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  • Advance notice of major council IT system maintenance from 24 May (for around one week): we are carrying out planned essential maintenance work on the council’s IT systems. During this time, the majority of our online services will be unavailable. Where relevant, planning consultations will be extended by 14 days. We will update this banner message as the work progresses. − During this time you can still contact us for other enquiries via our enquiry form or by phone. We apologise for any inconvenience. Find out more information on this work.

Opportunities for businesses

1. Free energy assessments

We’ve awarded UKSPF funding to Low Carbon Hub to provide 22 businesses in South and Vale with a free energy assessment at their site, and a bespoke decarbonisation plan. The surveys will be carried out by experienced experts who will review site and energy data, and provide recommendations across a wide range of topics, including insulation, lighting, renewables and electric vehicle chargers.

All participating organisations will receive bespoke recommendations for their premises, each with a rationale and steps for implementation, supported with informed estimates of costs and savings. The report will also include details on suitable finance options to achieve these goals. Upon receiving an energy assessment and a decarbonisation plan, on average, organisations can cut their energy bills by 19%.

Visit the Energy Solutions Oxfordshire website to get started.

2. No Limits programme

The councils have contributed funding to OxLEP and SOFEA’s ‘No Limits’ programme, designed to offer support for residents into green skills training and employment.

The programme includes assistance for those who need help to get a job, including free laptops and mobile phones to develop digital skills, as well as travel grants for those needing financial help to get to work, school or college.

Get involved via OxLEP’s website.

3. Social Impact business support

We’ve awarded UKSPF funding to OSEP CIC to provide a programme of support and guidance for early-stage, purpose-led businesses and social impact organisations in South and Vale. The programme will be suitable for anyone with a business idea looking to make a positive impact. Whether you’re seeking start-up support, funding advice or opportunities for collaboration, this programme will have something for you.

OSEP is partnering with Co-operative Futures, Aspire Oxfordshire, Makespace, SOFEA, Soha Housing Association, African Families in the UK and Owned By Oxford to offer the following:

  • A Bootcamp Training Course for early-stage and pre-start enterprises, offering workshops on essential topics such as financial management, funding and fundraising, the social business landscape, vision and mission setting, legal structures and marketing with a purpose.
  • Business support specifically aimed at self-employment and sole trader options, empowering individuals with the knowledge to explore entrepreneurial opportunities.
  • One to one mentoring with signposting and strategy development tailored to the needs of emerging social enterprises, including bespoke enterprise development and intensive support packages covering legal incorporation, governance, business planning, financial forecasting and funding options.
Get started via OSEP’s website.

Related information

External links