Find out about upcoming business support events from OxLEP Business and OxLEP Skills, plus partner news stories from across Oxfordshire
Get Supported!
A message for every business – sole trader, Ltd, Social Enterprise, Charity and all – If you haven’t completed OxLEP Business’ Business Support Tool in the last 6 months, then you could be missing out on profit boosting, market growing, fully funded business support!
Net Zero Business Support in Oxfordshire
We are continuing to move forward with our ambition to develop increased (county-wide) support to help Oxfordshire SMEs on their journey to net-zero. Working with County and District Councils, LowCarbon Hub, Oxfordshire Greentech and other organisations, we now have a collaborative plan in place, that we are already starting deliver, and which will also help identify opportunities to work together, so that we are reaching as many businesses as we can. Below are some of the opportunities you could get involved with now!
South and Vale District Council Sustainability survey
South and Vale are inviting all businesses in South Oxfordshire and the Vale of White Horse to complete their sustainability survey to help shape how their allocation of UK Shared Prosperity Funding (UKSPF) for 2024/25 will be spent. The funding is to help businesses in South and Vale become more environmentally-friendly and all feedback will help make sure that the right support packages are put in place to give businesses the support they need.
Businesses, local groups, charities, town and parish councils, public sector, social enterprises and other organisations are all invited to have their say. The survey, created in partnership with Oxford Brookes Business School, will only take around 15 minutes to complete.
Take the survey or help spread the word. Help create a future that is not just sustainable but thriving!
OxLEP SME Net Zero Masterclass – Date: February 28, 2024 – Time: 9.30am – 11.30am.
This event will help Oxfordshire businesses to take the critical first / next steps on their Net Zero journey.
February Oxfordshire Climate Solutions Conference – March 13, 2024
Join Oxfordshire Greentech, supported by Oxfordshire County Council and Mewburn Ellis, in paving the way for a sustainable future at the Climate Solutions Conference on March 13, at the Saïd Business School.
With the warning from UN Secretary-General António Guterres that we are now in an era of “global boiling,” the time is now for investment in and development of climate positive technologies at speed and scale, and to use existing technologies, more ambitious policies, and encouragement of behavioural change to get the low-carbon transition Oxfordshire needs.
Find out more information and secure your spot!
CAPZero (Community Action Plan for Zero Carbon Energy) project – CAPZero is the first local energy action plan in the UK developed at a community (substation) level. Being delivered by the Low Carbon Hub, GreenTea and West Oxfordshire District Council, it is focused around Eynsham and surrounding area.
West Oxfordshire District Council are keen to hear from people and organisations interested in getting involved and in working with the Council and LowCarbon Hub in shaping the delivery plan, in particular with engagement of local businesses in the area.
For more information, with any questions, or if you would like to get involved, please contact Hannah Kenyon, Climate Change Manager at West Oxfordshire District Council on [email protected].
OxLEP Business Events
Discover all OxLEP Business events and support for February 2024
Please note that OxBOoSt, our very successful, monthly networking group meets on Tuesday 6th February on-line at 4.00pm – 5.00pm. Register for your place
We are also hosting our OxLEP Women in Business Gathering on Tuesday 27th February at the Crown and Thistle in Abingdon, this event is also very popular. This time we have Beth Kirk, the founder of Socially Oxford who will be presenting on “Building Your Personal Brand On LinkedIn”.
Beth is the founder of Socially Oxford, providing social media marketing support to brands, businesses and organisations. Her background is in corporate sales and marketing, having worked for some of the world’s largest soft drinks brands for 18 years. She has worked with startups and well established brands, helping them cut through the social media overwhelm and develop a strategic approach to establishing an online social media presence. She has run campaigns across the major networks LinkedIn, Twitter (now X), Instagram and Facebook. Her priority platform is now LinkedIn, where she specialises in helping people and businesses stand out, share great content and build long lasting relationships.
OxLEP Skills
National Apprenticeship Week 2024 in Oxfordshire
National Apprenticeship Week aims to highlight the exceptional work being done by employers and apprentices across the country. The 17th annual week-long celebration of apprenticeships will take place from 5 to 11 February 2024. The theme for National Apprenticeship Week 2024 is ‘Skills for Life’.
Apprenticeships Webinar for Parents and Carers
Are you a parent or carer of a young person who would like to know more about apprenticeships to help you support them with deciding what to do when they leave school or college?
Come along to our apprenticeships webinar in partnership with Learn Live News Channel on 6 February from 18:00 to 19:00, during National Apprenticeship Week, to find out everything you need to know!
- Get the lowdown on apprenticeships
- Hear from Oxfordshire employers and apprentices
- Find out what opportunities are available to your young person
- Ask all your questions in a live chat
After the webinar, you will have the opportunity to chat with employers who offer apprenticeships via our Find Your Future virtual careers platform.
Apprenticeship Webinar Series for Employers – Save The Dates
OxLEP Skills are holding a series of monthly lunchtime webinars (12:00- 12:45) that focus on supporting employers and training providers to help apprentices complete their apprenticeships. They will cover common themes and challenges that may impact on successful completion of an apprenticeship:
- 21 February: Recruitment and retention
- 6 March: Employer engagement
- 17 April: Apprentice engagement
- 8 May: Resilience, including mentoring
- 12 June: EPA process, including gateway and planning
- 10 July: EPA projects – making them relevant and apprentice support
Please save the dates and keep an eye on our website and LinkedIn page – booking will open very soon.
Our expert Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Adviser Andrea Harrison offers fully-funded support with all aspects of apprenticeships, including completions. If you’d like some help and advice, get in touch with Andrea at [email protected]
Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Awards 2024
The Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Awards 2024 will take place on 16 May at the spectacular Williams Racing Conference Centre.
The awards are open for entries and nominations until midnight on the evening of Monday 19 February. With categories for apprentices, former apprentices, employers, school and training provider individuals and apprenticeship ambassadors, there’s something for everyone!
We encourage you to enter as an employer and/or nominate your apprentices – it’s a great way to celebrate their achievements and showcase your organisation.
If you’d like to find out more, please contact [email protected]
Careers Fest 2024
Are you a parent of a young person in Year 9 or above? Would you like to know more about post 16 and 18 options to help you talk about careers with them and support them to take their best next step?
Come along to Careers Fest on 20 March from 16:30-19:30 at the Kassam Conference & Events Centre in Oxford to meet over 70 exhibitors offering information, advice and guidance on future pathways and careers from a varied range of sectors.
You and your young person will have the opportunity to talk to a range of Oxfordshire employers, further education colleges, universities and training providers to help you feel informed about their options.
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Cherwell Business Adaptation Fund Launched
The Cherwell Business Adaptation Fund – created to support Cherwell District-based companies to move into an effective renewal phase following the COVID-19 pandemic – has been launched today (10 May) by OxLEP.
