
Local Government Digest #1
In this quarter’s Local Government Digest we cover a wide range of topics including jobs, tourism, COVID, business support, transport and much more.

Long COVID: could it amount to a disability?
On 7 October 2021, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported that an estimated 1.1 million people in the UK were experiencing self-reported long COVID. Of those, 831,000 had (or suspected they had) COVID-19 for at least 12 weeks previously, and 405,000 at least one year previously.

Economy Minister, Vaughan Gething, on the latest Labour Market Statistics
Commenting on today’s Labour Market Statistics, Economy Minister Vaughan Gething said: “Today’s figures are encouraging, showing the unemployment rate in Wales remains below that of the UK, and our employment rate continues to increase.

Experience Oxfordshire MP roundtable reflects on the impact of Covid and...
Last Friday, Hayley Beer-Gamage, CEO of Experience Oxfordshire hosted an MP roundtable with Robert Courts, Conservative MP for Witney and West Oxfordshire and Anneliese Dodds, Labour MP for East Oxfordshire, plus a variety of businesses from across the region including representatives from Bicester Village, Blenheim Palace, and the Oxford Bus Company to discuss the Governments Tourism Recovery Plan, the DMO Review and the impact of Covid on the visitor economy.

New jobs programme to create life changing opportunities for 16-18 year...
A new flexible programme focused on helping young people aged 16-18 reach their full potential and take their first steps into the world of work is being launched by the Welsh Government. The innovative Jobs Growth Wales+ programme will aim to create life changing opportunities for those who are not in education, employment or training. […]

Transport for the North responds to the Prime Minister’s speech: ‘We’re...
Responding to the Prime Minister’s speech at the Conservative Party Conference today (6 October 2021), Tim Wood, Transport for the North’s Director of Northern Powerhouse Rail, said:

UK Biomass Potential for BECCS Land Occupier Survey
Carter Jonas have been commissioned to provide research and information on the future of Biomass and the potential supply of feedstock for power generation within the UK.

Interview with Nigel Tipple, Chief Executive of OxLep
Nigel Tipple, Chief Executive of Oxfordshire LEP, talks to B4’s Richard Rosser about how OxLEP has, and continues to, support companies across the county, as well as highlighting key themes that the county’s businesses should engage with.

Business Support Opportunities in Oxfordshire – OxLEP
Welcome to B4TV where we showcase our members expertise to the wider business community. In today’s video we have Rob Panting, Communications Manager from OxLEP, the local enterprise partnership for Oxfordshire.
More in Local Government

Exciting January Events for B4 Members: A Great Start to 2025
January 2025 promises an exhilarating line-up of events for B4 Members, offering opportunities to connect, celebrate, and be inspired. With three unique gatherings, B4 Members can look forward to forging meaningful connections, experiencing rich cultural traditions, and engaging with influential figures in the local community. Here’s a closer look at what’s in store:

OxLEP Skills: Opportunities for Oxfordshire Employers 2022-2023
If you were ever wondering what opportunities there were for Oxfordshire employers to engage with future generations, look no further.

Oxfordshire’s green champions unite to host inaugural OX to ZERO conference
OxLEP joined forces with the leading Oxfordshire voices of the University of Oxford, Harwell Campus and the Culham Science Centre-based UKAEA to host the first-ever OX to ZERO conference (1 September).
From this author

B4 Reviews – with Ruth Hawkins
Richard has recently asked me to find and lead a small team of reviewers from the B4 community, so over the next few weeks I will be looking to build that team and also looking for venues, events and activities from within the B4 network and beyond to write some reviews!

Get Support Announced as B4’s Official IT Partner
We are delighted to announce that Oxfordshire’s leading IT Services provider, Get Support, have become B4’s Official IT Partner.

Reliable Vehicle Servicing and Repairs with Pete Thirtle
When it comes to maintaining and repairing your vehicle, trust and expertise are paramount. That’s why Pete Thirtle Vehicle Services stands out as one of the go-to independent garage for drivers in Bicester, Oxford, and the surrounding areas. With a reputation built on honesty, reliability, and top-tier service, Pete can ensure that your vehicle receives the best care possible. B4’s CEO, Richard Rosser, shines the spotlight on the ultra-reliable, Pete Thirtle.