B4 Issue 19

B4

Magazine

ISSUE 19 SPRING 2011

A DVIC E P R I NT

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CO N F E R E NC E

N ET WOR KI NG

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E DU C AT IO N

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PARTN ER SH I P S

F I NA NC E •

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M A R K ET I NG

P ROP ERT Y

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R&R

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H R

EVENTS

The Career Boutique Why this leading Oxfordshire recruitment agency likes to do things differently

Blenheim Palace Very much in the news in this issue of B4 with four great features

Pembroke College A simply stunning venue in the heart of Oxford

B U I L D I N G

B R I D G E S

B E T W E E N

B U S I N E S S

meet oxfordshire

Residential Letting · Property Management

Don’t get left out Now over 350 members. see page 139.

D E S I G N

&

P R I N T

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

Call us now on 01865 742211 to book your membership or e-mail sales@b4-business.com for more details. The B4 Website – the most efficient way to network your business from your PC! *Quoted rate is Membership for up to 5 employees. Rate increases for 6 to 20 employees to £375+VAT per annum, £500+VAT for 21 to 50, £900+VAT for 51 to 100 and £1200+VAT for over 100 employees. Ambassador scheme is separate and subject to a separate charge.

B4

B4 Contents B4 LEAD

B4 ADVICE

“If you are there to promote your

117 B4 NETWORKING

business, you need to make sure that you determine your aims for getting noticed by the right people, in the right place at the right time. Always consider what you are trying to achieve”

18 Recruiting With Style: We meet Sarah Pomroy to find out what makes this recruitment agency different.

99 One Size Does Not Fit All….: Cathy Dunbabin on her belief that business networking can transform your business.

125 The Revolution In Business Training Rolls Out!: Paul Avins is conquering the world read on….

B4 NEWS 8 11 12 17 23 25 27 29 31 33 35 39

B4 News B4 Appointments B4 Events B4 Awards IoD News Charitable Funds News Oxford Inspires News VSL News WOBAS News OTCN News Vist Oxfordshire News Examination Schools News

GETTING BUZZ TO WORK Sarah Airey of the Buzzworks on building a buzz around your business.

“We all know that the way we communicate with each other has changed radically - both personally and for business. Digital media has changed the traditional means of communicating for ever, and PR and marketing communications have had to change too.” says Sarah Airey, of the Buzzworks.

“The statistics are quite staggering: Twitter has just celebrated its 5th birthday, it took over 3 years to build from the very first tweet to the billionth – now there are a billion tweets every week. Facebook has more than 500 million active users and over 30 billion pieces of content are shared each month.

An average user is connected to 80 community pages, groups and events.”

“Smart phones and laptops mean people can publish themselves all the time and now there is so much material ‘out there’ we are quite swamped with a deluge of information. The effect is that it is still hard to get noticed.”

“If you are there to promote your business, you need to make sure that you determine your aims for getting noticed by the right people, in the right

place at the right time. Always consider what you are trying to achieve.”

Sarah says, “Consider, where do you need to place your key messages to get people to buy your widget, come to your event, or influence opinion?

There are so many different ways of getting your point across: articles, blogs, images and film. For example, YouTube is the second biggest search engine after Google, it is a powerful PR tool, especially if you get creative and go viral. And what is the point of tweeting like crazy if you don’t have the right followers? Plus you have to have the time and expertise. If you are working with social media it can be very time consuming to engage properly with your audience. And, do you have the ability to get your products on TV – without paying for advertising? At Buzzworks we successfully got one client BBC coverage three times in the last few months.”

Sarah says, “It can be daunting if you try to do all this yourself, and you get distracted from what you do best. Far better to bring us in to do it for you.”

and what you want to achieve. It could be a new product launch or extending your service to a new business sector, expanding the market, improving your company profile or even meeting criticism.”

“Typically we like to work with a client as part of the team over a period, so that we can build up trust and a good working knowledge of the business, its objectives, customers, the benefits of what it does and the issues it is facing. We work together on the strategy and implementation plan to achieve goals.”

“And we don’t forget the traditional methods. As ever, we ask, ‘what will work best?’ It might be a press campaign including digital media, but equally it could be that telesales, an open day or exhibition could produce the most effective face-to-face dialogue with the customer.

Buzzworks has offered members of B4 a free consultation and Buzz Building plan for your business. Contact sarah.airey@thebuzzworks.co.uk tel 01993 813848 www.thebuzzworks.co.uk

76 Riding High: Paul Orsi of Blenheim Palace talks to B4 .

106 Culham Innovation Centre Marks 10 Years Of Innovation Success 113 Oxfordshire - The Right Place To Start A Business?: B4 meets local serial scientific entrepreneur, Bruce Savage.

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92 Opportunities For Tenants In Today's Market: Mike Cooper of Withy King provides useful advice to tenants.

71 Alchester Rugby Club The Story So Far…..: How WILA are showing their support.

B4 CONFERENCE 64 Pembroke College: Tracey Jefferies takes B4 readers on a tour of this stunning Oxford college.

54 It Doesn't Have To Be This Way: Why Oxfordshire is an attractive option for overseas companies to base their UK operations.

B4 PROPERTY

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45 Blenheim Estate Buys 28 Acre Industrial Estate In Witney: A spotlight on this high profile acquisition.

53 Celebrating New Qualifications: Finders Keepers reap the rewards of investment in staff training.

Oxford Inspires is the cultural development agency for Oxfordshire. We work with partners in business, local government, with Arts Council England, The University of Oxford and Oxford Brookes University to create new opportunities for arts and heritage organisations, nurture new festivals and spectacular events and to engage as many people as possible in exciting cultural experiences. We collaborate with cultural organisations across the county to support their ambitions, help them to reach a wider audience and to raise Oxfordshire’s profile as a cultural destination nationally and internationally.

Global Leader Infineum Extends its Support to Oxford Open Doors and MESH Festival

68 Budget Response: What's In Store For Property?: Karen David asks Carter Jonas impact the budget will have for property.

Leading technological enterprise Infineum is a committed supporter of Oxford Inspires, having been a part of the cultural development agency’s Corporate Membership Programme for six years.

The business, which has over 75 years experience in petroleum additive technology, is based at Milton Hill, near Steventon in Southern Oxfordshire.

Infineum focuses on delivering innovative chemistry for use in lubricants and fuels, used in 1-in-3 of the world’s vehicles. Its Technology excellence has been key in producing differentiated products that enhance the efficiency and performance of engines, making a major contribution towards reducing the global environmental impact of transportation.

In the years since the partnership with Oxford Inspires began, Infineum has played a significant role in helping to support and grow cultural activity in Oxfordshire. This year, the business has not only renewed its membership with the cultural development agency, but in the lead up to the Olympics in 2012, wanted to do a bit more in the local community. With this in mind, the company has committed additional support to two exciting events taking place over the

B4 HR

Oxford Open Doors'

September, offers a chance for residents and visitors to discover and explore some of the city’s most interesting building and spaces, most of which are usually inaccessible to the general public. This year the event will be adopting a theme of Sporting Excellence and Heritage, in celebration of the impending London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

MESH Festival is a biannual international youth arts festival, which will be hosted, curated and run by young people for young people. The inaugural festival, which is produced by Pegasus Theatre in partnership with Oxford Inspires, the North Wall Arts Centre, Oxford Brookes University and Oxford International Link, will be launched from the 20th to 30th July and will involve around 70 young people from Oxford and Oxfordshire as well as around 70 young people from Europe and beyond. The aim of the festival is to encourage intercultural dialogue and links between young people of different nationalities.

Martin Dare-Edwards, Infineum’s UK Country Manager, commented “We are delighted this year to add to our ongoing Corporate Membership of Oxford Inspires by also becoming supporters for these specific activities in Oxfordshire.

We are especially thrilled that these two events will have themes of broadengagement for our local community and for all ages. The international theme of the MESH Festival also resonates well with Infineum as we have colleagues of 30 nationalities working at our Southern Oxfordshire site.”

summer of 2011: Oxford Open Doors and MESH Festival.

Oxford Open Doors, which runs from over the weekend of the 10th and 11th

Kathelene Weiss, Director of Oxford Inspires said “Infinuem’s decision to support Oxford Open Doors and MESH Festival, once again proves their strong commitment to the county and ongoing support of its cultural community. We are delighted that they have taken this decision, which will go a long way in helping to ensure the county’s cultural community continues to grown and thrive.”

Oxford Inspires gives sincere thanks to its Corporate Members and Major Supporters: B4 Magazine, Barceló Oxford Hotel, Bicester Village, Blake Lapthorn, Carbon Colour, CPM, Finders Keepers, Fineprint, Four Pillars Hotels, Goodman, ImageWorks, Infineum, Lucy Properties, Malmaison Oxford, Marketing Team Direct, MINI Plant Oxford, Origin Technical Productions, Oxford and Cherwell Valley College, Oxford Castle, Oxford Giclée, OxNews, Redmayne

Bentley, Richardsons Chartered Accountants, SAE, TSH Architects, Torpedo and VSL & Partners. Oxford Inspires Stakeholders: Oxfordshire County Council, Oxford City Council, Oxford Brookes University and The University of Oxford.

To learn more about how your business might help Oxford Inspires to support cultural activity across Oxfordshire, contact Kathelene Weiss at kathelene.weiss@oxfordinspires.org.

MESH Festival

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www.oxfordinspires.org

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B4 R&R 46 Full Marks For Frilford Heath: 2010 was a year of great change at this leading Oxfordshire golf club.

84 Heythrop Park Resort: We take a look at this hidden gem after a £50m facelift.

news

87 Engineers With Vision: A Company CRM Archive on your Blackberry Device.

80 An Introduction To Grant Thornton: We meet Managing Partner, Wendy Hart.

B4 ADVICE

60 Six Ways To Reduce Your Legal Fees: Lesley Pollock of Henmans with advice on reducing overheads.

63 Keep Taking The Tablets: How mobile tech can battle the 'Brain Drain'.

“We always start by focusing on your objectives

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B4 SPOTLIGHT

B4 COMMUNICATION

96 HR2YOU: Sarah Morris tells B4 about her modern approach to human resources.

B4 MARKETING 129 Brading By Design: How seriously do you take your brand?.

100 Spotlight on Brighton: A deserved weekend away for our busy B4 writer.

105 First Class Products: How a young entrepreneur is making a success of importing fizz.

122 Naughty, But Nice: B4 visit Malmaison Leeds f or a weekend of luxury.

B4 EDUCATION 59 St Clare's Oxford: Great results put St Clare's top of the table.

102 Abingdon School's Pioneering First Lady: B4 meets the first female head of an all male public school, Felicity Lusk.

127 Doubling Up!: OCVC sets itself apprentice targets.

B4 CHARITY 88 Buildbase's Two Wheel Challenge: Cycle to Paris? Dave Robertson is going for it!

109 Oxfam Fundraiser: Annie Lennox, Colin Firth and all enjoy a hugely successful event

B4 EVENTS 79 Blenheim Palace Double Win At Awards!: More Awards success for Oxfordshire's leading attraction.

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B4 LEAD

“It certainly helps me to identify what our clients are looking for, having worked in these roles before myself.

I have the benefit of having sat on the other side of the fence, and it’s certainly an advantage”

RECRUITING WITH STYLE Sarah Pomeroy, a recruitment consultant at The Career Boutique, talks to B4’s Richard Rosser about her own career and what makes working for The Career Boutique refreshingly different and keeps this incredible Oxfordshire recruitment agency on course to be the best in Oxfordshire. Article by Emma-Louise Pritchard.

As a mother of two, Sarah Pomeroy knows all about balancing fragile cups on the end of very long sticks and has taken to working for Oxfordshire’s most exciting recruitment agency like a duck to water. With oodles of experience behind her, Sarah elaborates on where she has been, and where she and her colleagues are aiming to get to.

“I started my career at what is now The Oxford Media and Business School, but at 19 moved to London to pursue a career in marketing, working my way up to Account Manager from a teamsecretarial position. I got a taste of the drive, passion and commitment required to make abusiness operate efficiently and effectively, but always yearned to come back to Oxfordshire.”

Sarah took the opportunity to return to her roots when she had her first child, but itwasn’t long before she was back working. “I took a couple of

managed to learn a lot about how business works and being appointed HR manager of the construction firm seemed a perfect role for me. I was able to draw on my experiences and really enjoyed the position.”

This gave Sarah the taste for HR and recruitment in particular, so when the opportunity came to join The Career Boutique, she jumped at it. “Over a period of just over ten years, I was lucky to work for some great companies, but when I heard about the vacancy at The Career Boutique, I was desperate to get the job. First impressions of The Career Boutique are of a very sophisticated, glamorous agency, maybe more suited to The Kings Road than Didcot, but I can assure you, there’s a lot of hard work that goes on behind the scenes which makes choosing The Career Boutique for your recruitment needs a smart move.”

nothing to chance, leave no stone unturned and make sure that our clients’ demands are fulfilled.

We have to get the right person for the role our client is looking to fill, and that means not only finding the right person for that job, but getting to know our client and the team the successful candidate is going to be working for. “’Never judge a book by it’s cover’, or so they say, and we certainly never judge a candidate by their CV. A CV is valuable, but it is not the be all and end all. It’s about finding the right person to fit into a business, and all the qualifications in the world will be insignificant if the character of the person we are recommending for a role isn’t suited to an existing team.

“In order to get the balance right, we have to get to know our clients, and that, hopefully, means we are the first port of call for all future recruitment needs if we manage to recruit successfully. It’s all

“Over a period of just over ten years, I was lucky to work for some great companies, but when I heard about the vacancy at The Career Boutique, I was desperate to get the job” office management positions,getting experience in a range of large and small companies, adding to my overall knowledge ofcompanies and how they operated.”

In particular, Sarah enjoyed a role at Oxfordshire Citizens Housing Association, working in thecommunications department, project managing all of their communications, once again working at a high level with the Chief Executive and Operations Managers. She then went on to enjoy a period working for a local construction firm, and it was there that she first cut her teeth in a rolededicated to HR, as she explains.

“Up until that point, I had enjoyed working in a variety of roles in different firms of varying sizes. I’d

Sarah’s focus is on filling sales, administration and marketing roles which suits her particular career background and own experiences. “It certainly helps me to identify what our clients are looking for, having worked in these roles before myself. I have the benefit of having sat on the other side of the fence, and it’s certainly an advantage.”

Sarah is keen to stress, however, that The Career Boutique’s modus operandi is far removed from that of the High Street recruitment consultants which, she strongly believes, do not ‘get under the skin’ of their clients.

“Our philosophy here is to deliver, deliver and then deliver some more. Value for money is crucial today, in every business, and we really do leave

about building up a trust, and there’s absolutely no point plucking a candidate out of thin air just to fill a role if the fit isn’t right. It doesn’t do our client any favours and it certainly won’t endear The Career Boutique to our client.”

With the hard work that goes into finding the perfect match, I ask Sarah if this creates a mountain to climb and limits the chances of finding the right candidate.

“I do know where you are coming from, but the point is without investing time in finding the right person, the chances of finding the right person by luck more than judgment are limited, and that’s no good for our client. Yes we have hit a dead end with some roles, but, given the choice, we would

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B4 CONFERENCE

HEYTHROP PARK RESORT

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B4 COMMUNICATION

ENGINEERS WITH VISION

Heythrop Park Resort is a real hidden gem set in 440 acres of stunning Oxfordshire countryside, and there has been a lot going on over the past 2 years! Over £50 million has been invested in the Resort recently which has included a new championship standard golf course, a Health Club with spa treatment rooms and the latest addition, a contemporary new Crowne Plaza Hotel which opened its doors last October.

The new Crowne Plaza Hotel was officially opened by Prime Minister David Cameron on 22nd October at an exciting lunch event. Since then the hotel has held many successful conferences and key industry events including the Annual Hotel Booking Agents Association (HBAA) Golf Day and the Annual Conference of the Institute of Travel and Meetings (ITM).

Alongside the new hotel is the existing Heythrop Park Hotel which has the 18th century Main House at its centre. The two hotels are a total contrast with Heythrop Park Hotel offering more basic 3 star accommodation and meeting rooms. The Main House however does have some elegant meeting and event rooms which are a beautiful setting for weddings and private dining.

For conferences and events, the facilities of the Crowne Plaza are second to none. The hotel has a

The extensive grounds of the Heythrop estate are ideal for most kinds of teambuilding activity and

PART 7 – A COMPANY CRM ARCHIVE ON YOUR BLACKBERRY DEVICE

Foundation, The Lord’s Taverners and the Junior Golf Tour Grand Final 2010. There is also on site tuition available on request and bespoke packages can be created to enhances your event or just for a group of friends.

“The extensive grounds of the Heythrop estate are ideal for most kinds of teambuilding activity and also home to the new 18 hole championship standard golf course”

Also part of the recent investment is the Health Club and Golf Club House. Located in the same building, the Health Club has a fully equipped gym and spin studio, 20 metre pool, sauna, steam rooms and 3 spa treatment rooms. The Clubhouse

“For conferences and events, the facilities of the Crowne Plaza are second to none” unique tiered conference theatre similar to what you might find in a university for up to 350 delegates. The theatre has built in state-of-the-art audio visual equipment and dedicated onsite AV support for the duration of your event. The largest event room in the Crowne Plaza is the beautiful Ballroom, with glittering chandeliers the room is perfect for banqueting events and weddings. All the smaller meeting rooms also have built in AV equipment and private access to an outdoor terrace or the new Moroccan style courtyard. The courtyard was designer by TV gardener Diarmuid Gavin and provides a lovely setting for pre dinner drinks or even a BBQ weather permitting!

also home to the new 18 hole championship standard golf course. The course was recently redeveloped by renowned golf course architect, Tom Mackenzie in conjunction with English Heritage. The course was redesigned with the original landscape plans of 1706 in mind and restoration and conservation were key elements of the new work. The course meanders through ancient woodland, past lakes and streams and by many original monuments of the estate. The course only opened October 2009 so is still in relative infancy but has already achieve high praise from all who have played it. The course has hosted some great events including On Course

Our ‘engineers with vision’ series have provided B4 readers with some very interesting knowledge based articles. Covering a range of telephony related topics, we have addressed some of the key features and strengths of a modern telephone system.

The Resort is located in the village of Enstone, just 16 miles north of Oxford city centre. The Resort has lots of complimentary car parking for guests and delegates. The closest train station to the hotel is Charlbury which provides frequent services into Oxford and London Paddington.

Issue 18 explained how a CRM database can integrate extremely cleverly with the telephone to provide some very good desktop functionality. In this Issue we stay with CRM, however with more of a ‘pocket’ theme.

www.heythropparkresort.co.uk

We all love the contacts and calendar sync which makes us stay on top of what we are doing during

SuperOffice Pocket CRM is developed in Java – a technology supported by a large number of mobile

web services to make sure you always stay connected while out of the office. SuperOffice Pocket CRM is intelligently and carefully designed to fit typical user situations where your mobile is the natural tool. It accesses real online data and integrates them in usable screens. It is a totally integrated application and not a collection of standalone components or “apps” that comes preinstalled on your mobile phone. This is SuperOffice CRM in the palm of your hand.

The Orange Stripe – SuperOffice business partnership will really drive forward the pocket CRM awareness to Oxfordshire businesses. Call or email to arrange a demonstration.

“It helps make your day more efficient and fun so you can spend more time with your customers”

FAC I L I T I E S

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CRM database containing all companies, contact persons and their relations.

You can also benefit from finding available time from your colleagues as well as getting instant notification they want you to attend a meeting or assign you a task. Monitor your sales progress or see the forecast for the sales group you manage. It can be made available as a Cloud application so you can start today or as a highly integrated tool within your enterprise. Usable from a single user to a thousand users!

Bar serves drinks and snacks throughout the day and is the perfect end to a good round of golf!

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Two individual hotels with over 350 bedrooms.

Health Club with spa treatment rooms.

Meeting facilities for up to 450 delegates.

Championship standard golf course.

Built in AV equipment and dedicated on site support.

On site car parking.

Licensed for civil ceremonies.

Extensive grounds for teambuilding activities.

Elegant period rooms ideal for banqueting.

30 minutes from Oxford.

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the working week. Now you can have your entire CRM system, including your sales, documents and all the other parts with you. A truly full CRM client is now available. It runs on your Blackberry and accesses the CRM information from your own cloud or from a public cloud. SuperOffice Pocket CRM, award winning for its usability and design available for your BlackBerry phone as well as the BlackBerry PlayBook. We think it will amaze you. We do not think you could ever imagine anyone being able to bring so much power and usable functionality into a tiny device such as a mobile phone. Search, update and navigate in your master

phone vendors. This means RIM/BlackBerry, Nokia, HTC, Samsung, Sony Ericsson and more. Pocket CRM runs on the most important operating systems like BlackBerry, Symbian, Android & Windows Mobile. It automatically adapts to screen size, keyboards, touch screens and navigation keys.

SuperOffice CRM is the leading European CRM vendor and is used by more than 11,000 companies. It helps make your day more efficient and fun so you can spend more time with your customers. Pocket CRM installs on your mobile phone or tablet and use highly efficient modern

Plus, we can provide on-site demonstrations as a great way to show how the powerful Samsung OfficeServ telephone solution, coupled with the Samsung Xchange CTI application with CRM integration can benefit you and your business processes.

Please call us on 0845 241 7772 or email sales@orangestripe.co.uk to book a convenient date. www.orangestripe.co.uk

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110 Breast Cancer Care's Bike Blenheim Palace: A spotlight on this great annual event.

B4 MEDIA

B4 SERVICES

114 Seeing The Future: We spotlight Venturefest 2011.

43 The Secrets of Effective Social Marketing: Bottle PR Evaluate The Return On Investment.

56 21 Today!: Meet new B4 Platinum Ambassadors, Aston & James.

121 Oxford Fashion Week: Glitz, Glamour and no end of Style

B4 IT 72 IT Experts That Speak Our Language: Local firm Oxford Knowledge Software make IT for your business clear.

83 QuarkXPress 9: It's what makes B4 look so good!.

118 Twitter? I Just Don't Get It: B4 meets a local expert who more than 'gets it'.

B4 PR 94 The Journey From Court To Copywriting: How Erica Conlan made the switch.

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B4 TRAVEL 48 London Oxford Airport: We catch up with the latest developments at our local airport.

91 Chiltern Railways: Very much a business in the community in Oxfordshire.

117 Getting Buzz To Work: Sarah Airey on creating a buzz for your business.

For all contacts see page 134

LAUNDRY

www.b4-business.com Contacts If you want to contact B4 Magazine Telephone: 01865 742211 info@b4-business.com Publisher B4 Magazine is published by Designs On Ltd, The Firs, Headington Hill, Oxford, OX3 0BT Chairman Colin Rosser colin@designs-on.co.uk Editor Richard Rosser editorial@b4-business.com Art Editor Keith Simpson artwork@b4-business.com Assistant Editor Annette Kamphausen assistanteditor@b4-business.com Editorial contributors Erica Conlan Tracey Jefferies Barbara Richardson Gail Buckle Sarah Airey Emma-Louise Pritchard Alexander Phipps Studio Photography Studio8 Telephone: 01865 842525

Welcome to B4 2011 has been a great year so far for B4 Magazine. We have surpassed our 124 page Issue 18 with a 140 page bumper Issue 19, together with our excellent Oxfordshire Venues publication. The website has also seen an increase in members and traffic, with new functionality giving more visibility to the latest press releases and other member updates.

Our events have also been a great success, with over 500 B4 Ambassadors, Members and their guests attending three separate events at Malmaison, Pembroke College and Rhodes House.

None of this would be possible without the support of our customers, members and readers, and also the venues who have hosted us so professionally. Many thanks for your continued support for B4, and we look forward to our 5th Birthday which we will be celebrating at Blenheim Palace on 9th June for the next B4 Ambassadors event. Book now if you would like to attend at events@b4-business.com.

Inside

56. 21 Today!

We welcome Aston & James to B4 Magazine

Issue 19 sees some great new names appearing in B4 for the first time, including Grant Thornton, Aston & James, the Examination Schools, HR2YOU, Abingdon School, Heythrop Park, St Clare’s Oxford, Oxford Fashion Week, Oxfam and Pembroke College. We also welcome back Henley Festival, Oxford Inspires, Venturefest and Buildbase.

Our lead article is provided by The Career Boutique, one of Oxfordshire’s brightest new companies who go that extra mile to ensure you recruit the best. We also enter the world of social media with expert advice from Bottle PR and Anthony Lloyd of Fallowfields.

Staunch B4 supporter, Blenheim Palace, provide us with four excellent features in B4, ranging from Awards, to events and property acquisitions and we get an annual update on developments at London Oxford Airport.

80. Grant Thornton Wendy Hart talks to B4

For those of you who didn’t get a copy of the Oxfordshire Venues guide, included with all posted editions of B4, make sure you log on to the B4 website to see this electronically. It’s a great collection of Oxfordshire’s finest venues, from Oxford colleges to bespoke conference venues, and from palaces to hotels. We are now working on our Education Guide, Celebrations Guide and Oxfordshire’s Business Who’s Who, so if you’d like to be involved, call us on 01865 742211.

Subscriptions For free Subscription, please contact: Telephone: 01865 742211 info@b4-business.com Each business with an Oxfordshire postcode is entitled to one free copy per issue. For additional copies and for businesses outside of Oxfordshire, there is an annual subscription charge of £25.

Put Together in Oxfordshire B4 is all about Oxfordshire. Designed, produced and printed in Oxfordshire.

© 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.

On a sad note, I would like to wish Malmaison General Manager, Andrew Creese, every success in his new role as he leaves Oxford for Dubai. Andrew was pivotal in helping us to launch the B4 events, and his support for various initiatives has been unwavering throughout his tenure at Malmaison’s flagship hotel. Andrew will, without doubt, go on to even greater things in his career and we wish him well.

96. HR2YOU Sarah Morris talks about her modern approach to HR

Enjoy B4 Richard Rosser Editor

About

B4

Magazine

B4 Magazine was established to provide Oxfordshire businesses with a clear voice to raise their profile and to help businesses connect. Direct mailed to three thousand business decision makers in Oxfordshire every quarter, B4 is widely regarded as one of Oxfordshire’s leading business publications. B4 stands for Building Bridges Between Business, and that is what we have done and will continue to do, now aided by the launch of our first class website at www.b4-business.com.

B4 is funded by paid for display advertising and editorial, although some editorial is granted without charge at the discretion of the Editor.

WHY NOT FOLLOW B4 MAGAZINE ON

102. Abingdon School Felicity Lusk is Abingdon’s pioneering First Lady

Bloxham School Success On Thursday 10th March, Bloxham School’s Young Enterprise team, consisting of; Rebecca Jardine, George Adams, Henry Woodward, Alice Wood, Matt Cooper, Jon Cooper, Ben Kirk, Jack Inchmore, Emily Carvell and Adrienne Poole, travelled to Witney to visit the Prime Minister – David Cameron.

One of the students commented. “We went to tell the Prime Minister all about our Young Enterprise scheme that we have been participating in throughout the academic year. Our project has been about creating an advertising directory to be distributed to school parents and the local residents, which allows local businesses to create a profitable link with the parents and supporters of the pupils who attend Bloxham School which will be distributed in the bills at the end of this term; and a selection of jewellery created with a variety of scrabble pieces attached, which have proved very

popular with students.”

“The experience is one which we have all really enjoyed, and would definitely recommend to any

aspiring business minds in the 5th form when the opportunity is presented to them at the start of next year.” www.bloxhamschool.com

Oxford Castle Key Card Unlock the door to great savings within the walls of Oxford Castle.

Oxford Castle is offering B4 members the opportunity to provide their staff and colleagues with the chance to take advantage of all of the promotions, fun, and frolics that Oxford Castle has to offer – EAT – DRINK – ENJOY! The Oxford Castle Key Card entitles holders to some great discounts at the various restaurants and attractions on the Oxford Castle site. Details of offers, plus terms and conditions can be found on our website www.oxfordcastle.com.

Oxford Castle are happy to deliver a stock of Key Cards to your business in Oxford for distribution amongst your staff. We would ask in return only that your staff sign up to our e-newsletter (they can unsubscribe to the e-newsletter at any point if they find that they no longer wish to receive the news).

This will allow us to contact them (roughly once a month) with updates of the offers available as well as providing information about forthcoming events at Oxford Castle.

For more information on receiving your Oxford Castle Key Cards please contact Sophie Egleton on 01865 201657 or email oc@topgroup.co.uk

New recruits for Carnival Cowley Road Works, organising charity for Cowley Road Carnival, announces a series of key appointments for this year’s event on 2-3 July in Cowley Road and South Park, Oxford.

Anya Fox is appointed Carnival Producer: Road and Procession, responsible for artistic direction of the Carnival procession, programming of activities for Carnival on Cowley Road and as the main interface with community groups, traders and other participants.

Lucy Barrie joins the team as Carnival Producer: Park and Stalls, overseeing programming for Park

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activities, including family activity areas, park entertainers and the traders’ village.

Richmond Event Management has won the tender to manage the infrastructure, layout, legal, safety and insurance requirements for all elements of the Carnival in 2011. The company, which has organised nationally-renowned events such as Bristol Balloon Fiesta, is in the process of building an Oxford-based core team to support Carnival in the coming months.

Cowley Road Carnival attracts over 35,000 people - one of the biggest audiences in the Oxford calendar. Details of sponsorship packages are

available on cowleyroadcarnival.co.uk or email info@cowleyroadworks.org

www.b4-business.com

News Louise Ashby Joins Carter Jonas Carter Jonas is strengthening services to clients across its business divisions with the appointment of Louise Ashby as Client Services Manager. Louise will coordinate relations with clients who work with multiple divisions, and ensure that all clients are kept aware of the firm’s services and activities.

are entering a new phase of growth and provision of service to our clients. This appointment allows us to ensure that all of our clients are fully aware of what we can do for them. Louise has a great deal of experience in the wider commercial community as well as in property and we are delighted to welcome her to the team.”

Mark Charter, Partner and head of the Carter Jonas Oxford office: “As a multi-divisional property firm, we

Contact Louise Ashby on 01865 511444 or louise.ashby@carterjonas.co.uk.

SpecialEffect SpecialEffect is a charity dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for young people with disabilities by enabling them to enjoy computer games and other creative leisure pursuits through cutting edge technology - for rehabilitation, inclusion and fun!

Based in Charlbury achievements in our short history include the creation of the world's first fully accessible games suite at Helen and Douglas

House Hospice and award winning roadshows for disabled groups throughout Oxfordshire.

SpecialEffect's own Centre was recently opened by Prime Minister David Cameron.

Its games library helps many people - from soldiers injured in Afghanistan through to young people with degenerative conditions who can no longer play in any other way. www.specialeffect.org.uk

Britain From The Air at Oxford Castle The Royal Geographical Society (with the Institute of British Geographers), one of the world’s leading geographical societies, in collaboration with Wecommunic8, the award winning exhibition delivery company (responsible for the internationally acclaimed ‘Earth from the Air’ photographic exhibition), have created ‘Britain from the Air’, an aerial view of Britain for the 21st century. The exhibition is intended to inspire, enthuse and inform about Britain’s extraordinarily diverse human and natural landscapes and, through them, tell the stories of our history and

geography.

This street gallery exhibition was first staged in the heart of the city of Bath, where it has been seen by an estimated 4 million people since its launch in September 2010. ‘Britain from the Air’, comprises over 100 photographic street gallery panels and comes to Oxford in June this year as the first leg in a proposed national tour.

For more details please contact Alasdair Macleod at a.macleod@rgs.org or 020 7591 3015.

Blenheim Buys Windrush Industrial Park Blenheim Estates has purchased Windrush Industrial Park, a 28-acre industrial estate in the heart of Witney in a deal which has been declared a vote of confidence in the town’s economy.

The estate is a base for 17 businesses, including multi-national packaging company Smurfit Kappa and furniture producers Corndell Furniture.

Roger File, property director of Blenheim Estates, said “We’re locally based and we have been looking

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to expand our commercial property portfolio for a while, waiting for the right opportunity. For us it was the logical place, on our doorstep, and we could see a lot of potential. Our current plan is to hold it for the long term and to invest in the site as opportunities present themselves.”

The Windrush Industrial Park will be managed by the Blenheim Palace Property team from its base at Blenheim Palace in Woodstock from where the team already manage a substantial mixed property portfolio throughout Oxfordshire. See page 45.

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News: Appointments

Bank Makes Senior Appointment For Gloucester And Oxfordshire Lloyds TSB Commercial, the division of Lloyds Banking Group which supports small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), has appointed Dave Atkinson as the new area director for Gloucester and Oxon.

He will head up 56 relationship managers across eight teams, which provide dedicated banking services, as well as guidance and support, to over 13,000 customers with annual turnovers of up to £15 million.

Dave has 23 years of experience in the banking sector with Lloyds TSB including retail and business management and numerous other senior management positions. He’s focused on ensuring local businesses can access the funding and guidance needed to prepare for an upturn in economic conditions and capitalise on new growth opportunities in 2011 and beyond.

Dave’s team covers Oxford, Cheltenham, Gloucester and Bicester.

Dave Atkinson, area director for Lloyds TSB Commercial in Gloucester and Oxon, said: “My team are committed to making a range of funding options available to businesses across the region. This is demonstrated by the fact that in the South East, Lloyds Banking Group has offered 665 loans to date under the Government-backed Enterprise Finance Guarantee (EFG) scheme, making over £50 million available to SMEs across the region.

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“It is a fantastic time to be working closely with companies in Oxfordshire, as our latest PMI research showed that in March output in the South East rose at its strongest rate for three-and-a-half years, while employment increased at its fastest rate since November 2007, which shows that firms in this region are in a great place to grow this year.

“Developing and maintaining a close working relationship with its banking partner and professional support network is essential if a business is to put itself in a strong position to take advantage of growth opportunities.

“We work to ensure that our customers have access to the finance and working capital that they need, as well as the information and guidance essential to managing their cash flow.

“Lloyds TSB Commercial has dedicated teams of relationship managers with sector specialities, who have the expertise, experience and tools to provide the guidance and tailored financial packages to enable businesses to grow and flourish throughout the economic cycle.” www.lloydstsb.com/business

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OVER 500 AT B4 EVENTS 2011 has so far seen three excellent B4 events with over 500 guests attending in total. The events started at Malmaison in February, combined with a whisky tasting, then on to Pembroke College to see the splendid new kitchens, and, finally, the magnificent Rhodes House in April.

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1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Mike Kelly (Pegasus) with Rachael Hodnett (Kemp and Kemp) Christoph Corvin (Olamalu) with Jane Bigos (Clockwork Graphic Design) Martin Gubb (Rhodes House) Anusha Couttigane and friends from Oxford Fashion Week Andrew Creese (Malmaison) and Anna Walton (Sodexo) Joss Saunders (Oxfam) and BĂŠnĂŠdicte Montain (Ashmolean) Darren and Alan Aston (Aston & James) and Heather Earwicker (Pembroke College) Tom Ellis (First Class Products) and Helen Money (Helen Money Nutrition) and Richard Rosser (B4 Magazine) 9 James Dillon Godfray (London Oxford Airport) and Jacques Kieser (The Red Lion) 10 Richard Venables (VSL) and Susi Golding (Visit Oxfordshire) 11 Tina Rosser (B4 Magazine) and Kyle Johnson (Oxfam) 6

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NEXT EVENT If you would like to attend the next B4 Ambassadors Event at Blenheim Palace on Thursday 9th June (6pm to 8pm), then please e-mail events@b4-business.com to book your place. Numbers limited to 230 and at time of going to press we are approaching 200.

WHO’S INVITED? B4 Ambassadors and Members are invited plus their guests, but we have a strict policy on guests in so far as guests can only come to one event, thereafter they must be members.

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A unique venue for all your conference needs.

Inspirational surroundings, versatile event space and welcoming service make Blenheim Palace a spectacular choice for any kind of event.

Set in the beautiful Oxfordshire Cotswolds, just 8 miles from Oxford and easily accessible from London, Blenheim Palace turns an event into an unforgettable occasion every time.

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Blenheim Palace has ten versatile rooms available for exclusive hire

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Motivate your team with an activity in the grounds of a World Heritage Site

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blenheimpalace.com or call 01993 813 874 sales@blenheimhospitality.com

Britain’s Greatest Palace

Events We are delighted to announce that the 2011 In Oxford Magazine Restaurant Awards will be staged on September 12th 2011 The Awards are being organised by The In Oxford Group in association with Visit Oxfordshire, the new tourism organisation for Oxfordshire.

Miele, a brand which stands for quality on all levels, have agreed to be the Awards Sponsor for the first two years. The UK headquarters for Miele are based in Abingdon, where a superb Experience Centre provides Miele with a fabulous showcase facility.

An independent review panel has been appointed from a wide range of Oxfordshire businesses to critically review each restaurant that enters the

Awards.

The Awards will also give the Oxfordshire public the opportunity to vote for their preferred restaurants across a number of categories.

You can vote, enter or buy one of the 100 limited edition tickets for the Awards dinner at www.inoxford.com – click on the Awards banner.

Companies interested in sponsoring individual awards should also contact The In Oxford Group for more information on 01865 742211.

Buildbase Trade Show, Thursday 16th June The 2011 Buildbase Trade Show officially starts at 6pm for our customers and finishes at 10.00pm.

B4 guests are welcome to enter from 5.30pm. This will allow a sneak preview to the event which will include over 80 leading Manufactures to the Building, Plumbing and Hire trade exhibiting, with company representatives on hand to discuss new products.

It’s also a great opportunity to view one of the largest Builders Merchants in Oxfordshire, and our Showrooms feature one of the largest Selections of Kitchens, Bathrooms and Tiles, with current display settings totalling over 110, from the industry’s leading manufactures.

There are many special offers and manufacturers’

promotions throughout the Branch, which can be taken advantage of, for one night only!

Lightside Manager, Craig Tarrant added. “We will provide the drinks and refreshments throughout the evening, which will include our famous Pig Roast.

Entertainment will be provided by a up close magician, there are also indoor and outdoor game activities, and the obligatory raffle and prize draws.

It promises to be a great night as it always has been.”

Ultimate Madness will play from 8.00pm to close of the event.

All proceeds raised (Buildbase will ask for a donation for drinks on the night) on the Evening will go to our chosen charity Macmillan. See article on page 88.

The 5th Annual B4 / MGroup Cup Starting on Tuesday 24th May, the 5th Annual B4 / MGroup Cup will tee off with holders InTouch CRM defending their crown.

You can enter all three qualifiers for just £300+VAT, but to appear in the final at The Oxfordshire on Thursday 8th September, you must have qualified

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in one of the qualifiers.

See page 116 for full details about dates and venues or call 01865 742211 for more information or to book your team into the event. www.b4-business.com

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News: Awards Harley-Davidson helps Young Enterprise jumpstart careers Three local schools shared the spoils recently at The Young Enterprise Central Oxfordshire Area Finals event, which was held at the HarleyDavidson European head office on the Oxford business park in Cowley – but overall victory was taken by Oxford High School.

The winning entries were Cosmic’s environmental board game and Echo’s Hyacinth Plant Pots, which they then followed up with a revision aid kit.

Both companies qualified to compete for the title of Best Young Enterprise Company in Oxfordshire 2011 at the County Final taking place at Said Business School on 12 May. B4 Editor, Richard Rosser, was one of the impressed judges. “The standard of entries was exceptionally high and my fellow judges and I found it very difficult to choose two outstanding winners – they were all excellent.” www.young-enterprise.org.uk

UK Coach Awards On 7th April Blenheim Palace were awarded “Most Coach Friendly Historic Attraction” at the 2011 UK Coach Awards, an outstanding achievement within the coach tourism industry fending off stiff competition from Black Country Museum, Chatsworth and Warwick Castle.

Blenheim Palace has long been a favourite destination for groups, having been open to the public since 1950. With a 23% increase in visitors

by coach in 2010 Blenheim Palace is doing plenty to develop this market including group web pages and brochures and a dedicated Groups Coordinator.

The venue was praised by the judges for its bookable group meeting service, free coach parking and excellent information through its literature and comprehensive and attractive web site. (See also page 79). www.blenheimpalace.com

Andrew Creese, Malmaison & Hotel du Vin General Manager of the Year Congratulations to Andrew Creese, General Manager of Malmaison Oxford. Andrew’s achievements at Malmaison were recently recognised as he received the coveted ‘Malmaison & Hotel du Vin General Manager of the Year’ Award.

Andrew commented. “It was a surprise but given the strength of the team we have here at Malmaison Oxford, I can see how our achievements have made a mark. It sounds a cliché but this is more for the team than for me – without

them, the hotel wouldn’t be in the shape it’s in.”

Andrew’s award is tinged with sadness as he will be moving to pastures new in June, having accepted the General Manager’s role of The Desert Palm Hotel in Dubai, and Andrew added. “The international challenge was too good to refuse. I owe much to Malmaison for the chances they have given me, not least here in Oxford where I have enjoyed integrating with local businesses and the community.”

Minoli wins TTA award for second consecutive year Ability and reliability have always been the guiding principles of the Minoli Distribution team and, as testament to the company’s commitment in this field, they now hold the accolade of winning the 2011 TTA award for Excellence In Tile Distribution.

The winners were announced at the annual TTA Gala Dinner attended by some 500 industry representatives on 2nd April. Minoli were also nominated as finalists in the Excellence in Marketing category, the award for which they won last year.

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Managing Director Jonathon Minoli said, “We’re delighted to have again been acknowledged by our industry peers for our achievements. Our distribution model is based on holding the vast majority of our lines in plentiful stock so that in excess of 95% of client’s orders can be delivered within 24 hours.

“It’s a service that our customers, both longstanding and new, have come to rely on.”

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RECRUITING WITH STYLE Sarah Pomroy, a recruitment consultant at The Career Boutique, talks to B4’s Richard Rosser about her own career and what makes working for The Career Boutique refreshingly different and keeps this incredible Oxfordshire recruitment agency on course to be the best in Oxfordshire. Article by Emma-Louise Pritchard.

As a mother of two, Sarah Pomroy knows all about balancing fragile cups on the end of very long sticks and has taken to working for Oxfordshire’s most exciting recruitment agency like a duck to water. With oodles of experience behind her, Sarah elaborates on where she has been, and where she and her colleagues are aiming to get to.

“I started my career by studying at Oxford Media and Business School, but at 19 moved to London to pursue a career in marketing, working my way up to Account Manager from a team secretarial position. I got a taste of the drive, passion and commitment required to make abusiness operate efficiently and effectively, but always yearned to come back to Oxfordshire.”

Sarah took the opportunity to return to her roots when she had her first child, but it wasn’t long before she was back working. “I took a couple of

managed to learn a lot about how business works and being appointed HR manager of the construction firm seemed a perfect role for me. I was able to draw on my experiences and really enjoyed the position.”

This gave Sarah the taste for HR and recruitment in particular, so when the opportunity came to join The Career Boutique, she jumped at it. “Over a period of just over ten years, I was lucky to work for some great companies, but when I heard about the vacancy at The Career Boutique, I was desperate to get the job. First impressions of The Career Boutique are of a very sophisticated, glamorous agency, maybe more suited to The Kings Road than Didcot, but I can assure you, there’s a lot of hard work that goes on behind the scenes which makes choosing The Career Boutique for your recruitment needs a smart move.”

today, in every business, and we really do leave nothing to chance, leave no stone unturned and make sure that our clients’ demands are fulfilled.

We have to get the right person for the role our client is looking to fill, and that means not only finding the right person for that job, but getting to know our client and the team the successful candidate is going to be working for. “’Never judge a book by it’s cover’, or so they say, and we certainly never judge a candidate by their CV. A CV is valuable, but it is not the be all and end all. It’s about finding the right person to fit into a business, and all the qualifications in the world will be insignificant if the character of the person we are recommending for a role isn’t suited to an existing team.

“In order to get the balance right, we have to get to know our clients, and that, hopefully, means we are the first port of call for all future recruitment

“Over a period of just over ten years, I was lucky to work for some great companies, but when I heard about the vacancy at The Career Boutique, I was desperate to get the job” office management positions,getting experience in a range of large and small companies, adding to my overall knowledge ofcompanies and how they operated.”

Sarah’s focus is on filling sales HR, administration and marketing roles which suits her particular career background and own experiences. “It certainly helps me to identify what our clients are looking for, having worked in these roles before myself. I have the benefit of having sat on the other side of the fence, and it’s certainly an advantage.”

In particular, Sarah enjoyed a role at Oxfordshire Citizens Housing Association, working in thecommunications department, project managing all of their communications, once again working at a high level with the Chief Executive and Operations Managers. She then went on to enjoy a period working for a local construction firm, and it was there that she first cut her teeth in a role dedicated to HR, as she explains.

Sarah is keen to stress, however, that The Career Boutique’s modus operandi is far removed from that of the High Street recruitment consultants which, she strongly believes, do not ‘get under the skin’ of their clients.

“Up until that point, I had enjoyed working in a variety of roles in different firms of varying sizes. I’d

“Our philosophy here is to deliver, deliver and then deliver some more. Value for money is crucial

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needs if we manage to recruit successfully. It’s all about building up a trust, and there’s absolutely no point plucking a candidate out of thin air just to fill a role if the fit isn’t right. It doesn’t do our client any favours and it certainly won’t endear The Career Boutique to our client.”

With the hard work that goes into finding the perfect match, I ask Sarah if this creates a mountain to climb and limits the chances of finding the right candidate.

“I do know where you are coming from, but the point is without investing time in finding the right person, the chances of finding the right person by luck more than judgment are limited, and that’s no good for our client. Yes we have hit a dead end

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B4 LEAD

“It certainly helps me to

Photography: www.studio-8.co.uk

identify what our clients are looking for, having worked in these roles before myself.

I have the benefit of having sat on the other side of the fence, and it’s certainly an advantage”

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Finding Companies Outstanding People The Career Boutique prides itself on the personal relationships it has with its clients.

Our reputation is built on professionalism, integrity and trust.

01235 854 046

www.TheCareerBoutique.com

B4 LEAD with some roles, but, given the choice, we would prefer to say to a client that we have done our best than hope someone might do. It’s a risk we are willing to take, and, thankfully, as The Career Boutique strengthens its foothold on the recruitment market in Oxfordshire, we are getting more and more suitable candidates coming in for each role, which makes the chances of finding the right person for the job much greater, and eliminates the risk of not finding someone.”

The whole recruitment process is fraught with problems. Identifying the right person for the job is easier said than done. Embellished CV’s and serial job appliers are only two of the problems that come to mind. The time and cost involved in placing an advert and, sifting through the applications is bad enough, but then you have to co-ordinate interviews and have the interviews, remember who you have seen, make sure you tell those who have not been successful and, potentially, have second and even third round interviews. Do you honestly have the skills to identify the right person? Do you have the time to do it is the more pertinent question?

The candidate Jekyll and Hyde’s have all been to your offices. You know the ones, the ones that are pure as the driven snow in an interview and then turn up with a hangover on the first day of work. So how does Sarah get down to the right ones for the job? “Experience more than anything.

When you are advertising as many jobs as we are, we know the serial appliers, we know those who have applied before (and you wouldn’t believe the ones who don’t think we will remember) and we know what our clients are looking for. We know what to look out for on CV’s and we have a good instinct.

“Putting the wrong person forward to our clients puts our reputation on the line, so, believe me, we put up a fairly stiff test for candidates to get through. There are obviously some very effective ways of getting candidates in to interview these days, particularly through the web, but when it comes to high profile roles, I firmly believe you need some objectivity and impartiality in the process of selection, and investing in our expertise is certainly worthwhile.”

The continuity of providing clients with successful applicants for roles is obviously having quite an effect, with a number of HR Managers utilising The Career Boutique when they themselves move on, as Sarah confirms. “Yes we have had quite a few HR Managers who have moved on for one reason or another then call us in their new roles to continue using us, and recommending us to their replacements.”

Sitting behind the success of The Career Boutique is the inimitable Katherine Dales, the real passion behind this increasingly powerful recruitment machine. Sarah is in no doubt that the success of the agency is down to her unfathomable hard work.

“I honestly don’t know how she does it. I have never met someone so dedicated and passionate about their business. Her commitment to growing The Career Boutique, making it the leading agency in Oxfordshire and providing her clients with a five star service is absolutely incredible.

Photography: www.studio-8.co.uk

Katherine ignited my desire to work for The Career Boutique and she is someone I look to for energy and inspiration when things aren’t going to plan. Undaunted and dynamic, she’s certainly taught me a thing or two about staying focused, not losing hope and delivering, over and over again.

“Katherine makes sure we are different, that we are set apart from the other agencies in everything we do. We all know our service is second to none and with Katherine at the helm, we are well on course to hit our target.” www.thecareerboutique.com www.b4-business.com

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SPORTIVE SUNDAY 21 AUGUST 2011

Get on your bike for Breast Cancer Care and support people living with breast cancer in the UK in association with

BREAST CANCER CARE’S BIKE BLENHEIM PALACE SPORTIVE The 60 or 100 mile routes include Blenheim Palace’s World Heritage Site Park and the Oxfordshire Cotswolds.

20K Time Trial • 60 or 100 mile Cycling Weekly Sportive • New 26.2 mile Pink Ribbonride Brompton World Championship 2011 • Family Cycling • Event Village

Register now at bikeblenheimpalace.com Breast Cancer Care: Registered charity in England and Wales 1017658 and in Scotland SC038104

Excusive B4 discount!

B4 readers can get 10% discount on registration for the Sportive and the 20K time trial using the promo code B4BBP2011 on registration. Register now www.bikeblenheimpalace.com

like us on facebook www.facebook.com/bikeblenheimpalace

news Spring Social: Young and New Directors’ Light Supper & Forum If you are interested in engaging with young and younger-thinking directors, particularly those who are quite new to a leadership role, join us at the Oxford Summertown Wine Café for an evening of ‘talking shop’ over wine, a delicious buffet, and live music.

This informal social event is a new format for the IoD's Oxfordshire branch and aims to provide an opportunity to meet fellow directors in convivial surroundings, to find out more about what each of us does, and share our collective questions,

knowledge and experience.

While the focus is on young and new directors, we encourage members at all levels of experience to come along to enhance what we expect to be a lively business forum!

Summertown Wine Café, 38 South Parade, Oxford, OX2 7JN Date: Tuesday 10 May – 7.00pm Tickets: £24 IoD members & guests, £30 non members

Sweet Wine of Youth Awaken your senses for an evening of tasting exquisite wines in the beautiful surroundings of the Bothy Vineyard in the Vale of The White Horse.

the directorship of new owners, Sian and Richard Liwicki, the vineyard sees the production of such unique blends as the Oxford Pink, Fume and Renaissance.

Established twenty-nine years ago, Bothy Vineyard continues the ancient tradition of wine-making in Oxfordshire, dating back to medieval times. Under

With the vineyard guides providing expert commentary, a tasty light buffet, and the opportunity to purchase outstanding wines, this

evening promises to be one of the highlights of the spring social calendar.

Bothy Vineyard, Frilford Heath, OX13 6QW Date: Wednesday 18 May – 6.30pm Tickets: £24 IoD members, £30 non members

Dinner at Sandhurst: Afghanistan: Fixing or Failing a Broken State?

Hear the true story of what is happening in Afghanistan and dine in one of the country’s most illustrious venues.

As overseer of the EU’s reconstruction programme in Afghanistan Paul Turner knows all too well the problems of Taliban insurgency, government corruption and a thriving drug trade. Paul will fascinate his audience with his tales of that war-torn country as well as other experiences from his colourful career.

The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst was formally

founded in 1947, with roots reaching back to 1741.

IoD members and their guests will be served a sumptuous dinner in the Indian Army Room, situated in the Old College, whose past cadets include Winston Churchill and King Hussein of Jordan.

Bookings close early – Friday 20 May. The Sandhurst Foundation, Camberley, Surrey GU15 4PQ Date: Friday 3 June, 7.00pm Tickets: £60 IoD members & guests, £72 non members

Come Dine with Me at Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons Begin this summer weekend sipping champagne with like-minded people on the terrace of this intimate, original and award winning hotel and restaurant.

We will sit down to a scrumptious 3-course gourmet meal prepared and served with expertise and attention. Over coffee Gary Jones, Executive Head Chef, will share stories of the joys and challenges of being part of Le Manoir’s history. Rounding up the day will be small group tours of the kitchens with an open invitation to roam the award winning

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gardens at your leisure.

As numbers are limited to 50, early booking is advised. Initially booking will be restricted to 2 places per member.

Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons, Great Milton, OX44 7PD Date: Friday 8 July, 12.30pm Tickets: £132 IoD members & guests, £156 non members

www.iod.com/oxfordshire

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news Business shows support for children’s hospital fun run The ninth Oxford Mail OX5RUN was a huge success this March, with 950 running on the day – breaking all previous records.

Renowned Oxfordshire chef, Raymond Blanc, got the runners raring to go with an enthusiastic speech, before blasting the horn to set them off round five miles of Blenheim Palace’s grounds.

Over 50 teams took part, many dressed in costumes, including a group of nurses on a hen weekend, a group in full armour and numerous teams from the Oxfordshire businesses community.

The event was sponsored by recruitment consultants Allen Associates for the third year running. Kate Allen said: "It’s has been a thoroughly enjoyable and rewarding experience once again. Six of our colleagues ran on the day and we encouraged many other local businesses to take part, so we can’t wait to find out if we have exceeded last year’s total for this important local cause" Oxfordshire fireman Gary Crone crossed the line first – in just 28 minutes and 18 seconds, with the Oxford Mail’s sports Editor Ed Mezzetti in second place.

Siemens won the Challenge Cup and the Oxford Vaccine Group – the largest team on the day – won the Community Cup. One of the youngest runners - 16 year old Luke Dickety - completed the course in just 47 minutes. Luke was one of the first patients at the Oxford Children’s Hospital when he had surgery to remove a tumour from behind his eye, and he was delighted to be well enough to take part.

It is hoped the event will raise over £50,000 which will pay for additional medical equipment and facilities for the Oxford Children’s Hospital and children’s services across the ORH Trust.

Raymond Blanc was the official starter at the OX5 and spent time meeting many of the children's hospital supporters

Huge thanks to the Oxford Mail for once again organising the run, Allen Associates for their generous sponsorship, Blenheim Palace, JACKfm and George Martini for their support and of course to everyone who took part.

Put your company on the ropes for charity!

Our regular abseils are great team-building events and, costing just £10 a head, fantastic value too. Every year hundreds of people brave the challenge from the top of the Women’s Centre at the JR, raising thousands for various hospital causes. Why not get your company to take part this year too?

Our next hospital abseil takes place on Sunday June 12 and abseilers areasked to raise just £100 each in sponsorship for the Oxford Cancer Centre or Oxford Heart Centre. You can sign up individually or as a group – to find out more call 01865 743444.

Celebrating Silver Star with a stroll

The Unit, based at the Women’s Centre at the John Radcliffe Hospital, offers

specialist care to mothers with medical complications during pregnancy, and has helped more than 14,000 families over the years. To find out more about this family-friendly day out on May 22nd event visit: www.silverstaroxford.org

COMING UP: Sunday 22 May – Silver Star Stroll in the Park.

Friday 10 June – Black-tie gala evening at Broughton Castle, Banbury, in aid of Children’s Services.

Sunday 12 June – Abseil for the Oxford Heart and Cancer Centre Friday June 17 – Children’s Hospital Golf Day at Bicester Golf and Country club.

The Silver Star Unit is celebrating its 40th anniversary with a sponsored walk and picnic around Oxford University Parks this May.

To find out more about our events go to www.orhcharitablefunds.nhs.uk or call 01865 743444. Why not join our Facebook page and hear all our latest news? Search under ORH Charitable Funds.

www.b4-business.com

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making sense of social media Find out how to effectively leverage social media for maximum business benefit at a FREE half day seminar for marketing, PR and digital professionals.

Organised and hosted by BOTTLE PR the event will take place on Thursday 12 May at the Oxford Science Park and will feature presentations from high profile digital champions BT, Rentokil and BOTTLE PR.

This is one social event you can’t afford to miss!

For more information, contact Bridget Taylor at BOTTLE PR on 01865 882988 or at bridgettaylor@bottlepr.co.uk

news Oxford Inspires is the cultural development agency for Oxfordshire. We work with partners in business, local government, with Arts Council England, The University of Oxford and Oxford Brookes University to create new opportunities for arts and heritage organisations, nurture new festivals and spectacular events and to engage as many people as possible in exciting cultural experiences. We collaborate with cultural organisations across the county to support their ambitions, help them to reach a wider audience and to raise Oxfordshire’s profile as a cultural destination nationally and internationally.

Global Leader Infineum Extends its Support to Oxford Open Doors and MESH Festival Leading technological enterprise Infineum is a committed supporter of Oxford Inspires, having been a part of the cultural development agency’s Corporate Membership Programme for six years.

The business, which has over 75 years experience in petroleum additive technology, is based at Milton Hill, near Steventon in Southern Oxfordshire.

Infineum focuses on delivering innovative chemistry for use in lubricants and fuels, used in 1-in-3 of the world’s vehicles. Its Technology excellence has been key in producing differentiated products that enhance the efficiency and performance of engines, making a major contribution towards reducing the global environmental impact of transportation.

In the years since the partnership with Oxford Inspires began, Infineum has played a significant role in helping to support and grow cultural activity in Oxfordshire. This year, the business has not only renewed its membership with the cultural development agency, but in the lead up to the Olympics in 2012, wanted to do a bit more in the local community. With this in mind, the company has committed additional support to two exciting events taking place over the

Oxford Open Doors'

September, offers a chance for residents and visitors to discover and explore some of the city’s most interesting building and spaces, most of which are usually inaccessible to the general public. This year the event will be adopting a theme of Sporting Excellence and Heritage, in celebration of the impending London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

MESH Festival is a biannual international youth arts festival, which will be hosted, curated and run by young people for young people. The inaugural festival, which is produced by Pegasus Theatre in partnership with Oxford Inspires, the North Wall Arts Centre, Oxford Brookes University and Oxford International Link, will be launched from the 20th to 30th July and will involve around 70 young people from Oxford and Oxfordshire as well as around 70 young people from Europe and beyond. The aim of the festival is to encourage intercultural dialogue and links between young people of different nationalities.

Martin Dare-Edwards, Infineum’s UK Country Manager, commented “We are delighted this year to add to our ongoing Corporate Membership of Oxford Inspires by also becoming supporters for these specific activities in Oxfordshire.

We are especially thrilled that these two events will have themes of broadengagement for our local community and for all ages. The international theme of the MESH Festival also resonates well with Infineum as we have colleagues of 30 nationalities working at our Southern Oxfordshire site.”

summer of 2011: Oxford Open Doors and MESH Festival.

Oxford Open Doors, which runs from over the weekend of the 10th and 11th

Kathelene Weiss, Director of Oxford Inspires said “Infinuem’s decision to support Oxford Open Doors and MESH Festival, once again proves their strong commitment to the county and ongoing support of its cultural community. We are delighted that they have taken this decision, which will go a long way in helping to ensure the county’s cultural community continues to grown and thrive.”

Oxford Inspires gives sincere thanks to its Corporate Members and Major Supporters: B4 Magazine, Barceló Oxford Hotel, Bicester Village, Blake Lapthorn, Carbon Colour, CPM, Finders Keepers, Fineprint, Four Pillars Hotels, Goodman, ImageWorks, Infineum, Lucy Properties, Malmaison Oxford, Marketing Team Direct, MINI Plant Oxford, Origin Technical Productions, Oxford and Cherwell Valley College, Oxford Castle, Oxford Giclée, OxNews, Redmayne

Bentley, Richardsons Chartered Accountants, SAE, TSH Architects, Torpedo and VSL & Partners. Oxford Inspires Stakeholders: Oxfordshire County Council, Oxford City Council, Oxford Brookes University and The University of Oxford.

To learn more about how your business might help Oxford Inspires to support cultural activity across Oxfordshire, contact Kathelene Weiss at kathelene.weiss@oxfordinspires.org.

MESH Festival

www.b4-business.com

www.oxfordinspires.org

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NEW BARCLAY HOUSE Botley, Oxford TO LET 3,000 – 11,000 Sq Ft Modern refurbished offices with comfort cooling with excellent access to Oxford and A34.

2ND FLOOR - RAMSAY HOUSE St Ebbe’s Street, Oxford TO LET/FOR SALE 18,800 Sq Ft Unique opportunity to purchase a large office in Oxford City Centre

295 - 301 LONDON ROAD Headington FOR SALE Ground floor 2,800 sq ft plus 2 First floor flats Prominent office/retail building with potential for redevelopment (subject to planning)

THE BREWERY GATE St Thomas’ Street, Oxford FOR SALE 3,100 sq ft Unique opportunity to acquire a freehold commercial building with potential for many uses (subject to planning)

unrivaled local and regional expertise Richard Venables Tom Barton

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news Spring Cheer In The Commercial Property Market Q1 2011 has seen a cautious, yet optimistic start. The sunny Spring weather seems to have encouraged better enquiry levels and viewings across all sectors. Many occupiers are still preferring to renegotiate lease terms with their current landlords rather than relocate and deals in general are still taking a significant time to conclude.

The big news is the announcement that Centrica have agreed a pre let of over 80,000 sq ft at the Oxford Business Park, where they already have a smaller presence. This is the largest deal since Oxfam acquired new premises in 2003

and is a great boost to the local economy. This deal comes on the back of over 50,000 sq ft of deals at the Oxford Business Park in 2010.

The City Centre office market is still experiencing a lack of supply of quality space. The University of Oxford have recently acquired 16,000 sq ft of space at Beaver House in Hythe Bridge Street. We have received strong demand for Ebor House, Blue Boar Street which is currently under offer on a freehold basis and have just commenced the marketing of 16,000 sq ft at Ramsay House in St Ebbe’s.

Deals, Deals and more Deals…..

Here are a selection of deals VSL & Partners have completed in the first quarter of 2011.

Linacre House, Jordan Hill Business Park – 9,500 sq ft let to Oxford University Press.

Unit 9 Oxford Industrial Park – 10,100 sq ft let to Agilent Technologies.

Nimrod, Witney – Final unit sold – Unit 13 to White Bros.

1 Parkside, Witney – 21,600 sq ft let to Ambic Ltd.

228-240 Banbury Road, Oxford – Acquired 4,500 sq ft on behalf of 2 Degrees Ltd.

5 Bankside, Long Hanborough – Office unit of 1,400 sq ft sold.

Unit 6, Weston on the Green Business Park – office unit of 1,400 sq ft sold.

Unit E Park 34, Didcot – 11,700 sq ft let to Matthew Clarke Ltd.

Unit 4 Stationfields Industrial Estate, Kidlington – 1,400 sq ft let to Oxford Joinery.

www.b4-business.com

www.vslandp.com

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news Success for inaugural Awards The 1st ever West Oxfordshire Business Awards were deemed a huge success by sponsors, organisers and entrants alike. Mike Leggett, chair of the organising committee, said: “We are delighted at the success of the first ever West Oxfordshire Business Awards. We received so many really

positive comments after the Gala Dinner which made all the hard work worthwhile! The winners and finalists reflected the quality and depth of business in West Oxfordshire and it was a celebration of the region’s excellence.”

Fabulous Overall Winners The winners of the first West Oxfordshire Business Awards (WOBAs) were announced on Friday 11 March at a Gala Dinner held at Eynsham Hall, where 130 business people from the region gathered to celebrate with the 9 winners and 15 finalists.

The overall West Oxfordshire Business of the Year Award was presented to The Fabulous Bakin’ Boys of Witney by after dinner speaker Guy Browning. The judges were unanimous in their view that The Fabulous Bakin’ Boys represents everything that is good about business in West Oxfordshire; it has an incredibly strong brand that exudes quality, innovation and above all fun. Gary Frank, managing director of The Fabulous Bakin Boys, said “All the Bakin’ Boys and girls were delighted at winning the West Oxfordshire Business of the Year and also the Innovation category. It’s the best possible testament to all the energy and hard work that the team put in every day in creating the best bakery snacks in the UK.”.

The Best in West Oxfordshire 2011 The overall West Oxfordshire Business of the Year 2011Winner - The Fabulous Bakin’ Boys The STL GreenMinutes Green Business of the Year Winner - Blenheim Palace Finalists – Bekstone, Maylarch Environmental The Owen Mumford Innovation Award Winner The Fabulous Bakin’ Boys Finalists – Stewart Milne Timber Systems, Urban Element

The Cornbury Park Small Business of the Year Winner - Vision Teknology Finalists – Beautiful Chair Cover Hire, mark-making Limited

The ngage Solutions Charity and Community Award Winner – SpecialEffect Finalists – Adventure Plus, Chipping Norton Theatre

The Torpedo Large Business of the Year Winner - Oxford Products Limited Finalists – CETA Insurance, The Rooflight Company

The Eynsham Hall Tourism, Hospitality and Leisure Award Winner - Blenheim Palace Finalists – Aston Pottery, Bluewood Lodges

The Bridle Insurance Young Business Person of the Year Winner - Alex McBarnet of The Bushcraft Company Finalists – Hannah Bathe of Mae Bridal, James Woollard of Polythene UK

The Floremus New Business of the Year Winner - The Bushcraft Company Finalists – Fresh (Cards & Gifts), Harris and Thompson

SpecialEffect charity donation £500 was generously donated on the evening for the winner of the charity award, SpecialEffect. Based in Charlbury, SpecialEffect uses cutting edge technology to enable the most profoundly disabled in society to communicate and have fun. The cheque was presented to Mick Donegan of SpecialEffect by WOBA organising committee members Will Barton (West Oxfordshire District Council), Heather Dean (ngage solutions) and Mike Leggett (The Southill Partnership) L to R: Will Barton, Heather Dean, Mike Leggett, Mick Donegan

www.b4-business.com

www.woba.co.uk

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Classical looks - Modern facilities n A wide range of function rooms to suit any event type. n Outstanding catering in the traditional dining hall or classically designed new dining room. n Flexible and affordable accommodation in 300 delegate rooms (185 of which are en-suite) n A tranquil setting in beautiful gardens extending to the river and bordering the University Parks. n On site car parking. n Excellent IT, AV and conference support facilities. n A range of leisure facilities, including punts, tennis courts, and gym. n A secure site with 24 hour access via an electronic key system. n Disabled access and accommodation. n Laundry, ATM, snack and change machines. n Easy access (only 15 minutes walk) to the city centre. n A College with a unique place in the history of the University of Oxford with elegant, classical and neo classical buildings

For further information contact t: 01865 611079 or e: conferences@lmh.ox.ac.uk

www.lmh.ox.ac.uk

news Oxfordshire International Trade Forum up and flying

Pictured: Banbury MP Tony Baldry and ByBox CEO Stuart Miller launch Oxfordshire’s International Trade Forum. (Photographs by Ben Jackson)

“We need to up our game”. That was the message to Oxfordshire’s exporters from MP Tony Baldry (pictured) at the launch of a new International Trade Forum for the county. The Forum is a joint venture by OTCN, FSB, Cherwell, Vale, West and South Oxfordshire District Councils and UKTi, kindly supported by Lloyds TSB Commercial and London Oxford Airport.

Feedback was positive. Cherry Jaquet, a Director at Oxfordshire-based book production services company, Imago, said: “An international trade forum for Oxfordshire would certainly be of benefit to help companies share knowledge and information learning from the experience of others.”

There’s more at www.otcn.co.uk/i_t_forum.htm

The aim is to bring together businesses involved in international trade as a membership organisation to: • Share ideas and experience • Create a forum to share latest news and information • Explore opportunities for businesses to work together The launch event at London-Oxford Airport heard from ByBox CEO, Stuart Miller, (pictured) about his company’s experiences of trading overseas, along with information presentations from Richard Smith of UKTI, Mark Dodd from Lloyds TSB Commercial and Hitendra Patel from Spratt Endicott.

Delegates from export and import businesses across the county then focused on how the Forum should develop going forward, with a number of interesting and innovative suggestions now being followed up.

Among the delegates LtoR Cherry Jaquet (Imago), Fiona Jefferson (UKTi), Timothy Burden (Lloyds TSB Commercial) Janice Quick (Bibby Factors International Ltd). (Photograph by Alison Nicholson/OTCN)

An effective communication channel to and with Oxfordshire business Already Oxfordshire’s biggest business network, OTCN is a sought-after route to communicate with SMEs and microbusinesses across the county.

Recent and current projects include: the ‘initiatives, inspiration, innovation’ market towns conference with South Oxfordshire District Council and an event with RIBA at which 70+ delegates debated the question ‘is the planning system working for Oxfordshire business?’ OTCN has also been working with private and public sector organisations to gather business feedback on key issues like the county’s business support infrastructure and broadband coverage.

Oxfordshire Business Reports on 106JACKfm, OTCN continues to develop and strengthen platforms for Oxfordshire business to tell its stories, building on the great work being done by B4 Magazine.

OTCN’s own NetworkB group (www.otcn.co.uk/networkb/index.html) continues to expand with Alan Gordon Health & Wellbeing, 1-to-1 Exercise, Injury & Nutrition (www.alangordon-health.co.uk) and Juice Recruitment (The Juice Group - www.workwithjuice.co.uk) among its latest members.

There’s more at www.otcn.co.uk and on twitter with otcniain

With a growing following on twitter and the newly-extended high profile

www.b4-business.com

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Photography: www.peterkuzmin.com

T H E

I N O X F O R D

& OXFORDSHIRE MAGAZINE

RESTAURANT

AWARDS IN ASSOCIATION WITH VISIT OXFORDSHIRE

Photo: Noodle Nation 100-101 Gloucester Green, Oxford - Entered in the InOxford & Oxfordshire Restaurant Awards 2011

Have you entered the 2011 In Oxford & Oxfordshire Restaurant Awards?

Or even voted?

Or booked your ticket for this prestigious event?

Do all 3 now at www.inoxford.com (click on the Awards banner) A W A R D S

Keep up to date with the Awards : twitter.com/inoxford

facebook.com/inoxford

IMMER

S P O N S O R

BESSER

news The new 2011 Visit Oxfordshire guide Visit Oxfordshire, the new Destination Management Organisation for Oxford and Oxfordshire, has published its first visitor guide covering the whole of the county from Henley in the south to Banbury and beyond in the north.

The 36-page guide for 2011 focuses on six key areas of interest for visitors, from history and heritage to shopping and local produce. Each section showcases the highlights of Oxfordshire giving visitors reasons to explore this very special county, with its World Heritage site - Blenheim Palace - and stunning gardens such as those at Waterperry.

40,000 guides have been printed and our available from TIC’s around England.

An E brochure will be developed in order to increase the distribution and awareness of Oxfordshire.

The new 2011 Visit Oxfordshire guide can be downloaded from the website www.visitoxfordandoxfordshire.com

Visit Oxfordshire on the Web The website for Visit Oxfordshire www.visitoxfordandoxfordshire.com is performing very well and the number of unique visitors is increasing. The website is currently receiving over 145,000 visitors a month. Work is due to start soon on developing a corporate microsite which will deliver more information to businesses on the activities of Visit Oxfordshire and additional information on how to join.

The Tourist Information Centre in Oxford is preparing for Easter by launching 2 new ticketing services, Oxford River Cruises and The Original Tour for London to compliment the already successful ticketing services on offer for Blenheim Palace, Cotswold Wildlife Park and Oxford Castle – Unlocked to name a few.

Tickets are also on sale for The Oxford Official Guided Walking Tour programme which is an excellent way for your guests to experience the delights of Oxford with a qualified Blue Badge Guide.

The Visit Oxfordshire Conference Bureau (previously Destination Oxford) exhibited at Confex and the Discovery event in partnership with Tourism South East. The Conference Bureau also hosted 9 overseas buyers on a 2 day Fam trip where they got to see the highlights of Oxfordshire and our World class venues.

How do I get involved?

Whether your business is aimed at the leisure or business tourism market, full information on how to become a partner of Visit Oxfordshire can be found at www.visitoxfordandoxfordshire.com/corporate. Partnership packages range from just £100 to £10,000 per annum, and all levels include membership of Tourism South East.

and related services, with the opportunity to buy into additional activity and services throughout the year. Therefore, partnership can be tailored to specific businesses’ needs, providing the flexibility to better target their activity.

For more details on how your business can join Visit Oxfordshire please contact Susi Golding – sgolding@oxford.gov.uk or Jo Butler jbutler@oxford.gov.uk

Visit Oxfordshire partners benefit from a number of marketing opportunities

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

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

news Nominet Internet Awards 2011 organisations that are helping to make the Internet a secure, open, accessible and diverse experience for everyone who uses it. These awards celebrate great UK internet projects by recognising achievement and innovation.

Building on the success of the past four years, we will recognise those organisations, groups and individuals who have embraced the challenge of making the Internet a secure, open, accessible and diverse experience. Winners will be promoted in the UK and internationally as examples of best practice. Supporters of the Nominet Internet Awards include MPs, industry leaders, civil institutions, businesses, public sector and academia.

The Nominet Internet Awards 2011 are underway. Launched on 8 February at an event in central London, we are proud to announce that the awards will be in partnership this year with Nominet Trust, which supports UK Internet initiatives that contribute to a safe and accessible Internet, used to improve lives and communities.

The Nominet Internet Awards are an annual competition which is aimed at UK individuals and

The aims of running the Nominet Internet Awards are: • To promote and develop industry best practice • To learn from others and share our knowledge to help shape the future of the internet • To reward UK organisations and individuals who work to ensure the internet offers a secure, open, accessible and diverse experience for all

• To recognise UK creativity and innovation in the use of the internet and showcase these to the international community in the United Nations Internet Governance Forum We have partner organisations in all categories as well as running the awards in association with the Nominet Trust. The categories this year are: • Building a networked nation - RaceOnline 2012 • Making the internet safer - Symantec • Opening the world of knowledge - British Library • Empowering young people & citizens - Childnet International • Nurturing powerful local partnerships - National Council of Voluntary Organisations The Nominet Internet Awards are aimed at UK companies, charities, individuals and other public and private sector organisations who are making a difference on, or through the Internet. www.nominet.org.uk/about/internetawards/

Nominet Trust – making a positive difference Nominet Trust (www.nominettrust.org.uk) is the charitable foundation created by Nominet just over two years ago that is passionate about investing in projects that use the power of the Internet to improve lives and communities. We invest in initiatives that support web safety, web access and the use of the Internet to improve social wellbeing - primarily in the UK but also abroad. Through supporting these initiatives we are demonstrating the power of the Internet industry to (a) help solve some of the challenges that the Internet brings into society and (b) to promote better use of the Internet by charities and those in the third sector.

For 'web safety' we have invested in a range of projects that use the Internet to address specific social problems from Beatbullying's CyberMentors initiative that has already helped more than 1 million young people who are experiencing bullying; to Giving World Online that encourages organisations to distribute their surplus stock to local charities helping those living in poverty and isolation.

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For 'web in society' Nominet Trust is also excited to be supporting initiatives that enable new forms of citizen engagement such as Battlefront, the awardwinning Apps for Good and Digital Democracy.

There are still more than 9 million people in the UK who do not have access to the Internet and many who do try to connect find it an intimidating experience. To support 'web access', Nominet Trust is supporting initiatives that give disadvantaged and vulnerable people the motivation, skills and tools to get online in a meaningful and sustained way. We have recently funded Community Services Volunteers' Internet Buddies scheme that connects people new to the Internet with a volunteer to help them when they get stuck; and Internet Buttons that provides a simple interface for those starting out on the Internet.

sharing best practice. For example, we have supported the first online clinical trial (led by the Alzheimer's Society) which is now being taken up by others as a model for future medical research; and Fix the Web which involves disabled people as volunteers to report and fix web accessibility issues.

As well as financial support, we offer our investments business support and mentoring. We look for ideas that are replicable and scalable so as to extend the reach and impact of our funding and we put lots of effort into linking up projects and

www.nominet.org.uk

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news Examination Schools hosts Make-A-Wish Summer Charity Ball There are currently 20,000 children and young people living in the UK with a life-threatening illness. Established in 1986, Make-A-Wish Foundation® UK has granted 6,500 magical wishes to these children and young people.

Each year the charity holds a number of key fundraising events to help raise the money required to grant more magical wishes. One of those events is the Make-A-Wish Summer Ball which will take place in the magnificent surroundings of the Examination Schools, University of Oxford on Saturday 2 July.

The Summer Ball is one of the charity’s most stunning and prestigious events. Guests embark on an evening of splendour; they are greeted with a champagne reception, indulged with a sumptuous dinner and enjoy live entertainment from a noted performer before the charity auction and an invitation to dance the night away. Wishes for children are also granted on the night. One little girl wished to be a princess. She arrived at the Ball in a horse and carriage and was met by HRH Prince Azim, son of the Sultan of Brunei, and actor Jude Law. On another occasion, a young man who wished to be James Bond arrived in style in an Aston Martin looking the part in his mini tux!

Jayne Watson, Trustee and the organiser of the event, commented: “The Ball benefits so many of our children as the money raised really does help grant magical wishes and we are only able to do this because of the generosity of our guests, many who return to the Ball year on year”.

Newly appointed Events Manager at the Examination Schools, Kay Hogg, is delighted to be hosting such a prestigious event. The Examination Schools is owned by the University of Oxford and is used to sit the University’s examinations. However for much of the year the Schools, which is one of

www.b4-business.com

the largest fully licensed city centre conference venues, can be let out for day meetings, exhibitions, trade shows, dinners and other gala events. As a Grade II listed Victorian building with sweeping marble staircases, highly decorative plasterwork ceilings and oak panelled rooms, the venue provides an exquisite backdrop for all sorts of events.

each and tables seat 10 people. For more information or to secure your tickets now, please contact Jayne Watson at operations.manager@bms.ox.ac.uk or 07730 299851. Alternatively please contact Ashley Cole on Ashley.cole@makeawish.org.uk or 01276 405084 or visit: www.make-a-wish.org.uk.

Tickets for Make-A-Wish’s Summer Ball are £200

www.examschools.ox.ac.uk

39

PARK TOWN

WATERWAYS, NORTH OXFORD

An elegant house built in the 1850's to a Georgian design from a scheme set out by Samuel Lipscombe Seckham with an Edwardian extension to the rear added in about 1905.

The property has been further improved by the present owner to create a comfortable family home retaining many period features consistent with the era..

A mid terrace five bedroom town house with beautiful views over playing fields to the rear creating a sense of space and benefitting from rear access to the garden. The property also offers two parking spaces and a creative and unique attic conversion providing another ensuite bedroom again enjoying the fabulous views to the rear.

Entrance hall, open plan kitchen/breakfast/sitting room, inner hall, large utility room, store room, cellars, family room/fifth bedroom, four bedroom, a shower room, family bathroom, rear garden and resident parking.

Hall, study, cloakroom, kitchen/ breakfast/ conservatory on the ground floor, sitting room and ensuite master bedroom on the first floor. Three bedrooms and a family bathroom on the second floor, fifth bedroom with ensuite shower room.

Guide £1,595,000

Guide £720,000

WINCHESTER ROAD, N. OXFORD

WATERFRONT, NORTH OXFORD

A Georgian end terrace house situated on the corner of North Parade requiring updating throughout with flexible accommodation over four floors. To the exterior is a front garden and an east facing rear garden with a double garage with access from North Parade. Central North Oxford provides good access to day to day shopping facilities.

An immaculately presented second floor apartment with a west facing balcony where you can enjoy the afternoon sun with great views across the Piazza and towards the canal.

The Waterfront development is superbly positioned by the Oxford canal where you can walk the scenic route into Oxford city centre via the canal path, ideal for commuters.

Entrance hall, sitting room, living room/fourth bedroom on the ground floor, kitchen and dining room on the lower ground floor, family bathroom, cloakroom , three bedrooms. Front and rear gardens and double garage.

Hall, utility cupboard, ensuite master bedroom, second double bedroom with fitted wardrobes and access to the balcony, family bathroom and open plan kitchen/dining/sitting room and secure underground parking.

Guide £995,000

Guide £495,000

M ayfield House, 256 Banbury Roa d, Su m m er tow n, O xford OX 2 7 D E

01865 318013 www.pennyandsinclair.co.uk

WOODSTOCK ROAD, N. OXFORD

SOUTHMOOR RD, WALTON MANOR

A beautifully presented detached family house built in 1928 and extended and much improved by the present owners to create a light and spacious home. The accommodation is arranged over two floors and to the exterior of the property is a driveway to the front leading to a carport and garage. To the rear is a good size mature garden.

An end of terrace Victorian townhouse built in 1895 to a design by Wilkinson & Moore extended and improved by the current owner to create a comfortable family home. To the exterior is a front garden with path to the front door and to the rear is an enclosed mature garden with pedestrian side access.

Entrance hall, cloakroom, sitting room, dining room, kitchen/ breakfast room, utility room, study and conservatory on the ground floor, master bedroom with ensuite, bathroom, shower room and six further bedrooms, parking, garage and gardens.

Entrance hall, sitting room with double doors to the dining room, large kitchen/breakfast room, cloakroom, four bedrooms, family bathroom and a shower room, front and rear gardens, resident parking.

Guide £1,100,000

Guide £795,000

WALTON STREET, NORTH OXFORD

VICTORIA ROAD, SUMMERTOWN

A stunning box bay fronted 4/5 bedroom Victorian town house situated in the heart of Walton Manor with immediate access to all the amenities of Walton Street to include bars, restaurants and a cinema. To the rear is a terrace giving way to an area of lawn and mature shrub borders with a further terrace at the end of the garden.

This top floor apartment offers spacious accommodation finished to a high standard with the benefit of two balconies and a mezzanine study/bedroom three. The apartment offers allocated parking and communal gardens. Situated in North Oxford providing good access to all the day to day shopping facilities of Summertown.

Hall, cloakroom, open plan kitchen breakfast room, dining area, family room, study/bedroom 5, utility area, bathroom on the lower ground floor, two bedrooms on the first floor and two bedrooms and a family bathroom on the second floor.

Hall, bathroom, master bedroom with ensuite shower room and private balcony, second bedroom, kitchen, sitting/dining room with second balcony, stairs up to a mezzanine study/bedroom 3, allocated parking and communal gardens.

Guide £1,195,000

Guide £550,000

Contact: 01865 318013

www.pennyandsinclair.co.uk

01865 318013 www.pennyandsinclair.co.uk

ST. JOHN STREET, CENTRAL OXFORD A bath stone fronted late Georgian town house built to a design by William Garbett and situated in one of Oxford's most sought after roads. The property is built of brick and have sash windows with glazing bars under a slate mansard roof hidden by parapets. St John's Street is a street in central Oxford. The street mainly consists of stone-faced Georgian-style terraced houses. It was built as a speculative development by St John's College starting in the 1820s and finishing in the 1840s at the start of the Victorian era. St. John's Street lies adjacent to Beaumont Street providing immediate access into the centre of Oxford and with Walton Street parallel offering a variety of popular shops, bars and restaurants this house is supremely positioned.

Entrance hall, sitting room, family room, and bathroom on the ground floor, dining room, kitchen, utility room and store on the lower ground floor, drawing room, study and bedroom five on the first floor, two bedrooms and family bathroom on the second floor and two further bedrooms on the third floor above. The property retains many period features including exposed floor boards and open fireplaces. To the exterior is a very pleasant enclosed west facing garden.

Guide ÂŁ1,575,000

Mayfield House, 256 Banbury Road, Summertown, Oxford OX2 7DE

B4 MEDIA

“Conversations are happening online about every brand and their areas of speciality every day.

Those conversations directly affect whether an individual purchases or not, and where they purchase from”

THE SECRETS OF

EFFECTIVE SOCIAL MARKETING When it comes to social communications, one of the key topics of conversation is evaluation and return on investment.

There is a huge volume of talk about how you should best gauge the success of social media marketing, what metrics are relevant, which tools are most effective…it goes on and on. In fact, a Google search for the phrase ‘social media evaluation’ returns a staggering 42.8 million results. Given this, it’s no wonder that there’s so much confusion around social media and about how brands and organisations can effectively leverage it for business benefit.

It need not be this way however; social communications is not rocket science. As one of the leading bloggers in the field recently put it: “A rocket is made up of eleventy billion bits and pieces, but social media is made up of much less than eleventy billion platforms”. This sums it up nicely in very simplistic language; we have a tendency to over-complicate social media marketing.

The objective of social media is to make money At the end of the day, the aim of social communications is to generate revenue. That’s it.

In order to measure this, there are conventionally two spheres of evaluation; social metrics and business metrics. Social metrics are ‘soft’ metrics, things like follower numbers, retweets, impressions, subscribers, shares and comments. Business metrics are altogether harder, looking at website visits and source data, URL click-thros, conversion rates and average spend; they're about sales and the bottom line. For websites, that’s where Google analytics data comes in. The two spheres are intertwined, as social metrics don’t mean a lot without the business metrics to back them up. But

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creating a defined link between them can be rather challenging and is why there’s so much talk about social media evaluation. Secret #1: that link is human behaviour.

Comprehending this simple fact is key to simplifying social communications and truly understanding the benefits that social media offers your business. Human behaviour is all about relationships, attitudes, beliefs and opinions. Secret #2: the true ROI of social media isn’t in either social metrics OR business metrics; it’s the impact it has on brand awareness and brand perception. By building relationships with customers and potential customers, brands and organisations can influence what the public feels about them, directly affecting the decision making process not only for those individuals but, due to the social web, their online friends and networks.

BT and Rentokil reveal their secrets At BOTTLE PR’s FREE, half day ‘Making Sense of Social Media’ seminar in May, we’ll be talking in more depth about how social communications can impact the buying process, right through from a consumer initially thinking “I need/want a new

widget” to the post-purchase cognitive dissonance of that consumer considering “Would/should I tell my friends about my new widget?”. We’ve also lined up two fantastic guest speakers from global companies renowned for their success in digital media. Emily Leary (@EmLeary) is Digital Content Manager at telecoms giant BT, while Caroline Mytton (@CarolineMytton) is head of Rentokil’s global web presence. Each will reveal some of the secrets that give their companies an edge on the social web, highlighting practical examples of social media marketing that generates a business ROI. Conversations are happening online about every brand and their areas of speciality every day. Those conversations directly affect whether an individual purchases or not, and where they purchase from.

And they occur whether or not the brand or business is listening. Social communications is a massive opportunity to influence those conversations.

Paul Sutton (@ThePaulSutton) is Head of Social Communications at BOTTLE PR. He blogs at www.thesocialweb.co.uk

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B4 PROPERTY

BLENHEIM ESTATE BUYS 28 ACRE INDUSTRIAL ESTATE IN WITNEY Blenheim Palace is a world-renowned visitor attraction and, in addition to its public face, a number of businesses run within the Blenheim Estate including The Vanbrugh Unit Trust its property investment business. In one of the largest property deals in the county in the last 12 months, Vanbrugh Unit Trust has acquired the Windrush Industrial Park on Burford Road, Witney, Oxfordshire.

The 28 acre estate accommodates 17 businesses in 500,000 sq ft of industrial and office buildings. The Estate is one of the largest in Witney is and home to a variety of local and international businesses which makes it an

Roger File, Property Director at Blenheim Estates comments: “We are delighted to now own one of the largest industrial estates in West Oxfordshire in an area where we can see plenty of scope for making improvement. We look forward to working

supply of industrial units to the local economy. We see this acquisition as good news for the Estate and West Oxfordshire in general.”

The Windrush Industrial Park will be managed by

“It is very rare to find opportunities like Windrush Industrial Estate, which provides such an important supply of industrial units to the local economy” important local employment centre. The Vanbrugh Unit Trust has acquired the Estate with long term plans to work hard over the coming years to ensure its ongoing growth and success. The acquisition represents a significant investment by the Estate into the local economy and it is hoped that this will be the first of many such commercial property purchases.

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with the existing companies on the Estate and welcoming other local businesses looking to expand.”

David Williams, Director of Meeson Williams who acted for Blenheim Palace in the acquisition adds, “It is very rare to find opportunities like Windrush Industrial Estate, which provides such an important

the Blenheim Palace Property team from its base at Blenheim Palace in Woodstock from where the team already manage a substantial mixed property portfolio throughout Oxfordshire. www.blenheimpalace.com

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B4 R&R

YOUR SUMMER INVITATION The Prestigious Home of the English Amateur in 2013 is Open to All Players Frilford Heath Golf Club is one of the finest in the country, with three championship courses of a quality that has attracted the R&A, the EGU, the Euro Pro Tour, and the EWGA. Yet it is also renowned for its friendly atmosphere and excellent clubhouse facilities. This summer, Executive Director Alistair Booth is extending a warm invitation to all golfers to come and play. By Sarah Airey.

Early summer at Frilford Heath Golf Club is when presentation is at its very best. The courses are beautifully maintained and stunningly located in 600 acres of heathland just south of Oxford. Not that you would expect anything but the best at this club which has the honour of hosting the English Golf Union (EGU) Captains Final in August, the English Amateur in 2013, as well as tournaments organised by the English Women’s Golf Association (EWGA).

players a variety of challenges without the burden of reserving tee times. Indeed, often the hardest part is deciding which course to play, whether it is the classical Red course designed by JH Taylor, five times Open champion and whose other courses include Royal Birkdale and Royal Mid-Surrey; to the Green course where, as at the legendary Rye links in Kent, the only par five is the opening hole; and the modern Blue course, with its infamous water hazards.

Alistair is justifiably proud, he says, “It is in recognition of the attractions and challenges of Frilford’s three courses that we are able to host so many top quality golfing events over the next 5 years.”

Alistair is keen to attract new, occasional and seasoned golfers to sample these attractions with a number of offers including the aptly named “Summer Sizzler”, where non-members can come for the day and play one or more of the courses and have a two course lunch for only £80. The Twilight ticket enables golfers to come and play

He says, “Despite problems in the global and local

to meet every need. Our Board room can accommodate 24 delegates and the adjacent Skelton Room a further 75 seats, with both rooms fully equipped with wireless Internet access and widescreen TV. Coming to Frilford means that delegates can enjoy our beautiful surroundings, which are designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, and have a round of golf after the meeting.

For non-golfers we can organise taster sessions with our Club Professional. Last, but not least, we are easy to find and have parking for 300 cars.”

For those who like what they see, Alistair has several initiatives for those who want to become members. “New members can spread their joining fee over five years and the cadet scheme has been extended to allow the under 30’s to defer their payment. At the other end of the scale older new

“It is in recognition of the attractions and challenges of Frilford’s three courses that we are able to host so many top quality golfing events over the next 5 years” economy, our membership continues to grow, in appreciation of the quality we offer. We are continually striving to improve our product and ensure it represents really good value for money.”

from 4.30 pm onwards for only £35.

“The past 18 months have seen significant investment in the Club; we will continue to invest as we implement a host of projects over the next 3-5 years to further improve our product.”

With recent surveys suggesting 70% of golfers remain unattached to a golf club, Alistair says “We have the capacity to offer these golfers the opportunity to come and play at one of the premier clubs in the south where we provide the very best golfing.” Both offers represent outstanding value and a great opportunity to play the club’s courses.

Along with Woburn and Wentworth, Frilford is one of very few clubs with three championship standard golf courses - 54 holes of top quality golf offering

Alistair also wants organisations to consider the club for meetings and business entertaining. He says, “We offer a number of excellent packages tailored

46

members can enjoy discounts from 20% at the age of 60 to 100% at 71.”

Alistair concludes, “The message is, you don’t have to be a member to come and enjoy your golf at Frilford Heath. Take advantage of one of our summer offers, make a date and find out how good it is for yourself.”

For further information go to www.frilfordheath.co.uk or telephone 01865 390864

www.b4-business.com

Coming Soon

B4 HANDBOOKS UNIQUE ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES Inside this issue of B4 Magazine you will find our first B4 Handbook, Oxfordshire Venues 2011. This is the first of a series of Handbooks to help you find the right contacts for your business, venue for an office celebration or education for your children.

Forthcoming Handbooks for 2011/12 include: Oxfordshire Who’s Who, Oxfordshire Education 2012 and the return of our invaluable Celebrations guide.

Contact us now for unique advertising opportunities.

CONTACT US E editorial@b4-business.com T 01865 742 211

Don’t Miss Out!

LONDON OXFORD AIRPORT

Ever since B4 was launched, five years ago, the airport’s business development Director, James DillonGodfray, has provided B4 with an update on the fortunes of the airport. Since our first meeting in 2006, every aspect of the airport has witnessed significant change, but, as James explains, there’s more to come.

We began our discussion by reflecting on the businesses James had met at the February B4 Ambassadors Event at Malmaison, and James explains how a chance meeting with a venture capitalist reinforced the potential of London Oxford Airport.

“I met a gentleman who spends a considerable amount of time in Zurich, and he was trying to

“The vast majority of commercial airports in and around Europe do not make money from aircraft activity alone. Here at London Oxford, that model has to be reversed, because the majority of people flying out of here are either dropped off by a chauffeur, family or friends – there’s no need for a huge car park, so little possibility of revenue. As for shops, that goes against the grain of the experience we are trying to create – we want to get customers

passenger fare, not least because there’s not much to share around in the first place. James has a very fixed target operator in mind.

“We’re talking about sensible business oriented, very convenient, services, day return flights to European and UK destinations where a booted and suited businessman can turn up at 7am and go and do a days’ work wherever they’re going to and

“We’re talking about sensible business oriented, very convenient, services, day return flights to European and UK destinations” encourage me to get a route set up from Oxford.

That epitomizes the potential we have here at the airport as with each year that goes by, it becomes more and more apparent that there is such a viable case for business oriented schedules and services from here. And there’s no ambiguity about that, there’s no doubt about it. The challenge we have had to date is that we will no longer entertain the establishment of a partnership with any kind of start-up airline. We will only deal with established, recognisable brands which have a track record.”

James reveals that many airport operators throughout Europe are underwriting the services which fly in and out of their airports, pinning their hopes on profits from car parking and retail outlets.

“Most airports are basically shopping malls with runways, hence why you now see so many huge airports with endless streams of retail concerns.

48

through the airport double quick and on to their flight.” Come to think of it, could you see Chanel in Kidlington? No, nor could I! Without a revenue stream to subsidise the costs of attracting an airline, this is the conundrum James faces. How does he attract recognised carriers to an airport which, Pound for Pound, is more expensive than the majority of airports they will fly in to?

“There’s no doubt they are keen to add us to their routes, but we won’t underwrite their costs and so the overall process needs to tick more boxes, and hence takes a lot longer to get a route up and running.”

The model also eliminates the low cost operator like Easyjet or Ryannair who wouldn’t consider paying Oxford a reasonable percentage of the

get back home the same evening to have supper with the family. Where they save money is by not having to stay overnight at the destination. We know if you stay in Edinburgh overnight, it’s not that cheap, and if you’re talking about a meal and taxes added to a hotel stay, you’re more than doubling the cost of the airfare you could have paid in the first place to get up there. So, we are in dialogue with several operators on several different routes, typically we will end up with thirty to fifty seat aircraft doing convenient business-orientated services to destinations where there’s a very strong business demand. Top of the agenda is Edinburgh, but Munich is right up there, driven primarily by BMW and Mini.

“BMW is evolving at such a pace now with up to five new models due for development. The knock on effect is that lots of Germans are coming to Oxford and vice versa – this is only going to

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B4 TRAVEL

increase. This is the tip of the iceberg with one clearly identifiable company, but there are undeniably more out there who would like to see a service from Oxford to Munich as a far more convenient option to Heathrow or Gatwick.”

With Amsterdam and Dublin also in the airport’s sights, James firmly believes that the Munich route will be up and running within a year and connections to the rest of the world shortly after that.

Edinburgh remains the number one route to establish and the one route James believes could come on stream before the others. The argument James has put in previous B4 articles stands the test of time with regards to travel within the UK, and specifically Edinburgh. “Edinburgh on the train from Oxford is a minimum six hours, and you have change at least once. Very often you have to change trains twice. The average speed of the train from Oxford to Edinburgh is 55 miles an hour,

in 5 days on a 15 seat aircraft! There was a launch price and we were gradually raising the prices, but passengers were paying without hesitating. The people that turned up for the first flights on the first services were loyal BA customers who were used to catching the red eye from Heathrow, and many of them were driving past Heathrow to come to Oxford to catch that more convenient, less hassle, flight. They were all booted and suited businessmen, with briefcases doing day return trips, and it just absolutely proved that that’s the market that needs to be served in that instance. So, one day soon, we’ll get that back up and running again.

It’s £5 a day to park here and £25 a week so it’s very affordable.”

The progress made by London Oxford Airport has been phenomenal considering the economic crisis and ‘mind-blowing’ oil price rises, according to James, who continues. “We have all had our fair share of encumbrances over the past few years, but the aviation industry lives or dies by the price

us by our own infrastructure. For example, the terminal building we are sitting in lends itself to dealing with just a handful of small regional aircraft each day, a maximum of three hundred passengers coming in and out each day perhaps. Beyond that, we would be overwhelmed in terms of being able to handle both the executive business aviation flights as well as the general public coming through the doors and checking in and getting their baggage on the plane.

“So we’re very wary and conscious of our limitations, but we are very comfortable that we could handle thirty to fifty seat aircraft and five or six rotations a day, and if two of those were Edinburgh, one of those Munich and another one, say, Paris or Jersey, then that would be highly desirable.”

It’s not for a lack of trying that the routes haven’t come on stream as quickly as most at the airport would hope. A route to Geneva was operated in

“The progress made by London Oxford Airport has been phenomenal considering the economic crisis and ‘mind-blowing’ oil price rises” which is just pathetic. A hundred years ago, steam trains were traveling faster from the south of England to Edinburgh and Scotland than they are today.

“When we operated that service for a brief period last year, it was extraordinary. 530 seats were sold

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of fuel, and, presently, many operators find it makes their business unsustainable. That will inhibit the airport realising its full potential for the next few years at least, but we are confident we will continue to make great strides.

“We also have the physical constraints imposed on

2009 by Baboo. It was successful and full in the peak periods, but the off peak demand made the route unsustainable. Other factors conspired against the efforts to make this route work, but it’s all been good experience for James and his colleagues, who have more pitfalls to look out for and more boxes to tick before they can see the

49

B4 TRAVEL

sense in a new route.

“Basically, we’ve reached the conclusion that if we have another ski service, which we are inclined to do, we’ve got to launch at least a year ahead. It’s got to be online, you’ve got to be able to go onto the internet and book it miles ahead of when the first flights starts. Much more so than a business orientated flight. If we started an Edinburgh service next week, it wouldn’t matter that we launched it this week, people would be booking flights the day before they fly. It’s a huge difference in terms of how you market it and promote it.”

Business aviation, basically the private chartered jet business, has continued to provide a strong element of the Airport’s business. “We now have the country’s largest ‘charterable’ private jet here at the airport. It is a converted hundred seat airliner and is owned by an Indian gentleman. It is configured as a private business jet and it’s ideal for head of state & WIP operations.

“That has really put us on the map in terms of people taking us seriously as a ‘proper’ airport. To date, people in their heads in our industry assume that we have little ‘puddle jumping’ aeroplanes, and every now and again the odd slightly larger business aircraft, but now people see that you can actually get in what would otherwise be a hundred seat airliner, and suddenly everyone wakes up and realises, ‘blimey, Oxford actually is on the map’.”

Year on year growth at London Oxford Airport continues to outstrip its London centric competitors, by quite a considerable margin, explains James. “Farnbourgh and the other local competitors all saw losses during the recession.

Everybody went backwards, except for us.

Assuming 2010 is the point at which people were climbing away from the recession, the European average was about 5% growth in business aircraft activity, and yet we saw a 30% increase in growth.

“That’s entirely down to the fact that we are on the map. The name change has played a significant www.b4-business.com

part in that. It’s got its critics, but it has undeniably been a masterstroke, not that I’m taking the credit!

chartering their aeroplanes has increased hugely as consequence.”

“The Americans now know we exist and the Middle East market now know we exist, which was the key point. It was nothing to do with the airline market at all, it was to do with the business jet market, the private aircraft market where everybody knew Biggin Hill, Farnbourgh, Luton, Stansted which had the lion’s share of all that activity, and now we get phone calls from people who look at a list of airports for the London region, and they now, for the first time, come across Oxford. There’s a database in Europe that has the monopoly on the on-line aircraft charter business called Avinode. It is used by, probably, 90% of charter brokers and all operators around Europe who charter air taxis and

James also outlines plans for a new entrance to the airport, with new office blocks, totally transforming the current aesthetic of the first impression of the airport. Companies like Hangar 8 plc, which floated last year, are ravenous for more space as they grow, so the demand for bigger, smarter offices is without question.

“...That has really put us on the map in terms of people taking us seriously as a proper airport” private aircraft. When you go into Avinode for the first time and you’re looking for an aeroplane to rent in the London region and you type in the words ‘London’, up until a year ago we never ever appeared on any of those lists of available aeroplanes. Now we’ve got seven based charter companies at Oxford airport and we appear on the list. Three years ago we only had three. Today we’ve got seven. Now, for the first time, every one of those seven charter operators, the aircraft they have available at Oxford Airport, appear internationally, globally, on the list of aircraft available to rent in the London region.

“That is all because we changed the name and it couldn’t have happened if we hadn’t changed the name. So the business levels, the level of enquiries, that all of our charter companies are getting for

Oxford Aviation Academy currently runs a 170 room hostel on the site, and need more rooms.

Combined with the demand for rooms from pilots, not to mention the potential demand from passengers coming from further away to use the new commercial routes, plans for a new hotel/hostel are clearly sensible.

In line with the development of the airport’s infrastructure, the useable runway length was increased recently for the first time in 23 years. The implications are that, for the very first time, passengers can now charter some of the bigger business jets, private jets, and can get to New York or beyond the Middle East from London Oxford Airport. “Previously Newfoundland was the farthest we could fly transatlantic, but that has now changed and our reach is much wider. Dubai or New York non stop are now a possibility.” highlights James.

With flights to Majorca now on stream for this summer, it won’t be long before you have the pick of Jersey, Majorca, Dubai, Edinburgh and Munich, all from London Oxford Airport. Who’d have thought it? And with up to two hundred Americans flying through Oxford this summer as part of a Harry Potter tour, it’s not only getting out of Oxford which is made easier, don’t forget, Oxfordshire as a more accessible destination is also a fantastic byproduct. www.londonoxfordairport.com

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B4 PROPERTY

CELEBRATING NEW QUALIFICATIONS Few people enjoy taking exams, particularly if you are a few years beyond the days of school and university.

That is why the smiles were so broad at Finders Keepers’ annual all-staff meeting where the company’s investment in industry qualifications was the big headline.

In the past 15 months 40 people (pictured above) have gained the snappily titled NFoPP Technical Award in Residential Letting and Property Management. There are four separate modules covering tenancy law, health and safety, security dilapidations, handling client funds and all key legislation across letting and property management. The National Federation of Property Professionals is the umbrella organisation of five property trade bodies, including ARLA, the letting agent association.

“Finders Keepers is to be congratulated for undertaking such a major programme of investment in its staff. ” All 40 people were presented with a bottle of champagne and a celebratory handshake by Ruth Lilley, Head of Business Development for NFoPP,

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at the event held at St. Hugh’s College, North Oxford. Ms Lilley said, “Finders Keepers is to be congratulated for undertaking such a major programme of investment in its staff.”

The family-run firm has made this major strategic and financial commitment to give its staff the skills and knowledge they need as the industry becomes more complex. Maryse Davies is in charge of HR and training: “Two of our key values are ‘High standards’ and ‘Expert’ and the new qualifications have given our staff the ability to deliver on these values. By knowing the legislative framework our people can deliver a good service with credibility and confidence.”

Director Frank Webster commented “Many agents have one person in each office take the Technical Award to be the point person for tricky issues. At Finders Keepers we would rather give all our customer-facing staff the training they need. I won’t pretend it has been easy handling all the on-site and off-site study days but by the end of 2011 97% of our staff will be qualified.”

response to the ineffective status quo. Currently there is zero requirement for a letting agent to have any certification or licence and anyone can start

“By knowing the legislative framework our people can deliver a good service with credibility and confidence. ” taking other people’s deposits and rent. In the past year, two Oxfordshire letting agents have been prosecuted for fraud and misappropriation of client funds. The Housing Minster Grant Shapps MP has rejected industry calls to introduce agent licensing, arguing that there are enough redress systems in place already.

For more information www.finders.co.uk/qualified

see

The Finders Keepers drive for qualifications is a

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“There are many tangible benefits to using a local auditor, not least a cost saving which will reflect favourably on senior management. But this is just one of many benefits for using a locally based accountancy practice”

Tony Haines, Partner at St Giles-based Wenn Townsend shared his views: “Now, more than ever before, every penny counts and yet I am still surprised by the amount of subsidiaries that use London-based firms by default. I appreciate they may be duty bound to do so by the Group Auditor or perhaps management, both in the subsidiary and at the Group level, but I suspect they also don’t realise that cost effective and viable alternatives exist at a local level.”

Any UK domiciled company setting up a business in the UK has to overcome various hurdles, for an overseas company the challenges can be more complex. They may not have first-hand knowledge or experience of UK trading regulations and although they may not be more complex than their home country, they will be different.

Wenn Townsend has many years experience in auditing subsidiary companies and has often found that a local based auditor was not the first choice: “When such a company engages us we often ask management why they had not taken the step to use a more locally based company sooner. The usual responses to our questions include: • A legal requirement to use the same Auditor throughout the Group.

• A perceived increase in risk in using a noninternational firm

“London-based firms have a more transient staffing policy and it’s difficult therefore to ensure continuity of contact. As a local firm, it’s more likely that our clients will enjoy a higher level of discussion and interaction throughout the year, which is largely due to our ability to build strong personal relationships.

As a small, local based firm, we’re also better placed logistically to respond in person than many of the London based auditors. This last point also usually equates to a significant saving of travel costs during the actual auditing period.”

Wenn Townsend acts for subsidiary companies with holding companies based in countries such as, Denmark, Germany, South Korea and Hong Kong. The following gives a snapshot of the type of industries they operate in:

Manufacturing Manufacture and installation of double-glazing units, both for new build and existing properties.

The frames and glass is manufactured in Europe and assembled on site. As one would expect, this particular industry, linked as it is to the property market, has suffered more than most. Wenn Townsend has been able to help the business in the UK, position and organise itself to enable operations to continue. The holding company is based in Denmark.

There is no legal requirement for a Group Auditor and a UK Auditor to be from the same firm. Any perceived risk is subjective and any reputable local firm should be able to easily overcome this type of objection.”

Online ecommerce and distribution The supply of online pet food and other products throughout the UK within 48 hours of placing the order. The market for pet products remains stubbornly robust despite the economic situation over the recent years and online sales of such products have grown significantly as consumers seek cost effective and convenient methods of keeping within reduced household budgets. In this instance the holding company is based in Germany

There are many tangible benefits to using a local auditor, not least a cost saving which will reflect favourably on senior management. But this is just one of many benefits for using a locally based accountancy practice.

Distribution The supply of confectionery to supermarkets and other retailers throughout the UK. The confectionery in question is also manufactured on

• Habitual appointment of the Group’s Auditor, often imposed by Holding Company

54

the continent and shipped in bulk to holding warehouses within the UK for onwards distribution.

As has been widely reported in the press over recent months, confectionery and in particular chocolate, has enjoyed an upsurge in sales. The holding company is based in South Korea.

Sales & Marketing Supplier of all manner of things that would promote worldwide events such as the World Cup in South Africa or the Olympics in London, together with bespoke marketing support material from large international companies, right through to business of any size. Because of the skill and contacts of the sales teams driving the business, the company in question has grown significantly.

The holding company is based in Hong Kong.

It is usually personnel with a pure sales background that head up such companies and they are, quite rightly, expected to have a wider corporate remit.

This can be daunting and often leads to feelings of isolation for senior management. Recognising a need for various forms of support, Wenn Townsend has responded by hosting a quarterly forum for Managing Directors, Financial Directors or other senior level officers for the purpose of discussing and sharing common experiences.

“Our forums are run in such a way as to address the actual challenges and issues that subsidiaries of overseas companies face on a daily basis. Our speakers are carefully selected to respond to a specific need as identified by attendees.”

If you would like to find out more about the Wenn Townsend forums, seminars or any other services please contact Tony Haines on 01865 559900 or via email: aehaines@wenntownsend.co.uk www.wenntownsend.co.uk

www.b4-business.com

B4 ADVICE

IT DOESN’T HAVE TO BE THIS WAY

Photography: www.studio-8.co.uk

Oxford continues to be an attractive place for subsidiaries of overseas holding companies to base their UK operations.

It’s easy to understand why, with lower rents and good travel links to all the major cities. However, many of these companies continue to use London-based international auditors without considering the many advantages of using a local, Oxford-based practice. Tracey Jefferies writes for B4.

MORE THAN JUST

O FFICE S UPPLIES “As a fellow member and customer of Aston & James we would welcome the opportunity to discuss your requirements to see where we can make a difference.” Adds Alan.

“We will be present at all future B4 events and we look forward to seeing you or alternatively meeting you at a time to suit in the future.”

THE ASTON & JAMES COMPREHENSIVE RANGE INCLUDES: • • • • • •

Office Stationery Toner & Cartridges Office Furniture Business Machines Workwear Business Gifts

IT’S ALL PART OF THE PACKAGE:

Photography: www.studio-8.co.uk

• Free same / Next day delivery service. We use our own vehicles and drivers who will deliver the goods to the correct delivery point every time.

• No minimum order value.

• Free on-line ordering.

• No fuss returns policy.

• 30 Day credit account.

• A dedicated account manager both internal and external to help you find the right product at the right price.

• Regular account reviews to consistently look to offer further savings.

• Our toner and cartridge prices are extremely competitive both originals and compatibles.

• We collect your old toners and cartridges free of charge to help improve the environment.

Visit our website www.aston-james.co.uk or call us today and start saving!

Contact us on: Tel: 01993 706990 or email: sales@aston-james.co.uk

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B4 SERVICES

21

TODAY! New B4 Platinum Ambassadors, Aston & James, Celebrate being in business 21 Years! Our newest ‘recruits’ are Alan and Darren Aston, the brothers behind Aston & James Office Supplies in Witney, and they are delighted to be part of our growing network.

The company was established in 1990 and has a strong family core with four brothers and three sisters among the team of seventeen staff, explains Alan. “As a family run business, we really focus on attention to detail, and we feel our high levels of customer care really set us apart.

“Being a member of a fifty million pound buying group, we have great support and huge buying power. As the only member of this buying group in Oxfordshire, this gives us a superb competitive edge. Our superior pricing and award winning service has proven to be the difference over local and national competition.

“Our success has brought us recognition within the Office Supplies industry in recent years where we have won four awards for outstanding growth. It was very humbling to receive these awards and reaffirmed that we are really offering value for money to our customers. The credit goes to our team and to our customers who we work with, listen to and build relationships with.

Understanding our customer’s needs is paramount to our success.

“As one of Oxfordshire’s fastest growing office supplies companies it has been very satisfying to hear from local businesses, colleges and universities how much money they have saved by switching their business to Aston & James. It’s also great to hear how much they found ordering from our knowledgeable team a pleasure to deal with. It is our goal to tailor and build our service around what our customers want, from start up businesses to blue chip companies.”

“It is our goal to tailor and build our service around what our customers want, from start up businesses to blue chip companies” Alan and Darren are also very excited to be a part of an extremely positive and successful group of businesses in Oxfordshire with the B4 network. “B4 is undoubtedly an increasingly powerful network of local businesses, and we have seen for ourselves the benefits of being able to meet fellow B4 members at networking events. To be able to sit alongside some great local names is a fantastic boost for our profile and standing in the local business community.” www.aston-james.co.uk

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B4 EDUCATION

ST. CLARE'S OXFORD

AN INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION St. Clare’s is an international, residential college which specialises in teaching the International Baccalaureate Diploma in Oxford.

The UK government recently released its league tables for all schools in England and St. Clare’s was ranked 11th in the country and number one in Oxfordshire. The league tables look at how secondary schools performed in the IB and in A Levels and calculate the average points scored per student. The information refers to the 2010 results.

St Clare’s Principal, Paula Holloway, was understandably overjoyed with the results. “I am both delighted and extremely proud of our results.

Our students have performed quite amazingly considering that, for many, English is their second language.

“A crucial combination of small class sizes, students who are serious about their work, the IB curriculum, excellent teachers and a supportive pastoral environment help nurture our students and, I sincerely believe, give them an undoubted

edge when it comes to performing in the examinations.”

The St Clare’s campus is located in North Oxford.

Students live in stylish houses close to shops, cafés, restaurants, sports facilities, libraries and riverside parks. St. Clare’s successfully combines a modern, forward-looking approach to education with the traditions which have made Oxford one of the intellectual capitals of the world.

Particular emphasis is placed on fulfilling the College mission. "To advance International Education and Understanding." St. Clare's is home to students from forty four different countries and students are encouraged to pursue their education in a spirit of enquiry, open-mindedness and tolerance. www.stclares.ac.uk

Institution Name

Average point score per student 2010

Local Authority Average

721.3

England Average (all schools and FE colleges)

744.8

England Average (excluding independent schools)

726.5

St Clare’s

1160.5

Magdalen College School

1116

Oxford High School

1088.4

Radley College

1047.9

St Helen and St Katharine

1018.1

Abingdon School

1010.5

Headington School

1002.9

Faringdon Community College

929.8

D’Overbroeck’s College

909.7

The Cherwell School

884.9

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Lawyers have a reputation for being expensive, but to get the best value for your money there are a number of things you can do to reduce your legal bills. Some of these require you to plan in advance or to act in a different way, but all can be effective in limiting the time your solicitor has to dedicate to carrying out your instructions, which in turn will have an impact on the fees you have to pay.

An important thing to bear in mind is that most solicitors record their time to each file in units of six minutes. If, for example, your solicitor is acting for you on the basis of hourly rates and a conversation lasts for half an hour, you will be charged for five units at the solicitor’s hourly charge out rate. A short letter written by the solicitor on your behalf will usually be charged as one unit. When the matter is invoiced, the fees will be calculated by adding up the amount of units recorded to the file and applying the solicitor’s hourly rate. It is easy to see how time can mount up and result in a hefty bill.

SIX WAYS TO REDUCE YOUR LEGAL FEES In austere times, there is always pressure to reduce overheads.

Lawyers can add value to your business if they provide focussed advice when you need it, but it is important to keep control of the budget for any legal project. Lesley Pollock, a partner in the commercial property team at Henmans LLP, puts forward some suggestions.

Attention to a few straightforward guidelines should mean that you retain control over the amount you are spending and avoid surprises. Here are Lesley’s six top tips: 1 Clarify the basis of charging at the outset.

2 Ensure that the scope of instructions is clear and complete.

3 Communicate with your solicitor in a focussed and organised manner.

4 When dealing with a transaction such as a commercial lease, ensure that the terms are fully negotiated before the paperwork is drawn up.

5 When involved in contentious matters, weigh up the risk and likely cost of the dispute and take a commercial approach to strategy and tactics.

6 Consider alternative methods of dispute resolution rather than a court hearing.

The basis of charging All solicitors are required by our professional rules to provide clients with the best information possible about the likely cost of a matter, both at the outset and as the matter progresses (rule 2.03 of the Solicitors’ Code of Conduct). This means that we are obliged to issue a letter setting out the basis of charging.

Hourly rate charging is not the only option available.

It is often possible to agree a fixed fee for certain types of work, especially those of a transactional nature, such as a purchase of a freehold property or entry into a commercial lease.

For other legal work where it is not possible to agree a fixed fee, such as advice with an unpredictable outcome, or court work, consider asking for monthly invoices and/or seek to agree an initial ceiling so that your solicitor must seek approval before incurring costs beyond that ceiling. This enables you to keep the legal spend under regular review and gives you the option at any point to decide that you wish to call a halt to proceedings.

At the outset, it is also wise to check whether you have insurance that will cover the legal costs.

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B4 ADVICE Alternatively, some solicitors are able to offer conditional fee arrangements for certain types of contentious work. The initial letter should make it clear whether this is something that can be discussed.

When you receive this important letter, ensure that you are happy that the terms you have agreed are correctly recorded. If there is anything that is unclear, or you wish to explore whether alternative methods of charging are available to you and would be advantageous, the time to raise this is as soon as you receive the letter.

Scope of instructions As well as ensuring that all solicitors have to agree the basis of charging when instructed, our professional rules also provide that we must identify the objectives in relation to the legal work we are to carry out, agree next steps and identify the work that is to be done (rule 2.02). In other words, the scope of the work we are to do must be clear. This is usually covered, along with the cost basis as mentioned above, in the initial confirmation of instructions letter at the outset of the matter.

When you receive this letter, check the scope of instructions that is set out to ensure that it covers all aspects of the matter and does not omit any work that you need your solicitor to carry out. For

on. This will help to ensure that the points that are likely to need most negotiation are identified at an early stage, which can save your solicitor’s time in the long run.

Fully negotiated terms Above all, making sure that your instructions are clearly expressed is crucial.

A useful example relates to the negotiations that precede entry into a new lease. Usually, the result of the negotiation of terms between the landlord and the tenant is recorded in a document entitled “heads of terms”, which is then circulated to notify both parties’ solicitors of the agreed terms. The solicitors then work from these heads of terms to agree the lease documentation. However, if there are issues that are important to the parties that are not covered by the heads of terms, this can result in difficult negotiations between solicitors, costing legal fees for both parties that were not anticipated.

It is also always a good idea to run the heads of terms past your solicitor before they are finally agreed, because the solicitor may be able to identify issues that are not covered but still need to be agreed. The solicitor might query issues that are not usually agreed in the current market, advise you of the legal position and clarify your instructions.

Your solicitor will need early and full access to the relevant documentation behind any dispute.

Without this, the full picture cannot be seen, and time can be wasted if an assessment of risk is taken in ignorance of some of the available evidence.

It is essential for your solicitor to be able to establish both what is the negotiating gap between the parties, and what is the reason for the gap. It is also important to identify early on what your settlement parameters are. The correct approach to strategy and tactics can only be taken if these are known. Strategy and tactics are critical to a cost-effective and commercial approach to resolving contentious issues.

Alternative dispute resolution When involved with a dispute that is unable to be settled by negotiation between the parties, going to court is not the only way of resolving a dispute.

It is worth exploring the other possibilities with your solicitor. Depending on the type of matter, there are a range of options and these can include PACT (professional arbitration on court terms), mediation, early neutral evaluation and ombudsman schemes.

In certain situations, such as recovery of commercial tenant arrears where the landlord

“Hourly rate charging is not the only option available.

It is often possible to agree a fixed fee for certain types of work, especially those of a transactional nature” example, if you are a tenant taking a new lease, do you need to carry out fitting out works to make the premises suitable for your occupation?

If so, you are likely to need a licence for alterations to be granted by the landlord (and any superior landlord) as well as the lease itself.

Failure to include the licence for alterations in the scope will mean this aspect of the work will not be covered by the cost basis and you will need to agree the fees for it at a later date.

Communication As already mentioned, your solicitor will usually be costing the work done on a time basis. If you remember this, you can help us by making sure that all discussions, whether at meetings or on the telephone, are kept focussed and to the point. Time preparing in advance for such discussions is always well spent.

Consider whether there is anything you can effectively do yourself rather than asking your solicitor to do it on your behalf. Usually this will be an administrative task, such as making sure that full addresses and other contact details are supplied in writing.

Taking a commercial lease as an example, your solicitor will usually show you the draft at an early stage. Take the time to read and digest it and point out any difficult issues to your solicitor early www.b4-business.com

Tell your solicitor what are the most crucial deal breakers in any transaction before they start the legal work, and what drives the deal from your point of view.

Again, taking a commercial lease as an example, this is a lengthy document covering all kinds of issues that may arise during the life of the lease.

Some of these are likely to be more important to the tenant than to the landlord and vice versa.

Knowing the negotiating position before the draft is prepared can be very valuable to the solicitor.

An experienced commercial property solicitor should be able to work with their opposite number to achieve a successful outcome to the negotiations The ideal solution is to see the deal done, for the benefit of both parties, striking a balance so that both parties are happy with the end result.

Commercial approach Going to court can be very expensive. It is almost always unwise to litigate about principles, which at best may result in an expensive pyrrhic victory. Sometimes disputes cannot be avoided and in those circumstances it is crucial to ensure a commercial approach is taken to assess the benefit of pursuing your position. Your solicitor should be able to guide you through this, but they will need your assistance.

wishes to forfeit the lease, there are various methods available, such as peaceful repossession. Again your solicitor will be able to advise you of the most cost-effective options.

Cost-effective approach Our lawyers at Henmans LLP are all specialists in their own fields, and we can provide a high quality cost-effective service at very competitive rates. Our approach is to provide commercial, practical and clear advice in a friendly manner by skilled lawyers with the relevant experience, who will work with you to achieve the right result.

Whoever we act for, our approach is professional rather than confrontational. We know that both parties in a transaction have the same aim: to see the deal done. The best solution is found by exploring points of common interest as well as resolving any contentious issues by negotiation, while always ensuring that our clients benefit from the best advice on their legal position. We like to use common sense solutions and you can help us to help you by observing the guidelines set out above.

Please visit our website for more information www.henmansllp.co.uk.

Contact Lesley Pollock on 01865 781000 or Lesley.pollock@henmansllp.co.uk for commercial property matters.

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Pocket P ockett Landline.

Laand dlin ne.

IIt’s t’s lilike ke w earring g a suit su uit wearing o verr yo ourr ov verralls lls. over your overalls.

Look the business with a local landline number that has all the convenience of a mobile.

BlackBerry® Curve™ 9300 smartphone in chrome

BlackBerry® Bold™ 9780 smartphone Nokia E5

O OCH123895/A/1210 OCH123895/A /A A//1210

B4 COMMUNICATION

KEEP TAKING THE TABLETS: H

OW MOBILE TECH CAN BATTLE THE ‘BRAIN DRAIN’

Recent changes to the compulsory retirement age in the UK have been welcomed by small and medium-sized business owners, keen to combat a ‘brain drain’ within their companies, which would be caused by experienced staff leaving. Martin Lyne SME Director at Orange.

A transition towards a ‘knowledge economy’ has long since moved our society away from a reliance upon young labour, working in manual or manufacturing jobs.

Yet, the retirement age hadn’t changed to acknowledge the growing importance of experience and knowledge.

In many lines of business, from accounts to solicitors, it is our skills and knowledge, developed over many years, that are now the most important resources many companies possess. And letting them walk out the door simply because they have reached a certain age can represent a false economy. After all, knowledge doesn’t expire or lose its value once you hit 65.

A survey1 conducted by Orange recently found that more than three quarters (77%) of the 2,017 small and medium business leaders questioned believe abolishing compulsory retirement and instead judging people on merit, rather than age, could be the best thing for businesses and their employees. In addition, more than half (54%) believe retaining older employees’ skills and knowledge within the business can help younger staff in their career development, ensuring greater consistency and long-term retention of skills.

However, this needs to work for both parties, and employers must be mindful of the fact that some staff will want to retire at 65, while others may at least want to wind down a little, commute less or spend more time with their grandchildren or their golf clubs.

Encouragingly, Orange’s survey showed that employers understand that offering flexibility will be key to helping older staff contribute to the business on their own terms, while enjoying a more relaxed pace of life. Of the small and medium business leaders questioned, 84% said they would be willing to offer flexible working options to employees who are over 65, in order to keep them in the business for longer.

Naturally, mobile technology plays a key role in making this happen. Despite preconceptions that technology, such as smartphones and tablets, may be most popular with younger generations of ‘digital natives’, it turns out that age is no barrier to technology adoption. The Orange survey found the bosses of small and medium-sized businesses believe many of their staff who are in or approaching their 60s would be happy using the latest business tools and gadgets to work more flexibly. One in 10 said their staff would be happy using tablets, such as Apple’s iPad, and third would opt for a smartphone as a means

of keeping plugged into the business.

Traditionally, older demographics have moved away from densely populated metropolitan areas to seek a quieter life.

But staying in work past 65 doesn’t need to mean an end to this ambition. Orange has the largest high speed mobile network in the UK which means even in remote areas, users can access use their mobiles for calls and emails. In addition, the wide range of mobile and home broadband packages on offer from Orange, makes it even easier for users to work whenever and wherever suits them best.

Technology and connectivity can offer the best of both worlds to employers by allowing older staff to ‘slow down’ and take a step back from their daily commute, while still contributing knowledge and leadership skills. With small and medium-sized businesses making up 98% of the UK national economy, it is vital that businesses can retain the best people for the job, irrespective of how old they are.

Martin Lyne SME Director, Orange www.orange.co.uk/business

1 Orange conducted the survey between 5th February-15th March consisting of 2017 small and business owners, in advance of the scheduled phasing out of compulsory retirement which came into effect on April 6th

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Photography: www.peterkuzmin.com

Founded in 1624, Pembroke College has recently completed a major renovation of its Kitchen/Hall building as the first phase of an ambitious expansion project. Home Bursar, Daren Bowyer explained why the renovations were necessary.

“Our expansion project (which is just underway and due for completion in October 2012) will see the construction of several new buildings on land immediately adjacent to the College and connected to our main site by a footbridge. Together with a multi purpose auditorium, seminar rooms, a café and other facilities, this will provide accommodation for an additional 100 of our students and enable us to accommodate more conference guests. It was in order to provide the best possible catering arrangements for these additional numbers, together with a wish to greatly improve the working conditions for our catering staff, which led to the decision to completely renovate our Kitchen/Hall building before the new buildings come on stream.”

Working with Oxford-based architects, Berman Guedes Stretton, the College awarded the contract to local builders Benfield and Loxley and the renovation of this lovely building, which dates back

to the 1840’s, started in early 2010.

It is a strong testament to the team spirit that prevails throughout that ensured ‘business as usual’ during this disruptive period. Head Chef Kevin Dudley has worked at Pembroke College for 10 years: “I started here as a Sous Chef, working under Head Chef Derrick Cox. When Derrick retired he’d worked at Pembroke for 50 years, which says a lot about life at the College. To say we feel part of a family sounds a bit over the top but that’s exactly what it is like. Just like a family, when times are difficult we all pull together. In July 2010 we prepared and served 14,460 meals from the temporary kitchen area, a portacabin. Now that takes some doing!”

The new kitchen areas are seriously impressive.

Out of a total project cost for the Kitchen/Hall renovation of £3.8M, around £550,000 has been invested in state of the art kitchen/serving equipment alone, equipment that can easily match that of any five star restaurants. The new layout works seamlessly with the original structure, making much better use of the space available and allows the catering staff to create more in-house - because

of the original space restrictions, the pastry chef was limited to how much he could produce in-house. Now there is a designated pastry room and they are able to bake all their own bread.

Where possible, all food is sourced locally and menus created from scratch on the premises.

“You won’t find us using any fresh strawberries in December. We use only good quality, seasonal ingredients from suppliers we’ve built up good relations with. Many of our suppliers are small businesses that take a real pride in work. It’s these sort of values that resonate with Pembroke College and what sets us apart”, stressed Mr Dudley. “I love to experiment with flavours and ingredients, and we now have the space to do so. We’re really proud of our heritage at Pembroke but that doesn’t mean we can’t offer food that pushes the boundaries. Things like baked bean or pea and mint ice cream are a couple of examples, although these haven’t yet made it to our regular menus.”

Pembroke College is now able to offer a variety of catering solutions, from a purpose-designed servery for cafeteria-style service, up to fine dining which can range from banquets for over 120 people in

PEMBROKE COLLEGE Baked bean ice cream is perhaps a delicacy you would more readily associate with a rather famous chef than a traditional Oxford college. However, this particular college is full of surprises and not just foodie ones. Tracey Jefferies takes B4 readers on a tour of Pembroke College.

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B4 CONFERENCE

“Pembroke College is now able to offer a variety of catering solutions, from a purpose-designed servery for cafeteria-style service, up to fine dining which can range from banquets for over 120 people in the Hall” the Hall, to smaller groups in the refurbished Forte Room. This splendid space, with bespoke furniture in sustainable sapele is suitable for meetings/events for up to approximately 50 people and at a day delegate rate of £40 + VAT – which includes everything you need from audio visual equipment to catering throughout the day – presents excellent value for money. And with the installation of a lift, all areas of the building, including the Forte Room, are now easily accessible. It’s also worth mentioning that they now

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have in-house cloakroom facilities, unlike many colleges where ladies in ball gowns are seen dashing from one building to another in inclement weather.

The jewel in the renovation crown and perhaps the biggest surprise is the vaulted College Bar. It is doubtful you’d find anything similar in Oxford.

Attractive and ergonomically designed bench seating perfectly complements the leaded-light windows and the original stone archways that were

revealed during the renovations. This space is perfect for pre-dinner drinks (before dining at the College) or to hire for special private events.

Pembroke College offers an affordable, friendly and accessible alternative to restaurant dining and the Oxford conference market. And if you’re lucky, Chef might even let you choose your own ice cream flavour! www.pmb.ox.ac.uk

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Society & Corporate Packages Available on request

SUMMER PACKAGE 2011 From just £80.00 per person

Contact Frilford Heath Golf Club on: events@frilfordheath.co.uk or call 01865 390864

54 Holes of Championship Golf “Home of the English Amateur 2013” • Unlimited golf on any of our 3 Championship Courses • Coffee & bacon roll on arrival and lunch after or between rounds • Stay and play during the week or over the weekend

FRILFORD HEATH GOLF CLUB

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Abingdon, Oxon, OX13 5NW www.frilfordheath.co.uk

B4 EVENTS

SUMMER MAGIC Henley Festival is an extraordinary and elegant mix of music, art, culture , dining and location – the most magical summer event in the UK. Tom Jones and the other headline acts, including classical pop quartet Blake and Tasmin Little on Thursday, Jools Holland on Friday, ABBA Symphonic with stars of the West End and the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra on Saturday and Rumer and Alexandra Burke in a Double Bill on Sunday, will perform on the venue’s unique floating stage on the river, against the backdrop of the glorious Henley skyline.

A Henley Festival corporate package includes best available Grandstand seats for the main Floating Stage concert, and so much more…It also includes full access to all Festival events throughout the evening, including over twenty acts from international stars through to extraordinarily quirky street theatre, art galleries, sculpture lawn, car park pass, souvenir programme and spectacular fireworks.

A corporate package includes a three course dinner in the Albert Roux at the Riverside restaurant, the largest a la carte restaurant in all of Europe, where your table is yours for the entire evening from 6pm to close.

Albert will be working in association with his son, Michel Roux Jr, the equally renowned chef at Le Gavroche. Enjoy dancing to the sounds of Manhattan Swing, one of the leading modern bands in the UK, comprising the finest musicians in the country.

The riverside setting provides a unique and exclusive environment for festival goers to experience magical summer nights. Art galleries and sculpture lawns are open, while performances from leading jazz, opera, classical, theatre and comedy stars take place.

best summer party you can imagine,” says Tom Jones.

“This is a festival for both the connoisseur and the party-goer. International performers combine with a jewel box of spectacular acts throughout the five days in a magical location on the banks of the Thames,” says Stewart Collins, Artistic Director Gates open at 6pm, when you’ll rub shoulders with well known faces, fellow culture seekers and artists, (dress code is elegant, stylish, black tie), sipping champagne, viewing sculpture including iconic Alice in Wonderland by Salvador Dali, live ice sculpting and works by artists ranging from Peter Blake to John Piper, not to mention dancing into the wee hours.

All net proceeds from the Henley Festival go directly to its parent charity, the Henley Festival Trust for their vital work in the community, including providing music therapy for the brain injured at Headway, and other educational projects such as its own 50-strong children’s orchestra.

Henley Festival Box Office: 01491 843404 or book via www.henley-festival.co.uk

“There’s nothing like the Henley Festival, the beautiful setting and the intimate performances make it the

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B4 PROPERTY

Overall, the growth forecasts for the UK economy were downgraded 2.1% to 1.7% in 2011 and from 2.6% to 2.5% to 2012. But what does this mean for the national property sector?

“In the main, this was a good budget for property,” says Catherine Penman, Carter Jonas’ head of research. “Several measures may help kick-start construction, such as changes to the Use Classes Order when converting empty offices and shops into homes, the Governmentbacked shared equity scheme for first time buyers and the announcement of ten Enterprise Zones. It also appears that the planning regime will be relaxed, and while the statement that “the default answer to development is yes”, comes as a surprise, the devil will undoubtedly be in the detail. Despite the emphasis on growth and employment, if the question is can I build houses here, the answer may still be “no”.”

overall good for farming, with a mix of positives and some negatives: “We see some assistance to small rural businesses, with no specific measures for rural landowners, although by keeping Agricultural Property Relief and Business Property Relief unchanged, the government has held off any negative impact on rural landowners. Overall, poor economic growth forecasts are likely to dampen confidence in all aspects of the farmland market, but scarcity will help to keep prices firm. For businesses, however, inflationary pressures are raising input costs and squeezing profitability, especially for dairy and livestock, where farmers are already struggling to make ends meet.”

The Budget will assist small rural businesses, although it did not specifically target rural landowners. Importantly, there appears to be no changes introduced for Agricultural Property Relief and Business Property Relief which could have negatively affected rural landowners especially. The

of their minerals.”

On the commercial sector, Partner Scott Harkness is cautious about being too optimistic: “Any reduction in tax liabilities, such as corporation tax, can stimulate growth, and the news that planning laws are to be relaxed when switching empty office and retail premises to homes will free up businesses who need to offload specific property portfolios. However, the overall downward forecast for economic growth is worrying, as this is likely to counteract any measures that stimulate growth in the commercial property sector as a whole.”

In planning, Partner James Bainbridge sees a potentially positive impact on development: “However, it is very difficult to see how a presumption in favour of sustainable development will square with the localism agenda. We still have the situation where local councillors are responsible for development proposals in their area and a small

“Relaxing planning laws, while protecting Green Belt land, will encourage developers to build new houses, and the new shared equity scheme should enable more first time buyers to purchase them.”

On residential sales, Mark Charter is optimistic: “The Chancellor has made two welcome moves that will help alleviate the housing shortage we have in Oxfordshire, and assist people struggling to get onto the property ladder. Relaxing planning laws, while protecting Green Belt land, will encourage developers to build new houses, and the new shared equity scheme should enable more first time buyers to purchase them. Boosting the market at entry level in this way can only help to release pressure on supply throughout the housing chain.”

He adds that measures to attract large scale investors to buy-to-let properties could also help revitalise the lettings market: “Changing stamp duty

vibrant market for farms and estates has not been affected by the headline announcements but we will need to check out the small print. The poor forecast for economic growth is likely to create a ‘drag’ on confidence which will have some effect on the farmland market due to the delayed recovery of the UK economy. Inflationary pressures are affecting input costs in agriculture and this will reduce profitability within the sector and dairy/livestock sectors in particular where farmers are struggling to make ends meet.

Paul Malam, Partner in the firm’s Minerals & Waste Management has even stronger concerns at proposals to abolish tax relief for taxpayers receiving mineral extraction royalties. At present, half of each

minority can derail these. Sustainability has yet to be defined, if indeed it can be in any truly objective way. I do not foresee the end of a plan-led system, just additional considerations being brought to bear in the development of the plan.

Until we get more clarity on how ‘localism’ will work in practice, particularly in cross-boundary development, current policy cannot deliver the commercial and residential development that is needed to regenerate an economy that has been through the worst recession in living memory.” This issue, and what localism means for the Oxfordshire economy, will be debated at Carter Jonas’ forthcoming Planning Seminar in Oxford in May*

“Any reduction in tax liabilities, such as corporation tax, can stimulate growth, and the news that planning laws are to be relaxed when switching empty office and retail premises to homes will free up businesses who need to offload specific property portfolios. ” calculation to the average price of a bulk property purchase from the total value of the purchase, means that these investors will pay less, potentially stimulating the market on a major scale.”

Steven McLaughlin, Oxford-based Partner within the firm’s Rural agency, feels that the Budget was

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mineral royalty payment due to a landowner is liable for income tax, and the other half as a chargeable capital gain: “Minerals extraction is unique in that the asset is depleted over time and cannot be replaced. This small announcement could significantly effect the tax liabilities of those mineral landlords receiving royalties for extraction

*Seminar: The Planning Regime and Oxfordshire’s Future Economy takes place at the Said Business School, 11.30am on 6 May 2011.

Visit www.carterjonas.co.uk to register.

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BUDGET RESPONSE: WHAT’S IN STORE FOR PROPERTY George Osborne’s budget carried mixed messages for the property sector as well as the economy as a whole and Carter Jonas, as one of the county’s few full-service property firms, will see its business sectors affected in different ways. Karen David asks some of the key players in the firm’s business divisions for their response.

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C O R P O R AT E

web: www.tlafitness.com

tel: 07554 400 401

B4 R&R

ALCHESTER RUGBY CLUB THE STORY SO FAR...

Claire Styles, Director of WILA Group Limited, explains how the Company became involved with Alchester Rugby Club and soon became their main sponsor. Alchester Rugby Club was formed in 2008 by a group of like minded people who wanted to see rugby played for the same reason. A group of people which included players, coaches and administrators alike, decided to embark on a new venture and from this the idea came to form Alchester Rugby Club.

Over the years, Mike Collett, CEO of WILA Group Limited has himself been involved and played with several local clubs. Steve Coogan (Vice Chairman), a friend and also ex-team mate, contacted Mike when Alchester was in its infancy to see if Mike and WILA would be interested in becoming more involved.

Keith Nash, Club Secretary, explains. “The main ethos of the club is to play rugby for the enjoyment of the game, to promote and develop young players in senior rugby , to re-introduce players who have not played since school and to introduce those who have never played before. With this core policy our squad has approx 90% of players under 24.

“Our coaches and administration team have many years experience running rugby sides and can offer the development of players both on and off the pitch.

“Many of the current players are holding committee positions within the club which will allow them to understand the workings of the club as a whole and to ensure that the club is run for the benefit of every single member. By demonstrating to the young players how a club is run, the club’s ethos will remain for future years.

“Alchester have been very lucky to have gained several sponsors who have supported the club from the very beginning. The main sponsor for the club is WILA, who have been totally committed to supporting the young club both financially and morally. Mike and Claire are regularly seen on the touchline in all weathers following the exploits of the lads and have attended our end of season dinners to present the players with Club Blazers & End of Season Awards. Without support like this, a new club would struggle to get off the ground and by showing this continued support has encouraged Alchester to support local community charities with their fundraising as well.”

Claire explains. “The early days in the history of Alchester Rugby Club still promote a strong feeling of friendship within the team and club. There is a true understanding and enthusiasm of promoting young players which makes for a bright future for Oxfordshire’s youngest club.

“It is refreshing to work with not only a new club, but a team of individuals that are enthusiastic and genuinely appreciative of WILA and all their other sponsors. Every match that either myself or Mike have watched, Keith, Steve, Chris Kimber (Chairman) and Dan Kimber (Captain) always thank and recognise the continued support from WILA. It is without doubt a welcoming and enthusiastic club from the players through to the volunteers and committed supporters. As a proud sponsor, Alchester are a pleasure to work with.”

SUCCESS ON THE FIELD Keith reflects on the clubs achievement to date. “Through the re-arrangement of the league structure by the RFU in 2009 and due to the good results achieved in their first season of friendlies, Alchester were placed in the Berks, Bucks and Oxon Premier League where they competed well and finished mid table in their first season. This justified their inclusion at this level.

“Alchester also achieved success last season by winning the Southern Counties Senior Vase when they beat Drifters in the final at Marston Ferry Road. Along the way they had beaten Swindon College Old Boys, Melksham and Marlborough. In addition, Alchester reached the quarter finals of the RFU Senior Vase and lifted the Oxfordshire Shield after beating Gosford All Blacks in the final at Iffley Road.” www.wila.com

new club, but a team of individuals that are enthusiastic and genuinely appreciative of WILA and all their other sponsors

”

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Photography: Arran Hodges

“It is refreshing to work with not only a

IT EXPERTS THAT SPEAK OUR LANGUAGE Mark Salisbury, Managing Director of The Oxford Knowledge Company, B4's chosen IT partner, talks to Sarah Airey about getting IT working for business.

The first thing that Mark Salisbury, Managing Director of The Oxford Knowledge Company, points out is that his staff are completely bilingual. Indeed, it’s on his business card.

What he means is that his team of IT consultants, based on Hinksey Hill, might be fluent in Geek, but they also speak plain English. What a relief – IT men and women you can understand!

“Mark can’t emphasise enough how important he feels this is for clients. “It takes at least three months to recruit a new member of staff.

Recruitment companies don't understand why we reject people who are perfectly qualified technically. But we select only people who communicate with intelligence and clarity – and avoid bamboozling clients with technical jargon.

Yes, our Consultants are among the most qualified Microsoft Certified Professionals; but they have to be exactly the sort of people our clients would choose as part of their own team.

Since then, the number of GOLD Partners has crept up. Now Microsoft has revamped the scheme to help distinguish the best. Mark says, “We're very proud that we have achieved the even higher level to retain our GOLD partnership.”

This new ranking is partly based on customer references, and it is in working relationships with clients where The Oxford Knowledge Company really excels. A point emphasised by David Cotterell, MD, Apex Healthcare Consulting, who recently worked with The Oxford Knowledge Company. "The importance of our computer network is second only to our people. The Oxford Knowledge Company understands this better than any other IT company we've found."

Why Outsource IT? The Oxford Knowledge Company team has technical breadth and depth that would be hard for a typical SME to match in-house. By

Managers on specific projects, or when they need extra cover. Or we become the IT department for companies with no internal IT team, providing day-to-day user support as well as making improvements. Plus, of course, the Support Desk is always there to help, 24 hours if required.”

“We aren’t about putting the latest technology into the business for its own sake. We are about helping people with their business challenges, and we do that through technology.”

Mark says, “The big difference in working with The Oxford Knowledge Company is the strategic approach we take. For example, we recently started working with a new client who was desperate for advice on how to plan and budget for a radical upgrade of hardware and software. They hadn’t got anywhere with their existing IT support and almost cried with relief when we could help them with the strategy and financial planning. In the end we also helped

“Yes, our Consultants are among the most qualified Microsoft Certified Professionals; but they have to be exactly the sort of people our clients would choose as part of their own team” "Having great communication is vital as we need to get to the bottom of what the client is really trying to achieve, and translate that into a robust technical solution."

Gold Standard This level of expertise is acknowledged by the company’s status as a Microsoft ‘GOLD Certified Partner', one of Oxfordshire’s first, awarded in 2006. “At that time we were one of the very few to be awarded with this honour.”

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outsourcing, the client can rely on expert support when and where it is needed, especially for highly specialised work.

Mark goes on to explain the real benefit in outsourcing, “Our function is to focus on what we do really well, and let our clients get on with what they do really well – which is what makes them money.”

“In many cases we support in-house IT

spread hardware and software costs over a 24 month period.”

But proactivity isn't just for the long-term. “Far too often IT suppliers focus only on solving problems after they have happened, when the client is already losing time and money.”

“We can constantly monitor systems for problems and automatically identify and resolve issues remotely – without the client even becoming aware of difficulties or needing to call

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B4 IT

“We can constantly monitor systems for problems and automatically identify and resolve issues remotely – without the client even becoming aware” us. So system problems won’t jeopardise the business.”

So, Mark and his IT team don’t just speak Geek, and plain English, they also speak business. To finish, we will let the last words come from a customer.

Photography: www.studio-8.co.uk

Chris Prevett, IT Manager of Maccaferri, a leading supplier to the construction industry says, “The Oxford Knowledge Company is reliable, responsive and feel like part of our team. They speak my IT ‘language’ and their consultative approach means we work as a partnership which gives me – and my MD – IT peace of mind, freeing up our time to strategically review the bigger picture.” www.oxford-knowledge.com

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RIDING HIGH

Paul Orsi, of Blenheim Palace, talks to B4 about the forthcoming Bike Blenheim Palace 2011, in association with Breast Cancer Care Paul Orsi is Rural Enterprises Manager at the magnificent Stately home Blenheim Palace, a World Heritage Site situated in Oxfordshire. Paul comes from an Estate Management background having managed the grounds of Blenheim Palace for the last 10 years. In 2005 he stepped into the world of event management for the first time, facilitating the first and hugely successful Blenheim Triathlon.

A combination of having competed in a triathlon before and knowing Blenheim Park inside out meant Paul was a perfect fit for managing this event. Since then Paul has been involved in managing a wide variety of outdoor events in Blenheim Park from music concerts to horse trials and charity runs.

What is the background to the event and why it is held at Blenheim Palace?

In 2008 I started a working relationship with consultant and Operations Director Paul Murphy of Pinnacle Events to develop the concept of a cycling festival at Blenheim Palace. Since identifying a gap in the market we felt Bike Blenheim Palace would be a popular new event to hold in a beautiful location where cycling is not normally permitted.

Frequent customer feedback showed visitors were very keen for the opportunity to cycle in the park (no cycling, driving, or skating is allowed normally to maintain the peaceful environment of the World Heritage Site Park.) In addition to this, past competitors of the Blenheim Triathlon gave hugely positive feedback about the cycle route with many saying it is the best route of any Triathlon they had taken part in.

More generally, the event was developed because the popularity of cycling in the UK is at an all time high, with a wave of public enthusiasm post the Beijing Olympics. Number of miles cycled in Britain were estimated to have increased by 40% in 2009 with sales of bikes up by nearly 50% across the UK. The cycle industry is growing at twice the pace

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of the automotive industry, with high costs of fuel and poor public transport making cycling more attractive, and the government and many city councils are now committed to increase bike use for environmental and health issues.

Can you give me some background to the charity Breast Cancer Care?

We have worked with Breast Cancer Care and their fundraising events at Blenheim Palace before including the hugely popular Pink Ribbon Walk which sees around 10,000 participants fundraising every year. We were delighted to bring on Breast Cancer Care as the official charity for Bike Blenheim Palace 2010. In the UK someone is diagnosed with breast cancer every 11 minutes, so the demand for their free services is huge. The fundraising efforts of all the participants taking part in this event, from the competitive cyclists to the families are hugely appreciated and ensure that they can continue their life changing work.

In 2011 Breast Cancer Care have introduced a brand new 26.2 mile Pink Ribbonride. This is as a fantastic new challenge of a marathon distance ride through the beautiful Park and into the Cotswolds, whilst helping raise money for people living with breast cancer.

How successful has the event been and how do you see this event evolving?

With excellent support from Marketing & PR Manager for Blenheim Palace Hannah Payne, and the team at Pinnacle Events, Active Network, Breast Cancer Care and Brompton we have seen this event grow year on year. In 2010 the event received a Silver Sports Tourism Award at the Beautiful South Tourism Excellence Awards. Now in it’s fourth year, Breast Cancer Care’s Bike Blenheim Palace is established as a premier event in the UK cycling calendar. Unique for its broad offering of a ‘cycling festival for all’, it has attracted high-profile sponsorship from Cycling Weekly and Breast

Cancer Care. We hope to see the event grow in participants aiming for 8,000 in 2011, we would like to build on the exhibitors within the Event Village, and perhaps see the event evolve into a two-day event incorporating more cycling elements such as an off-road sportive for mountain biking in future years.

What would your advice be to those who are unsure whether they can complete the event?

The best thing about this unique event is that it has something for everyone; from the speed of the 20k Time Trials, Cycling Weekly’s tough 60 and 100 mile road Sportive, the new 26.2 mile Pink Ribbonride, the spectacular Brompton World Championship 2011, to the gentle family rides and activities in the Event Village. The event sees thousands take to the oak-lined roads of Blenheim Park from cycling fanatics, young and older people, to families looking for somewhere safe and beautiful to ride their bikes for fun.

This is a great opportunity for office teams who want to take part in a fantastic sporting challenge together. All participants have the opportunity to fundraise for Breast Cancer Care.

Paul Orsi, Event Director Bike Blenheim Palace “I am so proud to open up this amazing venue for the forth time for an event that highlights as many aspects of cycling as possible – environmental, fitness, competitive and sheer pleasure. It’s a fantastic event with a great team on board who have worked so hard to build on the success of the event year on year. In 2011 we are delighted to have Breast Cancer Care as official charity for the second year so that people can help raise money for this charity and feel proud of their achievement.”

See page 110. www.bikeblenheimpalace.com

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B4 SPOTLIGHT

“This is a great opportunity for office teams who want to take part in a fantastic sporting challenge together. All participants have the opportunity to fundraise for Breast Cancer Care�

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PUTTING THE SHOW BACK INTO BUSINESS. Meetings and private events at the Mal.

• Meetings for up to 80 delegates Mal life. In these times your business needs an edge. That daring difference that speaks volumes to your client or your competitors.At Malmaison Oxford, we put the show back into business.

This is no glitzy display with no real depth, but a collection of glamorous meeting & event

• 95 luxurious bedrooms • Brasserie and bar

spaces, each with a deep-rooted love for style, ultra tasty cuisine, outstanding wine and an

• Private dining

undying dedication to providing amazing hospitality. Your meeting or private event should

• Teambuilding activities

be pure theatre, with absolutely no dramas. Add some show to your business. Go on,

• Exclusive-use events

we dare you. That’s Mal life.

• Roof-top garden • Marquee events

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For the best room rates GUARANTEED visit malmaison.com

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B4 EVENT

BLENHEIM PALACE DOUBLE WIN AT AWARDS! It was a double celebration for Blenheim Palace on 11th March when the Palace won the Eynsham Hall Tourism and Hospitality Award and the STL GreenMinutes Green Business Award at the first ever West Oxfordshire Business Awards 2011. The awards ceremony held at Eynsham Hall, Oxfordshire was attended by over 250 business people from around the county.

It is a huge accolade for Blenheim Palace to win the West Oxfordshire Business Awards recognising the excellence of West Oxfordshire based companies. The Eynsham Hall Tourism, Hospitality and Leisure Award was presented to Blenheim Palace for clearly demonstrating the significant contribution they have made to drive success in this industry, clearly showing where they have adapted their business strategy to increase business in a competitive market, demonstrating excellent customer service with mechanisms in place to monitor and react to feedback. Within their submission examples of their pursuit of excellence and their ability to develop and grow their business in an

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innovative way was proven.

The STL GreenMinutes Green Business Award demonstrated the way Blenheim Palace’s commitment to the environment runs throughout the entire organisation from local sourcing of the products to technology for lighting, its approach to marketing and recycling as well as encouraging green travel and planting trees. The judges were particularly impressed with the way that Blenheim Palace engages with staff to make them aware of their environmental responsibilities.

John Hoy, Chief Executive Blenheim Palace said “We are delighted to have won two awards at the

West Oxfordshire Business Awards recognizing the excellence of businesses in this region. To win both the Tourism and Hospitality Award and the Green Business Award is an amazing achievement for Blenheim Palace, particularly in the current challenging economy. These awards will help our continuing efforts to raise the profile of tourism in the region and our ongoing work towards sustainable tourism with the Green Tourism Business Scheme.”

For more information about Blenheim Palace visit www.blenheimpalace.com or call the 24 hour free information line on 0800 849 6500.

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B4 ADVICE

AN INTRODUCTION TO

GRANT THORNTON As a leading financial and business adviser, Grant Thornton UK LLP has a turnover of £420m, offices in 27 locations nationwide and more than 25,000 individual and 15,000 corporate and institutional clients. Barbara Richardson, of B4, met with the managing partner of the Oxford office, Wendy Hart, to help introduce Grant Thornton to B4 readers.

It all started in Oxford in 1904 when Mr Thornton started the company in Oxford, known as Thornton & Thornton, later Thornton and Baker. In the 1980s, the company joined forces with an American company called Grant and Grant Thornton was created. In the latest chapter of their historical connection with the city, Grant Thornton Oxford moved from Botley to Oxford Business Park in January 2011.

The managing partner of the Oxford office is Wendy Hart, a chartered accountant who has specialised in corporate finance since 1998.

She joined Grant Thornton in Oxford in 1988, direct from Oxford University. She ran the

of the Oxford Trust, set up by Sir Martin and Lady Audrey Wood (founders of Oxford Instruments) to promote connections between business, science and education.

Her responsibilities for Grant Thornton are considerable. The Oxford office has a turnover of £10m which is created by 5 partners, 1 director and 110 staff of which more than 100 are professionally qualified: the audit and tax teams run to more than 50 people each.

This team includes providers of specialist services, such as forensic accounting, information technology consultancy and capital markets. In summary, they cover every aspect of business assurance, management,

provide a distinctive, high quality and personalised service.

Government infrastructure advisory services (what used to be known as Private Public Partnerships) come from London and Edinburgh offices. Others offer advice to the very active environmental sector. Wendy explains. “There are many mid-market private equity firms looking for good solid investment propositions in developing environmental companies. We have made successful introductions and managed the resulting investments.”

Locally in the Thames Valley, the Oxford office

“The Oxford office has a turnover of £10m which is created by 5 partners, 1 director and 110 staff of which more than 100 are professionally qualified” firm’s technology practice for a period and still provides a focus across the organisation for technology companies. Grant Thornton likes to take ambitious technology companies from early investment all the way to a listing.

Wendy became managing partner in 2009.

As well as taking responsibility for delivering the excellent service clients have come to expect from Grant Thornton, she is living evidence of the breadth of the organisation’s involvement in the Oxford scene. She is a Trustee of the Oxford Playhouse and a Trustee

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development and ownership required by their clients. They are particularly proud of the length of their relationship with many of their clients.

Grant Thornton takes great strength from their national network of offices to the benefit of their clients. They have worked very hard to make this national organisation effective, not least for the 50% of clients who need expertise in international trading. Clients can access the knowledge and experience of 230 national partners who consistently aim to

works particularly closely with the Reading and Slough offices to provide a full corporate finance service to clients. They will continue to use their extensive resources in Oxford linked with their national network to respond to every financial requirement of their local Oxford clients.

We would like to take this opportunity to welcome Wendy and her team at Grant Thornton to B4. www.grant-thornton.co.uk

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“Clients can access the knowledge and experience of 230 national partners who consistently aim to provide a distinctive, high quality and personalised service�

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Regina Hotel Baglioni, Rome

Luxury with an Italian touch A stay at any Baglioni hotel comes with the promise of Italian hospitality tailor-made to suit your every need and more.

milan, venice, florence, punta ala tuscany, rome, london, aix-en-provence, saint paul-de-vence, champillon-epernay, mirambeau, bort l’etang-auvergne, www. b agl io ni hot e l s . c o m

B4 IT

“offering designers a flexible and cost-effective array of options for creating content that can be published to digital devices — without programming code”

QUARKXPRESS 9 QuarkXPress® 9, the newest version of QuarkXPress, which will allow designers to publish directly to digital devices and increase their productivity with new features for design automation. As the graphic design and page-layout software that puts designers at the centre of the creative process, QuarkXPress already helps creative and corporate professionals create design-rich layouts that can be published to print, Web, and interactive Flash® media. And now design for and publish to digital devices in a variety of formats.

QuarkXPress 9 sets a precedent for digital publishing by offering designers a flexible and cost-effective array of options for creating content that can be published to digital devices — e-readers, smartphones, and tablets — with one tool, and without programming code.

Whether a designer needs to publish directly from QuarkXPress to the iPad®, create content for an e-book, or reach an expansive audience through the Blio™ eReader, QuarkXPress 9 can help.

• App Studio for QuarkXPress: With App Studio for QuarkXPress, designers will have a dedicated design environment within QuarkXPress 9 for creating content for the iPad. Designers will be able to create customised apps for the iPad, distribute their apps through the Apple® App Store, and then publish richly designed, interactive content to the app. QuarkXPress 9 provides familiar tools to easily repurpose existing content or to design content specifically for the iPad that includes video/audio players, slideshows, scrollable regions, Web overlays, pop-up windows, buttons, and hyperlinks.* • Design for the Blio eReader: The Blio eReader is a free, multi-platform, multi-device application that presents eBooks just like the printed versions, in full colour and with all of the features of the ideal eReader. The Blio eReader can be downloaded free from www.blio.com and is also pre-installed on millions of Windows computers from Toshiba, HP, and Dell, as well as devices that run the iOS,

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Android, and Silverlight platforms. QuarkXPress 9 is the only page layout software with direct support for the Blio eReader, including the ability to enhance eBooks with interactive elements and a Read Logic feature that separates the print experience from the digital experience.

• Export to ePUB: QuarkXPress 9 includes an easy option for exporting to ePUB, the free and open ebook standard developed by the International Digital Publishing Forum (IDPF). Designers can create traditional text-based e-books and publish to e-bookstores such as Apple iBooks, Barnes & Noble® NOOK®, and Amazon® Kindle®. Book publishers can also export existing QuarkXPress layouts in ePUB format. QuarkXPress 9 includes a new Reflow View that allows designers to configure the content behind their layout to prepare it for reflow-based outputs such as ePUB. Designers can also automatically create an ePUB table of contents from the Reflow View’s article structure.

Design-driven Automation In addition to its innovative digital publishing capabilities, QuarkXPress 9 includes new features that help to automate the design process. The features are instrumental in increasing productivity and alleviating many manual, time-consuming design tasks.

• Conditional Styles: This new feature allows designers to automatically style content based on powerful styling rules

• Bullets and Numbering: Compatible with Microsoft Word import and export, the new Bullets and Numbering feature of QuarkXPress 9 makes it even easier to format ordered and unordered lists and complex multi-level outlines • Callouts: With the Callouts feature, boxes and groups move automatically with text as determined by the designer; callouts can be positioned relative to the page, spread, text box, paragraph, or character • ShapeMaker: A wizard for easily creating or modifying hard-to-draw shapes such as waves, polygons, stars, and spirals, ShapeMaker also allows designers to create unique corner effects • ImageGrid: Allows designers to import and automatically build grids of images with a variety of layout options; also supports image captioning • Linkster: Enables designers to unlink and relink text boxes that already contain text, to unlink stories spanning multiple pages, and to link or unlink boxes without disrupting existing text • Story Editor: Provides a word-processor-like view within QuarkXPress, which is most helpful when text within a layout is difficult to read and when reviewing stories that span multiple pages • Cloner: The smartest and most efficient way to clone design elements, Cloner allows designers to copy items or pages to multiple other pages or layouts and can be used to combine layouts or split them apart For more details and pricing see: www.quark.com

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HEYTHROP PARK RESORT Heythrop Park Resort is a real hidden gem set in 440 acres of stunning Oxfordshire countryside, and there has been a lot going on over the past 2 years! Over £50 million has been invested in the Resort recently which has included a new championship standard golf course, a Health Club with spa treatment rooms and the latest addition, a contemporary new Crowne Plaza Hotel which opened its doors last October.

The new Crowne Plaza Hotel was officially opened by Prime Minister David Cameron on 22nd October at an exciting lunch event. Since then the hotel has held many successful conferences and key industry events including the Annual Hotel Booking Agents Association (HBAA) Golf Day and the Annual Conference of the Institute of Travel and Meetings (ITM).

Alongside the new hotel is the existing Heythrop Park Hotel which has the 18th century Main House at its centre. The two hotels are a total contrast with Heythrop Park Hotel offering more basic 3 star accommodation and meeting rooms. The Main House however does have some elegant meeting and event rooms which are a beautiful setting for weddings and private dining.

For conferences and events, the facilities of the Crowne Plaza are second to none. The hotel has a

The extensive grounds of the Heythrop estate are ideal for most kinds of teambuilding activity and

Foundation, The Lord’s Taverners and the Junior Golf Tour Grand Final 2010. There is also on site tuition available on request and bespoke packages can be created to enhances your event or just for a group of friends.

Also part of the recent investment is the Health Club and Golf Club House. Located in the same building, the Health Club has a fully equipped gym and spin studio, 20 metre pool, sauna, steam rooms and 3 spa treatment rooms. The Clubhouse

“For conferences and events, the facilities of the Crowne Plaza are second to none” unique tiered conference theatre similar to what you might find in a university for up to 350 delegates. The theatre has built in state-of-the-art audio visual equipment and dedicated onsite AV support for the duration of your event. The largest event room in the Crowne Plaza is the beautiful Ballroom, with glittering chandeliers the room is perfect for banqueting events and weddings. All the smaller meeting rooms also have built in AV equipment and private access to an outdoor terrace or the new Moroccan style courtyard. The courtyard was designer by TV gardener Diarmuid Gavin and provides a lovely setting for pre dinner drinks or even a BBQ weather permitting!

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also home to the new 18 hole championship standard golf course. The course was recently redeveloped by renowned golf course architect, Tom Mackenzie in conjunction with English Heritage. The course was redesigned with the original landscape plans of 1706 in mind and restoration and conservation were key elements of the new work. The course meanders through ancient woodland, past lakes and streams and by many original monuments of the estate. The course only opened October 2009 so is still in relative infancy but has already achieve high praise from all who have played it. The course has hosted some great events including On Course

Bar serves drinks and snacks throughout the day and is the perfect end to a good round of golf!

The Resort is located in the village of Enstone, just 16 miles north of Oxford city centre. The Resort has lots of complimentary car parking for guests and delegates. The closest train station to the hotel is Charlbury which provides frequent services into Oxford and London Paddington. www.heythropparkresort.co.uk

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B4 CONFERENCE

“The extensive grounds of the Heythrop estate are ideal for most kinds of teambuilding activity and also home to the new 18 hole championship standard golf course�

FAC I L I T I E S n

Two individual hotels with over 350 bedrooms.

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Health Club with spa treatment rooms.

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Meeting facilities for up to 450 delegates.

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Championship standard golf course.

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Built in AV equipment and dedicated on site support.

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On site car parking.

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Licensed for civil ceremonies.

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Extensive grounds for teambuilding activities.

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Elegant period rooms ideal for banqueting.

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30 minutes from Oxford.

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E X H I B I T I O N & D I S P L AY AY G R A P H I C S P U L L - U P B A N N E R S P O P - U P D I S P L AYS A Y S P VC VC B A N N E R S P O S T E R P R I N T I N G M O D U L A R PA P A N E L S O U T D O O R S I G N A G E C A N VA VA S P R I N T S F I N E A RT R T P R I N T I N G P H OTO OTO G R A P H I C P R I N T I N G

01993 892360 w w w. b l u e p r i n t i m a g i n g . c o m

B4 COMMUNICATION

ENGINEERS WITH VISION PART 7 – A COMPANY CRM ARCHIVE ON YOUR BLACKBERRY DEVICE

Our ‘engineers with vision’ series have provided B4 readers with some very interesting knowledge based articles. Covering a range of telephony related topics, we have addressed some of the key features and strengths of a modern telephone system.

CRM database containing all companies, contact persons and their relations.

Issue 18 explained how a CRM database can integrate extremely cleverly with the telephone to provide some very good desktop functionality. In this Issue we stay with CRM, however with more of a ‘pocket’ theme.

You can also benefit from finding available time from your colleagues as well as getting instant notification they want you to attend a meeting or assign you a task. Monitor your sales progress or see the forecast for the sales group you manage. It can be made available as a Cloud application so you can start today or as a highly integrated tool within your enterprise. Usable from a single user to a thousand users!

We all love the contacts and calendar sync which makes us stay on top of what we are doing during

SuperOffice Pocket CRM is developed in Java – a technology supported by a large number of mobile

web services to make sure you always stay connected while out of the office. SuperOffice Pocket CRM is intelligently and carefully designed to fit typical user situations where your mobile is the natural tool. It accesses real online data and integrates them in usable screens. It is a totally integrated application and not a collection of standalone components or “apps” that comes preinstalled on your mobile phone. This is SuperOffice CRM in the palm of your hand.

The Orange Stripe – SuperOffice business partnership will really drive forward the pocket CRM awareness to Oxfordshire businesses. Call or email to arrange a demonstration.

“It helps make your day more efficient and fun so you can spend more time with your customers” the working week. Now you can have your entire CRM system, including your sales, documents and all the other parts with you. A truly full CRM client is now available. It runs on your Blackberry and accesses the CRM information from your own cloud or from a public cloud. SuperOffice Pocket CRM, award winning for its usability and design available for your BlackBerry phone as well as the BlackBerry PlayBook. We think it will amaze you. We do not think you could ever imagine anyone being able to bring so much power and usable functionality into a tiny device such as a mobile phone. Search, update and navigate in your master

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phone vendors. This means RIM/BlackBerry, Nokia, HTC, Samsung, Sony Ericsson and more. Pocket CRM runs on the most important operating systems like BlackBerry, Symbian, Android & Windows Mobile. It automatically adapts to screen size, keyboards, touch screens and navigation keys.

SuperOffice CRM is the leading European CRM vendor and is used by more than 11,000 companies. It helps make your day more efficient and fun so you can spend more time with your customers. Pocket CRM installs on your mobile phone or tablet and use highly efficient modern

Plus, we can provide on-site demonstrations as a great way to show how the powerful Samsung OfficeServ telephone solution, coupled with the Samsung Xchange CTI application with CRM integration can benefit you and your business processes.

Please call us on 0845 241 7772 or email sales@orangestripe.co.uk to book a convenient date. www.orangestripe.co.uk

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BUILDBASE’S TWO WHEEL CHALLENGE Saddling up for a four-day cross channel charity challenge is proving a testing but rewarding experience for a team of staff, suppliers and customers from Johnson’s Buildbase. Gail Buckle reports Motivating the 10-strong team to tackle the London to Paris cycle ride is their singular goal to raise £250,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support. The business has built good links with the charity over the past few years, supporting its work and experiencing first-hand its positive impact on people’s lives.

Setting out on 6 July, and with 480 kilometers to cycle in four days, the team is preparing with a tough training schedule that’s building camaraderie too.

David Robertson, central regional director at Johnson’s Buildbase in Cowley is helping lead the team through the challenge. He explains how it is building rapport with suppliers and customers whilst fundraising for a pertinent cause.

“We lost one of our long-serving members of staff to cancer last year, which really spurred us on to help raise money for a charity that’s instrumental in pioneering medical advances and providing support. I think most people will know someone who has been affected by the disease, so we wanted to do something positive that everyone could get behind whilst giving ourselves a challenge.

Photography: www.lyonphotography.co.uk

“Our training progress is the first topic of conversation with suppliers and customers supporting the challenge, which is fuelling some competitive banter too! We’ve even been combining meetings with cycle training - so it’s definitely added another dimension to the working day!”

From a family-owned business formerly known as Johnson’s, founded in Cowley, the builder’s merchant is now part of the Grafton Group plc and has grown into a national brand with 150 outlets. All its branches are long established companies which have been serving local tradespeople for many years. Buildbase has also developed sixteen “Green field” sites in the past few years.

Whilst much of its business has traditionally come from the trade, Johnson’s Buildbase is also open to the public with a large showroom on its original site displaying more than 50 kitchens, 100 bathrooms, eco-friendly home improvements and much more.

David says: “We’re known for our friendly, knowledgeable staff and exceptional customer service. Our Cowley showroom is open to everyone and we want to extend a warm welcome to come and visit us and see how we can help with home and garden improvements. “ Staff at Cowley and across the company’s UK network are spurring on David and the team as they prepare for the charity challenge. David’s biggest fear is facing hills across the route and mentally preparing for the third day when they are most likely to be feeling saddle-sore. “Failure is simply not an option!” says David. “We’re all determined to succeed and raise the money for Macmillan, and hopefully have some fun along the way.”

David’s training schedule is currently 25 miles each evening after work with a longer cycle ride at the weekends. “As cycling has taken over my life the past few months, it’s fortunate my wife is very understanding and enjoys cycling too. She’s been joining me on some of my frequent countryside rides which is great. I’m currently working on building up to a 60 mile distance, and have actually found it a good stress relief and a focus away from the daily demands of running the business.

“Every penny will go to a fantastic cause and your donations will help spur us on! Please visit our web page and give generously, we’ll be reporting back on the ride and how we got on,” says David. “Special mention must go to Luis and the team at Beeline Bicycles on Cowley Road, who were thoroughly professional and certainly went the extra mile to help me choose my bike.”

Julian Knowles, Macmillan Fundraising Manager, Oxfordshire says: “I want to wish David and his team at Johnson’s Buildbase every encouragement for what promises to be a unique and challenging experience. Good luck and many, many thanks for your valuable support, which will enable us to continue our vital work.”

Donations to Macmillan can be made online at the company’s JustGiving fundraising page at www.justgiving.com/buildbase-london2paris

“As cycling has taken over my life the past few months, it’s fortunate my wife is very understanding and enjoys cycling too. She’s been joining me on some of my frequent countryside rides which is great” 88

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B4 CHARITY

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B4 TRAVEL

CHILTERN RAILWAYS VERY MUCH A BUSINESS IN THE COMMUNITY IN OXFORDSHIRE

The company is dedicated to visiting schools to teach young children about the dangers of the railway and is also involved in a local Oxfordshire project called Junior Citizen. Junior Citizen is held at the fire station on Rewley Road.

Chiltern Railways train driver, Dave Newell is trained to deliver school visits and is heavily involved in Junior Citizen. Dave Newell, started off as a driver in 1975. Dave said: “Working at Junior Citizens and teaching at schools gives us the opportunity to give children the facts about

offered free to every year 6 state school pupil. Every year about 4,500 children visit Junior Citizen.

During their two hour visit the children experience 8 different safety scenarios and each child gets the chance to practice making a 999 telephone call.

Junior Citizen, please ring 07766498041."

In addition, Dave will also be visiting Dr South’s Primary School in Islip during May. Headteacher, Helen Barnard said, “We’re so pleased to be receiving a visit from Dave because the railway line

“Working at Junior Citizens and teaching at schools gives us the opportunity to give children the facts about trains and why we have safety measures... ” trains and why we have safety measures like the yellow line on platforms. We make it clear that if you trespass on the railway the consequences can be fatal because trains take 1 mile and a half to stop and they can’t swerve around you. Although, we have no electric lines in Oxfordshire we also teach them the dangers of electric lines.”

In 2010, Dave was awarded Rail Safety Person of the Year at the Railstaff awards due to his hard work and dedication in teaching children.

Junior Citizen has been running since 1991 and is

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Each of the scenarios are run by staff from the various agencies involved with the Junior CitizenTrust The 2 hours are interactive with the children making the decisions and learning from their mistakes with real to life situations. Each child receives a free workbook to allow the learning to continue back in school.

Pete Savage from Oxfordshire County Council's Fire and Rescue Service said "Chiltern Railways is a long established partner within the Junior Citizen team here at Rewley Road and everyone at the FranklinVermeulen safety centre looks forward to Dave's arrival every year. For further information about

runs through Islip and we have both a level crossing and a station in the village. Who could be better to deliver important messages about rail safety than an award-winning train driver?”

Chiltern Railways will take over all train services between Oxford, Islip and Bicester Town from 22 May 2011.

If you would like Dave to come and visit your Primary School, get in touch by calling 020 7333 3014. www.chilternrailways.co.uk

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OPPORTUNITIES FOR TENANTS IN TODAY’S MARKET Current market conditions provide a real opportunity for businesses to acquire or renegotiate space on favourable terms. Mike Cooper, an Associate in the commercial property team at Withy King Solicitors in Oxford, highlights some of the issues which tenants should explore when taking new premises or renewing existing leases.

Businesses using office space, shops or industrial property are in a relatively strong bargaining position at the moment given the availability of vacant premises in towns and cities in Oxfordshire and parts of the Thames Valley. This allows them to think about what it is that they need from a lease and to negotiate from a position of strength.

Many businesses are finding that as their current leases expire, they are now in a much stronger position when talking to commercial landlords about terms and renewals. Equally, new businesses are ideally placed to secure favourable lease terms. We handle a lot of enquiries from owner-managed businesses looking for advice on the sort of terms they can negotiate and other opportunities available to them.

One of the advantages tenants are seeing is that landlords are now often willing to grant shorter leases to suit tenants’ needs

instead of requiring them to commit to long leases. Tenants are also negotiating break clauses so that they have the option to exit if trading conditions change, either for the worse so that they can move out of the premises and end further liability for rent and outgoings, or for the better so that they can move on to larger business premises as conditions improve.

In the past, it was common for landlords to issue draft leases to tenants which were heavily weighted in favour of landlords.

However in order to encourage tenants to occupy vacant premises, they are increasingly issuing more favourably balanced versions of leases which are much less onerous.

For example, we have seen several leases where landlords have permitted retail tenants to allow third parties to occupy part of their premises as concessions rather than going through the costly and timeconsuming process of having to apply for consent to sublettings. This enabled one of

our clients, a wedding dress retailer, to have a photographer and cake manufacturer in concession areas within the shop, thereby increasing her income and helping her business become more successful.

Ultimately, this is also in the landlord’s best interests.

If you are an owner manager looking to downsize, expand, move or simply extend your existing lease, it is important that you get good advice early on. This will help you gauge the type of deals which may be available to you and what you can reasonably ask for when agreeing outline terms. For further information, please contact Mike Cooper at Withy King on 01865 792 300 or email mike.cooper@withyking.co.uk www.withyking.co.uk

“One of the advantages tenants are seeing is that landlords are now often willing to grant shorter leases to suit tenants’ needs instead of requiring them to commit to long leases.

”

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B4 ADVICE

MIKE

COOPER JOINS WITHY KING Withy King Solicitors has strengthened its commercial property team in Oxford by appointing, Mike Cooper as an Associate.

This has further strengthened the commercial team overall following other recent appointments to their Oxford office.

Mike, who grew up in Oxfordshire, spent six years working in London for City firms such as Berwin Leighton Paisner where he specialised in commercial property work, later moving to practise in the Thames Valley.

He has extensive experience of working for landlords and tenants across the office, retail and industrial sectors as well as property developers and investors. His clients have ranged from Tesco to independent, ownermanagers occupying a single shop or office space.

“Having returned to Oxford I was very pleased to find in Withy King, a firm with a strong commercial offering which is forward looking and progressive,” said Mike. “With a network of offices along the M4 Corridor and a base in London, Withy King is ideally placed to provide expert services to businesses in the local area as well as those with a national requirement.”

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B4 PR

THE JOURNEY FROM COURT TO

COPYWRITING B4 talks to former solicitor turned copywriter and copy editor, Erica Conlan of Stoneleigh Associates, about how motherhood has changed her outlook, aspirations and career and why she has never looked back.

‘I was in my early thirties, trying to juggle a busy career as a litigation solicitor with all the many and varied demands that a young family brings.

I remember one particular afternoon, with an important trial lined up the following day, trying to negotiate a last minute deal with the opposition’s solicitor. I happened to be working from home and it was at a crucial moment that my eldest son decided he needed my attention and would not take ‘no’ for an answer. I finally realized what an impossible task I was facing and that I needed to choose between family demands and the law, and family won.

‘But I didn’t look at this as the end of my career but as a fantastic opportunity to explore a new one, combining all the skills I had built up as a lawyer with my love of writing. I had graduated in English from Warwick University before converting to law and I really wanted to get back to it. It was like my first love.

I had also realised what a challenge it can be for so many business people, including lawyers, to get their point across effectively in writing and how many opportunities they were missing as a result.’

Perhaps sensibly, Erica set about establishing herself as a copywriter working with lawyers. ‘I started by editing promotional leaflets, rewriting publicity brochures and web pages. Lawyers can quite often get bogged down in the detail and forget their wider audience. Accessibility is key.

‘Increasingly, my work and client base has become more varied. I now spend a good proportion of my time writing the content for web pages and online and catalogue product descriptions for a national retailer and work follows from personal recommendation, people moving on and introducing you to new companies. I also write for B4 magazine. I love the challenge, finding out about different businesses and what drives and motivates people in the local area.’

So has Erica found the perfect balance between career and family? ‘I would like to say “Yes. Absolutely.” Most of the time this would be true but it’s like everything. There are times when all the deadlines seem to be looming at once, when I end up working evenings and weekends to make sure those deadlines are met and, inevitably, the housework has to wait! But, generally speaking, working for myself really does give me the flexibility I need. I can manage my own workload and largely work the hours I choose. I get to meet some really interesting people. Most importantly I can say, hand on heart, that I love my job and I have never regretted the change.’

Erica is available for proofreading and copy writing and can be contacted by email at erica.conlan@stoneleighassociates.com

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“I had also realised what a challenge it can be for so many business people, including lawyers, to get their point across effectively in writing and how many opportunities they were missing as a result.”

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HR2YOU Oxfordshire born and bred Sarah Morris talks to Emma-Louise Pritchard about HR2YOU, which provides a modern approach to human resources. Sarah, a B4 Ambassador, talks about her background prior to setting up HR2YOU and explains how she offers something different.

“HR2YOU always works in partnership with its clients to determine the best approach for each individual assignment. Wherever practical, this includes a face to face meeting to scope the specific requirements.” This clear statement on the HR2YOU website embodies Sarah’s approach. Well versed, knowledgeable and personable, Sarah is a more than competent asset to any business looking to engage the services of a first class Human Resources consultant.

With fifteen years sales, management and generalist HR experience, predominantly in the SME market, Sarah’s background within different market sectors and organisations has given her an incredibly invaluable understanding of her clients’ collective needs. As a Chartered Member of the CIPD, Sarah keeps up to date with every aspect of modern HR practice from latest legislation to current contract and employment practice.

So how did it all start for Sarah? From the age of 15, without an idea as to which career path to take, Sarah shadowed her father at work in the automotive trade. She took to working in a business

give her the confidence to work for herself.

Arguably Sarah’s greatest achievements were at BMW. By her own admission, BMW was ‘a real eyeopener’ and a diverse environment. “BMW was great for me and my personal development as an HR specialist.” Sarah’s CV also includes international experience when she worked in Switzerland and Denmark, adding yet another string to her bow and this was the catalyst for HR2YOU, as Sarah explains.

“I felt I’d gone as far as I could. Deep down, I always knew I would have my own business, and although experience is fantastic, I couldn’t wait any longer to go it alone. I wanted something new, something fresh, a challenge. Having set up the business, I can honestly say it has been my best move yet.

“I have outsourced my HR requirements to HR2YOU for 18 months. Sarah is professional, considered, responsive and thoughtful. I now consider her to be an independent extension of my Senior Management Team. I would not hesitate to recommend Sarah to any company wanting outsourced HR support from HR strategy through to contracts, appraisals, team

robust, then we are preventing problems there. If disciplinary measures are clearly communicated from day one, nobody can argue if they overstep the mark. My role is preventative, and establishing solid relationships with my clients and their employees is crucial to making the whole structure work.

‘I don’t want HR2YOU to be about policy or procedure…there’s a perception that HR practitioners bark orders, but that’s not what I’m about. HR2YOU is about building a long term relationship, being more proactive, and making sure HR strategy is comparable to corporate strategy.

“HR2YOU deals with the ‘employee lifecycle’: recruitment, commitment, management development, training and redundancy, and can be engaged to look at just one area or the complete HR structure.”

HR2YOU offers a free HR ‘health check’ to any business that may need a certain aspect evaluating, creating a base for any potential business relationship. A short term solution for a long term

“I’m the brand, the face of HR2YOU, and it is therefore vital that my working relationships with clients and prospective clients are excellent” environment, and it soon became clear that she had a penchant for business and began to display the green shoots of entrepreneurship which would stand her in good stead later in her career.

selection and general advice and help.

Congratulations on building a company with such fantastic customer service, values and standards.”

Upon leaving school, Sarah went straight into sales, taking her first working role at Abbey National.

Within five years, Sarah became a mortgage advisor, the youngest within Abbey National UK. This was not only a massive achievement, but it cemented her ability and interest in combining selling with her undoubted business skills, and ignited Sarah’s own personal business flair. In her next sales role, Sarah continued to excel and absorb the experience and advice which would

Ray Koomen, Director, Decorum Group

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“The key principles behind HR2YOU are working relationships and networking. I’m the brand, the face of HR2YOU, and it is therefore vital that my working relationships with clients and prospective clients are excellent. After all, my responsibility is to ensure that the relationships between my clients and their employees are good enough to prevent problems arising. If employee contracts are fair and

gain. Dealing with a wide range of businesses from accountancy firms to manufacturing and retail, HR2YOU is now looking to expand the business and recruit so that Sarah can spend more time on profile raising and development of strategies. An active member of her local community, Sarah is also a proud Macmillan Ambassador.

Why not get in touch with Sarah to see how she can help your business and maybe prevent a problem rather than pick up the pieces? www.hr2you.co.uk

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B4 HR

HR2YOU SERVICES • Disciplinary and Grievance • Managing Redundancies • Specialist Absence Management • Performance Management / Appraisals • Policy & Procedure Design and Implementation • Company Handbooks • Contracts of Employment • HR Administration • Family Friendly Policies • Managing Maternity / Paternity • Reward Management • Introduction of an effective Induction procedure • Compromise Agreements

Photography: www.studio-8.co.uk

• Reference Checks

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Safe Hands For Financial Growth

We have the resource to support you and your business in all aspects of financial planning and management.

• Accountancy • Business Development • Registered Auditors • Computer Solutions • Taxation • Corporate Finance • Software Development • Financial Services

Visit our website www.themgroup.co.uk or call 01865 552925 Cranbrook House 287 / 291 Banbury Road Oxford OX2 7JQ Tel: 01865 552925 Fax: 01865 557732 Website: www.theMgroup.co.uk

B4 NETWORKING Cathy says “People regularly ask me which networking group I would recommend - a fair question considering how many years I have been networking locally. Sadly many people have had negative experiences. Where people usually go wrong is in not finding the right group to match their expectations and goals. They also tend to be unprepared for the time and energy required to enjoy the benefits and rewards. My personal belief is that all networking (well almost all) is worthwhile networking.”

Cathy shares her ‘hot tips’ and guarantees that following these three steps will greatly improve your networking experience; Step One: Decide what you actually want to achieve from your networking. You can enjoy many of the following benefits but make sure you identify your primary objectives.

Do you want to…

• Increase your confidence • Meet other business owners • Gain support and advice from fellow professionals • Grow your bank of business contacts • Hear motivational guest speakers • Meet service/product suppliers for yourself • Improve the way your run your business • Gain genuine business leads • Receive valuable business introductions and opportunities

ONE SIZE DOES NOT FIT ALL… Cathy Dunbabin is a familiar face on the Oxford Networking scene. We caught up with her recently to find out why she stands firmly behind her belief that Business Networking has the power to completely transform your Business.

Step Two: Find the right networking group for you. Talk to people about their experiences but I would recommend personally visiting groups.

Ask yourself the following questions when making your decision…

• Does the time and frequency of the meeting work for me?

• Is the format and content in line with my objectives?

• Does the calibre of members mirror my own?

• Are the businesses involved ones that I could potentially refer to?

• Do the current members have contacts with my ideal clients and introducers?

• What are the tangible benefits i.e. qualified introductions, referrals and support?

• Are there opportunities for personal development?

• Was there a positive feel to the event, did I enjoy it and would I look forward to going again?

Step Three: Once you’ve decided to join a group you need to take it very seriously - treat it as part of your marketing and sales strategy.

• Set realistic goals and put time aside to achieve them • Attend any training and personal development offered • Ensure you have a clear message regarding what you do for your clients, how to spot an opportunity and how to introduce you • Meet the members on a 1-2-1 basis to get to know them - find a way to help them quickly • Follow up efficiently and always thank people for introductions, opportunities and business • Make sure you have the resources available to deal with an increase in business Cathy is so passionate about the benefits networking can bring that in January 2011 she launched Opendoorz. Opendoorz is a networking company aimed at facilitating introductions, creating opportunities and enjoying real business successes.

Cathy is proud to tell us that in the 9 weeks since launch one member has brokered in excess of £5m of commercial mortgage and asset finance, whilst another made a contact that in his words “money couldn’t buy”.

Want to know more? Then get yourself along to one of their monthly guest events –you’ll get to network with professional, high calibre, business men and women who are working together to expand their business connections and strategic partnerships. Contact Cathy on 01865 339434 or email opportunities@opendoorz.biz and they will be delighted to pop you on the guest list.

For Top Networking Tips and Knowhow see: www.opendoorz.wordpress.com www.b4-business.com

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SPOTLIGHT ON BRIGHTON When we asked Tracey Jefferies to take a break from writing for B4, the catch was she’d still be writing for B4! The upside was two nights at the stylish Hotel du Vin in Brighton plus a memorable meal at Aloka.

Living in the most land-locked part of the country, a trip to the seaside is something of an adventure. And as adventures go, even the Famous Five wouldn’t be disappointed with a visit to Brighton – it is literally so jam-packed with activities, hotels and restaurants to suit every diverse taste, you are genuinely spoilt for choice.

The last time I visited Brighton it was with two small children in tow and the visit consisted mainly of

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negotiating the pebble beach in search of sand and using all my powers of persuasion to convince said children that one ice cream was enough. It wasn’t quite what you would term a relaxed time of life.

Fast-forward twenty years and it was a completely different experience.

Hotel du Vin & Bistro, our home for a two-night stay, is the fifth in this micro-chain, and nestles in the area known as The Lanes, just a pebble’s throw from the beach. The Lanes conservation area is the

oldest part of Brighton, steeped in history and just bursting with a multitude of antique shops, galleries, independent boutiques, cafes, restaurants and bars.

Hotel du Vin fits in well, a quirky looking building with original gothic features, full of interest and intrigue and a very welcome sight after a five hours drive. We were exhausted and the friendly welcome was just what we needed to raise our flagging and seriously weary spirits. I noticed that

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B4 R&R

every guest was afforded the same personal courtesy; the member of staff who checked you in then gave you a quick tour of the facilities before delivering you to your bedroom. It was a nice touch and so much better than being passed from one staff member to another. The room certainly had the WOW factor, which made up for the lack of view from the bedroom window. After a quick freshen up in the stunning stainless steel wet room,

bistro staff on duty that night. If I was thinking of opening a restaurant I know where I’d be pinching staff from.

The following morning, and after a light breakfast, we left for a day of wandering around The Lanes. If you’re looking to browse an eclectic mix of independent businesses there can be no better place. You don’t need to actually spend any money.

shop. Aloka promotes ‘good quality of life’, both in terms of how we treat our bodies in and outside.

The benefits of eating raw food have been well documented and as self-confessed foodies we were looking forward to entering, for us, this area of virgin territory. The menu was varied, tempting, surprisingly filling and each dish was presented as a mini work of art. I wouldn’t say we were fully converted to raw food, but I would recommend

“If you’ve never been to Brighton, you really should go. If it’s twenty years since you’ve visited, go again. ” (I want one!), we made our way to the bar. We could have chosen from over a hundred whiskies (Hotel du Vin chain is part of the Scotch Malt Whisky Society) on offer but stuck rather sensibly to a pre-dinner champagne cocktail. The bistro was buzzing the night we dined there and completely full. I guess I should major on the food, let’s just say that it didn’t disappoint in any way, great seasonal menu and daily specials, exactly what we’ve come to expect from the group that includes the Malmaison chain of hotel and restaurants. With a limited word count, what I want to herald is the personal and knowledgably service from all the

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Just drinking in the atmosphere is enough to count as retail therapy. We browsed vintage clothing, bespoke tailors, record stores, an architectural salvage yard and gift and home stores before grabbing a coffee and cup cake at the Angel Food Bakery. No visit to Brighton should be complete without sampling one of their many originally flavoured cakes. Worth every calorie!

you try this cuisine at least once in your lifetime.

If you’ve never been to Brighton, you really should go. If it’s twenty years since you’ve visited, go again.

If you want to enjoy a meaningful customer experience, beg, steal or borrow one of the 49 rooms at Hotel du Vin. As the company puts so beautifully, “I think. Therefore I du Vin”. I couldn’t agree more.

Dinner on our second night was at Aloka, a vegan and raw food restaurant. This restaurant is part of an independent business, which also offers a café, day spa, yoga classes and gift and beauty products

www.hotelduvin.com/hotels/brighton www.aloka.aura-soma.net

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“I am driven by what I’ve always been driven by, which is the drive for excellence. That’s always been my hallmark and that hasn’t changed at all” 102

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B4 EDUCATION

ABINGDON SCHOOL’S PIONEERING FIRST LADY With a head for business and a passion for education, Felicity Lusk has defied 750 years of tradition to become the first female head of Abingdon School - indeed the first female head of any boys’ public boarding school. Erica Conlan finds out more about the charismatic Miss Lusk, her vision for the school and her take on her ground breaking appointment.

Back in November 2009, Felicity Lusk was creating quite a storm, attracting a frenzy of press interest due to the view that she had taken on a male dominated establishment and emerged victorious, to secure her appointment as head of one of the most respected boys’ schools in Oxfordshire. Taking up the reins in September 2010, B4 wondered how she was settling in.

“I am very committed to single sex education for both boys and girls. I don’t go around saying ‘you must educate your child in a single sex school,’ because it doesn’t work for everybody. You’ve got to get each child into the right place for them. It’s about getting the match right between school and child. It’s a chemistry; it’s a really important relationship and not all the children in one family will come to the same school.

“Well, I think it has gone very well. I’ve settled in very quickly but then I’ve had a fantastic amount of support. This is a very affectionate community. It’s predominantly male but I find it’s very straightforward. I love working with all my male colleagues and we have a good number of women, so I don’t see it as a male/female situation at all.”

“I have ruled out the co-ed route for the time being.

I carried out a big consultation when I arrived here and I was thrilled with the return. Something like 600 boys wrote to me as well as a huge numbers of parents and staff and it was very clear to me that there was just no desire to go co-ed at all. It’s a school that is very comfortable with itself.”

Whilst Miss Lusk may not see it as a ‘male/female situation,’ she is probably in the minority. Featuring on Woman’s Hour and with headlines in the national newspapers, her achievements should not be underestimated.

A feisty New Zealander, Miss Lusk moved to this country over 20 years ago, joining Hasmonean High School, London, initially as Director of Music before becoming Deputy Headteacher. In 1997 she was appointed Head of Oxford High School and in her 13 years as Head gained an enviable reputation for advancing the cause of academic excellence whilst encouraging each pupil in their personal development.

So there is little doubt that the governors of Abingdon School were more than impressed with her credentials when they made their ground breaking appointment. 'But should they have been worried that her previous experience had been in co-ed and girls' schools?

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Comfortable but not complacent. Felicity Lusk has great plans for the school’s future. “I am driven by what I’ve always been driven by, which is the drive for excellence. That’s always been my hallmark and that hasn’t changed at all. So in terms of where I am taking the school now, this is a fantastically good school. We have just had a glowing school inspection but it doesn’t mean we can just sit back.

I’m using it very much as a platform to go on to what is coming next.

“The first thing we’ve done is restructure the week.

It may seem that we have come to that very quickly but it is the end of a consultation lasting some years. Saturday lessons have gone as a natural consequence. We’ve started with the best structure for the Abingdon week, which I think is very exciting; 55 minute lessons, which are a good length and with room for a balance between academic studies and what we call ‘the other half,’ with an extended lunchtime allowing for more exercise. It’s a long school day - we finish at 5:20pm - but with a good division of work. I think

standards will rise even further as a direct result.”

We are also looking towards a very exciting building programme although it's early days. Science, as a hugely popular subject, ever expands and I'd like to see colleagues, senior staff and reception at the heart of the School, with easy access to the boys.

The need to be physically positioned at the centre of the school accords with Felicity Lusk’s belief that, at the heart of her work, are “the casual communications you have, the little conversations just catching up with somebody, whether it’s a colleague or a student. You can have dozens of those a day if you’re in the central part of the school.”

Perhaps here is a flavour of the unique feminine touch Felicity brings to the post. “I think, because I am a mother, I find that I enjoy communicating with all young people and hearing what they have got to say. I appreciate their wit and I have an innate understanding of the difficulties of adolescence. I often feel this is a generation under stress, facing a demanding exam system that often seems to test the ability to sit a huge number of exams'. I see education as a much wider holistic process. Then there’s the whole body image thing, whether you are a boy or a girl. There’s a fantastic anxiety about how a young person looks or how they fit into a peer group.”

So, on taking up her new role, has Felicity Lusk listened to the advice of her son to try to ‘get alongside the boys?’ Her efforts to understand their needs and to open up the lines of communication certainly seem to be working. And has she managed to follow his other bit of advice – to try not to embarrass herself? “I think I’ve probably done that several times….” www.abingdon.org.uk

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STUDLEY WOOD •GOLF CLUB• OXFORDSHIRE’S HIDDEN GEM

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Set in 177 acres of tranquil Oxfordshire countryside and only 6 miles from the centre of Oxford, Studley Wood Golf Club boasts a superb golf course, excellent practice facilities, a 15 bay covered driving range and a sumptuous clubhouse.

Our course presents a stimulating challenge for all standards of player.The 18 hole course meanders through undulating countryside with natural woodland at its core and 13 lakes to navigate. Mature trees, manicured fairways and arguably the best greens in Oxfordshire make us the perfect choice to host corporate days, corporate days, golf away days, charity events and tournaments Welcome Monday to Thursday we will make every effort to tailor arrangements and offer exceptional levels of service and attention to detail that your gold day deserves.

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www.studleywoodgolfclub.co.uk The Straight Mile, Horton-cum-Studley, Oxon OX33 1BF.

B4 R&R

FIRST CLASS PRODUCTS Young Entrepreneur Tom Ellis proves the success of importing exclusive Grand Cru Champagne label Leroux-Mineau

In October 2007 young entrepreneur Tom Ellis founded First Class Products (Oxford) Ltd from his room at St Edwards School in Oxford. It all began by sourcing and supplying tennis balls to individuals and schools. However, it quickly became apparent that the tennis season was extremely short and a new product was required to build the business.

By chance, a family friend brought a bottle of Leroux-Mineau Grand Cru Champagne from Epernay as a present. Having enjoyed a couple of glasses and understanding that LerouxMineau had never been exported to the UK, Tom Ellis using an A Level in French, successfully negotiated an exclusive UK import arrangement in October 2008.

Now aged 22, and after developing the business through his time at Exeter University reading Geography, the business that Tom started four years ago is booming.

Tom saw a gap in the market for an exceptional Champagne which could be offered to UK consumers at realistic prices. After several visits to the Champagne region he understood that Champagne is classified according to quality and this is determined by the particular area in which the grapes are grown. Champagnes are classified according to the Cru, or village and there are two 'top' levels to look out for.

The really best Champagnes are produced with grapes from just 17 villages and only Champagnes from these specific villages can be classed as Grand Cru. The next level down after Grand Cru is Premier Cru, of which there are 42 villages and a further 243 villages make up the rest of the Champagne region.

Director Tom Ellis says “Leroux-Mineau is a truly exceptional Grand Cru Champagne, independently owned and run by Thierry and Corine Leroux. They produce a Blanc de Blancs (100 % Chardonnay), Rosé and Vintage Champagne. Leroux-Mineau are one of only 8% of all champagnes able to display the Grand Cru label for outstanding quality. Their www.b4-business.com

vines grow at the heart of the Champagne region in Northern France in the famous Cotes Des Blancs Grand Cru village of Avize.”

Leroux-Mineau Grand Cru Champagne is imported directly to First Class Products’s temperature controlled facility in the UK and is then distributed nationally through multiple channels, which include the safe and secure website of www.LMChampagne.co.uk, wine bars, clubs, restaurants, the corporate gift market, and a growing number of Oxford University colleges.

As a young entrepreneur Tom Ellis gained national media coverage helping drive traffic and interest to his website. This has included live interviews on BBC Radio 2 with Chris Evans, ITV’s Alan Titchmarsh show, press articles in the guardian and telegraph not to mention an invitation from Lord Alan Sugar to meet him personally.

As the sole UK importers they are able to offer a unique and exceptional exclusive label Champagne and you don’t have to pay anywhere near the price of the high profile brands.

The prices online include VAT & delivery to your door and Tom feels it is very important that there are no hidden charges “the price you see is the price you pay”. The Blanc de Blancs retails at £22.00 a bottle in a case of 6.

However a case of 3 bottles is also available or individual bottles can be purchased in a Maple presentation box.

Tom continues to build relationships with restaurants, colleges and private clients in Oxford and further a field enabling the business to grow everyday with some truly excellent feedback. After enjoying the first glass of Leroux-Mineau, Tom’s customers return time and time again to enjoy the benefits of drinking a better quality but less expensive Grand Cru Champagne. www.LMChampagne.co.uk

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CULHAM INNOVATION

CENTRE MARKS 10 YEARS OF INNOVATION SUCCESS Senior representatives from the business, technology and research communities gathered at Culham recently to celebrate the key role played by Culham Innovation Centre in supporting the growth of innovative companies over the past 10 years.

Culham Innovation Centre is located on the Culham Science Centre site, one of the UK’s leading science locations, and is one of a network of 18 centres managed by Oxford Innovation, a leading operator of business and innovation centres.

The Innovation Centre provides office and laboratory space on flexible terms for innovative start-up companies, access to a technical support package offered by the UK Atomic Energy Authority and support from Oxford Innovation including funding assistance, networking and mentoring.

Since Culham Innovation Centre was launched in 2001, 66 companies employing around 250 people have benefited from the support provided by the facility. Many have grown to become major success stories for Oxfordshire and they include household names such as: Kaspersky Lab UK, Europe’s leading anti-malware provider. Founded with three programmers in 1997, the company has grown from a startup to an international group with over 2,000 employees and offices in 29 countries.

Toumaz Technology, the first company to move in to the Innovation Centre, is a leading provider of intelligent, microchip-sized wireless body monitoring systems. Their Sensium technology has applications for use in hospital wards, telecare and care homes as well as elite sports performance optimisation.

OXIS Energy is pioneering the development of a lightweight, highenergy, rechargeable Polymer Lithium-Sulphur battery that is safe for use in electric vehicles. OXIS has recently secured significant funding to scale up its technology and has also been awarded prestigious grants from the Technology Strategy Board and The Carbon Trust. OXIS has recently graduated from the Innovation Centre to larger facilities on the Culham Science Centre site as the company makes the transition from research and development to commercial production.

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“Since Culham Innovation Centre was launchedin 2001, 66 companies employing around 250 people have benefited from the support provided by the facility”

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B4 SPOTLIGHT Currently, there are 15 innovative companies located at the Centre and a further seven firms using the virtual office service. They include: Reaction Engines, a developer of advanced aerospace engines incorporating compact and lightweight heat exchanger technology that can be used to accelerate aircraft to Mach 5. Using these engines the company is developing an unmanned spaceplane, Skylon, which would take off from a runway, fly into space and return to land on the same runway.

Tokamak Solutions - founded in 2009, Tokamak Solutions aims to commercialise spherical tokamaks as novel fusion neutron sources. Applications for the new technology range from the clean-up of nuclear waste, which could make safe nuclear power a reality, to the production of medical isotopes used in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases such as cancer and, in the longer term, as part of a zero carbon method for large scale hydrogen production. The company has recently secured £170,000 of equity investment and has been awarded a €110,000 contract from ITER, the next generation international fusion energy research reactor.

The 10th anniversary was marked by a special networking event with Guest of Honour, Keith Errey, co-founder of Toumaz Technology and a serial entrepreneur who has recently launched Isansys Lifecare, a provider of real-time physiological patient data acquisition systems and services.

Chris Toumazou, co-founder and chief executive officer of Toumaz, said: “The Innovation Centre has been crucial to the success of Toumaz. It provides the flexibility that growing companies need along with good business support services.

We moved in as two people and expanded three times to larger offices within the Centre. The flexible letting terms and excellent organisation by the on-site management team meant that each move had a minimal impact on our business and the access to networks and events provided valuable contacts. Being based at Culham Innovation Centre gave us the best possible start.”

Alan Bond, managing director of Reaction Engines, said: “At Culham Innovation Centre we can develop our business according to our aspirations and needs. We have expanded to larger premises in the Centre with no hassle and we have benefited greatly from being located on a world class science and technology campus, in particular by taking advantage of the technical support package offered by the UK Atomic Energy Authority, and from the opportunity to learn from the knowledge and experiences of businesses facing similar challenges. We hope to be part of a very successful future for the Innovation Centre.” www.culham.org.uk www.b4-business.com

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B4 CHARITY

OXFAM FUNDRAISER B4 were guests of Oxfam at the opening of the Oxfam Curiosity Shop in London, where 250 guests, including legendary singer Annie Lennox and recent Oscar winner, Colin Firth, enjoyed a spectacular evening's entertainment.

To mark the opening of The Oxfam Curiosity Shop at Selfridges in London, guests enjoyed music, food and drink courtesy of Hendricks Gin, all in a remarkably transformed car park of the world renowned department store. The evening was compèred by Zoe Ball, whilst the charity auction was conducted by Ruby Wax, together with a rather overwhelmed Bonham's auctioneer. Grammy Award winner, Imogen Heap and the incredible Marques Toliver also gave breathtaking performances The Oxfam Curiosity Shop generated £289,000 worth of media coverage, reaching a total audience of 20 million people, not including include social media like Twitter and Facebook, which will have reached many more.

The launch event itself raised a grand total of £227,000, to fund Oxfam projects which empower women and transform the lives of the world's poorest people. The highest individual bid was £25,000 for Livia Firth's jewellery, worn to the Oscars with her husband, Oscar winner, Colin Firth. The jewellery is made with the world's first

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Fairtrade certified white gold, with ethically traded aquamarines and diamonds.

Auction prizes included a baking masterclass with Loraine Pascale, the ‘Jimmy Choo Experience’ – his wife was in the audience – a private box at Man Utd for a Premier League game, two tickets to the X Factor Final later this year, and a sailing day at Cowes with Hugo Boss.

One of the most popular lots was the opportunity for four guests to nominate an Annie Lennox song to be sung on the night. This raised a total of £45,000 alone. Singing and playing the piano, Angel, Sweet Dreams and Sisters were belted out by this iconic figure of British pop music, and the audience were mesmerised.

An incredible night with everyone leaving with a huge smile on their faces. Mrs Ed even got a hug from Annie and a kiss from the Oscar winner!

experienced development agencies in the world, now working in more than 70 countries. Poverty is linked with lack of opportunity. Too often, this means that people are denied the chance of a better future.

Powerlessness keeps people poor. Women suffer in this respect more than men. Many are prevented from owning land, making a living, having an education, or adequate health care. Some are denied inheritance and ownership rights, and even rights over their own bodies. Most of the world’s poorest people are women, so to end poverty we must secure equality for women.

Women are catalysts for change; help a woman and husbands, children, families, and entire communities will benefit. We know this is true.

Please support Oxfam’s work with women who are making change happen all over the world. www.oxfam.org.uk

ABOUT OXFAM Oxfam has been fighting poverty, worldwide, for nearly 70 years. This makes Oxfam one of the most

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BREAST CANCER CARE’S BIKE BLENHEIM PALACE Blenheim Palace is delighted to bring the annual cycling festival Breast Cancer Care’s Bike Blenheim Palace in to the summer season to take place this year on 21st August 2011. Previously an autumn event on the Palace’s calendar, this move for the 4th event will mean a brighter morning, longer daylight hours and a warmer day – good news all round for cycling participants and the event organisers alike.

“This unique event has something for everyone from the competitive cycling fanatic to families looking for somewhere safe to ride their bikes in beautiful surroundings” On Sunday 21st August the grounds of Blenheim Palace will open for the event which sees thousands take to the oak-line roads of the World Heritage Site Park. Attracting over 5,000 people in 2010 this event has established itself as one of the most exciting cycling events in the country; from the speed of the 20k Time Trials, Cycling Weekly‟s tough 60 or 100 mile road Sportive, the spectacular Brompton World Championship 2011, to the gentle family rides and activities in the Event Village.

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This unique event has something for everyone from the competitive cycling fanatic to families looking for somewhere safe to ride their bikes in beautiful surroundings. Take part in one of the races, browse the Event Village including specialist retailers and additional arenas for Bike Polo, and M.A.D mountain bike stunt team, or simply come along to watch cyclists of all ages take to the undulating roads of Blenheim Park.

The cycling challenges • 20K Time Trial • 60 or 100 mile Sportive • New 26.2 mile Pink Ribbonride • Brompton World Championship 2011 • Family Cycling “I took part in a sponsored cycle ride last year, I wanted to do another and now I have a friend fighting breast cancer so I thought I would combine the cycle with some fundraising for Breast Cancer Care. It looks like a good day and my family will come along and spend time in the event village while I ride. It sounds like there will be thousands of people there!

Estelle, Pink Ribbonride cyclist

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B4 EVENT

“This is as a fantastic new challenge to tackle a 26.2 mile or a 60/100 mile ride through the beautiful Park and into the Cotswolds, whilst helping raise money for people living with breast cancer” Breast Cancer Care provides expert information and emotional support for anyone affected by breast cancer. Get on your bike today so that no one faces breast cancer alone tomorrow.

Hannah Payne, Blenheim Palace Marketing & PR Manager commented: “It’s fantastic to be able to bring this brilliant event into August, we hope everyone will sign up for a cycling challenge this summer and bring their friends and family along to an event where people can help raise money for Breast Cancer Care and feel proud of their achievement”

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Jo Dyson, Breast Cancer Care comments: “We re delighted that we have been chosen as the official partner of Bike Blenheim Palace 2011. In the UK someone is diagnosed with breast cancer every 11 minutes, so the demand for our free services is huge. The fundraising efforts of all the participants taking part in the event; from the competitive cyclists dressed in their suits and pink bow ties for the Brompton World Championship, to the ladies tackling the marathon Pink Ribbonride, all are hugely appreciated and ensure that we can continue our life changing work.”

EXCLUSIVE B4 OFFER B4 readers can get 10% discount on registration for the Sportive and the 20K time trial using the promo code B4BBP2011 on registration.

Register at www.bikeblenheimpalace.com

Breast Cancer Care: Registered charity in England and Wales 1017658 and in Scotland SC038104

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The First step to a healthier Lifestyle The best corporate deals Fantastic student memberships Friendly, qualified staff Membership to suit you!

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B4 SPOTLIGHT

OXFORDSHIRE - THE RIGHT PLACE TO START A BUSINESS?

Bruce Savage is a local serial scientific entrepreneur. He has founded 5 bioscience businesses all based in Oxfordshire and has been appointed to advise the Government’s new Entrepreneurs’ Forum.

This year I was invited to join Vince Cable’s Entrepreneurs’ Forum, an initiative by the Department of Business Innovation and Skills (BIS) to encourage closer links with small entrepreneurial businesses. At our first meeting I was impressed with the candour and honesty of the debate. I am convinced that the government genuinely wants to hear from us and what it could do better to encourage entrepreneurial activity in the UK. Certainly the messages coming out of BIS are loud and clear, the government wants to make the UK the easiest and best country in which to start a business.

attractive nature of the county, good transport links to London and Heathrow, availability of flexible office and laboratory space, the fact that Oxford is a centre of academic knowledge and innovative technologies.

But is Oxfordshire the right place to start a business? Certainly in the bioscience sector, this appears to be true. A 2007 survey conducted by the Oxfordshire Bioscience Network (OBN) identified 142 bioscience and healthcare companies in the area, and 31 new companies created in 2005-2007. I estimate that a current survey would identify closer to 200.

we have been too successful!!”

Biopharmaceuticals companies in Oxfordshire currently have 87 new drug entities in discovery and 57 new drugs in clinical trials. This is a tremendous statement of creativity and entrepreneurship. Furthermore, in this period £316m of private equity was raised to fund these companies’ development programmes.

The OBN survey identified that 60% of bioscience companies had relocated to Oxfordshire. Why? The main reasons sited include, in addition to the

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The OBN has over 200 member companies and in April it held the BioTrinity conference at Newbury Racecourse, attended by over 750 delegates from all over Europe, making it the UK’s biggest partnering event.

“It would seem

So, Oxfordshire has been a good place for bioscience start ups. However, I do have concerns about the future environment for entrepreneurial activity. Over recent years SEEDA, our Regional Development Agency, funded the Oxfordshire Innovation and Growth Team. This excellent business support programme provided hands-on advice to companies with the potential for high growth across the county and helped many budding entrepreneurs to start new high tech businesses as well as the more established to grow.

With the demise of SEEDA the scheme will be axed. This, together with the closure of the regional

Business Link advisory service, means that I am concerned about the lack of support for entrepreneurs wanting to start a business now and in the future.

The government is talking about an enhanced Business Link web site and the provision of mentors, but I don’t think these can replace the teams of people who have helped hard pressed entrepreneurs through the trials and tribulations involved in setting up and growing a business.

Furthermore, it appears that new Regional Growth Funds will be targeted at counties further north. It would seem we have been too successful!! In my meeting with Vince Cable I told BIS that around 80% of all high tech start ups are in the south east, not the north. These are the companies which will be developing the technologies and innovative products to take on the world. They are complex to start and require the intensive, hands-on support which will be lacking.

And so in conclusion, do I think Oxfordshire will still be the place to start up a high tech business? I think the answer is yes, but I do know of at least one with plans to follow the government funding north.

Contact Bruce Savage (pictured GFC Diagnostics Ltd. brucesavage@gfcdiagnostics.co.uk www.gfcdiagnostics.co.uk

right),

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SEEING THE FUTURE VENTUREFEST 2011

Taking place on Tuesday 7th June, Venturefest 2011, now in its thirteenth year, continues to grow and evolve, and this year promises to be an even more exciting and inspiring opportunity for entrepreneurs, innovators and investors to meet, network and learn.

This year, delegates for the one day free event, will gather at Oxford University’s prestigious Saïd Business School, in the heart of the city.

The School is a truly international environment, where academia and cutting edge research

Andrew Hamilton, Oxford University’s Vice Chancellor, will launch the day with a welcome speech, after which delegates can immerse themselves in a carefully prepared menu of activities, which allows them to either follow one of

Audrey Wood Enterprise Awards finalists.

The Learning Stream’s morning slots are filled with presentations and interactive sessions, including a one hour branding workshop, offering practical

Photography: www.davidfisher.co.uk

“...a one hour branding workshop, offering practical advice for both entrepreneurs and experienced managers and professionals” meets real world business teaching. The state of the art Harvard style lecture theatres, traditional cloisters and lofty ceilinged, columned reception and meeting areas offer the perfect environment in which speakers can share their experiences and offer their advice, where the best of innovation and emerging and developing businesses can be showcased and where the most productive networking and interaction between high profile experts, industry leaders, investors and entrepreneurs is comfortably facilitated. (And there’s an internet café for those who just need somewhere to recharge and get online).

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three defined streams throughout the day, or to cherry pick from the comprehensive selection of presentations, panel debates, master classes and workshops. Running all day, alongside the schedule of themed sessions, will be a business exhibition, showcasing local business support organisations and services.

Additionally, at the Innovation Showcase this year, managed by South East Business Innovation and Growth, delegates can meet with more than thirty start up and early stage companies, who are supported by the SEBIG’s Innovation and Growth teams. Also exhibiting will be the fifteen Martin and

advice for both entrepreneurs and experienced managers and professionals about how to set-up, fund, run and ensure the success of their new and existing businesses.

New to Venturefest 2011, in the afternoon there will be an exciting, fast paced event where the fifteen finalists of the Martin and Audrey Wood Enterprise Awards will give three minute presentations, profiling their ideas and businesses.

The awards were established by Oxford Innovation, to honour and continue the work of Martin and Audrey Wood, the co-founders of Oxford Instruments plc, who remain dedicated to

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B4 EVENT

“The Innovations Futures Stream will give delegates insights and eye openers into the world of future technologies, divulging the latest developments from UK universities and centres of research”

supporting local entrepreneurs and growing businesses. Forward thinking individuals and companies are attracted by not only the generous and enticing winners’ prize packages of cash and services, but also the enviable profile raising exposure that shortlisting for prizes in the categories of information and communication technology, green technology, engineering and instrumentation and medical devices and healthcare technologies brings.

Closing the agenda for the Learning Stream will be a master class, delivered by social media and networking guru Liz Cable, who is making a welcome return to Venturefest.

The Innovations Futures Stream will give delegates insights and eye openers into the world of future technologies, divulging the latest developments from UK universities and centres of research through a series of fascinating seminars.

The Funding Stream is the perfect space for investment ready businesses from all sectors,

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supported by OION (Oxford Investment Opportunity Network) to pitch to potential investors. Equally, investors will find this the best stream to be in to hear about the great new ideas coming out of Oxfordshire and to discover their next big investment opportunity.

Even mealtimes are experiential learning and networking activities at Venturefest. Make lunch more than just a sit down sandwich eating event by attending the lunchtime lecture with keynote speaker Dr Graham Spittle, Chair of the Technology Strategy Governing Board, and Chief Technology Officer and Vice President, Software Group Europe for IBM UK Ltd. Topping and tailing the day, there will be ticketed events. For the early birds, keen to peck at the business worm, the day starts at 7.30am, with a Business Breakfast lecture, on the theme of ‘Clean and Green’ from Peter Head, Director of Global Planning at ARUP.

choose to join Dave Waller, Chairman of Venturefest, at the Champagne Reception and Dinner, which takes place in the atmospheric setting of the new Atrium and the historic Randolph Sculpture Gallery of the beautifully renovated, world famous Ashmolean Museum, in Oxford’s city centre. This year’s guest dinner speaker will be Leo Johnson (Partner, PwC sustainability and climate change practice, and co-founder Sustainable Finance Limited) returning after his popular appearance at Venturefest 2010’s business breakfast. The winners of the Martin and Audrey Wood Awards will be announced at the reception, under the gaze of the numerous historic statues lining the halls.

As the UK’s economy emerges from a period of uncertainty and concern, Venturefest looks forwards with optimism and insight, celebrates opportunity and rewards innovation and endeavour. www.venturefest.com

The public day closes at 6pm but delegates may

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B4 SPOTLIGHT

“If you are there to promote your business, you need to make sure that you determine your aims for getting noticed by the right people, in the right place at the right time. Always consider what you are trying to achieve”

GETTING BUZZ TO WORK Sarah Airey of the Buzzworks on building a buzz around your business.

“The statistics are quite staggering: Twitter has just celebrated its 5th birthday, it took over 3 years to build from the very first tweet to the billionth – now there are a billion tweets every week. Facebook has more than 500 million active users and over 30 billion pieces of content are shared each month.

An average user is connected to 80 community pages, groups and events.”

“Smart phones and laptops mean people can publish themselves all the time and now there is so much material ‘out there’ we are quite swamped with a deluge of information. The effect is that it is still hard to get noticed.”

“If you are there to promote your business, you need to make sure that you determine your aims for getting noticed by the right people, in the right

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place at the right time. Always consider what you are trying to achieve.”

Sarah says, “Consider, where do you need to place your key messages to get people to buy your widget, come to your event, or influence opinion?

There are so many different ways of getting your point across: articles, blogs, images and film. For example, YouTube is the second biggest search engine after Google, it is a powerful PR tool, especially if you get creative and go viral. And what is the point of tweeting like crazy if you don’t have the right followers? Plus you have to have the time and expertise. If you are working with social media it can be very time consuming to engage properly with your audience. And, do you have the ability to get your products on TV – without paying for advertising? At Buzzworks we successfully got one client BBC coverage three times in the last few months.”

Sarah says, “It can be daunting if you try to do all this yourself, and you get distracted from what you do best. Far better to bring us in to do it for you.”

and what you want to achieve. It could be a new product launch or extending your service to a new business sector, expanding the market, improving your company profile or even meeting criticism.”

“Typically we like to work with a client as part of the team over a period, so that we can build up trust and a good working knowledge of the business, its objectives, customers, the benefits of what it does and the issues it is facing. We work together on the strategy and implementation plan to achieve goals.”

“And we don’t forget the traditional methods. As ever, we ask, ‘what will work best?’ It might be a press campaign including digital media, but equally it could be that telesales, an open day or exhibition could produce the most effective face-to-face dialogue with the customer.

Buzzworks has offered members of B4 a free consultation and Buzz Building plan for your business. Contact sarah.airey@thebuzzworks.co.uk tel 01993 813848 www.thebuzzworks.co.uk

“We always start by focusing on your objectives

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Photography: www.blueamigo.co.uk

“We all know that the way we communicate with each other has changed radically - both personally and for business. Digital media has changed the traditional means of communicating for ever, and PR and marketing communications have had to change too.” says Sarah Airey, of the Buzzworks.

“Since starting a Twitter account, Fallowfields has generated an incredible £100,000 as a direct result of tweeting”

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B4 MEDIA

TWITTER?

I JUST DON’T GET IT For many it’s time, for others it’s being oblivious to the benefits of Twitter. Tracey Jefferies, herself an avid Twitter convert, met with Anthony Llloyd of Fallowfield Hotel who, by his own admission, could never have predicted the impact of Twitter on his business.

If I had a pound for every time I’d heard this statement, I would be sunning myself on a beach somewhere, cocktail in hand. Luckily for Twitter, many people do ‘get it’ and are increasing their turnover as a direct result.

Anthony Lloyd, owner of Fallowfields Hotel and Restaurant opened a Twitter account in May 2009. At the time of going to press, he had over 12,000 followers: “We were working on our website with a marketing company and looking closely at the SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) aspect. Driving business to your website is only half the battle. It’s a bit like wanting to be the first business listed on page one of Google. Achieving that is actually quite an easy process.

As a business owner, converting website visits into actual business is what matters though and this is often more difficult to achieve. For many years we’d invested a large percentage of our marketing budget on magazine and brochure advertising. On closer inspection, we discovered that this was no longer generating sufficient revenue to make it in any way cost effective and we were keen to discover what we could to do to increase business and at the same time simplify our marketing process. I’d heard and read a lot about Twitter and decided to give it a go.”

For many people, the first step is the hardest. Knowing what to say, how many times to post a ‘tweet’ (the name given to the message posts), and conveying your thoughts in no more than 140 characters are some of the stumbling blocks to getting started.

“We started by playing on Twitter. At that point, we didn’t have a specific, wellplanned strategy in mind. We experimented by posting a variety of different messages, and wherever possible directing people to our website or blog. The style of messages tended to be an expression of our thoughts and feelings, and a mixture of business and personal content. The turning point in terms of generating business was connecting online to a dentist based in Newbury, Richard Charon (Twitter ID @RichardCharon). As a result of this online relationship Fallowfields has now hosted between 70 – 100 lunches for a networking group.”

Other business has followed and in the eighteen-month period since starting a Twitter account, Fallowfields has generated an incredible £100,000 as a direct result of tweeting and it didn’t cost them a penny. This result alone should be enough to convince business-owners everywhere that they should at least consider how they could make social media work for them.

“One of the many beauties of social media is the fact that you can influence the outcome far more than you can with advertising. With tools like Twitter you can react very quickly. For example, if I suddenly have a room cancellation I

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can promote it as a late offer immediately and within seconds its quite likely the booking will be replaced, albeit at a lower value. Social media also gives you a variety of tools to help you engage more effectively with your target market, to respond to their needs and requirements and quickly. Traditional advertising just simply cannot compete in the same way.”

Research has shown that businesses seeking to engage with consumers (B2C market) via social media can expect fairly quick returns. Fallowfields was active for six months before securing business. For service industries selling to the business community (B2B) it’s more likely to take a longer time to build trust and rapport online. This is no different to off-line marketing. We don’t think too hard before buying a meal out but we would consider long and hard before committing several thousands of pounds for a PR campaign. twitter.com/FallowfieldsUK

TOP TWITTER TIPS 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Don’t worry too much about getting it right from day one.

Be authentic, people will see through you very quickly if you only ever try to sell. Use social media well to raise your profile and build your brand and business will follow.

Do engage with others online. Comment on posts, share/offer advice.

Be seen as an expert/supporter of others.

Be consistent. Decide on the minimum amount of time you can afford to commit and stick to it.

Do take advantage of the various social media management tools.

They will save you time.

Do plan your social media activity to reflect your overall marketing strategy.

Don’t expect to get business immediately. Use social media to raise your profile and build your brand.

Do measure your success, evaluate and adapt your strategy to maintain a strong presence and results.

119

INTOUCH

B4 EVENT

OXFORD

FASHIONWEEK With a capacity of over 200 seats for the public; and designers from around the World, the Concept Show was the largest event of OFW this year.

Ara Jo, a designer whose pieces have been worn

by Lady Gaga said: “Being a young designer, I am always up for working with new/up and coming people, OFW and I have both just started, and it will be amazing to work together step by step."

Next in line was the Lingerie Show, at the luxurious converted prison, Malmaison Hotel. The seductive event showcased a stylish range of lingerie, to celebrate women through theatrical, glamorous and exciting design.

From fine corsetry by Velda Lauder to girly, frilly pieces by a La La Loula, there was something for everyone. Producers Rosa Schiller Crawhurst and Inga Meladze made sure the show was glamorous yet eclectic so every woman felt she could look and feel amazing in any of the clothes displayed. Rosa said: “In short, our show is about confidence” General Manager of Malmaison Oxford Andrew Creese: “It’s great to be involved once again in OFW. Each year this event grows with momentum, and Malmaison is a great venue for it. The lingerie show is great fun and good for the city and I hope to see its continued success in the years to come.”

www.b4-business.com

Oxford Fashion Week 2011 kicked off with the colourful Concept Show, produced by Adriana Blidaru on Tuesday 1st March. Startech productions made excellent use of the cavernous art deco space of The Regal, where outrageous and sensational designs strutted down the catwalk.

The third runway show was the Ethical Show, organised by the O3 Gallery and held at The Living Room. The show featured a wide range of designs, from casual outfits to elegant gowns, but each piece was united in being ethically produced.

O3 Gallery Manager Helen Statham said: “We are hugely excited to be part of Oxford Fashion Week, and it’s wonderful that we can work together to make fashion and art more accessible to people and also to team up the creative’s in Oxford to show we are a creative community.”

The high fashion climax of OFW 2011 was the Couture show, produced by Irina Higgins and Ling Ge in aid of the Oxford Thinking Campaign. The event was held at Oxford Exam Schools and featured big fashion names such as Matthew Williamson, Elie Saab, Ted Baker and Nicole Farhi.

The event ended with a charity auction, where audience members could bid on high fashion couture items, including a Dar Sara dress worth £6000 and an Alexander McQueen clutch bag.

The final event of OFW2011, took place on Saturday 19th March, dispelling the myth of the Oxford Fashion ‘Week’. The event featured high street fashion in back to back runway shows, alongside the Macmillan Clothes Extravaganza which raised money for Macmillan Cancer Support.

The event featured Models from the campaign ‘Models of Diversity’ which aims to promote beauty in all shapes and sizes.

All in all, OFW 2011 was a triumph; the Week continues to grow from year to year. Sadly, this will be the last year Carl Anglim is the Week’s Executive Producer. Carl has seen the growth of OFW from its birth three years ago, and is eager to hear from any businesses interested in operating or partnering with Oxford Fashion Week, to see it continue into 2012.

Carl Anglim said: “OFW is able to happen and grow because of the generous support provided by so many in Oxford who have helped to build it. This includes individuals, companies, organizations, media partners, educational institutions and charities. The ‘Oxford’ part in Oxford Fashion Week really means something.”

OFW team member Marina Rumyanskaya said: “OFW has a huge team spirit and sense of community. OFW gives many opportunities for aspiring professionals, many of which are students of the universities, to work alongside true professionals and learn from them.” www.oxfordfashionweek.com

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MALMAISON

OFFERS

From Work Horse to Social Butterfly: Friday night's at the Mal. It's true. You've been a work horse all week. A slave to the 9 to 5. At last, the weekend has arrived. And from now on Friday is a totally different beast altogether at the Leeds Malmaison. Cocktail in hand you swap the stuffy shirt for the dancing shoes and head down to the Brasserie for two courses from our Double Daring Acts of Dining Menu and a bottle of House Wine. Dare to unleash the party animal.

Live for Fridays at the Mal. All from only £99 per room. That's Mal life.

Terms and availability.

conditions

apply.

Subject

NAUGHTY, BUT NICE For readers who have had the good fortune to stay in a Malmaison Hotel, they will know there is an element of dare, copious amounts of fun and a great deal of ‘sassy’ when it comes to the Malmaison experience. The word ‘Dare’ appears in most Mal promotions, and that’s evident as soon as you walk through the door.

Prior to being converted to a hotel, the building Leeds Malmaison now occupies used to be the old tram and bus depot, providing a superb central location in the city for business and leisure breaks. Leeds has gained a reputation for great shopping, a vibrant nightlife and superb restaurants, all within a stones throw of the hotel. There’s nowhere better to be based than at Mal with its one hundred ‘super slinky’ rooms plus the aptly named rock’n’roll suite called The Depot.

More about the brasserie later, but the bar deserves special mention. With moody lighting and soft furnishings, the bar was buzzing with life when we arrived, and the mixologist was in full flow, perhaps shaking up a Blackforest Martini or a chilled glass of fizz. And to work it all off? There’s even a gym

to

Take Back Sundays Mal Life. Take back what is rightfully yours. The Sunday Evening.

Forget the worries and stresses of work and turn instead to devine dining and rock n roll rooms.

Start the week the way you mean to go on.

Stay at the Malmaison for just £10 when you spend £75 per night in the brasserie on a Sunday night (between two). Now there's a revolution. We dare you. That's Mal Life!

Double Daring Acts of Dining Two courses, a bottle of wine and coffee for two people £30. To redeem this offer visit www.malmaison.com, download the voucher and show at the brasserie on arrival.

Toast to the Roast Nobody does Sunday's better than the Leeds Malmaison.

Daring to keep Sundays local. A soup starter, Sunday roast and half a bottle of house wine. £15 per person.

Applicable on Sundays only from 1pm - 4pm.

Bookings should be made in advance to avoid disappointment.

122

www.b4-business.com

B4 R&R

with all the kit you need to at least ease your conscience of a night of decadence.

We arrived at this super slinky hotel after a surprisingly easy-going three hour drive from Oxford to Leeds, on a Friday night of all nights.

Having checked in and met with General Manager, Emma Doré, I went off to the adjacent park the car

Leeds to see Abi perform for her school in a school’s choir competition, being held in Sheffield the following day.

We slept like logs, but before we made, the half hour journey to Sheffield, we enjoyed a fabulous cooked breakfast which would set us all, and most importantly Abi, up for a long day. A day which

when we sat down to eat. We had mentioned when we arrived that Abi was in a competition and one member of staff had asked how Abi had got on when we arrived back from Sheffield. The fact her school had come second obviously filtered through to the restaurant, and we were presented with three glasses of champagne, a wonderful gesture – Abi’s was actually lemonade, but she had

“Malmaison Leeds had delivered, with a lot of flare, oodles of professionalism, a little bit of naughty but a lot of nice!” whilst Tina and Abi went to the room. I’m not sure who ‘makes’ the car parks in Leeds, but boy are they smart – I’ve never been in a car park before and tried not to get the floor dirty!

Back at the hotel, I shared a lift to the fourth floor with two maids, not any maids I hasten to add.

These two were enjoying a French Maids’ 30th Party in one of the perivate dining rooms – all good harmless fun. Shaken but not stirred, I knocked on the door of room 411 and Abi let me in. The room was perfect, with a sofa bed already set up for Abi, large bathroom and the sumptuous furnishings and décor you come to expect from Malmaison. It was important we all had an early night as we were in

www.b4-business.com

would see Abi and her fellow choristers from The Dragon School come second in the BBC Songs of Praise, Junior School Choir of the Year Competition, with Aled Jones presenting and no less than Russell Watson, Suzi Digby and David Grant judging.

it in a proper champagne flute, a lovely touch and it made her feel very grown up.

We arrived back at the hotel at around 8pm, in time for a quick wash and change, and took our seats in a packed brasserie shortly after.

Malmaison Leeds had delivered, with a lot of flare, oodles of professionalism, a little bit of naughty but a lot of nice! It’s a weekend one little girl in particular won’t forget for a long time.

Malmaison Leeds was a very busy hotel all weekend, with a bar and brasserie fit to bursting.

The really impressive aspect of our stay related to the staff, who were all bubbly, welcoming and incredibly helpful at all times. None more so than

Our meal was first class, the atmosphere vibrant and sophisticated.

www.malmaison.com

123

B4 NETWORKING

THE REVOLUTION IN BUSINESS TRAINING ROLLS OUT! With Prime Minister David Cameron calling for Entrepreneurs, Small and Medium sized Business Owners to Step Up and Save the UK Economy, one Oxfordshire based company is determined to make sure they have the world-class training and support they need to access locally.

7 Years ago Paul Avins, Founder of The Business Wealth Club, Award Winning Business Coach and B4 Ambassador, had a Vision – To create a Global Network of Professionally run Business Clubs focused on delivering Proven, Practical, Profit creating Training and Mentoring to Fast Track Business owners to Success.

so I know first hand just how painful Fatal Feedback can be!”

Today that Vision is becoming a reality with the opening of new Business Wealth Club Franchises in Northampton, Reading and St Albans by April.

With the first International Clubs scheduled to Open in South Africa, Canada and US before the Summer.

In fact a recent survey by HSBC Bank looked at who business owners would ideally turn to for Mentoring: • A professional adviser - 37% • A high-profile entrepreneur (such as Peter Jones) 26% • A successful small or medium-sized business owner: 21% • Someone else: 16%

“The crazy part is that most business owners who visit our clubs have had more training and coaching to learn how to drive the car that got them to the meeting, than they have had to learn how to grow the company they want to promote and tell people about!” says Paul.

“When you think that as business owners we invest huge amounts of energy, time and money to build a business asset that we want to both fund our lifestyle and secure our family’s financial future, it not longer makes sense to attempt this without some level of support and guidance.”

“Trial and error is a very expensive way to learn – I should know it cost me a business many years ago

www.b4-business.com

TV Shows like Dragons Den & The Apprentice have made business owners aware of the Value of a Mentor with real world experience and are now actively looking for support and advice

We see that our Club Mentors provide the Professional Advice and the experience gained by running businesses in their own right.

“All out Business Club mentors are carefully selected” explains Paul. “They must have a proven track record in their own right, have passed a strict interview and profile test and pass our intense 6 day Franchise Training Program before we let them open their clubs. You can’t just turn up with a cheque book and ask to buy a Franchise. I’ve seen what happens when companies operate that way and it leads to disappointment and disaster for

people.”

The Business Wealth Club is unique as it blends 3 core principles into its Powerful Success Support System™ for members: 1. Professionally Run, Dynamic, Local Networking, twice a month 2. Blended Business Training, Mentoring and Success Coaching members can apply right away to get results.

3. Local Team Support and Joint Ventures with Fellow Club members Paul has always believed that if you want your business to get better then you have to take 100% responsibility and get better educated.

He likes to quote top Management Guru Tom Peters who says “Continued Learning may be the ONLY real source of sustainable competitive Advantage in Business today!”

Members certainly believe this and are generating impressive results in todays challenging market.

“As long as there are business owners hungry to learn how to grow their Sales, Profits and Success – we’ll be here to Train and Support them.” Paul Avins. www.thebusinesswealthclub.com

125

THE PLACE TO B2B! With state of the art function spaces and private hire ranging from an art gallery to a crypt Oxford Castle is conveniently located between Oxford train station and the city centre.

Surrounded by stimulating buildings and serviced by an array of restaurants, a stylish hotel, and first class catering, Oxford Castle is the place to B2B!

Oxford Castle, New Road, Oxford, OX1 1AY – www.oxfordcastle.com – 01865 201 657

B4 EDUCATION

DOUBLING UP!

Oxford & Cherwell Valley College (OCVC) has set itself a challenge to more than double the number of apprentices it trains in the next two years.

With the Government making funding extra apprenticeships a high priority and more Oxfordshire businesses seeing the benefits, OCVC has announced an extended list of opportunities for would-be apprentices. The college is the leading provider of apprenticeship training in Oxfordshire. It currently trains 550 students from more than 300 companies, and wants to boost that figure to more than 1100.

OCVC Principal Sally Dicketts says there are a wide range of exciting opportunities for professionals looking to expand their skills, prospects and personal development, as well as young adults seeking employment for the first time: “A survey for the national apprenticeship service found 80% of businesses who employ apprentices agree they make their workplace more productive. In support of the government Budget commitment to provide extra funding for apprenticeship programmes for learners aged 19+, OCVC is looking for employers not only to recruit new apprentices, but also to use this method of training to support the personal development of existing staff.”

www.b4-business.com

OCVC has been working with North Oxfordshirebased motorsport and vehicle technology business Prodrive to train their apprentices for more than ten years. Rob Alderman, who manages Prodrive’s apprenticeship scheme, says: “It’s important that we continue to develop new young technicians who have the right skills and approach to the way they work. Our apprenticeship scheme gives us the opportunity to train young people in the unique skills we need as one of the world’s leading motorsport businesses.”

On a visit to meet the talented team of Prodrive apprentices (see picture), Banbury MP Tony Baldry, said: “I hope that every employer locally, particularly those who are finding it difficult to get people with the right skills, will seriously consider taking on an apprentice, or apprentices.”

Apprenticeships available at OCVC include: AAT Accounting, Brickwork (Trowel Trades), Bench Joinery (Wood Trades), Business Administration, Construction Supervision, Customer Service, Driving Goods Vehicles, Engineering, Food & Beverage

Service, Food Manufacturing, Hairdressing, Hand Crafted Furniture, Health & Social Care, Kitchen Services, Maintenance, Management, Motorsports, Motor Vehicle Maintenance & Repair, Painting & Decorating, Plumbing, Professional Cookery, Site Carpentry (Wood Trades), Sports Coaching & Recreation, Team Leading, Warehouse & Storage.

There’s more detail at www.ocvc.ac.uk/ apprenticeships, you can call Employer Services on 01865 551015 or text APPRENTICE with your name and number to 81400.

As Oxfordshire’s premier college of further education, OCVC has excellent links with local employers and its vocational courses are delivered in industry-standard facilities.

OCVC delivers courses over four campuses at Banbury, Bicester, Blackbird Leys and Oxford City Centre.

Pictured: OCVC Principal Sally Dicketts and Tony Baldry MP with Prodrive apprentices.

127

NEW MENU, SAME STYLE, SERVICE, QUALITY AND ATTITUDE Mal life. You’re always daring to be different. Now we’re double daring you with two courses each, a bottle of wine between two and coffee for only £30 for two people at the Mal. lets make it a double date, you won’t forget it.

We double dare you. That’s Mal life. .

See website for full terms and conditions.

Valid lunch Monday to Saturday. Dinner Monday to Friday

To book call in or call

01865 268 400

OXFORD

or email: oxford@malmaison.com 3 Oxford Castle, New Road, Oxford, OX1 1AY For the best rates GUARANTEED visit malmaison.com

Hotel | Bar | Brasserie

B4 MARKETING

BRANDING BY DESIGN How seriously do you take your brand and how hard does it work for you? The B-Line Design department delves into the world of branding and the importance of being seen.

The importance of branding is often underestimated. In the mid-2000’s Dorset Cereals re-branded, they went from a plain cellophane packet with a dated and uninspiring logo, to eye-catching boxes highlighting key messages to entice consumers to buy into their brand, and to purchase their product over competitors. Their branding was consistent throughout, resulting in coherent messaging across all forms of marketing collateral. The financial investment was well advised and Dorset Cereals tripled their market share as a direct result of the rebranding project. With statistics that strong it would be foolish to ignore the impact of your brand on existing and potential customers.

Although some people will try to tell you otherwise, it is proven that branding influences our buying decisions to some degree, in both the B2C and B2B market place. Tim Watts of Euro-Controls, distributors of humidification, controls and air conditioning, shared an alarming example: “I was chatting with a business-owner friend who had discovered that many of his regular customers, when asked for the business name, didn’t actually know it! He rebranded and his company brand recognition improved overnight.”

www.b4-business.com

Using this example, Tim Watts evaluated Euro-Controls branding and found it lacking: “Our original logo had been designed by my father and just looked out of date. By sheer coincidence we received an e-shot from B-Line promoting their

“...He rebranded, and his company brand recognition improved overnight

”

our brand, yet at the same time we wanted to convey that our methods and products are very much up to-date”, explained Tim Watts. B-Line produced three conceptual designs within 24 hours for consideration, all of which met with approval.

“We were amazed at the turnaround time! Add to that, the fact that we liked all three designs, we were seriously impressed. We chose the one we felt best reflected our company values and one which would work well in printed matter and with online collateral like our website. Feedback has been hugely positive which is very satisfying, I only wish we’d done it sooner!”

brand design service at the same time. I requested a call back (part of their service) and after a quick conversation with in-house designer Sally Wilson, we instructed B-Line to create a new brand.”

B-Line is well known for providing a wide range of business supplies to companies throughout the UK. Tim Watts suggests in his own words why he thinks companies should also consider exploring the various design services on offer:

Ensuring a successful outcome is largely dependent on a detailed branding brief. This not only saves time in the long run but is also guaranteed to ensure ‘right first time’ design.

• They really listen to you before making their suggestions • The design service is very cost effective • The speed of turnaround is impressive

“Sally asked useful questions that got us to really focus on what our company represented and what type of customers we wanted to appeal to. We’re family owned and managed and it was important that these traditional values were still reflected in

With so many financial benefits being attributed to strong branding, isn’t it about time you refreshed your company image? www.b-line.co.uk

129

ADVANCE Contact us now* to enquire about the stunning new Minoli Launch Brochure. Timeless contemporary style merges with natural inspiration.

Ranges like Advance and Style are characterised by an amazing variety of charming volume and depth.

T. 01865 778225 info@minoli.co.uk www.minoli.co.uk

THE SURFACE WITHIN™ Celebrating 50 years of Minoli

*Please mention that you’ve seen this advert in B4 Magazine

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4/7/2011 9:32:00 AM

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• 151 Bedrooms • Conferences to Exhibitions and Receptions • Free Car Park space for Organiser/Trainer • Environmental Policy & UK food purchasing policy • Excellent location to combine events with University Colleges • All projects considered

Macdonald Randolph Hotel, Beaumont Street, Oxford, OX1 2LN T 0844 879 9132 F 01865 791678 *Summer rate applicable to new bookings, confirmed and taking between 1st June to 31st August 2011.

Rates subject to availability.

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4/4/11 15:21:50

www.MacdonaldHotels.co.uk/Randolph

B4 Contacts ADVICE ACCOUNTING Wenn Townsend Tony Haines Partner t: 01865 559900 w: www.wenntownsend.co.uk The MGroup Richard Clayton Partner t: 01865 552925 w: www.themgroup.co.uk Shaw Gibbs Peter O’Connell Partner t: 01865 292200 w: www.shawgibbs.com Wellers Stuart Crook Partner t: 01865 723131 w: www.wellersaccountants.co.uk Grant Thornton Wendy Hart Managing Partner t: 01865 799899 w: www.grant-thornton.co.uk V J Hancock & Co. Ltd t: 01993 822817 w: www.vjhancockandco.com

BUSINESS ADVICE Jamesons Insolvency & Business Recovery t: 01993 707860 w: www.jamesons.co.uk Oxford Professional Consulting Alison Haill Managing Director t: 01865 436 791 w: www.oxfordprofessionalconsulting.com The Business Wealth Club Paul Avins Founder & CEO t: 01869 278900 w: www.thebusinesswealthclub.com Sci Net t: 01869 349949 w: www.sci-net.co.uk The Clarkson Alliance t: 01865 355580 w: www.theclarksonalliance.com

LEGAL Darbys Solicitors Simon McCrum Managing Partner t: 01865 811700 w: www.darbys.co.uk Beechwood Solicitors t: 01865 883344 w: www.beechwoodsolicitors.com BrookStreet Des Roches LLP Paddy Gregan Partner

t: 01235 865500 w: www.image-av.co.uk

BUSINESS AWARDS West Oxfordshire Business Awards t: 07772 085578 w: www.woba.co.uk

BUSINESS CONSULTANTS

t: 01235 836655 w: www.bsdr.com

The Profitable Hotel Company Stuart Harrison Owner

Henmans LLP Julia Iball Managing Partner

t: 01993 706632 w: www.profitablehotelcompany.co.uk

t: 01865 781000 w: www.henmansllp.co.uk

Kelly Associates t: 01865 761738 www.kellyassociates.co.uk

Manches Richard Smith Managing Partner

BUSINESS ORGANISATIONS

t: 01865 722106 w: www.manches.com

Institute of Directors Ian Wenman Chairman

Withy King Richard White Head of Employment

t: 07770 893834 w: www.iod.com

t: 01865 792300 w: www.withyking.co.uk

OTCN t: 01865 893354 ext 464 w: www.otcn.co.uk

White & Black Legal LLP t: 0800 035 2656 w: www.wablegal.com

BUSINESS SUPPLIES & EQUIPMENT

Morgan Cole t: 01865 262600 w: www.morgan-cole.com

B-Line David Beesley Chairman

BUSINESS SERVICES ARCHIVING AND STORAGE Ardington Archives Janet Gibbons Director

t: 01865 594550 w: www.b-line.co.uk Aston & James Office Supplies Limited Alan Aston Director t: 01993 706900 w: www.aston-james.co.uk

t: 01367 718710 w: www.ardingtonarchives.co.uk

Bayswater Framing Simon Beesley Managing Director

AUDIO VISUAL

t: 01865 351000 w: www.bayswaterframing.co.uk

City Audio Visual Peter Gunn Director t: 01865 722800 w: www.cityaudiovisual.co.uk Bang & Olufsen t: 01865 511241 w: www.bang-olufsen.com

www.b4-business.com

Image Audio Visual Solutions Andy Fegan Managing Director

CHARITIES Macmillan Julian Knowles Fundraising Manager t: 01869 322279 w: www.macmillan.org.uk

131

FLY to the

PAST

HISTORY OF FLIGHT SHOW Sunday 21st August Oxford Airport

FLY TO THE PAST

4 - HOUR AIR SHOW SWING CLASSES VINTAGE FASHION SHOW WING WALKING

F!

PLEASURE FLIGHTS “LOVELY LEGS” SHOW & MANY MORE ATTRACTIONS ... SEE OUR WEBSITE!

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AF ST

Fasten your seat belts, put your deck chairs in the upright position and fly your company to the past for a corporate family day of fun, flight and festivity!

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Remember ~ nostalgia is here to stay!

Contact Algy and book your company day out to the past!

Telephone 01865 516124

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algy@flytothepast.com

B4 Contacts Oxford Inspires t: 01865 815525 w: www.oxfordinspires.org

Bridle Insurance Neil Fox Chief Operations Officer

Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals Charitable Funds Graham Brogden Head of Community Fundraising

t: 0845 0349648 w: www.bridleinsurance.co.uk

t: 01865 743442 w: www.orhcharitablefunds.nhs.uk Oxfam Joss Saunders Legal Advisor

LOCAL GOVERNMENT West Oxfordshire District Council William Barton Business Development Officer

TRAVEL City Sightseeing Jane Marshall Transport Manager t: 01865 790 522 w: www.citysightseeingoxford.com London Oxford Airport James Dillon-Godfray Head of Marketing and Development t: 01865 290 600 w: www.londonoxfordairport.com

w: www.westoxon.gov.uk/business t: 0300 200 1292 w: www.oxfam.org.uk ROBIN Grant Hayward Local Business Partnership Coordinator, Oxfordshire t: 01865 251946 w: www.ocva.org.uk/robin The Ley Community Steve Walker Programme Director t: 01865 378600 w: www.ley.co.uk Footsteps Foundation t: 01865 858382 w: www.footstepsfoundation.com

DEBT COLLECTION Total Credit Management Clive Taylor Director t: 01993 832266 w: www.totalcreditmanagement.co.uk

DISTRIBUTION Air Business Ltd Adam Sherman Group Managing Director t: 01727 890 620 w: www.airbusonline.com

ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES PAVY Ltd t: 01865 349014 w: www.pavy.co.uk

INSURANCE CETA Insurance Ltd Sandie Schofield Managing Director

NETWORKING GROUPS B4 Magazine Richard Rosser Editor t: 01865 742211 w: www.b4-business.com Advantage Business Networking t: 0800 093 4111 w: www.advantagebusinessnetworking.co.uk Ladies that Lunch t: 0845 330 1078 w: www.ladiesthatlunch.co.uk Venturefest w: www.venturefest.com Witney BigBreakfast Club t: 01608 811533 w: www.witneybigbreakfast.co.uk Opendoorz Cathy Dunbabin Director t: 01865 339434 w: www.opendoorz.biz

TRANSPORT Chiltern Railways Adrian Shooter Chairman t: 08456 005 165 w: www.chilternrailways.co.uk Hilltop Chauffeurs Nathan Thomas t: 07825 500852 / 01865 595262 w:www.hilltopchauffeurs.co.uk Isis Chauffeur t: 01993 709023 / 07545 601515 w: www.isischauffeur.co.uk

Visit Oxfordshire Joanne Butler Tourism Team Leader t: 01865 252200 w: www.visitoxfordandoxfordshire.com

CONFERENCE, EVENTS & VENUES CONFERENCES Conference Centre Oxford Alexandra Stardelova Marketing Executive t: 01865 797979 w: www.conferencecentreoxford.co.uk Pembroke College Daren Bowyer Home Bursar t: 01865 276484 w: www.pmb.ox.ac.uk/Conferences Ashmolean Museum Bénédicte Montain Head of Commercial Events t: 01865 610406 w: www.ashmolean.org The Oxford Centre Andrew Lund-Yates General Manager t: 01865 797979 w: www.the-oxford-centre.co.uk Cotswold Wildlife Park Reggie Heyworth Managing Director t: 01993 823006 w: www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk Egrove Park Jill Grieveson Conference Manager t: 01865 422757 w: www.sbs.oxford.edu/conferencing

t: 0845 4583071 w: www.lowerpremium.co.uk

www.b4-business.com

133

B4 Contacts Four Pillars Hotels Chris Green Group Marketing Manager

De Vere Milton Hill House t: 01235 831474 w: www.devere.co.uk/our-locations/milton-hill-house

t: 0800 374 692 w: www.four-pillars.co.uk

EVENTS

Kassam Stadium Rachel Harwood General Manager

Oxford Fashion Week Carl Anglim Director w: www.oxfordfashionweek.com

Lady Margaret Hall Bill Kemp Head of Conference Services

Picnic Film t: 0844 248 5109 w: www.picnicfilm.co.uk

t: 01865 611079 w: www.lmh.ox.ac.uk

Fly to the Past t: 01865 516124 w: www.flytothepast.com

t: 01865 242191 w: www.mcsoxford.org Malmaison Andrew Creese General Manager t: 01865 268400 w: www.malmaison.com/hotels/oxford Meet Oxfordshire Julie Archer Managing Agent t: 01608 659900 w: www.meetoxfordshire.com Williams F1 Conference Centre Brendan Caffrey Conference Centre Manager t: 01235 777900 w: www.williamsf1conferences.com Blenheim Palace Hospitality t: 01993 813 874 w: www.blenheimpalace.com Eynsham Hall t: 01993 885200 w: www.eynshamhall.com The Oxford Union t: 01865 241353 w: www.oxford-union.org The Examination Schools Kay Hogg Events Manager t: 01865 276905 w: www.examschools.ox.ac.uk Heythrop Park Resort Adam Vint Sales Manager t: 01608 673470 w: www.heythropparkresort.co.uk

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Oxford and Cherwell Valley College Sally Dicketts Principal t: 01865 550550 w: www.ocvc.ac.uk

6TH FORM DAY & BOARDING COLLEGE

t: 01865 337602 w: www.thekassamstadium.com

Magdalen College School Emma Bellenie Events Manager

FURTHER EDUCATION

VENUES Blenheim Palace John Hoy Chief Executive t: 01993 810501 w: www.blenheimpalace.com Oxford Castle Jean-Pierre Morilleau General Manager t: 01865 201657 w: www.oxfordcastle.com Rhodes House t: 01865 282599 w: www.rhodeshouseoxford.com

St Clare’s, Oxford Paula Holloway Principal t: 01865 552031 w: www.stclares.ac.uk

SCHOOLS Bloxham School Nick Irvine Marketing Director t: 01295 724332 w: www.bloxhamschool.com Abingdon School t: 01235 521563 w: www.abingdon.org.uk d’Overbroeck’s College t: 01865 310 000 w: www.doverbroecks.com St Edwards School t: 01865 319 204 w: www.stedwards.oxon.sch.uk

TUITION EQUIPMENT HIRE Oxford Event Hire Kieran Lynch Owner t: 01865 760158 w: www.oxfordeventhire.co.uk

EDUCATION COLLEGES Magna Carta College David Faulkner Dean t: 01865 593131 w: www.magnacartacollege.org

OXFORD UNIVERSITY Begbroke Science Park Peter Dobson Managing Director

Oxford International Study Centre t: 01865 201009 w: www.oxinstudycentre.com British Study Centre Nicholas Philips School Director t: 01865 246620 w: www.british-study.com

FINANCE BANKING LloydsTSB Commercial Dave Atkinson Area Director w:www.lloydstsb.com Coutts and Co t: 01865 389039 w: www.coutts.com

t: 01865 283700 w: www.begbroke.ox.ac.uk

www.b4-business.com

IFA’s Optimum Wealth Management t: 01865 511098 / 07836 572467 w: www.optimox.co.uk

MORTGAGE ADVICE Mortgage Choices James Keene Principal Consultant t: 01993 862888 w: www.mortgage-choices.com

HEALTH AND LEISURE FITNESS Bourton Mill Gavin Peck Manager t: 01865 251261 w: www.bourtonmill.net Esporta Andy Wheeler Sales Manager t: 01865 318300 w: www.esporta.com TLA Fitness t: 07554 400 401 w: www.tlafitness.com

GOLF The B4/MGroup Golf Cup t: 01865 742211 w: www.b4-business.com Bicester Golf & Health Club Mark Odom Health Club & Spa General Manager t: 01869 241204 w: www.bicesterhotelgolfandspa.com Frilford Heath Golf Club Alistair Booth Director t: 01865 390864 w: www.frilfordheath.co.uk North Oxford Golf Club Bob Harris Managing Director t: 01865 553977 w: www.nogc.co.uk The Oxfordshire Golf Club Tim Pettifer General Manager

Southfield Golf Club t: 01865 242158 w: www.southfieldgolf.com Studley Wood Golf Club Ken Heathcote Managing Director

HR CONSULTANT HR2You Sarah Morris Owner t: 07789 711997 w: www.hr2you.co.uk

t: 01865 351122 w: www.studleywoodgolfclub.co.uk

TRAINING HEALTH CARE Monica Franke t: 07970 119721 w: www.monicafranke.com Oxford Radcliffe Private Healthcare Alex Barnes Assistant Director, Private Patients t: 01865 221033 w: www.oxfordradcliffe.nhs.uk/ privatehealthcare

SPORT Alchester Rugby Club t: 01789 764061 w: www.alcesterrfc.co.uk/contact-2.asp Chipping Norton RUFC t: 01608 643968 w: www.chippingnortonrugbyclub.co.uk North Oxford Lawn Tennis Club t: 01865 513560 (Clubhouse) w: www.northoxfordltc.org.uk

Sandler Training t: 01608 611211 w: www.uk.sandler.com

IT & TELECOMMUNICATIONS DATABASE MANAGEMENT InTouch CRM James White Managing Director t: 0845 310 9973 w: www.intouchcrm.co.uk

IT SERVICES Nominet Lesley Cowley OBE CEO t: 01865 332211 w: www.nominet.org.uk

Oxford United Football Club Kelvin Thomas Chairman

Oxford Knowledge Company Mark Salisbury Director

t: 01865 337505 w: www.oufc.co.uk

t: 01865 322100 w: www.oxford-knowledge.com

Oxford University Rugby Football Club Tim Stevens Club Administrator t: 01865 432000 w: www.ourfc.org

WELLBEING Helen Money Nutrition t: 01865 339672 w: www.helenmoneynutrition.com

Oxford Home IT Support Richard Hilsdon Managing Director t: 01865 594020 w: www.homeitsupport.biz Floremus.com t: 0871 704 21 80 w: www.floremus.com

MOBILE PHONES

HR RECRUITMENT The Career Boutique Katherine Dales Managing Director

Everything Everywhere Martin Lyne SME Marketing Director w: www.everythingeverywhere.com

t: 0845 5204010 w: www.thecareerboutique.com

t: 01844 278 300 w: www.theoxfordshiregolfclub.com

www.b4-business.com

135

B4 Contacts SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT Surefire Digital Rob Jones Director

Glooo Chris Jones Director t: 07814 046747 w: www.glooo.co.uk

t: 020 3239 8055 w: www.surefiredigital.co.uk

MANUFACTURING TELECOMMUNICATIONS Orange Stripe Telecommunications Nigel Pursall Managing Director t: 0845 241 7772 w: www.orangestripe.co.uk

KITCHEN APPLIANCES Miele Company Ltd Zoe Naylor Financial Controller t: 0845 365 6600 w: www.miele.co.uk

WEBSITE DEVELOPMENT Blink Designs Keith Simpson Senior Designer t: 01865 742211 w: www.on-the-blink.com Chris Fulton Design Chris Fulton Owner t: 07745 033707 w: www.chrisfultondesign.co.uk Torpedo Group Limited Iain Lewis Director t: 01865 733710 w: www.torpedogroup.com Olamalu Christoph Corvin Director t: 01993 764566 w: www.olamalu.com Momentum Solutions t: 01865 793520 w: www.momentumws.co.uk

LIGHTING WILA Group Ltd Mike Collett Chief Executive Officer t: 01235 773500 w: www.wila.com

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY SCIENCE Science Oxford Dominic McDonald Head of Public Engagement and Business Networks t: 01865 728953 w: www.scienceoxford.com

TECHNOLOGY Oxford Instruments t: 01865 393378 w: www.oxford-instruments.com

MARKETING & DESIGN

WEB OPTIMISATION

ADVERTISING

Oxford Digital Marketing Simon Wallace-Jones Co-Founder

In Oxford Magazine Colin Rosser Chairman

t: 01865 600 508 w: www.oxforddigitalmarketing.co.uk

t: 01865 742211 w: www.inoxford.com

Studio8search Nicola Wiseman Director t: 01865 842525 w: www.studio8search.com Zest Alex Minchin Director t: 0843 289 0161 w: www.zestdigital.co 136

CORPORATE IDENTITY

DESIGN ADS t: 01993 885122 w: www.adsoxford.co.uk Orchadis Media t: 01865 339 429 w: www.orchadis.com

FREELANCE COPY WRITING AND EDITING Stoneleigh Associates Erica Conlan Proprietor t: 07837 480 432 e: erica.conlan@stoneleighassociates.com Wordsmith TM t: 01993 811579 w: www.wordsmithtm.co.uk Barbara Richardson Barbara Richardson Managing Director t: 07949 011203 e: barbara.alchemy@gmail.com

MARKET RESEARCH / TELEMARKETING Lingo Su Copeland Managing Director t: 01865 886340 w: www.lingotelemarketing.com

MARKETING The Project Managers Peronel Barnes Director t: 01865 751531 w: www.the-project-managers.com ClientMailer t: 07788 677512 w: www.clientmailer.com Marketing Initiatives Business t: 0845 116 2347 w: www.themib.co.uk Kai Communications t: 07966 234757 w: www.kaicommunications.co.uk AWM Marketing t: 01367 244996 w: www.awm-marketing.com

Recognition Express Andy Olejnik Managing Director

PHOTOGRAPHY

t: 01295 257611 w: www.re-oxfordshire.co.uk

Studio 8 Clark Wiseman Managing Director t: 01865 842525 w: www.studio-8.co.uk

www.b4-business.com

Lyon Photography t: 01865 481550 w: www.lyonphotography.co.uk

Tracey Jefferies Tracey Jefferies Founder

M40 Offices t: 01844 260500 w: www.m40offices.co.uk

PS Unlimited t: 01865 930167 w: www.psunlimited.co.uk

t: 01865 820183 w: www.traceyjefferies.co.uk

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY AGENTS

WEB PERFORMANCE

VSL and Partners Richard Venables Director

PRINTING Lynx DPM Dee Patel Managing Director t: 01865 891989 w: www.lynxdpm.com Print, Design and Focus Sue Carter Director

Studio8search t: 01865 245777 w: www.studio8search.com

t: 01865 848488 w: www.vslandp.com

Obergine t: 01865 245777 w: www.obergine.com

Carter Jonas Scott Harkness Partner

PROPERTY & BUILDING

t: 01865 511444 w: www.carterjonas.co.uk Oxford Innovation Ltd Jo Willett Sales and Marketing Director

t: 01993 774543 w: www.printdesignfocus.co.uk

ARCHITECTS

The Goodhead Group David Holland Chief Executive

Riach Architects Douglas Riach Principal

t: 07773 316 204 w: www.bgprint.co.uk

t: 01865 553772 w: www.riacharchitects.com

The Oxford Duplication Centre t: 01865 457000 w: www.oxfordduplicationcentre.co.uk

Gray Baynes & Shew LLP t: 01865 305130 w: www.gbs-ox.co.uk

DEVELOPMENT

Blueprint Imaging Martin Matthews Managing Director

Ridge and Partners David Walker Partner

The Trevor Osborne Property Group Trevor Osborne Chairman

t: 01993 892360 w: www.blueprintimaging.com

t: 01993 815000 w: www.ridge.co.uk

t: 01225 832302 w: www.topgroup.co.uk

PUBLIC RELATIONS

BUILDERS MERCHANTS

ESTATE AGENTS

Bottle PR Claire Cairns Managing Director

Buildbase David Robertson Central Regional Director

Breckon and Breckon Keith Stacey Managing Director

t: 01865 882988 w: www.bottlepr.co.uk

t: 01865 787763 w: www.buildbase.co.uk

t: 01865 244735 w: www.breckon.co.uk

GB PR Gail Buckle Owner

BUSINESS PARKS

Penny & Sinclair James Penny Director

t: 01865 742940 w: www.gbprconsultancy.blogspot.com Love Communication Jo Love Owner t: 07887 775271 w: www.lovecommunication.co.uk The Buzzworks Sarah Airey Proprietor t: 01993 813848 w: www.thebuzzworks.co.uk

www.b4-business.com

Grove Technology Park Robert Lamplough Chairman t: 01235 772992 w: www.grovetechpark.com Jennings Mike Jennings Managing Director

t: 01865 811127 w: www.oxin.co.uk Meeson Williams Ltd t: 01865 349011 w: www.meesonwilliams.com

t: 01865 318013 w: www.pennyandsinclair.co.uk scottfraser (Witney) t: 01993 705507 w: www.scottfraser.co.uk

INTERIOR FURNISHING & DECORATION

t: 01865 893303 w: www.jennings.co.uk

Jill Treloggen Interiors Jill Treloggen Owner

COMMERCIAL OFFICES

t: 01993 700515 w: www.jilltreloggen.co.uk

Clarendon Enterprise Centre t: 01865 910100 w: www.clarendon-enterprise.co.uk

137

B4 Contacts Lewis Building Technology t: 01865 782424 w:www.lewisbt.co.uk Minoli Tiles Jon Minoli Managing Director t: 01865 778225 w: www.minoli.co.uk

LETTING AGENTS Breckon and Breckon Greg Barnes Director t: 01865 201111 w: www.breckon.co.uk Finders Keepers Frank Webster Director t: 01865 302308 w: www.finders.co.uk The Letting Centre t: 01865 759 930 w: www.thelettingcentre.com Intelligent Property t: 01865 920107 w: www.intelligent-property.co.uk Kemp and Kemp t: 01865 510000 w: www.kempandkemp.co.uk Scott Fraser t: 01865 761111 (Headington office) w: www.scottfraser.co.uk Bluestone Letting and Management t: 01869 327577 w: www.bluestonelm.co.uk

PROPERTY SERVICES Chris Lewis Fire & Security Chris Lewis Managing Director t: 01865 782444 w: www.chrislewisfs.co.uk frontdoorz Sonia Kearns Director t: 01865 339444 w: www.frontdoorz.co.uk The Homebuyer Centre t: 01865 589 529 w:www.thehomebuyercentre.com

138

R&R ACCOMMODATION Macdonald Randolph Hotel Michael Grange General Manager t: 0844 879 9132 w: www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk Ethos Hotel Simon Walshaw Co Managing Director t: 01865 245800 w: www.ethoshotels.com Apartments in Oxford t: 01865 254000 w: www.oxstay.co.uk The Royal Oxford Hotel t: 01865 248432 w: www.royaloxfordhotel.co.uk

Oxford Playhouse t: 01865 305313 w: www.oxfordplayhouse.com Oxford Philomusica t: 07775 904626 w: www.oxfordphil.com

GALLERIES Wiseman Gallery Sarah Wiseman Owner t: 01865 515123 w: www.wisegal.com

CORPORATE ENTERTAINMENT Sam Strange Magic Sam Strange Owner t: 01865 742211 w: www.samstrangemagic.co.uk

Westwood Hotel t: 01865 735408 w: www.westwoodhotel.co.uk

ENTERTAINMENT

The Burlington House t: 01865 513513 w: www.burlington-house/.co.uk

Pegasus Theatre Dominique Cadiou Development Director

Conifers Guest House t: 01865 763055 w: www.conifersguesthouse.co.uk

t: 01865 812160 w: www.pegasustheatre.org.uk

Hotel du Vin Brighton t: 01273 718588 w: www.hotelduvin.com Malmaison Leeds t: 0113 398 1000 w: www.malmaison.com Fallowfields Hotel w: www.fallowfields.com

FOOD & DRINK SUPPLIES LM Champagne t: 07919 133476 w: www.LMchampagne.co.uk Joel Harrison e: info@caskstrength.net w: www.caskstrength.net

RESTAURANTS RENTAL ACCOMMODATION Lower Mill Estate t: 01285 869489 w: www.lowermillestate.com

ARTISTIC AND CULTURAL

4500 Miles From Delhi Nav Kandola Owner t: 01865 244 922 w: www.milesfromdelhi.com/oxford

Creation Theatre w: www.creationtheatre.co.uk

Cherwell Boathouse Restaurant t: 01865 552 746 w: www.cherwellboathouse.co.uk

Oxfordshire Theatre Company t: 01865 249444 w: www.oxfordshiretheatrecompany.co.uk

Fire & Stone t: 0207 632 2313 w: www.fireandstone.com/pizza/oxford

Henley Festival t: 01491 843400 w: www.henley-festival.co.uk

Le Manoir t: 01844 278881 w: www.manoir.com

Oxford International Women’s Festival t: 07812 350 892 w: www.oxfordwomen.co.uk

Saffron t: 01865 512211 w: www.saffronrestaurantoxford.co.uk

www.b4-business.com

The Mission Mexican Grill Jan Rasmussen Owner

WHY NOT JOIN THEM? 300 members and rising.

t: 01865 202016 w: www.missionburritos.co.uk

RETAIL SHOPPING Witney Shopping t: 01865 742211 w: www.witneyshopping.co.uk

Become a B4 Member or Ambassador and in return, we’ll give you:

B4 Is Designed by

• Presence in the B4 online and magazine directories E-mail: studio@on-the-blink.com Telephone: 01865 742211

• Access to the B4 site to upload unlimited press releases, event details, offers and jobs • Invites to B4 Ambassador Events in 2011 at: Blenheim Palace & The Experience Centre at Miele

I N

T H E

H E A R T

INDIVIDuAL WINTER mEmBERSHIP PROmOTION

O F

T H E

C I T Y

Join Now fo

£145

r

and w discount nee will membershi xt year ’s p by amount this

CORPORATE mEmBERSHIP

Reward your Staff, Customers or Colleagues! unlimited 4 Ball mon-Fri £1,900 + vat including weekends £2,995 + vat Contact Colin Whittle on 01865 242158 or e-mail sgcltd@btopenworld.com HILLTOP ROAD OXFORD OX4 1PF 01865 242158 WWW.SOuTHFIELDgOLF.COm www.b4-business.com

Memberships for just £250+VAT per annum for companies with up to five employees*

It’ll be the smartest move you’ve made this year! see www.b4-business.com for full details NOW! *rates increase as employee numbers increase: 6 – 20 employees £375+VAT, 21 – 50 £500+VAT, 51 – 100 £900+VAT, 100+ £1200+VAT Ambassador rate £500+VAT per annum.

Please call us for Platinum Ambassador rate details. VAT at 20%.

Tel: 01865 742211.

139

BES T

D AN

TIC APPLIANC EB MES R DO

which.co.uk

AWA R DS 2010

German quality, style and expertise.

Oxfordshire address.

If you’re looking to buy a domestic appliance or planning a new kitchen, visit the Miele Experience Centre in Abingdon.

Try out our entire range and experience the quality and style that epitomises Miele.

And as well as great product advice we also run cookery demonstrations and courses to help you get the most out of your Miele or learn new culinary skills.

For more information or to book an appointment please call 0845 365 6610 or visit www.miele.co.uk/showrooms Experience Centre Abingdon, Fairacres, Marcham Road, Abingdon OX14 1TW

Win a Miele Steam Oven www.miele.co.uk/draw

FOREVER BETTER