B4 magazine - Issue 42

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MAGAZINE ISSUE 42 AUGUST 2016

BRETHERTONS LLP Brethertons LLP are part of a new breed of legal service providers making the law work to your advantage.

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www.b4-business.com Contacts If you want to contact B4 Magazine Telephone: 01865 742 211 info@b4-business.com Publisher B4 Magazine is published by Designs On Ltd, The Firs, Headington Hill, Oxford, OX3 0BT Chairman Colin Rosser colin@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 Olivia Lane-Nott Rachel Warren Jo Sensecall Claire Thompson B4 Photography Rob Scotcher Studio Photography Studio8 Telephone: 01865 842525

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welcome to B4 42 You will hopefully notice we’ve made a few changes to the layout of the magazine and introduced a number of new features. If you would like to find out more abour profiling your business, please call the office and speak to either myself or our Sales Manager, Kelly Gavaghan.

Well we’ve been through a pretty tough recession, General Election and now, the EU Referendum. What next? Big changes throw big spanners in the works and they’re all out of our control. No two businesses are the same and it’s easy to say ‘just get on with it’ but despite the seemingly widespread disbelief that the country had voted to leave the EU, disruptions to the financial and housing markets and a fear that we had cut ourselves adrift, it does seem that this cloud has a silver lining. B4 asked a wide range of members for their post Brexit views and the general consensus is positive. Read more inside.

In this issue we meet Steve Neasham, Partner at Bretherton’s new Bicester office to find out more about Brethertons, the new office and the role Brethertons are playing in the growth of Bicester. You can read Steve’s interview in this magazine or watch it on B4 TV!

Notable achievers in this edition include marathon tennis man, Matthew Alden, Focus Oxford celebrating 25 years in business and Head of Carter Jonas’ Oxford office, Mark Charter, who also celebrates 25 years – presumably that’s at Carter Jonas Mark and not 25 years old! Congratulations also to the Oxfordshire Business Awards winners and Rowan Waller of Wallers Estate Agents for his industry achievement.

Bombay Sapphire is the location for one of our forthcoming B4 events and you can read all about this fabulous venue inside. If you’re looking for meeting spaces, look no further than Grant Thornton’s new PowWow facility at their Oxford HQ and we also feature Jurys Inn Oxford’s meeting facilities. For more academic meeting surroundings, try Corpus Christi College in the heart of Oxford or Egrove Park for business or leisure pursuits. To continue with the venue theme, we feature the spectacular Sheldonian Theatre and the beautiful Tythe Barn.

If you’re looking to develop your online visibility, we welcome The Evergreen Agency to B4 as one of our latest Platinum Members who have some great advice to help your business get ahead online.

There’s so much more to read about in B4, from business lunches to great charity fundraising initiatives, wonderful attraction ideas and luxury hotel reviews.

Meet The Writers

44. Carter Jonas Written by Olivia Lane-Nott

65. Strangebrew Written by Phil Strachan

Enjoy B4!

© 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

Written by Kelly Gavaghan

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.

84. Stoke Park

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 Richard Rosser

WHY NOT FOLLOW B4 MAGAZINE ON

news 10 News from the B4 Network

29 Before and After Brexit: BDO's

Business Barometer shows how opinions

within businesses will be changing in the face

of uncertainty.

31 Business Continuity: Blake Morgan

predict some early changes that we could be

seeing post-Brexit.

lead 14 Not All Law Firms Are The Same:

B4 met with Brethertons LLP to discuss the

firm and the great work they do in the local community

33 Brexit Won't Save You: CIS talk about

how the current Data Protection Regulation

laws won't be changing any time soon, so

you best be prepared.

advice 34 Clear From The Outset: BrookStreet

Des Roches give us some practical examples

of why clear and concise contractual work is

so important.

37 Auto-Enrolment Is For Everyone:

Shaw Gibbs explains that the new autoenrolment will affect everyone, not just larger firms.

39 Preparing your Business for Divorce: Let Hedges Law shed some light

on how divorce affects every aspect of your

life, including your business.

spotlight

24 B4 Reacts to Brexit: See what our B4

Members think in light of the recent EU

Referendum announcement.

43 Q&A with Forge Engineering:

Get to know Forge Engineering as they

become one of the latest members of the B4 Network.

44 Thanks Mark!: Join Carter Jonas in

celebrating Mark Charter's 25th Anniversary

at the firm's Oxford office.

46 VSL & Partners: Check out the latest

commercial properties from VSL & Partners.

48 Bombay Sapphire: Find out why this

derelict paper mill, hidden away in the tiny

village of Laverstoke, could be the perfect

venue for your event.

20 Experience + Service: Righton Group

have both in abundance. B4 met with Emma

Righton, CEO, to chat about the growing

short-let industry.

brexit

Q&A

venues

18 25 Years In Focus: FOCUS LLP are

celebrating their 25th Anniversary, read on to

find out how they did it.

22 Management Buy In: Let The M

Group help you with this difficult task, and

also see what they've been up to lately at the firm

property

50 PowWow: Read about Grant Thornton's

plans for an open collaboration and drop in

hub to support local businesses.

awards 40 Celebrating Oxford Businesses:

The Oxfordshire Business Awards took place

in June this year, read on to find out who won.

Q&A 41 Q&A with Wallers of Oxford:

B4 chats to Wallers of Oxford about their

recent win at the ESTAS Awards.

51 News from Jurys Inn Oxford: Did

you know Jurys Inn also offers great meeting

and conference spaces on top of their hotel &

spa services?

B4 contents 80 Business Lunch: Why not try the

Acanthus Restaurant at Oxford's Macdonald

Randolph Hotel for your next business brunch?

52 Corpus Christi: Join this stunning venue

in the heart of Oxford as they celebrate their "Quincenteneray".

54 Business or Leisure?: Egrove Park of

the University of Oxford offers great accom

modation on top of their conference services.

82 Orchestra at the Houses of Parliament: Oxford's very own

Philharmonic Orchestra was recently invited

to play an intimate concert at the Houses of Parliament.

57 The Tythe Barn: Try something a little

more traditional for your next conference or meeting.

58 Oxford's Hidden Gem: Entertain your

clients in spectacular surroundings at the

Sheldonian Theatre.

83 Fit 4 Business: This issue features the

Henley Highwayman duathlon event in

September - Read on for more information.

services

84 Stoke Park: If you're after a little (read:

a lot) of luxury in your life, even for just a

short while, you must visit Stoke Park.

70

86 Danesfield House Hotel and Spa:

Read all about this luxurious country retreat

in a gloriously secluded 65 acres of

manicured gardens.

Everything for the Workplace: Over 25 years in the stationary and office furniture business have made Aston & James our go-to... Should they be yours too?

72 Oxfordshire Business Support:

OBS (part of OxfordshireLEP) provides all the

support your business could possibly need,

from courses to grants.

74 Smart PA: Catherine Barton talks to us

about why she partnered with SmartPA and

what the service can do for your business.

marketing 61 Going Green: Let The Evergreen Agency,

one of B4's latest members, help you to grow

your business' online visibility.

corp. life

63 Digital Marketing: What to do and

what not to do in the world of Digital

Marketing, brought to you by Web-Clubs.

75

65 Avoiding The Blandwagon: Phil

Strachan of Strangebrew Brand Alchemy

shows us how to create a "brand" rather than

a "bland".

77 Jaguar XE: LBDM Stephen Dodsworth

talks to us about how Jaguar could be the

right choice for your business fleet.

it 67 Don't Get Left Behind: The digital

world won't wait for you to catch up - Read

on to see what Indulge Media has to say

about the ever changing internet environment.

69 AdWords Success: Let Oxford Digital

Marketing show you how to get the best ROI

from your AdWords.

The Lock Bar & Kitchen: B4 were invited to sample the home style cooking of this stunning hotel on a beautiful July summers evening.

90 Oxford's Very Own Hot Air Balloon: A new experience is being

planned for the city of Oxford to honour the

life of the first flying Englishman, James Sadler.

94 Welcome to Oxfordshire: Experience

Oxfordshire talks to us about the recent

growth in the visitor economy of Oxfordshire.

WHO'S WHO 93 Who's Who: Neil Urquhart: In this

issue we meet Neil Urquhart, a school bursar

who does his job so well you'd hardly think

we was doing a thing.

Q&A 97

Team Building: Hulio Events is team building done right - incredible, no fuss events to incentivise your team to achieve new goals.

78 Top Travel from Chiltern Railways: Read about their new line direct

to London from Oxford Parkway and all the

great feedback they've gotten so far.

cfr 99 Twin Town 2016: Read on for a recap of

this exciting event which raised over ÂŁ250,000

for charity.

100 Sobell House Hospice: Let us

introduce you to some of Sobell House's

partners and the great things the charity has planned.

B4 Members Club 103 Contacts 110

Sturge Taylor On Monday 13 June, we sadly lost one of the most respected individuals within the Oxfordshire Business Community, Sturge Taylor.

As many of you will know Sturge was diagnosed with cancer 18 months ago but this certainly didn’t get in the way of him carrying on as he did, before diagnosis. Sturge continued to keep his diary full with days on the golf course, lunches and continued a regular involvement at the Frewen Club. Sturge will be remembered by most for his time as Senior Partner at Darbys Solicitors.

Sturge stood head and shoulders above the business community in Oxford as a great ambassador for Darbys, the Law and Oxford. He was the perfect gentleman, kind, considerate and a great listener and to many a true friend and colleague.

He will be sadly missed by us all.

Donations in memory of Sturge are welcome to The Lung Cancer Support Fund c/o Edward Carter, Funeral Director (01235 528293).

Political intrigue in the Parks Forget Brexit and the ensuing political turmoil, there is intrigue and plotting aplenty in Elsinore, aka the University Parks, where Creation Theatre unveiled its version of Hamlet this week.

Sponsored by law firm Penningtons Manches, which has offices in both Oxford and Reading, Creation’s Hamlet is poignant, sometimes funny and always atmospheric. The dramatic plot unfolds against a backdrop of trees and a pond – complete with ducks and the occasional bemused runner passing by!

This production follows rave reviews (see Trip Advisor) for Creation’s quirky and hugely entertaining interpretation of A Midsummer Night’s Dream which turned parts of central Oxford into a treasure hunt and playground for fairy mischief.

Hamlet runs Monday – Saturday until 13 August.

Find out more here www.creationtheatre.co.uk/show-one/hamlet www.creationtheatre.co.uk/show-one/our-show-sponsors

Base 33 Youth Charity Hugely talented young people from Base 33 Youth Charity in Witney were recently recognised with an award for their outstanding contribution in participating in three specific projects: Base meets Business – Base 33 youngsters who are not currently in education, employment or training engaged in a rigorous programme of preparing for employment including voluntary work placements with businesses across Witney.

They each received an AQA Award.

Young Activity Auditors – those targeting this award

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worked with Youth Opportunities Officer, Rosie Boyes, of Oxfordshire County Council to produce a DVD about how engagement in a Choir increased their confidence and self esteem.

Music in Detention – aspiring Base 33 musicians worked with Music Producer, Oliver Seager, to create a CD in partnership with Campsfield House IRC, raising awareness of shared social issues and expression through the Art of music.

B4’s Chief Executive, Richard Rosser, was honoured to present the Awards. “It was a real privilege to see such talented youngsters given a platform to

express their fantastic ability and help them grow as individuals. Well done to each and every one of them and Base 33 staff, supporters and Trustees.”

To find out more about Base 33 and how you can help support visit our website www.base33.org. uk/ or follow us on Twitter @Base33UK

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B4

news

Flame by Passion for Food Passion for Food is an event caterer providing fantastic event catering for wedding receptions, corporate events, Christmas parties, intimate dinners and more.

This year Passion for Food will showcase their tasty street food as a stall holder at Thame Food Festival, on Saturday 24th September.

As part of the stall holder application process, Passion for Food were invited to provide a sample

menu for the team at Thame Food Festival to taste. Passion for Food received great feedback from Lotte Duncan, Patron and Non-Executive Director at Thame Food Festival CIC, “It really was stunning - beautifully cooked and full of so much flavour”.

Why not visit the ‘Flame by Passion for Food’ stall? Where they will be offering a taste of the Middle East with a delicious menu of lamb Tagine, flat breads and sides including tabbouleh, baba

ganoush and spiced cauliflower. www.passion-for-food.co.uk

Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra launches US presence On the 31 October 2016, the Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra will be holding a black tie Benefit Gala Concert and Dinner at the magnificent rooms of the Metropolitan Club in New York to launch the American Friends of the Orchestra. Artist in Residence Maxim Vengerov will be performing solo and leading the Soloists of the Oxford Philharmonic in a performance of Mendelssohn’s Octet.

The Oxford Philharmonic is looking to expand

its reach in the US, drawing on support from American patrons of the arts in the lead up to a more established concert series in 2018/19 at some of the country’s most prestigious concert halls.

Patrons of the American Friends will enjoy worldclass performances both in the US and UK, and will have access to the many special events the Orchestra hosts in Oxford and other parts of the UK. www.oxfordphil.com

Indulgence Boutique Hospitality Indulgence Boutique Hospitality were delighted to be catering for the Wedding Suite Launch at Caswell House, near Witney in Oxfordshire.

Caswell House is an exclusive Cotswold barn wedding venue offering a stylish and romantic setting in immaculate grounds.

The event launched a new wedding suite situated in a dreamy courtyard – a fantastic addition to the already beautiful rooms at Caswell House.

Kate Cross, Manager of Caswell House said; ‘It is so exciting to be developing another area of our renovated barns and to be able to offer couples an even more luxurious place to spend their wedding night.’

Jo Robinson, owner of Indulgence commented; ‘ We are delighted to be sole caterer at Caswell House and it was a wonderful evening chatting to

fellow wedding suppliers, architects and gardeners who have all been involved in the creation of one of the country’s most beautiful and exclusive wedding venues. www.indulging.co.uk

Working with Mindfulness tips to help readers to speak in public, to make better decisions and to be more creative and productive, while maintaining healthy working relationships with colleagues and clients.

with simple, practical exercises and accompanying audio files to help the reader to make an instant impact on their working life.

An essential easy- to use guide for everyone!

Working with Mindfulness is an engaging and insightful guide that explains how mindfulness can be used in the workplace to reduce stress and improve performance at work. It also gives

www.b4-business.com

The authors, Dr Michael Sinclair and Josie Seydel, are both Practitioner Psychologists who have extensive experience of working with businesses, large corporations and pressured executives.

Their guide is written in a straight forward, lighthearted way and demystifies any psychology jargon

Dr Michael Sinclair and Josie Seydel are the authors of Working with Mindfulness.

It is out now, published by Pearson, priced £13.99. The book can be found in good bookshops and also on Amazon.

11

Forthcoming B4 Event 

B4 10th Birthday Celebration at Malmaison DATE: TIME:

VENUE:

THURSDAY 27TH OCTOBER 5:00 PM - 5:30 PM REGISTRATION AND DRINKS 5:30 PM - 6:00 PM DR JOHN BOYLE, CHAIRMAN OF THE OXFORD TRUST, INTRODUCES STANSFELD PARK 6:15 PM - 8:30 PM B4 10TH BIRTHDAY PARTY MALMAISON, OXFORD CASTLE, 3 NEW RD , OXFORD, OXFORDSHIRE OX1 1AY

We look forward to welcoming you to our 10th Birthday Party at Malmaison, where it all started….10 years ago funnily enough!

We also welcome our event sponsor - The Oxford Trust - and Dr John Boyle, Chairman, who will be introducing Stansfeld Park and the Trust’s plans for a fantastic new science innovation and education centre in Oxford.

Places are limited for what promises to be both an informative and enjoyable event. We look forward to seeing you there.

For more information see: www.b4-business.com

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photograph by: John Cairns

Turner Prize Cowper Kreston were invited to take part in a competition featuring a very special ‘Turner Prize'. We were delighted when we heard that Dr Alexander Sturgis, British art historian and Director of the Ashmolean judged the competition and one of our Oxford Managers, Andrew Smardon, won! left to right: Dr Alexander Sturgis, Director, Ashmolean Museum with Andrew Smardon, Manager at James Cowper Kreston, and Sue Staunton, Partner at James Cowper Kreston

As corporate members and supporters of the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford, James

Entrants were encouraged to choose an object or a place within the Ashmolean’s permanent collection, identifying which they would most like to be and explain why.

As a result of Andrew’s winning entry, the Museum donated a life-size, exact replica of JMW Turner’s famous painting entitled: ‘Oxford High Street’. This world-renowned townscape is unique in Turner’s output. Although he painted many townscapes in watercolour during his career, he never again attempted such a picture in oils. The painting represents a view of Oxford which has materially changed little since Turner painted it in 1810.

To read Andrew’s winning entry, please head to www.jamescowperkreston.co.uk/AndrewsEntry

Record Butcher Matthew Alden, Managing Director of B4 Platinum Members, Aldens, has broken a world record having played 28 real tennis matches in a row at the Real Tennis Court in Merton Street, Central Oxford. B4’s Richard Rosser met with Matthew to find out more about his heroic achievement and why he did it, but opens with a note of caution.

“It’s not official, not just yet, but we see no reason why it won’t go down as a World Record!” So why do it? “A big challenge has always been in me and I tried, unsuccessfully, to swim the channel a number of years ago. It was a particularly freak crossing and the other swimmers attempting the challenge were thrown massively off course by extreme currents and nobody completed the swim. However, I did swim The Channel as part of a 4 person team last October which took 15hrs 37min and made up for the disappointment for the solo attempt. Big Challenges are always fun, so when a fellow member at the Real Tennis club mentioned this record to me last October I simply said ‘you organise it and I’ll do it’!

Which leads us on to why. “I wanted to raise money for Many Hopes which was set up by an old school friend from The Dragon School, Bradden Young, who died in July 2014. Bradden launched his charity to provide homes and education to youngsters in Kenya who survive abuse. The final total was £2,555 which I am delighted with. The total will be split equally with KEEN, a local oxford charity which provides children and adults with sporting & recreational activities in Oxford and the surrounding area..

And so to the training, the gruelling runs and the stamina building. Matthew’s a fit chap but this was an extraordinary challenge and he needed more than an extra couple of Shredded Wheat’s

www.b4-business.com

to get through 28 three-set games of real tennis.

Matthew only had a total of just over an hour’s break and no sleep.

Starting at 7am on Saturday 25th June, Matthew’s challenge was set up for him by Derek Williams with thanks also to Adam Jeffrey, Jonathan Clark and Freddy Adam. “Without their unstinting support during the event and Derek’s hard work in setting up the event, the attempt would not have been possible.” Added Matthew who finished the challenge in the early hours of Sunday 26th June with a glass of champagne. “I was surprised at how competitive the games were. Everyone was up for the record and played with such a good sporting attitude. Thank you to everyone who turned up to support and play….I must admit it must have been a bizarre feeling to turn up and play sport at 2am and I must also admit that I did try and take advantage of the novelty factor that my opponents experienced in the early stages of their games with me!

“The challenge was more mental than physical, especially once we started getting into the abnormal playing times of 10pm and beyond. It was surreal to see the club still full of people and their presence was a massive boost throughout."

With regards to that final sought after ratification, it will take the authorities some time to compile the evidence and Guinness have asked Matthew to allow a minimum of eight weeks for them to review the evidence before the record is officially recognised.

If you have an extraordinary story about a B4 Member which has taken place or is about to take place, then let us know. There are some incredible B4 Members out there doing unbelievable things….things we want to share so please do get in touch.

Congratulations to Matthew, his opponents and everyone who supported the record breaking attempt. www.aldenoxford.co.uk

13

“ Bicester is a really

exciting place to work and be part of that growth.

�

Steve Neasham, Partner, Brethertons, Bicester Office

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www.b4-business.com

B4

lead

The B4 Interview:

Brethertons LLP Solicitors Not all law firms are the same. Brethertons are part of a new breed of legal service providers who focus less on telling you how complex the law is and more on making it work to your advantage. With four office locations across the south east and midlands, including Banbury and Bicester in Oxfordshire, Rugby in Warwickshire and an office in central London, Brethertons are ideally positioned to serve customers across the country. B4 met with Steve Neasham, Partner and Head of Conveyancing in the Bicester office to find out more about the way Brethertons work with their clients and the work the firm does in the local community.

WRITTEN BY: RICHARD ROSSER PHOTOGRAPHY BY: ROB SCOTCHER

Richard: Thank you very much for joining B4 today.

We’re sitting in your fantastic new offices here in Bicester. Perhaps you could start by giving us a brief overview of the services Brethertons provide.

Steve: We have three regional offices, Rugby, Banbury and this office here in Bicester, and as a regional firm we offer a good, wide ranging amount of services. These range from commercial property, residential property, commercial transactions, personal injury work, including spinal injury cases, family law and wills, trusts and probate. We also run a property management section, we give advice on employment law, both to companies and also to individuals and also litigation and general contract disputes.

Richard: I don’t think I’d be talking out of turn if I said that many people found law firms to be aloof and unapproachable. Do you like to think that Brethertons differs?

Steve: Yes, I do. We pride ourselves on being approachable and would encourage clients to drop in to see us. Anyone who does will be seen very quickly by one of our lawyers or a member of staff.

We also offer home visits to elderly or poorly people to make life a lot easier for them.

Richard: And I understand that you are heavily involved with the local community here in Bicester.

Steve: We like to support community events. We were recently involved in The Big Lunch celebrating the Queen’s 90th birthday and we sponsored the Bicester Proms Concert in July. Brethertons also runs a quarterly Bicester Business Lunch Club, where we invite our professional friends and clients to network www.b4-business.com

and hear speakers on general business topics like UK productivity. We also support a firm-wide charity each year and this year it’s SpecialEffect, a charity based in Oxfordshire which makes video games for people with physical disabilities.

“

We pride ourselves on being approachable and would encourage clients to drop in to see us. Anyone who does will be seen very quickly by one of our lawyers or a member of staff

”

Steve Neasham, Partner, Brethertons, Bicester Office

Richard: And I understand you’ve recently taken part in the Twin Towns charity event which took you to Le Touquet?

Steve: Yes, indeed, four of us from Brethertons drove to Le Touquet from Blenheim Palace via Silverstone with over 80 other fundraisers in their cars, completing challenges along the way. It was all in aid of SpecialEffect and we had lots of fun!

Richard: Wonderful. Bicester itself is obviously in the midst of massive expansion and you’re based right at the heart of that expansion.

Steve: Absolutely, Bicester is a really exciting place to work and be part of that growth. We’ve got the Bicester Heritage Centre in the North of the town, we have the eco town as well, which is the first eco town in the UK, and of course Bicester Village, which has several million visitors every year. There’s also a new train station which will link London to Oxford.

It’s a tremendous growth area.

Richard: And you’re involved with Bicester Vision as well I understand.

Steve: Yes, Bicester Vision is an organisation that promotes the community of Bicester from a commercial point of view so we go to breakfast clubs and take part in networking events as part of the commercial community.

Richard: So interesting times for you and for Bicester. How do potential customers get in touch?

Steve: They can visit our website at www.brethertons. co.uk or drop in to our office in Bicester or any of our other regional offices or just give us a call.

Richard: Thank you very much for your time.

Bicester solicitors (left to right) Sally Clark, Sofia Galic, Angela Guess, Steve Neasham, Rosie Bamford, Emma Stewart.

CONTACT DETAILS

 info@brethertons.co.uk  01869 252 161  www.brethertons.co.uk

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Legal advice for businesses in the Thames Valley “Outstanding Service. Excellent communication throughout.”

Mr P. Davenport Contact Angela Guess, Solicitor to discuss your business’ legal needs 01869 255919 angelaguess@brethertons.co.uk

THE KNOWLEDGE WITHIN ®

www.brethertons.co.uk

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The Commercial Team at Brethertons LLP in Bicester, Oxfordshire Angela Guess Commercial Property Solicitor Angela has built up a great deal of expertise and knowledge in the local business area and throughout the wider country.

“I advise customers on all aspects of Commercial Property transactions whether freehold acquisitions and sales or the granting or taking of commercial leases and also all areas of commercial lending requirements, having experience in acting for both the lender and the borrower.”

T: 01869 255919 E: angelaguess@brethertons.co.uk

David Hodge Head of Employment David is an experienced employment solicitor, who prides himself on being an accomplished and strategic litigator accustomed to representing both businesses and individuals.

“I have considerable experience in the property management, recruitment, infrastructure services and agricultural sectors and hold a particular interest in matters relating to discrimination, whistleblowing and TUPE. I also act for national construction and support services providers and have provided advice to high profile entrepreneurs on employment matters related to their investments.”

T: 01869 252161 E: davidhodge@brethertons.co.uk

Nicole Romera Company Commercial Solicitor Nicole advises companies and businesses on the effectiveness of their terms and conditions, as well as clauses to avoid when entering into contracts with others, the importance of non-disclosure agreements, advising on copyright issues and assisting with sales and acquisitions.

“I have worked in a number of teams, including Property Management, Small Claims, Litigation, Commercial Property and Company Commercial. After qualification I made the transition from Litigation to Company Commercial and dealing with non-contentious matters.”

T: 01869 252161 E: nicoleromera@brethertons.co.uk

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FOCUS OXFORD LLP – CELEBRATING 25 YEARS IN BUSINESS FOCUS is one of the region’s largest composite firms of Independent Financial Advisers and Independent Insurance Consultants and has now been successful for more than 25 years.

WRITTEN BY: LINDSEY STRIBLING

PHOTOGRAPHY BY: JACQUELINE CROSS PHOTOGRAPHY & JON BARLOW PHOTOGRAPHY

Born on 1st August 1990, at the height of a recession and with interest rates at a record high, three friends (and business colleagues) decided to go it alone and set up their own company.

Situated in Seacourt Tower – where they still are today, the three founding Partners (Gary Hunt, Nick Walker and Steve Ilott) and two members of staff (including Roz Wright, who is also still with FOCUS) sat on deck chairs as they had no office furniture.

Since then, the company has grown to a total of 32 individuals - all providing professional advice and a first class, personal service to both individual and corporate clients.

THE PARTNERS Gary Hunt has spent his whole working life in the Oxford area as an Independent Insurance and Financial Adviser a number of his clients have been with him for many years. Today, Gary specialises in the design and implementation of employee benefit schemes and providing individual financial planning solutions. His role within the Partnership also includes strategic planning and looking at the company’s ever important presence in the local area.

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Nick Walker heads up the Mortgage Division at FOCUS. In his career, Nick has arranged over 10,000 mortgages for clients ranging from multimillion pound bespoke arrangements through to first time buyers and shared ownership schemes.

He is a regular commentator on mortgage issues within the industry and is regarded by many as an authority in his subject areas.

Steve Ilott began working as an Independent Insurance Broker in 1976 and throughout his career, has specialised in complex commercial risks. He has considerable experience in all areas of commercial insurance but particularly in the bio-science and life-science sectors.

In 1992, Phil Rouse joined FOCUS as a Partner.

Phil spent eleven years with a major UK bank progressing to various senior positions culminating in Area Business Development Officer as well as key positions in Insurance Companies and Brokerages specialising in development work, pensions and investments.

Nick Jones joined Focus in 1994 and became

a Partner in 1999 – Nick recognises this as the biggest achievement within his working life. His role at FOCUS extends to cover Commercial SME Insurances, as well as taking responsibility for the Private Client Department. Whilst maintaining his client relationships, Nick also takes responsibility for developing professional partner and insurer relationships to further develop an already successful General Insurance Business.

Phil Casey joined FOCUS as a Partner in 2000.

Today, Phil is the pension specialist at FOCUS and is authorised to give advice at every level of complexity and has overall responsibility for the pensions advice FOCUS give as a practice. Working in both the corporate and individual retirement markets, Phil ensures the FOCUS clients get the most rigorous and up to date advice possible.

Stuart Bartholomew joined FOCUS in 2001 and specialises in providing investment and retirement planning advice. He became an Associate Partner in 2015. Stuart also takes responsibility for monitoring the FOCUS Centralised Investment Proposition as a member of the Investment Committee.

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THE FOCUS TEAM FOCUS is a close-knit organisation, with the feel of a family unit, encompassing both the Partners and support team – which now numbers 25.

So far, there have been 7 weddings, the birth of 14 children and 6 grandchildren – not to mention several house moves!

25 YEARS – WHAT DOES THAT MEAN? The company has seen many changes in the industry over the past 25 years and the ability to adapt to change has proved vital in remaining successful in such a highly regulated industry.

FOCUS continues to be forward-thinking, constantly reviewing and updating working practices to ensure that it remains not only legally compliant, but as importantly, in a position to provide its clients with the most up to date and appropriate solutions.

2015 brought awards for the company’s achievements. In September, FOCUS received the Highly Commended (runner-up) Retirement Adviser of the Year Award at the prestigious 2015 Investment Life & Pensions Moneyfacts Awards.

Following this, in March 2016, the mortgage team received a similar accolade - Highly Commended Buy to Let Mortgage Broker of the Year Award at the 2016 Business Moneyfacts Awards.

And, at the time of writing, FOCUS is again shortlisted for the 2016 ILP Moneyfacts Retirement Adviser of the Year Award, which takes place in September.

Remaining Independent – and running a composite insurance, mortgage and financial planning business, are at the heart of the company. This means that clients are offered the most appropriate solutions to their needs, without being restricted to just some areas of financial planning advice or certain insurance companies. FOCUS is, and will remain, a whole of market practice.

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spotlight

Client relationships matter to FOCUS. Many clients have been with the company since it was formed in 1990, recognising the value the firm places on excellent customer service.

the challenge – and will most certainly be back for the next Twin Town Challenge.

FOCUS IN THE COMMUNITY

To conclude the first 25 years of success, FOCUS celebrated with family, clients and professional connections at an exclusive event held at Rhodes House in Oxford. The event involved magicians, musicians, excellent food and drink, dancing – and plenty of memories of the last 25 years.

The ethos at FOCUS has always been to work hard – and play hard. This extends from the business world into the local community with the aim of giving back to those who do not benefit from the privileges that are sometimes taken for granted.

demonstrated “theTherealevent commitment and

trust that so many clients have in FOCUS. It was wonderful to celebrate our first 25 years with so many clients who have become good friends over the years.

”

Nick Walker, Partner - FOCUSLLP

FOCUS is a Corporate Partner of Helen & Douglas House and fund raising events have included The Monster Race, Santas On The Run, a Business BakeOff and the Oxford Rainbow Run. More recently, Nick Jones ran the 2016 London Marathon and raised over £8,000 for the charity.

Earlier this year, FOCUS was a main sponsor of Twin Town Challenge 2016, which raised more than £275,000 for SpecialEffect. FOCUS also took part in this fabulous event which involved driving from Witney to Le Touquet and back whilst completing challenges along the way in a 1983 Porsche 944.

The “Never Lose FOCUS” team finished a very credible 5th out of the 80 or so teams that started

25th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS

“The event demonstrated the real commitment and trust that so many clients have in FOCUS. It was wonderful to celebrate our first 25 years with so many clients who have become good friends over the years.” Nick Walker.

“We’re proud and delighted to be celebrating this landmark. ” Phil Casey.

“It was wonderful to see the support we had from everyone, including our terrific staff, clients, insurers and professional connections, to whom we are forever grateful.” Steve Ilott.

THE FUTURE FOCUS would firstly like to thank their clients for the past 25 years and making the firm the success that it is today.

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 its clients.

CONTACT DETAILS

 mail@focusllp.co.uk  01865 295 295  www.focusllp.co.uk

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Experience + Service = righton Emma Righton has established a reputation over the past 18 years having developed some old sheds at the family home into a series of holiday cottages. Emma, as Managing Director and founder of OxfordShortlets in 2001, is known for high levels of professionalism and service, a reputation which has carried her through a series of challenges in her business. B4’s Richard Rosser met with Emma to recap on a period of change and the future.

WRITTEN BY: RICHARD ROSSER

PHOTOGRAPHY BY: ROB SCOTCHER (PORTRAIT)

When Emma decided to investigate the market for accommodation in Oxford, she already knew that there was an increasing demand for, and limited supply of, high quality, shortterm accommodation in the city. She developed OxfordShortlets with services to rival those available in hotels and in 2015, changed the company name to righton and expanded to enable the provision of their services across Oxfordshire, for both short term guests and longer term tenants as per the righton services information box.

As well as developing the type of lets on offer and rebranding, a long sought after shop front was secured in Oakthorpe Road in Summertown as well as a fully functioning new website. Emma, talking to B4 at righton’s operational offices in South Parade in Summertown, explained how these changes in a challenging year had tested her business but, ultimately, increased its resilience in a competitive market.

“We can’t stand still in this business. All businesses have had challenges, particularly over the last five years with the recession, General Election and, most

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recently, the EU Referendum, but we’ve become a business that has had to react to market changes to survive and we’ve become very good at doing so. As a small business we’re very flexible. We don’t have to procrastinate over making changes. If a change is needed, we’ll make it and move forwards.”

Whatever changes the business adopts, the provision of a high quality service has to remain the key focus, as Emma explains. “My MBA studies focused on the ability to use ‘service quality as a means of competitive advantage’ and we believe by providing a high level of service we can provide our landlords with a higher return. We are undeniably the leading provider of short stay accommodation in Oxford but we are kept on our toes by more providers, most notably Airbnb, which has provided everyone with a vehicle to promote short stay accommodation.”

Emma quickly realised Airbnb wasn’t going to disappear and now embraces it as a portal to help her fill any last minute voids and increase occupancy levels. “2015 was a tough year for us, particularly with the various structural changes we went through, but these are starting to pay off as 2016 is significantly better with the rebranding and

use of new technology definitely helping us.”

Whatever the competition, however, all righton properties have gone through not only the company’s own high level of service checks but they have met industry standard regulations, the properties are taxed correctly and have gas and electricity certificates. Ultimately, when a righton client steps over the threshold into a righton serviced property, they and the landlord know it will be perfect as well as being clean and serviced. This is the appeal to the corporate market and one which Emma is keen to expand.

“Our experience in the short let and serviced let market is now enabling us to expand our portfolio of traditional long term let properties and provide new Landlords the opportunity to benefit from our expertise, greater potential return and high levels of care”.

To illustrate the intensity of the service each property receives, Emma explains further. “For a tenant, our fully managed serviced properties are cleaned, prepared, inspected and we meet the customer when they arrive to show them how everything

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righton services Information box Serviced Lets Available from 3 nights to 2 years plus, are perfect for those looking for serviced accommodation and concierge at the end of the phone.

Serviced lets strike the perfect balance between hospitality and selfcatering: guests staying in a righton Serviced let can benefit from the luxury and convenience of a hotel, with the space and privacy of home, from a few nights to a few years. Fully furnished and equipped, with rates inclusive of utilities and the most comprehensive list of services on offer, serviced let properties can be found in city, town and rural locations to cater for all guests’ requirements.

Short Lets Available from 3 nights up to several months, are perfect for those looking for self-catered accommodation to see them through their holiday break, business trip or academic visit. As a guest staying in one of the Short lets, one will benefit from righton’s trademark high level of professionalism, irrespective of whether your stay is a few night or several weeks. Fully furnished and equipped, with rates inclusive of utilities, short let properties can be found in city, town and rural locations to cater for all guests' requirements.

Long Lets Available from 6 months plus, are perfect for those looking to rent a property that becomes a home during their stay in Oxford or beyond the ring road. As a tenant in one of the Long lets, you will benefit from righton’s trademark high level of professionalism, irrespective of whether your stay is several months or several years. Properties are available fully furnished and equipped, furnished or unfurnished and offer rates inclusive or exclusive of utilities to meet tenant's requirements.

works. We will then provide a once a week (at least) linen change and clean and do the same on departure. We will also provide additional services as required – chauffeur services, laundry, connecting with local schools if their stay is part of a longer term plan to move to the area and much more.

2015 was a tough year for us, “ particularly with the various structural

changes we went through, but these are starting to pay off as 2016 is significantly better with the rebranding and use of new technology definitely helping us Emma Righton, Managing Director, Righton Property

”

“From a landlord point of view we expect to go into each of our short term and serviced let properties every 6 to 9 days and long term let properties every three months. Vacant properties are inspected every 7 – 9 days so we provide a highly intensive level of service, which is certainly one of our USP’s.”

Always looking to refine the product, righton became a member of ASAP, the Association of Serviced Apartment Providers and has already had over 50%

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of the portfolio assessed in the ASAP Quality Accreditation Programme. The programme is the leading global quality assessment and accreditation system for serviced apartments and provides consumer confidence that they are being delivered a consistently high standard of customer care, comfort and health and safety. We now promote this to our client base so they know that not only are we meeting our own high levels of quality control, but also ASAP’s.”

“Looking forward, we would like to expand further afield, initially looking at areas like Bicester, Didcot and Witney. Working with an agent outside of Oxford who might be looking for an Oxford presence is also on our radar. We already work very closely with most Estate Agents in Oxford who refer us to their clients looking for our specialist services that they don’t provide and we would welcome the opportunity to provide agents with the benefits of our serviced let expertise with their own portfolios of properties. There might be an initial concern that we would compete for clients, but that would be short-sighted of us, so we feel offering our service to agents, as a joint initiative, should be of great appeal.”

No matter what the challenges, you can put your house on Emma Righton finding the best route to develop the business, with a keen eye on service and professionalism!

CONTACT DETAILS

 stay@rightongroup.co.uk  01865 318 594  http://rightonproperty.co.uk

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Management Buy In - ‘I was told don’t waste your time’ WRITTEN BY: MARK CROSSFIELD

PHOTOGRAPHY BY: STUDIO8

In the client’s words “I worked with Mark Crossfield and The MGroup on a recent management buy in (MBI). Looking back, I’m amazed I got here.

Before meeting Mark, I was told by four firms that funding was unlikely due to the current funding environment. The message was clear: ‘don’t waste your time’.

I was close to giving up when I was introduced to The MGroup. Mark was positive - I was positively skeptical! However, his approach, his experience and his network of contacts soon started to deliver viable opportunities.

Don’t be under any illusions: it still wasn’t straight forward. Things fell through or weren’t quite what they seemed. Even after finding my current business, there were many times when it seemed likely we wouldn’t complete the deal. It was in these rather challenging times that Mark stepped up and helped to push through the obstacles.

From finding the targets to creative funding approaches (all made to look easy) Mark has it covered. I ended up with a business that’s a perfect fit for me. I’m extremely glad I met Mark and grateful of the work he put in. I don’t think I could recommend him highly enough.”

Background Leon Edwards left a senior management role to pursue his dream to make a corporate acquisition on his own behalf. He had been told that representing himself as a buyer, known as a ‘Management Buy In (MBI)’ transaction, was unachievable without major venture capital backing and that locating a business in a sector he understood would be a challenge. He was about to give up his dream…

Leon was initially introduced to Mark Crossfield, Corporate Finance Partner of MGroup

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Corporate Finance, through a trusted source.

At first, because of the advice he’d been given, Leon needed convincing that his dream was achievable. Fortunately, we were able to reassure Leon by providing evidence of having completed many successful transactions of this nature before. We also took care to make sure that Leon was happy and aware of the potential journey before we began.

confident to introduce to their clients. Our relationships with these advisors led to several meetings with appropriate potential prospects.

The journey wasn’t straight forward. There was a series of close but unsuccessful bids for target businesses. Through careful negotiation we successfully secured an appropriate deal with the vendors of Display Mode, a point of sale business in Corby, Northamptonshire.

“ I was close to

Through active project management of the transaction process we secured the necessary funding and deal structure with the sellers to ensure Leon became the sole shareholder in the business. The transaction was funded through a variety of specialist sources including pension-led funding, commercial mortgage, cash flow and acquisition finance lines.

giving up when I was introduced to The MGroup. Mark was positive - I was positively skeptical!

However, his approach, his experience and his network of contacts soon started to deliver viable opportunities

”

Leon Edwards, Display Mode

Finally, to provide the best possible foundation for the business Leon secured, we also introduced corporate lawyers and undertook the due diligence for Leon enabling him to operate his own business in the future.

Mark Crossfield, MGroup Corporate Finance commented: “I was delighted to show that we know our market and that through our close relationships with key sources that this challenging process is achievable. We developed an intense working understanding which led to a pleasing outcome for us all. We are delighted to remain the advisors to this growing business.”

If you’d like to know more, please contact Mark below.

What Happened Once Leon gave us the green light, we set about speaking with selling contacts we had established through many years of operating in this particular specialist area. Advisors (who are representing shareholders of businesses looking for an appropriate exit) are often unable to access quality MBI candidates that they feel

CONTACT DETAILS

 m.crossfield@themgroup.co.uk  07780 957 631  www.themgroup.co.uk

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Mark Crossfield, Corporate Finace Partner, MGroup Corporate Finance

Turtles Tour Le Touquet - for TwinTown2016!

“This year, we were keen to take part in the TwinTown2016 event which raises funds for the highly deserving SpecialEffect charity (www.specialeffect.org.uk).

Some bright spark came up with the name ‘Car-abunga Turtle Tax’ which meant that we had to buy a bright green car and dress up as turtles! We set off, not without some misgivings as to whether we would make it to Blenheim, let alone Le Touquet. However, powered by pizzas and with only one penalty…we made it!

We were mightily impressed with the performance of the ‘Turtle Wagon’ as it showed it’s race pedigree around the Abbeville circuit. The same cannot unfortunately be said for the time it took for the team to change the wheel in a subsequent challenge but this was nothing to do with the car! This was not to be our challenge it would seem. However, we redeemed ourselves with one of the best times in the ‘Box’ challenge although some would say that this may have something to do with the rain starting to fall shortly after we had completed our lap but we did not let that take the shine off our moment of glory!

I think it is fair to say that the weekend was a huge success and I know that the £250,000 sponsorship target has already been exceeded. This is wonderful news and huge credit must go to all involved, particularly Brendan Cross of STL Communications and his team of volunteers. The organisation was absolutely first class, even if the majority of the £500 cars were anything but!”

Representing The MGroup were Darren Green, Peter Smith, Mark Crossfield and Steve Basham. Written by the turtle on the right!

Oxford United Managing Director Greig Box Turnbull

“ I was delighted to show that we know our market and that through our close relationships with key sources that this challenging process is achievable.

Mark Crossfield, Corporate Finace Partner, MGroup Corporate Finance

”

“The MGroup have been great supporters of the club for many years and we are delighted that they will be such a big part of matchday next season. The 200 Club is a new offering from Oxford United this season and we hope that with the support from The MGroup it will prove very popular with our hospitality guests. We see this as a new chapter in our relationship with this partnership and envisage it being hugely successful for both parties. We feel this is a perfect fit as club legend Steve Basham, who played over 150 games for the “U’s” between 2002 and 2007 and now hosts one of the lounges, works at the Witney offices of The MGroup. Guests in the hospitality areas last season enjoyed some truly memorable days with us and we look forward to many more over the next 12 months.”

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We asked B4 members what impact Brexit will have on their business and how positive we should be moving forwards now that the die has been cast. Nobody knows, let’s face it, what the future has in store but the overriding opinion seems to be….let’s be positive.

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B4 “There are very few opportunities that Brexit gives us in our business, the only one being the price of fuel is likely to increase due to the weaker pound against the dollar meaning that more people may be willing to give the bus a go.

However, a threat in a very tight labour market is that we will not be able to recruit enough engineering and driving staff to grow with the City.

“I think we do have to be positive about the future and work within whatever framework emerges. Visitors are still likely to want to come to Oxford and commuters and leisure travellers will still need to travel, both within the City and to London and the Airports so in many respects it will be business as usual. The expansion of Westgate should also mean that the City should now go through a period of retail growth that is long overdue.”

“Of course we must be positive and we must adopt a ‘glass half full’ mentality – by doing so, and by working together, we can come out stronger.”

John Hoy, Chief Executive, Blenheim Palace

“Leaving the EU will result in a unique cocktail of negative repercussions for the Oxford regional economy. Our position as a major European science centre will be threatened by the potential withdrawal of JET and the ESA, and the loss of EU partnership grants by the University, and our position as a 'most favoured' location for high value UKTI inwards investment is threatened by our exclusion from the single market.”

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“For us the weakening £ is the biggest threat. In the first two weeks after the Brexit vote we lost over £5,000 as a direct result of buying goods from France. We cannot increase our prices to reflect as we are tied into price holds for 3 months.

“The decision has been made and we have to be positive about the future. The Bank of England seem to have robust contingencies in place which give us confidence. Also, European companies will still want to trade with the UK regardless of Brexit. Buying and selling has changed and we have to adapt accordingly. We have substantial investment plans for later in the year which will be going ahead regardless of exiting Europe.”

Matthew Alden, Managing Director, Aldens Phil Southall, Managing Director, Oxford Bus Company

“There are opportunities for us to work with our clients to plan post Brexit what they must know before making key strategic decisions. We must also help clients to seize current opportunities while minimising risks.

“The key threats are the economic and political uncertainty reducing the confidence to invest and a focus on sorting out Brexit distracting from key issues such as housing and infrastructure.

“We have to explore what we can do as a business, not what doors have shut. We may be more cautious in the short term about growth, but we are already working with UK and international clients on opportunities created for them by the new landscape.”

Bruce Potter, Chairman, Blake Morgan

“The weaker pound does create opportunities for the visitor economy through ‘staycation’ and through increased inbound visits from overseas but the overarching uncertainty within the economy and across Europe does also create some serious threats around business stability and around the certainty of funding, investment, loans and grants from the EU.

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Councillor Bob Price, Leader, Oxford City Council

“We know our clients are concerned about the political and trading uncertainty - a majority of corporate clients told us they wanted the UK to remain in the EU. We can help them with their future plans and when there is greater clarity about the trading relationship we anticipate we can help them navigate any additional complexity. At this stage we expect minimal impact on our business because the accounting profession is regulated nationally.

“Two reasons to be positive. Change generally brings opportunity. Whatever your position on the referendum, the result is the UK will leave the EU and we collectively have to make the best of it. And the UK government must be positive, in that the negotiation of exit terms and trade relationship with the EU should be conducted to achieve mutual benefit in a spirit of mutual respect - this is not about one side winning at the expense of the other. The UK and the EU are still the closest of neighbours and they will need to work together."

Mark Bishop, Director, Audit, Grant Thornton UK LLP

“This result has left us with countless opportunities and finite threats. The UK will experience unsettling change, never good for business. However, dynamic and innovative decision making should enhance the economy.

Speed of change will bring advantages. The EU will lack such reactive ability because of its structure.

“We should definitely be positive. Uncertainty, adversely and disproportionally affects the balance of an economy. The UK has innovated, established and grown markets throughout history. That will not change because of circumstance. Confidence in our nation, not arrogance in ourselves, will endure.”

Tony Haines, Partner, Wenn Townsend

“Landlords will benefit if tenants feel uncertain and (like in 2009 and 2010) renew their tenancies and stay longer. The worst case scenario is a retraction of EU investment in academic and science projects leading to a long-term weakening of the local economy – we hope that careful negotiations maintain the strength of the county.

“This is quite philosophical for B4! Of course positivity is essential and each person can choose to be positive or negative. Positive people 25

tend to have the most satisfying lives and the best business people go with the prevailing trends rather than fighting them.”

Dan Channer, Managing Director, Finders Keepers

“James Cowper Kreston acts for a range of companies including international groups setting up European subsidiaries in the UK. An exit from the EU could have an impact on the number of companies locating in the UK with some preferring EU countries as their base.

“Whilst there are threats there are also reasons to be optimistic. The UK has an excellent worldwide reputation as a place to do business and many will want to base themselves here.

Free of EU constraints the UK will be able to set policy to make it an attractive destination.”

“As a UK based manufacturing company with almost 90% export sales, the recent weakening of sterling provides Owen Mumford with a more competitive offer to our many distributors worldwide as well as our own sales companies in the USA, Mexico, Germany, France, China and, most recently, Malaysia.

“The main opportunity we have as business advisors is to provide relevant and timely information. The campaigns revealed a number of vague accusations and promises lacking substance. Our role has to be based on informing our clients of any actual changes and how to best deal with them.

“Britain must have a cosmopolitan outlook and embrace the opportunities of true internationalisation. At Owen Mumford, this is best reflected in our commitment to innovation designed and manufactured by our diverse and talented workforce from over 37 countries in the UK alone. This is supported by local people resources at affiliates on 3 continents

“Never has so much been written about an event where so little actually happened. The UK’s economic challenges existed long before the referendum. Brexit might actually focus minds on solving them and building a better structure whereby the proceeds of growth are distributed more evenly. Plenty to be positive about.”

“We remain positive and will deal with whatever the political environment throws at us – having successfully weathered the economic storms of 2007-2010 we are confident that we are well positioned to continue our growth and success for the foreseeable future.”

Kathleen Parker, Managing Partner, Wellers

Jarl Severn, Managing Director, Owen Mumford

Andy Cowie, Marketing and Business Development Director, James Cowper Kreston

“Despite these uncertain times, we have yet to see any real negative impact. Freeths are a broad based practice with strength and depth across all business and private services. Whilst some areas may therefore see a slowdown (particularly in transactional work), our diversity will stand us in good stead.

“There are plenty of reasons to be positive.

Whilst Brexit may not have been the choice of many business owners, there are undoubtedly opportunities for flexible and adaptable businesses, of which we are one.”

Sarah Foster, Managing Partner, Freeths Solicitors’ Oxford Office

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“The referendum frustrated me. It seemed politically unnecessary compounded by the framing of a question - in or out - which was too simplistic and meant different things to different people. What should have been the application of balanced judgements and healthy debate of key issues became black and white polemics based on shallow, divisive arguments.

“The vote does not change the fundamentals of this great nation but will result in a changed context and brings forth new choices and challenges.

“We are a strong, democratic, inclusive, trading nation that should face the future confidently.

The people have spoken but only on balance.

Let's embrace the result positively and become more externally focused, embracing both Europe and Rest of the World enthusiastically. Life is about dealing with uncertainty and setbacks and creating opportunities. Let's grasp these now!"

Darryl Eales, Chairman, Oxford United FC

“Although the outcome of the referendum was neither expected nor welcomed by many in the business community, we must remain positive in the face of uncertainty and work closely with our clients to guide and support them through the inevitable changes in many areas of legislation.

We will also ensure that they are well placed to take advantage of the potential opportunities that are already emerging in several areas such as real estate, inward investment and private wealth.

The UK remains a destination of choice for its legal system and its courts. It is unlikely that Brexit will change the world’s perception of the UK as a global centre of legal excellence but undoing 40 years of EU-related legislation will undoubtedly put a huge pressure on the government and the legal profession, both in its making and interpretation.

Penningtons Manches is a broadly based firm with expertise across a wide range of practice areas, industry sectors and jurisdictions – many outside the EU - so our diversity is a strength in these uncertain times. We all want stability and prosperity and those should still be our aims in a Brexit landscape.”

Richard Smith, Partner, Penningtons Manches

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B4 “It is too early to make confident predictions about post-Referendum opportunities. Local technology, health and space companies are telling me they will need creative solutions for employment challenges, but perhaps the biggest opportunity is the chance for us all to build a better working world in Oxford and the Thames Valley.

“I have spent my whole life in Oxford and the Thames Valley, growing up, going to university, and living and working here. The sheer creativity, ingenuity and resourcefulness that I have consistently seen from the local business and academic communities gives me great hope for the post-referendum future.”

“With a vote to leave, the UK property market is unlikely to escape the wider economic instability that is anticipated over the coming months.

However, recent volatility in the bond and equities markets reinforce the case for real estate investment, as property continues to provide long term income stability and the ability to add value through active asset management. Looking forward, we firmly believe that fundamentals will continue to drive the UK property market. The UK has one of the largest and most sophisticated property markets in the world and because of this it should remain a magnet for global occupiers and investors."

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“A positive outlook is essential, no matter what the challenges ahead. We have great clarity about our objectives for the future and we have the advantage of being a small business that can adapt to big changes rapidly. As they say in France, “Quand le vin est tiré, il faut le boire”.

Nathalie Danon, Founder and Director of the Vici Language Academy in Newbury

David Birch, People Advisory Services | Partner, Ernst & Young LLP

“With the combination of political and economic uncertainty the property industry is always going to be concerned about ongoing occupational demand. Care needs to be taken to protect the research and development part of our economy both in terms of inward investment and the ability to continue to attract global talent to the UK. “This event has stirred up what was a strong market but with the swift political resolution and a strong negotiating team coupled with weakening currency make the UK a very attractive place for businesses to locate. I am very confident that solutions will be delivered which will enable us to look forward and realise that Oxfordshire is still one of the most attractive places to house a business on the planet.”

James Dipple, CEO, MEPC Ltd

“I remain positive as to our overall immediate and medium/long term prospects. We are confident that Carter Jonas is well placed to face the challenges ahead. Whilst we do a fair amount of agency and investment work, we also undertake a wide range of other work with non-volatile income streams, which have grown considerably in the last few years. In the last few weeks, we have won some very good quality work from both the private and public sector which is promising.

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Mark Charter, Head of Carter Jonas' Oxford office

“Any kind of economic uncertainty is a potential difficulty for us when so much of our business depends on clients having the confidence to go forward with transactions, but it is also an opportunity for us to help give our clients peace of mind by helping them prepare for any possible Brexit impact on their own businesses or personal matters.

“Whatever side we were on in the referendum, the decision has been made and what we need now is clear guidance from government about what happens next. Business will go on and the biggest risk would be to start shutting out ideas and opportunities. We need to be prudent of course, but our business has grown by over 80% in the last four years through taking a positive approach and we are not going to change that attitude now.”

Derek Rodgers, Managing Partner, Gardner Leader LLP

“We employ native speakers so 90% of our workforce comes from the EU; we could lose a significant number of our team if it became more difficult to come to the UK to live and work. Equally, if the UK falls into recession then services such as ours, which are often seen as a luxury, could suffer.

Opportunity lies in the potential for trading with countries such as Turkey and China and this is now a key objective.

“There will be ups and downs over the coming months, but we firmly believe that the basic property market drivers will mitigate against any long-term or deep drop in values of both yield and capital. We still have clients who are looking to add to their property portfolios and although they may be a little more circumspect before exchange, for anyone with cash in the bank, Oxford residential property still offers reasonable overall return, with relative low risk.”

Mark Crampton-Smith, Director, College and County

The decision to leave the EU will have a significant impact on many museums, with uncertainty over existing and future projects and programmes, loss of access to European funding, and potential implications for the large number of EU citizens working within the UK museum sector. However, it will not mean the end of museums’ international co-operation and exchange. The UK’s national and regional museums, as represented by the membership of the National Museum Directors’ Council, wish to ensure that the relationships built up over many years with European partners at both the institutional and individual level continue over the long-term. Accordingly, NMDC members have committed to work together and individually to continue existing partnerships, to develop new ones, and to secure the resources that ensure working in Europe remains a key element of our work.

Statement on Inclusion, from the Gardens, Libraries, and Museums, University of Oxford

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Economic confidence drops among Thames Valley business leaders in the latest Thames Valley Business Barometer survey Through the Thames Valley Business Barometer BDO and C8 Consulting have been tracking business confidence and performance across Berkshire, Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and north Hampshire for the past four years. When we began surveying the region’s business leaders in 2012 all the indicators were sluggish as the UK continued to struggle with the last recession. However, by 2013 business sentiment had started to turn. Turnover and profitability led the way and, as they improved, confidence in the economy returned

In the 12 months between spring 2013 and spring 2014 confidence levels amongst business leaders in the Thames Valley rose sharply from 31% to 90%.

Turnover increased. Profitability grew.

Times looked good and businesses in the region seemed bullish.

Since then however, the picture has changed.

After reaching a peak in 2014 the Barometer indicators have all dropped back. In the latest survey they are at similar levels to when recovery from the recession was still in its early stages.

Increased uncertainty The latest Barometer survey was carried out in April and May against a backdrop of uncertainty in the UK and world economies, including the approaching EU referendum.

This appears to have affected business confidence which displayed the largest fall since the Barometer began. Just 32% thought economic confidence had improved compared to 56% last autumn, while 30% thought it had deteriorated compared to just 8% in the autumn. These are levels we have not seen since 2012 when the UK was still in recession.

Taken in isolation, other Barometer indicators still look healthy. Over half of businesses had seen an increase in their order books; six out of ten had increased their turnover and half had seen a rise in profitability. But the trend is still down and forecasts for all three indicators over the next six months have also dropped.

Since the survey was carried out prior to the EU Referendum it will be fascinating to see how the region’s businesses have responded when we survey them again in the autumn.

important. More than seven out of ten felt that they had a diverse workforce in terms of age and gender while half felt their workforce had diverse ethnic, educational and social backgrounds. Only 6% of businesses felt that their workforce was not diverse.

Women made up more than half the entire workforce in 30% of ten Thames Valley businesses but made up more than half the senior management positions in less than 10%.

While four out of ten businesses have seen this proportion rise over the last five years we must ask ourselves what is preventing more women from being appointed to these senior roles?

So why is diversity so important? With the numbers of working women and those from different ethnic backgrounds increasing and more people working into later life, surely it makes sense to harness their skills.

An organisation with a diverse range of employees will be well placed to understand the needs of a wide range of customers and can interact with a broader client base. Not only that, but it will also be in a good position to recruit and retain staff in an increasingly competitive labour market where skills are in short supply.

You can download a copy of the full report including profiles of Morgan Lovell, Rezatec, Cherwell Software, Ashley House and Happiest Minds – from the BDO LLP website.

The next survey will run from late September to early November. Please contact ian.white@ bdo.co.uk if you would like to be involved.

Diversity in the workplace In the latest survey we also looked at diversity. Do Thames Valley businesses consider diversity to be important? Do they consider their own workforces to be diverse and in what way? We also looked at gender diversity and the proportion of women in senior positions.

Nearly nine out of ten business leaders felt that having a diverse workforce was www.b4-business.com

CONTACT DETAILS

 simon.brooker@bdo.co.uk  0118 925 4488  www.bdo.co.uk

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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

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Leaving the EU – what does this mean for your business?

Now that the dust is settling on the UK's decision to leave the EU, our clients are asking what this means for them. The UK is the first member state to ever leave the European Union and as such the result has ignited much uncertainty and debate about what lies ahead.

WRITTEN BY: FIONA LARSEN-PASS

A recent survey commissioned by Blake Morgan suggests that only 20% of businesses had set in place a continuity plan for the leave vote. In the public sector, there is concern about what will happen to staffing arrangements as well as EUfunded collaboration projects. We understand there is much uncertainty at present, but we will continue to support and provide innovative solutions to help our clients invest and grow.

business. There is the incentive of a more open and less regulated economy. Markets have already rallied significantly. Sterling is arguably at the right level given the balance of payments deficit. Exports are cheaper, potentially making them more attractive to foreign buyers. As the cost of importing rises, although this will impact businesses importing raw materials, the domestic market may become more inclined to buy from UK businesses.

Of course it's not only businesses that are affected.

Exit from the EU will likely have a knock-on effect on a range of private and family law matters which are currently governed by a system which in many areas combines EU and domestic legislation into an integrated European framework.

The good news is that for the time being, nothing changes in law. When the withdrawal process from the EU is triggered, the UK remains in the EU until either an exit deal is negotiated or two years have passed, and it's likely to be the full two years. This means that any of our laws implemented as a result of EU Regulation, Directives and case law continue to apply and be interpreted as before, until we finally leave the EU.

So what potential impacts do businesses need to consider now?

Investment may be affected, and businesses trading with the EU may suffer directly, with a few deciding to relocate either immediately or, more likely, when more is known. Businesses that are suppliers to or clients of such companies should assess their exposure and identify transitional and longer-term markets where appropriate.

In the long term, though, Brexit could be good for

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Staff from the EEA (European Economic Area – which includes all EU countries plus Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and additionally Switzerland) working for UK employers may be very concerned. Employers may want to reassure staff that changes are not likely in the next two years; provision is likely to retain all EEA citizens already working here; EEA nationals living and working in the UK for at least five years are likely to have acquired permanent residence and Non-EEA family members of EEA citizens living in the UK are also protected.

Changes could also be seen in collective consultation rights, Working Time rights (e.g. paid holiday and the 48-hour limit), the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 2006, a cap on compensation for discrimination, and potentially significant changes to/removal of the Agency Workers Regulations 2010.

For more information on how leaving the EU might impact your business, email your questions to brexit@blakemorgan.co.uk

Businesses will also need to consider how this impacts their staff. Where businesses know they will be relocating offices or people, meaningful consultation should begin as early as possible.

Employees might also be worried about pensions.

Trustees of defined benefit schemes may be reviewing investment strategies and the strength of the employer's covenant.

Employees in defined contribution schemes and approaching retirement may require specific financial advice. Some may choose to put off their planned retirement date. They cannot be forced to retire (unless, exceptionally, the employer operates a 'justified' retirement age) and should be supported.

CONTACT DETAILS

 fiona.larsen-pass@blakemorgan.co.uk  0118 955 3072  www.blakemorgan.co.uk

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Why Brexit won’t save you from the General Data Protection Regulation It’s come as a surprise to many but, on 24th June it was announced that the United Kingdom decided to leave the European Union. However, leaving the EU doesn’t mean the end of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

WRITTEN BY: LUKE BROADHURST

As a UK-registered company you’ll have heard about the new data protection rules which will start being enforced by the European Union in 2018.

With Brexit now a reality it’s important that the impact of these regulations is understood: • We won’t officially leave the EU until Article 50 has been triggered, it will then take a minimum of 2 years after that to officially leave.

• The GDPR was agreed in December 2015 and will become enforceable by 2018.

• Recent events aside, there are many other, powerful, reasons why you should ensure the appropriate levels of security are in place when handling your clients’ (and your) data.

“It’s extremely likely that the UK will enforce its own Data Protection Regulation that will be very similar, perhaps even identical, to the EU regulations.

Luke Broadhurst - CIS

• The EU’s data protection rules will affect every entity that holds or uses European personal data both inside and outside of Europe.

• It’s extremely likely that the UK will enforce its own Data Protection Regulation that will be very similar, perhaps even identical, to the EU regulations.

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”

• Your clients won’t thank you for losing their data.

They will be even less pleased if that data is not encrypted and can be exploited by cybercriminals.

• You will be fined 4% of global turnover or 20m euros per data breach (whichever is higher) whilst remaining under EU regulations.

• You’ll have to report a data breach to the ICO within 72 hours of becoming aware of it. The notification of this breach will then be accessible in the public domain which could destroy your reputation and credibility • Implementing appropriate, layered, security and ensuring that all personal, identifiable information is encrypted will address all the above issues and mitigate the highlighted risks.

The best time to start looking at protecting your business is now. Don’t wait until 2018 and don’t imagine that Brexit changes anything! If you would like to learn how you can be ahead of the data protection curve then book your seat at one of our free seminars on Encryption (see below).

CONTACT DETAILS

 luke.broadhurst@cisltd.com  01367 700 555  www.cisltd.com

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CLEAR FROM THE OUTSET I know that we, employment lawyers, bang on about the importance of employers ensuring that their contractual terms and policies are clear and up-to-date. In an attempt to show that this is not simply motivated by a desire to generate additional work (at least, not entirely) I want to use this article as an opportunity to flag-up a few practical examples of why this is so important, supported by recent court and tribunal cases as illustrative examples.

WRITTEN BY: BEN HEGEDUS

Enough is Enough

How wide is our Discretion?

We are increasingly coming across cases of employees, having raised a grievance and having been disappointed with the outcome, following it up with a number of additional grievances and appeals. This often results in management starting to question whether the underlying trust and confidence necessary for a productive employeremployee relationship has irretrievably broken down. There has recently been a line of cases that have reiterated the fact that it is a risky strategy for employers facing such a scenario to look to rely on a ‘breakdown of mutual trust and confidence’ as the grounds for bringing the employee’s employment to an end. For example, the Employment Appeal Tribunal in the case of Woodhouse v West North West Homes Leeds Limited, despite accepting that the majority of the concerns forming part of the ten grievances brought by Mr Woodhouse were without merit, concluded that the circumstances did not warrant the employer relying on the breakdown of mutual trust and confidence as the basis for coming to the decision to bring his employment to an end.

Most employment contracts have clauses which give the employer the power to exercise their discretion when deciding, for example, what bonus, commission pay or sick pay employees are entitled to.

This is a salutary lesson for employers on the importance of having carefully drafted grievance and disciplinary procedures, which, among other things, make clear that: an employee when raising a grievance must set out all the matters relevant to it (in order to avoid a drip-drip approach being adopted by them); a grievance which looks to reopen issues that formed part of a previous grievance procedure will not be permitted; and any complaint that is considered by management to be deliberately false, malicious or frivolous will not be entertained and is likely to give rise to disciplinary action being taken. By doing so, the organisation will be able to manage such multiple grievances in a more effective manner and will have grounds for taking disciplinary action where necessary, rather than having to clutch at the straws of the breakdown of mutual trust and confidence argument.

The courts are making clear that they will not re-write such terms. They will be taken at face value and will be construed against the party looking to rely on them. Discretionary clauses tend to make the company the decision maker, using terminology such as “in the opinion of the company”. In the case of Braganza v BP Shipping Limited, the Supreme Court looked at BP’s decision that an engineer (who when working on one of its freight ships went missing in the middle of the night and was presumed to have been lost at sea) had committed suicide rather than died as a result of an accident, resulting in BP avoiding the need to make a significant payment to his family.

The Supreme Court re-asserted the principle that where the contract indicates that the employer will be entitled to make a decision which will have a significant impact on the employee the courts will seek to ensure that such contractual powers are not abused by the employer. In so doing they will assess whether the employer had exercised its discretion in a rational rather than a perverse manner. In making such an assessment the courts are increasingly willing to adopt an approach previously reserved to reviewing decisions made by public authorities.

Such scrutiny includes a willingness to analyse what has been taken into account by the decision maker, including whether they have relied on matters that are not relevant or failed to include matters that are relevant. Employers are best able to limit the level of scrutiny tribunals and the courts are entitled to apply to such discretionary terms by ensuring that the contractual framework in which they are exercised is

clearly defined. For example, by stipulating that “the employee shall have no right to a bonus or a timeapportioned bonus if s/he has not been employed throughout the whole of the relevant financial year, his/her employment terminates for any reason or s/ he is under notice of termination” the company can prevent such judicial scrutiny in a large proportion of cases involving their discretionary bonus scheme.

Redundancy with Minimal Disruption Where a redundancy situation arises it tends to be disruptive and unsettling not only for those directly affected and ultimately selected for redundancy, but also often those in the pool for selection. The part of the redundancy procedure which tends to cause the most wide-scale disruption, bringing with it the risk of losing highly valued employees, is the process of agreeing the selection criteria and their application to the pool for selection.

Where a set of selection criteria have been preagreed and endorsed by the employees, for example, in the employee handbook, it can (other than where collective redundancy consultation duties arise) enable the employer to use the pre-agreed selection matrix as part of a desktop exercise to be able to focus the information and consultation procedure on those identified as being at risk of redundancy. No cases on this as yet, but watch this space.

If you would like to discuss any of the matters addressed in this article, please contact Ben Hegedus of BrookStreet des Roches LLP on 01235 836609 or on ben.hegedus@bsdr.com CONTACT DETAILS

 ben.hegedus@bsdr.com  01235 836 609  www.bsdr.com

Disclaimer: The information set out in this article is provided by BrookStreet des Roches LLP free of charge for information purposes only. BSDR cannot accept any responsibility for any consequences of relying on it. The information does not and is not intended to amount to legal advice and you are advised to obtain specific advice on any case or matter.

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www.b4-business.com

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“

The part of the redundancy procedure which tends to cause the most wide-scale disruption, bringing with it the risk of losing highly valued employees, is the process of agreeing the selection criteria and their application to the pool for selection.

Ben Hegedus, BrookStreet des Roche

www.b4-business.com

�

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Auto-enrolment: it’s here for everyone!

WRITTEN BY: KATIE PRESTON

You might have heard about auto-enrolment in the press or on TV and discounted it under the illusion it only applies to “large” companies and so not your concern. This isn’t the case.

Each company has been given a compulsory ‘staging date’ by the Government which outlines when your automatic enrolment duties apply from. These started back in 2012 for large corporates and will continue through to April 2017 where you become eligible even if you only employ one person. What’s more, the Pensions Regulator, the watchdog for workplace pensions, does not hold back from enforcing auto-enrolment and the fines that come with it!

Staging dates for smaller companies are now upon us. Are you prepared?

So, what is auto-enrolment and how does it affect you?

The government are worried that people are not making enough provision for their retirement and, as a result may not be able to live comfortably on just the state pension. Cue the introduction of auto-enrolment.

Auto-enrolment makes it a legal requirement for all employers to have a pension scheme in place and as an employer you will also need to contribute to even if you only employ one member of staff. This scheme places additional burden on companies.

Employers will need a qualifying pension scheme and, at their staging date, auto-enrol any qualifying staff which means taking a deduction from their wages.

The deductions start at 1% from the employee and 1% from the employer, but will rise to 2% and 3% respectively in April 2018 and 3% and 5% from April 2019. It is worth noting that in Australia, they

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are already making contributions of 12.5% from the employee and 12.5% from the employer! You will want to factor in these additional costs when taking on new staff or when conducting salary reviews.

As always, there are substantial daily penalties to be levied for failure to provide auto-enrolment to your employees, or paying over deductions on time.

Swindon Football Club were recently fined £22,900 for repeated non-compliance and have urged others to learn from this lesson!

To find out your staging date you can visit www. thepensionsregulator.gov.uk/employers/stagingdate.aspx

Checklist As an employer you will need to: • Register with the pension regulator • Check your employee details are correct • Inform staff members of the changes and deductions ahead of time • Take the relevant deductions at the staging date • Keep the pension company informed of • Staff details • Deductions made • Opt outs As an employer you will need to make sure staff are kept up to date with changes and their right to opt-out of the pension scheme (which will remove your requirements to contribute). You also need to make sure you are not seen to be giving advice, which is a fineable offence.

Every three years, staff that have chosen to opt out have to be automatically re-enrolled onto the pension scheme. It’s up to you to keep a record of these dates along with their DOB and earnings level to automatically opt them in the month they become eligible.

You may have an existing pension scheme in place. Is this suitable for auto-enrolment? Your existing company pension provider may not wish to extend their scheme under auto-enrolment, or they may charge you additional fees. Is there another pension provider that will be able to offer you a better alternative? It may be the time to review your existing company pension scheme so that you have everything in place for when your auto-enrolment staging date arrives.

In summary: plan early and keep the regulator in the loop!

At Shaw Gibbs we have a Payroll Bureau and Financial Services team who would be delighted to advise and assist you with the operation of your payroll under the new auto-enrolment regime – leaving you time to concentrate on running your business.

Please contact Katie Preston below.

CONTACT DETAILS

 katie.preston@shawgibbs.com  01865 292 200  www.shawgibbs.com

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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

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Preparing your Business for Divorce Latest statistics show that 42 % of all UK marriages will ultimately end in Divorce. Unsurprisingly Divorce cases are increasing involving business interests belonging to one or both spouses as one of the central issues to be decided.

WRITTEN BY: ANDREW NELLIST

advice

So if your marriage is coming to an end how to you get your business prepared for what lies ahead? You will need to be ready to have an important conversation with your business partners, who could also find themselves affected by marital split.

How your business is dealt with on Divorce can differ depending on whether one or both of you and your spouse are involved and whether you are a sole trader or you have set up a business partnership or a limited company.

As a business owner you will undoubtedly want to minimise the impact of the Divorce on your business. The context of Divorce cases remember that is in the family court and not the commercial court that will be dealing with the business.

In every Divorce case one of the first steps is for the divorcing couple to exchange full details of their financial worth. As part of this disclosure exercise the courts routinely ask that business interests are valued and this can be a costly exercise. The main thing is to take a sensible and commercial view doing everything possible early on to get a consensus as to the value of the business so that legal costs don’t escalate needlessly.

The court is likely to take a pragmatic approach and where a business is the source of the family’s current prosperity everything will be done to allow it to continue to be run successfully going forward. However it can be the case that the business assets carry significantly greater risk than the other assets and how this is factored into any settlement clearly then becomes very important indeed. This is particularly true of minority shareholdings non-listed companies.

The court will take a practical and sensible approach and each case is dealt with on its own merit. What is really key is to make sure you are completely on top of all of the indicators as to how your business is doing so that the relevant information can be provided to your lawyer and you can obtain the right advice. It is also a time if you have not already done so to develop a good working relationship with your accountant who may also become an integral part of your Divorce Team.

Roll up your sleeves, take a deep breath and really get to grips with understanding what information you are going to need to provide your lawyer about your business: • What income does the business generate?

• If the business is a limited company, what is your shareholding, who are the other shareholders and what restrictions are there on transferring or selling shares?

• Does your spouse have a formal role in the business e.g. shareholder, director or company secretary?

• Is there a clear pipeline of future income and how secure is the future of the business?

• What are the main assets of the business and what is their value?

• Does the business have a pension? If so what is its value and is there a deficit which might affect the value of the business?

• Is there capital in the business that can easily be extracted?

• Would it be possible to borrow money against the business?

Roll up your sleeves, take a deep “ breath and really get to grips with understanding what information you are going to need to provide your lawyer about your business Andrew Nellist, Head of Family Team at Hedges

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”

Taking early advice is important. The key to reaching a fair financial settlement and avoiding long and costly litigation may well be to agree with your spouse how best the benefits from the business can be shared whilst allowing the business to keep running successfully.

Andrew Nellist is the Head of the Family Team at Hedges and specialises in divorce law. For a preliminary discussion or meeting see below:

CONTACT DETAILS

 andrew.nellist@hedgeslaw.co.uk  01865 594 265  www.hedgeslaw.co.uk

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news

The Oxfordshire Business Awards Dinner A Celebration of Oxfordshire Business More than 450 Oxfordshire business leaders gathered at the glittering Oxfordshire Business Awards ceremony on Friday 17 June at the Oxford Thames Four Pillars Hotel in Sandfordon-Thames.

The Oxfordshire Apprenticeships Apprenticeship of the Year Award Winner: Stuart Barr CDR Finalists: Norbar Torque Tools and Grundon

Waste Management

Around 300 businesses entered the 2016 Oxfordshire Business Awards, taking part in the 14 different award categories.

The Oxfordshire LEP New Business Award Winner: iRepairTech Finalists: Fidelis Market Consultants and

Aerial Motion Pictures

This year the Awards, now in their 22nd year, included a new Food or Drink Producer of the Year Award, sponsored by Oxford Fine Dining and a new Property Award sponsored by Savills. The Awards welcomed back many existing sponsors including Heart FM, NatWest, Shaw Gibbs, Hays, Oxfordshire LEP, Oxfordshire Apprenticeships, Knights, Ridgeway, The Oxford Times and Mercedes. They also welcomed new sponsors Oxford Fine Dining, Savills, The Oxford Science Park and Darke & Taylor.

Guest speaker for the evening was Sky Sports presenter David Jones.

Awards chairman Paul Lowe said: "Tonight sees a celebration of some of Oxfordshire's most prestigious companies.

"It is a huge privilege to be associated with these Awards as they go from strength to strength."

The Knights Small Business Award Winner: Ross & Ross Food Finalists: CIS and Ue Coffee Roasters The NatWest Large Business Award Winner: Newton Europe Finalists: Hunts and Oxford Products The Shaw Gibbs Young Business Person of the Year Award Winner: Stuart Barr of StuartBarr CDR Finalists: Darren Aston of Aston & James

and Richard Marsh of CIS The Oxford Science Park Innovation Award Winner: Oxford Space Systems Finalists: Zeta Specialist Lighting and

Gusto Telecom

The Winners & Finalists

The Inchcape Mercedes-Benz Oxford Retail Award Winner: Andy's Barber Shop Finalists: Lily's Attic and Bakers Butchers

The Hays Employer of the Year Award Winner: Newton Europe Finalists: Oxford Products and The Rooflight Company

The Oxford Times Charity and Community Award Winner: Aspire Finalists: SeeSaw and The Hummingbird Centre

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The Heart Cultural Events and Tourism Award Winner: Thame Food Festival Finalists: Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat' Saisons

and NiRa Events / Oxford Christmas Market The Oxford Fine Dining Food or Drink Producer of the Year Award Winner: Hook Norton Brewery Finalists: Ue Coffee Roasters and

Cotswold Fudge Co The Shaw Gibbs Business Person of the Year Award Winner: Simon Biltcliffe of Webmart Finalists: Annie Sloan of Annie Sloan and

David King of Project 12 The Savills Property Award Winner: Bicester Heritage Finalists: MEPC Milton Park and Heyford Park The Ridgeway Marketing Excellence Award Winner: Perfectly Picked Finalists: Oxford United and Webexpenses The Darke & Taylor Business of the Year Award Winner: Newton Europe

CONTACT DETAILS

 jane.reeve@knights1759.co.uk  01865 811 218  www.oxfordshirebusinessawards.co.uk

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awards Q&A

INDUSTRY ACHIEVERS

Q&A B4 sat down for a Q&A with Rowan Waller, owner, founder and Managing Director of Wallers of Oxford Estate Agents, about their recent awards haul.

Managing Director Rowan Waller with his ESTAS Award, presented by Phil Spencer. Also Jenny Waller & the now-arrived baby Pippa Waller.

Tell the B4 readers about the industry award you have won:

We won two awards at The ESTAS: Estate Agent of the Year Awards 2016; We picked up Best Oxfordshire Estate Agent, and we were also shortlisted for Best Southern Region Estate Agency. I also won a Highly Commended People Award which named me as one of six top property professionals in the UK.

Who presented it to you?

Phil Spencer, TV property expert known for Location, Location, Location and other shows.

How many nominees were in your category?

There were around 900 guests at the event in the Grovesnor House Hotel in London itself so it is hard to know! But particularly as the results for the regional awards are purely based on customer satisfaction scores carried out between Estate Agent customers and The ESTAS awards directly, so there could have been any number of agents in the running but only first and second place were named on the stage. However, in the Highly Commended People category, there were 20 nominees nationally, and 6 individuals from that shortlist were presented the Highly Commended People award.

Was it industry professionals or customers that judged your performance?

Both. In the Regional Awards, i.e. Best Oxfordshire Estate Agent, it was purely based on the overall score given by customers from surveys carried out by the ESTAS, which scored us on a scale of one-to-ten across different areas (i.e. How do you rate your Estate Agent's website?

How do you rate your Estate Agent's communication? etc.). Our overall score was over 96%. However, the national Individual award was judged on customer comments. One comment left by one of our sellers, about how their tenant was late moving out, so I helped to physically move all their belongings in the boot of my car (two trips), and then came back and hoovered before our first viewing at the property that afternoon, on a Sunday!... I think that kind of comment helped.

Is this the first award you have ever won?

What does it signify for your company?

A vindication that what we have created is the right thing for this market place; we are now taking on more staff to grow the company here in Oxford, and are actively looking to expand into the Cotswolds, south Northamptonshire and Bucks.

What does winning this award mean to your customers?

They are all really pleased; they have been aware that this is a new venture, launched in September 2014, and therefore they feel, I think, that in a way they have come along on this journey with us.

Describe how it feels to receive this recognition:

Blinding!

Where have you exhibited your award?

As Wallers of Oxford, yes, although we only launched two years ago so I can't complain!

How important is it to win this industry award?

It is such a widely acclaimed industry award that it honestly does mean a lot. It justifies that our goal when we set out; providing an Estate Agency service that focuses on the Customer, not the commission, is the breath of fresh air that property sellers and buyers are genuinely looking for.

I need to ask my Mother in Law! My wife and I have just had another baby, and she and her Mum spent a week sorting the house out before baby arrived. So God only knows where that Award is now... probably in the same place as my snooker cue and golf clubs, wherever they've disappeared off to!

If you are interested in being featured in one of our Q&A articles, please give Kelly Gavaghan a call on 01865 742211. www.b4-business.com

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Forge Engineering Design Solutions Ltd Consulting Civil & Structural Engineers · Civil & Structural Design · Construction Management Plans · Flood Risk Assessments · Foul Drainage Assessments · Land Contamination Risk Assessments

· Project Management · Site Waste Management Plans · Surface Water Management Strategies · Party Wall Surveying · Sustainable Drainage System SuDS Design

Tel: 01865 362 780 Tel: 01865 390 690 Forge House, 30 Digging Lane, Fyfield, Abingdon, Oxfordshire, OX13 5LY

www.f-eds.co.uk

B4

property Q&A

MEET THE

MEMBER

Q&A

B4 met up with Norman Millar of Forge Engineering Design Solutions Ltd, to find out what makes this B4 member tick.

Name: Norman Millar Occupation: Structural Engineer / Party Wall Surveyor Years of Experience: Over 40 years, 32 years in Oxford Education: Associate of The Chartered Institute of Building Current Employer: Forge Engineering Design Solutions Ltd. Why did you decide to go into Structural Engineering?

My Father and Grandfather were carpenters by trade and I grew up with a hammer in my hand. Engineering allowed me to develop my interest in buildings and requires creative and practical design solutions to both the smallest and largest projects.

What has been your favourite project and why?

St Cross Church, Oxford for Balliol College. The project involved the conversion of the church into archives. All Balliol’s own archives, mediaeval manuscript treasures, and its rich modern papers collections, together with many early printed books are now housed in the Centre. The conditions in which these treasures are kept are much improved, and they are more easily available to researchers than they were on the Broad Street site.

The Church of St Cross in Holywell is one of the oldest buildings in the City of Oxford: the surviving Chancel arch was built about 1180. The Church is directly contiguous with, and historically related to Holywell Manor, which is now the home of Balliol’s flourishing Graduate Centre.

The project won an Oxford Preservation Trust Award.

What is your biggest achievement to date? Personal or professional…

My profession! It has allowed me to work overseas and have complete job satisfaction.

What was the appeal about Forge Engineering that made you decide to join them?

I worked with Debbie Prichard prior to her setting up Forge Engineering.

Our design philosophies are very similar. The type and variety of work and the client base of Forge Engineering was a big attraction.

I hope I will be able to contribute to the ongoing development and expansion of the business.

Do you have a new member of the team that you would like to promote to the B4 Network? If so please call Kelly Gavaghan on 01865 742211 or email Kelly.gavaghan@theiogroup.net CONTACT DETAILS

 info@f-eds.co.uk  01865 362 780 / 01865 390 690  www.f-eds.co.uk www.b4-business.com

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Long service: Mark celebrates 25 years The head of Carter Jonas’ Oxford office, Mark Charter, has celebrated having reached a significant milestone with the business.

WRITTEN BY: OLIVIA LANE-NOTT PHOTOGRAPHY BY: AURELIEN LANGLAIS

Mark joined Carter Jonas 25 years ago in July 1991 as a graduate in its rural property team having graduated from the Royal Agricultural College in Cirencester. Starting in its Marlborough office, his career was in its rural property team.

He moved to its Oxford office in 1995, and in 2000, moved across to the residential sales side.

He rose to equity partner in 2005, and in 2009 became the Oxford office’s head, responsible for the 95 plus-strong team based in Summertown.

Mark advises private property owners, including many celebrities, and institutional clients in the sale and purchase of country and city residential property across Oxfordshire and surrounding counties. He is also a valuer of high-end property and estates for leading banks, accountants and solicitors in addition

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to advising many private and institutional property owners.

congratulations to Mark “onMany 25 years’ of loyal service to the business. He has gained an exceptionally strong professional reputation for providing trusted advice to our many clients.

”

Mark Granger, Chief Executive Officer, Carter Jonas

His career highlight so far includes selling Garsington Manor, a Grade II*-listed historic Jacobean house

which sits high on a hill on the southern edge of Garsington village, looking south-west across the Thames valley to the Chilterns. It had a guide price of £6.5 million and generated interest from all across the world.

Many members from the office joined Mark in a drink to help celebrate his milestone. Mark was treated to plenty of balloons and a 25 shaped cake festooned with the company’s logo and colours!

Adding his compliments, Mark Granger, chief executive officer, Carter Jonas said: “Many congratulations to Mark on 25 years’ of loyal service to the business. He has gained an exceptionally strong professional reputation for providing trusted advice to our many clients. Mark has been a really

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great contributor to the success of Carter Jonas in the time that he has been with us - a period of great change. At the same time, he has involved himself, on a voluntary basis, in organisations that have a great impact in the Oxford community."

Outside work, Mark enjoys a variety of sports, skiing and country pursuits with his wife and two sons.

Mark Charter said: “I am honoured and fortunate to have a career where I get to advise on some incredible buildings, and witness Oxfordshire’s breath-taking architecture. Clients tell me that for them, it’s about continuity and trusted advice. I’m proud to have long standing relationships with many clients including Blenheim for over 10 years, many of Oxford’s colleges, and a private American client whom I have advised for 20 years. My day is never dull and I lead a superb team that has endless energy and drive, which keeps me young!”

including Blenheim for over 10 years, many of Oxford’s colleges, and a private American client whom I have advised for 20 years

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of The Manor Preparatory School, Abingdon, and trustee of the Lady Nuffield Home in Summertown.

I’m proud to have long standing “relationships with many clients

”

Mark Granger, Chief Executive Officer, Carter Jonas

Additionally, he is a member of the Ashmolean Museum's Corporate Advisory Board, a governor

CONTACT DETAILS

   

oxford@carterjonas.co.uk 01865 511 444 www.carterjonas.co.uk/oxford @CJ_Oxford

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GIANT Didcot Distribution Park TO LET Up to 1,000,000 sq ft on 62 acres Design and build packages available, with buildings designed to suit occupier requirements.

LINK 9 Skimmingdish Lane, Bicester TO LET/FREEHOLD 80,000 to 520,000 sq ft on 36 acres A major new distribution, production and headquarters development opportunities. Bespoke buildings to specific occupier requirements

6500 GARSINGTON ROAD Oxford Business Park TO LET 14,412 sq ft Detached modern trade/warehouse unit located on Oxford’s ring road, giving access to the A34, A40 and the M40.

NORTHBROOK HOUSE Oxford Science Park TO LET 4,704 sq ft (NIA) Grade A ground floor office suite with VRV comfort cooling and heating with 22 parking spaces.

unrivalled local and regional expertise Richard Venables rvenables@vslandp.com Tom Barton tbarton@vslandp.com Duncan May dmay@vslandp.com

news VSL Complete Eynsham Site Sale to Clockwork Components Leading commercial agents VSL & Partners has completed a site sale of land and buildings at Stanton Harcourt Road, in Eynsham to Clockwork Components.

Clockwork Components, the UK’s leading supplier of components to the upholstery and bedding industries, has purchased the 2.44-acre development site to house a new 47,000 sq ft facility.

Construction of the new headquarters building is hoped to be underway later this year and will provide the company with almost double the amount of warehousing space that it has at its current base at Network Point in Witney.

Chris Plews, finance director at Clockwork Components says: “We needed a new home

to accommodate the significant growth we are enjoying and our new building will provide us with the space we require to expand. Our initial aim was to expand the business in Witney, but with the critical lack of land supply we extended our search just 6 miles further into Eynsham.”

Acting on behalf of the landlords, VSL & Partners agreed a sale price of £1,376,000 for this rare land opportunity.

Tom Barton, director at VSL & Partners explains: “The site is located to the south of Eynsham in close proximity to the A34, which is important for the distribution side of the Clockwork Components business, but also perfectly accessible for their people and will enable the business to continue to benefit from the healthy skills base in the area. With

land availability in West Oxfordshire in short supply and high demand from Oxford companies wishing to build their own premises, Clockwork Components have secured a rare opportunity and we wish them every success with their expansion plans.”

VSL & Partners produces market reports providing a valuable insight into commercial property market activity in the Oxfordshire region.

For further information or to speak to one of VSL & Partners experts, please call 01865 848488 or visit www.vslandp.com

About VSL & Partners VSL & Partners was formed in 2003 by five leading Chartered Surveyors dealing with commercial property in the Oxfordshire area to provide clients with an unrivalled local and regional advice.

The company now has the largest dedicated commercial property agency team in Oxford with

other services including: Commercial Property Lease Advice, Valuation, Consultancy, Technology Company Advisors and Business Rates Appeals.

VSL is recognised by The Estates Gazette online service – EGi as Oxfordshire’s most active agent accolade and deal maker of the year for 2015. VSL

was also recognised in the CoStar 2015 Awards, for completing the seventh largest deal in the Thames Valley and Western Corridor, placed tenth in terms of number of instructions transacted and eighth across the region in terms of the number of disposals completed.

Deals Done...

Unit 5 Trade City Oxford 4,435 sq ft Let to Edmundson Electrical Ltd

Unit B, Park 34 Southmead, Didcot 16,848 sq ft Let to Henley Designs Ltd

Part First Floor Ewart House, Summertown 5,237 sq ft Let to Incuna Ltd

Unit 2, Radley Road Abingdon 1,882 sq ft Let to SP Carpets

4a Hitching Court Abingdon Business Park 1,198 sq ft Let to Intralink Ltd

4a Lower Farm Barns Bucknell 815 sq ft Let to Earthworm

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Bombay Sapphire A derelict paper mill in the tiny village of Laverstoke seems an unusual place for the gin giant Bombay Sapphire to make its home. When Laverstoke Mill was discovered by Bombay Sapphire, the now-beautiful part of the river Test was almost completely hidden by temporary buildings, concrete banking and overgrowth. The mill stopped making paper in 1963, and since then a series of companies have come and gone, many leaving some sort of industrial building matter behind.

WRITTEN BY: AMY DOBSON

In acquiring Laverstoke Mill, Bombay Sapphire stripped back the industrial sprawl, removing the concrete banking to allow for planting of wildflowers, and to encourage wildlife back to the river.

Now the section of the River Test which runs through the centre of the Bombay Sapphire Distillery is teeming with wildlife. As one of the very few chalk streams in the world, the River Test has a specific environment which makes it perfect for certain types of flora and fauna. Otters, water voles, egrets, kingfishers and many other rare wildlife have made Laverstoke their home, and the distillery is a site of special scientific interest.

Notably though, the river serves another purpose at the Bombay Sapphire Distillery. A water turbine contributes power to the distillery, which has been designed in such a manner that it has achieved a BREEAM outstanding award

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for sustainability. The biggest use of energy at the Bombay Sapphire distillery is powering the stills which produce all of the world’s Bombay Sapphire gin. A bio-mass boiler has been installed at the distillery which is fuelled with the spent botanicals from distillation. After the distillation process has taken place, the botanicals are dry and infused with alcohol vapours, so they burn exceptionally well. Even after these spent botanicals are burned for fuel, the ashes are sent to a local farm and are used for fertilising the soil, and in return, the rest of the energy at the distillery comes from sustainable woodchip from this farm.

On a tour of the Bombay Sapphire distillery, guests can learn about the sustainable technology used at the distillery, but they can also learn about the rich history of Laverstoke Mill. As a paper mill which pioneered the watermarking process, in the 1700s the Mill ran a very successful business, supplying bank note paper for the Bank of England and the British Empire. The Mill was founded by

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“ Possibly the most instantly impressive parts of the Bombay Sapphire distillery are the giant glasshouses designed by Heatherwick Studios

”

Henry Portal (or Henri de Portal) who was a French Huguenot, who smuggled away to England in a wine barrel to escape persecution in France.

Bombay Sapphire sought to bring high-quality goods manufacturing back to Laverstoke Mill, after the last bank note left in 1963. The distillery experience aims to educate people about Bombay Sapphire gin – a gin which is British to the core. It was named partly after the British Raj, because gin and tonic was the drink of choice for Queen Victoria’s functionaries in India – as the quinine in tonic repels mosquitos.

Sipping on a gin and tonic became an extremely enjoyable way of preventing malaria.

Possibly the most instantly impressive parts of the Bombay Sapphire distillery are the giant glasshouses designed by Heatherwick Studios.

Thomas Heatherwick has a long relationship with Bombay Sapphire, and is responsible for the new London buses and the 2012 Olympic Cauldron. He built the Glasshouses to house living examples of the ten botanicals which go into Bombay Sapphire gin, which are sourced from all over the world. One glasshouse is Mediterranean in climate and houses Juniper (from Tuscany, Italy), Lemon Peel (from Spain), Coriander (from Morocco), Orris (from Florence, Italy), Angelica (from Dresden, Saxony) Liquorice (from China) and Almonds (from Spain).

The other is the tropical Glasshouse and it contains

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Cassia Bark (from Indochina), Grains of Paradise (from Ghana), and Cubeb Berries (from Java). All of these wonderful botanical flavours contribute to the unique taste of Bombay Sapphire gin.

Upon seeing the botanicals in their living states, guests are invited into the Dry Room to familiarise themselves with the botanicals in their dried states, by smelling 22 glass jars. Guests are invited to punch

“ The distillery experience aims to educate people about Bombay Sapphire gin – a gin which is British to the core. It was named after the British Raj, because gin and tonic was the drink of choice for Queen Victoria’s functionaries in India

”

holes in their maps indicating the botanical smells which appeal to them, which ultimately indicates the cocktail on the menu at the distillery which most suits their flavour palate. Guests can order a complimentary cocktail at the end of the experience.

The Bombay Sapphire Distillery currently offers several different experiences for guests. The most readily available and popular ‘Self-Discovery’

experience allows guests to explore the distillery using an interactive map, which can be held up to speaker points around the distillery which give the guest information about the distillery. ‘Hosted’ experiences are similar, but involve a host taking guests around the site. Cocktail Masterclasses include a mixology session, and the Heritage and Horticultural experiences offer a more in-depth look at the heritage and horticulture of Laverstoke Mill.

B4 Event Behind the Scenes at Bombay Sapphire The Bombay Sapphire Distillery is working in partnership with B4 Events to host a ‘Behind the Scenes’ event on Thursday 15th September at 5.30pm, where you can discover the distillery yourself.

RSVP to: events@b4-business.com All our experiences can be booked below.

CONTACT DETAILS

 hello@bombaysapphire.com  01256 890 090  www.distillery.bombaysapphire.com

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PowWow

At Grant Thornton our purpose is simple; by unlocking the potential for growth in our people, clients and our communities we believe we can help shape a vibrant UK economy where businesses and people can flourish.

WRITTEN BY: WENDY HART

PHOTOGRAPHY BY: STUDIO8

Oxfordshire at the heart of the vibrant economy Oxfordshire plays a vitally important role in creating and sustaining the vibrant economy in the UK. The region has a global reputation for driving growth and innovation, is amongst the top five Technology Innovation Ecosystems in the world and home to an impressive knowledge intensive cluster with over 1,500 high tech companies. When you add to that the massive investment currently being put into Oxfordshire, it's clear how our own purpose and the ambitions for the region are closely aligned.

Grant Thornton in Oxford has a long history of working with innovation businesses in and beyond the City. We are now bringing a new focus to how we work with and support such businesses locally, with a real emphasis on facilitating collaboration and creative “collisions”. We believe that with a broad portfolio of clients – from the very small to the very large – we can play a valuable role as conveyer of such collisions. One element of our plan is PowWow - an open collaboration and drop in hub in our Office on the Oxford Business Park.

A place with a purpose Our vision is to turn PowWow into a 21st Century “salon”; a place where businesses, entrepreneurs, investors and fellow facilitators can come together in a vibrant and informal but conducive environment where they can collaborate with one another, work quietly alone, kill time between meetings, meet confidentially away from the office, meet new people, join a workshop or discussion or even use our CEO Room. It is not intended as a permanent 50

work space for anyone – but, other than that, we are pretty open-minded!

With access to free coffee, cold drinks, printing facilities and free, secure wi-fi, PowWow offers a more sophisticated and potentially fruitful “hangout” space for busy business people than the local coffee shops.

Our vision is to turn “PowWow into a 21st

Century "salon", a place for leaders in the community to come together and share ideas

”

However, PowWow is about more than simply the space. We appreciate there are lots of interesting spaces and existing networks in and around Oxford.

We want PowWow to be additive to the existing ecosystem in the region. Therefore, as well as being a fun place to hang out, we intend to leverage our network and relationships to host, curate and create a series of events, workshops, hackathons, and VC/ entrepreneur “at homes” that support innovative, dynamic businesses on their journey.

At the same time we will offer the use of our meeting facilities - for free, no strings attached - to independent networks and business mentors who have a complementary purpose and share our vision for an innovative, connected and collaborative Oxford.

PowWow and all that goes with it is a real investment for us and we want to get it right.

Why "PowWow"?

Whilst it's only a name we think it perfectly sums up our vision for what we are trying to create – a place for leaders in the community to come together and share ideas. The word powwow itself originally comes from a native American word meaning "he who dreams", which we also think it pretty apt.

How you can get involved We would be delighted if you'd like to come and experience PowWow and help us to shape its evolution. So why not pop in? – and follow PowWow on Twitter @powwowoxford To ensure we deliver the best possible experience and to prevent log-jams; we ask that you let us know you are planning to use PowWow. Contact us below:

CONTACT DETAILS

   

powwow.oxford@uk.gt.com 01865 799 899 www.grantthornton.co.uk @powwowoxford

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Let's Get Down To Business Meetings and Event Spaces for all Your Business Needs at Jurys Inn Oxford WRITTEN BY: CHRIS BRODERICK PHOTOGRAPHY BY: JURYS INN

At Jurys Inn Oxford, we understand the importance of business and with our very own purpose-built conference centre and activity area, our hotel is committed to being the perfect venue for your meeting or conference.

Our experienced Meetings team will be on hand at every stage, from planning to follow up, to ensure everything runs smoothly and without any stress.

The Jurys Inn 12-point Service Promise provides our business guests with a professional, reliable, and cost-effective service for your event. Just perfectly located, stylish, comfortable meeting places for your seminar, conference, training days, workshops and more.

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Jurys Inn is already a popular meeting venue in Oxford, catering for a wide range of events, conferences, and of course, meetings. With 20 meeting rooms to choose from, we have the resources, flexibility, and technical equipment to host your event, from just 3 colleagues in one of our board rooms to 350 delegates in our “University Suite”. The Costa Coffee bar located on site is great for grabbing a beverage in-between meetings.

The hotel is also home to a range of health and leisure facilities and offers a fully equipped gym, squash courts, steam room, indoor splash pool, and beauty rooms - the perfect stop for a little TLC.

Situated on Godstow Road, the four star Jurys Inn Oxford is only 3.3 miles from Oxford railway station, with 250 complimentary car parking spaces available on site.

For more information and to book your next meeting or conference with us, please visit contact us below:

CONTACT DETAILS

   

jurysinnoxford@jurysinns.com 01865 489 988 www.jurysinns.com/hotels/oxford @JurysInnOxford

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Corpus Christi College Corpus Christi College, in the heart of Oxford, is embarking on an incredibly exciting and interesting period for the college. In 2017 the college will be celebrating its ‘Quincenteneray’ and will be hosting over 30 events throughout the year, both in Oxford and across the world, for its alumni and friends to celebrate with the College.

WRITTEN BY: MICHELLE MAYES

PHOTOGRAPHY BY: NICHOLAS READ

Founded in 1517 and approaching its 500th birthday, Corpus Christi College is a close-knit and vibrant Oxford College, committed to academic excellence. Its ancient buildings are some of the most beautiful in Oxford, and it enjoys an unrivalled position, overlooking gardens and meadows yet still within five minutes’ walk of the city centre.

bastion of the ancient City wall and both preserves and accentuates original features such as the arrowslots and embrasures of the bastion. The design includes large picture windows that bring natural light into the auditorium and also incorporates two small seminar rooms that can serve as 'break-out' rooms.

Its ancient buildings are “ some of the most beautiful

The College has come a long way in 500 years and now boasts state of the art conference facilities.

With this and their recent AV upgrade and ongoing investment in maintenance and refurbishment, has meant that its place within the Oxford Conference and Event market has been firmly established.

in Oxford, and it enjoys an unrivalled position, overlooking gardens and meadows.

The MBI Al Jaber Building, completed in July 2009, is a bright and modern auditorium situated in the south-west corner of the College. It is built into the

The auditorium has a capacity of 120 in theatre style, and modular seating allowing for various smaller events with the ability to accommodate meetings for

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”

up to 40 persons seated around an open square, as well providing the ideal venue for social events. The Fraenkel, Rainolds, Seminar and Morelli rooms are also available and can cater for a variety of numbers and set ups.

The stunning rooftop Handa Terrace, with the feel of the deck of an ocean liner, features a garden space for quiet study and affords beautiful views across Christ Church Meadow to the river as well as, blending into the surroundings of the 'wild' garden for which the College is noted. The lower first floor terrace - a popular venue for receptions and a space to mingle during the intervals of performances and meetings - has marvellous views of the Cathedral and the College gardens.

Being one of the older Oxford College’s means that holding an event here allows guests to experience

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Being one of the older “ Oxford College’s means that

holding an event here allows guests to experience life in a traditional, working college with a 500-year history and a worldwide academic reputation.

”

life in a traditional, working college with a 500-year history and a worldwide academic reputation.

However it is not just the Conference facilities that are getting the City talking. Corpus has also just officially opened the exciting and newly refurbished ‘Oldham Building’ opposite the main college site.

In June this year The President and Scholars of Corpus Christi College along with special guests attended the champagne opening of the now

“ Many challenges and opportunities were faced and met during this project but the outcome and reactions have been fantastic.

”

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completely refurbished Jackson and Oldham Buildings. This project dramatically updated one of TG Jackson’s earliest college buildings alongside the more controversial Powell and Moya construction of the late 60s whilst also maintaining the external features of the original designs. Many challenges and opportunities were faced and met during this project but the outcome and reactions have been fantastic. The result is 61 stunning rooms of which 39 are ensuite, 6 kitchenettes along with its own gym and fantastic views over Oxford.

Combining this with the recently opened Lampl building which comprises 45 en-suite rooms along with nine communal kitchens and conveniently situated by Oxford train station and with the Liddell Building just a 10 minute walk from town on the Iffley Road Corpus really is a force to be reckoned with in terms of high quality accommodation within Oxford.

Whether it is for summer schools, educational groups, leisure groups or residential conferences it is certainly worth booking in to see the facilities with one of the dedicated sales team.

Corpus welcomes residential conferences, events and accommodation enquiries during the Easter vacation in March/April and the summer vacation in July, August and September.

For all enquiries please contact the Conference Office below.

CONTACT DETAILS

 conferences@ccc.ox.ac.uk  01865 276 708  www.ccc.ox.ac.uk

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“ We have two unique and diverse world class venues to choose from, each equipped with the latest audio-visual facilities and having a dedicated, friendly team on hand to take care of your every last detail.

�

Verity Donovan, Egrove PArk

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Egrove Park, University of Oxford:

Business or Leisure; always a comfortable and affordable stay WRITTEN BY: VERITY DONOVAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY: DAVID FISHER

Set in 37 acres of parkland, Egrove Park, part of the University of Oxford is the perfect place to stay. We have 63 executive style bedrooms set in a relaxing and convenient location.

Located just off the A34 and Oxford Ring Road, the bedrooms at Egrove Park are perfect for onsite residential events, delegates attending events at our Park End Street venue and bed and breakfast accommodation for business and leisure travelers to the region.

The venue is located just two miles from Oxford city centre, with an excellent public transport bus service and easy access to Oxford’s tourist attractions.

The venue offers plenty of free car parking and all rooms have en-suite facilities with a large desk area equipped with a telephone and internet connection. A television, tea and coffee making facilities, along with other essentials ensure your stay is as comfortable as possible.

Egrove Park has a range of fantastic leisure facilities, including an all-weather surface suitable for tennis or football, a snooker room and a fitness centre. Within the fitness centre there is now a recreation suite that contains a range of leisure activities including table tennis, pool, darts and sports TV. Outside is a croquet lawn, and the extensive grounds are ideal for walking and jogging.

We have achieved numerous accreditations, which all adhere to a set of stringent Quality Standards as well as agreeing to a Code of Ethics.

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Accreditations: • AIM (The Meetings Industry Association) • IACC (International Association of Conference Centres) • Members of VE (Venues of Excellence) Our purpose-built centre offers a first-class venue for business meetings of all kinds, whether you need a secluded setting in which the board can discuss strategy, or residential conference facilities to suit the larger events.

There are a wide variety of rooms, from the Clifford Barclay lecture theatre seating up to 108 delegates to a selection of flexible classrooms and nineteen syndicate rooms most of which seat six to ten delegates. The bar is the perfect place to meet up with fellow delegates, whilst the dining room offers award winning catering for a variety of functions including breakfast, buffet lunch, dinner and private dining.

We have two unique and diverse world class venues to choose from, each equipped with the latest audiovisual facilities and having a dedicated, friendly team on hand to take care of your every last detail.

Our Park End Street venue is located in the heart of Oxford city centre, offering immediate access to the train station adjacent to the venue.

With the addition in 2012 of the West Wing, following a £28 million investment, our Park End Street venue

offers a wide variety of conference, meeting and exhibition facilities, finished and furnished to the highest of standards and with stunning architecture.

At the heart of the West Wing is the Club Room with a bar, lounge space, terrace and views across private gardens, which is the perfect space for refreshments, a drinks reception and networking. The Club Room offers a wow factor to any event, with exotic rugs and leather Chesterfields adding a classic touch to the design.

We also offer the following at both venues: • Bespoke wedding reception packages • Corporate Christmas dinner packages: plated or hot buffet options • Private functions • BBQs / themed menus • Wine tasting • Teambuilding exercises For more information on all our services or to book a room please contact Laura Williams or Lisa Quinn below.

CONTACT DETAILS

 conference@sbs.ox.ac.uk  01865 288 846  www.sbs.oxford/conference

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The

Tythe Barn History meets contemporary and creative. Simple and traditional sit alongside state-of-the-art. If this is not your experience of corporate events then why not try a fresh environment. Be inspired and invigorated by the freedom of The Tythe Barn. No matter what event your planning - The Tythe Barn will wow clients with it's beauty and impress with it's functionality providing 2,900 sq.ft of floor space that is fully adaptable to your needs.

WRITTEN BY: EMMA DEELEY PHOTOGRAPHY BY: THE TYTHE BARN

Why choose us?

Well, we offer a fresh, interesting and unusual environment where we provide great service, great food and value for money. You want to WOW your guests as they come through the front door, you need a unique space that is private, adaptable, accessable and has plenty of parking. Asking too much? We don't think so and what's more - we can offer a venue that can be transformed to suit your requirements be it a smaller room for the more relaxed and intimate group or our main barn for that all out party. The Tythe Barn is a distinguished venue in a rural location but not far from the fast lane, really easy to get to meaning none of your delegates will get lost on the way!

We may host a number of functions throughout the year but we are no corporate giant. The Tythe Barn team have not forgotten their humble beginnings and continue to follow their original ethos of approaching

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every new client with good old-fashioned service.

We are a professional, family run busines offering a flexible approach and a big heart. We can cater for 40 to 400 delegates in an adaptable space and we not only have The Barn, The Cowshed and The Hovel for your enjoyment but we can also offer you a field or two should you so require. A great environment can be inspiring as well as motivating and The Tythe Barn offers your delegates a great setting and tasty menus to fuel the brain.

At The Tythe Barn we understand that the food can have a serious impact on the success of the day and that is why we are so proud of our in-house caterer Jamie Oliver's Fabulous Feasts. Whether it's a platter of sandwiches or a more formal dinner, everything that comes out of the kitchen is incredibly tasty, well presented and delivered to your guests as per your own requirements. We also know how to throw a good party and we know a lot of people who contribute to making a good party - who know

their stuff and know the barn. With a dedicated team at the barn and Jamie Oliver's team on hand as inhouse caterers you are in good hands! (For more details on our Corporate Menus and Delegate Rates please contact our office.)

Let us bring your group together and allow our venue to inspire and motivate. As an experienced team we have learnt what works, what gets people going and what might rock their boat. Being on a working farm can also come in handy if your group are the rural kind or if you think an urban bunch need to chew the cud! It's all in the planning so come along and pick our brains...

CONTACT DETAILS

 info@thetythebarn.co.uk  01869 321 442  www.thetythebarn.co.uk

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Entertain your clients in spectacular surroundings at the Sheldonian Theatre Many people who have lived in Oxford often know of and pass by the Sheldonian Theatre, the iconic building located in the heart of Oxford on Broad Street. However, many people don’t realise it makes a fantastic venue in which to entertain clients.

WRITTEN BY: KAY HOGG PHOTOGRAPHY BY: JOHN CAIRNS AND DAVID FISHER

The venue staff at the Theatre offer lots of flexible hire options, from awards ceremonies and presentations to drinks receptions, talks and concerts, but one thing in particular is proving extremely popular when it comes to entertaining clients – a guided walking tour followed by afternoon tea or a drinks reception in the main Theatre.

This is the only walking tour in Oxford that offers a whistle stop tour through 900 years of University history. If you’ve ever wondered how the University was formed, how long it’s been in existence and the secrets of its past, then you can discover this, together with the history of the Sheldonian Theatre, on this one-hour guided tour.

Your guests will see the University Church, the Clarendon and Bodleian Quadrangles and Radcliffe Square, where they will hear stories about how the University of Oxford was formed and its rebellious and violent history. The tour finishes in the Ladies Gallery of the Grade I* listed historic Sheldonian Theatre where your guests will learn about the origins of Sir Christopher Wren's first major building, which opened in 1669.

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But this is not all guests get to enjoy. The Theatre offers one of the best indoor 360 degree panoramic views of Oxford from its Cupola. Added in 1838 the Cupola was never an original feature of the building but we are certainly glad it is now! Whether it’s taking a perfect photo of the dreaming spires of Oxford at sunset on a summer’s evening or looking out over Oxford on a grey day, the view over the city and surrounding countryside always takes your breath away.

Before arriving at the Cupola guests pass through the attic area. Hailed to be a landmark in roof construction, Sir Christopher Wren cleverly designed the roof with five oak trusses spanning a void. Each truss consists of seven interlocking timbers held in place by scarf-joints, bolt and plates. In Wren’s day the attic area housed the paper for the Oxford University Press (OUP); today it is full of colourful lightbox displays which tell guests about the Theatre’s journey from past to present day.

Afterwards you and your guests can relax over a glass of fizz and a selection of tasty nibbles or enjoy a delicious high tea in the main Theatre, provided by our own in-house caterers, while gazing up at the Theatre’s magnificent ceiling.

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Painted by Robert Streater during the reign of King Charles I, the 32 individual panels that make up the ceiling depict Truth descending on the arts and sciences to dispel ignorance, envy and disbelief within the University.

In 2004 an ambitious project was undertaken to restore the paintings to their original state. Costing over a million pounds and taking four years to complete, the paintings were carefully removed and taken to Bristol where the layers of dirt were painstakingly removed to leave bright pink gambolling cherubs and an azure sky. 2010 saw another change to the Theatre when we took the decision to re-introduce Christopher Wren’s original colour scheme, last seen in the 1720s. Paint scrapings were taken and over the course of four months the Theatre was transformed to its present state with various coloured paints from grey panelling, ‘Stone’ galleries, ‘Cedar’ seating and ‘Rouge de Rance’ faux marble columns.

We are members of the Visit England visitor attraction scheme and have been awarded a ‘Hidden Gem’ accolade Awarded to small, well-run attractions that deserve a special mention, the Sheldonian Theatre was pleased to pick up a Hidden Gem Award from Visit England in 2015.

What our clients say “An excellent tour, our guide had a perfect combination of knowledge, wit and an engaging manner which made it a memorable experience which our clients really loved.” Finders Keepers Estate Agents “Excellent, informative and witty with a great pace; this is one of the best tours we have been on, we thoroughly enjoyed it!” Trip advisor

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venues

Tour, afternoon tea & drinks reception costs A one-hour tour costs £8.00 per adult and can be booked throughout the year. To book a bespoke tour for your company or organisation we require a minimum number of 12 guests and each tour hosts a maximum of 24 guests. Multiple tours can run at the same time which enables us to accommodate up to 120 guests (five tours).

Tours require a certain amount of limited walking.

Drinks receptions start from £12.00 plus VAT per person, Afternoon teas start from £25.00 plus VAT per person. Exclusive hire of the Theatre is £250 per hour inclusive of VAT

“Guided tours focus on the impressive classical architecture and describe the building’s history from the seventeenth century in a fresh and absorbing manner.” Trip advisor “This tour delivered excellent anecdotes; it really brought history to life!” Trip advisor “One of the highlights of the area and well worth booking on this tour” Trip advisor “The Sheldonian Theatre is jaw dropping inside and out” Trip advisor

CONTACT DETAILS

   

kay.hogg@admin.ox.ac.uk 01865 278 787 www.venues.ox.ac.uk/venues/sheldonian-theatre/ @OxUniVenues

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Going Green We would like to offer a warm B4 welcome to Aaron Rudman–Hawkins from The Evergreen Agency. Aaron, will be contributing to B4 Magazine as a regular columnist for our Digital Marketing Platform. This new and exciting feature will be solely focused on providing the very latest digital marketing news, trends and updates that you as business owners need to know. Be sure to look out for it in the next edition… Aaron, over to you!

WRITTEN BY: AARON RUDMAN-HAWKINS

PHOTOGRAPHY BY: THE EVERGREEN AGENCY

Sowing the seeds of The Evergreen Agency It was my overwhelming desire to break away from the countless, established digital marketing agencies and their unfavourable working practices, which led to the launch of The Evergreen Agency in 2013. I have a real passion for working in a transparent and ethical way in an industry that, unfortunately still has a very bad reputation. In previous years the general consensus seemed to be that it was generally acceptable to over-promise, employ manipulative practices and hide everything behind a wall of mystery and intrigue.

An open and honest approach seemed to resonate very well with my first clients, who worked with me as a one-man-band operating from my home office. Being told consistently that what I was saying was refreshing, simple and easy to understand, in contrast to other agencies’ technical-jargon. I just spoke plain English and worked with businesses and their real-world goals. My reputation grew and gained notoriety alongside my approach, and before long referral enquiries were hitting my desk on an almost daily basis.

From saplings to oak trees From humble beginnings and due solely to the strength of client referrals and recommendations, I soon appreciated that I had to expand the agency and find like-minded people who could help me to provide ethical and honest digital marketing in a friendly, informal and relaxed yet results driven manner. After spending many weeks researching, I recruited a team both inhouse and across the U.K. for their expertise and passion for doing digital marketing my way.

“We now have the privilege of working with a wide variety of clients across all business sectors in the U.K., including one of the World’s leading Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine Experts – Dr. (TCM) John Tsagaris.

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Our expertise has always been in working with small businesses, whether that is to establish them online or dramatically improve their online visibility, and grow their business. We now work with dozens of SMEs in sectors including hospitality, B2B, health and fitness, leisure and entertainment, travel and luxury goods.”

Such is our reputation in the industry, that several industry experts in the United States and Australia list our agency as a trusted supplier; this results in a regular stream of International clients. Currently we’re working in the luxury goods, IT, Construction and Education industries in those countries.

Fortunately, good quality digital marketing best practice is ‘universal’, so our principles and approach resonate just as well in the U.S. and Australia as it does here in the U.K.”

Planting roots with B4 The future of The Evergreen Agency is looking very bright indeed; we are expanding our team all the time and offering an ever-wider pool of digital marketing services. Our primary focus is now, and always will be, to continue supporting all of our clients in whichever way they need us to - ensuring we always exceed their expectations.

We will be looking for a bigger office premises very soon and a key part of our business growth plans for 2016/17 was the decision to join B4. We value the network of experienced and influential business experts that this organisation can bring. We are very much looking forward to contributing to the network and getting to know our fellow members.

week off nicely. Our biscuit tin is always jampacked with treats, which is especially useful for those times when we’re so busy we forget about lunch; and of course, all the team benefit from flexible working hours.

We thoroughly enjoy working closely with our clients. We like to really get involved, and I advise all our clients to think of us as their internal marketing team or, better yet, a friend you can call anytime. Unlike other agencies we do not want to be thought of or treated as an external agency whom you pay and from whom you hardly ever hear, or worse still, have no idea what they do.

Our agency specialises in providing search engine optimisation (SEO), Adwords Management, Web Design and Social Media Management. We have an excellent track record of formulating, creating and implementing content strategies that take a brand or business to the very top of Google.

If your business wants to be the best online and ranked at the top, then you must deserve to be there. Don’t be fooled by what many agencies tell you, there is no magic secret to digital marketing or SEO success in 2016. I promise, you reach the top of Google with hard work, persistence and maybe the helping hand of The Evergreen Agency!

Here at The Evergreen Agency we provide a FREE digital marketing advice service to businesses, these monthly video updates are completely FREE to receive and you can sign up by visiting: theevergreenagency.co.uk/freeadvice

Grow your business with The Evergreen Agency We get real satisfaction from watching businesses blossom on line, it’s why we’re in this industry and why I started my agency. We are a young and vibrant company that likes to work hard and play hard, our office fridge, stocked ready for ‘Cider Friday’s’ is testament to that, we enjoy a little tipple on a Friday afternoon to round each

 aaron@theevergreenagency.co.uk  01869 24 22 22  http://theevergreenagency.co.uk

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Our expertise has always been in working with small “businesses, whether that is to establish them online or dramatically improve their online visibility, and grow their business. We now work with dozens of SMEs in sectors including hospitality, B2B, health and fitness, leisure and entertainment, travel and luxury goods.

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Aaron Rudman-Hawkins, The Evergreen Agency

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Digital Marketing WRITTEN BY: RALPH HILSDON

Are you getting it right?

Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)

A digital marketing strategy can look complex, certainly jargon abounds, but navigate past this, find the right partner and you can succeed online without breaking the bank.

Google and others rank pages individually determining their position for the requested search terms. The key factor SEO practitioners work on are; • Content – deliver information, be accessible, be sufficient • Keywords • Currency - regular updates, blogs, news feeds • Structure – naming conventions, links, features, images • Links – inbound and outbound, providing they are used correctly • Mobile – responsiveness is critical

Too often, digital marketing is ineffective because it lacks one or more of these essential components; • Your on-line presence – your website and social media home pages • Traffic generators – tools to drive business to your website • Conversion – transitioning interest to a lead or a sale

The website is

the starting point and is at the heart of your on-line strategy. Whatever marketing you do, whether digital or traditional it is likely to result in a visit to your website, so it needs to be right! The attributes of a good “brochure” website are; • • • • • • • •

Attractiveness – grab attention in seconds Usability – easy to read and simple to navigate Informative/Content rich – provides answers, users return to useful sites Currency – continuously maintained and up-to-date Fashionable – latest features, images, videos etc.

Mobile Responsiveness – cater for over 50% of mobile accesses Functionality – links, tools and menus must work Confidence building – promote your strengths

An online shop also needs; • A choice of product images • Specifications, user guides, dimensions • Reviews • Delivery, costs and return information

Traffic Generation is the second component of a successful digital strategy, once you have a great website, you need to drive business to it. As well as traditional advertising, (PR, direct mail and networking), we now have additional digital tools in our marketing armoury. The skill is in choosing the right tool or tools to use and when; there is no magic one size fits all solution.

This is where an agency earns their keep, but be aware, some specialise in just one area so are less likely to give you balanced advice.

The main digital tools include;

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POSITIVES

NEGATIVES

• Great if you get on the first page, search is often the first tool used • Google Analytics is free and measures your website’s performance

• Reactive, so less suited if you are marketing a new product, service or concept • Results take time, it can be very expensive • Requires continuous investment, if 10+ competitors can afford more, then your chances of page one are small

Pay per Click (PPC) Above and below the organic search results are the paid for adverts. Google and others analyse your search terms and attempt to match as closely as possible a suitable advert. Whether or not your advert appears is dependent on the keywords you have selected, how much you have bid for them and the quality ranking of your website.

POSITIVES

NEGATIVES

• Can get you on the first page quickly • Cost effective if your keywords are unusual • Maximum budgets can be set • Google Analytics is free and measures your website’s performance

• Reactive, so less suited if you are marketing a new product, service or concept • Popular keywords can be very expensive • Visitors may mentally block out ads

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Email Marketing - B2C, B2B and Promotion versus Brand Building A cost efficient tool for brand building, promoting offers, finding new customers and maintaining contact with customers, it can be used for both B2B and B2C campaigns and it is pro-active. Its benefits apply to using both internal and third party contact lists.

POSITIVES

NEGATIVES

• Cost efficient and effective if suitably targeted • Ideal for selling new products and concepts • Equally effective for finding new customers or keeping in touch with existing ones • Newsletters are useful for image building with E-shots used for promoting offers

• Filters (automatic and human) can screen them out • There are a lot of “bad lists” with inaccurate data giving poor results • It can have a negative image - spam

Social Media With over 50% of adults having a Facebook or Twitter account it has the potential to be a powerful marketing tool, sponsored advertising is possible but it’s the organic content that achieves results.

POSITIVES

NEGATIVES

• Proactive marketing is good for selling new concepts • You can communicate and respond to customers • You can reach new audiences and specialist areas • Customers can promote you!

• Easy to monitor performance

• It can be time consuming, posts are needed everyday • Your posts need to be engaging • It takes time to achieve results, typically 3 months+ • Platforms and rules are fluid, so you need to be nimble!

Conversion

Whatever marketing you do, whether digital “ or traditional it is likely to result in a visit to your website, so it needs to be right! ” Affiliate Marketing You can sell advertising space on your website to related companies directly or through an agency, or, you can place adverts for your business on the other company’s websites. Income models vary, but typically a fee is paid whenever the advert is viewed, clicked on, or if a sale/lead is generated.

POSITIVES

NEGATIVES

• Money for nothing!

• Enables groups of small businesses to support each other • Transparent and measurable

• Limited income • Can spoil the website appearance • May encourage traffic to leave your website • Time consuming to manage yourself

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marketing

Making it happen The last hurdle is turning the interest that you have created into action, this can be the completion of a contact form, a telephone call, an email enquiry or even a sale. The more seamless the visitors experience is, the more likely you are to succeed. For example, if someone clicks on an advert, it should route them to the relevant part of your website, if it is for an offer, it should go to a dedicated landing page with further details and a call to action.

It is of course essential that you have the tools and resources in place to follow up all interest in a timely manner, in today’s digital world, immediate action is expected!

CONTACT DETAILS

 info@web-clubs.co.uk  01494 240 150  www.web-clubs.co.uk

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The Alchemy of Branding Having spent 14 years client side working on premium brands with blue chip Multinationals and 26 years consultancy side, Strangebrew’s Business and Brand Alchemist, Phil Strachan, is almost uniquely qualified to talk on and advise on the value of brands and the importance of branding in adding value to businesses and organisations of all different shapes and sizes.

WRITTEN BY: PHIL STRACHAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY: CARLI ADBY OF ADBY CREATIVE

Brands and branding are concepts that are much misunderstood by so many people in business. On the one hand, some think that a brand is no more than a name and and/ or a logo - while on the other hand, some equally incorrectly believe that brands and branding are very expensive, unaffordable for them and therefore are only for bigger businesses.

all the right reasons in the eyes of your target audiences. Your brand is what you stand for and are seen to stand for – it is your identity, it is your means to stand out from the crowd, to differentiate your offering meaningfully and effectively. It is your way to ensure that you don’t simply blend in (or bland in as I would put it) with the competition and become lost and drowned in a sea of sameness.

The truth is that everyone in business, regardless of the size of their business, is already a brand – they already have a brand and their business is already branded whether they deliberately set out to create a brand or otherwise. In simple terms, a brand can be thought of as being what people say about you or your business when you are not in the room.

Don’t just jump on the blandwagon

Your brand is what you stand for - it is your identity Your brand is not your name, your brand is not your logo – these are simply identifiers, how people can recognise your brand versus others.

These are simply what stand for your brand and help others to identify your product or service offering from that of your competitors. Your brand, on the other hand, is what you and your business stand for and are seen to stand for, what comes to mind when people hear your name or see your name or logo – eg reliable, approachable and great value or unreliable, aloof and poor value. These associations, on both rational and emotional dimensions, are built over time and from experience but they are essentially about how you and your business are perceived – and that is why I believe that branding is fundamentally the art of managing perceptions.

No point in just blanding in How you are perceived, what you and your business are seen to stand for, is something that you can and must influence if you are to be successful and to be able to stand out from the crowd and apart from your competitors for 64

That is why I emphasise the need to ‘Think Brand – not bland’ because there is simply no point in being bland, no value to being bland and it is pointless jumping on the already well oversubscribed blandwagon unless you actually want to end up becoming yet another example of the bland that time forgot. So, your brand is your identity, it is what you are seen to stand for, how you are perceived or wish to be perceived and it can and should be managed.

However, I constantly witness new businesses diving headlong into execution mode and having logos designed and websites built before they have gone through the identity process. They don’t know who they are, what they are, what they need and want to be seen to stand for in order to differentiate themselves from their competition - yet they are in execution mode and potentially wasting money. On many occasions at networking meetings, I have had people launching new businesses and already with logos and website designs underway ask me if they should be talking to me about ‘brand’.

The answer is yes – but best not to put the cart before the horse. I also come across many example of businesses having ‘rebranded’ when in fact all they have actually done is a superficial, and ultimately pointless and ineffectual change of name and/or logo.

See yourself as others do Regarding established businesses, it is also vitally important that they periodically take a step back and take a long hard look at themselves from

the outside in because what matters is how they are perceived and what they are seen to stand for by those viewing them from an external perspective. Many businesses that have been established for maybe 10 or 15 years are still saying essentially the same thing that they were when they launched and still presenting themselves in the same way. They don’t see the need to actively change because they do not think they have changed – but how they are perceived will most probably have changed passively, and perhaps very significantly, due changes in the market over time or due to new competition and/or existing competitors refreshing their messaging, presentation and perception. To remain relevant and current, every company must regularly review actions that they might need to take in order to manage their perceptions as they would wish and to effectively and successfully revitalise, refresh and reinvigorate their presentation and communications and perhaps even to reinvent themselves if this is required.

Why branding is alchemy for business For any new businesses, good branding can transform the likelihood of success and add huge value by helping you to stand out from the crowd and to connect, communicate and engage effectively with your target audience.

For existing and established businesses, a review of your branding can refresh and rejuvenate your business, giving it a new lease of life and renewed momentum.

For more information and to discuss how an injection of Business and/or Brand Alchemy could be of benefit to you, please contact Phil Strachan.

CONTACT DETAILS

 phil@strangebrew.co.uk  07770 753 975  www.thinkbrandnotbland.co.uk

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you are perceived, “ How what you and your

business are seen to stand for, is something that you can and must influence if you are to be successful and to be able to stand out from the crowd

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SUNDAY 11 SEPTEMBER 2016 THE CHERWELL SCHOOL MORE THAN JUST A BIKE RIDE Beautiful routes, local produce feed-stations, finisher’s medal and post-ride food and bar.

25, 50 AND 80 MILE ROUTES Support by

Cowley Road Condors

REGISTER AND BOOK ONLINE bikeoxford.co.uk E info@iconiccyclingevents.co.uk Bike Oxford BikeOxford

JOIN TEAM

B4!!!

Would you like to join our Team? We have 10 places, so if you think you’re up to a 50 mile ride, then please call Richard on: 01865 742211

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KEEP MOVING, THAT’S WHAT DIGITAL IS ALL ABOUT The argument often goes that the pace of change in digital is so fierce that if you fail to keep up you’ll get left behind.

It’s sometimes true, but I believe the argument is more nuanced than this. Instead of living in fear of the pace of change, we can learn to embrace it and the opportunities it presents. So, why keep moving?

WRITTEN BY: PAUL WOOD

PHOTOGRAPHY BY: SIMON CAMPBELL

Firstly, because you can If you make a mistake and send it to be printed there’s little you can do. Unlike traditional media, digital allows you to run tests. I remember once visiting a large institution which happened to be preparing for the launch of a new website. The leader of the project proudly talked me through their favourite feature, the website navigation; it was wonderful, but the project had been held up for six-months to allow for it to be defined!

It sounds counter intuitive, but sometimes you’re better off making a change you’re not quite sure about than spending six-months deciding whether it’s a good idea or not. Digital affords us the ability to do this with little risk.

To be clear, I’m not for one moment suggesting you are foolhardy when it comes to change, but we can all get used to testing new ideas. How do you achieve this? Technology isn’t the problem, there are loads of ways to test changes, I find the real skill is in helping your organisation learn to become comfortable with updating in iterative steps.

break with no obvious cause? It’s because everything around your website is changing.

change. It’s invaluable information and can help you thrive in digital.

Since the start of 2015, Google has released 14 major versions of its market leading web browser (Chrome). In the same time Microsoft has released an entirely new browser called Edge and updated it almost monthly thereafter. Alongside this, Apple’s operating systems, Windows, Android and countless devices have all been updated numerous times.

Introducing Indulge

When the technology used to browse your website changes, it’s easy to see how something can break.

It highlights the importance of maintenance and iterative change to ensure that no matter how technology changes, your website stays up to date.

Search engines need to keep moving

Technology will keep moving without you

There’s another moving target: search engine optimisation (SEO). Search engine updates are always intended to give customers a better experience. Google is incredible at keeping track of what customers want and then providing a service that achieves it. By keeping track of the changes that search engines make, you are giving yourself insight into what your customers want.

Have you ever seen a website break despite nothing on it changing for months? I have. How can a website

Tools like Google Trends let you monitor what people are searching for and the trends that are driving

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We’re celebrating a change ourselves. Since our founding in 2009 we’ve worked with some fantastic clients from our home in the Channel Islands. We’re delighted to announce that we’ve expanded, with our Managing Director in the UK, Paul Wood opening up our first mainland studio in Oxford.

We’re experts in navigating digital change. We’ve helped clients such as Specsavers, OCS and Guernsey Airport launch new websites, build apps and run digital marketing campaigns. We’re also ISO:9001 accredited, with quality at the heart of everything we do.

If you’re looking for an affordable and trusted partner who can help you manage digital, maintain your website and give your marketing campaign a boost, speak to us about our web design, development and digital marketing services.

CONTACT DETAILS

 hello@indulgemedia.com  01865 686 093  www.indulgemedia.com

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Forthcoming B4 Event 

B4 Classic Event at Rhodes House DATE: THURSDAY 8TH SEPTEMBER TIME: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM VENUE: RHODES HOUSE, SOUTH PARKS RD, OXFORD, OXFORDSHIRE OX1 3RG

A hidden delight situated in the heart of Oxford, Rhodes House is a beautiful venue steeped in history – ideal for dinners, business meetings, product launches and weddings.

For nearly a century Rhodes House has been the gathering place for Rhodes scholars and distinguished guests. Now, the House is available so that others can enjoy the peace, quiet and unique atmosphere of this private, exclusive venue. It is ideal for both corporate and private events, for large and small functions.

For more information see: www.b4-business.com 68

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AdWords Success How to increase the returns you get from your Google AdWords spend – even when your sales complete off-line.

WRITTEN BY: SIMON WALLACE-JONES PHOTOGRAPHY BY: STUDIO8

If you want to increase the revenue you generate from Google AdWords, you need to track, measure and analyse the revenue against your advertising spend. This activity is part of attribution modelling and every marketing consultant like me will tell you that you ‘should’ be doing it.

However, the knowledge and skills needed to set up proper tracking of your marketing spend is specialised, especially if your final sale takes place off-line e.g. via the phone or through face-to-face sales people.

Measuring your Return on your Advertising Spend By understanding what is happening in more detail, you can move away from hoping your monthly AdWords budget will lead to increased sales, to actually knowing ‘for this spend on this campaign I got this return’. This measurement is known as ROAS – Return on Advertising Spend.

One client came to us last year and they were spending over £25,000 a month on AdWords. They had a sense that the returns they were getting were diminishing, but their agency could not give them detailed numbers.

We audited their AdWords account and discovered that their agency had not implemented any revenue tracking. They were told this was because their sales were made “off-line” by their telephone sales team.

Also, with only 20% of their lead capture points being tracked in Google Analytics, and with no revenue data being posted to AdWords, they had no idea which AdWords spend resulted in sales.

The Result We implemented a proper tracking system and after 3 months of collecting data it was clear what actions to take to improve their results. The improvements have been steady ever since.

For example: • ROAS (Return on Ad Spend) has gone from 70% to 148% • Quality Scores started between 3-5 and are now between 8-10 (where 10 is the highest). This reduces cost per click.

• Average cost per click has come down from £2.73 to £1.55 • Spend on ads that produce no results has been reduced making the marketing spend go much further.

Over time our client has confidently gone on to experiment more, as they can see the effectiveness of each campaign and can afford to test, test and test!

Making Your Own Improvements Making improvements to tracking systems takes time. After you’ve setup the systems, you need to collect enough data to make statistically sound recommendations.

By getting into the practice of making improvements based on analysis, you will continually increase your understanding of what activity is worth spending time and money on and be able to test and innovate your marketing.

Using the approach in the example above, here are two key steps to get you started and improve your results and attribution modelling capabilities.

Step One - As early as possible capture Google’s unique ID for all website visitors in the CRM system to build up data to use later.

Step Two - Whilst this data is being gathered, implement a method to send revenue data back to Google Analytics when a sale takes place.

Once these two steps have been carried out and a period of data collection has passed, you will have the data you need to make some significant improvements to your marketing results.

The important thing is to stop focussing on clicks. Also impressions are a metric not a result. The key is to focus on your desired outcomes and then work backwards, managing and testing across digital, mobile and social media.

If you would like to learn more about this approach, why not join us on a webinar via http://odm-tips.com/b4-adwords.

CONTACT DETAILS

 info@oxforddigitalmarketing.co.uk  01865 575 955  www.oxforddigitalmarketing.co.uk

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Everything for the Workplace If you are looking for dependable experts in business supplies, you need not look further afield.

WRITTEN BY: GEMMA MALLON

Over the past 26 years Aston and James have built a wealth of experience, knowledge and an outstanding reputation through working with local businesses, just like yours. Starting as a small entrepreneurial venture to now employing 18 staff across a multitude of business functions, our core focus remains the same to put our customers at the centre of everything we do.

We are proud that our business has been able to embrace change, diversify and build on what our customers require to run their businesses efficiently and effectively.

We believe in building partnerships to get to know you and understand your business. This allows us to develop and implement relevant and suitable solutions, along with a great selection of products, delivered in a way that's best for you. This is why we are well on our way to fulfilling our mission of becoming Oxfordshire's leading workplace solutions provider.

When you choose to partner with Aston and James, you get all the benefits of 'buying local' with absolutely no compromise. We are partnered with powerful global buyers, enabling us to successfully compete against our largest national competitors.

Even though we are your local choice, we have the network to deliver our services nationwide.

If you operate from multiple locations, we have you covered.

Our business is run and managed by local people who understand your needs, and care about the

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Oxfordshire community. All of our staff, including the six family members within the business, adopt a personal approach to service. Everything we do is designed to deliver total consistency throughout your experience and to nurture a relationship with you.

Aston and James are also an award winning company: • Winner of 2015 Small Business Award at the West Oxfordshire Business Awards • Winner of 2015 Corporate Social Responsibility Award at the Cotswold Life Family Business Awards • Winner of 2016 Oxfordshire’s Favourite Business at the Living in Oxford Awards • Finalist for 2016 Business Person of the Year Award at the West Oxfordshire Business Awards • Finalist for 2016 Young Business Person of the Year Award at the Oxfordshire Business Awards • Winner of industry specific Dealer Excellence Award 2014, 2015, 2016 • Winner of industry specific Marketing Excellence Award 2016

Our core business services cover every aspect of your workplace requirements:

Stationery Over 16,000 products, delivered next day, with savings and service tailored around you and your business’s unique requirements.

Facilties Management From cleaning and janitorial, to cappuccinos and snacks, we can brighten up your day and keep your office squeaky clean.

Ink & Toners We supply consumables for every machine, and we can turn your old printer cartridges back into cash.

Furniture We have the range and the knowledge, so you can put your feet up and let us do all the hard work.

Machines & MPS We will help you choose the best device for your office, and even if technology lets you down, we won’t.

Print Connecting you with your customers through a multitude of print services and capabilities.

www.b4-business.com

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services

“

We believe in building partnerships to get to know you and understand your business. This allows us to develop and implement relevant and suitable solutions, along with a great selection of products, delivered in a way that's best for you.

Gemma Mallon - Aston & James

Gifts & Workwear Let us help you create a winning campaign with promotional gifts, or get advertising on the move with our range of personalised clothing.

Shredding Protect yourself using our shredding products or services to ensure you don’t lure identity theft towards your business.

Eco Solutions We can recycle your paper and stop your cartridges ending up in landfill.

To find out more about our services, please get in touch. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain!

Another B4 Membership benefit B4 have teamed up with Aston & James to bring B4 member’s demonstrable savings on your workplace supplies, alongside excellent service from a trusted B4 partner.

B4’s Chief Executive, Richard Rosser explains why Aston & James are the perfect partner for this new offering. “The B4 Buying Group provides us with another opportunity to add value to the B4

www.b4-business.com

Membership package. With more events, a great new website and increasing profile on our social media platforms, we need to keep improving the B4 Membership offering and this is an excellent complement to the already extensive list of B4 Membership benefits. We are delighted to be providing this new service alongside Aston & James.

“We have always been very vocal in our support for Aston & James, as in all of our dealings with them we have never experienced anything other than professionalism, great service, courtesy and unbeatable prices. That’s a hard combination to maintain at the best of times but the team have never failed to deliver once throughout our five year relationship and that’s why we are more than comfortable partnering with Darren and his team in this exciting new venture.”

Benefits of the B4 Buying Group include: • Free survey on everything for your workplace.

One of Aston & James’ Account Managers will prepare a tailor-made report detailing areas where they could save your business money • Competitive pricing available on an extensive range of products

”

• Dedicated in-house support (Account Manager, Sales Support and Driver) • Free artwork set-up on PPE & Workwear • Free workplace design service • Long term benefits: Even more savings as B4 Members grow and command even more competitive prices

How it works All B4 members are automatically eligible to be part of the B4 Buying Group. All you need to do is complete a workplace survey and undertake a review meeting with an Aston and James Account Manager. The first ten members who complete the survey and undertake the review will receive a complimentary voucher for The R&R Collection (see www.therandrcollection.com) worth at least £150.

To find out more about our services, please get in touch. Take a closer look; you’ll love what you discover!

• Exclusive monthly promotional programme • Product sourcing service

CONTACT DETAILS

• Exclusive B4 Buying Group landing page

 sales@aston-james.co.uk  01993 706 900  www.aston-james.co.uk

• Free next day delivery

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Oxfordshire Business Support “Watch, listen and learn. You can’t know it all yourself. Anyone who thinks they do is destined for mediocrity”...

Words quoted by a famous entrepreneur and are at the core of our offer at Oxfordshire Business Support.

WRITTEN BY: HEATHER MARTIN

PHOTOGRAPHY BY: OBS

Who we are

What have we done?

Oxfordshire Business Support is the Growth Hub for Oxfordshire and forms part of the Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (OxLEP). Our aim is to simplify the business support landscape and help individuals and businesses easily locate and connect to the plethora of business support that is often available, but not easily located.

In the last year we have engaged with nearly 12,000 individuals and businesses and directly supported over 700 of them.

What we do Whatever stage you are in your business journey, we can assist. We help you identify the support you need and then help you access it - some examples of how are: • Access to specific start up advice and mentoring • Workshops and training courses specifically designed to support your business on topics such as marketing, website design and successfully bidding for contracts • Signposting and access to any available funding streams - nationally and locally • Opportunities to connect and meet with our Network Navigators, who are all sector specific specialists • Mentoring for more established businesses with a highly experienced network of mentors • Advice on Apprenticeships, Skills and Work Experience opportunities • Exporting support and advice • Support for innovation and commercialisation 72

To date, the ISfB scheme alone has created 181 new jobs in Oxfordshire and this amount is expected to rise.

Details of the schemes are as follows:

Innovation Grants

The ISfB grant assisted “with the recruitment of key members of the team at the critical point of us launching into the market… the funding supported our growth plans at a crucial stage in the development of the business

”

Stuart Sheehy Managing Director Canary Care

In 2014/15 we awarded over £1.5 million to Oxfordshire based businesses by providing grants and vouchers, all designed to help support growth and generate new jobs via our Innovation Support for Business (ISfB programme).

Innovation grants were awarded to 49 Oxfordshire businesses. The recipients were high-tech innovative companies and social enterprises, and grants allocated ranged between £1,000 - £101,000.

Here’s what the recipients said: “We received £16.6k as a co-investment through the ISfB programme which enabled us to take on two new employees sooner than we would have been able to without this support. We are most grateful for the continuing support.”

Henry Gibbon Chief Executive Acquisitions Daily “The ISfB grant assisted with the recruitment of key members of the team at the critical point of us launching into the market… the funding supported our growth plans at a crucial stage in the development of the business. The process was quick and easy and the cash was through to where it was needed within a short space of time.”

Stuart Sheehy Managing Director Canary Care

Innovation Support Vouchers Vouchers worth up to £5,000 were issued to grow www.b4-business.com

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Oxfordshire businesses and drive job creation. 95 vouchers were awarded to businesses from a variety of sectors.

“Having come across various grants and schemes over the years, this one is the only one that actually delivers what it promises and works for the business.”

Darren Field Director New Driveway Company “This voucher programme really makes a huge difference to a fledgling business.”

Susan Burton Managing Director School Classlist.

Start-Up Success A start-up accelerator course for entrepreneurs and micro businesses in Oxfordshire, focusing on the critical components needed to run a successful business.

Bid writing courses OBS offered a series of free workshops and support to Oxfordshire's high growth technology SMEs, to train them to make best use of the UK and Europe’s funding landscape over two one day interactive workshops.

“As an SME business owner working on technology projects, I found both sessions invaluable. OBS has made a great support workshop available and many more SMEs could benefit from attending.”

Paulette Elliott Managing Director Huduma Ltd www.b4-business.com

What we are going to do: Marketing Support workshops (ongoing) OBS is offering marketing workshops throughout Oxfordshire and teach businesses the skills to develop a successful marketing strategy and enable them to effectively promote their products or service.

Having come across “various grants and schemes over the years, this one is the only one that actually delivers what it promises and works for the business

”

Darren Field Director New Driveway Company

services

"…handled the dynamic of the group very well, making sure that everyone had a chance to speak and have their questions answered."

"Rated just below 'perfect' just because I will only find the true value once I go away and implement what I have learnt”

Start-Up Success Parents (September) A business start-up accelerator scheme aimed specifically at parents with dependent children who are looking to launch their own business.

Build a Website (TBC) A “hands on” workshop for SMEs designed to help them build their first website and increase their online profile.

If you or someone you know are looking to start, run or grow a business in Oxfordshire and would like to access some prompt and friendly advice to support you in your aspiration - then please do get in contact with us.

These will cover: CONTACT DETAILS • Marketing Bootcamp • Marketing Plans in a Day • Branding in a Day • Lead Conversion from Start to Finish

 Heather.martin@oxfordshirelep.com  0345 241 1196  www.oxfordshirebusinesssupport.co.uk 73

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SmartPA launches in...

Oxfordshire!

My name is Catherine Barton and I am a Partner with SmartPA. SmartPA is a leading provider of high quality PA, administrative and business support services to companies of all sizes and also to individuals. I have over 20 years’ experience of providing PA support to chief executives and senior partners, for companies based in London initially and more recently in Oxfordshire. At the end of 2015 I made the decision to leave the Oxford college for whom I had worked for the past 10 years to ‘go it alone’.

WRITTEN BY: CATHERINE BARTON

I discovered SmartPA’s website and was told that becoming a Partner provides the perfect opportunity to deliver high quality business support on a remote basis as well as providing a greater work-life balance. I spoke with Andrew Wright, Managing Director and was impressed by his enthusiasm and passion for SmartPA, both as a brand and also the services it offers. There were two other factors that helped me make the decision to become a SmartPA Partner and which, I hope, will also benefit my clients since they can be confident that there is a whole team of people on hand to work in the background to support me and therefore, ultimately, them.

I liked the fact that the SmartPA Head Office team is there to support its Partners’ clients when we are away, so I know I will be able to take a holiday without worrying about how my clients are managing their support function in my absence. I also know that there are over 100 Partners all with their own unique set of skills on whom I can call should I be asked to undertake a task with which I am unfamiliar (and vice versa).

The concept of outsourcing is now firmly embedded in global industry and is used by companies of all sizes to reduce costs, improve efficiency and ultimately allow businesses to drive forward growth and profits.

All Partners are required to undertake SmartPA’s Training and Development programme prior to becoming Accredited. This provides all Partners with the knowledge and skills to develop a successful business and to expertly deliver the SmartPA service to our clients. I became accredited in May and have

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been using the time since to put into practice the skills I learnt during the training programme.

The SmartPA brand is now recognised as the leading service provider to business communities in the UK. Through industry experience and expertise, we

SmartPA is successful “because we set our

standards very high and have created a worldclass team of dedicated professionals; we are all self-motivated and driven individuals with a passion for successful business and a positive outlook on life.

”

Catherine Barton, Partner, SmartPA

deliver the very best in outsourced services, training and innovative technology to businesses around the world. SmartPA guarantees clients increased productivity and efficiency across their back office function, whilst reducing overall costs.

SmartPA’s Vision • To grow the world’s largest outsourced PA, Secretarial and Administrative service. A service

that our clients love and depend on.

• To develop and grow the business on a global scale, with Partners on every continent delivering SmartPA’s expert services.

• To become a household name with everyone wanting ‘a SmartPA’.

SmartPA is successful because we set our standards very high and have created a world-class team of dedicated professionals; we are all self-motivated and driven individuals with a passion for successful business and a positive outlook on life.

As well as general administration, my expertise includes bookkeeping and payroll data management.

I also have extensive experience as an HR advisor, running recruitment campaigns, managing staff handbooks, policies and advising on disciplinary and capability matters. I am committed to delivering SmartPA’s world-class services, guaranteeing to increase productivity and efficiency whilst remaining flexible and cost-effective. With the back office running seamlessly, I believe strongly that a good administrative function, gives business owners the time to grow their organisation to be as successful as possible.

For more information, please contact us below.

CONTACT DETAILS

 catherine.barton@smartpasupport.com  0845 872 2262  www.smart-pa.com

www.b4-business.com

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The Lock Bar & Kitchen The Lock Bar and Kitchen, which has just been awarded their first AA Rosette, can be found at the heart of The Runnymede-on-Thames Hotel, a modern 4 star hotel in Egham, Surrey on the banks of the River Thames, a stone’s throw from Windsor. B4 were invited to sample the home style cooking of The Lock Bar and Kitchen on a beautiful July summers evening.

WRITTEN BY: RICHARD ROSSER

This isn’t a stuffy, pretentious restaurant and as The Lock’s website says, it’s’ uncomplicated with nothing fussy’, just great service, wonderful food and a fantastic atmosphere. As we arrived at the hotel, we instantly realised this was a hive of activity with one dinner taking place in the dedicated events wing, a wedding reception in the main part of the hotel and sun drenching the entire venue….with some of the biggest deckchairs you’ve ever seen adorning the front lawn.

The Lock has its own entrance to the side of the main reception. It’s bright, modern and welcoming with a friendly smile to greet us and take us to our table. The Lock serves an array of delicious locally sourced dishes which include for the summer, Severn and Wye Smoked Salmon and soda bread, Grilled Surrey farm rib eye, Prime Dingley Dell pork chop with summer bubble and the home made crumble of the day.

The menu changes regularly to reflect the tastiest seasonal produce available with daily specials featured on the blackboard. There’s also a two course 'Sunday Best' lunch which is great value at just £18.95.

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Tina and I enjoyed a glass of Lanson Pere et Fils Brut, Champagne NV and Framingham, Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough from New Zealand to accompany a delicious three course meal as below:

Starters Seared scallops, pea puree, sea pursalane £10 Fig, Feta and Crispy Parma Ham Sala £7.50

Mains Grilled swordfish, potato gnocchi, puttanesca sauce £18.50 Gressingham duck breast, buttered spinach, potato galette, plum jus £19

My stand out course was the grilled swordfish which was cooked to perfection, beautifully presented and as good as I have had. Tina’s fig and feta starter was also a highlight…..hell it was all good! No wonder this is a decorated restaurant, it performed on every level.

The beautiful weather had been tempting us throughout the meal so we took a stroll outside alongside the banks of the river, soaking up the heat of setting sun whilst children from the wedding party ran excitedly around the lawn. The setting was perfect, idyllic and let’s face it we’ve not had many sun drenched evenings this summer, so perhaps The Lock Bar and Kitchen has a few more secrets it’s not letting on!

See website: www.runnymedehotel.com/ food/ the_ lock_bar_and_kitchen/ or contact The Lock below:

Desserts Lemon meringue pie, Chantilly cream £6.50 Three layers of chocolate mousse, honeycomb (v) £6.50

CONTACT DETAILS

 info@runnymedehotel.com  01784 220 969  www.runnymedehotel.com

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JAGUAR XE R-SPORT FROM £259 A MONTH +VAT*

SATISFY THE DRIVER IN YOU AND THE ECONOMIST The Jaguar XE is a truly accomplished sports saloon. On the road it offers outstanding performance, with Jaguar’s signature ride and handling delivering an exceptional drive. On efficiency the XE is equally seductive, with excellent fuel economy and low emissions.

Business Contract Hire. Initial rental in advance of £1,554 +VAT. 36 month term. 10,000 miles per annum. VAT payable at 20%. Model pictured above (including optional metallic paint and optional alloy wheels) from £283 a month +VAT, plus initial rental in advance of £1,698 +VAT. Ridgeway Jaguar Cumnor Hill, Oxford, OX4 4US 01865 565412 www.ridgeway.oxford.jaguar.co.uk

Official fuel consumption for the Jaguar XE range in mpg (l/100km): Urban 24.4-64.2 (11.6-4.4); Extra Urban 46.3-83.1 (6.1-3.4); Combined 34.9-75.0 (8.1-3.8). CO2 Emissions 194-99 (g/km). Official EU Test Figures. For comparison purposes only. Real world figures may differ. *Important Information - Business users only. Based on an XE Saloon 2.0D 180PS R-Sport 4dr Manual 17 standard specification, non-maintained. Excess mileage charges (at 9.7p per mile +VAT).

Must be returned in good condition to avoid further charges. Contract Hire subject to status. This promotion cannot be used together with other manufacturer’s promotions and is subject to availability at participating Retailers only for new vehicles registered by 30th September 2016. Contract Hire is provided by Jaguar Contract Hire, a trading style of Lex Autolease Limited, Heathside Park, Heathside Park Road, Stockport SK3 0RB. Model shown is an XE Saloon 2.0D 180PS R-Sport with optional Italian Racing Red metallic paint and optional 19" Star 5 twin-spoke alloy wheels.

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“ It’s my job to connect with Oxfordshire businesses to showcase the value of operating Jaguar Land Rover fleet vehicles. ” Stephen Dodsworth, Local Business Development Manager, Ridgeway Jaguar Land Rover

Jaguar XE We are delighted to welcome and introduce Stephen Dodsworth to the B4 Network and indeed to our beautiful city of Oxford. Stephen has recently been appointed as the new Local Business Development Manager for Ridgeway Jaguar Land Rover.

WRITTEN BY: KELLY GAVAGHAN

Stephen tells us just why Oxfordshire businesses should be connecting with him when it comes to their fleet needs and also just why the award winning Jaguar XE has fast become a fleet favourite.

“I’ve been on the JLR Fleet & Business Programme for 3 years and I’m amongst a handful of specialist Local Business Development Managers. In 2015 I was awarded the Fleet & Business Sales Manager of the Year for Jaguar. ”It’s my job as LBDM to connect with area businesses and showcase to them the value that comes from operating Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles for their fleet. As part of a consultative approach I seek to work with businesses to carefully asses their needs and provide expert advice to both employer and employee/driver.”

Jaguar XE – Best Executive Car of the Year 2016 The Jaguar XE was successfully launched last year and goes head to head with the BMW 3 Series, Audi A4 and Mercedes C Class. It has won the award for ‘Best Executive Car 2016’ in the Auto Express Awards. Designed and built in the UK the Jaguar XE is heralded by the British motoring press as a being great all-rounder for the business user, delivering www.b4-business.com

on performance and running costs. Many of the features come as standard such as: Bluetooth©, Satellite Navigation, Multi-Function Steering Wheel, Cruise Control, Automatic Speed Limiter – all of the elements that are a necessity for a business user that travels thousands of miles a year and whose car is their office.

braking ensures connection with the road at all times, especially when cornering. This combined with the aluminium body work and chassis makes the car much stronger, lighter, durable and dynamic. 0 – 60 in 7.9 seconds for the 163 manual and 7.2 seconds for the 180 auto is exhilarating and delivers on the Jaguar ‘sports’ experience.

Excellent Fuel Economy & CO2’s

“The Jaguar XE delivers for the business driver on all levels and I’d be delighted to provide any company car driver with the opportunity to drive the XE by way of an overnight evaluation drive. If interested please email me at stephen.dodsworth@ridgeway. co.uk or call my office on 01865 865100 where either myself or a member of my team will be delighted to assist.”

The 163 manual ‘Ingenium engine’ diesel offers fuel economy at an incredible 75mpg and has CO2’s of just 99g/km – making that all important BIK tax payment much more affordable. Service intervals are every 21,000 miles too – good news for busy people for whom time is money, money is time – we can all do without interruptions in our hectic work life.

The Jaguar XE is also officially the safest car in The Large Family Car Category having triumphed in the Euro NCAP Best in Class 2015. It comes equipped with a number of active safety systems for drivers, passengers and pedestrians that Stephen will be happy to demonstrate.

Sports Car Engineering and Technology The capability of the car is outstanding, taking many of the engineering and technology cues from Jaguar's Halo car - the STUNNING F Type. Double wishbone suspension combined with Torque Vectoring while

CONTACT DETAILS

 info@ridgeway.oxford.jaguar.co.uk  01865 865 100  www.ridgeway.oxford.jaguar.co.uk

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Oxford Parkway to London Marylebone

Now you can say goodbye to delays and cramped, crowded trains.

Switch to Chiltern Railways from Oxford Parkway – our new Park & Ride station near the A40, A34 and A44 – for fast, punctual, more comfortable services to London Marylebone.

To find out more and buy tickets visit chilternrailways.co.uk

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Chiltern Railways top of the class in Oxfordshire If you live in the Oxfordshire region and need to travel into London by train, it’s very likely that you have used the new railway service from Chiltern Railway’s Oxford Parkway.

WRITTEN BY: DAVE PENNEY

“

We won’t however rest on our laurels – there is always more we can do to improve to continue to ensure that all of our passengers have a positive experience.

”

Dave Penney, Managing Director of Chiltern Railways

Oxford Parkway station was officially opened in October 2015 by David Cameron MP, with a launch event attended by the great and the good of Oxfordshire. Chiltern Railways invested £130 million of the £320 million total cost of the new line and stations with Network Rail contributing £190 million.

Since opening of Oxford Parkway, the station - which provides an alternative route for passengers north of Oxford into London - has surpassed our customers’ expectations. Customers like the clean, open plan design of the station and have told us so in a recent survey.

In the National Passenger Survey, which is commissioned by the independent consumer watchdog Transport Focus, 91% per cent of Chiltern Railways passengers were satisfied with the level of service. The survey represents the views of over 100,000 rail passengers on a broad spectrum of issues and is conducted twice a year. The figure of 91% means that passengers have rated Chiltern Railways as the top train company within Oxfordshire for overall satisfaction.

Dave Penney, Managing Director of Chiltern Railways said: “We are committed to providing a high quality service for our passengers. As Chiltern’s Managing Director, my aim is to deliver a punctual and reliable service for our customers whilst continuing to improve the customer experience. The survey results are very encouraging and it means we are doing something right. We won’t however rest on our laurels – there is always more we can do to improve www.b4-business.com

to continue to ensure that all of our passengers have a positive experience.”

We’re proud that our passengers getting on at Oxford Parkway can experience first-hand our new approach to customer service, with friendly and helpful staff on available on the concourse to help with ticket purchases and advice, rather than being behind a ticket office. Smart ticket vending machines on the concourse not only sell tickets but provide live train departure information and are fully accessible to all customers. When on board, passengers can enjoy comfortable seating with desks, charging sockets and free Wi-Fi enabling them to work on the move.

The Marylebone bound train from Oxford Parkway also stops at Bicester Village station, location of the internationally acclaimed Bicester Village designer retail outlet, where thousands of savvy shoppers from around the globe can snap up designer clothes for less. Chiltern’s opening of a new station at Bicester Village, demonstrated a successful partnership between a railway company and a nonrail business, i.e. a retail partner, and we’re proud to have been part of the continued success of Bicester Village enterprise. Passengers visiting Bicester Village from overseas including China and the United Arab states will hear on-train announcements in traditional Chinese and Arabic and are greeted at the station with signs in both of these languages as well as English.

Desirée Bollier, Chief Executive of Value Retail Management who runs Bicester Village said: “We are delighted with Bicester Village Station; it’s a

great opportunity for many more visitors to discover the village and the surrounding region by train.

Opening the new station was an exciting milestone in our continued partnership with Chiltern Railways.”

The service offers two trains per hour throughout the day between Oxford Parkway and Bicester Village station and London with journey times to the capital from around an hour.

Chiltern Railways Managing Director, Dave Penney continued: “Our significant and unique investment at Oxford Parkway and Bicester Village will be economically advantageous for the regional economy creating competition in the rail market between Oxford and London, as well as delivering the first new service between a major British city and London for over 100 years. Passengers are at the heart of every decision we make at Chiltern Railways, which is why we conceived this new line to link between London, Oxford and Bicester Village.”

At the end of this year, the train company will also launch services from Oxford city centre to London Marylebone making Oxford one of the most competitive transport markets in the UK.

CONTACT DETAILS

 press@chilternrailways.co.uk  03456 005 165  www.chilternrailways.co.uk 79

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Business Lunches at Acanthus

Be honest. How often do you sit down for a proper lunch? By proper I mean at least two courses, sat in the same place for at least an hour, not a quick sandwich on the go or a biscuit with your tea which will somehow see you through to your evening meal. Business lunches, it seems, are a thing of the past but I think I’ve pretty well single-handedly revived them over the past two months at Acanthus…to great effect for all concerned.

WRITTEN BY: RICHARD ROSSER

PHOTOGRAPHY BY: ROB SCOTCHER

When I was asked by Macdonald Randolph Hotel’s General Manager, Michael Grange, to introduce B4’s customers to the refurbished Acanthus Restaurant over the summer, neither Michael nor I could have foreseen the number of Asparagus and Green Bean risotto’s I would help shift, the amount of Halibut I would personally consume or the surprising level of abstinence when it comes to enjoying a glass or two of wine with a meal.

Although I’ve been in enough times for the Randolph’s staff to consider me as one of their own, the lunches have taught me two things. One, that business lunches shouldn’t be shied away from… they can be incredibly productive in terms of growing and cementing relationships with customers as well as proving more than worthwhile from a business perspective and, two, that Acanthus is the perfect place to hold your business lunches.

Light, airy and with an unsurpassed level of service and food, there’s little to want for. The restaurant has been given a new lease of life with a more relaxed atmosphere, soothing music and an interaction with the outside world which was previously missing… simply by pulling back the curtains blocking out the bottom half of the windows. As the engaging Penny commented to me once “once I drew the curtains back, it was amazing how many more people came in to the restaurant.”

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But that’s the nub of the problem for any hotel restaurant isn’t it? How to cater for the residents without putting up barriers to the public? Well, Acanthus has made two smart moves to counter this. Firstly, Acanthus can be accessed via Magdalen Street so you don’t have to make your way through hotel reception declaring ‘I’m only here for the restaurant, sorry!!!’ and secondly, the new Cartoon Champagne Bar has been strategically placed at the back of Acanthus to further attract customers in from Magdalen Street.

And it’s working. Back when I had my first asparagus risotto all those weeks ago, it was quiet, uncomfortably quiet. Take lunch in any restaurant outside of the City in London and it will be fighting for customers, so quiet isn’t necessarily unusual.

But Acanthus is a big restaurant so a few people don’t go very far to touching the sides. But now, on a regular basis (I should know, I’m in there ‘on a regular basis’!) it’s unusual for there not to be in excess of fifty guests for lunch …. and that’s healthy for any restaurant.

We’ve seen a mixture of families celebrating graduations to Chinese tourists to….other business lunches. Come to think of it, the business lunch trade is really picking up and that’s because this is a great place for a business lunch. The menu is excellent and structured so that the fabulous new kitchen can get the dishes out quick smart. Take a look at the menu yourself…it’s here in this article in

all its glory. And for those of you looking for a cheeky glass of wine, there’s an excellent selection of red, white and rose to accompany your first class food.

So what’s the conclusion after twenty five meals and let’s say one hundred courses between my guests and I? Well, to state the obvious, I’ve had to err on the side of caution when it comes to watching what I eat and the menu provides some safe calorie options…plenty of fish! Out of the one hundred dishes I’ve seen served to the table we’ve had two sent back (including one of mine – well I have had 25% of them!) and well in excess of 80% clean plates. Now that’s a rough guide as to how well the food has gone down but I think you’ll agree, those numbers add up. Combine this with the great value for money and you have to say this is a great choice for lunch….I’ve not made it to dinner yet but I should imagine the same applies.

Michael has thanked me on more than one occasion for introducing B4 members to Acanthus through post lunch e-mail introductions which have resulted in excellent connections being made for the restaurant and that’s the main aim of the exercise.

But for me and my business it has been the perfect opportunity to really get to know people with whom I have, on the whole, previously only had a passing acquaintance. In fact, it has been such a positive experience that I have told Michael I would repeat it, maybe not throughout the year, but certainly on an ad hoc basis throughout the year.

Menu HORS D’OEUVRE

ENTRÉE

Cornish oysters natural | shallot vinegar | tabasco 3 £9.00 6 £12.00 9 £18.00

Fillet of beef au poivre buttered fine beans with shallots and gratin potato £30.00

Spring vegetable minestrone soup pesto crouton £5.00 Moules marinière, sour dough bread £6.50 Deep-fried crisp cod cheeks samphire and sauce ravigote £9.00 “John Ross Jnr” smoked salmon pink grapefruit, shaved fennel, pickled cucumber and dill £10.00

So business lunches, even 25 over the course of two months, do work and they work very well at Acanthus. Make sure you drop Michael Grange a line and get yourself booked in for a wonderful experience.

Thank you to Michael, Shaun, Karolina, Penny, Giedre, India, Marie, Franzie, Rohit and the rest of the team at Acanthus and Macdonald Randolph Hotel for making my guests and I so welcome over the past two months.

 michael.grange@macdonald-hotels.co.uk  01865 256 410  www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk

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Lemon sole brown shrimps, cucumber and samphire, served off or on the bone £22.00 Grilled Atlantic hake haricot blanc, chorizo and clam fricassee £15.00 Steak frites pavé rump steak, served with pommes allumettes, café de Paris butter £17.50

Asparagus, broad bean and pea risotto gorgonzola and hazelnuts. £6.50/£12.50

Scotch lamb loin, neck and kidney Jersey Royals, artichokes and truffle jus £19.00

Eggs benedict toasted English muffin, soft poached egg, crisp cured ham and Hollandaise sauce. Main course size comes with pommes Pont Neuf. £5.50 / £12.50

Free range chicken Milanese brioche crumbed chicken breast, served with fried-egg and black truffle £16.00 Woodland mushroom and truffle macaroni £12.50

Crottin goat’s cheese beetroot, pomegranate and caramelised walnut salad £8.50

Confit duck leg with salade Lyonnaise duck leg, slow-cooked in duck fat served with bacon lardons, boudin noir, frisée lettuce, soft poached egg and soft fresh herbs £14.50

ALL DAY SANDWICHES & SAVOURIES

Mozzarella stuffed gnocchi smoked aubergine purée, scorched baby onions, artichokes and tomato confit £12.00

Camembert baked in hay toasted baguette “to share” £16.50

SIDES

Charcuterie platter Pickles £9.50 Moules marinière pommes allumettes £9.50 Salad Lyonnaise £8.50 Welsh rarebit brioche croutes Croque madame cured ham and Emmental cheese with béchamel sauce topped with a friedegg £9.50 Avocado and prawn Atlantic prawns and chopped avocado with chilli served on toasted sour dough with citrus créme fraiche £11.50 Free-range chicken with truffle mayonnaise warm truffle infused chicken served on toasted brioche £12.50 Steak sandwich prime rump steak, served on toasted sour dough with mushroom and sautéed onion, rocket and Dijonnaise £13.50

CONTACT DETAILS

Pan seared halibut Fondant potato, spinach, pickled shitake mushroom and port wine sauce £20.00

Shrimp cocktail, sauce americaine jumbo sized shrimps, crisp lettuce and avocado with tarragon and cognac sauce £10.00

Steak tartare, garlic croute main course size comes with either pommes Pont Neuf or salade verts £8.50/£18.00

Topics of conversation have obviously included pre and post Brexit but the really fascinating conversations have revolved around finding out more about my customers, their families, their likes and dislikes. We’re all in business to do business but doing business with people we get on with makes it so much more enjoyable. Of course B4 has always been great at providing connections and many connections have been made through the lunches, you may have even received a B4 ‘lunch’ introduction from me out of the blue….I hope it proves useful.

The Randolph fish pie traditional fish pie, bound in a creamy sauce, with crisp potato topping £12.50

Acanthus burger grilled Scottish ground beef patti, brioche bun, Swiss cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion and burger relish £15.00

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Pommes Pont Neuf £4.00 Truffle and Parmesan chips £4.50 Green beans and tender-stem broccoli £4.00 Olive oil mashed potatoes £4.00 Roast Heritage carrots and parsley £4.00 The Randolph house salad £5.00

DESSERTS Mini chocolate pot £4.00 Vanilla ice cream with Pedro Ximenez £5.00 Crème caramel Sauternes soaked sultanas £5.00 Fig tart pistachio ice cream £7.50 Chocolate fondant, salted caramel and chocolate sauce £7.00 Tarte tatin, cinnamon ice cream “to share” £12.00 Pink rhubarb and ginger jelly, gin and tonic sorbet £7.00 Selection of ice cream and sorbets £1.50 a scoop Artisan cheese plate selection of five artisan cheeses served with chutney, grapes and walnut bread £9.00

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CORPORATE ENTERTAINMENT

Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra At Houses of Parliament On Friday 8 July 2016, Nicola Blackwood MP and Baroness Deech DBE entertained the Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra at a concert and dinner in the House of Commons and House of Lords respectively. Principals of the Orchestra performed Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons in the House of Commons, giving all guests the opportunity to experience a night of world-class music making in celebration of the Orchestra’s achievements to date and the future horizons that lie ahead. B4 were privileged to attend.

WRITTEN BY: RICHARD ROSSER

Invitations to such prestigious events don’t come along every day so when we were invited to join Oxford Philharmonic, long standing supporters of our sister magazine, Living in Oxford, we didn’t hesitate to accept.

Arriving in London on a balmy summer’s evening, the never-ending traffic did its best to put paid to our enjoyment of the pre concert champagne reception in the Strangers’ Dining Room (House of Commons). After a thorough bag check, we walked through the impressive halls and corridors, staring like tourists at the statues and artwork lining our route.

No sooner had we reached the reception than we were ushered into the Members’ Dining Room for a stunning 45 minute performance of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, introduced by Nicola Blackwood MP. I’m no classical music buff but this was seriously moving, with such energy, passion and expertise. The violin soloists were hugely entertaining, squeezing every last note out of their violins as if their lives depended on it. Yuri Zhislin, who performed Concerto No. 2 in G minor, ‘L’estate’ was my personal favourite… his facial expressions alone were pure theatre… his undoubted musical ability was an immense 82

added bonus.

We then moved to dinner in the Peers’ Dining Room in the House of Lords where musicians, soloists and guests sat side by side, a wonderful experience …. as if the concert wasn’t enough.

Music Director, Marios Papadopoulos gave guests a wonderful insight into the amazing breadth of work undertaken by the Orchestra and Baroness Deech DBE, long term supporter of the orchestra, addressed guests as host of the dinner.

A thoroughly entertaining evening, from start to finish, in a mesmerising setting. Thank you to Anthi Papadopoulos, arguably the most unsung of heroes and Marios for inviting B4 to enjoy a very special evening.

More About Oxford Philharmonic Established in 1998 and formerly known as Oxford Philomusica, the Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra occupies a unique position within the UK orchestral landscape. As an orchestra of the highest quality, the Oxford Philharmonic attracts

some of the world’s greatest artists to appear in its series at Christopher Wren’s Sheldonian Theatre, including Sir András Schiff, Valery Gergiev, Lang Lang, Maria-João Pires, Renée Fleming, Pinchas Zukerman, Vladimir Ashkenazy, Anne-Sophie Mutter and Nigel Kennedy.

The Orchestra and its Music Director, Marios Papadopoulos, were awarded the City of Oxford’s Certificate of Honour in 2013, in recognition of their contribution to education and performance in Oxford.

Marios is the founder, music director and driving force behind the Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra, Orchestra in Residence at the University of Oxford.

The continual search for excellence underpins the Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra’s reputation, and is reflected in an orchestra that strives to create bold musical statements with every concert it presents

CONTACT DETAILS

 info@oxfordphil.com  01865 987 222  www.oxfordphil.com

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FIT4BUSINESS



The Henley Highwayman Duathlon

Saturday 17th & Sunday 18th September 2016

If you want to get ahead - Get a Helmet I blame Bradley Wiggins for the legions of lycra clad cyclists I keep encountering on the highways and byways of England. There is no doubt that since his Tour de France and Olympic wins in 2012 cycling has seen a boom of epic proportions with an estimated 6.8 million people now taking to the roads every single month. According to research carried out by cycling charity CTC the pastime could be worth approximately £228bn – yes, that’s right BILLION pounds to the UK economy between 2015 – 2050 WRITTEN BY: KELLY GAVAGHAN

Cycling has become THE number one sporting activity for business leaders. More Directors than ever are participating in the sport and there are even specialist companies out there that are providing corporate entertaining packages for evening rides with dinner and accommodation for riders of all abilities. The times of sealing a deal over a boozy lunch or dinner are long gone with many business leaders opting for healthy body, healthy minds and a likeminded approach to healthy business.

Obviously regular cycling is good for weightloss and improves cardiovascular fitness. It also reduces stress and releases endorphins, improving motivation. Scientists have also found that people scored higher on memory tests after just 30 minutes of cycling. This included planning and reasoning exercises where cyclists performed significantly better than their peers who do not partake in any form of physical exercise. Cycling helps to boost blood flow and oxygen to the brain which fires and regenerates receptors aiding the renewal of new brain cells and helps to ward off Alzheimers. But how can cycling be directly linked to better business? www.b4-business.com

Phil Harrison, organiser of The Henley Highwayman tells us his thoughts "If cycling is the new golf, then cycle events are becoming the new clubhouse. The health benefits of cycling are well documented, as are the connections between a healthy body and a sharp mind. There's something about riding a bike that just seems to promote mental productivity. Even riding solo, I find I have some of my best ideas on a bike. So cycling will help you to be better at your job by keeping you in prime mental and physical condition, but there's more to business than just staying in shape.

Business is about connecting and making the social links that grow into good professional relationships, and cycling is great for this too. It gives you the time and space to talk, away from distractions, (and you can actually talk while you ride - try discussing a project plan mid run!).

"Taking part in organised cycle events like the Henley Highwayman sportive is becoming a more and more popular way of facilitating these benefits of cycling for business people - a healthier and more dynamic alternative to the golf course!

Organised bike events take care of the planning of the ride route, offer a great social and networking environment, a bonding experience where you can work towards a shared goal... and a chance to relax, talk and seal the deal over a post ride coffee and cake! I've been organising cycle events for over 20 years, and if you'd told me back then that cycling would become the de facto activity for business professionals, I'd have said you were mad! But it's happening and somehow, as you see it evolve, it just seems to make perfect sense!"

So there you have it. If you want to get ahead, get a helmet! (And some fetching lycra and a bike!) If you have already then why not enter a team from your business in THE HENLEY HIGHWAYMAN Duathlon that takes place on 17th & 18th September 2016.

CONTACT DETAILS

 info@thehenleyhighwayman.co.uk  0118 988 6041  www.henleyhighwayman.co.uk

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Stohhh!ke Park

I’d been hooked by Stoke Park from the very first time we reviewed this magnificent establishment for B4 Issue 32 and it’s just got better and better over the years. When you read Sir Matthew Pinsent, OBE (Stoke Park’s President) listing the impressive awards bestowed (not on him this time) on Stoke Park during 2016 in the equally impressive house magazine, you need little more evidence to convince you that this is a blue chip venue for more than just the hotel and restaurant. B4’s Richard Rosser reports.

WRITTEN BY: RICHARD ROSSER PHOTOGRAPHY BY: STOKE PARK

A rare evening of sunshine during July saw us make the 45 minute trip from Oxford to Stoke Poges and the grandeur of Stoke Park which, I must agree in my humble opinion, quite legitimately claims its position as Britain’s leading hotel, Spa and Country Club set amongst 300 acres of beautiful parkland, lakes, historic gardens and monuments which have matured over one thousand years.

Stoke Park also, quite rightly claims to provide a ‘unique combination of the traditions of an exclusive Members’ Club and the best of today’s sporting leisure, entertaining and hotel facilities’. It’s also beautifully placed just over half an hour from London and 7 miles from London Heathrow. This place has it all….and much more.

As if HM The Queen’s photograph adorning the cover of the Stoke Park magazine isn’t enough to underline this haven’s credentials, The Boodles, Stoke Park’s very own first class tennis competition, welcomed Novak Djokovic in June this year for what was his 11th consecutive visit in preparation for his defence of his Wimbledon title (no I won’t, that would be a cheap ‘shot’!). Djokovic played alongside Juan Martin del Potro, Nick Krygios, Alexander Zverev and Borna Coic in what was The Boodles 15th anniversary.

But enough celebrity for one night, back to us! We checked in and were shown to our room and we had hardly got through the door before the concierge had confirmed that yes this was the room that Bridget Jones spent the night with Hugh Grant! Enough

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AWARDS ‘Best of Britain’ – Tatler Restaurant Guide 2016 (Humphry’s restaurant) Winner – Best Sporting Venue – UK National Wedding Awards 2016 No. 1 Wedding Venue outside of London – Evening Standard, Winner UK Golf Resort of the Year, Winner Square Mile Awards 2015, Winner Best Event organised by an In House team for The Boodles - EVCOM Awards 2015 ‘Ultimate 100 Best British Hotels’ - The Sunday Times 2015 ‘Britain’s Best Country House Hotels’ The Independent 2015 ‘Seven Best Hotel Venues to Hire in the UK’ - Event Magazine 2015 ‘One of the most Beautiful Tennis Courts in the world’ - The Daily Telegraph

already!!!! OK I admit I Googled it and there it was, our room with its vast four poster bed which was bigger than most rooms, gigantic bathroom with the best bath in the world and a terrace which seemed to stretch the length of the hotel…wow!

It’s no wonder Hugh suffered Bridget’s big knickers if this was his reward!

Time to test the bath, get changed and we were on our way to Humphry’s Restaurant for dinner and to sample the delights of Chris Wheeler, Stoke Park’s award winning Executive Chef who will make his Great British Menu debut when the BBC 2 show hits our screens later in the year competing in the South West region.

Originally from Swanage in Dorset, Chris’ passion, enthusiasm and culinary excellence was spotted and nurtured from a young age by celebrated Chef Jean Christophe-Novelli. Chris worked alongside Novelli and was his right-hand man for ten years, where he learned a great deal and gained even more experience and developed his passion for food.

Chris joined Stoke Park in 2003 and has been building up the culinary reputation since, achieving 3 AA Rosettes for the fine-dining restaurant, Humphry’s as well as overseeing the entire culinary operation.

Again, wow! Fine dining at its very…um! finest.

Pan fried scallops and melt in your mouth loin of pork accompanied by a bottle of chilled St.Véran, Domaine Joseph Drouhin, 2013. I’m no critic but when you’ve been fortunate to review as many

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MENU Starters Risotto Beetroot Risotto, Mascarpone Cheese and Carrot Crisps Scallops Pan-fried Scallops, Cauliflower Purée, Sticky Chicken Winglet and Port Gel

Mains Bass Pan-roasted Stone Bass, Herb Crushed Potatoes, Baby Artichokes, Samphire and Carrot Emulsion Pork Loin, Belly and Cheek, Creamed Savoy Cabbage, Apple, Black Pudding & Cider Jus

Dessert Box Chocolate and Caramel Mousse, Frangelico Gel, Salted Caramel Ice Cream, Hazelnut Tuille and Hot Caramel Sauce Cheese Selection of English and French Cheeses

Wine

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excellent restaurants as we have at B4 over the past ten years, then you tend to get a fairly good idea of what cuts the mustard….Chris Wheeler doesn’t cut it, he slices through it with the grace of a Ninja with a Samurai sword, leaving you gobsmacked and perfectly replete. This is food of the highest order, served by a team which glide around the dining room enabling their guests to relax and enjoy the masterpieces exiting the kitchen.

After dinner we considered a drink in the bar but you know when you’ve had it good so we retired to Bridget’s bedroom and managed to watch less than 10% of The Revenant before floating away in to a deep sleep.

Breakfast was served on the terrace….and why not, it was big enough! Smoked salmon and scrambled eggs with tea and juice and I’d managed to resist the pastries!

I was due to meet with Head of Communications, Nick Downie in the Orangery for a catch up and to plan our B4 event taking place later this year. Ever engaging, Nick’s a bundle of fun and no wonder this place has such zest and character. But all too soon it was time to get back to reality and leave the delights of Stoke Park… until the next time. Make sure you add Stoke Park to your ‘Must Do’ list.

St.Véran, Domaine Joseph Drouhin, 2013 Fresh, dry and fruity wine made from the Chardonnay grape.

Quinta Do Seival Castas Portuguesas, Brazil, 2011 175ml Spicy, dry, fruity and ripe with a lovely savory edge and ever so slightly chunky tannins.

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CONTACT DETAILS

 info@stokepark.com  01753 717 171  www.stokepark.com

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Danesfield House Hotel and Spa Imagine having an entire Luxury Hotel to yourself: luxury guest rooms, ornate ceilings and impeccable staff dedicated to only your event, exclusive use includes all facilities of the house and the hotel becomes yours for a minimum period of 24 hours to include all accommodation, public areas and hotel grounds

The house is steeped in a unique history from being built in 1901 as a private family home to 1941 when it was requisitioned as a base to develop the intelligence section of the Royal Air Force, known as RAF Medmenham and remained in the hands of the RAF until 1977.

Danesfield House Hotel and Spa finally opened as a hotel on 1st July 1991 with 2016 to be a year of celebration to commemorate our 25th anniversary as one of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World.

As we embark on our 25th year, we celebrate the completion of the first phase of a major redevelopment programme. Phase One sees an investment of £2m and the complete regeneration of twenty four bedrooms to become sixteen luxurious rooms and suites all situated in a private courtyard setting. The new rooms bring state of the art technology, design led bathrooms and exquisite soft furnishings together. Each new room takes on an individual identity with variations in layout and size from duplex suites to dual aspect rooms, all benefitting from underfloor heating, air conditioning and remotely controlled showers and the latest Smart TV solution.

Meetings and event space required? Look no further than Danesfield House Hotel and Spa, just 40 minutes from West London, situated in the heart of the Buckinghamshire countryside and perfectly placed for M40, M4 and M3 motorways.

Danesfield House offers a fabulous opportunity to mix business with pleasure. The hotel and estate is situated in sixty five acres of stunning gardens and grounds, approached via a tree lined private drive with ample complimentary parking and private helicopter landing facilities for helicopter transfers.

Offering affordable corporate luxury whilst maintaining the buildings charm and grandeur, our private rooms are diverse and adaptable with plenty of natural daylight. The house offers flexible event space, with beautifully appointed and decorated function suites all boasting views across glorious gardens and courtyards.

Danesfield House offers the perfect retreat for day and residential conferences and for a rather special experience. Enjoy hosting an event in privacy and style as the hotel can be used for corporate events, family occasions and weddings, transforming the event into an unforgettable and something out of the ordinary experience. Exclusive use offers unrivalled flexibility, discretion and the freedom to create a bespoke event with a more relaxed feel, should you crave exclusivity or need confidentiality managed by a dedicated Operations Team ensuring a smooth, efficient, attentive and super discreet service, appreciated by guests that often include influential executives and celebrities.

For meetings ranging from 2 – 100 guests we offer fully inclusive bespoke meeting packages.

Events are serviced in one of the eight meeting

rooms, complete with high tech equipment and healthy, seasonal food and beverage offerings giving the opportunity for creativity within a working environment in a style to suit the event.

Residential delegates have the opportunity to end the working day with drinks in the exquisite cocktail bar or soaking up the early evening sunshine on our South Facing terrace overlooking the River Thames. Team-building activities enhance the overall working experience with various fun or mind challenging games, these include country pursuits and river activities that can be enjoyed inside the house or within the stunning grounds, overseen and adapted by our specialised team building company and ensuring delegates feel motivated and inspired!

Whether it’s a small meeting, a board retreat or a residential conference for a large group, customer satisfaction is our top priority. Our highly experienced Private Events Managers liaise closely with each client to make sure that every event is tailored to suit each client’s specifications. For anyone planning an event, be it a wedding, a party or a corporate event has a vision, a vision of their event being the best ever and one their guests never stop talking about, this is our vision too.

Filming, product launches and photo-shoots are a popular request within the grounds. Car clubs and associations enjoy the benefit of ample parking, we offer valet parking and our car park even has

Whether it’s a small meeting, “a board retreat or a residential conference for a large group, customer satisfaction is our top priority. Our highly experienced Private Events Managers liaise closely with each client to make sure that every event is tailored to suit each client’s specifications.

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On Time • On Budget • On Point

BRILLIANT BUILDINGS I need help with public speaking.

THE OXFORD KITCHEN’S EXCITING MENU AND RELAXED VIBE IS MAKING IT THE MOST TALKED ABOUT RESTAURANT IN OXFORD

In my position I should be upbeat and confident but I’m not a natural extrovert.

In fact I feel very nervous and I’m afriad it shows, which makes it worse.

Want to be a confident effective speaker?

Then contact us!

Oxford Professional Consulting E: alison.haill@opcOxford.com T: +44 1865 436 791 W: www.opcOxford.com

“Must be due for a Michelin star soon” (TripAdvisor review)

See our great menus at: www.theoxfordkitchen.co.uk For telephone reservations call: 01865 511 149 Reserve a table at: www.theoxfordkitchen.co.uk or look for us on: www.opentable.co.uk

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water and power to enable the cars to be cleaned and sparkle once here. The film crew and photoshoots enjoy all of our different areas within the 65 acres, from the sunken water garden, woodland hideaway to the most beautiful backdrop of the River Thames or house to enhance their images.

fitness class offering, a Pommery POP Nail bar and eight tranquil treatment rooms including a VIP Suite to accommodate VIP packages and couples treatments and a thriving membership scene.

For guests visiting London the hotel’s sister spa, the ultra-exclusive Spa Illuminata Mayfair offers an array of world class, cutting edge treatments

This quintessentially British hotel offers seventy eight luxury bedrooms in total, beautiful private dining rooms and relaxing reception areas and lounges, the hotel also has the added benefit of a luxury Spa for residents and hotel guests.

The Restaurant at Danesfield “House is a double AA Rosette

Spa Illuminata Danesfield House is housed in its own wing with a separate entrance and emanates timeless luxury in keeping with the rest of the magnificent, country house hotel. A sanctuary of elegance and calm awaits offering guests an escape from the busy lifestyles and hectic schedules of modern life. Spa Illuminata Danesfield House uses luxury La Vallée, Darphin and Aromatherapy Associates products in a wide range of indulgent treatments. These range from holistic massages and Reiki to anti-aging facials and skin polishes, an array of luxury beauty treatments are also available.

The serial award-winning Spa facilities encompass a beautiful 20-meter swimming pool, with breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside, a Jacuzzi, sauna and steam room, a fully equipped Matrix gymnasium, Zen Fitness Studio with a varied

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winner and allows guests to decide on dining in the beautiful Oak Room, the sunny Orangery or al fresco dining on the glorious Terrace from the same menu choices, alternatively take Traditional Afternoon Tea on the Terrace soaking up summer sunshine or indulge in a mouth-watering picnic within the grounds.

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and an oasis of calm in Central London at one of the capitals most prestigious addresses on South Audley Street. As the UK’s Flagship day spa for cult Parisian skincare brand Darphin and the Swiss super luxury product house Bellefontaine.

A beautiful boutique including perfumery, men’s fragrance and unique accessories complete the story at London’s Luxury day spa.

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Dining at Danesfield House is run by Michelin Stared Executive Chef Billy Reid and his brigade combining the very best produce to create a smart and approachable modern British dining experience. An extensive A ’La Carte menu offering traditional and modern cuisine along with a daily Market menu provide a guests the opportunity to relax, enjoy and remember. The Restaurant at Danesfield House is a double AA Rosette winner and allows guests to decide on dining in the beautiful Oak Room, the sunny Orangery or al fresco dining on the glorious Terrace from the same menu choices, alternatively take Traditional Afternoon Tea on the Terrace soaking up summer sunshine or indulge in a mouth-watering picnic within the grounds.

Taking everything into account Danesfield House Hotel and Spa not is not only an exquisite luxury hotel with a beautiful Spa, it is an exceptional meetings and events venue guaranteed to leave an unforgettable feeling of pure joy and indulgence with each and every guest.

CONTACT DETAILS

 enquiries@danesfieldhouse.co.uk  01628 891 010  https://danesfieldhouse.co.uk

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The Birth of a World Class Visitor Attraction for Oxford A new experience is in the works, to celebrate the life and achievements of Oxford-born James Sadler a local innovator who became the first Englishman to fly, an international celebrity and hero of science.

The city of Oxford is renowned the world over for its stunning architecture and fascinating history, the university buildings a constant source of interest to residents and visitors alike.

What is less known is that Oxford was the site of a historic flight by a local pastry chef James Sadler.

At dawn on October 4th 1784, a hot air balloon

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rose majestically from Christchurch Meadows, and landed in Wood Eaton approximately seven miles away. James Sadler thus became the first Englishman to fly. A remarkable achievement considering Sadler designed, built and flew the balloon himself, having had no formal education. This outstanding feat was only the beginning of what he went on to achieve.

Sadler transformed a passion for flight into a drive

to push the boundaries of science and engineering, making significant advances in both. Eventually becoming Chemist to the Admiralty and redesigning naval guns with such success that Lord Nelson declared “I would take on board The Victory as many guns as Mr Sadler could send alongside”.

The James Sadler Oxford Balloon Experience is a proposal that two Oxfordshire businessmen, Dave

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Davies and Dave Dunphy are preparing to bring to Oxford City. They are passionate in their desire to educate the world about the achievements of this working class hero who has sadly been forgotten.

His story will fascinate and inspire children of all ages. Their plan is to set up an interactive science and information centre where education is the key.

Children will attend an exciting hands on information centre, where they will participate in experiments challenging their minds in a format that’s fun and educational, allowing children to express themselves in a creative environment under the guidance of young a scientist, recruited from Oxford’s pool of students.

The day will culminate in a tethered balloon flight, enabling them to experience views of the worldfamous “Dreaming Spires” of Oxford. This amazing educational attraction will be totally free of charge for an invited class of school children every day. Aside from the invited school children, the attraction will be available for anyone to visit and fly in a tethered balloon, locals, visitors and tourists will be able to soar into the Oxford skyline.

The James Sadler Experience will not just be a fantastical flight above Oxford but also a preflight briefing including interactives, simulators,

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augmented/virtual reality and filmic treatments that bring James Sadler to life – in a truly “world class” attraction that Oxford has longed for.

This would be a perfect family attraction with something for everyone to enjoy and participate in whilst learning about James Sadler and Oxford itself.

“ Fantastical balloon

flight and interactive experiences that bring James Sadler to life – in a truly ‘World Class’ attraction that Oxford has longed for

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The James Sadler Oxford Balloon Experience has a team including Rebecca Mileham, who has 10 years experience at the Science Museum in London and has a wide interpretation of museum projects, and Phil Pike with 15 years experience at Madame Tussauds and the “in capsule” entertainment for the London Eye.

A recent survey found that over 92% of people thought a tethered balloon would be a good way to experience views of Oxford.

We are currently searching for a suitable site for our project in Oxford City and would be pleased to hear from parties who are interested in becoming involved.

For more information see below.

”

Capacity on the gondola is up to 30 passengers including 3 wheelchairs, with a fifteen-minute flight time. An information tape would play during the flight pointing out places of interest around the city and county flying at a height of 120 meters.

CONTACT DETAILS

 info@oxfordballoonexperience.com  0845 116 8899  oxfordballoonexperience.com

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B4 WHO'S WHO

Neil Urquhart In an ideal world, no one would know the school bursar. As the Chief Operations Officer, or Director of Finance and Administration, a happy bursar would be confident that the accounts were in order, the fees had been paid promptly, there were no leaks in any part of the listed buildings, and the minibuses were running on time.

All schools have someone fulfilling this role. It may be part or full-time depending on the job, and the roles will vary, but usually the bursar is responsible for all the non-academic functions of a school, and may act as Company Secretary/ Clerk to the Governors.

I am Bursar at Bloxham School, a thriving co-ed day/boarding school near Banbury. It has a strong local base but also draws pupils from across the UK and abroad. It is a registered charity, with an annual income of over £10 million. I lead the main support departments: Finance, Estates, Catering, Domestic Services, and Lettings; and I manage, directly or indirectly, 150 of the 250 staff.

Most bursars have a strong generalist background, and need to be of robust character. I lead on HR policy and procedures, with an assistant in support, including dealing with complex staff management issues. I have a Finance Manager, but report personally to the Governors on finance matters, and I manage the salary budget of over £6M. I oversee the programme of maintaining and improving our 42 acre estate, and ensure that the domestic and pastoral staff are

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working effectively as part of the whole school team – a job that cannot be done without walking the school on a daily basis.

The pace of life in term-time is usually frenetic. The bursar must ensure the support staff provide the assistance to enable the school to run smoothly. As a key member of the senior management team, I am at the core of decision making, planning ahead whilst dealing with the numerous daily unexpected challenges. At times you have to be very hands-on – I found myself on Christmas Eve up to my chest in a flooded cellar. You also require a lot of tact and patience. I have been involved in commercial and employment legal disputes, and have kept a major building project on track despite the other parties falling out. There are also sensitive times when you try to help a family with domestic issues find a way to keep their child in the school.

Life is a bit easier in the holidays, but the school does not close. As well as project managing a full programme of maintenance works and refurbishments, we must provide an excellent service to the varied organisations who rent our facilities for residential courses.

As Clerk to the Governors, I facilitate the termly Board and committee meetings, ensuring they are furnished with well-constructed decision papers as well as routine reports. Regulation is central to our lives, not least in school, and I have trained as a compliance inspector, visiting other schools to check that their procedures, covering everything from fire safety to employment processes, comply with the regulatory standards.

I have decided, after ten years as a school bursar and twenty years in the Army, that it is time to move on to a third career. Some of you may be considering becoming a bursar, and I am happy to offer advice.

It is a fulfilling job and, if you wish, you can be a lot more than a senior manager. I also seek guidance from anyone who can see an opening for my broad skills in the world beyond schools.

CONTACT DETAILS

 ianeilurquhart@gmail.com  07867 695 550

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Welcome to Oxfordshire Experience Oxfordshire, the Destination Management Organisation (DMO) for the county, is striving to grow the visitor economy and attract more leisure and business visitors to Oxfordshire.

WRITTEN BY: MARTIN WALKER

Experience Oxfordshire is the Destination Management Organisation (DMO) for Oxfordshire and is a not-for-profit partnership organisation committed to the promotion, management and development of Oxfordshire as a great destination to live, work, visit and do business. We have a growing partnership network of businesses spanning all parts of the visitor economy, and through effective collaboration we are all working to ensure Oxfordshire becomes a leading destination for tourism, culture and business.

The Oxfordshire Visitor Economy Visitors to Oxfordshire are vitally important to the county’s economy. The iconic city and surrounding county attract local, national and international visitors.

Our proximity to London and other key cities in the UK make Oxfordshire an attractive destination for leisure and business travellers.

The Oxfordshire Visitor Economy Key Statistics • Oxfordshire welcomes 26.7 million visitors per year

Attracting Visitors to the County With visitors to Oxfordshire being such a key part of the local economy, it’s vital that the county has a coordinated approach to attracting more leisure and business travellers from the UK and overseas.

One of our main focuses is attracting more international visitors to Oxfordshire.

Their numbers are much lower than domestic visitors, but when they come to the county they stay for longer and therefore spend more in the local economy.

VisitBritain International Visitor Statistics for 2015 • • • • •

Number of visits 680,434 Total expenditure £388.69m Total nights spent 4.71m Average length of stay 7 Days Average spend per visit £571

• 2.6 million visitors stay for one or more nights in the county • 24.1 million are day visitors • They spend £1.86 billion • Support 32,000 jobs or 10% of the county’s workforce

VisitBritain data shows that Oxford has been the seventh most popular city to visit in the UK for the past 3 years. We must capitalise further on Oxford’s enduring popularity, increase visitor numbers to the city while also encouraging visitors to venture further into the county.

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Experience Oxfordshire works in collaboration with VisitBritain to attract more international visitors. Their reach is global, with offices around the world and marketing campaigns targeting established markets such as the US, and emerging markets such as China.

For international visitors coming to the UK, London is often the only place they visit. Through working with consortiums like English Heritage Cities, we have been working together to target the French consumer market and capitalise on Oxfordshire’s excellent rail and coach links to London. www.b4-business.com

B4

corp life

Partnering with Experience Oxfordshire If you want to become part of a growing network of companies who are keen to support and benefit from a thriving visitor economy, then please contact Experience Oxfordshire 01865 686440 or visit www.experienceoxfordshire.org/partners

Experience Oxfordshire Services Oxford Visitor Information Centre Located in the heart of Oxford, the Oxford Visitor Information Centre welcomes over 500,000 visitors each year and provides information and advice on the best ways to experience the county along with a broad range of gifts and souvenirs. w: www.experienceoxfordshire.org t: 01865 686430 e: info@experienceoxfordshire.org

Conferences

“

Destination Management Organisations play a vital role in British tourism, ensuring that our destinations provide a quality experience for visitors. We fully support Experience Oxfordshire's aims - as the official DMO for the area - in developing and investing in improving the Oxfordshire experience. Collectively we work with them and the wider tourism industry to inspire more international visitors to Oxfordshire and beyond

”

Sally Balcombe, Chief Executive, VisitBritain and VisitEngland

Building a Thriving Partnership Network

Experience Oxfordshire Ambassadors

With continued pressures on local government funding, Experience Oxfordshire is leading the way in the transformation of Destination Management Organisations across the country as we transition from local government funding to a self-sustaining partnership model.

The company is also supported by key Ambassador Partners from across the county. Their support is vital in ensuring Experience Oxfordshire remains a sustainable organisation, with its partners to further improve the county’s visitor economy.

With close to 200 partners, Experience Oxfordshire has an ambitious growth plan to build a much larger partnership network that not only includes hotels, attractions and tour companies involved in the visitor economy, but companies from the wider Oxfordshire business community.

Experience Oxfordshire partners benefit from promotion through our marketing and travel trade channels, with partners receiving specific benefits relating to their chosen partnership level.

www.b4-business.com

The current Ambassadors Oxfordshire are: B4 Bicester Village Blenheim Palace Cherwell District Council Great Western Railway Hedges Law Macdonald Randolph Hotel Oxford Bus Company Oxford City Council Oxfordshire County Council Stagecoach Westgate Oxford

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The meetings, incentives, conference and events (MICE) market is a vital component in the visitor economy in Oxfordshire. To support and grow business tourism, Experience Oxfordshire works with our partners to promote and market the county as a great meetings and conference location through a dedicated venues website, PR, events and conference booking desk. w: conferencing.experienceoxfordshire.org t: 01865 686443 e: conferencing@experienceoxfordshire.org

Oxford Official Walking Tours Experience Oxfordshire’s Walking Tours welcome over 40,000 visitors to Oxford each year. Led by qualified tour guides, we offer introductory tours exploring the city and university and more specialist tours covering film, literature, history and architecture. w: www.experienceoxfordshire.org/official-tours t: 01865 686442 e: officialtours@experienceoxfordshire.org

Experience

       

partnership@experienceoxfordshire.org 01865 686 440 www.experienceoxfordshire.org @ExperienceOx /experienceoxfordshire /experienceoxfordshire experience-oxfordshire 15 - 16 Broad Street, Oxford, OX1 3AS

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B4

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B4 TEAM BUILDING

Hulio Events

B4 talked to Michelle Louise Gallagher of Hulio Events, who create incredible no fuss team building events to incentivise your team to achieve new goals.

Name: Michelle – Louise Gallagher Occupation: International Events Organiser Name of Business: Hulio Events Nature of your Business: International Conferences, Sales Incentives and Special Events.

Tell B4 why you launched Hulio Events?

I was working for a Formula One team many years ago and I was asked by a sponsor to organise an event for them, after the first one was a success - it snowballed – All the other sponsors wanted me to help them too! I went from doing two small events per year to now more than fifty! We tailor exceptional, boundary-pushing events around the globe and we try to add a unique touch to every event we do.

What types of businesses use your services and why?

We have Formula 1 sponsor’s, to Nationally Recognised Brands to SME’s that are looking to award or incentivise their staff or add that wow factor to a sales conference to make employees engage and stop them from falling asleep! We also organise The Race of Champions and assist with The Grand Prix Ball where we raised a massive £210,000 for the Prince’s Trust this year.

Tell us about your most memorable business trip?

Beautiful Marrakech! This trip was for a sales incentive and the group stayed in the wonderful Four Seasons hotel, before an exciting 4 x 4 adventure

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in the Atlas Mountains. These guys were an active bunch and activities included zip lining, camel riding, quad biking and a spectacular hot air balloon ride!

On the last night the group checked out and were whisked to the desert before they were set up in their very own Berber Village underneath the stars – it was truly magical for the whole team. The trip certainly made an impact as they all vowed to hit their targets for the following year and nearly all of them made it – which proves sales incentives work!

Which was the worst trip and why?

There hasn’t been a worst trip! They are all unique and exciting in their own way! Everyone always enjoys themselves and takes a lot away from the experience. Memories last a lifetime and because the experiences we offer are so unique – they talk about their experience long after the tan has faded!

Describe the best team building activity that you hold and why?

I took a group to the Arctic Circle and we held a competitive sailing race before splitting the groups up to go ice fishing. Everyone really needed to work together in order to sail the boat in adverse weather conditions and really bonded as a result. They also had to huddle together to keep warm – which got everyone well acquainted and into the team sprit!

Explain what the main benefits are to businesses to use incentivisation schemes and team building trips?

Incentivising and being rewarded for hard work gives employees something exciting to work towards and look forward to. For many it’s the highlight of their

year. The end result is a refreshed and renewed team firing on all cylinders that know each other so much better through a shared, once-in-a-lifetime experience. They return to work stimulated which encourages much better productivity and a higher level of performance.

For businesses it can appear that they have spent hundreds of thousands of pounds when in reality the overall cost is a fraction of the price. Our objective is to create unique, high-perceived value events and not charge a fortune for them. The discounts you can achieve for group bookings can be substantial and there are some fantastic unique activities you can only do as a group such as privatising Table Mountain in Cape Town or recreating the Michael Jacksons video shot in the favela in Rio! We have our brains exploding with unique, fun ideas so our clients don’t have to!

What do your customers say about you?

No fuss, No Nonsense, Just Great events!

Have you had a team building day and was it a success? Or do you organise corporate days or incentives for teams and would like to tell the B4 Network? If so, please contact Kelly Gavaghan on 01865 742211 or email her at Kelly.gavaghan@theiogroup.net CONTACT DETAILS

 hello@hulioevents.com  0203 770 2825  www.hulioevents.com

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Forthcoming Concerts

Buy Tickets

www.osj.org.uk

Box office: 01865 305305

admin@osj.org.uk

B4 CFR

Twin Town smashes £250K Q: How much fun can people have raising money for charity? A: A lot, especially when you’re driving around France in a £500 car and wearing fancy dress. Brendon Cross, founder and organiser of Twin Town Challenge 2016, tells B4 more about the event.

WRITTEN BY: JO SENSECALL, MARKETING SENSE PHOTOGRAPHY BY: SIMON WILLIAMS

From the very start, this event was going to be impressive. 100 cars lined up at Blenheim Palace, with 500 people in fancy dress, 50 marshals, a media bus, a bus of shame, 4 support vehicles, 2 teams of mechanics…all setting off for Le Touquet and a petrol shortage in France. Not to be deterred, the Mexican banditos, Men in Pink, Sumo wrestlers, pink fairies, Christmas trees and ninja turtles revved up their engines and headed for Silverstone. The circuit is more used to seeing F1 cars whizzing round it than £500 cars covered in stickers, but whizz round it they did and, after a few laps of the track, the cars departed for the Eurotunnel, turning heads as they travelled round the M25 Over in France the fuel shortage had miraculously disappeared and Le Touquet welcomed the Twin Towners with open arms and a nice sign. Everyone got down to business at the tennis centre where Dr Mick Donegan of SpecialEffect shared a film about the charity and reminded everyone why they were taking part and what a different SpecialEffect makes to the lives of those with disabilities. After supper and an auction of amazing 'money can’t usually buy' items, even Elvis joined in with the fun by entertaining everyone.

Saturday saw the teams head off around the French countryside on a treasure hunt, before enjoying a traditionally French picnic lunch, which was followed by a civic reception and a flash mob. What you might ask is a flash mob? Imagine 500 people, mostly in fancy dress, standing on an outline of Le Caddy, the Le Touquet icon, and being photographed by a drone. The image it produced was stunning and made sense of the organised chaos on the ground.

Day 3 was spent at Abbeville circuit where the teams undertook 4 challenges including Blind Driving round an object course blindfolded; Car Boxing, driving with the passengers holding on to huge removals boxes; Tyred and Emotional, a tyre change under timed conditions; and finally each car enjoyed a number of laps of the circuit behind a pace car that went

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considerably faster than many of the £500 cars did!

The day concluded with a street party in central Le Touquet, where Twin Towners joined the French to dance the night away to the Village Idiots, a 10-piece band that had travelled all the way from Stonesfield in Oxfordshire to play this international gig. Retro golfers, octopi, people in Christmas jumpers and men dressed as pink fairies partied until late – obviously it was not quite a normal Sunday night in Le Touquet!

On arrival back in the UK, the staff at Abbott Diabetes had held a British bake off style competition to provide tea and cake for everyone including all the friends and family who came along for the farewell and prize giving.

The Twin Town Challenge is not a race, but a series of points based challenges designed to provide a weekend of fun and from the many comments received after the event it certainly did that. But more than just having a good time it enabled the participants to raise money for charity; to bond and work as a team; to network and get to know more people; to join the Twin Town family and feel part of an event that is much bigger than just 3 days driving round France in a £500 car.

“We knew that £250,000 was a stretching target and we were very surprised to have reached this amount so that SpecialEffect can keep up with a demand for their services that is growing in excess of 50% a year.”, said Brendon who went on to say, “Whilst TTC16 was a fantastic adventure for all of us, there is a serious reason for staging the event and I cannot thank the sponsors, the volunteers and of course the participants enough for their incredible generosity and unconditional support. The money continues to come in and we are hopeful of breaking the £300k barrier before we are finished!"

As for what a difference having £250,0000 will make to SpecialEffect, says CEO Dr Mick Donegan, “This is the largest donation that the charity has

ever had. It will enable us to employ more specialist staff, purchase more assistive technology and buy an additional vehicle so that we can support even more people not only in Oxfordshire but also right across the UK. But more than that, a huge legacy of the Twin Town Challenge is raising our profile to attract businesses to adopt us as their charity of the year, take part in challenges such as the Monster Run or simply come and join us for musical concerts that range from chamber music to the Wurzels! We are all so very grateful to everyone who took part in TTC16 – thank you!”

CONTACT DETAILS

 support@twintown16.co.uk  01993 220 666  www.twintown16.co.uk

Brendon and the organisers of the Twin Town Challenge 2016 would like to thank everyone who took part, sponsored or supported the event in any way to help raise over £250,000 for SpecialEffect.

The film premier of ‘TTC16 da movie’ by Witney TV will be shown on Thursday 1st September at Cineworld in Witney in a red carpet, black tie occasion complete with champagne reception.

If your business might be interested in taking part in TTC18, you can register your interest on the Twin Town website www.twintown16.co.uk

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Sobell House Beard “We are delighted to join Sobell House's 40 Club, to help raise the much needed funds, to ensure that their vision of high quality end of life care should be available to everyone who needs it in Oxfordshire, whether they are at home, in the hospital or in the hospice”.

PLEASE SPONSOR – 4 members of the Beard staff are participating in Swim Oxford on September 4th in order to raise money for Sobell House.

The Chris Lewis Group - protecting properties, supporting the community Chris Lewis Fire and Security and its sister company Chris Lewis Smart Home are taking their pledge to Sobell House seriously. As a local charity, and one so close to so many hearts in the Oxfordshire area, we are keen to do everything we can to support such a worthwhile cause. Within the next four years we have pledged to donate £10,000 and although it is only early days we’ve already begun our challenge.

PLEASE SPONSOR - The Chris Lewis Group already has one team member keen to run a

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“With one in three of us likely to need or benefit from end of life care, Sobell House has a vision for Oxfordshire where everyone has access to the care they need and where families are supported. We have therefore set ourselves a target to raise extra funds over the next 4 years to support the expansion of our services in line with the demand. We will achieve this by working closely with local businesses, local groups, individuals and families.

marathon, an exciting fund raising event planned for later in the year and others in 2017. We are on target to achieve our aim and see Sobell House go from strength to strength.

If you’d like to help us reach our £10,000 goal please visit the B4 website. Details at the bottom of page.

Darke & Taylor We at Darke & Taylor wanted to support an Oxfordshire charity and many of our employees have had a personal connection with amazing work carried out at Sobell House. However, the 40 Club offers a lot more to our business than just supporting a local charity. In addition to meeting our “social responsibility” objectives, there are two further significant benefits that the 40 Club offers.

The first of these is staff engagement – a team of 12 employees recently completed the Monster Race and our Staff Forum are planning a big race night event in September, both very positive experiences that have been great for team morale.

Secondly, the 40 Club is a business networking group and gives Darke & Taylor the opportunity to meet with a wide range of like-minded businesses to discuss fund raising ideas and business opportunities,

to share ideas and extend our networks.

RACE NIGHT - Our staff forum (Sam Vincent, Jamie Leach, James Thompson, Denise Trafford, Stuart McNaughton, Sam Walker, Ricky Sodhi) are currently organising a Race night for Friday 2nd September based at Kidlington Football club. We have alot of sponsors on board and have had some amazing raffle prizes donated to us! So fingers crossed we will raise lots of cash for Sobell!

Jennings The ‘40 club’ has given us the opportunity to get directly involved with fundraising going straight to a charity many of us have had or know someone that has had first-hand experience of the wonderful work the charity does; providing compassionate care to patients and their families in our local area.

Our involvement with the ‘40 club’ has really brought the team together with our own unique input ranging from logistics and setting up tables to event hosting and taking part in new activities as a team ourselves. Our motivation, comes from not only raising funds for the charity but, interacting with our tenants, contacts and local businesses and creating opportunities for bringing people together

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B4 CFR

The priority is to grow end of life care expertise across Oxfordshire’s four hospitals. Central to this initiative to improve care of the dying will be education and training for hospital staff – strengthening and growing the pool of knowledge in end of life care across the Oxfordshire hospitals.

needs of our increasingly frail and complex patients who are likely to be prone to falls and may suffer from dementia. It will also provide the capacity for other essential out-patient services such as lymphoedema and provide much needed comfort in a sympathetic environment.”

We will also build a new hospice space on the Churchill hospital site which will give us added clinical facilities. This will be designed to fi t the

Dominique Cadiou, Sobell House

and having fun for a very worthy cause.”

Future events - Dress Down Fridays, our Jennings family BBQ, a ‘40’ mile something on our lawn, a Christmas dining experience and more…

Opendoorz Sonia Kearns of Opendoorz is delighted to join the 40 Club. “The incredible services Sobell offer are close to the heart of a number of our members; some having had first hand personal experience within the hospice, others who would’ve liked to have seen their relatives cared for by a specialist team trained in end-of-life care within our local hospitals” Opendoorz first fundraising event saw them implement a plan B when the harsh weather hit their annual punting expedition - the skies may have been black but their spirits weren’t dampened!

With plenty of banter and frivolity the members and their guests threw themselves into the games and tasks thrown at them...

The Sobell fundraiser was an opportunity to network, meet business owners from their different groups and their guests. Whether they were doing the

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conga, swapping clothes, searching for the person who travelled the furthest distance or the one with the highest heels everyone truly entered into the spirit. Mark Barclay from SJP kindly donated boxed wines from the Rothschild Estate.

Solid State Logic “Our staff have engaged with being a 40 Club member with great enthusiasm; it’s given them focus and generated team spirit in the efforts they have made up mountains, on the golf course and in the kitchen. We’re making excellent progress towards our first year’s fund raising target and feel confident that we can significantly exceed it.”

Antony David, Managing Director.

Our main fundraising activity to date was the Welsh 3000 challenge, climbing 15 peaks in Snowdonia that are over 3000 feet high within 24 hours. The last leg was completed by Tomas Elek and Jordan Hudson and they finished the last 6 peaks by 3.20am on Sunday morning. Congratulations to Tomas Elek who completed every single stage!!!!!

We are holding an SSL Bake Off in the autumn where staff and family members will donate £1 to enter

their baked goods in 4 categories. After judging, SSL staff will be invited to donate to eat the yummy cakes. We may even auction the winner’s cakes!

PLEASE SPONSOR - Tomas Elek is running the Berlin Marathon in September to raise funds for Sobell House 40 Club.

Would your business commit to donating or raising a minimum of £10,000 over four years to help grow the level of care that we provide for the people of Oxfordshire? If so please contact Dominique Cadiou on 01865 857067 or visit www.sobellhouse.org/The40Club If you would like to sponsor any of these fantastic fundraising activities listed on these pages please visit: www.b4-business.com/ press-releases/companies-join-the-sobellhouse-40-club/ Thank you.

CONTACT DETAILS

 mail@sobellhospice.org  01865 857 008  www.sobellhouse.org

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SALES LETTINGS MORTGAGES AND FINANCIAL ADVICE Taylor Cox is an independent, sales and letting agent with proven financial and mortgage expertise.

With our experience and contacts we are Oxfordshire’s property professional whether buying, selling or investing.

Being independent and owner managed you will receive director level service from Dale Cox for sales and lettings, Mark Taylor for financial advice and Chris Bishop for Mortgages.

KNOCK, KNOCK Introducing Oxford’s latest restaurants, delivered to your door

La Cucina, The Rickety Press, Mission Burrito, Mamma Mia Pizzeria, Gourmet Burger Kitchen, 4500 Miles From Deli and many more

01865 959099 The Old Forge Main Street Merton OX25 2NJ

01993 835588

www.taycox.com

39 Corn Street Witney Oxfordshire OX28 6BT

Discover ...

WHERE OXFORD BEGAN...

KIDS GO FREE THIS SUMMER AT OXFORD CASTLE UNLOCKED!* Kids will be treated to FREE entry to the attraction, to learn all about the castle’s 1000 years of fascinating history, during which it served time as a castle, royal residence and a prison.

www.oxfordcastlequarter.com

*Check website for Terms & Conditions

The B4 Members Club Welcome to the B4 Member’s Club. In this section you’ll find some exclusive content for B4 Members.

Contents: 105. Meet The B4 Members 106. B4 Testimonials 107. B4 Events 108. Exclusive B4 Buying Group

O X F O R D Coming soon. Sign up for our Soft Launch. www.pintshop.co.uk

Discover the hidden heart of the University…

A guided tour of the Bodleian Libraries is one of the best ways to explore the history of the University of Oxford. Guided tours take visitors inside the oldest parts of the library to areas not open to the public but where students and academics still study today. See inside the atmospheric Medieval Duke Humfrey’s Library (where Harry Potter was filmed), visit the grand Divinity School which is the University’s oldest teaching and examination room, and don’t miss the interior of Oxford’s most iconic landmark the Radcliffe Camera.

These remarkable rooms and buildings within the Old Bodleian Library are the hidden heart of the University of Oxford. The Bodleian is steeped in history, and our experienced tour guides expertly bring to life its rich and varied stories. Public guided tours take place seven days a week, while private group bookings can be made in advance. Alternatively you could complete your private event at the Bodleian with a guided tour of the Duke Humfrey’s Library for your guests.

©StephenHebron

For more information on guided tours please contact our Tours Coordinator: t 01865 287 400 e tours@bodleian.ox.ac.uk w www.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/whatson/visit

©StephenHebron

Meet the B4 Members B4 is proud to welcome the following new members to the network.

Luxe PR BUSINESS SECTOR : MARKETING We are one of the leading agencies in our sector with an unrivalled network of contacts around the world. Luxe PR works with the crème de la crème of media and has placed millions of pounds worth of coverage on TV, print and online.

Tel: 020 7368 3330 www.luxepr.com

ADS BUSINESS SECTOR : MARKETING

Evergreen Agency

ads is a full service advertising, design and marketing agency. We provide creative, cost effective tailored marketing solutions, delivered to provide a positive return on investment.

BUSINESS SECTOR : MARKETING

We have been working with companies in Oxfordshire and beyond for nearly 30 years and we are proud of our history and heritage, which is demonstrated through our loyal and extensive portfolio of clients. Our clients are at the heart of everything we do.

We’re a digital marketing agency that pride ourselves on excellent results. Working in some very competitive industries we strive to achieve results that are above and beyond our client’s expectations. Our services include SEO, Adwords, Social Media Management and Web Design.

Tel: 01993 885 125 www.adsoxford.co.uk

Tel: 01869 242 222 www.theevergreenagency.co.uk

CIRCA 1445

on THE RIVER WINDRUSH, IN THE COTSWOLDS

Sobell House

Bloxham Mill

Old Swan & Minster Mill

BUSINESS SECTOR : CHARITY

BUSINESS SECTOR : BUSINESS PARKS

BUSINESS SECTOR : R&R

Sobell House’s mission is to enrich the lives of our patients and those who love and care for them in the communities in which we operate across Oxfordshire.

Our vision is for an Oxfordshire where high quality end of life care is available to all those who need it.

A Bloxham Mill Serviced Office solution can enable you to effectively manage change with the flexibility to align and adjust the amount of space and length of stay you need, as your business plan unfolds. You won’t need to outlay capital to fit out and equip your office, because our fully serviced offices are all ready to use

Set in 65 acres of idyllic Cotswold countryside, located beside the majestic River Windrush, the Old Swan & Minster Mill, a de Savary Property, is situated in the picturesque village of Old Minster.

With 60 bedrooms in total the 600 year old inn comprises of 16 magical guest rooms and suites.

Tel: 01865 857 067 www.sobellhouse.org

Tel: 01295 722 800 www.bloxhammill.com

Tel: 01993 774 441 www.oldswanandminstermill.com

www.b4-business.com

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B4 Testimonials What our members have to say about the B4 Network

"B4 offers unrivalled opportunities to discuss business with representatives you might not otherwise discover in relaxed surroundings."

Phil Southall | Managing Director | Oxford Bus Company

"B4 is one of the best business networks that I have come across, providing great networking opportunities and an outlet for us to share our news, and what’s more, they really understanding the region in which they operate."

Ian White | Business Development Manager | BDO

"Venturefest Oxford is all about connecting entrepreneurs with the right people to help grow their business. B4 takes that one step further and offers a platform for all businesses in Oxfordshire to connect and does it really successfully."

"We have hugely benefitted from our partnership with B4, they have managed to raise our profile in the local area and are a pleasure to work with."

Amy Dobson | Sales & Marketing Manager | Bombay Sapphire Distillery

"B4 has helped Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons connect with our local business community very effectively as well as build some excellent new relationships along the way."

"Since working with B4 our presence in Oxfordshire has seen a marked increase. This has helped us to expand our target audience, raising our profile with local businesses in and around Oxfordshire."

Peter Osborne | Marketing | Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons

Richard Marsh | CEO | CIS

"Quite simply, without B4 we wouldn’t have met, worked and partnered with some of the people we now act for."

"B4 has provided us with an excellent platform to promote the responsible business agenda to Oxfordshire companies."

Tony Haines | Partner | Wenn Townsend

Frank Nigriello | Director of Corporate Affairs | Unipart Group

"B4 has helped us build relationships with new businesses around Oxfordshire and made businesses aware of us."

"In a very diverse and fast-moving business community, B4 is one of the most important communication channels for sharing the information that builds relationships and drives success for local businesses. I am delighted that my firm is associated with B4."

Lynn Shepherd | Executive Chair | Venturefest

"B4 have clearly taken the time to understand what we are trying to do as a business and have given us great support in getting our message across."

Derek Rodgers | Managing Partner | Gardner Leader

"The team at B4 seem to know everyone in Oxfordshire! They never fail to put you in contact with someone useful. Their events are interesting and engaging, and the publication is packed full of relevant stories. But it is the individual service that really makes the difference to building our local network. Richard even facilitated the introduction to my rescue cat, Poppy!"

Nikki A Wood | Events Manager | the Oxford Union

David Birch | People Advisory Services | Partner Ernst & Young LLP

Elaine McKechnie | Head of Marketing | Oxford Innovation

WILSON PARTNERS ACCOUNTING. TAX. ADVISORY

"B4’s Business in Oxford is the only annual event that combines lead players in all sectors of our region’s business."

Matthew Smart | Project Officer | University of Oxford

"Partnering with B4 enables us to connect with other businesses in the local area and share our news and updates with a wider online audience."

Katie Finch | Kempton Carr Croft

"Doing great business is about connecting with really good people and B4 has helped us do just that!"

Ross Wilson | CA FIoD | Wilson Partners Limited

"As one of the leading independent schools in Oxford with a strong interest in our role in the community, B4 has provided an important link for us with the business leaders in the area."

Peter Talbot | Bursar | d’Overbroeck’s

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www.b4-business.com

B4 Events  Upcoming B4 Classic Events and Masterclasses.

WHEN

WHERE

WHAT

Thursday 8th September 2016

Rhodes House, South Parks Road, Oxford, Oxfordshire, OX1 3RG

EU Data Protection Regulation – Is Your Business Compliant?

A helpful seminar from CIS Ltd taking place before the Rhodes House event below, helping your business to understand best practice in storing confidential data securely on the private cloud. Including, how to avoid data breaches and how to protect your business from Ransomware attacks.

www.b4-business.com

Thursday 8th September 2016

Rhodes House, South Parks Road , Oxford, Oxfordshire OX1 3RG www.b4-business.com

Thursday 15th September 2016

Bombay Sapphire Distillery Laverstoke Mill, London Road, Whitchurch, Berkshire RG28 7NR www.b4-business.com

Thursday 27th October 2016

Malmaison, Oxford Castle, 3 New Rd, Oxford, Oxfordshire OX1 1AY www.malmaison.com

www.b4-business.com

B4 Classic Event

Join other B4 Ambassadors, Members and their guests at this stunning venue, home of the Rhodes Scholars.

We are delighted to welcome you back to Rhodes House following the successful events held in the previous 5 years.

Behind The Scenes at Bombay Sapphire Distillery

In renovating Laverstoke Mill, Bombay Sapphire has taken the utmost care to preserve the natural ecology and heritage of the site. To build a long-term legacy at Laverstoke Mill, Bombay Sapphire has also committed to building a sustainable future. The award-winning sustainability measures in design and construction are at the heart of this state-of-the art distillery.

What’s included in this event:

- Host to guide you through the distillery - Complimentary drink in the Mill Bar - Networking with other B4 members

B4’s 10th Birthday

Join us to celebrate our 10th Birthday where it all began – The Visitors Room at Malmaison.

All B4 Members are welcome to attend for drinks and canapes.

More info coming soon! See the B4 website for details.

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B4

services

The B4 Buying Group Powered by Aston & James Another B4 Membership benefit brought to you by one of our most trusted partners We have teamed up with the excellent Aston & James to bring B4 members demonstrable savings on your workplace supplies, alongside excellent service from a trusted B4 partner.

B4’s Chief Executive, Richard Rosser explains why Aston & James are the perfect partner for this new offering. “The B4 Buying Group provides us with another opportunity to add value to the B4 Membership package. With more events, a great new website and increasing profile on our social media platforms, we need to keep improving the B4 Membership offering and this is an excellent complement to the already extensive list of B4 Membership benefits. We are delighted to be providing this new service alongside Aston & James.

“We have always been very vocal in our support for Aston & James, as in all of our dealings with them we have never experienced anything other than professionalism, great service, courtesy and unbeatable prices. That’s a hard combination to maintain at the best of times but the team have never failed to deliver once throughout our five year relationship and that’s why we are more than comfortable partnering with Darren and his team in this exciting new venture.”

Managing Director, Darren Aston, explains more.

“We believe in building relationships to get to know you and understand your business. This allows us to develop and implement relevant and suitable solutions, along with a great selection of products, delivered in a way that’s best for you. When our customers choose to partner with Aston and James, they get all the benefits of ‘buying local’ with absolutely no compromise. We are partnered with powerful global buyers, enabling us to successfully compete against our largest national competitors.

Partnering with B4 we can bring these benefits, and more, to the growing number of members and it’s something we are very excited about.

Benefits of the B4 Buying Group include: • Free survey on everything for your workplace. One of Aston & James’ Account Managers will prepare

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• • • • • • • • •

a tailor-made report detailing areas where they could save your business money Competitive pricing available on an extensive range of products Exclusive monthly promotional programme Product sourcing service Exclusive B4 Buying Group landing page Free next day delivery Dedicated in-house support (Account Manager, Sales Support and Driver) Free artwork set-up on PPE & Workwear Free workplace design service Long term benefits: Even more savings as B4 Members grow and command even more competitive prices

How it Works All B4 members are automatically eligible to be part of the B4 Buying Group. All you need to do is complete a workplace survey and undertake a review meeting with an Aston and James Account Manager. The first ten members who complete the survey and undertake the review will receive a complimentary voucher for The R&R Collection (see www.therandrcollection.com) worth at least £150.

Interested?

Contact Aston & James on 01993 706900 or at sales@aston-james.co.uk and quote B4 Buying Group. One of the team will be happy to take you through the next steps. You have nothing to lose and so much to gain!

Taylor Cox, B4 Members, say "Over the years I have used many office suppliers from large corporates to small independents. But none have given the professional, expert or personal service that every member of the team offer at Aston James. From the moment we met with Darren Aston at the initial meeting to discuss the possibility of him supplying our office furniture for our new West Oxfordshire branch of Taylor Cox, we were made to feel comfortable and at ease. At no point during

the process did we feel like we were being sold to.

Darren listened to how we want the business to be portrayed, how we wanted to be different from all the other agencies on the High Street.

"He got it and immediately came up with a few very good ideas and even assisted in design options for the office as well as the best way to maximise the space we had to work with.

"Once the three partners had made their mind up on the options we wanted, Darren processed the order and delivered the items in a time frame that suited us, even though we cut it very fine with the dates.

"On delivery, we were welcomed by the installation team who were prepped with the installation plan and set up the furniture and unpacked the equipment ordered and placed it just where Darren had suggested. Amazing!

"Once we realised Darren and the team at Aston James offered the complete workplace solution, it was never in any doubt that we would take our future business anywhere else. With our own personal account manager, Christine ,on hand to help us with our needs, we know we are being offered the best possible price and looked after at all times, always kept up to date with all the latest offers and special promotions.

"Once our order is processed, we usually have our delivery within 24 hours brought to us by our friendly driver, Lawrence.

"A personal service delivered by a family business who care!"

Dale Cox MARLA, Managing Director Taylor Cox – Sales, Lettings & Financial Services CONTACT DETAILS

 sales@aston-james.co.uk  01993 706 900  www.aston-james.co.uk

www.b4-business.com

The B4 Membership is growing every day...

As we grow we can give all of our members even more benefits...

The B4 Buying Group gives our members the opportunity to benefit from great deals. Our first partnership is powered by Aston & James, specialists in stationery, facilities management, furniture, gifts & workwear and more.

To find out more about the benefits, contact Aston & James on 01993 706900 or e-mail sales@aston-james.co.uk and quote “B4 Buying Group”. One of the team will be happy to take you through the next steps.

You have nothing to lose and so much to gain!

Interested in supplying your products and services through the B4 Buying Group? Contact Richard at B4 on 01865 742211 or e-mail editorial@b4-business.com

We look forward to hearing from you

BUYING GROUP

POWERED BY ASTON & JAMES

contacts directory ADVICE..........................................................................................................110 BUSINESS SERVICES..............................................................................111 CONFERENCE, EVENTS & VENUES...............................................111 EDUCATION...............................................................................................112 FINANCE......................................................................................................112 HEALTH & LEISURE..................................................................................112

ADVICE ACCOUNTING Wenn Townsend P Tony Haines Partner 01865 559 900 OXON www.wenntownsend.co.uk Grant Thornton UK LLP P Wendy Hart Managing Partner 01865 799 899 OXON www.grant-thornton.co.uk Grant Thornton UK LLP P Jim Rogers Assurance Partner 01189 559 114 OXON www.grant-thornton.co.uk The MGroup P Richard Clayton Partner 01865 552 925 OXON www.themgroup.co.uk Wellers P Stuart Crook Partner 01865 723 131 OXON www.wellersaccountants.co.uk James Cowper Kreston P Andy Cowie Marketing & Business Development Director 01189 590 261 OXON www.jamescowperkreston.co.uk Whitley Stimpson Ltd G Jonathan Walton Director 01494 448 122 BUCKS www.whitleystimpson.co.uk Whitley Stimpson Ltd G Stuart Haigh Director 01869 252 151 OXON www.whitleystimpson.co.uk Shaw Gibbs G Peter O’Connell Partner 01865 292 200 OXON www.shawgibbs.com Wilson Partners A Allan Ian Wilson Managing Director 01628 770 770 BERKS www.wilson-partners.co.uk

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BDO LLP A Simon Brooker Lead Partner 0118 925 4488 BERKS www.bdo.uk.com Gracechurch Wealth Management LLP A Richard Lawrance Independent Financial Adviser 01908 209 220 BUCKS www.gracechurchwm.com Auditel A Chris Bourke Cost Management Specialist 01865 774 387 OXON www.auditel.co.uk Seymour Taylor A Simon Turner Managing Director 01494 552 125 OXON www.stca.co.uk Richardsons Accountants 01844 261 155 OXON www.richardsons-group.co.uk Rees Russell 01993 702 418 OXON www.reesrussell.co.uk Russell Whitlock Accountancy 01865 481 625 OXON www.rw-accountancy.co.uk Clark Howes 0808 271 3099 OXON www.clarkhowes.com Harmonea 01844 274 808 OXON www.harmonea.co.uk Tamesis Partnership 01865 261 497 OXON www.tamesispartnership.co.uk MHA MacIntyre Hudson 01908 662 255 BUCKS www.macintyrehudson.co.uk Xero OXON www.xero.com/uk Michael Harwood & Co. Chartered Accountants 01926 419 444 WAR www.michaelharwood.co.uk Ollis & Co 01926 335 381 WAR www.ollisandco.com

P

PLATINUM

G

GOLD

A

AMBASSADOR

HR..................................................................................................................113 IT & TELECOMMUNICATIONS.........................................................113 MANUFACTURING.................................................................................113 MARKETING & DESIGN...........................................................................113 PROPERTY & BUILDING.........................................................................114 R&R............................................................................................................115

BUSINESS ADVICE SR Consulting A Jonathan Lane Director 07503 891 331 BUCKS www.splash-rc.co.uk Ernst & Young 01189 281 100 BERKS www.ey.com/UK/en/home Explosive Learning Solutions 01235 861 805 OXON www.explosivelearningsolutions.com Hilltop Consultancy 01844 237 450 BUCKS www.hilltopconsultancy.co.uk Wakefield Group 07817 821 190 BUCKS www.wakefield-group.com Oxford Professional Consulting 01865 436 791 OXON www.oxfordprofessionalconsulting.com Quantuma Restructuring 01628 478 100 BUCKS www.quantuma.com RTS Breakthrough Solutions 07789 405 079 BERKS www.rts-breakthroughsolutions.co.uk Sandler Training 01608 611 211 OXON www.oxford.sandler.com Active Education and Training Ltd 01865 594 325 OXON www.oxfordactive.co.uk

Hedges Law P Nicola Poole Managing Director 01491 839 839 OXON www.hedgeslaw.co.uk Freeths G Malcolm Sadler Senior Partner 01865 781 000 OXON www.freeths.co.uk Gardner Leader LLP G Derek Rogers Managing Partner 01635 508 080 BERKS www.gardner-leader.co.uk BrookStreet Des Roches LLP Paddy Gregan G Partner 01235 836 655 OXON www.bsdr.com Blake Morgan LLP A Michael Stace Partner 01865 248 607 OXON www.blakemorgan.co.uk Brethertons A Suzie Upson PR and Communications Executive 01295 661 425 OXON www.brethertons.co.uk Turpin & Miller LLP A Emily Boardman Partner 01865 770 111 OXON www.turpinmiller.co.uk

Endeavour Consulting 07711 825 005 OXON www.endeavour-consulting.co.uk

Penningtons Manches LLP Richard Smith A Partner 01865 722 106 OXON www.penningtons.co.uk

VCA Consulting 01993 883 751 OXON www.vcaconsultinguk.com

Lewis Silkin 0207 0748 494 OXON www.lewissilkin.com

The Entrepreneurs Mentor 01865 593 933 BOXON

David Parry Employment Law 01993 848 247 OXON www.parryemploymentlaw.com

LEGAL

Blandy & Blandy 0118 951 6800 BERKS www.blandy.co.uk

Knights P David Beech Chief Executive Officer 01865 811 700 OXON www.knights1759.co.uk

Lodders Solicitors 01789 206 114 WAR www.lodders.co.uk

www.b4-business.com

B4 contacts Davies Murray-White Solicitors 01789 295 544 WAR www.daviesmurraywhite.co.uk

BUSINESS SERVICES ARCHIVE & STORAGE The Oxford Duplication Centre Cheryl-Lee Foulsham A Managing Director 01865 457 000 OXON www.theduplicationcentre.co.uk The Archive Centre A David Coulton Owner 01296 425 744 BUCKS www.thearchivecentre.com

WH Mobile Valeting 07979 480 886 OXON www.whvaleting.com

GAS & ELECTRIC British Gas Business Services P 0845 485 3528 OXON www.britishgas.co.uk/business

HEALTH & SAFETY Shawcity Ltd 01367 899 423 OXON www.shawcity.co.uk

LOCAL GOVERNMENT

BUSINESS SUPPLIES & EQUIPMENT

OxfordshireLEP P 01865 261 433 OXON www.oxfordshirelep.com

Aston & James Office Supplies Ltd P Darren Aston Director 01993 706 900 OXON www.aston-james.co.uk

West Oxfordshire District Council A William Barton Business Development Officer 01993 861 000 OXON www.westoxon.gov.uk/business

CHARITIES The Oxford Trust G Jude Eades Head of Communications 01865 810 013 OXON www.theoxfordtrust.co.uk Helen & Douglas House A Hugh Thompson Head of High Value Partnerships 01865 799 150 OXON www.helenanddouglas.org.uk Oxfordshire Community Foundation A Jayne Woodley Chief Executive 01865 798 666 OXON www.oxfordshire.org Big 60 07912 733 723 OXON www.big60.org The Ley Community 01865 373 108 OXON www.leycommunity.co.uk Bloodwise 020 7504 2231 OXON www.bloodwise.org.uk

MOTOR Ridgeway Jaguar 01865 590 777 OXON www.ridgeway.co.uk Ridgeway Maserati 01865 590 777 OXON www.ridgeway.co.uk

NETWORKING GROUPS B4 Magazine P Richard Rosser Editor 01865 742 211 OXON www.b4-business.com MD2MD 01865 600 800 OXON www.md2md.co.uk

PERSONAL ASSISTANTS SmartPA 07392 332 606 OXON www.smartpasupport.com

SECURITY

British Red Cross, Thames Valley 01235 552 680 OXON www.redcross.org.uk

Executive Alarms Ltd A John Keown Director 01865 435 435 OXON www.executive-systems.co.uk

Sobell House 01865 857 067 OXON www.sobellhouse.org

Security Exchange 01491 683 710 BERKS www.securityexchange24.com

CLEANING SERVICES Excel Dry Cleaners G 01865 511 773 OXON www.exceldrycleanersofoxford.co.uk

www.b4-business.com

TRANSPORT Chiltern Railways P 020 7333 3113 OXON www.chilternrailways.co.uk

Combined Carriers G Susan Baxter 01844 275 525 BUCKS www.combinedcarriers.co.uk Findlay Chauffeurs A Claire Hickson Managing Director 0845 644 7099 OXON www.findlaycs.com London Oxford Airport 01865 290 710 OXON www.londonoxfordairport.com Hilltop Chauffeurs 07825 500 852 OXON www.hilltopchauffeurs.co.uk

TRAVEL City Sightseeing P Jane Marshall Transport Manager 01865 790 522 OXON www.citysightseeingoxford.com

CONFERENCE, EVENTS & VENUES CATERING SERVICES Passion for Food P Philip Baker Managing Director 08452 969 226 BUCKS www.passion-for-food.co.uk Aldens Specialist Catering Butchers G Matthew Alden Managing Director 01865 728 227 OXON www.aldenoxford.co.uk Complete Catering G Jon Kay Managing Director 01235 820 840 OXON www.completecatering.co.uk Lamb Catering A Emma Tasker Events and Marketing Director 01865 772 446 OXON www.lambcatering.co.uk Oxford Fine Dining 01865 728 240 OXON www.oxfordfinedining.co.uk Elegant Cuisine 01865 391 888 OXON www.elegantcuisine.com Philip Dennis Foodservice 01993 700 030 OXON www.philipdennis.co.uk

CONFERENCES The Feathers P Dominic Bishop General Manager 01993 812 291 OXON www.feathers.co.uk

Oxford Castle Quarter P 01865 201 657 OXON www.oxfordcastle.com Rhodes House P Isabelle Barber Business Development Manager 01865 282 599 OXON www.rhodeshouseoxford.com Oxford Brookes University Conference Services G Phillipa Fletcher Conference Operations Manager 01865 484 612 OXON www.brookes.ac.uk Pembroke College G Huw Edmunds Head of Conferences and Events 01865 276 484 OXON www.pmb.ox.ac.uk/Conferences Stoke Park G Nick Downie Head of Communications 01753 717 171 BUCKS www.stokepark.com Danesfield House Hotel A Anthony Cox General Manager 01628 891 010 BUCKS www.danesfieldhouse.co.uk Hartwell House Hotel A Jonathan Thompson General Manager 01296 747 444 BUCKS www.hartwell-house.com Venue Services, Bodleian Library A Alice Ogilvie Head of Venue Services 01865 277 224 OXON www.bodleian.ox.ac.uk The Examination Schools Kay Hogg A Events Manager 01865 276 905 OXON www.examschools.ox.ac.uk Howbery Business Park A Donna Bowles Estate Manager 01491 822 305 OXON www.howberypark.com Egrove Park A Martin Garside Conference Manager 01865 422 757 OXON www.sbs.oxford.edu/conferencing Macdonald Windsor Hotel Beverley Molmans A General Manager 0844 879 9101 BERKS www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk Blenheim Palace Hospitality 01993 813 874 OXON www.blenheimpalace.com/hospitality Conference Oxford 01865 287 378 OXON www.conference-oxford.com

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The Oxford Union 01865 241 353 OXON www.oxford-union.org

Venturefest 01865 810 025 OXON www.venturefestoxford.com

Exeter College 01865 279 600 OXON www.exeter.ox.ac.uk/conferences

West Oxfordshire Business Awards 01993 220 690 OXON www.woba.org.uk

Malmaison 01865 268 400 OXON www.malmaison-oxford.com Oxford Town Hall 01865 252 195 OXON www.oxfordtownhall.co.uk The King’s Centre 01865 297 400 OXON www.kingscentre.co.uk Ardencote 01926 843111 WAR www.ardencote.com Woodland Grange 01926 336 621 WAR www.eef.org.uk Ragley Hall 01789 762 090 WAR www.ragley.co.uk The Tythe Barn 01869 321 442 OXON www.thetythebarn.co.uk

EQUIPMENT HIRE Oxford Event Hire A Kieran Lynch Owner 01865 760 158 OXON www.oxfordeventhire.co.uk Startech Productions A Roy Naraine 01865 722522 OXON www.startechproductions.co.uk ACDiSCO 01865 875 519 OXON www.acdisco.com BHK Rentals 01993 703 327 OXON www.bhkrentals.co.uk

EVENTS Business in Oxford 2017 P 01865 742 211 OXON www.businessinoxford.com Oxfordshire Restaurant Awards P 01865 742 211 OXON www.oxfordshirerestaurantawards.co.uk Henley Highwayman 0118 988 6041 OXON www.henleyhighwayman.co.uk Oxfordshire Business Awards OXON www.oxfordshirebusinessawards.co.uk Oxfordshire In Bloom 2016 01865 252 016 OXON www.oxford.gov.uk/oxfordinbloom

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EDUCATION Abingdon & Witney College 01235 216 394 OXON www.abingdon-witney.ac.uk Corpus Christi College 01865 276 708 OXON www.ccc.ox.ac.uk d’Overbroeck’s 01865 310 000 OXON www.doverbroecks.com Oxford Cheltenham Wine School 01865 238 042 OXON www.oxfordcheltwineschool.com Oxford International Study Centre 01865 201 009 OXON www.oxintstudycentre.com Oxford Saïd Entrepreneurship Centre 01865 288 845 OXON www.sbs.ox.ac.uk/faculty-research/ entrepreneurship Stagecoach Theatre Arts 0800 915 0199 OXON www.stagecoach.co.uk

FINANCE

BANKING

HEALTH CARE

HSBC 0845 850 174 BERKS www.hsbc.com

Clinic95 P Maria Hardman Business Manager 01865 241 661 OXON www.clinic95.com

Metro Bank 0345 08 08 500 BERKS www.metrobankonline.co.uk NatWest 01865 305 175 OXON www.natwest.com Barclays 0800 015 4242 OXON www.barclayscorporate.com Clydesdale Bank 0844 736 2616 OXON www.cbonline.co.uk

INSURANCE Focus P Nick Jones Partner 01865 813 307 OXON www.focusllp.co.uk

MORTGAGE ADVICE Focus P Nick Walker Partner 01865 295 295 OXON www.focusllp.co.uk

HEALTH & LEISURE

ADVICE

FITNESS

Focus P Phil Casey Partner 01865 813 315 OXON www.focusllp.co.uk

TLA Fitness A Tom Alden Founder 07554 400 401 OXON www.tlafitness.com

Brewin Dolphin 01865 255 750 OXON www.brewin.co.uk

Prime Energy Fitness Ltd 01869 352 000 OXON www.primeenergy.org

DP's Financial Advice and Services 02476 372135 WAR www.dps-ifa.co.uk

Cherwell Boathouse Punting 01865 552 746 OXON www.cherwellboathouse.co.uk

Hunter, Thomas & Company Ltd 01865 245 511 OXON www.hunter-thomas.co.uk

GOLF

Mathews Comfort 01865 208 000 OXON www.mathewscomfort.co.uk

Frilford Heath Golf Club P Alistair Booth Director 01865 390 864 OXON www.frilfordheath.co.uk

NGI Finance 01993 706 403 OXON www.ngifinance.co.uk Oak Tree Structured Finance Limited 01789 842 554 WAR www.oak-tree.co.uk

Kirtlington Golf Club A Gary Quainton Golf and Pro Shop Manager 01869 351 133 OXON www.kirtlingtongolfclub.com The Oxfordshire Golf Club 01844 278 300 OXON www.theoxfordshire.com

Richmond Village Witney G David Reaves Head of Marketing 01865 484 612 OXON www.richmond-villages.com Tara Tripp Hearing Care A Vincent Tripp Practice Manager 01865 910 202 OXON www.tripphearing.co.uk Diamond House Dental Practice 01865 559 521 OXON www.diamondhouse.co.uk Clinic on the Green 01869 351 345 OXON www.cliniconthegreen.com Linda Flanigan Hypnotherapy 07866 360 359 OXON www.lfhypnotherapy-oxfordshire.co.uk

SPORT Reading Football Club Limited P Sir John Madejski Chairman 0118 968 1100 OXON www.readingfc.co.uk Oxford University Rugby Football Club Tim Stevens Club Administrator 01865 432 000 OXON www.ourfc.org Oxford United Football Club 01865 337 500 OXON www.oufc.co.uk Oxfordshire Cricket 07790 102 130 OXON www.oxoncb.com Oxford City Football Club 07817 885 396 OXON www.oxfordcityfc.co.uk North Oxford Lawn Tennis Club 01865 513 560 (Clubhouse) OXON www.northoxfordltc.org.uk

WELLBEING Helen Money Nutrition A Helen Money Owner 01865 339 672 OXON www.helenmoneynutrition.com

HR CONSULTANTS You HR 07703 719 464 OXON www.youhrconsultancy.co.uk

www.b4-business.com

B4 contacts MB HR Support Ltd 01993 882 744 OXON www.mbhrsupport.co.uk Right Hand HR 0844 880 4582 OXON www.rhhr.com

HR RECRUITMENT Gold Star Recruitment G 01993 225 075 OXON www.goldstarrecruit.co.uk Allen Associates 01865 335 600 OXON www.allen-associates.co.uk Avatar Recruitment 01295 724 570 OXON www.avatarrecruit.co.uk Benchmark Hospitality Staffing Solutions 01865 421 051 OXON www.benchmarkstaffing.co.uk Crossland Employment Services 01235 841 506 OXON www.crosslandsolicitors.com Thompson & Terry Recruitment 01235 797 177 OXON www.thompsonandterry.co.uk

IT & TELECOMMUNICATIONS TELECOMMUNICATIONS STL Communications Ltd A Philip Donigan Sales Director 01993 777 113 OXON www.stlcomms.com Orange Stripe Telecommunications A Nigel Pursall Managing Director 0845 241 7772 OXON www.orangestripe.co.uk

DATABASE MANAGEMENT InTouch CRM P James White Managing Director 0845 310 9973 OXON www.intouchcrm.co.uk

EMAIL MARKETING Web-Clubs G Anthony O’Sullivan Managing Director 01494 240 150 BUCKS www.web-clubs.co.uk ClientMailer 01865 339 406 OXON www.clientmailer.com

www.b4-business.com

IT SERVICES Computing Information Systems (CIS) Ltd P Richard Marsh Director 01367 700 555 OXON www.cisltd.com Simeio A Ollie McGovern Founder 07795 235 995 OXON www.simeio.co.uk Flex Information Technology Paul Horseman A Director 0333 101 7300 OXON www.flex.co.uk The Cabling Company A David Jackson Sales Director 07796 140 348 OXON www.thecablingcompany.com AgilityWorks 08445 610 930 OXON www.agilityworks.co.uk Attenda 01784 211100 MIDD www.attenda.com iHub 0203 019 0000 www.ihub.co.uk

Owen Mumford G Jarl Severn Director 01993 812 021 OXON www.owenmumford.com WILA G Claire Styles Director 01235 773 500 OXON www.wila.co.uk Winsted 01527 833 714 WORC www.winsted.com LEEC 0115 961 6222 NOTT www.leec.co.uk

MARKETING & DESIGN

City & County Graphics G Grant Shergold Director of Sales & Marketing 01865 823 161 OXON www.cityandcountygraphics.co.uk

FRAMING Isis Creative Framing 01865 203 420 OXON www.isiscreative.co.uk

FREELANCE COPY WRITING & EDITING

B4 Magazine P Richard Rosser Managing Director 01865 742 211 OXON www.b4-business.com

Noble Word A Matt Wright Owner 07500 531 485 BUCKS

Living In Oxford Magazine Colin Rosser P Chairman 01865 742 211 OXON www.inoxford.com

MARKETING

Security Exchange Ltd. 01491 683 710 BERKS www.securityexchange24.com Storm Internet 08447 366171 OXON www.storminternet.co.uk

Focal Point Advertising Solutions 01256 767 837 OXON www.focal.co.uk

WEBSITE DEVELOPMENT

CORPORATE IDENTITY

Alberon A Tim Ault Managing Director 01865 263 220 OXON www.alberon.co.uk

Recognition Express P Andy Olejnik Managing Director 01295 257 611 OXON www.re-oxfordshire.co.uk

Torpedo Group Limited A Iain Lewis Director 01865 733 710 OXON www.torpedogroup.com

Strangebrew P Phil Strachan Director 07770 753 975 BERKS www.thinkbrandnotbland.co.uk

White October 01865 706 017 OXON www.whiteoctober.co.uk

Bicester Vision 01869 324 244 OXON www.bicestervision.co.uk

White Chilli Creative Studio 07980 143 475 OXON www.white-chilli.co.uk

BrandAsylum 01235 828 508 OXON www.brandasylum.co.uk

Unipart G Frank Nigriello Director of Corporate Affairs 01865 383 339 OXON www.unipart.com

SIGNAGE

ADVERTISING

City & County Graphics G Grant Shergold Director of Sales & Marketing 01865 823 161 OXON www.cityandcountygraphics.co.uk

MANUFACTURING

One Hat Design A Steve Legge Owner 01993 702 075 OXON www.onehatdesign.com

Experience Oxfordshire P Hayley Beer-Gamage Chief Executive 01865 252 409 OXON www.experienceoxfordshire.org Marketing Sense A Jo Sensecall Director 01865 883 579 OXON www.marketing-sense.co.uk Heart of Business A Jackie Jarvis Director 07801 293 022 OXON ADS 01993 885 125 OXON www.adsoxford.co.uk Oxford Digital Marketing 01865 575 955 OXON www.oxforddigitalmarketing.co.uk

MEDIA/DIGITAL The Evergreen Agency P Aaron Rudman Hawkins 01869 242 222 OXON www.theevergreenagency.co.uk CustomEyes Media 01442 876 038 HERTS www.customeyesmedia.com

DESIGN

Imageworks 01865 865656 OXON www.imageworks.co.uk

House on the Hill P Keith Simpson Senior Designer 01865 742 211 OXON www.hothdesign.co.uk

Indulge Media 01865 686 093 OXON www.indulgemedia.com

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Epic Media Services 07916 005 942 OXON www.epicmediaservices.co.uk

Fluent 01865 426 862 OXON www.fluentagency.co.uk

BlueEyed Digital 01789 336 318 WAR www.blueeyed.uk

Prova PR 01926 776900 WAR www.provapr.co.uk

Formation Media Limited 01926 298 777 WAR www.formationdesigners.co.uk

Red Marlin 01926 832 395 WAR www.redmarlin.co.uk

Auburn Creative Ltd 01926 407 766 WAR www.auburn.co.uk

Luxe PR 020 7368 3330 LDN www.luxepr.com

PHOTOGRAPHY

Present3r 07790 670 234 www.present3r.com

Studio8 P Clark Wiseman Managing Director 01865 842 525 OXON www.studio-8.co.uk

PRINTING OxUniPrint A Ian Wilton Managing Director 01865 844 918 OXON www.oxuniprint.co.uk Leach Print 01235 858 271 OXON www.leachprint.co.uk

PUBLIC RELATIONS Papa Romeo PR A Claire Thompson Managing Director 07811 339 577 OXON www.paparomeopr.com Spriggs David A Karen David Partner 01865 512 662 OXON www.spriggsdavid.co.uk Esplin PR A Louise Esplin PR Consultant 07775 678 237 OXON www.esplinpr.co.uk Bridgett Solutions Ltd 01784 205 025 OXON www.bridgettsolutions.co.uk Escapade 01189 207 675 BERKS http://escapadepr.com HeadOn PR 07920 792 183 GLOU www.headonpr.co.uk Promote PR 01628 630 363 BERKS www.promotepr.com Spacecraft Consulting 01295 811 781 OXON www.oconsultancy.com

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PROPERTY & BUILDING ARCHITECTURE John Hallam Associates A John Hallam Director 01608 646 969 OXON www.johnhallamassociates.co.uk Adrian James Architects 01865 203 267 OXON www.adrianjames.com Bilton Build & Design 01788 578 890 WAR www.biltondesign.co.uk VB Architects 01926 851 122 WAR www.vbarchitects.co.uk

BUSINESS PARKS Oxford Innovation Ltd P Jo Willett Marketing and Business Development Director 01865 261 400 OXON www.oxin-centres.co.uk The Oxford Science Park G Ian MacPherson Business Development Manager 01865 784 000 OXON www.oxfordsp.com Begbroke Science Park A Caroline Livingstone Managing Director 01865 283 700 OXON www.begbroke.ox.ac.uk Bloxham Mill 01295 722 800 OXON www.bloxhammill.com Stoneleigh Park Estate 02476 690 035 WAR www.stoneleighparkestate.com

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY AGENTS VSL and Partners P Richard Venables Director 01865 848 488 OXON www.vslandp.com Carter Jonas P Scott Harkness Partner 01865 511 444 OXON www.carterjonas.co.uk Lambert Smith Hampton (Oxford) A Kevin Wood Director 01865 200 244 OXON www.lsh.co.uk Marriotts A Neil Evans Partner 01865 316 311 OXON www.marriottsoxford.co.uk Lambert Smith Hampton (Reading) 01189 606 909 BERKS www.lsh.co.uk

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY SERVICES Oxford Innovation Ltd P Jo Willett Marketing and Business Development Director 01865 261 400 OXON www.oxin-centres.co.uk Bracknell Enterprise & Innovation Hub A Shelley Furey Centre Manager 01344 388 000 BERKS www.bracknell-hub.co.uk

ESTATE AGENTS Breckon & Breckon P Keith Stacey Managing Director 01865 244 735 OXON www.breckon.co.uk scottfraser A David Blythman Managing Director Sales 01865 759 500 OXON www.scottfraser.co.uk Strutt & Parker A Miles Collison Partner, Development Land & New Homes 01865 366 660 OXON www.struttandparker.com Hamptons International 01865 578 500 OXON www.hamptons-international.com Wallers of Oxford 01865 435 175 OXON www.wallersofoxford.co.uk

Sheldon Bosley 01789 292 310 WAR www.sheldonbosley.co.uk Savills 01865 339 705 OXON www.savills.com

LETTING AGENTS Breckon & Breckon P Greg Barnes Director 01865 201 111 OXON www.breckon.co.uk North Oxford Property Services P Robin Swailes Director 01865 311 745 OXON www.nops.co.uk Righton Group Limited Emma Righton P Managing Director 01865 311 696 OXON www.rightonstay.co.uk Finders Keepers P Frank Webster Director 01865 302 308 OXON www.finders.co.uk Lucy Properties A Ian Ashcroft Managing Director 01865 559 973 OXON www.lucyproperties.co.uk College and County A Mark Crampton-Smith Owner 01865 722 722 OXON www.collegeandcounty.biz Premier Letting A Charles Bartlett Partner 01865 792 299 OXON www.premier.uk.com Short Let Space Ltd. 01993 811 711 OXON www.weeklyhome.com Taylor Cox 01993 835 588 OXON www.taycox.com

PROPERTY & CONSTRUCTION CONSULTANTS Ridge and Partners LLP G David Walker Partner 01993 815 101 OXON www.ridge.co.uk Kemp & Kemp A Steven Sensecall Partner 01865 240 001 OXON www.kempandkemp.co.uk

www.b4-business.com

B4 contacts Aviator G Vickita Reddy Marketing & PR Manager 01252 555 890 HAMP www.aviatorbytag.com

ENTERTAINMENT

Ian Bridge Consultancy Ltd 07917 881 465 OXON www.ianbridge.com

The Bear & Ragged Staff A Mark Greenwood Landlord 01865 862 329 OXON www.bearandraggedstaff.com

New Theatre Oxford 01865 320 756 OXON www.atgtickets.com/oxford

SIAD Ltd 01865 712 627 OXON www.siadltd.com

Eynsham Hall 01993 885 238 OXON www.eynshamhall.com

Mulholland Landscape Consultants 07734 253 579 OXON www.mulhollandconsultants.co.uk

Conifers Guest House 01865 763 055 OXON www.conifersguesthouse.co.uk

RED Engineering 01869 355 600 OXON www.red-eng.com

Spirit Health Club 0207 973 7540 OXON www.langhamhotels.com

PROPERTY SERVICES

Bicester Hotel Golf and Spa 01869 241 204 OXON www.bicesterhotelgolfandspa.com

Forge Engineering Design Solutions Ltd 01865 362 780 OXON www.f-eds.co.uk

Savvy Maintenance & Renovations P Stephen Dunne Director 01865 920 020 OXON www.savvy-group.co.uk Kempton Carr Croft G Katie Finch Marketing Manager 01628 771 221 OXON www.kemptoncarr.co.uk EIFLA A Nigel J Blanchard Founder & CEO 0844 7767 187 OXON www.eifla-3d.co.uk Darke & Taylor Ltd 01865 290 000 OXON www.darkeandtaylor.co.uk The Rooflight Company 01993 833 155 OXON www.therooflightcompany.co.uk A1 Plumbing & Heating 01865 327 732 OXON www.a1ltd.co.uk

R&R ACCOMMODATION Macdonald Randolph Hotel Michael Grange P General Manager 0844 879 9132 OXON www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk Jurys Inn Oxford P 01865 489 988 OXON www.jurysinns.com/hotels/oxford The Manor at Weston on the Green G Adam Treloar Front of House Manager 01869 350 621 OXON www.themanorweston.com

Holiday Inn Oxford 0871 942 9086 OXON www.hioxfordhotel.co.uk Royal Oxford Hotel 01865 248 432 OXON www.royaloxfordhotel.co.uk The Mews at Sopwell House 01727 864477 HERTS www.sopwellhouse.co.uk/rooms-suites/ mews-suite/ Old Swan & Minster Mill 01993 774 441 OXON www.oldswanandminstermill.com

ARTISTIC & CULTURAL Orchestra of St John’s A John Lubbock Artistic Director 07765 252 489 OXON www.osj.org.uk

Oxford Playhouse 01865 305 305 OXON www.oxfordplayhouse.com

Wychwood Brewery 01993 890 800 OXON www.wychwood.co.uk

FOOD & DRINK SUPPLIES Laurent Perrier UK P David Green Regional Account Manager 01628 475 404 BUCKS www.laurent-perrier.co.uk Bombay Sapphire Distillery G Amy Dobson Sales and Marketing Manager 01256 890 090 BERKS distillery.bombaysapphire.com The Oxford Wine Company Ted Sandbach A Managing Director 01865 301 144 OXON www.oxfordwine.co.uk

GALLERIES Aidan Meller Galleries G Aiden Meller Proprietor 01865 727 996 OXON www.aidanmeller.com Wiseman Gallery A Sarah Wiseman Owner 01865 515 123 OXON www.wisegal.com

RENTAL ACCOMMODATION

Ashmolean Museum 01865 288 364 OXON www.ashmus.ox.ac.uk

Lower Mill Estate A Red Paxton Marketing and Sales Director 01285 869 489 OXON www.lowermillestate.com

Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra 01865 987 222 OXON www.oxfordphil.com

RESTAURANTS

COFFEE SHOPS Java & Co 07736 950 673 OXON www.javaandco.co.uk

CORPORATE ENTERTAINMENT Sam Strange Magic A Sam Strange Owner 01865 742 211 OXON www.samstrangemagic.co.uk

Belmond Le Manoir Aux Quat’Saisons 01844 278 881 OXON www.manoir.com Pierre Victoire 01865 316 616 OXON www.pierrevictoire.co.uk Café Aloha 01865 792 696 OXON www.cafealoha.co.uk Al-Andalus 01865 516 688 OXON www.tapasoxford.co.uk Marco’s at Mercure Eastgate Hotel 01865 248 332 OXON www.mpwrestaurants.co.uk/restaurants /marcos-oxford Mezzeto 01865 559 668 OXON www.mezzeto.com Thaikhun 01865 591 960 OXON www.thaikhun.co.uk 1855 01865 247 217 OXON www.1855oxford.com Cosmo 01865 297 575 OXON www.cosmo-restaurants.co.uk

SHOPPING Daisies Flower Shop 01865 554 882 OXON www.daisies-flower-shop.co.uk Bicester Village 01869 323 200 OXON www.bicestervillage.com Stella and Dot 07763 743 783 OXON www.stelladot.co.uk Dog Rocks 01628 822 243 BERKS www.dogrocks.com

Deliveroo G Xavier Collins Community Manager South East 07494 178 083 OXON www.deliveroo.co.uk The Snooty Mehmaan A Asad Ahmed Director 01367 242 260 OXON www.thesnootymehmaan.co.uk The Oxford Kitchen 01865 511 149 OXON www.theoxfordkitchen.co.uk

ON THE

Solid Structures 01608 690 858 OXON www.solid-structures.com

HILL

B4 is designed by House on the Hill t: 01865 742211

www.b4-business.com

115

FOR THOSE WHO TAKE THEIR DRIVING SERIOUSLY AND THEIR FINANCES, TOO

MASERATI GHIBLI DIESEL. FROM £399 A MONTH +VAT.* You know you have always wanted to own a Maserati. Now there is absolutely nothing to hold you back. The Ghibli Diesel is every inch a Maserati, featuring a gorgeous, coupé-like silhouette, luxury leather interior and with its economical yet potent diesel engine, 8-speed ZF automatic transmission, there are also plenty of rational reasons to justify your decision.

RIDGEWAY MASERATI CUMNOR HILL, CUMNOR, OXFORD, OX2 9PW Phone: 01865 566642 / Web: www.ridgeway.co.uk/maserati

BOOK YOUR 24 HOUR TEST DRIVE

www.maserati.co.uk

Official fuel consumption figures for the Maserati Ghibli Diesel in mpg (litres/100 km): Urban 36.7 (7.7), Extra Urban 57.6 (4.9), Combined 47.9 (5.9). CO2 emissions on combined cycle: 158 g/km. Fuel consumption and CO2 figures are based on standard EU tests for comparative purposes and

may not reflect real driving results.*BUSINESS USERS ONLY. Model shown is Maserati Ghibli Diesel MY16 V6d 4dr Auto. Contract Hire payment profile of £4,788 +VAT in advance, followed by 35 monthly rentals of £399 +VAT. Rentals shown above exclude maintenance and are based on 8,000 miles per annum. Excess mileage charge apply. Finance subject to status. Guarantees and indemnities may be required, we work with a number creditors including Maserati Financial Services. Vehicles must be registered with FCA Fleet Services UK Ltd by 31st July 2016. PO Box 4590, Slough, Berkshire SL1 OWU.