Business news

Redevelopment of former health centre complete

Published: Friday, 8th December 2023

Oxford City Council has welcomed the completion of a Lucy Group development revitalising Walton Street with new and modernised homes and new retail space.

• Popular bakery and three other local businesses find a home in Oxford’s historic Covered Market

  Published: Monday, 20th November 2023

  The Covered Market is going from strength to strength with four new businesses announced in the last two months.

• City Council launches new platform to help community groups and businesses partner up and do good

  Published: Friday, 3rd November 2023

  Oxford City Council has joined forces with Match My Project, to launch a “matchmaking” platform for businesses and charitable organisations looking to partner up and do good in the city.

• City Council selects George Street redevelopment partner

  Published: Tuesday, 31st October 2023

  Oxford City Council has selected Marick Real Estate as the development partner for 38-40 George Street, following a competitive public procurement process.      

• Oxford city centre bounces back with summer footfall bucking the national trend

  Published: Friday, 13th October 2023

  Oxford city centre has bounced back this summer after being hit harder than most UK city centres during the Covid-19 pandemic.  

• Oxford City Council launches one-stop-shop for local student discounts  

  Published: Monday, 9th October 2023

  Oxford City Council welcomes university students from around the world with a new student-friendly business directory. 

• Blog: How OX Place is supporting social value #Working for Oxford

  Published: Friday, 15th September 2023

  Rob Jeffs, Community Engagement Manager, on how OX Place is supporting social value on its developments

• Blog: ODS and Why Social Value Is At The Heart Of Our Business #WorkingForOxford

  Published: Thursday, 14th September 2023

  Maria Warner, Social Value & Sustainability Lead at ODS on why social value is at the heart of their business

• Blog: What is social value? #WorkingForOxford

  Published: Wednesday, 13th September 2023

  When thinking about how the Council is helping to make the economy work for Oxford people, businesses, and communities, one phrase that often pops up at the centre of it all is ‘social value’.

• Statement on BMW plans to invest £600m in MINI Plant Oxford

  Published: Monday, 11th September 2023

  Statement on BMW plans to invest £600m in MINI Plant Oxford

• Award-winning design company wins council contract to pilot new Covered Market outdoor space in Oxford

  Published: Friday, 4th August 2023

  Oxford City Council has commissioned award-winning design company Urban Movement to pilot the creation of a pedestrian-friendly space outside Oxford’s historic Covered Market.

• Statement on Oxford's Christmas Market:

  Published: Saturday, 22nd July 2023

  Following the news that Nicole Rahimi has withdrawn from bidding for the 2023 Oxford Christmas market, we have issued the following statement

• Oxford’s Economic Strategy creates new apprenticeships, affordable business space, fairer wages and more investment locally

  Published: Friday, 21st July 2023

  Oxford City Council’s economic strategy, which has just had its first anniversary, has created new apprenticeships, affordable business space, fairer wages and more investment locally.

• Oxford City Council signs new charter to help make the local economy fairer for everyone

  Published: Friday, 14th July 2023

  Oxford City Council has signed a new charter to underscore its commitment to making the local economy fairer for everyone.

• New cycle parking spaces provided in Oxford

  Published: Thursday, 8th June 2023

  133 new cycle racks have been installed in Oxford, providing 266 additional parking spaces for cyclists across the city.

• Oxford takes top spot in PwC’s Good Growth for Cities Index, outperforming UK average on income, employment rates and skills

  Published: Tuesday, 23rd May 2023

  Oxford ranked as top performing city out of 50 UK cities in PwC’s Good Growth for Cities Index for the second year.

• Food entrepreneurs invited to apply to run George Street site

  Published: Monday, 15th May 2023

  Are you interested in starting your own street food business? Do you have an existing site and would like to expand?

• Visit Oxford’s newest evening venue as the Covered Market extends its opening hours

  Published: Tuesday, 25th April 2023

  Following overwhelmingly positive feedback following a 2022 consultation, Oxford City Council is pleased to announce a year-long trial of extended opening hours at Oxford’s historic Covered Market.

• Put a spring in your step by bouncing along to our city centre events

  Published: Tuesday, 14th March 2023

  With 20 March 2023 marking the first official day of Spring, it’s time to circle a date in the diary and plan a nice family day out with an array of fun city centre events to choose from.

• Oxford City Council approves investment of almost £7m to revitalise Oxford’s historic Covered Market

  Published: Thursday, 9th February 2023

  Oxford City Council has approved a £6.87m package to revitalise Oxford’s historic Covered Market.

• National Apprenticeship Week 2023: Oxford City Council reveals results of ‘Kickstart’ jobs scheme

  Published: Tuesday, 7th February 2023

  To mark National Apprenticeship Week, Oxford City Council is launching its end-of-project report of its work as a Kickstart ‘gateway’ supporting young people into work and training.

• Charter to make Oxfordshire’s economy fairer for everyone unveiled

  Published: Friday, 27th January 2023

  Organisations across Oxfordshire are signing up to a new Charter to make the county’s economy fairer for everyone.

• M Feller and Daughter Butchers is set to close in Oxford Covered Market

  Published: Tuesday, 24th January 2023

  M Feller and Daughter Butchers is set to close in Oxford Covered Market.

• Government backs new Oxford to Cambridge Pan Regional Partnership

  Published: Tuesday, 24th January 2023

  Proposals for a locally-led Partnership for the Oxford to Cambridge region have been given the green light by government.

• Cabinet approves £4.56m funding package to accelerate plans to reopen Cowley Branch Line to passengers

  Published: Thursday, 15th December 2022

  Oxford City Council has approved a £4.56m package to fund the detailed design and feasibility works required for the reopening of the Cowley Branch Line to passengers.

• Have your say on Street Trading changes proposed for Oxford

  Published: Tuesday, 13th December 2022

  Oxford City Council is seeking views from residents and stakeholders on its updated Street Trading policy.

• New website makes it easier to open up Covered Market’s “Box of Delights”

  Published: Tuesday, 6th December 2022

  Oxford City Council is proud to announce the launch of oxfordcoveredmarket.com, a brand new website for the historic Covered Market.

• Come celebrate Small Business Saturday at the Covered Market

  Published: Thursday, 1st December 2022

  Oxford City Council is encouraging local people to support Small Business Saturday on 3 December.

• Take the ‘pane’ out of shopping this Christmas with our ‘winderful’ display competition

  Published: Wednesday, 16th November 2022

  This Christmas, take window shopping in the city centre to a new height with the City Council’s Christmas display competition.

• Free family fun finding the Christmas Imps hiding around Oxford city centre

  Published: Tuesday, 15th November 2022

  Stuck for ways to keep the over-excited little ones busy this Christmas? Imp-rove your Christmas experience with our fun, free Christmas trail, launching Friday 18 November until the New Year.

• Oxford Living Wage Week celebrates century of employers

  Published: Tuesday, 15th November 2022

  Oxford City Council is celebrating this year’s Living Wage Week with a very special milestone, as the number of employers in the city paying staff the Oxford Living Wage reaches one hundred.

• Results of Oxford’s Covered Market consultation in – majority in favour of extended opening hours

  Published: Thursday, 13th October 2022

  The majority of respondents favour later opening hours at Oxford’s historic Covered Market, a new consultation has found.

• 82 employers in the city now signed up to Oxford Living Wage

  Published: Monday, 26th September 2022

  Oxford City Council reveals 82 employers in the city have been accredited as paying the Oxford Living Wage, ensuring more Oxford residents are paid a fair wage.

• OXWED: Updated Oxpens plans go on show

  Published: Tuesday, 20th September 2022

  IMPROVED SCHEME FOR MORE HOMES, JOBS, RIVERSIDE PUBLIC SPACE AND HOTEL TAKES NEXT STEP TOWARDS SUBMISSION OF A PLANNING APPLICATION

• Have your say on ‘masterplan’ for future of Oxford’s Covered Market 

  Published: Thursday, 8th September 2022

  Oxford City Council is seeking views from local people on a proposed ‘masterplan’ to update Oxford’s historic Covered Market for the 21st Century. 

• Green light for Oxford station and railway transformation following £78.6m funding confirmation

  Published: Wednesday, 17th August 2022

  Today (Wednesday 17 August) the Department for Transport confirmed it has awarded £78.6m to Network Rail to support the redevelopment of Oxford station and railway.

• Have your say on later opening hours at Oxford’s Covered Market

  Published: Thursday, 4th August 2022

  Oxford City Council is seeking views from local people about a trial of later opening hours at Oxford’s Covered Market.

• Space Store joins line up of stars at the Covered Market

  Published: Wednesday, 20th July 2022

  Space Store is beaming down into Oxford’s historic Covered Market, with a new branch landing at Unit 118 - 120.

• Oxford City Council installs CCTV cameras in Oxford Covered Market

  Published: Monday, 18th July 2022

  Oxford City Council has installed CCTV cameras in Oxford’s historic Covered Market.

• Council invites views on latest stage of major transformation of Oxford West End and Osney Mead

  Published: Wednesday, 29th June 2022

  Oxford City Council is seeking local views on plans to transform the West End and Osney Mead area of Oxford city centre.

• Plan for recovery of Oxford’s city centre boosted by Cabinet

  Published: Wednesday, 29th June 2022

  Plans to aid the post-pandemic recovery of Oxford’s city centre have been approved by the council’s Cabinet on 15 June 2022.

• Once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform Oxford West End and Osney Mead moves forward

  Published: Wednesday, 22nd June 2022

  The West End and Osney Mead development, which will provide a balanced mix of uses including new homes, and a range of new innovative businesses built throughout the West End of Oxford, moves closer.

• Businesses urged to apply for Covid Additional Relief Fund

  Published: Tuesday, 31st May 2022

  Oxford City Council is urging ratepayers who have been impacted by the pandemic to apply for new government funding from the COVID-19 Additional Relief Fund (CARF).

• Comments invited on planning proposals for new Cave Street development

  Published: Monday, 16th May 2022

  Oxford City Council is asking residents to comment on the proposals for a new building to replace Standingford House, Cave Street.

• Oxford rail plans progress

  Published: Thursday, 24th March 2022

  Exciting plans to develop rail infrastructure in Oxford and introduce new services are moving forward.

• Six new traders join Oxford Covered Market in the past six months

  Published: Tuesday, 22nd March 2022

  Six new independent businesses have opened in Oxford’s famous Covered Market in the past six months.

• Oxford City Centre undergoes deep clean after securing Government funds

  Published: Monday, 21st March 2022

  Oxford City Council is taking measures to improve the city centre using Government funding following the easing of Covid-19 restrictions.

• Oxford businesses could be missing out on vital Omicron funding

  Published: Tuesday, 8th March 2022

  Oxford City Council is urging local businesses to apply for the Government’s Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant scheme, as they could be losing out on much-needed funding.

• Call for young traders and performers to take part in city’s first ‘Teenage Market’

  Published: Tuesday, 1st March 2022

  Oxford City Council is supporting a national initiative encouraging young traders and performers to get involved with their local market by taking part in a free event at Gloucester Green on 26 March.

• Oxford City Council celebrates one year anniversary of ‘Meanwhile in Oxfordshire…’ initiative

  Published: Friday, 25th February 2022

  One year after its launch, an innovative pilot scheme from Oxford City Council and Makespace Oxford to transform the use of vacant shops across Oxfordshire is being studied by other councils.

• Council increases amount of grant funding available to omicron-hit local businesses

  Published: Wednesday, 23rd February 2022

  Oxford City Council has increased the amount available to Oxford businesses severely impacted by the Omicron variant of COVID-19 from £4000 to £6000 and extended the deadline for applications from Friday 25 February to Saturday 19 March.

• Council pledges more support for omicron-hit local businesses

  Published: Friday, 11th February 2022

  The City Council is making Omicron grants of up to £4000 available for Oxford businesses that have been severely impacted by the Omicron variant of COVID-19.

• Grants available for Oxford businesses hit by the Omicron variant

  Published: Wednesday, 2nd February 2022

  Oxford City Council is urging local businesses to apply as soon as possible for the Government’s Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant scheme.

• Oxford City Council keen to engage with residents on future of Oxford’s economy

  Published: Monday, 24th January 2022

  Oxford City Council has announced an extension to the public consultation period on its Oxford Economic Strategy until Monday 31 January so that more residents get a chance to respond.

• Additional support to be made available for Oxford businesses impacted by the Omicron variant

  Published: Wednesday, 22nd December 2021

  Oxford hospitality and leisure businesses impacted by the spread of the Omicron variant will be able to apply for support funding.

• Have your say – Council consults on strategic approach to Oxford’s economic recovery

  Published: Monday, 22nd November 2021

  Residents, businesses and local groups and organisations are being urged to have their say on two consultations being launched by Oxford City Council.

• What’s next for Broad Street? – Consultation results are in for award-winning “Broad Meadow”

  Published: Wednesday, 17th November 2021

  Oxford’s residents have expressed overwhelming support for Broad Meadow, introduced by Oxford City Council over the summer.

• City Council Grants available to help businesses recover post COVID-19 and develop new ways of working

  Published: Tuesday, 16th November 2021

  Businesses in the city, who either want to do things differently or who need help to survive following the COVID-19 pandemic, are being urged to apply for two potential sources of funding.

• Oxford City Council celebrates boost in businesses signing up to Oxford Living Wage

  Published: Monday, 15th November 2021

  The number of businesses paying the Oxford Living Wage has more than doubled over the past few months, ensuring more Oxford residents are paid a fair wage.

• Oxford City Council launches Christmas campaign to support local businesses

  Published: Monday, 15th November 2021

  Oxford City Council today launches a major campaign to attract people to the city centre in the run up to Christmas.

• Major boost for Oxford Station and Cowley Branch Line

  Published: Friday, 12th November 2021

  Network Rail’s Prior Approval application to redevelop the west side of Oxford station was granted from the City Council Planning Committee, paving the way for better rail connectivity for Oxford.

• Oxford City Council to create affordable business space for entrepreneurs in East Oxford

  Published: Thursday, 11th November 2021

  Oxford City Council is set to create affordable business space for entrepreneurs and start-ups in East Oxford.

• 

  Oxford Covered Market reveals its hidden heritage

  Published: Monday, 8th November 2021

  Oxford City Council Leader Councillor Susan Brown met with Debbie Dance, Director of Oxford Preservation Trust (OPT), at 46-48 Covered Market to admire the restoration work.

• Oxford City Council hands over elements of Broad Meadow to local organisations

  Published: Wednesday, 6th October 2021

  Oxford City Council is donating elements of Broad Meadow to six local organisations in locations across the city after the scheme ends.

• Oxford businesses urged to apply for new round of support grants

  Published: Friday, 24th September 2021

  Oxford City Council is inviting applications for a new round of business support grants.

• “It’s time to open up Oxpens”: OxWED invites ideas and feedback from the community on its emerging proposals – public consultation taking place this month

  Published: Wednesday, 7th July 2021

  Press release on behalf of OxWED

• Last call for Restart Grant applications

  Published: Tuesday, 29th June 2021

  The Restart Grant scheme supports businesses in reopening safely as COVID-19 restrictions are lifted. Even if your business has already reopened, you may still be eligible for a Restart Grant.

• Work starts to transform Broad Street into “Broad Meadow”, Oxford’s pedestrian-friendly temporary public square

  Published: Wednesday, 23rd June 2021

  Plans to create a temporary public square at Broad Street in the city centre this summer have been given the green light, after Oxford City Council’s application to close part of the street to traffic was approved.

• Oxford City Council launches campaign to support city businesses

  Published: Thursday, 3rd June 2021

  Oxford City Council has teamed up with The Oxford Times, Experience Oxfordshire, Independent Oxford and City Sightseeing Oxford to launch a campaign to attract people back to the city centre and give local businesses a boost after a turbulent year of closures and restrictions.

• Oxford City Council applies to create pedestrian-friendly temporary public square in Broad Street

  Published: Wednesday, 2nd June 2021

  Oxford City Council’s plans to create a temporary public square in the city centre this summer have taken a step forward with the submission of an application to close part of Broad Street to traffic.

• Oxford businesses impacted by lockdown urged to apply for discretionary grants

  Published: Wednesday, 19th May 2021

  The Council is urging businesses that have been severely impacted by lockdown closures to apply for the latest round of grants, with several pots of funding closing to applications at the end of May.

• Oxford City Council helps cafes, restaurants and bars to open more outdoor seating areas

  Published: Friday, 16th April 2021

  Oxford City Council is working with hospitality businesses to help them provide outside seating areas so they can reopen.

• Covered Market set to reopen

  Published: Thursday, 8th April 2021

  Non-essential shops in Oxford’s Covered Market are set to reopen from Monday 12 April following the coronavirus lockdown.

• Oxford City Council provides £40m of business support grants

  Published: Tuesday, 23rd March 2021

  Oxford City Council has provided more than £40m to help Oxford’s businesses through the coronavirus pandemic.

• Covered Market to mark 250th anniversary since establishment

  Published: Tuesday, 23rd March 2021

  Oxford’s Covered Market will mark the 250th anniversary since it was established on Sunday (28 March).

• Oxford City Council provides new funding to help restaurants, cafes and pubs open outdoor seating areas

  Published: Friday, 19th March 2021

  Oxford City Council has provided new funding to help restaurants, cafes and pubs open outdoor seating areas across the city.

• Unlock Oxford’s potential to support national recovery, Localis report urges

  Published: Thursday, 18th March 2021

  Press release issued by Localis

• Oxford City Council provides grants to help taxi drivers pay for licences

  Published: Wednesday, 3rd March 2021

  Oxford City Council will provide grants of up to £540 to help taxi drivers pay for licences.

• Oxford City Council teams up with Makespace to launch £1.9m revitalisation of vacant shops across Oxfordshire

  Published: Thursday, 25th February 2021

  Oxford City Council has teamed up with social enterprise Makespace to launch a £1.9m revitalisation of vacant shops across Oxfordshire and bounce back from Covid-19 during 2021.

• Oxford City Council visiting shops to ensure staff are wearing face coverings

  Published: Monday, 22nd February 2021

  Oxford City Council, supported by partners, are visiting supermarkets and shops across Oxford to ensure staff are wearing face coverings.

• Statement on Ox-Cam Arc from Fast Growth Cities

  Published: Thursday, 18th February 2021

  Statement from Councillor Susan Brown, Leader of Oxford City Council on behalf of the Fast Growth Cities Group (Oxford, Cambridge, Milton Keynes, Norwich, Swindon, Peterborough)

• Oxford City Council provides almost £33m of business support grants

  Published: Wednesday, 17th February 2021

  Oxford City Council has provided almost £33m to help Oxford’s businesses through the coronavirus pandemic.

• Oxford City Council investing now to help visitor economy rebound after pandemic

  Published: Wednesday, 17th February 2021

  Oxford City Council is making investments now to help the city’s visitor economy rebound after the coronavirus pandemic.

• Oxford City Council supports National Apprenticeship Week

  Published: Thursday, 11th February 2021

  With National Apprenticeship Week this week, the City Council is highlighting its work to support young people into employment and training through the Kickstart Scheme.

• Statement on Debenhams not reopening after lockdown

  Published: Wednesday, 20th January 2021

  Oxford City Council's statement on Debenhams not reopening after lockdown.

• Warning of possible Covid grants scam

  Published: Wednesday, 20th January 2021

  The City Council has been made aware of a new scam attempt aimed at businesses claiming Covid grant funding.

• City Council begins project that could see Covered Market transformed for future generations of shoppers

  Published: Monday, 18th January 2021

  As the jewel in the crown of the city centre, Oxford City Council has begun a project that could see the Covered Market transformed for future generations of shoppers.

• Oxford businesses able to apply for lockdown support grants

  Published: Friday, 15th January 2021

  Businesses in Oxford are now able to apply for lockdown support grants.

• Businesses have until 31 December to apply for previous rounds of coronavirus financial support

  Published: Thursday, 24th December 2020

  Businesses have until Thursday 31 December to apply for previous rounds of coronavirus financial support.

• Statement on free parking at Oxford's park and rides

  Published: Thursday, 24th December 2020

  Statement on free parking at Oxford's park and rides.

• Oxford City Council to pedestrianise North Parade to support businesses

  Published: Tuesday, 15th December 2020

  Oxford City Council is set to pedestrianise North Parade Avenue in north Oxford to support hospitality businesses by providing space for outside seating areas.

• Oxford Covered Market to extend opening hours in run-up to Christmas

  Published: Monday, 7th December 2020

  Oxford Covered Market will have extended opening hours in the run-up to Christmas.

• Oxford City Council encourages residents to shop local during Small Business Saturday

  Published: Friday, 4th December 2020

  Oxford City Council is encouraging residents to make the most of this year’s Small Business Saturday by shopping locally.

• COVID Secure Team makes more than 1,400 business spot checks to help stop the spread of coronavirus in Oxford

  Published: Friday, 4th December 2020

  Oxford’s COVID Secure Team has already completed more than 1,400 business spot checks to help stop the spread of coronavirus in the city.

• Oxford City Council prepares city for end of lockdown

  Published: Wednesday, 2nd December 2020

  Oxford City Council has prepared the city for the end of the lockdown.

• Oxford City Council, Experience Oxfordshire, Independent Oxford and The Oxford Times refresh campaign to support retailers this Christmas

  Published: Wednesday, 2nd December 2020

  Oxford City Council, Experience Oxfordshire, Independent Oxford and The Oxford Times have refreshed their campaign to support retailers this Christmas.

• Oxford businesses able to apply for lockdown support grants

  Published: Wednesday, 11th November 2020

  Businesses in Oxford are now able to apply for lockdown support grants.

• Oxford Covered Market to remain open during lockdown for fresh food sales, deliveries, takeaways and click-and-collect

  Published: Thursday, 5th November 2020

  Oxford Covered Market will remain open during lockdown to allow fresh food sales, deliveries, takeaways and click-and-collect from non-essential retail to take place.

• Oxford City Council, Independent Oxford, Experience Oxfordshire and The Oxford Times team up to support the city’s businesses through lockdown

  Published: Thursday, 5th November 2020

  Oxford City Council, Independent Oxford, Experience Oxfordshire and The Oxford Times have teamed up to support the city’s businesses during lockdown.

• City Council to pedestrianise sections of more streets across Oxford to support cafes, restaurants and bars

  Published: Monday, 19th October 2020

  Oxford City Council is set to pedestrianise sections of more streets across the city to help cafes, restaurants and bars by enabling them to provide outside seating areas.

• City Council provides £26.6m to almost 1,800 Oxford businesses to support them through coronavirus pandemic

  Published: Friday, 16th October 2020

  Oxford City Council has provided £26.6m to almost 1,800 businesses in the city to support them through the coronavirus pandemic.

• Oxford City Council encourages tourism businesses and attractions to register for VisitEngland’s industry standard

  Published: Friday, 16th October 2020

  Oxford City Council is encouraging tourism businesses and attractions in the city to register for VisitEngland’s ‘We’re Good to Go’ certificate.

• Residents and businesses back future pedestrianisation of George Street, survey finds

  Published: Monday, 12th October 2020

  Residents and businesses overwhelmingly support pedestrianisation for George Street in the future, a new survey has found.

• Oxford City Council seeks feedback on George Street pedestrianisation

  Published: Friday, 18th September 2020

  Oxford City Council is seeking feedback on the part-pedestrianisation of George Street, including whether or not residents would like to see the street pedestrianised again in the future, or on a more

• Statement on BMW Cowley

  Published: Wednesday, 26th August 2020

  Joint statement from Councillor Susan Brown, Leader of Oxford City Council, and Anneliese Dodds, Member of Parliament for Oxford East on the BMW Cowley news:

• George Street part pedestrianisation to support businesses starts on Saturday

  Published: Thursday, 20th August 2020

  The part pedestrianisation of George Street to enable businesses to introduce outdoor dining starts on Saturday (22/8).

• Oxford – My Treasure Island: Design a map showing your favourite city centre highlights and win prizes

  Published: Thursday, 20th August 2020

  Whether it’s Tolkien’s maps of Middle Earth or Lyra’s map in His Dark Materials, Oxford’s famous real and literary residents have always delighted in creating maps to highlight their favourite spots.

• Council asks government for extension to discretionary grant

  Published: Wednesday, 19th August 2020

  Oxford City Council is calling on the government to consider extending the Local Authority Discretionary Grant Scheme, using underspend in other schemes.

• Be a tourist in your own city: Free City Sightseeing bus tours for Oxford residents

  Published: Monday, 17th August 2020

  Oxford residents will get the opportunity to be a tourist in their own city with free tour on the City Sightseeing Oxford open-top bus.

• George Street set to be part pedestrianised to support businesses

  Published: Thursday, 13th August 2020

  Oxford City Council, working with Oxfordshire County Council, is set to part pedestrianise George Street to enable businesses to introduce outdoor dining.

• Oxford City Council and Oxford Mail launch campaign to help boost city centre businesses and cultural attractions by encouraging people to Rediscover Oxford

  Published: Monday, 10th August 2020

  Oxford City Council and the Oxford Mail have joined forces to help boost city centre businesses and cultural attractions by encouraging people to Rediscover Oxford.

• There’s still time to apply for a business support grant

  Published: Friday, 7th August 2020

  There’s still time to apply for a grant as part of the second round of business support grants aimed at helping small businesses, charities and social enterprises through the coronavirus crisis.

• New outside tables and chairs areas across city centre to support restaurants, pubs, bars and coffee shops on social distancing

  Published: Wednesday, 5th August 2020

  The streets of Oxford city centre are taking on a more Continental feel as Oxford City Council enables restaurants, pubs, bars and coffee shops to set up tables and chairs outside of their premises.

• Council launches second round of discretionary business support grants

  Published: Tuesday, 28th July 2020

  Oxford City Council has launched a second round of business support grants. They are aimed at helping small businesses, charities and social enterprises through the coronavirus crisis. Eligible business are urged to apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out on funding.

• St Michael’s Street pedestrianisation to support hospitality businesses with social distancing

  Published: Monday, 27th July 2020

  Oxford City Council has temporarily pedestrianised part of St Michael’s Street to enable outdoor dining, support hospitality businesses with social distancing, and create a more walkable city centre.

• City Council joins Co-operative Councils Innovation Network

  Published: Monday, 6th July 2020

  Following national Co-Ops Fortnight, which celebrates co-operatives contribution to the economy and community, Oxford City Council announced it will join the Co-operative Councils Innovation Network.

• Know before you go: book ahead and protect your community as pubs, bars and restaurants reopen

  Published: Friday, 3rd July 2020

  As pubs, bars and restaurants prepare to reopen tomorrow (Saturday 4 July), Oxford City Council is asking people to book ahead where possible and maintain social distancing when eating or drinking out.

• Proposals to transform Boswells department store into boutique hotel unveiled

  Published: Friday, 3rd July 2020

  Oxford’s iconic Boswells site could receive a new breath of life as a 4-star boutique hotel under proposals unveiled as part of a partnership between leading developer Reef Group & Oxford City Council

• Oxford residents back one-way pavements and upgrading cycling infrastructure to support social distancing

  Published: Thursday, 18th June 2020

  Oxford residents have backed one-way pavements, upgrading cycling infrastructure and the pedestrianisation of Broad Street to help maintain social distancing in the city, a survey has found.

• Gloucester Green Market to reopen tomorrow

  Published: Tuesday, 16th June 2020

  Oxford's celebrated outdoor market in Gloucester Green will reopen tomorrow (17 June).

• Oxford City Council introduces one-way pavements and a raft of other measures to help people maintain social distancing as shops reopen

  Published: Friday, 12th June 2020

  Oxford City Council is introducing one-way pavements and a raft of other measures to help pedestrians maintain social distancing in Oxford when shops reopen on Monday (15 June).

• Covered Market set to reopen with new temporary social distancing measures

  Published: Wednesday, 10th June 2020

  Oxford Covered Market is set to reopen on Monday 15 June with a comprehensive range of measures to enable people to maintain social distancing.

• Oxford businesses support measures to improve social distancing for pedestrians and cyclists

  Published: Monday, 1st June 2020

  Oxford businesses have supported a range of measures to enable pedestrians and cyclists to safely maintain social distances once shops reopen later this month.

• Oxford City Council commits £234,000 to kick start work to enable social distancing once shops reopen

  Published: Wednesday, 27th May 2020

  Oxford City Council will spend £234,000 to kick start work on measures, including redesigning road space, to enable pedestrians and cyclists to safely maintain social distances once shops reopen.

• Oxford City Council urging the final businesses yet to apply for coronavirus support grants to do so

  Published: Wednesday, 6th May 2020

  Oxford City Council is urging the final businesses in Oxford yet to apply for the coronavirus support grants to do so.

• Oxford City Council writes to Government on behalf of Oxford businesses to call for further financial assistance to plug gaps

  Published: Thursday, 30th April 2020

  Oxford City Council has written to the Government on behalf of businesses in Oxford to call for further financial assistance to support firms through the coronavirus pandemic.

• Oxfordshire businesses urged to submit grant requests

  Published: Monday, 27th April 2020

  Businesses in Oxfordshire that are yet to submit their details for grant support in response to COVID-19 should do so as soon as possible, including those who already receive 100 per cent rate relief.

• Oxford City Council pays out £10m in grants to support city’s businesses through pandemic

  Published: Tuesday, 21st April 2020

  Oxford City Council has paid out £10m in Government grants to 560 businesses in Oxford to support them through the coronavirus pandemic.

• Oxford City Council calls on Government to support businesses that are missing out on funding relief

  Published: Friday, 3rd April 2020

  Oxford City Council is calling on the Government to support businesses that are not yet covered by coronavirus relief funding, and to work with banks and insurers to provide more financial aid.

• Oxford City Council facilitates first £170,000 of coronavirus grants to Oxford’s small businesses

  Published: Thursday, 2nd April 2020

  Oxford City Council has facilitated the first £170,000 of Government grants to small businesses in the city to support them through the coronavirus outbreak.

• Businesses in Oxford are now able to apply for Government grants and rate relief

  Published: Friday, 27th March 2020

  Businesses in Oxford are now able to apply for the Government’s new grants and rate relief to support them during the coronavirus outbreak.

• Oxford City Council has created a new directory of Oxford businesses operating online

  Published: Thursday, 26th March 2020

  Oxford City Council has created a new directory of Oxford businesses that are operating online and offering home deliveries during the coronavirus outbreak.

• Oxford City Council calls for Government help to support bus companies transport key workers

  Published: Wednesday, 25th March 2020

  Oxford City Council is calling for the Government to provide support for bus companies so that doctors, nurses and other key workers can get to work.

• Coronavirus: information and guidance for Oxford's businesses

  Published: Thursday, 19th March 2020

  Councillor Susan Brown, Leader of Oxford City Council, wrote to all Oxford's businesses today with information and guidance about coronavirus.

• Statement: Protecting businesses and jobs from impact of coronavirus

  Published: Tuesday, 17th March 2020

  Statement: protecting businesses and jobs in Oxford from the impact of coronavirus.

• New wine shop and bar opens in Oxford Covered Market

  Published: Wednesday, 19th February 2020

  A new wine shop and bar has opened in Oxford Covered Market.

• Covered Market footfall up in run-up to Christmas

  Published: Monday, 17th February 2020

  Oxford Covered Market had almost one million visits in 2019 and a jump in year-on-year footfall in the run-up to Christmas, new data has shown.

• Tap Social to open new bar in Oxford Covered Market

  Published: Wednesday, 5th February 2020

  Tap Social is set to open a new bar in Oxford Covered Market.

• Free stalls for small businesses on Small Business Saturday

  Published: Monday, 2nd December 2019

  Fancy testing out your business ideas? Gloucester Green Market will offer free stalls for 15 small businesses from Oxford on Small Business Saturday.

• Oxford City Council launches Covered Market Christmas advert

  Published: Thursday, 28th November 2019

  Oxford City Council has launched a new advert to promote Oxford Covered Market this Christmas.

• Statement on Boswells

  Published: Wednesday, 27th November 2019

  Statement on Boswells:

• Oxford named as top UK city for economy and wellbeing for fourth year in a row

  Published: Friday, 15th November 2019

  Oxford has been named as the top UK city for economic success and wellbeing of the community for the fourth year in a row.

• Oxford City Council marks Living Wage Week with business forum for employers

  Published: Wednesday, 13th November 2019

  To mark Living Wage Week, Oxford City Council held a business forum to recognise and celebrate Oxford Living Wage employers, and provide information about the benefits of paying a living wage.

• New Oxford Living Wage rate for 2020-21 announced

  Published: Monday, 11th November 2019

  Oxford City Council has announced a new Oxford Living Wage rate of £10.21 an hour, which will apply from April 2020.

• Curiouser and curiouser: City Council fills Covered Market with Alice in Wonderland sculptures

  Published: Friday, 8th November 2019

  Oxford Covered Market is getting curiouser and curiouser as Oxford City Council fills the 18th century building with Alice in Wonderland sculptures.

• Oxford Covered Market is full

  Published: Wednesday, 6th November 2019

  Oxford Covered Market is full.

• Council Leader Susan Brown joins Cowley Branch Line walk

  Published: Friday, 4th October 2019

  Oxford City Council leader Susan Brown joined local MP Anneliese Dodds to walk the Cowley Branch Line to highlight the potential of the route to provide passenger services.

• Elmore Community Services pledges the Oxford Living Wage

  Published: Tuesday, 1st October 2019

  Elmore Community Services today received its Oxford Living Wage certificate from Oxford City Council Living Wage Champion Martyn Rush.

• New figures show city centre has fewer empty shops

  Published: Thursday, 26th September 2019

  The number of vacant units in Oxford city centre looks set for a significant fall according to new figures from Oxford City Council.

• Oxford City Council submits £2m funding bid to unlock a multi-million pound investment that would transform Oxford Covered Market

  Published: Wednesday, 11th September 2019

  Oxford City Council has submitted a £2m bid to Historic England, which could unlock a multi-million pound investment that would transform Oxford Covered Market.

• New City Council initiative to fill empty retail units

  Published: Thursday, 8th August 2019

  Business and organisations from across Oxford are working with the City Council on an initiative to bring empty units back into use more quickly.

• More employers could receive Oxford Living Wage recognition, says City Council

  Published: Friday, 26th July 2019

  Fusion Lifestyle received its Oxford Living Wage certificate from Oxford City Council Living Wage Champion Martyn Rush.

• City Council seeks to boost Oxford’s co-ops with networking event for Co-op Fortnight

  Published: Monday, 24th June 2019

  Oxford City Council’s Co-operatives Champion, Councillor Richard Howlett, will host an event to celebrate Oxford’s co-operatives, share inspiration and look at ways to build the movement locally

• Council flies the flag for Oxford Living Wage

  Published: Monday, 1st April 2019

  To mark its new minimum pay rate of more than £10 an hour for all staff, Oxford City Council is flying the Oxford Living Wage flag today (Monday 1 April).

• Anneliese Dodds, MP for Oxford East meets with Covered Market traders ahead of Small Business Saturday

  Published: Friday, 30th November 2018

  Member of Parliament for Oxford East, Anneliese Dodds, is to visit Oxford’s Covered Market today (30/11) to meet with traders ahead of Small Business Saturday.

• Majority of traders sign long-term leases to continue in Oxford Covered Market

  Published: Tuesday, 20th November 2018

  The majority of traders have signed new long-term leases to continue trading in Oxford Covered Market.

• Oxford City Council launches Christmas campaign to promote Covered Market

  Published: Sunday, 18th November 2018

  Oxford City Council has launched a Christmas campaign to help promote Oxford Covered Market.

• Eight shops opening in Oxford Covered Market in run-up to Christmas

  Published: Wednesday, 14th November 2018

  Eight new shops are opening in Oxford Covered Market in the run-up to Christmas.

• Oxford City Council agrees £1.3m to complete Covered Market roof refurbishment

  Published: Wednesday, 22nd August 2018

  Oxford City Council has agreed the final £1.3m investment to complete a long-term refurbishment of the Covered Market roof that will secure the structure for around another 60 to 80 years.

• City and County councils in new international links with Chinese city and province

  Published: Friday, 20th July 2018

  Oxford City and Oxfordshire County Council have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Langfang City People's Government and Hebei Province in China to promote business cooperation.

• Council invites public to consultation event on redevelopment of key city centre building 

  Published: Thursday, 21st June 2018

  A two-day public engagement event to showcase the City Council’s plans for the redevelopment of its property on 1-5 George Street in the city centre will get underway on Friday 22 June at Oxford Town Hall.

• Council hosts public engagement event on 1-5 George Street redevelopment proposal

  Published: Thursday, 7th June 2018

  Public engagement event will showcase draft redevelopment plans.

• Council agrees second year of rate relief to support small businesses

  Published: Thursday, 24th May 2018

  Oxford City Council has agreed the terms of its Revaluation Discretionary Relief Scheme for 2018.

• City Centre footfall continues upward trend

  Published: Monday, 14th May 2018

  There were 16 per cent more people in Oxford city centre in the first quarter of 2018 compared to the same period last year, the latest footfall figures have shown.

• Council launches new local business guide and interactive online service to support businesses

  Published: Friday, 9th March 2018

  The City Council has launched its 2017-2019 Oxford Business Guide, which showcases the city’s economic strengths, growth opportunities, and range of services designed to support business.  

• Oxford Second for Growth Potential in UK

  Published: Thursday, 22nd February 2018

  Oxford has been named the second best city in the UK for Growth Potential in the 2018 Arcadis’ “Investing in Britain” report published this week.

• The first Smart Oxford Playable City® Commission ‘Star Light, Star Bright’ launches on the streets of Oxford

  Published: Friday, 12th January 2018

  Smart Oxford Playable City Commission unveils the first commission for the city, which places shared experience firmly at the heart of the future city.

• Christmas shopping boost as city centre footfall continues on upward trend

  Published: Monday, 18th December 2017

  There were 13 per cent more people in Oxford city centre last week compared to the same week last year, latest footfall figures have shown.

• Oxfordshire Growth Board welcomes publication of Government’s Industrial Strategy

  Published: Monday, 27th November 2017

  The Oxfordshire Growth Board has today (27 November) welcomed the launch of the Government’s Industrial Strategy, saying that it ‘harnessed’ the county’s ability to lead the UK’s global potential.

• Oxfordshire Growth Board welcomes NIC report

  Published: Friday, 17th November 2017

  Oxfordshire Growth Board welcomes the publication of the National Infrastructure Commission’s final report on the Oxford – Cambridge Arc.

• Westgate Oxford shopping centre opens

  Published: Tuesday, 24th October 2017

  Thousands of excited shoppers thronged the redeveloped Westgate Oxford shopping centre today to witness its official opening after two years in construction.

• Meeting of the Oxfordshire Growth Board

  Published: Wednesday, 26th July 2017

  Leaders of all six Oxfordshire councils meet today at the Oxfordshire Growth Board to progress joint work on economic development, strategic planning and growth across the county.

• New Elevate funding programme provides support for start-up and growing business

  Published: Friday, 14th July 2017

  Oxfordshire Business Support has launched the ELEVATE Programme to boost the county’s SME entrepreneurs

• Oxford Recognised at European Capital of Innovation Finals 2016

  Published: Friday, 8th April 2016

  Oxford was one of nine cities represented as finalists at the European Capital of Innovation Awards 2016, held on April 8 2016.

• Oxpens development a step closer as City Council and Nuffield College sign historic deal

  Published: Tuesday, 29th March 2016

  The Council and Nuffield College have formed a joint venture company to bring together the land in the Oxpens area in preparation for a comprehensive redevelopment of the site.

• Oxford shortlisted for European Capital of Innovation Award 2016

  Published: Tuesday, 29th March 2016

  Oxford is one of nine major cities named as the finalists for the European Capital of Innovation Award 2016. Oxford is up against a shortlist of large cities, many of which are also capital cities.

• Late night shopping at The Covered Market

  Published: Monday, 7th December 2015

  Oxford residents will be able to grab their Christmas stocking fillers during a unique late night shopping experience at The Covered Market.

• Small Business Saturday is this Saturday 5 December 2015

  Published: Thursday, 3rd December 2015

  Shoppers will be able to support independent retailers and take advantage of 10 per cent discounts this Saturday 5 December 2015.

• Oxford bids to become European capital of innovation

  Published: Monday, 16th November 2015

  Oxford is aiming to be crowned Europe’s Capital of Innovation 2016 and win a prize of €950,000.

• Independent retailers offer 10 per cent discounts as part of Small Business Saturday

  Published: Friday, 13th November 2015

  Small shops across Oxford will be offering 10 per cent discounts to customers as part of this year’s Small Business Saturday.

• US Ambassador praises Oxford's high-tech innovation

  Published: Thursday, 1st October 2015

  US Ambassador Matthew W. Barzun visited Oxford on Wednesday to meet with representatives of the city’s universities, Oxford City Council, social entrepreneurism leads and high-technology businesses.

Sub–categories of Business

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• Licensing
• Selling to the Council
• Oxford's economy
• Innovation and enterprise
• City Centre management
• Support for Business
• Business Premises
• Building Back Together
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