New sessions to help Oxfordshire’s high streets thrive are launched

High street businesses across Oxfordshire are being encouraged to take part in a practical online ‘surgery’ session designed to help them thrive and grow.

Delivered by Enterprise Oxfordshire, the one-hour session is set to provide a valuable opportunity for high street business owners and staff to share challenges, ask questions and learn from real experiences across Oxfordshire’s high streets.

Designed as a conversational and practical forum, the session will focus on what is working locally, while also giving businesses the chance to shape the support they need going forward.

Recognising the varied hours high street businesses often operate, participants can choose from one of two Helping High Streets Online Surgery sessions, beginning next week:

• Monday 30 June, 9.30am to 10.30am
• Wednesday 2 July, 8pm to 9pm

Both sessions will be led by Enterprise Oxfordshire’s Ant Parsons, alongside Judy Andrews – a specialist in brand and customer focus.

The sessions form part of Enterprise Oxfordshire’s ongoing commitment to supporting one of the county’s most important sectors, with the surgery – and its future support – open to any Oxfordshire-based business operating from a high street location, working in retail, hospitality, leisure and service-based businesses.

While the organisation’s initial Helping High Streets programme has now concluded, support for businesses in town centres, local parades and high street locations continues.

Sarah Beal – Business Support Service Manager at Enterprise Oxfordshire – said: “Since April, we have expanded our high street support offer through our Growth Hub service, delivering tailored support over the next 12 months. This includes webinars, expert-led sessions and practical resources designed to help businesses remain resilient, competitive and sustainable.

“Our upcoming surgery session will be perfect for high street businesses looking for expert tips, advice or even peer support from others operating in the sector. We very much encourage businesses to sign up at their earliest opportunity.”

By attending this and future sessions, businesses can:

• Gain practical insights to support growth and long-term sustainability
• Learn directly from peers and real-world case studies
• Access expert advice in a collaborative and supportive environment
• Join a network committed to keeping Oxfordshire’s high streets vibrant and productive

Earlier in 2026, an initial Helping High Streets programme provided targeted support to businesses operating across Oxfordshire, from rural market towns to Oxford city centre.

Enterprise Oxfordshire worked with 117 businesses, delivered 59 in-depth diagnostics, as well as hundreds of hours of expert support.

It concluded with a county-wide High Street Summit in Didcot, bringing businesses together to share ideas, identify opportunities and agree actions to strengthen Oxfordshire’s high streets.

Find out more via the Enterprise Oxfordshire Business website and sign up to the upcoming events.