Advice for Businesses
Business Link
Business Link is government's online resource for businesses.
It contains essential information, support and services for you and your business - whether you work for a large organisation or are on your way to starting up.
Business Link is the first place to go to find guidance on regulations and to access government services. It also has a number of useful online tools, calculators, and best practice case studies; and provides access to funding options, as well as wider support.
Visit the Business Link website.
Investment in Oxford
Located at the heart of the country, Oxford is less than 90 minutes away from London, Birmingham and the Thames Valley, providing superb access to international gateways that support globally competitive businesses. The Oxford - Cambridge Arc provides linkages with the growth potential of Milton Keynes and our fellow seat of academic learning in Cambridge, while the supply chains associated with 'Motorsport Valley' extend to the north and south.
Contact our Economic Development team on 01865 252143 to discuss your requirements.
All enquiries are handled professionally and confidentially. The aim is to take a professional partnership approach to attracting and connecting international and national businesses with the benefits of Oxford.
Visit our Economic Development pages for more information.
Local Support Organisations
Browse the Advice for Businesses page of the Oxfordshire County Council website for general information related to businesses in Oxfordshire.
Visit our Support Organisations page for details of various organisations who may be able to assist you and your business.
Funding and Grants
We do not provide funding to businesses directly.
The UK Government and the European Union provide business support funding for a wide range of business activities, and many of these schemes are available to businesses in Oxford. Eligibility for individual schemes depends on the nature of your business and the activities or projects you are engaged in.
More information
Visit the Funding for Businesses pages of the Oxfordshire County Council website for more information on funding in the local area.
You can also visit the Finance and Grants pages of the Business Link website or the Support for Businesses pages of the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA) website.
Staying Legal Guide for Businesses
Download the document below for clear and concise information to businesses on all matters related to regulation, including fire safety, food safety, workplace health and safety and licensing.
Staying Legal Guide for Businesses (889kB PDF)
Training
Government
The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills aim to create the conditions for business success; by promoting innovation, enterprise and science; and by giving everyone the skills and opportunities to succeed. Visit the Department for Business, Innovation, and Skills website for more information.
Skills Funding Agency
The Skills Funding Agency is in place to fund and regulate adult FE and skills training in England. They are part of a network of organisations in the country who commission, manage and market training for adults. Visit the Skills Funding Agency website for more information.
Oxford and Cherwell College
Oxford and Cherwell College provides a range of technical and vocational training including Continuing Professional Development. Visit the Oxford and Cherwell College website for full details.
Businesses and Employees
Where can I find information about health and safety at work?
Visit our Health and Safety at Work page for full details on this topic.
Where can I find reliable advice for employers and employees?
Visit the Employees section of the Directgov website for a wide range of information about employee rights and employer responsibilities. Information on these pages includes advice on:
- work permits
- pay and the minimum wage
- employment contracts
- working hours and time off
- maternity and parental leave
- health and safety
- discrimination and bullying
- resolving workplace disputes
- redundancy and retirement
- trade union and strike action
You can also browse the Advice for Businesses page of the Oxfordshire County Council website for general information related to businesses.
Employment Rights and Responsibilities
Visit the Employment pages of the DirectGov website for information about your employment rights and responsibilities.
Small Businesses
Where can I get advice on starting up a small business?
There are a number of organisations that provide advice and support to small businesses and start-up businesses in the city. These include:
Where can I find out about funding and grants available for small businesses?
Visit our Funding and Grants section above to search for government and EU funding opportunities in Oxford, including grants, loans, awards, tax credits and venture capital schemes
Where can I find information about properties available for small businesses in Oxford?
The Oxford Enterprise Centre at Standingford House provides small office and workshop units for local people starting-up their own business.
Oxford also has a number of other small business centres to cater for small and start-up businesses.
Visit our Business Premises pages for full details.
As a small business owner, am I eligible for a discount on my Business Rates?
You may be eligible for a discount on your Business Rates if you meet certain criteria. Visit our Discounts and Exemptions section on our Business Rates pages for more details.
Page last reviewed 13 April 2012
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