Useful resources for businesses
There are a number of organisations and networks providing advice and resources for businesses. Click on the links below for further information.
Government departments
Department for Business and Trade – resources and guides on how to start exporting, where to export and making a plan.
Department for Culture, Media and Sport – focuses on supporting culture, arts, media, sport and civil society across every part of England.
Department for Energy Security & Net Zero – provides dedicated leadership focused on delivering security of energy supply, ensuring properly functioning markets, greater energy efficiency and seizing the opportunities of net zero to lead the world in new green industries.
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology – focuses on positioning the UK at the forefront of global scientific and technological advancement.
Department for International Trade (DIT) – DIT offers both new and experienced exporters advice on winning business overseas.
Department for Work and Pensions / Job Centre Plus – services to help you grow and develop your business, including advice, recruitment support and vacancy advertising.
GOV.UK – provides advice on starting a business, tax, finance, business rates and more.
Local support and business networks
Enterprise Oxfordshire – offers tailored 1:1 support to SMEs across Oxfordshire. Signposts businesses to the right no-cost business support, both locally and nationally, and offers a one-stop-shop for SMEs on their net-zero journey.
Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce – a membership organisation that promotes and lobbies for business development in the Thames Valley.
Co-operative Futures – a dynamic co-operative policy and development agency supporting the development of social enterprises in Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Swindon and Wiltshire.
CSR
Oxfordshire Community First – offers support to improve the quality of life for those who live or work in rural Oxfordshire.
ROBIN Network – group of like-minded people from businesses and public sector bodies in Oxfordshire, who collaborate and support charities and community groups.
OSEP – a social enterprise, set up to support social entrepreneurs, Social Enterprises, enterprising charities and purposeful business across Oxfordshire.
Tourism
Experience Oxfordshire – the official Destination Management Organisation for Oxford and Oxfordshire.
Tourism South East – a not for profit organisation supporting the performance and growth of tourism businesses and destinations across South East England.
Climate and sustainability
Carbon Trust – a range of straightforward guides and tools, including sector and technology specific advice to accelerate the move to a low carbon 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.
SME One Planet Living toolkit – Bioregional’s toolkit that explains how SMEs can use the framework One Planet Living to create a sustainability action plan.
Low Carbon Hub – a social enterprise that aims to connect people and organisations across Oxfordshire to achieve a low carbon future.
Energy Solutions Oxfordshire (ESOx) – a one-stop service for SMEs in Oxfordshire to undertake energy efficiency improvements.
Website Carbon Calculator– how can you improve your website in terms of carbon emissions?
Other
Innovate UK – the UK’s national innovation agency, helping businesses grow through the development and commercialisation of new products, processes, and services.
Institute of Economic Development – the Institute of Economic Development (IED) is the UK’s leading independent professional body, representing economic development and regeneration practitioners.
Princes Trust – offers support to 11 – 30-year-olds to gain skills or start their own businesses.
solicitors.com – resource for finding solicitors in Oxfordshire for legal support and advice on all business matters.
Contact us - Economic Development
South Oxfordshire District Council
Abbey House
Abbey Close
Abingdon
OX14 3JE
