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MAGAZINE ISSUE 37 OCTOBER 2015
IFFLEY BLUE FOOD AND DRINK IN GREAT COMPANY
HOWBERY BUSINESS PARK
W W W . B 4 - B U S I N E S S . C O M
DARBYS
STOKE PARK
B U I L D I N G 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 B4 in print
on-line
You’re holding it right now. High quality, printed bi-monthly and circulated to 9,000 business decision makers throughout the Thames Valley.
With the new site launching soon, the B4 website provides B4 Members with a great platform to promote their business by giving them access to upload unlimited press releases, event details, job vacancies and offers.
How it could help your business: This magazine lands on the desks of key decision makers. Having an editorial or advert in here could gain you potential clients.
How it could help your business: The B4 website attracts over 6,000 unique visitors every month. Sharing your content and having your business listed on the B4 site is bound to attract some attention!
Get started today By becoming a B4 Member you immediately join over 600 other businesses across the Thames Valley benefiting from the following as part and parcel: B4 Magazine: Business listed in the B4 Magazine Business Directory. B4 Website: Business listed in the B4 Website Business Directory and ability to upload unlimited content as above. B4 Events: Access to B4 Events at no extra charge - Members can even bring guests. B4 Social Media: Member tweets and mentions are re-tweeted through the B4 Twitter accounts.
What is B4, you ask? ‘B4’ stands for ‘Building Bridges Between Businesses’ and that is just what we do. So how do we do that? Well we provide you with 4 very clear platforms as follows:
events
social
High quality networking events that B4 Members can attend in some stunning locations. A great opportunity to meet other members and guests interested in joining B4.
We promote B4 news through our B4 Twitter accounts and also post out your news, giving you excellent added reach.
How it could help your business: Our events always have an interesting focal point to them, whether it be an activity like our Day At The Races or a tour around Williams’ F1 Collection. We make networking a wholly enjoyable experience.
How it could help your business: Our accounts in all areas have a total follower count of over 9,000. Tweet us and we’ll re-tweet you - A great way to get yourself seen.
B4 Interested in becoming a B4 Member? Call 01865 742211 today with membership starting at just £250+VAT for 12 months.
ON THE
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Residential Letting 路 Property Management
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B4 platinum & gold members We would like to thank our B4 Gold & Platinum Members 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.
PLATINUM MEMBERS
GOLD MEMBERS
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 selected employees to attend B4 events. The Ambassador scheme is separate and subject to a different charge of £250+VAT for the first Ambassador.
B4
B4
contributors
COMPANIES TO LOOK OUT FOR IN THIS ISSUE
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Publisher B4 Magazine is published by Designs On Ltd, The Firs, Headington Hill, Oxford, OX3 0BT Chairman Colin Rosser colin@b4-business.com Editor Richard Rosser editorial@b4-business.com Art Editor Keith Simpson artwork@b4-business.com Sub Editor Lorna Dodson assistanteditor@b4-business.com Features Editor Matt Wright matt@b4-business.com Proofreader Sue Rosser B4 Events events@b4-business.com Editorial contributors Sarah Airey Olivia Lane-Nott Caroline O’Connor Rachel Warren Jo Sensecall Kelly Lea B4 Photography Rob Scotcher Studio Photography Studio8 Telephone: 01865 842525
Subscriptions For free Subscription, please contact: Telephone: 01865 742 211 info@b4-business.com Each business with an Ox fordshire, 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.
welcome to B4 37 Welcome to Issue 37 and another issue full of interesting content brought to you from across the Thames Valley. Iffley Blue Restaurant at Hawkwell House Hotel adorns our front cover, the perfect venue for a business lunch, a personal celebration or a romantic meal for two. If you haven’t already been then read our lead article and book a table. Fantastic service, superb food and a phenomenal glass roof through which to gaze at the stars. Elsewhere in B4 we have great advice from Carter Jonas, The MGroup, STL and DC Response while Hedges Law report on the first successful damages claim for a fake internet review. You can also meet the Darbys Commercial Law team in this edition and we hear from Donseed Chief Executive, Ollie McGovern, to find out more about his company’s cutting edge data capture solution which is reducing inefficiencies in the construction industry and beyond. On the property theme, Robin Swailes of North Oxford Property Services gives B4 readers a price update on Oxfordshire’s housing market. For those of you that like a thrill, read about ghostly goings on at Oxford Castle Quarter and for those of you that like a decent night out, read about The Langham Hotel, Lancaster London, The Snooty Mehmaan, The Manor Hotel, Stoke Park and Hunter 486. We also have an overseas feature on La Manga and the wonderful La Finca restaurant. It’s Awards season and there’s lots to celebrate or at least look forward to celebrating. Read about The Oxford Kitchen’s Head Chef, John Footman and his wonderful team who’s talents were recognized at the recent 2015 Oxfordshire Restaurant Awards where they won The Living in Oxford Magazine Editor’s Choice Award. There’s a full list of winners in this magazine – congratulations to The White Hart, Fyfield, who scooped the overall award. Wellers, one of Oxfordshire’s oldest established firms of accountants, recently held a client event at the magnificent Weston Library which B4 were there to cover. William Thomson, Head Concierge of The Randolph Hotel, tells B4 about his formative years to being nominated for the UK’s leading concierge Awards at November’s Hotel CATEYS. Award winning Chiltern Railways see their new station and line to London move a step closer. Official B4 Cloud Provider, CIS, who provide us with a fantastic service, profile their relationship with Oxfordshire accountants, Bronsens and there’s also a feature on drones at Howbery Park. And finally, it’s that time of the year when the car takes a pounding from the elements, so keep looking smart with WH Mobile Valeting who provide a first class service at your home or offices. Make sure to make a good impression all of the time and get your car cleaned! Something for everyone! Enjoy B4!
SM
Contacts If you want to contact B4 Magazine Telephone: 01865 742 211 info@b4-business.com
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Meet The Writers
24. Carter Jonas Written by Olivia Lane-Nott
30. Deliveroo Written by Richard Rosser
47. DCResponse Written by Rachel Warren © 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
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Richard Rosser Editor
About
B4
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 Masterclass Events.
106. Fallowfields
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.
Written by Matthew Wright
WHY NOT FOLLOW B4 MAGAZINE ON
lead 16 Make Your Spirit Fly and Your Soul Cry: Experience a one of a kind evening at Iffley Blue in Hawkwell House Hotel
48 Helping Clients Succeed Through The Years: B4 reports on Wellers’, one of the regions leading accountancy firms, client reception at the Weston Library in Oxford 54 One Team, One Vision: Meet the team behind The Oxford Kitchen and find out how they have achieved perfection 66 A New Era at Lady Margaret Hall: Take a walk through the history and the future of this Oxford institution 84 The Flamboyant Concierge: Meet the Head Concierge at Oxford’s only five star hotel, The Macdonald Randolph 88 Drones Over Howbery Business Park: Certified commercial drone licensing courses now available via a new family-run business 99 Lean Progression: Catch up with Lean as they support efficiency and waste removal for large blue chip organisations
news 13 B4 News 83 FOCUS News 93 Stoke Park News 109 Living In Oxford Awards News
property 28 Latest Properties from VSL & Partners 34 Darbys Commercial Property Team: Meet the experts behind Darbys one-stop shop for property services 52 Is It Too Late To Invest?: B4 talks to North Oxford Property Services about property investment and whether it is still feasible
spotlight
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technology 23 The Changing Face of Telecoms: STL Communications talks about how the latest telecoms technology can help businesses to operate more effectively 42 Capturing Data / Reducing Inefficiencies: Read all about Donseed - Providing data capture through the use of Biometric hardware solutions 68 The Reliable Cloud: Oxfordshire Accountants rely on the Cloud for protection of client financial data in CIS’ latest success story 76 Forefront of Analytical Instrumentation: Meet Labmedics - Providing a consultancy and distribution service for the development of scientific instrumentation
advice 24 Model Estate 2015 Report: Carter Jonas tell us where and one what we should be investing for the greatest return
30 Awesome Deliveroo!: B4 speaks to Deliveroo’s Xavier Collins about this fascinating company’s fast growing home delivery service
26 Exit Planning: The M Group talks to B4 about the importance of choosing the right exit strategy for your business
41 Café Success: B4 catches up with Andrew & Claire Bowen on their latest venture since selling Java & Co. in Oxford
62 The Confidence to Lead: Top tips on public speaking from Oxford Professional Consulting
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contents
law
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57 The Attentive Red Lion: Experience this hidden gem of a pub in Oxford City Centre
20 Damages Awarded for Fake Review: Posting fake online reviews can lead to legal action, Hedges Law reports
47 Dynamic Data Centres: DCResponse tells us why it is vital you have the right Data Centre support for your growing business needs
60 Genuine Hospitality: B4’s Amanda Baker reports on this down-to-earth yet high luxury hotel, a mix you don’t often encounter
58 Oxford to London: Chiltern Railways are on track with their new line from Oxford to London, opening this October
75 The Snooty Mehmaan: Quality, service, comfort and value, with an emphasis on refined yet creative Indian cuisine
71 Shining Bright: Read about how Stella and Dot is transforming lives - one necklace at a time
78 First Class Hospitality: Read about the breath-taking views of the capital and second-to-none service at The Lancaster London
90 Get That Showroom Look: See how WH Mobile Valeting can help you keep your car as clean as you day you bought it
80 The Manor Hotel: Go get spoilt rotten at this luxury country manor, read all about it here
96 Everything For The Workplace: See how Aston & James can make your workplace the best it can be
94 Magical Stoke Park: B4’s Colin and Sue Rosser recount their stay in this magnificent mansion 100 La Manga: B4’s Editor Richard Rosser reports on his well-deserved break to this stunning resort in Spain 102 La Finca: La Manga’s idyllic oasis of a restaurant - Read all about it here 106 Fallowfields County House Hotel: Read all about this stunning country house and their award-winning head chef
events 10 B4 Members’ Events 11 B4 Members’ Events 36 Business In Oxford 2016: See how you can get involved in next year’s event 72 The 2015 Enterprise Awards: The Oxford Trust are celebrating some of the region’s top science and technology entrepreneurs and start-ups
r&r 39 The Best of British at Hunter 486: Read about this amazing new menu at boutique hotel The Arch London in Marylebone 44 October at Oxford Castle: Read about the history of this Norman castle and everything it has to offer this season
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contacts 111 9
B4 diary
In Association with Carter Jonas
Event Organiser
Venues
Date
Modern Art Oxford, 30 Pembroke Street, Oxford, OX4 1SA
22nd Aug 18th Oct 2015
Time
Event Details
11am 6pm
Modern Art Oxford presents two major solo exhibitions. Kiki Kogelnik is an acclaimed Austrian artist who worked in New York in the 1960s. Fly Me to the Moon presents an array of work and is her first solo exhibition in the UK. American artist Josh Kline creates a menacing environment with teletubbies in swat gear and a reimagined inaugural speech by Barack Obama. Contact: info@modernartoxford.org.uk / +44 (0)1865 722 733
10.30am 11.15am
‘Breaking Big’ Workshop: With ten practical steps to business success, understanding the big picture and future proofing your business: Get clear about your business vision and its effectiveness; Stand out from the crowd; Find and exploit your competitive edge; Focus your marketing on the right customers; Manage and support the best people for your business. www.businessdoctors.co.uk/events
6pm 8pm
Crafty Networking - With Guest Speaker Jamie Chalmers, aka Mr X Stitch. Jamie “Mr X Stitch” Chalmers is a contemporary ‘man-broiderer’ and needle worker. In our last Crafty Networking event of the year, Jamie is our guest speaker and will explain the tools he uses to showcase the world’s best embroidery across a range of social media platforms. www.o3gallery.co.uk
TBA
VICTORIAN MURDER MYSTERY: An intelligent alternative to run-of-themill activities. Collecting clues and interrogating inmates will require cooperation and creativity. Guests will need to choose their allies carefully as traps and tricks are more common than the truth among criminals. Includes 2 glasses of house wine (over 18s only) during the evening and a souvenir mugshot photo. www.oxfordcastlequarter.com
Royal Berkshire Conference Centre, Madejski Stadium, Reading, RG2 0FL
10th Nov 2015
O3 Gallery, Oxford Castle, Oxford, OX1 1AY
26th Nov 2015
Oxford Castle Quarter New Road Oxford, OX1 1AY
23rd Oct - 27th Nov 2015
Oxford Castle Quarter New Road Oxford, OX1 1AY
1st Oct - 30th Nov 2015
TBC
JAILBREAK: Jailbreak is a locked room puzzle game for 10-15 players, perfect for team building, corporate away days, family days out or just for fun. If you are smarter than the Crystal Maze contestants, fancy yourself as one of Ocean’s Eleven, or have ever broken into your own house, this is ideal for you. www.oxfordcastlequarter.com
Central Oxford
13th Dec 2015
TBC
Santas on the Run: Experience a unique 3k run among Oxford’s spires dressed as Santa! £17.50/adult, £12/child entry fee. Email events@ helenanddouglas.org.uk for further info.
TBC
Conquer Kilimanjaro: Conquer the world’s highest free-standing mountain having trekked through jungle, moorland, highland desert and ice! £3,800 minimum sponsorship. £345 registration fee required. Email events@ helenanddouglas.org.uk for further info.
Kilimanjaro
Sep 2016
B4 Members can feature their events on this page, subject to availability – please get in touch for your complimentary listing.
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B4 10th Birthday Year Yes we’re 10 next year and to celebrate we have some great events already lined up for 2016. With the new B4 website launching, there’s never been a better reason to join B4. Here’s some of the events you can look forward to in the first quarter of 2016. January 2016
B4 Classic Event at Hartwell House Hotel & Spa
B4 is pleased to announce that our first 2016 event will be held at the magnificent Hartwell House Hotel, set in 90 acres of landscaped parkland near Aylesbury. Hartwell House is no stranger to people of influence: its most famous resident was Louis XVIII, exiled King of France, who lived here with his court for five years. Learn more about this fascinating venue from the enigmatic Jonathan Thompson, Hartwell’s General Manager who is always the perfect host. www.hartwell-house.com Oxford Road, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire HP17 8NR
February 10th, 2016
B4 Platinum & Gold Members only at Ashmolean Museum
Having enjoyed a wonderful B4 Classic Event at this iconic venue in the heart of Oxford several years ago, this will be a more intimate occasion strictly for B4 Platinum and Gold Members. Following a welcome drinks reception, guests will be split into smaller groups and taken on behind the scenes tours of this incredible museum, before reconvening for drinks, canapés and networking. Founded in 1683, what started as a single room of paintings and curiosities grew into an institution of superlatives. It is home to the biggest collection of Raphael drawings; the most significant collection of Anglo-Saxon artefacts apart from the British Museum; and the greatest Chinese collection in the West. In 2009, the museum’s interior was entirely redesigned in a £61 million project that not only doubled the gallery space but fundamentally rethought the way in which the collections were displayed. www.ashmolean.org Ashmolean Museum, Beaumont Street, Oxford, OX1 2PH
February 25th, 2016 B4 Classic Event at Weston Library incorporating the 2016 Living in Oxford Awards B4 were fortunate to be asked to stage one of the first events at this recently refurbished venue in the heart of Oxford earlier this year. In 2016, as for this year, the event will also host the Living in Oxford Awards, a separate event which takes place in the final hour of the evening. The Weston Library began its life as the New Bodleian Library, designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott and constructed in the 1930s. Its recent renovation has brought it in line with the modern standards and requirements for a 21st century library by creating high quality storage for its valuable special collections at a level that conforms to the British Standard for these materials; developing the Library’s facilities for the support of advanced scholarship; and expanding access for the public to national and international treasures through new exhibition galleries and other facilities. Take a tour of the historic old Bodleian Library or explore the newly renovated Weston Library. www.bodleian.ox.ac.uk Weston Library, Broad Street, Oxford, OX1 3BG
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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
news
Alberon’s Fresh Start for School Dinners Alberon, Oxford’s leading web and software developers, have completed a new and much improved ordering system for Fresh Start Catering. Fresh Start supplies fresh locallysourced school lunches and asked Alberon to design a better system to handle growing demand. Alberon’s Meal Manager enables parents to select and pay for school meals from a wide choice of
options, by the day or week. The easy-to-maintain system provides advanced reporting to help planning and improve efficiency. Nicola Howard of Fresh Start Catering commented: “We needed a software solution that was adaptable, easy to use and would save us time. Alberon have delivered this for us. They have been very helpful and professional throughout, making the whole process easy and stress free.”
If your website or software needs a fresh start, please contact Alberon on telephone 01865 794009, email: info@alberon.co.uk or see www.alberon.co.uk
Celebrating 30 years of .UK domain names For the last 30 years, people have been using .co.uk, org.uk .me.uk and .uk domain names to change the way we learn, shop, create, share, work, and help others in our communities. Read about the journey from those who helped create the UK internet as it is today and hear from 30 inspirational people and businesses choosing to make a .UK domain name their home online https://30yearsof.uk
their brands, Nominet, the name behind the .UK domain name space is offering a Buy One Get One Free promotion from 1st September-30th October.
To celebrate 30 years of .UK domain names and to support the trend for companies owning multiple domain names to help promote themselves and
To get your .uk web domain today visit http:// www.agreatplacetobe.uk/our-domains/ promotions/
Increase your online visibility and digital presence with your own personalised website and business email address and stand out from the crowd online.
Creative Content special offer! Following their article in B4 issue 36 about Becoming Content Centric, Marketing Sense is offering to write a blog for B4 members along with 20 Tweets and 5 Facebook posts for just £200 + VAT.
different channels to drive traffic, increase social engagement and generate leads.
A great idea for busy business owners who can maximise the use of the content across
Read more here: www.marketing-sense.co.uk/ blog/2015/08/25/read-all-about-us/
Find out more now! call 01865 883579 or Email results@marketing-sense.co.uk
The Newbury Showground and The Royal County of Berkshire Show The Royal County of Berkshire Show (still widely known as ‘the Newbury Show’) is one of the country’s premier agricultural shows and a major regional event held annually over the third weekend in September. With a prime location adjacent to the M4 (Jn 13) and A34 the show is not only a brilliant day out for the entire family but also a shoppers’ paradise with over 600 stands offering a diversity of food, crafts and gifts not available on any high street. Attracting more than 60,000 visitors, it is
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a significant opportunity for businesses to build brand awareness and reach new customers, whether as exhibitors or sponsors. Outside the dates of the show, the Showground is available for hire, and can accommodate a wide range of events. Whether you are interested in exhibiting, sponsoring or perhaps hiring the showground, please contact us at office@newburyshowground.co.uk or 01635 247111.
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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
B4
news
Urban Element sponsor Twin Town Again Urban Element are delighted to be sponsoring TwinTown16 again. Having already secured pole position the team are working on entering a second car and team. TTC16 will see 100 cars costing less than £500 drive from Witney to its twin town of Le Touquet and back via Brands Hatch and Croix en Ternois. It is not a race but a series of twelve fun points based challenges that are guaranteed to ensure you have lots of fun, once in a lifetime experiences
and make lots of money for SpecialEffect. #TwinTown16 To find out more on how to enter and or support please visit: www.twintown16.co.uk At Urban Element we work hard but play harder. If you’re interested in a career in web design or digital marketing please visit: www.urbanelement.com/careers
Witney’s blanket history brought to life The latest heritage attraction in the Oxfordshire Cotswolds, Witney’s historic Blanket Hall, will be reopening this autumn having undergone a complete renovation. Originally built in 1721 for the newly established Witney Blanket Weavers’ Company, the building has played an important role in Witney’s commercial and civic history, and has become part of the fabric of the town.
The Blanket Hall will include an exhibition of pictures and objects telling the story of Witney’s blanket industry. There will also be blankets and rugs for sale, a café and an event space. The restoration has been overseen by Richard Martin, the Managing Director of Cotswold Woollen Weavers, who is passionate about bringing the blanket-making history of the Oxfordshire Cotswolds to life. For more information visit: www.oxfordshirecotswolds.org
WILA Lighting Limited wins Global Business Excellence Award WILA Lighting Limited was named winner of the Fast-Growth Business Category at the 2015 Global Business Excellence Awards. WILA Lighting Limited was named winner of the Fast-Growth Business Category at the 2015 Global Business Excellence Awards. Commenting on WILA, the chairman of the judges said: “Established in 1993, WILA Lighting has become a fast-growing enterprise by becoming a leader in new environmentally-friendly lighting systems based on solid state and light emitting diode technology, which is replacing fluorescentbased technology. By focusing on providing the
best customer service, innovative new products and energy-saving products, the company has more than quadrupled staff since launch and expanded by an amazing 25 percent in 2014. It is now predicting a bigger a leap of 40 percent in 2015. Providing lighting for many prestigious buildings in London, WILA has become one of Oxfordshire’s fastest growing businesses.”
customers want, with energy and environmental benefits, as well as providing an aesthetically pleasing solution” For more information contact Vy Pettit at vy.pettit@wila.co.uk
Upon receiving the Award, Mike Collett, CEO of WILA lighting UK, said: “It is great that our business and our people are recognised in this way, we have been working hard to deliver great products using the latest technology and our growth says we are achieving just that. Delivering products that our
2015 Oxfordshire Restaurant of the Year 300 guests packed Oxford Town Hall on 6th October to witness the 5th Annual Awards Nicola Poole, MD of Hedges Law and the main event sponsor proudly presented The White Hart at Fyfield with the trophy for Oxfordshire Restaurant of the Year.
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With thanks to City of Oxford College for a magnificent job preparing, cooking and serving the food. See www.oxfordshirerestaurantawards.co.uk for more Awards news and how to enter next year’s event on 11th October at Weston Library. See page 50 for a full list of winners.
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B4 lead
Make your spirit fly and your soul cry By coming to Iffley Blue at Hawkwell House Hotel. The pairing of great food, wine and music is a common theme in Iffley Blue, where you can find everything from Brazilian, Jazz and Flamenco music to sophisticated wine tasting. WRITTEN BY: TIM SPITTLES
The last event saw a performance by “Fiesta Flamenca”. This turned out to be a fabulous display of flamenco dance and guitar combined with Latin American songs, with all the traditional characteristics of flamenco mixed with an array of plates of authentic tapas. Some of the recent feedback from the diners at Iffley Blue “The Brazilian night was great – more please! Please let us know well in advance next time, so that we can make late night childcare arrangements!” “Easy Learning, Easy Drinking – a great experience, with a wide selection of interesting wines, well combined with mouth-watering canapés!”
“We greatly enjoyed the Billie Holiday night! This was the 6th time we’d visited Iffley Blue and, as always, the food and service were simply excellent!” Housed within Hawkwell House, one of Oxford’s best independent hotels, Iffley Blue is a spacious modern dining space serving seasonal European cuisine. Menus change regularly to incorporate seasonal influences, and the new autumn menu is currently in its final stage of planning. Starters will feature a choice of traditional through to more contemporary dishes. English onion soup with smoked cheddar toast is an interesting twist on the French version, whilst for the more adventurous, Goats cheese and truffle croquette (rolled in toasted oats with beetroot and apple chutney) will delight. Wild boar Scotch egg with chestnut puree
will be one for the non vegetarians. After the resounding success of his Ultimate Cottage Pie (pictured), Head Chef Alex Turner is looking to give ‘comfort’ food its head this autumn, with the introduction of Venison faggots and cranberry (mash, sautéed sprouts and chestnuts, port and shallot gravy) and slow cooked shoulder of pork (sage & onion stuffing, dauphin potatoes). Vegan shepherds pie (red lentils, mushroom and tomato ragout) should entice the non meat eater, as well as a brilliant match of Salmon, orange and caper butter sauce, with the crispy texture of battered purple sprouting broccoli. Eating Out during December can often be a let down due to all the other things that are going on in that busy month. The team at Iffley Blue have
“Housed within
Hawkwell House, one of Oxford’s best independent hotels, Iffley Blue is a spacious modern dining space serving seasonal European cuisine
”
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experience
Iffley Blue Restaurant Church Way Iffley Village Oxford OX4 4DZ t 01865 332112 e info@iffleyblue.co.uk www.iffleyblue.co.uk
B4 lead come up with an excellent menu during December. Whilst larger parties often look for a simpler menu and a dance (also on offer in the function room at Hawkwell House), Iffley Blue is offering great fresh food food in it’s relaxing contemporary surroundings. It is offering a 3 cousre dinner for incredible value at £19.95. Head Chef Alex Turner has incorporated a mixture of seasonal classical dishes with a twist, in a menu that incorporates 6 starters , mains and desserts. Starters include a delicious puff pastry parcel (filled with leek and mushroom risotto, garnished with rocket and parmesan) and a posh prawn cocktail (King prawn and prawns, melon and thermidor mayonnaise). For main courses, Venison Pie (with baby onions, smoked bacon, pears and pinot noir) served with buttery mash hits the winter taste buds, whilst Fillet of Sea Bream (with mussel and prawn curry) is for those with more eastern tastes. Alden’s in the covered market, supply Iffley Blue with their steak, and for the steak connoisseurs, included in the menu (for a supplement) is Angus Aberdeen Sirloin with a green peppercorn sauce. For the traditionalist, we have succumbed and included Turkey, but we are sure that you will be impressed with our version, which includes red cabbage and the traditional accompaniments. Alex has put on a traditional Christmas Pudding for dessert, but this is a recipe made with thirteen ingredients and is served with a “morish” Calvados custard. If diners are looking for a lighter option, Poached Pineapple with star anise (and
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blackcurrant sorbet) will be a fitting finale to a memorable meal. This special menu is available to diners at Iffley Blue, we ask diners to book ahead and pre order, and we feel that this menu will be ideal for the small office party where you can celebrate your year, and yet still enjoy a good meal out! The inclusive menu is available at lunchtimes too, for £12.95 for 2 courses.
“The picturesque
Hawkwell House Hotel, luxuriating in 3 acres of private gardens, is just over a couple of miles from the centre of Oxford. The Iffley Blue restaurant also provides free parking, and is a 15-minute bus ride from the city centre
”
The 25th December once again is a chance for the kitchen at Iffley Blue to strut their stuff..! Our Christmas Day menu once again (as one would expect) features Norfolk Turkey, but Monkfish loin with a green peppercorn and lobster cream sauce sounds tempting, as does a lightly spiced parsnip soup with seared scallops and crispy chorizo. It could be the meal that converts all you stay at home types! The cost is £65 per person. New Years Eve this year combines an intimate meal in Iffley Blue with the chance to dance the
night away in the terrace lounge area. Included in the excellent package is a glass of Bubbly at midnight to see 2016 in. Lobster “surf & turf”, Roast Duck and Goats cheese terrine are just some of the mouth watering dishes on the special menu, which is only £49.50 per person. Why not stay the night for the amazing value price of £99 per person, and enjoy a brunch from 10 am the next morning! Hawkwell has a reputation for the excellent Party Nights over the December period. Packages start from £24.95 and party Lunches from £16.95 per person. We can offer exclusive festive nights for companies, and the team are experienced at dealing with bespoke enquiries. The picturesque Hawkwell House Hotel, luxuriating in 3 acres of private gardens, is just over a couple of miles from the centre of Oxford. The Iffley Blue restaurant also provides free parking, and is a 15-minute bus ride from the city centre. There’s always something going on at Iffley Blue! Follow us on facebook!! On special events please book early to ensure your place, contact us below.
CONTACT DETAILS reservations@iffleyblue.co.uk 01865 332 112 www.iffleyblue.co.uk
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It is hoped that the judgment “will serve as a reminder that posting fake online reviews can lead to legal action and prove to be a strong deterrent for those considering posting such reviews.
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Substantial damages award for fake review A High Court Judge awarded substantial damages against an online reviewer who falsely undermined positive reviews. WRITTEN BY: VICKY HERNANDEZ PHOTOGRAPHY BY: JACQUILINE CROSS
With reviews on TripAdvisor, Google Reviews, Yahoo and the like becoming key to the successful promotion of many hospitality businesses, there has been mounting concern about people being paid to post fake online reviews. And indeed some “trolls” post untrue and potentially damaging reviews just for enjoyment! This inescapable practice affects many businesses from retail and hospitality through to those providing professional services such as the law firm which recently brought a claim in the case of The Bussey Law Firm PC and Timothy Raymond Bussey -v- Jason Page. In this case, the defendant posted a fake online review via Google Maps which read: “A Google User received 10 months ago Overall Poor to fair Scumbag Tim Bussey, pays for false reviews, loses 80% of his cases. Not a happy camper 3 out of 3 found this review helpful” When the claimants sued, the central issue was whether they could prove that the defendant was responsible for the posting, which he admitted had been made from his Google account. The court didn’t believe the defendant’s claim that his Google account had hacked by a third party, particularly once evidence emerged that he had advertised himself on Twitter as being willing to post reviews in exchange for payment! The claimants were awarded damages of £50,000. This is certainly the most substantial judgment of its kind in recent years and would suggest that the UK courts are increasingly willing to intercede in an attempt to discourage this type of dishonest behaviour. This can only be considered good news when the practice is so damaging to businesses, particularly smaller ones who rely heavily on good reviews to attract customers. Whilst it has yet to be seen exactly what effect this judgment will have, or if more claims of this nature will be brought in front of the UK courts, it would seem that a precedent has been set: businesses will no longer have to endure fake reviews with no recourse to damages nor any way of defending their reputations. It is hoped that the judgment will serve as a reminder that posting fake online reviews can lead to legal action and prove to be a strong deterrent for those considering posting such reviews.
Vicky Hernandez
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The commercial property and business services teams at Hedges Law are specialists in the leisure and hospitality sectors. We act for businesses of all www.b4-business.com
B4 law sizes in Oxfordshire and beyond. Toby Walker
Our services include: • • • • • • • • • •
Business formation and growth Business sales and acquisitions Commercial property matters Property planning issues Licensing Property and business dispute resolution Employment matters Regulatory issues Intellectual property rights Franchising
We were recently able to help two of our clients realise their dream of escaping the rat race to buy a small hotel in the South West: “Hedges acted for us when we decided to give up our busy lives in the commuter belt and up sticks to run a hotel in Devon. They could not have been more helpful or amenable and even arranged to see us on a Saturday morning to ensure urgent paperwork was signed. They patiently took us through tricky legal matters in a way we could understand and helped us to stay calm in the face of hugely frustrating delays caused by the sellers and their lawyers. However unexpected the issues that popped up, Hedges never seemed fazed by them and found ways to sort them out.”
“They patiently took us through
tricky legal matters in a way we could understand and helped us to stay calm in the face of hugely frustrating delays caused by the sellers and their lawyers However unexpected the issues that popped up, Hedges never seemed fazed by them and found ways to sort them out
”
Nick and Sue Rampton, The Sandrock Hotel As well as helping Mr & Mrs Rampton, did you know, Hedges has also recently completed: • The purchase of leasehold premises and a pub/nightclub business in the Oxford city centre • The setting up of a Thai restaurant in Oxford covered market • The sale of a chain of household name franchise restaurants • The settlement of a number of franchise disputes in leisure industries If you would like to see how Hedges can make the difference to your hospitality or leisure business, please contact Vicky Hernandez or Toby Walker below.
MAIN SPONSOR
CONTACT DETAILS info@hedgeslaw.co.uk 01865 594 265 www.hedgeslaw.co.uk
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T H E
OX F O R D S H I R E
RESTAURANT
AWARDS
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New route opens 26th October
From 26th October, there’ll be a brand new way to London. Switch to Chiltern Railways from Oxford Parkway, our new out-of-town station, near Water Eaton Park & Ride. Your convenient new station will offer fast, frequent trains, with spacious carriages, free Wi-Fi and power points at most seats. So you can arrive at London Marylebone cool, calm and connected to the rest of the city – with five tube lines within a five-minute walk. To find out more and buy tickets, visit chilternrailways.co.uk/oxford-parkway-tickets
B4 technology
The Changing
Face of Telecoms The world of communications is always changing but the pace of change recently has been exponential in line with the shift in working practices. Just think, how many calls do you make from your land line compared to calls from your mobile? Do your staff work remotely yet still require connection to the server? Is your broadband speed fast enough to cope with your businesses’ voice and data demands? B4 talks to STL Communications’ Sales Director, Philip Donigan, about how the latest telecoms technology can help businesses to operate more effectively in this world of agile working. Philip Donigan, Sales Director, STL Communications
WRITTEN BY: JO SENSECALL
Phil, tell us how the telecoms landscape has changed Ensuring that your business’ telecoms system is adaptable enough to meet requests for flexible working has never been more important. Traditional telephony is no longer the most effective way to support mobile and flexible working practices due to its rigid nature; in fact, it could be holding some businesses back. In addition, older more traditional technologies are expensive. STL has 20 years’ experience in providing business communications solutions and over that time we have evolved from being a supplier of PBX telephone systems to being a service provider that specialises in facilitating high speed bandwidth pipes into a business and running voice and data services through them.
next few years anyway.
This necessitates a more consultative approach to ensure that businesses get the solution that best suits their exact requirements. Of course, we haven’t just stopped providing more traditional solutions, but our focus is firmly on next generation, bandwidth delivered communication services. Why is traditional ISDN line usage declining? The number of Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) channels used by UK businesses has declined by 30% in the last 5 years, so if you’re still using ISDN lines then it’s probably time that you considered alternatives like Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) trunking because if you don’t you’ll be missing out on benefits such as significantly lower operating costs, great scalability and stronger resilience. The ISDN standard was developed in the 1980s. Just think of all the advances in technology since then and the way businesses operate today! Since the launch of ISDN, significantly better alternatives have arrived that enable organisations to embrace new technology like IP telephony and the integration of voice and data over broadband or internet connections. Not to mention the growth of mobile technology and the need for businesses to adopt more flexible working practices. In fact, BT has announced that it will phase out ISDN lines by 2025, so business will be forced to move to alternatives like SIP and hosted telephony in the
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Why are businesses turning to SIP and Hosted? SIP trunking offers greater flexibility than ISDN, with benefits including instant number diverting and portability, as well as nearly instant scalability (increasing and decreasing numbers of lines). Hosted telephony services offer a genuine alternative to on premise phone systems and are paid for per month per user. It’s also a fast and easy process to add or remove users, offering easier budgeting and cost savings over traditional systems, one being that there is no need to maintain or upgrade an onsite system. For the first time, businesses are able to truly fix their voice communication monthly costs. Hosted systems also never become obsolete, unlike fixed on premise telephone systems. SIP lines and hosted telephone systems also make it easier to deploy a disaster recovery plan so that an organisation can continue to operate even if people are not actually physically in the office. Changes to the system can be made via an online web portal so that calls can be answered and transferred between extensions just as if people are sat at their desks customers won’t even know. It gives great peace of mind for those snowy mornings when getting in to the office is not possible. SIP trunks can be configured with automatic fail-over to re-route calls to an alternative destination in the event of a situation where calls cannot be delivered to a company’s site, leaving customer service unaffected. Finally, SIP and hosted are reliable and resilient services (even compared to more traditional solutions) which is important with the requirement of always on, highly available business-critical applications. How does SIP and hosted help customer service? Moving to SIP trunking or hosted telephony offers many benefits that help to enhance the client experience. For example, flexible numbering means that organisations with multiple sites can use the same number across all of them, making it easier for clients to contact them. Employees are also able to
manage calls effectively from their handset, desktop or mobile phone to improve communications by call forwarding, call twinning and delivering numbers and profiles on any device, whether in the office or on the road. By assigning a DDI or single number to an employee which can be diverted to multiple devices, whether it’s a desk phone, mobile or even a computer or tablet, businesses can control call costs, employees work more effectively and customers get an enhanced experience. So can businesses save money with SIP and hosted telecoms? Absolutely! There are reduced costs associated with contacting remote workers with free internal calls and no high call forwarding charges to a mobile. We are also able to deliver inclusive call packages with both SIP and hosted, providing a fixed monthly rental for both line rental and calls. At the moment businesses in Oxford can take advantage of the Connection Vouchers scheme which provides up to £3000 towards the installation of faster broadband, which makes it a good time for business owners to look at future-proofing their organisations by supporting more flexible working practices with updated communications.
Offer To take advantage of the Connection Vouchers scheme or for more information on what SIP and hosted communications could mean for your business, including a free communications audit for B4 members, contact Phil and his team on 01993 777120 or email sales@stlcomms.com
CONTACT DETAILS sales@stlcomms.com 01993 777 120 www.stlcomms.com
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Classic cars zoom ahead but rural land is second best investment Owning a classic car is hot property as their values continue to soar, but owning an estate will produce investors the second best return, according to national property consultancy Carter Jonas, in its Model Estate 2015 report. WRITTEN BY: OLIVIA LANE-NOTT PHOTOGRAPHY BY: AURÉLIAN LANGLAIS
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www.b4-business.com
B4 advice Classic cars once again produced the highest one year total return of 31.2%. The sector’s impressive performance is illustrated with the three year annualized return of 25.2% per annum and a five year return of 19.0% per annum.
2014 Total Return Asset Performance % Total Return 35
The Model Estate, which is a notional estate located within the geographical triangle bounded by the M4, M40 and M5 motorways, totals 2,308 acres, has a Grade II listed Manor House, farmhouse, six let farms with 371 acres of grassland; in-hand farms with 71 acres of grassland; three further farmhouses, four cottages, 14 commercial properties, a telecoms mast, syndicate shoot, and fishing rights. Carter Jonas has valued the notional estate for the last five years. Ranked third in 2013, the Model Estate’s performance and increasing land values has seen it be ranked second of the seven asset classes analysed, and seen its total return increase year on year by 13.1% to £37.2 million (31 December 2013: £32.9 million). In 2014, it produced a total return of 13.1%, ranking it second of the seven asset classes analysed. Its performance was improved when the Manor House and commercial sectors were excluded, illustrating the strengthening and stable performance of agricultural land as an asset class. The UK commercial sector recorded a 12.7% total return, driven from continuing capital value growth in London, and also increasingly from the prime regional office markets. It is these regional hotspots that are forecast to witness continuing rental growth and yield compression during 2015. The UK residential sector produced a total return of 6.6% that was in part driven by growth of London’s market, and specifically outer prime central London, which comprises such markets as Wandsworth, Fulham and Barnes. Affordability remains a key issue within the capital with increasing volumes of young families now exiting London as values plateau and the realisation of record pricing differentials, boosting outward movers’ power in the regions. Equities produced a total return of 0.4%, the third lowest of the seven asset classes analysed. The volatility of the asset class is evident when reviewing its longer-term performance: 6.9% per annum for the two years, 7.3% per annum for the three year, and 5.1% per annum for the five year annualized total return.
Edmund Smith, associate partner in Carter Jonas’ expert rural team
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Classic Cars
30 25 20 15 10
Model Estate
IPD Commercial IPD Residential
5 0
Fine Wine
Gold
Equities
-5 -10 -15
Fine wine witnessed another year of poor performance, recording -7.7%. With less than 1% of the worldwide wine market being classified as investment grade, the market remains very restricted. The sector is renowned for its volatility although recent years of poor performance have resulted in the two, three and five year annualised figures recording negative figures of -4.3%, -5.9%, and 0.1% per annum respectively.
of impressive performance for agricultural land with sale prices being achieved often well in excess of the guide price. Demand continued to outstrip supply, with premiums being paid for large blocks of commercial land in excess of 1,000 acres, as well as smaller blocks where there was significant local interest.
Gold recorded the lowest total return figure of -10.7% for the second consecutive year of all asset classes recorded, reversing its historic performance of pole position. Its rapid fall from glory is now clearly evident, with the two year total return per annum figure of -16.5%, three year of -10.5% and only the five year annualised total return figure recording a minimal although positive 0.7% per annum.
Edmund Smith, associate partner in Carter Jonas’ Oxford office’s leading rural team said: “Now in our fifth year, our aim with the Model Estate is to put it and agricultural land into a wider context, enabling an assessment of its performance against other asset classes. “The 13% rise in capital value across the Model Estate exceeded the average increase of 8.5% recorded through the UK in 2014. The supply of openly marketed land remained restricted, and average land prices reached £10,000 per acre. During 2015, we have seen that values have continued to rise, albeit at a more sustainable pace. Nationally we forecast that values of prime land will continue to rise by 5-7% per annum over the next five years, as the appetite for top quality stock remains in high demand. However, despite the continuing increase of average land values, cautionary signals regarding the sustainability of the rate of increase of land values, including the ongoing appetite of investors to continue to chase stock and the future of the Euro, are emerging throughout the sector.
“We have seen a continuation of this theme into 2015, albeit there seems to have been a noticeable increase in land coming to the market compared to this time last year. The double digit annualised performance reinforces the resilience of the sector and underpins why land continues to an attractive investment compared to the other mainstream asset classes.” To receive your free copy of Carter Jonas’ Model Estate 2015 report, please go to: http://CJVIEW.ME/model For further information, please see below.
CONTACT DETAILS edmund.smith@carterjonas.co.uk 01865 404 443 www.carterjonas.co.uk/rural
“Within our region, 2014 proved to be another year 25
B4 advice
Exit planning – which is the right road for you? If you’re a business owner or partner with a business to sell, it is important to know when and how to sell your business when the time is right. It can be a daunting process to sell a business you have built up over many years and naturally, you want to get the best price you can for it. But it’s also important you pass on the business to the right person or company and to someone that you trust to continue to take the business forward WRITTEN BY: DARREN GREEN
Here, The M Group, a local accountancy firm , offer a practical guide in taking the next step when you’re planning to sell your business and in particular if you feel that a trade sale is not the right fit for you and your business… Choosing who you sell to There are many options when it comes to selling your business, and for some, you may have lined someone up years ago, however, for many, the options can sometimes be less clear. You might already have a commercial trader who has shown some interest in the taking the business off your hands, or you could even have a family member in mind who you would like to pass the business onto when you decide to leave. All of these solutions would be good options to consider, however, there are other alternatives to a conventional trade sale, where you can stay invested 26
or involved in the business whilst getting the best price you can. Management Buy-In A ‘Management buy-in’ is an individual or team who are generally already involved in the industry of the business and want to buy a business they are not currently involved in. Often, a new company will be established as a vehicle to enable the interested party to buy the shares in your business. The new company will then have shareholders which may comprise some of the existing management team, new management and you as the vendor. The benefits: • You can stay partially invested as a shareholder and thus share in the future success of the business • You feel secure in the knowledge that the business is in good hands going forward
• Control is better maintained of the purchase price • Customers and staff see continuity as a positive result Management Buy-Out Management buy-out is the term used for an existing management member or team who buy the business in which they are currently working. The benefits of selling to existing management include: • You can stay partially invested or involved going forward, which again, provides the opportunity to share in the future success of the business • You can avoid negotiations with an external trader who may not know your best intentions • You know who you are selling to so will help protect staff employment • Providing an opportunity to valued employees of the business
www.b4-business.com
Case Study: Reseller and distributor of software products
Case Study: Fit-out and Maintenance buisness
The vendor for this business wanted an exit plan and to benefit from Entrepreneurs Relief (10% tax), was keen to stay involved part-time but needed to release some cash. A trade sale would have meant he had no control or influence in the business.
The vendor was looking for an exit plan and wanted to benefit from paying Entrepreneurs Relief (10% tax) on the surplus cash balances held. The trade sale offer was declined due to the need for continued employment of the vendors to manage the business on their behalf. Management were young and relatively inexperienced with no capital to invest.
Solution: • An MBI was introduced with relevant sector and managerial experience • The MBI assumed the MD role and the vendor stayed involved part-time • The deal was structured to allow the vendor to remove surplus cash and receive a further 60% of the consideration price in cash • The vendor retains a 30% stake in the new company
Solution: • The transaction structure involved cash bought out on reserve cash balances • The vendor retained 20% of the new company and took a charge over transferred shares • A vendor loan was established, which qualified for tax relief • The vendor remains on the board, and protective ‘step in/veto’ rights were established
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There are many options to consider when selling your business and the decision is ultimately not going to be an easy one, however, whichever option you choose, this will depend on your individual circumstances and what you want to get out of your business. This can vary from how much cash you wish to receive initially, the level of involvement you desire after you have sold the business, to how you envisage the business to be run after you’ve gone. Whatever your circumstances, let us do some of the hard work to ensure the best route for you. Contact Mark Crossfield below:
CONTACT DETAILS m.crossfield@themgroup.co.uk 01865 552 925 www.themgroup.co.uk
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VARIOUS UNITS Oxford Industrial Park TO LET 9,000 – 40,221 sq ft A high quality secure industrial estate with a range of units available which will be comprehensively refurbished to a high standard.
CHILBROOK Eynsham TO LET 2,126 – 20,507 sq ft Modern fully refurbished, air conditioned with extensive lobby reception and car parking
3 OMEGA Southmead Industrial Estate, Didcot TO LET 29,770 sq ft Self contained high bay distribution/ production premises with independent fenced and secure yard with ample HGV parking
BUILDING ONE Abingdon Business Park TO LET 27,697 sq ft Headquarters office facility, prominently located on Abingdon Business Park, a mixed use high technology and office campus set within 50 acres of landscaped grounds. To be comprehensively refurbished.
unrivalled local and regional expertise Richard Venables rvenables@vslandp.com Tom Barton tbarton@vslandp.com Duncan May dmay@vslandp.com
news Giant Gets Planning Consent VSL & Partners is delighted to announce that outline planning permission has been secured for a new industrial and warehouse development called Giant at Didcot Distribution Park. The Giant scheme has consent for 944,209 sq ft of grade A warehouse and office accommodation set across 65 acres (26.3 hectares). This includes outline planning permission for a single cross docked unit of 832,222 sq ft. Planning permission for the Grade A warehousing and office space was granted to corporate pension fund clients of Savills Investment Management and Lingfield Securities. VSL & Partners has been appointed, jointly with Savills, to market the site to occupiers. Andrew Parker, commercial property consultant at VSL & Partners says: “Adjacent to Milton Park business park, Giant is strategically located just minutes from the A34 Milton interchange, which in turn gives easy access to a wider motorway network and also provides access to industrial centres and the south coast ports. Consent for a single cross docked distribution warehouse of this size is unique
for the A34 corridor and wider Thames Valley area and there is already strong interest with negotiations in hand with a number of prospective occupiers. We are delighted to be instructed on a scheme of this significance.� www.vslandp.com
Deals Done...
Bannister House, Langford Locks, Kidlington
4300 Oxford Business Park, Oxford
Southfield Road, Eynsham
Sale of 14,686 sq ft modern offices to the Oxford Diocese.
Letting of 9,139 sq ft high quality offices to Zinc Ahead.
Sale of 8,357 sq ft of industrial/warehouse space to Oxford City Supplies.
9 & 10 Isis Business Centre, Pony Road, Oxford
2a Ashurst Court, London Road, Wheatley
17 Avenue One, Station Lane, Witney
Letting of trade counter units of 4,836 sq ft to Grant & Stone.
Letting of barn conversion offices 868 sq ft to Kudos Innovations.
Letting of industrial/warehouse unit of 5,543 sq ft to GSM Automotive.
2 Isis Business Centre, Pony Road, Oxford
7 Isis Business Centre, Pony Road, Oxford
8 Isis Business Centre, Pony Road, Oxford
Sale of modern offices of 2,434 sq ft to CAE Technology Services.
Sale of modern offices of 1,428 sq ft to Hamilton House.
Letting of first floor offices of 712 sq ft to Kilkenny & Gomm.
www.b4-business.com
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“We were founded on three key principles. First to create a platform where you could find all the best restaurants in one location. Second, to deliver food quickly and efficiently and lastly to provide a world-class user experience.
”
Xavier Collins - Regional Manager South East - Deliveroo
Awesome Deliveroo!!!! You may have noticed cyclists and moped drivers with large boxes bearing the distinctive Deliveroo logo and wondered what on earth was in the box. For some time I thought this was a local courier service containing urgent deliveries in the box. But Deliveroo, although local, are also an international phenomenon having raised $70 million from Index Ventures and Greenoaks Capital in its third funding in the past 12 months. This was in addition to the $25 million funding round in January in which Spotify investor Accel and London-based Hoxton Ventures increased their stakes. Based in Soho, Deliveroo was founded by former investment banker, William Shu and software developer Greg Orlowski in 2013. Shu used to work in New York where he had a wide range of fantastic restaurants at his fingertips, all able to deliver in a short period of time to his office or home. But when he moved to London, the choice was limited to low end takeaway restaurants.
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Deliveroo now allows users to order meals from a choice of more than 2,000 high quality food establishments on line or through the Deliveroo app, paying restaurants normal menu prices plus a £2.50 delivery fee with all deliveries taking an average 32 minutes. Partners so far include Michelin-starred Indian eatery Trishna and Ollie Dabbous’ Barnyard in addition to chains such as Wagamama, Dirty Burger and Busaba Eathai.
“@Deliveroo I love you Deliveroo!! ~ @JackWhitehall
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Xavier explains how the idea wasn’t easy to put in to practice. “We had no track record and restaurants needed to build up a trust with us, but once we had some decent restaurants on board, it became much
easier to attract others. Once we had established our reputation, it was easier to roll out in the regions. @Deliveroo I love you Deliveroo!! ~ @ JackWhitehall “We also have three key principles: Firstly to provide high quality food; secondly, we get your food to you in an average time of 32 minutes and finally we want to provide our customers with an awesome experience. “If we’re aiming to provide our customers with a great experience then we have to make sure they get the food quickly and that the food travels well. To achieve this, we ensure our drivers are close to our partner restaurants. That’s why we have worked hard to build a strong, reliable network of drivers who are ready to go as soon as that order comes through. We’re always on the look-out for drivers as we look to help create more jobs in the community - we can offer fantastic flexibility to fit
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B4 spotlight
It’s raining and you’re planning a night out but it’s been a long week and you just can’t muster up the strength to get all dressed up, get in a cab and enjoy a decent meal out. But what’s the alternative? A night in with a takeaway? Like me, you’ve probably grown up with a limited choice of Indian, Chinese or pizza. Wouldn’t it be great to have that decent meal without having to leave home? Well now you can. B4’s Richard Rosser spoke to Deliveroo Regional Manager South East, Xavier Collins, about this fascinating company’s fast growing home delivery service. WRITTEN BY: RICHARD ROSSER PHOTOGRAPHY BY: ROB SCOTCHER
in with their availability.” “The boxes we deliver the food in are insulated, as are the bags the food is contained in.. Packaging is key – it can be co-branded with the restaurants or the restaurants can supply their own packaging which we can help with. This is the restaurants opportunity to interact with the customer so we try and stress the importance of using good packaging to represent their brand. “Our brand is also key. We have a whole team on branding who make sure that the look is clean, crisp and memorable on everything from jackets to mopeds, the delivery boxes and our promotional material.” With massive consumer demand, Deliveroo looks to have established a foothold in a competitive space. Online transactions now account for 40% of all food delivery orders in the UK up from 8% in 2008 according to research from NPD Group and
www.b4-business.com
this rise is certainly mirrored in Oxford according to Xavier “We are experiencing strong growth in Oxford, especially now that the students are back. Not only are we offering restaurants a new revenue stream but we’re also an excellent marketing channel for them as we also promote special offers for restaurants to our network of customers.”
more customers around the world discover and enjoy great local food with an unparalleled level of convenience. There is competition out there and it will continue to grow as there’s more attention on this space. Food is just one of those things that people feel passionately about, like film, music or fashion.”
Since the January funding round when Deliveroo operated in just four UK cities, Deliveroo is now available in 18 UK locations as well as Dublin, Paris, Berlin and Munich, increasing daily orders by 600%.
So if you’re working late, planning a function in the office or just want to surprise your partner with a special meal at home, then you know who to contact. You can even pretend you cooked it yourself….just tell the driver to park around the corner!
The funding will help Deliveroo expand into Holland, Italy, Hong Kong, Singapore and Australia. Co-founder and Chief Executive Shu added, “Although we’ve grown rapidly since inception, we’re extremely excited to be entering into the next phase of our ambitious expansion strategy. We’re committed to building our team of passionate drivers, offering restaurants a new revenue stream and helping
Discount on big office orders of 10% - email southeast.corporates@deliveroo.co.uk CONTACT DETAILS support@deliveroo.co.uk 0203 322 3444 www.deliveroo.co.uk
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THE OXFORD HOTEL Great to meet you With 23 meeting rooms, ranging from small boardrooms to large spaces seating up to 350 delegates theatre-style, The Oxford Hotel provides the ultimate choice and flexibility for your meeting or event. We have public spaces available for registration, reception, breakout areas, plus all our rooms can be laid out exactly as you wish, complete with any AV equipment, staging and lighting you may require. And, of course, you have free WiFi internet access throughout the hotel. • • • • • •
23 meeting rooms 168 bedrooms Free WiFi 2 miles from Oxford city centre Easily accessible from the M40, A40 and A34 250 on-site car parking spaces available free of charge
CALL US ON 01865 489 988 or email oxfordevents@thehotelcollection.co.uk Godstow Road, Oxford, Oxfordshire OX2 8AL
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FOR ALL OCCASIONS Festive parties & festive stays Why not kick off the festive season in style and join us for one of our popular festive parties. Whether it is a family get together or an office party, we’ll provide everything you need. The Oxford Hotel has put together festive packages guaranteed to get you into the Christmas spirit including the spectacular Winter Wonderland themed event. Book your Christmas event with us and relax, knowing that everything is being taken care of. All you need to do is turn up and enjoy yourself! As our party guest, you’ll also benefit from exclusive bed and breakfast rates.
CALL US ON 01865 489 933
or email oxfordevents@thehotelcollection.co.uk for more information or to request a Christmas brochure.
CELEBRATE FROM
£32.00 PER GUEST
thehotelcollection.co.uk
Darbys Commercial Property Team The Commercial Property Team is the largest team at Darbys, and is made up of six separate sub-teams, covering commercial, agricultural, planning, construction, ground rent acquisition and residential. The teams provide specialist advice that enable us to offer clients a genuine one-stop shop for property services. WRITTEN BY: PHILIP MARSH PHOTOGRAPHY BY: STUDIO8
Philip Marsh, Partner
Louise Francis, Associate Solicitor
We provide top quality legal advice, coupled with a commercial attitude to any legal issues that arise during a transaction. We won’t simply report on the terms of a transaction, we will provide opinions and options where there are issues that need to be addressed.
Areas we regularly advise on are as follows:
Our team has an excellent mix of senior and junior lawyers, who are able to cover the full spectrum of property related issues as you can see from the biographies below. On each matter we build a dedicated team around your needs, and we will allocate tasks between senior and junior lawyers according to complexity and value. This lowers your costs, maximises quality and speeds the transaction process. We will take the time to get to know you and your business in depth through regular contact, formal and informal. This enables you to consult the appropriate individuals quickly and with the confidence that your problems will be speedily resolved in context and with a sympathetic understanding of your objectives.
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• Property acquisitions and disposals • Secured lending • Acquisition of land for development (both commercial and residential) • Option and promotion agreements • Landowner Collaboration agreements • Planning obligations • Conditional contracts • Solar and Wind Farms • General Property Management • Lettings, including agreements for lease • Construction Projects • Construction Disputes • Plot Sales
The Team Philip Marsh, Partner and Commercial Property Team Leader, deals with a wide variety of work in the commercial property sector. Philip’s practice includes development work (including options,
Douglas Scott, Associate Solicitor
promotion agreements, collaboration agreements, conditional contracts and general site acquisitions), the acquisition and disposal of investment properties, advising on the property aspects of secured lending, as well as advising landlords and tenants. Philip acts for a broad range of clients, including institutional investors, private property companies, property funds, offshore private trusts, banks, retailers and other occupiers. Jenny Birrell, Partner, has extensive experience of commercial sales and purchases, commercial landlord and tenant deals and issues, property finance, the property aspects of corporate transactions and property development projects including joint venture agreements. Andy Rimmer, Partner deals with the drafting negotiation of building contracts and associated documentation and advises many schools, colleges and universities on numerous construction projects. Mark Taylor, Consultant, is a renowned and trusted real estate practitioner with an unrivalled
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B4 property
Jenny Birrell, Partner
Mark Taylor, Consultant
Deborah Ceadel, Partner
take the time to “getWeto will know you and your
business in depth through regular contact, formal and informal. This enables you to consult the appropriate individuals quickly and with the confidence that your problems will be speedily resolved Andrew Rimmer, Partner
reputation in the Oxfordshire area. Mark deals with all aspects of investment portfolios including acquisitions and disposals and restructuring to maximise value. Nick Tarlton, Partner and Ground Rents Team Leader, over-sees Darbys’ ground rent acquisition team, which has tripled in size over the course of the last 3 years. Darbys continues to be one of the leading firms in this area, having acted on the acquisition of over £450m worth of ground rent portfolios over the last 3 years. Deborah Ceadel, Partner and Planning Team Leader, is Darbys’ planning specialist and has extensive experience of complex planning obligations covering commercial and residential development, town centre development and the delivery of infrastructure. She has an excellent reputation in this field among landowner, developer and local authority clients. Douglas Scott, Associate Solicitor, has significant experience in all aspects of commercial property
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”
law and specialises in renewables work, investment, development (mixed use and residential) and landlord and tenant. He also has extensive experience in dealing with strategic planning documentation, including collaboration agreements, options and promotion agreements. Louise Francis, Associate Solicitor, is a key part of the ground rents team and also acts for a number of local developers dealing with site acquisitions and plot sales. Joanna Bullard, Associate Solicitor, has experience in the commercial property field ranging from landlord and tenant, corporate support, property finance and development matters and her sector expertise includes acting for TMT, banking and education based clients. Mark Reynolds, Associate Solicitor has recently been recruited from Hedges into the Commercial Property team. He deals with all aspects of commercial property work, and also has extensive experience in the agricultural sector.
Nick Tarlton, Partner
Louisa Baker, Solicitor, deals with a wide range of commercial property transactions, and also assists with acquisitions in the ground rents team. Katharine Bunn, Solicitor, deals with general property management work, as well as acquisitions in the ground rents team. Donna Mattfield, Solicitor, has just completed her training contract at Darbys and has qualified into the planning team as an assistant to Deborah Ceadel. Teresa Brown, Legal Assistant is our plot sales specialist acting for a number of local developers.
CONTACT DETAILS info@darbys.co.uk 01865 811 700 www.darbys.co.uk
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BUSINESS
Sponsor or Present at Oxfordshire’s leading event for the business community
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Brought to you by
DON’T MISS THIS OPPORTUNITY TO: • Network with other sponsors and presenters • Receive exclusive coverage in the event programme and the post event supplement, both circulated with B4 Magazine to 9,000 business decision makers throughout the Thames Valley • Receive a video of your presentation to use for your own marketing purposes • Receive invaluable presentation support before the event from Sandler Training UK, WEIE and Oxford Professional Consulting
SPONSOR / PRESENTER PACKAGE Sponsoring at Business in Oxford 2016 will be about much more than speaking for 12 minutes. We have created a package which gives you great networking opportunities before and at the event, fantastic exposure in the pre event programme and the post event supplement and superb presentation advice to ensure that on the day you are ready to make the most of your platform at Oxfordshire’s leading business event of the year. In addition to live-streaming all 80 presentations on the day, giving unlimited access to those beyond the Saïd, the video of your presentation will be given to you so you have a permanent record of your performance to put on your website and send out through your social media channels.
PRINT EXPOSURE Business in Oxford 2016 Programme
Pre Event Sponsors Lunch sponsored by Oxford Innovation
BUSINESS
All sponsors will be invited to the Business in Oxford sponsors lunch where they will have the opportunity to not only meet other sponsors and make great contacts but also enjoy a relaxed lunch at one of Oxford’s leading restaurants.
TUESDAY 30TH JUNE - 7.30AM - 7.30PM SAID BUSINESS SCHOOL
9,000 copies of the programme will be sent out with B4 Magazine in February 2016 and each sponsor will have a full page devoted to their business and presentation giving Oxfordshire’s business community a perfect insight into what presentations they can register for.
OFFICIAL PROGRAMME
In Association with
xLEP
driving economic growth
Business in Oxford 2016
ISSUE 36 AUGUST 2015
ON LINE
KEEPING YOUR FOCUS Focus Oxford LLP celebrating 25 years. Read more inside
DANESFIELD HOUSE
W W W . B 4 - B U S I N E S S . C O M
TOURISM FEATURE
B U I L D I N G
B R I D G E S
Presence on www. businessinoxford.com as one of our sponsors with information about your business and an overview of your presentation.
NEWBURY SHOWGROUND
B E T W E E N
Pre Event Drinks A perfect opportunity for you to get to know the other presenters in your POD and all of the other event sponsors. Compare notes and discuss strategies or just make great connections to help your business.
OVERALL EVENT SPONSOR
A great networking opportunity in itself, mix with over 300 representatives from Oxfordshire businesses, a fantastic opportunity to make invaluable contacts
r
NETWORKING
a r Ye de s ce n ard the pla nta w of d Sa A le 2n 014 edia Tit 2 M se e th al ri in anci nterp Fin / E E SM
MAGAZINE
st
B4
Each sponsor’s presentation will be reported on by B4 in our post event supplement sent out with B4, once again to 9,000 Thames Valley decision makers. You will have a full page report of your presentation together with photos of you and any co-presenters in action.
Be
Post Event supplement
B U S I N E S S E S
EVENT COLLATERAL Your logo will be included on all event collateral including adverts, promotional brochures, event banners and much more. We will also be promoting your involvement as a sponsor through social media including Twitter and LinkedIn.
YOUR PRESENTATION The event itself and the perfect opportunity for you to showcase your business and its services to the Oxfordshire business community. It’s a great chance for you to Inspire, Engage and Inform, the three key building blocks of Business in Oxford. It’s not a SELL SELL SELL platform, it’s a soft sell, a far more effective way for you to build relationships and do more business.
O V E R A L L EVENT SPONSOR
VIDEO OF YOUR PRESENTATION COURTESY OF STUDIO 8 We will be live-streaming all 80 presentations at Business in Oxford 2016 and a video of your performance will also be made available to you after the event to use as you see fit. All 80 videos will also be available on the Business in Oxford website so your presentation can be viewed at any time by anyone in the world!
WHY NOT ATTEND THE FOLLOWING PRE EVENT WORKSHOPS?
5 steps to a better presentation with Sandler Training UK Talking at events can always be difficult… whether its running to a tight schedule, attracting the right crowd or even just remembering what you were going to say! To help our presenters get as much as they can out of Business in Oxford, Anneli Thomson will talk us through the 5 steps we need to keep in mind to make sure your talk sparkles. Whether you are new to presenting or an experienced speaker, Anneli will make sure there are some useful tips you can take away and use before the big day. • The seven Deadly Sins of Presenting • Make it Count - Understand what matters in your presentation • How to Build Credibility • The Most Important Preparation you Need to do • How to Make Money from your Talk Find out more about Sandler UK at www.uk.sandler.com
Boost Your Presentation Skills with Alison Haill of Oxford Professional Consulting Are you a natural in front of an audience or do you stand stiffly and read from your cards? Can you keep to the time allotted or do you ignore the clock? Alison shares techniques to increase your impact and confidence, using her own experience as a speaker and her ability to pinpoint tiny changes that make a big difference. Her tips include how to:
• Manage nerves and boost confidence • Speak with authority • Grab and keep the audience’s attention • Give them value • Be memorable • Manage your timing Find out more about Oxford Professional Consulting at www.opcOxford.com
PRICING Sponsors package
£1,500+VAT Presenters package
£750+VAT
DATE / VENUE Thursday 21st April,
2016
How to make your presentation memorable using social media with WEIE You’ve probably heard it before: social media isn’t going anywhere. We’ve seen it disrupt everything from the way people communicate with one another, to the way brands market themselves. This 45-60 minute masterclass with Lydia Igweh from Oxford based digital marketing agency, WEIE, will help you with the following: Before your presentation • How to define your presentation‘s engagement goals • How to connect and build interest with your audience before your presentation • How to create a more interactive presentation by incorporating social media After your presentation • How to start building relationships with your audience after your presentation • How to leave your audience wanting more information from you and more engagement through social media Find out more about WEIE at www. weieagency.co.uk
Saïd Business School,
Oxford
CONTACT US B4, The Firs,
Headington Hill, Oxford OX3 0BT 01865 742211 businessinoxford.co.uk
B4 r&r
‘Best of British’ Restaurant Menu at Hunter 486 within The Arch London hotel Hunter 486, the restaurant located within boutique hotel The Arch London in Marylebone (shortlisted for Independent Hotel of the Year at this year’s CATEY Awards), offers guests a taste of classic British cuisine with a modern twist. WRITTEN BY: RICHARD ROSSER PHOTOGRAPHY BY: HUNTER 486
The new menu has been carefully developed by Head Chef Gary Durrant at Hunter 486. The Arch London has also recently launched an Afternoon Tea inspired by the thriving London Street Food scene. Embracing the wonderfully diverse, multicultural flavours found in London’s Street Food scene, the 5* hotel’s new Afternoon Tea gives guests a taste of foods from around the world, not simply Britain. Four of us enjoyed our annual school reunion at Hunter 486 on a sultry summer’s evening. The food was incredible, the restaurant itself stunning and the service first class. The new menu is inspired by ‘best of British’ recipes, ingredients and produce, with hearty dishes featuring quality ingredients prepared honestly and simply. Dishes will include delights such as: Salad of crispy oxtail with cream of horseradish; Potted duck with fruit chutney and sourdough; Peppered loin of venison with beetroot puree, turnip and potato gratin; Homemade hamburger with onion marmalade in a brioche bun with Hunter ketchup and hand cut chips; and Sticky toffee pudding with caramelised banana ice cream. The crowning glory of the new menu is the use of the stone oven. As it operates at a very high heat, meat and fish are produced with astonishingly succulent results. So try a whole Roast Norfolk Black Free Range chicken, cooked to tender perfection and served with roast garlic, roast potatoes, aioli, parsley & caper sauce and gravy, for two or four to share, just one of the many stone oven specialities. I had the tuna which was mouth-wateringly unbelievable. The new menu also introduces Plates, Pots, Boards and Bowls for one or two share, either at the bar
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over a cocktail, or in the restaurant as a starter or main course, and include homemade crisps with sage, lemon & sea salt made freshly every day. The Fish board comes loaded with potted shrimps, cured salmon, mackerel pate, smoked eel and prawns; and the Cheeseboard with British farmhouse cheeses, quince jelly and homemade oatcakes. Named after the 1950s dialling code for Marylebone, Hunter 486 has been designed with an air of nostalgic London glamour fused with contemporary touches. The restaurant features gleaming leather booths, blown glass chandeliers and statement artwork, plus an adjoining chic Salon de Champagne
“The crowning glory of
the new menu is the use of the stone oven. As it operates at a very high heat, meat and fish are produced with astonishingly succulent results.
”
bar. The kitchen is delightfully open plan and airy, allowing guests to watch the skilled chefs at work amongst the gleaming selection of copper pots and pans suspended from the ceiling. Light streams through the large windows, treating guests to a charming view of the neighbourhood mews, and come the evening, the softly lit restaurant is an intimate and romantic setting for dinner and drinks.
of the most exciting events in the kitchen calender, with a different game dish every fortnight from 21 September until 13 December 2015.
Game Specials 5 – 18 October: Roast loin of Royal Park venison with creamed savoy cabbage and bacon, spiced poached pears and red currant jus. 19 October – 1 November: Roast Suffolk pheasant breast and confit leg croquette, lentils, salsify and glazed chestnuts. 2 – 15 November: Roast wild duck with braised red cabbage, fondant potato, orange and cinnamon glazed figs and spiced jus. 16 – 29 November: Roasted goose breast with Brussels sprouts, smoked bacon, goose fat potatoes and caramelised apples. 30 November – 13 December: Traditional roast Norfolk bronze turkey with chestnut stuffing, chipolatas wrapped in bacon, roast potatoes, parsnips and carrots, gravy, bread sauce, cranberry jelly. The Arch London, 50 Great Cumberland Place, Marble Arch, London W1H 7FD For reservations, please see below. Thanks also to Roxii at Luxe PR.
CONTACT DETAILS info@thearchlondon.com 020 7724 4700 www.thearchlondon.com
Hunter 486 will be celebrating game season, one
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A LEADER IN LEGAL SERVICES FOR THE THAMES VALLEY Blake Morgan provides exceptionally talented lawyers with a breadth of expertise, offering our clients a wealth of solutions here in the Thames Valley. We have expertise in working with corporates, owner managed businesses, families and individuals, public sector and charities.
To discover more about our services, please visit: blakemorgan.co.uk Address: Seacourt Tower, West Way, Oxford, OX2 0FB Tel: 01865 248607 Address: Apex Plaza, Forbury Road, Reading, RG1 1AX Tel: 0118 955 3000
info@blakemorgan.co.uk
Blake Morgan LLP (registered number OC392078) is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales with its registered office at Harbour Court, Compass Road, North Harbour, Portsmouth PO6 4ST. It is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. A full list of its members is available at all of its offices.
B4 spotlight
“
The skill is to firstly understand what your social media strategy is, what specific social networks to use, how they all interact
”
From Coffee to Cafe Success We recently sold our Oxford Java&Co Coffee Shop on George Street, we were made an offer we couldn’t refuse and when we tell people they look surprised, but it’s all for the good. WRITTEN BY: ANDREW & CLAIRE BOWEN PHOTOGRAPHY BY: STUDIO8
Over the last year we have written a book, ‘The Daily Grind – How to open and run a coffee shop that makes money’, due to be published in December this year and started a coffee shop support business with its own membership site, Café Success at www.cafesuccesshub.com . So we have plenty to do and, of course, we still have our other busy Java&Co coffee shop in Market Place Abingdon to run. The shift in our focus has come about because during the last 10 years running coffee shops, we have been asked numerous times to help other coffee shop owners either set up or improve their business. In fact lately because of our success with social media and our customer VIP clubs, the businesses asking for our help have widened to include a chocolate manufacturer, an osteopath, an event company and a garden maintenance business! Like most business, we dabbled with Facebook and Twitter for a few years without much effect, but over the last two years we have seen some great results by changing the way we approached each social media channel and integrating our customer VIP Club into the mix. By using social media and having a strategy that everyone in our team understood and contributed to, we have grown sales against a backdrop of lower town centre footfall and increased competition. Interestingly we had no intention of selling, we had spent a year planning a refit, getting designs produced and acquiring A3 planning, to enable us
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to offer a wider range of food and obtain an alcohol licence. We have had the site in Oxford for nearly 10 years, firstly as Coffee Republic then for the last 4 years under our own brand Java&Co, so we have been a part of the coffee shop revolution. We could see that the future was coffee shops becoming more specialised in their coffee offer, with single origin and guest espresso, as well as starting to sell craft beers, wines and have a more evening focused food offer. The success of the business, its location, A3 planning permission and an alcohol licence, made it a very attractive opportunity for a business wanting to expand into Oxford, so when The City Pub Company were interested we agreed on a deal. When we had agreed on a deal the conversation turned to social media and our VIP Club. We’re not sure why we were so surprised, but we were, because we then went on into great detail how to ensure that our followers, page likes and VIP customers could follow over to the newly named Java Social Coffee Shop. It was obvious how important our social media presence was to our buyer and as we both wanted the business in Oxford to continue to flourish we found a way to move the Facebook account over to the new business and to introduce our Oxford VIP customers to them. We were able to allow them to rename our Oxford branch on Facebook, to Java Social, thus enabling our fabulous team to continue to engage with their customers and followers. So it is imperative that when you set up your accounts, you do it properly.
When we talk to other business owners they generally fall into 2 camps. Those that can’t be bothered with it, they are afraid of the bad reviews and the time it takes. The fact is that those bad reviews will happen anyway, as every business sector has some sort of TripAdvisor or Checkatrade site already out there that people refer to before choosing you. The other types are those that have tried social media and not seen much benefit, so have practically given up with it apart from an odd post or tweet when they remember. The skill is to firstly understand what your social media strategy is, what specific social networks to use, how they all interact and then measuring the results like you would any other KPI. We can see what a great social media strategy does for our business and over the next few months we will be holding a number of events in conjunction with B4, to share our experience and coach a small number of B4 Members....watch this space. P.S. The Daily Grind – How to open and run a Coffee Shop that makes Money, is available to pre-order at www.dailygrindbook.com
CONTACT DETAILS andrew@cafesuccesshub.com 07736 950 673 www.cafesuccesshub.com
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Donseed capturing data / reducing inefficiencies
Donseed Chief Executive, Ollie McGovern, met with B4’s Richard Rosser to discuss the fast-paced growth of his firm which provides people data capture through the use of Biometric hardware solutions. The company, having established itself as a market leader in the construction industry, is now becoming widely used in the retail and banking sectors with other markets on the horizon. WRITTEN BY: RICHARD ROSSER PHOTOGRAPHY BY: DONSEED
Waste and inefficiencies - we all see it, every day. Wasted food, staff late to work, the knock on effects of a late train. But we just accept it, on the whole. An industry which has had to contend with inefficiencies for so long is the construction industry. On a small scale, we’ve all had contact with building contractors at some stage in our lives and we’ve all been worried whether the builders have arrived or that we are being charged for hours they weren’t even on site. Magnify that worry ten fold for a Project Manager working to tight margins and the worry can not only intensify….it can tip a multi-million construction project from comfortably in the black to disastrously in the red. The real sting in the tail can come two years later, when one of your sub contractors hits you with a legal claim for health & safety negligence resulting in a costly lawsuit where you have no way of defending yourself. This is where, having seen some of these inefficiencies with his own experiences over the years, Donseed Chief Executive Ollie McGovern came up with a solution five years ago which is revolutionising the construction industry, as he explains. “Part of the idea came from two risks around people and health and safety. I couldn’t find any cloud based solutions on the market that would capture the necessaty data, biometrically on a mobile platform. “After significant investment into providing a more suitable solution, we eventually launched Simeioin the cloud in late 2012. In August 2014 following the acquisition of one of our major competitors the company is known as Donseed.” With a software development team and account management based in Birmingham, customer support in Ireland, sales and accounts in Oxford and engineers based in London, Donseed now employs a total of 30 across the business which covers the UK and Ireland.
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So what does Donseed do? “Our software uses the latest biometric technology to record a vast array of data as a person enters and leaves a particular location in real time. We started out in the construction sector but have since evolved to be used across multiple sectors. The software is cloud based so our users can access the data and reports from anywhere. Typical end users are company directors, finance controllers, health and safety managers and Project managers.
Our software uses the “ latest biometric technology
to record a vast array of data as a person enters and leaves a particular location in real time. We started out in the construction sector but have since evolved to be used across multiple sectors. The software is cloud based so our users can access the data and reports from anywhere
”
Ollie McGovern - Chief Executive, Donseed
“The solution can be used anywhere where there is a need to capture time, attendance and compliance data on personnel whether in fixed, semi-permanent, permanent or mobile locations. Our mission is to provide all of our customers with centralised data (in the cloud) through the use of biometric / mobile solutions. “At a basic level it can provide time / attendance data but at its core it provides analytical reporting for the wider audience: to truly provide value, Donseed data is rapidly processed and transformed into actionable intelligence. In addition, different types of data needs
to be handled, stored, and processed differently, depending on the specific needs of each customer.” The solution not only tracks attendance in real time, it also provides customers with invaluable health & safety compliance as the software asks those signing in to agree to key health & safety conditions at the point of entry and exit, thus reducing those ‘sting in the tail’ claims years down the line, and providing a clear audit trail of compliance which can be provided in the event of a claim. “Perhaps an intangible benefit, on day one our solution has become a valuable tool in the defence of blame claim for some customers. In the ‘no win, no fee’ culture of society, workers were going back years to sometimes make false claims. Historically an employer would have to search for paper records that if found may not have been legible or clear. With Donseed the data is available instantly with a clear audit trail.” It soon became clear to Ollie and his team by speaking to different customers that they needed to be more flexible in the hardware solution they could provide. “So the software was developed to become more hardware agnostic on the grounds that we wanted to ensure that whatever location the software ws used Donseed had a hardware solution suitable and most importtantly they wouldn’t need to use paper again. Our mission was to ensure easy monitoring of who was going in and out of a site, irrespective as to whether it was one or one thousand people a day. “Health and Safety is so rigid these days that compliance is a requirement, particularly in construction. What tends to happen on the larger sites is that workers come to the site from a variety of places and the turnover of personnel can be high, Our customer needs to know that everyone on site is competent with the right qualifications and when required be able to validate this data retrospectively for lots of different reasons – commercial, accounts, audit, competency, accident ratios, training .” Having ensured the software could apply to multiple www.b4-business.com
B4 technology
scenarios in the construction industry, Ollie and the team began to see opportunities in other sectors. “We felt that the same principles applied to alternative market verticals so we have digressed into the FM and retail and banking space where we now provide solutions in those sectors.” Donseed has over 400,000 registered users across hundreds of locations across the UK and Ireland and can now be found not only in construction but also in rail, shipping, highways, retail, banking, facilities management, waste management, security and mobile workforces. There are also a number of hardware applications from, biometric tablets ,to biometric access control. to mobile apps. The solution is now also being distributed through a number channel partners, for example in logistics and security sectors, for whom Donseed will provide software solutions. “We also have strategic partnerships with end user clients who mandate our product at all locations for Contractors and Visitors. Two of our partners are Sainsbury’s and Metro Bank both of whom we have provided market leading solutions for across all store locations. Clients like Sainsbury’s and Metro bank have to report on lots of different metrics around attendance, health and safety compliance, travel, performance and accident ratios. Donseed is mandated as the solution which provides visibility and security across the entire supply chain of 300 to 400 different contractors that visit these locations on a daily basis. “We also undertake all software development in house – one of our key USP’s to clients. Our CTO (Chief Technology Officer), myself and Sales Director are all from industry background’s where we understand the industry and provide our clients with a solution which can be tailored to their needs. An important part of that is about providing the data in a meaningful format. It isn’t just about collecting data. It’s about what you can do with the data and how much you can automate the analysis of the data. The ongoing monitoring and analysis of data provides visibility to the operational needs of any www.b4-business.com
business and any impact to productivity.” “Specifically in Construction We have lots ofthe logistics and security companies that we work with are selling our solution as part of a package to their customers. Take the access control market for example. They will be selling CCTV and turnstiles so we will supply the software that takes care of all of the data capture for them at the front end and making the data available in the cloud. A lot of contractors have to report on carbon capture and there are stringent requirements on local employment, as part of Section 106 agreements especially in the London Boroughs who have to evidentially prove they are employing from the local population. We provide reports on skill sets, age, demographics and all sorts of things like this.”
Where Donseed is used: The Shard, Sainsbury’s, Tesco, The Toystore, London, Omagh Hospital Co. Tyrone, Manchester City - Etihad Stadium, London, Bridge, Sellafield, Bristol City FC, BBC, Liverpool FC , Great Ormand Street Hospital
continually improving their own businesses that are buying our licenses. We do have a lot of highly successful groundworks, concrete frame and demolition contractors as long standing customers that use the mobile solutions for payroll across all of their locations and they will use it every week for their payroll. We are typically seeing about a 20 to 26% variance between paper records and our electronic solution. Apply that to the construction industry which is one of the biggest employers in the UK and that variance has a huge impact on revenue and productivity. Even on fixed price contracts the software is helping the client to monitor performance. That’s why most of our clients are buying the solution – because there is a very clear ROI.” Ollie is clear about how he sees the company developing. “We want to be very strategic in our growth plans as the product has so many applications. Our core focus for 2016 will remain in the UK Construction, retail and banking sectors ensuring we provide impeccable solutions and services to our customers.” As a multi-user device, there can be, literally, tens of thousands of people using the platform every day. As market leaders in mobile biometrics solutions, Donseed still has a massive market to expand in to, but with aspirations in other sectors and beyond the UK and Ireland in to other continents, we are only just learning about the start of a very exciting journey for this cutting edge Oxfordshire based company.
Donseed is sold on a license basis by location so if a construction client has 15 projects running at any one time, they will have 15 items of hardware and 15 Donseed licenses which can then be moved from project to project. “ “Our typical clients in construction will be owner managed businesses running more than 5 projects concurrently typically turning over anything from £25 to £300+ million. It’s generally the smart, highly profitable, established businesses that are
CONTACT DETAILS info@donseed.com 0207 240 3007 www.donseed.com
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Ghostly goings on at Oxford Castle Quarter The Oxford Castle Quarter is a striking social and cultural development in the centre of the city connecting into Oxford’s West End. In this historic corner you can discover the secrets of Oxford Castle’s 1,000 year old history alongside a modern and exciting sustainable mixed-use development
The remains of a Norman Oxford Castle, an ancient county gaol and the more modern prison are overlooked by the Castle Mound and St George’s Tower. Today the historic structures sit alongside an art gallery, hotel, education centre, heritage visitor attraction, residential apartments, restaurants and bars across the site, set around public squares and gardens, each with its own distinct character. It is thanks to the vision and innovative thinking of property developer the Trevor Osborne of the Osborne Group that the site has become such an appealing part of the city and the exciting hub and must-see attraction it is today. The Oxford Castle Quarter is busy all year round, but particularly in the summer, when its historic buildings provide the perfect backdrop for a host of outdoor events for all ages. The 2015 summer season proved to be another resounding success. From playing host to the Oxford Shakespeare Festival, with some brilliant outdoor theatre productions and a great line-up of films viewed under the stars on a giant screen, to storytelling and living history events, a whole programme of activities has been enjoyed by local residents and visitors alike. Autumn promises to be no less exciting, beginning with some spine-chilling Halloween fun as Ghost Fest returns to Oxford Castle Unlocked this October and November, delivering a fearsome selection of events as the attraction stakes its claim as the spookiest festival in the UK calendar. Aspiring ghost hunters can explore the austere confines of the 1000 year old castle prison
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overnight on one of the professionally-led Ghost Hunt experiences held on select nights throughout the Festival. Vigils and paranormal experiments will test the hunters’ nerves as they seek one of the 15 spirits known to dwell in the castle boundaries. Terror Tuesdays sees the castle prison transformed into Oxford’s only scare attraction. Visitors should prepare for genuine horror and alarming encounters as they feel their way through the real prison hospital and down into the subterranean crypt. Visitors can also embark on a sinister journey inside the haunted heart of the former Royal residence and prison every Thursday during Ghost Fest on a Spooky Tour, with a character tour guide accompanying guests to regale tales of recent ghostly encounters as well as some ghoulish history from centuries past. Mystery and intrigue will also greet guests to the castle’s Victorian Murder Mystery evenings – a new mystery which is set to be performed for the first time during Ghost Fest on Friday 23 October and Friday 27 November. Playing the role of detective, guests will need to keep their wits about them as they explore the castle, collecting clues and interrogating the castle inhabitants. There will be a chance for children to have fun and frights during Ghost Fest at the attraction’s everpopular Trick or Treat evenings. But there is much more to the Oxford Castle Quarter than its dark past as one of the spookiest buildings in Britain. It is where visitors can discover where Oxford began, not just in terms of physical structures but also from a social perspective. The history of the castle is where Oxford’s sense of identity originates. For example Geoffrey of Monmouth was teaching at the chapel at Oxford Castle in the early 12th century, before any of the colleges were founded.
Operations Manager Sam Pace explains:” All of this means that the people who live in Oxford should feel a real sense of pride in, and ownership of, Oxford Castle Quarter. It’s a significant part of Oxford’s history and we’re determined to make sure people feel that it is a part of their present and future too.” An early indicator that the people of Oxford certainly are taking the venue to its hearts was revealed recently when Oxford Castle was voted Oxfordshire’s favourite attraction in the Living in Oxford Awards 2015. The Awards are voted for entirely by the public and Oxford Castle was competing with some of the county’s leading venues and attractions. So they were delighted to also be voted Oxfordshire’s overall favourite attraction. What was so rewarding, says Sam Pace is that their visitors appear to love the Castle as much as they do. She believes their success is down to an amazing joint effort between all the commercial tenants and the Castle staff, working alongside each other towards a common goal. One minute you can be taken on a guided tour by 18th Century celebrity and convicted murderess Mary Blandy, while the next minute enjoy a glass of wine or a meal in the shadow of a medieval castle. There is no other venue in Oxford with such a wide variety of entertainment on offer in such a beautiful historic setting.
CONTACT DETAILS sam.pace@topgroup.co.uk 01865 201657 www.oxfordcastlequarter.com
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B4 r&r
“Autumn promises to be no
less exciting, starting with some spine-chilling Halloween fun as Ghost Fest returns to Oxford Castle Unlocked this October and November
�
www.b4-business.com
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eFeathers is an inviting country retreat that combines historic charm with a fun personality. Named Oxfordshire’s Restaurant of the Year 2012, it currently holds the Guinness World Record for the largest collection of gin (167 varieties). “e Gin Experience” menu is £75 per person for seven courses.
MARKET STREET, WOODSTOCK, OXFORDSHIRE, OX20 1SX. TELEPHONE: 01993 812 291. WWW.FEATHERS.CO.UK
B4 services
Oxfordshire Business DCResponse Leads the Way in Creating Dynamic Data Centres A resilient and efficient Data Centre is key to supporting today’s organisations. At DCResponse we understand that businesses have specialist needs when it comes to protecting their critical infrastructures. We design, plan and deliver complete turnkey solutions, bespoke to each client’s needs. Jack Ogden, the new Commercial Director at DCResponse, tells us why it is vital you have the right Data Centre support for your growing business needs. WRITTEN BY: RACHEL WARREN
Supporting businesses
Uptime and efficiency are key
The benefits of talking to DCResponse
We have been working on protecting businesses critical data for over 25 years, so a big part of what we do at DCResponse is provide resilient and efficient facility design and deployments. We have seen a big change in how businesses approach their Data Centres in recent times which is largely due to the exponential growth of data usage and storage.
We often advise our clients to think about what their vision is for their business, what their growth plans are and if they have any new initiatives which they want to realise. This is a great place for us to start developing their requirements and see which elements of Data Centre infrastructure and critical protection would best support their business as it stands today but has the capability to support it as the business grows and evolves. Ultimately, when it comes to identifying your Data Centre needs, careful planning up front can avoid costly downfalls.
We offer a total-solution approach from pre sales advice, consultancy and planning through to installation and commissioning. Our in depth understanding of client needs is our core philosophy, made possible by the expertise and experience of our sales, engineering and technical staff.
Historically, businesses were nervous about making changes to their Data Centres and concerned with the costs involved, some just were not that familiar with their own Data Centre and just left it to ‘do a job’. Over the years there has been increasing awareness on the importance of the Data Centre and the benefits which an effective one can bring. Business owners and IT managers are starting to proactively think ‘We have this great growing business, what technical infrastructure do we need to support and help drive it forward?’ Where best to start If you wake up worrying about the capability, resiliency or efficiency of your Data Centre, then it is time to contact an expert like DCResponse who can carry out a site survey and assess its operation. There are many reasons why you might need a change to your Data Centre and the equipment within it, although primarily they are in response to two fundamental questions; will your Data Centre infrastructure (such as your UPS or generator) protect your business critical operation in the event of utility or component failure and is your facility operating at its most efficient.
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Why it’s so important At the heart of every businesses lies its data. This information is constantly evolving, as are the different ways in which businesses analyse it and use it to promote their growth. If your Data Centre cannot handle the ever growing volume of data produced by your business, or protect your data in the event of a power outage, it will have a catastrophic negative impact on your business whether in loss of sales, loss of data or downtime.
We believe in product excellence along with a prolonged commitment to quality and customer care. This commitment includes consultancy, design and build, installation and comprehensive after sales service so you can be certain your power protection requirements are fulfilled. DCResponse is a British company based in Witney, Oxfordshire offering 24-7 maintenance for the mechanical and electrical infrastructure of computer room/Data Centres as well as an excellent range of power protection products and services tailored to a broad spectrum of industries and sectors. To learn more about how we can help your business, or for a free site survey, please contact us below.
The cost of failure According to an industry study by The Diffusion Group, who surveyed small business organisations in the UK, 60% of companies that lose their data close down within six months of the disaster, and a staggering 72% of businesses that suffer major data loss disappear within 24 months.
CONTACT DETAILS sales@dcresponse.co.uk 01993 708 855 www.dcresponse.co.uk
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Helping clients succeed is a generational matter for Wellers B4 Business Magazine was invited by Wellers, one of the regions leading accountancy firms, to attend their client reception at the Weston Library in Oxford. This year’s event marked an extra special occasion as the company said goodbye to two of its longest serving partners. WRITTEN BY: STEPHEN JONES PHOTOGRAPHY BY: CERETA DREWETT
The spritely sounds of a string quartet reverberate around the grand marble floored lobby of the library, as a magician weaves his way through the swell of champagne glasses, waitresses bearing canapés and the jovial chit chat of old friends reunited. The atmosphere is relaxed and everyone seems in high spirits; you’d be forgiven for mistaking this as a gathering of old friends rather than a company event. It was at this point I knew that Wellers were a unique and special firm. Business Oxygen With offices across Oxfordshire, as well as a substantial presence in London, Wellers have a long history of delivering quality services and commercial advice to over 3,000 clients across the South East of England. They offer a wide range of business, accounting and tax solutions to a variety of different sized businesses. The firm has branded their unique approach to 48
service delivery as Business Oxygen, and managing partner Kathleen Parker was happy to take a break from proceedings and talk to me about the meaning behind this ethos: “At Wellers we’re far more than just accountants, we’re also business advisors who offer extensive knowledge, experience and educated opinions on a wide range of matters that impact on a business. Our clients need to be able to make informed decisions based on reliable, up to date and forward looking information. We live in an ever changing, fast paced society. The challenge for the whole industry is just starting. We are in the early stages of a technological revolution that is completely reshaping the way that we operate. It is therefore important that the service matches the ever complex needs of our clients in a 24 hour society.” Family Firm From the atmosphere within the room it is clear
that Wellers shares a unique relationship with their clients and staff alike. It’s a company built upon personal relationships, a relationship where clients are held firmly as close friends in a workplace that respects its employees. Kathleen revealed to me that this was something the company had worked hard to create: “The thing I’m most proud of from my time here is the culture that we have been able to cultivate within the business. People need to be honest with their colleagues and I think we have fostered an environment where everyone is treated with mutual respect and is prepared to help one another. When new employees start they are presented with a list of values of how we expect them to treat one another and their clients and these are really central to the way we operate. It’s a genuinely nice place to work and I wouldn’t like it any other way!” However she was also quick to highlight the precarious balancing act that is needed to maintain www.b4-business.com
B4 spotlight
We live in an ever “ changing, fast paced
society. The challenge for the whole industry is just starting. We are in the early stages of a technological revolution that is completely reshaping the way that we operate
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T H E
OX F O R D S H I R E
RESTAURANT
AWARDS
5
M A I N
S P O N S O R
I N A S S O C I AT I O N W I T H
Your guide to your City
The 2015 Oxfordshire Restaurant Awards Roll of Honour: Best Traditional Pub Best Gastronomic Restaurant Best Express / Deli / Café City of Oxford College Trainee of the Year Best Brasserie / Gastro Pub Best Asian Restaurant Outstanding Contribution Award Award of Distinction The Living In Oxford Magazine Editor’s Choice Best Service Public Vote Belmond Le Manoir Award for Excellence
The White Hart, Minster Lovell Restaurant 56 at Sudbury House Hotel, Faringdon Aston Pottery Country Café, Aston Amy Bulgin from The Red Lion, Northmoor The White Hart at Fyfield Yeti Nepalese, Oxford Donald Sloan, Oxford Gastronomica / Oxford School of HospitalityManagement Yellow Submarine, Oxford The Oxford Kitchen, Oxford Malmaison, Oxford Greyhound, Besselsleigh The Mole Inn, Toot Balden
2015 Oxfordshire Restaurant of the Year sponsored by Hedges Law:
The White Hart at Fyfield Photographs of the event can be purchased from http://oxfordshirerestaurantawards.co.uk/last_year.html
To enter next year’s Awards which will be staged on Tuesday 11th October at Weston Library, visit www.oxfordshirerestaurantawards.co.uk and download the application form To sponsor next year’s event, please call the team on 01865 742211
B4 spotlight
this great working environment whilst still ensuring the varied needs of Wellers vast client base can be met: “At the end of the day it is the desire to help our clients succeed that really drives us. They are central to our business strategy and it gives me real satisfaction and excitement when I meet a new client who we can genuinely help. The industry in general has had a bad reputation in the past, with client satisfaction appearing to come second on the list to profits. We feel it’s really important to offer not only a consistent service, but also one that is highly personal, where the client feels like they can come to you at anytime for help.” Generational Event The evening represented a celebration of the clients who are central to any business, and without whom, no business could survive. It also honoured Weller’s past, present and future. There was a commemoration of the legacy left by retiring partners Norman Sawyer and Peter Sharp, who in over 80 years of combined service have dedicated themselves to their clients and their firm. Finally, the event celebrated the future of a firm where there is a real ethos in building for the next
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generation. James Tillotson is testament to this philosophy. After four years based mainly in the London office, he is set to open a new chapter in his Wellers career and become a partner in the firm. In between conversations about London house prices and life in Brighton, he revealed to me that it is the personal relationships behind Wellers that make it an extra special place to work: “The great thing about the firm is that there’s a great mixture of people here. It’s a company that regardless of who you are, you will be respected for what you do. It’s a very open partnership, everyone feels like they are part of the business, and this is something that I haven’t seen in some previous jobs. Everyone is kept up to date on how the firm is doing, and there’s a real unity throughout the business.” Speaking to James it is clear that, despite being new to the role, he is already looking to the future of the company: “I think I’m most looking forward to the challenge that Wellers face in dealing with an ever changing world. We need to ensure that Wellers as a business can not just keep up with the rate of change, but pioneer and drive it in order to help business owners fulfill their aspirations. If we can continue to meet and drive the needs of our clients, I will be very happy”
The champagne reception was then followed by speeches. Both Norman and Peter spoke of their admiration for the clients and staff and of the “wonderful experiences” that they had both had working at the firm. In turn the company recognised their relentless work in the business with books of personal messages and slideshows of family photographs. When I asked Kathleen to comment on the contribution of both men, her words were simple: “They’ve added real stability and consistency to the company. They really care about what they do and most importantly they care about the clients that they have worked with.” And this it seems is what Weller’s is truly about, helping their clients.
CONTACT DETAILS oxford@wellersaccountants.co.uk 01865 723 131 www.wellersaccountants.co.uk
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B4 property
“City tops tables of house price rises across UK” Oxfordshire: New figures vreleased last week revealed that Oxford saw one of the highest rise in house prices in the country over the past year. The increase was 12 percent, with the average cost of a property now at £414,300, up from £370,000. In the list of towns and cities, excluding London, only Reading was above Oxford with a rise of 13 per cent - but the average house price there is £335,000. Across the county the average price for a home is £339,571 - 10 percent higher than the same time last year. Published by: Oxford Times, Thursday 9th July 2015
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The Oxford Housing Market...... Is it too late to Invest? B4 talk to Robin Swales of North Oxford Property Services about property investment, and whether its still the place to put your money. WRITTEN BY: ROBIN SWAILES PHOTOGRAPHY BY: STUDIO8
The long run on the London property market has cooled, leaving concerns over house prices in the rest of the country. The Mortgage Market review has made significant changes in the way the lenders look at risk when lending mortgage funds. Introduced last year, the review taking effect on new and existing borrowers who are changing or porting their mortgage. It essentially has the effect of putting the breaks on lending by: 1. 2. 3. 4.
Banning self certificated mortgages Tightening the rules reducing interest only mortgages Taking a draconian view on affordability Ensuring higher qualified sales persons to monitor the above
The latest budget announced changes in the way investors can offset their mortgage interest on ‘buy to let’ property.
Well this is not the case. The ONS data showed that house prices continue to grow across the UK. The pace of increase has risen slightly to 5.7% in June, a small increase from the previous month which was 5.6%. Looking at England house prices in six of the nine regions reached record levels. As you would expect Oxford is one area that also is at a high level. Looking at what is happening on the ground in business I can reveal that Persimmon, one of Britain’s biggest house builders has an order book value of 12% ahead of last year at 1.7 billion. Its present reservations are 5% ahead of the same period last year. The Persimmon Chairman has said that there is predicted to be a good autumn selling season. When looking at Oxfordshire in July the local Oxford Times ran a small but poignant headline (see attached image) which read ‘City tops tables of house price rises across the UK’ it also states ‘The increase annually was a whopping 12% with the average cost of a property now £414,300 up from £370,000’.
In the past ‘buy to let’ landlords have been aligned to basic business principles where the capital borrowed (by way of a mortgage/loan) accrues interest, this interest was an expense that could be legitimately offset against your profit.
Further inspection of the entry-level apartments also shows credible growth over the last 12 months. Many apartments are achieving record levels of sales even during the slower summer months.
This will eventually be reduced by 50% as the chancellor now aligns the ‘buy to let’ investment with the private buyer. The government’s logic is that the private residential buyer receives no incentive by way of tax advantage so why should the ‘buy to let’ purchaser. The government sees this as an unfair playing field.
Anecdotal evidence of businesses in the city show excellent signs of an upturn. My company Robin Swailes Design and Development employs many trades when building in Oxford. We have just completed six luxury apartments near the Said Business School at St Thomas Street opposite the Jam factory.
Lastly, the pound is strong against a basket of economies making it more expensive for people abroad to buy homes in the UK.
All the tradesmen reported that they were working on this project over capacity. On occasion we found we had to wait to use our regular kitchen installer as demand is causing a backlog of work. Only yesterday, I found a local curtain maker had long waiting lists to measure and supply products.
You might think all the above would have a deadening effect on property prices, slowing any growth prospects in the future.
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In my view the market in Oxford will remain strong; all indicators are green. Even inflationary pressures have subsided as we see low fuel prices and the Chinese devaluing their currency, which will lead to cheaper imports again reducing inflation forecasts. Yes we do have world issues such as Ukraine and Syria. Greece may not yet survive its internal crisis. Many say this just makes the UK stronger as more money pours in to what is considered a relatively secure, safe and stable place to invest. Have you ever thought of where the growth in GDP will come from over the next 10 to 20 years? In my view it is all technology driven. Whether it is an app written for the iPhone, Nano technology, health care, DNA breakthrough or tailored medicine. Where do we get the guys and girls that are smart enough to work on and develop these technological miracles? Yes you’ve got it, Oxford, Cambridge and London. The powers that be in the universities and colleges have woken up. They are now commercialising their intellectual property much as the Ivy League universities have done for the last 25 years in the USA. Could the next Apple Corporation be in Oxford? If you or your clients would like any further advice on what to buy or where to buy in Oxford then please contact me at my office in Jericho. 01865 318525. Robin Swailes is an Investor and Developer in the city of Oxford. He is not a financial advisor. Robin has been investing and letting property exclusively in Oxford for the last 25 years. Robin@NOPS.co.uk CONTACT DETAILS post@northoxfordproperty.co.uk 01865 318 538 www.nops.co.uk
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The Oxford Kitchen One Team, One Vision
It’s easy, and rather lazy, in the era of the Celebrity Chef, to focus on the man at the top. The barker of orders, the perfectionist, the preening, egotistical megalomaniac who craves attention and feeds off the inadequacies of those around him. But that’s not John Footman, Executive Chef of The Oxford Kitchen, not by a long shot. Richard Rosser finds out how perfection can be achieved without the ranting and the raving - and definitely without the ego. WRITTEN BY: ISABELLE SAERS PHOTOGRAPHY BY: ROB SCOTCHER
When The Oxford Kitchen first opened in December 2013, it was a wonderful opportunity for John to be a part of a team looking to establish a high quality restaurant within the Oxford ring road. One and a half years later, they feel they are now very close to where they want to be. The menu has been refined since they first opened but they continue to offer the same high standard of fine, modern British dining that has become the restaurant’s trademark. All of the food is prepared on site, with the sole exception of the bread which is delivered from Summertown’s Gatineau, just two doors down. This means that there’s no shortage of hard graft and dedication in John’s kitchen, as he explains. “The hours are often ridiculous and some days can be up to 16 hours long which can be very disheartening for
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young chefs trying to make a name for themselves. There’s a tendency for the youngsters to think they’re going to be the next Celebrity Chef but they don’t see what it actually takes until they experience it for themselves. To be the absolute best in this industry, you have to give everything and still the rewards are few and far between. Unless you’re in this industry, I don’t think you really realise what it takes to be a success. I’ve seen chefs in tears after service, people who get mental breakdowns, chefs who lose their wives because of this. It is not a job. This is a way of life.” A keen runner, John will often finish a long shift in the kitchen and be out pounding the streets of Oxford, his head still buzzing after an adrenaline-filled night. “Sometimes I can’t sleep, so it’s a great time to unwind and be on my own, reflecting on what went
right, what we could do better….and also stay fit!” Food has always been a big part of John’s life. “I’ve grown into this. I left school with no exams, nothing, and I lived with my grandparents. My Nan was an amazing cook and food was very important for her. It was also important that the family sat down to eat and now with a family of my own, that’s also important to me. That’s really where I got my love for food.” A restaurant that has influenced John greatly in his career is Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, (Le Manoir), where he spent one and a half years gaining experience like many other influential chefs around England. Four of five of his previous Head Chefs have worked at Le Manoir for some time, and John recounts that every chef who aspires to
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B4 spotlight
“We work
together and all of our triumphs and challenges are shared and faced as a group” become successful has something to learn from the chefs working there. “Every major chef has some kind of connection to Le Manoir. I’d tell chefs to-be that to get some rounding and a certain level of understanding, they had to go and work for a period of time at Le Manoir. It’s just such a phenomenal place which breeds great chefs – you cannot argue with their track record.” As with the older generation of chefs who shaped him into the consummate professional he is today, John now feels he has a duty to teach the next generation. “The Oxford Kitchen has certainly established itself, in a relatively short period of time, as one of Oxford’s leading restaurants, having received positive feedback by the bucketload from customers who appreciate just how much work goes into creating The Oxford Kitchen experience. We’ve built up a
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very loyal customer base very quickly. One lady has been in for three consecutive nights this week and another loyal customer who visits Oxford two to three times a year for business from America always pays us a visit. “It’s really nice to speak to people who actually understand what you do and show appreciation for it. A lot of people just see a piece of meat and not the industry that has gone into presenting it. But that is what we do; our job now is to produce a quality product for our customers.” So what of the future? “I’d like this restaurant to build upon its success. Not for me, but for the team that is The Oxford Kitchen. It is not about a person, it’s about a team. It doesn’t stop when I have my night off, it continues.” John stresses that every success of the restaurant is a team achievement. “We work together and all of our triumphs and setbacks are
shared and faced as a group.” This seems to be the key to success within the restaurant world, and this, combined with the amazing food of such high quality, is reason enough to visit The Oxford Kitchen. John will be cooking for The Earth Trust on 15th October – visit http://www.earthtrust.org.uk/ for more info.
CONTACT DETAILS hello@theoxfordkitchen.co.uk 01865 511 149 www.theoxfordkitchen.co.uk
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grow your business We create bespoke software and websites that simplify processes, transform performance, and give businesses the scope to grow. For more information call 01865 794009 or email grow@alberon.co.uk
the software and web solution specialists
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B4 r&r
“Service throughout the
meal was attentive, with a genuine interest in our enjoyment from the staff
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The Red Lion, Oxford The Red Lion is tucked away behind George Street, in between Oxford main theatres, The Oxford Play House and The New Theatre. The Red Lion Oxford benefits from a large secluded beer garden for those people who fancy alfresco dining. WRITTEN BY: HELEN BRIND & PETER HUDSON
Booking a table cannot be simpler, you have the option to book online or by phone. I decided to book online which worked well including reminders of the booking both by email and text message. On arrival we were warmly greeted by the manager on the day and were quickly seated. An initial drinks menu was taken and the specials of the day explained, including “scallop of the day” which as a seafood lover was just up my street. The interior of the Red Lion has an upmarket and contemporary feel with a relaxing atmosphere and lighting. Both the food and drinks menu are extensive offering a varied and different choices of drinks and dishes. Meat, fish and vegetarian options are offered, ensuring everyone is sure to find something they will like. The meal was lovely, all courses were served promptly, at the perfect temperature and were well presented. However, the stand out dish was the chocolate brownie, scoring top marks being served at the just the right temperature so that it was lovely
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and gooey and missing the nuts which is always a plus point. We asked for a wine recommendation and were pleasantly surprised by the Romania Umbrele Sauvignon Blanc. Service throughout the meal was attentive, with a genuine interest in our enjoyment from the staff.
of the day” • The fact that you can have a glass of Moet Brut Rose for a very reasonable price • The most amazing brownie – the best we’ve eaten in a very long time • The quality of the food
What we ate
The team are not precious about their menu construction – there was no problem removing the poached egg from the Bury black pudding dish.
• Crayfish & crab pot £7.95 • Bury Black pudding and potato cake £5.95 • Sticky crispy duck salad with twice cooked chunky chips £12.50 plus £3.50 • Warm Belgian chocolate pudding £5.95 • Umbrele Sauvignon Blanc, Romania £6.95
6 Things we loved • The welcoming staff • The warm and inviting environment • The amazing menu which includes “while you wait options and to nibble and share and scallop
Offers • To join their wine club • 25% of champagne of sparkling wine – Monday to Thursdays • Fixed Price menu priced at £11.95 – Monday to Friday 12pm to 6pm CONTACT DETAILS info@thesnootymehmaan.co.uk 01367 242 260 www.thesnootymehmaan.co.uk
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Chiltern Railways
Groundbreaking Oxford to London line coming soon Chiltern Railways has a strong track record of delivering investment-led programmes and on Monday 26 October the company is launching a pioneering line between London and a brand new station, Oxford Parkway. It is the first new rail link between the capital and a major British city for over 100 years and will bring significant social, economic and environmental benefits to those living and working along the route. The £130m investment will result in Chiltern running services between London Marylebone and a new station to the north of the city, Oxford Parkway, from 26 October 2015 and to the centre of Oxford from spring 2016. This work brings the total investment in the line to £600 million since the start of the franchise. The project will also see the re-establishment of long lost rail links, such as between High Wycombe and Oxford. In order to achieve this, a ¾ mile of new track will be built at Bicester to link the London Marylebone to Birmingham Moor Street line with the existing route between Bicester Town and Oxford. The line is good news for those living in towns and villages to the north of Oxford, who will gain from improved rail access and a new parkway station. Oxford Parkway is the first new station to open in Oxfordshire since 1944. Once opened it will be one of the best located stations in the county due to its positioning adjacent to the existing Water Eaton park and ride site just off the A34 and close to the A44. Oxford Parkway has been designed as a modern transport hub and is expected to be hugely attractive to those living in north Oxfordshire wanting to escape the congestion of Oxford city centre. The new station will have level access and integrated transport with over 150 cycle spaces, 800+ car parking spaces
and access to the many buses serving the park and ride site. The fast growing town of Bicester will also benefit from an additional link to the capital. Following the announcement by the government that the town will be the latest garden city to be developed, this second fast link to London will bring improved connectivity to this large and growing area, as well as helping take cars off the road, providing a sustainable mode of transport to the popular Bicester Village outlet. The contemporary Bicester Village station will have level access, two new platforms and a rebuilt car park. It will also have a greatly improved station approach road and integrated transport with cycle parking and bus stops. Lighting across the station will be energy efficient and the station building has been designed to make as much use of natural light as possible.
access throughout the region, in particular the flourishing knowledge economy for which Oxford is famous. With world-class research institutions and many university spin-off companies based in the county it will be easier to make and maintain business relationships which may otherwise be out of reach. For those who live or work closer to the city there will be a brand new way to London from spring 2016 as Chiltern Railways start direct services from Oxford to London Marylebone; one of London’s most civilised rail terminals. Located just 16 minutes from the City, and under 10 minutes from Oxford Circus and Piccadilly Circus, Marylebone is conveniently located for business, culture or shopping in the heart of the capital. The new service will see two new fast trains per hour throughout the day between Oxford Parkway and Bicester Village station and London with journey times of under an hour to the capital.
Providing this inter-city link will improve
“Chiltern Railways has been awarded best train operator at the first ever Independent Travel Awards” Oxford Parkway is the “ first new station to open in
Oxfordshire since 1944. Once opened it will be one of the best located stations in the county due to its positioning adjacent to the existing Water Eaton park and ride site just off the A34 and close to the A44.
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B4 services
Key Highlights Include: • Five arrivals at London Marylebone from Oxford Parkway between 7.30am and 9am each weekday morning • A key commuter train from Oxford Parkway at 0724 taking just 56 minutes stopping just once at Bicester Village station before London. This will be a silver train service with Espresso Bar and Business Zone, which has all the features of first class but at a fraction of the cost • Journey times of around one hour with the fastest taking 57 minutes in the evening peak • Direct links between High Wycombe, Princes Risborough and Haddenham & Thame Parkway, with the new stations at Bicester Village and Oxford Parkway The vast majority of the trains during the day will be geared to business and modern leisure travellers with free Wi-Fi, power sockets and spacious seating. The majority of the London to Oxford Parkway services depart at regular half-hourly intervals, calling only at Haddenham & Thame Parkway or High Wycombe, then calling at Bicester Village station and Oxford Parkway. Some trains additionally call at Islip. For leisure travellers and the important tourist market the weekend timetable has been developed to provide attractive journey times and a memorable pattern of departures. The project is being delivered in partnership with Network Rail as part of the Bicester to Oxford Collaboration that will also see the installation of infrastructure for East West Rail line that will see trains running from Oxford to Bedford from 2017.
CONTACT DETAILS press@chilternrailways.co.uk 020 7333 3113 www.chilternrailways.co.uk
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The Langham Hotel: Genuine Hospitality I have to admit I was rather anxious about my visit to The Langham Hotel. I’ve been fortunate enough to visit a number of five star hotels before and have often found the staff to be aloof and self important. As I climbed the beautiful marble steps of the main foyer I realised how ill conceived my preconceptions were. Amanda Baker reports for B4 Magazine. WRITTEN BY: RICHARD ROSSER
“Celebrating its 150th
anniversary in 2015, The Langham, London was opened in 1865 by HRH The Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII) as Europe’s first ‘Grand Hotel’.
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From the moment the Head Concierge opened my car door and escorted me to the reception desk to the last goodbye from the Hall Porter, I was made to feel welcome and special and throughout the conduct of each and every member of staff was genuinely warm. When you know the people looking after you are happy in their work environment, you can bet your life that your experience is going to be pretty special. And so it came to pass.
Every little perfect detail, act or customer experience at The Langham is achieved with effortless subtlety. There is a delicate pink theme throughout the hotel and on my tour of the hotel I was informed that the chairman’s wife designed the company’s logo and branding message, which includes pink roses. Guests are asked to complete their registration cards using beautifully feminine pink pens, whilst the reception area boasts an explosion of beautiful pink flowers, cascading out over opulent vases.
Celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2015, The Langham, London was opened in 1865 by HRH The Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII) as Europe’s first ‘Grand Hotel’. From the outset it boasted an unrivalled location at the top of Regent Street and this is still true today with an enviable address in the heart of the West End. After an extensive transformation, The Langham has exquisitely appointed guestrooms and suites, classically styled and evoking a warm residential feel with renowned service that bears the hallmarks of the hotel’s rich heritage that spans three centuries.
After check in I was shown to my beautiful room located in the hotel’s first phase of the 150th anniversary renovations, The Regent Wing, with over forty renovated guestrooms and suites, designed by Richmond International. Aimed at guests who prefer the feeling of a private residence, The Regent Wing overlooks Langham Place and benefits from a private entrance at the top of Regent Street and direct access to the hotel’s Chuan Spa. Stepping into the private world of The Regent Wing will evoke the feeling of a boutique hotel, with individual styling that reflects the era of the Regency period influenced by historic
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B4 r&r detailing, with an eclectic artwork evoking a strong sense of place. As commented by Duncan Palmer, Managing Director of The Langham, London: “the new wing marks the first phase of our renovation; the largest since our re-launch in 2009. The design is a clear nod to the heritage of our building with classic elements merging with modern touches. Moreover, the wing captures the essence of the hotel’s history and its projected future.” The 33 Grand Executive rooms, averaging 31 square metres, include modernised discrete technology and Nespresso coffee machines whilst the new Regent Suite occupies an entire floor, and can be booked exclusively, with up to four bedrooms, a private sitting room and kitchenette - perfect for longer stays, larger family gatherings and VIP groups. The Regent Wing also features two additional Studio Suites providing flexible accommodation for parents travelling with children with a dining/kitchenette area.
masking the ironing board too…..but there is a line! The Langham is located a stone’s throw from Regents Park, London Zoo and Primrose Hill so ahead of what was sure to be an evening or pure indulgence, I felt inclined to punish myself to erase any feelings of guilt the next morning. So from the uber luxurious world of The Langham I braced myself for a five mile run in the late afternoon rain. The route was picturesque and incredibly tranquil – was this really London? As I made my way back to the hotel my focus was on a quick change and a swim in the incredible basement pool, part of the Chuan Spa, a pampering haven and London’s first luxury hotel spa to incorporate the ancient principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine into its signature treatments and ambience. Resplendent, even if I say so myself, in my Langham Hotel gleaming white towelling dressing gown and oh so comfy slippers, I made my way to the Spa and a fabulously invigorating swim. This was heaven. At 16 metres, this was a pool to really bash out some decent lengths and give me more reason to enjoy the delights of Roux at the Landau.
Whether for corporate travellers valuing extra space
and a discrete atmosphere, couples on leisure stays enjoying direct access to central London, or families requiring flexible accommodation options, The Regent Wing heralds a new style of luxury accommodation in London and a preview of further developments at The Langham, London. Luxury, peace and a bed to die for. I wanted for nothing. The room itself was tastefully decorated using soft greys and greens. With three outlooks to the miserable grey and wet world outside (even in August) I felt somewhat smug , watching those (at that point in time) considerably less fortunate than I avoiding the rain. Those hitherto referenced touches of pink continued through to the room, from the beautiful compendium of stationery to The Langham gift bag hanging in the wardrobe. Everything is given consideration and I particularly loved the fact that the hairdryer and iron were wrapped up so sweetly in a lovely Langham Hotel black cloth bag, with a pink ribbon tied to the appliance. I’m sure consideration was given to
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Pre dinner drinks were taken in the newly opened Langham Club Lounge, where, for a supplement, you are rewarded with such privileges as early bar service, complementary drinks, as well as tasting sample sized dishes that all of The Langham restaurants have to offer. Afternoon tea and cocktails are also available. Next stop was Roux at the Landau, a beautiful art deco style restaurant where I enjoyed the chef’s tasting menu. In partnership with culinary icons father and son Albert and Michel Roux Jr, Roux at the Landau restaurant sees Roux protégé Chef Chris King create classically-constructed dishes using the finest seasonal ingredients with a contemporary style of presentation. The five course menu was paired with beautiful fine wines from across the world. Each course was explained with passion and detail by the maître d’ who also explained how the relevant wine would work with each course.
I particularly enjoyed the starter of crisp blue prawns, mango orange, lobster mayonnaise and coriander, paired beautifully with 2014 Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand’s Isabel State. An appetite whetting main course of caramelized breast of Duck, spiced plum ‘tarte fine’, seared foie gras and hazelnuts was accompanied by a wonderful Cabernet Franc, 2014 from Loire Valley. The salted caramel tart was beautifully presented with grilled figs and finished with cream fraîche ice cream, although absolutely delicious I had to admit defeat after just a couple of spoonfuls. I couldn’t go to my wonderful bed without a quick nightcap in Artesian, a glamorous bar designed by the acclaimed late David Collins and a social hub for chic Londoners conjuring up classic and innovative cocktails, receiving the coveted accolade of ‘World’s Best Bar’ for two consecutive years. Following a wonderful nights slumber, breakfast was served in the Palm Court, an elegant dining room, famed as the birthplace of Afternoon Tea. Fine bone china, fresh linens and superb service added to the
perfect breakfast complete with a special order of the finest poached eggs! What a pleasant relaxed environment to start the day. My all too short dalliance with the wonderful world of luxury was over. I checked out and jumped into the car with a spring in my step, luggage already in the boot. I felt a million dollars and had to smile when a recently appointed X Factor judge gave an envious look my way as he walked past on his way into the hotel! Maybe I even looked the part! The jolly concierge wished me a pleasant and safe journey home and told me to hurry back soon. If only, I thought! If only…..
CONTACT DETAILS tllon.info@langhamhotels.com 020 7636 1000 www.langhamhotels.com
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The Confidence to Lead You mention public speaking to anyone and nine times out of ten they’ll groan: ‘Hate it’ or ’Scares me to death’. If you’re a business leader, or an aspiring leader, at some stage you’ll need to speak in public. But that’s not all you’ll need. Learning to lead better is where Oxford Professional Consulting’s Alison Haill comes in and, from personal experience, I know she has a massively positive impact. B4’s Richard Rosser reports. WRITTEN BY: RICHARD ROSSER PHOTOGRAPHY BY: ROB SCOTCHER
Speaking at B4 events had always been a necessary evil. It was something I hated. I didn’t prepare, I rushed it and I didn’t maximise the opportunity.....what’s worse, it showed! As part of the process of learning to improve your public speaking, Alison Haill may ask you if she can contact those who have seen you in action and get their opinion. It may hurt but it’s valuable. As with any exercise, ‘no pain, no gain’! Public speaking was my Achilles Heel, but in addressing that weakness I realised there were plenty of other things I could do better. It’s nice to see your contacts on LinkedIn praise you for certain business attributes, more often than not attributes you wouldn’t normally admit to having mastered yourself. Perhaps LinkedIn should have a weaknesses button too! Because without addressing weaknesses, your strengths will suffer and you’ll never improve. Getting to the heart of it Alison Haill has an undoubted skill in getting to the heart of the matter. As she reminded me when we were speaking for this interview, I wanted to practise public speaking, not answer questions about how I worked, how I dealt with my staff or how I felt
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when speaking in public. But by going through that process, Alison learned what made me tick, where my weaknesses were....most importantly, she found a way in and she could train me in public speaking using terminology which resonated with me. She’ll never throw a text book at you and say ‘do it this way’. She’ll build your own text book and teach you in your language. That care, that attention, that detail will help you improve and turn a weakness into a strength and along the way address other weaknesses that you thought were lost causes. Double the impact Alison aims to ‘double the impact’ of the clients she works with and in my case, she’s clearly achieved that goal. Listening to me speak in public now you might not notice much difference but I feel different and in time I know my new foundation will help me to improve and develop, not stay at the same level I was at previously. Not only do I feel different, I act differently with my staff, approaching tasks and ordering my workload. I have more structure and more confidence. All round, I feel more the leader of my team than I have ever done.
So if you’re a manager and an aspiring leader, just starting out or perhaps the CEO of a successful organisation, Alison will help you to improve the way you manage, lead and communicate with your team, your customers and your market. She’ll boost your confidence, make you think like a leader, act like a leader. She’ll make you believe you’re a leader and that’s half the battle. “I work with people whose aim is to get ahead, who want to improve. I might work with a seasoned CEO who wants someone to discuss decisions with or content for a presentation. It might be someone from abroad who has perfect English but who doesn’t sound authoritative enough in front of stakeholders and at events. It might be a younger manager, a “high potential” who must attain gravitas fast. Focus on the Impact Gap “Some of us find it hard to feel at ease when we are the focus of attention, just like you used to,” she told me. “You admitted to me that you felt unworthy of being the focus at your events and that inhibited you from being your natural self. Your natural self is charming and articulate – you lost that when you had to perform on stage. That’s how I help my clients
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B4 advice
do find that often “Ithe people who
work with me don’t just achieve the transformation they are looking for, they uncover unexpected spin-off potential too
”
Alison Haill - Oxford Professional Consulting
to be more impactful – I focus on the Impact Gap, the situation where they feel they aren’t making an impact, whatever it may be. Lead it badly and your team will be mediocre “A key priority of any business is to make money, so leadership matters. Led well, a team performing at 70% can leap to 90%. Led badly, they’ll be mediocre or worse. If you’re more confident in that role, you can be stronger and more impactful with your team. You’ll inspire them with how you communicate. My role is to enable you to improve that communication and it’s often about confidence. “A client of mine approached me recently who, on the surface, had no issues. She was bright, charming, articulate and confident, but she admitted that when she was presenting, the very thought of standing up in front of people frightened her. She thought she was being judged. It was my job to find ways around that fear, help her overcome it and gain new confidence.” Physically we know that if something isn’t operating at 100%, the rest of the body is impacted. A broken toe will stop us from running, even though our legs
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might be fine and the rest of the body is fit enough to run. The same is true of mindset and confidence. If there’s a lack of confidence in one area that will impact total performance. A good leader will never be great if he or she knows they can’t galvanise the team to perform at their best. In a more public arena, a football manager who can’t get his team to perform loses his job because of bad results and a week later, with the same team, a different manager gets a win. “Good people who want to be great, must have the courage to identify their weaknesses and get help to improve them - be they business owners, managers or executives,” Alison continues. Get spin-off benefits too “I do find that often the people who work with me don’t just achieve the transformation they are looking for, they uncover unexpected spin-off potential too and when that happens it means they are able to perform at a much higher level. Like when I worked with you, Richard - you began to understand that there is a different side to you that you hadn’t noticed and it surprised you. We’re all good at something, often something we are overlooking – I help you
find that something and use that strength to draw out other strengths and eliminate weaknesses. Tap into the strengths in the difficult moments and it enables you to grow – it helps you discover new enthusiasm and energy too. “What you’re good at might be completely unrelated to work - for example one client was very shy at work but had a scratch handicap at golf. Use that positive fact: apply it to the work environment. If you are good at something at work, focus on that and delegate some of the things that you’re not so good at or that you don’t enjoy. Don’t just focus on you either. Look at your team’s strengths and weaknesses, what makes them tick and help them develop that. It will energise them and that will help to energise the whole team.” Working with Alison has helped me to help my team. It’s helped me to learn how to enthuse them and make them more motivated but also when to draw the line, when to bring them in check if things aren’t going in the right direction. Previously I might have avoided confrontation with a member of my team for fear of de-motivating them but now I address it confidently and move on. I’ve realized that letting
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B4 advice
something fester in me doesn’t make me effective in leading my team. Asserting myself when things aren’t quite as they should be, reinforces my position as the one in charge and gains their respect because it gets things back on course. I’ll also give my team more time, not rush them and allow them to enjoy what they like doing and, without doubt, the office is a more unified and more focused place. I now share more with the team, ask their opinions, get them to suggest different ways of doing things, spend more time throwing ideas around and give them time to express themselves. I won’t say I’ve cracked it but I now think more as a leader and I have certainly realised that if something isn’t quite right, the only person who is going to change it is me so I act a lot quicker than I used to. Leading – not just managing - is becoming more natural and that’s all down to Alison. “You did hate the early sessions, that was obvious - and you worried about the time you were taking out of work! But that changed in our third session. You started to embrace the process and clearly see the benefits, and the “building blocks” we’d put in place, “ says Alison. “I haven’t done this with you yet, Richard, but I often bring in an image consultant to work with my clients because it makes a difference too. We all know that first impressions count so wearing the right colours and style of clothes, to enhance your own colouring and role, is a good move. It makes you look less tired, healthier, younger - for men as much as for women. And it gives my clients added confidence. “We are all different so we all have different aims and objectives. Whether you feel sick at the thought of public speaking, would rather stay home than go networking, or just want to deal more effectively with under-performing staff, I can help. I’ll help www.b4-business.com
Testimonials “Working with you made a fantastic difference to how I communicate and to my global career.” GMAC | European Operations Regional Vice President “I am very pleased with the difference Alison has made.” Unipart Logistics | Corporate Services Director “I think Coaching is more effective than a course. A 2-day course is interesting but when I get back in the office I easily go back to many of my old ways. I worked with my coach over six months so I have changed my processes and habits in many ways – how I structure my planning, how I manage stress and problem situations, how I approach new projects and how I co-operate with my colleagues.” UN, Conoco Phillips | Senior Manager “(Before) it was very frustrating for me and unproductive for the bank. I worked with Alison and changed my communication style. The result: I get full engagement from others and implementation follows.” RBS | Senior Executive
you communicate with confidence in any of these situations and the spin off is you will be more effective in other aspects of work too.” Manage your thoughts Alison is very keen on exercises for the brain, conditioning yourself to think positively so you notice your incremental successes as you learn new skills and habits. You might not have hit the sales targets but you might have had a first positive meeting with a member of staff who you haven’t previously hit it off with; you might have secured a new supplier for your key raw material. She recommends changing the way you talk to yourself – don’t convince yourself you can’t sell: tell yourself you’re getting better at selling. Her advice is to list achievements at the end of each day: do it diligently until it becomes second nature. “I do this myself, “ she says, “And if I stop for a spell, I find I get rather disenchanted with work, so I start again.” There’s a better leader in all of us…..just ask Alison to find it. Join Alison at her Coaching Skills for Managers course from 5th to 6th November at Oxford Spires Four Pillars Hotel. See the website for more details. A big thank you also to The Oxford Playhouse for allowing us to use their venue.
CONTACT DETAILS alison.haill@opcOxford.com 01865 436 791 www.opcoxford.com
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B4 spotlight
The New Era Project at Lady Margaret Hall First impressions of LMH have changed considerably over the years. When the first students arrived in 1879 the College consisted only of the villa at the end of Norham Gardens. It still forms part of the College and is now called Old Old Hall
After 1910 the rather more grand Talbot building provided a more imposing façade. During the 1960’s things changed again with the addition of new buildings creating the college’s first quadrangle but the scheme envisaged by Raymond Erith was not completed, leaving a rather austere and incomplete entrance to the college.
• A new self-contained centre for postgraduate students • a new Porter’s Lodge and reception area • 42 additional study bedrooms • Additional seminar, reception and teaching spaces
That was until 2014 when work began on the second and final phase of the College’s new Era project. They are now close to completing the sequence of spaces that will in the future form the new entrance and transform the way the College is perceived. The new Donald Fothergill building on the left and the new Clore Graduate Centre on the right will enclose a new open and welcoming quadrangle.
The focus in these buildings is the support of the College’s postgraduate students. LMH has approximately 180 postgraduate students, who come from all over the world and work in an exciting array of different disciplines. They are the scientists, researchers, university teachers, and highly trained professionals of the future. They go on to make a truly outstanding contribution to society in medicine and law, business and education, science and the arts. After graduating many stay on and work in Oxford and Oxfordshire.
In addition in this second and final phase of LMH’s New Era project the college will be providing facilities that will include:
Although postgraduate studies have been a growing part of Oxford University over recent years this work is not part of a plan to increase student numbers.
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The two new buildings, when completed, will enable the college to offer accommodation to all of its postgraduate students for at least one year and will provide excellent living and working spaces. They will also provide a social and residential centre for graduate students right in the heart of the college, a facility offered by few other colleges. The new entrance, Porters’ Lodge and quadrangle will serve the whole College community. The construction now nearing completion will conclude an enormous effort under the leadership of Principal Dr Frances Lannon which has seen the facilities at the college improve and the consolidation of LMH’s beautiful and peaceful location. If you’d like to have a look for yourself, watch out for opportunities to visit the College on Open Days, during Oxford’s Open Doors weekend, as part of the National Garden Scheme, or just as a private visitor www.b4-business.com
(present yourself at the Porters Lodge to enjoy a stroll around the grounds). You might also like to enquire about hosting an event or dinner in the College. The College has unique facilities to accommodate both large and small conferences, seminars and events, such as summer balls and private dining. Our skilled and highly experienced Chefs have created a range of menus which fuse the best of contemporary, international cuisine with timeless classics from the Oxford dining tradition. Whether you would like silver service dining for 250 guests, champagne and canapés in one of our beautiful sunlit rooms overlooking the gardens, a barbecue in the wonderful grounds or a simple ’brasserie’ menu for 20 delegates we can provide the catering you need. During the vacation periods we also offer the www.b4-business.com
opportunity for guests to stay in our traditional Oxford College. With over 180 comfortable ensuite
skilled and highly “Our experienced Chefs have created a range of menus which fuse the best of contemporary, international cuisine with timeless classics from the Oxford dining tradition
”
bedrooms available, 70 of which can be twinned, a stay at LMH offers the chance to unwind in our peaceful surroundings. All of our bedrooms have free Wi-Fi access, hospitality trays, and complimentary toiletries.
Set within spacious gardens, lawns and river walks, the gardens are known to be amongst the most beautiful in Oxford and are a favoured place for relaxation. The College is located within 15 minutes’ walk of the centre of Oxford, and provides easy access to the cultural centre as well as a large range of leisure facilities. Lady Margaret Hall is less than an hour from London and Birmingham and enjoys good connections to Heathrow, Southampton and Bristol. For further information and views of Lady Margaret Hall see below. The College is looking forward to opening the new buildings in Spring 2016
CONTACT DETAILS enquiries@lmh.ox.ac.uk 01865 274 300 www.lmh.ox.ac.uk
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B4 technology
Oxfordshire Accountants rely on the Cloud for Protection of Client Financial Data “CIS has been working with Bronsens for over 10 years delivering IT solutions and solving the challenges of an ever growing firm of accountants who utilise technology to deliver a trusted service to their own clients” Richard Marsh, Director, CIS. WRITTEN BY: RICHARD MARSH
About Bronsens Bronsens has been a reassuring presence in Oxfordshire for more than 100 years. Founded in 1891, Bronsens grew quickly to become an established major accounting practice under the name of William Bayliss & Co. in Oxford. Following various practice changes and mergers over the century, the business became Bronsens in 1992. Having established the trusted Bronsens brand the business then acquired offices in Chipping Norton, Witney and formed a company to provide payroll and bookkeeping services.
Key Business Highlights • Traditional IT set-up wasn’t efficient in handling Bronsens daily workload – CIS Increased productivity through migrating Bronsens data and servers to the CIS Private Cloud (vBubble), installing better communication links to increase overall communication speed between the offices. • Remote issues caused problems while accessing important data – CIS Improved this by allowing Bronsens to work from 1 data set across all sites (Witney and Chipping Norton) for flexible and concise working in the Private Cloud • No way to access specialist IRIS accountancy software remotely – CIS Improved flexibility by running Bronsens IRIS Accountancy Suite in the CIS Private Cloud. This allowed Bronsens to utilise the software on the move without having to come back to the office every day, accessing that system from any device, on any internet connection, from any location, complete working flexibility.
The Challenge Bronsens came to CIS with the vision for safe and flexible remote working from both of their offices in Oxfordshire.
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Due to the traditional and expensive IT set-up, it was becoming increasingly difficult for Bronsens to manage their internal tasks efficiently and to handle their client’s data in a secure environment. Maintenance of the servers was a constant battle and the aged systems needed updating. Bronsens wanted to be sure that their backups were working correctly and being regularly tested. This ensured they could recover key business data on demand.
The Solution CIS delivered a unified Private Cloud Solution for all of Bronsens offices, helping with accessing important data in a highly secure environment from any location on any device. Bronsens carry a lot of sensitive financial data for their clients so it was important that CIS implemented a regular backup procedure of Bronsens Cloud servers, this also included a regular test plan. CIS minimised the risk of an IT disaster for Bronsens and their clients by removing all data from the old physical server and hosting everything in the Cloud – located at an Ultra-Secure Nuclear Datacentre. CIS created a Cloud environment so that Bronsens could access and utilise their important IRIS Accountancy software remotely, increasing productivity in the office while reducing Bronsens need to travel to work. This Private Cloud solution delivered a flexible ‘working hours’ policy, allowing access from home to all of the systems for Bronsens, whilst maintaining the highest levels of security. For more information please contact CIS below
CONTACT DETAILS solutions@cisltd.com 01367 700 555 www.cisltd.com
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“CIS helped us to achieve our business goal through moving to
the Private Cloud. As an Accountancy firm, we have witnessed a dramatic shift in smarter IT practices that have improved our way of working for the better.
�
Mark Winks, Managing Director, Bronsens
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Danesfield House Hotel and Spa is situated within 65 acres of landscaped gardens overlooking the River Thames
• Luxury Spa with a relaxed, informal and a ‘come as you are’ atmosphere • Exclusive Spa Membership available from £127 per month with no joining fee • Spa days available from £75 per person • 20m Indoor swimming pool • Matrix Gym with countryside views • Gift vouchers available for the hotel and spa • Dining at Danesfield House is run by Executive Head Chef Billy Reid • Modern British food served in the surroundings of the Oak Room, the Orangery and in the warmer months outside on our sun-drenched terrace
Contact 01628 891010 for more details or see www.danesfieldhouse.co.uk
B4 services
Shine Bright with Stella and Dot We hear from Independent Stylist Jana Saunders on why Stella and Dot is transforming lives - one necklace at a time. WRITTEN BY: JANA MADDEN PHOTOGRAPHY BY: STELLA & DOT
About Stella and Dot At Stella and Dot, our mission is, ‘To give every woman the means to style her own life”. Stella and Dot specialise in boutique jewellery and accessories. Stella & Dot, an Inc 500 Fastest-Growing Company, is a social selling company that creates flexible opportunities for women to be entrepreneurs from their own home. We believe everyone deserves great style, fun and opportunity in their everyday lives, and we’re dedicated to providing it in a personal way. Stella & Dot’s concept is simple. We sell our collection exclusively through friendly Stella & Dot Stylists online and parties at your own home or office. Customers and hostesses adore the style, and each Stylist is able to build their own flexible, modern business on a foundation of irresistible product and exceedingly personal service. The Autumn Collection has just been revealed and is being hailed as the best collection yet. The inspiration for the designs comes from a myriad of mixed textures and colourful influences. The design team bring together concepts and ideas from different cultures, experiences, well known fashion bloggers and TV dramas such as Game of Thrones. About Jana Saunders Jana is an Independent Stylist for Stella and Dot and has a passion for style and fashion. She specialises in professional service marketing with over ten years’ experience in; business development, client care, digital marketing, events, PR and management. Jana says, “I love the flexible working that Stella and Dot gives me and the beautiful sample jewellery I
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get to wear every day. I am able to work 30 hours per week at my current job and fit Stella and Dot around my family in the evenings and weekends. I have met amazing lifelong friends and there is nothing like celebrating success with like-minded women along the journey. The rewards in terms of personal growth have been immeasurable.” Jana lives in Odiham, Hampshire with her husband Charlie and baby girl Summer.
“Stella & Dot’s concept
is simple. We sell our collection exclusively through friendly Stella & Dot Stylists online and parties at your own home or office
”
Say hello to your dream job If women got together to design their dream job, what would it look like? • • • •
Flexible Supportive Rewarding And of course….Fun!
Well that’s what it is like to work for Stella and Dot. If you have that entrepreneurial spark and want to unleash your potential, it is time to join the journey.
It is called social selling. Stylists for Stella and Dot can earn up to 35% commission selling jewellery in person, on the go and online. The hours you work are entirely up to you, many stylists fit Stella and Dot in around their current job and family commitments. What we can do for you Who ever said no to free jewellery? If you want to do something different then invite your friends around to your house and host a Stella and Dot party. We will create a pop up Stella and Dot shop in your own home and you and your friends can try the collection on. The rewards are fantastic for this and you, as the host, will receive free jewellery, further discounts and a special gift. This would be perfect for a Corporate Ladies Event, ask your guests to bring along their new work outfit or Christmas party dress and Stella and Dot can style your look. Jana also specialises in wedding jewellery and bridesmaids gifts. For more information please visit the website – www. stelladot.co.uk/janasaunders or contact Jana directly by email – janamadden@hotmail.com View the Autumn Collection now - http://issuu.com/ stelladot/docs/lb-a15-europe-all/5
CONTACT DETAILS janamadden@hotmail.com 07763 743 783 www.stelladot.co.uk/janasaunders
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Celebrating the region’s top science entrepreneurs and start-ups This November The Oxford Trust will hold its 2015 Enterprise Awards which recognises and celebrates some of the region’s top science and technology entrepreneurs and start-ups. The awards provide a fantastic opportunity for companies to demonstrate their ideas, gain recognition for their achievements and also raise their profile within the regional business community. WRITTEN BY: JUDE EADES, HEAD OF COMMUNICATIONS, THE OXFORD TRUST PHOTOGRAPHY BY: NATASCHA MEHRABI
Past winners have included Mirada Medical Ltd, Oxford Immunotec and Oxitech Ltd – all of whom have gone on to become highly successful companies operating on a global basis.
they might provide a firm-footing for other young Oxford entrepreneurs moving in to industry. Back in the 1980’s suitable premises for potential spinout companies in Oxford were in short supply and there was little financial or legal support available to
This year it’s our 30th anniversary so the awards also provide a chance for the Trust to honour its patrons - Sir Martin and Lady (Audrey) Wood. The Woods were co-founders of Oxford Instruments - the University of Oxford’s first spin-out company - so if anyone understands the trials and tribulations of commercialisation and business development, it’s the Woods.
“Through its public-facing
In 1983 Oxford Instruments floated on the stock market. Martin and Audrey’s experience of creating and growing a spin-out company plus the floating of the business enabled them to think about how
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brand Science Oxford the Trust is the regional leader in science, technology, engineering and maths education outreach, inspiring thousands of pupils and teachers each year
”
help them forge a new commercial path, let alone innovation networking groups such as Venturefest. So, in 1985, the Wood’s established a charitable trust – The Oxford Trust – to initiate and encourage the pursuit of science and enterprise across Oxfordshire and the surrounding region. The Trust offered affordable office space for start-ups, professional guidance from industry experts and financiers and developed the first network for like-minded organisations who could share their ideas, knowledge and frustrations. Over the past three decades we’ve been involved in helping foster a climate of innovation through investments, by creating and facilitating networks and through spin-out activities. For example Oxford Innovation, a spin-out company from the Trust, is
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B4 events
“The Enterprise
Awards 2015 are a unique opportunity to celebrate our new innovators while also acknowledging the impact of Audrey and Martin Wood’s vision
”
Jude Eades, Head of Communications, The Oxford Trust
now the UK’s leading innovation organisation of its type - managing networks and innovation centres including venture capital/angel investor networks such as the Oxford Investment Opportunity Network. The Trust also owns the Oxford Centre for Innovation (OCFI) which encourages and supports new high technology start-up companies in the region: offering affordable, flexible office space in a central city location, close to the University of Oxford science campus. This autumn will see the opening of ‘The Basement’ within the OCFI - a bespoke hackspace and prototyping facility, developed with Oxford Hackspace Ltd, that will be accessible to all and focuses primarily on the interface between physical design and technology. Through its public-facing brand Science Oxford the
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Trust is the regional leader in science, technology, engineering and maths education outreach, inspiring thousands of pupils and teachers each year. Our new ‘World of Work’ programme includes preapprenticeships, work placements and careers guidance. The Trust is committed to building a future workforce that supports the innovation ecosystem. As for today’s young companies, well they still face some of the same challenges as their predecessors: finding suitable office space in remains an issue, as is locating facilities for early-stage prototyping, recruiting local staff and affordable living accommodation, securing long-term investment and trying to stand out from the crowd in our growing global economy. It’s not an easy life! It therefore seems apt that The Oxford Trust find a way to recognise the companies and entrepreneurs
in the region who have made it - who have faced and overcome such challenges - and if not quite there, are well on their way to success. The Enterprise Awards 2015 are a unique opportunity to celebrate our new innovators while also acknowledging the impact of Audrey and Martin Wood’s vision. For more information on The Oxford Trust and the Enterprise Awards 2015 go to http://www.theoxfordtrust.co.uk/ enterprise/awards. Follow us on Twitter @TheOxfordTrust
CONTACT DETAILS info@scienceoxford.com 01865 810 000 www.theoxfordtrust.co.uk
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B4 r&r
The Snooty Mehmaan The Snooty Mehmaan is known for its quality, service, comfort and value, with an emphasis on refined yet creative Indian cuisine. Maddy Barber writes of her experience there on a Summer’s eve. WRITTEN BY: MADDY BARBER PHOTOGRAPHY BY: ROB SCOTCHER
The Snooty Mehmaan near Faringdon, just half an hour from Oxford City Centre, offers refined Indian and Thai flavours in the scenic setting of the Oxfordshire countryside. This culinary gem also boasts a beautiful bar area and extensive take-away menu. Previously The Snooty Fox, the restaurant itself holds many of the original building’s strong architectural features including original oak beams and flooring, giving The Snooty Mehmaan its strong and natural environment that amplifies both the mood and the creative food on offer.
crunch. The refreshing mango and pokey chilli made this light enough that he was left wanting more, especially as complex aromas from the kitchen still hung in the air. My starter was a classic Sheek Kebab with a citrus dip, a lightly seasoned and mouthwatering opener.
“The rich combination
The rich combination of spices wafting from the kitchen, courtesy of award-winning Chef Aysan Shaikh, was tantalising even from outside, tempting us inside the modern looking bar and through to the dining area with its striking original oak beams and flooring.
of spices wafting from the kitchen, courtesy of award-winning Chef Aysan Shaikh, was tantalising even from outside
We sampled both the Thai and Indian cuisine on offer and were impressed by the high standards. To start, my guest had the Soft Shell Crab with Mango, Sweet Chill and peanuts dotted through for added
Our main courses were an extremely generous portion of Nua Lao Dang; a Thai stir-fry dish of strips of beef with mixed peppers in a tangy, sweet sauce served with noodles, and a side order of
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”
seasoned Pak Choi, and Snooty Beef; a delightful combination of beef and butternut squash in a spicy tomato sauce, with aromatic Lemon Rice. The meat in both dishes was of an impressively high standard, the beef in particular was deliciously tender. Despite perusing the wide-ranging selection of cooling ice-creams and sorbets on offer, we felt unable to do credit to any of the desserts, replete as we were with our perfectly spiced and hearty main dishes (my partner was unable to finish his portion – potentially a first!). The presentation in which the curry was served, along with the Thai and Indian music, were small but noteworthy touches that made the evening particularly enjoyable. With such friendly staff, quick service and exotic flavours, we are eager to return for the fixed price buffet on offer every Sunday. CONTACT DETAILS info@thesnootymehmaan.co.uk 01367 242 260 www.thesnootymehmaan.co.uk
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B4 technology
Forefront of analytical instrumentation Tom O’Reilly is the managing partner of Labmedics which provides a consultancy and distribution service for the development of scientific instrumentation used by teaching hospitals, universities, public & private utility laboratories. WRITTEN BY: KELLY LEA PHOTOGRAPHY BY: LABMEDICS
What started as a chance conversation at an exhibition in Birmingham has seen Tom O’Reilly develop a business that now runs a team of consultants at Culham Innovation Centre, working with organisations in over 25 countries. O’Reilly first took the leap to set-up his own business in 1998 when he discovered an opportunity to redevelop technologies for other scientific fields following a spell working as a microbiologist for the NHS and subsequent roles with large organisations providing scientific equipment sales and support. He explains: “During 1998 I saw an opportunity to develop scientific instruments for the environment sector, which at the time was an emerging market. I realised that it was possible to use analytical spectrometry to test for ammonia, nitrate and other minerals in drinking water, wastewater and the environment.” Fast forward several years of hard work eventually resulting in the acquisition of his business by a multi-national company, and O’Reilly was ready to embark on his own venture once again with the establishment of Labmedics in 2010. O’Reilly explains: “In 2013, I started working with AMS Alliance as a consultant worldwide and Labmedics became a UK distributor of Alliance Instruments. During this time, I have worked in partnership with AMS to develop the very latest spectrometry, making tests more sensitive and 80 per cent more cost effective than existing market offerings.” In addition to AMS Alliance, Labmedics has a strategic partnership with Chronolog, distributing its aggregometers and reagents to provide customers with a single source for platelet aggregation needs. The Chronolog partnership represents 50 per cent of the business with its aggregometers helping to
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solve a range of blood platelet disorders associated with the UK’s growing multi-cultural population.
help the company grow its product development and consultancy side of the business on site.
O’Reilly continues: “Labmedics is set to benefit from a major Chronolog product launch later this year, which uses an aggregometer to screen blood in a faster and more efficient fashion, making it far more cost-effective. This will be available to the NHS and National Blood Transfusion services, who is also a client of ours, later this year.”
O’Reilly explains: “There is a fantastic team at the Innovation Centre who have been very supportive. The flexibility provided to upscale is perfect for our business model and we will look to take advantage of meeting rooms, conference facilities and lab space as we continue to grow.”
Labmedics relocated from Manchester to Oxfordshire 18 months ago due to the lure of the county’s science and technology hub combined with O’Reilly’s personal connections to Abingdon. O’Reilly comments: “I had already moved to Abingdon before we relocated and so Culham Innovation Centre was the perfect location when also considering the stature that comes with the site in addition to its fantastic facilities.” Labmedics is currently considering expanding into available lab space at Culham Innovation Centre to
Labmedics is currently looking to hire a skilled engineer to join its applications team and O’Reilly is keen to point out that he is committed to ensuring the business maintain the values he instilled from the outset. “We operate as a family based business and treat our team and customers with that level of respect,” said O’Reilly. “We work in tandem with our customers who always benefit from our wealth of knowledge and receive personal contact throughout. This is vital for the continued success of Labmedics.” Culham Innovation Centre, managed by Oxford Innovation, is currently home to over 50 employees from a variety of science and technology businesses including Culham Electromagnetics, AMR and Tokamak Energy. The centre is part of the Science Vale and has over 10,000 sq. ft. of office, lab, workshop and meeting room space with offices available from just 100 sq. ft. For further information, visit labmedics.co.uk Culham Innovation Centre: culham-ic.co.uk.
CONTACT DETAILS culham@oxin.co.uk 01865 408 300 www.culham-ic.co.uk
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is a fantastic team at the Innovation “There Centre who have been very supportive. The flexibility provided to upscale is perfect for our business model and we will look to take advantage of meeting rooms, conference facilities and lab space as we continue to grow
”
Tom O’Reilly - Managing partner of Labmedics
L-R Mr Laurent Clousier MD AMS-Alliance France_Tom O’Reilly Managing Partner Labmedics_Mr Antonio Gaguarducci (Technical Director AMS-Alliance italy at Smartchem 600 launch Pittcon 2015
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Lancaster London Less than an hour from Oxford and Reading, The Lancaster London is just a short journey from the A40 and sits proudly over London’s Hyde Park with breath-taking views of the capital and first class hospitality. WRITTEN BY: RICHARD ROSSER PHOTOGRAPHY BY: RICHARD TWILTON
With all good intentions to leave Oxford at 4.30pm on a Friday afternoon so we could relax and enjoy the hotel before dinner we actually left….as 4.30pm! There’s a first time for everything I suppose but we were all excited about our trip to London and Abi and her friend Cat’s last jolly before getting back to school after what seemed like an eternal school holiday! The trip to London was surprisingly easy and we pulled up to the hotel reception at just before 5.30pm, greeted by a smiling porter who took our bags to the room as we checked in to our interconnecting rooms on the dizzying 18th floor. This is one of London’s whoppers in terms of hotels and is also officially the AA’s most sustainable hotel in London. But no end of rooms could accommodate some of the hotel’s guests, some half a million bees who reside on the roof of the hotel, providing honey for dishes in Island Grill, as we were to later enjoy. The honey is light, golden and aromatic and is a triumph for a hotel which only recently underwent an eleven million pound refurbishment to create state of the art, energy efficient kitchens and banqueting facilities. As the girls made their way to the rooms, no doubt amidst shrieks of joy as they discovered their massive
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beds, incredible views and wonderful home comforts such as hot water bottles, I was given a tour of the hotel by the delightful Charlotte from the hotel’s PR Agency, Luxe PR.
But no end of rooms could “accommodate some of the hotel’s guests, some half a million bees who reside on the roof of the hotel, providing honey for dishes in Island Grill, as we were to later enjoy
”
There are 416 superb rooms across 18 floors. Guests have the choice of a city or park view, but for the ultimate stay, why not book in to the Hyde Park Suite, the Radnor Suite, the Connaught Suite, the Fountain Suite or the Presidential Suite which are all beautifully designed and provide the best views from the upper floors of the hotel. The Superior and Deluxe rooms offer king-size or twin beds, stylish seating areas, and plush bathrooms. All rooms are fully equipped with modern facilities such as air-
conditioning, satellite television, mini bars, en-suite bathrooms and power showers. Charlotte mentioned that the hotel supported Carbon Clear! which has a wide portfolio of carbon projects that reduce global greenhouse gas emissions and improve livelihoods in the developing world. All guests are asked to make a 46p donation on check out, a small price to pay. Not widely known are Lancaster London’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) accolades. The hotel has been rewarded with awards such as ‘AA Eco Hotel of the Year’, Considerate Hoteliers’ ‘Considerate Hotel of the Year’ and the Green Tourism Business Scheme’s ‘Gold Star Award’. The hotel is a champion for the humble honey bee, and was the first hotel in London to cultivate beehives on its roof in 2009. Lancaster Lounge, on the first floor, is the ideal place for coffee and cocktails. The hotel’s proximity to the Peter Pan Statue in Hyde Park has led to the creation of the Peter Pan Afternoon Tea, which includes a selection of fine teas, Lost Boys’ Sandwiches, Mrs Darling’s Scones, and an assortment of pastries and cakes. With natural daylight pouring in, the hotel’s
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B4 r&r
conference rooms can hold a meeting for eight or an event for 3,000. Charlotte explained that the hotel’s flexibility makes it one of Europe’s foremost and flexible venues, while the professionalism of the meetings and events team has set the benchmark in the conference and banqueting industry. The banqueting kitchen operates under the auspices of Executive Chef, Ben Purton and is renowned for its outstanding cuisine and originality. With such flexibility or spaces and a wide range of guest accommodation, Lancaster London is certainly hard to beat. As a result, this four-star hotel has been voted “Best UK Hotel” in the “Meetings” category by the readers of Meetings and Incentive Travel magazine six times in ten years. Charlotte also showed me the unique Senses Room, a revolutionary concept which will enable you to not only sample the food but also enjoy a complete preview of your event. Accommodating up to 10 people, the Sense Room will replicate every detail of your event’s specification, from the colour schemes and decor to the lighting, because you don’t just use your ‘sense of taste’ when dining. Tour over, it was time to inspect the damage the girls had caused. Had the teenagers run riot? Was the music blaring out across the 18th floor? Was the TV
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still in the room? Well the music was certainly loud, but not loud enough to prevent Tina from enjoying a snooze in the wonderfully comfortable bed next door. The teenagers were dancing around the room with High School Musical blaring from the TV (wasn’t that in six years ago girls?), excitedly looking forward to a night of room service, facials and movies. They were equally excited at the prospect of shopping the next day, with Marble Arch and the plethora of Oxford Street shops just a five-minute stroll from the hotel with Knightsbridge and Harrods just 10 minutes by taxi. Whilst we’re talking distances, the City of London’s financial district is 15 minutes direct by London Underground and even Heathrow Airport is a mere 20-minute ride on the Heathrow Express from the nearby Paddington Railway Station. Lancaster London certainly puts you at the very centre of this vibrant metropolis, not that the girls could care much about that…they had food to order! The ordering process couldn’t be easier, or more teenager friendly with the in room i-pad providing a user friendly way of ordering pizza, burgers, knickerbocker glories and ice cream galore….problem was it was too easy to order and I think it was certainly a case of eyes bigger than their bellies for these two svelte monkeys. At least that’s what the bill would suggest the next day!
It was our turn to enjoy the delights of The Island Grill where we started with cocktails and ended with Honey Panna Cotta and Banoffee Cheesecake. To start I had the wonderful Lancaster Smoked Salmon with a chilled glass of Chablis whilst Tina had the Pan-Fried Scallops. For our mains I had the Whole Baby Chicken and Tina chose the Seafood Linguine. There were two constants running through the meal – my Chablis and Tina’s new found love of Long Island Iced Teas! It was certainly not only a delicious but also a very relaxing way to end our week and the engaging Raluca was the perfect hostess. The girls were still going strong when we got back to the room and clearly High School Musical was just the start of an evening of regression….they admitted over breakfast the following morning that they had not only been seduced by the hot water bottles but also The Little Mermaid on the in house movie channel. They obviously felt at home! We all did.
CONTACT DETAILS info@lancasterlondon.com 0207 551 6000 www.lancasterlondon.com
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The
Manor Hotel
The Manor Hotel, just a 15 minute drive from Oxford can be found in the charming Oxfordshire village of Weston-on-the-Green. It’s a great base for a weekend in Oxfordshire a short drive from Oxford, Bicester Village, Blenheim Palace and the beautiful Oxfordshire countryside. We made the short trip from Yarnton for a Friday night away from home and were spoilt rotten. Richard Rosser reports for B4 WRITTEN BY: RICHARD ROSSER
Nice touches are in plentiful supply at The Manor. We checked in around 7pm after a busy week and were offered a chilled glass of prosecco which we were able to take to our huge room overlooking the fabulous gardens. The amazingly manicured grounds are perfect to unwind in and are designed to celebrate the changing seasons. Enjoy a scented lavender walk in summer, or wander through the woodlands during autumn. Our bathroom overlooked the terrace, a perfect spot to soak up the sun and enjoy a glass of something chilled. There’s a hidden knot garden to explore or why not enjoy a game of croquet on the lawn – how very English! There’s also an outdoor swimming pool and a tennis court for those looking to earn a drink! Having stayed at The Manor before, this room and the room we had on our last visit are equally luxurious with smooth linen and the most sumptuous beds. There are 25 rooms in total, all with en suite bathrooms. We were due for dinner at 8pm but the hotel were quite relaxed so we could enjoy a drink in the 80
fantastic Bertie’s Cocktail Bar. We were very well looked after… a regular theme throughout our stay with staff attentive and engaging. There are two restaurant areas – either the Tudor splendour of The Baron’s Hall or the very comfortable surroundings of the Georgian Morning Room. We were eating in the former with its impressive wood panelling and high ceiling – an impressive setting for dinner. If you’re staying a few nights I would highly recommend stretching your legs and visiting The Manor’s very own traditional pub, The Black Sheep, literally five minutes from the front door, complete with thatched roof and limestone walls and serving excellent food, real beer and fine wines. Back to our meal and we couldn’t have asked for more. For our starters, Tina had the Seared Scallops, Roast Cauliflower, Apple, Black Pudding whilst I went for the Home Smoked Salmon, Citrus Salad, Sweet Pickled Beets & Purée. Not only were both starters delicious, the presentation was second to none, real masterpieces on our plates. For our main courses, Tina chose the Sea Bass Pearl Barley & Brown Shrimp Risotto, Roast Beets and I stayed with fish and opted for the Monkfish, Crisp
Tiger Prawn, Hickory Smoked Potato, Green Peas & Feves. I’m a sucker for Monkfish at the best of times and this was truly outstanding. Dessert is always a battle after a filling meal but we shared one as usual, or is that just my way of feeling better about having dessert? It would be interesting to see if it was a 50/50 split! The Sticky Toffee Sponge, Toffee Sauce and Clotted Cream was as naughty as it sounds, but deliciously so! To accompany our meal, Tina stayed with the house champagne but I managed a few glasses of chilled Chablis – perfect! We had a very relaxing night’s sleep and didn’t wake until 9.30am when there was a knock at the door…. more food! Breakfast in bed on a Saturday morning – the only way to start the weekend!
CONTACT DETAILS house@themanorweston.co.uk 01869 350 621 www.themanorweston.com
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Dog Friendly! The Manor is also famously dog friendly so do take your dog to enjoy the 4PAWS package including: 4PAWS À La Carte Menu – the Chef has prepared a special canine à la carte menu, which is tasty, nutritious and perfectly balanced for most dogs but do let the hotel know about any special dietary requirements. Dream Dog Beds – The hotel has the latest range of really comfortable Dream Dog Beds so everyone will get a really good night’s sleep. Canine Nannies – If you want to go out to the theatre, for example, the hotel’s team of canine nannies will look after your dog while you are away. Dog Towels and Dog Bowls are available as required. With 12 acres of gardens and grounds and with plenty of interesting country walks nearby, your dogs will have a fabulous time at The Manor.
“There’s a hidden
knot garden to explore or why not enjoy a game of croquet on the lawn – how very English!
”
Richard Rosser - B4 Editor
The Manor is also the perfect venue for your wedding celebrations. The hotel has a wealth of experience and the dedicated Events team will ensure that the planning of your special day will be an easy and enjoyable journey. The Manor’s buildings and grounds offer a range of options for the perfect wedding celebration, from an intimate family gathering to a grand event. The Manor offers dining in a range of rooms, including the historic panelled Baron’s Hall, The Morning Room and The Tudor Room. Parties can also be arranged in the Osborn Suite or a larger gathering in a Marquee. For outdoor weddings, the private Knot Garden is licensed, offering the perfect backdrop to the exchange of vows in the presence of up to 120 friends and family. The Manor has something for everyone but if you can do one thing, make sure you experience the excellent food….it really is something to write home about! Thanks to Adam and the team for being such wonderful hosts.
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news Celebrating our 25th Anniversary 2015 sees our 25th anniversary. We are not only looking back to celebrate our success, but looking forward to develop our business further. The future is about maintaining the values that have made FOCUS what it is today, whilst adapting to the ever changing world of insurance and financial planning, and continuing to deliver the best possible solutions and service to our clients. We are therefore extremely proud to announce that FOCUS received the Highly Commended (runner-up) Retirement Adviser of the Year Award at the prestigious 2015 Investment Life & Pensions Moneyfacts Awards. Key members of the FOCUS team stood alongside more than 400 professionals from leading financial institutions and industry bodies at the event, held at the Lancaster London Hotel on Tuesday 15 September, hosted by comedian, Tim Vine. A total of 41 awards were presented to deserving winners during the night, with the awards recognising those companies and individuals who have consistently delivered premium products, service and innovation in the last 12 months. In order to be considered for the Retirement Adviser of the Year Award, we had to submit a detailed entry, which not only included details of our professional
qualifications and ongoing commitment to raising standards, but also examples of how we get to know and understand our clients and client communications. Once shortlisted, testimonials were required from clients, providers and other professional connections to support our entry in the final judging process. Here’s one great example that helped us achieve the Award: “Our Company’s pension plans have been in FOCUS’ safe hands for over 20 years. I always feel I get excellent independent advice - which has been proven in our Pension Statements. We are nearing our retirement age and I feel confident that the advice we have been given will stand us in good stead. The customer service we have received over the years has always been a professional and informative one. The staff turnover is minimal and therefore you really get to know your account manager and vice a versa. I am really pleased FOCUS have been nominated for the Retirement Adviser of the Year Award as I feel they deserve to be recognised for all the hard work they put into their clients’ needs” Jo Davies, Buckle & Davies Construction Ltd
Putting clients first The results drew on both the analytical expertise of the ILP Moneyfacts research team and the opinions of the magazine’s advisory readership, with feedback invited throughout the decision-making process. This gives a true measure of industry-wide excellence and allows the winners to display their trophies with pride, highlighting those who truly excel in their field. Richard Eagling, editor of Investment Life & Pensions Moneyfacts, said: “In an industry that is often unappreciated, the quality of the products and services offered by the winners at this year’s Investment Life & Pensions Moneyfacts Awards demonstrate that there is much to admire and be positive about.” “We are absolutely delighted to have received this award. It proves to us that our approach, putting clients at the heart of everything we do, is highly valued and genuinely sought after”. Phil Casey, Partner Phil Casey, Partner
CONTACT DETAILS
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phil.casey@focusllp.co.uk
01865 295 295
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B4 spotlight
The Flamboyant Concierge William Thomson is certainly one of a kind. For readers fortunate enough to have crossed his path, William is the Head Concierge at Oxford’s only five star hotel, The Macdonald Randolph. He’s five star in his own right also, having recently been short-listed for the prestigious Hotel CATEY’s taking place in London later this year. Richard Rosser met William to find out how he found his way to Oxford….and you thought Paddington Bear had it bad! WRITTEN BY: RICHARD ROSSER PHOTOGRAPHY BY: ROB SCOTCHER
Born in Germany where his father was stationed in the army, William moved back to North Yorkshire as a youngster and went to school in Bridlington-on-the-Sea or ‘Brid’ as he affectionately refers to it. One brother and one sister made up the family of five and it was an ‘enjoyable childhood’ that William remembers with a smile. But William had an obsession, as he explains. “I was always obsessed with service and wanted to join The Guild of Butlers. I wanted to serve someone that had been very successful – I didn’t actually crave success myself. My Nan said she would send me to The Guild but it never happened because times changed and I went into further education. “I finished school and didn’t really know what I wanted to do, so I decided to take a year out …… but mum wouldn’t let me! I decided to go into catering and hospitality, following after mum who was very passionate about the industry.” William went to college where he and 27 other students started a three year course that only William would complete. “College was an incredible grounding for me and I had some fabulous lecturers. Tony Silverstone started us off in the first year where we were learning basic health and hygiene and skills like how to use a knife etc... I felt it was all common sense stuff. I got to work as soon as I could, washing pots in kitchens so I had some industry experience, albeit at the very lowest level. “Dave Leaf was very important for me at College, he came in to replace one of our teachers. He moved to Bridlington to take over as Head of Catering and Hospitality, as well as overseeing Hull and Beverley. I wouldn’t have finished my course if it were not for him. He really motivated the team and inspired me - it was a real team effort. I ended up being empowered to supervise the Level Ones. His techniques and standards were incredible. He 84
took us to slaughterhouses and other excursions to really broaden our horizons.” But throughout his course it was front of house that appealed most to William. He had to cover all of the bases and managed some very successful dinners in the college but yearned to be out front on stage. “When I finished the course it was very sad – it was like home to me. While I was at College I was working at The Manor Court in Carnaby which really stood out for me. I was given an apprenticeship there at the age of 17 and that was a pivotal point for me. Lorraine and Robert McGivern were the bosses running a wonderful business which expanded over time. “I was then given an opportunity to leave Bridlington and come to Woodstock. Dave Leaf, 15 years before me, had trained a lady called Beverley Molmons in Hull Catering and Hospitality College. Beverley was extremely successful at The Macdonald Bear in Woodstock, so it was a fantastic opportunity for me. But, I came to Oxfordshire and was very naive. I had got rid of my flat, sold my car and my mum had saved up and got me a first class ticket to Oxford. It was so exciting but came down to earth with a big bang! “It was the height of the summer, I had three bags and I got off the train at London Paddington – the most unhelpful place I had ever been to. I was so anxious. I’d never seen anyone outside of Bridlington and now I was seeing all sorts of different people who all came across as so rude and in such a rush all of the time. I was scared to death. Nobody would help me! I managed to find my way to a tube station without a ticket and had no idea where to go. Everything was so expensive! I got on the tube and it broke down in a tunnel…. it was pitch black. “I managed to get to Reading first, sweating and then arrived at Oxford station after an horrendous
two and a half hours.” By this time, I am in stitches. William has a very dry sense of humour and takes no offence to my schoolboy laughter. I tell him anyone reading this will think he was an evacuee during World War One. Relentless, William’s ill-fated trip from Bridlington to Oxford continues. “I was at Oxford station and asked for directions to The Macdonald Randolph where I had been told ‘if in doubt go there’ and ‘they would help’. I was sent down Park End Street, took the wrong turning, onto Queens Street with hundreds of people – tourists etc.... I was petrified, lost and trying to compose myself. I managed to get to The Macdonald Randolph and was eventually directed to the Woodstock bus. “Incredibly, I managed to miss the bus and had to resort to looking for a taxi. In truth, tired and bewildered, I just wanted to go back home to Yorkshire. I thought I was in a mad place! “I flagged the taxi in desperation. The distance from Oxford to Woodstock would normally be £4.50 if I had been back home in Brid but as we got to the bottom of Woodstock Road his metre was already at £8! By the time I got to Woodstock, I was dripping with sweat and gave the cab driver £20! I only had £100 to my name! I stumbled in to the front entrance of The Bear – sanctuary at last! “This feisty Italian lady came around the corner called Paola Cassotti. Unbeknown to me this happened to be my new boss. Frazzled and nearly on my knees by now, I could barely keep up as she gave me a lightening tour of the hotel and my new home.” I’m nearly crying now, still in the laughing sense but I’m struggling to feel any sympathy for this 6ft 4, exceedingly confident chap, sat there in all his three www.b4-business.com
piece suited finery. There was a shred of sympathy in me somewhere because I can see how this must have been a traumatic experience for William, but the way he recounted the experience in his eccentric way, well, anyone would have seen the funny side! “I then met Beverley who said she’d pay me back for the cab, what a relief! She was on my side from the start. She told me that Paola would take me to the staff housing which was a real benefit. I was really excited to be living on site and seeing my new accommodation but by now, missing home like mad. Sensing my emotional state, she said ‘give it a few days – it’s a culture shock, you’ve not had the best start and you’re trying to process a lot. See how you feel after a few days.’ “I had my first shift next day which was working behind the bar. James Blunt was playing at Blenheim Palace and the town was buzzing. I was paired up with two other people who, in hindsight, were incredibly helpful and tolerant of the newcomer. The hotel was full and I have never seen that number of people in a bar.
By this time, I am in “ stitches. William has a very
dry sense of humour and takes no offence to my schoolboy laughter. I tell him anyone reading this will think he was an evacuee during World War One.
”
“I was asked to concentrate on cleaning glasses while we were trying to serve what seemed like a million people. I felt like a rabbit stuck in headlights. People were shouting at me because I had a name badge for the first time in my life and were quite demanding, all I could do was polish glasses – this lasted 8 ½ hours! I was thirsty, hot and it was very, very busy. “At the end of the day, Amy took me to one side and said I’d done a great job. She said I’d done well to keep my head above water and I had actually survived my first major celebrity event! From that point, everything clicked in to place and I started to make friends and enjoying the job. I painted my room. I was smiling. I had friends. The beautiful city of Oxford and London were nearby and I grew to love it. Oxford and everything else was huge and so busy and different compared to anything else I had seen before. It really opened my eyes. I loved it from that day forward.” William was fast tracked from that point onwards, learning and mastering everything from reception to restaurant duties and helping the hotel towards four star status when asked to be Beverley’s first concierge.
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Fancy taking to the track at Brands Hatch?
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B4 spotlight
“I didn’t have a clue what a concierge was, I’d never heard about the role. She said the level of customer service in me had really shone and told me I could really excel in this role. She said I was essentially a luggage porter so initially I thought I had been demoted from my reception role. But she explained that it was so much more than that and that I would have additional guest service duties. I was to be the first person the guests would come into contact with; I would be the one they came to for MY advice and MY opinion! This would be a first. She gave me a long coat, I researched the role and I was definitely in my element.” William was invited to have an induction at The Macdonald Randolph and learned so much about what it meant to be a concierge! Just a few years later he is now back at The Macdonald Randolph as Head Concierge himself!
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I was at The Macdonald Bear for four or five years and it was a fantastic grounding. One of my best friends was Rosalind Music, now Jack Black’s make-up artist.
”
“I was at The Macdonald Bear for four or five years and it was a fantastic grounding. One of my closest friends was Rosalind Music, Jack Black’s makeup artist. I met Jack Black, Billy Connolly, Emily Blunt, Chris O’Dowd…… I met so many inspiring people. I was introduced to really successful people who wanted me to work for them in their private houses in Switzerland, which is what I had always wanted to do. But that was a past dream and I wanted to do something different. I was seeing much more variety than I would have done stuck in someone’s house - so I stuck to my guns.” William was then approached by The Macdonald Randolph to take up a position in their concierge team. “In my eyes it was the best hotel in the world. I was really honoured to have been asked and I asked to think about it for a couple of days. I was told how much potential I had and how much of an asset I would be to the hotel.”
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It’s that experience which has moulded William into the fantastic young man he is today. A real credit to The Macdonald Randolph and one of the younger members of the prestigious worldwide ‘Society of the Golden Keys’ (Les Clefs d’OR). Many a man would have fallen at one of the imposing hurdles put in front of him on that hot summer’s day. He is also gracious in his praise for his concierge team. “The team are very positive, dedicated and always give 110%. They are wonderful and make my job a lot easier because they always want to improve the guest experience. I am very proud to work with them all and to know that if you are a guest of The Macdonald Randolph then you will be given the best advice and care. “I now help people who have that same experience as I had when I started. I can relate to them and Macdonald hotels now have a ‘buddy system’ for all new starters so they have a friendly face whenever anyone starts with us. They really are a wonderful company to work for; I have an incredibly supportive General Manager (Michael Grange) and I have built a life here in Oxford. We have all come together after the fire which was a massive blow to us all, but the hotel is prevailing again.” Mrs Thomson has been down to see William and so has Dave Leaf and William speaks fondly of the close circle of friends that he has built over the years since he has been in Oxford which meets regularly. How proud they must all be that William is now within touching distance of being the country’s leading concierge. So when you are passing Oxford’s premier hotel, why not come in and see the flamboyant William and the city’s only Golden Keys Concierge Team with over thirty years of experience between them.....they will welcome you with open arms. Good luck William!
CONTACT DETAILS Headconcierge.randolph@macdonald-hotels.co.uk 01865 256 404 www.macdonald-hotels.co.uk/randolph
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B4 spotlight
“
We are delighted to accommodate such an interesting business at the park and have worked closely with our legal team to ensure Matt and Natalie are able to offer safe flying experiences to their customers. We look forward to following the progress of their business and helping with expansion plans later this year.
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Angela Andrews - Lettings & Marketing Manager, Howbery Business Park
Matt and Natalie Williams of Aerial Motion Pictures Ltd
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Drones take flight from Howbery Business Park A former front-line military helicopter instructor has launched a unique family run business at Howbery Business Park, near Wallingford, offering a range of certified commercial drone licensing courses in addition to aerial filming, photography and retail services, with high profile contracts already secured with the BBC and ITV. WRITTEN BY: KELLY LEA PHOTOGRAPHY BY: AERIAL MOTION PICTURES
Matt Williams and his wife Natalie have established Aerial Motion Pictures Ltd, the UK’s first company providing the theoretical and practical knowledge needed for full Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) Commercial UAV Certification from the same location, thanks to Howbery Business Park. Matt Williams, Managing Director, Aerial Motion Picture Ltd, explains: “As a real pilot, our ethos is one whereby we wish to improve flight safety through education. Being able to offer flying experience from Howbery really sets us aside from competitors who effectively outsource this element of training. It means somebody can go from having no experience to becoming a fully qualified, competent and safe Commercial UAV Operator in just three days.” In addition to instructor courses, Aerial Motion Pictures is currently working with companies such as ITV on flagship dramas, which can’t be named due to confidentiality agreements. Matt Williams continues: “We have three strands within the business: training and provision of commercial licensing courses, operations such as aerial filming and surveying, and retail of UAVs, commonly referred to as drones, to consumers as well as businesses. We anticipate all three strands of the business to take off due to increasing market demand.” Aerial Motion Pictures has set-up shop in a 600 sq. ft. office at Howbery Business Park and makes full use of on site conference facilities for its training courses in addition to the secure external area reserved for flying experience.
safe flying experiences to their customers. We look forward to following the progress of their business and helping with expansion plans later this year.” Aerial Motion Pictures sell a variety of drones from UK and international manufacturers starting from £500 and ranging up to £30,000. Commercial licensing courses can take as little as three days and start from £1,500. For further information, visit: aerialmotionpictures.co.uk Howbery Business Park, owned by HR Wallingford, has a diverse range of businesses on site with major occupiers including GTI Media and the Environment Agency. The park has planning permission to create 74,000 sq. ft. of new office space.
Renewable Energy Summer School The next generation of renewable energy specialists have received world-leading training at a summer school hosted by HR Wallingford at Howbery Business Park. Future engineers and scientists attended training to help them understand the complexities and challenges faced by marine renewable energy developers. The suite of courses covered topics such as scour and sediment transport, maritime engineering, wave and flow modelling and, and environmental management.
The company is currently in the process of recruiting instructors and admin staff with the aim of becoming a seven strong team by Christmas 2015 and have already acquired additional offices on site.
HR Wallingford’s Chief Executive. Dr. Bruce Tomlinson, commented: “The two-week summer school is delivered by our internationally renowned experts. Their experience in providing practical solutions for renewable energy developments provides attendees with an exceptional opportunity to improve their understanding of real-life issues, and the hands-on nature of the course helps prepare them for a career in the industry.”
Angela Andrews, Lettings & Marketing Manager, Howbery Business Park, said: “We are delighted to accommodate such an interesting business at the park and have worked closely with our legal team to ensure Matt and Natalie are able to offer
HR Wallingford provides world-leading advice on engineering, environmental hydraulics, water and the environment and an extension to their state of the art physical modeling and ship simulation suite facilities opened at Howbery Business Park last year.
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Ben Hudson, Industrial Doctorate Centre in Offshore Renewable Energy (IDCORE) Programme, University of Edinburgh, said: “The HR Wallingford offshore renewable energy summer school was a huge success. Introductions to the SWAN and TELEMAC2D software were particularly enjoyable and beneficial as I will be using these two programmes throughout my three year IDCORE placement. The trip to the ship simulator was excellent, as well as the hands-on practical on the second last day of the course which involved a brilliant cable-laying mission for a scaled offshore wind farm in one of the HR Wallingford test tanks.” HR Wallingford offers other maritime courses focusing on marine scour, wave forces, wave overtopping and an introduction to wave modeling. For further information, visit: http://training.hrwallingford.com.
Development Opportunity Set in an idyllic landscaped park on the banks of the river Thames in historic Wallingford, in the heat of the Thames Valley, Howbery Business Park is a thriving community and home to a wide range of organisations. Old and new commerical offices blend beautifully – from the charming and classic Manor House to the creative and efficiently designed new offices, the mixture of accommodation and the established landscaping give the Park a unique character and charm. With the successful completion of over 66,000 sq ft (Buildings 1 & 2), planning consent enables a further 74,000 sq ft (approx) to be developed. Pre-let opportunities for a range of buildings are available. Configurations and sizes are completely flexible to suit tenants demands within this next phase.
CONTACT DETAILS info@howberypark.com 01491 822 411 www.howberypark.co.uk
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B4 services
WH
Mobile Valeting There are two things you can guarantee having purchased a new car. Firstly, it’s going to depreciate, that’s a given. Secondly, it’s never going to be that clean again. Let B4 introduce WH Valeting to help keep your car showroom clean and go some way to ensuring your car doesn’t depreciate quite as quickly as it could. WRITTEN BY: RICHARD ROSSER PHOTOGRAPHY BY: ROB SCOTCHER
Based in Kidlington, Oxfordshire, W H Valeting provide mobile car valeting and cleaning services. Owner Wayne Hedger has had more than 15 years experience in the business of valeting having joined BMW from school aged 17. “I’ve always cleaned cars, it’s my passion.” Explained Wayne. “I get a lot of satisfaction out of cleaning cars and have a growing number of satisfied customers.” Counting a host of celebrities in his growing portfolio of regular customers, Wayne and his nephew Kyle have built up an excellent private client base with a growing commercial list of regulars. “We can work anywhere, mainly private residences, but we are now starting to get more commercial customers asking us to clean their fleets which is great for us as it’s possibly just one stop for the whole day, meaning we can get more cars cleaned without travelling as much.” Cleaning all sorts of vehicles including classic, modern, motor homes and caravans, Wayne’s mobile valeting service has built up a solid reputation over the five years he has been in business. “I’m delighted with how the business has evolved and would like to expand it further. I have extremely
high standards so if someone else is going to work with me, they have to do the job as I would. Kyle is learning and has been with me since he started cleaning cars so he’s learning from me without developing bad habits.” Wayne also prides himself on using the right chemicals which won’t damage your car, not like some car washes will, as he explains. “Our chemicals are bio-degradable and the equipment we use is designed to protect, not damage cars. We provide our clients with a deep clean to start with, the full valet, but thereafter a mini valet is all that’s needed to keep on top of the dirt.” With full valets starting at £80 and mini valets £35, it’s a small price to pay to ensure your car is sparkling and your clients impressed. How often have you had to give an unexpected lift to a client with dog hair, pungent odours and kid’s sweet wrappers in the side pockets all giving the wrong sort of impression about your high standards? WH Valeting also offer patio and driveway cleaning with results of the highest professional standards guaranteed to impress. “We use water pressure only so there’s no need for harmful chemicals. We also
re- sand and seal to keep your patio or driveway looking its best for longer and to stop future staining. We also pressure clean walls, decking and garden furniture.” Car and patio cleaning is provided from Wayne’s fully mobile business – he even carries his own water in a 600 litre tank, sufficient for 12 cars, plus a generator to give the high pressure required for all jobs. Whether you want to keep up appearances or you’re thinking of selling your car or house, call WH Valeting for a professional car valet before advertising to ensure your house and car sale pictures show your house or car in the best possible condition. B4 can highly recommend WH Valeting. Four hours after Wayne and Kyle arrived at the office, they left with the B4 interview in the bag and two immaculately clean cars. Thank you both! CONTACT DETAILS waynehedgeruk@aol.com 07979 480 886 www.whvaleting.com
“I’ve seen chefs in
tears after service, people who get mental breakdowns, chefs who lose their wives because of this. It is not a job. This is a way of life
”
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Testimonial “Excellent service from start to finish, car looks as new, well recommended.” “...very good customer care, very speedy response and good value for money.” “Wayne has been giving my car a mini-valet around once a month for the past few years. He never does less than a fantastic job. He is always flexible, on time, fast and very thorough. The car looks like it has just left the showroom - and this is just a mini-valet. I absolutely rely on Wayne to take care of my car, and he never lets me down.” “Great job on my patio despite the weather which meant Wayne had to come back on Sunday to finish. Good communication too . I highly recommend.” “Really great job. Car looks better than new!” “Wayne turned up the day after I called him to do our Audi and Vauxhall. They had both been unloved to say the least and needed a lot of TLC to get them in shape again. To say we were impressed would be an understatement. Wayne took lots of time and care over both, and they came out looking better than brand new. We’re so pleased and will definitely be using him again in the future.” “Great job on our Campervan - very good customer care, very speedy response and good value for money. Thanks Wayne.” “The guys did an absolutely outstanding job. Highly recommended!” “Wayne cleaned my car today - looks like new, great job and price! Already booked in my daughter’s car for next week. Very happy customer.” “I had a very pleasant experience with WH Valeting. Wayne was very punctual and got straight to work. I am very impressed with what he did on my car and would definitely use him again.”
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news International Hospitals Group and Wanda Group Announce 23 Year Partnership in Qingdao, China. 国际医疗集团 (IHG) 与万达集团共同宣布于中国青岛建立23年的合作伙伴关系 UK. We will also be bringing a leading NHS hospital trust into the project to support its development and operation with an emphasis on training, clinical links and quality assurance.’ IHG国际医疗集团亚洲区主席，Chester King评论：“过去的一年我们在中 国发展显著。在5月IHG作为唯一的海外公司会员被邀请加入中国医疗健康产 业发展策略联盟（简称中国医健联盟）并提名担任该联盟的国际事物委员会 首席代表。虽然我们在世界各地为其它客户完成了逾450多个项目，然而青 岛国际医院将会成为集团公司首个以其中国品牌管理的项目。我们非常荣幸 能与实力雄厚的中国商业地产领军企业万达集团结盟，开创公司历史的新篇 章，并成为万达集团位于青岛占地350万平方米东方影都项目中的一部分。 我们有幸得到了英国贸易总署 （UKTI）和健康总署 (Healthcare UK)的大 力支持，这一合作将成为备受瞩目的中英合作的典范，同时我们也会将一家 领先的英国医疗总署（NHS）医院基金会引入该项目，以支持其开发运营， 特别在培训、临床连通以及质量保证方面提供帮助。” Wanda Chairman, Wang Jianlin commented “We are delighted to have chosen to partner with IHG due to their excellent track record in managing hospitals throughout the world.” International Hospitals Group (IHG) is delighted to announce it has signed a long term partnership with Wanda Group, China’s largest commercial property company, to build, equip, commission and manage the new bed IHG Qingdao International Hospital. This 1,000,000,000 RMB development will start immediately. 国际医疗集团（IHG）很高兴地宣布其与中国最大的商业地产公司万达集 团签署了一项长期合作协议，IHG将为新设立的IHG青岛国际医院就建造、 设备装配、试运营以及管理方面与万达展开合作。此项投资额达10亿元人 民币的项目将会于不久后开工。
万达董事长，王健林评论：“我们非常高兴地选择IHG国际医疗集团，这家在 全球具有多年医院管理经验，并具良好声誉的企业作为我们的合伙伙伴。” Founded in 1978 IHG has successfully completed over 450 healthcare projects in 49 countries for private and public sector clients including 22 national Governments, the United Nations, the World Bank and the International Finance Corporation. IHG国际医疗集团，成立于1978年，在超过49个国家成功完成逾450个医疗 项目，其客户包括22个国家政府，联合国，世界银行和国际金融组织。
With IHG’s support, Wanda Group will build, equip and commission a new 200 bed international standard hospital in Qingdao over the next three years. IHG will then take possession of the hospital in 2018 and manage it under its IHG Chinese brand 英慈. IHG will operate the hospital under a 20 year lease until 2038. IHG集团将协助万达，帮助其于未来3年内在青岛建造、装配及试运营一座含 200张床位并符合国际标准的医院。IHG将在2018年医院建成后接管，并以其 中国品牌“英慈”冠名管理。IHG将以租赁形式运营医院20年直至2038年。 Chester King, Chairman, IHG Asia commented: ‘We have had a great year in China. In May IHG was accepted as the only foreign member of SAMHIC and nominated as Head of its International Affairs Committee. Although we have successfully completed over 450 projects for other clients around the world the IHG Qingdao International Hospital will be the first to be managed under IHG’s own Chinese brand. We have been very fortunate to start this new chapter in the company’s history with a great local partner and one of the leading companies in China, Wanda Group as part of their innovative 3.5 million square metre Movie Metropolis project in Qingdao. This collaboration is a great example of China/ Britain co-operation and we have had great support from UKTI and Healthcare
CONTACT DETAILS
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ndownie@ihg.co.uk
01753 717 176
www.ihg.co.uk
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B4 r&r
Stoke Park You are driving along a motorway where the cars and lorries go thundering along and you wonder if there is still any peace in this oft referred to ‘green and pleasant land’. WRITTEN BY: COLIN & SUE ROSSER PHOTOGRAPHY BY: STOKE PARK
Surely somewhere life has stood still, long enough, for us to gather our thoughts, to feel a warm glow of well being and to truly relax. This place does exist and is there for you to visit and is only a short drive from this maddening motorway. As you turn into the long drive and hear only the hum of your car engine your eyes take in a wondrous sight. Swans gliding across the water, ducks and geese chasing each other like naughty children and that long awaited peace descends upon you. Golfers drift in and out of view to the pleasant noise of iron on wood.
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“Where is this magic place?” You ask yourself.
or dinner, you will not be disappointed.
What is that magnificent building that comes into view as you continue your drive? Described as one of the most beautiful places in the world, by its present owner. This place is Stoke Park.
Here again is where Stoke Park comes into its own. The food is quite superb. When we visited we both had lunch in ‘The Orangery’. We wanted something light. Sue had the Fresh Pea and Bean Risotto whilst I went for the Caesars Salad. Sue had her customary glass of champagne and I had a beer.
The history of Stoke Park is mind boggling as you read of its previous owners, Royalty included. But if your bag is not golf, excuse the pun, what else can you do in this amazing place? So much it’s hard to know where to start. You could stay for a night or two in this Magnificent Mansion or have a beer in the bar, a champs on the terrace or a fabulous meal, whether it be lunch
We had a relaxing stroll round the estate and came down for dinner at 8.00pm. After we were served splendid canapés and champagne in The Presidents Bar we went in for dinner at Humphrys. Dinner in hotel restaurants can be disappointing, but at Humphrys we couldn’t have been happier. To start Sue had the ‘Poached Salmon with a Squid
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18th Green, which was “thethescene from ‘Goldfinger’ and the epic duel between James Bond (Sean Connery) and Aurie Goldfinger (Gert Frobe), which is still considered to be the most famous game of golf in cinematic history
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Ink, Ravioli, Squid, Charred Cucumber and Asparagus, whilst I went for the Dorset Crab and Avocado Tian with Cucumber Jelly, Soft Boiled Quails Eggs and Pink Grapefruit Salsa. This was superbly accompanied with a glass each of the Pouilly Fume 2012. For our main course we shared a bottle of the Chateau La Grande Maye 2011. This went well with Sue’s Pan-fried Loin of Lamb with Turnips, Minted Petit Pois, Celeriac Puree and Lamb Jus. I had the Pan-fried Halibut, Girolle, Samphire, Cracked Pepper Linguini and Langoustine Bisque Foam. For dessert Sue had a selection of cheeses, which included her beloved ‘Epoisse’ and I had the Eton Tidy (quite a nice twist). It was well past 10.30pm when we finished. We had had most attentive service from Bruno and I cannot think of a more memorable dinner. Executive Chef Chris Wheeler must be congratulated on serving up such a feast.
scene from ‘Goldfinger’ and the epic duel between James Bond (Sean Connery) and Aurie Goldfinger (Gert Frobe), which is still considered to be the most famous game of golf in cinematic history. And who can forget Oddjob, Goldfinger’s Manservant, decapitating the statue with his flying bowler hat outside the front of The Mansion.
degrees, or perhaps some beauty treatments, the list is so long you will need to decide yourself how you want to be preened, plucked or pummeled.
Yes but apart from golf, eating and sleeping and the occasional wine, what else is there to do?
You can take time out laying on one of the loungers. Outside in the summer or inside when the cold strikes.
You could glide around and glide you do. Walking or gliding around the park your sense of well being will envelop you even more, but if the climb down from the motorway still leaves you feeling frazzled take yourself off to the spa. This of course is no ordinary spa. We have never seen anything quite like this in any other part of the world. But this is Stoke Park. Yes, you do deserve it.
Yes, but what can I do with the children? They have their own play room. Every conceivable games console in there to keep them quiet for hours.
In the Summer, Stoke Park plays host to the Boodles tennis championship. Watch the Wimbledon giants in action. This year Novak Djokovic played his only grass tournament there before winning Wimbledon, where 2000 guests marveled at his skills. Please don’t take our word for all of this though, visit and visit soon.
You are greeted by a bevy of attractive girls as you push through the swing doors. Smiles that light your world.
You won’t be disappointed.
We were guests of the effervescent Nick Downie who holds the post of Head of Communications at Stoke Park and we were spoilt beyond measure.
If you want a swim the pool is huge and inviting. The gym which covers two floor levels holds more equipment than you can even begin to imagine.
CONTACT DETAILS
Our suite looked over the 18th Green, which was the
Yoga classes can be taken in a room reaching 40
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info@stokepark.com 01753 717 171 www.stokepark.com
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Everything for the Workplace
From assessment and Space Planninhg
We have the range... Our comprehensive range of furniture combines the very latest innovation with design to bring you practical solutions to suit all budgets. Whether it’s delivering a new desk, chair or supplying you with a complete office refit, we will work with you to ensure your furniture is built to last and looks exceptional. We can deliver a huge range of products off the shelf for delivery tomorrow, but if you are looking for something spectacular to create the ultimate ‘WOW’ factor for both your staff and visitors, we can work with you to create a fully customised and unique workspace. We now offer a range of Aston & James Operator Chairs backed by a 5 year guarantee. With our ‘try before you buy’ service, a full range of ergonomic products and
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assistance to help you identify the best solution for your requirements, you can rest assured that you will make the right decisions for both your workplace and employees.
The knowledge... An office is about more than just desks, chairs and computers. Lighting, layout, ventilation, colour, space and the overall look and feel has more of an impact on productivity than often realised. Research shows that the right office environment can increase productivity by 6-16%, so we work hard to understand your unique needs from the offset. This enables us to create you an effective plan and office design which will result in a workspace that delivers the optimum results for your business.
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B4 services
If you are looking to save money and enhance the service levels you are currently receiving, then use the local choice, Aston and James. WRITTEN BY: DARREN ASTON
To Design and Installation
We are specialists in planning and design. We combine great ideas and fresh thinking with a cost-focussed approach to create your ideal environment.
Our experts will project manage the entire process from conception to completion, designing your perfect office layout.
Our in-house experts are here to provide you with simply the best possible advice.
We will remove and recycle your old furniture, build and install your new items, and take the rubbish and packaging away with us at the end.
Put your feet up and let us do all the hard work...
If you are thinking about improving your workspace, we would love the opportunity to discuss your requirements. Alternatively, why not come along to our showroom in Witney and have a look at some of our products first hand?
With a professional team of planners, designers and installers at your disposal, our solution is geared towards minimal hassle and disruption to your business. Whether your project is large or small, we will work conscientiously to your brief, budget and time scales, providing a solution in-line with your requirements.
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CONTACT DETAILS sales@aston-james.co.uk 01993 706 900 www.aston-james.co.uk
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ThE BEAR & RAggEd STAFF CUMNOR
Wining, Dining and Superb Accommodation 4 Miles from the Mayhem of Oxford
Not only does the Bear and Ragged Staff serve fantastic food throughout the day, its conversion to a Country Inn means it is now in a position to offer a full suite of services to the discerning traveler whether on business or just looking for a home away from home for a few days. Our food ethos can be summed up very simply, local where possible, absolutely fresh, prepared in our own kitchen. e Bear's food offering can best be described as eclectic, mainly British food, prepared with loving care and attention in well equipped kitchens, beautifully presented and served by well trained floor staff. And all this with a wine list carefully selected for quality and value.
TO BOOK A TABLE OR ROOM CALL 01865 862329 Food served all day: Mon-urs 12:00 - 21:30. Fri-Sat12:00 - 22:00 & Sun 12:00 - 21:00
28 Appleton Road, Cumnor, Oxfordshire, OX2 9QH 01865 862329 enquiries@bearandraggedstaff.com www.bearandraggedstaff.com
B4 spotlight
Lean in the SME World Ever since Lean bounced onto the world business stage it has been supporting efficiency and waste removal for large blue chip organisations globally. The systems and methodologies of this unique and powerful system cross the broad range of industrial sectors with ease. Business terminology and Lean phraseology such as “value added” and “Just in time” have certainly disseminated to the business entrepreneurs of the smaller to medium sized business sector, but has the nuts and bolts of such a modern day phenomenon made any impact or inroads to the SME sector to give the same benefits that larger industry is reaping? WRITTEN BY: MARK ROBERTS PHOTOGRAPHY BY: VINE HOUSE STUDIOS, SWERFORD
In answer to the question, almost certainly is probably not for the vast majority of SMEs. Very few owners of SMEs will understand the ins and outs although they bandy expressions around like “Value add”, expressions that unknowingly to them come directly from Lean tool box itself. The real issue however isn’t focussing on what adds value to a business it is what is not adding value to the business that needs to be the catalyst for change. Every business has one or more value streams set within its structure, it is the value stream(s) that is the profit making mechanism that sits within an organisation. Without a value stream, maybe simple, perhaps very complex in its make up there would be no profit. But how many organisations actually take a deep look and analyse their own value streams to identify what actually adds value and separate this precious commodity to what doesn’t add value to the business? So if a business small or large, the size of the organisation is irrelevant ignores the non-value added work content in its value streams what is likely to be the outcome? Can growth or even long
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term stability be secured or is the organisation setting itself up to accept and absorb the waste of this unrequired activity for all time? Since SMEs have a greatly reduced ability to absorb non value added activity in comparison to the larger blue chip companies should they not only start to understand the system but positively embrace Lean thinking. So what should SMEs realistically do to close the Lean knowledge gap that exists between them and the monolithic corporations? First a good start would be to map out in a structured fashion the value stream in their organisation. Analyse what is actually happening as opposed to what maybe envisaged or thought is happening. There is no need to put any focus on value added work in this stream. Value added work is what it is, we don’t want to change it, increase it of course but the focal point is needed elsewhere. It is the non-value added activities that requires the real analysis and understanding, putting non value added work activity under scrutiny and putting it under the microscope, prioritising its negative impact and taking steps to eliminate it in a structured fashion will naturally reduce wasted activity and effort. This alone will inherently increase your own value added work and
of course go towards increasing your profit margin. We are particularly in the SME world are busy people, diverse, skilled, true masters of all trades, often perfect fire fighters as we navigate our organisations through our working week. The reality is the absorption of wasted work and effort is hardly ideal and often in the long term unsustainable. So taking time to understand the real difference about what we don’t need to do can be the difference between the business working and the business struggling, even failing as a business in the worst case scenario. An excellent barometer of how a forward thinking a business organisation is how it gauges and understands what work activity it needn’t do rather than the activity that it should do.
CONTACT DETAILS mark.roberts@leanprogression.co.uk 07763 888 162 www.leanprogression.co.uk
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La Manga Club Anyone with an interest in sport will have heard of La Manga Club, based in Murcia, a south-eastern region of Spain. Blessed with sunshine for the majority of the year, this is a multi-faceted resort which can relax, challenge and amaze you all at once. We were fortunate to get to know more about La Manga Club during a week-long trip in August. As it was our fifth visit in as many years it confirmed my theory when writing about La Manga five years ago that once you’ve been to La Manga Club once, you simply have to keep going back. Richard Rosser reports for B4. WRITTEN BY: RICHARD ROSSER
La Manga Club is a self-contained luxury sports and leisure resort set in some 560 hectares, a unique natural setting, bordered by wooded hills and a natural park on two sides and by the Mediterranean to the south. There are over 2,000 beautiful villas and apartments, in excess of 85,000 visitors a year and first class facilities in what many regard as one of the finest sports and leisure resorts in the world. Tennis is HUGE at La Manga Club. Over 10,000 visitors attend academies every year and over 200 tennis lessons are conducted each day during the summer. It’s one of Europe’s finest outdoor facilities which has played host to the Davis Cup, the Fed Cup and a number of ATP tournaments. There’s a wide range of ages and skills on display as five of us made our way to one of the astro courts at 11am one day. Tennis in the midday sun? I can assure you that once you’ve built up a sweat that’s the least of your worries when you’re confronted by 15, 16 and 18 year olds who just want to see you
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on your knees and get you stretching and scurrying for every ball, much to their amusement. There are five year olds holding a racket for the first time on one court alongside a seasoned pro on the next, which is really great for the development of the children, to see the pros in full flight. However, tennis is just one of the many magnates for all groups, from families to corporates, packages can be tailored to meet your exact requirements. These range from soccer courses, tennis, a corporate group looking for conference facilities, golf and tennis coaching. Getting to La Manga Club is painless. Make sure you hire a car so you can explore, but it’s only a short 30 minute drive from Murcia airport – don’t make the mistake we did and fly into Alicante for the first three years which is over an hour’s drive. We stayed in Las Lomas apartments on the Friday night we arrived as our villa hire didn’t start until the Saturday, but by the time we arrived we just wanted to crash after a long day. The apartment was spacious and functional, but knowing we had the luxury of a
five bedroom villa to move into (just over the road) the next day, we slept well and dreamt of sun and swimming pools! The girls were in no mood for an early start so I popped over the road to check in to Villa 12 which we had stayed in two years previously. I was met by the agent who showed me around, although the main change was wi-fi access throughout – the kids would be happy. The villa was on a single floor with incredible gardens front and back and overlooked the south golf course, one of three superb courses on the resort. The villa was in an l-shape, wrapping around the inviting pool, a very sociable layout. But that would have to wait! I had to get the girls up. La Manga Club is a magnet to cyclists, joggers and walkers and as I made my way back from the villa I started to see a few making their way to the main road. The cycle / jog to Portman, a small fishing village three miles away, is popular with cyclists who like the challenges of the relatively steep hills. I managed to get out and run most days and the hill
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was certainly a challenge at 11am in the morning! In addition to the three golf courses, there are eight professional football pitches, two cricket pitches and twenty eight tennis courts as well as plenty of communal pools.
If you’re looking for a “ bit of an adrenaline rush, there are water sports available at Mar Menor at various locations and also a go karting circuit just outside of Cabo de Palos
”
Restaurants and bars provide you with more than enough variety not to need to venture out of La
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Manga Club, although a trip to Cabo De Palos is always enjoyable, walking along the front and mixing with the, predominantly, local crowd – always a good sign. We’ve found Cartagena good for shopping and lunch, about thirty minutes away or an hour by train. If you’re looking for outdoor markets, there’s a weekly market at Cabo de Palos, but we went to La Unión about twenty minutes away. But heed the advice of our cab driver – hold on to your bags! If you’re looking for a bit of an adrenaline rush, there are water sports available at Mar Menor at various locations and also a go karting circuit just outside of Cabo de Palos. However, a word of warning. The owners will happily take your money, but if anything goes wrong, they really don’t want to know, as poor Beth found out to her cost. One of our cars was faulty and wouldn’t stop, ploughing into Beth and badly scraping her leg. The owners couldn’t have given two hoots, feigning an inability to understand English – funny that, they were fluent when we were talking about paying!
We did cook a few nights in the villa, but the kids enjoyed Undersun in the resort, a sort of restaurant / club and we also had a great meal at La Finca – see review in B4. If there’s one other restaurant you must visit, on the periphery of the resort, down a windy, dirt track, La Cala nestles on a rocky outcrop with spectacular views out to sea. Unbelievable fish! A must. It’s easy to overdo it when reviewing a holiday, but there’s no end of positives to report on for La Manga Club. Incredible weather, superlative hospitality, excellent food and first class facilities. What more could you wish for after ten days in the sun? That’s easy – at least two weeks next time!
CONTACT DETAILS reservas@lamangaclub.com +34 968 17 55 77 www.lamangaclub.com
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La Finca
Having visited La Manga over the past four years with the kids and their friends, it was important for us to find a retreat away for just the two of us and we found our oasis in La Finca. Sadly, last year we were too slow to book as the restaurant is incredibly popular but with planning ahead, we managed to get a table for three this year…..it was well worth the wait. WRITTEN BY: RICHARD ROSSER
La Finca is a family-owned business run by Peter and Sylvia Ingham who relocated to La Manga after 30 hugely successful years running a similar business in the Lake District. The family first visited La Manga in 1996 when Sylvia introduced a charity golf event to the club, sponsored by their good friend, Sir Cliff Richard. Whilst attending the event, the couple fell in love with La Finca which was available to buy. Now regarded as one of the area’s leading restaurants, Sylvia and Peter are joined by their daughter, Chelsea, and Head Chef, John. The restaurant is idyllic with approximately 100 covers surrounding a pool in an exquisitely landscaped setting with fairy lights adorning the trees… it’s simply magical. But then you taste the food! Wow. No wonder we keep coming back. Dining with two 15 year old’s who’s default is ‘spag bol’ I ensured we all chose something different as you can see from the side bar. The danger of introducing impressionable 15 year olds to something decent is that they’ll never go back to average. To see the girl’s clean plates underlined the excellent food prepared at La Finca. Abi has always been partial to scallops but her best friend Cat, by her own admission, had never really ventured beyond pasta and burgers. My Duck Confit parcels were incredible, almost a meal in themselves. The Hake was perfectly cooked and, as all dishes were, beautifully presented. The bottle of chilled San Veran
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was the perfect companion throughout the meal, although that bottle certainly went down quickly considering it was just me drinking. Girls?! As the La Finca website explains, ‘skilled and experienced chefs design and prepare beautifully balanced meals which make the most of the wealth of quality ingredients available in this Mediterranean agricultural region. All meals are created using the best of local produce, combined with the wealth of international experience gained by our chefs, dishes prepared with careful attention to detail so you can relax and enjoy yourself in fine surroundings, the experience enhanced by the service of our friendly and attentive staff.’ Yes to all of the above. Great service, excellent food and more. If you’re looking to savour the atmosphere well into the night, there’s an outdoor bar adjacent to the restaurant which plays host to many tribute evenings on balmy summer nights. The website promises an unforgettable meal and asks what else could be done to make a visit to La Finca even more special. The simple answer is, very little. With so much love and passion bursting out of this restaurant, it’s got to be top of everyone’s list for a visit and a mesmerising experience. La Manga is very fortunate that the Ingham’s came to town all those years ago. With thanks to Sylvia and Peter for their unbelievable hospitality.
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The Meal Starters North Atlantic wild scallops pan seared and accompanied by carrot and ginger purée with a drizzle of honey and soy syrup Indonesian Duck Confit parcels are served alongside turmeric rice and scented lemon grass and tamarind syrup La Finca’s signature ‘Prawn Cocktail’ is made up from large langoustines bound in traditional Marie Rose dressing sat atop a tian of dressed salad leaves with herb and oil and garlic sippets
Mains Prime Fillet steak served with hand cut chunky chips, asparagus spears, sautéed mushrooms and roast cherry tomatoes Slow roast pork belly is pan fried to crisp, served with sticky raisin, caramelized onion and Bourbon syrup, poached pear purée and creamy mashed potatoes Baked Fillet of Hake cooked in aromatic goa masala spices comes to rest on langoustine potato cake with spiced red pepper coulis and garden vegetables
The restaurant is “ idyllic with approximately 100 covers surrounding a pool in an exquisitely landscaped setting with fairy lights adorning the trees… it’s simply magical
”
Si Bar For a more family oriented experience, try the family’s other business, Si Bar and Restaurant, literally just around the corner. Great food is served all day with traditional Sunday roasts, live football and regular tribute acts singing in the large garden whilst the kids burn off seemingly fathomless pots of energy racing around or bouncing down the inflatable slide. A lifelong Leeds United supporter, Peter wanted to create a great venue for all of the family and that’s certainly what he has achieved with pool tables, video games and a mini ice cream parlour all on site – there’s even crazy golf outside! The only question is, how does a Leeds United fan end up with a daughter called Chelsea?
CONTACT DETAILS reservas@lamangaclub.com +34 968 17 55 77 www.lamangaclub.com
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Fallowfields Country House Hotel Fallow [Verb] – to leave unsown for a period in order to rejuvenate WRITTEN BY: MATT WRIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY BY: FALLOWFIELDS
There was a wedding taking place as we checked in, the happy party spilling out from the elegant dining room onto the expansive lawns and terrace beyond. Feeling slightly underdressed in our cycling gear we decided not to risk photobombing their big day, and instead meandered down country lanes to nearby Bampton which features extensively in Downton Abbey. We returned after lunch, and were shown to our room, beautifully-appointed with views over the gardens and thoroughly befitting of a Lord or Lady Grantham. Now I’m not a purist on such matters being more a ‘bed & tv’ person, but ‘Lady Grantham’ has very exacting standards. The bathroom was inspected and met with fulsome approval - spacious fixtures, wall-to-wall mirrors, and nice touches such as wicker baskets for toiletries – whilst the bed drew gasps of admiration - ‘snuggly duvet’, ‘wonderful sheets – where do I get some?’, and ‘these must be the best pillows ever!’. So, the room passed with flying colours. We took our pre-dinner drinks in the snug bar adjoining the dining room, enjoying canapés on black slate platters. The wine list was innovative – I’d never come across a Pinot Grigio/Riesling blend from Brazil before despite writing on the subject – so we decided to submit to the sommelier’s expertise and ordered the ‘Wine Flight’ alongside the 7-course Tasting Menu. This was quite simply to die for - great for us…maybe
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not so great for the pigs who live at the farm on the hotel’s 12-acre grounds and make up one of the signature dishes, ‘Three pigs’. However, if you’re concerned about ‘food miles’, this is about as good as it gets - these little piggies didn’t go to market but came straight from the bottom of the garden! The matching wines didn’t disappoint either – the Gruner Veltliner’s acidity beautifully complemented the Wye Valley Asparagus dish, whilst the more luscious Spanish Verdejo cut through the creamy sauce accompanying the bream and langoustines.
Head Chef Mark Potts The Head Chef Mark Potts popped out to see us and I learned that he and the brigade were awarded with three Rosettes from the AA in May. This award takes Fallowfields restaurant into the large league of Awards, one of only two other establishments that can boast this award in Oxfordshire, it certainly removes the wheat from the chaff. The expectations of the kitchen brigade are high. Using exact technique, flair and imagination must come through in every dish, and balance and depth of flavour are all-important. Mark who worked as Sous Chef at the hotel for relished the chance of making his name as Head Chef and from October last year he has created imaginative, creative, fresh and local dishes. Mark’s previous roles have included Lords of the
Manor a Michelin star restaurant near Stow on the Wold, the world renowned Norma Restaurant in Copenhagen, Midsummer House and Royal Hospital Road working alongside Gordon Ramsay. ‘This awarded means a great deal to all the team and I’m so proud of everyone as it has been a massive team effort. To be in such a select band of restaurants and hotels and alongside chefs I have such respect for is fantastic, my previous roles working alongside Phil Howard and Daniel Clifford amongst others have inspired me and showed me the dedication needed to stand out and be different in this industry’ The following morning, a walk was required to work up an appetite before breakfast. We followed a preprinted route provided to us by Michelle who was still radiant on reception at 8am despite having been up until 1am, waiting for a bride & groom to arrive – service with a smile indeed! After bidding a fond farewell to the bed, we packed up and left. Rejuvenated. Fallowfields Country House Hotel, Faringdon Road, Abingdon, Oxfordshire OX13 5BH
CONTACT DETAILS stay@fallowfields.com 01865 820 416 www.fallowfields.com
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means a great “dealThisto award all the team and I’m
so proud of everyone as it has been a massive team effort. To be in such a select band of restaurants and hotels and alongside chefs I have such respect for is fantastic
”
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A perfect venue... Conferences, Seminars, Meetings Facilities include: • Fully modernised meeting & conference facilities • Excellent road & rail links • Separate meeting & break out rooms • Also suitable for seminars & exhibitions • Free wifi available • Ample free parking
events@frilfordheath.co.uk
...for a productive day
Your Special Day Greet your guests in our elegant Skelton Suite with a glass of champagne and canapés. Enjoy the exquisite facilities exclusively for the day and enjoy the wedding breakfast of your choice in our spacious clubhouse. Come and meet our wedding co-ordinator to talk about your plans weddings@frilfordheath.co.uk
...for a perfect day Golf Days Includes: • Unlimited golf – play all 3 of our Championship Courses • Home cooked food served in the Clubhouse
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Frilford Heath I Abingdon I Oxon OX13 5NW 01865 390864 www.frilfordheath.co.uk events@frilfordheath.co.uk
Qualifying School Venue
FRILFORD HEATH GOLF CLUB
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Your guide to your City
The Living in Oxford Awards 2016 Following on from the success of the inaugural Living in Oxford Awards at Weston Library where over 250 guests enjoyed a fast moving ceremony to celebrate winners in 15 categories, the 2016 event will build on this success and take place on Thursday 25th February, once again at the recently refurbished Weston Library. You will be automatically entered by accepting our invitation for a single or double page review….it couldn’t be simpler. The public voting will start on 1st November 2015. Then it’s down to you to tell all of your customers to vote for you and the general public to back you!
Sponsor Opportunities Your business could present one of the Living in Oxford Awards to a leading Oxfordshire business, whether it’s The Randolph Hotel, Oxford’s only five star hotel, Blenheim Palace, one of England’s leading attractions or one of Oxford University’s world famous colleges. Simply pick a category that you would like to sponsor and contact us to confirm your sponsorship and we will be in touch to tell you what we need next. • See your logo on all Awards collateral, on and off line – the Awards will be known as: The Living in Oxford Awards sponsored by Your Business
Overall Awards Sponsorship £2,500+VAT • Present the overall Living in Oxford ‘Number One’ trophy presented to the business receiving the most public votes across all categories. This could be a restaurant, an attraction, a hotel or a charity. Every business is in with a chance of winning this prestigious Award. • Receive 10 VIP tickets to the Awards ceremony on 25th February, 2016 • Your logo on all certificates as main sponsor
Category Sponsorship £500+VAT • • • •
Present the winner with their certificate Receive 4 VIP tickets to the Awards ceremony on 25th February, 2016 Your logo on all certificates See your logo on all Awards collateral, on and off line
• • • • • • • •
Favourite for Health & Beauty Favourite for Accommodation Favourite for Shopping Favourite Charity Oxfordshire’s Favourite (overall winner) Favourite Oxford University College Favourite Gallery Living in Oxford Magazine Loyal Customer Award
2016 Awards Categories • • • • • • • • •
Favourite for Culture Favourite Place to Eat Favourite Attraction Favourite for Nightlife Favourite for Education Favourite for Business Favourite Event Favourite for Kids Favourite for Leisure
2015 Living In Oxford Award Winners Modern Art Oxford - Favourite for Art and Culture La Cucina - Favourite Place to Eat Oxford Castle Quarter - Favourite Attraction The Duke of Cambridge - Favourite for Nightlife City of Oxford College - Favourite for Education Hedges Law - Favourite Other Business Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials - Favourite Event Stagecoach Oxford - Favourite for Kids
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Millets Farm Falconry - Favourite for Leisure Bare UK - Favourite for Health & Beauty The Randolph Hotel - Favourite for Accommodation Blackwell’s - Favourite for Shopping CLIC Sargent - Favourite Charity Oxford Castle Quarter - Oxfordshire’s Favourite City Sightseeing - LIO Magazine Loyal Customer Award
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Festive Season A Spirit Aperitifs and Digestifs with Joel Harrison Friday 30 Oct 2015 @ 1930 hrs £65.00 per person Dinner and room reservation essential Joel Harrison, an award winning writer and commentator to the drinks industry, aims to enliven the world of distilled spirits to new drinkers while cementing the knowledge of those already invested in the category. Joel and Danesfield House Executive Head Chef Billy Reid invite you to join this spirit extravaganza. Arrive for an aperitifs followed by a sumptuous three-course dinner and accompanying digestifs. Stay the night in a classic room from £150 per room for two people with breakfast the next day.
Evening Dining Danesfield House Hotel and Spa invites you to experience a truly magnificent country house this festive season, the restaurant is the perfect setting for relaxed festive dining with friends, family and colleagues. Available throughout December*. Three-course festive dining including coffee from £33.00 per person Two-course festive dining including coffee from £28.00 per person Children under 5 years complimentary Children aged 6 – 12 years dine from £15.00 per child
Festive Afternoon Tea Enjoy all the delights of this quintessentially English treat at Danesfield House, but with a fabulously festive twist. Served within our magnificent Grand Hall or the stunning restaurant. Available every day throughout December excluding 25th of December. Festive Afternoon Tea £30.00 per person Champagne Festive Afternoon Tea £40.00 per person.
Contact 01628 891010 or enquires@danesfieldhouse.co.uk for more details or see www.danesfieldhouse.co.uk
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ADVICE...........................................................................................................................................111 BUSINESS SERVICES....................................................................................................................113 CONFERENCE, EVENTS & VENUES..........................................................................................113 EDUCATION..................................................................................................................................115 FINANCE........................................................................................................................................115 HEALTH & LEISURE......................................................................................................................115 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 Wellers P Stuart Crook Partner 01865 723 131 www.wellersaccountants.co.uk Whitley Stimpson Ltd G Jonathan Walton Director 01494 448 122 www.whitleystimpson.co.uk Whitley Stimpson Ltd G Stuart Haigh Director 01869 252 151 www.whitleystimpson.co.uk Wilson Partners A Allan Ian Wilson Managing Director 01628 770 770 www.wilson-partners.co.uk Shaw Gibbs A Peter O’Connell Partner 01865 292 200 www.shawgibbs.com
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BDO LLP A Simon Brooker Lead Partner 0118 925 4488 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 Richardsons Accountants 01844 261 155 www.richardsons-group.co.uk Rees Russell 01993 702 418 www.reesrussell.co.uk Russell Whitlock Accountancy 01865 481 625 www.rw-accountancy.co.uk Clark Howes 0808 271 3099 www.clarkhowes.com Harmonea 01844 274 808 www.harmonea.co.uk Tamesis Partnership www.tamesispartnership.co.uk MHA MacIntyre Hudson 01908 662 255 www.macintyrehudson.co.uk Xero www.xero.com/uk Baker Tilly Tax and Accounting Limited 01189 530 350 www.bakertilly.co.uk The Cameron James Partnership 020 7832 0491 www.cameronjames.com
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T & TELECOMMUNICATIONS....................................................................................................117 MANUFACTURING........................................................................................................................117 MARKETING & DESIGN................................................................................................................117 PROPERTY & BUILDING...............................................................................................................119 R&R..................................................................................................................................................121 SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY..........................................................................................................123
BUSINESS ADVICE 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 Hilltop Consultancy 01844 238 692 www.hilltopconsultancy.co.uk Oxford Professional Consulting 01865 436 791 www.oxfordprofessionalconsulting.com Quantuma Restructuring 01628 478 100 www.quantuma.com RTS Breakthrough Solutions 07789 405 079 www.rts-breakthroughsolutions.co.uk Sandler Training 01608 611 211 www.oxford.sandler.com 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 VCA Consulting 01993 883751 www.vcaconsultinguk.com Dragon Associates 0207 495 4401 www.dragonassocs.com The Entrepreneurs Mentor 01865 593933
Hedges Law P Nicola Poole Managing Director 01491 839 839 www.hedgeslaw.co.uk Henmans Freeth G Malcolm Sadler Senior Partner 01865 781 000 www.henmansfreeth.co.uk Gardner Leader LLP G Derek Rogers Managing Partner 01635 508 080 www.gardner-leader.co.uk BrookStreet Des Roches LLP Paddy Gregan G Partner 01235 836 655 www.bsdr.com 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 White & Black Legal LLP A Phil Thompson Partner 0845 201 3147 www.wablegal.com Brethertons A Karina Ray Key Client Manager 01295 661 425 www.brethertons.co.uk Field Seymour Parkes Penelope Garden Associate 0118 951 6312 www.fsp-law.com
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Turpin & Miller LLP A Emily Boardman Partner 01865 770 111 www.turpinmiller.co.uk
Darbys Solicitors P Simon McCrum Managing Partner 01865 811 700 www.darbys.co.uk
Penningtons Manches LLP Richard Smith A Managing Partner 01865 722 106 www.manches.com
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B4 Family First Solicitors Ursula Rice A Managing Director 01865 311 112 www.familyfirstsolicitors.co.uk Lewis Silkin 0207 0748 494 www.lewissilkin.com David Parry Employment Law 01993 848 247 www.parryemploymentlaw.com
BUSINESS SERVICES ARCHIVE & STORAGE The Archive Centre A David Coulton Owner 01296 425 744 www.thearchivecentre.com
contacts
Oxfordshire Community Foundation A Jayne Woodley Chief Executive 01865 798 666 www.oxfordshire.org
Oxford City Council A Environmental Development Helen Burkhalter Business Development Manager 07770 347463 www.oxford.gov.uk
RAF Benevolent Fund A Emily Fry Regional Director, S. England 01296 656 586 www.rafbf.org.uk
Oxford City Council, Superconnected Cities 01865 252 845 www.oxford.gov.uk/connectionvouchers
The Ley Community 01865 373 108 www.leycommunity.co.uk
MOTOR
Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research 020 7504 2231 www.beatingbloodcancers.org.uk British Red Cross, Thames Valley 01235 552 680 www.redcross.org.uk
Ridgeway Jaguar 01865 590777 www.ridgeway.co.uk
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B4 Magazine P Richard Rosser Editor 01865 742 211 www.b4-business.com
Bang & Olufsen P Mark James Director 01865 511 241 www.bang-olufsen.com
Excel Dry Cleaners G 01865 511 773 www.exceldrycleanersofoxford.co.uk
MD2MD 01865 600 800 www.md2md.co.uk
Pinewood Cleaning Services 01993 862 866 www.pinewoodcc.co.uk
SECURITY
City Audio Visual P Peter Gunn Director 01865 722 800 www.cityaudiovisual.co.uk
BUSINESS CONSULTANTS Quest TGO Ltd 0203 394 0123 www.quest-thegreatoutdoors.co.uk
BUSINESS SUPPLIES & EQUIPMENT Aston & James Office Supplies Ltd P Darren Aston Director 01993 706 900 www.aston-james.co.uk
CHARITIES The Oxford Trust G Jude Eades Head of Communications 01865 810013 www.theoxfordtrust.co.uk Helen & Douglas House A Hugh Thompson Head of High Value Partnerships 01865 799 150 www.helenanddouglas.org.uk Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals Charitable Funds A 01865 743 442 www.charitablefunds.org.uk
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DOMESTIC SERVICES Busy Offices 01494 672 233 www.busyoffices.net
Executive Alarms Ltd A John Keown Director 01865 435 435 www.executive-systems.co.uk Security Exchange 01491 683 710 www.securityexchange24.com
GAS & ELECTRIC British Gas Business Services P Martin Orrill Head of Energy Technology and Innovation 0845 485 3528 www.britishgas.co.uk/business
HEALTH & SAFETY Shawcity Ltd 01367 899423 www.shawcity.co.uk
LOCAL GOVERNMENT Oxford City Council P 01865 252 845 www.oxford.gov.uk OxfordshireLEP P 01865 261 433 www.oxfordshirelep.com West Oxfordshire District Council A William Barton Business Development Officer 01993 861 000 www.westoxon.gov.uk/business
TRANSPORT Chiltern Railways P 020 7333 3113 www.chilternrailways.co.uk Hilltop Chauffeurs G Nathan Thomas Driver 07825 500852 www.hilltopchauffeurs.co.uk Findlay Chauffeurs A Claire Hickson Managing Director 0845 644 7099 www.findlaycs.com
TRAVEL City Sightseeing P Jane Marshall Transport Manager 01865 790 522 www.citysightseeingoxford.com
CONFERENCE, EVENTS & VENUES CATERING SERVICES Aldens Specialist Catering Butchers G Matthew Alden Managing Director 01865 728227 www.aldenoxford.co.uk Complete Catering G Jon Kay Managing Director 01235 820840 www.completecatering.co.uk Passion for Food A Philip Baker Managing Director 08452 969 226 www.passion-for-food.co.uk Lamb Catering A Emma Tasker Events and Marketing Director 01865 772 446 www.lambcatering.co.uk Oxford Fine Dining 01865 728 240 www.oxfordfinedining.co.uk Elegant Cuisine 01865 391 888 www.elegantcuisine.com Philip Dennis Foodservice 01993 700 030 www.philipdennis.co.uk
CONFERENCES Lady Margaret Hall P Anna Killough Head of Conference Services 01865 611 079 www.lmh.ox.ac.uk Oakley Court Hotel P Richard Smith Sales Manager 01753 609 988 www.principal-hayley.com /theoakleycourt Williams Conference Centre P 01235 777 735 www.williamsconferencecentre.com The Feathers P Dominic Bishop General Manager 01993 812 291 www.feathers.co.uk Pembroke College G Huw Edmunds Head of Conferences and Events 01865 276 484 www.pmb.ox.ac.uk/Conferences Stoke Park A Nick Downie Head of Communications 01753 717171 www.stokepark.com
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B4 10th Birthday Year Yes we’re 10 next year and to celebrate we have some great events already lined up for 2016. Combined with the new B4 website launching in August, there’s never been a better reason to join B4. Here’s what you can look forward to:
April 21st, 2016 Business in Oxford 2016, Saïd Business School The 3rd Annual Business in Oxford event will build on the success of the first two years, showcasing a wide range of Oxfordshire based businesses. Presenting in a series of themed PODS, the event is fast paced, with ample opportunities for networking. This event will be free to B4 members in 2016. For more information visit www.businessinoxford.com. Saïd Business School, Park End Street, Oxford, OX1 1HP www.sbs.ox.ac.uk
May 2016 B4 Classic Event at The Compleat Angler We will be returning to this stunning riverside location for the second time in May next year. Located on the banks of the River Thames with unparalleled views of the Marlow Weir in the heart of Buckinghamshire, you’ll find the world-renowned Macdonald Compleat Angler. Situated just 20 minutes from Heathrow Airport and 5 minutes to Maidenhead with fast train connections into London, you can be in the city in just over an hour. There are plenty of reasons to indulge in this picturesque and popular part of England, not least the opportunity to see rowing Olympians train on the River as part of the nearby Marlow Rowing Club. And, if you’re in the area on business or at a board level strategy meeting in one of our new high-tech meeting rooms, you’ll also be connected by free, unlimited WiFi powered by The Cloud. Marlow Bridge, Marlow, Buckinghamshire, SL7 1RG www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk/our-hotels/macdonald-compleat-angler
June 2016 B4 Classic Event at Henmans Freeth The B4 Classic Event at leading law firm Henmans Freeth will provide B4 members with a unique behind the scenes experience at one of the regions largest law firms. Henmans Freeth have a national reputation for handling commercial and personal matters for a wide range of individuals, businesses, institutions, and third sector organisations. Clients face complex challenges in various environments and they come to Henmans Freeth because they need lawyers that have the experience and expertise to solve problems quickly and successfully. More than half of the partners are acknowledged as legal experts within their fields. The firm prides itself on giving clients consistently excellent service wherever and whenever they need it. Henmans Freeth, 5000 Oxford Business Park South, Oxford OX4 2BH www.henmansfreeth.co.uk
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www.b4-business.com
B4 Heythrop Park Resort A Tracy Norcup Sales Manager 01608 673 372 www.heythroppark.co.uk 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 The Forbury Hotel A Peter Farquhar General Manager 01189 527 770 www.theforburyhotel.co.uk Macdonald Windsor Hotel Beverley Molmans A General Manager 0844 879 9101 www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk Exeter College 01865 279 600 www.exeter.ox.ac.uk/conferences Malmaison 01865 268 400 www.malmaison-oxford.com Oxford Town Hall 01865 252 195 www.oxfordtownhall.co.uk The King’s Centre 01865 297 400 www.kingscentre.co.uk Malmaison Reading 0118 956 2300 www.malmaison.com
EQUIPMENT HIRE Oxford Event Hire A Kieran Lynch Owner 01865 760 158 www.oxfordeventhire.co.uk BHK Rentals 01993 703327 www.bhkrentals.co.uk
www.b4-business.com
EVENT MANAGEMENT Jazz Donkey A Muffy Dawson Managing Director 01993 898400 www.jazzdonkey.com
EVENTS Business in Oxford 2015 P 01865 742 211 www.businessinoxford.com Oxfordshire Restaurant Awards P 01865 742 211 www.oxfordshirerestaurantawards.co.uk Newbury and District Agricultural Society G Daren Bowyer Chief Executive Officer 01635 247111 www.newburyshowground.co.uk Oxfordshire Registration Services A Jacquie Bugeja Head of Registration and Coroner’s Services 0845 129 5900 www.oxfordshire.gov.uk Venus Awards A Tara Howard Founder & Managing Director 01202 559039 www.venusawards.co.uk Venturefest 01865 810 025 www.venturefestoxford.com Oxfordshire Business Awards www.oxfordshirebusinessawards.co.uk
VENUES Oxford Castle Quarter P Sam Pace Operations Manager 01865 201 657 www.oxfordcastle.com
contacts
Donnington Valley Hotel A 01635 551 199 www.donningtonvalley.co.uk
Metro Bank 0345 08 08 500 www.metrobankonline.co.uk
Blenheim Palace Hospitality 01993 813 874 www.blenheimpalace.com/hospitality
NatWest 01865 792 348 www.natwest.com
EDUCATION Oxford International Study Centre A Benjamin Llewelyn Principal 01865 201 009 www.oxintstudycentre.com Buckinghamshire New University 0800 565 660 www.bucks.ac.uk Corpus Christi College 01865 276 708 www.ccc.ox.ac.uk Oxford Chelt Wine School 01865 238 042 www.oxfordcheltwineschool.com
FINANCE ADVICE Ergowealth A Brian Page Managing Director 01494 616 522 www.ergowealth.com Critchleys 01865 261 100 www.critchleys.co.uk NGI Finance 01993 706 403 www.ngifinance.co.uk Herbert & Webster 01865 407 755 www.herbertandwebster.co.uk
BANKING
Rhodes House P Isabelle Barber Business Development Manager 01865 270 918 www.rhodeshouseoxford.com
Lloyds Bank A Tim Hanley Senior Manager, Oxford Group 07970 566 065 www.lloydsbank.com
Danesfield House Hotel A Anthony Cox General Manager 01628 891 010 www.danesfieldhouse.co.uk
RBS Corporate Banking A Donald MacDonald UK Head of Deposits & Director, Professionals 07768 427379 www.rbs.co.uk/corporate.ashx
Hartwell House Hotel A Jonathan Thompson General Manager 01296 747 444 www.hartwell-house.com
HSBC 0845 850 174 www.hsbc.com
Venue Services, Bodleian Library A Alice Ogilvie Head of Venue Services 01865 277 224 www.bodleian.ox.ac.uk
Santander Corporate Banking 0845 607 0666 www.santander.co.uk
Barclays 0800 015 4242 www.barclayscorporate.com Clydesdale Bank 0844 736 2616 www.cbonline.co.uk
MORTGAGE ADVICE Focus A Nick Walker Managing Director 01865 295 295 www.focusllp.co.uk
HEALTH & LEISURE FITNESS Prime Energy Fitness Ltd G Barry Grinham Owner 01869 352 000 www.primeenergy.org TLA Fitness A Tom Alden Founder 07554 400 401 www.tlafitness.com 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 Kirtlington Golf Club A Gary Quainton Golf and Pro Shop Manager 01869 351133 www.kirtlingtongolfclub.com Rye Hill 01295 721818 www.ryehill.co.uk The Oxfordshire Golf Club 01844 278300 www.theoxfordshire.com
HEALTH CARE Clinic95 P Maria Hardman Business Manager 01865 241 661 www.clinic95.com
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Wine tasting for everyone “Clever way to learn about wine…and an excellent way to spend an evening!” Recent TripAdvisor review
v Ideal for Christmas parties, staff socials, team building & client entertaining v Blind tasting games, fun for everyone (even non-drinkers!) v Fine wine tastings, such as Champagne; Old World vs New World; Italian Wines v Food & wine events eg cheese & wine, chocolate & wine, Spanish wine & tapas v Choice of venues: St Peter’s College OR your own venue OR choice of art galleries and restaurants
Contact Nick on 01865 238042 info@oxfordcheltwineschool.com (please quote “B4 37” in your enquiry)
www.oxfordcheltwineschool.com Cheltenham Wine Half.indd 1
Discover...
THRILLS AND CHILLS THIS AUTUMN... This October and November the Castle Quarter will be the spookiest place to be in Oxford as Ghost Fest returns for another season of spine- chilling events at Oxford Castle Unlocked. Come if you dare! www.oxfordcastlequarter.com
www.oxfordcastlequarter.com
07/09/2015 15:34
B4 Linda Flanigan Hypnotherapy 07866 360 359 www.lfhypnotherapy-oxfordshire.co.uk
SPORT Newbury Racecourse P Tracy Skinner Head of Sales 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 G Tim Stevens Club Administrator 01865 432 000 www.ourfc.org North Oxford Lawn Tennis Club 01865 513 560 (Clubhouse) www.northoxfordltc.org.uk Oxfordshire Cricket 07790 102130 www.oxoncb.com Oxford City Football Club 07817 885 396 www.oxfordcityfc.co.uk
WELLBEING Helen Money Nutrition A Helen Money Owner 01865 339 672 www.helenmoneynutrition.com
HR HR CONSULTANTS HR2You 07789 711 997 www.hr2you.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 Right Hand HR 0844 880 4582 www.rhhr.com
www.b4-business.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 Digital Oxford www.digitaloxford.com Allen Associates 01865 335 600 www.allen-associates.co.uk Crossland Employment Services 01235 841 506 www.crosslandsolicitors.com Gold Star Recruitment 01993 225 075 www.goldstarrecruit.co.uk
TELECOMMUNICATIONS
IT & TELECOMMUNICATIONS STL Communications Ltd A Philip Donigan Sales Director 01993 777113 www.stlcomms.com
DATABASE MANAGEMENT InTouch CRM P James White Managing Director 0845 310 9973 www.intouchcrm.co.uk
EMAIL MARKETING ClientMailer 01865 339 406 www.clientmailer.com
IT SERVICES Computing Information Systems (CIS) Ltd P Richard Marsh Director 01367 700 555 www.cisltd.com Nominet G Sally Ockwell Brand & Marketing Manager 01865 332211 www.nominet.org.uk DCResponse G Paul Anderson Managing Director 01993 708 855 www.dcresponse.co.uk
contacts
Simeio A Ollie McGovern Founder 07795 235995 www.simeio.co.uk
Torpedo Group Limited A Iain Lewis Director 01865 733 710 www.torpedogroup.com
Bluespires IT A Richard Fuller Owner 0845 528 505 www.bluespires.co.uk
Method and Class A Robyn North Digital Marketing Consultant 01280 821 840 www.methodandclass.com
Flex Information Technology Paul Horseman A Director 0333 101 7300 www.flex.co.uk
White October 01865 706 017 www.whiteoctober.co.uk
The Cabling Company A David Jackson Sales Director 07796 140 348 www.thecablingcompany.com Storm Internet 0800 817 4727 www.storminternet.co.uk QPQ Software Ltd 01235 522 516 www.qpqsoftware.com Security Exchange Ltd. 01491 683 710 www.securityexchange24.com
White Chilli Creative Studio 07980 143 475 www.white-chilli.co.uk
MANUFACTURING MEDICAL GOODS Owen Mumford G Jarl Severn Director 01993 812 021 www.owenmumford.com
LIGHTING
AgilityWorks 08445 610 930 www.agilityworks.co.uk
WILA G Claire Styles Director 01235 773500 www.wila.co.uk
The Oxford Knowledge Company 01865 322 100 www.oxford-knowledge.com
The Zeta Group 01869 322500 www.thezetagroup.com
SECURITY Dionach 01865 877 830 www.dionach.com
SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT Sophos 01235 559 933 www.sophos.com
WEB OPTIMISATION SERVICES
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
Zest A Alex Minchin Director 0843 289 161 www.zestdigital.co
Focal Point Advertising Solutions 01256 767837 www.focal.co.uk
WEBSITE DEVELOPMENT
Recognition Express P Andy Olejnik Managing Director 01295 257 611 www.re-oxfordshire.co.uk
Alberon P Tim Ault Managing Director 01865 263 220 www.alberon.co.uk
CORPORATE IDENTITY
Strangebrew P Phil Strachan Director 07770 753 975 www.thinkbrandnotbland.co.uk
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Travel in Luxury, Comfort & Style For over 6 years, Hilltop Chauffeurs have been providing our clients with experienced chauffeurs and impeccably maintained executive car hire. We take pride in being a fully licensed operator, with a team of highly skilled and CRB checked drivers, so you can rely on us to provide the utmost in professional services. As a result, we have built an excellent reputation based on our commitment to quality, safety and service.
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Oxford’s specialist Dry Cleaners, experts in cleaning all delicate items including silks to wedding dresses. New collection service from Witney
274 Banbury Road, Oxford, OX2 7DY 01865 511773 www.exceldrycleanersofoxford.co.uk
B4 Bicester Vision 01869 324 244 www.bicestervision.co.uk Clear & Creative 01865 204 200 www.clearandcreative.co.uk BrandAsylum 01235 828 508 www.brandasylum.co.uk
DESIGN House on the Hill A Keith Simpson Senior Designer 01865 742 211 www.hothdesign.co.uk One Hat Design A Steve Legge Owner 01993 702 075 www.onehatdesign.com Apt-Art 01865 372 981 www.aptart-design.co.uk Kingdom Signs Ltd 01235 812 299 www.kingdomsigns.com
Heart of Business A Jackie Jarvis Director 07801 293022
The Oxford Duplication Centre Cheryl-Lee Foulsham A Managing Director 01865 457 000 www.theduplicationcentre.co.uk
Oxford Digital Marketing 01865 575 955 www.oxforddigitalmarketing.co.uk
Begbroke Science Park A Peter Dobson Managing Director 01865 283 700 www.begbroke.ox.ac.uk
MRD Digital Print 01865 715 181
Pure Offices 01865 811110 www.pureoffices.co.uk
MEDIA
PUBLIC RELATIONS
Oxford Media Factory A Chris Smith Director 01865 552 678 www.oxfordmediafactory.co.uk
Papa Romeo PR A Claire Thompson Managing Director 07811 339 577 www.paparomeopr.com
CustomEyes Media 01442 876038 www.customeyesmedia.com
Spriggs David A Karen David Partner 01865 512662 www.spriggsdavid.co.uk
PHOTOGRAPHY Studio8 P Clark Wiseman Managing Director 01865 842 525 www.studio-8.co.uk
FRAMING
Hills & Saunders A Richard Shymansky Photographer 07878 162 452 www.hillsandsaunders.co.uk
Isis Creative Framing 01865 203 420 www.isiscreative.co.uk
Nikreations Photography 07929 305 247 www.nikreations.co.uk
FREELANCE COPY WRITING & EDITING
John Waine Photography 01869 324753 www.johnwainephoto.co.uk
Noble Word A Matt Wright Owner 07500 531 485
Vic Casambros 07727 127591 www.vcasambros.com
Nicholas Newman 01865 762 710 www.nicnewmanoxford.com
PRINTING
MARKETING
Thames Print P Mike Ackerman Sales Director 01264 359 359 www.thames-print.co.uk
Experience Oxfordshire A Martin Walker Head of Marketing and Development 01865 252409 www.experienceoxfordshire.org 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
www.b4-business.com
contacts
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
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
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 (Oxford) A Kevin Wood Director 01865 200 244 www.lsh.co.uk Lambert Smith Hampton (Reading) 01189 606909 www.lsh.co.uk
Spacecraft Consulting 01295 811 781 www.oconsultancy.com
Meeson Williams Phillips 01865 349011 www.meesonwilliamsphillips.com
Harvest PR 0239 244 9655 www.harvestpr.co.uk
Marriotts 01865 316311 www.marriottsoxford.co.uk
HeadOn PR 07920 792 183 www.headonpr.co.uk
COMMERCIAL PROPERTY SERVICES
Stature PR 0207 100 0855 www.staturepr.com Bridgett Solutions Ltd 01784 205 025 www.bridgettsolutions.co.uk
PROPERTY & BUILDING ARCHITECTS John Hallam Associates A John Hallam Director 01608 646 969 www.johnhallamassociates.co.uk
BUSINESS PARKS Oxford Innovation Ltd P Jo Willett Marketing and Business Development Director 01865 261 400 www.oxin-centres.co.uk
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
DEVELOPMENT 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
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contacts
scottfraser A David Blythman Managing Director Sales 01865 759 500 www.scottfraser.co.uk
Premier Letting A Charles Bartlett Partner 01865 792 299 www.premier.uk.com
The Manor at Weston on the Green G Adam Treloar Front of House Manager 01869 350621 www.themanorweston.com
COFFEE SHOPS
scottfraser A Marc Hatcher Senior Branch Manager 01993 705 507 www.scottfraser.co.uk
Short Let Space Ltd. 01993 811 711 www.weeklyhome.com
Fallowfields Hotel & Restaurant G Anthony Lloyd Managing Director 01865 820 416 www.fallowfields.com
CORPORATE ENTERTAINMENT
Strutt & Parker A Miles Collison Partner, Development Land & New Homes 01865 366 660 www.struttandparker.com Pink & Black Property Consultants A Claire Moloney Director 01865 515 919 www.pinkandblackproperty.com GP Residential 01865 246 399 www.gpresidential.com Hamptons International 01865 578500 www.hamptons-international.com
LETTING AGENTS Breckon & Breckon P Greg Barnes Director 01865 201 111 www.breckon.co.uk North Oxford Property Services P Robin Swailes Director 01865 311 745 www.nops.co.uk Righton Group Limited Emma Righton P Managing Director 01865 311 696 www.rightonstay.co.uk 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
www.b4-business.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 Ian Bridge Consultancy Ltd 07917 881465 www.ianbridge.com
PROPERTY SERVICES Savvy Maintenance & Renovations P Stephen Dunne Director 01865 920 020 www.savvy-group.co.uk EIFLA A Nigel J Blanchard Founder & CEO 0844 7767 187 www.eifla-3d.co.uk Cordant Security A Edward MacFarlane Managing Director 01895 201 800 www.cordantservices.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
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 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 Langham Hotel 0207 973 7540 www.langhamhotels.com
ARTISTIC & CULTURAL Modern Art Oxford A Hannah Evans Communications Manager 01865 813 826 www.modernartoxford.org.uk
Java & Co 07736 950 673 www.javaandco.co.uk
Sam Strange Magic A Sam Strange Owner 01865 742 211 www.samstrangemagic.co.uk
ENTERTAINMENT Oxford Playhouse 01865 305 305 www.oxfordplayhouse.com
FOOD & DRINK SUPPLIES Laurent Perrier UK P David Green Regional Account Manager 01628 475 404 www.laurent-perrier.co.uk The Oxford Wine Company Ted Sandbach A Managing Director 01865 301 144 www.oxfordwine.co.uk
GALLERIES Wiseman Gallery A Sarah Wiseman Owner 01865 515 123 www.wisegal.com
RENTAL ACCOMMODATION Lower Mill Estate A Red Paxton Marketing and Sales Director 01285 869 489 www.lowermillestate.com
RESTAURANTS
Orchestra of St John’s A John Lubbock Artistic Director 07765 252489 www.osj.org.uk
Browns, Oxford P Simon Stonehouse General Manager 01865 511 995 www.browns-restaurants.co.uk
Ashmolean Museum 01865 288 364 www.ashmus.ox.ac.uk
Browns, Reading P 0118 950 3137 www.browns-restaurants.co.uk
Oxford Philomusica 07775 904 626 www.oxfordphil.com
Browns, Windsor P 01753 831 976 www.browns-restaurants.co.uk
Rachel Ducker www.rachelducker.co.uk
The Red Lion P 01865 726 255 www.redlionoxford.co.uk
Acuity Arts www.acuityarts.co.uk
Deliveroo G Xavier Collins Community Manager South East 07494 178083 www.deliveroo.co.uk
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The Find Boutique Bootcamp
Luxury Weight Loss Retreats
JOIN ONE OF OUR WEEKLY FASHION AND FITNESS CLASSES IN OXFORDSHIRE Experience our unique Group Personal Training to perfect your technique and get results Each class lasts 1 hour Shop our mini boutique for fashion and beauty finds
For more information about times and locations visit www.the-find.co.uk or Email info@the-find.co.uk
FREE first visit for all B4 Members
B4 The Oxford Kitchen G Gregory Martine General Manager 01865 511149 www.theoxfordkitchen.co.uk
SHOPPING
4500 Miles From Delhi A Nav Kandola Owner 01865 244 922 www.milesfromdelhi.com/oxford
Blackwell’s P David Prescott Managing Director 01865 382 500 www.blackwell.co.uk
The Snooty Mehmaan A Asad Ahmed Director 01367 242 260 www.thesnootymehmaan.co.uk
Bicester Village P 01869 323 200 www.bicestervillage.com
L’Ortolan A Sally Albin Marketing Manager 0118 988 9107 www.lortolan.com Le Manoir Aux Quat’Saisons 01844 278 881 www.manoir.com Pierre Victoire 01865 316 616 www.pierrevictoire.co.uk
contacts
The University of Oxford Shop P 01865 247 414 www.oushop.com
Stella and Dot 07763 743783 www.stelladot.co.uk
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY SCIENCE Oxford Technologies A Stephen Sanders Business Development Director 01235 544 871 www.oxfordtechnologies.co.uk
Café Aloha 01865 792 696 www.cafealoha.co.uk Marco’s at Mercure Eastgate Hotel 01865 248332 www.mpwrestaurants.co.uk/restaurants /marcos-oxford
B4 partners
Official E-mail Marketing Partner
Official Events Software Partner
Official Cloud Partner
Everything for the Workplace
Official Photographer
Official Transport Partner
Official Stationery Partner
Preferred supplier of Home Entertainment
THAME
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B4 is designed by Blink Design & Print t: 01865 742211
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