Welcome to May's Innovation Insights
Oxford Innovation Space
We help transform local economies by creating environments where dynamic and innovative businesses thrive
Get ready for a power-packed newsletter that's here to fuel your business growth and success! Whether you're a start-up founder, small business owner, or seasoned entrepreneur, we've got something special in store just for you. Our workshops and events will cover a wide range of topics, helping you achieve your business goals effectively. Be inspired by success stories and case studies from our Innovation Centres, showcasing what's possible and motivating you to reach new heights. We hope you find our newsletter valuable and informative. So read on, and don't forget to let us know your news!
News & Updates
New ‘Skills Bootcamps’ Launched Through Funding Secured by OxLEP
Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (OxLEP) are inviting responses to a new opportunity relating to the delivery of the new ‘Skills Bootcamps’ programme, which aims to support residents in the county to acquire new skills and – in turn – a pathway to employment. The Skills Bootcamps programme – part of the Department for Education’s ‘Skills for Life’ activity – is being led in Oxfordshire by OxLEP Skills and is set to open to residents this summer. Offering a range of free, flexible courses of up to 16 weeks, the Skills Bootcamps programme aims to give people the opportunity to build up a variety of sector-specific skills, helping to fast-track individuals to an interview opportunity with an employer and ultimately, paid work. OxLEP Skills will be managing the £1.7million Skills Bootcamps programme across Oxfordshire, collaborating with procured partners to deliver training.
Congratulations to CloudKubed for their Expansion in Witney
Tech for good company CloudKubed has recently moved into new larger office space at Witney Business and Innovation Centre to accommodate their rapidly growing team and accelerate plans to make Oxfordshire a technology hub. The Mayor of Witney, Owen Collins, was invited to celebrate and officially open the new office space.
UK Businesses Invited to Register for Future Technology Research and Innovation Visa Scheme
The UK has launched a new short-term visa scheme to enable international researchers to develop their skills and undertake research collaborations, work placements, and internships in critical technology areas at registered UK businesses.
New Funding Hub to Help Small Businesses Access Funding
Enterprise Nation has launched a new Funding Hub, offering personalised finance options for start-ups, small businesses, sole traders and other business professionals. By completing a quick and easy diagnostic tool, you'll receive a series of recommendations tailored to your business
gaitQ and machineMD Secure Million Dollar Research Grant
Medical technology start-up gaitQ based at Grassroots, one of our Oxfordshire innovation centres, and Swiss medical device company machineMD announce the joint award of a million dollar research grant from InnovateUK and Innosuisse to enable the collection and analysis of critical movement data from people with Parkinson’s (PwP).
Demystifying Due Diligence in Biotech and Medtech Collaborations
Do you want to propel your start-up or innovative project to new heights? To a start-up company , the process of building a collaboration with a large healthcare company might seem daunting and the criteria used for assessing potential deals unclear. During this Johnson & Johnson Innovation – JLABS program we will demystify what due diligence entails, what the pitfalls are and how you might set yourself up for success.
Growing and Diversifying the Supply of Equity Investment into Oxfordshire-based Science Companies
Access to finance continues to be a critical issue in ensuring the success of Oxfordshire’s innovation ecosystem. We need to see a growth in, and diversification of, finance options within the region, including attracting new players and funders into the ecosystem, with more recycling of money made from exits and new, active angel investors. Advanced-Oxford is undertaking a project aimed at identifying ways in which we can address these issues. If you are interested in participating in the research, click the link below to find out more.
Events
Innovation Roadshow: Oxford
21st May, 10:00 - 11:30
The BioEscalator Oxford
Innovation involves challenging the status quo, thinking outside the box, and taking calculated risks to drive progress and achieve breakthrough outcomes. Innovate UK grants provide opportunities for UK businesses to drive growth by innovating, developing novel and enhanced products, processes, or services. Join Monika Dabrowska, the Director of Innovaction Global and a Monitoring Service Provider at Innovate UK, for an exclusive Innovation Roadshow workshop where she will share valuable tools and three key insights to look at when writing grant applications.
Monika will also unveil her 10 Top Tips for preparing a successful Innovate UK proposal, increasing your chances of securing funding.
Recommended by LinkedIn
Business Netwalking in Blenheim Palace
15th May, 09:30 - 11:30
Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire
This event welcomes Business Owners, Professionals and Team Members responsible for Networking, offering an opportunity to build valuable business connections whilst enjoying a lovely walk and talk around the stunning Blenheim Palace Grounds.
Attract & Keep the Customers You Love
23rd May, 09:30 - 11:30
Online
This workshop is aimed at established and ambitious businesses who want to attract and retain more customers. To love your customers, you need to understand them. You will leave this workshop with the knowledge and confidence to grow your customer base.
OxLEP Start Up Club Bootcamp - Business Planning
14th May, 17:00 - 19:00
Online
For start-ups and early-stage entrepreneurs - this bootcamp is designed to encourage businesses to focus on the fundamentals of a successful business and develop a viable, successful and sustainable business. You will finish the Bootcamp with a clear plan on how to move your business forward and reach your next milestone.
The Marketing Meetup IRL: Oxford
16th May, 18:00 - 20:00
Grassroots Workspace
The Marketing Meetup Oxford is an informal, friendly place for the marketers of Oxford to meet, learn, and share knowledge with one another. Think of this as a community event, where the focus is very much on you meeting other people in a chilled out friendly space. We’ll chat over food and drink, listen to an inspirational speaker or two, chat some more, and go home buzzing with new contacts and new ideas.
Creative Problem Solving Workshop - Systemic Maps
14th May, 12:00 - 14:00
Grassroots Workspace
Bring your business challenge and unblock growth in this creative problem-solving workshop! Through using visuals, 3D objects and taking a systemic perspective, hidden relationship dynamics and blocks to growth as well as stakeholder needs and underused resources become visible to you. Consequently, high impact actions crystalise and solution paths are unlocked.
Nurturing Clients & Prospects on LinkedIn
30th May, 15:00 - 16:00
Online
We’ll delve into the art of cultivating meaningful relationships with your Clients and Prospects through LinkedIn. Beyond mere connections, we’ll explore nurturing messaging strategies, as well as how to leverage LinkedIn to drive upsells and cross-sells. Moreover, we’ll unearth the “gold” that lies in-house and learn how to effectively utilize it to strengthen your client relationships and boost your sales.
Upgrade your business location
Do you know of someone looking for office space or coworking space? Introduce us to them and if they take an office space in one of our centres then you will receive £200 worth of vouchers of £50 if they sign up for coworking. With over 25 locations your friends will have plenty to choose from! (T&Cs apply, see website for more info).