Informing, listening and co-operating
Overview
The annual Economic Forum brought together businesses, regional partners, leading councillors and officers and to discuss growth, infrastructure, energy, skills and governance matters affecting the district.
Yesterday’s Cherwell Economic Forum saw a range of business leaders, policymakers and partner organisations come together to discuss how to unlock growth and economic opportunity across the district.
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Growth and Infrastructure
Presentations from the Oxford Growth Commission and Cherwell District Council highlighted constraints to growth and actions being taken - including energy capacity, transport infrastructure and strategic planning. Investment in Banbury, Bicester and Kidlington was emphasised to unlock housing and employment sites, revitalise town centres and improve connectivity.
Local Plan and Employment
The emerging Cherwell Local Plan 2042 aims to support economic growth through new employment land allocations, protection of existing sites, support for rural diversification, tourism and a strong town‑centre‑first approach.
Energy and the Local Area Energy Plan (LAEP)
The Local Area Energy Plan was presented as critical economic infrastructure, aligning energy systems with growth and net‑zero ambitions. Phase 2 will translate county modelling into Cherwell‑specific actions, helping overcome grid constraints, attract investment and support businesses to decarbonise while remaining competitive.
Supporting Businesses and the Green Economy
Updates included non‑domestic retrofit programmes, SME energy assessments delivered through Energy Solutions Oxfordshire, grant support using UK Shared Prosperity Fund, and opportunities for local green skills, jobs and supply chains.
Bicester Growth and Strategic Unlocks
Bicester was identified as central to Cherwell’s growth, with focus on coordinated delivery to address energy, water and transport constraints. Work with Homes England ATLAS is supporting town‑wide infrastructure planning and viability.
East West Rail
East West Rail was presented as a transformational project connecting housing and labour markets across the Oxford‑Cambridge Growth Corridor, with significant economic benefits and consultation planned during 2026.
Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)
The Forum included a detailed briefing on proposals for local government reorganisation, outlining potential benefits of unitarisation including improved coordination, stronger strategic planning, service efficiencies and enhanced support for economic growth. Public consultation was open until March 2026, with decisions expected in summer 2026.
Discussion and Next Steps
Open discussion sessions gathered feedback from businesses on challenges and support needs, particularly around power capacity and skills. The Forum closed with reflections from senior leaders and signposting to upcoming business events, surveys and support opportunities.
Get involved!
All north Oxfordshire businesses are invited to connect with the Council - to raise issues, to explore opportunities, and to get involved within our strong local networks. Regular business meetings and events are held in Banbury, Bicester and Kidlington. To register your interest, contact economy@cherwell-dc.gov.uk