B4 Magazine Issue 33

B4 MAGAZINE ISSUE 33 DECEMBER 2014

BICESTER VISION Bicester to receive multi-million pound award after being awarded Garden Town status

OXFORDSHIRE RESTAURANT AWARDS

W W W . B 4 - B U S I N E S S . C O M

DARBYS

B U I L D I N G

WHITLEY STIMPSON

B R I D G E S

B E T W E E N

B U S I N E S S E S

welcome to the new B4 magazine in print

on-line

3 become 1

New website

B4 Magazine amalgamated in to one comprehensive edition available to over 9,000 key business decision makers in the Thames Valley

We will be rolling out a brand new B4 website early next year with lots of new functionality and ways for you to network and promote your business with ease.

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Member's newsletter Coming soon - A bi-monthly printed newsletter to keep all of our B4 Members up to date on upcoming events, deadlines and news.

B4 Newsdesk Do you have some news you'd like to share, but don't have the audience?

Members can contact the B4 team any time and we will work to promote your news through our various channels.

Forward Features After numerous requests we will be introducing themes and features to B4 Magazine, starting in the new year with issue 34.

Fixed Pagination B4 Magazine will do its utmost to stick to a 164 page count when possible. No more than 164!

and more...

‘We're a B4 Member' logos As the title suggests, we'll be giving all our members some logos and banners to use online as they see fit.

Welcome to the new style of B4 Magazine. Next year we will be bringing you all sorts of developments to make your time with B4 Magazine and the B4 Network even more effective. Here’s a quick run down of some of the things you will find as part of the B4 Network and some changes you will soon be seeing:

events

social

Masterclasses

Social Media

Do you have something you can teach us and other B4 Members? We will be starting Masterclass sessions in 2015 at various great venues.

Many members are not aware that we offer a Social Media service: We can retweet and create tweets on your behalf to promote your business and its news.

Our latest social media figures as of endNovember stand at:

Promotional Events If you fancy something a bit different to the usual canapes and wine networking (although great) then get involved with our new event endeavour: B4 will be arranging various trips, all with a fun twist.

@B4Magazine: 3,060 followers @B4Berkshire: 2,518 followers @B4Bucks: 1,464 followers

Classic Events We promise to continue to bring you excellent B4 events at stunning venues in 2015.

Take part in our survey of the Thames Valley property market, to be featured in the first issue of 2015 – Survey on page 50.

If you have any queries please feel free to contact the B4 team on 01865 742 211

Residential Letting 路 Property Management

D E S I G N

&

P R I N T

B4 platinum ambassadors We would like to thank our B4 Platinum Ambassadors for supporting the B4 Business network. To find out more about joining them and over six hundred B4 Member companies, please call us on 01865 742 211.

O X F O R D

With annual memberships just £250+VAT*, entitling you to a business directory listing and unlimited press release, event, job vacancy and offer uploads, it’s no wonder our membership is increasing daily.

Members are also invited to events in all B4 areas, up to 12 per annum. Call us now on 01865 742 211 to book your membership or e-mail sales@b4-business.com for more details.

The B4 Website – the most efficient way to network your business from your PC! *Quoted rate is per company entitling all employees to attend B4 events. The Ambassador scheme is separate and subject to a different charge of £250+VAT for the first Ambassador and £100+VAT for subsequent Ambassadors. Call us for more information or visit the B4 website at www.b4-business.com and click on B4 Membership.

B4

B4 contributors PICK OF THE B4 PLATINUM AMBASSADOR CONTRIBUTORS

20

30

34

44

51

54

58

72

77

82

86

106

REGULAR B4 CONTRIBUTORS IN THIS ISSUE Henmans Freeth...............................................................................................................48

Heythrop Park Resort.........................................................................................................90

Lambert Smith Hampton............................................................................................57

Savvy.............................................................................................................................................93

Helen Money.........................................................................................................................61

Blackwell's.............................................................................................................................101

Oxford Duplication Centre.........................................................................................64

Field Seymour Parkes....................................................................................................105

B P Collins...............................................................................................................................67

The Tree Hotel......................................................................................................................109

Focus............................................................................................................................................85

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www.b4-business.com

www.b4-business.com Contacts If you want to contact B4 Magazine Telephone: 01865 742 211 info@b4-business.com Publisher B4 Magazine is published by Designs On Ltd, The Firs, Headington Hill, Oxford, OX3 0BT Chairman Colin Rosser colin@designs-on.co.uk Editor Richard Rosser editorial@b4-business.com Art Editor Keith Simpson artwork@b4-business.com Sub Editor Lorna Dodson assistanteditor@b4-business.com

welcome to B4 33 The new format of one magazine for all three B4 areas has been incredibly well received and we now look to follow that up with some more exciting changes.

In January, over 600 B4 Members will receive the new printed B4 Newsletter and in March we will be launching our brand new website with some great new functionality to help our Members connect with and promote eachother. Our Masterclasses are building up well (see pages 24 and 25) and we have some great B4 Classic Events lined up for 2015 including Williams F1, Hartwell House, The Weston Library (formerly The New Bodleian Library), Stoke Park and Oakley Court.

Features Editor Matt Wright matt@b4-business.com

2015 will be an exciting year for our Members and readers and if you would like to get more involved in B4, please call us on 01865 742211.

Proofreader Sue Rosser

Enjoy B4 33 and have a great 2015.

B4 Events Tina Rosser events@b4-business.com Editorial contributors Kelly Lea Matthew Wright Claire Thompson Olivia Lane-Nott B4 Photography Rob Scotcher Studio Photography Studio8 Telephone: 01865 842525

Each business with an Oxfordshire, Berkshire or Buckinghamshire postcode is entitled to one free copy per issue. For additional copies and for businesses outside of the three counties, there is an annual subscription charge of £25.

30. Carter Jonas Written by Olivia Lane-Nott

54. Whitley Stimpson Richard Rosser Editor

Written by Claire Thompson

There's a sprinkling of festive fun herein - everything from party venues (The Oxford Hotel, Sheldonian), to gift ideas, be it the literary (Blackwell’s), the artistic (Sarah Wiseman Gallery), or retail therapy (Burford Garden Centre). Plus, if you need professional assistance, there's plenty of legal advice (Henmans Freeth), financial pointers (Gracechurch IFA), and property tips (Carter Jonas). Which brings me nicely onto next issue's inaugural feature - The Property Issue - where we're aiming to reflect B4 members' views, insights, and predictions for the regional property market in 2015/16. So please do take a couple of minutes to respond to the online survey which you've been sent - remember, it's your opinion which really matters!

Matt Wright Features Editor

Subscriptions For free Subscription, please contact: Telephone: 01865 742 211 info@b4-business.com

Meet The Writers

This issue has been a tough one. The winter bugs have hit our office with full force this year so it’s been a real struggle to get this issue out before Christmas, but enough of my whining – We hope you find this issue thoroughly enjoyable. We have quite a few R&R reviews for you this time, from the impressive Burford Garden Co. to the critically acclaimed Iffley Blue in Oxford. Also be sure to check out our health tips from TLA Fitness and Helen Money: Have a Happy New Year from all of us at B4 Business and we look forward to some exciting new changes in 2015 for you all to benefit from.

68. Presidential Apartments Written by Richard Rosser

Lorna Dodson Sub Editor

77. The Oxford Hotel © Designs-on Ltd and B4 Magazine.

Whilst every attempt has been made to ensure that the content of this publication is accurate and correct in every way, the publishers cannot be held responsible or liable for any inaccuracies or errors within the publication. Information reproduced from this publication is permitted with the express permission of the publisher and the advertiser, where relevant. All information is correct at time of going to press.

B4 Magazine is printed by

About

B4

Written by Matthew Wright

Magazine

B4 Magazine was established to provide Thames Valley businesses with a clear voice to raise their profile and to help businesses connect. Direct mailed to nine thousand business decision makers in once every two months, B4 is regarded a leading free distribution business publication in the region. B4 stands for Building Bridges Between Business and that is what B4 helps businesses to do, aided by our first class website at www.b4-business.com, monthly B4 Classic and Masterlcass Events.

B4 is funded by paid for display advertising and editorial. Underpinning B4 is a membership of over 600 of the Thames Valley’s leading businesses.

WHY NOT FOLLOW B4 MAGAZINE ON

106.

Strangebrew Written by Phil Strachan

leads 20 Darbys Grows into its New Home: Catch up with the team at Darbys on their growth, new offices and plans for the future

75 The Client Is King: Gracechurch Wealth Management took some time out to talk B4's Matt Wright through the Financial Markets 101 135 Years Old: Blackwell's Bookshop on Broad Street, Oxford, celebrates their 135th birthday and looks back over the years

marketing 106 A Great Time to Talk Turkey: Strangebrew shares some topical food for thought regarding branding, identity and design for 2015

finance 36 Crowdfunding for Companies: The MGroup takes a look at how crowdfunding and peer-to-peer lending can help businesses

hr

news 10 11 71 95

B4 Events Diary B4 News HR2YOU News B4 at the Santander Media Awards

spotlight 50 The B4 Property Feature: We want to hear your thoughts and opinions on the UK Property Market with a short survey 51 Bicester's New Status: Read about the new Garden Town status recently awarded to Bicester 54 Poised For Growth: Papa Romeo PR talks to Whitley Stimpson about the firms rapid growth in the last year

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43 High Calibre Recruitment: myFD Recruitment shares the secrets to their success with B4

property 30 Drones Can Sell Homes: See how Carter Jonas are utilising these unmaned vehicles to get great coverage for their properties 44 VSL & Partners: Check out the latest business properties from VSL & Partners 57 In All The Right Places: Lambert Smith Hampton explain how the best employers find the best work places‌ and why!

58 One St. Aldates: Brand new office accommodation opens for start-up and SMEs in Oxford this Winter

arts

93 Weathering the Recession: Read about how Savvy has survived and grown into a successful and renowned business

102 Sarah Wiseman Gallery: Check out this world class art gallery experience right on your doorstep

www.b4-business.com

B4 contents advice

events

motoring

48 Attorneys Beware!: Henmans Freeth keep us up to date on the changes attorneys will be facing in the coming months

24 B4 Masterclasses: A chance for members to benefit from the wide range of expertise in the B4 network

26 Winter Safety with BMW: Top tips for winter driving from BMW North Oxford Garage

67 The Importance of Exit Strategies: B P Collins LLP explains the importance of considering the future, now

29 The Sheldonian Theatre: Recap our great B4 networking event at this stunning venue, and see how it can work for you

85 The Changing Face of Equity Release: FOCUS talks to B4 about what to expect from an Equity Release mortgage in today's economy

38 The Oxfordshire Restaurant Awards 2014: This year's Awards Ceremony was a smashing success - Read all about it here!

105 The Litigation Landscape: Field Seymour Parkes gives us a recap of 150 years of the litigation landscape

41 Venus Awards: B4 members' success at these prestigious Women in Business awards 72 2014 with City Audio Visual: Catch up with CAV and all they've been up to over this past year

health 61 Healthy Living - Nutrition: Nutritional tips and advice from B4's Helen Money Nutrition 63 Healthy Living - Fitness: Fitness tips and advice from B4's TLA Fitness 78 Strong Body, Strong Mind: We take a look at Brookes Sport, the extensive yet lesser known gem of Oxford Brookes University

r&r 37 Burford Garden Company: B4's Richard Rosser talks to Burford Garden Centre about their plans and all they have to offer 47 Paradise in the Maldives: Experience this utopia on Earth courtesy of Atmosphere Kanifushi and their great holiday deals 68 Style in the Heart of Kensington: B4 tells you about their stay at the modern Presidential Apartments for the Santander Media Awards 77 Game On at The Oxford Hotel: Catch up with their new Director of Sales in the highly competitive Oxford market

services 64 Digital Media Made Easy: Get help understanding the new digitisation standard with Oxford Duplication Centre 82 Healthy Workplaces: See how Aston & James can help you create a healthy workplace and reduce employee absenteeism 97 Light-Dry Technology: Learn about the amazing new printing and finishing technology offered by Hunts

www.b4-business.com

86 Critical Acclaim for Iffley Blue: A recent write up in The Oxford Times tells us why we really should check out this dining hotspot 89 La Cucina: Matt Wright sat down with Yola Drage co-owner of La Cucina for a chat about expansion plans 90 Heythrop Park Resort: A stunning leisure resort on the edge of Oxfordshire village Enstone and nestled in 440 acres of parkland 109 In With a Bang: The Tree Hotel plans a host of special Indian events and fantastic business events for 2015

111 CONTACTS

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In Association with Carter Jonas

Event Organiser

Venues Oakley Court Hotel, Windsor Road, Water Oakley, Windsor, Berkshire SL4 5UR

Belmond Le Manoir, Church Rd, Great Milton, Oxfordshire OX44 7PD

Hartwell House Hotel, Oxford Rd, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire HP17 8NR

B4

Williams Conference Centre, Station Road, Grove, Oxfordshire OX12 0DQ

Oxford (see website)

Reading (see website)

Date

B4 diary Time

Event Details

12.30pm 2.30pm

Santa Family Sunday Lunch in the Windsor Suite: Extend your Christmas with a truly festive family get together before the big day. Relax and enjoy a delicious buffet lunch with crackers, table novelties and a special visit from Santa for all the children. Adults £36pp, children under 12 50% discount, under 5s FREE. Call 01753 609988 to book.

31st Dec

6.45pm 11.45pm

Ring in the New Year with an impeccably stylish celebration at Belmond Le Manoir. Let us spoil you with live music, sumptuous food and wine, and a host of entertainment throughout the night. Includes a Laurent-Perrier champagne reception with canapés and live music, 7-course gala dinner with accompanying wines, coffee and petits fours, caricatures drawings offered during dinner, live music, and a champagne toast and rendition of Auld Lang Syne by Highland Piper, David Major, followed by a glorious fireworks display at midnight. Call 01844 278 881 to book.

28th Jan

6pm 8pm

B4 is pleased to announce that our first 2015 event will be held at the magnificent Hartwell House Hotel, set in 90 acres of landscaped parkland near Aylesbury.

Please see www.b4-business.com for more details.

6pm 9pm

B4 is pleased to announce our return to the fabulous Williams Conference Centre. LIMITED SPACES AVAILABLE: Williams Martini Racing Team can offer 30 people the chance to try the F1 Simulators original Jenson Button Chassis model FW22 - 1 x lap per person (two minute session) at a cost of £18 for Williams Conference Centre's preferred charity Spinal Injuries Association.

To book your place, please contact Tina Rosser on events@b4-business.com

9am 4.30pm

Building High Performance Teams: Team work is the key to high performance, yet not all teams are effective. Learn about the stages your people go through to become a high performing team and recognise the value each member brings. We will look at topics such as differences between a group and a team; why do teams fail; what do teams need in order to be effective; stages of Team development; action planning for your own organisation.

See www.activate-enterprise.ac.uk for more details.

9am 4.30pm

Performance Management: This one day module will help managers focus on the performance management process in their own teams and assess the performance of individuals effectively. Giving feedback and identifying how to develop the team member’s capability will also be covered. We will look at topics such as what is performance management; compassion & accountability; setting objectives and context; the value of feedback; managing underperformance; capability & conduct; SWOT analysis. See www.activate-enterprise.ac.uk for more details.

21st Dec

5th Mar

18th Mar

15th Apr

B4 Members can feature their events on this page, subject to availability – please get in touch for your complimentary listing.

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www.b4-business.com

B4 news Alberon is top of the class Oxford software and web development specialists, Alberon, has won praise for the company’s comprehensive re-design of The Oratory School’s website.

The responsive new website has clear areas and navigation for parents, staff, sports and pupils and is easy to search, with a consistent and contemporary design which can be accessed on any device.

Content is updated with a quick and simple to use

content management system (CMS) which works seamlessly with the school calendar.

To ensure the site fulfilled everyone’s requirements, Alberon held a workshop with key stakeholders at the beginning of the project. Alberon’s Managing Director, Tim Ault, credits this stage as significant to success.

PR and Marketing Manager for The Oratory School said, “We found Alberon to be a most professional and caring team to work with.”

The new website communicates more effectively and is helping to strengthen the relationship between parents and the school. Linda Coupland,

For more information visit www.alberon.co.uk, email info@alberon.co.uk or phone 01865 794009.

Photography: Robert Fairer

The Bodleian Library: an impressive venue for events Located in the historic centre of Oxford, the grand Divinity School, Convocation House and Chancellor’s Court in the Bodleian Library still play an important part in the ceremonial life of the University.

Now open for bookings in 2015: The Weston Library with three newly refurbished venues. Blackwell Hall can accommodate 450 for drinks receptions and 250 for seated dinners, a state of the art 120 seat lecture theatre and a roof top terrace.

These three magnificent rooms are also available for venue hire and licensed for civil weddings and civil partnerships.

Please contact our events team to make an appointment for a viewing and to discuss your requirements.

Impress your guests at an atmospheric dinner, an elegant reception or a professional presentation.

T: 01865 277224 E: events@bodleian.ox.ac.uk W www.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/whatson/venue-hire

Cereta Drewett Photography This has been a busy and exciting month for me, and has included the launch of my website and the opportunity to be the official photographer and a sponsor of the Oxfordshire Restaurant Awards 2014.

Bookings are coming in fast for corporate parties and family portraits in the run-up to Christmas.

I specialise in custom made photographic services that include corporate portraits, events and

products. Images are suitable for both printed and online publications. Please visit my website to view the range of work I produce.

Contact me to discuss your individual business requirements and I will arrange a package within your budget.

Info@ceretadrewettphotography.co.uk www.ceretadrewettphotography.co.uk

Avocet Investments

Building Your Business is vital for any SME business owner for: • Growing An Alternative Pension Pot of lightly taxed gains when selling the business • Enjoying the Improved Security & Lifestyle of increased profits along the way to exit

www.b4-business.com

To assist in these twin objectives Avocet Investments has therefore introduced its 1=4 Increasing Business Value Programme

Avocet Investments has been established 13 years serving the SME Business Owners of Berks, Bucks, Herts & Oxon with:

• A Business Valuation NOW • Working with the SME Owner on a quarterly basis to help increase this value & identify who to sell to, when it is time for exit

• Sourcing Business Finance • Business Advice • Sale of Businesses

Why 1=4 ?

Well that is typically the rate that every £ of Sustainable Profit increases the Business Value.

Contact: Roger Bibby on 01494 726173 or e mail roger.bibby@avocet-investments.com www.avocet-investments.com

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With unrivalled expertise in all aspects of commercial printing from business cards to brochures, Advent can accomplish the most sophisticated spectrum of high quality print work with ease.

PROUD TO PRINT

B4 Magazine ADVENT PRINT GROUP 19 EAST PORTWAY INDUSTRIAL ESTATE ANDOVER, HAMPSHIRE, SP10 3LU TEL: 01264 359359 FAX: 01264 359358 EMAIL: info@advent-colour.co.uk www.advent-colour.co.uk

B4 news The Oxford Belfry strikes gold with third top accreditation of the year

2014 has been an incredible year for The Oxford Belfry, one of QHotels’ unique hotels, as it continues its gold streak with a third consecutive accolade for exemplary conference standards.

VenueVerdict Accreditations are based on how likely event hosts are to recommend a venue for a conference or event. Feed back is collected by BDRC Continental, the UK’s largest independent market research agency.

Julian White, General Manager at The Oxford Belfry said: “This recognition is a true testament to the efforts of our team members who have gone the extra mile to ensure our meeting and events offering is one that meets the highest expectations.”

The Oxford Belfry, just off J7 of the M40 motorway, is one of only 30 venues across the UK to have received its Gold Standard accreditation last quarter and is hoping to gain a fourth by the end of the year.

QHotels was awarded the AA Hotel Group of The Year in the AA Hospitality Awards last month.

For more information visit: www.qhotels.co.uk/our-locations/the-oxford-belfry

Learn, Eat, Enjoy! With Brookes Restaurant Cookery and Wine School and Team Building Sessions.

Whatever your level of expertise, you can develop your cookery and wine knowledge by attending a range of Saturday and evening courses that are run by Brookes Restaurant.

Learn how to bake different types of bread as well as create many dishes from around the world. Wine courses allow you to taste and learn about grape varieties and receive a qualification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust. For more information about the

courses available, please visit: http://restaurant.business.brookes.ac.uk/school/ Why not have your next team-building session at Brookes Restaurant? As a group, you will learn how to cook three unique dishes and end the day by eating them together with your choice of a soft drink or a glass of wine. Many local and national companies come to us for their team building sessions, such as BRITA, Tessela and Oriel College.

For more information, give the team a call on 01865 483 803.

You can also sign up for the Brookes Restaurant monthly email by emailing us at: restaurant_bookings@brookes.ac.uk

Are Business Coaches good value? as they have no intention of discussing their businesses with third parties, not do they see the value in exploring new ideas and revisiting old ideas or accepting that they could manage their business in a different manner, to achieve growth, development of their staff or understand their customer needs.

Business Coaches have not always been seen as valuable resources for business owners, so say a number of networking contacts we meet on a regular basis. For them, this could be true

Business Doctors, work with a number of funding organisations, training, recruitment, business intelligence and social media companies when implementing the strategic plans of clients who

have decided to accept and develop advice from companies such as Business Doctors. Should you feel it useful to gain outside support and advice in making changes to your business, we would be pleased to meet with you, learn more about your business and aspirations and if requested, work with you to develop your individual Business Strategy and Implementation Plan.

Please contact Martin Vessey on 07834 518428 or email him on martinv@businessdoctors.co.uk www.businessdoctors.co.uk/thames-valley

Oxfordshire design agency Apt-Art joins the Design Business Association Graphic design and corporate identity agency Apt–Art has been granted membership of the Design Business Association and now joins a select group of agencies in the Southwest.

Craig Wardrop, Senior Partner commented: “Apt-Art is a small but dedicated graphic design studio that prides itself on delivering innovative design to a wide range of business sectors including; aviation, holiday, sailing, education, industrial, charity, medical, professional and leisure services.

www.b4-business.com

In every business, large or small, the image portrayed is vital. We listen to your requirements and use our extensive skills and expertise in design, print and media acquired over many years to produce a creative image for marketing. We believe that the computer is just a tool like a pen or brush; it is the experienced creative that creates good bespoke design.”

Apt-Art has been creating logos, brochures, leaflets, websites, exhibition graphics for 34 years.

See our website www.aptart-design.co.uk for further details or get in touch by email hello@aptart.co.uk

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BUSINESS

Following on from the success of Business in Oxford 2014 which saw 36 Oxfordshire based businesses present to 300 delegates at Sa誰d Business School.

Business in Oxford 2015 will be a full day event with talks delivered by a wide range of Oxfordshire businesses.

Book your tickets for either morning or afternoon sessions at the website below.

For sponsorship and exhibition opportunities, please call the team on 01865 742211.

see www.businessinoxford.com

TUESDAY 30TH JUNE - SAID BUSINESS SCHOOL

In association with

xLEP

driving economic growth

B4 news EsplinPR Louise Esplin set up as a freelance PR consultant five years ago, with more than 20 years' experience in the communications industry.

Esplin PR has built up an eclectic portfolio of clients in the Oxfordshire area and beyond. The most unusual so far is a luxury cat hotel franchise, a winner where the media is concerned, but tricky dealing with a client when you're allergic to their product!

Flexibility has been key, says Louise, especially where PR and marketing budgets are under pressure. This has led to working with a number of charities, the most recent being the Crisis Christmas Party campaign for homeless charity Crisis Skylight Oxford and a nationwide initiative for the Deaf charity SignHealth called sign2sing.

"I am just as content working on projects for clients as on a retained fee basis. I like the variety of consumer and b2b clients and find working with

charities especially rewarding," says Louise. www.esplinpr.co.uk

John Hallam Associates urban and rural locations, and take great pride in providing award winning projects throughout the United Kingdom.

The Practice achieves this by delivering buildings of outstanding design and ambience in sympathy with their location and purpose through an individual seamless service that realises the aims of Clients in terms of commercial and personal satisfaction.

John Hallam Associates is the first choice of Clients throughout the UK for a large range of architectural services and specialisations in

Our experience and expertise continues to ensure Clients of exceptional quality by providing solutions leading to the successful developments for hotels,

heritage buildings, industrial and office premises and residential properties.

Our offices are located at 4 Essex House, Cromwell Park, Banbury Road, Chipping Norton, Oxon, OX7 5SR. We are always happy to discuss Clients particular needs for their projects and we can be contacted at: Tel: +44 (0) 1608 646 969 E-Mail: info@johnhallamassociates.co.uk Website: www.johnhallamassociates.co.uk

News item Family First Solicitors We are well into our second year of business at Family First Solicitors and from a commercial perspective our pride is in our growth.

and relevant areas include probate and conveyancing, and we are testing the waters in respect of both.

We have grown in strength, in reach and in numbers. We now total 5 legal professionals and support staff, with ambition and capacity to expand further in the near future.

Managing our growth effectively is therefore our latest challenge, and has provided an interesting learning curve.

Committed as we are to family law, other related

We credit our success to the strong focus that we have on the consumer market and our

commitment to social media. Our heightened social media presence has recently featured successful Twitter and Facebook campaigns to our followers and likers. www.familyfirstsolicitors.co.uk

Owen Mumford employee is Finalist for Apprentice of the Year 2014 Mark (41), most unusually started his apprenticeship at the age of 38 as a way of opening up job opportunities and since enrolling at college in 2011, he has worked hard to complete his apprenticeship. Balancing family life with studying has been difficult but Mark was determined to succeed and completed his course last year.

Mark Williams, an employee at Owen Mumford was recently shortlisted for Apprentice of the Year at The Manufacturer Awards 2014.

www.b4-business.com

Mark said, “I was thrilled to be shortlisted for this award and am so pleased that I took up the opportunity from Owen Mumford and would definitely encourage others to do the same. I feel I

now have a bright future but most importantly, I have a son who looks up to me.”

Paschal Doyle, Operations Technical Manager said, “We are very impressed by Mark’s achievement.

Owen Mumford is keen to invest in associates with potential and the determination to succeed and Mark is an excellent example of someone who has made the most of the opportunity offered.” www.owenmumford.com

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B4 news New Bigger offices for Torpedo Oxfordshire based marketing agency Torpedo has just moved in to bigger offices to accommodate their growing team of 40.

Still based on Worton Park near Cassington, Torpedo has moved to The Long Barn, a much larger office space just around the corner from their old offices.

With an expanding team of specialists working across website development, mobile apps, branding, design, content and marketing strategy,

The Long Barn provides Torpedo with lots more room to meet, eat, work and play. With a conservatory overlooking the swimming pool for inspiration, and extra space for creative thinking, they’ve already made themselves at home.

Check out the Torpedo website or follow them on Twitter for updates on the new offices and all the latest goings on at Torpedo – torpedogroup.com - @torpedo_talk

TSK Third Birthday!

At the end of September we celebrated our third birthday - we can’t quite believe it’s been that long but we’ve thoroughly enjoyed the ride so far! We were joined by some of our fabulous local suppliers as well as loyal regulars and some new faces enticed by the prospect of the British Tapas menu created by our sister restaurant, Oxfork.

birthday party marked the launch of their evening menu - with ‘Oxforkfuls’ including caramelised onions and Oxford Blue muffins, Middle White pork belly with sticky apple glaze and chilled Cultivate beetroot soup. Oxfork is now open on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings, as well as continuing to serve their infamous brunch menu and delicious coffee, tea and cakes.

We took over the management of this East Oxford institution in August, and their catering of our

www.turlstreetkitchen.co.uk www.oxfork.co.uk

B4 runners up in SME / Enterprise Title of the Year category at Santander Financial Media Awards 2014 The winners of the Santander Financial Media Awards 2014 were announced at a prestigious awards ceremony on Wednesday 12th November in London, presented by Sky News’ business presenter Ian King. From over 200 entries, a panel of more than 20 independent

judges decided that the list of journalists and publications (below) produced the best articles, copy and broadcast features this year.

For the full article see page 95.

Technical Training Enhances Workforce Competence Reading-based, technical training company MCP specialises in City & Guilds’ accredited practical learning programmes for upskilling engineers, technicians and operators.

Running throughout the year, MCP’s courses cover a range of subjects including Mechanical to Electrical Conversion, Fault Finding, Maintenance Best Practice, PAT Testing and Electrical 17th Edition. Customised courses can be arranged too!

Latest Courses at Swallowfield training venue: Book Now! Wiring Regulations: 17th Edition - March 2-5 2015

www.b4-business.com

Multi Skilling Mechanical to Electrical - December 15-18 Mechanical Maintenance Skills – March 16-19 Maintenance Management Courses Spares Materials Management -January 26-27 Maintenance Best Practice – February 16-19 The New Engineering Manager – February 23-25 Just visit www.mcpeurope.com/training for the full programme Contact Janet Trinder 0118 327 1898 or jtrinder@mcpeurope.com www.mcpeurope.com

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B4 news The Sandhurst Trust: Linking Leaders The Sandhurst Trust is a charity, established to maintain the ethos and traditions of the Royal Military Academy and to promote leadership. As part of this we can offer to the local business community the opportunity to visit and use this iconic venue, steeped in history, the training ground of future military, political and national leaders (Churchill, Montgomery, King Hussein and his son the present King Abdullah of Jordan are among the noted ‘old boys’); where better to inspire your team?

Hold a meeting, reception, lunch or dinner here:

• Unique prestige rooms • Onsite Caterers • Bespoke Packages for meetings, receptions, lunches and dinners Or take a tour: Group tours (minimum 10) last roughly 2 ½ hours, take in the most important historical sites and include refreshments.

For more information please contact us on: 01276 412000, director@sandhursttrust.org or info@sandhursttrust.org www.sandhursttrust.org

Smart Solar rebrand as Smart Garden Products The UK’s leading supplier of garden products Smart Garden Products – has completed the final phase of their rebrand by launching their new website at www.sgpuk.com.

The new website allows businesses and consumers to browse the full range of more than 500 products, find a stockist and buy replacement parts online.

The strategic repositioning retains and continues to expand the Smart Solar brand for the solar powered range of products but also introduces another 350 new garden products that are supplied under the new Smart Garden brand.

Creative digital marketing agency – Obergine – was appointed to create the website and rollout the new brand online. w: www.obergine.com t: 01865 245777

Insight, Solutions and Support for Growing Businesses To be successful and to thrive, businesses need to know where they are going and how they are going to get there. In November 2013, Chantal Cornelius, the owner of Appletree Marketing, knew that she needed to make some changes to her business, in order to make it more resilient and more profitable. She just didn’t know what those changes should be.

Insight – the answer came in the form of SR Consulting’s Business Barometer, a clever tool that assesses every area of the business and identifies issues that need to be developed. It combines an understanding of exactly what is important to the owner of a business, with in depth questions that have been developed through years of business experience.

Solutions – the Barometer highlighted the fact that Appletree did not have a strong Business Plan and therefore had no clear direction. In January 2014, Chantal asked SR Consulting to work with

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her, to create a Plan. Between them they developed a very simple one, on one sheet of paper, which clearly outlined the best direction for the business to take over the coming year; just what Chantal wanted and needed.

Support – in order to help her focus on the Business Plan, Chantal then asked SR Consulting to provide her with ongoing support, through regular meetings throughout the year. In November 2014, with a clear Business Plan now in place for 2015, Chantal says: “My business is the strongest and most profitable that it ever has been, thanks to the insight, solutions and support that I continue to receive from SR Consulting.”

If you need insight, solutions and support to help your business to grow, contact Jonathan Lane at SR Consulting on 07503 891 331. www.splash-rc.co.uk

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DARBYS GROWS INTO ITS NEW HOME

Emma Bannister Dean, Associate, Commercial Litigation Team

Have you ever wondered just what is it that makes law firms like Darbys so busy?

We talked with a range of the lawyers at Darbys who let us in on some of the reasons why they are busy – and on what businesses could and should do to prevent them being what is keeping a lawyer busy.

Here is what is keeping our legal teams and its lawyers busy: COMMERCIAL LITIGATION TEAM Emma Bannister-Dean I am busy with claims for breach of settlement agreements; claims against former business partners; and advice on breaches of copyright.

Businesses could avoid making me so busy by checking that music or images are licenced for their use; instructing solicitors to ensure that arrangements for business ownership are clearly enshrined in legally binding documents; and remembering that post-settlement the parties to a gentlemen’s agreement do not always behave like gentlemen.

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Nick Wright, Partner, Head of Commercial Litigation Team

Nick Wright I am busy dealing with a number of partnership, shareholder and contract disputes. These keep me busy, firstly, wading through oceans of clients’ documents within which I hope to find evidence pointing to the outline of an agreement or, even better, some actual terms of an agreement and, secondly, preparing witness statements as the evidence of what my client actually believes the agreement to be and how or why it remains unfulfilled or breached.

Businesses could avoid making me so busy by, at the very least, making contemporaneous notes of conversations during which agreements and terms of agreements are discussed, or, even better, exchanging correspondence setting out the agreement which has been reached and how the agreement is going to be achieved or, even better than that, having a proper legal contract, partnership agreement or Articles of Association which actually sets out clearly each party’s rights and obligations. Such formal legal contracts and agreements are often only two to three hours work for a solicitor, at a charge of perhaps £500-£1,000.

The typical cost of commercial litigation would be between £50,000 and £100,000 per party. The

Hilary Napolitan, Associate, Commercial Litigation Team and Head of Debt Recovery

losing party usually pays not only their own costs but also the costs of the winner. Would you spend £500 to £1,000 to save risking £200,000? I would.

DEBT RECOVERY TEAM Hilary Napolitan I am busy with advising a company who has failed to comply with the terms of a lease incurring a liability in excess of £50K, advising professionals on partnership disputes and professional negligence claims, and seeking an injunction in respect of interference with a right of way.

Businesses could avoid making me so busy by seeking advice very early when things start to go wrong or turn into a dispute. That way, we can give them a steer from the start and prevent the dispute from becoming costly legal proceedings. They should also implement proper controls on parties they enter into contracts with, e.g. do proper checks on who are you contracting with (a company/partnership/sole trader), ensure their terms and conditions are incorporated into the contract and follow up any breaches of contract promptly.

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B4 lead

Darbys Solicitors had to move out of the city centre offices earlier this year – the firm’s growth meant they simply did not have enough room there anymore. Their new offices just up the road in Botley give not just more space but also a different type of space – modern, smart, and collaborative. Everyone knows everyone in the firm now, it is a far more social and sociable environment and the many specialist legal teams that make up Darbys are better able to look after clients in a joined-up way.

However, the firm is still growing. It shows no signs of slowing down.

WRITTEN BY: DARBYS SOLICITORS PHOTOGRAPHY BY: STUDIO8

Esther Wilkins, Solicitor, Employment Team

Gemma Cleaver, Solicitor, Crime Team

EMPLOYMENT TEAM

CRIMINAL TEAM

Esther Wilkins I am busy with quite a variety of different issues. I am supporting several businesses in long-term sickness absence management and in dealing with disciplinary issues. I am also conducting several claims involving discrimination and unfair dismissal which currently means dealing with disclosure and drafting witness statements. The recent changes to flexible working and the introduction of shared parental leave mean that I have several employee handbooks on my desk which need to be updated to reflect these changes in the law. I am also supporting our corporate team with the employment aspects of an asset purchase, so I am certainly being kept busy.

Gemma Cleaver I am busy with daily trips to the Magistrates’ Court and Police Station in order to defend clients charged with offences ranging from shoplifting to attempted murder. I spend very little time at my desk and, when I am in the office, I am usually seeing clients to prepare their case for Trial.

Businesses could avoid making me so busy by being prepared. In particular in respect of Tribunal claims the old mantra that prevention is better than a cure is certainly true. Businesses that take legal advice early when making big decisions about their workforce or individual employees are far more likely to avoid litigation than those who do not.

IMMIGRATION TEAM

Businesses could avoid making me so busy by serving case papers in advance of hearings, complying with the Criminal Procedure Rules and contacting me by email rather than telephone so that I can respond when I am free. It is also helpful when appointments are kept, deadlines adhered to and reports prepared on time.

Jenny Harvey I am busy advising employers on how to avoid paying civil penalties of as much as £20000 per employee for employing migrant workers illegally, and on how to protect themselves against discrimination claims in the process.

Jenny Harvey, Partner, Head of Immigration Team

Businesses could avoid making me so busy by ensuring that they have a defence against paying a penalty should an employee turn out not to be here legally, or not working legally. They can do this by properly carrying out the “pre-employment checks” as set out by the Home Office. In a nutshell, they should obtain a future employee’s required documentation BEFORE an employee starts work.

They should check those documents carefully to ensure that they belong to the person in front of them and that they give him or her the right to work for them. Sometimes they must repeat those checks.

They should then retain a copy of the documents in a format that can’t be changed and should keep them for at least 2 years after an employee has left their job. They should follow the same process for EVERY potential employee in the same way so as to avoid claims of discrimination over the recruitment process.”

Read more about Darby’s overleaf

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B4 lead

“When we say we aim to deliver nothing less than a great service – every lawyer, every time, we mean it” Simon McCrum - Managing Partner at Darbys

ACCOLADES FOR DARBYS SOLICITORS LLP FASTEST GROWING LAW FIRM – OFFICIAL! Darbys Solicitors, with offices in Oxford and Manchester, has been named in “The Lawyer” magazine’s Top 200 survey of the country’s largest law firms, as the nation’s fastest growing firm in its 2014 survey. Other firms increased in size by merger but Darbys was singled out as having the highest rate of organic growth – another 35% increase in turnover.

business. Darbys has featured in numerous magazine and on-line articles. Managing Partner Simon McCrum is asked regularly to speak about the firm’s success and how we have achieved it – at legal sector conferences (including most recently in New Zealand), at regional Law Society conferences, at conferences held by the Law Society itself, and at other firms’ partner conferences.

Simon McCrum, national Managing Partner of Darbys, says: “Growth of 35% in a year is a real success. We achieved the same growth the year before that though, and we are ahead again this year on last year - again all organically rather than by merging with anyone. We are ploughing our own furrow and doing things our way – we grow by keeping clients happy and getting them to use us for all their legal needs.”

The quality of Darbys’ lawyers as well as the growth of the firm has also been recognised - in the independent surveys of the sector, the Legal 500 Directory and Chambers UK Guide 2015. They gave recognition not only to many of Darbys’ Partners but also to many of the firm’s Associates whom they regarded as “Up-and-Coming” stars and “Associates-to-Watch”.

The success that Darbys Solicitors has enjoyed in recent years has brought a high profile to its

The greatest accolades though come from its clients. Darbys have a mountain of unsolicited

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feedback from clients that it is very proud of. Darbys are also proud though of its unique real-time feedback gathering system – by this, clients can let Darbys know as their case progresses how they are doing. Feedback is published both internally and on the home page of its website.

As Simon McCrum says “When we say we aim to deliver nothing less than a great service – every lawyer, every time, we mean it”

CONTACT DETAILS @BLUE_LAW @Purple_Legal 01865 811 700 www.darbys.co.uk / www.bluelaw.co.uk

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JANUARY: DEFENDING AGAINST RANSONWARE Ransomware poses one of the greatest threats to businesses today. Encrypting and rendering vital company data inaccessible can seriously affect an organisations ability to operate. Understanding the causes of these attacks and implementing some basic information security controls and procedures can reduce their likelihood and impact. Dionach will explain and demonstrate how these attacks occur and provide some practical advice which will help your organisation be better protected against online cyberattacks.

Dionach are a leading UK cyber security company with over 15 years of providing security testing, auditing and consultancy.

PRESENTER: Bil Bragg, Technical Director at Dionach TARGET AUDIENCE: System Administrators. IT Directors/Manager. Operation Manager/Directors. Financial/ Managing Directors.

BENEFITS FOR DELEGATES: An understanding of Ransomware, the potential consequences to business and what can be done to reduce the effects of such attacks and improve their overall information security stance.

DATE: January 29th 2015. TIME: 9am to 12pm. VENUE: Unipart House, Garsington Road, Oxford, OX4 2PG

FEBRUARY: BUSINESS LEADERS MASTER CLASS: INCREASE YOUR SALES FOR 2015 An opportunity for business owners and managing directors to come together, share best practices and learn new strategies and tactics for growth. With a proven track record of working with entrepreneurial businesses, the session will demonstrate some of the unique techniques and behaviours which empower companies to succeed. These behaviour changing skills can set companies apart from the rest when striving to win new business.

PRESENTER: Annelie Thomson, Managing Director at Sandler Training TARGET AUDIENCE: Managing Directors or Business owners with a sales team of 2 or more.

BENEFITS FOR DELEGATES: A systematic approach to business development. We will look at what can go wrong in the sales process and what we can do about it to take charge and make our best year in business be 2015.

DATE: February 12th 2015. TIME: 9am to 12pm. VENUE: 20 Cheriton House, Cromwell Business Park, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, OX7 5SR

APRIL: APPS FOR BUSINESS MASTERCLASS Find out how mobile apps can transform the way you interact with customers and help you win new business.

PRESENTER: Iain Lewis, Director Torpedo and Andrew Sinclair-Pearson, Head of Digital at Torpedo TARGET AUDIENCE: Marketers working within businesses, business directors, business owners, product managers and sales directors.

BENEFITS FOR DELEGATES: Delegates will learn how they can utilise mobile apps and related technologies as part of their suite of marketing and sales tools to help transform the way they interact with their customers, prospects and own staff. This will be supported by live demonstrations and case studies.

DATE: April 16th 2015. TIME: 6pm to 9pm. VENUE: Torpedo, The Long Barn, Worton Park, Cassington, Oxon, OX29 4SX

MAY: ADD GROWTH AND VALUE TO YOUR BUSINESS The three key things that hold back the value, efficiency and growth prospects of most small businesses. What to do to cure them that will, over time, double, treble or quadruple the value of your business. Understand the three core options for business growth, and the initiatives required to achieve it. Free 50-page E-book summary for all attendees PRESENTER: David Croydon, Owner at Hilltop Consultancy TARGET AUDIENCE: Companies with 5 employees or more.

BENEFITS FOR DELEGATES: principles of making your business more valuable, and making it bigger (which are not the same).

Plus: Organic growth; growth by franchising; growth by acquisition. The mistakes most small business owners make, and how to avoid them.

DATE: May 2015. TIME: 6pm to 9pm. VENUE: Torpedo, The Long Barn, Worton Park, Cassington, Oxon, OX29 4SX 24

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B4 masterclasses A series of 12 monthly B4 Masterlcasses will launch in January offering B4 Members the opportunity to benefit from the wide range of expertise in the B4 network. Masterclasses have no fixed format, time slot, venue or subject. Masterclasses are what works best for the host and you. Don’t miss out and sign up today.

The Masterclass concept kicked off at British Gas Business’ fabulous headquarters in Oxford earlier this year and provided B4 Members with a behind the scenes tour of the building and an opportunity to connect with British Gas directors who took part in a lively Q and A. This Masterclass was targeted at Facilities Managers, Financial Directors and Estates Managers. Other Masterclasses may well be targeted to certain personnel within your company, others will be more general.

It doesn’t have to just be the host B4 Member presenting – they are most welcome to invite associate companies they work to present alongside them to broaden the content. Here at B4 we will promote the Masterclass through the magazine, our e-Newsletters, social media and our new printed B4 Members Only Newsletters which are launching in January.

The number of delegates is set by the host – it might be 10 or 50 or more but we will discuss with you what we think will work best if you are unsure, based on the content of your proposed Masterclass and what you want to get out of the event.

With eight Masterclasses confirmed (four of which we have confirmed dates for – see opposite) there are just four months left for you to choose from.

Why not give us a call on 01865 742211 to discuss how a Masterclass could work for you. B4 do not charge the hosts to hold a Masterclass but any costs of hosting must be borne by the host – for example, venue hire, refreshments etc….

We are also booking in for 2016 so if next year is too soon for you, why not get a date in the diary for the year after.

Richard Rosser Editor

MASTERCLASSES COMING SOON...

DATE: March 2015. PRESENTER: Wenn Townsend DATE: June 2015. PRESENTER: Clark Howes DATE: July 2015. PRESENTER: Healthy Living Masterclass DATE: October 2015. PRESENTER: British Gas

WOULD YOU LIKE TO PRESENT YOUR OWN MASTERCLASSES? DATE: August 2015. AVAILABLE DATE: September 2015. AVAILABLE DATE: November 2015. AVAILABLE DATE: December 2015. AVAILABLE

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For further information on our masterclasses or to find out about hosting your own, please contact us.

01865 742 211 25

AS THE FIRST SIGN OF WINTER APPEARS - HOW PREPARED WILL YOU BE? As temperatures plummet the time has come for many motorists to reach for the ice scraper, check their antifreeze and get ready for the cold months ahead. But just how prepared are you for the demands in driving this winter and can options like fitting winter tyres really make a difference? Here are some facts that might surprise you.

WRITTEN BY: ANDY HEARN

According to a leading UK car insurance company twice as many accidents happen in the winter than in the summer so it’s a fact that driving conditions become much more treacherous when the days get shorter and the weather gets colder.

Having enjoyed an Indian summer, a mild October and with the daunting prospect of wheeling the BBQ out again for Halloween celebrations, motorists can be forgiven for not giving much thought to the weather conditions they are likely to face over the coming months!

With the average winter temperature set to fall below 7˚C, one way to ensure a safer journey is by using tyres which have been specially developed to cope with the lower temperatures and inclement weather.

Many motorists are unaware that, as the temperature dips to 7˚C and below, (Met Office data confirms that the average winter temperature in the UK is less than this), standard tyres start to harden and, in doing so, no longer provide optimum adhesion, so compromising performance when accelerating, braking and cornering.

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Switching to BMW Winter Tyres for the colder months not only increases safety in risky conditions, but as they wear more slowly than standard tyres in low temperatures, they last longer and provide cost-effective winter motoring.

Did you know?

Data from Continental Tyres provide some impressive statistics that support the argument to consider the change to BMW Winter Tyres • Summer tyres wear up to 40% faster during cold weather driving compared to winter tyres.

• Braking distances in icy conditions are shortened by up to 20% with winter tyres compared to summer tyres • Winter tyre braking distances in the wet are shortened by up to 10% compared to summer tyres Tread Carefully Visually there is only a subtle difference within the tread of BMW winter tyres compared to those used in warmer weather conditions. However their design includes an increased number of tread blocks to dissipate standing water more effectively together with additional channels and sipes which enhance the grip on the road surface in both wet and icy conditions. An optimised blend of

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B4 motoring

BRAKING DISTANCE FROM 60MPH ON WET ROADS BELOW 7oC** 65.7m

Winter Tyres

4.8m

Summer Tyres

70.5m

BRAKING DISTANCE FROM 20MPH ON ICY ROADS** Winter Tyres

57m

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Summer Tyres rubber and silica compound also ensures grip is maximised and traction significantly improved too.

Tyre Hotel At North Oxford Garage we are fully prepared for the winter and have everything in place to offer a complete service for those customers who want to take advantage of fitting wheels and tyres that are designed for different seasons and changes in climate.

First of all, we make sure that there are no worries about the potential storage problems associated with seasonally changing wheels and tyres. Utilising the BMW Tyre Hotel we’ll securely store summer wheels and tyres when they are changed to winter ones for the cold weather and then, come the warmer weather, we’ll simply change them back a formula and process that saves a significant amount of garage space at home!

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68m At your service During the replacement process our factory trained technicians will complete a condition report on the wheels being removed before they go into storage at the Tyre Hotel and also ensure that everything is in order with the wheels and tyres being fitted. Any scuffs or minor damage can be assessed and rectification work carried out on site by our smart repair specialist following consultation with the customer.

As an additional service every customer is offered a pre-winter check to ensure their BMW is fully fit for the cold months ahead and also a mini valet that will include a thorough wash to clear away any salt deposits or grime picked up from the roads.

Both services are offered at a subsidised cost.

Service While You Wait Customers can choose to wait while any work is completed in our recently refurbished customer lounge. Complimentary hot and cold drinks are always available and the combination of comfortable seating and free Wi-Fi makes it a perfect place to work or relax.

Costs Prices for Winter Tyres start from just £752 RRP (excluding fitting) but costs are very much dependent on the BMW model being fitted. For more information, an exact quote or for details on any of the services available at North Oxford Garage please contact our Aftersales Team.

CONTACT DETAILS 01865 319 000 www.oxfordbmw.co.uk

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DEVELOPMENT DREAMS? We can turn them into reality Our team specialises in adding value to all kinds of development projects ranging from major residential, commercial or mixed use schemes to one-off new build and conversions

Experts in Planning applications & appeals

Site Acquisition & Disposal

Strategic land promotion

Site identification

Site appraisals & development briefs

Option & promotion agreements

CIL & S106 Agreements

Development Viability Appraisals

Community consultation

Valuation

Our Planning and Development Team has the knowledge, experience and necessary skills to deliver solutions that maximise value. When you work with us you are also benefiting from the wider expertise of one of the UK’s leading property consultancies.

Strutt & Parker LLP, 269 Banbury Road, Oxford OX2 7LL T: 01865 366666

B4 events

THE SHELDONIAN THEATRE B4 Members enjoyed a wonderful evening, at the B4 Classic Event, held at the Sheldonian Theatre in October.

The 100 guests enjoyed superb canapés, fine music and speeches from our guest charity, Helen & Douglas House and Paul Coones, Chairman of the Curators on behalf of The Sheldonian Theatre. We would also like to thank Kay Hogg, Senior Event Marketing Manager for The Examination Schools and The Sheldonian Theatre for hosting us. Kay has provided B4 readers with an overview of this iconic venue which should be a consideration for any corporate event.

Original image, before panaoramic processing

WRITTEN BY: KAY HOGG PHOTOGRAPHY & PANORAMA BY: ©NIKHILESH HAVAL

EVENTS Holding up to 750 people, the Sheldonian Theatre is an excellent venue for corporate award ceremonies, presentations, short lectures and talks. Due to its innovative design, the audience is seated closely to the performance area, creating a feeling of intimacy in elegant and refined surroundings. The Theatre can also be hired for drinks receptions, up to 200 people and provides meeting room space with lunch and refreshments for 80 people.

A range of drinks packages or à la carte choices can be found in our online menu. All catering is provided by our dedicated in-house team.

Image with panaoramic processing. Ready for creating a full 360o image

VISITORS The Theatre is open to visitors for self-guided and guided tours. Opening times are published on our website.

KEY FEATURES • Gaze up at the Theatre’s magnificent ceiling painted during the reign of King Charles II. • Learn about the Theatre’s journey from past to present day through our colourful and informative display boards.

• Enjoy one of the best indoor 360 degree panoramic views of Oxford from the Cupola.

• Friendly and professional staff.

• Excellent natural acoustics.

• Competitive rates – room hire starts from £550 for a half day.

• Full service provision - catering and AV services.

• Disabled access.

Original image, before panaoramic processing

For more information, contact Kay Hogg as per the contact box.

CONTACT DETAILS kay.hogg@admin.ox.ac.uk 01865 276 905 / 07846 759 890 www.sheldon.ox.ac.uk

To see a 360o panoramic view of The Sheldonian Theatre by Nikreations.co.uk Scan the QR code

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Image with panaoramic processing. Ready for creating a full 360o image

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HOW DRONES ARE BEING USED TO SELL HOMES Best known for their use in war zones, UAVs or unmanned aerial vehicles known as drones are being used to capture pictures from places that photographers can’t reach. They are increasingly being used by estate agents, keen to show homes from the best angle and by surveyors for aerial surveys.

WRITTEN BY: OLIVIA LANE-NOTT PHOTOGRAPHY BY: SKYVANTAGE

One agency that has been leading the way in this technology is national property consultancy Carter Jonas.

They were the first property consultancy to use them and Mark Charter, head of Carter Jonas’ Oxford office used it for Yarnton Manor in Oxfordshire, a Grade II Listed, £10 million manor house and estate. He said: “The drones are the latest gadget and they are incredibly useful. It works well at the top end of the market on big country properties and those with lots of outbuildings. It’s also very useful to capture the extent of a country estate, rather than shooting it piecemeal. I first used it for Yarnton Manor to really show off the property. We had more than 10,000 views of our video from people all over the world from China to the Middle East to the USA. Some of the potential buyers were corporates and had board members or shareholders overseas, so they

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were able to view the property from the comfort of their own offices and homes and avoid travelling.”

The cost of deploying a drone is not prohibitive, from £795 the cameras can take stills and video footage. Toby Pocock from Skyvantage operates a drone having obtained a Civil Aviation Authority licence. The bulk of his business is taking photographs and creating videos for developers, surveyors and estate agents, and most recently the motorsport industry.

“Carter Jonas was one of the early adopters to recognise how drones could effectively market their grand estates,” said Toby. “Where properties have great size and splendour in their surrounding, we can create a short movie set to music emotionally engage with the viewer. Carter Jonas has used this with great effectiveness. The media have seemed keen to run the films on their online editions as

they hold a piece of entertainment as well as engage potential buyers. As mobile and 4G coverage is increasing, video is now the most engaging communication tool and it is making an impact.”

Carter Jonas’ Oxford office recently sold Minley Manor, an imposing French chateau style in the 1850s in Surrey. Skyvantage filmed the video and it was viewed more than 20,000 times, with 18,000 views coming through Rightmove, the property portal website.

Toby added: “I love filming large properties set in acres of private land. It is easy with permissions and also doesn’t tend to move so it makes framing easier! At Yarnton Manor and Minley Manor, we had free reign of the grounds and were able to film when the light was beautiful, so they were both really enjoyable shoots. Property probably accounts

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B4 property

Yarnton Manor, a Grade II Listed manor house in Oxfordshire, sold by Carter Jonas, taken from the air

Toby Pocock from Skyvantage flying his drone one early morning at Kew Gardens

for 40% of our business however we film a wide selection of subjects from Mercedes F1 teams to solar plants!”

The drones, which are around 2ft wide, are electrically powered by a battery which flies for around 10 minutes before needing to be changed and have a GPS satellite navigation system, a stabilising mechanism and a camera attached. The CAA licence allows them to up to 400 ft with airspace commencing at 500ft.

“We operate with a live video downlink so we can see exactly what the camera sees from the air. Our drones are also fitted with a number of failsafe features. If for example the drone was to lose radio communication with our remote controls, the drone will action its ‘return to home’ function and basically land itself.

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“Before each shoot we will study every location on a flight map to see if the airpspace is restricted or if we are near aerodromes, prisons, nuclear facilities or other things we need to know about. The rules and regulations placed upon us by the CAA for us to be able to work commercially with drones are pretty strict and need to be understood and adhered to. But we ensure all of the flying regulations are met.

“Drone use in civilian life will increase but please don’t believe any of the recent nonsense about Amazon delivering parcels or pizzas,” said Toby.

“The technology does exist to carry lightweight packages but air law and safety will prevent this from taking off any time soon - excuse the pun!”

Getting the right image is more important than ever for estate agents, according to Mark Charter. “We have to capture a buyer’s attention from the start

Minley Manor recently sold by Carter Jonas and filmed by Skyvantage’s drone

and really market the properties and these spectacular videos have shown great results. Also getting to places that we can’t reach so easily when it comes to surveying is invaluable as it saves time and gives us super perspective. We have many enquiries from people looking to sell in Spring next year and so we are booking in the drone now!”

For further information, please contact Mark Charter, Head of Oxford, Carter Jonas on 01865 511 444 or visit www.carterjonas.co.uk/oxford; or Toby Pocock, Founder & Qualified BNUC Pilot, Skyvantage +44 (0)7950 489 396 or www.skyvantage.co.uk CONTACT DETAILS oxford@carterjonas.co.uk 01865 511 444 www.carterjonas.co.uk/oxford

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B ROW RO W N S O X F O R D 5-11 Woodstock Road, Oxford, OX2 6HA t: 01865 511995 e: e: oxford@browns-restaurants.co.uk

B ROW RO W N S R E A D I N G Unit 5A, The Oracle Centre, Reading, RG1 2AG t: 0118 9503137 e: e: windosr@browns-restaurants.co.uk

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VII BR ROW OW N S W I N D S O R The Promenade, Barry Ave, Windsor SL4 1QX t: 01753 831 976 e: e: windosr@browns-restaurants.co.uk

Open: 10.00am Close: 11.00pm (Fri & Sat close at 12am) Last F Fo ood Order : 10.00pm (Fri & Sat 10.30pm)

CROWDFUNDING, AND PEER-TO-PEER LENDING CAN HELP Profitable and successful small businesses need access to finance to start up and grow, and any lack of this will act as a brake on the economic recovery. In Business Secretary Vince Cable's own words "SMEs feel they have too few lending options other than the big four banks, which is not healthy for the economy."

However, is this view perception or reality?

The fact is there are other forms of finance available to those small businesses which are too small to attract traditional private equity, and which are unwilling to give away large slices of equity to business angels. Two such options are crowd funding and peer-to-peer lending.

How does it work and which is the right option for me?

Crowdfunding is equity related and Peer-to-Peer lending is generally debt related and so interest is charged and the loan is repaid rather than giving equity away. Crowdfunding is therefore more

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OXFORDSHIRE FIRMS GROW

usually suited to start-ups and early stage businesses - show your idea or business to potential investors, who if convinced, will contribute a sum to your venture.

The early days of crowdfunding originated in the United States and was a method by which a business or individual could post a funding requirement online and numerous people could contribute small amounts which together, would make up the total i.e. peer-to-peer lending. Often the ‘reward’ for their contribution was not in fact equity in a business, but another type of reward such as a copy of a film which was being produced with the funds or tickets to an event. But in some cases, the reward would be a share in the business itself. There have been some famous successes in the US with huge amounts of money raised, but there has also been some negative press for peerto-peer funding. Usually, however, these were all generally either equity or rewards. In the last few years, the concept of peer-to-peer debt has arrived

(although it has to be said that its nothing new, with groups of individuals funding business, whether it be equity or debt which has existed for years). The difference with the new models is that they use the internet, and often also include a “bidding” system where funders can choose the interest rate which they wish to offer to a business seeking debt funding. Over the last few years, the systems have become more business orientated and numerous sites have been launched in the UK. They have quickly gained traction and become a part of the overall funding landscape.

How much funding would Peer-to-Peer provide?

The amount of funding available from peer to peer funding sites ranges considerably and can be as little as £10,000 or as high as several million pounds.

Which type of business would use Peer-toPeer debt funding?

www.b4-business.com

B4 finance

It was recently reported that net lending to small companies fell in the second quarter of the year despite reforms to the ‘Funding for Lending Scheme’ designed specifically to boost the flow of credit to the sector.

WRITTEN BY: DARREN GREEN

It is generally only more established businesses which would be successful in sourcing peer-to-peer debt funding as the business needs to be generating cash flows in order to make the loan repayments. It is not un-common for funders to spread their funding across many different businesses as one method of reducing risk.

Finding a Peer-to-Peer funder When you have found possible funders, you need to make sure that you appoint suitably qualified professionals (normally a corporate finance accountant and a lawyer at the minimum) who can advise and work with you through the process.

There may be a due diligence process carried out by the funders and this is where they request lots of information about your business in order to clearly understand it and deal with possible areas of risk. They may ask you to provide warranties (guarantees) over some of the information you provide which can have a financial impact on who

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is giving the warranty if the information subsequently turns out not to have been accurate.

“Crowdfunding is therefore

more usually suited to start-ups and early stage businesses - show your idea or business to potential investors, who if convinced, will contribute a sum to your venture

”

The funders will also be looking for a carefully considered business plan which will also incorporate a certain level of financial forecasts looking at the short to medium term.

There are many aspects to consider when seeking

finance; and this will always involve consideration of both short-term cash requirements and longterm strategic goals. Remember to take proper advice when receiving funds of any kind into your business whether via peer-to-peer funding or any other form of alternative business funding.

Whatever your circumstances, let us do some of the hard work to ensure the best route for you.

Contact Darren Green below for more information. *The MGroup Financial Services Limited, is an Appointed Representative of Financial Limited which is authorised and regulated by The Financial Conduct Authority. The MGroup us a trading style of The MGroup Financial Services Limited.

CONTACT DETAILS d.green@theMgroup.co.uk 01865 404 709 www.themgroup.co.uk

35

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www.intouchcrm.com

B4 r&r

BURFORD

GARDEN COMPANY Since 1977, Burford Garden Company, under founding director and Chairman, Nigel Johnson and his wife Louise, have established a unique experience for customers looking to combine the finest elements of home and garden in one location. Starting life as a simple plant nursery on a derelict farm in the Cotswolds, perched above the hills in the Oxfordshire countryside, Burford Garden Company is now one of England’s largest and most exciting shopping destinations.

WRITTEN BY: RICHARD ROSSER PHOTOGRAPHY BY: BURFORD GARDEN COMPANY

I met with Louise and Burford’s Managing Director, Paul Gingell, to find out what makes this such a special place and Paul is adamant about one key factor, “we have a solid reputation which counts for everything when you are dealing with the general public. We’re also a family business which means this business is driven by the heart, with lots of consideration for everything that we do. Burford is a one off, despite constant requests to set up elsewhere and to have achieved the growth that we have with one outlet is quite a significant achievement of which we are all immensely proud.”

If there is anything negative about the public perception of Burford, it’s that it is very much more than just a Garden Centre, as Louise picks up. “We actually suffer from a common misconception that we are just a garden centre. In fact the name, Burford Garden Company, has been informally replaced by some with Burford Garden Centre, which doesn’t exist! For the best part of 35 years we have been Burford Garden Company and I think this has hindered us to a certain extent. A lot

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of people who haven’t been here and come here for the first time say how amazed they are that we do so much more than sell items for the garden.

We’re very proud of the 50,000 hand-picked lines we sell which are sourced from all over the world, but we also put a lot of work into the Café which has superb chefs and is a very popular destination for our customers.”

According to Paul, approximately 50% of the retail range changes two or three times a year and Paul adds, “that’s what keeps our customers coming back. We regularly get comments like ‘there’s always something new’ and that’s our job, to delight and excite our customers.”

Staff are another fundamental ingredient for any retail operation and the staff at Burford are carefully selected so as to enhance the customer experience, explains Paul. “We employ with a great deal of care. Our staff are our mouthpiece and we ensure that they are on message with everything that we do. They help breed customer loyalty and they are a huge factor in our success.”

As Burford embraces the digital age with a new website launching soon and expands its range with plans for further expansion, you have to admire what Nigel and Louise have created. Burford has set the benchmark for plenty of ‘wannabees’ around the world, with a customer list to die for and A list celebs popping in on a regular basis. After all, if Amanda Holden can wish she had shares in the business and the PM loves the fact that there is always something new going on, then they must be getting something right.

As I left the interview and made my way back through this Aladdin’s cave of all things wonderful, a tiny Robin accompanied me on my way spreading the festive cheer. He obviously agreed with Emma Bridgewater who recently commented that Burford was “the best shop in the country”.

CONTACT DETAILS online@burford.co.uk 01993 823117 www.burford.co.uk

37

CELEBRATING THE BEST DINING IN OXFORDSHIRE The winners of the 2014 Oxfordshire Restaurant Awards were announced on 4th November at a glittering Awards ceremony at Oxford Town Hall.

WRITTEN BY: RICHARD ROSSER PHOTOGRAPHY BY: CERETA DREWETT The students of City of Oxford College

The overall 2014 Restaurant of the Year title was awarded to Shaun Dickens of The Boathouse, Henley.

The Awards celebrated the best food and dining in Oxfordshire. Just under 300 guests attended the stunning ceremony, organised by Tina Rosser of TERA Events. They sat down to a three-course gourmet dinner entirely prepared and served by 16 and 17 year-old students from City of Oxford College (part of Activate Learning). The students were all studying BTEC and NVQs in public services, travel and tourism and hospitality and catering.

Helen Brind, Head of External Development and Partnership at the College said: “Events like the Oxfordshire Restaurant Awards really do change lives. This has given the opportunity for young people to demonstrate their talent and skills.”

Shaun Dickens at The Boathouse in Henley celebrated two wins on the night. He took away trophies (which were also designed and crafted by students at the National School of Furniture at the College) for Best Gastronomic Restaurant and overall winner of the 2014 Oxfordshire Restaurant of the Year.

Shaun was elated by his win. Afterwards he thanked his team and said: “This award means so much to me and all the team, we work incredibly hard at what we do, and to receive this recognition is fantastic. It makes all the long days worth it.”

The evening was introduced by Alain Desenclos, Committee Chairman of Oxfordshire Restaurant Awards, and hosted by Mark Taylor, partner of Darbys Solicitors LLP. Entertainment was provided

by Alina Kozlovskaja who played her own compositions at the piano during the Laurent Perrier sponsored champagne reception, while 38

Helen Brind and Tina Rosser

Michael Bublé tribute, Albie J, sang to diners throughout the meal.

Winner of the most hotly contested category, for brasserie/gastro pub, and coming top of a shortlist of 9 was The White Horse at Kings Sutton. The awards night was the first day off for the pub’s new manager and Chef, Hendrik Dutson and partner Julie Groves. The award is the culmination of 12 months hard work in transforming the pub which they only took over last September. In this time

“A celebration of the best food in Oxfordshire ” they have refurbished the interior and planned a new menu for the gastro pub. Hendrik is passionate about supplying local food and the White Horse has a steadily growing reputation for the quality of its meat, especially venison.

Celebrating after the win, Hendrik said: “This recognition after a year makes it all worthwhile for Julie and I.” An Award for Excellence was made to Raymond Blanc’s Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons. In future years this Award will be known as Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons Award for Excellence. City centre landmark, The Randolph Hotel, won the highly sought after award for Outstanding Service.

Best Asian was The Snooty Mehmaan, Faringdon.

Last year’s winner of the coveted Public Vote, Reg’s Café in Banbury, won the Express Café/Deli category, while Café Aloha in Oxford won this year’s prize for the Public Vote.

A celebration of the best food in Oxfordshire wouldn’t be complete without applauding the best producers and suppliers in the county. The

producers’ award went to Bucksum, growers of seasonal vegetables, and the suppliers’ award went to Jolly Foods, just beating Brackley Butchers and Rectory Farm.

The Living in Oxford Editor’s Choice Award went to La Cucina who also gained recognition for an individual contribution when Mateus di Silva of La Cucina was recognised for the City of Oxford College Trainee Award.

Richard Rosser, Chief Executive of The In Oxford Group and founder of the Awards commented: “The Awards not only celebrated Oxfordshire’s finest restaurants across a wide range of categories, but also honoured Oxfordshire’s producers and suppliers for the first time.

“The scene was superbly set by the team at TERA Events who ensured that not only did the venue look stunning, but that guests were entertained in the build up to the professionally run Awards ceremony. Arguably, however, the greatest triumph of a wonderful night was the culmination of a successful partnership between ourselves, TERA and City of Oxford College which saw in excess of 100 students play their part in a live event for the first time. As Ian Francis, Principal of City of Oxford College mentioned during his address, this partnership has been a massive success and has provided the students with invaluable experience. I would also like to give our sponsors a special mention for their unbelievable support.”

Photographs of the event, courtesy of www.ceretadrewettphotography.co.uk, can be purchased from: http://bit.ly/1Gpj5Rq For further information or to enter for 2015 awards, please download an entry form at our website: www.oxfordshirerestaurantawards.co.uk www.b4-business.com

B4 events

AWARD WINNERS RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR WINNER: Shaun Dickens at The Boathouse, Henley on Thames

LIVING IN OXFORD EDITOR’S CHOICE AWARD WINNER: La Cucina.

GASTRONOMIC RESTAURANT WINNER: Shaun Dickens at The Boathouse, Henley on Thames.

BEST PRODUCER WINNER: Bucksum.

BEST SUPPLIER WINNER: Jolly Foods.

GASTRO PUB / BRASSERIE WINNER: The White Horse, King’s Sutton Shaun Dickens celebrated two wins

TRADITIONAL PUB RESTAURANT WINNER: King and Queen, Longcot.

ASIAN WINNER: Snooty Mehman, Faringdon.

EXPRESS, DELI, CAFÉ WINNER: Reg’s Café, Banbury.

OUTSTANDING SERVICE AWARD WINNER: The Randolph Restaurant, Oxford.

AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE WINNER: Le Manoir Aux Quat’Saisons.

VOUCH PUBLIC VOTE WINNER: Café Aloha.

“Events like the

Oxfordshire Restaurant Awards really do change lives. This has given the opportunity for young people to demonstrate their talent and skills

”

CITY OF OXFORD COLLEGE TRAINEE OF THE YEAR WINNER: Mateus di Silva, La Cucina.

PREVIOUS WINNERS Last year’s overall winner was the Star In at Sparsholt, in 2012 The Feathers in Woodstock, and in 2011, The Feathered Nest at Nether Westcote in the Cotswolds with panoramic views over the Evenlode Valley.

THE SPONSORS In addition to the Judging Panel and review team, the Awards are held with the invaluable help and support of 23 Oxfordshire Businesses including, City of Oxford College, Roots of Oxford, Living in Oxford Magazine, Oxford Wine Company, Wellers Accountants, Osbornes Insurance, Bean Bags, Oxford Event Hire, Isis Creative Framing, NSF, Blueprint, Riche de Fleurs, Passion for Food, A&J Catering, Amberley Court, Vouch, CAV, Laurent Perrier, The Buzzworks, Oxford Bar Company, TERA Events, Clark Howes, Cereta Drewett Photography.

PRAISE FOR THE AWARDS “We have worked with you now supplying the certificate mounts and frames for the Oxfordshire Restaurant Awards for a number of years and we can honestly say 2014 has pipped all those that have gone before. The event was smooth, well organised and a joy to attend. It was a particular pleasure to be part of the inaugural attendance of the students from the City of Oxford College. How can 2015 better this?” John Brooks MD - Isis Creative Framing “I just wanted to thank you so so much for inviting me to the Restaurant awards!! It was an absolutely amazing night and thoroughly enjoyed by all, thank you sooo so much!! I had a wonderful time and so grateful to be invited!

Once again, thank you so so much and speak soon, Very best wishes.” Nick Downie - Head of Communications Stoke Park “A great occasion and a great fun night. Thank you for having us both there. Really enjoyed it.” Simon McCrum - Managing Partner, Darbys Solicitors LLP “Thank you for arranging a wonderful evening yet again! It is so great to feel such enthusiasm for the hospitality sector and Oxfordshire should be proud to number people like you and your team who can harness such positive endorsements for the services and diversity of eateries in the county!!

Food was excellent and teaming up with the next generation of hospitality professionals is genius!!

Thank you!” Isabelle, Rhodes House www.b4-business.com

“What a fabulous occasion! You should be really proud to have delivered such a happy, glittering and fun event. The whole mise en scene was magnificent and the food and wine were excellent.

Jo and I enjoyed it very much indeed and we both thought that we had never seen the Main Hall looking so stunning. Congratulations to you both.”

Councillor Bob Price - Hinksey Park Ward, Leader of Oxford City Council “Many thanks for your email; we were delighted to win the award. The team at the hotel have been working very hard and this is really is a great accolade.

I enjoyed the event very much and thank you for arranging such a super evening. The venue, service and food were very good and certainly everyone who attended from The Randolph has a super evening.” Michael Grange - General Manager, The Randolph Hotel “Congratulations on organising a fabulous event at the Town Hall last night. It was a thoroughly enjoyable experience and you had clearly thought of all the details. The glitz and glamour of the occasion was great fun, and I particularly loved the stripy chair covers with wonderful yellow bows! The musical entertainment was also spot on, with that Michael Buble character singing for all he was worth and really using the whole of the floor space! Alice Ogilvie - Head of Venue Services, Bodleian Library

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OXFORDSHIRE RESTAURANT AWARDS PHOTOS FOR SALE Prices: 7x5 print £10. A4 print £15. Digital image files £20.

T H E

OX F O R D S H I R E

RESTAURANT

AWARDS To see more and order photographs.

Please visit: http://bit.ly/1Gpj5Rq

Photography: www.cherry-annballantyne.co.uk

B4 events

VENUS AWARDS OXFORDSHIRE 2014 NatWest Venus Awards Oxfordshire 2014 in association with North Oxford BMW - Winners Announced WRITTEN BY: VENUS AWARDS PHOTOGRAPHY BY: CHERRY-ANN BALLANTYNE

Following thousands of votes, over 1,500 nominations and applications an d a frenzy of excitement, the Oxfordshire Venus business women Awards announced the 2014 winners at the Oxford Belfry on Friday 14th November 2014. Hosted by Cerys Nelmes and Tara Howard, Venus Awards Founder, the evening was a huge success.

Expanding across the country, in regions already such as Dorset, Devon, Southampton, Brighton, Portsmouth, Oxford and Birmingham, this is the first year the Venus Awards were in Oxfordshire to recognise and reward the amazing business women of Oxfordshire.

The awards were founded in 2009 by Tara Howard, then Managing Director of Langtry Manor Hotel in Bournemouth. “The night was magical, the food fabulous, the setting stupendous and the atmosphere electric. It was so inspiring to see the wealth and diversity of successful Oxfordshire business women. I felt so honoured to be on stage with the winners of the various categories who were deservedly recognised for their achievements. We have not had an awards ceremony yet without lots of laughter and a few tears – this year was no exception.”

As one of the Awards’ sponsors, we would like to congratulate the B4 members and recognise the B4 members who were sponsors amongst the list of winners as follows: Employer of the Year Emily Boardman - Turpin & Miller LLP "Emily Boardman is a Solicitor and one of the Partnersat Turpin & Miller LLP. She is the head of the Family Department. She works in both the Oxford and Reading offices.

She studied law at The University of London (SOAS) and obtained her professional qualifications from The College of Law (London). She trained in London and worked at Horwood & James in Buckinghamshire before joining Turpin & Miller LLP in 2006.”

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North Oxford BMW Green Business Award Susanne Austin - Oxfordshire Green Construction Showcase and Oxfordshire Green Construction Network. A True Earth Mother Susanne believes in a more harmonious relationship between all inhabitants of this beautiful planet. She encourages and inspires us to respect each other, Mother Earth, and be aware of our use of our precious natural resources.

MX Marketing Networker of the Year Placi Espejo - Bicester Vision Placi has a passion for helping businesses, particularly innovative Oxon start ups, loves being part of the Bicester Vision team and is extremely honoured of being a Director of Oxfordshire Business First and a mentor for Oxford Entrepreneurs.

Checkaprofessional.com Professional of the Year Sarah Morris - HR2YOU Sarah Morris is the Director of HR2YOU and has singlehandedly grown the brand since 2009. Sarah has an enthusiasm for people and business which is testament to its success and continued growth.

NatWest Small Business Award Sue Caulfield - Metro Rod (Oxon and West Bucks) Susan is very proud of her achievements, after life saving surgery in 2009 she has thrived on running and growing her business. Increasing turnover year on year and constantly striving to improve the service Metro Rod (Oxon and West Bucks) provide.

Henmans Freeth Business of the Year Alison Hargreaves - Guides for Brides Alison is the founder and Managing Director of Guides for Brides, an on-line wedding business dedicated to putting businesses in touch with brides. She is proud to be part of a female oriented team in a male dominated industry of on-line publishing.

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Conference @SaïdOxford Your future is our business The combination of stunning spaces, impressive technology, delicious food and unbeatable locations makes Saïd Business School, the centre for Oxford’s conferencing

• • • •

P Professional roffessional and fr friendly iendly cus custom tom ser service vice and dedic dedicated ated A AV V suppor supportt orld clas actions of Ox ford Ac Accessible cessible ccentral entral England loc location ation with w world classs attr attractions Oxford E Excellent xcellent tr transport ansport link linkss etty of meeting rroom atres Wide v variety ariet oom and lec lecture ture the theatres

Park Park End S Street treet

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• State-of-the-art State-of-the-art ffacilities acilities

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• All ye year ar rround ound rresidential esidential av availability ailability

To find out more about our facilities across these two sites: www.sbs.oxford.edu/conference Email conference@sbs.ox.ac.uk

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Telephone 01865 422757

B4 hr

HIGH CALIBRE RECRUITMENT B4 talks to Alan Hine of myFD Recruitment, based in Banbury Road, Summertown: Alan’s company specialises in placing Finance Directors (FDs), Financial Controllers (FCs) and other senior managers in small to medium enterprises (SMEs) and smaller listed companies. Over coffee in his bright and airy office, Alan shared the secrets of his success as he spoke with lively enthusiasm about his background and business.

WRITTEN BY: FIONA BROSTER PHOTOGRAPHY BY: ROGER ASKEW & BEN MOLYNEUX

After graduating in law, Alan qualified as a chartered accountant in 1988 after training with Grant Thornton. He then pursued his career with ShawGibbs in Summertown where he developed a specialism working with ambitious growing SMEs. Successfully combining his accountancy knowledge and strong interest in people, Alan made his career move into recruitment at Robert Walters Associates, now one of the leading recruitment firms in the finance market and which he helped to float in 1996.

Alan has successfully recruited permanent and interim positions for corporate clients ranging from SMEs to Plcs and now specialises in FD, FC and other accountancy roles. His network is particularly strong in Oxfordshire and the Thames Valley.

“Our success is based on our full understanding that effective recruitment is not just about the right

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qualifications but also about getting the right personality to suit your business” Alan explained.

With 24 years of experience Alan has well

“We have an extensive network of high calibre professional contacts, which means we can respond promptly to source the optimum candidate

”

myFD Recruitment can also offer interim and other flexible arrangements. “We have an extensive network of high calibre professional contacts, which means we can respond promptly to source the optimum candidate to meet your business requirements.” Almost uniquely for a niche recruiter, myFD Recruitment also has its own forum on the web-based business network, Linked-In. Whether you are looking to recruit a financial professional or are one yourself and are seeking a new position, Alan’s skills and experience in finding exactly what you are looking for seem to be right on the money.

Alen Hine, myFD Recruitment

established contacts across the South East. To many of these he is both a successful recruiter and a trusted adviser.

Alan told us that as well as permanent solutions,

CONTACT DETAILS alan.hine@myfd.co.uk 01865 339313 / 07971 224752 www.myfdrecruitment.co.uk

43

4300 NASH COURT Oxford Business Park, Oxford TO LET 9,139 sq ft

Two storey self contained office on popular Business Park.

EPC Rating – C(72)

BANNISTER HOUSE Langford Locks, Kidlington TO LET/ FOR SALE 2,379 – 14,685 sq ft Prominent Grade A office building well located opposite Oxford Airport.

EPC Rating – C (67)

ST GEORGES MANSIONS George Street, Oxford TO LET 2,041 – 9,463 sq ft Modern offices in Prominent Location in the Heart of the City Centre.

EPC Rating – E(108)

KING CHARLES HOUSE Park End Street, Oxford TO LET 8,072 sq ft

High Quality City Centre Office Suites.

EPC Rating - D(91)

unrivalled local and regional expertise Richard Venables Tom Barton Duncan May

rvenables@vslandp.com tbarton@vslandp.com dmay@vslandp.com

news Catalyst for Change 25th November 2014 marked a momentous event in Oxford’s history. We eagerly watched the Oxford Mail blog that evening and at 9pm eventually news came through that Oxford City Council had agreed to grant planning permission for the redevelopment of the Westgate Centre! The current Westgate Centre was opened in 1973 and included a new Selfridges and Sainsburys. For the last fifteen years or more the redevelopment of this 1970s edifice has been debated between developers and planners. At last we are likely to see work start on this long awaited redevelopment in 2015 with the new 800,000 sq ft 21st Century shopping experience opened by late 2017.

Blackwells Music Shop which is soon to be a tourist/ souvenir shop following competitive bidding which will see new rental levels reached.

The Westgate Alliance, a JV between the Crown Estate and Land Securities are likely to spend £500m on this redevelopment which will ensure that Oxford city centre has a retail venue to rival all its neighbouring centres. It is understood that there is already strong demand from retailers for the new scheme which should see the range of retail offering increase in Oxford. Demand is always strong for city centre shops but the lack of available units frequently drives rents in an upward direction making Oxford one of the most expensive trading locations in the country. Broad Street is one such location where rents are on the rise. The City Council are shortly to complete on the letting of the ex

As we have reported in the past these changes do not come without some pain, as we are experiencing with the ongoing traffic infrastructure works. But in the medium term we believe we will see Oxford thrive as a dominant regional commercial centre once again and that the new Westgate Centre together with the new rail developments will be a game changer for Oxford and a catalyst for further development focused on Oxford city centre which for many is an embarrassment to a city which is otherwise blessed with architectural gems.

It is understood the existing West Gate centre will close form September next year. This could impact on the attraction of Oxford as a retail destination and impact Oxford’s other retailers. The interest in the Broad Street shop would suggest retailers are still confident in the city as a retail location and the growth of Oxford as a tourist destination. It is important that Oxford works hard to ensure that consumers realise it is still ‘open for business’ and we know the newly formed Oxford Town Team is on top of this.

Deals Done...

Here are a selection of the transactions which we have completed in the last quarter:

Compass House, Farmoor 1,560 ft let to Active Education Group Limited

Oxford Town Hall, 1930s Office Block 6,600 sq ft let to Oxford Centre for Innovation

Blue Boar Court, Oxford 5,050 acquired by Semmle Limited

Second Floor Belsyre Court, Oxford 2,865 sq ft acquired for Oxford Study Courses Ltd

Fifth Floor Seacourt Tower, Botley 1,700 sq ft let to Helios Ltd

P2 Abingdon Science Park. 16,228 sq ft office high tech building let to GKN Land Systems Limited

Windrush Court, Transport Way, Oxford 72,000 sq ft sold to Oxford Biomedica

21b Avenue Two, Witney 3,500 sq ft let to Stratton Composites Limited

Stratton Court, Abingdon. 6,100 sq ft let to Berks & Bucks Football Association

www.b4-business.com

www.vslandp.com

45

MAGDALEN: Great School,Great Venue Located in the heart of Oxford, with stunning facilities and ample parking to host conferences, corporate events, wedding receptions or parties, Magdalen College School is the perfect choice for your next event.

Call Emma Withers on 01865 242191 or email ewithers@mcsoxford.org to find out more or to arrange a no obligation visit. www.mcsoxford.org

B4 r&r

ATMOSPHERE KANIFUSHI MALDIVES Where do I start? This is heaven, utopia, paradise, the real deal, everything you would ever need and so much more.

Pictures pain a thousand words so read my words if you feel the need to but the pictures will do much more. Just look, dream and get on line. This is an experience of a lifetime you will not want to miss.

WRITTEN BY: RICHARD ROSSER PHOTOGRAPHY BY: ATMOSPHERE

As if a seaplane ride to this beautiful island oasis isn’t enough, when you get there you can take advantage of Platinum Plus, a premium allinclusive plan offering guests exceptional value on a five star Maldivian resort. The actual resort is just 2 km in length and 90 metres wide with lush green palm trees and flourishing tropical vegetation. There’s a large natural coral reef surrounding the island which is located in the sparsely populated Lhaviyani Atoll.

133 km from Make International Airport, the seaplane takes you within touching distance of the beautiful colours of the archipelago. A mesmerising start before you even touchdown.

Everything thereafter is a dream, you’re lost in time for a week whilst breakfast merges into swimming, into sumptuous lunches, lazing, more swimming and then sunset before dinner. Yes you can play tennis, you can jog, you can jet-ski, but why waste the energy when you can lounge about in bubble of sublime effortlessness. I can assure you I didn’t!

Leaving was the sweetest of awful sorrows but that was always going to be the painful bit. With every mouth-watering cocktail, the leaving was going to be harder, with every step taken on the silky white beach, just thinking of packing was turmoil, and with every length swum in the refreshing pools (The Liquid and The Sunset), there was zero chance of logging on to catch up on e-mails.

together with a 5-star Maldivian resort experience.

PLATINUM PLUS Atmosphere Kanifushi Maldives offers a uniquely exclusive premium all-inclusive holiday plan, whereby enhancing the typical 5-star Maldivian resort experience and going that extra mile…

Platinum Plus elevates the regular all-inclusive to a completely new level – from sumptuous buffets & delectable international cuisine to a selection of premium brands of spirits, a great collection of wines from world-over, an unlimited variety of exotic cocktails, together with an array of activities, excursions & adventure, making your stay a funfilled and hassle-free tropical beach holiday experience!

ACCOMMODATION 150 VILLAS & SUITES Atmosphere Kanifushi Maldives offers 150 ‘Sunset View’ detached villas and suites separated by a few meters of tropical vegetation for guest privacy. All villas have direct access to the pristine white beach and the beautiful turquoise lagoon beyond, whilst being surrounded by some of the tallest coconut trees in the region and lush tropical vegetation.

Experiences like this come along infrequently, so make sure you book yours. I don’t think it will be long before we return!

AKIRI SPA by MANDARA The Akiri Spa by Mandara boasts of a spacious relaxation lounge and a spa complex of 06 treatment rooms – all amidst lush landscaped gardens and views of the eastern coast of the island. The Spa also has a sauna, steam room, jacuzzi. Akiri spa also includes a special hair & beauty salon within the spa complex.

ABOUT THE RESORT Amidst an expansive lagoon of turquoise hues surrounded by a long uninterrupted stretch of pristine white sandy beaches; Atmosphere Kanifushi opened its doors to the world on 15th December 2013. Offering guests genuine value

DIVE & SAIL The resort’s PADI licensed Dive Centre is run by a multilingual team of professionals. The full allure of Kanifushi exists both under and upon its waters the sea and air are alive with adventure and the key to appreciating these elements of nature lies in the

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expansive diving & Water Sports centre by DIVE & SAIL. There are several popular dive sites within close proximity including The Shipyard, Anemone Thila, Fushivaru Thila and Alihaa Giri.

ACTIVITIES & RECREATION DAILY ACTIVITIES Guests have a wide selection of dailyand weekly organized activities specially made for Adults and Young Adults at THE CLUBHOUSE - our Sports & Recreation centre. From fitness to adventure, from social activities to competitive sports, available to all guests as part of their Platinum Plus holiday plan!

EXCURSIONS & ADVENTURE There are a selection of 6 options of adventure and cultural excursions that take place throughout the week. Including a picnic on uninhabited island, and several visits to local community islands to learn of the local people and their history DAILY SNORKELING TRIPS As with every atoll in the Maldives, Lhaviyani Atoll has its own unique variety of marine inhabitants and reef formations.

THE KIDS CLUB Atmosphere Kanifushi offers a daily activity schedule even for our youngest guests! Our team at THE KIDS CLUB offers fun and adventurous activities and learning experiences for children to enjoy! Babysitting services are available at a charge for children BELOW 4 years.

CONTACT DETAILS reservations@atmosphere-kanifushi.com (+960) 662 00 66 www.atmosphere-kanifushi.com

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ATTORNEYS BEWARE! Following the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (“the Act”) coming into force in October 2007, there has been a considerable amount of information in the media about the Lasting Powers of Attorney (“LPAs”) introduced to replace Enduring Powers of Attorney (“EPAs”). People are now becoming aware of LPAs and how to go about making one. Whilst it is no longer possible to make an EPA, those completed before 1 October 2007 remain valid and operate in the same way as previously.

WRITTEN BY: VERONICA COWDREY PHOTOGRAPHY BY: HENMANS FREETH SOLICITORS

However, little information is disseminated in the public domain about how attorneys once appointed should exercise their authority, what they can do and more importantly, what they cannot do.

As far as attorneys under LPAs are concerned, much of this information is contained in The Code of Practice which accompanies the Act. Although when he signs the LPA an attorney agrees to have regard to the Code of Practice, and to act in the donor’s best interests, I would anticipate that few attorneys sit down and read the relevant parts to ascertain what “acting in his best interests” with reference to the donor of the power, actually means.

A basic starting point is that an attorney under an EPA or a Property and Financial Affairs LPA has no authority to make medical and welfare decisions on behalf of the donor of the power. The attorney may contribute to a care decision by saying whether or not it is financially viable, but he cannot make the decision. An attorney can only make these types of decisions if the donor lacks capacity to do so himself, and has appointed him as his attorney in a Health and Welfare LPA. A financial attorney under an LPA or an EPA may approach his duties on the basis that he can do anything the donor can do himself, but this is not strictly correct. This is because an attorney stands in a fiduciary relationship to the donor. The attorney may be the donor’s son, daughter or husband, but as far as financial management is concerned, he is in a legal position of trust. He has to act in the best interests of the donor and he must not put himself in a position where his interests and those of the donor may conflict. For instance, imagine a son acting as attorney for his mother. He wishes to take a temporary loan from her to help himelf out of a cash flow problem. Even if the son thinks or knows it is what his mother would have wanted or it is

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what she would have done if she had capacity, it does not mean the transaction is in the donor’s best interests. It puts the attorney and the donor in the position of lender and borrower which is not acceptable unless the mother truly has capacity to understand the financial consequences of the loan and agrees to it having taken independent financial or legal advice, or the arrangement has been sanctioned by the Court of Protection.

Investment is another area where the attorney must take care. There are two common misconceptions when it comes to investment by an attorney. The first is that attorneys acting under an EPA or LPA can do whatever they like with the donor’s funds. The second is that attorneys can do whatever the donor could, or would, have done personally if he had had capacity, subject to any restriction or conditions imposed in the power of attorney document. The attorney is in a similar position to a trustee and as the Senior Judge of the Court of Protection pointed out in a recent case, “managing your own money is one thing. Managing someone else’s money is an entirely different matter”.

An attorney must act in much the same way as trustee when investing the money of the donor. He must take professional advice and make investments that are suitable and that cater for the needs of the donor. He must diversify the investments as far as it is appropriate in the circumstances. In the case referred to above, an attorney thought she was justified in investing the donor’s money in a small reptile breeding business where she had been promised a substantial return on the investment. This was a high risk strategy which the attorney sought to justify on the grounds that the donor liked small animals and so, the attorney thought it would be an investment the donor, her aunt by marriage, would want and be happy with. The Senior Judge was not amused. The fact that the investment had been made in the name of the attorney compounded the

mismanagement, as did the daily cash withdrawals from her aunt’s building society account!

There is also considerable degree of confusion over attorney’s powers to make gifts. The only circumstances where the attorney can make gifts on behalf of the donor are laid out in the Act. Broadly speaking the attorney may make gifts to a relative or someone connected to the donor, or a charity the donor was in the habit of supporting when he had capacity. The amount of the gift must not be unreasonable in comparison to the size of the estate and, other than gifts to charities, the gift must be made on a customary occasion such as a birthday, Christmas or a wedding anniversary.

Another recent case concerned two nieces of an elderly lady who lacked capacity and resided in a nursing home. They were appointed by the Court of Protection as property and financial affairs deputies for their aunt with very similar limited authority to make gifts to that laid out in the Act for attorneys. They applied to the Court for retrospective approval of gifts to themselves as well as to Charities. The total value of the gifts was £288,800, 57% of their aunt’s estate.

The gifts included designer handbags, a Rolex watch and jewellery as well as cash, lap tops and cars. They described the watches and rings as heirlooms to be passed down through the generations in memory of their aunt. The lap tops and cars they said, were necessary to the performance of their duties as attorneys and visiting their aunt. Needless to say, most of the gifts were disallowed and money had to be repaid. The nieces did not intend to financially abuse their aunt, but they said that as she did not now need very much to cover her living costs, the gifts were reasonable.

However, the judge said that they should have been aware of the law regarding their role and responsibilities and that ignorance of these matters is no excuse.

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B4 advice

“Attorneys must act in much the same way as trustees when investing the money of the donor. They must take professional advice and make investments that are suitable and that cater for the needs of the donor

”

These cases are extreme examples, involving dishonest attorneys. However, the fact remains that if an attorney wishes to make gifts that are any more than routine birthday and Christmas presents, wedding presents and in certain circumstances gifts to Charities and gifts of the donor’s annual inheritance tax allowance of £3000, he must seek prior approval of the gifts by the Court of Protection.

An attorney may re-imburse himself for his out of pocket expenses, but he cannot pay himself for the work he does as attorney unless the donor has specified that he may do so in the power of attorney document or, the Court has sanctioned the payments.

Powers of Attorney, whether EPAs or LPAs are undoubtedly a worthwhile insurance against lack of capacity in the future as they enable a person to choose who should manage their financial affairs if they become unable to do so themselves. On the whole, it is easy for an attorney to use an LPA or EPA to manage day to day matters and keep things “ticking over”.

However, attorneys should recognise those more complex situations where they may need to refer to the Code of Practice to ensure they are going about things correctly and if necessary take legal advice.

The Code of Practice is available to download on: www.gov.uk/government/publications/ mental-capacity-act-code-of-practice If you would like help and advice regarding a power of attorney please contact Veronica Cowdrey, Senior Associate in the Private Client Team on: 01865 781105 or by email veronica.cowdrey@henmansfreeth.co.uk

CONTACT DETAILS welcome@henmansfreeth.co.uk 01865 781 000 www.henmansfreeth.co.uk

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the property feature A new feature coming to B4 Magazine issue 34 (that’s in February): Advice and predictions from Property Experts in your area.

With an extensive and growing membership along the Thames Valley, B4 members are in a unique position to help shape opinion on the issues within key sectors. We want your voice to be heard, whether you are a home owner, renting, or a property professional yourself.

We have collaborated with KyteMark Solutions to create a simple survey which covers a lot of key issues in the industry and would love to get your feedback.

complete the survey at: www.research.net/s/B4_Property_Survey_2014 We promise it won’t take you more than 5 minutes!

Feature in the Property Issue alongside great businesses such as

If you are a property professional and would like to share your opinion on the current property market or predictions for the future we welcome you to get in touch for more details about editorial and advertising rates.

If you already have space allocated in Issue 34, please let us know if you would like this to be included in this Property Feature section.

Call B4 today on 01865 742 211

B4 spotlight

GOVERNMENT AWARDS BICESTER GARDEN TOWN STATUS Bicester is to receive a multi-million pound award to fund the delivery of 13,000 homes, 21,500 jobs after being awarded Garden Town status by the Government.

WRITTEN BY: BICESTER VISION

Earlier this year the Department for Communities and Local Government announced it would offer financial support for local authorities who met the criteria of Garden Town status by providing affordable homes, schools and jobs while preserving the countryside.

we receive will enable us to fulfil our vision and provide the necessary infrastructure and transport improvements to improve Bicester as a place for people to live, work and visit.

Following the submission of an expression of interest, Cherwell District Council was informed on 1st December, it had been successful and would receive the multi-million pound award to fund the delivery of the homes, business and open space as outlined in its submitted Local Plan.

“Cherwell has always been proud to lead the way nationally in housing delivery, through innovative concepts such as sustainable living at north west Bicester and the UK s largest self-build scheme at Graven Hill. The award of Garden Town status shows how initiatives such as these continue to be recognised by the Government and continue to keep Cherwell at the forefront of sustainable growth.”

Cllr Barry Wood, leader of Cherwell District Council, said: “We are absolutely delighted with the announcement that Bicester has received Garden Town status as it reflects how hard we have worked to find a sensitive balance between the expansion of the town and the quality of the development that takes place. It is important to stress that the 13,000 homes have always been planned for Bicester as part of our Local Plan and the funding

The 13,000 homes will be delivered in two phases.

The first phase will be in line with the Local Plan, which outlined the delivery of 10,000 new homes at the north west Bicester eco town, Graven Hill and south west Bicester between 2014 and 2031.

The remaining 3,000 homes will then be built after the end of the Local Plan timeframe from 2031 onwards. However if new brownfield sites are identified in the future then this could result in the

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delivery of additional homes.

New schools, infrastructure and 21,500 jobs will be created alongside the homes, as will improved transport links. This will include faster rail times on journeys travelling to Oxford and Milton Keynes through the East West Rail project.

In achieving Garden Town status Cherwell had to demonstrate a genuine ambition for growth which would bring together homes, jobs, infrastructure and green spaces to create ‘the advantages of the most energetic and town life with all of the beauty and delight of the country secured in perfect combination’, as envisioned 100 years ago by Garden City architect Ebenezer Howard.

CONTACT DETAILS info@bicestervision.co.uk 01869 324244 www.bicestervision.co.uk

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GOODWINSMITH.CO.UK @GOODWINSMITHUK

POISED FOR GROWTH Claire Thompson of Papa Romeo PR talks to Jonathan Walton, director at one of the country’s leading independent Chartered Accountancy practices, Whitley Stimpson about the firms rapid growth in the last year and it’s ambitious plans for the future.

WRITTEN BY: CLAIRE THOMPSON

2014 has been a busy year for the firm, which has just become a finalist in the prestigious British Accountancy Awards for its work in the community.

In April 2014 the firm, which has offices in Banbury and High Wycombe announced its merger with Bicester based Baxter Payne & Haigh, now known as BPH Whitley Stimpson. In the same month it became a limited company and implemented a new, more professional management structure, demonstrating their commitment to continued growth and development of the firm. The firm has enjoyed the ongoing success of their specialist education team and now acts for over 60 Academies and Schools. Last month the High Wycombe office moved to new bigger and better offices in the heart of High Wycombe town centre.

Jonathan Walton, director in charge of Whitley Stimpson’s High Wycombe office explains: “We are a success story. Through merging with other businesses we are now one of the leading firms in the M40 corridor. We have built up a successful client base not just around our own geographical area but also stretching from the Midlands to and into London, and we are now looking for all levels of staff to grow our practice further.”

right premises; so this is a long awaited move that now equips us with an office four times the size, in a central location, just three minutes walk from High Wycombe train station and with ample parking to suit clients and staff alike.”

result we employ great people who our clients love to work with and who stay and grow with us throughout their career. Indeed, many of our current directors qualified with the firm and have progressed with the firm throughout their careers.”

Across their three offices, Whitley Stimpson’s turnover places them within the top 100 accountancy firms in the UK. Whitley Stimpson has moved away from the general practice nature of the firm of years gone by and has established themselves as regional, and indeed national, experts and service providers for a number of developing specialist sectors including the education sector where they are rapidly becoming known for their excellence in providing support to Academies, Multi Academy Trusts and Free Schools.

Whitley Stimpson continue to attract staff from the top 50 accountancy firms and have a very impressive ratio of recognised leading professionals in their fields relative to the overall size of the firm.

They have also been successful in winning new business from larger firms, which lack the flexibility and personal touch Whitley Stimpson provide, and also from smaller firms who cannot supply a wide range of services to growing businesses and specialist sectors.

Whitley Stimpson is set to grow a further over the coming year and this pattern looks set to continue with their ongoing search for new merger partners along the M40 corridor.

The firm has invested heavily in their new High Wycombe home, working sympathetically to maintain the historic fabric of the building. A full refurbishment has been carried out to provide a more modern and upgraded working space within this prominent period town centre building.

Jonathan continues: “Integral to our growth strategy is the successful recruitment, retention, and development of our staff and directors. We have a team of 14 directors, 70 professional and support staff and employ five trainees each year as well as several work experience students.”

Jonathan says: “This move allows us to significantly increase our staffing levels to better service our clients. Town centre office space is increasingly hard to come by and it has taken some years to find the

“The quality of service to our clients depends upon the quality of staff, so we invest in the recruitment process, developing our people and providing clear career pathways and rewards along the way. As a

Jonathan concludes: “Our next key strategic move will be to actively seek a fourth office towards Birmingham, ideally Warwick or Stratford. We are also exploring the opportunity of opening a satellite office, either in Oxford or in London, where we’ve gained significant volumes of new business in recent years.”

“At Whitley Stimpson respect, expertise, integrity, teamwork and a commitment to client service excellence underpin the values that define our culture and unite our team. If this approach is of interest to you and you are post qualified, qualified by experience or have practice experience, then we would love to hear from you. We are a great company with a great future and you can be part of it.”

For more information regarding the roles Whitley Stimpson has on offer please visit www.whitleystimpson.co.uk/careers or contact jonathanw@whitleystimpson.co.uk

CONTACT DETAILS jonathanw@whitleystimpson.co.uk 01494 448122 www.whitleystimpson.co.uk

Proud sponsors of culture in Buckinghamshire. Members of the Whitley Stimpson High Wycombe office with actor Paul Michael Glaser who played the lead role in Fiddler on the Roof at the Wycombe Swan Theatre earlier this year

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B4 spotlight

“This move allows us to significantly increase our staffing levels to better service our clients. Town centre office space is increasingly hard to come by and it has taken some years to find the right premises

�

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55

THE O OAKLEY AKLEY COURT COUR UR RT WINDSOR WINDSO R

AN INSPIRED CHOICE OF VENUE The Oakley Court Hotel has vast experience of hosting major major conferences in stunning surroundings m making aking it an inspired choice of venue. Hold your conference at Oakley Court and you’ll you’ll impress, impress, captivate and inspire your delegates.

We guarantee the very best in service standards offering conference suites and executive boardrooms within a prestigious locati location. on. Our unique unique rooms range from original rooms in the Mansion House which are over 150 years old with high ceilings and original features, to a purpose built function room called The Boathouse on the banks of the River Thames. ,WĹŽV QRW RQO\ WKH SLFWXUHVTXH ULYHUVLGH VHWWLQJ WKDW FUHDWHV WKH ZRZ IDFWRU H[WHQVLYH OHLVXUH IDFLOLWLHV ĹšQH GLQLQJ DQG LPSHFFDEOH VHUYLFH DOO SOD\ WKHLU ,WĹŽV QRW RQO\ WKH SLFWXUHVTXH ULYHUVLGH VHWWLQJ WKDW FUHDWHV WKH ZRZ IDFWRU H[WHQVLYH OHLVXUH IDFLOLWLHV ĹšQH GLQLQJ DQG LPSHFFDEOH VHUYLFH DOO SOD\ WKHLU part in creating a m memorable emorable conference.

At A Glance ‡ Dedicated Meeting and Conference Coordinators ‡ Conference facilities for up to 170 ‡ Executive boardrooms for 4 – 30 ‡ Extensively equipped to meet your requirem requirements ents ‡ Extensively equipped to meet your requirem ents requirements ‡ Conference cafÊ ‡ Inspirational TTraining raining ra ‡ Tailor Tailor made all inclusive packages ‡ DDR or 24 hour packages available ‡ Business service support ‡ Complimentary water

‡ Fully stocked stationery kit ‡ Use of leisure facilities for or overnight delegates – indoor pool, gym gymnasium, nasium, tennis and 9 hole par 3 golf course ‡ Private dining options available ‡ Private m mooring ooring and helipads ‡ AA 2 Star Rosette Award for Culinary Excellence 2013-14 ‡ Beautiful South Awards for Excellence 2013-2014 Gold LSDGYLVRU &HUWLŚFDWH RI ([FHOOHQFH :LQQHU ‡‡ 7UULSDGYLVRU &HUWLŚFDWH RI ([FHOOHQFH :LQQHU ‡ Laterooms Simply the Guest Awards 2013 TTop op Rated

The O Oakley Oakle akley C Court, our rt, Windso Windsor rR Road, oad, W Wa Water ater O Oakley, akley, Windso Windsor, r, Berk Berkshire shire SL4 5UR Tel: 44 (0)1753 609988 F Fax: ax: 44(0)1628 637011 www.oakleycourt.co.uk ww www ww w.o .oakleycour rt.co.uk

B4 property

IN ALL THE RIGHT PLACES

Kevin Wood, Director at Lambert Smith Hampton, Oxford, explains how the best employers find the best work places… and why!

WRITTEN BY: KEVIN WOOD PHOTOGRAPHY BY: OKTRA OFFICE DESIGN

What can a modern workplace do for an organisation?

As businesses focus on being cost effective and operationally efficient, getting the most out of their office space and those within it becomes crucial.

What is 'agile working'?

Using your property to enhance your business by getting the most out of the people in the office for the longest possible time.

The best agile environments offer a range of mixed work areas: traditional desks, soft seating areas, formal and informal meeting space, areas to concentrate and areas to collaborate.

The driving emphasis should be on encouraging people to move themselves to complete a task in a space that feels right, rather than staying tied to their allocated desk, all day, every day.

Sharing versus owning By sharing workspace, rather than owning it, the number of people who can work in a typical office building increases by 25 – 40%. On average, only 53% of workstations are occupied at peak usage so business are paying for 47% of unused office space.

The mantra to be adopted by office occupiers of all sizes is 'fewer workstations and personal space, more workplaces and communal workspace'.

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Magic Numbers

The Lambert Smith Hampton solution

• 12 – sq m of workspace per person • 1.3 – people per workstation • 80 - % utilisation

• Full and in-depth market appraisal to identify likely opportunities • Negotiating a financially attractive lease deal on tenant friendly terms • Undertaking workplace consultancy, due diligence surveys and agreeing dilapidation contribution from vendor's tenant • Ensuring that the design of the space provided maximum efficiencies but also would encourage employee collaboration and motivation • Procuring and managing tenant fit-out building contracts to deliver within agreed timescales to set cost and quality

Source: Barry Varcoe, past chair of CoreNet Global

Operating to these benchmarks will enable collaboration and communication between multiple teams through shared, flexible space and more open areas – a universal aim for businesses.

Creating the modern workplace inherently changes the culture of a business to be more open, collaborative, flexible and productive – staff retention and employee satisfaction are just two of the benefits to be had from providing the right combination of space tuned to the needs of employees.

CASE STUDY – TRIPADVISOR RELOCATION IN OXFORD Lambert Smith Hampton advised TripAdvisor on the acquisition of its two new Oxford offices on Oxford Science Park – providing transactional advice, workplace consultancy and project management advice.

The challenge • Bringing together two business divisions, Holiday Lettings and T4B into one location in Oxford • The target buildings provided large, open-plan floorplates offering flexibility and efficiency of use whilst building in plans for future growth

Results achieved • Lambert Smith Hampton was able to secure significant financial packages for TripAdvisor to off-set against the refurbishment and fitout works required to the building • The end product is a modern office environment which not only looks fantastic, but also creates a productive working environment for a very modern business For advice from the UK's leading commercial property consultancy on agile working, acquisition or property management, contact: CONTACT DETAILS kwood@lsh.co.uk 01865 200 244 / 07900 584 150 www.lsh.co.uk

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ONE ST ALDATES OPENS FOR BUSINESS Oxford Innovation and the City Council have launched a new business and innovation centre at Oxford Town Hall, known as ‘One St Aldates’, as part of the City Council’s aim to increase the range of office accommodation available for start-up and small to medium sized businesses in the city centre.

WRITTEN BY: KELLY LEA PHOTOGRAPHY BY: RIC MELLIS

The move to create serviced offices in One St Aldates stems from the City Council’s Economic Development Team who conducted a review to assess the amount, type and range of business accommodation available in Oxford to support the city’s increasing number of innovative start-ups and university ‘spin-out’ companies.

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Based on data from Oxford Innovation’s Business Survival and Growth Report, published in July 2014, it is estimated that at least 127 gross jobs* will be created by businesses located at One St Aldates throughout Oxford Innovation’s ten-year lease.

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B4 property

“The location is a very attractive proposition for any ambitious business that is looking for an impressive base with the flexibility to grow”

Chris Allington, Managing Director of Oxford Innovation, the UK’s leading operator of business and innovation centres, said: “We are delighted to form a partnership with Oxford City Council which will provide fantastic support to local businesses in Oxford’s prestigious and historic Town Hall. The location is a very attractive proposition for any ambitious business that is looking for an impressive base with the flexibility to grow.”

Mr Allington continues: “I’m confident the offices at One St Aldates will be snapped-up very quickly, mirroring what we’ve already experienced at the Oxford Centre for Innovation, which has been fully occupied for some time.”

One St Aldates can support up to 16 growing companies in 6,000 sq. ft. of serviced offices, available from just 75 sq. ft. to 1,170 sq. ft.

Councillor Bob Price, Leader of the City Council, said: “We are delighted to be able to welcome Oxford Innovation into the Carfax block of the Town

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Hall. The City Council's economic development strategy identified the need for more starter units as a key element in sustaining the city's rapid employment growth over the past decade, and the Starter Unit Review Report stimulated our plans to convert the Carfax block from its former use as offices for Council staff into a focus for innovation activity. The Council as part of the Oxford Strategic Partnership have listened to the needs of local businesses and will continue to work with stakeholders, such as key starter-unit providers, to promote economic growth and prosperity for the city.”

One St Aldates was marketed by VSL & Partners on behalf of the City Council. Richard Venables, Director of VSL & Partners, commented: “One St Aldates was an unusual building because it was sub-divided into so many smaller rooms and split over four floors. It ideally suits a serviced office function and given its central location should be very popular.”

Mr Venables, who is also joint Chair of the City Council’s Economic Development Steering Group continues: “The principle aim of the Economic Growth Strategy for Oxford is to encourage innovation businesses to thrive and provide more starter unit space. This reuse of a City Council property aligns exactly with these aims and should assist the city economy greatly.”

The refurbishment of One St Aldates is now complete to provide contemporary serviced office accommodation with stunning views across Oxford city centre. Businesses interested in finding out more and to arrange a visit, should contact Margaret Hewitt, Centre Director, below.

CONTACT DETAILS m.hewitt@oxin.co.uk 01865 261 475 www.onestaldates.co.uk

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Follow us

The Venue for all Occasions

meetings | weddings | conferences | dinners At the heart of Oxford, Oxford Town Hall is a stunning Grade II* listed Victorian building which offers a diverse range of spaces for hire.

With a capacity for over 700 guests, we are one of the largest venues in Oxford.

Contact us to discuss your requirements w. oxfordtownhall.co.uk | t. 01865 252195 | e. townhall@oxford.gov.uk

B4 health

FORGET VOLATILITY LOOK FOR LONG TERM GROWTH 1st quarter of the year, we are fired up and ready to make changes. Not only are we planning for the business year ahead but this is often the time of year that we make radical changes in an effort to improve our health. Being it starting a new fad diet or hitting the gym every day.

WRITTEN BY: HELEN MONEY

Take a step back, would you expect to grow profits, expand your business, win new clients with the extreme approach that is often taken to diet and exercise? Treat your health as a long term growth investment rather than a short term trade. Write a plan, much like you would a business plan include what you want to achieve over the long term, add in some shorter term specific measurements of achievement, consider what support you need and who are the best people to work with.

When it comes to food there are many radical diets out there, many of which could harm our health.

Aim for a healthy balanced diet. Include all macronutrient groups - don’t cut out the carbs entirely this will leave you with little energy (especially if you are at the gym or local bootcamp as well!). However if you are at a desk all day you do not need the same amount of carbohydrate as an elite endurance athlete. Follow the ¼, ¼, ½ rule for meals - ¼ plate of carbohydrate, ¼ plate of protein and ½ plate of vegetables. Plus add in a healthy mid morning and mid afternoon snack.

Snacks are often where many peoples diet falls down. Plan your snacks and keep them in your desk draw, bag or glove compartment. This will help avoid that mid afternoon vending machine run.

Here are my top 5 snacks that can be kept in the drawer at work: 1. Nuts Nuts are high in protein so a good alternative to carb heavy snacks. Good stress busters.

2. Seeds Great to keep in your drawer for sprinkling on salads and with yogurt. Pumpkin seeds are a source of zinc vital for making new cells.

3. Dried apricots Perfect for when you want that sweet taste. A good source of iron important for mental alertness.

4. 9 bars A great way to snack on seeds and feel like a treat.

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5. Savory oat cakes Perfect on their own or with a topping such as hummus or peanut butter. Provide sustained energy preventing peaks and troughs through the day.

If you have a fridge at work then add yogurt, hummus, carrots, edamame beans and hard boiled eggs For those wanting to lose weight here are my top 7 successful slimming tips: 1. Pace yourself – aim for 1 lb a week weight loss, cutting 500 calories a day from your intake is more likely to result in sustained weight loss than a very low calorie diet.

2. Eat clean, unprocessed food.

3. Switch refined carbohydrates to whole grains – this will keep you fuller for longer and recent research has found whole grains are metabolised more efficiently leading to less fat storage.

4. Include good quality protein with every meal – again this will help you stay fuller for longer. White fish is very low in calories.

5. Add lots and lots of vegetables to your plate.

Non root vegetables are very low in calories.

6. Ensure you are drinking enough water – symptoms of dehydration include hunger

“When it comes to

food there are many radical diets out there, many of which could harm our health

”

7. Plan ahead – carry healthy snacks with you and make sure you have all the healthy ingredients needed to create your planned meals Helen Money Nutrition offers private consultations and diet plans from The Bosworth Clinic (www.thebosworthclinic.co.uk).Helen also works with Corporates offering clinics and workshops.

CONTACT DETAILS helen@helenmoneynutrition.com 01865 339 672 www.helenmoneynutrition.com

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TO O 50 LE ffice ,0 T, s 00 u sq p to ft

www.miltonpark.co.uk

101 & 102 Park Drive, Milton Park Oxfordshire’s newest office development The world-class accommodation provided by 101 & 102 Park Drive is designed to perfectly reflect the values and standards of our customers.

Extending over three floors, the impressive Grade A buildings offer flexible accommodation up to 50,000 sq ft, available as two connecting buildings for one occupier or on a floor-by-floor basis.

NOW AVAILABLE

The outstanding quality of the buildings is enhanced by a wealth of features that ensure exceptional energy efficiency, benefiting both you and the environment.

Connectivity is key to the success of any business, and Milton Park is in an excellent location, linking your business to major cities and transport networks, both nationally and internationally.

For further information contact: Andrew Barlow

Philip Campbell

Ryan Dean

Jon Silversides

MEPC 01235 824107

MEPC 01235 824104

Knight Frank 020 7861 1672

Carter Jonas 01865 404458

MEPC Limited | Innovation Centre | 99 Park Drive | Milton Park | Oxfordshire | OX14 4RY

B4 health

A FEW TRAINING TIPS FROM TLA FITNESS Injury prevention is very important. Why? Running, jumping, burpees and mountain climbers could all be part of your exercise regime. For each of these almost the full body weight of the participant passes through the knee and ankle joints. The body is built to withstand these forces but injury is common, causing pain, frustration and time away from an activity.

WRITTEN BY: TOM ALDEN PHOTOGRAPHY BY: ROB SCOTCHER

As with anything prevention is better than cure:

injury. TLA Fitness regularly holds FREE technique training days!

returning to low impact activity such as cycling or swimming will help in recovery.

• Ensuring that the activity level is appropriate and you are in the correct condition to exercise is essential. A good work out should be tough and challenging but know your limits.

However for anyone partaking in regular exercise an injury, whether minor or severe, is almost inevitable. Whether the injury is from a specific event or is due to overuse, many of the principles of managing the injury remain the same:

• As part of the return to activity, bracing can offer additional stability and confidence in the injured joint whilst helping you to remain mobile for longer.

• Correct preparation is also important. Doing a full warm up and series of stretching will raise the temperature in your muscles and increase the range of motion at the joints. This should help with the intense exercise to follow.

• Proper technique should be achieved, even if this means slowing down. Listen to the instructor or if you’re in the gym then stand in front of a mirror.

Muscles and joints are designed to work in specific ways and in specific directions. Moving outside of this puts strain on the body which can lead to

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• PRICE – Protect. Rest. Ice. Compression. Elevate.

Following injury this simple procedure of recovery is recommended. It is essential that the affected region is rested, allowing the body to heal itself without putting it under any additional stress. The other three steps help to manage the pain and swelling of the injury.

• Returning to activity as soon as possible allows you to strengthen the area and ensure the injury heals correctly. Once the pain has alleviated

TLA Fitness will next be holding a FREE technique training day on 24th January, please contact 'info@tlafitness.com' to let us know that you'll be coming. This training day is FREE and open to anyone!

CONTACT DETAILS info@tlafitness.com 07554 400 401 www.tlafitness.com

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DIGITAL MEDIA MADE EASY! WHAT DOES THIS MEAN - ITS ALL SO CONFUSING... OR IS IT? A majority of people may not understand the term 'digitalisation'. This is where the professional team at Oxford Duplication Centre come in. From corporate or family video editing to audio restoration, enhancements, archive film and slide scanning to authoring and encoding for publication, internet or DVD, the team at ODC are highly confident and familiar with the myriad of possibilities the new digital world can offer us.

WRITTEN BY: ALVIN ROY

Combined with their successful CD DVD and USB duplication services, this company transcends the possibilities of digital conversion. The friendly staff are more than happy to discuss bespoke projects, design print and packaging options, or discuss the new advancements in digital media.

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Those questions like “How do you transfer analogue into the current digital formats?” and “What are the best digital options for my order?" can be answered by the team at ODC, who will both help and support you to understand what you need.

www.b4-business.com

B4 services

HOW THEY ARE KNOWN As a regular B4 ambassador, Oxford Duplication Centre have appeared in our editorials over the years but it has been in the past few years that we have watched the company grow from a disc duplication company, into a professional digital media service provider.

They work very closely with all Oxfordshire businesses, providing an invaluable CD DVD and USB duplication service and have expanded to include full digital printing and packaging and can cover the whole area of digital media.

WHAT ARE THEIR SERVICES? • • • • • • •

CD DVD and USB Duplication Graphic Design and Printing Packaging and Fulfilment Video/Audio Post Production and Editing Digital Restoration and Enhancement Archive Scanning All Format Tape, Film, Audio Conversion

WHAT’S IN STORE FOR 2015 The team's answer is simple; they will keep absorbing and digesting the progressive changes in

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digital media and will constantly develop support that will offer clients new opportunities available in digital media with regard to their project requirements.

“The team at Oxford Duplication Centre will both support you and help you to understand what you need in terms of your orders” SPECIALIST ARCHIVE SCANNING Due to client demand, the team set up a delicate digitisation service in 2014 for fragile archives & collections.

From transferring complex and standard formats of cine film, 35mm slides, negatives, glass plates to small books, photographs, maps, newspapers and much more. Their clients

include the University of Oxford and Pitt Rivers Museum.

VIDEO AND AUDIO EDITING The company can deal with all clients' digital and audio requirements, which includes sound improvements, colour and picture issues, voice overs, track balancing, blur, titling, authoring and encoding and can also solve any digital issues that crop up. Clients include the Cotswold Wildlife Park and the Oxfordshire Jazz Federation.

DIGITAL RESTORATION AND ENHANCEMENT A special restoration service for audio and video is offered to corporate and private clients, which includes private investigators and solicitors where restorative evidence is required.

For more information, contact Cheryl-Lee Foulsham at Oxford Duplication Centre.

CONTACT DETAILS info@theduplicationcentre.co.uk 01865 457000 www.theduplicationcentre.co.uk

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B4 advice

A FAMILY AFFAIR: THINKING AHEAD IN A PRIVATELY OWNED BUSINESS Few individuals start up a new business (or indeed continue to run an established business) with a clear exit plan. Instead they focus on the more obvious immediate issues such as funding and product development, customer service, employees and premises. Whether the vision is to create a family firm that will last for generations or to build up and sell within five years, business owners usually want to create a legacy and ensure continuity for employees. As such, Simon Deans, corporate law partner at Bucks-based law firm B P Collins LLP, explains the importance of considering the future, now.

WRITTEN BY: SIMON DEANS PHOTOGRAPHY BY: DAVE MARRIOTT

Creating the Legacy British entrepreneurs created a record number of new businesses in 2013.¹ Given the various flavours of company ownership, it is essential that business owners discuss the long-term objectives up front – in addition to matters such as company structure, and operational items such as premises and employees.

Indeed, what are the long-term objectives? Build up the company and sell? Or create a legacy to pass on to the next generation? While most company founders believe they share objectives, what would happen if an offer of £5 million was made for the business next month – are all the participants aligned on the outcome? It is only when these questions arise that business owners discover any divergence in long-term goals.

While it may seem over zealous to be discussing these issues so early in the business’ life, it is one of many key considerations that should not be overlooked. While it may be a painful issue to even consider, what contingency is in place should the business owners fall out? What happens if the husband and wife owners get divorced – will the business be torn apart in the ensuing financial split?

Similar considerations need to be put in place for businesses employing family members. If the employment relationship has not been formally documented, what happens if the employee is accused of a disciplinary matter or if the business is sold? Without due consideration, the family relationship could be damaged; and the potential sale compromised.

www.b4-business.com

Building for Growth One of the biggest challenges for any company is moving to the next stage, evolving beyond trusted friends and family to creating a broader management team and looking for external funding. At this point the stakeholders in the business often change - including external investors and new management - creating new pressures and challenges for future direction.

“Even if selling is not in

the plan today, ensuring everything is in order might just make the difference between maximising the value of the business – and losing a life changing opportunity

”

It is therefore essential to put in place an ongoing dialogue between stakeholders and legal advisors to ensure potential issues are acknowledged and problems addressed. Understanding the changing objectives and motivations of all stakeholders is key.

If the owners decide the plan is to build up and sell the business, what is the best way of achieving that objective? An Enterprise Management Incentive (EMI) share option scheme or other equity incentive scheme can be a highly effective tool

since it provides significant tax advantages to employees whilst aligning them to the ultimate objectives to the business. Clever use of the EMI model would provide the founders with the security of the existing value of the business whilst giving anyone in the management team who is not a shareholder in the business a reward linked to their contribution to future growth in value.

Making the Sale It is easy to remain focused on the daily operational grind, failing to step away to see the wider context and it can be too late to reap the full benefits of your nurturing of the business if you ignore the wider context until the time you want to exit the business.

It is important to have open and honest discussions with all business stakeholders from the outset and on a regular basis to ensure these issues are considered and an action plan is in place. Even if selling is not in the plan today, ensuring everything is in order might just make the difference between maximising the value of the business – and losing a life changing opportunity.

To speak with Simon or a member of his legal team about selling your business or planning for succession, see contacts below.

CONTACT DETAILS commercial@bpcollins.co.uk 01753 279022 www.bpcollins.co.uk

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PRESIDENTIAL APARTMENTS Sleek accommodation in the heart of Kensington provided the ideal base for our recent trip to London for the Santander Media Awards.

WRITTEN BY: RICHARD ROSSER PHOTOGRAPHY BY: PRESIDENTIAL APARTMENTS

We were fortunate enough to be nominated for an award in the Santander Financial Media Awards which took place at Millbank Tower’s Skyloft overlooking London in November. Having been placed third in 2013, we decided to push the boat out and stay up in London and enjoy the occasion rather than drive up and back in the same evening.

Keith, Lorna and I left Oxford at 5pm and we were in west London within an hour and at the superb Presidential Apartments front desk by 6.15pm. Parking is also an issue in London and this visit was no exception, however, we found a pay and display spot literally over the road which cost £1 for the night through to 8.30am the following morning. That would be hard to beat in most cities, let alone an affluent London district such as Kensington.

Our apartment was as expected. Stylish, with space in abundance and everything we would need. The second bed had already been put up in the lounge which had a huge plasma screen in, as did the separate bedroom which Keith grabbed. It’s a shame we couldn’t spend longer in the room to derive maximum benefit, but let’s face it, in London a hotel or apartment is always a base and this was just what we needed. We jumped into a cab on the Earl’s Court Road, just 20 yards from the apartments and we were at the Awards within 25 minutes.

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The following morning we were up in time to feed the meter for an hour’s parking (making our total a whopping £4.30 – seriously good value) and we were back in the office by 9.30am, probably earlier than I make when in Oxford sometimes!

“Our apartment was as expected. Stylish, with space in abundance and everything we would need” Presidential Apartments is a first class establishment, in an excellent location.

It is highly recommended for business or leisure visits to London and don’t forget there are two locations – Kensington and Marylebone.

You can read more about the Awards on page 95 of this edition of B4 Magazine. www.b4-business.com

B4 r&r

“With our serviced apartments we offer a lot more space and convenience than you would get in a hotel for the same price but with all the same great services as well”

ABOUT PRESIDENTIAL APARTMENTS Presidential Apartments is a privately owned establishment and was originally opened in 1972. However, it wasn’t until 2008 when a building renovation in Marylebone and a company rebrand happened that it took shape as the place it is today. Shortly afterwards in 2009 our second building opened in the idyllic Kensington area amongst one of London’s iconic garden squares. This new building brought the total amount of rooms up to 100 and helped cement Presidential Apartments as a reliable and modern chain of luxury serviced apartments.

The concept behind the renovation was to maximise space whilst still maintaining full functionality as a standalone apartment. This idea translated into exquisitely designed, modern and clean apartments with full household amenities, washers / dryers / kitchens, seamlessly integrated into the design. Both buildings have this core

model but each with their own bespoke furnishings and individual details that give our apartments a special Home away from home feel.

With our serviced apartments we offer a lot more space and convenience than you would get in a hotel for the same price but with all the same great services as well. We offer continental breakfasts, concierge services such as theatre tickets, guided tours and information and help with all the top tourist attractions and dinner reservations and can also arrange airport transfers as well as transport around the capital. Free broadband internet comes as standard with each room as well as large flat screen TV’s and selected Sky and digital channels, coupled with our vast DVD library, you will never be at a loss for entertainment. Our dedication to offering these extra services will help make your stay as relaxing and luxurious as possible. www.presidentialapartmentslondon.com

WHERE ARE WE IN LONDON KENSINGTON APARTMENTS 6-12 Barkston Gardens, Kensington, London, SW5 0EN Nearest tube station: Earl’s Court T: +44 (0)20 7373 4040 F: +44 (0)20 7373 0103 E: reception@presidentialapartmentslondon.com MARYLEBONE APARTMENTS 102 George Street, Marylebone, London, W1U 8NT Nearest tube station: Bond Street T: +44 (0)20 7486 0097 F: +44 (0)20 7487 3624 E: info@presidentialapartmentslondon.com www.b4-business.com

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Transparency – The Illusion of Zero Gravity Highly efficient pendant LED luminaire.

Architecture of light and transparency.

15mm visible frame.

Built-in Light Control Structure (LCS).

Combination of direct and indirect light.

Light statement in the room: minimalist and clear cut. www.wila.com

news HR2YOU Celebrates 5 Years in Business count and ensuring all needs are met through the comprehensive range of services we offer.

Q: Tell us about these services A: HR2YOU provides HR Support to businesses that don’t have an HR function including businesses from start ups to those which are large enough to have an HR requirement, but not quite big enough to warrant a whole team or a fulltime in-house person. Our offering is innovative and modern in approach, based on making the most out of each individual within an organisation, as well as keeping sight of the bigger picture. Services include: Recruitment & Selection, Head Hunting, Virtual HR Department, Payroll Services, HR Policies and Procedures, Strategic HR, Change Management, Health and Safety, Performance Management, Salary and Benefits, Reward & Recognition and Training.

Q: Why should businesses use HR2YOU? A: We understand the difficulty of running a business and offer expert handson support and guidance with a tailored programme of services that ensure our clients’ organisational objectives are met. Essentially we are there to ensure business owners manage their HR risk by putting in place policies and procedures to avoid Employment Tribunals and to help them grow their business by developing their own people.

Q: As a business owner how do you keep ahead of the game?

B4 speaks to HR2YOU business owner, Sarah Morris as she celebrates 5 years in business providing a modern approach to human resources.

Q: Sarah, last time we spoke you had just reached 3 years in business, now you have hit the 5 year milestone, what’s new at HR2YOU? A: We have grown! We have a new office and the team has expanded. We have also brought an Employment Law Solicitor and Health and Safety specialist in house to provide added value to our clients and extend our service offering.

Q: What have you done to achieve this?

A: We have spent the last 18 months listening to our clients and analysing their feedback; we’ve identified our market and understand that what our clients need is the delivery of straightforward, uncomplicated HR solutions for SMEs. Our support has always been hands-on and we provide practical and effective long-term services and solutions tailored to the specific needs of our client’s organisation to ensure it runs smoothly, efficiently and without avoidable problems.

Q: What’s the key to your success?

A: We are dedicated in providing the highest level of personally tailored customer service to all our clients. We are very proud of our reputation for exceptional customer service, and continue to work hard to provide results that

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A: To be the best in our professional HR capacity, and to maximise our utility to the client, we believe we need to be continuously learning. All of our Consultants are members of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and are fully qualified to deliver Human Resource expertise; our Employment Solicitor makes sure we are always up to date with changes in legislation.

Q: What’s next?

A: The future for HR2YOU and its clients is very exciting. Building on the areas of business where we are already growing, the mission is to continue to provide and further develop cost effective, high quality and immediately accessible support for SMEs. We are currently developing a series of new and innovative mobile solutions which are on target for release Q1 next year. Our plan is to keep growing in size and to build on our profile as a forward thinking modern consultancy.

What our clients say “HR2YOU provides a conduit for our staff, and their approach is very much aligned with our own values and goals.” Patrick Burgess, CTO, Nutbourne Ltd “…the recommendations were not simply self-serving and were not focused on how much money the agency could make!” Dominic Hare, FD Blenheim Palace For more information about HR2YOU and talking to Sarah about your HR requirements, contact info@HR2YOU.co.uk. www.hr2you.co.uk

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2014 WITH CITY AUDIO VISUAL Catch up with CAV and all they've been up to over this past year.

WRITTEN BY: RHYS DANINO PHOTOGRAPHY BY: CERETA DREWETT

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www.b4-business.com

B4 events As winter arrives each year, here at CAV, we tend to notice a change in the nature of our bookings. The days of outdoor festivals, weddings, and garden parties are well behind us. There are upsides and downsides, naturally - you wouldn’t believe how warm working in a marquee can be! - but, of course, winter brings its own distinct flavour of work.

We rounded off October with an evening audience with Boris Johnson at one of our most faithful customers, Blenheim Palace. As the final event of the Palace’s annual Literary Festival, it’s small wonder that BoJo was bringing along his new book: a new biography on local lad - and former Prime Minister Winston Churchill. These days, anyone who even glimpses a newspaper will be aware that questioning BoJo’s ambitions is almost a national sport … but we couldn’t possibly comment, of course.

Our work over the recent months has had a rather distinctly martial air. Let’s start with our work at the Royal Military Academy in Sandhurst, Berkshire. If memory serves, this was a new venue on our roster. We provided a projector and screen, along with full audio coverage, for the inaugural ILM Conference.

The Institute of Leadership and Management works to provide qualifications for businesses wishing to develop their leadership positions.

The conference provided further insights as various speakers demonstrated several methods for building good leadership. In a setting as grand as Sandhurst, it was hard not to be inspired!

“as Christmas draws

closer, we’re gearing up to be involved in myriad light switch-ons, as well as fairs and end-of-year galas. It’s a great time of year” www.b4-business.com

A little closer to home, we were pleased to work with the Armed Forces in a more direct capacity. Earlier this October, roughly a hundred airmen from nearby RAF Brize Norton - specifically 4624 (Movements) Squadron - were awarded freedom of the county. I must admit, I had to look this term up before the event! It’s a county-bestowed award, recognising both long service and the Squadron’s extensive charitable and humanitarian work - locally and overseas. The airmen are given the right - and I quote - “to march through the streets … with bayonets fixed, drums beating, and colours flying.” Well - what can I say? - they did exactly that; an impressive sight indeed. Our warmest congratulations to 4624.

Still in theme, we were once again very pleased to be working with Oxfordshire County Council for their annual Remembrance Sunday events. This year, we’ve been asked to provide staging and sound equipment to events in both Oxford and Banbury. As one of our most visible, and well-attended, events of the year, rest assured that we'll be deploying our tidiest kit, making sure that everything goes without a hitch and to the highest standard.

On to a touch of royalty. We were involved in a biennial meeting hosted by the Royal School of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. As patron of the RSTMH, Louise, Princess Royal and Duchess of Fife, was one of the key speakers at their three-day summit meeting in Oxford.

Another job to which we greatly looked forward to was the Oxfordshire Restaurant Awards. This year, the Awards were hosted at our perennial haunt, the Oxford Town Hall. I’m afraid I must admit, this is one of my nightmares. I love cooking, but of course hosting a dinner party is stressful. “Now”, I think, “imagine cooking for scores of guests.

All at once. And they all know their food…” definitely a fear of mine. Then again, the ORA is an erstwhile local event, so someone more culinarily-skilled than I must be doing something right! We congratulate Shaun Dickens at the Boathouse for winning the 2014 restaurant of the year prize, and of course to all the other category winners.

A small piece of news from our Botley Road warehouse, as we settle in to our redesigned first floor. I have to say, the increased storage it has provided us really does come into its own! Down on our shop floor - on the rare occasion that the lion’s share of our stock isn’t in use somewhere - it can be a very tight squeeze between the shelves and cases! Of course, it’s worth it for the new kit. We've recently acquired some audio equipment, as well as continuing our refreshment of TV display stock.

As mentioned in the previous issue, we were delighted to bring Pink Floyd’s ‘Dark Side of the Moon’ alive in full quadraphonic sound.

This was partly a fundraising initiative for Maggie’s, a cancer care charity. As a result, I’m very happy to inform you that Maggie’s has recently opened a brand-new care facility at the Churchill Hospital in the city. Our best of wishes to them; we hope to continue supporting their endeavours in the coming years.

So - looking ahead, what will the winter months bring? We’re keeping a few events under wraps at the moment (no pun intended), but as Christmas draws closer, we’re gearing up to be involved in a myriad of light switch-ons, as well as fairs and endof-year galas. It’s a great time of year, when the area really does come alive - we’ll see you there.

CONTACT DETAILS info@cityav.co.uk 01865 722 800 www.cityav.co.uk

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B4 spotlight

GRACECHURCH WHERE THE CLIENT IS KING

Gracechurch Wealth Management is a firm of IFAs based in Milton Keynes offering ‘Holistic Personal Financial Planning’.

Richard Lawrance took some time out to talk Matt Wright through the Financial Markets.

WRITTEN BY: MATTHEW WRIGHT

Personal finance has rarely enjoyed so much front-page attention since this year’s March budget. Headlines such as ‘Pensioners should be free to buy a Lamborghini’ have made the usual dour subject of personal pensions a real hotbed of debate. This, along with far-reaching changes to the way that financial advice can be sold following the Retail Distribution Review, has left many people scratching their heads.

Richard, it’s been quite a roller coaster few years for the financial markets hasn’t it?

Well, Gracechurch was set up in 2006, just before the financial crisis of 2007-08, so we’ve seen some interesting markets during our time. I joined the firm in 2011 and have seen the company go from strength to strength during that time, with the Retail Distribution Review ‘RDR’ causing a real shake-up in the industry - a number of retail and investment banks have pulled out of the wealth management industry in the UK since RDR. So how have Gracechurch prospered during this period?

As an independent firm, we’ve really flourished - there appears to have been widespread dissatisfaction with the quality of service provided by large banks, which is something we pride ourselves on here at Gracechurch - personal advice. We also benefit by being a reasonable size IFA, which provides us with a breadth of specialities, and significant economies of scale.

With that in mind, what are your particular specialities?

I won’t get too technical here - all IFAs at Gracechurch have the industry qualification (Benchmark Level 4 Diploma) which covers all the core subjects, and enables us to provide a complete investment advisory service. However, I’ve gone on to take further examinations (a Level 6 Diploma) in which I’ve specialised in Personal Tax, Investment Planning, and Pensions.

More exams - you must have a real passion for Financial Services?!

Yes, although prior to becoming an IFA, I spent 8 years in Royal Army Ordnance Corps, and after I left, a further 10 years in the Territorial Army with the Royal Green Jackets. I went on to work with Allied Domecq, dealing on a consultancy basis with various business owners, so I’m used to helping people to achieve their goals - it’s what I love most about my job.

Outside of work though, I do have a personal life - I’m a family man, with 2 teenagers, the eldest of whom is currently planning to study Medicine, so I’d better make sure my own financial planning is up to scratch! I’m also a keen Bath rugby fan, an avid fly fisherman, and a keen military historian - I guess you can never take a man all together out of the army!

PERSONAL TAX Key clients: high net worth individuals and self-employed business owners Objectives: tax planning to minimise liabilities USPs: we work closely with tax accountants to provide up-to-the minute advice Case Study: I recently acted for an elderly retired gentleman who had just sold a significant portfolio of shares leaving him with a capital gain of £135,000, giving rise to a capital gains tax liability in excess of £35,000.

We rolled his gains over into an Enterprise Investment Scheme ‘EIS’ which allowed him to defer his capital gains tax, and after 2 years will provide him with full relief from inheritance tax.

Note that EIS is an HMRC-approved scheme - we don’t recommend or give advice on any of the ‘tax shelter’ schemes which have recently thrust a number of comedians and musicians into the spotlight!

INVESTMENT PLANNING Key clients: Minimum investment £200,000 Objectives: review fund choices every quarter and rebalance asset allocation every 6 months in order to maximise returns for given levels of risk USPs: we have our own in-house investment manager and fund analyst and run our own model portfolios Case Study: We commonly act for clients who have sizeable non-active investment portfolios, which haven’t been performing either due to poor investment strategies or adverse charging structures.

Our model portfolios provide us with the ability to construct portfolios for our clients which match their personal circumstances and risk appetite - we operate 9 growth and 2 income portfolios, with our buying power allowing us to access some less well-known funds or ones which are rarely available to the general public.

We offer every Gracechurch client under our standard service agreement a faceto-face annual meeting with his/her IFA at which financial performance and the client’s objectives are reviewed. By understanding our clients and their impending needs (e.g. upcoming university tuition fees), we can advise them on all their financial needs, not just investment funds.

PENSIONS Key clients: Minimum fund size £200,000 Objectives: review fund choices every quarter and rebalance asset allocation every 6 months in order to maximise returns for given levels of risk USPs: we have our own in-house investment manager and fund analyst and run our own model portfolios Case Study: There is no reason why money purchase pensions should be looked at any differently to any other investments - they are simply tax wrappers, and with the forthcoming 2015 legislation changes, have been likened in some quarters to a ‘Giant ISA’!

Many thanks Richard, lovely chatting with you…..I’d better get prepared for 2015!

We are now seeing a significant amount of pension enquiries - either from individuals who hadn’t previously considered investing in pensions, or from those who currently have a number of under-performing pension plans which require attention.

The value of investments (including property) and the income derived from them may go down as well as up.

Gracechurch Wealth Management LLP is authorised and regulated by The Financial Conduct Authority. FCA number 454766.

If we are approached, we always undertake due diligence first to check the best course of action - it may be that the pension pot comes with an attractive guaranteed annuity rate which makes it better to be left alone.

CONTACT DETAILS Richard.Lawrance@GracechurchWM.com 01908 209 220 www.gracechurchwm.com

www.b4-business.com

On the other hand, it may be an old scheme which will not permit flexible access drawdowns and hence should be moved if the individual wishes to access it come the age of 55 (per the 2015 changes).

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B4 r&r

“Oxford is a very competitive market, so we're not unique, but we are individual and suit certain needs very well

”

Sue Palmer, The Oxford Hotel

GAME ON

Matt Wright chatted with Sue Palmer, new Director of Sales at The Oxford Hotel about her plans for 2015... not forgetting Christmas this year!

WRITTEN BY: MATTHEW WRIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY BY: STUDIO 8

Game On. That's the tagline for The Oxford Hotel's seasonal bar and lounge menu, but could just as easily apply to the management team, which has seen 4 high-profile additions in almost as many months.

Sue - let's cut to the chase... why The Oxford Hotel?

From a sales point of view, my primary responsibility is the corporate client base, be it for functions, events, or conferences. Oxford is a very competitive market, so we're not unique, but we are individual and suit certain needs very well and I'm looking to build upon that. If you're a corporate and want everything in one place, with plenty of parking (a particular bugbear in Oxford!), first-class meeting facilities, and a dedicated conference team, we have to be on your priority list.

How do you cater for conferences and events here compared to the competition?

You can look at this two ways - there are the facts: 23 meeting rooms for 2 to 350 delegates, www.b4-business.com

complimentary high-speed wi-fi, 168 luxury bedrooms, a great restaurant, gym/beauty treatment spa with swimming pool....etc. Then there is the service: our meeting rooms have a dedicated conference host, who represents a central point of contact, meets, greets & looks after every need. I've always been a people person - I believe people buy from people they like, and return to do business with those they trust.

Maybe you could fill us in on how you came to be here?

I'm a mother of 4 grown-up girls, and my earlier roles saw me working for Robert Maxwell and then setting up a successful nursery, so I'm used to handling demanding people! I started in the hotel industry about 10 years ago as a sales co-ordinator, cold-calling to set up appointments for sales managers - that taught me the importance of building up relationships. I then progressed to Sales Manager, first for one hotel, then for a region, before joining the Oxford Hotel in September.

The Christmas Party season is almost upon us - does that come under your remit?

It certainly does! Our Christmas packages run from November to January, and we only have limited space left for December. People love the fact that everything is in one place without the hassle of parking, or having to move from one venue to another, splitting groups up. Smaller companies in particular enjoy the atmosphere from taking a table of 10, or a part-table in a shared room – a drink on arrival, party favours, a delicious three course Dinner, half bottle of wine per person, music, dancing, all for up to 240 people.

CONTACT DETAILS spalmer@thehotelcollection.co.uk 01865 489988 www.thehotelcollection.co.uk

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BROOKES SPORT

STRONG BODY, STRONG MIND Whilst Oxford Brookes University is rightly lauded for its academic credentials, Brookes Sport is the lesser-known part of the equation. Matt Wright sat down, stood up, then walked around with Keith Kelly, Director of Sport, to find out more.

WRITTEN BY: MATTHEW WRIGHT

BROOKES SPORT - THE BACKGROUND Facts & figures (www.brookes.ac.uk/brookes-sport/) • 8,000 members, split 5,000 students & 3,000 general public (more of that later); • Two multi-facility gym complexes; Brookes Sport Headington and Brookes Sport Botley; • Wheatley pavilions and grounds - outdoor tennis, football and cricket pitches; • Rowing boathouse located on the River Thames at Cholsey.

Not just a facility for students - here for the whole community • The place to exercise for everyone: swim, keep fit, lift weights, or just unwind.

• The home ground for numerous sports clubs: Oxford Hockey Club, Wheatley Tennis Club, and Oxford Hoops Basketball Club to name but three.

• The go-to destination for hundreds of children: from Mums 'n Tots mornings, to rock-climbing parties, and half-term clubs, kids are superbly catered for.

status as the best-equipped centre in the Home Counties - climbing is a particular favourite for kids parties, so again, the community will gain from our investment.

So the non-student community is particularly important to Brookes Sport?

Absolutely - we're always looking to give something back, and to encourage sports participation in general. For example, our students were helping out at the Oxford half-marathon which took place last weekend, and Brookes Sport Botley will be hosting the inaugural Harcourt parkrun next weekend [editor note: Sat 18th Oct]. Also, we have successfully gained access to Sport England’s University Activation Fund which is to be used to help encourage students and the public in general to take up some sporting activity....so watch this space.

Impressive - but do the students receive preferential treatment?

Keith, I had no idea that Brookes Sport was so extensive or wellequipped It's true, we’ve worked hard to have such great facilities, and we're always looking to develop them further to help benefit the community. We recently upgraded our hockey pitch to National One League standard, and these are extensively used by both Brookes' hockey teams and Oxford Hockey Club, with whom we share the facilities. Next year, we're also looking to add an external climbing wall to our already impressive indoor facility, in order to maintain our

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Rarely - there are some facilities which are purely for students, such as the Rowing Club, but this is because, apart from a small student novice section, we compete at an elite level and there simply isn't room to accommodate anybody else. The results have been impressive and speak for themselves though - our team won the Henley Regatta University Challenge this year (the only UK university to have done so in the last 20 years), and we have provided 12 Olympian medallists over the last 3 games. Steve Williams (double Olympic Gold) used to work here, in Brookes Headington, helping to mop up behind

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B4 health

“It's true, we’ve

worked hard to have such great facilities, and we're always looking to develop them further to help benefit the community” Keith Kelly, Director of Sport - Brookes University

the scenes - he's left now, but it is legacy of the Brookes Sport that it's a very friendly place, and people do stay here a long time.

What about gym times - when does it get busy?

It's true, it does get busier in the evening, but that is reflected in our peak v off-peak pricing policy for students and the public alike. We think we offer the most competitive prices in the area, starting from £13pm for Bronze membership (off-peak gym) through to £36pm for Gold (peak everything - gym, classes, climbing, swimming - the lot!). Also from a practical point of view, our students are only here in term-time for 28 weeks of the year, so we are dependent upon the community to help make full use of our facilities.

You mentioned parkrun earlier - as a keen participant myself, I know how important the post-race coffee is. What about the social side for Brookes Sport?

Ah yes, don't worry, everybody nowadays is much

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more particular when it comes to their tea, coffee, or post-workout food in general, so we're well prepared in that respect - students are a hungry lot!

Both centres have food outlets, with all the necessary facilities, and coffee machines - I must confess, I'm not a coffee drinker myself, so don't know much in that respect, although if there were any issues, I'd certainly have heard by now! Note that the students often help out as part of their courses, and this applies equally to the social side, where we frequently make use of Oxford Brookes Restaurant’s services. Combined with our own facilities - bar, waiting staff, and an indoor marquee, this means we can seat up to 300 people for events, and have hosted numerous Sports Dinners, as well as the occasional wedding!

expensive wine.....just saying] Facilities round-up Headington: sports hall, gym, free/heavy weights, steam room & sauna, 2 squash courts, indoor sprint track, climbing wall, bar & cafe, AstroTurf pitch, indoor rowing training centre, fitness studio.

Botley (the Harcourt Hill complex): swimming pool, gym, 2 squash courts, steam room & sauna, 9 hole par-3 golf course, rugby & rugby league, women's football pitches Wheatley: pitches for football, American Football, cricket & lacrosse.

Thanks for your time Keith, and I look forward to seeing you at the inaugural Harcourt parkrun this weekend CONTACT DETAILS [note: the writer then hobbles away, having just completed the Oxford Half that weekend in 1h55m....almost 8 mins faster than B4's editor Richard Rosser who now owes him a bottle of

jointhegym@brookes.ac.uk 01865 48 4373 / 4374 www.brookes.ac.uk/brookes-sport/

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We’ll help you stay

One step stepahead ahead of the Lettings market – THE CLOCKS O have changed, it’’s s cold and d focus f has switched frrom om slipping on your flip flops fl to digging out your Christmas arr..

This seasonal o change also applies to property letting, as tthe excitement of the fast-paced Summer market slows ow and we head into Winter. But don’t despair – we w still have a huge number of applicants looking for or a property to move into before s or early in the New Year Year. ko k on & Br B eckon e k have a network of seven en letting and sales offices throughout Oxfor fo dshire and highly experienced nced staffff on hand nd to give honest, professional advice. We pride de ourselves on our refreshing approach to operty pe – we always go the extra mile to help with yo your property needs.

brreckon.co.uk ecko

The Brre eckon & Breckon Network Letting Offices Kate Donoghue 13 Beaumont Street, Oxforrd 01865 201111 kate@breckon.co.uk

all year ar rround oun ound

Amy Powell 109 London Road, Headington 01865 763999 amy@breckon.co.uk Dale Cox 3 High Street, Abingdon on Thames 01235 504040 dale@breckon.co.uk Suzanne zanne W Webb ebb 34 High Street, Woodstock 01993 810100 suzanne@breckon.co.uk

We arre e members of the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA), the Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA) and accrrredited edited by the National Approved Letting Scheme (NALS), a government-backed scheme which ensures that member firms have clearly defined levels of customer service ce and are members of the Tenancy Deposit Scheme Schem and SAFE agent.

Perhaps you are struggling to sell and would consider letting your property or are a landlord with an available propertyy. We’d love to hear from you for a no obligation conversation about what at we can offfer fer.

Call your local office today and discover our re efre eshing approach o to letting yourr pro operty y.

Lucy Murton 21 Corn Street, Witney 01993 899972 lucy.murton@breckon.co.uk

Sales Offices Oxfor forrd City Centrre e 118 High St 01865 244735 post@breckon.co.uk Summertown 274 Banbury Road 01865 310300 summertown@breckon.co.uk Headington 109 London Road 01865 750200 headington@breckon.co.uk Abingdon on Thames 3 High Street 01235 550550 abingdon@breckon.co.uk Woodstock oo 34 High Street 01993 811881 woodstock@breckon.co.uk Witney 21 Corn Street 01993 776775 witney@breckon.co.uk Oxfor forrd Apartments Summertown 01865 558999 Headington 01865 765555

“Higher sickness

“99% of workers

levels lead to higher absenteeism and decreased business output

are affected by a minor illness annually

”

”

“70% of minor illnesses could be prevented with better hygiene

”

ASTON AND JAMES DELIVERING HEALTHIER WORKPLACES Helping you reduce employee absenteeism through healthy work practices.

We have all experienced colds, flu and even tummy trouble. We expect them to occur therefore the lost time and productivity when your team is off sick is inevitable, isn’t it?

It’s easy to pick up bacteria or a virus at work. You share an office. You share the same kettle and use the same door handles to the same loo. So you share germs too. And when even a handshake can introduce you to a cold or flu, it’s easy to think that there’s nothing you can do.

We have all experienced a time when our colleagues have come into work when they are feeling under the weather. They power through with their daily tasks; they shake hands, they use the water cooler, the kettle, the door to the loo. The

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next day that individual is off work sick but the germs they have left behind on the hard surfaces are infecting the rest of the team.

Germs live on hard surfaces for 48 hours. So that kettle, water cooler, even the pen our colleague borrowed have germs living on them. And when the average person touches their face 16 times every hour; you can see how easily germs can be spread, leading to large numbers of absenteeism.

This article is not meant to scare but inform you of healthier ways of interacting around the workplace, and at home, to reduce the number of people who are absence due to preventable minor illnesses within the workplace.

Minor illnesses such as colds, flu and stomach illness account for over 1/3 of sickness and unplanned absence at work. According to a recent report (ONS 2012, sickness absence in the labour market 2012), 98% of us will take time off work sick over the next year. A minor illness which is spread across your workforce can create a major, costly problem.

The cost of employee absenteeism is on average 5.6% of your salary mass. Let’s do some simple calculations. If your company has 50 employees with an average salary of £26,500 your salary mass would be £1,325,000. If using the average UK absenteeism rate of 5.6% the cost of sickness absence to your company is £74,200. On average 80% of these absents are due to minor illnesses;

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B4 services

“Good hygiene practice will help lead to a healthier workplace

”

“Minor illness is the

“Germs live on

number one cause of unplanned absence in the workplace

hard surfaces for 48 hours

”

”

therefore equating to £59,360 of preventable absence cost.

In reality, a very small fraction of employees may be subject to long term illness, but nearly 100% will be subject to minor illness throughout the year.

70% of these minor illnesses can be prevented through good hygiene.

We are not saying that introducing a healthier workplace will remove all of these minor illness costs; however if you could reduce the number of minor illnesses leading to absenteeism by 45% that would be a saving of £26,712.

Hygiene Matters. Healthier workers are happier, more enthusiastic and more productive By encouraging your employees to make healthier workplace decisions this benefits your workforce and company. Washing hands, wiping surfaces, and sanitising can break the chain of germ transmission.

By getting people to Wash, Wipe and Sanitise you can make your workplace, and your workers, healthier. It’s a simple routine to follow and makes your workplace healthier.

Being healthy helps people enjoy life. Everyone feels better and has more energy. People feel

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happier when they can do the things that matter most, like being there to watch their children play football, go for a run or enjoy a date without sniffling into a tissue. The ripple effect of good hygiene practise at work means employees take the good habits they learn home with them.

Wellness at home means less stress and employees who can concentrate on their work.

By one person making a small change, like washing their hands. It becomes a habit, which has an effect on people around them, their colleagues, friends and family and so on.

A healthier workplace means a healthier workforce; and a healthier workforce is more alert, more motivated and less likely to take time off sick. Which means your workforce, and your whole business, can be more productive.

How can Aston and James help?

Aston and James can work with you and your business to introduce healthier working practices.

Be that by simply supplying the products such as Soap, Hand Towels, Wipes (hand and surface), and Hand Sanitisers. Alongside their partner supplier Kimberley-Clarke, Aston and James can even work with you and your team to implement a healthy workplace programme which teaches your team

the benefits of staying healthy at work and at home.

Aston and James and Kimberley-Clarke are offering more than just products, they want to work with you to create a healthy workplace for you and your employees by: • Engaging employees to instil better, healthier behaviours • Encouraging ownership and respect for communal spaces, developing a healthier approach to their environment • Employees will continue this learned behaviour outside the workplace, maintaining healthy habits Aston and James can help with all your healthier workplace needs with a wide range of products to fit all businesses. Contact them today on 01993 706900 or sales@aston-james.co.uk to find out how they can help you and your workforce.

CONTACT DETAILS sales@aston-james.co.uk 01993 706900 www.aston-james.co.uk

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B4 advice

“Today, more than

ever before, the choice of products and options in this specialized field of mortgages allows borrowers far more flexibility in later life than ever before

”

Nick Walker, FOCUS

THE CHANGING FACE OF EQUITY RELEASE Nick Walker of FOCUS talks to B4 about what you should expect from an Equity Release mortgage in today's economy and how it can benefit you.

WRITTEN BY: NICK WALKER PHOTOGRAPHY BY: JACQUELINE CROSS PHOTOGRAPHY (portrait)

Back in the early 1990’s, Equity Release became a dirty expression due to the mortgages being effected on a variable interest rate basis and without any protection against negative equity.

With rates of interest rising without any ceiling and with compounded interest charges eroding all the equity, borrowers found themselves in extremely precarious situations. Equity Release mortgages were soon consigned to the mortgage dustbin, and, justifiably so.

Today, things are very different. Competition and choice has seen many new providers enter the market and with the majority of schemes now with fixed rates for the term of the mortgage, it is possible to calculate the exact future roll up of interest. Coupled with this important protection, many lenders now offer a ‘no negative equity’ guarantee meaning that the borrower will never face owing more than the property is worth. In addition, more innovative schemes available today mean that borrowers now have the choice as to whether, or not, they pay interest on a monthly basis, whether they take a lump sum or whether they choose a monthly income. Importantly, The Financial Conduct Authority has also insisted that all equity release mortgages can only ever be provided to borrowers with bespoke individual advice.

With the gradual demise of interest only mortgages to borrowers under the age of 65, equity release mortgages are often the only option available should there be a desire to remain in a particular property after normal retirement. Of course, equity release mortgages are not suitable for everyone, nor indeed, should they necessarily be considered

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without giving proper consideration to other options, particularly those of downsizing or moving to a less costly area. However, these options may not always be possible and equity release can be a very effective way to provide cash for any number of different reasons including home improvements, Inheritance Tax planning, covering medical or care costs or, simply, in order to enjoy retirement.

Although not qualified to do so, many ‘commentators’ will often advise against people taking equity release mortgages because of the potential roll up of interest and the possible reduction in equity within the property. These factors may well be the case but, equally, there may also be very appropriate and sensible reasons for considering equity release as a means of providing much needed finance. In addition, with substantial equity in a property, the potential increase in equity due to price rises can well outweigh the increase in the balance of the equity release mortgage due to the roll up of interest.

Equity Release mortgages are often complicated and it is vital that anyone considering this type of mortgage seeks professional independent advice.

As qualified independent financial advisers, FOCUS is authorised directly by the Financial Conduct Authority to give advice in this important area. All advisers at FOCUS are professionally qualified and authorised to give advice on a one to one basis and, where applicable, and if requested, ensuring that other family members are fully appraised of the planned arrangements.

Every equity release mortgage is unique and must be considered as such along with all other

appropriate options. Today, more than ever before, the choice of products and options in this specialized field of mortgages allows borrowers far more flexibility in later life than ever before.

CASE STUDY Mr B, living in Poole, Dorset, was recently widowed at age 69. Now facing with life without his companion, he decided that the best solution was to move back to Oxford to be closer to his brother and sister. He has no children. His two bedroomed flat in Poole was valued at £225,000. He had around £60,000 in savings. Similar properties in Oxford were priced at £375,000. At 69, despite a good retirement income of £32,000 per annum, he was unable to obtain a traditional mortgage and therefore decided to effect an equity release mortgage to make up the £100,000 shortfall. The mortgage was effected on an interest only basis where payments can be made to cover the cost of the interest to avoid compounding the interest charges with the option to cease payments in the future should the need arise in order to preserve cashflow. Mr B is now able to enjoy life comfortably and close his family in familiar surroundings and also with the benefit of preserving the equity in his new home.

EQUITY RELEASE MAY INVOLVE A LIFETIME MORTGAGE OR HOME REVERSION PLAN. TO UNDERSTAND THE FEATURES AND RISKS, ASK FOR A PERSONALLISED ILLUSTRATION.

CONTACT DETAILS nick.walker@focusllp.co.uk 01865 813 302 www.focusllp.co.uk

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B4 r&r

IFFLEY BLUE HIT’S THE SPOT WITH FOOD CRITIC A recent write up by Christopher Gray in the Oxford Times described Iffley Blue – the new restaurant at Hawkwell House, as “warm welcome and excellent food in a stylish new restaurant” He ate at Iffley Blue with his companion Rosemarie and Tim Spittles – the General Manager.

WRITTEN BY: ANDREA TURNER PHOTOGRAPHY BY: PHIL SILLS

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www.b4-business.com

CAT SAVES IFFLEY BLUE’S NEW HEAD CHEF A chance to read about the brains behind the food at Iffley Blue.

Name & Position: Alex Turner, Head Chef Favourite Dish: Anything that is cooked for me...apart from that, Mediterranean and Asian food are particular favourites.

In the write up, Mr Gray mentions the various eateries that he had eaten at where Tim Spittles, Hawkwell’s GM had previously owned, and despite reminding Tim of the time when he had served them stone cold soup in a previous write up, the evening was by all accounts enjoyed by all!

Locals enjoy specials at Iffley Blue Gourmet Pizza and a glass of wine for a tenner!

Tuesday nights at Iffley Blue is becoming a regular for the residents of Iffley Village, where they (or anyone) can stroll up to their local and enjoy some of the best homemade pizza around alongside some excellent wine from The Oxford Wine Company for less than £10 per person.

Current best seller is the Chorizo and roasted pepper alongside a glass of House Merlot. Head Chef Alex Turner is always looking to introduce more inventive pizzas alongside the traditional, and his latest addition , is a King Prawn, Mussel and Chilli Pizza with garlic and rocket – probably best to share that one!!

Wine evenings all the rage The wine tasting nights have started to become very popular. Hosted by the gregarious Neil Gladding from Oxford Wine Company, they are an informal way to taste a selection of wines alongside the excellent food at Iffley Blue. The evenings start off with Neil talking you through a selection of

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whites and reds, accompanied by some nibbles form the kitchen, and then a meal afterwards with all of the wines available at discounted prices – this is all for the princely sum of £25.

Wines are picked for their interest and recent white wines sampled were Three Choirs Coleridge Hill, Gloucestershire, Dr. Loosen Estate Riesling from Mosel, and Viñas del Vero Gewürztraminer of Somontano (Spain). Food dishes included Belly of pork and ham hock terrine with tomato and grape chutney, toasted rye bread. Classic coq au vin with dauphinoise potatoes, and white chocolate and black berry cheesecake with toasted pistachio.

More improvements planned for Hawkwell House After completion of another 11 bedrooms and the launch of Iffley Blue, the management of the hotel are looking to improve the front public area and the terrace at Hawkwell House. Working sketches are being drawn up in readiness to consult with the planning department on a number of options.

General Manager Tim Spittles said “this is a logical step for us to back up the significant investment that has gone on elsewhere in the business”.

Life story: Unlike other chefs who claim to have been able to whip up a soufflé from the age of 6, my first foray into cooking was not quite so auspicious....I remember, at the age of 10, almost burning down my mum's kitchen whilst try to cook sausages - it was lucky our pet cat woke me up! However, undeterred, I had found my love of cooking, and eventually enrolled at a Catering College which enabled me to travel and work abroad, first in Jersey, then in Switzerland.

I returned to England and, together with a business partner, opened The Crown, a gastropub just outside Maidenhead. After 9 great years we sold this business and I bought a beautiful thatched-roof pub/restaurant in Wiltshire, The Royal Oak in Easterton, which I ran for 6 years before moving to Oxford, and then here, to run the kitchens at Iffley Blue.

Iffley Blue experience: I have worked in many different kitchens, but I must say that I think I've found my place here at Iffley Blue - I love the location, the design of the restaurant, and the overall ambience. I've really enjoyed using the Clay Oven here - they aren't very common in the UK, and in my opinion are the only way to make really authentic pizza....and the special Tuesday nights are going well so obviously there is something of a following already!

CONTACT DETAILS reservations@iffleyblue.co.uk 01865 332112 www.iffleyblue.co.uk

Hobbies: Cooking and watching cookery programmes (sad, I know!), fishing (fly, sea, and carp), painting and poetry (which makes me sound very intellectual, but does relax me)

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B4 r&r

“La Cucina means 'kitchen', and in Italy that's where everything begins and ends.

An Italian kitchen is a very visceral experience, full of sights and smells

�

THE KITCHEN Matt Wright sat down with Yola Drage co-owner of La Cucina on St. Clements Rd on a busy Thursday, for a spot of lunch, and a chat about expansion plans.

WRITTEN BY: MATTHEW WRIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY BY: ROB SCOTCHER

Yola, tell me a little bit about the ethos of the restaurant?

Well, La Cucina means 'kitchen', and in Italy that's where everything begins and ends. An Italian kitchen is a very visceral experience, full of sights and smells - you can see the food being prepared and cooked before you (we have an open kitchen here), it's open to everyone (we cater for all ages), and it's the hub of the family (we love entertaining groups here). In short, coming to La Cucina should be like being invited into an Italian home.

Well, 'Saporita' means 'full of flavour' and is an extension of our restaurant DNA - we don't see why outside catering should be pre-packaged or processed. Everything is made by our chefs here in the kitchen and although Italian is our speciality, we cater for all food types. For example, one of our outside clients is Bellerbys, a private school for foreign students based in Botley. Every day, we supply and serve breakfast and dinner on-site for 120 people. Since it's very international, we cook food to suit everybody, so there's Australia Day, Chinese New Year....even a Hallowe'en special!

How did you come to run an Italian restaurant in Oxford?

What about other outside catering events or contracts?

It's been an interesting journey! My husband and I have worked all over the world - my background being in hotel management and Alberto's in cooking. We met in London at The Berkeley hotel whilst working for the Savoy Group, were I was hotel manager and Alberto was a chef, and we went on to work together in some fantastic places - Claridges, The Connaught, and Cipriani in Venice to name but a few. We opened La Cucina in 2006 (which has 80 covers), but rather than open another restaurant, we've concentrated upon expanding our outside catering arm, Saporita.

We're always keen to do more, be it functions or schools - healthy eating is a passion of ours. We're lucky that so many of our regulars ask us to cater for them - they know how flexible we are, adapting restaurant dishes as gluten-free, vegetarian, or vegan....sometimes there's no such thing as a standard dish here! So, we don't work from set menus for our catering, we simply tailor the food to whatever the client wants, and then take pride in presenting it beautifully. I suppose that's as a result of our training - organising banquets at 5-star hotels which require the 'wow' factor.

Training is important to you, isn't it

Saporita - tell me a bit more about your plans for that business?

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Marcus, Michele and Massimiliano have worked with Alberto for many years, even in

different establishments, and it has been great to see them grow and develop over the years. We are proud of our teams achievements and flourish mentoring key team players.

Patrick from the Front of House team won the Apprentice of the Year 2013 at the Restaurant Awards, followed this year by one of our kitchen stars Matheus - he scooped the Apprentice Award this year. Matheus joined the team as a kitchen porter 2 years ago, and now he is a fully fledged chef de partie sponsored by us to work with HIT Training gaining further skills, and hungry to learn more. Mateus also plays a crucial role covering duties at our outside contractual jobs and contributes to the outside catering team work on a weekly basis.

In hospitality nothing can be achieved without passionate people, and we achieve through our team.

If you would like to keep up to date with La Cucina sign up for our newsletter at www.inoxford.com/reviews/laccucina.html

CONTACT DETAILS lacucinaoxford@hotmail.co.uk 01865 793811 www.lacucinaoxford.co.uk

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B4 r&r

HEYTHROP PARK RESORT Restfully secluded whilst being conveniently located for easy access to the M40 making London and the Midlands easily accessible, Heythrop Park Resort is home to both the De Vere Venues Heythrop Park Hotel which dates back to 1710 and the stylishly modern Crowne Plaza Heythrop Park hotel, which opened it’s doors in October 2010.

Meetings, events, conferences of all shapes and sizes find the facilities of the Crowne Plaza Heythrop Park meet the most demanding of requirements. Purpose built, the conference facilities include a state-of-the-art circular conference theatre and offers built in audio-visual capability, adaptable seating and on-site technical support for up to 400 delegates. This unique facility sets the resort apart from the bulk of regional venues and never fails to draw gasps of admiration from first time audiences.

Explore further and a beautiful ballroom which is capable of accommodating vehicle displays and an additional seven meeting and event rooms are on

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offer. Each room has private access to a central Moroccan themed courtyard or has views directly overlooking the estate grounds – features which perfectly illustrate the contrasts and surprises that characterise Heythrop Park Resort 197 stylish guest rooms feature many designer touches including sumptuous bedding that guarantee sweet dreams under the unique Crowne Plaza Sleep Advantage programme.

Shrewsbury Meeting Wing now offer a mix of character meeting packages and functional training rooms. Meeting rooms offer complimentary wifi and natural daylight in a stunning location making Heythrop Park the perfect choice for productive thinking, whilst the energy stations offer free flowing tea, coffee and refreshments to delegates to keep the brain ticking over.

Contemporary restaurants and bars offer modern cuisine with private dining options available.

Heythrop Park Resort succeeds in effortlessly fusing the old with the new, placing the Resort among the most unique on the Oxfordshire Cotswolds conference ,meetings and events landscape.

The extensive grounds are perfect for team building.

And the reasons to consider this unique venue do not stop there.

Crowne Plaza Heythrop Park is attached to an 18th century mansion house which has recently been added to the De Vere Venues portfolio widening the choice of both meeting space, bedroom accommodation and ambience on offer.

Heythrop Park Resort is home to a quintessential English golf course which meanders over ridges and through valleys and is studded with ancient woodland, lakes and streams.

The newly refurbished Archer Bedroom Wing and

The 7,088-yard par 72 course is the result of Tom Mackenzie, of the internationally-renowned golf

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Heythrop Park Resort, lies on the edge of Oxfordshire village Enstone and nestles in 440 acres of parkland.

Approached along a tree lined private 2 mile driveway, visitors turn the final sweeping bend to enjoy a choice of two hotels and outstanding leisure facilities.

WRITTEN BY: TRACEY NORCUP PHOTOGRAPHY BY: HEYTHROP PARK RESORT

course architects, Mackenzie & Ebert. Several holes stand out, like the 314-yard par-4 6th, where the green nestles beside a fishing pond, and the 528yard par-5 14th, which sweeps leftwards around an ancient woodland to a green that sits close to an 18th century stone bridge. Its fine set of challenging par-3s are also memorable and the same can be said for the unique 596-yard par-5 closing hole which is as straight as a die and has the Mansion House as its impressive backdrop.

Golfers enjoy a wide range of facilities including putting greens, short game area, driving range, buggy rental, club rental, VPAR live scoring, golf clinic, swing analysis and the modern clubhouse is the perfect complement to the hotels and course, offering golf groups the perfect place to unwind after an exacting round.

Everyone is welcome to come and sample this magnificent course be it on a stay and play break or on a society golfing event.

Other facilities include a fantastic health club with an indoor 20m heated swimming pool, sauna, steam room, state-of-the-art gym & fitness studio being the perfect place to get the adrenalin pumping and for those taking time out to relax and unwind, the Spa provides three treatment rooms offering beauty treatments using the 5* award winning globally renowned luxury face and body brand, Espa.

Norcup, Director of Sales and Marketing on 01608 673497 or email tnorcup@heythroppark.co.uk KEY FIGURES AT HEYTHROP PARK: Paul Russell Resort Director Heythrop Park Resort. Tracey Norcup Sales & Marketing Director Heythrop Park Resort.

For information about Heythrop Park Resort: Heythrop Park Resort, Enstone, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, OX7 5UF.

CONTACT DETAILS B4 READER OFFER We're so confident that you will love our facility that we are offering ‘B4 Magazine’ readers some amazing conference rates. Please contact Tracey

info@heythroppark.co.uk 01608 673 333 www.heythroppark.co.uk

Heythrop Park Resort succeeds in effortlessly fusing the old with the new, “ placing the Resort among the most unique on the Oxfordshire Cotswolds conference ,meetings and events landscape”

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B4 property

SAVVY WEATHERING

THE RECESSION

The recession has hit the construction industry hard. Whilst many companies suffered badly, Oxfordshire construction firm, Savvy, not merely survived but also grew into one of the county’s most successful & renowned businesses.

WRITTEN BY: NICHOLAS NEWMAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY: MATTHEW PITT

“We at Savvy have come out of the recession better and stronger than before,” says Jon Peart, Savvy Director. He adds,” We have achieved this by adapting our business model to meet the ever-changing demands of the market.” At the start of the recession, the demand for new housing crashed. As a result, the company switched its attention to focusing on the needs of the refurbishment sector of the market. Jon Peart noted, “This meant we expanded the maintenance division, because there is always a need for high quality building maintenance, especially for such major clients as Oxford Castle, Studley Priory, Oxford University & Jesus College for Savills who note “it is this professional & client focussed ethos that sets Savvy above other contractors”.

Savvy has built a reputation as a high quality builder which is, above all, always on time and on budget.

“We operate in a very demanding market that requires us to deliver on such issues as effective quality, budget control and time management,” remarks Jon. “Since the third quarter of 2013, we have seen a recovery in the market, which has resulted in a dramatic increase in construction activity, especially in new- build residential developments throughout Oxfordshire”. Jon observes, “Amongst the recent changes we have seen in the market has been a change in emphasis by our clients, including increasing demand for quality projects as well, as more generous budgets.

For instance, the £750,000 development on Hilltop Road, Oxford for a four-unit apartment block plus one house “is a good example of this trend.

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With economic recovery, Savvy like other companies involved in the construction business, has faced numerous challenges. “We are facing a compressed labour market ,making it difficult to find suitable, experienced and qualified staff to fill various tradesmen and professional staff positions”, says Jon. He observes that, “the country is not doing enough to train sufficient staff to replace those leaving the industry” and admits that the construction industry has not only failed to invest in apprenticeship training but is also poor at

“We operate in a very

demanding market that requires us to deliver on such issues as effective quality, budget control and time management

”

providing suitable opportunities for University graduates. He stresses, “In addition, the education sector has failed to promote adequately the positive benefits of working in the construction industry” alongside “increased competition from other sectors of the economy” which make recruitment difficult.

In common with other employers, Savvy is disappointed by the high number of potential recruits that he interviews, who lack the basic academic skills such as numeracy, literacy and computer skills. “Increasingly, even the most basic jobs in the construction industry nowadays require staff to operate complex machinery such as

computer tablets or large plant for example” explains Jon. During the long recession, many building supplies companies cut back on their manufacturing capacity to conserve the business. “So today, there is a shortage of building supplies to meet the upturn in activity and increased demand.

Companies across the country are finding it much more difficult to obtain such basic materials as bricks, concrete and timber, resulting in an increase in construction costs”.

“Savvy has managed to weather the storms of the recession, by being both careful and perceptive, in planning our growth, and adjusting our business model to circumstances,” remarks Jon. “We are now in the process of recruiting both professionally qualified and skilled trades people. Anyone interested we ask that they send in their CV to Jon@savvyconstruction.co.uk. We are carefully selecting the type of work and contracts that we know we can deliver to the high standards we set ourselves”.

As for the future, Jon admits, “I don’t believe that the challenges are behind us. I feel it is too early to conclude that the effects of the recession are over.”

Despite this he says, “We plan to continue to grow in both our construction and maintenance divisions.”

CONTACT DETAILS jon@group-savvy.co.uk 01865 920 040 www.group-savvy.co.uk

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B4 news

B4 RUNNERS UP IN THE SME / ENTERPRISE TITLE OF THE YEAR CATEGORY AT SANTANDER FINANCIAL MEDIA AWARDS 2014 The winners of the Santander Financial Media Awards 2014 were announced at a prestigious awards ceremony on Wednesday 12th November in London, presented by Sky News’ business presenter Ian King. From over 200 entries, a panel of more than 20 independent judges decided that the list of journalists and publications (below) produced the best articles, copy and broadcast features this year.

WRITTEN BY: RICHARD ROSSER PHOTOGRAPHY BY: UK PHOTOGRAPHY

The Awards have been running for 28 years now with a prize fund of £25,000. The SME / Enterprise Title of the Year was launched last year and was contested by B4, Cambridge Business and Yorkshire Post. The category aims to recognize the sterling work many newspapers and websites do, up and down the land, in informing and helping their local SMEs, not only survive, but thrive. The judges said that judging this category was tough, with the three short-listed, clearly ahead of the other entrants.

B4’s Editor, Richard Rosser, was delighted to secure 2nd place and commented. “It was fantastic recognition for B4 to be nominated for a second year, but to come 2nd was brilliant for the team. To be rubbing shoulders with the cream of the financial media world was an achievement in itself, but to do so well was beyond our expectations.

Great credit goes to our Senior Designer, Keith Simpson, and Production Manager, Lorna Dodson, who are at the heart of ensuring B4 maintains the high standards it has set over the years. The team as a whole are crucial to the development of B4 but we must also recognise our customers who provide us with such great content for the magazine, so particular thanks to them.”

TEAM AWARDS SME/Enterprise Title of the Year Winner: Cambridge Business Runner-up: B4 Magazine Financial Trade / Professional Title of the Year Winner: Money Marketing Runner-up: Money Management

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Financial National Title of the Year Winner: Financial Times Runner-up: Telegraph Media Group Personal Finance Trade / Professional Website of the Year Winner: Money Marketing Runner-up: FE Trustnet Financial Consumer Website of the Year Winner: This is Money Runner-up: Telegraph Media Group Best Use of Social Media Winner: This is Money Runner-up: Financial Times Well done to all the winners and runners-up!

Online Financial Journalist of the Year Winner: Donna Ferguson – for her work on The Guardian Runner-up: Kevin Peachey – BBC Contribution to Personal Finance Education Winner: Laura Shannon – The Mail on Sunday Runner-up: Jonathan Eley – Financial Times Financial Consumer Newcomer of the Year Winner: Holly Black – Daily Mail Runner-up: Paloma Kubiak – Moneysavingexpert (Honourable mention to Adam Palin – Financial Times) Financial Consumer Journalist of the Year Winner: Miles Brignall – The Guardian Runner-up: Ruth Lythe – Daily Mail

INDIVIDUAL AWARDS Financial Trade Newcomer of the Year Winner: Rosie Sells – Citywire, New Model Adviser Runner-up: Michelle Stevens – FStech Financial Trade Journalist of the Year Winner: Paul Thomas – Mortgage Strategy Runner-up: Tessa Norman – Money Marketing SME / Enterprise Journalist of the Year Winner: Lucy Tobin – Evening Standard Runner-up: Simon Bain – The Herald Financial Freelance Journalist of the Year Winner: Toby Walne Runner-up: Tony Hazell

Financial Broadcast Journalist of the Year Winner: Paul Lewis – Money Box Runner-up: Simon Gompertz – BBC Consumer Article of the Year Winner: Jeff Prestridge – The Mail on Sunday, for his article ‘How bosses at copycat tax website sang ‘we’re in the money’ as they racked up £7m in just four months.’

Trade Article of the Year Winner: Tessa Norman – Money Marketing, for her article ‘FCA charges advice fee block £118m over 5 years.’

Visit the Santander Media Awards 2014 photos miniweb to see pictures of the night: http://goo.gl/u4U3sD

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THE PERFECT MATCH Blake Morgan. A new leader in legal services with a powerful legacy.

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B4 services

AMAZING “LIGHT-DRY TECHNOLOGY” FROM

HUNTS…

The printed piece represents you and your organisation in your absence as well as in your presence and people make judgments on the quality of your print collateral. So, with beautiful design, good articulation and printing excellence, your literature will speak volumes about you. Hunts excels in providing stunning design with thoughtful words to tell your story and exceptional printing and finishing.

WRITTEN BY: SIMON FROUD

What is Light-Dry Technology?

A new technology that uses a low powered light bulb to dry the ink on a printing press. This is the culmination of a £1m investment programme at Hunts.

So? This means instant drying on the machine – no marking or scuffing on your print, no waiting (sometimes for days) for the ink to cure/dry, particularly on those lovely uncoated papers and boards with that natural feel. Running a press at 16,000 sheets an hour (that’s fast), it’s amazing to see the sheets arrive in the stack bone dry!

What difference will it make?

Much, much quicker print times for you so a faster turn-around of your print work – especially as we work 24 hours a day. Best of all, the instant drying gives you a brilliant printed piece that will give the right impression of you and your organisation.

Sounds expensive?

Your printed piece might have the look and feel of pure quality, but that doesn’t mean it has to cost a bomb. It’s all about creating value and working to your budget to provide marketing collateral that truly represents you and differentiates by creating standout. Remember, a printed piece cuts through the noise of the Internet! You cannot switch off or surf away from a piece of print; it is something that is easy to share. It has a constant presence and is a constant reminder, rather than a pdf hidden away in a folder somewhere. And print is seen as the channel of trust and authority. More and more marketeers are cottoning on to this – just take Google as an example – look at their massive print campaigns to get you to spend money on Ad-

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Words. The very best of digital business realise you need cross-channel marketing and that print has a growing role as the Internet delivers more and more information overload.

Anything else?

Yes wonderful finishes and effects – Creatives, Marketeers and Designers will be bowled over by the amazing effects and finishes that can be achieved whilst printing. “Eclipse” (printing light inks on dark stock), “Spot Matt/Gloss Veneer” (like a spot UV), “Jewel” (like a gloss laminate), “Rich Silk” (like a satin lacquer) and of course printing on plastic paper, board and foils.

OK - Anything else?

Yes the environment and sustainability - “The business of trees, paper and print is one that is truly sustainable” Jonathon Porritt (Founder of the Green Party). Hunts is accredited to and plays a leading role in championing the use of FSC (Forestry Stewardship Council) and PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forestry Certification) papers and boards. Hunts is certified to ISO14001 the Environmental Management Standard. Using chemical free plate-making processes, vegetable based inks and chlorine free papers and boards contribute to the truly sustainable nature of the Hunts business.

So just printing at Hunts then?

No-way! The vibrancy and energy in Hunts is palpable, as a full marketing services provider using leading edge e-marketing technology with PURLS (personalised landing pages) and Webstore (webto-print), now in its 4th Generation, providing print and digital asset control with on-line personalisation of templates for documents, stationery and

brochures; keeping everything on brand and personalised. Hunts designs and constructs websites, creates Apps. and produces the clever stuff such as Image Recognition and Augmented Reality solutions and smart interactive digital pageturning brochures.

And our street credibility…

As well as ISO14001 the Environmental Management Standard and the Quality Standard ISO9001, we have now just won the 2014 Corporate and Social Responsibility Award from the Cotswold’s Business and Life Magazine, to add to an impressive line-up of previous awards – Print Excellence, DSA Partnership, PrintWeek Award, Investors in Education and the Oxfordshire Business Award for Ethical Business.

We run free training courses on Print Buying, File Preparation for Print, Photoshop and are about to announce a new course on shooting your own video for business.

We produce the “Print Reference Toolkit” an incredible free book now in its seventh edition, packed with reference samples making it an indispensible tool if you order or specify print.

Would you like a Light-Dry Technology Swatch, a Print Reference Toolkit or a brochure on our free training courses? Contact us below. We look forward to hearing from you.

CONTACT DETAILS simon.froud@hunts.co.uk 01865 853 633 www.hunts.co.uk

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Think Rhodes for Business...

For full information on exclusive use, meetings, seminars, team building and conferences please call 01865 282599 or email events@rhodeshouse.ox.ac.uk

Rhodes House, Oxford, OX1 3RG

Telephone 01865 282 599 events@rhodeshouse.ox.ac.uk www.rhodeshouseoxford.com

B4 spotlight

BLACKWELL’S AND THE UNIVERSITIES AND CITY OF OXFORD IN ITS 135TH YEAR Ever since Benjamin Henry Blackwell (BHB) opened his shop on Broad Street 135 years ago, this firm has a long and proud association with the University of Oxford, its constituent colleges and departments and the most particularly the Bodleian Library. as well as with numerous other academic institutions and local businesses and professions.

WRITTEN BY: VICTOR GLYNN PHOTOGRAPHY BY: BLACKWELL’S

At Oxford University this relationship has ranged from undergraduates both common and scholarly through to distinguished, distinguished and learned or reverend, and even sometimes distinguished, learned, reverend and noble Professors, Regius, statutory and ad hominem. Blackwell’s has served Chairs with or without their faculties (and their occupants), Heads of Houses, Vice-Chancellors and Chancellors. Indeed people from the entire human estate of Oxford and beyond has been tended and attended to by Blackwell’s.

When BHB opened his shop in The Broad, William Spooner (“you have hissed all my mystery lectures”) was the Dean of New College. Oxford School of Art (now Oxford Brookes University) was already thriving in St Giles, John Caldecott Cavell, partner in Elliston & Cavell in Magdalen Street (now Debenhams) was the Lord Mayor of Oxford, and the Kings Arms in Holywell Street was run by Eliza Cox and her family.

At the same time Modern History, a degree designed for those “not bright enough to read Greats but too indolent to read Natural Sciences” was still creeping like a snail unwillingly to school. There were of course no women undergraduates. Dorothy L Sayers, one of the first women to graduate, was Mr. Blackwell’s assistant and he published her first book. J.R.R Tolkien, unable to pay his bill traded in the debt for the publication rights to his first oeuvre. Sadly it didn't feature elves, goblins and dwarves but was, for most mortals, a coma inducing volume of Old Norse poetry in translation. Graham Greene’s incandescent love affair with Vivien was lit when she was working here and he was a Balliol undergraduate.

Since the start customers have been encouraged to “nibble books or browse”

“There is an

extraordinary array of talented people in the shop from linguists, to classicists and psychologists to musicians. With their support and enthusiasm, even in these challenging times, Blackwell’s continues to thrive” Victor Glynn, Blackwell’s

(Masefield). In addition to professional and academic books there is a comprehensive range from a complete set of Ordnance Survey maps to a street map of Ulaanbaatar and all the latest fiction, cookery and so on. There is an extraordinary array of talented people in the shop from linguists, to classicists and psychologists to musicians. With their support and enthusiasm, even in these challenging times, Blackwell’s continues to thrive.

Broad St The view from my office as imagined

by Edward Bawden Blackwells

Toby Blackwell has donated £5 million to the Bodleian towards the re-development which is a significant sign of the family’s continued support for Oxford and its University. Many local charities are supported and the firm works with other significant local firms like Unipart on local initiatives in literacy and social media. As this anniversary year closes everyone at Blackwell’s is looking forward to the formal opening of the Weston Building and the Blackwell Hall by HM The Queen in March 2015 and the Marks of Genius Exhibition that Blackwell’s is proud to be supporting. This remarkable exhibition will feature many of the Bodleian’s priceless treasures including its copy of the Magna Carta, Shakespeare’s First Folio, Elizabeth I’s Geneva Bible and the original draft of Frankenstein.

Christmas is upon us already. A wonderfully exciting time for all customers, retailers and especially for booksellers. Books really can make one of the best presents at this time of year. For both young and old they show real thought on the part of the giver at what can be a very reasonable price. Come in and you’ll be inspired by the recommends and original ideas.

CONTACT DETAILS blackwell.online@blackwell.co.uk 01865 333 536 bookshop.blackwell.co.uk

Broad St the view from my office

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SARAH WISEMAN GALLERY: A WORLD CLASS ART GALLERY

EXPERIENCE RIGHT ON YOUR DOORSTEP To find the very latest in top contemporary art you need to hot-foot it to London, right? Well, not necessarily. Visit Sarah Wiseman Gallery and you will see a place that has carved a niche for itself, by concentrating on showing the best work from around the UK; but also ensuring a warm, friendly welcome.

WRITTEN BY: SARAH WISEMAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY: WISEMAN GALLERY

Sarah Wiseman Gallery exhibits, as always, the very best in contemporary art, seeking out new and established artists and makers from around the UK. The range includes everything from tiny ceramic pieces and applied art, to ambitiously scaled paintings from up-and-coming painters such as Steven MacIver, an Orkney-born painter, now living in Oxfordshire whose profile is rapidly rising on the New York art scene. Other artists include Angie Lewin, a renowned printmaker based in Edinburgh, Catherine Rayner, whose children’s books are published around the world – as well as highly sought after paintings by Andrew Hood and Simon Harris.

the work by a particular artist, we know that we’re communicating the ideas behind a particular piece directly from the artist themselves’, she explains.

To make that connection between the artist and client is vital for a client’s confidence. By knowing more about the artist, their motives behind their work, and even to some extent an understanding of their particular sense of humour or personality, can transform a piece of artwork from a simple painting to a real expression of the person behind the scenes, in the studio.

“Depending on the setting and the mood

‘We were very excited to show work by Steven MacIver; he’s already made quite a name for himself over in New York, so we are thrilled that audiences in Oxford have been able to see and buy his work’, says Sarah Wiseman, the gallery’s director. ‘But that’s exactly what we’re aiming to do – we want that range of painters that complement each other - working from established to emerging artists, as well as designers or makers. We’ve got some really exciting artists in the pipeline. ’

you want to create, it’s possible to inspire staff, or create a relaxed, inviting atmosphere for your clients - just with the right piece of artwork

All of Sarah Wiseman Gallery’s artists are known to the gallery personally; this is something Sarah takes real pride in. ‘When we’re talking to a client about

Other recent projects include exhibiting as part of Photography Oxford Festival and Oxfordshire Art Weeks. ‘Both of these has extended our reach to the local

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”

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B4 arts

When we’re talking to a “ client about the work by a particular artist, we know that we’re communicating the ideas behind a particular piece directly from the artist themselves

”

community and in addition to this, placed us in the minds of new audiences – the photography festival in particular has been a huge draw. We met one group of people that had driven all the way from Belgium to Oxford, just to see the exhibitions here in Oxford.’

The gallery also facilitates commissions from its artists. Recent clients include a gift commissioned for the retiring Bishop of Oxford by Bee Bartlett, and two paintings by Veronica Wells, commissioned by leading fashion designer Jenny Packham - inspired by gowns from the her forthcoming collection.

The gallery’s activities don’t stop there – a number of projects including sourcing artwork for business refurbishments such as at Hedges Law with interior designer Lesley Ann Gentry and countless residences in Oxford and beyond has provided a creative and exciting challenge.

So what’s next for Sarah Wiseman Gallery?

Forthcoming exhibitions for 2015 include work from Phil Whiting, a fascinating artist whose work appears in several public and private collections, including that of New College Oxford, The Royal Cornwall Museum and Truro Cathedral. His atmospheric work examines how landscape absorbs history and memory, creating tonally dramatic drawings, which are reminiscent of Paul Nash or Graham Sutherland.

‘We relish the challenge of finding the perfect art-work for a home or business,’ says Sarah Wiseman. ‘Depending on the setting and the mood you want to create, it’s possible to inspire staff, or create a relaxed, inviting atmosphere for your clients - just with the right piece of artwork’

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Later on in the New Year will be an exhibition from Simon J Harris, whose highly sought after,

large-scale paintings explore abstraction and the painted surface. Sarah, who has worked with Simon over several years, is excited to see such dynamic work on show.

‘We love the fact that the Oxfordshire audience is so discerning; the arts are definitely on their radar.

It’s important to be challenged by your customers or your audience and we aim to do that by constantly presenting more and more interesting, challenging art work’.

CONTACT DETAILS info@wisegal.com 01865 515 123 www.wisegal.com

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B4 advice

THE LITIGATION LANDSCAPE litigation landscape has changed considerably in the 150 years since Field Seymour Parkes first opened its doors to clients.

WRITTEN BY: TOM MAPLE

Reforms in 1998 and, more recently, last year have attempted to remove the air of secrecy, sabotage and hostility. Protocols have been welcomed in encouraging parties to set out their cases at the outset and engage in settlement discussions. Whilst the reforms haven’t been embraced by all solicitors, the courts will no longer allow parties to ride rough shod over the Civil Procedure Rules (the rules governing the conduct of civil litigation) and parties can, and will, be penalised financially for failure to adhere to those rules.

Whilst we are currently handling five cases worth in excess of £10 million, we are regularly asked to advise individuals and businesses on claims worth between £25,000 to £75,000. This is a significant sum for most businesses and it is these types of claim where dispute resolution solicitors must embrace the new reforms.

If handled well, a case worth £25,000 can be resolved without spending significant costs or several hours with lawyers. Handled badly and these cases can soon become disproportionately expensive and, as a result, extremely difficult to resolve.

The difficulty of bringing a claim worth, say, £25,000 is largely to do with the recovery of legal costs. By way of example, a claimant bringing a claim for £25,000 will, if the matter goes to a trial, incur costs of around £50,000. If they win, the court will normally order that the loser only has to pay a maximum of 60% of the claimant’s costs, that is, £30,000. Accordingly, the claimant recovers £5,000 net, notwithstanding having won.

It is therefore imperative that dispute resolution

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lawyers, at the outset of the case, give their clients not only a clear view of the legal and commercial merits of their case but also highlight the need to consider settlement at an early stage. Your client may not want to consider settlement as emotions may be running high, but a failure to engage your client in this process is likely to result in parties becoming entrenched and legal costs exceeding the sums in dispute. This could leave you with a dispute which will be extremely difficult to settle.

“

Your client may not want to consider settlement as emotions may be running high, but a failure to engage your client in this process is likely to result in parties becoming entrenched and legal costs exceeding the sums in dispute

”

Nothing emphasizes the need for lawyers to embrace the new rules than disputes involving partnerships, shareholders or sales of goods.

Having dealt with each of these types of case on numerous occasions, it is often the latter which attracts the most belligerence.

We have been advising manufacturers for a number of years and have seen numerous examples of bad legal advice and poor decision making by solicitors in cases worth between £25,000 to £50,000 which should be settled, not litigated. The need to embrace the new reforms can be summed up by one particular case involving

the purchase of a new £35,000 machine where we acted for the manufacturer. What should have been capable of a simple and commercial resolution ended up costing the claimant around £40,000 paying his own lawyers and my legal costs.

Had the claimant been advised of the merits of his case at the outset and of the wisdom of engaging with my client before the parties incurred significant legal costs, a settlement could well have been achieved. Instead, the claimant’s solicitor, preferring not to instruct an expert (who, once, appointed concluded there was nothing wrong with the machine), decided to go on the offensive. This proved to be a costly mistake and one which ultimately resulted in his client suing the solicitor for the return of his fees.

Our team of eight dispute resolution lawyers are well versed in advising commercial and property clients alike on claims worth between £1,000 to £50,000,000. We have considerable experience advising clients on the legal and commercial merits of their dispute and fully embrace the need for clear advice at the outset as well as the need to consider settlement. We consider ourselves leaders in our field and our client list speaks for itself.

If you wish to discuss matters, please call Tom Maple on 0118 951 6200.

CONTACT DETAILS enquiry@fsp-law.com 0118 951 6200 www.fsp-law.com

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Phil Strachan

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B4 marketing

A GREAT TIME TO TALK TURKEY! Hot off the press - some topical food for thought and something to chew over in the year ahead to ensure that you keep abreast of latest thinking in Branding, Identity and Graphic Design - Phil Strachan of Strangebrew shares his recipe for success for 2015 with B4’s Richard Rosser.

WRITTEN BY: PHIL STRACHAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY: ADBY CREATIVE

It happened again! Sad news really – but the results of research just recently conducted and published have indicated that over 95% of Business Owners, Entrepreneurs, Marketing Directors and Marketing Managers who commission Branding, Identity and Graphic Design projects, have ended up with a turkey at the end of 2014. Sad news all round except perhaps for Bernard Matthews!

But it didn’t have to be this way- if only they had gone to and worked with Strangebrew for all their Branding, Identity and Graphic Design needs. The fact is that despite good intentions and stout resolutions (plug for Guinness there!) made at the start of the year, they all just fell into the trap of failing to break with tradition, failing to be different and therefore ended up just like everyone else – headless chickens who had cooked their goose, almost certainly heading for a real roasting. Put very simply, they failed to think brand - not bland!

Bad news all round for all – except perhaps for Paxo!

To crown it all, the research very clearly concludes that all businesses and brands behaving in that manner will never rule the roost. It goes on to note that by choosing to follow the flock and operate on a wing and a prayer, such businesses and brands will simply be left without a leg to stand on, left to fight for the leftovers and destined to end up totally plucked and well and truly stuffed. Bad news all round for all – except perhaps for Paxo!

Without wishing to make a meal of these findings and at the same time attempting to cut through the inevitable gobbledegook, the research makes it very clear that it is time to ruffle some feathers. Some basic fundamental truths, some of which may at first seem totally unpalatable, need to be brought home to roost if businesses and www.b4-business.com

brands are to have any chance of carving out a real opportunity for themselves and getting a decent slice of the action.

flight at the idea of sticking their necks out and running fowl of established conventions.

The research concludes that business and brand owners should never duck their responsibilities and should take care not to kill the goose that laid the golden egg.

The research goes on to say that if they don’t like the heat, they really should get well and truly out of the kitchen. The research strongly recommends that they should appoint a really good Branding, Identity and Graphic Design partner such as Strangebrew who can make sure that they think brand - not bland and won’t end up with a turkey at the end of the year - and will help add to their festive cheer in 2015 with an injection of bold, frank insights and a generous helping of mirth.

Taking a quick gander at the topline results, it is all too clear that what is sauce for the goose isn’t necessarily sauce for the gander and that every business and brand requires its own individual recipe that is both creative and original. It is also manifestly clear that all high-flying business and brand owners need to understand their businesses and brands better. They should therefore give

“The research goes on to say that if they don’t like the heat, they really should get well and truly out of the kitchen” free range to the strategic and creative strengths of their chosen Branding, Identity and Graphic Design partners rather than simply relying on growing their businesses and brands organically. They quite simply need to think brand - not bland!

Bold, frank insights and a generous helping of mirth Finally, the research notes that many thickskinned and chicken-livered business and brand owners who fail to keep abreast of the latest Branding, Identity and Graphic Design thinking, might turn tail and take

If they don’t, it will probably just be tough turkey all round again at the end of 2015.

And the moral of this story is that if you don’t want to end up with a proverbial turkey at the end of 2015, leave the production of turkeys to Bernard Mathews and leave the stuffing to Paxo. Instead, place your trust in Phil Strachan and Strangebrew for all things Branding, Identity and Graphic Design related – and let him help you to dish up success on a plate by helping you to think brand - not bland.

To make sure that you don’t end up with a turkey at the end of 2015, please call Phil on 07770 753 975 for an initial no charge meeting to find out how an injection of Business and Brand Alchemy from Strangebrew could really benefit your business or brand this year.

No turkeys were hurt in the writing of this article and any puns included are purely unintentional CONTACT DETAILS phil@strangebrew.co.uk 07770 753 975 www.thinkbrandnotbland.co.uk

107

B4 r&r

COMING UP AT THE TREE HOTEL The Tree Hotel at Cadmore End is planning to see in 2015 with a bang with a host of special Indian events whilst also offering some fantastic business event promotions.

WRITTEN BY: HAZEL SCOTT PHOTOGRAPHY BY: DAVID MATHER

Indian Nights The Tree Hotel at Cadmore End will welcome the New Year by hosting the popular Punjabi Lohri Festival - an Indian harvest celebration that marks the end of winter with dhol drumming, lighting the ritualistic bonfire, traditional music and dancing and a sumptuous feast of special curries on 10th January 2015.

Kavita Pal, MD of The Tree Hotel Group says: “January can be a long and arduous month for many following the excitement and festivities of Christmas and New Year. The Lohri Festival will certainly help people brush away their winter blues and we are thrilled to be sharing one of the most significant festivals in the Indian calendar with our community as well as family and friends.”

Following the success of previous years, Kavita and her staff strive to make this popular event an unforgettable experience for their guests. “We are delighted that our community embrace and adore this festival as much as we do.”

Throughout the month of January, The Tree Hotel at Cadmore End will also be hosting special Indian Saturday nights offering specialist curries from North Indian Thali to West Indian special vegetarian and seafood dishes to South Indian’s hottest curries!

“The British love curry, so our head chef Daljit Dusanj creates authentic curries that are out of this www.b4-business.com

world. We source all of our food locally and we only cook with the finest and freshest ingredients which can transfer a dish from tasting great to tasting extraordinary.”

Business But fantastic curries are not the only reason to visit The Tree Hotel at Cadmore End. Businesses should take advantage of a quiet and comfortable setting that is ideal for meetings, lunches and events.

The picturesque venue near High Wycombe in Buckinghamshire offers customers a unique business package for entertaining clients and colleagues over meals and during meetings including a delicious array of wraps and exotic curries for lunch with prices starting from £7. The venue can cater for up to 100 guests and can accommodate business meetings for up to 20 people.

Pal says: “We are situated between junction 4 and junction 5 of the M40, so it is a convenient meeting point for business people. Our extensive lunch menu which ranges from pub classics to Indian cuisine really helps to oil the cogs of business deals.”

Business customers also receive an exclusive rate for the business accommodation package, perfect for colleagues who have travelled for an overnight stop and want home from home accommodation.

The hotel is offering event and meeting organisers a package which includes a three course European,

or Indian dinner, overnight accommodation and a full English breakfast. Rates start from £85 per person inclusive of VAT. Managing Director, Kavita Pal explains: “In this economic climate planned business events have to be even more cost effective. The Tree Hotel at Cadmore End offers more pleasurable and relaxed dining than for example a conference centre might.

We always aspire to add little touches to events to make work teams feel extra special. Each event is treated individually and we take time to understand our clients brief fully and like to place careful consideration to even the smallest detail.

“We know corporate events can help establish or solidify the reputation of an organisation and strengthen relationships, so we want to offer something a bit different. The Tree Hotel at Cadmore End offers a mouth-watering selection of cuisines, specializing in Indian and European cooking, which is our new take on the traditional business lunch. There’s no need to put up with monotonous meeting meals like sandwiches and crisps when you can have tantalizing flavours!”

CONTACT DETAILS enquiries@treehotel.co.uk 01865 775974 iffley.treehotel.co.uk

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B4 contacts directory ADVICE..............................................................................................................................................111 BUSINESS SERVICES............................................................................................................113 CONFERENCE, EVENTS & VENUES..........................................................................115 EDUCATION..................................................................................................................................115 FINANCE..................................................................................................................117 HEALTH & LEISURE................................................................................................................117 HR..........................................................................................................................................................117

ADVICE ACCOUNTING Wenn Townsend P Tony Haines Partner 01865 559 900 www.wenntownsend.co.uk Grant Thornton UK LLP P Wendy Hart Managing Partner 01865 799 899 www.grant-thornton.co.uk Grant Thornton UK LLP P Jim Rogers Assurance Partner 01189 559 114 www.grant-thornton.co.uk Fish Partnership P Paul Laird Partner 01628 527 956 www.fishpartnership.co.uk The MGroup P Richard Clayton Partner 01865 552 925 www.themgroup.co.uk Whitley Stimpson Ltd P Jonathan Walton Director 01295 270 200 www.whitleystimpson.co.uk Wellers A Stuart Crook Partner 01865 723 131 www.wellersaccountants.co.uk Wilson Partners A Allan Ian Wilson Managing Director 01628 770 770 www.wilson-partners.co.uk Whitley Stimpson Ltd A Stuart Haigh Director 01295 270 200 www.whitleystimpson.co.uk Shaw Gibbs A Peter O’Connell Partner 01865 292 200 www.shawgibbs.com

www.b4-business.com

BDO LLP A Simon Brooker Lead Partner 01189 254 488 www.bdo.uk.com Gracechurch Wealth Management LLP A Richard Lawrance Independent Financial Adviser 01908 209 220 www.gracechurchwm.com Auditel A Chris Bourke Cost Management Specialist 01865 774 387 www.auditel.co.uk Seymour Taylor A Simon Turner Managing Director 01494 552 125 www.stca.co.uk Cashflow Medics A Ian Roberts Managing Director 01865 920 581 www.cashflowmedics.co.uk

contacts P

A M B A S S A D O R

A

IT & TELECOMMUNICATIONS.......................................................................................117 MANUFACTURING..................................................................................................................119 MARKETING & DESIGN......................................................................................................119 PROPERTY & BUILDING.....................................................................................................119 R&R......................................................................................................................................................121 SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY...............................................................................................123

BUSINESS ADVICE Jamesons Insolvency & Business Recovery A Carolyn Dunn Partner 01993 707 860 www.jamesons.co.uk SR Consulting A Jonathan Lane Director 07503 891 331 www.splash-rc.co.uk Business Doctors A Martin Vessey Managing Director 0845 219 7077 www.businessdoctors.co.uk Mercury Communication & Strategy A Holger Garden Founder 01494 722 378 www.mercury-cs.co.uk Avocet Investments Ltd 01494 726 173 www.avocet-investments.com

Richardsons Accountants 01844 261 155 www.richardsons-group.co.uk

Hilltop Consultancy 01844 238 692 www.hilltopconsultancy.co.uk

Rees Russell 01993 702 418 www.reesrussell.co.uk

OPP 01865 404 584 www.opp.com

Russell Whitlock Accountancy 01865 481 625 www.rw-accountancy.co.uk

Oxford Professional Consulting 01865 436791 www.oxfordprofessionalconsulting.com

Peter Upton Ltd 01628 781 636 www.peterupton.co.uk

Quantuma Restructuring 01628 478 100 www.quantuma.com

Clark Howes 0808 271 3099 www.clarkhowes.com

RTS Breakthrough Solutions 07789 405 079 www.rts-breakthroughsolutions.co.uk

Harmonea 01844 274 808 www.harmonea.co.uk

Sandler Training 01608 611 211 www.oxford.sandler.com

Tamesis Partnership www.tamesispartnership.co.uk

Action Coach 01183 400 351 www.actioncoach.com Active Education and Training Ltd 01865 594 325 www.oxfordactive.co.uk Endeavour Consulting 07711 825 005 www.endeavour-consulting.co.uk

Exilia 07817 767 649 www.exilia.co.uk PARTNER? 07798 653 139 www.partner-in-business.co.uk The Mustard Concept 01865 589 507 www.themustardconcept.com VCA Consulting 01993 883751 www.vcaconsultinguk.com

LEGAL Darbys Solicitors P Simon McCrum Managing Partner 01865 811 700 www.darbys.co.uk Hedges Law P Nicola Poole Managing Director 01491 839 839 www.hedgeslaw.co.uk Henmans Freeth A Malcolm Sadler Senior Partner 01865 781 000 www.henmansfreeth.co.uk Gardner Leader LLP A Derek Rogers Managing Partner 01635 508 080 www.gardner-leader.co.uk B P Collins A Chris Hardy Partner 01753 889 995 www.bpcollins.co.uk Blake Morgan LLP A Michael Stace Partner 01865 248 607 www.blakemorgan.co.uk BrookStreet Des Roches LLP Paddy Gregan A Partner 01235 836 655 www.bsdr.com Brethertons A Karina Ray Key Client Manager 01295 661 425 www.brethertons.co.uk

111

Clinic on the Green

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www.cliniconthegreen.com 01869 351345

B4 Field Seymour Parkes A Penelope Garden Associate 0118 951 6312 www.fsp-law.com Turpin & Miller LLP A Emily Boardman Partner 01865 770 111 www.turpinmiller.co.uk Bower & Bailey A Stuart Palmer Partner 01993 705 095 www.bowerandbailey.co.uk Penningtons Manches LLP Richard Smith A Managing Partner 01865 722 106 www.manches.com Family First Solicitors Ursula Rice A Managing Director 01865 311 112 www.familyfirstsolicitors.co.uk White & Black Legal LLP 0800 35 2656 www.wablegal.com Lewis Silkin 020 7074 8494 www.lewissilkin.com

AUDIO VISUAL Bang & Olufsen P Mark James Director 01865 511 241 www.bang-olufsen.com City Audio Visual P Peter Gunn Director 01865 722 800 www.cityaudiovisual.co.uk

BUSINESS CONSULTANTS The Profitable Hotel Company A Stuart Harrison Owner 01993 706 632 www.profitablehotelcompany.co.uk Beacon Sales A Barry Luff Managing Director 07813 898 936 www.beaconsales.co.uk Evolution CBS A Rob Goddard Managing Director 0118 402 6892 www.evolutioncbs.co.uk

Dehns 01865 305 100 www.dehns.com

MCP Consulting and Training A John Saysell Business Development Manager 0121 506 9032 www.mcpeurope.com

David Parry Employment Law 01993 848 247 www.parryemploymentlaw.com

Quest TGO Ltd 0203 394 0123 www.quest-thegreatoutdoors.co.uk

Sipara 0844 2253 570 www.sipara.com

BUSINESS SUPPLIES & EQUIPMENT

Parrott & Coales LLP 01296 318 500 www.parrottandcoalesllp.co.uk Fieldstead Insolvency LLP 01296 433303 www.fieldstead.co.uk

BUSINESS SERVICES ARCHIVE & STORAGE Ardington Archives A Janet Gibbons Director 01367 718 710 www.ardingtonarchives.co.uk The Archive Centre A David Coulton Owner 01296 425 744 www.thearchivecentre.com

www.b4-business.com

Aston & James Office Supplies Ltd P Darren Aston Director 01993 706 900 www.aston-james.co.uk Hunts Office Furniture and Interiors A Egon Hunt Sales Director 0845 4000 333 www.huntsoffice.co.uk

contacts

Oxfordshire Community Foundation A Jayne Woodley Chief Executive 01865 798 666 www.oxfordshire.org

HEALTH & SAFETY

RAF Benevolent Fund A Paul Hewson Regional Director, S. England 01296 656 586 www.rafbf.org.uk

INSURANCE

Root & Branch A Adam Twine Patron 01793 780 380 www.rootandbranch.info

Chase Templeton A Charles Frost Independent Insurance Consultant 0808 271 9202 www.chasetempleton.co.uk Osbornes Insurances 01844 214 316 www.osbornesins.co.uk

The Ley Community 01865 373108 www.leycommunity.co.uk

Macbeth Insurance Brokers 0118 9165 480 www.macbeths.co.uk

CLIC Sargent 0300 330 0803 www.clicsargent.org.uk

LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Aspire 01865 204 450 www.aspireoxford.co.uk Sue Ryder Care 01491 641 404 www.sueryder.org Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research 020 7504 2231 www.beatingbloodcancers.org.uk

CLEANING SERVICES Excel Dry Cleaners 01865 511 773 www.exceldrycleanersofoxford.co.uk Pinewood Cleaning Services 01993 862 866 www.pinewoodcc.co.uk

DOMESTIC SERVICES Busy Offices 01494 672 233 www.busyoffices.net

West Oxfordshire District Council A Hayley Beer Tourism Services Manager 01993 861 558 www.oxfordshirecotswolds.org West Oxfordshire District Council A William Barton Business Development Officer 01993 861 000 www.westoxon.gov.uk/business Oxford City Council 01865 252 845 www.oxford.gov.uk

MOTOR BMW North Oxford Garage Marcus Elliot P Corporate Sales Manager 01865 319 000 www.oxfordbmw.co.uk Ridgeway Landrover A Guy Twiselton General Sales Manager 01865 590 777 www.ridgeway.co.uk

ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES TOE2 01865 882 488 www.trustforoxfordshire.org.uk

CHARITIES

GAS & ELECTRIC

Helen & Douglas House A Aimie Edwards Corporate Partnerships Account Manager 01865 799 150 www.helenanddouglas.org.uk

British Gas Business Services A Martin Orrill Head of Energy Technology and Innovation 0845 485 3528 www.britishgas.co.uk/business

Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals Charitable Funds A Graham Brogden Head of Community Fundraising 01865 743 442 www.charitablefunds.org.uk

Shawcity Ltd 01367 899 553 www.shawcity.co.uk

DCResponse A Paul Anderson Managing Director 01993 708 855 www.dcresponse.co.uk

NETWORKING GROUPS B4 Magazine P Richard Rosser Editor 01865 742 211 www.b4-business.com MD2MD 01865 6008008 www.md2md.co.uk

SECURITY Executive Alarms Ltd A John Keown Director 01865 435 435 www.executive-systems.co.uk

113

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Oxford’s specialist Dry Cleaners, experts in cleaning all delicate items including silks to wedding dresses.

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274 Banbury Road, Oxford, OX2 7DY 01865 511773 www.exceldrycleanersofoxford.co.uk

B4 TRANSPORT Chiltern Railways 020 7333 3113 www.chilternrailways.co.uk Findlay Chauffeurs 08456 447 099 www.findlaycs.com JK Oxford Chauffeurs Ltd 01865 423 916 www.jkoxfordchauffeurs.com Teletrax Limited 01235 856 054 www.teletraxltd.co.uk

TRAVEL City Sightseeing P Jane Marshall Transport Manager 01865 790 522 www.citysightseeingoxford.com London Oxford Airport P Tony Farmer Head of Sales and Route Development 01865 290 600 www.londonoxfordairport.com Great Experience Travel A David Gambier Managing Director 0845 217 8284 www.greatexperiencetravel.co.uk Venture A Joe Kennard Director 01865 582005 www.ventureoxford.com Short Let Space Ltd. 01993 811 711 www.weeklyhome.com

CONFERENCE, EVENTS & VENUES CATERING SERVICES Oxford Fine Dining P Sue Randall Managing Director 01865 728 240 www.oxfordfinedining.co.uk Passion for Food A Philip Baker Managing Director 08452 969 226 www.passion-for-food.co.uk Complete Catering A Jon Kay General Manager 01235 820 840 www.completecatering.co.uk Lamb Catering A Emma Tasker Events and Marketing Director 01865 772 446 www.lambcatering.co.uk

www.b4-business.com

Philip Dennis Foodservice 01993 700 030 www.philipdennis.co.uk

contacts

CONFERENCES

The Forbury Hotel A Peter Farquhar General Manager 01189 527 770 www.theforburyhotel.co.uk

Lady Margaret Hall P Bill Kemp Head of Conference Services 01865 611 079 www.lmh.ox.ac.uk

Macdonald Windsor Hotel Beverley Molmans A General Manager 0844 879 9101 www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk

Oakley Court Hotel P Richard Smith Sales Manager 01753 609 988 www.principal-hayley.com /theoakleycourt

Exeter College 01865 279 600 www.exeter.ox.ac.uk/conferences

Williams Conference Centre Faye Bellamy P Business Development Executive 01235 777 735 www.williamsconferencecentre.com The Feathers P Dominic Bishop General Manager 01993 812 291 www.feathers.co.uk Stoke Park A Nick Downie Head of Communications 01753 717171 www.stokepark.com

Malmaison 01865 268 400 www.malmaison-oxford.com Oxford Town Hall 01865 252 195 www.oxfordtownhall.co.uk St Hugh's College 01865 274 424 www.st-hughs.ox.ac.uk The King’s Centre 01865 297 400 www.kingscentre.co.uk Malmaison Reading 0118 956 2300 www.malmaison.com

EQUIPMENT HIRE Magdalen College School Emma Withers A Events Manager 01865 242 191 www.mcsoxford.org Heythrop Park Resort A Tracy Norcup Sales Manager 01608 673 372 www.heythroppark.co.uk Pembroke College A Huw Edmunds Head of Conferences and Events 01865 276 484 www.pmb.ox.ac.uk/Conferences The Examination Schools Kay Hogg A Events Manager 01865 276 905 www.examschools.ox.ac.uk Howbery Business Park A Angela Andrews Marketing & Lettings Manager 01491 822 305 www.howberypark.com Four Pillars Hotels A Chris Green Group Marketing Manager 0800 374 692 www.four-pillars.co.uk Egrove Park A Jill Grieveson Conference Manager 01865 422 757 www.sbs.oxford.edu/conferencing

Oxford Event Hire A Kieran Lynch Owner 01865 760 158 www.oxfordeventhire.co.uk Millie Miles A Lorna Miles Director 01869 351 603 www.milliemiles.co.uk

EVENT MANAGEMENT The Active Network 08700 841 480 www.regonline.co.uk

EVENTS Oxfordshire Registration Services A Jacquie Bugeja Head of Registration and Coroner's Services 0845 129 5900 www.oxfordshire.gov.uk Business in Oxford 2015 01865 742 211 www.businessinoxford.com Oxfordshire Restaurant Awards 01865 742 211 www.oxfordshirerestaurantawards.co.uk Oxfordshire Business Awards www.oxfordshirebusinessawards.co.uk

VENUES Oxford Castle Quarter P Sam Pace Operations Manager 01865 201 657 www.oxfordcastle.com Blenheim Palace P John Hoy Chief Executive 01993 810 501 www.blenheimpalace.com Rhodes House P Isabelle Barber Business Development Manager 01865 270 918 www.rhodeshouseoxford.com The Vineyard P Marwan Hemchaoui General Manager 01635 528 770 www.the-vineyard.co.uk Danesfiled House Hotel A Anthony Cox General Manager 01628 891 010 www.danesfieldhouse.co.uk Venue Services, Bodleian Library A Alice Ogilvie Head of Venue Services 01865 277 224 www.bodleian.ox.ac.uk Hartwell House A Jonathan Thompson Director & General Manager 01296 747 444 www.hartwell-house.com Donnington Valley Hotel A 01635 551 199 www.donningtonvalley.co.uk Monkey Island Hotel A David Maisey General Manager 01628 623 400 www.monkeyisland.co.uk Blenheim Palace Hospitality 01993 813 874 www.blenheimpalace.com/hospitality

EDUCATION SAE Institute P Steve Hartley Media & PR Manager 01865 787 150 oxford.sae.edu

City of Oxford College P Ian Francis Principal 01865 550 550 www.cityofoxford.ac.uk

115

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B4 Reading College P Lesley Donoghue Principal 0118 955 4300 www.reading-college.ac.uk Oxford International Study Centre A Benjamin Llewelyn Principal 01865 201 009 www.oxintstudycentre.com Oxford University Student Union A Max Richardson Advertising Sales Manager 01865 288 456 www.ousu.org City of Oxford College 01865 550 550 www.cityofoxford.ac.uk

FINANCE ADVICE Ergowealth A Brian Page Managing Director 01494 616 522 www.ergowealth.com

Barclays 07775 542 467 www.barclayscorporate.com Lloyds TSB Commercial 01442 233 261 www.lloydstsbbusiness.com Clydesdale Bank 0844 736 2616 www.cbonline.co.uk Handelsbanken 0118 959 5444 www.handelsbanken.co.uk/reading

IFA Focus A Nick Walker Managing Director 01865 295 295 www.focusllp.co.uk

MORTGAGE ADVICE Mortgage Choices A James Keene Principal Consultant 01993 862 888 www.mortgage-choices.com

HEALTH & LEISURE

Critchleys 01865 261 100 www.critchleys.co.uk

FITNESS

NGI Finance 0870 8504 484 www.ngifinance.co.uk

TLA Fitness A Tom Alden Founder 07554 400 401 www.tlafitness.com

Herbert & Webster 01865 407 755 www.herbertandwebster.co.uk

BANKING Brown Shipley A Trudy Papafio Private Client Manager 0207 282 3227 www.brownshipley.co.uk HSBC 0845 850 174 www.santander.co.uk Santander Corporate Banking 0845 607 0666 www.santander.co.uk Metro Bank 0345 08 08 500 www.metrobankonline.co.uk Coutts 01865 389 039 www.coutts.com NatWest 01865 792 348 www.natwest.com

Prime Energy Fitness Ltd 01869 352 000 www.primeenergy.org Cherwell Boathouse Punting 01865 552 746 www.cherwellboathouse.co.uk

GOLF Frilford Heath Golf Club P Alistair Booth Director 01865 390 864 www.frilfordheath.co.uk

HEALTH CARE Robert Stanley Opticians P John Edwards Director 01865 766 488 www.robertstanley.co.uk Clinic95 P Maria Hardman Business Manager 01865 241 661 www.clinic95.com Linda Flanigan Hypnotherapy 07866 360 359 www.lfhypnotherapy-oxfordshire.co.uk

www.b4-business.com

contacts

SPORT Newbury Racecourse P Amanda Ellis Conference & Events Business Development Manager 01635 40015 www.racecoursenewbury.co.uk Reading Football Club Limited P Sir John Madejski Chairman 0118 968 1100 www.readingfc.co.uk Oxford University Rugby Football Club A Tim Stevens Club Administrator 01865 432 000 www.ourfc.org North Oxford Lawn Tennis Club 01865 513 560 (Clubhouse) www.northoxfordltc.org.uk

WELLBEING Helen Money Nutrition A Helen Money Owner 01865 339 672 www.helenmoneynutrition.com

HR HR CONSULTANTS HR2You P Sarah Morris Owner 07789 711 997 www.hr2you.co.uk Crispin Rhodes A Sharon Pugh Partner 01189 414 941 www.crispinrhodes.co.uk Gazella HR 01865 339 411 www.gazellahr.co.uk MB HR Support Ltd 01993 882 744 www.mbhrsupport.co.uk Spires HR 01865 880 391 www.spireshr.co.uk Sylo Associates 01844 216 290 www.sylo-associates.co.uk Right Hand HR 0844 880 4582 www.rhhr.com

RECRUITMENT Secondsite Recruitment A Laura Harris Branch Manager 01865 203 356 www.secondsite.co.uk

myFD Recruitment 01865 339 313 www.myfdrecruitment.co.uk Hays 01865 727 071 www.hays.com

IT & TELECOMMUNICATIONS DATABASE MANAGEMENT InTouch CRM P James White Managing Director 0845 310 9973 www.intouchcrm.co.uk ClientMailer 01865 339 406 www.clientmailer.com

IT SERVICES Computing Information Systems (CIS) Ltd P Richard Marsh Director 01367 700 555 www.cisltd.com Bluespires IT A Richard Fuller Owner 0845 528 505 www.bluespires.co.uk Flex Information Technology Paul Horseman A Director 0333 101 7300 www.flex.co.uk The Cabling Company A David Jackson Sales Director 07796 140 348 www.thecablingcompany.com Storm Internet 01865 236 393 www.storminternet.co.uk QPQ Software Ltd 01235 522 516 www.qpqsoftware.com Oxford Knowledge Ltd 01865 322 100 www.oxford-knowledge.com First Line Support Ltd 01865 260 220 www.firstline-it.com Security Exchange Ltd. 01491 683 710 www.securityexchange24.com

SECURITY Dionach 01865 877 830 www.dionach.com

117

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Tel 01865 582 005 / 01865 865 665 Email info@percystravel.co.uk Web www.percystravel.co.uk Ardington Archives Clients include: Ardington Archives LLP White Horse Business Park Stanford in the Vale Oxfordshire SN7 8NY Tel. 01367 718710

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E AT - D R I N K - E N J O Y W W W. OX F O R D C A S T L E Q UA R T E R . CO M - OX F O R D C A S T L E Q UA R T E R , OX F O R D, OX 1 1 AY

B4 SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT Sophos 01235 559933 www.sophos.com

WEB OPTIMISATION SERVICES Zest A Alex Minchin Director 0843 289 161 www.zestdigital.co Alberon A Tim Ault Managing Director 01865 263 220 www.alberon.co.uk

WEBSITE DEVELOPMENT Torpedo Group Limited A Iain Lewis Director 01865 733 710 www.torpedogroup.com Olamalu A Christoph Corvin Director 01993 764 566 www.olamalu.com Method and Class A Robyn North Digital Marketing Consultant 01280 821 840 www.methodandclass.com Urban Element 01993 776 999 www.urbanelement.com White October 01865 706 017 www.whiteoctober.co.uk

MANUFACTURING

Focal Point Advertising Solutions 01256 767837 www.focal.co.uk

CORPORATE IDENTITY Recognition Express P Andy Olejnik Managing Director 01295 257 611 www.re-oxfordshire.co.uk Strangebrew A Phil Strachan Director 07770 753 975 www.thinkbrandnotbland.co.uk

DESIGN Blink Design A Keith Simpson Senior Designer 01865 742 211 www.on-the-blink.com ADS 01993 885 122 www.adsoxford.co.uk Apt-Art 01865 372 981 www.aptart-design.co.uk Kingdom Signs Ltd 01235 812 299 www.kingdomsigns.com Kettle Studio 01491 837 336 www.kettlestudio.co.uk

FRAMING Isis Creative Framing 01865 203 420 www.isiscreative.co.uk

FREELANCE COPY WRITING & EDITING

MEDICAL GOODS Owen Mumford A Jarl Severn Director 01993 812 021 www.owenmumford.com

MARKETING & DESIGN ADVERTISING B4 Magazine P Richard Rosser Managing Director 01865 742 211 www.b4-business.com Living In Oxford Magazine Colin Rosser P Chairman 01865 742 211 www.inoxford.com

www.b4-business.com

Noble Word A Matt Wright Owner 07500 531 485

MARKETING Marketing Sense A Jo Sensecall Director 01865 883 579 www.marketing-sense.co.uk Obergine A Jeremy Anderson Director 01865 245 777 www.obergine.com

contacts

Hutchhouse Ltd A Ben Hutchins Creative Director 0845 467 8089 www.hutchhouse.co.uk Heart of Business A Jackie Jarvis Director 07801 293022 Oxford Media Factory A Chris Smith Director 01865 552 678 www.oxfordmediafactory.co.uk KyteMark Solutions Ltd 01491 410 061 www.kytemark.com

PHOTOGRAPHY Studio8 P Clark Wiseman Managing Director 01865 842 525 www.studio-8.co.uk Hills & Saunders A Richard Shymansky Photographer 07878 162 452 www.hillsandsaunders.co.uk Shane Miller Photography 01491 671 864 www.shanemillerstudios.com

PRINTING Advent Colour P Mike Ackerman Sales Director 01264 359 359 www.advent-colour.co.uk Blueprint Imaging A Martin Matthews Managing Director 01993 892 360 www.blueprintimaging.com OxUniPrint A Ian Wilton Managing Director 01865 844 918 www.oxuniprint.co.uk Hunts A Simon Froud Account Manager 01865 853 633 www.hunts.co.uk MRD Digital Print 01865 715 181 www.shanemillerstudios.com The Oxford Duplication Centre Cheryl-Lee Foulsham Managing Director 01865 457 000 www.theduplicationcentre.co.uk

Amberley Court Associates Ltd 07767 424 000 www.amberleycourtassociates.co.uk

PUBLIC RELATIONS Papa Romeo PR A Claire Thompson Managing Director 07811 339 577 www.paparomeopr.com Spriggs David A Karen David Partner 01865 512662 www.spriggsdavid.co.uk Antonia Taylor PR A Antonia Taylor Director 07968 775 571 www.antoniataylorpr.com Esplin PR A Louise Esplin PR Consultant 07775 678 237 www.esplinpr.co.uk The Buzzworks A Sarah Airey Proprietor 01993 813 848 www.thebuzzworks.co.uk Evokedset A Nicola Denovan Director 0844 870 8025 www.evokedset.com O Consultancy 01295 811 781 www.oconsultancy.com

PROPERTY & BUILDING ARCHITECTS John Hallam Associates A John Hallam Director 01608 646 969 www.johnhallamassociates.co.uk Gray Baynes + Shew 01865 305 130 www.gbsarchitects.co.uk Riach Architects 01865 553 772 www.riacharchitects.com

BUSINESS PARKS Westcott Venture Park P Nigel MacKenzie Project Manager 001296 651 888 www.westcottventurepark.com

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TERA are accomplished organisers of events from intimate dinner parties in Oxford Colleges to Networking events for over 200 in some of the county’s most prestigious venues. With four years’ experience running the Oxfordshire Restaurant Awards and now in the second year of organising Business in Oxford, TERA has the experience and flexibility required when it comes to organising your event.

We would be pleased to hear from you.

Contact Tina Rosser with your enquiry Tel: 01865 742211 Mob: 07887 638120 www.teraevents.co.uk TERA are proud organisers for

AWARDS 2015

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AWARDS

AWARDS

AWARDS

AWARDS

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B4 Oxford Innovation Ltd P Jo Willett Marketing and Business Development Director 01865 261 400 www.oxin-centres.co.uk

HighGround A Graham Turrell Founder 0800 612 6601 www.highgroundproperty.co.uk

Begbroke Science Park A Peter Dobson Managing Director 01865 283 700 www.begbroke.ox.ac.uk

DEVELOPMENT

Bloxham Mill Business Centre A Ray Avery Managing Director 01295 722 800 www.bloxhammill.com Pure Offices 01865 811110 www.pureoffices.co.uk

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY AGENTS VSL and Partners P Richard Venables Director 01865 848 488 www.vslandp.com Carter Jonas P Scott Harkness Partner 01865 511 444 www.carterjonas.co.uk Lambert Smith Hampton A Kevin Wood Director 01865 200 244 www.lsh.co.uk Meeson Williams Phillips 01865 349011 www.meesonwilliamsphillips.com Marriotts 01865 316311 www.marriottsoxford.co.uk

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY SERVICES Oxford Innovation Ltd P Jo Willett Marketing and Business Development Director 01865 261 400 www.oxin-centres.co.uk Bracknell Enterprise & Innovation Hub A Shelley Furey Centre Manager 01344 388 000 www.bracknell-hub.co.uk Absolutely Offices A Beryl Huntingdon Managing Director 01256 316 500 www.absolutely-offices.co.uk

www.b4-business.com

The Trevor Osborne Property Group P Trevor Osborne Chairman 01225 832 302 www.topgroup.co.uk

ESTATE AGENTS Breckon & Breckon A Keith Stacey Managing Director 01865 244 735 www.breckon.co.uk scottfraser A David Blythman Managing Director Sales 01865 759 500 www.scottfraser.co.uk scottfraser A Marc Hatcher Senior Branch Manager 01993 705 507 www.scottfraser.co.uk Strutt & Parker A Miles Collison Partner, Development Land & New Homes 01865 366 660 www.struttandparker.com Penny & Sinclair A James Penny Director 01865 318 013 www.pennyandsinclair.co.uk Pink & Black Property Consultants A Claire Moloney Director 01865 515 919 www.pinkandblackproperty.com GP Residential 01865 246 399 www.gpresidential.com

contacts

Finders Keepers A Frank Webster Director 01865 302 308 www.finders.co.uk scottfraser A Andrew Greenwood Group Managing Director 01865 760 055 www.scottfraser.co.uk Lucy Properties A Ian Ashcroft Managing Director 01865 559 973 www.lucyproperties.co.uk College and County A Mark Crampton-Smith Owner 01865 722 722 www.collegeandcounty.biz Premier Letting A Charles Bartlett Partner 01865 792 299 www.premier.uk.com

PROPERTY & CONSTRUCTION CONSULTANTS Kemp & Kemp A Steven Sensecall Partner 01865 240 001 www.kempandkemp.co.uk Forge Engineering Design Solutions Ltd 01865 362 780 www.f-eds.co.uk Thameside Surveying Ltd 01628 421 504 www.thamesidesurveying.com

PROPERTY SERVICES Savvy Maintenance & Renovations A Stephen Dunne Director 01865 920 020 www.savvy-group.co.uk

LETTING AGENTS

Absolutely Offices A Beryl Huntingdon Managing Director 01256 316 500 www.absolutely-offices.co.uk

Breckon & Breckon P Greg Barnes Director 01865 201 111 www.breckon.co.uk

EIFLA-3D A Nigel J Blanchard Founder & CEO 0844 7767 187 www.eifla-3d.co.uk

North Oxford Property Services P Robin Swailes Director 01865 311 745 www.nops.co.uk

Windover Facilities Management A Edward MacFarlane CEO 01869 368 095 www.windoverfm.com

Darke & Taylor Ltd 01865 290 000 www.darkeandtaylor.co.uk A1 Plumbing & Heating 01865 327 732 www.a1ltd.co.uk

R&R ACCOMMODATION Hawkwell House Hotel P Tim Spittles General Manager 01865 749 988 www.hawkwellhouse.co.uk The Oxford Hotel P Debbie Priestley General Manager 01865 489 988 www.pumahotels.co.uk/hotels /the-oxford-hotel Westwood Hotel P Anthony Healey Owner 01865 735 408 www.westwoodhotel.co.uk Macdonald Randolph Hotel Michael Grange A General Manager 0844 879 9132 www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk The Bear & Ragged Staff A Mark Greenwood Landlord 01865 862 329 www.bearandraggedstaff.com The Royal Oxford Hotel A Tom Crampton-Smith Owner 01865 248 432 www.royaloxfordhotel.co.uk Fallowfields Hotel & Restaurant A Anthony Lloyd Managing Director 01865 820 416 www.fallowfields.com Eynsham Hall 01993 885 238 www.eynshamhall.com Conifers Guest House 01865 763 055 www.conifersguesthouse.co.uk Spirit Health Club 01865 888 444 www.spirithealthclubs.co.uk The Burlington House 01865 513 513 www.burlington-hotel-oxford.co.uk

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B4 ARTISTIC & CULTURAL

FOOD & DRINK SUPPLIES

Modern Art Oxford A Hannah Evans Communications Manager 01865 813 826 www.modernartoxford.org.uk

Roots of Oxford P Mike Hirons Managing Director 01865 792 060 www.rootsofoxford.com

Orchestra of St John's A John Lubbock Artistic Director 07765 252 489 www.osj.org.uk

The Oxford Wine Company Ted Sandbach A Managing Director 01865 301 144 www.oxfordwine.co.uk

Ashmolean Museum 01865 288 364 www.ashmus.ox.ac.uk

GALLERIES

The Old Fire Station 01865 263 988 www.oxfordphil.com

Wiseman Gallery A Sarah Wiseman Owner 01865 515 123 www.wisegal.com

Oxford Philomusica 07775 904 626 www.oxfordphil.com

RENTAL ACCOMMODATION

Rachel Ducker www.rachelducker.co.uk

Lower Mill Estate A Red Paxton Marketing and Sales Director 01285 869 489 www.lowermillestate.com

COFFEE SHOPS

RESTAURANTS

Java & Co 07736 950 673 www.javaandco.co.uk

Browns, Oxford P Simon Stonehouse General Manager 01865 511 995 www.browns-restaurants.co.uk

CORPORATE ENTERTAINMENT Sam Strange Magic A Sam Strange Owner 01865 742 211 www.samstrangemagic.co.uk

ENTERTAINMENT Pegasus Theatre A Bel Crewe Development Director 01865 812 160 www.pegasustheatre.org.uk Oxford Playhouse 01865 305 305 www.oxfordplayhouse.com

Browns, Reading P 0118 950 3137 www.browns-restaurants.co.uk Browns, Windsor P 01753 831 976 www.browns-restaurants.co.uk The Red Lion P Mark Purton General Manager 01865 726 255 www.redlionoxford.co.uk 4500 Miles From Delhi A Nav Kandola Owner 01865 244 922 www.milesfromdelhi.com/oxford

contacts

Brookes Restaurant A Jonathan Warhurst Operations Director 01865 483 873 www.brookes.ac.uk Organic Deli Café A Trevor Bennett & Cristina Campos Owners 01865 364 853 www.oxfordorganic.co.uk Aziz A Aziz Rahman Proprietor 01865 794 945 www.aziz.uk.com Aziz Express A Abdul Rahman Proprietor 01865 395 870 www.azizexpress.co.uk The Snooty Mehmaan A Asad Ahmed Director 01367 242 260 www.thesnootymehmaan.co.uk The Tree Hotel at Iffley Village A Kavita Pal Director 01865 775 974 iffley.treehotel.co.uk L’Ortolan A Sally Albin Marketing Manager 0118 988 9107 www.lortolan.com Pierre Victoire 01865 316 616 www.pierrevictoire.co.uk Saffron 01865 512 211 www.saffronrestaurantoxford.co.uk The Chequers at Burcot 01865 407 771 www.thechequers-burcot.co.uk Café Aloha 01865 792 696 www.cafealoha.co.uk

The Oxford Blue 01865 460 215 www.theoxfordblue.com The Tree Hotel 01494 881 183 www.cadmore.treehotel.co.uk

SHOPPING The University of Oxford Shop P 01865 247 414 www.oushop.com Blackwell’s P David Prescott Managing Director 01865 382 500 www.blackwell.co.uk Bicester Village A Helen Peters Sales & Marketing Manager – Tourism 01869 323 200 www.bicestervillage.com Clements and Church 01865 511 212 www.clementsandchurch.co.uk Riche de Fleurs 01993 869 202 www.richeflowers.com

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY SCIENCE Oxford Instruments Plc A Lynn Shepherd Group Director of Communications 01865 393 378 www.oxinst.com Oxford Technologies A Stephen Sanders Business Development Director 01235 544 871 www.oxfordtechnologies.co.uk Science Oxford A Dominic McDonald Head of Public Engagement and Business Networks 01865 728 953 www.scienceoxford.com

B4 partners Official E-Mail Marketing Partner

Official Events Software Partner

Official Cloud Partner

Official Photographer

Official Event Partner

Official Stationery Partner

Preferred supplier of Home Entertainment

B4 is designed by Blink Design & Print t: 01865 742211

www.b4-business.com

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CLIENT SUPPORT AUDIT ACCOUNTANCY CHARITIES COMPANY SECRETARIAL CONSULTANCY FINANCIAL PLANNING FORENSIC ACCOUNTING MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTS PAYROLL TAXATION TRUSTS

OXFORD 30 St. Giles, Oxford OX1 3LE Tel . 01865 559900 email . information@wenntownsend.co.uk CIRENCESTER 5 Gosditch Street, Cirencester GL7 2AG Tel . 01285 659778 email . partners@wenntownsend.net ABINGDON 10 Broad Street, Abingdon OX14 3LH Tel . 01235 548700 email . abingdon@wenntownsend.co.uk www.wenntownsend .co .uk