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%.
2. Decarbonisation Business Support programme
We’ve awarded UKSPF funding to ALP Synergy Ltd to carry out a free Decarbonisation Business Support pilot programme, helping South and Vale businesses to lower their greenhouse gas emissions.
The programme will consist of Net Zero webinars and workshops, and will support 25 businesses to create a carbon reduction plan, providing them with a set of specific actions they can take to start or progress their sustainability journey. Tailored 1:1 support to explore new processes or technologies will also be provided.
ALP Synergy Ltd are hosting a series of sustainability webinars to help you get started.
3. Free Green Skills courses
We’ve teamed up with Abingdon & Witney College to offer free places on a variety of Green Skills courses to local businesses and residents.
We’ve funded 82 places for ‘green’ building and construction courses from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, under the intervention E39: Green Skills. Taking place at Abingdon & Witney College, the courses include:
- Level 2 Award in Understanding Domestic Retrofit
- Level 3 Award in Domestic Retrofit Advice
- L3 Award in Heat Pump Systems
- Unvented Hot Water Systems
- Environmental Awareness and Introduction to Heat Pumps
- Environmental Awareness and Introduction to PV (PhotoVoltaic)
- Environmental Awareness and Introduction to Solar Thermal
- Airtightness and Weather Sealing Workshop
- Carbon Literacy Training
- Domestic Ventilation Systems
- BPEC Energy Efficiency (Part L)
- Water Regulations (WRAS)
- Domestic Solar Photovoltaic Systems
- Electrical Energy Storage Systems (EESS)
- Domestic, Commercial and Industrial El. Vehicle Charging Equipment Installation
4. 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.
5. 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.
