As businesses across the county begin to ramp up activity following the summer months, OxLEP Business urges Oxfordshire’s organisations to take a look at some of the free business support on offer from the business ‘Growth Hub’ for the county.

This season’s events are set to take a more targeted approach to working towards businesses’ growth ambitions, tailored to demographics in different areas of the county (those on offer as part of the ‘West Oxfordshire Business Accelerator’ and ‘Cherwell Business Accelerator’ programmes), the county’s female business leaders (through the formation of a ‘Women in Leadership Peer Network’ series) and covering a wealth of specific subjects – with topics such as ‘getting net-zero ready’ and ‘how to apply for grant funding to elevate your business to the next level’.

Alongside these particular events are some of OxLEP Business’ tried-and-tested workshops and webinars, including the ‘OxBOoST’ networking meet-up and a ‘Business Growth Peer Network’ series.

Events within both ‘Business Accelerator’ programmes, are set to include a ‘Business Planning for Growth Masterclass’ and ‘Investment Planning for Growth Masterclass.’

OxLEP Business is currently delivering the West Oxfordshire and Cherwell iterations of these programmes on behalf of West Oxfordshire District Council and Cherwell Council respectively, with the project funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Alongside the events on offer, OxLEP Business are also inviting businesses from around the county to fill out their ‘Business Support Tool’, a fast, free business diagnostic tool, from which businesses will receive their own ‘Business Support Action Plan’ – where the most appropriate course of business support from that highlighted will be signposted.

Wider business support on offer from OxLEP Business includes 1:1 advisor support and mentoring, strategic business reviews, access to a number of Oxfordshire business networks, as well as signposting to external resources.

OxLEP are however keen to point out that businesses right across the county can continue to benefit from multiple areas of support provided by them, as outlined previously – and their business support offering is constantly evolving over time as per the county’s needs.

Helen Brind – Growth Hub Manager for OxLEP – said: “We have a whole host of exciting business support programmes and opportunities for growth kicking off this Autumn – and as the Growth Hub for the county, we are truly delighted to have the opportunity to tailor our support to those in the county who are really seeking it.

“Between October 2016 and March last year, OxLEP worked with over 6,200 businesses from across Oxfordshire, providing around 18,000 hours of support and advice, worth over £28.75 million.

“We know we make a difference to businesses in the county looking to grow and thrive and are constantly looking to adapt our business support offering to support the county’s SMEs in the most appropriate manner possible.

“Oxfordshire has one of the highest business survival rates nationally and it is our job to be on the side of businesses as they take those next steps to grow – and to ensure that trend continues.”

OxLEP Business’ commitment to the whole of Oxfordshire very much remains the case. It continues to offer a vast array of support to the county’s business community at whatever stage they are at, and OxLEP Business’ Business Support Tool remains the best way for organisations to make initial contact.

Register for business support

Sign up to OxLEP Business’ events through September and October