Oxfordshire County Council has granted Oxfordshire Youth £50,000 annually for three years. The funding will enable its Business Guardians programme to engage with more companies and support more young people across the county.

By 2028, the grant should enable Business Guardians to reach 500 additional disadvantaged young people in the county – including care leavers – who are most at risk of being excluded from the labour market.

Councillor Ben Higgins, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Future Economy and Innovation, said: “Oxfordshire Youth has been championing the county’s young people since 1947, and the work it does is needed now more than ever.

“Today’s young people face growing pressures on their mental health and employment prospects, while family and relationship breakdowns are impacting the numbers of young people moving into care.

“That’s why we’re proud to be able to provide financial support for this valuable programme, which aims to give Oxfordshire’s young people who need it the most, equitable access to opportunities that can unlock and nurture their potential.”

The grant will enable the charity to work with employers to tackle youth unemployment, provide industry specific workshops, events, work placement and work experience offers, and organise mentorship programmes.

Businesses already involved with the charity are ARC Oxford, Blenheim Palace, BMW Mini, Cleenol, David Lloyd Clubs Oxford, Ebbon Group, Freeths, The Oxford Collection and Lucy Group.

The council will also join the programme as principal sponsor and strategic partner.

Emmy O'Shaughnessy, Director of Innovation and Growth and Deputy CEO of Oxfordshire Youth, and Chair of Youth Futures Oxfordshire Inclusive Economy Partnerships, said: “We are delighted that Oxfordshire County Council is joining as principal sponsor and strategic partner of the Business Guardians. This is a pioneering model that has mobilised nine of Oxfordshire's leading employers to partner with Oxfordshire Youth to address the inequalities that hold too many young people back from achieving their potential.

“The programme addresses the government's concern that one in eight young people are not in education, employment or training by creating coordinated pathways between employers, young people, and the voluntary children and young people's sector.

“What makes this partnership so powerful is that it's rooted in shared values: a belief that every young person deserves access to meaningful careers, that inequality must be actively dismantled, not just discussed, and that hope is built through action.”

The council identified the Business Guardians as a key part of Oxfordshire Works – the county’s response to the government's Get Britain Working Plan to reform employment, health and skills support to tackle economic inactivity and support people into good work.

The Business Guardians will collaborate with Oxfordshire Youth over the next three years to unlock employability opportunities for young people facing multiple barriers to work, including access to apprenticeship pathways, work placements, employability workshops and mentorship.

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The Ukrainian Education Centre has officially opened its doors at the Oxford Westgate Library, marking a significant milestone in the expansion of educational and cultural support for Ukrainians in the UK.

Supported by Oxfordshire County Council’s Business and Intellectual Property Centre, the event brought together over 120 attendees, including representatives from academia, local government, business and Ukrainians.

The ceremony was opened by Yevgenia Zhyryakova, Head of the Ukrainian Education Centre in the UK, and Alla Skrynnikova, Head of the Oxford Centre.

Councillor Neil Fawcett, Cabinet Member for Community and Corporate Services at Oxfordshire County Council, said: “The opening of the Ukrainian Education Centre in Oxford is testament to the strength and spirit of our Ukrainian communities in the county and the power of education to bring people together.

“It’s inspiring to see such a vibrant initiative take root in our city. We’re proud to support a space that fosters learning, cultural exchange and resilience.”

Distinguished guests included Professor Lord Tarasenko (University of Oxford), Dr Nadiya Ivanenko, Dr Serhiy Savytskyi and Paddy Harris, who shared uplifting words of support and encouragement. The event concluded with a moving performance by Ukrainian musicians.

The Oxford centre is the third Ukrainian educational hub to open in the UK, following successful launches in London and Chichester. It forms part of a global network of 84 hubs supporting Ukrainian communities across Europe, North America and Asia.

Further events and activities are planned for later in the year, continuing the centre’s mission to empower and connect Ukrainians in Oxfordshire and beyond.

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For the fourth consecutive year, 60 students from seven schools exhibited their innovative business projects at the annual Young Enterprise event in the BIPC in Oxford’s Westgate Library on 28 April, with project themes ranging from tackling climate change to mental health.

Young Enterprise is a national organisation that aims to give young people the life skills, knowledge, and confidence to succeed in the world of work. It was joined at the event by representatives from the county council as well as the University of Oxford’s Said Business School and Westgate Oxford.

Ryan Johnson, Oxfordshire County Council’s Engagement Manager for the Business & Intellectual Property Centre, said: “We were really pleased to be able to host this event on behalf of Young Enterprise Oxfordshire once again. The day was filled with awards and celebrations, recognising the hard work and dedication of these talented students.

“The teams were very impressive with all that they had achieved, demonstrating their ability to prepare and submit business reports, give presentations and be interviewed. I’m confident many will go on to create thriving businesses and have a real impact in the county.

“The event is a great example of how the centre can support the ambitions of local young people, providing them with the skills and confidence to start and grow their own businesses.”

The BIPC offers many opportunities and activities for young people, where anyone can access one to one support or workshops to support their business start-up ideas.

For more information on the BIPC, visit the centre on the second floor of Oxfordshire County Library or go online at oxfordshire.gov.uk/bipc.

Find out how to get involved with Oxfordshire Young Enterprise by visiting its website. 

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From 1 April, OxLEP has operated under the guise of Enterprise Oxfordshire, with the change marking the completion of a two year process that has seen the economic development functions – previously led by LEPs – altered so that they are to be overseen through a mechanism agreed by respective upper-tier local authorities, in this instance, Oxfordshire County Council.

The shift in policy was originally announced by the previous Chancellor Jeremy Hunt at the then government’s spring budget in March 2023.

Since then, both OxLEP and Oxfordshire County Council have worked closely to ensure a refreshed and clear governance process was created, while maintaining operations and meeting the changes required by government.

What followed in November 2024 saw the county council’s cabinet announce that OxLEP Ltd would remain, with the county council acting as the organisation’s 100 per cent shareholder – known as a Teckal company arrangement.

OxLEP – which, since its launch in 2011, has secured £441.7 million of investment for Oxfordshire from the government’s Local Growth Fund and Getting Building Fund – would then adopt the new trading name, active from 1 April, as well as maintaining its independent company status.

Building on its significant legacy as OxLEP, Enterprise Oxfordshire will oversee the delivery of a comprehensive set of business, skills, investment and trade support services, as well as supporting a variety of strategies backing Oxfordshire’s economic potential to be delivered in a sustainable and inclusive manner.

The introduction of Enterprise Oxfordshire mirrors many new arrangements to have been confirmed across England over the past 24 months.

Depending on the frameworks developed between respective local authorities and former LEPs, areas in England now have a variety of arrangements in place, each suited to support their own local economic development activity and priorities.

Some former LEPs have been fully integrated into upper-tier authorities, some continue as independent organisations with a governance link in place with their authority, while others have been closed permanently.

The creation of Enterprise Oxfordshire is a specific arrangement for this county.

The organisation’s chief executive believes that the change represents an exciting future, including for those businesses, entrepreneurial individuals, communities, education providers and many other groups who have historically sought OxLEP’s backing and support.

Nigel Tipple, Chief Executive of OxLEP, said: “Of course, this is a big change for us as an organisation – however, it is an exciting one and we are delighted to introduce Enterprise Oxfordshire and begin our refreshed relationship with Oxfordshire County Council too.

“Although our name is changing, what is not lost is our experience, knowledge and positive impact on the Oxfordshire economy, diligently built over the past 15 years. We are looking forward to bringing this approach into a new era and under the guise of Enterprise Oxfordshire.

“We will continue to work in partnership with our business community, education providers and wider communities to ensure they are able to flourish, succeed and enjoy new opportunities and openings.”

The new name reflects the countywide role the company will continue to play in wider economic aims of Oxfordshire County Council, including supporting young people, promoting opportunities among less advantaged parts of the county and backing decarbonisation.

Martin Reeves, Chief Executive of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “Enterprise Oxfordshire will reflect both what we’ve already achieved and our bold commitment to go even further to help the local economy thrive and grow, putting enterprising people at the heart of our vision.

“Much has been achieved since the company became part of the council last year. We’ve been actively improving the provision of workforce skills needed to drive growth and innovation in the local economy, backing capital projects and inward investment.

“I’m proud that in 12 months we’ve played a significant role in supporting 1,790 local businesses, inspiring over 3,250 students, including more than 250 from special schools through our Careers Fest conference and other activities.

“Hundreds of apprentices have been supported, 115 entering the Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Awards.

“We’ve also funded visitor economy marketing campaigns engaging millions of people, helping boost footfall to locations such as Oxford city centre.

“All of this is a stepping stone to taking Oxfordshire, and its diverse, expert, innovative companies and individuals to the next level. We’re flying the flag as Enterprise Oxfordshire.”

Enterprise Oxfordshire will begin life building on a significant legacy left by OxLEP.

Its last impact report – detailing activity delivered during the 2023/24 financial year alone – highlighted how OxLEP developed almost 700 bespoke support plans for Oxfordshire businesses; secured £842,000 worth of grants to over 50 visitor economy businesses in the county; while also optimising over £2.6m of underutilised apprenticeship levy (a figure that has now reached over £3.6m) into new apprenticeship schemes. This filled business needs and skills gaps using funding that would have otherwise been lost to Oxfordshire and returned to the Treasury.

This new arrangement with Oxfordshire County Council is one that has been implemented previously by a number of local authorities, creating a structure for companies to operate in fields such as health care, adult social care and other public services.

A Teckal company – also known as a Local Authority Trading Company (LATC) – is a company wholly owned by a local authority, set up to operate certain services or functions.

The shift to a Teckal company is also coupled with a much refreshed new governance structure. This includes a reduced board presence, down to three members – two of which represent Oxfordshire County Council (one elected member and one executive member) with a third non-executive director to become the new chair of Enterprise Oxfordshire, representing the county’s private sector.

The new trading name will be particularly visible across Enterprise Oxfordshire’s digital channels which will be fully updated to reflect the new arrangement.

Nigel Tipple added: “Through our top-class legacy, we remain the ‘go to’ organisation for those looking to start-up, develop or take on a new business challenge, as well as those aiming to inspire new career and skills opportunities too.

“We are excited to build on an already solid relationship with Oxfordshire County Council, acting as a vibrant catalyst and convener to support an inclusive and sustainable economy, which we can all be proud of. As Enterprise Oxfordshire, we will work hard to develop new programmes and initiatives that support our motivated business communities and associated groups and organisations.”

For more information, visit www.oxfordshirelep.com

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Now, with the support of Oxfordshire County Council, Bryan’s company, Repolywise, has just secured funding from Innovate UK to put his ideas for plastic recycling into action.

He is now encouraging others to follow in his footsteps in taking up support from Oxfordshire County Council’s Business and Intellectual Property Centre (BIPC).

Bryan, who became a Doctor of Philosophy (DPhil) at the University of Oxford, said: “I spent eight years at Oxford in the chemistry department as an undergraduate and a postgraduate, eventually obtaining my DPhil in inorganic chemistry in March 2024.

"As part of my DPhil work, I was involved in a project that looked at plastic degradation. That is where the inspiration for Repolywise came from,” explained the Oxford resident.

"The current limited options available for plastic recycling is partly a consequence of the difficulty in finding a solution. Nearly 80 per cent of all plastics in the world end up in landfill, just nine per cent is recycled.

“That’s why I wanted to create a business that focused on finding a solution to this.”

Bryan, 26, first came into contact with the BIPC back in September 2023, where his experience gave him the motivation to act.

Bryan continued: “I googled entrepreneur events in Oxford back in 2023 and that’s how I found the BIPC. I signed up to one of the start-up huddles to present my idea.

“Everyone was very enthusiastic and welcoming of my business proposal, and it was this that gave me the motivation to continue on with what I was doing.”

He has also utilised more of the services on offer, including one to one mentoring sessions, and computer software, such as Grantfinder.

Since then, Repolywise has gone from strength to strength, culminating in receiving £375,000 of funding from Innovate UK for the development of the ‘Atomic Scissors’ technology.

“The Atomic Scissors technology, developed at the University of Oxford, involves a highly innovative process to break down waste plastics at the atomic level to selectively convert waste into propane,” explained Bryan.

“This funding will allow us to develop the technology and get it to a point where it can be used commercially.”

With his business now thriving, Bryan is keen to encourage others to join the BIPC start-up huddles and share their ideas.

He said: “The BIPC centre is incredibly helpful to early stage entrepreneurs. You would be surprised what benefits the Oxford start-up community here can offer!”

Ryan Johnson, Manager at Oxfordshire County Council’s Business and Intellectual Property Centre, said: “Repolywise’s rapid rise is a real success story for the BIPC. The fact that it was the start-up huddle that gave Bryan the motivation to put his idea into practice shows how much the centre can make a difference.

“We provide a range of services, resources and activities from one on one support, workshops and our start-up huddle to equipment, software, and even office space. By doing this we can give people in Oxfordshire an extra hand to make their dreams a reality and help their businesses thrive.”

One on one support can be booked online.

The monthly start-up huddle provides an opportunity for individuals to connect with fellow entrepreneurs, share knowledge, experience and ideas, and grow their businesses.

The BIPC was recognised by the national Libraries Connected Awards back in June 2023, winning the children’s award for its work engaging hundreds of new youth participants aged eight to 25 in enterprising activities.

The centre is part of the British Library's National Network of Business & Intellectual Property Centres, which aim to transform the way ideas grow into successful businesses.

Find out more about what’s on offer and what support is available by visiting the Business and Intellectual Property Centre’s website.

Click Sign up to hear from us and receive the latest news and updates in our fortnightly newsletter, Your Oxfordshire.

On behalf of England’s Connected Heartland, Oxfordshire County Council has selected AWTG, a 5G mobile private network supplier, to install infrastructure along the route following a public procurement exercise. AWTG will begin work on the project over coming weeks.

Funded by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, the project aims to enhance rail passenger connectivity and bring benefits to businesses and residents along the route. There will be an extension of fixed wireless broadband to rural communities and trackside business parks, and to farms to support agri-tech applications.

Councillor Liz Leffman, Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “This ambitious project represents a significant leap forward in improving onboard passenger connectivity, and better connecting Oxfordshire’s rural communities.

“I am optimistic it will become a blueprint to be replicated on other similar railway routes both locally and nationally.

“AWTG’s expertise will allow us to deliver the vision we share with England’s Connected Heartland partners in Buckinghamshire to pioneer a connectivity solution for passengers and be a leader in digital innovation.”

The 5G rail project aims to develop a combined revenue commercial model for delivering enhanced passenger connectivity through onboard WiFi. Train companies will also be able to offload data collected onboard their services for operational purposes.

Abbey Alidoosti, Chief Executive Officer of AWTG, said: “The opportunity to address connectivity issues through this project is incredibly exciting, it provides a blueprint on the best solution for connectivity for rail passengers and trackside communities.

“We look forward to deploying a solution that not only boosts the passenger experience but also offers invaluable support to the railway industry as a whole. The same solution that addresses digital divide and provides the much needed broadband services for trackside businesses. We are eager to see the outcomes of this initiative and its positive impact on the community and businesses.”

Councillor Martin Tett, Leader of Buckinghamshire Council, said: “We are delighted to have the first England’s Connected Heartland 5G Rail project in Buckinghamshire, which builds on the strategic investment we and other partners previously made in trackside fibre along this route.

“While 5G is often seen merely as a faster version of 4G, its potential extends far beyond that, offering significant advantages for the UK rail industry. We anticipate that once the benefits of 5G connectivity are proven, awareness and demand for 5G networks in the rail industry will grow exponentially.

“We are thrilled to be part of a collaboration that will demonstrate these benefits and provide a blueprint for replicating our project to bolster the UK economy.”

Notes

England’s Connected Heartland (ECH) brings together local authorities in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Central Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, and Oxfordshire with a mission to accelerate advanced wireless adoption across the region.

Co-ordinated by Oxfordshire County Council, it is creating a blueprint that can be adopted throughout ECH and beyond to benefit the whole of the UK.

About AWTG

AWTG is an end-to-end engineering services and technology solutions provider operating in telecommunications, immersive tourism, smart education, smart cities, smart retail and shopping, industry 4.0, smart health, new media, internet and other markets that employ digital technologies. AWTG’s technology solutions cover digital transformation, rapid prototyping, artificial intelligence, internet of everything and software.

Your Oxfordshire

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However, for 35 year old Sadia Ali, Oxfordshire County Council’s Business and Intellectual Property Centre (BIPC) made the process a whole lot less daunting, and she is now encouraging others to make the most of the centre and its variety of resources.

She explained: “After years of working in investment banking I knew I wanted something more. I knew I wanted a family, and the demanding hours of the banking world would have made that difficult.

“I’ve had my own journey with this, but I’ve also met so many people that are stuck in less than ideal situations because of money; whether that’s an environment, a relationship, cultural dynamics or a job.

“I’ve also witnessed the detrimental impact and spiralling effect finances and bad money management can have on mental health and overall wellbeing. There is nothing that gives you more choice, more options, more independence than having your own money set for growth and building an independent source of income.

“I wanted to make finance and wealth building more accessible for the everyday person. I wanted more people to understand how simple it is to build wealth and how it’s possible for everyone at any level of income to invest in the stock market.”

The Oxford born and bred entrepreneur first came to the centre thanks to a women’s event hosted by Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (OxLEP).

 “It’s hard doing everything by yourself. Entrepreneurship is glorified as being easy, and so I felt out of my depth at times, especially as I was so used to high achieving,” Sadia commented.

“I found out about the BIPC through an event that I went to, hosted by OxLEP, at the Oxford Westgate Library.

“I was spending some time in Oxford, so it was the perfect little place for me to work from, providing the perfect balance between quiet focus time and also being around like-minded people in a similar position. I often used the marketing suite to film videos and podcasts. But mostly I used the booth for meetings!”

Sadia has also praised the support of the staff, particularly Ryan Johnson, Oxfordshire County Council’s BIPC Manager, and Sophie Silverstone, an officer.

She added: “The manager Ryan has also been a great help. He presented me with so many opportunities that I’m so grateful for, and Sophie was always available to help me through any real time challenges I was facing. I was really blessed to have had access to those two!”

Since using the BIPC to start her own business, Sadia is keen to share her own experiences and expertise to help others who may be feeling the same way she did.

She continued: “My business has grown so much in the last year and the centre had a huge role to play in this, mostly because of the space it gave me to focus and for helping me build a schedule for my work day. Also being around other business owners was so helpful, to support each other in quite a lonely journey. 

“I would strongly recommend anyone thinking about starting a business to use the BIPC and the resources available. From the free one on one mentoring to the marketing suite and the events that are held, it is such a brilliant space for anyone to start their journey. If you’re able to get through those first hurdles, then it is the most rewarding thing ever.”

Ryan Johnson, Manager at Oxfordshire County Council’s Business and Intellectual Property Centre, said: “Sadia’s story just shows, yet again, how much the centre can help anybody to make the next step with their business. I wish her all the best.

“Much of what is on offer is free of charge. By providing free resources and support, we can give people in Oxfordshire an extra hand to make their dreams a reality and help their businesses thrive.”

Located in the Oxford Westgate Library, the centre provides a range of services, resources and activities for start-ups. Individuals can benefit from one on one support, which can be booked online, or attend workshops designed to help develop their business ideas.

A monthly start-up huddle is held to provide a free opportunity for individuals to connect with fellow entrepreneurs, share knowledge, experience and ideas, and grow their businesses.

The BIPC was recognised by the national Libraries Connected Awards back in June 2023, winning the children’s award for its work engaging hundreds of new youth participants aged eight to 25 in enterprising activities.

The centre is part of the British Library's National Network of Business & Intellectual Property Centres, which aim to transform the way ideas grow into successful businesses.

Find out more about what’s on offer and what support is available by visiting the Business and Intellectual Property Centre’s website.

Click Sign up to hear from us and receive the latest news and updates in our fortnightly newsletter, Your Oxfordshire.

Two years later, he kept his promise with support from Oxfordshire County Council’s Business and Intellectual Property Centre (BIPC).

Now that his business, The Drone Rules, is thriving, 32 year old William is encouraging others to consider the BIPC to help turn their business ideas into reality.

Inspired by his Nigerian-born mother who was one of the first female aeronautical engineers in her town, William wanted to capitalise on his background in aerospace and astronautics engineering to create a business that centres on changing the world for the better through aerial technology – drones.

He said: “I had been working for an Oxford University spinout, having spent five years as a flight simulation engineer, building simulators and travelling the world to test them, but I had promised myself I would start my own business.

“The drone industry is a fast paced and rapidly growing market. This is because drones offer incredible value if used correctly – anything from aerial photography to delivering medical supplies at hospitals. There are so many opportunities with these incredible flying robots!”

William first came into contact with the team at the BIPC when he was offering free services at Oxford Westgate Library.

As he explains, “I quit my job in 2021, and I then began to offer free services to the library in the form of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) drone workshops. These were STEM based coding classes for young people.

“I was then introduced by a library manager to the BIPC management as she saw that I was keen to develop STEM workshops for young people.”

William was one of the first people to use the popular start-up networking huddles, which are now one of the most well attended of its kind in the country and has utilised almost every resource available.

“I have used almost everything at the centre to help my business, including the databases on offer, photography and lighting equipment, the green screen background, the meeting rooms for client discussions, and even the main room for various STEM sessions.”

Thanks to the help on offer at BIPC, William’s business is now thriving, providing educational and consultancy services to a range of different organisations.

“I have managed to branch the business out into two main areas: education and consultancy. “Drone City provides further development of STEM by inspiring young people (key stage one to two) through all mediums of education through practical sessions utilising our very own story books, online resources and STEM drones

“Meanwhile, Droneworxx (key stage two to post-16) helps with the development of careers by inspiring those aged 12 - 21 and over by offering programmes, workshops and practical sessions to help young adults to succeed in the world of autonomous aviation.

“The Drone Rules is the parent company for both Drone City and Droneworxx and is also helping businesses and organisations across Oxfordshire and surrounding counties adopt drone solutions including NHS, Oxfordshire County Council, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus and Oxford Business Park.

“I would strongly recommend anybody who is thinking about starting their own business to attend a meeting with the BIPC for a one to one, or join one of the start-up huddles, and gain insights into taking the leap into developing your idea into a viable business.

“You may feel ready to fly, but learning about the financial, administrative, and business planning frameworks may help make the ride a little less bumpy!”

Ryan Johnson, Manager at Oxfordshire County Council’s Business and Intellectual Property Centre, said: “The Drone Rules is just another example of a small Oxfordshire startup that has benefited from the expertise and resources on offer at the BIPC.

“It’s always great to hear these success stories, and I hope to hear many more.

"The BIPC offers various free resources, including free business advice and mentoring from our team, networking events, database access, meeting spaces, and equipment. It's the perfect place to bring your business idea to life.”

Located in the Oxford Westgate Library, the centre provides a range of services, resources and activities for start-ups. Individuals can benefit from one on one support or attend workshops designed to help develop their business ideas.

A monthly startup huddle is held to provide a free opportunity for individuals to connect with fellow entrepreneurs, share knowledge, experience and ideas, and grow their businesses.

The BIPC was recognised by the national Libraries Connected awards back in June 2023, winning the children’s award for its work engaging hundreds of new youth participants aged eight to 25 in enterprising activities.

The centre is part of the British Library's national network of business and intellectual property centres, which aim to transform the way ideas grow into successful businesses.

Find out more about what’s on offer and what support is available by visiting the Business and Intellectual Property Centre’s website.

Click Sign up to hear from us and receive the latest news and updates in our fortnightly newsletter, Your Oxfordshire.

With support from Oxfordshire County Council’s Business and Intellectual Property Centre (BIPC) 55-year-old Tim Pakouse has made his idea a reality and is encouraging others to make the most of the resources on offer.

Get Fed CIC (Community Interest Company) launched back in 2022 as a means of supporting young people identified as at particular risk of exploitation or exclusion from school. It aims to help them access employment while developing entrepreneurial skills along the way.

Experienced as a youth worker in a criminal justice setting,  Banbury-based Tim was concerned about the growing number of students for whom school was not working. He saw a link between these children and the developing problem of drugs exploitation: young people who weren’t achieving at school were more vulnerable to the offer of the local drug dealers, which gave Tim an idea.

He explains: “I was a youth worker for more than twenty years and saw so many young lads missing out on school for various reasons. I saw many of them at risk of getting involved with drug dealers and county lines.

“My idea was to create something where young people learn barista and business skills on our coffee van and have the opportunity to help project manage a gig in their community where they can earn 50 per cent of the profits. Making frothy coffees is a lot safer than dealing drugs!”

Tim first got in contact with the BIPC back in the summer of 2022 when he did a day of training with Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (OxLEP).

 Although at first, he wasn’t sure about the impact that the BIPC would have, it was clear very soon how much of a useful resource it is, and had particular praise for BIPC manager, Ryan Johnson.

“I have worked with Ryan Johnson previously and stayed connected over various changes in role. Ryan is an inspiring person and amazing connector. When I heard about the launch of BIPC I was intrigued, and the timing seemed perfect for what I wanted to achieve.

“I was a bit sceptical at first as to whether BIPC would help me to be honest – I felt a bit inadequate to accept the help and I had a bit of imposter syndrome.

“However, the trainers were so helpful, and resources were so easily accessible. Being able to network with other business owners was great too – seeing your idea become a reality and getting useful feedback from others.

“I have used every resource available and I never miss a BIPC opportunity if I don’t have to!”

Since getting involved with the BIPC, Get Fed CIC has gone from strength to strength, with exciting plans including more involvement at local events and new vans. Tim even hopes to use the experience to help shape local government policy for young people.

“Get Fed is growing and gaining traction. We have now worked with more than 50 young people, with a high percentage of those having gone onto employment or further training.

“BIPC is the nursery from which we’ve sprung. The day of OxLEP (free!) training germinated the idea – talked about for years – which began to take on a plan and strategy.

“BIPC’s value is so organic and multi-layered it has to be experienced.  Ryan and the BIPC team energise the eco-system, which has incredible resources and potential – it’s one of the most exciting spaces I’ve ever known.”

Ryan Johnson, Manager at Oxfordshire County Council’s Business and Intellectual Property Centre, said: “The BIPC is a great, but often underutilised resource that almost anybody with an idea could benefit from. It doesn’t matter whether you’ve already got a business, or you simply have an idea and want help taking it to the next step – the BIPC is here to help. Over 1,500 people have already been supported with their start-ups and their ideas.

“That’s why it’s so great to hear more about Tim’s business and the difference it’s already making to young people in the county. I am glad the BIPC was able to help Get Fed flourish.

“Much of what is on offer at our BIPC is free of charge, including one to one sessions with one of our advisors. If you have a startup, or simply a business idea, and need some advice, get in touch to book a free session now.”

Located in the Oxford Central Library at Westgate, the centre provides a range of services, resources and activities for start-ups. Individuals can benefit from one on one support or attend workshops designed to help develop their business ideas.

A monthly start-up huddle is held to provide a free opportunity for individuals to connect with fellow entrepreneurs, share knowledge, experience and ideas, and grow their businesses.

The BIPC was recognised by the national Libraries Connected Awards back in June 2023, winning the children’s award for its work engaging hundreds of new youth participants aged eight to 25 in enterprising activities.

The centre is part of the British Library's National Network of Business & Intellectual Property Centres, which aim to transform the way ideas grow into successful businesses.

Find out more about what’s on offer and what support is available by visiting the Business and Intellectual Property Centre’s website.

Click Sign up to hear from us and receive the latest news and updates in our fortnightly newsletter, Your Oxfordshire.

The monthly event, next taking place on 17 October from 6pm, provides a free opportunity for individuals to connect with fellow entrepreneurs, share knowledge, experience and ideas, and grow their businesses.

The sessions are organised by the council’s Business and Intellectual Property Centre (BIPC) and each event includes one or two business presentations, a question and answer period, and ample networking time.

Councillor Neil Fawcett, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Community & Corporate Services, said: “What our award-winning BIPC has achieved in such a short period of time has been astounding. Over 1,500 people have already been supported with their start-ups and their ideas, and the startup huddle is just one of a range of ways that people can benefit.

“Many of the services offered are free of charge, including this one. By providing free resources and support, we can help people in Oxfordshire turn their dreams into reality and help their businesses thrive.”

Located in the Oxford Central Library at Westgate, the centre provides a range of services, resources and activities for start-ups. Individuals can benefit from one-on-one support or attend workshops designed to help develop their business ideas.

Its success was recognised by the national Libraries Connected Awards back in June 2023, winning the children’s award for its work engaging hundreds of new youth participants aged eight to 25 in enterprising activities.

The centre is part of the British Library's National Network of Business & Intellectual Property Centres, which aim to transform the way ideas grow into successful businesses.

For more information on the BIPC, visit the centre on the second floor of Oxfordshire County Library or go online at oxfordshire.gov.uk/bipc.

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Th national Libraries Connected Award celebrates the achievements of library workers who have had an exceptional impact on their library service, users or their local communities.

The county council’s Oxfordshire Business and Intellectual Property Centre (BIPC) team, based in Oxford Central Library in Westgate, won the children’s award at the ceremony on 20 June 2023 for its work engaging hundreds of new youth participants aged eight to 25 in enterprising activities.

Councillor Jenny Hannaby, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Services and Safety, said: “It’s great news that our BIPC team has been recognised for its brilliant work over the past two years. I hope that the work has inspired many to follow their dreams.

“Much of what is on offer at our BIPC is free of charge. . By providing free resources and support, we can give people in Oxfordshire an extra hand to make their dreams a reality and help their businesses thrive.”

The BIPC team has introduced hundreds of children and young people to entrepreneurship through workshops, networking events and one to one business information sessions in its cutting-edge facilities, which include a marketing suite, VR headsets, interactive TVs and market research databases. 

Through strong partnerships with local schools, universities, charities and the youth justice system, BIPC also hopes to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs and offers positive opportunities to those at risk of youth violence or criminal exploitation.

Isobel Hunter MBE, Chief Executive of Libraries Connected, said: “These awards highlight the incredible opportunities libraries offer to their communities. But more importantly they recognise the people that make that possible – the library workers who show such dedication, creativity and innovation every day. The winners are a credit to their library services and to the public library sector as a whole. Huge congratulations to them all.”

The winners were chosen by expert judges including crime writer Priscilla Masters and children’s author Cathy Cassidy. The judging panels also included Arts Council England, The Reading Agency, BBC Arts and OverDrive, creator of the Libby reading app for libraries, who sponsored the awards.

The BIPC is a specialist library service delivered with the support of The British Library as part of a national network of similar centres. It provides high-quality information and resources, guidance, and networking activities to support a wide range of developing businesses and entrepreneurs.

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Oxfordshire County Council welcomed guests including the British Library’s Chief Librarian, Liz Jolly, and 15 managers from BIPC centres across the country to Oxford for the event, which included presentations showcasing the county council’s leading approach to youth engagement.

Councillor Jenny Hannaby, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Services and Safety, said: “I was pleased to be able to welcome the chief librarian for the British Library, and library staff from all over Britain to Oxford.

“It’s very telling that the work of the council’s Business and Intellectual Property Centre was chosen as the first host of such a networking event. Oxfordshire is leading the way nationally in youth engagement and partnership work, and I hope that the event will help others to understand how they can replicate our centre’s brilliant work.”

The BIPC offers many start-up support opportunities and activities, where anyone can access one to one support or workshops to support their business start-up ideas. The centre is part of the British Library's National Network of Business & Intellectual Property Centres, which aim to transform the way ideas grow into successful businesses.

For more information on the BIPC, visit the centre on the second floor of Oxfordshire County Library or go online at oxfordshire.gov.uk/bipc.

Click Sign up to hear from us and receive the latest news and updates thanks to our fortnightly newsletter, Your Oxfordshire.

In collaboration with the British Library, Oxfordshire County Council’s new Business and Intellectual Property (IP) Centre will be offering both a venue and professional support for starting and growing a business.

Resources include free workshops, access to databases and market research, one to one support with business advisors, digital marketing equipment, training rooms and more.  

The new custom-built business centre was launched on 4 April in the Oxfordshire County Library in the heart of Oxford.

Mark McCree, Oxfordshire County Council’s Service Manager for Libraries and Heritage, said: “Much of what is on offer here, free of charge, would have previously been inaccessible to many people looking to start their businesses – or accessible at a cost.

“By providing free resources and support, we can give people in Oxfordshire an extra hand to make their dreams a reality and help their businesses thrive.”

The centre is part of the British Library's National Network of Business & Intellectual Property Centres, which aim to transform the way ideas grow into successful businesses.

Oxfordshire County Council hopes to open more centres around the county throughout the year.

Learn more about the new centre on the county council’s  website.

Click Sign up to hear from us and receive the latest news and updates thanks to our fortnightly newsletter, Your Oxfordshire.

Oxfordshire County Council has joined Oxfordshire Greentech (OG) as its local authority innovation partner. Business network OG was set up in 2019 to bring together a wide range of commercial interests, academia and other organisations to encourage innovation, collaboration and knowledge transfer as a response to the climate emergency.

Councillor Yvonne Constance, Oxfordshire County Council Cabinet Member for Environment, said: “The council sees climate action as central to our vision for a thriving Oxfordshire, with a resilient economy, future-proofed infrastructure and liveable, healthy communities.

“We are joining Oxfordshire Greentech as its local authority innovation partner to help deliver our Climate Action Framework, which we published in October. It gives us an opportunity to collaborate with businesses who are driving the zero-carbon transition in Oxfordshire.”

Oxfordshire County Council’s partnership with OG will build on the authority’s commitment to seeing Oxfordshire as a ‘Living Lab’ for low-carbon solutions. The council’s iHub already develops partnerships with businesses and academia to help find solutions that benefit residents and the economy.

Alongside its existing innovation partnerships in transport – such as the electric vehicle charging initiative park and charge ­– it wants to develop new collaborations and networks with businesses.

Lewis Knight, Strategic Director of Oxfordshire Greentech, said: “We are delighted to welcome Oxfordshire County Council as Oxfordshire Greentech’s local authority innovation partner as part of its commitment to create a resilient economy based on zero-carbon jobs.

“With its strong support for sustainable initiatives, such as the Living Labs approach and iHub, the county council brings great opportunities for collaboration which will increase the momentum towards a zero-carbon Oxfordshire.”

Bicester-based OG has more than 100 members and is growing, even during the pandemic, as more companies see the benefits of sustainable business and new, circular economy, business models.

The network is not just relevant to tech companies; a wide range of organisations play an active role such as funders, architects, support services, and interior designers. This creates a green ecosystem providing everything organisations need to make their sustainable business flourish.

Members benefit from receiving market intelligence, connecting with the suppliers, customers and support organisations and can get help to make their own operations more sustainable. OG provides regular updates, events and networking, pitching and ‘Meet the Buyer’ opportunities.

OG is a collaboration between sustainability charity, Bioregional, and sister network Cambridge Cleantech. Members of one organisation automatically have affiliate membership of the sister network, opening up an even wider array of events and opportunities to connect.

As part of Oxfordshire County Council’s partnership with Oxfordshire Greentech, any company in Oxfordshire wishing to join the network can get 10 per cent off basic membership until January 2022 (use code OCC10).

The call comes from Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service; reminding businesses about the everyday fire risks in the workplace - and that there is both a legal and moral responsibility to ensure premises are safe from fire.

Many local businesses had to respond quickly to the pandemic. When they were allowed to reopen; while considering risk assessments, fire safety may not have been at the forefront of planning.

As part of Business Safety Week – which runs between 07-13 September – Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service is encouraging business owners and ‘responsible persons’ to ensure they review fire risk assessments. They should also seek guidance and advice to help premises and occupants stay safe from fire.

Businesses must consider the potential risks that COVID-19 secure measures - which are required to open some premises – might, in some cases, compromise fire safety measures.

• New screens must not obstruct smoke detection;
• Business must have enough trained staff to support evacuation procedures;
• Measures to support social distancing must not impact evacuation procedures or the ability of emergency service to help;

Measures should also protect from arson, and help the fire service by reducing false alarms - which currently accounts for about 40% of all emergency calls.

Rob MacDougall, Chief Fire Officer for Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, said:

“It's been a difficult and challenging time for so many people. We want to make sure that as businesses adapt in response to COVID-19, they remain fire safe.

“Fire can have a devastating impact on business and with the current pressure on the economy, most will never recover after an incident.

“We want to support businesses if they need advice and guidance. We asking all businesses to review their fire risk assessments and make sure they are working safety."

The campaign can be followed on social media using #BusinessSafety2020. Additional advice from Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service can be found at website 365Alive.co.uk

Alternatively, call 01865 895999 (8.30am - 5pm Monday – Thursday 8.30am - 4pm Fridays).

The new, temporary bus gates are set to be installed as part of plans by Oxfordshire County Council and Oxford City Council, working in close partnership, for the recovery of sustainable transport services as lockdown is eased. The aim is to implement the two gates in August.

A bus gate is a form of access restriction that allows only buses, cyclists, emergency vehicles and other limited exempt users to access to certain key roads between particular times of day (often 7am-7pm).

Bus gates do not prevent access to areas of the city. They aim to redirect traffic through a different route and reduce the use of the city centre as a through-route.

The new experimental bus gates do not require prior consultation or modeling before being installed, however they will be monitored and a consultation will be launched to assess their impact.

The city centre already operates a number of bus gates at High Street, George Street, and Castle Street which have helped reduce congestion and allow passengers to enjoy faster journeys.

As the transport authority, Oxfordshire County Council will be implementing the two temporary bus gates, however the project has been funded by Oxford City Council. The two councils have been working closely together on measures to support social distancing and to protect public health across the city.

Oxfordshire County Council has committed to invest almost £3m of Government funding to support projects to encourage safe pedestrian and cycle movement in cities. Additionally, the City Council has committed £234,000 to start the work to allow pedestrians and cyclists to maintain social distancing.

Oxfordshire County Council will implement two temporary bus gates in the city centre initially located at:

1. On Hythe Bridge Street or Worcester Street, between Frideswide Square and Beaumont Street
2. On St Cross Road or South Parks Road, between Parks Road and Manor Road.

The exact location of the bus gates is to be decided, and due to their temporary nature they might even be moved slightly after installation in response to feedback. A third bus gate is also being considered on Thames Street or Oxpens Road and may be introduced if monitoring of the two initial bus gates suggests this is necessary and desirable.

It is proposed that the gates will be open to all buses and coaches, bikes, electric bikes, taxis and private hire vehicles, blue badge holders and disabled tax class vehicles and the councils also plan to allow city centre residents (through one nominated bus gate only, between 10am and 4pm). Some of these exemptions will require systems to be set up at very short notice so they may not all be in full operation from the outset. More details on the exemptions and how they will work in practice will be shared shortly.

Why bus gates?

Oxford Bus Company has confirmed bus speeds in Oxford are 13% slower than in 2006. Bus gates will reduce this congestion by removing the ability for most private vehicles to go through the city centre.

A further benefit is that bus gates will also allow for safer journeys by cyclists as the roads at the allotted times will only be shared with buses rather than traffic as a whole.

Oxford City Council surveyed members of its residents’ panel last month on the impact of coronavirus and their plans to visit the city centre. When asked how they planned to travel into the city centre on their next visit, 47% of panel members said they intended to cycle, 7% planned to use the bus, 19% planned to walk, and 4% were planning on using a car.

Air pollution will also be cut in the city centre as traffic will not then become stuck in congestion. Oxford city centre has seen a historic 64% drop in air pollution as a direct result of the Coronavirus lockdown. 

In recent weeks, Oxford campaigners have been vocal in support of bus gates for Oxford as a means of addressing economic recovery for the city as it is unlocked. The University of Oxford has also expressed its support for the measure.

The temporary measure will act as one of a series to allow local bus companies to recover and support sustainable means of transport for residents, including cycling. In addition, reduced traffic will also offer all residents the prospect of cleaner air and a goal to continue it into the future.

Councillor Yvonne Constance, Cabinet Member for Environment, Oxfordshire County Council, said:

“The temporary bus gates will form a very important part of the recovery of the transport network in Oxford and offer a series of benefits to residents. Bus journeys across the city have been slowed by increases in motor traffic over many years along with increasing air pollution.

“Bus gates give us a chance to build Oxford back better as we recover; they will help sustain the recovery of the bus operators, reduce congestion where they are located and help offer safer roads for cyclists. Residents have indicated that they want safer streets with less traffic as part of the recovery and this will be one of the steps forward to achieving this goal.”

Councillor Tom Hayes, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Green Transport and Zero Carbon Oxford, Oxford City Council, said:

“Oxford City Council is funding the introduction of two new bus gates to cut car traffic, allow public transport to run efficiently, and free up safe space for cyclists and pedestrians. This City Council is committed to the fullest and fastest economic recovery to protect jobs—the new bus gates are key to getting Oxford moving again in a clean, green and safe way. We are closely listening to residents and acting on their desires for urgent transport changes which work for the good of every individual and Oxford itself.”

Chris Coleman, Stagecoach Oxfordshire Managing Director said:

"The introduction of these two temporary bus gates is a positive step towards more sustainable active travel patterns. Covid-19 has given us a window on what could be a positive future - one with dramatically fewer cars on our roads, safer streets, cleaner air and less damage to our environment. With less congestion slowing journey times, bus travel is an attractive mode of transport for reaching the city centre and we look forward to seeing the positive effects the two new gates will have on our services."

The gates will be implemented during temporary traffic regulation orders (TTROs), and using the additional powers and guidance issued to local authorities by the Department for Transport to assist in the delivery of emergency active travel measures and other coronavirus recovery schemes.

The Connecting Oxford transport plan between the County and City councils also includes various options for a series of new bus gates in the city centre and eastern area of the city.

The short-term implementation of these two bus gates in the city centre will be outside of this process. This means the bus gates put forward for short term implementation may differ in a number of ways from the bus gates being developed as part of Connecting Oxford.

Differences could include the number of gates, locations, times of operation, exemptions and physical layout. At the same time, these temporary bus gates will yield vital data on the impact of reduced traffic including that on air quality, cycle mobility, increased bus patronage and increased levels of walking.

Each year, crews across the UK use the week to publicise the importance of fire safety awareness in the workplace.

Reflecting on limited success in previous years, Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service decided to take a new approach in 2019.

Dave Bray, Oxfordshire’s Fire Protection Manager, explains:

“We were putting time and effort into planning and advertising but struggling to generate much interest.

“Previously business owners were invited to come to events organised by the fire protection team.

“Last year we ‘turned it on its head’; we would visit companies and retailers.”

Operational crews in Oxfordshire are not normally involved in fire protection activity but are ideally placed to do so. The project did not need enforcing officers, this was about sharing guidance and advice; an opportunity for local crews to engage with local businesses.

A decision was made to focus on takeaway establishments after a review of prohibition notices’ data showed their use of premises often raised a number of fire safety issues.

Dave Bray explains: “We decided to make the link between poor food hygiene and general standards in the building, including fire safety. This enabled us to further target resources, focusing on takeaways that had a two-star food hygiene rating or less.”

Google Maps were used to identify those locations that had domestic accommodation above the takeaways.

Wholetime crews are ideally located in the five big market towns of Oxfordshire. They were provided with guidance from the fire protection team, and with boxes of Do you own a takeaway or restaurant? leaflets to give to owners or the responsible person at each takeaway.

This multilingual leaflet is available in Turkish, Bengali and Mandarin; reflecting the languages of many takeaway owners across the county.

Through consultation with Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service (DSFRS) – who translated the leaflets – Oxfordshire’s web services team created a specific campaign page with link, taking those looking for a particular language leaflet straight into the DSFRS website.

A further single page alternate language document meant crews could converse with business owners who could not speak English, directing them through to the business fire safety pages, where they could get the leaflet in their preferred language.

Dave Bray said: “Everything was designed to make guidance and support accessible. We went to each business. We created different language versions. This was about us providing a safety advice service, rather than expecting businesses to find it themselves.”

Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service took a decision to run the initiative for a month, rather than just a week.

An extended campaign gave more time to identify premises that would benefit from the advice and support.

Takeaways and restaurants often do not appear on the risk-based inspection programme. Many have alarm systems that are not linked to alarm receiving centres, so do not get flagged for unwanted fire signals. As a result, they are unlikely to be audited by fire inspectors.

During the campaign, 108 takeaways and restaurants were visited by the fire crews.

Six prohibition notices were served as a result of situations that presented a risk of death or serious injury had a fire occurred. The prohibition notices directly increased the safety of 20 local residents. These buildings were unlikely to have been inspected without the new innovative approach.

The literature’s link to business fire safety webpages stimulated a 200% increase in traffic on those pages compared to the previous year’s campaign, and an increase in how long people stayed on them.

Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service completed a lessons learnt review and presented this to its strategic leadership team. The main points were:

• face to face sessions with crews, rather than email briefs, would have been beneficial in further enhancing the impact of the campaign;
• takeaway businesses do present a fire safety risk;
• the working hours of some of fire and rescue’s shifts present a challenge in linking with opening hours of takeaways. The crews found ways to overcome this.

The strategic leadership team decided that takeaways and restaurants with a food hygiene rating of two or less – and which have domestic accommodation above them – must be added to fire and rescue’s risk-based inspection programme.

This important step now means these premises can be regularly inspected by Oxfordshire’s fire protection team.

Dave Bray concludes: “Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service wants to help local businesses thrive, and to do so safely by complying with guidance to protect their workforce and customers, and to safeguard their premises from accident or fire.

“The reach we achieved; the involvement of local crews, community engagement, and an innovative and collaborative approach – all these factors meant we made a big difference.

“We now have a model to further improve and develop during future Business Fire Safety Weeks.”

For further information visit: www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/businessfiresafety

From Monday, non-essential shops will be able to open for the first time since late March, with retailers required to adhere to new guidelines to protect shoppers and workers. To support the reopening of town centres, the county council is working with district and town councils on a series of temporary and permanent changes designed to ensure the county remains a great place to live, work, socialise, visit and shop.

Some narrow streets in town centres will operate a one-way system for pedestrians including Hythe Bridge Street in Oxford and social distancing measures will be put in place to ensure the safety of shoppers and visitors, with signs and posters offering guidance about respecting the 2-metre social distancing rule. The changes will be most evident in high-pedestrian traffic areas such as at Frideswide Square and the city centre streets in Oxford. Contractors are also likely to be working in places at times so please be mindful of their important work.

The county council is currently investing the first part of £597,000 of a £2.9m government active travel grant in a range of measures to improve cycling infrastructure, footpaths and parts of the road network to help make journeys much easier by bike and on foot. This includes fitting new bike racks across the county’s market towns and in Oxford.

Residents are being asked to consider their journeys carefully and prepare their route ahead of time. Where possible people are encouraged to visit busy areas at off-peak times and to cycle and walk where they can, particularly as buses and trains will be restricted in the number of passengers they can carry.

Please be mindful that car parks will reintroduce charges on 15^th June. This means charges will resume at Oxford’s Seacourt, Thornhill, Redbridge and Oxford Parkway Park and Ride car parks. Exemptions for NHS staff and care workers still apply.

From 15th June, the entitlement to free travel for concessionary bus pass holders will return to its pre-crisis time of 9am to midnight Monday to Friday and anytime Saturday and Sunday.

Cllr Liam Walker, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet member for Highways Delivery & Operations, said: 

“Oxfordshire County Council and partner councils have put a lot of effort into prioritising measures to protect the public. We are doing all we can to enable residents and visitors to access towns by active transport and keep a safe distance from others.

“We’d like to ask residents to help make this next phase of easing the lockdown a success by keeping a two-metre distance from others and consider visiting towns at off peak times where possible. The further easing of lockdown in July depends on our cooperation, so let’s make this phase a safe success.”

Local companies have had to adapt to new ways of working over the past three-months, many now face great challenges going forward.

However, fire officers are on hand to help them return to work safely as COVID-19 restrictions are eased.

Gabby Heycock, Head of Protection for Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, said:

“We are here to support businesses the best we can during these challenging times.

“Our fire safety inspection team is working hard in providing guidance to ensure that companies and customers across the Thames Valley are safe to reopen. They are on hand to answer any questions.”

New ways of working may mean business needs have changed, and so it is important fire risk assessments are reviewed to ensure they continue to reflect the new situation.

Factors that could impact on a fire risk assessment include:

• Changes to work processes and their implementation, such as new equipment.
• Temporary changes to how the premises are used, for example, introduction of sleeping on site.
• Alterations to the building, including the internal layout.
• Substantial changes to furniture and fixings.
• Increase or change to the amount of stock kept on premises.
• An increase or decrease in the numbers of staff or customers.

Businesses are encouraged to check they are still able to safely evacuate everybody; and ensure the fire assembly point is still workable with social distancing in mind.

Other considerations include:

• The amount of rubbish being generated, and ensuring it is properly disposed of to reduce the risk of arson.
• Ensuring means of escape are adequate for the number of people in the building and their needs; and kept clear of obstructions.
• Making sure new members of staff are properly trained, including any additional training needs that arise from the latest fire risk assessment.
• Checking the fire warning system and emergency lighting work correctly, and whether they have been tested whilst the building has been closed.
• Employees should be reminded not to prop open fire doors. Minimising contact with door handles may be at the forefront of people’s minds, but they must not use wedges or extinguishers to hold open fire doors.

Businesses can contact Oxfordshire County Council Fire and Rescue Service by:

Email: fire.service@oxfordshire.gov.uk

Phone: 01865 895999.

Further advice is also available from Oxfordshire County Council’s website here.

Also read here New approach to Business Fire Safety Week delivers for Oxfordshire takeaways.

Malicious email attachments, false government grant phone calls and CEO impersonation scams are among a raft of scams undermining businesses as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Oxfordshire County Council is supporting Businesses Against Scams – an initiative from National Trading Standards; with a free online training tool to protect businesses, employees and customers from costly scams.

With remote working and many businesses having to stop or diversify their trading practices, criminals are seizing the opportunity to target employees who are isolated from colleagues. Scams include criminals impersonating government officials or a senior member of the business in order to put pressure on employees to give out sensitive information or make payments.

Criminals will also try and gain access to businesses devices and networks, and everything stored on them. They can do this by:

• Sending emails with malicious attachments;
• Exploiting vulnerabilities in operating systems if they are not up-to-date;
• Trying to get you to click links or visit malicious websites.

Once they have access to a device and to data, they may try to steal that data or extract money by getting businesses to pay a ransom.

At a time when Oxfordshire businesses are already facing challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic, the proliferation of related scams are adding further strain. This includes scams directly targeting businesses – such as tax refund frauds – which can lead to significant financial losses for businesses.

Scams targeting customers also undermine businesses, causing reputational damage and potential loss of custom. The emotional and mental impact on employees and business owners who have fallen victim to a scam can also be devastating and long-lasting.

The increased risk for businesses has led National Trading Standards to encourage more businesses to join Businesses Against Scams. The initiative provides free tools for businesses to help upskill and train their workforce, through free online training modules that will help staff identify and prevent potential scams. Businesses can take the training and sign up at: www.friendsagainstscams.org.uk/BAS.

Councillor Judith Heathcoat, Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet member for Community Safety, said:

“Criminals will use every opportunity to defraud, and they don’t care ‘one iota’ about the devastation it can cause to businesses or residents.

“We want everyone in Oxfordshire to be vigilant. That’s why we are supporting Businesses Against Scams as a free tool for organisations to help them to protect their business, their staff and their customers.

“Businesses in Oxfordshire must be vigilant against scams and fraud.”

Four common scams targeting businesses

Government grant/tax refund scams – A business is contacted by phone, email or post by government imposters suggesting the business might qualify for a special COVID-19 government grant or a tax refund. Variations on the scheme involve contacts through text messages, social media posts and messages.

Businesses should be cautious about unexpected urgent communications offering financial assistance. Check that the information is genuine by using official government websites.

Invoice/mandate scams – A business may be contacted out of the blue by someone claiming to be from a regular supplier. They state that their bank account details have changed and will ask you to change the payment details.

Never rush a payment. Use contact details that you have used before to check that it is genuine.

CEO impersonation scams - A sophisticated scam that plays on the authority of company directors and senior managers. An employee receives a phone call or email from someone claiming to be a senior member of staff – they ask for an urgent payment to a new account and instil a sense of panic. Scammers may even hack a staff email account or use spoofing software to appear genuine.

Be cautious about unexpected urgent requests for payment and always check the request in person if possible.

Tech support scams – With more people working remotely and IT systems under pressure, criminals may impersonate well-known companies and offer to repair devices. Criminals are trying to gain computer access or get hold of passwords and login details. Once they have access, criminals can search the hard drive for valuable information.

Always be suspicious of cold callers. Genuine companies would never call out of the blue and ask for financial information.

Report it

If a business believes they have been the victim of a scam they must contact their bank immediately and report any suspicious activity to Action Fraud www.actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040.

Businesses Against Scams is a new element of the successful Friends Against Scams initiative, run by National Trading Standards to provide free online training to protect and prevent people from becoming victims of scams www.friendsagainstscams.org.uk/

The campaign aims to provide those with responsibility for businesses and public buildings with information and advice to reduce the number of fire incidents and false alarms in the workplace, both of which impact on business safety and productivity.

Businesses are encouraged to ensure they have taken the steps required by law to protect their premises and employees from fire.

During September, Oxfordshire County Council Fire and Rescue Service will be paying particular attention to providing education to the operators of restaurants and takeaways, however their Business Fire Safety web pages hold safety guidance that is relevant to every type of business.

Oxfordshire County Council Fire and Rescue Service will also be giving advice on preventing arson attacks and reducing false alarms. Where needed they will give guidance for premises with sleeping accommodation adjacent or above, where the means of escape passes though the commercial part of the building.

Dave Bray, Fire Protection and Business Safety Manager – Oxfordshire County Council Fire and Rescue Service, explains: “If a business on the ground floor has bedrooms on the upper floors, and the staircase descends to ground floor where it discharges through the takeaway or restaurant; a fire on the ground floor could trap people in the bedrooms above.

“Another concern is that staff may be sleeping within the commercial area after the premises are closed for business, which could place them at risk.”

Watch Dave's interview on That's Oxfordshire TV here.

The lead up to Christmas can be a busy time for businesses so Fire and Rescue is calling on businesses to take the opportunity now to review risk assessments and escape plans in preparation for increasing custom.

Statistics show that in 2017-18 there were 162 fires in Oxfordshire businesses with about 14% (23) being deliberately set.

County Councillor Judith Heathcoat, Cabinet Member for Community Safety, said: “About one third of fires in the workplace are due to electrical faults and misuse of electrical equipment. Most of these fires are likely to be preventable. By taking some simple measures, businesses can learn about how to make their premises and staff safer from fire by visiting our business fire safety web pages, which gives practical advice.

“We know that many small businesses never recover from the damage caused by fire, so it is really important to factor in fire safety.

“Shortcutting fire safety guidelines can have a devastating impact. Imagine a blaze that results in death or injury. The guilt. The risk of prosecution. A criminal record. And the lasting damage to your business and reputation.

“Please, take away our business safety advice.”

For further information visit:

https://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/businessfiresafety

Tips and advice to help businesses with fire safety will be posted on social media throughout the month. On Twitter, check #BusinessSafety19

A carnival atmosphere is expected along the route between Henley-on-Thames and Blenheim Palace, with cycling fans visiting Oxfordshire to watch the race.

Faringdon is planning to turn its town pink!

Charlbury’s streets will be festooned with bunting.

Henley-on-Thames businesses and residents are gearing up to welcome the riders, proud that the town is hosting the start of the prestigious event.

Oxfordshire councils are liaising with local businesses and communities along the route, encouraging them to join the fun and showcase their town or village, while generating additional business for restaurants, bars, hotels, B&Bs and shops.

Suggestions include encouraging shops and businesses to have ‘best dressed shop window’ competitions and cycling-themed displays.

A similar bike race stage in Warwickshire last year resulted in an economic boost of £2m for local businesses.

A colourful welcome can be created using bunting, or highly visible and identifiable props, such as decorated bikes on roundabouts. Schools, community groups and businesses can all get involved, creating a theme specific to the venue or area.

Designing flags or banners and cake baking are other ways to create civic pride and bring together local community celebrations.

Faringdon... turning the town pink!

Faringdon is planning to mark the race passing through its streets by turning their town pink! In line with the town’s quirky artistic heritage celebrating their Pink Pigeons and legendary Lord Berners, residents are encouraged to dress in pink, wave pink banners and flags, bake pink cakes and fly pink kites. People can even purchase a tame pink pigeon from the Faringdon Information Centre.

Sjoerd Vogt, from Farcycles - and Faringdon's Town Crier, said: “The OVO Energy Women’s Tour is the biggest event to hit Faringdon this century so naturally we want to celebrate. Our infant and junior schools will be cheering on the race and we want local people to think ‘Pink, Pink, Pink’ and get ready for the glorious 12^th.”

Charlbury

Charlbury businesses are looking forward to another successful trading day, many having seen a boost in sales when the men’s race came through a few years ago. The town is promoting itself as a gateway to the Cotswolds; an ideal location for a cycling holiday.

Lauren Clark, Supervisor at the Charlbury Deli and Café, said: “When the men’s race came through Charlbury in 2017, we embraced it. It was a fantastic boost for business and we hope for the same from the women’s race.

“It will be exciting to be involved again and I am sure the whole town will benefit from the increase in visitors as well as the positive health and motivational messages."

Keen cyclist and town councillor Richard Fairhurst said: “Luckily for us it’s the Charlbury Festival that week so we will already have bunting out and will definitely be making the most of the race coming through the town.

“Local businesses did very well when the men’s race came through and will be hoping for another good day. We will also be promoting Charlbury as a gateway to the Cotswolds – a great place to base yourself for a cycling holiday or to start a day ride.”

Bix and Assendon Parish Council and Highmoor

Another Oxfordshire community preparing for the big day is Bix and Assendon Parish Council and Highmoor, where Clerk Jane Pryce said:

“There’s a real buzz. It’s not every day that a major national sporting event comes through our neighbourhood. We’re expecting residents to line the route on race day.”

Henley

There is excitement in Henley-on-Thames, where the race will start, with local businesses enthusiastically looking forward to race-day.

Jason Acock, one of the owners of Henley Cycles, said: “As a sponsor and business in Henley-on-Thames, we are delighted to be involved with the OVO Energy Women’s Tour.

“We hope this event will inspire others to take up cycling, either for leisure or as a competitive sport. That’s why we’re offering 10% off all cycling accessories for the whole of race day on Wednesday 12 June.”

Race route

The elite cyclists will race through the Chilterns via Pishill to Watlington, before returning via the climb of Britwell Hill to Sonning Common and Goring.

Crossing the River Thames at Wallingford, the route will continue through Didcot, Harwell and Wantage, crossing the Vale of White Horse to Faringdon, before looping through the West Oxfordshire towns of Burford, Charlbury and finally Woodstock in the closing kilometres.

Gabby Heycock, OVO Energy Women’s Tour Project Director (Oxfordshire), said: “We want this prestigious race to leave a legacy for the county; a lasting economic impact, and motivating people to exercise, get fit, and keep fit.

“We challenge local communities and businesses to support the race. Be creative, do something based on cycling, fitness or specific to your area. Make your village or town the most spectacular place out of the 100 miles the race will travel.”

About the OVO Energy Women’s Tour

Created by SweetSpot Group in 2014, the OVO Energy Women’s Tour is the UK’s first international stage race for women, bringing the world’s top riders to compete in Great Britain as a part of the UCI Women’s World Tour.

In addition to its wider aims of promoting active and healthy lifestyles to women, the event has championed equality in sport, notably offering the same prize fund pro rata as the men’s OVO Energy Tour of Britain. The race will expand to six days for the first time in its history in 2019.

The race, which has been won by the likes of Marianne Vos (2014), Lizzie Deignan (2016) and Coryn Rivera (2018), attracts an annual roadside audience of 300,000, as well as over three million fans through linear and online platforms.

Schools and cycling clubs along the route of the 2019 OVO Energy Women’s Tour can download fan packs to help them get ready for this year’s race: ​https://www.womenstour.co.uk/fan-packs-now-available/

For further information about the event, visit the official website: www.womenstour.co.uk Oxfordshire is Stage 3.

Read more, including FAQs

“We recently celebrated 100 years of car making in Oxford and I want to make sure it has an equally long future ahead. In Oxfordshire we have developed an exciting specialism in autonomous vehicles and other smart transport solutions.

"BMW has already said it would make electric Minis in Cowley and we will do everything we can to ensure that happens. I will be working with the City Council to offer any support we can to the company and its staff so they can look forward to a bright future in Oxfordshire.”

The campaign aims to provide businesses with information and advice to reduce the number of fire incidents and false alarms in the workplace,

Businesses are encouraged check they have taken necessary steps, required by law, to protect their premises and employees from fire. Advice is being given on preventing arson attacks, reducing false alarms, and taking safety precautions for sleeping accommodation.

Statistics show that in 2016-17 there were 19,410 fires in UK businesses with about 30% (5,518) started deliberately.

Chris Wilson, from Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “We want to work with small businesses to help them understand their legal responsibilities when it comes to fire prevention and safety.

“We’re promoting anti-arson measures and general fire safety in restaurants, takeaways and other licensed premises, particularly those with sleeping accommodation.

“Leaflets are available in a range of languages to help business owners whose first language is not English. Forthcoming seminars will provide an opportunity for employers to ask questions and learn how to ensure they maintain a safe working environment.”

For further information email fire.service@oxfordshire.gov.uk or visit the website www.365alive.co.uk/cms/content/work

More than 95 per cent of Oxfordshire premises are now able to get superfast broadband and take-up of the technology by local households and businesses is among the highest in the country*, with more than 50 per cent of those reached by the roll-out already opting for an upgrade.

So far BBfO has enabled more than 73,000 households and businesses to connect to superfast broadband speeds. The latest communities to benefit from the BBfO roll-out include: Cookley Green, Pyrton, Balscote, Baulking and Waterperry.

The major milestones were confirmed by Oxfordshire County Council and BT Group, who spearhead the BBfO partnership.

It is part of the Government’s Broadband Delivery UK (BDUK) programme, which aims to make superfast broadband available to 95 per cent of the country by the end of the year.

Councillor David Bartholomew, Cabinet member for Finance of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “Reaching these important milestones in the run-up to Christmas and ahead of schedule is a terrific achievement and shows our commitment to make this important service available to as many parts of Oxfordshire as quickly as possible.

“We’re using a combination of technologies and co-funding solutions to ensure residents and businesses in even the smallest, most remote parts of our county have access to fast broadband.”

The upgrade work is being carried out by engineers from Openreach, the business responsible for Britain’s largest digital phone and broadband network.

Steve Haines, Openreach’s Managing Director of Next Generation Access, said: “The broadband landscape across Oxfordshire has been transformed in recent years so that the great majority of households and businesses can now get superfast speeds. And we are most certainly not stopping there. We’re committed to going further with superfast and ultrafast broadband.

“Increasingly high-speed broadband is no longer a ‘nice to have’ – it is a ‘must have’. Reaching this important milestone at this busy time of the year is particularly good news for people wanting to use the internet more than usual for online shopping and ‘click and collect’ services. At home, it enables families to connect to several different devices at the same time, so children can play online games without affecting parents or grandparents while they watch catch-up television or contact friends and relatives abroad.

“This exciting technology also breaks down barriers to doing business in the digital world, around Oxfordshire and across the globe. It helps small businesses to find new markets, sell new products and communicate more easily and quickly with their customers, suppliers and employees.”

People can follow the progress of the roll-out and get more information about the council’s community co-funding scheme via the website: www.betterbroadbandoxfordshire.org.uk

Because the fibre broadband network is being installed by Openreach, households and businesses have a wide choice of fibre broadband providers. Upgrades do not happen automatically. Anyone wanting to benefit needs to place an order with their chosen fibre broadband provider.

Read how superfast broadband helped these SMEs in Oxfordshire:

Notes to Editors

*Source: Thinkbroadband

The 95 per cent superfast broadband coverage figure has been achieved as a result of superfast broadband roll-outs by BBfO combined with private sector investment by network businesses such as Openreach.

About Better Broadband for Oxfordshire

Better Broadband for Oxfordshire is a partnership between Oxfordshire County Council, BT Group and BDUK.

County Council Leader Ian Hudspeth writes:

Oxfordshire is getting its act together to meet the real challenges of economic growth and providing homes for the people of Oxfordshire, now and for future generations. The announcement in the autumn budget of funding for homes and infrastructure is the evidence.

The key that unlocks that growth is transport infrastructure – the connections that enable people to get to work, and encourage business and housing developers to invest. The government has committed to help fund our priorities. These include Didcot, West Oxfordshire along the A40 and north of Oxford; tackling the A34, and providing the infrastrcuture to support Bicester’s ambitious growth plans.

Communities secretary Sajid Javid said he was ‘impressed with the collaborative approach to the deal’ taken by Oxfordshire’s six councils. But the announcement of this funding, linked to delivering ambitious targets for new homes, is just the start. Government wants to see that we can continue to work together with strong local leadership. That is ministerial code for taking tough decisions that will not always be popular.

We quickly need to provide government with a credible plan for housing growth to get the cash. Longer term we need to work together to produce a spatial plan that recognises the importance of planning for jobs, homes and transport for Oxfordshire as a whole. For the first time, developing a spatial plan will force the different parts of Oxfordshire and the different interest groups within it to agree a vision for the future of the whole county that is in all our interests

We have many advantages of wealth and knowledge in Oxfordshire compared to other parts of Britain. But to some extent we are also playing catch up. Cambridgeshire has been better at using the planning system and government investment to capitalise on its science and technology assets. To use a boat race analogy, we are drawing level with both crews pulling hard.

Although that friendly local rivalry will continue, to compete with places much, much further east of Cambridgeshire, we will need to work together. The National Infrastructure (NIC) report on the economic potential of the ‘brain belt’ between Oxfordshire and Cambridge shows that our future prosperity lies as much in working together as competing against each other.

The announcement of the growth deal with Government is a small but important part of what Oxfordshire needs to be a vital part of that growth opportunity. We need to bring the ideas people and their backers to this corner of the globe and then, sure, we can try to get them to Oxfordshire. But amid the uncertainty about investment in UK plc, the most important thing is to get them here.

Last week Sajid Javid told the baby boomers that they had to get real about the need to solve the housing crisis, which is impacting on their children and grandchildren. I agree. But we cannot have growth at any costs, and I was reassured by the NIC’s recommendations about protecting the environment and quality of life.

I am nailing my colours firmly to the mast here – I am for growth that creates jobs, grows the economy and helps our children find a home to raise a family, and their children to do the same. But I also know there are many other important reasons that people want to live in Oxfordshire. The challenge we all face as politicians is ensuring we can have both.

The report makes a series of recommendations to Government on how to maximise the economic potential of the 130-mile corridor that links the two cities over the next thirty years.

The Board will now study the report in detail and looks forward to the Government’s response to its findings.

The project aims to grow the knowledge-based economy across the arc so that it competes on a global stage with areas such as Silicon Valley in the US, while protecting the area’s high-quality environment, and securing the homes and jobs that the area needs.

The area is home to four of the UK’s fastest growing towns and cities, as well as globally-renowned centres of research expertise and advanced manufacturing. Oxfordshire already boasts concentrations of cutting-edge innovation, in particular the Harwell and Culham science parks, Oxford’s universities and medical research centres and the automotive and motorsport clusters particularly in the north of the county.

The NIC’s proposals seek to bring forward investment to harness the region’s economic potential, to benefit local people and boost UK plc in a post-Brexit landscape. It is proposing significant investment funding for new transport infrastructure. This includes strategic schemes - such as East-West Rail connecting Oxford and Cambridge via Milton Keynes, as well as more localised projects - such as the opening of a Cowley Branch Line by end 2019, and improved cycle routes across the county.

The Growth Board has already published an Oxfordshire Infrastructure Strategy that identifies the county’s infrastructure needs up to 2040. It has also recently approved proposals to develop a joint strategic spatial plan for Oxfordshire to provide a county-wide integrated planning framework to support sustainable growth. And it has endorsed plans to develop a ‘Living Lab’ within the county to test and measure the impact of a variety of innovative approaches to improve health, mobility and energy generation.

Councillor Bob Price, Chair of the Oxfordshire Growth Board and Leader of Oxford City Council, said: “Oxfordshire is at the centre of the UK’s knowledge-based economy. This region is already growing strongly and the Oxford-Cambridge ‘brain belt’ offers an opportunity to create a fourth economic powerhouse for the UK to rival those in London, the Midlands and the North. This economic growth needs to be matched by investment in infrastructure and provision of more high quality affordable housing, as well as social infrastructure such as schools and hospitals, while protecting our high-quality environment.

“There are some eye-catching numbers in the NIC report that looks right out to 2050 and covers a wide arc. Our focus across Oxfordshire today and over coming years will be to ensure that development is properly planned, is sustainable and works in the interests of existing and well as future residents. In particular, we want to improve connectivity and tackle congestion to make Oxfordshire an easier place for everyone to travel around.”

Councillor Ian Hudspeth, Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, the strategic planning authority, said: “As the transport lead for Oxfordshire we take great encouragement from the report’s call for Government to commit to and accelerate both East West Rail and the Expressway, to look at re-opening the Cowley branch line and to make Oxford `world class for cycling`.

“We have been calling for the right infrastructure to support growth and new housing for a while now. The recent short term announcements, including for Botley Road and the new slip roads from the A34 at Abingdon, have been very welcome but it is these longer term and major investments that will make the real difference for residents to get around more easily and for businesses to contribute to the UK’s economic success over the coming decades.”

Nigel Tipple, Chief Executive of Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (OxLEP), said: “This announcement is extremely welcome news for Oxfordshire and the regions identified in this report.

“Just last week, PwC’s ‘Good Growth for Cities’ report announced Oxford as being one of the two highest-performing cities – in relation to growth – anywhere in the UK. This follows last month’s announcement from Irwin Mitchell and the Centre for Economics and Business Research who said Oxford had the second fastest-growing economy of any UK city.

“It is clear that Oxfordshire continues to reaffirm a position of having a world-leading economy and this report further identifies the global opportunities and strengths our region has to offer.”

The six councils represented on the Oxfordshire Growth Board are Cherwell District Council, Oxford City Council, Oxfordshire County Council, South Oxfordshire District Council, Vale of White Horse District Council and West Oxfordshire District Council, together with the OxLEP.

NIC report: "Partnering for prosperity: A new deal for the Cambridge/Milton Keynes-Oxford Arc": https://www.nic.org.uk/publications/partnering-prosperity-new-deal-cambridge-milton-keynes-oxford-arc/

Goosey Wick villagers will be the first to harvest the benefits of a new £600,000 Oxfordshire faster broadband fund, led by Oxfordshire County Council and Openreach, as part of the Government’s Broadband Delivery UK (BDUK) programme.

Eleven farms and households in tiny Goosey Wick, near Charney Bassett, will get ultrafast Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) broadband after becoming the first to sign up for the new Better Broadband for Oxfordshire co-funding initiative. FTTP is capable of download speeds of up to one Gigabit per second (Gbps) – about 1,000 times faster than the village’s current speeds.

The partnership allocated £600,000 in total from efficiency savings elsewhere in the Better Broadband for Oxfordshire roll-out to co-fund projects like the one in Goosey Wick.

Under the scheme, the county council will contribute up to £1,700 per premise*, with Openreach – the business responsible for Britain’s largest telephone and broadband network – carrying out the upgrade work. The co-funding programme aims to bring high-speed broadband to more of the county’s smallest, remote communities not yet earmarked for any public or private sector roll-outs, by sharing the infrastructure and installation costs, which would otherwise be too expensive.

Goosey Wick residents have kept the costs down even more by offering to use their own equipment to do some of the digging. The project at Goosey Wick is a major engineering challenge involving the installation of around 13 kilometres of fibre optic cabling by engineers from Openreach. The arrival of ultrafast broadband in around 12 months’ time will be a welcome boost for local farmers who are diversifying into new fields, including letting out cottages, and other residents wanting the option of working from home.

Local resident Philip Campbell, who co-ordinated the community’s application, said: “We’re so pleased Oxfordshire County Council highlighted the availability of the grant scheme and that Openreach are going to be doing the engineering work to connect us. I would certainly encourage other communities in a similar situation to look into the scheme.”

His wife, Jill, added: “The new fibre service will make such a difference to the lives of the people of all ages who live and work here, including younger members of the community who rely on the internet for so much of their studies and homework these days.”

Oxfordshire County Councillor David Bartholomew, Cabinet member for Finance (Broadband and Communications), said: “We’re on track for superfast broadband to reach 96 per cent of Oxfordshire premises by the end of 2018, but rolling out high-speed broadband to the final four per cent is challenging and needs new and innovative solutions.

“Our co-funding scheme is just one of the ways we’re working hard to enable more communities to access this vital technology, and contributing to our ambition to make Oxfordshire one of the best-served counties in the UK for digital infrastructure.

“We want to hear from any other communities who might be interested in taking part in our co-funding scheme.”

Steve Haines, Openreach’s managing director of next generation access, said: “We know how vital fast internet is to communities. Bringing new technology to tiny, remote communities like Goosey Wick can be challenging and expensive, which is why co-funding initiatives like this one are becoming increasingly popular.

“Whether it’s streaming TV in the home, doing homework online, or downloading large files in the office – superfast broadband makes doing anything online faster. With a choice of many broadband providers and the variety of services and prices they offer, the Openreach network provides real choice.”

Notes to Editors

More information about the Co-Funded Fibre Broadband Partnerships can be found on the Better Broadband for Oxfordshire website:http://www.betterbroadbandoxfordshire.org.uk/cms/content/co-funded-fibre-broadband-partnerships-cfp

*Subject to terms and conditions outlined on the Better Broadband for Oxfordshire website.

Issued by Oxfordshire County Council and BT on behalf of the Better Broadband for Oxfordshire partnership.

About Better Broadband for Oxfordshire

Better Broadband for Oxfordshire is a partnership between Oxfordshire County Council, BT and BDUK.

The first phase of the programme was comprised of £25 million of funding: £10m from Oxfordshire County Council, £4m from the Government (Broadband Delivery UK) and £11m from BT. Engineering work on this phase began in August 2013 with the first homes and businesses going live in December 2013.

Further funding of £5.1 million to roll out fibre broadband was announced in February 2015 and construction work began last year. Funding was made up of £1 million from South Oxfordshire District Council, £500,000 from Cherwell District Council, £250,000 from the Vale of the White Horse District Council, £200,000 from Oxfordshire County Council, £1.2m from BT, and a further £1.95m from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport’s Superfast Extension Programme (SEP).

Additional funding of £5.58 million was announced in November 2015. This will increase the percentage of county homes and businesses able to get superfast fibre broadband to more than 95 per cent when combined with earlier phases of the Better Broadband for Oxfordshire programme and the private sector’s commercial roll-out of the technology. This funding comprises: £2 million from the Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP); £120,000 from the South East Midlands LEP and Cherwell District Council; £168,000 from Oxford City Council; £2.2 million from the Government’s Broadband Delivery UK (BDUK) programme and £1.1 million from BT. When combined the additional funding adds a further 12,000 premises to the programme.

For further details to go: www.betterbroadbandoxfordshire.org.uk

Better Broadband for Oxfordshire has now completed its planned work in West Oxfordshire. Further roll-out is being carried out here by Cotswold Broadband, which is separate from Better Broadband for Oxfordshire.

About Superfast Britain

Superfast Britain is a Government programme of investment in broadband and communication infrastructure across the UK. Run by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, this investment helps businesses to grow, creates jobs and will make Britain more competitive in the global race. The portfolio is comprised of three elements:

1. £790m to extend superfast broadband to 95% of the UK by 2017;

2. £150m to provide high speed broadband to businesses in 22 cities; and

3. £150m to improve quality and coverage of mobile phone and basic data network services.

   Administered on behalf of Government by Broadband Delivery UK (BDUK), Superfast Britain is transforming Britain by promoting growth, enabling skills and learning, and improving quality of life.

   For further information: https://www.gov.uk/broadband-delivery-uk

   About Openreach

   Openreach is Britain’s digital network business. That means we connect homes, mobile phone masts, schools, shops, banks, hospitals, libraries, broadcasters, governments and businesses – large and small – to the world. It’s our mission to build the best possible network with the highest quality service, and make sure that everyone in Britain can be connected.

   Our 30,400 people work on behalf of more than 580 communications providers like Sky, Talk Talk, Vodafone, Plusnet, EE and BT. Our fibre broadband network is the biggest in the UK, covering more than 26.8 million premises. And our technology is the basis of Britain’s thriving digital economy, which is the largest in the G20 as a proportion of GDP.

   We’re working hard to give people the broadband speeds they need at work and at home. Over the last decade, we’ve invested more than £11bn into our network. And we now manage more than 158 million kilometres of cable stretching from Scotland to Cornwall, and from Wales to the east coast. But we’re not stopping there – we’re making superfast broadband speeds available to thousands more homes and businesses every week.

   We’re an independently governed business within the BT Group. Our business is highly regulated, and more than 90 per cent of our revenue comes from services that are regulated by Ofcom. Any company can access our products under the same prices, terms and conditions.

   In the year ending 31 March 2017, we reported revenues of £5.1bn.

   To find out more about us and what we do, go to openreach.co.uk.

   About BT

   BT’s purpose is to use the power of communications to make a better world. It is one of the world’s leading providers of communications services and solutions, serving customers in 180 countries. Its principal activities include the provision of networked IT services globally; local, national and international telecommunications services to its customers for use at home, at work and on the move; broadband, TV and internet products and services; and converged fixed-mobile products and services. BT consists of six customer-facing lines of business: Consumer, EE, Business and Public Sector, Global Services, Wholesale and Ventures, and Openreach.

   For the year ended 31 March 2017, BT Group’s reported revenue was £24,062m with reported profit before taxation of £2,354m.

   British Telecommunications plc (BT) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of BT Group plc and encompasses virtually all businesses and assets of the BT Group. BT Group plc is listed on stock exchanges in London and New York.

   For more information, visit www.btplc.com

The county council is asking for views after working with Burford Town Council to design a scheme that would address their concerns about HGVs using the town as a through route

The plans would prohibit vehicles exceeding 7.5 tonnes maximum gross weight travelling between Burford and Fulbrook roundabouts (A40 to A424). There would be ‘access only’ allowed for HGVs to make deliveries and necessary pick ups. The emergency services will also be exempt.

If approved there would be advanced alternative route signage for HGVs to use the A44 north-westwards from the A34, the A40 westwards from the A34, and the A429 from the A40 at Northleach (Gloc.) northwards to Stow on the Wold and vice versa.

To read the full details of what is proposed and to have your say, visit: https://consultations.oxfordshire.gov.uk/consult.ti/BurfordAreaWeightLimit/consultationHome

He will see first-hand how the technology is driving innovation and transforming the way Oxfordshire firms do business during his visit to Milton Park today (Friday).

The whole area – part of Science Vale UK Enterprise Zone – now has access to faster fibre broadband thanks to Better Broadband for Oxfordshire (BBfO).

The £35 million BBfO roll-out is being led by Oxfordshire County Council and BT, with additional funding from Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (OxLEP). It is part of the Government’s Broadband Delivery UK (BDUK) programme and builds on private sector investment.

Across Oxfordshire more than 70,000 businesses and households now have access to superfast fibre broadband as a result of BBfO. The figure rises to around 273,000 when combined with commercial roll-outs.*

The Rt. Hon Matt Hancock MP said: “Nine out of 10 homes and businesses can now get superfast broadband, and we’re reaching thousands more every week. I’m delighted we’ve now reached more than 70,000 additional properties in Oxfordshire, providing a tremendous boost to the local economy, and helping make sure that the people of Oxfordshire have the connectivity they need in today’s digital society.”

More than 6,500 Oxfordshire businesses can now access the technology as a result of the BBfO roll-out, including around 250 firms on Milton Park, home to some of the county’s most dynamic industries, innovative small and medium businesses and world-leading life science companies.

Among them are Motors.co.uk, the online car specialists, based in Olympic Avenue, and printing and design experts, Carbon Colour, whose bosses welcomed the new development.

Phill Jones, managing director of Motors.co.uk, said: “As an online business, fast and reliable internet access is critical for our operation. It is great to see investment in the infrastructure to support the growth of businesses like ours and others in Oxfordshire.”

Nigel Allen, managing director of Carbon Colour, said: “As a print and display company we rely on fast broadband to send and receive large image files, so welcome the arrival of fibre broadband to Milton Park. This superfast service will increase our productivity and help us beat the tightest of deadlines that can be a problem when using just basic broadband.”

Councillor Ian Hudspeth, leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “We’re delighted that all businesses at Milton Park are now able to choose a connectivity service which offers choice and affordability to innovative companies who are helping to boost a critical segment of the economy, not just here in Oxfordshire, but around the UK.”

Engineers from Openreach – BT’s local network business – have installed five new fibre broadband cabinets on Milton Park and more than four kilometres of fibre optic cable.

As a result, many households in nearby Milton village that were previously not able to access fibre can now get the many benefits of the technology.

Councillor Hudspeth added: “We expect at least 95 per cent of Oxfordshire premises to have access to superfast broadband by December, and I’m delighted to announce an ambition to improve on this. In partnership with BT, we are finalising plans to make the technology available to a further 2,000 premises as a result of contract savings achieved in this successful programme to date.

“We’re also about to launch a co-funding scheme whereby Oxfordshire County Council will support those very rural or very small communities which are too expensive to upgrade using public funds alone.”

Further details are available on the BBfO website: www.betterbroadbandoxfordshire.org.uk

Nigel Tipple, chief executive of OxLEP, which contributed £2 million to the BBfO programme to enable more businesses in the Enterprise Zone to get superfast broadband, said: “This is a great step forward for Oxfordshire. Introducing superfast broadband at Milton Park, along with our wider programme of improvements to digital connectivity in Oxfordshire, means we have a great platform to ensure network capacity is available for our modern businesses to thrive and grow, benefitting the local economy.”

Phillip Campbell, Milton Park’s commercial director, said: “Giving Milton Park businesses plenty of choice when it comes to broadband services is very important to us. The timing of the extra service fits nicely with our new Park Drive East development.”

Steve Henderson, BT’s regional director for broadband partnerships, said: “Superfast fibre broadband is transforming the way people do business and communicate. Whether it’s downloading or sharing large files and other information with customers, suppliers or employees, or uploading graphics and photographs, everything is easier and faster with fibre technology. As a result, it makes firms more efficient and competitive, and opens up new and exciting trading opportunities for local businesses across the county and around the world.”

The Openreach network is ‘open’, which means businesses and households choosing to upgrade have a wide choice of fibre broadband providers. The FTTC network provides access to download speeds of up to 80 megabits per second (Mbps) and uploads of up to 20Mbps**.

*Source: www.thinkbroadband.co.uk

**Speeds referred to are the top wholesale speeds available from Openreach to all service providers; speeds offered by service providers may vary.

How the work is going

The team has now returned to the site after the Christmas break and have been hard at work putting up the boundary fence and the cabins, which will be used for the offices, are being delivered .

Work on the southern roundabout will begin on 19 January and this will include traffic management in the form of temporary traffic lights on the A417. These will be in place 24 hours a day with a temporary speed restriction of 30mph.This may have an effect on your journeys so plan your journeys to take this into account, especially if your journey involves leaving the village and heading towards Hagbourne Hill.

The site team will be monitoring the traffic management to try to keep any delays to a minimum.

A discussion is to start about whether a workplace parking levy could be right for Oxford.

Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet is to consider a report which, if approved, will give the go ahead for work to begin on an outline business case – the first step in a process that will be kept under review and consulted widely on before any final decisions are taken.

Local transport improvements

Workplace Parking Levies (WPL) can help fund major local transport improvements through charging for parking spaces designated by employers for employees.

Councils are able to introduce WPLs and decide how the scheme would operate, subject to consultation with employers and employees and then approval from the Secretary of State for Transport.

Revenue from a workplace parking scheme in Oxford could only be used to fund transport measures included in the Local Transport Plan – it won’t be used to ‘top up’ budgets for other things.

It is estimated that if nothing is done car journey times from the surrounding Oxfordshire towns are anticipated to increase by 15% by 2031, at an annual cost of £150m to the economy of the city.

Trams, railway and buses

In the UK, only Nottingham City Council has so far implemented a WPL, which came into effect in April 2012.

Nottingham’s WPL has raised money for public transport improvements, including extending their existing tram network, the redevelopment of Nottingham’s railway station and providing sixty 100% electric buses.

Ambitious transport package proposed for Oxford

A visionary package of transport improvements is proposed for Oxford in the Local Transport Plan, including:

• Rapid transit lines connecting all major employment areas in the city to P&R sites and the county towns

• Five new outer park and ride sites, and extensions to two existing sites, doubling the city’s park and ride capacity

• A comprehensive redevelopment of Oxford railway station including additional platforms, track, new building and interchange facilities

• Reintroduction of passenger services on the Cowley branch line

• A zero emission zone to dramatically reduce pollutant emissions in the city

• Super cycle routes, premium cycle routes, and public realm improvements in the city centre and district centres

• Smart City transport initiatives, including fully integrated ticketing systems.

A thriving and dynamic city

County Councillor Ian Hudspeth, Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “Oxford is a thriving and dynamic city where people and businesses from around the world want to live and locate. It is also a city where congestion and accessibility are significant barriers to a more competitive economy.

“Future growth depends on better connected, reliable and more efficient transport networks to ensure Oxford and Oxfordshire’s economy, communities and environment continue to prosper and thrive.

“Oxfordshire County Council’s Local Transport Plan is an ambitious strategy to support the local economy and environment. And while we have been hugely successful in drawing in Central Government and other external funding, the reality is Oxfordshire needs to be more self-reliant and innovative in finding ways to fund and resource its transport infrastructure needs.

“A WPL for Oxford is being considered because it would provide a substantial, predictable and locally controlled source of transport funding, and help manage peak-time congestion, which is necessary if we are to develop and deliver the transport system the city needs to thrive.

“I would like to stress that we are at an early stage and no final decisions are being made now. Before anything can happen we will need to better understand how it could impact on employers and employees.”

The county council's Cabinet will consider the worlplace parking levy report at its meeting on 22 November 2016.

Swan Pub Banbury Ltd and its director Mr Alan O’Donovan were together ordered to pay a total of £9,200 after they provided sleeping accommodation to members of the public, knowing the conditions were not acceptable and dangerous at The Swan Public House (3 South Bar Street Banbury OX16 9AA).

Fire safety inspectors from Oxfordshire County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service issued a Prohibition Notice restricting use of the premises after an inspection found the dangerous practices and inadequate fire safety measures to ensure the safety of the public.

Mr O’Donovan, the company director and Swan Pub Banbury Ltd admitted three charges for three different offences at Oxford Magistrates Court on 1 November 2016. The charges included:

• Failure to take general fire precautions as were reasonably required to ensure the first floor bedrooms were safe for public use
• Failure to ensure it was possible for persons using these rooms to evacuate the premises as quickly and safely as possible
• Failure to equip the premises with an appropriate fire alarm and detection system, all of which meant those sleeping on the first floor were placed at risk of death or serious injury if there were a fire.

The fines amounted to £6,000. They were also ordered to pay costs totalling almost £3,000 and a Court surcharge of £200.

Subsequent improvements carried out by Mr O’Donovan, which the Court acknowledged when imposing fines, have seen the risks reduced back to a tolerable level, thus allowing the Prohibition Notice to be withdrawn and public use resume.

Councillor Rodney Rose, the Deputy Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, who also has Cabinet responsibility for Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “The vast majority of businesses in the county take fire safety seriously and Oxfordshire County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service will continue to support them to comply with legal requirements and to help keep business owners and customers safe. However, it is just not acceptable to put people’s lives at risk. Hopefully this prosecution will act as a deterrent to others who think they can ignore what are essential safety measures.”

Stuart Garner, Fire Protection and Business Safety Manager for Oxfordshire County Council Fire and Rescue Service, said: “The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, which is enforced by the Fire Authority, places a requirement upon the responsible person, usually the building occupier, operator or owner, to firstly undertake a fire risk assessment and secondly, which in this particular case was most relevant, act upon the outcomes of their significant findings.

Creating a safer Oxfordshire

“To help us create a safer Oxfordshire, it is important that businesses not only understand why such an assessment must be initially undertaken, but also the importance of acting upon the findings as part of a constant review process and management of their premises.

“In this particular case, Mr O’Donovan was aware of the fire risk assessment findings, together with the recommendations, but as the Court agreed, he failed to act upon the outcomes in a timely manner, thus placing the public at unnecessary and unjustified risk of fire.

“By correctly managing their premises and not committing fire safety offences, business operators can avoid placing the public at risk of possible death or serious injury in the event of fire. Thus, when the Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service do undertake a routine fire safety audit of the premises, it is unlikely that such offences will be discovered and any need for legal proceedings being instigated against the responsible person is eliminated.”

“I would remind everyone that a suite of specific guidance documents to assist business operators are available free of charge via the Government’s GOV.UK website (Fire safety in the workplace - GOV.UK ) or via the Chief Fire Officers Association website at http://www.cfoa.org.uk/19512

“If any business requires any further advice, then please don’t hesitate to contact Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service who are always here to support all local businesses with fire safety guidance.”

For more information

Fire safety advice is part of Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service's 365alive campaign, an initiative designed to make the county a safer place through a range of educational and preventative community work. For further advice see www.365alive.co.uk .

Traffic lights on Cutteslowe roundabout have been switched on joining those on Wolvercote roundabout which went live a couple of weeks ago.

The lights will now be monitored as traffic flows return to normal levels, drivers get used to the new layouts and the arrangements bed in. It is expected to take time for the benefits of the computer controlled traffic lights, extra lanes and other measures to take effect.

This switch on marks the completion of most of the work that people travelling through the area will notice. Only minor work needs to be done over the next few weeks.

A massive challenge

County Councillor David Nimmo Smith, Cabinet member for transport, said:

“After a great deal of hard work we are now at the stage where motorists, cyclists and pedestrians can consider work is finished. The new lights and lanes are all set up, crossings are switched on and the roads widened.

“I would like to thank all those who have experienced inconvenience during the work including residents and drivers. Hopefully now all will start to see the benefits of the work we’ve done as the digging and construction becomes a distant memory.

“I would also like to pay tribute to the team who delivered this scheme. What you see now is only a part of the picture as so much work has been done below the ground to move and safeguard things like water, gas and electricity supplies as well as broadband cables.

“It was a massive challenge to do all this work in such a constrained area while all the major routes were open to normal traffic.

“People will obviously notice a difference once all the cones go and the lights are up and running. These improvements will provide a substantial increase in capacity that had it not been completed now would have limited Oxford’s long term investment. It will bring improvements for now and for the future.”

Overhauled and improved

Both roundabouts and the approach roads have been remodelled and improved over the last 14 months. This is the first stage of a package of highway improvements for North Oxford to ensure infrastructure is in place to support the planned growth and development across the area.

The two roundabouts currently take in the region of 100,000 vehicle movements a day between them and the new traffic lights will allow the county council to manage traffic flows across the area.

Improvements for drivers are only part of the picture as new facilities, such as crossings for pedestrians and cyclists, have been added where there didn’t used to be any.

A total of £10m has been invested in improvements which include:

• New traffic lights on both roundabouts which will be monitored through our UTMC (Urban Traffic Management Control) system
• Widening of the main approaches at A40 and A44 approaches to both roundabouts
• New pedestrian and cycle crossing facilities
• New off-carriageway cycle facilities
• New and reduced speed limits on the A40 and A44 approaches to both roundabouts
• Resurfacing, street lighting and drainage

Meeting the challenges of the future

The Cutteslowe and Wolvercote scheme has been delivered ahead of a number of potential major developments which include the development of the Northern Gateway and housing and employment growth in west and north Oxfordshire. It will also help deal with increased demand brought by the new rail station next to Water Eaton park and ride (Oxford Parkway).

“We will closely monitor the performance of the new arrangements in days and months ahead as we always would with new road layouts.”

Nigel Tipple, Chief Executive the Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership, which was instrumental in unlocking central government funding for this major infrastructure project, said: “We are delighted to see the works completed ahead of schedule and on budget.

“Funded through the Oxfordshire City Deal programme, the improvements are designed not only to improve accessibility and reduce congestion for local residents, but also to support development at Northern Gateway and beyond by linking to future A40 improvements and Headington Eastern Arc.”

_{NOTES TO EDITORS: MOVA stands for Microprocessor Optimised Vehicle Actuation (MOVA) and is used across the UK, including in Oxfordshire, to coordinate traffic lights so that they are more responsive to traffic conditions.}

The results of the Oxfordshire Strategic Housing Market Assessment (SHMA) published in 2014 established the overall housing need for each district planning area. The councils in Oxfordshire generally agree that Oxford City is not able to fully accommodate its need within its boundaries. Government requires neighbouring areas to cooperate in such circumstances and an agreement was reached that assistance would be needed from other districts in Oxfordshire to meet Oxford’s unmet need. Senior officers for all of Oxfordshire’s councils set up a programme of work to address this issue.

The Oxfordshire Growth Board will meet to agree a proposed apportionment of 15,000 homes but will not make decisions on where in each district housing growth will go. Each Local Planning Authority has the responsibility of doing this in their Local Plans. The Growth Board will consider a body of jointly produced work with a view to reaching a cooperative agreement on how Oxford’s unmet housing need should be distributed across the county. This work has involved consideration of the level of unmet housing need, the sustainability of broad growth options, a study of the Green Belt, transport and infrastructure issues.

The report to be presented on Sept 26 recommends that the Growth Board:

• approve the apportionment of the agreed working figure for the unmet housing need for Oxford

• approve a Memorandum of Co-operation setting out the apportionment and timetable for delivery of the unmet housing need for Oxford

• formally recommend the approved apportionment to each of the Oxfordshire Local Planning Authorities for consideration in the preparation of their Local Plans, in the interest of meeting the objectively assessed housing needs for Oxfordshire.

Cllr Ian Hudspeth, Leader of Oxfordshire County Council and Chair of the Oxfordshire Growth Board, said:

“It is a well-known fact that housing is a major issue in Oxfordshire, with no easy answers, so it’s important that we all work together to consider the housing needs of the county in the context of economic growth.

“The Oxfordshire Growth Board enables local government and representatives from education, transport and local business to focus on resolving county-wide issues such as housing in a co-ordinated and sustainable way.

“It is welcome news that the Oxfordshire Growth Board now has a comprehensive, county-wide evidence base which is needed to consider a fair and sustainable way to share Oxford’s housing needs beyond the Oxford boundary.”

Notes to editors

Item 15 of ‘Oxfordshire Growth Board Post SHMA Strategic Work Programme’ report

The recommended apportionment is as follows:

The Oxfordshire Growth Board is a joint committee of the six councils of Oxfordshire, set up to facilitate and enable joint working on economic development, strategic planning and growth. It does this by:

• advising on matters of collective interest, to seek agreement on local priorities and influence relevant local, regional and national bodies

• overseeing the delivery of projects that the councils of Oxfordshire are seeking to deliver collaboratively in the fields of economic development and strategic planning and those agreed in the City Deal and Local Growth Deals that fall to the councils, working collaboratively, to deliver and has an overall responsibility to manage these programmes of work alongside the Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (OxLEP).

The meetings are administered and hosted on a rota basis and currently Oxfordshire County Council is the hosting authority.

The Oxfordshire Strategic Housing Market Assessment (SHMA) was commissioned jointly by all the Oxfordshire district councils supported by Oxfordshire County Council and published in 2014. It was a technical study intended to help the Oxfordshire local planning authorities understand how many homes will be needed in the period 2011 – 2031. It also considers the housing needs of specific groups such as older people, minority groups and people with disabilities and what housing growth will be needed to support the economy.

Oxfordshire County Councillor, Nick Carter, said: “With Oxfordshire firmly over the 90 per cent superfast coverage target, it is good news the programme is now reaching even more premises, as is happening today in Ashbury. This important phase of delivery is extending fibre broadband coverage into the most rural parts of the county and we look forward to reaching over 95 per cent of households and businesses across Oxfordshire by the end of next year.”

Visitors to benefit as well as households and businesses

The arrival of faster fibre broadband was welcomed by Neil Hislop, co-owner of the Rose and Crown Inn, Ashbury who said: “Customers nowadays expect to be able to get online when out and about, and it’s great news we can now offer that to people in our pub, restaurant or staying at the Inn. All of our customers will be able to benefit and use apps like Facebook, Skype and media streaming services. But in particular, we think it’ll really benefit our business visitors who are working away from home. Not only will it allow them to work in their rooms or around the Inn during their stay, but it’ll also make it far easier for them to stay in touch with family and friends, which is obviously very important.”

Paul Bimson, BT’s regional partnership director, said: “Whether it’s families wanting to connect more than one device to the internet at the same time, or people working from home – everything is easier, better and faster with fibre broadband, which is why it’s so important that our roll-out is reaching some of the most remote parts of Oxfordshire.”

“When combined with BT’s own investment, the total number of premises in Oxfordshire able to access fibre broadband is more than 275,000.”

As the Openreach network is open to all communications providers, local households opting for an upgrade will be able to order fibre broadband with download speeds of up to 80Mbps and uploads of up to 20Mbps* from a wide range of service providers.

Residents and businesses can follow the progress of the roll-out via the project website: www.betterbroadbandoxfordshire.org.uk

Notes to Editors

Pictures were taken by Andrew Walmsley L-R: Cllr Nick Carter (Oxfordshire County Council), Cllr Matthew Barber (Leader of the Vale District Council) and Paul Bimson (BT’s regional partnership director). The fibre optic broadband roll-out, which is part of the Government’s Broadband Delivery UK (BDUK) programme, is led by Oxfordshire County Council and BT.

* These are the top wholesale speeds available from Openreach to all service providers; speeds offered by service providers may vary.

About Better Broadband for Oxfordshire

Better Broadband for Oxfordshire is a partnership between Oxfordshire County Council, BT and BDUK.

The first phase of the programme was comprised of £25 million of funding: £10m from Oxfordshire County Council, £4m from the Government (Broadband Delivery UK) and £11m from BT. Engineering work on this phase began in August 2013 with the first homes and businesses going live in December 2013.

Further funding of £5.1 million to roll out fibre broadband was announced in February 2015 and work began earlier this year. Funding was made up of £1 million from South Oxfordshire District Council, £500,000 from Cherwell District Council, £250,000 from the Vale of the White Horse District Council, £200,000 from Oxfordshire County Council, £1.2m from BT, and a further £1.95m from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport’s Superfast Extension Programme (SEP).

Additional funding of £5.58 million was announced in November 2015. This will increase the percentage of county homes and businesses able to get superfast fibre broadband to more than 95 per cent when combined with earlier phases of the Better Broadband for Oxfordshire programme and the private sector’s commercial roll-out of the technology. This funding comprises: £2 million from the Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP); £120,000 from the South East Midlands LEP and Cherwell District Council; £168,000 from Oxford City Council; £2.2 million from the Government’s Broadband Delivery UK (BDUK) programme and £1.1 million from BT. When combined the additional funding adds a further 12,000 premises to the programme.

Better Broadband for Oxfordshire has now completed its planned work in West Oxfordshire. Further roll-out is being carried out here by Cotswold Broadband, which is separate from Better Broadband for Oxfordshire.

In Oxfordshire, at least, where the county council is the country’s biggest local authority provider of the National Citizen Service, the answer is increasingly likely to be a four-week summer scheme aimed at helping young people make a difference in their community.

The county was the very first council to deliver NCS in 2012, when the flagship Coalition Government scheme was first launched by Prime Minister and Oxfordshire MP David Cameron.

Such has been its success in Oxfordshire that over the coming months almost 1,000 15 – 17 year olds from across the county are set to experience the unique blend of social action projects, personal development and outdoor education that the council’s programme has to offer.

As well as being the biggest council provider, Oxfordshire now boasts the fastest growing local scheme of some 360 across the UK, with numbers taking part almost doubling each year (75 students in 2012 has become 980 signed up for 2016).

"Pretty big deal"

Oxfordshire’s programme co-ordinator Ryan Johnson said: “We’re five years in and it’s fair to say the NCS is now a pretty big deal in Oxfordshire. We’ve reached the point where a very significant proportion - close to 10 per cent - of the county’s eligible students are taking part. It’s clear that young people and their families are rightly seeing this both as a unique opportunity for personal and social development as well as a seriously useful addition to the CV.

“There’s a real buzz about what we’re able to offer students here and that’s helped us to continue to attract more participants – and therefore funding to help the scheme grow.”

As a council NCS provider, Oxfordshire is in the minority but local authority status has a number of advantages. Holding schools data for instance, enables the council to promote NCS to all eligible young people in the county, with direct mail-outs inviting thousands of families to apply.

Close links with other council services such as children’s social care, youth offending and disabilities services also makes it easier to engage and recruit more vulnerable young people to take part.

Outdoor centres

As well as its 62-acre Oxford-based outdoor education centre, Hill End, the council has exclusive access to three similar centres outside its borders in Gloucestershire, Devon and South Wales, where many of the NCS activities take place. The summer camp element of the course at Hill End, which features social development workshops, offers a totally different experience from other local programmes restricted to using university halls of residence and a classroom environment.

It all adds up to a unique offer for Oxfordshire young people, which Mr Johnson believes is transforming the lives of those taking part.

He said: “We are seeing many NCS graduates coming back as volunteers and paid staff , which creates a wonderful sense of continuity and is a real source of inspiration for the young people taking part. It also means Oxfordshire’s NCS is able to support the ongoing development of participants.”

“Perhaps the best thing is that in years to come, so many young people who grew up here will be able to reminisce about their time doing NCS, and in many cases, reflect on how their shared experience forged lasting friendships and helped shape their adult lives.”

Bright future

As the scheme continues to grow, new innovations are coming on stream, including an emerging partnership with the Didcot University Technical College, where Year 12 students are taking part in the NCS during term-time as part of their introduction to the Sixth Form. The course has also opened up a position for a digital marketing apprentice as part of the council’s commitment to the apprenticeship agenda.

Mr Johnson added: “As long as we can be successful and continue to attract ongoing funding, we’ll look to offer as many young people as possible the chance to take part in something really special – which is exactly what we believe the NCS in Oxfordshire has become.”

Find out more about the NCS in Oxfordshire

Cabinet members have approved a business case for the Farmoor-based facility to be run by a new charitable organisation, and for the council to continue working alongside site owners Oxford University to bring the project to fruition.

The council has also agreed to provide one-off start-up and transition funding to put the new service model in place.

Commitment

Both the university and the council wish to ensure Hill End continues to provide an excellent outdoor education service for both schoolchildren and the wider Oxfordshire population.

Establishing a charitable company would enable the centre to continue to deliver high quality services and meet ongoing running costs by unlocking new sources of funding.

In the meantime Hill End is open for business as usual and continues to welcome bookings and future reservations from schools and groups.

Consultation

A consultation on the plans received 130 responses, with 89 per cent of people either stating they ‘agreed’ or ‘strongly agreed’ with the idea of setting up a new charitable company taking on the centre.

Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Children, Education and Families Melinda Tilley said: “We know how highly Oxfordshire residents value the services provided by Hill End, and both the council and our partners at Oxford University are committed to ensuring schools and other visitor groups continue to benefit from all that the centre has to offer.

“Hill End has a proud history of providing life-enhancing outdoor activities for Oxfordshire’s children, young people and the wider community. We want to ensure this work not only continues, but that there are also opportunities to enhance services in future.”

She added: “Establishing a charitable company or other entity to take on the management of the centre will open up opportunities to access new investment for the centre, and represents the best option to secure its long-term future.”

About Hill End

The Hill End site is owned by Oxford University and has been leased and managed by Oxfordshire County Council since 1974.

The council is currently responsible for investing in Hill End, making repairs to buildings, managing the land and running the outdoor education service there.

Outdoor learning at Hill End includes: education programmes, adult learning, training and workshops, forest school, family events and volunteering opportunities.

The Investment Plan, which aims to build upon the vibrancy and success of these sectors within Oxfordshire’s economy, will be launched on Monday 11th July 2016 at Blenheim Palace. A wide range of organisations which operate in these sectors will be attending the event.

The county attracts 26.7 million visitors per year, spending £1.86 billion in the local economy, supporting 32,000 jobs – 10% of the county’s workforce. The Investment Plan demonstrates the diversity of these sectors and the opportunities that exist to expand and develop new ideas. It aims to build upon the county’s reputation for innovation, outstanding heritage and the quality environment we live in to attract local, national and international investment.

Since 2012, Oxfordshire has grown faster than all other Local Enterprise Partnership areas, with the exception of London, therefore making a significant contribution to UK economy.

The Investment Plan identifies 35 proposals amounting to £44.5 million worth of investment potential which inform and support the Strategic Economic Plan ambitions.

The CCHTIP has been developed for OxLEP by independent consultants, Tom Fleming Consultancy, and in collaboration with Oxfordshire County Council and the Arts Council England.The CCHTIP is available to download on OxLEP’s website.

Loan sharks often trap borrowers into spiralling debt through exorbitant rates of interest and arbitrary extra charges. When people are unable to pay many will resort to bully tactics such as intimidation, threats or violence.

The scheme aims to see the money these loan sharks made, used wisely, to benefit key areas. Local residents, charities, community and voluntary groups, schools and statutory agencies benefiting those that live in the Oxford postcode areas of OX1 – OX4 are welcome to apply for the cash; your project must contribute to raising awareness of loan sharks and aim to do at least one of the following:

• Promote legal, affordable credit options to prevent people from using loan sharks – for example, encouraging new credit union accounts.
• Prevent wider crime and disorder whilst promoting the Stop Loan Sharks messages.

Applicants have until the 31st July 2016 to place their bids.

The community will then vote online and in person for how they would like the money to be spent, with the winning projects decided on August 31st.

Richard Webb, Manager for Oxfordshire County Council’s Trading Standards Team said: “We are delighted that money confiscated from illegal money lenders will be put to good community use within the area and we want to encourage people to continue to report any suspected loan shark activity.”

Tony Quigley Head of the England Illegal Money Lending Team added: “Illegal money lenders are a scourge on our communities, and can have a hugely detrimental impact on the lives of their victims. Through schemes such as this, we are able to use this money for something positive and help to prevent these criminals from operating in the future. We would always urge victims of illegal money lenders to seek help by contacting us in confidence on 0300 555 2222.”

Groups can apply for up to a maximum of £1,250 per project and can submit more than one project idea. For an application form, please contact Cath Wohlers oncatherine.wohlers@birmingham.gov.uk or 07500 809339Follow us on twitter: @loansharknews

To report a loan shark:

Call the 24/7 confidential hotline 0300 555 2222Text 07860022116Email reportaloanshark@stoploansharks.gov.ukPrivate message us on www.facebook.com/stoploansharksproject

Oxfordshire is a growing county - 85,000 new jobs and 100,000 new homes are forecast for the county up to 2031 meaning that long term solutions are needed so that the transport system meets the demands of the future. Botley, Woodstock and Banbury Roads are key corridors into and out of the city – as well as being popular with drivers they are seen by the county council as key to increasing the number of people walking, cycling and using public transport.

To get to this stage a consultation event was held for each of the corridor studies at the start of the process, where key stakeholders commented in detail on existing problems along the corridors, as well as potential opportunities for improvement.

The studies are a ‘first step’ in the process of improvements. Although no funds are currently available to undertake improvements, it is hoped that the studies themselves could be used to bid for future funds to enable measures to be implemented. 

For Botley Road there are proposals for cycle lanes, including some ‘hybrid’ lanes which segregate cyclists from vehicle and pedestrian areas, improvements to pedestrian crossings and enhancements for public transport.

On Woodstock and Banbury roads, enhanced bus lanes, more cycle lanes, pedestrian enhancements as well as some junction modifications have been suggested. High level cost estimates, broken down into sections of the routes, are included in the studies.

See all the plans online

Trading Standards Operations Manager Jody Kerman said: “The majority of our cases now come from concerned members of the public. I think this shows the level of potential harm and disruption that can come from heavy goods vehicles using unsuitable roads. The vast majority of drivers understand and obey weight restriction areas but, those who don’t, not only pose a danger – but also gain a competitive advantage over those who follow the rules.”

Six defendants pleaded guilty by post and one case was withdrawn. The court gave the following fines:

Adam Williams, age 24, Bampton, Oxfordshire (32 tonne, in contravention of the 7.5 tonne weak bridge limit at Charlbury and the 7.5 tonne environmental weight restriction at Charlbury) Date of the offence: 03/11/2015£600 Fine (£300 x 2)£150 Costs£30 Victim SurchargeTotal £780

Daron James Woodley, age 46, Curbridge, Oxfordshire (32 tonne, in contravention of the 7.5 tonne weak bridge limit at Charlbury and the 7.5 tonne environmental weight restriction at Charlbury) Date of the offence: 03/11/2015£600 Fine (£300 x 2)£150 Costs£30 Victim SurchargeTotal £780

Paul Andrew Keogh, age 50, Swindon, Wiltshire (44 tonne, in contravention of the 7.5 tonne weak bridge limit at Charlbury) Date of the offence: 08/12/2015£500 Fine£150 Costs£50 Victim SurchargeTotal £700

Jaskarn Singh, age 23, Slough (32 tonne, in contravention of the 7.5 tonne weak bridge limit at Charlbury) Date of the offence: 10/12/2015£300 Fine£150 Costs£30 Victim SurchargeTotal £480

Darren Graham Watts, age 45, Swindon, Wiltshire (32 tonne, in contravention of the 7.5 tonne weak bridge limit at Charlbury) Date of the offence: 30/10/2015£400 Fine£150 Costs£40 Victim SurchargeTotal £590

Leonard Charles Wood, Newport, age 58, (26 tonne, in contravention of the 18 tonne weak bridge limit at Newbridge) Date of the offence: 22/10/2015£350 Fine£150 Costs£35 Victim SurchargeTotal £535

Jody added: “The Charlbury and Newbridge weight limit is there to protect a ‘weak bridge’, where structural surveys have shown the bridge to be in need of protection from heavy vehicles. Newbridge is a Grade II listed structure and a Scheduled Ancient Monument. We conduct pro-active checks at a number of locations across the county, and investigate all public reports received. “We all appreciate the goods and services that heavy goods vehicles bring and they are a vital part of the economy. With good journey planning, drivers can be sure that they will avoid weight restrictions and keep to suitable roads.

“The Oxfordshire Freight Gateway ( http://freightgateway.co.uk/oxfordshire/ ) linked to the National Freight Journey Planner, is designed to help logistics managers and drivers of large goods vehicles to select the most appropriate routes for their journeys in Oxfordshire.

“Public reports are best made via our website (www.oxfordshire.gov.uk), where there is also guidance on what to look out for, and the information to obtain at the time.”

Fire Safety Inspectors from Oxfordshire County Council Fire and Rescue Service issued a Prohibition Notice restricting use of the premises after an inspection found the dangerous practices and inadequate fire safety measures to ensure the safety of the workforce.

Mr Osman, the company Director, admitted seven charges for seven different offences at Oxford Magistrates Court on 1^st February 2016. These included, failure to risk assess and take such general fire precautions as were reasonably required to ensure the premises were safe for employees. Failure to ensure that emergency exits were kept clear at all times, so it was possible for persons to evacuate the premises as quickly and as safely as possible.  Failure to provide an adequate fire alarm and detection system, or providing  employees with adequate safety training, all of which meant those present were placed at risk of death or serious injury if there were a fire.

The fines amounted to almost £9000, they were also ordered to pay costs totalling £5000, plus a victim surcharge of £126 and the Prohibition Notice remains in force.

The case was taken to court by Oxfordshire County Council on behalf of its Fire and Rescue Service.

Stuart Garner, Premises Risk and Protection Manager for Oxfordshire County Council Fire and Rescue Service, said: “The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, which is enforced by the Fire Authority, places a requirement upon the responsible person, usually the building occupier, operator or owner, to firstly undertake a fire risk assessment and secondly act upon the outcomes of their significant findings.  It is important that businesses not only understand why such an assessment must be initially undertaken, but also by constantly reviewing and managing their premises, how they can then assist me in creating a safer Oxfordshire.

“By correctly managing their premises and not committing fire safety offences, business operators can avoid placing the occupants at risk of possible death or serious injury in the event of fire.  Thus, when the Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service do undertake a routine fire safety audit of the premises, it is unlikely that such offences will be discovered and any need for legal proceedings being instigated against the responsible person is eliminated”.

Councillor Rodney Rose, the Deputy Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, who also has Cabinet responsibility for Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “The penalties imposed on this company show how seriously fire safety arrangements are viewed. It is just not acceptable to put people’s lives at risk and these prosecutions will hopefully act as a deterrent to others who think they can ignore what are essential safety measures.”

Mr Garner added that a suite of specific guidance documents to assist business operators is available free of charge via the Government’s GOV.UK website. Fire safety in the workplace - GOV.UK  or via the Chief Fire Officers Association website at http://www.cfoa.org.uk/19512

Further advice, is available  Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service who are happy  to support all local businesses with fire safety guidance.

365alive

The advice is part of Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service's 365alive  campaign, an initiative designed to make the county a safer place through a range of educational and preventative community work.

For further advice see 365alive

Business World Globe Ltd and its director Mr Mohamed Osman were together ordered to pay just under £14000 after they allowed employees to work and sleep in dangerous factory conditions at Unit B High Street/Hitchcock Way Didcot OX11 7LW.

Fire Safety Inspectors from Oxfordshire County Council Fire and Rescue Service issued a Prohibition Notice restricting use of the premises after an inspection found the dangerous practices and inadequate fire safety measures to ensure the safety of the workforce.

Mr Osman, the company Director, admitted seven charges for seven different offences at Oxford Magistrates Court on 1^st February 2016. These included, failure to risk assess and take such general fire precautions as were reasonably required to ensure the premises were safe for employees. Failure to ensure that emergency exits were kept clear at all times, so it was possible for persons to evacuate the premises as quickly and as safely as possible.  Failure to provide an adequate fire alarm and detection system, or providing  employees with adequate safety training, all of which meant those present were placed at risk of death or serious injury if there were a fire.

The fines amounted to almost £9000, they were also ordered to pay costs totalling £5000, plus a victim surcharge of £126 and the Prohibition Notice remains in force.

The case was taken to court by Oxfordshire County Council on behalf of its Fire and Rescue Service.

Stuart Garner, Premises Risk and Protection Manager for Oxfordshire County Council Fire and Rescue Service, said: “The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, which is enforced by the Fire Authority, places a requirement upon the responsible person, usually the building occupier, operator or owner, to firstly undertake a fire risk assessment and secondly act upon the outcomes of their significant findings.  It is important that businesses not only understand why such an assessment must be initially undertaken, but also by constantly reviewing and managing their premises, how they can then assist me in creating a safer Oxfordshire.

“By correctly managing their premises and not committing fire safety offences, business operators can avoid placing the occupants at risk of possible death or serious injury in the event of fire.  Thus, when the Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service do undertake a routine fire safety audit of the premises, it is unlikely that such offences will be discovered and any need for legal proceedings being instigated against the responsible person is eliminated”.

Councillor Rodney Rose, the Deputy Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, who also has Cabinet responsibility for Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “The penalties imposed on this company show how seriously fire safety arrangements are viewed. It is just not acceptable to put people’s lives at risk and these prosecutions will hopefully act as a deterrent to others who think they can ignore what are essential safety measures.”

Mr Garner added that a suite of specific guidance documents to assist business operators is available free of charge via the Government’s GOV.UK website. Fire safety in the workplace - GOV.UK  or via the Chief Fire Officers Association website at http://www.cfoa.org.uk/19512

Further advice, is available  Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service who are happy  to support all local businesses with fire safety guidance.

365alive

The advice is part of Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service's 365alive  campaign, an initiative designed to make the county a safer place through a range of educational and preventative community work.

For further advice see 365alive

Throughout the results period and beyond, staff will also be available via the web chat service on the Oxme website or over the phone (01865 328460) to talk to young people and parents about the wide range of learning and employment opportunities available in Oxfordshire, and to help with applications.

The council’s cabinet Member for Children, Education and Families Melinda Tilley said: “Our simple message to young people is don’t panic - there are plenty of opportunities out there, as well as the professional help you need to figure out what to do next. Speak to your school, local college or get in touch with the council for help and advice.”

Drop-in sessions

Drop-in sessions for young people aged 16-19 (up to 24 for those with Special Educational Needs) are taking place at the council’s Early Intervention Hubs on the following days and times:

• The Net, Stratton Way, Abingdon                     Tuesdays  10am - 1pm
• Banbury New Futures Centre, Hilton Road        Thursdays 1pm - 4pm
• The Courtyard, Bicester, Launton Road            Mondays 3.30pm - 5pm
• The Forum, Kidlington                                     Wednesdays 11am - 2pm
• West Oxfordshire Hub, Witten Way, Witney      Thursdays 1pm - 4pm
• Blackbird Leys Young People's Centre               Wednesdays 1.30 - 3pm
• Central Library, Westgate, Oxford                    Tuesdays 1pm - 4pm and Thursdays 1pm – 4pm

All of this information and more can be accessed via a dedicated page on the Oxme website www.oxme.info/resultsday

Guaranteed places

National legislation now requires all young people to stay in some form of learning or training until at least their 18th birthday. That means places are guaranteed for all young people finishing their GCSEs this month.

While the vast majority will choose to stay on at school or further education colleges, there is also a wide range of workplace training schemes and apprenticeships available within Oxfordshire.

Cllr Tilley added: “If you don’t get the GCSE grades you’re hoping for, or are simply not sure what to do next, you can rest assured there will be a place in learning guaranteed for you in September.

“Likewise, for anyone not going down the university route after A-Levels or undecided on their next steps, gaining further qualifications by doing an apprenticeship might just be for you.”

Apprenticeships

Last year around two per cent of those finishing GCSEs in Oxfordshire went on to an apprenticeship and that figure is expected to rise this year, with up to six per cent of Year 11 students saying they are planning to sign up.

Apprenticeships are a fantastic way for young people to earn money, learn and gain qualifications. There are hundreds of local places available across many different areas, suitable for all levels - from school leavers to degree level courses.

More information about apprenticeships and traineeships including current vacancies is available at www.oxfordshireapprenticeships.co.uk