Annual Report 2020/2021: Championing an economy ready to deliver in a post COVID-19 world
Welcome – Nigel Tipple, Chief Executive
Our chief executive, Nigel Tipple reflects on our impact during 2020/2021 as we have helped businesses to continue to operate despite major challenges, reaching thousands of organisations right across Oxfordshire.
Our impact in numbers
Whether it is making a positive impact supporting our business community, having a long-lasting impact with young people helping them to understand the unrivalled opportunities in Oxfordshire, or leaving a genuine impact with those looking to invest in our world-class innovation ecosystem, impact continues to be our main objective.
Our unwavering support for our businesses
As the local enterprise partnership representing one of the most high-performing economies anywhere in the world, our ability to support our business community to deal with the challenges brought about by COVID-19 was vital over the past 12 months.
Our work in action
We have worked hard to understand the barriers – and indeed, the opportunities – experienced by Oxfordshire businesses and have tirelessly adjusted our own programmes to ensure they best meet what our business community need.
Our role in championing a zero-carbon future
Oxfordshire has the innovation ecosystem and capabilities to provide global solutions to the climate emergency. As we move towards the COP26 climate conference in late-autumn 2021, find out how we are championing a zero-carbon future and securing investment for a more sustainable county and one with the right skills to support this ambition.
Our recognition of a digital future
Like any organisation operating during the pandemic, we have recognised that being agile and ensuring that we are in the best possible position to support our business community is vital. With this in mind, we will soon complete a year-long transformation to a ‘digital business model’.
Our governance and finances
We make every effort to ensure our decision-making is transparent, accountable and delivers the value for money that is expected of a government-funded organisation. To underpin this, the Government ensure that we adhere to a National Assurance Framework, ensuring robust systems, protocols and processes are in place, right across our work.
Looking ahead – Jeremy Long, Chair
Our chair, Jeremy Long looks ahead and discusses our ongoing commitment to deliver at genuine pace, as well as why having a business-led response to COVID-19, provided by local enterprise partnerships, is vital to recovery and the rebuilding of the UK economy.