In summary
As we draw nearer to the end of 2024, now is a good time to refamiliarise yourself with your FSB member benefits and ensure you are getting the most out of your membership. As well as joining the events that we hold across the Thames Valley, do check out the legal hub, and the Employment and HR support that is available to you. As always, reach out if there is anything we can do for you.
Featured news and events
Business Support tool available for oxford businesses...
OxLEP Business are 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.
Access the business support tool and receive your own free business support action plan follow here.
Reading In-person Networking at Green Park
Join us for in-person networking in Reading and meet with like minded business owners. This month we will be joined by Rachel Shackleton - Green Key Personal Development
Book your delegate place now >
In other news
East West Rail Consultation
East West Rail would connect communities between Oxford, Milton Keynes, Bedford and Cambridge, supporting sustainable economic growth in the area. As a local small business, you are invited to take part in the consultation to share your feedback on the proposals for the new railway.
Take part in the consultation>
Find time to investigate our business supporting webinars
You may have seen that the FSB host a number of webinars on a variety of subjects and we are aware that not everyone can watch these ‘live’ due to work commitments. That is why we are pleased to remind you that when we do nationwide webinars on key issues we always try to record them so business owners can watch them later at their convenience.
We would therefore encourage you all to check out the free 'FSB On Demand' service where we have a library of some of our recent business supporting webinars for people to be able to listen to in their own time.
We have done them recently on the issues such as the impact of November’s Budget (see Budget Overview), using email to get new business (see Supercharge Email Automation), the impact of recent employment changes (see Employer law updates) and more. We also have regular 'Maximise Your Membership' events to show current (and prospective FSB members) who we are and what we do. You can see a recent one at Membership Benefits.
'FSB On Demand' can be found at Webinars Library.
Still in the news
Support the NHS winter vaccinations campaign: Get vaccinated and get winter strong
Winter season is here. Flu and COVID-19 spread more easily in winter when we spend more time together indoors and can cause serious illness. Respiratory viruses, such as flu, usually reach their peak over the festive and new year period.
Most eligible adults will be able to get their flu vaccine from 3 October. It is important for those who are eligible to top up their protection every year, even if you have had a vaccine or been ill with flu or COVID-19 before, as immunity fades over time and these viruses change each year.
The winter vaccine programme will continue to focus on those at greatest risk of getting seriously ill.
Those eligible for both a flu and COVID-19 vaccine include:
- People with certain long term health conditions as defined by the Green Book)
- People aged 65 and over
- Pregnant women
All those eligible are urged to join the millions of others who have taken up their free vaccine offer to get winter strong – don’t put it off, book your appointment today and arm yourself against the risk of severe illness Winter vaccinations and winter health - NHS (www.nhs.uk). You can book using the National Booking website, or take up the offer if you have been invited by your GP practice.
Carbon Zero Grants Available for West Oxfordshire Businesses
West Oxfordshire District Council has secured funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and the Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) to support carbon reduction efforts for small and medium sized businesses.
Grants of between £10,000 and £20,000 can be awarded that match 50% of your total project costs.
Eligible projects must focus on capital improvements that promote sustainability. Examples include:
- Retrofitting buildings for improved energy efficiency, such as insulation, low-carbon heating, and smart energy controls.
- Installing renewable energy systems, including solar panels and battery storage.
- Supporting the transition to electric vehicles through the installation of EV chargers.
- Purchasing equipment to enhance waste reduction and recycling efforts.
- Implementing green infrastructure like living walls, green roofs, or water conservation systems.
To find out more please email.
Business Grant Available for Rural Businesses in Cherwell
A new business grant scheme is due to launch in October and is set to make a positive impact on Cherwell-based rural organisations
OxLEP Business are set to deliver Cherwell District Council’s Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) Business Grant Scheme. Funding for this scheme has been made available through the District Council’s Rural England Prosperity Fund allocation.
The new grant scheme will see funding ranging between £5,000 and £20,000 made available per application.
The application process will be available through an online portal to be managed by OxLEP Business.
For more information click here>
Help to Grow : Management Course
Comprehensive management course to help you boost the performance and resilience of your business - The Help to Grow: Management course, supported by the government and led by the University of Bedfordshire, presents a pathway to growth opportunities for businesses located in the South East of England.
Delivered in collaboration with industry experts and experienced entrepreneurs, Help To Grow: Management includes an in-depth training and 1:1 business mentoring – helping you apply your learnings to strategically grow your business.
This 12-week course costs just £750 and is 90% funded by the government and you can take part around your existing work commitments, accessing learning through a blend of online and face-to-face sessions.
More news and activity near you
Get in touch
Your FSB Development Manager for the Thames Valley is James Anderson. If you'd like more information about the topics above, or if you have news about this area that you'd like to share, please get in touch.
- email us: [email protected]
- follow us on X: @fsbthamesvalley
- follow us on Facebook: @FSB.Berks.Bucks.Oxon