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Welcome to the latest edition of the SVBS newsletter.
This week, we're recapping our Coffee and Connections: South and Vale Business Breakfast event. We're also highlighting the Source it in Oxfordshire initiative, the Councils' work towards stronger community connections, the National Grid's Didcot Community Fund, South Oxfordshire District Council's Nature and Climate Action Fund, planning your half-term and Halloween adventures via the Southern Oxfordshire website, the Getting on the Pitch marketing workshop at Harwell Campus, Open Cosmos reaching unicorn status, the Small Business Saturday webinar series and the Carbon Credits and Nature Based solutions 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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Our Coffee and Connections: South and Vale Business Breakfast was a great success last week, attracting more than 60 local businesses to the Bee House on Milton Park.
Attendees heard from representatives from Milton Park, Thrive at Work Oxfordshire, Enterprise Oxfordshire Growth Hub, Source it in Oxfordshire, Abingdon & Witney College and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), who shared insights, opportunities and support available to businesses across the region.
Keep an eye on future editions of our newsletter for details of upcoming events.
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Source it in OxfordshireA new initiative, Source it in Oxfordshire, helps organisations find and work with suppliers based within the county. The directory connects local businesses with councils, developers, universities, hospitals and other organisations seeking goods and services from nearby suppliers. Oxfordshire-based organisations that provide goods or services to other businesses are invited to register their details free of charge. Submitting your details is free and only takes a few minutes. Submissions will be verified and the directory will be updated with new entries on a quarterly basis. Register your business via the Source it in Oxfordshire website.
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Councils work towards stronger community connectionsSouth Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils have launched a project to help build stronger communities, develop connections and foster neighbourhood togetherness across the districts. Working with community cohesion experts 'Belong - The Cohesion and Integration Network', the councils are gathering feedback from residents, organisations and community groups to help shape a new five-year Community Cohesion Strategy. The strategy will focus on promoting inclusion, participation and resilience, ensuring local communities continue to thrive. Residents are encouraged to share their views through an online survey running until 13 November. For more information, visit the South and Vale websites.
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Help shape your Community FundAs part of its work at the Didcot substation, National Grid is providing a £530,000 Community Fund to support projects and priorities in Didcot and the surrounding area. The fund will be guided by local people, ensuring it reflects the needs and ambitions of the community. Residents, businesses and community groups are invited to share their views on how the funding could create a positive and lasting impact. The survey takes around two minutes to complete and closes on 27 October 2026. Have your say via National Grid website.
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South Nature and Climate Action FundCommunity groups, schools, parish councils and other local organisations are being invited to apply for funding through the South Nature and Climate Action Fund. The fund supports projects that help tackle climate change, improve biodiversity and encourage nature recovery across South Oxfordshire. This could include initiatives such as habitat creation, tree planting, community growing projects, energy-saving measures and activities that help local communities take positive environmental action. For full details on eligibility, funding levels and application deadlines, visit the South Oxfordshire District Council website.
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October half-term and Halloween are just around the corner!Whether you’re looking to entertain the kids, brave a spine-tingling trail or pick the ultimate pumpkin, there is plenty happening right on your doorstep. To help you plan your autumn adventures, we’ve rounded up some of the most exciting local happenings featured on our 'What’s on' calendar.
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Getting on the Pitch - a workshop on marketing in Defence and SecurityBusinesses interested in the defence and security sector are invited to attend Getting on the Pitch, a practical workshop where attendees will have the opportunity to meet MOD agencies and defence contractors, learn about upcoming procurement opportunities, showcase their products and services, and build valuable industry connections. Thursday 12 November | 9am - 3.30pmQuad Three, Harwell Campus
Held at Harwell alongside the iconic HALO artwork, the workshop will bring together major defence buyers, established suppliers and businesses looking to enter the sector. With support from defence sales specialists, the event is designed to encourage open discussion, knowledge sharing and new commercial opportunities.
A 'Make Your Pitch' session will give participating businesses the chance to introduce their products and services directly to representatives from the defence and security supply chain.
Register for your free place via Eventbrite.
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Open Cosmos reaches unicorn status
Space technology company Open Cosmos has announced a €300 million investment package to accelerate the development of its satellite data and connectivity services.
The funding will support the expansion of the company’s satellite constellation and strengthen its ability to deliver Earth observation, communications and data-driven intelligence solutions.
The announcement marks a significant milestone for the growing space sector and reinforces Open Cosmos' ambitions to expand its satellite intelligence and connectivity services worldwide.
For more information, visit the Open Cosmos website. |
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Small Business Saturday Webinar SeriesSmall Business Saturday’s Webinar Series is back this November to champion and support the nation’s brilliant businesses in the lead up to Small Business Saturday UK on 5 December. Monday 2 November - Wednesday 2 December11am - 12pmAll sessions are free to attend, with industry experts helping entrepreneurs discover new ways to work smarter, grow their business and make an impact. The sessions will cover essential topics including building a brand from scratch, marketing on a budget, time management, finance, AI, websites and more. Find out more via the Small Business Saturday website.
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Carbon Credits and Nature Based solutions – are they just greenwash?We know we will always have to deal with some greenhouse gas emissions, but the question is, how best to do that? OLNP is part of a webinar aiming to help businesses understand more about local carbon offsetting and wider nature based solutions. Tuesday 3 November | 1.30pm - 2.30pmThere has been a growth in the global market for “nature based solutions” to this problem, but it can be a local conversation too, especially in Oxfordshire. Hear from Matt Whitney and Charlie Addison-Adams of the Oxfordshire Local Nature Partnership and colleagues at Oxfordshire County Council to understand more about the growth in nature based solutions markets and carbon credits. Register for your free place here.
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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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