There are a number of external organisations and networks providing advice and resources for businesses. Click on the links below for further information.
Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) – the voice for business across Government. Provides tips and advice on key issues, including Brexit, COVID-19 and energy bills.
Department for International Trade (DIT) – DIT offers both new and experienced exporters advice on winning business overseas.
Enterprise Nation – contains useful guides, events and webinars, announcements and other services to help you start your own business.
Federation of Small Business (FSB) – the largest campaigning pressure group promoting and protecting the interests of the self-employed and owners of small firms.
GOV.UK – provides advice on starting a business, tax, finance, business rates and more.
Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (OxLEP) – supports high-level economic projects across Oxfordshire.
Startups – resources for those thinking of starting a business, including support with planning, marketing and sales.
Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce – a membership organisation that promotes and lobbies for business development in the Thames Valley.
The Oxfordshire Project – provides a positive, supportive and inspiring platform for business owners, charities and social change organisations to grow, learn and collaborate.
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Enterprise Europe Network – helps businesses sell and source technologies in international markets, access European R&D funding and find partners for R&D projects.
GOV.UK Start Up Loan – apply for a government-backed Start Up Loan of £500 to £25,000 to start or grow your business.
Oxfordshire Community and Voluntary Action (OCVA) – Supporting voluntary and community sector groups and organisations based in Oxfordshire.
OxLEP grant funding – a variety of different funding and grant opportunities, supporting you to grow, innovate and potentially enable further job creation within your organisation.
South Oxfordshire District Council grants – volunteering, individual councillor grants, and capital and revenue grants.
UK Business Mentoring Group – provides business reviews, mentoring and coaching services to business owners across the UK.
Vale of White Horse District Council grants – voluntary, non-profit, partnership and other grants and funds.
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Concise Training – offers support with marketing, communications, websites, social media and more.
Co-operative Futures – a dynamic co-operative policy and development agency supporting the development of social enterprises in Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Swindon and Wiltshire.
Experience Oxfordshire – the official Destination Management Organisation for Oxford and Oxfordshire.
Institute of Directors – members receive a variety of benefits including information, advice, training, conferences and publications to help them maximise their potential.
Institute of Economic Development – the Institute of Economic Development (IED) is the UK’s leading independent professional body, representing economic development and regeneration practitioners.
MD2MD – helps managing directors compare notes on business MD to MD. A free trial membership is now available online.
Oxfordshire Community First – offers support to improve the quality of life for those who live or work in rural Oxfordshire.
Princes Trust – offers support to 11 – 30 year olds to gain skills or start their own business.
ROBIN Network – group of like-minded people from businesses and public sector bodies in Oxfordshire, who collaborate and support charities and community groups.
Shell Live Wire – helps 16 – 30 year olds start and develop their own business, providing information and support.
solicitors.com – resource for finding solicitors in Oxfordshire for legal support and advice on all business matters.
Tourism South East – a not for profit organisation supporting the performance and growth of tourism businesses and destinations across South East England.
UKHospitality – the single, authoritative voice representing the broad hospitality sector – covering everything from bars, hotels, coffee shops, contract catering, nightclubs, visitor attraction, escape rooms, bowling alleys, independent and large multi-national sites.
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Carbon Trust – aims to accelerate the move to a low carbon economy by working with organisations to reduce carbon emissions and develop commercial low carbon technologies.
Waste & Resources Action Programme (WRAP) – helps individuals, businesses and local authorities to reduce waste and recycle more, making better use of resources and helping to tackle climate change.
International Synergies – works internationally with the private and public sectors to advance the transition to a more circular economy.
Oxfordshire Greentech – a business network supporting the growth of the low-carbon sector in Oxfordshire. The aim is to bring together businesses and organisations to create a sustainable, low carbon future.
QSA Partners – help businesses implement circular economy business models.
Sustainable Results Lab – helps businesses to measure and reduce the carbon footprint of their website, while ensuring this goes hand in hand with increasing revenue.