Oxfordshire brings together the vital elements of a thriving enterprise eco-system, nurturing the creation and growth of businesses. Talented people, creative collaboration, excellent connectivity and active networks underpin our world leading clusters.

Oxfordshire encourages entrepreneurial spirit: the universities have a long tradition of encouraging spin-out businesses, many of which have become established as world leaders. The University of Oxford recognises and supports entrepreneur activity via its technology transfer company, Oxford University Innovation (which has created over 60 companies and files, on average, one patent application a week) and the Oxford Martin School.

Business Support

OxLEP's  Oxfordshire Business Support service provides a range of specialist business support from a number of not-for-profit organisations that can give all Oxfordshire businesses – whether small, medium or large - a wide range of information, advice and guidance on all matters from finance to recruitment.

This new portal provides one central place for businesses to find local and national support to meets the needs of new, growing and developing businesses across Oxfordshire.

Department for International Trade (DIT)

Export Advice - DIT's e-Exporting Programme can help UK companies and brands sell products overseas through online channels.

Financial support

There is financial support available from commercial lenders, venture capitalists and private equity funds (such as Oxford Capital Partners).

Professional support

There is a strong professional support network of accountants, lawyers, patent agents and other professionals working collaboratively in Oxfordshire.

Collaborative partnerships

Evidence of Oxfordshire’s unique enterprise eco-system is found in local 'clusters of excellence' and ground-breaking partnerships between world-class institutions and industry. Oxfordshire’s world-class clusters include life sciences, advanced engineering, space related technologies, and the enabling technology of cryogenics.

Examples of successful collaborative partnerships include:

• The Department for International Trade (DIT) - manage the national inward investment service.  Invest in Oxfordshire work closely with DIT to deliver a coordinated service to new and potential foreign direct investors into Oxfordshire.
• Knowledge Exchange and Impact Team (KEIT) - The role of the Knowledge Exchange and Impact Team (KEIT) within Oxford University Research Services is to support, promote and coordinate KE and impact activities across the University. The Team works with researchers, local business development colleagues, other parts of Research Services and Oxford University Innovation to help build relationships with business, policy makers and government departments via a focused set of initiatives.
• Oxford Academic Health Science Network (AHSN) - The Oxford Academic Health Science Network brings together the NHS, universities, business, patients and the public to promote best health for our population and prosperity for our region.
• High Performance Technologies Group - coordinated activity by several LEPs to support the growth of businesses within Motorsport valley