British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme (BICS)

Announced as part of the Industrial Strategy, the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme (BICS) cuts electricity costs for eligible manufacturers in Great Britain, with savings of up to £40 per MWh expected to be available from April 2027. More than 10,000 businesses are expected to be eligible.

Businesses can use the eligibility checker on GOV.UK to see if they are likely to qualify, and read the business guidance to understand the evidence requirements.

Applications for the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme (BICS) open on 1 October 2026 and close at 23.59 on 30 November 2026. Check if you could be eligible via the Government's website.

Thrive at Work Oxfordshire

Thrive at Work Oxfordshire offers free support to businesses, charities and public sector organisations looking to strengthen employee wellbeing and workplace culture.

The programme provides access to expert advice, training webinars, practical resources and a structured wellbeing framework covering key areas of workplace health and inclusion. Participating organisations can also work towards workplace wellbeing certification.

In addition, employers can register their interest in the programme's free Health MOT service, which brings health and wellbeing checks directly into workplaces. These sessions can include blood pressure and BMI checks, wellbeing advice and signposting to local support services.

Find out more and register via the Thrive at Work Oxfordshire website.

Launch of the £530,000 Didcot Substation Community Fund consultation

National Grid wants your feedback on how a new £530,000 Community Fund linked to work at Didcot substation might best be spent.

The Fund is intended to support community priorities in Didcot and surrounding areas, helping deliver lasting benefits for local people and places.

Residents, community groups and local organisations are invited to complete a two-minute survey by 27 October 2026, to tell National Grid what matters most in the area and help shape how the funding is spent and ensure it reflects local needs and aspirations.

Complete the survey via the National Grid website.

The Cedar Review report

A new independent report, The Cedar Review: From Displacement to Business, has highlighted the significant contribution refugee entrepreneurs are already making to the UK economy and the opportunities that could be unlocked with greater support.

Led by Small Business Britain, the review draws on survey data, focus groups and case studies from across the UK. It explores how refugee-founded businesses are creating jobs, contributing to local economies and bringing new ideas, products and international perspectives to the market.

The report also identifies key challenges faced by aspiring and established refugee entrepreneurs, including access to finance, business support and self-employment opportunities. It sets out a series of recommendations aimed at helping more refugee-founded businesses start, grow and succeed. 

Read the report in full via The Cedar Review website.

Hospitality Grant Scheme

Independent pubs, restaurants and cafés across the UK could benefit from a new £10 million Hospitality Grant Scheme.

The three-year programme aims to support projects that help hospitality businesses start, grow and innovate, while also creating training and employment opportunities for local people.

The funding will be used to back initiatives such as bringing vacant premises back into use, supporting aspiring hospitality entrepreneurs, and developing skills programmes that help people gain experience and access careers in the sector.

Applications are open until 13 October 2026. Apply via the Government's website.

Recording slots now open for On the Record

On the Record, taking place at Dovetail Studios on Friday 16 October, is an open day designed for Oxfordshire businesses keen to harness the power of video to tell their story, strengthen their brand, and build stronger connections with customers.

As part of the event, 12 free 20-minute recording sessions are available in the professional studio at Harwell Innovation Centre. Featuring Canon cameras, Rode microphones and brand-matched lighting, each session offers businesses the opportunity to answer six carefully selected questions about their organisation, industry expertise and plans for the future.
 
Secure your time slot via Dovetail Creative's website.

Great British Pitch Europe

Businesses with ambitions to grow internationally are invited to register their interest for Small Business Britain's Great British Pitch Europe, taking place on 11 November 2026.

The event will bring together UK small businesses, international buyers, industry experts and business leaders for a day focused on helping businesses expand into European markets and explore new export opportunities.

Attendees can expect live business pitches to international buyers, expert-led sessions packed with practical advice, opportunities to connect with organisations supporting trade and growth, and plenty of networking throughout the day, including an evening reception.

Complete the registration form via the Small Business Britain website.

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