Welcome to July’s Innovation Insights
We see every day how quickly the needs of ambitious businesses are evolving – from navigating regulatory change to embracing AI and building more sustainable operations. In this edition, we’re sharing practical insights, real success stories from across our centres, and opportunities to help you stay one step ahead.
News & updates
Cultivate Growth Podcast – Episode 5: What Does the New Employment Rights Act Mean for Businesses?
Join Rob Nicoll, Innovation Director at Grassroots, as he sits down with Sophie Clifford, who has been helping employees and employers with HR disputes for 28 years. Sophie discusses how the new Employment Rights Act will affect employers and how to best navigate some key changes that are coming down the pipeline. Will there be more tribunals? And what can you do to avoid getting in hot water?
Introducing Flexible Coworking Memberships at Witney Business & Innovation Centre
Launching this July, Witney Business & Innovation Centre’s new coworking memberships offer a flexible, affordable workspace solution for freelancers, start-ups and hybrid workers. Choose from pay-as-you-go day passes or unlimited access, and enjoy a professional environment, networking opportunities and business support.
UK Business Climate Hub Relaunch
The UK Business Climate Hub has relaunched with a new look and enhanced features, making it easier for SMEs to cut costs and stay competitive. Backed by UK Government investment, it offers practical advice, funding opportunities and tools to help businesses improve energy efficiency, meet customer expectations and future-proof their operations.
Wood Centre for Innovation Company Launches Jackit™
After two years of R&D at Wood Centre for Innovation, Jack Fertility has launched Jackit™ – the UK’s only sperm test that can be posted from any postbox. Designed to make fertility testing more accessible, it allows users to collect a sample at home and send it directly to the lab for analysis.
AI Hub: Free AI Learning for Every Organisation
The Open University and Microsoft have teamed up to launch an AI Hub, designed to help you build confidence and learn new skills, regardless of your current experience level.
Inside, you’ll find a curated collection of learning paths covering:
- AI fundamentals
- Microsoft Career Essentials
- Ethical and responsible AI
- Generative AI skills
- Cybersecurity
Events
OxBOost Networking
📅 4 August | 16:00 – 17:00 | Online
A structured but informal way to share your story, connect with others, and discover new opportunities.
Oxfordshire Business Collective
📅 8 July | 09:30 – 11:00 | Witney Business & Innovation Centre
A welcoming, informal networking session with workspace access included for the day.
Understanding Neurodiversity in Leadership
📅 14 July | 12:30 – 13:30 | Online
Gain practical tools to better understand and embrace different ways of thinking in your organisation.
CONEXEN Oxford
📅 15 July | 18:00 – 20:30 | Inventa, Oxford
A session for life sciences leaders focused on navigating change and driving meaningful impact.
Free Hot Desking Friday
📅 31 July | 08:30 – 17:00 | Witney Business & Innovation Centre
Experience our workspace, meet the community, and try flexible working — on us.
Funding & Opportunities
- Apply for UK Government Innovation Funding Research, test, and collaborate on new ideas. Start your application
- Refer a Friend for Office Space Earn up to £200 in vouchers when your referral joins one of our centres. Refer here
- Life Science Perks Free Oxfordshire Bioscience Network membership for our customers. Explore benefits
More Blog Articles
Welcome to April’s Innovation Insights
At Oxford Innovation Space, we spend every day alongside founders, innovators and scale‑ups. What strikes us most right now is the breadth of impact being created – from deep tech and life sciences through to sustainability, leadership and local growth. Here’s what’s stood out across our Centres this month. Community […]
Rights, Justice, Action: Women in Business, International Women’s Day 2026
This International Women’s Day, we’re celebrating the women who start, scale, and sustain the businesses that keep our communities moving. Women have and continue to play a vital role in business, despite the relationship between the two not always being acknowledged fairly. Yeager (2015) proposes that bringing women’s experiences, agency, […]
NHS Highland and Digostics Launch World-First Home Diabetes Screening for Patients with Cystic Fibrosis
NHS Highland and Digostics have partnered to introduce the world’s first home-based oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) for cystic fibrosis diabetes (CFD) screening. This groundbreaking service, called GTT@home, allows patients in remote areas to complete vital diabetes screening from home—eliminating the need for long-distance travel and reducing hospital visits. Why […]
