Local Government Digest #1
In this quarter’s Local Government Digest we cover a wide range of topics including jobs, tourism, COVID, business support, transport and much more.
Long COVID: could it amount to a disability?
On 7 October 2021, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported that an estimated 1.1 million people in the UK were experiencing self-reported long COVID. Of those, 831,000 had (or suspected they had) COVID-19 for at least 12 weeks previously, and 405,000 at least one year previously.
Economy Minister, Vaughan Gething, on the latest Labour Market Statistics
Commenting on today’s Labour Market Statistics, Economy Minister Vaughan Gething said: “Today’s figures are encouraging, showing the unemployment rate in Wales remains below that of the UK, and our employment rate continues to increase.
Experience Oxfordshire MP roundtable reflects on the impact of Covid and...
Last Friday, Hayley Beer-Gamage, CEO of Experience Oxfordshire hosted an MP roundtable with Robert Courts, Conservative MP for Witney and West Oxfordshire and Anneliese Dodds, Labour MP for East Oxfordshire, plus a variety of businesses from across the region including representatives from Bicester Village, Blenheim Palace, and the Oxford Bus Company to discuss the Governments Tourism Recovery Plan, the DMO Review and the impact of Covid on the visitor economy.
New jobs programme to create life changing opportunities for 16-18 year...
A new flexible programme focused on helping young people aged 16-18 reach their full potential and take their first steps into the world of work is being launched by the Welsh Government. The innovative Jobs Growth Wales+ programme will aim to create life changing opportunities for those who are not in education, employment or training. […]
Transport for the North responds to the Prime Minister’s speech: ‘We’re...
Responding to the Prime Minister’s speech at the Conservative Party Conference today (6 October 2021), Tim Wood, Transport for the North’s Director of Northern Powerhouse Rail, said:
UK Biomass Potential for BECCS Land Occupier Survey
Carter Jonas have been commissioned to provide research and information on the future of Biomass and the potential supply of feedstock for power generation within the UK.
Interview with Nigel Tipple, Chief Executive of OxLep
Nigel Tipple, Chief Executive of Oxfordshire LEP, talks to B4’s Richard Rosser about how OxLEP has, and continues to, support companies across the county, as well as highlighting key themes that the county’s businesses should engage with.
Business Support Opportunities in Oxfordshire – OxLEP
Welcome to B4TV where we showcase our members expertise to the wider business community. In today’s video we have Rob Panting, Communications Manager from OxLEP, the local enterprise partnership for Oxfordshire.
More in Local Government
Exciting January Events for B4 Members: A Great Start to 2025
January 2025 promises an exhilarating line-up of events for B4 Members, offering opportunities to connect, celebrate, and be inspired. With three unique gatherings, B4 Members can look forward to forging meaningful connections, experiencing rich cultural traditions, and engaging with influential figures in the local community. Here’s a closer look at what’s in store:
OxLEP Skills: Opportunities for Oxfordshire Employers 2022-2023
If you were ever wondering what opportunities there were for Oxfordshire employers to engage with future generations, look no further.
Oxfordshire’s green champions unite to host inaugural OX to ZERO conference
OxLEP joined forces with the leading Oxfordshire voices of the University of Oxford, Harwell Campus and the Culham Science Centre-based UKAEA to host the first-ever OX to ZERO conference (1 September).
From this author
Building Better Businesses: How Values, Culture and Purpose Shape Positive Impact
Hosted by Better Business Ecosystem lead Grant Hayward, B4 Members gathered to explore what it truly means to run a “better business” — one that creates meaningful impact for employees, customers, communities and the wider world. The discussion examined how organisational values, mission-driven thinking and workplace culture shape the way businesses operate and grow. Please see link at the foot of the article to a report from new B4 Members, Designed by Oxygen, which was referenced by Suzie Mills during the session.
HENLEY FESTIVAL’S SPECTACULAR LINE-UP FOR 2026
Henley Festival Presented by Hemani is thrilled to reveal a dazzling line-up for five magical summer nights from 8-12 July 2026 with headliners on its iconic Floating Stage including Boy George & Culture Club, Sugababes, Lulu, and Alex James’ Britpop Classical.
B4 Business Development Ecosystem – Strategic Focus on Winning the Right...
Our recent Business Development Ecosystem, facilitated by the excellent Caroline O’Connor of Fourth Born, brought together business owners and senior business development professionals from sectors including construction, professional services, charities and technology.

