In summary
It has been fantastic to see so many of you at our events this past month. If you've not got to one of our networking events do check out Oxford, Reading, Slough, Windsor, Bracknell, High Wycombe or Stokenchurch. They are a great opportunity to meet likeminded people and increase your personal network.
As ever we are committed to being the voice of small businesses to Government. Do get in touch with us if there is anything we can do to support your business.
Featured news and events
How can the government best support your business?
Buckinghamshire Business First would like your feedback on how the government can best support SMEs to achieve a step-change in growth and productivity.
Your views matter the most.
Please take a moment via this online form to share your thoughts on how the government can best help small businesses grow.
In-person Networking at Oxford Science Park
Join us for in-person networking at Oxford Science Park and meet with like minded business owners.
Book your delegate place now >
In other news
Start your own business – podcast
Listen to tips and advice from start-up experts on the key aspects of starting a business and hear valuable start-up lessons from actual business owners.
Start Your Own Business podcast | Start Up Donut
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
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