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Welcome to the latest edition of the SVBS newsletter.
This week, we're focusing on our upcoming Business Breakfast event, taking place next week at the Bee House on Milton Park. Further details can be found below.
We're also highlighting Cyber Security Awareness Month and the actions your business can take, Small Business Britain's Female Founder Fundamentals programme, Enterprise Oxfordshire's free advice on apprenticeships, Enterprise Nation's Backing Your Business programme, a £210 million funding package for high streets, new funding for the Rosalind Franklin Institute and Enterprise Oxfordshire's High Street Businesses 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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Business Breakfast: Connect, learn and grow!
Are you a business based in South Oxfordshire or Vale of White Horse? If so, we'd love to meet you.
Join us for coffee and networking, designed to help you connect with free business support, hear from expert guest speakers and network with fellow businesses from across the region.
Whether you're looking to grow your business, access support programmes, better understand council services or simply expand your local network, this event provides a friendly and valuable opportunity to make new connections and learn about the resources available to you.
Date, time and location
Thursday 15 October
9.30am - 11.30am
Bee House, Milton Park
Talks
We're delighted to be hosted by Milton Park, who will provide an introduction to one of the UK's leading innovation communities. You’ll also hear about a range of business support initiatives, including the recently launched Thrive at Work Oxfordshire programme that offers free wellbeing support for local businesses and employees, the forthcoming Source it in Oxfordshire business directory that aims to support more local supply chain opportunities, and Enterprise Oxfordshire’s Growth Hub, that supports the county’s business community through a variety of programmes and initiatives.
Networking
Following the presentations, there will be plenty of time to network with fellow attendees and speak directly with members of the Councils' Economic Development team.
Refreshments will be provided. Please note that places are limited and are going quickly, so booking is essential.
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Cyber Security Awareness Month
Cyber Security Awareness Month takes place every October to promote online safety and cyber resilience.
The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has a range of free tools and guidance designed specifically for businesses, helping owners protect their data, devices and accounts.
At the heart of the support is the free Cyber Action Toolkit, which provides practical advice on reducing cyber risks and protecting day-to-day business activities. The NCSC also offers guidance on spotting phishing scams, securing online meetings, using cloud-based services safely and adopting passkeys as a more secure alternative to passwords. For businesses that have experienced a cyber attack or online scam, the NCSC provides free resources to help owners respond, recover and improve their resilience.
Find out more via the NCSC website. |
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Female Founder Fundamentals with Small Business Britain & StarlingFemale entrepreneurs looking to build their skills, confidence and business networks can now sign up for the free Female Founder Fundamentals programme from Small Business Britain and Starling. Designed to support women at all stages of their business journey, the six-week online course offers practical advice, expert-led training and opportunities to connect with other founders across the UK. The course starts on Tuesday 13 October. Topics include:
- Craft Your Brand
- Know Your Numbers
- AI For Productivity
- Elevate Connections
- Grow Your Business
- Build Confidence.
Register for your free place via the Small Business Britain website.
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Enterprise Oxfordshire apprenticeshipsBusinesses across Oxfordshire are invited to explore the benefits of apprenticeships, with free expert support available through Enterprise Oxfordshire Skills. The team works with employers and training providers throughout the apprenticeship journey, helping organisations recruit, train and retain talent while supporting apprentices to successfully complete their programmes. Support is available for organisations looking to make the most of apprenticeship funding, including guidance on the apprenticeship levy. Larger employers can pledge unused levy funds to help smaller businesses, charities and social enterprises cover the cost of apprenticeship training and assessment, creating more opportunities for workforce development across the county. Further details can be found via the Enterprise Oxfordshire website.
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Backing Your BusinessSmall businesses looking for trusted advice and practical support can access 'Backing Your Business', an online resource from Enterprise Nation. Developed with input from the Department for Business and Trade, the programme brings together government-backed guidance, expert advice and useful resources for businesses. The initiative focuses on four key areas that are often critical to business growth and resilience: exporting, access to finance, digital tools and AI, and high street support. Business owners can explore information tailored to their needs, with clear guidance on the funding, programmes and support available to help them succeed. Visit the Backing Your Business webpage to get started.
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Boarded-up high streets brought back to life with £210m boostThe Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has announced a £210 million funding package to support the regeneration of town centres, transforming underused properties into spaces that better serve local needs. The investment includes a new £125 million Derelict Buildings Fund, which will help local authorities redevelop empty and neglected buildings into community assets such as shared workspaces, health centres, cafés and civic spaces. A further £65 million will support communities looking to save and revitalise valued local assets, including pubs, sports clubs and other community facilities at risk of closure. In addition, £20 million will be used to expand initiatives that bring vacant commercial properties back into use and encourage the growth of community-owned and co-operative enterprises. Read the story in full via the Government's website.
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New funding to support the next generation of medical and materials breakthroughsTwo leading research institutes are set to benefit from more than £162 million in new funding, helping to drive the next generation of medical and materials breakthroughs. Based at Harwell Campus, the Rosalind Franklin Institute will receive £67.7 million to advance pioneering research in areas such as imaging, diagnostics and precision medicine. Meanwhile, the Henry Royce Institute will receive £95 million to continue its work developing advanced materials and supporting the commercialisation of cutting-edge technologies. The investment will strengthen the UK's position as a leader in life sciences and advanced materials, while supporting collaboration between researchers and businesses to bring innovations to market faster. From improving healthcare outcomes to accelerating battery technology and sustainable materials development, the funding aims to deliver real-world impact for people, businesses and the wider economy. Further details can be found via the Harwell Campus website.
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High Street Businesses: Spot Trends, Customer Needs & Ideas for GrowthRunning a high street business means constantly adapting to changing customer expectations and market trends. Enterprise Oxfordshire is running an online, practical workshop designed to help local businesses identify emerging opportunities, better understand their customers and develop ideas to support sustainable growth. Monday 12 October | 1pm - 2pmWhether you're looking to boost footfall, enhance your customer experience or plan your next stage of growth, this session offers useful tools and fresh perspectives to help your business thrive. 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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