Economic Recovery Plan Update - Appendix One
Reskilling: People
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Cap / Rev |
ERP Theme |
Funding Stream Project Title Lead Partner |
Recovery Impact / How is the project responding to ERP objectives |
High level - Recovery milestones - Recovery outputs / outcomes |
2021-2022 Progress report and achievements
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RAG |
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Y/C |
1 |
LGF Activate Learning Care Suite Activate Learning |
An existing LGF college facility completed in 2016 that is aligned with the ERP objectives. The project is facilitating L3 and up qualifications concentrating on adult health and social care training, which is a key area of need in recovery due to clear skills shortages.
Nationally, Health is one of the sectors that is causing real concern, partially due to longstanding labour shortages in the Health and Social Care Sectors. The development of the Care Suite in partnership with the NHS helped to fill the skills gaps and prepare young people and adults to learn the skills the NHS needs.
Students who trained in the college’ Care Suite are exposed to real life scenarios which help to prepare them for real work and accelerate their development in the workplace. The Care Suite has also supported NHS trusts by helping international nurses to prepare for their OSCE test and helped to speed-up the process of back filling the Health skills gaps.
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The Care Suite usage was limited due to the Covid pandemic. One of the major impacts of not using the Care Suite was that some students were deprived of practical learning opportunities. Students have different learning styles, and some students perform much better in practical settings compared to theory sessions. Teaching had to shift from face-to-face to online teaching and learning at short notice. Students’ engagement with online learning varied, but in general it was very positive. Some students enjoyed online breakout rooms and the opportunity to discuss their learning in small groups. Learners commented that they had better access to their teachers, as they could e-mail them questions and get quick responses. Learners had also commented on the support they received not only from their teaches but from fellow peers. Students used the online facilities to motivate each other academically and socially. |
Achievement in 2020/21 September 2020- June 2021 239 learners are currently benefiting from accessing the Care Skills. All HSC learners are timetabled 2hrs per week. HSC Oxford HSC L1 25 HSC L2 44 HSC L3Y1 43 HSC L3 Y2 27
Early Years Oxford Level 2 12 L3 Y1 19 L3 Y2 15
HSC Banbury HSC L2 18 HSC L3Y1 24 HSC L3 Y2 12 |
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Y/C |
LGF Advanced Digital and Science Centre The Henley College |
An existing LGF set of college hubs completed in 2020 that is aligned with the ERP objectives. The project will facilitate L3 and up qualifications concentrating on key sectors such as digital skills, engineering and applied life sciences which will provide young people with clear pathways to develop skills in areas of demand. |
The facilities developed are of exceptionally good standard, but due to the pandemic situation existing students have not had the full benefit of use and prospective students have only recently seen the facilities, although some access on-line was possible. The College now has capacity to increase student intake in all STEM areas and application numbers are buoyant for 21-22.
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Student applications are up significantly for the first time in several years, with facilities playing a significant role in attracting students. The College is on track to deliver the additional 100 learners in STEM subject areas earlier than the planned 2024/25 academic year. The College will be able to provide evidence of the first phase in September 21, following the current recruitment phase.
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Y/C |
LGF Advanced Engineering & Technology Skills Centre, Abingdon & Witney College |
An existing LGF college centre completed in 2017 that is aligned with the ERP objectives. The project is facilitating predominantly L3 and up qualifications concentrating on local, regional and national skills shortages in STEM subjects.
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Reduced enrolments for 20/21 due to COVID. College marketing all courses heavily to increase learners 21/22. |
Advanced Skills Centre formally opened on 20 April 2018.
46 new learners in 2020/21
3.3 jobs created to date. |
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Y/C |
LGF AgriTech Skills Innovation Centre Abingdon & Witney College |
An existing LGF college centre completed in 2018 that is aligned with the ERP objectives. The project is facilitating full and part time qualifications concentrating on green recovery and opportunities for retraining high tech skills in the sustainable agriculture, food production and precision farming agenda.
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Reduced enrolments for 20/21 due to COVID. College marketing all courses heavily to increase learners 21/22. |
Agritech Building formally opened 17 May 2019
62 New learners in 2020/21
1.7 jobs created to date
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Y/C |
LGF City Centre Hospitality Training Activate Learning |
An existing LGF college centre due to be completed summer 2021 that is aligned with the ERP objectives. The project will facilitate L2 and above qualifications concentrating on the hospitality sector which was very affected by the pandemic.
During the course of the development, Activate Learning has extended the scope of the refurbishment at its own cost to add value to the overall project.
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Completion of new hospitality training centre during September 2021 for a new student intake and support the recovery of the visitor economy in Oxford city and the wider county
Commence delivery of hospitality qualification outcomes in line with the original LGF plan during 2021/22 academic year. However, the impact of the ongoing pandemic on employment opportunities for the hospitality sector and young people’s choice of programmes to study, will mean that achievement against project outcomes is expected to be backend loaded during the 4-year monitoring period.
Work with local hospitality businesses to support development of new staff, including apprentices who can be trained at the centre
Use the venue for “masterclasses” for those employed in the sector but with relatively low skills requiring short/sharp interventions Provide access to school pupils to raise the profile of the hospitality sector and training opportunities available.
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Building works proceeding in line with revised timings caused by unexpected structural issues and asbestos during the build process
Due to be completed and handed over to faculty during September 2021
Formal opening currently provisionally planned for 4 November 2021 with Heston Blumenthal whose team at The Fat Duck Group has supported the redevelopment of the hospitality curriculum during 2020/21
Having a brand-new facility and expected return to on campus open events from autumn 2021 will help to drive new student recruitment in hospitality for Sept 2022 and beyond. |
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Y/C |
LGF Construction Skills Academy, Abingdon & Witney College |
An existing LGF college centre completed in early 2021 that is aligned with the ERP objectives. The project will facilitate apprenticeship and full-time students studying L1 and up qualifications concentrating on skilled construction qualifications. |
Employers reluctant to employ Apprentices during pandemic has slowed down student recruitment.
Employer engagement increased and new Business Development Executive recruited to increase employer engagement.
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Bicester building work complete
61 apprentices started, 19 recruited to start in September
6.0 jobs created
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Y/C |
LGF Oxford Centre for Technology and Innovation, Activate Learning |
An existing LGF college centre completed in 2016 that is aligned with the ERP objectives. The project is facilitating L3 and up qualifications concentrating on local, regional and national skills shortages in STEM subjects.
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As well as continuing to focus on the skills priorities and target groups in the original LGF project, we have also begun to run ‘SSU’ courses (Skills for Supporting the Unemployed) at the Oxford Centre for Technology and Innovation aimed at re-skilling adult learners with a particular focus on those who have been impacted by the Covid-19 Pandemic. Our flexible space and variety of workshops has allowed us to focus these initial courses on Construction Trades and on specific skills areas like ‘block and brick’. Another outcome of the pandemic was the classification of cycle technicians as key workers and the national shortfall of both technicians and actual cycles themselves throughout the pandemic. As well as continuing to run our Cytech Cycles Courses we have also prioritised running courses for the unemployed on a similar basis as the Construction Trades courses above. We have prioritised getting these programmes off the ground as quickly as possible and for the next academic year 2021/22 we plan to increase the scale & variety of programmes like this which aim to support the ERP. |
We continue to see increased interest and applications in programmes at the Oxford Centre for Technology and Innovation. Last year (2020/21), despite the pandemic, restrictions to learning and the disruption to learning of lockdowns, we still saw an increase in student applications. This year (2021/22) we are continuing to see an increase in student applications. The quality of student work has been of a high standard this year. We were pleased to be able to continue our co-created and employer-endorsed Engineering Competition (The Craftsman’s Cup) in collaboration with REME (Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers) and were particularly proud the trophy returned to Blackbird Leys for the second time in 3 years. Planning for out Digital IOT (Institute of Technology) continues with a refurb in Reading and a Sept 2021 launch will be followed by significant new build capital investment at the Oxford Centre for Innovation and Skills. This digital priority and investment will complement the existing Engineering and Construction focus of the centre in Blackbird Leys and ensure our Technology offer is current as we continue to grow and improve.
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Y/R |
ESF Skills Support for the Unemployed Activate Learning |
Hospitality courses are back on the timetable to support the visitor economy recovery. We are aware of lots of job opportunities within this sector and will support the unemployed to fill them. Project participants are encouraged to progress with their studies and build on their skills to support their employment. Working closely with Oxfordshire JCP’s we are reacting quickly to local market needs and providing SWAP’s to support recruitment. Extra support is being given to those at opposite ends of the working age scale 18-24 and 50+ to fill their skills gaps and find employment. We have a heavy focus on digital skills and offering basic IT skills for the first time user through to more advance Microsoft Office All of our courses were able to be moved to online delivery this ensured we were able to support our learners throughout the pandemic to continue on their upskilling journey. Some courses are now back to face to face delivery in classrooms but others will remain online. |
All of our courses were able to be moved to online delivery this ensured we were able to support our learners throughout the pandemic to continue on their upskilling journey. Some courses are now back to face to face delivery in classrooms but others will remain online. |
418 students delivered to, 38 have progressed into employment and 3 into further education (20 in the pipeline to claim in the next few months). Sub contractors have completed their work with us. Courses were all delivered online during COVID, this worked well we will continue in part with this delivery as it allows flexibility for our students. Some courses will return to the classroom where they are best placed to be and also to support those without access to technology. We have a wide range of courses to ensure upskilling for all sectors and are working closely with employers to ensure delivery supports future employment. Numbers of students did drop during the lockdown period but we are starting to see these increase as lockdown restrictions ease. |
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Y/R |
ESF Skills Support for the Workplace Activate Learning |
Work is underway to see how we can support the Oxfordshire Visitor Economy as they look to recruit and start their businesses back up. Training courses for new starters will be available along with management and team leader qualifications for existing staff looking to progress. Strand 2 of the programme allows us to support those at risk of or have been made redundant. With the furlough scheme coming to an end in September we will be ready to support organisations in this position to provide training and upskilling for those seeking new employment. |
All of our courses were able to be moved to online delivery this ensured we were able to support our learners throughout the pandemic to continue on their upskilling journey. Some courses are now back to face to face delivery in classrooms but others will remain online |
SSW - 413 students delivered to, 15 progressions into further education and 30 progression within the work place. We are in the process of Subcontractor procurement; we hope to take on 2 sub-contractors to support delivery. During COVID it was hard to access employers to provide training due to many reasons, revised priorities, furlough etc. Of note our Mental Health First Aid courses and Mental Health Awareness were the most popular as organisations strived to support their employees. Courses also went online during COVID which worked well and enabled flexibility - as we move out of COVID some of these will stay online others will move back to face to face. |
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Y/C |
LGF Oxfordshire Advanced Skills Phase 3 Pilot, UKAEA |
An existing LGF skills centre due to complete in late 2021 that is aligned with the ERP objectives. The project will facilitate L4 qualifications concentrating on the skills needed to secure employment opportunities in robotics, power engineering and space science.
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Skills centre complete by March 2022
40 new learners assisted in courses leading to a full qualification by March 2025 |
Preparation works are underway |
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Y/R |
2 |
OC Community Employment Support Programme, Oxford City Council |
This is a response/ recovery pilot measure aimed at providing community based advice and guidance on employment and training opportunities in the City. In line with the ERP, it aimed to support those affected by recent or ongoing unemployment in target areas of Oxford. It meets the re-skilling and place based measures. |
-20 people helped to enrol on FE courses, access support services or gain employment -15 community navigators completed Introduction to providing information, advice and guidance courses -Level 2 and in-house employability services training being developed -Impact monitoring ongoing |
-7 month pilot completed March 2021 -Project extended to Sept 2021 with existing funds -Seeking funding to deliver the programme again in autumn 2021 if needed (after furlough ends and business funding measures cease). Early post pilot project report produced |
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Y/C |
OC Community Employment Plan Delivery, OxLEP |
Re-skilling people themes under response and ‘early wins’, linking with place based measures |
-TWO, OxLEP Oxford City Council has agreed a training, business and employment strategy for Oxford North -A separate employment plan will be developed for each phase of development -The Barton Park Community Employment Plan is being reviewed to produce a new strategy and plan for the second half of the development. |
-Oxford North Strategy in place and first employment plan for Phase 1 development produced -Oxford North Monitoring to proceed as of Summer 2021 |
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Y/C |
GBF Green Construction Skills Centre Abingdon & Witney College |
The Green Construction Skills Centre will provide a variety of training programmes including full time courses for 16 – 18-year olds (including T Levels), higher level programmes, apprenticeships, adult skills training programmes and short upskilling courses targeted at those already working in construction. |
800sqm new learning/training floorspace in 2022
11.5 FTE jobs by March 2025
500 new learners assisted in courses leading to a full qualification - 10 by March 2022 - 65 by March 2023 - 160 by March 2024 - 330 by March 2025 - 500 by March 2026
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Planning permission received June 21
Main building contract Heads of Terms signed June 21 |
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N/R |
3
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Oxfordshire Social Contract - Careers Innovation Gateway (CIG) OxLEP |
A transformative programme focused on driving social mobility and long-term career opportunities for young people across Oxfordshire including those in County’s most deprived communities. This will really help to address the challenges facing many of the County’s younger residents who have suffered hardship as a result of COVID-19. This will help residents to define and get access to opportunities at an early stage as they leave school. |
Programme due to start in September 2022 – subject to funding being secured, in order to expand the current Careers Hub model to all secondary schools in network. |
N/A |
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N/R |
Oxfordshire Social Contract - T-Level Programme, OxLEP |
Expansion of T-Level provision across the innovation ecosystem to offer a broader range of qualifications for young people covering Oxfordshire’s key technology sectors. This will be particularly important in light of the LSG, meaning that training must be aligned with business needs to ensure those residents with increased access to training are able to gain employment opportunities from it |
Programme ready to start – subject to funding being secured for Employers’ Incentives and Travel Grants |
N/A |
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N/R |
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Oxfordshire Social Contract -OxLIFE OxLEP |
A comprehensive skills programme to support Oxfordshire’s workforce to rebuild their skills capability and connect with opportunities in the future economy being created across the innovation ecosystem to support people to have longer and more flexible careers as demand for skills change. This is particularly important in light of COVID-19 in which many industries have had to transform. |
Programme ready to start – subject to funding being secured |
N/A |
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N/R |
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Inclusive Economy Commission Oxford City Council, OxLEP |
Whilst this commission has a broad, long-term focus on tackling social mobility and economic hardship, it will also help meet re-skilling objectives under the ‘early wins’ theme of the ERP. It should also be seen a source of longer term target proposals over the ERP Plan and beyond |
Work is at the partnership and project inception and development phase where key output and outcome metrics will be developed by the partnership and working groups. |
The Inclusive Economy partnership has been established. Key proposals include - Development of an Inclusive economy charter for organisations to sign-up to and monitor their impact against - Communication and engagement work-stream to understand resident aspirations and promote involvement - Inclusive Employer WG - Procurement and social value working group for anchor organisations - Place based initiatives WG Educational attainment working group |
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N/R |
4
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Improving labour supply within and across sectors OxLEP |
Rebuilding skills and developing new competencies to access jobs being created in other sectors of the economy across Oxfordshire |
Programme ready to start – subject to funding being secured |
N/A |
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N/R |
Tackling Social Mobility & Economic Hardship OxLEP |
To help low Income families, vulnerable groups and the most deprived areas. Utilising SOFEA’s expanding food larder network for those furthest from the workforce to be offered basic Digital IT Skills training from Oxford Learning Network and Activate Learning. Once trained, they will receive refurbished IT equipment from Oxfordshire Community Foundation. |
Programme ready to start – subject to funding being secured
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N/A |
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Resilient: Businesses
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Funded Y/N Cap / Rev |
ERP Theme |
Funding Stream Project Title Lead Partner |
Recovery Impact / How is the project responding to ERP objectives |
High level - Recovery milestones - Recovery outputs / outcomes |
2021-2022 Progress report and achievements
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RAG |
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Y/R |
1
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ERDF Innovation Support for Business, OxLEP |
Supporting the Innovation community to Innovate, grow but where required move into an effective renewal phase following the COVID-19 pandemic and potential effects of Brexit. Through Go Create grants, one to one support and webinars.
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Support SMEs to innovate, pivot, support the development of the innovation ecosystem and improve business access to research institutions. Continued achievement and completion of ERDF targets in line with agreed contract. Revisit Go Create grant offers where appropriate due to changing circumstances of businesses. This has been required in the majority of cases due to businesses pivoting, struggling supplies etc.
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We have now completed 19 grant rounds and approved grants of £648,329 against total project costs of £1,734,997.
To date through workshop delivery we have provided 2,475 hours of support to 471 businesses.
A total of 77 workshops have been delivered to date and 831 hours of 1:1 support to 323 businesses.
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Y/R |
ERDF eScalate OxLEP |
Supporting Scale up, Growth and Social Enterprises to develop, grow but where required move into an effective renewal phase following the COVID-19 pandemic and potential effects of Brexit. Through a series of events, one to one support, webinars.
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Build on and continue to raise awareness and strengthen the range of support available from Oxfordshire Business Support (Oxfordshire’s Growth Hub).
Successful delivery of ERDF programme – supporting Social Enterprise and Access to Finance.
Revisit grant offers where appropriate due to changing circumstances of businesses. This has been required in the majority of cases due to businesses pivoting, struggling supplies etc. |
Since the launch of eScalate we have completed 21 grant rounds. Round 21 closed on 16th April. This was the final grant round for the eScalate programme as the grant funding has now completely fully committed. We have committed 53 grants totalling £638,930.26 against a total project value of £1,277,860.52.
A total of 43 webinars have been run since April 2020 plus 6 peer networks. A total of 148 hours of 1:1 support has been delivered to businesses since the start of the programme. This programme has been flexed since March 2020 to ensure that Oxfordshire Businesses have been supported, irrelevant of their fit with eScalate. We continue to do so having intensified the support we offer, for example power hours and through a series of power hours which have just launched. Revisit grant offers where appropriate due to changing circumstances of businesses. This has been required in the majority of cases due to businesses pivoting, struggling supplies etc.
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Y/R |
ESF Skills for Business OxLEP |
Enabling people and businesses to access the training and skills they need. |
Supporting SME’s navigate the Skills landscape in order to upskill, train, employ new staff including Apprentices and offer placements via internships or T Levels. DWP decision on PCR to extend the programme for a further 12 months expected 19.7.21 |
68 Skills Needs Analysis (SNAs) completed 65 SME delivering against their Training and Development plan |
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Y/R |
ERDF OxFutures Phase2 Low Carbon Hub
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In response to Covid-19 the project moved on-line but neither the LCH nor Oxford Brookes had to furlough staff. There was significant marketing activity to try to ensure applications for audits and grants remained high. Following government guidance during the first lockdown Oxford Brookes did not conduct energy audit site visits, but as restrictions lifted empty buildings were audited in person and virtual visits were undertaken, with a member of the business' staff showing our assessors what they needed to see virtually. After the easing of restrictions in the autumn of 2020 two businesses were able to complete large-scale OxFutures grant funded energy efficiency projects. One of these, the installation of the air handling system at Chipping Norton Theatre, had been delayed more than 9 months, some of which could be attributed to the pandemic. In-person socially distances site visits resumed once the audit team were fully vaccinated in 2021. Existing SME innovation projects were significantly delayed by lockdown, furloughed staff and uncertainty. Several innovation businesses, such as Halliday Hydro, weren't able to fully launch their new products or services to the market and so have yet to fulfil their carbon saving potential. The poor economic climate, Brexit uncertainties and Covid have reduced the appetite to set up new low carbon businesses and existing businesses have access to considerable amounts of alternative government support, which has reduced the number of grant applications. This and a lack of energy efficiency grant applications led to our quarterly December 2020 GreenFund Board being cancelled. In no previous quarter since Sept 2019 has this happened. Businesses are still being impacted by the pandemic and completion of their energy efficiency and innovation projects is slow. Three examples are Restore (contractor delays), Cogges Heritage Trust (closure delays), and Windmill Conference Centre (furloughed staff). |
High level - Recovery milestones Our audit pipeline is very healthy and we are on track to deliver the 45 additional audit target for 2020-23. There were 8 businesses who requested an audit in the nine months April-Dec 2020, compared to 16 in the first seven months of 2021. Four of these have been received in the last fortnight.
High level - Recovery outputs / outcomes (April 2020- June 2021) Completed audit reports and 12 hours of support (C1 4b) - 14 Innovation 12 hours of support (C1 4f) - 1 Duffin Associates New start-ups (C5 4f) - 0 New products and services (C29 4f) - 2 Oxfordshire Community Land Trust and Duffin Associates Innovation Carbon Savings (C34 4f) - 276.7 tonnes from Hallidays, EV Carshop, Duffin Ass, Electrogenic Energy Audit Carbon Savings (C34 4b) - 210 tonnes
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The project has been successful in minimising the impact of the pandemic and is on track with the majority of its targets (see attached Excel). Project spend by our SME businesses has been delayed, but extensions to their delivery timetable have been agreed to allow them more time to implement. We predict grant claims in Q3 2021 and Q4 2021 will be significant. The implementation of the Magdalen Road Studios project this coming autumn would not be feasible without OxLEP match funding (Business Investment Fund).
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Y/C |
LGF9 Centre for Applied Superconductivity University of Oxford |
An existing LGF project that is aligned with the ERP objectives. The project is coordinating the interaction between key industry players, Oxford University, cryogenics companies, and end users on the large-scale innovation campuses.
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Continued support for local superconducting industry
Proposal submission to UKRI for future S/C projects |
Completed 3 Master’s projects largely remotely finished June 2021 Recruited 2 new D. Phil. students to start in person September 2021 Recruited 2 new Masters students to start in person September 2021 Secured additional beam time at Diamond (2 of 5 day sessions)
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Y/C |
LGF Earth Lab Earth Trust |
An existing LGF project including two centres at the Earth Trust that are aligned with the ERP objectives in the following ways: People Theme -the project added to the creation of a skilled workforce in Oxfordshire better versed in sustainable development and the options and choices available throughout the design and build process -provides education and engagement facilitates with a focus on skills development for green recovery and access to secure jobs and that are more inclusive Business Theme -provides space to support start-up and growing rural businesses, contributing to clean growth -increased investment in the supply chain, championing the use of small subcontractors with innovative sustainable solutions -provides a range of spaces to encourage innovation through active demonstration of innovative material and design solutions Places & Connectivity -provides indoor and outdoor spaces that help Earth Trust drive visitors to its site
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Our horizon-scanning work to assess the issues raised by the pandemic identified that demand for our mainstream education sessions would fall but interest in our Countryside Skills offer was likely to rise. This proved to be the case from May 2021 onwards and we were able to refocus resources to meet increased demand from SEN schools and groups. Earth Lab has increased our capacity and capability to deliver education and engagement focussed on in-demand industries such as Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths, Low carbon and Construction. Working practices have changed during the pandemic so our plans to fit-out Innovation Hub were postponed while we reassessed the potential use of Innovation Hub and how we best fit it out to ensure its commercial hub spaces catalyse innovation and boost local economic growth. |
-We have welcomed 1200 children from 26 different schools to Earth Lab since May. -4 new volunteers have been recruited and are being trained to deliver talks about Earth Lab and its sustainable development story and we are planning to increase this number over the year. -5 new volunteers have been recruited to help with landscaping and planting around Earth Lab. -We welcomed 90 supporters to our first event in Earth Lab in July, showcasing the new building and its contribution to Earth Trust’s mission to help address the climate, nature and health crises -Innovation Hub is ready for use and we are in the process of recruiting a Business Manager to oversee office and desk space rentals to rural businesses with a view to having people or businesses using the spaces from the Autumn.
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Y/C |
2 |
LGF Oxford Brookes Enterprise Hub, Oxford Brookes University |
An existing LGF Enterprise Hub due to complete in late 2021 that is aligned with the ERP objectives. The project will provide premises for spinout and early-stage companies, comprising laboratory, office and co-working space plus a multi-purpose enterprise space for events and training. Supports ERP objectives for catalysing innovation and business growth
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Milestones: Facility opens January 2022, First start-ups supported and jobs created by end 2022 Outputs / outcomes: 74 jobs created and 17 start-ups by March 2025 |
Asset under construction with handover scheduled for November 2021. Design fully specified. First enquiries received from start-ups / prospective tenants |
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Y/R |
UKG Bounce Back Loan Scheme (BBLS), British Business Bank |
The UK Government made available several billion pounds in loan guarantees through the British Business Bank (BBB) to businesses of various sizes to help access finance and manage their company operations to mitigate the economic impact of the pandemic. These ranged from larger loans for small and medium sized firms of c250k to £50k for very small micro businesses; alongside this, specialised bridging loan and equity finance was made available for early stage technology and R&D based companies which were awaiting next stage finance from investors at the time of the onset of the pandemic and had seen finance removed at short notice. The most recent available data indicated c13000 businesses across Oxfordshire had accessed some form of support through these UK measures worth c£650m.
The BBB will undertake a long term evaluation of the various support measures and will provide information in relation to Oxfordshire, once this is made available. |
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Y/R |
UKG Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Schemes, British Business Bank |
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Y/R |
UKG Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme, British Business Bank |
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Y/R |
UKG Future Fund British Business Bank |
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Y/R |
UKG Local Restrictions Support Grants, Oxon District Councils |
Approximately £150m of UK government financial support has been passported through Oxfordshire’s five local district councils for relief and emergency response to help Oxfordshire businesses recovery from the economic impact of the pandemic. This has included direct grant awards to help with three national lockdowns which have prevented businesses from opening or have severely curtailed ability to trade over the past 18 months. Additionally, there has been targeted support for the most affected businesses to receive relief on business rate payments as well as specific funding to support the re-opening of local High Streets and Town Centres in a safe and COVID-19 compliant manner to encourage increased visitor activity across the county.
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Y/R |
UKG Lockdown one-off grants Oxon District Councils |
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Y/R |
UKG Additional Restrictions Grant, Oxon District Councils |
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Y/R |
UKG8 Rate Relief for businesses Oxon District Councils |
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Y/C |
GBF Business Investment Fund, OxLEP |
The Business Investment Fund (BIF) will allocate up to £2.1M in capital grants of £25k - £100k (at 50% match funding co-investment) to support scalable businesses across Oxfordshire. Part of the national Government’s £900 million ‘Getting Building Fund’ designed to deliver jobs, skills and infrastructure across the country. Created to support Oxfordshire’s innovative business community to move into an effective renewal phase following the COVID-19 pandemic and potential effects of Brexit.
A co-investment grant fund to support scalable SME businesses to move from response into economic renewal phase by co-investing grants of up to £100k, with business match funding. |
High level outputs:
220 jobs created by March 2025
230 jobs safeguarded by March 2025
34 businesses assisted
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BIF launched in March 2021. 108 EI were received and following due diligence 76 businesses were invited to submit a full application. Having undertaken further due diligence 52 applications were reviewed by an independent panel. 34 grants were awarded as a result of the panel review. All grant offer letters have been signed. A robust procurement process is now being undertaken by awardees. OxLEP is supporting 25 grant awardees through this process. Claims are expected in September and December. All applicants and awardees are being encouraged to use additional support being offered through the Growth Hub including Foundations for Growth, Peer Networks and NED days. |
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Y/C |
GBF The Energy Systems Accelerator Pilot, University of Oxford |
TESA, will be a multi-disciplinary, multi stakeholder space on Osney Mead that will underpin UK innovation in net zero carbon systems, ensuring the UK meets legal targets and achieves global leadership. As a small-scale interim, Holywell House at Osney Mead will be transformed into a co-working space for up to 100 workstations, it will include an ideas-exchange hub where different disciplines and organisations can develop radical thinking.
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827sqm commercial floorspace in 2021
102 jobs created by March 2026 - 2 by March 2022 - 12 by March 2023 - 32 by March 2024 - 62 by March 2025 - 102 by March 2026
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The Mini TESA project has commenced. A project manager has been engaged, the contractor procurement process is in final sign-off, the risk register has been created and the project programme established. The project is on budget but current expectations are that completion may be delayed slightly until September 21. The project agreement has been signed and sealed and most of the project preconditions satisfied. |
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Y/C |
GBF Clinical BioManufacturing Hub University of Oxford |
This project is an enabling project of a larger project which ultimately aims to expand the Clinical Bio-Manufacturing Hub. The Clinical BioManufacturing Facility (CBF) is a UK leader in producing vaccine products (including the UOXF ChAdOx1 vaccine against COVID-19) to early phase trials, rapidly and cost effectively.
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28 jobs safeguarded by March 2022
5 new learners assisted in courses leading to a full qualification by March 2025
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Internal refurbishment work has commenced.
Second apprenticeship will commence Oct 2021. |
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N/R |
3
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The Oxfordshire Internationalisation Plan OxLEP |
An integrated programme with the Department for International Trade to expand the Oxfordshire’s global brand and attract trade and investment opportunities that support business growth, job creation, recovery and renewal and adapt to post-EU transition |
Programme ready to start – subject to funding being secured |
N/A |
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Y/C |
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LGF The Creative and Cultural Industries Hub Oxford City Council |
This project is an ‘early-win’ under the ‘resilient businesses’ themes that aims to consolidate and expand the creative and cultural sectors through a physical hub for the sector providing workspace, networks, funding and support that meet early stage business needs. |
16 to 27,000 sq. ft. of space potentially delivered supporting up to 230 jobs |
City Council pursuing options on council owned sites.
- Phase 1 George St Hub under construction (7,000 sq. ft.) - Options for a larger phase 2 sight being explored Option for phase 2 to be agreed in summer 2021. |
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N/R |
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The Recovery and Investment of the Visitor Economy (THRIVE), OxLEP |
A suite of deliverable projects to aid the economic recovery of the Visitor Economy. The four key areas of focus are supporting business recovery and survival; improving business competitiveness; strengthening the resilience and capacity of Oxfordshire’s Destination Management Organisation (DMO); and providing leadership, support, and coordination to rebuild market share across international markets |
Programme ready to start – subject to funding being secured |
N/A |
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N/R |
4
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Business Support Booster OxLEP |
The target proposals will address personalised business support and activities for Oxfordshire businesses to adapt to economic challenges created by the pandemic and build back market share, innovate to create new products and services and support business productivity. |
Programme ready to start – subject to funding being secured |
N/A |
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N/R |
Supply Chain Matters OxLEP |
An integrated programme to strengthen the performance of small businesses within the supply chain to become more resilient to economic shocks, develop investment plans for technology adoption and support the transition to net zero by greening processes, machinery and operations to reduce carbon and energy costs |
Programme ready to start – subject to funding being secured |
N/A |
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Reviving: Places
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Funded Y/N Cap / Rev |
ERP Theme |
Funding Stream Project Title Lead Partner |
Recovery Impact / How is the project responding to ERP objectives |
High level - Recovery milestones - Recovery outputs / outcomes |
2021-2022 Progress report and achievements
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RAG |
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LGF A40 Improvement Works OxLEP |
An existing LGF transport project due to complete in late 2021 that is aligned with the ERP objectives. The project will improve connectivity in the north of the city which in turn is set to compliment the Oxford North development.
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Improvements to the A40 between the A34 flyover and the Wolvercote roundabout complimented by the Oxford North development which will deliver - 90,000 sqm employment land - 480 new homes - 2,500 sqm local retail space - A hotel - Highway improvements - Cycle ways - Public open spaces
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A40 improvements - Works are progressing well and due to complete by the end of December 2021.
Oxford North - Enabling civil and infrastructure works Reserved Matters Application approved by Oxford City Council - Hill Group appointed to commence £15 million infrastructure contract works w/c 23.08.21 - Skills & Employment Strategy approved by Oxford City Council - Canalside new homes: Hill Group appointed as residential partner to delivery phase 1 of new homes. Designs being progressed for Canalside’s loop road, with a view to submitting in the future a Reserved Matters Application. Note: Public consultation on the emerging plans due to commence in September 2021 |
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Y/C |
1 |
LGF The Wood Centre for Innovation The Oxford Trust |
An existing LGF project in 2 phases, phase 1 completed in early 2021 and phase 2 is due to complete in late 2021. The project will provide office space, R&D laboratories and technical workshop space. |
Phase 1 of the funding is now fully drawn and the outputs (c. 4300 sqft of advanced laboratory space including allied facilities and CL2 spec) have been exceeded, with the first occupiers moved in. Phase 2 funding has been agreed and is currently at an early stage but on track. Being a project that only existed post pandemic, there have been no internal changes, however the project addresses a number of pandemic related issues, including providing much needed lab space to companies growing quickly in the enhanced funding environment for life sciences in Oxfordshire.
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Project is on track. · - 4300sqft of laboratory conversion completed on time and on budget. · - 2 of 4 occupiers moved in, with remaining due to move in before end Aug. · - Design and planning for phase 2 (a further 3000sqft) started in earnest, with consultants lined up and early discussions with potential occupiers started. - Phase 2 due diligence and HoTs complete and agreed, funding agreement in process. |
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Y/R |
2 |
OC New Delivery and collection Solutions (Delivery and freight hubs), Oxford City Council |
Rebuilding connectivity outcomes |
To follow |
Currently scoping solutions alongside the ZEZ roll pilot and future roll-out |
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Y/C |
2 |
GBF Meanwhile in Oxfordshire Oxford City Council |
Town Centre Renaissance ‘Reviving Places’ Measure to support businesses to locate in new Meanwhile spaces and vacant premises. |
-10 leases agreed with landlords -60 buildings under discussions or negotiations -240 occupier applications received for space and support
Expected targets are 300 jobs supported, 112 organisations supported into spaces and 20,800 sq. ft. of space identified for Meanwhile Use.
1935sqm commercial floorspace by March 2025
112 businesses assisted by March 2022
300 jobs created by March 2022 |
-Makespace consortium appointed to deliver the project -Project Working group Established -Project launched and identifying landlord and units, agreeing leases, commencing fit-outs and engaging with potential occupiers -Challenging timescales from the outset means this project remains at amber |
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Y/C |
2 |
OCC1: Repurposed Physical/Digital signage, Oxfordshire County Council / District Councils |
Improve overall signage across Oxfordshire to improve communications between key centres, hubs and routes and improve visitor and customer experience including through increased use of immersive technologies and digitally interactive displays |
Project at concept stage and subject to further review and development by local authority partners |
N/A |
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Y/C |
2 |
GBF Rural Gigabit Voucher Programme Oxfordshire County Council |
A digital connectivity improvement project that will provide 400-600 rural premises to be connected with full fibre broadband. This will help to protect local employment, support remote working/learning, and create employment opportunities in predominantly rural areas. |
400 new super/ultrafast broadband connections by September 2022
30 jobs created by March 2025
70 jobs safeguarded by March 2025
50 new learners assisted in courses leading to a full qualification by March 2025
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There are currently 19 schemes that have been approved by DCMS under the top-up scheme.
No delivery to date as this takes approx. 6 to 9 months from scheme start to finish depending on supplier and a dispute over the terms of the scheme between BT plc and DCMS has halted all of their schemes since March 2021.
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Y/C |
2 |
OC4 Visitor Coach Arrivals Oxford City Council |
Connectivity outcomes and visitor economy investment, |
Agreement of new drop off location/s
Agreement of new layover locations
Survey of visitor coach providers
Communication of new solutions to stakeholders including the Confederation of Passenger Transport |
An additional temporary stop off point is being drawn up and consulted on with key stakeholders as a trial step towards reducing the pressure on existing drop off points. Survey and comms work is prepared but requires the industry to be in a recovery phase. |
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N/C |
4 |
Town Centres’ Renewal, OxLEP & District Councils |
A comprehensive package of measures aimed at boosting footfall and spend in city and town centres across Oxfordshire including improvements to public realm, support to return vacant property units back into use through extended ‘meanwhile’ uses and business start-up opportunities and better public experiences of spaces |
Programme ready to start – subject to funding being secured |
N/A |
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N/C |
4 |
Visitor Economy Renaissance, OxLEP |
A comprehensive package of measures to support the rebuilding of the Visitor Economy sector through an integrated promotions campaign, technology adoption programme to accelerate online products, services and customer engagement, use of new immersive technologies for the arts and creative sectors to reach new audiences and measures to support safe reopening of venues / attractions. |
Programme ready to start – subject to funding being secured |
N/A |
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Rebuilding: Connectivity
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Y/C |
1 |
CONN2 Engage further with 38 communities to use voucher funding for delivery of full fibre to cabinet 3500 premises by June 2022, Oxfordshire County Council |
Facilitation role to help communities access Gigabit Voucher Funding to secure full fibre connectivity |
Applications approved for c 1,800 premises and a pipeline of c 3,000 expected to deliver the connectivity by June ‘22 |
Administration delays at DCMS and new voucher T&Cs holding up Openreach agreeing terms are slowing progress |
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Y/C |
1 |
CONN3 Lead a procurement which will connect 200+ public sector buildings to full fibre by June 2023 Oxfordshire County Council |
Direct OCC procurement of a contract to deliver full fibre to a range of public sector buildings and further incidental FTTP coverage in adjacent areas |
Two bids received which fit affordability criteria. Evaluation underway and cabinet approval to be sought on 20th July. |
Project currently under further refinement |
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Y/C |
1 |
CONN4 Connect a further c 2000 business and residential premises with full fibre connectivity by June 2023 Oxfordshire County Council |
Contracted delivery by BT and Airband |
C 350 contracted premises now able to order FTTP |
Broadly in line with delivery plan and will complete ahead of target June 2023 date |
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Y/C |
1 |
CONN5 Engage with commercial telecoms operators resulting in a commitment for 6,000 premises in Banbury to be connected to full fibre by 2024 Oxfordshire County Council |
Openreach committed to build FTTP to the Banbury exchange area, now followed by a further 11 exchange areas in Oxfordshire totalling some 20,000 premises to be delivered with FTTP by 2024 |
Openreach delivery in Banbury has started |
In line with forecast |
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Y/C |
1 |
CONN6 Finalise a procurement strategy to get all premises in Oxford connected to gigabit broadband by 2025, Oxfordshire County Council |
Project paused pending further supplier commercial delivery announcements |
N/A |
Still predicting Oxford will have significant FTTP delivery completed by 2025 |
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Y/C |
1 |
CONN7 Work with Government to finalise a procurement plan to connect c 90,000 premises with full fibre by 2025, Oxfordshire County Council |
Planned collaboration with DCMS under Project Gigabit. Oxfordshire is in 2nd phase. |
Procurements (led by DCMS) expected to get underway during Q1 ‘22/’23 |
Slower start by DCMS than expected. Some concerns as to supplier interest, esp Openreach |
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Y/C |
1 |
CONN8 Work with the Mobile Network Operators to facilitate rollout of 5G in Oxfordshire, Oxfordshire County Council |
Project to allow open access agreements with MNOs to build small cell 4G and 5G on street furniture |
Anticipating up to 90 small cells in Oxford by 2023, with other towns to follow |
N/A |
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Y/C |
1 |
TRAN 1 Connecting Oxford, Oxfordshire County Council |
Supporting the continual development of alternative form of sustainable transport infrastructure. |
Scheme is still in strategy development stage and no interventions directly delivered at this stage. Stage 0 Options Appraisal Stage 1 Feasibility Design Stage 2 Design and Procurement Stage 3 Construction/Delivery Stage 4 Close out. |
Further transport modelling development.
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Y/C |
1 |
TRAN2 Oxford City Zero Emission Zone Oxford City Council |
Improving the air quality and environment. |
Scheme is still in Strategy development stage and no interventions directly delivered at this stage. Stage 0 Options Appraisal Stage 1 Feasibility Design Stage 2 Design and Procurement Stage 3 Construction/Delivery Stage 4 Close out |
Cabinet Member Decision Note approved by City and County Council agreed to progress pilot scheme in Oxford City Centre in late 2021. |
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Y/C |
1 |
TRAN3 E-Scooter Trial Oxford City Council |
Supporting the continual development of alternative form of sustainable transport infrastructure. |
- Voi to commence implementation (Headington) - Review of data/analysis (6-week review) with proposals being developed for roll out across Oxfordshire - Voi to commence phase 2 stage of rollout plan (eastern arc) |
- Service in the expanded area is due to start on Tuesday 29th June 2021 - 200 e-scooters will initially be made available across the widened ‘phase 2’ operating area (an increase of 80 units on the current fleet). This has capacity to be incrementally increased over the following weeks, dependent upon success of the scheme in the new area.
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Y/C |
1 |
TRAN4: Zero Emission Buses Regional Areas (ZEBRA) Scheme, Oxfordshire County Coun |
OCC will be working with Oxfordshire’s main bus operators (Oxford Bus Company and Stagecoach) to develop a business case for submission to DfT for funding for c.160 zero emission buses and associated infrastructure for bus services in the Oxford area. |
Sept 21 – Jan 22: Business case development (competitive process)
February 22: DfT funding decision on successful bids
March 22: Funding awarded (subject to successful submission) |
Following submission of an Expression of Interest, DfT have shortlisted Oxfordshire’s bid to progress to business case development stage |
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Y/C |
1 |
TRAN5 EV Infrastructure, Oxford City Council |
Park & Charge County wide charging project along with EV Infrastructure strategy to enable wider investment in charging |
Park & Charge opened its first site in Bicester In June. EV Infrastructure Strategy was adopted by County Council, West Oxfordshire, Cherwell, South and Vale District Councils |
Park & charge is dealing with a change in project delivery partner this will delay but not stop the project. Changes by OFGEM have increased prices and ruling on VAT for EV Charging as also increased costs increasing pressure on viable business models |
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Y/C |
1 |
TRAN6 Active Travel Tranche 2 Programme, Oxfordshire County Council |
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Key milestones: Stage 2 – Design and Procurement Stage 3 – Construction and delivery Stage 4 – Close out Key outputs/outcomes: - Implementation of Bicester and Witney schemes. - Roll-out of Cowley Low Traffic Neighbourhoods - Consultation on East Oxford Low Traffic Neighbourhood. - Consultation on Quickways and quietways proposals for Oxfordshire County Council. Next steps: - Delivery of remaining schemes for substantial implementation by March 2022.
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Further details to follow |
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Y/C |
1 |
TRAN7 ‘Community Activation’ Oxfordshire County Council |
Supporting the continual development of alternative form of sustainable transport infrastructure |
Key Benefits/milestones Active travel behaviour To increase levels of cycling and walking in Oxfordshire by promoting modal shift to active travel Inequalities To reduce inequalities in active travel (by geography and key demographics) - improving understanding of the local barriers to active travel and building local capacity to address them. Physical Activity impact The change in proportion of children who have walked/cycled at least once a week to get to school or other places Change in the total duration of physical activity per week on average Environmental outcomes Reduction in CO2 emissions across the network Changes in vehicle traffic volumes, travel mode (bike/walk/car) Recovery outputs
· Project 1: Community Cycling & Walking Activation – projects to be delivered : Cogges Farm Tea, Talk & Walk, Street Tag loyalty scheme, Wheels for All (Witney) Street Tag promotion at Bicester Market (Bicester). · Project 2: School Streets – Ebbes (Oxford) and St Nicholas (Abingdon) due to go live on 28 June · Project 3: Street Tag – evaluation report to be submitted · Project 4: Comms Campaign (2) – Creating and implementing plan for co-promotion of AT infrastructure and soft measures · Project 5: Wayfinding – RFQs for route markings and materials · Project 6: Kidlington Health Routes – surveys to be sent to schools and routes signed off
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Further details to follow |
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Y/C |
1 |
TRAN8 Future Mobility Oxfordshire County Council |
Set of projects supporting new Tech mobility – Primarily funded by Innovate UK and H2020 in collaboration with external partners |
Projects are on target Endeavor CAV project moved onto Phase3, MultiCAV moving onto public services in Autumn – Drone project will also start initial trial flight September |
Some concern from industry that focus on IUK funding at moment is primarily short-term projects under 12months, which is and can have impact on ability to attract and retain staff to support projects as lack of funding certainty. |
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Y/C |
2 |
ADD1: Bus Renewal, Oxfordshire County Council |
Project being taken forward with operators and the Oxfordshire Strategic Transport Forum as part of wider response to UK government’s National Bus Strategy |
Further details to follow |
N/A |
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