key partners
This page provides information and links to other organisations that play an important role in supporting the development of businesses in Oxford.
Small Business Service (SBS) The Small Business Service (SBS) is an agency within the United Kingdom's Government that champions the interests
of small businesses. Much of what SBS wishes to achieve will be delivered through a national network of Business Links the local link for Oxford businesses is Business Link Milton Keynes-Oxfordshire-Buckinghamshire (see below)
Business Link Milton Keynes-Oxfordshire-Buckinghamshire Business Link provides a fast, simple, impartial route to business advice, and information.
Oxfordshire Economic Partnership Formed in 1998, Oxfordshire Economic Partnership is a network of public and private sector partners
who are committed to achieving greater success for the economy of Oxfordshire. The precise activities of the OEP will vary over time, in order to respond to
(and where possible anticipate) new opportunities and threats which arise. In line with achieving its stated objectives, the Oxfordshire Economic Partnership currently has four key priorities:
- To develop and monitor an economic strategy for Oxfordshire
- To provide an opportunity for businesses, economic development agencies, academic institutions and
community enterprises in Oxfordshire to enhance their mutual understanding and to influence the economic plans of others
- To forge strategic alliances with other economic partnerships in the UK, Europe and the World
- To provide a means of developing and incubating new ideas for strategic economic action.
Federation of Small Businesses The UK's largest small business lobby group Contact: Federation of Small Businesses, Thames Valley branch
01296 426813
Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce and Industry incorporating Oxfordshire Chamber of Commerce The Thames Valley Chamber is one of the largest accredited Chambers in the UK with 3,500 members. It is an independent business organisation working to serve the interests of its members by offering a wide variety of representation, information, and commercial services.
Oxford office: Tel: 01865 792020 Thames Valley Office: 01753 577877or e-mail
Learning & Skills Council Established in April 2001, the national network of local Learning and Skills Councils will be responsible for
matching learning opportunities to local skill needs, working with business to forecast and prepare to meet these needs. They will have the resources and local flexibility to make a differnce with
discretionary expenditure to supprot projects that address particular local needs. Oxford is covered by the Milton Keynes, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Learning & Skills Council.
The Oxfordshire Information Technology Enterprise Network (OxIT) A not-for-profit organisation, OxIT is a focus for software and IT activities in Oxfordshire. It provides both on-line and face to face opportunities for organisations and
individuals to meet, discuss issues of common interest and identify opportunities. Other benefits have been negotiated for members; for example, low cost opportunities to attend conferences.
Oxmedianet Oxmedianet is a recently established forum for media industry activity in Oxfordshire, founded to expand and enhance the
opportunities for media companies in the county, through business-to-business networking, training and information dissemination, and by providing a conduit to local, regional and national
government.
The Oxford Trust Founded in 1986 as a charity to promote the study, application and development of science and technology, the
Oxford Trust has been instrumental in the economic development of Oxford and Oxfordshire. The Oxford Trust has developed a range of initiatives through charitable and commercial activity, such as
Oxford Innovation, Oxford Investment Opportunity Network, Oxfordshire BiotechNet and its network of successful business incubator centres throughout the county.
Oxford Innovation A 'spin out' of The Oxford Trust, Oxford Innovation promotes the commercial exploitation and development of
innovative science and technology in Oxfordshire. The company has particular strengths in knowledge-based business sectors such as the biological and medical sciences, materials, advanced
engineering, software, IT, electronics and communications.
Oxford Investment Opportunity Network (OION) OION links investors with local start up companies with high growth potential, usingpresentation meetings, database searches and the internet. OION is keen to hear from
businesses seeking investment of between £10,000 - £5 Million, or potential investors.
Oxfordshire BiotechNet BiotechNet provides support for start-up and early-stage bioscience companies in Oxfordshire, through business and
technical advice, premises and interim management support.
Thames Valley Technology Supports technology companies and
organisations through consultancy, business networks and action-based learning.
University of Oxford
- Isis Innovation - a wholly owned subsidiary of the University of Oxford, founded to exploit know-how arising out of research at one of the world's premier research institutions.
- Conference Oxford - information on the availability of colleges and other university buildings for conference use, etc
Oxford Brookes University - Research Services and Business Development Oxford Brookes provides: a range of research services; promotes business development, including through consultancy,
technology transfer, commercial spin-outs and other entrepreneurial initiatives; as well as training, continuing education and professional development.
Oxford College of Further Education The College's Enterprise Department provides a range of training and consultancy services including Continuing
Professional Development, technical and vocational training and international language services. It also manages the Cowley Training Centre.
Oxfordshire Virtual Business Centre Oxfordshire County Council's on-line directory of over 16,000 Oxfordshire businesses.
Business Rates
Business rates for commercial property are calculated by multiplying two factors: the Uniform Business
Rate (UBR) set by Central Government each year and the rateable value of the property. The rateable value is determined by the Government's Valuation Office Agency. Information on every property's rateable value, how to appeal, etc is available from the VOA's web
site.
In Oxford business rates are collected by Oxford City Council, and are passed onto the Government which
redistributes the total income according to the population of each local authority.
Certain organisations and businesses may also be eligible for business rate relief from the City Council.
Trading Standards Direct
A department of Oxfordshire County Council, Trading Standards Direct provides trading advice to businesses to help them to comply with the law.
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