
Local Government Digest #2
The latest news on the economy, local government incentives and changes, from OxLEP, Oxfordshire Community Foundation, Whitley Stimpson, Flex IT and more…

OxLEP response to the Levelling-Up White Paper
The much-anticipated Levelling-Up White Paper was announced last week by the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, Michael Gove MP.

The UK Government 2022 cyber security incentives and regulation review policy
It is a comprehensive policy document and it can be found here – https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/2022-cyber-security-incentives-and-regulation-review/2022-cyber-security-incentives-and-regulation-review#conclusion Below we have summarised some of the key points. The Ministerial Forward is by Julia Lopez MP, Minister of State for Media, Data, and Digital Infrastructure. The ministers points out that while the digital age is making the world more interconnected […]

‘Don’t miss out’ – Successful Peer Networks initiative makes its final...
The OxLEP Business-run programme Peer Networks has called on businesses to grab the last few places available before time runs out.

Grants of up to £25k available for Oxfordshire charities encouraging healthier...
Oxfordshire Community Foundation’s Healthy Hearts grants aim to improve cardiovascular health by funding charitable organisations that are promoting positive behaviour, such as increased physical activity and reduced smoking.

Latest Figures show Severe Impact of Covid-19 on Oxfordshire’s Visitor Economy
The Economic Impact Report for Tourism in Oxfordshire, a report commissioned by Experience Oxfordshire, shows a staggering 59% decline in the value of tourism (from £2.5billion to £1billion) and a substantial decline of 39% in jobs supported by sector (from 42,000 to 25,000).

OxLEP and TheHill urging SMEs to seize health and care collaboration...
A drive to help small businesses make the most of their research collaborations has been launched by OxLEP, Oxfordshire’s local enterprise partnership and TheHill, the innovation centre at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

Small business confidence loses steam
The Federation of Small Businesses’ (FSB) measurement of business confidence has slipped by 2.2 points between Q2 and Q3 2021, falling to 16.4, the second consecutive quarterly fall of the small business index (SBI).

EV charging hubs for Oxfordshire receive £1.2m funding from the Office...
Bicester based Charge Point Operator; EZ Charge have announced that a funding agreement for a £1.2m investment into the Park and Charge Oxfordshire project has now been signed by Oxfordshire County Council.

Major Local Growth Fund project will play critical role in supporting...
The Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership has announced the opening of the hospitality and catering facilities at Activate Learning’s City of Oxford College, with £2.17million funding secured by OxLEP through the government’s Local Growth Fund.

Councillors to scrutinise services that radically improve safeguarding outcomes for children...
Oxfordshire county councillors are to scrutinise services that radically improve safeguarding outcomes for children and their families, and that are also designed to reduce demands and costs for the council, at the People Overview and Scrutiny Committee at County Hall on Thursday 11 November.

Works to improve access to Banbury Station
Commuters, residents, and businesses in Banbury can have their say from today (16 November) on proposed improvement works at Tramway Road, near Banbury Station, until 14 December 2021.

COP26: OxLEP hosts official event in Oxford on ‘science and innovation’...
As key officials from across the globe continue critical discussions in Glasgow at COP26, the Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (OxLEP) has played its role during the second week of the major climate change conference, hosting an official COP26 event of its own.
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 Members enjoy the company of a living legend of the...
In December at Keble College, Peter Bennett-Jones, representing the Lord-Lieutenant as one of her Deputy Lieutenants, officially endorsed Raise’24. As an established television and film producer and agent, we were delighted to recently announce that Peter has agreed to become our Patron.

Seven companies relocating to The Oxford Trust’s new Oxford Centre for...
Seven science and tech start-ups and SMEs are to move from The Oxford Trust’s current Oxford Centre for Innovation to its new location at Blue Boar Court, Alfred Street, in Oxford’s city centre.

The Numbers Don’t Lie
B4 Ecosystems are an opportunity for B4 Members to share challenges, be inspired and learn from experts in their field. They began with our Business Development Ecosystem back in March 2023, which has been lead from day one by the always impressive Caroline O’Connor of Fourth Born. Caroline has been leading from the front as our other Ecosystems learn from her impressive example. Article by B4’s Richard Rosser