JLP2) and all the ways to take part in the consultation.
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Female Founder Fundamentals with Small Business Britain and StarlingFemale entrepreneurs across the UK are being invited to take part in Female Founder Fundamentals 2026, a free six-week programme designed to help women-led businesses unlock their growth potential. The online course covers practical topics including branding and digital marketing, funding and investment, using AI to boost productivity, networking and mentorship, business growth strategies and overcoming gender-specific barriers. Participants will benefit from expert guidance, practical tools and a supportive community of fellow female founders. Register for your free place via the Small Business Britain website.
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Commercial Leadership for Growth Programme The Commercial Leadership for Growth Programme has been designed by Enterprise Oxfordshire for business leaders who want to scale with greater confidence, make better commercial decisions and learn directly from those who have successfully navigated similar challenges. The programme is suited to CEOs and senior leaders, Oxfordshire businesses employing 5 to 50 people, and growth-focused organisations planning their next stage. Topics include:
- Define Your Strategy and Growth Choices
- Choose Your Model, Pricing and Sales Strategy
- Making Financial Decisions for Growth
- Build the Systems and Operations for Growth
- Build Your Team and Lead for Growth.
You need to be based in Oxfordshire and to have completed the Business Support Tool since 1 November 2025. Register for your free place via Eventbrite.
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Managing your commercial wasteIf you're running a business or producing commercial waste, you have a legal duty of care to ensure that your waste is managed safely and responsibly. To comply with your duty of care, you should use a licensed commercial waste facility or a registered waste carrier when arranging waste disposal. This could include taking waste to a privately operated waste management facility or arranging collection through a licensed waste carrier, such as a commercial waste collection or skip hire company. Remember to keep records of how your waste has been managed, including waste transfer notes and receipts or invoices from your waste disposal provider. These documents help demonstrate that your waste has been handled legally and responsibly. If you transport waste yourself arising from, or as part of a business activity, you will need to have a waste carriers licence. For more information, visit the Oxfordshire County Council website.
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Let's Celebrate Towns 2026Communities across the UK are being invited to share their success stories as part of Visa and Nationwide's 'Let's Celebrate Towns' competition, a national initiative that recognises towns helping local businesses and communities thrive. The competition shines a spotlight on the people, projects and partnerships that are making a positive difference to local high streets and town centres. This year, entries can be submitted across five categories, including High Street Revival, Backing Local Business, Protecting Valued Places, Connected Places, and Community Pride. Winning towns will each receive a £20,000 grant to support community-led projects or initiatives that benefit local businesses and residents. Find out more and enter via the official website.
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Rainy days in Southern Oxfordshire
Don’t let the rain spoil your day! There are plenty of things to do in South and Vale to turn a grey day into a great one.
Step inside fascinating museums, crack the codes in an escape room, take in stunning views from the comfort of a boat trip along the River Thames, or meet friendly animals at a local farm.
Prefer something slower-paced? Settle into a cosy pub and tuck into a hearty meal. Whatever the weather brings, there’s always something to enjoy here. Grab your umbrella, gather the family and make memories!
Find more inspiration via the Southern Oxfordshire website.
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Milton Park invites visitors to the official launch of Signal Yard
Milton Park is officially launching Signal Yard, its new social and retail destination, with a public launch celebration on Wednesday 23 September from 4pm to 7pm.
Guests will be able to sample Signal Yard's food and drink offering, and enjoy a range of complimentary wellness and lifestyle experiences. Apollo Pharmacy will be providing free health checks and wellbeing advice, while Flex Health Hub will offer free mini massages and tours of their space. Damira Dental Studios will be promoting a teeth whitening offer with free consultations for people that book appointments on the day and The Bros Barbers will provide an exclusive 10% discount. Milton Post Office will also be open.
The celebration will also feature live music and performers, while visitors can also enjoy family-friendly entertainment including free drop-in craft workshops, face painting and more.
Find out more about Signal Yard via Milton Park's website.
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Start a Rebel Business – OnlineHave you ever thought about starting your own business or side hustle but didn't know where to begin? The Rebel School's free Start a Rebel Business Online programme is designed to help aspiring entrepreneurs turn ideas into action. Monday 14 September - Monday 2 NovemberThe eight-week online course covers everything from choosing a business idea and finding customers, to marketing, AI tools and business essentials. The programme focuses on practical action rather than lengthy business plans, showing participants how to start and grow a business without needing loans or significant upfront investment. Find out more and register via The Rebel School website.
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ROBIN Autumn Networking eventROBIN's September networking event will soon be taking place at Low Carbon Hub, one of the county’s leading social enterprises driving the transition to a zero-carbon future. Thursday 17 September | 4pm - 6pmROBIN (Responsible Oxfordshire Business Involvement Network) facilitates lots of introductions, powerful collaborations and partnerships. Come and mingle with ROBIN's growing network of businesses, charities, social enterprises, voluntary groups and educational institutions, in a relaxed and friendly environment. Booking is essential. Register for your free place via ROBIN's 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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