In summary
With lots of great networking opportunities for FSB members across the Thames Valley, it is lovely seeing so many of you and hearing your business stories at these events.
Do join us this month at either Oxford, Reading, Slough, High Wycombe or Stokenchurch. As well as the eagerly anticipated Business Loop, sustainability evening we are holding at Stratstone Land Rover in Reading.
Featured news and events
The Business Loop - Future-proofing Your Business in a Changing Environment
Join us as we aim to bring local business leaders and owners together to learn about what others are doing when it comes to responsible business practices.
With a chance to network with peers, hear from local experts, and provide an opportunity to ask any questions you may have, we will cover the benefits of electric vehicles, new potential financial savings and present sector-agnostic business practices suitable for SMEs.
It’s an opportunity for business owners to connect, share insights, and learn how responsible practices can drive growth and resilience in their operations. The event gives business leaders a moment to convene with peers to and learn about new and upcoming business practices in a trusted space.
This event is a collaboration between Stratstone Land Rover Reading, the Federation of Small Business and FuturePlus.
There will also be dozens of prizes to be won on the night including a day ticket to Burghley Horse Show and a 24hour demo in a PHEV or full electric Jaguar Land Rover vehicle.
Reserve your spot today here and join us for an evening dedicated to driving clean business growth and saving your business money.
Wycombe Wednesday In-person
Join us for in-person networking in High Wycombe and meet with like minded business owners.
Book your delegate place now >
In other news
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.
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.
Still in the news
Business Support Tool available for Oxfordshire 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.
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.
Introducing Business Finance Week 2024
The British Business Bank will be working alongside several partners throughout the UK to host Business Finance Week 2024 between 24 September to 3 October.
Through a series of in-person events, webinars across the UK’s nations and regions, Business Finance Week is here to help smaller businesses learn all about the different finance options available to support them in growing their business.
With a variety of different types of events, smaller businesses can easily find something of interest to them at their stage in the finance journey, both in the local region and virtually across the UK. Plus, all our events are completely free of charge.
The full events calendar is now live and accepting registrations>
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