More than just a place to work
The Oxford Trust’s two innovation centres are more than just a place to work. Together with our centre managers, Oxford Innovation Space, and our partners, we help businesses thrive and grow through a wide range of support. From mentoring and networking through Barclays to one to one business support with Oxford Innovation Space, the Escalator Support programme and our Exit Right events, we connect businesses with the expertise and opportunities they need to take their next step.
If you’re an entrepreneur looking for flexible workspace where you can grow your business, we can help. Barclays Eagle Labs at our Wood Centre for Innovation offers co-working desks, mentoring, business support and events to support young businesses to thrive and grow. And, if you join the Eagle Labs, your membership gives you the option to use the facilities at the Trust’s co-working space and meeting spaces in the Oxford Centre for Innovation in the city centre too.
Meet Innovation Director, Wendy Tindsley
Business support comes via our Innovation Director, Wendy Tindsley, who is part of the Oxford Innovation Space team.
Wendy offers businesses 1:1 support and coaching to set goals and overcome challenges, such as fundraising, finding new markets and scaling up. Networked with many stakeholders and partners across Oxfordshire, she can also make connections – whether it’s with other businesses, clients or linking to opportunities. In addition, Wendy can help start-ups increase their knowledge and up-skill to ensure they have the right skills at the right time to expand and grow. And, lastly, she creates communities of like-minded businesses that can help each other and collaborate where relevant.
Business support offer
Our support for science and tech start-ups and spinouts includes:
- Strategic business planning
- Personal business coaching
- Innovation planning
- Talent management
- Finding new customers & growing sales
- Marketing strategy
- Financial planning
- Leadership & management
- Exit strategies
- Access to the wider Oxford Innovation Space network
Business development tools
Oxford Innovation Finance Angel Network
We offer access to one of the UK’s largest and oldest Angel Investment Networks, helping businesses secure vital funding for their next growth phase.
Barclays Eagle Labs
Partnering with Barclays, we bring Eagle Labs currently to three of our centres, offering expert mentorship, industry insight, and investor access to accelerate startup growth.
Expert support across every business function.
Microsoft – Accelerating Start-ups & Scaleups
We partner with Microsoft to support software companies through comprehensive Cloud solutions, including Microsoft 365, Dynamics 365, and Azure. Startups gain access to go-to-market channels and transformative digital tools.
GrantFinder
GrantFinder provides comprehensive access to local, national, and international funding opportunities, ensuring you stay ahead in securing financial support.
GROWTHmapper ™
Oxford Innovation has developed GROWTHmapper™ to help high growth businesses achieve their ambitions. This digital diagnostic tool consolidates over 20 years’ experience of nurturing successful high growth businesses and is used to model your business across multiple areas for future strategic growth.
Google Cloud for Startups Program
The EpiCentre customers benefit from Google’s startup support, including mentoring, event sponsorships, and tailored cloud solutions to help founders navigate growth in the digital age.
Leading Edge Only
Oxford Innovation Space has an exciting partnership with Leading Edge Only (LEO), the world’s largest Global Innovation Platform. Operating in over 120 countries, LEO connects innovative fast-growth start-ups & scale-ups to corporations seeking the latest innovative technologies, products, services or expertise – corporates such as IBM, Fujitsu & Walgreens Boots Alliance.
This is a free service for those customers who are seeking to get their solutions and expertise in-front of major corporations.
Dell for Startups Access
Dell provides The EpiCentre customers with exclusive discounts, technical advisory services, and comprehensive end-to-end support, along with speaking opportunities and event access.
Escalator support programme
Starting a new business is tough in any sector. Starting a new science or tech business in Oxford can be extra tough. Our Escalator Support Programme is aimed at helping young technology-based companies get a start in Oxford, directed to organisations that really need financial support before they either raise venture capital or become revenue generating. Companies wishing to move to our Oxford Centre for Innovation or Wood Centre for Innovation can apply for support via our centre managers, Oxford Innovation Space. It is granted on approval from the Trust.
Exit Right
Developed by The Oxford Trust, Barclays Eagle Labs and Oxford Innovation Space, Exit Right is an expert-led event series for founders and senior leadership teams of start-ups and SMEs looking to successfully grow and exit their business.
You can now watch the videos from our 2024 event, the 2023 and 2022 series. The 2022 event was sponsored by Freeths; our 2023 event was supported by Marks & Clerk; and the 2024 event was generously financed by Richardsons, Bidwells and Freeths.
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