Cherwell

Cherwell District Council, working with BioRegional, is developing Oxfordshire GreenTech; a countywide network which will support its members to create sustainable workplaces, logistics, products and services for a stronger, greener economy. Within this, key focus areas called ‘special interest groups (SIGs)’ will be formed, identified from the needs of the member organisations, looking at, for example, the move to electric vehicles, built environment and social enterprise, amongst others. A range of knowledge transfer sessions will be offered to ensure sharing of best practice and enrichment of Oxfordshire’s low carbon economy.

In 2018, the Eco Business Centre will be opened, providing technology space for innovative start-ups. This £4million, 1400 m2 building within Bicester’s Eco Town at Elmsbrook is designed to achieve BREEAM Excellent, maximising use of natural resources, and minimising environmental impact. Funding from the European Regional Development Fund (innovation call) has contributed to 175 m2 specifically for SME’s being assisted by this programme of work.