B4 Magazine issue 23 by B4 Magazine

OXFORDSHIRE EDITION

Magazine

ISSUE 23 SUMMER 2012

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Barclays Backing Winning Ideas Learning how to spot a high-tech winner with Barclays’ Andrew Davies and Trevor French

Oxford Flying High London Oxford Airport reports excellent growth with plans for further expansion

Ethical Letting College & County’s Mark Crampton Smith explains why it pays to treat everyone equally

B U I L D I N G

B R I D G E S

B E T W E E N

B U S I N E S S E S

meet oxfordshire

Residential Letting · Property Management

Don’t get left out Now over 400 members. See page 124.

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With annual memberships starting at £150+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 1 employee. Rate increases for 2 to 5 employees to £250+VAT per annum, 6 to 20 employees to £375+VAT, £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.

“Solicitors

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with real depth of experience Mimi Noor Director, Mimi Noor Ltd

Always about you. We take the time to know what you want - now and in the future. Call: 0800 923 2073 www.withyking.co.uk

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 Anne Kamphausen assistanteditor@b4-business.com Proofreader Sue Rosser B4 Events Tina Rosser events@b4-business.com Editorial contributors Annette Kamphausen Ashley Merry Claire Thompson Freya Davidson-Smith Louise Esplin Lucy Holmes Ryan Keane Sarah Airey Tracey Jefferies B4 Photography Rob Scotcher Victoria Dix Studio Photography Studio8 Telephone: 01865 842525

welcome to B4 Welcome to Issue 23. It’s been a busy month in the B4 offices with this the third B4 editoin going to press in three weeks. Now that we have magazines in Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire, with websites in all but Buckinghamshire (launching in June) we have a great base and growing network through which to promote your business.

Our members now exceed 500 and the B4 Ambassadors event at Canvas (see page 50) was the first opportunity for B4 members from across the network to get to know eachother, with over 200 Ambassadors, Members and their guests in attendance. With events at The Vineyard and Aylesbury College in June, followed by a return to Blenheim Palace in July, we hope to see the power of the network really take off and add even more value to the B4 membership. If you’d like to get involved, please call me on 01865 742211.

Inside

42. The Career Boutique How Strong is Your Recruitment & Retention Strategy

Issue 23 is once again brimming with great ideas put together by the team at B4 and our network of writers. We welcome Barclays who provide us with our lead story and two further articles featuring their clients, OrganOx and Oxford Gene Technology, all very interesting reads. If you’re looking for advice, we have features from Grant Thornton, Shaw Gibbs, Henmans, Darbys and A1. Tony Haines, Wenn Townsend’s B4 Platinum Ambassador, asks some probing questions in the first of a series of articles which seeks answers to key issues affecting us all. The property sector is represented in numbers in this edition, where we feature B4 regulars Breckon & Breckon and Penny & Sinclair and also welcome College & County to B4 for their first editorial.

44. Penny & Sinclair Making It Happen

B4’s two Platinum Education Ambassadors also feature in this issue of B4. Magna Carta College’s Andrew Pearson talks to B4 about their new tailored business coaching courses and we hear from St Clare’s Principal, Paula Holloway, about how important it is to get involved in the local community. Katherine Dales of The Career Boutique addresses the issue of attracting and retaining talent and Lloyds TSB’s Area Director, David Atkinson, looks abroad for growth.

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.

Thanks also to new B4 members Oxford Fine Dining, New Folium Marquees, Elegant Cuisine, Olamalu and Browns for their contributions and I am sure you will enjoy reading all of the other articles in B4, all full of great information about fantastic Oxfordshire venues, restaurants and a wide range of business services. There’s more than enough to keep you busy for at least a few months.

Enjoy B4!

68. Henmans Things to Consider When You are No Longer Mr & Mrs Smith

Richard Rosser Editor © Designs-on Ltd and B4 Magazine. Whilst every attempt has been made to ensure that the content of this publication is accurate and correct in every way, the publishers cannot be held responsible or liable for any inaccuracies or errors within the publication. Information reproduced from this publication is permitted with the express permission of the publisher and the advertiser, where relevant. All information is correct at time of going to press.

B4 Magazine is printed by

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About

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 regarded as Oxfordshire’s leading free distribution business publication. B4 stands for Building Bridges Between Business and that is what B4 helps businesses to do, aided by our first class website at www.b4-business.com, quarterly B4 Ambassador events and monthly workshops. B4 is funded by paid for display advertising and editorial, although some editorial is granted without charge at the discretion of the Editor. Please call us to find out how you can get involved. WHY NOT FOLLOW B4 MAGAZINE ON

80. Darbys Keeping it in the Family at Darbys

OXFORDSHIRE WHO’S WHO K E Y

B U S I N E S S

C O N T A C T S

Are you going to be in Oxfordshire’s First Ever Who’s Who? More to the point, can you afford not to be? B4 WHO’S WHO 2012 B4 Who’s Who will be published in June 2012 and mailed to 3,000 business decision makers in Oxfordshire. It is designed to provide those wishing to raise or maintain their profile in the Oxfordshire business community with a high quality publication which will sit on the desks of key Oxfordshire business decision makers. To see the guide building on line please see: http://issuu.com/b4-business/docs/oxfordshire_who_s_who_2012

EXPOSURE FOR WHO’S WHO The publication is being compiled now for a launch in March and will be is viewable on www.b4-business.com as an e-Magazine as it grows. Thereafter, we will be adding pages as new buisnesses book, providing those who book sooner rather than later with maximum exposure in the lead up to the print date. The electronic version of the publication will remain on line for 12 months until it is re-printed in 2013. In addition, we will be promoting the publication through: • B4 weekly e-Newsletters • Banners on www.b4-business.com • Banners on www.inoxford.com

DISTRIBUTION Mailed to 3,000 business decision makers in Oxfordshire and made available at B4 events and workshops.

PHOTOGRAPHY We have used Studio 8 to bring the many faces of Oxfordshire businesses to you through the pages of B4 Magazine. If you would like to appear in Who’s Who and do not have high quality images of yourself, please contact us and we will arrange for your photographs to be taken at Studio 8 at no extra charge. Charges will only be incurred if you wish to use these photographs for your own purposes other than in Who’s Who or B4 Magazine. www.studio-8.com

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PROPERTY & BUILDING | LETTING AGENTS

LETTING AGENTS | PROPERTY & BUILDING

GREG BARNES BRECKON & BRECKON ABOUT ME Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry's standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book. It has survived not only five centuries, but also the leap into electronic typesetting, remaining essentially unchanged. It was popularised in the 1960s with the release of Letraset sheets containing Lorem Ipsum passages, and more recently with desktop publishing software like Aldus PageMaker including. type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book. It has survived not only five centuries, but also the leap into electronic typesetting, remaining essentially unchanged. It was popularised in the 1960s with the release of Letraset sheets containing Lorem Ipsum passages, and more recently.

ABOUT THE COMPANY Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry's standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book. It has survived not only five centuries, but also the leap into electronic typesetting, remaining essentially unchanged. It was popularised in the 1960s with the release of Letraset sheets containing Lorem Ipsum passages, and more recently with desktop publishing software like Aldus PageMaker including. type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book. It has survived not only five centuries, but also the leap into electronic typesetting, remaining essentially unchanged. It was popularised in the 1960s with the release of Letraset sheets containing Lorem Ipsum passages, and more recently.

CONTACTS C A T W

Greg Barnes, Partner - greg.barnes@breckon.co.uk 13 Beaumont Street, Oxford, OX1 2LP +44 (0)1865 201111. www.breckon.co.uk

ABI LUCY

SIMON CUDD

SUZANNE WEBB

Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry's standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book. It has survived not only five centuries, but also the leap into electronic typesetting, remaining essentially unchanged. It was popularised in the 1960s with the release of Letraset sheets containing Lorem..

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OXFORDSHIRE WHO’S WHO 2012 | 7

36 Barclays Backing Winning Ideas: Learning how to spot a high-tech winner with Barclay's Andrew Davies.

39 Organox Ltd: How a Barclays customer is tackling the shortage of livers available for transport.

LEAD

SPOTLIGHT

88 Facing Up To Reality: Straight talking from B4 Platinum Ambassador, Tony Haines, of Wenn Townsend. 106 Important Imperative Action: How Does This Local Entrepreneur Manage So Many Hats?.

41 Oxford Gene Technology: Innovative Technologies for Molecular Medicine. 50 Your Blank Canvas: Spotlight on B4 Ambassadors Event at Canvas, hosted by IVG. 102 Grand Business Setting Inspires Full House: Oxford Innovation's Dianne Heath talks to B4's Ashley Merry.

PROPERTY

NEWS

44 Making It Happen: Reflecting on expansion with Penny & Sinclair.

11 News 22 B4 News

56 Strength in Numbers: Consolidation is the key for Breckon & Breckon.

25 IoD 27 Glooo 29 Charitable Funds 31 Vist Oxfordshire News 33 WOBAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 35 OCF News 49 HR2YOU 58 Oxfam 65 New Theatre 70 VSL

52 ADVICE

52 Salary Sacrifice Schemes: A 'Silver Bullet'? B4 Platinum Ambassadors, Grant Thornton.

101 Oxford Inspires News 113 Oxford United FC

55 Prepare to PAYE In Real Time: Shaw Gibbs' Payroll expert, Katie Preston, explains. 68 Things to Consider When You Are No Longer Mr & Mrs Smith: You've decided to go your separate ways, so what happens next?. 80 Keeping It In The Family At Darbys: Louise Esplin meets the Family Team at Darbys.

84 Ethical Letting: St Clements based College & County talk B4 through their ethical approach to letting. 87 Building A Greener Lifestyle: Buildbase has all the answers when it comes to building a greener lifestyle.

EDUCATION 92 Tailored Business Coaching: Magna Carta's Andrew Pearson tells B4 about their new business coaching ideas. 108 Encouraging A Sense Of Responsibility: St Clare's get involved with the local community.

www.b4-business.com

B4 contents 42 HR

42 How Strong Is Your Recruitment & Retention Strategy?: Attracting new talent to your business - with B4 Platinum Ambassador, Katherine Dales of The Career Boutique.

59 EVENTS

59 Social Entrepreneurs Gather At Examination Schools: The Skoll Foundation comes to Oxford. 62 You're Only As Good As The Last Meal You Served: Oxford Fine Dining's Sue Randall explains why maintaing high standards is crucial. 98 Food, Glorious Food and So Much More: Tracey Jefferies meets Michael Ashton of Elegant Cuisine.

75 SERVICES

75 Share our Passion for a Duplicated Success Story...: Five years on from her first B4 interview, CherylLee Foulsham's business is doing just fine. 94 Olamalu: Making the right choices. 110 Great Expectations!: Another B4 member who is growing - we meet Alex Minchin of Zest. 118 Strangebrew: Think Brand not Bland.

114 Tango Seduction at Lady Margaret Hall: Oxford's first International Tango Festival .

Photography: www.studio-8.co.uk

72 TRAVEL

66 FINANCE

66 Looking For Growth At Home And Abroad: Lloyds TSB's Area Director, David Atkinson, looks further afield for growth opportunities.

72 Oxford Flying High: Expansion, new routes and managing traffic for the Olympics.

Photography: www.studio-8.co.uk

116 Entertaining Made Easy: Marquees, catering and event management from New Folium Marquees.

61 R&R

61 The Chequers At Burcot: The perfect combination of ambience, warmth, excellent service and wonderful food. 76 The Mal-Ladies: Sara Dinning and Amanda Coombs of Malmaison talk to Sarah Airey. 83 The Art of Engagement: Oxford Castle welcomes Oxfordshire Artweeks. 97 Trusty Browns: One of Oxford's blue chip restaurants. 105 Share our Passion for Seafood: Enjoying great food with great atmosphere look no further than Loch Fyne.

IT & COMMS

120 Frilford Heath: Driving new plans forward.

79 Engineers With Vision: Part 10: A Summary of the Information Technology Series to Date.

122 The Randolph Hotel: The perfect base from which to explore Oxford.

www.b4-business.com

124 CONTACTS

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL AT WILLIAMS F1 ON YOUR STUNNING SPANISH GP WIN FROM ALL OF THE MEMBERS OF THE

NETWORK

www.williamsf1.com

B4 news A dream car experience in the Cotswolds Racing through the countryside in a sleek, powerful car must rate as one of the most iconic and sought after motoring experiences in Britain. Our designer, Rob Scotcher, recently experienced the thrill of an exclusive, high octane super car driving day with Dream Car Events, held in the charming Cotswolds. He drove a selection of the world’s finest and most desirable sports cars, including a Ferrari 458, Aston Martin V12 Vantage and a Porsche 911 Turbo, and was let loose on the open road to enjoy the full sensation of driving on pure adrenaline.

Dream Car Events has built a reputation for delivering sophisticated super car driving experiences to the UK’s top corporate organisations together with numerous car enthusiasts around the country. "With a host of attractive packages and superb customer relations, it's easy to see how the Dream Car Events team has seen their business go from strength to strength, comments Rob Scotcher, of B4. “The experience was out of this world – driving the cars of my dreams out on the open road was simply fantastic.” www.dreamcarevents.com

The men of Oxford supported Electric Hairdressing Oxford played host to a very unusual event on Wednesday 14th March: a male grooming evening in aid of the Oxford Prostrate Cancer Support Group (OPCSG).

Ryan Clarke OUFC and Louise Martinez Electric

Dave Beesley, a well-known member of the local business community, was diagnosed with prostate cancer over a year ago and has since undergone treatment. He is now on the road to recovery, but was so impressed with the support and help he

and his family received from the OPCSG that he joined them to help raise money and awareness of this terrible condition. The evening consisted of luxury hair cuts and styling tips, deep head and shoulder massages from Cannelle beauty, along with advice from a personal trainer and entertainment from Sian of Opera Anywhere fame. www.electric-hair.com

“rhubarb” Henley is expanding in Oxford with a venue at Rhodes House Located in the centre of Oxford, Rhodes House is a truly exceptional space. The stunning building was completed in 1928 by visionary architect Sir Herbert Baker. Entering through an impressive entrance hall ‘rotunda’, guests can choose from several outstanding event spaces including three principal rooms holding up to 200 guests which are perfect for receptions and civil ceremonies. “rhubarb” Henley is delighted to offer catering at

this fantastic venue. The award winning company is dedicated to creating exceptional events with a bespoke approach. Douglas McArthur (General Manager) said: “We are excited about this new venture and look forward to the breadth of corporate and private parties we will be running.” Martin Gubb of Rhodes House said: “We are very much looking forward to developing a range of outstanding events with ‘rhubarb’ ”. www.rhodeshouseoxford.com

CMS delivers retirement boost for Kärcher UK employees

Dave Marler (right), Managing Director of CMS Financial Management with Mark Venner, Chief Operating Officer for Kärcher UK & Ireland

www.b4-business.com

More than 180 staff at a world-leading cleaning products company in Banbury can look forward to a more prosperous retirement thanks to CMS Financial Management.

consultations about risk levels and investment performance. Members can now check on current and projected values by accessing their own pension plan account online.

The Bicester-based independent pension specialist has slashed the costs of Kärcher UK's corporate pension plan by 20 per cent.

Mark Venner, Chief Operating Officer for Kärcher UK & Ireland, said: “CMS's outstanding professionalism and the ease and clarity in which they were able to explain a complex subject to our staff was above and beyond our ‘expectations’.” www.cmsfinancialltd.co.uk

CMS ensured that each member had the right retirement plan for them after individual

FOR T H OSE W H O WA I T, GOOD T H I NG S CO M E.

T H E N E W C H RYS LER 30 0C. ARRIVING JUNE 2012.

F O R M O R E I N F O R M AT I O N C A L L

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CHRYSLER OXFORD BANBURY ROAD, SHIPTON ON CHERWELL, KIDLINGTON, OXON, OX5 1JH.

W W W.C H RY S L E R .CO. U K

B4 news The Big Sleep Out On May18th and much to the hilarity of anyone who knows her, Tracey Jefferies of Adapt Communications, slept rough as part of The Big Sleep Out initiative, an event that raises funds to support the work of The Big Issue Foundation who make a difference to the lives of homeless and vulnerably housed people in the UK. Tracey was invited to take part by local businesswoman Lisa Cherry, who as a young child experienced homelessness at firsthand. With the right support and guidance Lisa turned her life

around, went to University and now runs her own successful holistic therapy practice and is about to complete her first book, Soul Journey. Kirsten Sheat of Aspiring Change bravely agreed to join them. "Homeless people are people just like you and me. By donating the cost of just a couple of cappuccinos you are giving someone the chance to live a full and rich life", said Tracey. You can still donate. Please contact Tracey at tracey.jefferies@adapt.co

Laser eye experts in town for open evening If you’ve been thinking about having laser eye treatment but aren’t sure how to go about it, Eyesite optician is offering an unmissable opportunity for you to find out everything you need to know, right here in Oxford. From 6.30pm on Wednesday 4 July, surgeons from Harley Street vision correction clinic Advanced Vision Care will be joining the Eyesite team to explain exactly what’s involved in this quick and painless procedure and answer all your questions. There will also be some amazing discounts on laser treatment, available only at this event.

Because Eyesite’s optometrists are fully trained to carry out all aftercare appointments, you’ll only have to make one trip to London for treatment, saving you time, money and effort. It’s free to come along and wine and canapés will be available. To find out how you can free yourself from glasses and contact lenses for good, simply register your interest at Eyesite Oxford. Eyesite, 35 St Ebbes Street, Oxford OX1 1PU 01865 242300 Advanced Vision Care 020 7935 7497

Strictly Oxford for Vale House Sunday 15 July 2012 - Oxford Town Hall at 6.30pm We are delighted to announce the inaugural Strictly Oxford event to be held at Oxford Town Hall on Sunday 15 July 2012. Local celebrities and dignitaries will be donning their dancing shoes in aid of Vale House, an Oxfordshire based charity

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dedicated to supporting people with severe dementia. It promises to be a fabulous and entertaining evening of dancing and we do hope that you will join us on the night. For more information, please strictlyoxford@valehouse.org.uk

contact

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SPONSORED BY

T H E

OX F O R D S H I R E

RESTAURANT

AWARDS

: D E V L O V P I N I H T S E R G O S S E I N T I O P N S U T R O P P O N WO O N L US CAL

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THE OXFORDSHIRE RESTAURANT AWARDS 2012 After the success of the first Awards in 2011, The Oxfordshire Restaurant Awards are certain to become one of the most prestigious Awards ceremonies in Oxfordshire.

From a standing start, the inaugural Awards attracted the support of Miele, one of the leading businesses in Oxfordshire and an internationally recognised brand of significant stature, and also

ABOUT THE AWARDS

Visit Oxfordshire, the new tourism body established to promote Oxfordshire worldwide. We couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have wished for two more supportive partners and with a wide range of Oxfordshire restaurants getting involved, the Awards promise to be a spectacular event again in the second year.

Ever since we launched In Oxford & Oxfordshire Magazine and the In Oxford Restaurant Guide ten years ago, the support we have received from Oxfordshire restaurants has been excellent. Eating out is a more regular part of all of our lives, with such a wide range of cuisines and styles on offer. We therefore decided in 2010 that we would start our own Restaurant Awards. The response was overwhelming and last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Awards were a great success. Customers see In Oxford & Oxfordshire Magazine as the obvious organisation to promote Oxfordshire restaurants, but to be impartial we have again appointed a fantastic independant committee and team of reviewers for 2012.

a: The Firs, Headington Hill, Oxford OX3 0BT. t: 01865 742211 Fax: 01865 741391

HOW THE AWARDS WORK

We are delighted to have Alain Desenclos as the Chairman of our Judging Committee again for 2012. He brings with him twenty six years of experience as Maître d’ at Le Manoir, one of Europe’s finest restaurants. An independent review panel has been appointed from a wide range of backgrounds to critically review each restaurant that enters the Awards. The reviews will then be used by the judging committee to base their decision for the final nominations, alongside the results of the public vote. Miele, a brand which stands

for quality on all levels, have agreed to be the Awards Sponsor for the second time in 2012. The UK headquarters for Miele are based in Abingdon, where a superb Experience Centre provides Miele with a fabulous showcase facility. The aim of the Awards is to raise the profile of Oxfordshire’s many excellent restaurants. The Awards have also given the Oxfordshire public the opportunity to vote for their preferred restaurants across a number of categories. The public votes will be considered alongside the reviews for each individual category, however, there will be one Public Award vote which will recognise the one restaurant which has received the most public votes. TIMETABLE February 1st: Review period opens and public vote opened May 31st: Reviews should all be submitted June 15th: Committee to decide on shortlist and Nominees announced June 15th to July 6th: Tickets sold to nominees July 9th to September 14th: Remaining tickets on general sale September 18th: Awards Ceremony

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES GENERAL SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES:

SPONSORS WILL RECIEVE

Champagne reception Wine for the evening Entertainment for the evening Trophies for the evening Photography exhibition Raffle Marquee Chocolates Coffee Flowers

• Have their logos on all promotional literature, including the evening programme, slideshow and the awards certificates. • Have a 20-word company biog in the awards slideshow on the slide of your sponsored category. • Have a 150-word profile on our website: www.oxfordshirerestaurantawards.co.uk • Receive agreed number of complimentary tickets to the awards dinner and ceremony worth £80+VAT each. • Category sponsors will present the prize to their category winner alongside the special guest assigned to this. • Have the opportunity to give promotional literature / gifts to all awards guests in our gift bags. • Logo featured in advertisements for the Awards in In Oxford & Oxfordshire Magazine and B4 Magazine. • B4 Magazine feature after the Awards

£1,000+VAT (inc 2 tickets to the event) £1,000+VAT (inc 2 tickets to the event) £1,000+VAT (inc 2 tickets to the event) £1,000+VAT (inc 2 tickets to the event) £1,000+VAT (inc 2 tickets to the event) £1,000+VAT (inc 2 tickets to the event) £1,000+VAT (inc 2 tickets to the event) £1,000+VAT (inc 2 tickets to the event) £1,000+VAT (inc 2 tickets to the event) £1,000+VAT (inc 2 tickets to the event)

CATEGORY SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES: Express, deli, café Gastro pub / brasserie Gastronomic restaurant Traditional pub and Great Bars Asian Rest of the World Public vote Outstanding service award Outstanding contribution to Oxfordshire dining

e: info@oxfordshirerestaurantawards.co.uk w: www.oxfordshirerestaurantawards.co.uk

Ever verrryy M Miele comes packed with possibilities. Let’s discover them together.

If you’re planning a purchase from the Miele range, we’ve got an eye-opening experience for you. Join one of our Let’s Do... courses and watch our expert home economists prepare a delicious two-course lunch or dinner for you. As they cook, they’ll introduce you to all the features and functions of our award-winning cooking appliances. Expect hints, tips and inspiration along the way!

Inspir In pirratiion on for f r the he heart of f your our h home me

For venues, dates and bookings, please visit www www.miele.co.uk/events .miele.co.uk/events

B4 news Happy Birthday Syncro PR Oxfordshire based public relations agency, Syncro PR, celebrates its first birthday this month following an impressive track record of growth in B2B and B2C sectors.

Sea Tall Ships Regatta. The charity’s flagship summer series of events is expected to attract up to 1million visitors in each host port of St Malo, Lisbon, Cadiz, La Coruna and Dublin.

In addition to its first birthday, Syncro announces the expansion of its team with the appointment of Kelly Stroud as Account Director who has a wealth of experience in consumer and sports PR.

The expansion of the Syncro team ensures the continued delivery of highly targeted PR campaigns incorporating both traditional and digital media outlets to reach broader groups and influence webbased communities.

Kelly has already won her first Syncro contract to support Sail Training International with ongoing Event PR for The Tall Ships Races 2012 and Irish

www.syncropr.com

Photograph from left to right: Iain Lewis, Tracey Lord, Claire Thompson, Joe Moore, Kelly Stroud, Katharine Earley, Eddie Duller and Laura Barnett

Prime Minister, David Cameron, presents Four Pillars Hotels with Green Tourism Business Scheme silver award for all six hotels Charles Holmes, CEO of the Four Pillars Hotel Group, was recently presented with a Silver Green Tourism Business Award accreditation across the whole group of hotels, by Prime Minister, David Cameron. The presentation took place at the Oxford Witney Four Pillars Hotel during an event for English Tourism Week on Friday 16th March 2012, which gave the industry an opportunity to examine the value of tourism to the nation as well as demonstrating its role

in promoting the Oxfordshire Cotswolds to tourists and visitors. Charles commented: “We are delighted and honoured to receive this award from the Prime Minister. It is a tremendous accolade to have achieved a Silver rating across the whole group, and a great credit to the teams involved.” www.four-pillars.co.uk

Oxfordshire company becomes first Carbon Balanced Publication printer Oxfordshire based Banbury Litho, has become the first Carbon Balanced Publication printer in the county. Renowned as much for its progressive thinking as for its technological expertise, Banbury Litho is well aware of its sustainable and corporate responsibility. Managing Director, Matthew Wise explains: “Since

the heightened awareness of global climate change we are living in an increasingly carbon focused economy and it is critical for the future that the whole business community addresses its environmental practices.” www.banburylitho.co.uk

Family fun run at Blenheim Palace A great day out was had by the hundreds of runners who participated in this year’s Blenheim 7k and Junior 1 mile run, helped by a welcome appearance from the most elusive of guests, the sun! The winner of the 7k, Patrick Allen, got round the beautiful but challenging course in a time of 25:31, and the first woman, Tania Taylor in a time of 29:16. The event is very generously sponsored by Breckon

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& Breckon, and this year Andrew Topping, manager of the Headington branch raised £1500 for Sobell House by running the 7k in a time of 36:11. The children’s 1 mile event was won by Arthur Britnell and Anabel Pozniak. The event encourages all ages and abilities to take part, and this year the youngest runner was only 2 year’s old - the oldest 73. To find out more about this year’s run, and the date for next year’s please visit: www.blenheim7k.co.uk

An inspired choice of venue The Oakley Court Hotel has vast experience of hosting major conferences in stunning surroundings making it an inspired choice of venue. Hold your conference at Oakley Court and you’ll impress, captivate and inspire your delegates. We guarantee the very best in service standards offering conference suites and executive boardrooms within a prestigious location. Our unique rooms range from original rooms in the Mansion House which are over 150 years old with high ceilings and original features, to a purpose built function room called The Boathouse on the banks of the River Thames. It’s not only the picturesque riverside setting that creates the wow factor; extensive leisure facilities, fine dining and impeccable service all play their part in creating a memorable conference.

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The Oakley Court, Windsor Road, Water Oakley, Windsor SL4 5UR. 01753 609988 www.principal-hayley.com/theoakleycourt

B4 news Oxfordshire Prostate Cancer Support Oxfordshire Prostate Cancer Support Group spread the awareness of Prostate Cancer at OUFC on the 31st March It is a little known fact that nearly as many men die of Prostate Cancer as Women Die of Breast Cancer. 40,000 Men are Diagnosed to have Prostate Cancer in the UK each year, that’s one every 15 minutes. 250,000 Men are living with Prostate Cancer and 10,000 Men in the UK will die each year in the UK, one every 50 Minutes, of which 100 will die in Oxfordshire alone.

Do you have a problem with getting up in the middle of the night to go to the toilet? Do you have a problem with Bladder control. 1 in 2 men will have a Prostate Disease in their life time. Oxfordshire Prostate Cancer Support Group would like to thank the OUFC Management Team and staff for allowing us to spread the awareness and for all the Support from David Cameron, Nicola Blackwood and Celebrities for helping us to spread the message. www.opcsg.org

Get your dancing shoes on for YoungDementia UK Oxfordshire-based B2B marketing agency, The Marketing Practice, is hosting a charity ball to raise funds for local charity YoungDementia UK. There will be a 50’s inspired Rock n’ Roll theme at the fun filled evening which will take place on June 16th at The Oxford Thames Hotel, Sandford-onThames. A professional dance teacher will be giving Jive lessons throughout the evening and an auction will give the opportunity to bag some amazing prizes. Clive McNamara, Chief Executive at The Marketing

Practice comments: “YoungDementia UK does quite brilliant work in the most difficult circumstances. 100% of every ticket sold will go towards a local cause that is really worth supporting”. YoungDementia UK, who are based in Witney, work directly with younger people with dementia and their families and friends in Oxfordshire. Tickets cost £50 each and include entrance, reception cocktail, three course dinner and wine. Email charityball@themarketingpractice.com for more information and tickets.

Oxford office makes SSNAP decision for charity Carter Jonas in Oxford has voted for SSNAP Support for the Sick Newborn and their Parents - as its charity for the year. The charity, which more than 60 Carter Jonas employees voted for from a wide range of local organisations, supports the Intensive Special Care Nurseries (Neonatal Unit) at the John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford. The Unit is one of the best in the UK and SSNAP provides support including funding extra life-saving equipment, support for parents including a Quiet Room at the hospital, sponsoring research and contribution towards nurse training in this specialist field. SSNAP also provides social workers to offer all kinds of help to families at such a traumatic time, even down to the practicalities of providing petrol money for those who have to travel from afar.

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Carter Jonas Oxford has pledged to raise £5,000 for SSNAP this year, which will go towards the charity’s shopping list for new equipment (care for one child can cost up to £100,000 per year). The Oxford team are now putting their minds to planning a calendar of fundraising events in which everyone can participate, with ideas ranging from entering a team at the Blenheim Palace Triathlon in June to hosting an office bake-off. Julie da Silva-Moore, manager of SSNAP says: “SSNAP relies completely on fundraising and donations and it is overwhelming to see the energy and enthusiasm which the team at Carter Jonas is putting into supporting us. We are delighted to have their help and are looking forward to seeing what creative fundraising ideas they come up with.

l-r Adelaide Stewart-Jones, Julie da Silva-Moore from SSNAP, Richard Drew, Richard Harris and Gemma Hall

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Oxfordshire’s premier Trade Show For well over 20 years, builders merchant Johnsons Buildbase in Watlington Road has staged an annual Summer Trade Show. This year’s event on Thursday 14 June promises to be one of the most impressive yet.

you’re a homeowner planning refurbishment work. As well as being a wonderful source of product information, the show is a great night out with delicious food and live entertainment including ‘Queen B’, one of the best Queen tribute bands.

Open from 6-10pm, the show is a chance to meet literally hundreds of manufacturers who will be exhibiting their latest products and innovations. More demonstrations and displays can be found in the kitchen, bathroom and bedroom showrooms, as well as the Go Green at Buildbase eco room. It’s a ‘must go’ for anyone in the building trade, or if

To reserve your ticket, please contact Anna Karavias at Johnsons Buildbase on 01865 787740 or visit the website at www.buildbase.co.uk. For kitchens and bathrooms see www.oxford-kitchens.co.uk and www.oxford-bathrooms.co.uk

Beautiful Going Great Guns Beautiful Group invited friends, family, clients and suppliers to come and take a look around their new premises on 16th May to reveal the fruits of their labours. The day was a great success, with everyone enjoying the networking opportunity and pleasantly surprised that, although we are all in tough financial times, The Beautiful Group are going great guns and showing real signs of success. Commented owner Chris Clinkard. “It hasn’t been easy - we couldn’t have got where we are without the support from a lot of suppliers, key contacts,

friends and family, and we used this opportunity to thank those concerned and hope that our success continues. “If you, or any friends and family are getting married, we welcome you to come to our new location to show you exactly what we can offer you - anything from chair covers and table linen, to centre pieces and bridal flowers, to lighting, PA and disco hire.” www.beautiful-group.co.uk

B4 member Oxfordshire Business Awards nominations Congratulations to the following B4 members for their nominations in this year’s Awards and good luck on the night: Sustainability Award: Henmans Solicitors LLP Social Media Award: SpecialEffect Cultural Events & Tourism Award: Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens Customer Care Award: Miele Company Limited Ethical Business Award: Worton Farms Paul Lowe the Chairman of the Sponsors

Organising Committee said: “We are delighted to announce the finalists for the 2012 Oxfordshire Business Awards .This year saw yet another record level of entries. The sponsors found the decision making process extremely challenging culminating in the longest judging meeting on record. All of the Finalists should be justifiably proud of their achievements to date and I hope they all have an enjoyable evening at the now sold out Awards dinner on the 15th June”. www.oxfordshirebusinessawards.co.uk

Congratulations to Williams on F1 Win The Williams F1 Team were victorious for the first time in eight years with Pastor Maldonado’s stunning Spanish Grand Prix victory. However, scenes of jubilation were short-lived with a fire in the team’s garage as a team photo was

being organised. The fire was extinguished thanks to the help of some very brave Formula One members who performed heroics. The Williams F1 Team were quick to praise all of the FIA teams for their support throughout and after the incident, in addition to the well wishes from the public.

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B4 news BDO volunteers at Helen & Douglas House Based in Oxford, the Helen & Douglas House provides one-to-one care for children and young adults with life-shortening conditions. The 13strong team of BDO volunteers spent two days at the charity’s warehouse in Abingdon painting and decorating the donated furniture. Now thought to have a retail value of more than £1000, the furniture will be sold in Helen & Douglas shops across Oxfordshire and neighbouring counties.

A two day ‘Furniture Fiesta’ for Helen & Douglas House saw a team of volunteers from BDO LLP Thames Valley refurbish furniture donated to the children’s hospice by the public.

Jennifer Hudson, corporate fundraiser at Helen & Douglas House, says support received from the business community is essential to the charity: “It costs more than £4.5 million each year to provide the children, young adults and families who visit Helen & Douglas House with much needed care. We are very grateful for the hard work and

enthusiasm the BDO throughout the project.”

volunteers

showed

Julian Frost, partner at BDO, said: “It is a fantastic charity that continues to provide huge amounts of support and care to children and young people. The hospice has touched the hearts of many at BDO and we were honoured to get involved in the Furniture Fiesta. The team enjoyed every minute of the project and we look forward to working with them again in the future.” BDO offers all of its 2000 people across the firm six paid working days per annum for community volunteering projects and charities. www.bdo.uk.com

Carter Jonas Strengthens Rural Team with senior Appointment The Carter Jonas rural team in Oxford has appointed Edmund Smith MRICS as Associate, strenghtening the firm’s offering for rural services across Oxfordshire and the South. Edmund will take responsibility for a range of professional property services and asset management and his appointment is part of an overall expansion of the team. Chartered Surveyor, Estate Management professional and graduate of Harper Adams, he gained early experience of the rural business on his family’s Oxfordshire farm and is now well qualified to take a prominent role in Carter Jonas’ rural services provision and business development. “Ed demonstrates the outlook and qualities that we look for at Carter Jonas,” says Steven McLaughlin, Rural Partner. “His appointment and our expansion of the rural division, is indicative of our growing confidence in the market, increased business

activity and long term strategy to grow our professional rural services. We are delighted to welcome him to the team.” In joining Carter Jonas, Edmund returns to his home town of Oxford and the region he knows so well. He says of his appointment: “Carter Jonas has an excellent reputation in the rural business and is known for its professionalism, forward thinking approach and high standards. It’s an added bonus for me to be able to return to my home patch while joining such a respected, experienced team.” Carter Jonas is looking to recruit additional team members to its Oxford-based rural team and anyone interested should contact Steven McLaughlin on 01865 511444 or steven.mclaughlin@carterjonas.co.uk for more details.

Bloxham Mill Business Centre On the 10th May and in association with B4 Magazine, Brethertons Solicitors and Cloud9, Bloxham Mill Business Centre hosted a very successful seminar aimed specifically at ownermanagers, FDs and IT Managers. The complimentary seminar was designed to help businesses plan for future growth in relation to the correct legal structures, their IT Strategy and the options on office space and flexible working practices. The morning provided a unique opportunity for 28

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business professionals to step back from the dayto-day demands of running their business and listen to presentations by leading professionals in the field of company law, IT strategy and office space provision. Ray Avery, Managing Director of Bloxham Mill said, “Throughout the year we host a number of complimentary seminars and networking events at Bloxham Mill and we were delighted to get together with B4 and the other sponsors for this event. The feedback we have received has been excellent and

we look forward to hosting more events with B4 in the future.” www.bloxhammill.com

We Need your support for the B4 Bike Ride

We need your help to raise money for Oxfam Sponsor our Charity Bike Ride

By the time you read this, we will either be about to hop on our bikes, in the middle of our cycle ride or on our knees at Blenheim Palace after our 280 mile ride from Paris to Oxford.

We will be accepting donations for our preferred charity, Oxfam, after the event so please do contribute at the following links if you are able to do so: Call Richard on 01865 742211.

B4 Ambassador Forthcoming Events We are delighted to announce that we will be holding three Ambassador events over the course of the next two months as follows: 21st June: The Vineyard, Newbury – B4 Berkshire Ambassadors Event : B4 Berkshire Ambassadors, Members and Guests and B4 Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Ambassadors only. Numbers capped at 100. 26th June: Aylesbury College – Buckinghamshire Launch Event: Open to all.

3rd July: Blenheim Palace – B4 Oxfordshire Ambassadors Event.

B4 Oxfordshire Ambassadors, Members and Guests and B4 Berkshire and Buckinghamshire Ambassadors and Members only. Numbers capped at 250. The best way to register is to follow promoted links on the B4 website or e-Newsletters, so if you’re not signed up to the e-Newsletter, please do so now at www.b4-business.com. Some of the events are restricted as stated, but please note that if you are not a B4 member, you can only attend ONE B4 event as a guest and thereafter you must become a member. www.b4-business.com

Telesales Required Come and Join The B4 Team We are looking for full and part time telesales to help with our B4 Membership sales. Based at our offices in Headington, you will be joining our growing team to help develop our memberships in Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire.

This is a vital role as we expand B4. We will provide training and will be flexible to suit your hours. Basic plus commission offered. Contact Anne on 01865 742211 or e-mail editorial@b4-business.com.

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news Sign Up to Receive B4 As from B4 Issue 24 in July, B4 will only be mailed to you if you have confirmed in writing that you would like to receive B4 in the post. If you have received your copy of B4 in the post, please complete the enclosed form and return to us in the post or by fax.

information by e-mail to editorial@b4-business.com 1. Name. 2. Title. 3. Company Name. 4. Company Address. 5. Post Code. 6. Telephone number. 7. E-Mail (if you wish to receive B4 e-Newsletters) 8. A brief description of what your company does. 9. Number of employees

If you have picked up a copy of B4 and would like to receive it in the future, please send the following

B4 is limited to 140 pages As from B4 Issue 24, we are limiting B4 Oxfordshire to 140 pages maximum. With new magazines for Berkshire and Buckinghamshire (which themselves will be limited to 120 pages each) we are having to enforce a strict structure with B4 to ensure that we don’t create a production backlog and delays.

We have lost the odd week or two over the past few years with delays and we don’t want to exacerbate this problem by selling pages ad infinitum in the magazine. The bottom line? If you want to be seen in B4, get your pages booked ASAP – B4 Issue 24 is already up to 105 pages. Call us now on 01865 742211 or e-mail editorial@b4business.com.

B4 Success Stories One thing we don’t do too much in B4 is shout about the success stories we have helped to facilitate. This is where we need your input. We often hear that someone has won business from appearing in B4 but we don’t write about it in the magazine, or post it on the website. Perhaps we should do, so we’re giving you the opportunity to let us know where B4 has helped you. The more we can promote your successes, the more we can attract B4 members and the whole

virtuous circle gets stronger and stronger. So if you’d like to report a success to the Editor, please e-mail Richard at editorial@b4-business.com today. If you’re a B4 member and you’d like to recommend another B4 member, we’d like to hear from you too. Just tell us who you like and tell us why and we’ll include it in the next edition of B4.

B4 Membership - NEW SINGLE PERSON BUSINESS RATE For all sole traders and new businesses with just one of you at the helm, we’ve come up with a new rate just for you. For just £150+VAT per annum, you will feature in the contacts directory of B4, on our www.b4-business.com website, be able to upload unlimited press releases and event details to the B4 site and attend a minimum of four B4 Oxfordshire Ambassador events and selected B4 Berkshire and

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Oxfordshire events. Not only that, but we’re also giving you a complimentary ¼ page in the B4 news for one edition. Interested? Call us now on 01865 742211 or e-mail editorial@b4-business.com. See page 60 for full table of rates.

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Inspire, Develop and Influence impact on employee effectiveness. Speakers’ presentations are then followed by round-table discussions, enabling those present to gather and learn from the comments and experiences of their peers in response to the subject raised. We are hoping that you will join and engage with us, whether as a new or existing member, to take advantage of the events we offer and the opportunities that our growing community offers. We look forward to seeing you at one of our upcoming events: Engaging employees with Frank Nigriello, Unipart. Monday 23 April, 6pm Sharp Thinking at Owen Mumford, Chipping Norton, with Jarl Severn. Tuesday 24 April, 6pm Meet our New Chairman at our AMM, at Mini Plant Oxford. Thursday 3 May, 6pm

The Feathered Nest, near Burford

2012 has already been a momentous year for Oxfordshire IoD, and we’re barely a quarter of the way through! Our Chairman for three years, Ian Wenman, has sadly now reached the end of his term. He’s been a wonderful ambassador for business in the region, and though we’re obviously not losing him as a member, he’ll be missed by the committee. However, his departure gives us the opportunity to welcome a new face to the team: Mike Collett, CEO and owner of WILA Lighting Ltd, a Wantage-based manufacturer of specialist lighting, who takes over as Chairman of the branch from May 2012.

management and sales roles, as well as running WILA Lighting as CEO and owner for the last seven years, having worked for them since 1993 – a business with 35 employees and a turnover of around £20m. Come along to the AMM on 3rd May to welcome Mike to the branch, or catch him at any of our upcoming events.

Arts and Enterprise, with Brookes & Pegasus. Thursday 10 May, 4pm Blenheim Breakfast: Sustainability Leadership for Business Benefit at Blenheim Palace. Wednesday 23 May, 7.30am

Indeed, this year’s events should be a good indication of another significant event this year for your local IoD branch: the adoption of our new statement of purpose: • To Inspire • To Develop • To Influence From discussions with members, we’ve established that these are the things they most want from us: to be inspired and motivated, to develop their skills and knowledge as directors and leaders, and to feel that the IoD is providing them with influence on local and national government. We will use this as a platform for all that we do, and all our activities and events will be focused on achieving one or more of these aspirations.

Mike Collett, CEO and Owner of WILA Lighting Ltd

Mike brings a wealth of experience to the role, having lived and worked in Germany, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain and Dubai in a variety of technical,

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As an example of new focus on Director Development, we’ve already been running a hugely successful series of Leadership Breakfasts at Blenheim palace – with guest speakers providing guidance on a series of topics, such as exploring the emotional connection people have with their work and how tapping into this can have a beneficial

Blenheim Palace

Infineum tour with Martin Dare-Edwards Wednesday 20 June, 5.30pm IoD Oxfordshire Summer Lunch at The Feathered Nest, Near Burford. Friday 13 July, 12.30pm For booking and full details please contact Branch Administrator, Rebecca Upright: admin.oxfordshire@iod.net, 01865 390025 or see www.iod.com/oxfordshire

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Have you got a 'You Tube' business channel yet? You know all about You Tube: • More than 100 million videos viewed each day, • 2nd largest search engine on the web, • Tens of millions of unique visitors, • One of the top sites on the Internet and so on. And, you've probably watched You Tube videos. But have you ever uploaded your own creation? If not, why not.... having your own You Tube channel is really going to help your business! So what's holding you back? It's easier than you think to post a video, and there are many good business reasons for doing it. Whether you're in a small company, or a larger one that doesn't want to mess around with video hosting and access issues, having a 'You Tube channel' provides a free, easy way to host your corporate video. What kind of video? • Executive presentations - the boss delivering that extended elevator pitch of the business • Training Videos - demonstrating your businesses expertise • PR/Marketing - showcasing your business products, services and environment • Events - promoting your events Those are just a few ideas out of endless possibilities, and not only do you get a visual representation of your business, the engagement on your website is improved. Making the Video? Off the cuff video from a personal camera can be great for regular content updates or maybe clips from recent events, but you only get one chance to make a first impression, so speak to a sensible video production company and get a professional to help showcase you business.

So the video is done, whats next? Upload it to your You Tube channel. Videos must be less than 100MB in size and 10 minutes in length, so for longer corporate presentations and events, you must include only the highlights or break them into separate videos. Simply click on the "Upload Videos" link on the top right of any You Tube page and follow the very clear instructions. You supply keywords and descriptive information about the video just as you would for web pages. And the job is complete! And on your website? • Having a video or series of videos will engage potential clients • Your 'visit engagement to conversion to client' will increase by 45% • Your 'visitor time on site', and 'return to site' metrics will increase • Your You Tube channel will be in your Top 10 of referral sites to your website • Your business is listed on the 2nd biggest search engine on the planet • And if you’re a small business it allows you to appear bigger! To discuss how a video will work with your website and the benefits to your business contact Glooo. Email Robin@glooo.co.uk or call 01865 595707 www.glooo.co.uk

Glooo's Top 10 You Tube users in Oxfordshire Top 10 Oxfordshire businesses with You Tube channels/videos

Top 10 B4 Members with You Tube channels/videos

Followers

Company

Followers

Company

474

Oxfam

Studio8

303

Oxford Brookes

Oxford Instruments

233

Miele GB

Begbroke Science Park

223

Oxford Business News

Williams F1

209

Thames Valley Police

B4BusinessTV

193

Sophos

Finders Keepers

187

Oxford University

Blenheim Palace

150

Oxbox TV

Business Wealth Club

147

BMW Mini

Four Pillars Hotel

101

Saucy Horse

Old Swan and Minster Mill

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news Celebrating five years of the Oxford Children’s Hospital A giant birthday cake, balloons and lots of excited children were the perfect ingredients to celebrate five years of the Oxford Children’s Hospital. Opened in 2007, the hospital treats thousands of children every year from across the region and in some cases across the UK. A fundraising campaign raised £15 million pounds and helped to build and equip the hospital, allowing it to be designed around the needs of the young patients and their families. Head of Community Fundraising Graham Brogden said: “We can’t believe it’s already five years since the Children’s Hospital opened, providing our patients – from babies to teenagers - with a bright, spacious and happy hospital. “We have a lot to thank the local business community for, as they backed the fundraising campaign with such enthusiasm from the start. We’d love to hear from any local businesses who would like to help us celebrate this special year as support from the community continues to help us provide the very latest medical equipment and facilities that go beyond what the NHS can do on its own.” Helping to celebrate the birthday was former TV presenter Katie Ledger and

Staff and patients celebrating the fifth birthday of the Oxford Children’s Hospital (thanks to Palace Cuisine for the cake)

her son Max, who has lymphoblastic leukaemia and has been a regular patient at the hospital for two and a half years. Katie praised the “wonderful staff” that work at the Children’s Hospital and commented: “I really know what a difference donations make. There are fantastic facilities here which help so much when you are going through such a difficult time.”

Challenge your staff to a charity abseil. Looking for an exciting, adrenalin-packed team bonding event that comes in at just £10 a head and can raise thousands for fantastic local causes?

noticed that people really seem to like supporting a local charity as well as seeing their bosses on the ropes!”

We have the answer. On June 17th, a charity abseil supporting four great hospital causes is taking place in Oxford.

The June abseil is supporting cellular immunology research; research into head and neck cancer; the Acute Medical Care Ward and the Cancer Care Fund.

Fundraising Manager Janet Sprake explained: “Our 100 foot abseils are perfect for business teams as they are challenging as well as really good fun, but they don’t involve loads of training so most people can get involved. Also, we have

If you would like to find out how your organisation or company can abseil for one of these causes, please contact Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals Charitable Funds on 01865 743444 or email charity@ouh.nhs.uk

Amey’s Amazing Donation Local firm Amey, based at the Oxford Science Park, has donated £100,000 to the Oxford Cancer Centre. Staff staged a series of events over two years to help raise the funds. Mel Ewell, Chief Executive of Amey, said: “I am delighted to fulfil our pledge of donating £100,000 to the Oxford Cancer Centre. As a local company, we are proud to support the invaluable care the team provides to thousands of Oxfordshire residents.”

Amey Chief Executive Mel Ewell, with Carolyn Barrett of Critical Care, Kate Buchanan of Amey, Cancer Benefactor Board Chairman Neil Ashley and Senior Charge Nurse Trevor Venes.

Head of Community Fundraising, Graham Brogden added: “It’s inspirational to see a company and its staff show such amazing support for the Cancer Centre; support which will help thousands of patients and their families benefit from the facilities that have been funded. I hope Amey’s generosity will encourage other businesses large or small to get involved with the hospital.”

To find out more about any of these events, or to discuss your fundraising ideas, just call the fundraising team on 01865 743444 or email charity@ouh.nhs.uk or visit the website www.orhcharitablefunds.nhs.uk

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ALL THE PROPERTY ADVICE AND EXPERTISE YOU NEED… UNDER ONE ROOF

We’ve spent the last few months making ourselves comfortable in our new home at Mayfield House in Summertown. It’s twice as big as our last Summertown office, has bright and airy meeting rooms and plenty of space for our expanding teams. But most importantly, it brings all of our regional property experts together. Which means you can get all the advice you need from one team, under one roof. We’d love you to see for yourself – so please do come in for a coffee or a chat when you’re passing. Carter Jonas offers expert advice in: t buying and selling residential property

t lease advice

t investment

t architecture & building surveying

t asset management

t planning

t estate and property management

t development

t acquisitions and disposals

t business rates

t lettings

t valuations

To find out more, please contact:

01865 511444 oxford@carterjonas.co.uk Mayfield House, 256 Banbury Road, Oxford OX2 7DE

Offices throughout the UK including 5 in London

carterjonas.co.uk

news Visit Oxfordshire launches new corporate website In February at its first annual partnersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; meeting Visit Oxfordshire launched its brand new corporate website: www.visitoxfordshire.org. The site is the one-stop shop for businesses to easily find out information on how to become a partner and all the benefits this brings. There is also information on future activity and opportunities for partners, as well as links to business support and advice. Details on training opportunities with Tourism South East are also

provided as well as the latest research from Visit Oxfordshire and the national tourism organisations, VisitEngland and VisitBritain. Partnership packages range from ÂŁ100 to ÂŁ10,000 per annum, and all levels include membership of Tourism South East, providing the flexibility for businesses to target their activity and partnership according to their needs. www.visitoxfordshire.org

Organising a summer event or conference? Meet Oxfordshire, the conference bureau for Visit Oxfordshire can help businesses find the ideal venue for any summer incentive event or conference. To assist in the search for the perfect place, the website showcases venues across the county ranging from the stunning Williams F1 Conference

Centre in Grove to the historic splendour of Blenheim Palace, as well as details of support services and special offers at partner venues. The Meet Oxfordshire team is also on hand to provide advice and support in finding the right place to fit your requirements. For more information please call 01608 731802 or visit our website. www.meetoxfordshire.com

Cherwell Business Awards 2012 crown Wroxton House Hotel winners of the Tourism, Hospitality and Leisure Award Wroxton House Hotel near Banbury was crowned winner of the Tourism, Hospitality and Leisure award at the Cherwell Business Awards 2012. Wroxton House Hotel put together a strong entry and was able to demonstrate its commitment to promoting tourism, encouraging leisure pursuits and promoting customer focused hospitality venues in Oxfordshire; successful business growth; evidence of customer feedback detailing satisfaction with the services/facilities on offer and evidence of engaging local businesses and partnering or joint venturing with other similar

organisations. In addition, Wroxton House Hotel has recently launched their newly expanded Broughton Room. Situated on the ground floor of the hotel the Broughton Room can now accommodate up to 100 people. The room benefits from natural light, air conditioning and complimentary WiFi access. It also has access to a private terrace and garden, making it the ideal location for summer events. Please visit www.bw-wroxtonhousehotel.co.uk, to find out more or call 01295 730777 or email events@wroxtonhousehotel.com

VisitEngland Awards for Excellence Abbey Guest House in Abingdon on Thames has been named as a finalist in the Access for All Tourism Award category of the prestigious VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2012.

held on 22 May 2012. The Enjoy England Awards for Excellence 2012 celebrate the best of English tourism. They promote healthy industry competition and high standards, helping to ensure England's place as a world-class destination.

As a finalist Abbey Guest House now goes forward to the glittering Awards Ceremony which is being

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news Celebrating success The winners of the 2012 West Oxfordshire Business Awards (WOBAs) were announced on Friday 16 March at a Gala Dinner held at Heythrop Park Resort, where 260 business people from the region gathered to celebrate with the winners and finalists. In a surprise appearance, Witney MP and Prime Minister David Cameron praised the “inspirational

enterprise culture in West Oxfordshire” in a speech at the awards. He described the finalists, sponsors and winners present as "great role models to have set up, worked in and succeeded in business." Mike Leggett, chairman of the organising committee said, ”The winners and finalists reflected the quality and depth of business in West Oxfordshire and it was a celebration of the region’s excellence.” www.woba.co.uk

Coutts West Oxfordshire Business of the Year The Coutts West Oxfordshire Business of the Year Award was presented to recycling and renewable energy company Agrivert by Maggie Bradley of Coutts. They received the unique trophy designed by students from Abingdon and Witney College and made by local artist Steven Fletcher. The judges were unanimous in their view that

Agrivert represents everything that is good about business in West Oxfordshire. Alexander Maddan, Chief Executive of Agrivert said: "We have been working in West Oxfordshire for the last 18 years and have built our business by employing great people and having the courage to pioneer great ideas. We were delighted to be recognised by the Awards whilst surrounded by such an excellent cohort of finalists."

The best in West Oxfordshire The Coutts West Oxfordshire Business of the Year 2012: Winner: Agrivert The Abacus Events Green Business of the Year: Winner: Agrivert Finalists: Data Plastics, Worton Farms The Owen Mumford Innovation Award: Winner: DFx Technology Finalists: First Sight Media, Oxford Products The Bloxham Mill Small Business of the Year: Winner: ICE Oxford Finalists: Harris and Thompson, Jaffé & Neale Bookshop & Café

The Ridgeway Large Business of the Year Winner: STL Communications Finalists: Data Plastics, Oxford Products The Cloud 9 Charity and Community Award Winner: Adventure Plus Finalists: Base 33, TVSA Limited Urban Element Social Media Award Winner: The Theatre, Chipping Norton Finalists: Aston Pottery, Morgen HR Blenheim Palace Rural Business Award Winner: Foxbury Farm Finalists: Agrivert, Ascott Community Shop

Strategic Mentors Business Person of the Year Winner: John Sharples - Low Power Radio Solutions Finalists: Brendon Cross - STL Communications, James Eades - Energy My Way The Heythrop Park Tourism and Leisure Award Winner: The Theatre, Chipping Norton Finalists: Cotswold Wildlife Park, Crocodiles of the World The Floremus New Business of the Year Winner: Caswell House Finalists: Harris and Thompson, Woozelbears

SpecialEffect charity donation Matt Hampson, patron of last year’s WOBA Charity Award winner SpecialEffect, started the event with a passionate speech that helped raise nearly £2,000 during the evening to support the charity’s work. Special Effect is a charity dedicated to helping young people with disabilities to play computer games and use technology in order to improve their quality of life.

The organisers The WOBA’s were organised by a small team who give of their time and expertise for free. They are Mike Leggett (The Southill Partnership), Will Barton (WODC), Jo Sensecall (Marketing Sense), Ken Norman (New Tricks Training), Christoph Corvin (Olamalu), Beth Burge (BB Administration), Kate Jarrett (Devotion PR) with the Heythrop Park Resort team and a number of other supporters to whom we give our thanks.

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www.woba.co.uk

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RESTAURANT

AWARDS Buy your awards tickets Now £80+vat per person Tables of 10 £750+vat Book Now at oxfordshirerestaurantawards.co.uk 7 M 7 H : I I F E D I E H

news Let’s Make Giving Less Taxing

Photograph courtesy of Antony Moore and Oxford Mail

The 32nd London Marathon which saw 36,699 runners complete the course will probably be remembered for one thing – the tragic death of a remarkable and inspirational young woman, Claire Squires, less than a mile from the finishing line. In just under a week £1m has been raised on her charity page, and is a fitting tribute to her and everyone who has made a donation to a cause she felt passionately about. Somewhat poignantly as this colourful pageant was taking place the heated debate whether giving to charity is the same thing as tax avoidance was and still is in the news. Since the Marathon began in 1981, £500 million has been raised for good causes, and it is hard to imagine anyone supporting participants did so for tax reasons. Yet the Government’s proposal to cap the amount of tax relief that people can receive on charitable donations at £50,000, may act not only to discourage major donors, but could dissuade people giving altogether. The Oxfordshire Community Foundation OCF is lobbying as part of the Community Foundation Network to ensure that the community groups it supports are not disadvantaged, and local lives continue to be helped by the dedicated volunteers who provide services across the county where they are most needed. A formal consultation between Government and charities is due to take place this summer, and OCF will be adding its voice to request a rethink and is urging others to do the same. Jayne Woodley, Chief Executive of OCF, is full of praise and gratitude for the donors who support the Oxfordshire Community Foundation. ‘There are numerous and often very personal reasons why people chose to give away money they have legitimately earned, and the suggestion that they do so simply to avoid paying tax is in my experience way off beam. If people can afford and

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wish to ‘live and give’ they should be applauded rather than demonised, and their achievements used to inspire future philanthropists.’ Through the OCF’s Jubilee Fund for Oxfordshire businesses and individuals are being encouraged to ‘give’ to the fund, and help create a lasting legacy for the County. Jayne explains, ‘Monies raised will be used to provide grants to community groups which are addressing real needs locally. Society’s biggest problems don’t attract the most money. When resources are scarce, we need to really consider where they should be allocated. We are in a position due to our in depth local knowledge to ‘get it right’ for our donors.’ It is for this very reason that this month, Oxfordshire Community Foundation, along with other Community Foundations across the Thames Valley, will be establishing its Time to Give Philanthropy Fellowship. The aim of the Fellowship is to create a network of inspired community philanthropists, who are actively engaged in responding to the needs of the community. ‘We believe that the most expensive social problems facing the county can be addressed by individuals and business engaging more broadly with the concept of community philanthropy. It is essential that we find ways to attract more and better funding to tackle these social problems. As a Community Foundation we are able to shed light on difficult issues and present a powerful argument why private funders should intervene and what can be achieved. For the sake of communities across the UK including Oxfordshire we hope the Government will rethink its proposed reforms relating to charitable donations, and find ways to make philanthropy a matter for everyone.’ Please visit www.oxfordshire.org to find out more about us or email jubilee@oxfordshire.org to attend one of our bespoke philanthropy events.

“It takes a bit of getting used to that when you are used to seeing accounts with income and hopefully a profit, you are faced with a set of figures with minimal revenue and losses running into many millions each year as companies invest heavily into its main asset, intellectual property (IP).” he commented. “Of course the management team and Shareholders which invariably includes Venture Capital funds or Business Angels are fully aware of the high risks involved, but if they get it right, the rewards can be enormous.”

“Technology has a very experienced and supportive network of professionals including lawyers and accountants specialising in the sector, patent attorneys and networks such as OBN which has created the Oxford BioCluster. Andrew explained. “In the past ten years I have been involved with companies that have gone from start-up stage to listing on the stock exchange, both here and overseas, and as a result I can recognise most of the issues which many of my clients are likely to face on that journey.”

These potential winning ideas – and there are lots of them in an area renowned for its world-class university, science parks and outstanding technology entrepreneurs - still need good advice from a reliable source.

George Osborne announced in the recent budget the “new ambition to make the UK the Technology hub of Europe”, and “Oxford must be considered one of, if not the premier hub within the UK” added Trevor French, Corporate Director for the Oxford team.

After ten years working in the Technology sector Andrew has plenty of experience to share and has

The Oxford area has become a magnet for high-tech companies, with a strong concentration

area of satisfaction knowing that that company will be making a major difference to potentially millions of people whether it be the launching of a new drug or the next development of hardware and software which many of us use in our increasingly busy lives” commented Andrew While Oxford’s university links give it a world-class academic and research base, the county also benefits from an excellent infrastructure, quality science parks and close links to London. Its history also makes it one of the few places in the UK – alongside the likes of London and Cambridge that is instantly recognisable by overseas investors making it a popular location for subsidiaries of overseas companies looking to tap into the Oxford expertise. Technology based companies come in a broad range of sub sectors from drug discovery and development, medical devices, diagnostics, IT

“In the past ten years I have been involved with companies that have gone from start-up stage to listing on the stock exchange” become adept at working with technology companies, understanding both the sector and any local issues and opportunities. Both his and Barclays experience in the technology industry means they understand the longer-term nature of the research and development involved and can provide help that is tailored to the industry’s needs.

of Life Sciences companies. The rewards for those who get it right can be impressive when they finally arrive. “It’s very rewarding to support a company through several years of investment in research and development and then watch it bring their product or service to market potentially becoming a very profitable business. Of course there is also another

software through to those niche companies involved in motorsport industry which is another Oxfordshire success story in itself. Some of these companies have grown to become global leaders in their particular fields and Andrew is convinced there will be others following suit in years to come.

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B4 LEAD

BARCLAYS BACKING WINNING IDEAS Reading the balance sheet of a high-tech start up can raise a few eyebrows amongst bankers who are new to the sector, but Barclays technology specialist Andrew Davies is well used to it by now.

As companies evolve from a start-up business to a fully-fledged operation, the Barclays role switches from providing advice and support to offering more traditional help. Andrew sees the bank as working in different ways through what he sees as three distinct stages of a company’s life.

management.

“With start-ups we can direct companies to the various advisors which they will need, whether it is

“As the company matures the investors may want to consider an exit which may include an IPO or a

Throughout Barclay’s national technology team, we have provided committed funding totalling nearly £2bn to support the growth of more than 800 companies in the technology sector

Barclays’ commitment to the sector locally is demonstrated by its long-term sponsorship of Isis Innovation, the technology transfer and academic consulting subsidiary of the University of Oxford. As part of its support for the organisation over the past 11 years, Barclays has helped many University of Oxford spinouts make the best use of investment cash designed to support long-term R&D.“These spinouts from ISIS which now total over 80 have

“At this stage their requirements of the bank are straightforward and is more about providing an excellent service and ensuring they maximise their returns” for funding, premises, management team additions. At this stage their requirements of the bank are straightforward and is more about providing an excellent service and ensuring they maximise their returns on the funds they have raised.” he commented. During the early stages, whilst companies are undertaking their Research and Development, funding is usually provided by Venture Capitalists or Private Equity Firms. Once their product or service is generating revenue we can look at other solutions to help the company on its way. This could take the form of debt funding, global cash management, support for international trade, employee benefits guidance (especially relevant with auto enrolment coming) and wealth

trade sale. By engaging with the client at an early stage, we can provide guidance, either ourselves or through our network of contacts to help shape their business strategy” Andrew utilises Barclay’s global strength to access a wide range of services through Barclays Capital and other specialists. “As a worldwide business, Barclays can help our clients achieve their global aspirations by providing links to the right advice and support overseas,” Andrew explained.“We have a bespoke approach that is based on understanding the client’s Treasury policy and cashflow needs and using that knowledge to give them the best return on their investment while allowing maximum flexibility,” Andrew said.

attracted £325 million of external funding over the last 10 years, which has created world beating technology and led to many hundreds of jobs being created” said Andrew. “Barclays is proud of its long-term sponsorship of such a successful enterprise.” He added: “Good science, right management team, right source of investment funds and high quality research skills available in the City will continue to drive growth in the technology sector in Oxford – and Barclays is committed to helping that happen.” Contact: Andrew Davies on 07775 548803 or Trevor French on 07917 42654.

Barclays Bank PLC is registered in England. Registered Number 1026167. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Registered Number 122702. Registered Office: 1 Churchill Place, London E14 5HP.

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B4 SPOTLIGHT

ORGANOX LIMITED There is a major shortage of organs for transplant worldwide with an increasing number of patients on the transplant waiting list. Although 29% of the UK population are registered as organ donors there are only around 1000 donors per year and more than 10,000 people in the UK in need of an organ transplant. One Oxfordshire company is developing a novel medical device that will increase the number of livers available for transplant and hopes to make currently untransplantable organs transplantable

OrganOx™ Limited is a late-stage medical device development company with its mission “to increase the quality and quantity of organs for transplantation.” The company’s first product, the OrganOx™ metra™, will be commercially available in 2013 and enables preservation of livers prior to transplantation for up to 24 hours at normal body temperature. The metra™ utilises a patented process which simulates the way the liver operates in the body and can maintain it in a fully viable state for up to 24 hours. This approach, which has substantial benefits over the current practice of storing organs cold, has been in development for more than 15 years with the company’s founders, Professor Peter Friend, Director of the Oxford Transplant Centre at the Churchill Hospital and Professor Constantin Coussios, Professor of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Oxford. The new device maintains the liver in a fully functioning state and provides transplant surgeons with much more information on the organ than currently available; it monitors flows and pressures into the liver, blood gases and

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pH and bile production which is a significant indicator of a strongly functioning organ. There are more than 30,000 patients on the liver transplant waiting list in Europe and the US combined, however, there are only around 12,000 liver transplants per year in these countries and some 20% of patients die whilst waiting for a transplant. Livers are currently discarded due to a high fat content from obese donors and a prolonged period without an adequate oxygen supply; pre-clinical studies have shown that the metra™ may make these untransplantable organs suitable for transplant. OrganOx expects to start clinical trials with the metra™ in the middle of this year and make its first sales before the end of next year. OrganOx Limited was formed as a spin-out from the University of Oxford in April 2008 and after the appointment of Dr. Les Russell as CEO, secured its first funding of £1.5m in December 2008 and has achieved successful commercialization of the metra™ in 3 years. In the face of a difficult funding

climate over the past years, the company closed a second successful round of £2.75m in January 2011 bringing in the Royal Society Enterprise Fund as a valued new investor alongside its original investors which included Oxford Technology Management, Oxford University and Technikos LLP. OrganOx expects to complete a further funding round later this year once the metra™ has been used successfully in transplanting patients. Dr. Russell chose an outsourcing model for product development and manufacture and commented that the company’s success is due to a clear vision and focus supported by an outstanding and dedicated team of founders, colleagues and investors complemented by their development and manufacturing partners. The future is really exciting for OrganOx as it now enters its next phase of full commercial exploitation with transplant surgeons eager to employ the metra™ and increase the number of livers available for transplant. For further information contact Les Russell: les.russell@organox.com

B4 SPOTLIGHT

OXFORD GENE TECHNOLOGY INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES FOR MOLECULAR MEDICINE Founded in 1995 by Professor Ed Southern, with an initial remit to commercialise his microarray patents through licensing, Oxford Gene Technology (OGT) now boasts over 40 high-profile licensees of its microarray technology. The licensing strategy originally employed has not only been successful in generating robust revenue growth but also forging strong relationships with major international corporations including Agilent, Illumina, and Roche. Over the last 7 years, under the stewardship of Chief Executive Dr Mike Evans, OGT has built a substantial portfolio of products and services in

and Diagnostic Biomarkers. In addition, an Exploratory Research division, headed by Professor Southern, focuses on developing new diagnostic techniques with potential for in-house commercialisation or partnering with diagnostic and pharmaceutical organisations. The Clinical and Genomic Solutions business utilises the latest genomic technologies to provide innovative products and services for the accurate detection and diagnosis of human disease (e.g., learning disorders, cancer). Whilst these new technologies allow unprecedented insight into the human condition, they also generate vast amounts of complex data. A core component of OGT’s

the autoimmune disease Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are at an advanced stage. In addition to generating in-house intellectual property (IP), OGT also in-licenses promising early stage diagnostic tests and partners with pharmaceutical and diagnostic companies to create shared IP. Another common use of OGT’s technology is the creation of genetic tests that can be used to determine if a particular drug or therapy will have a positive outcome. Such tests are now expected for all new drugs launched in the US. Through the two distinct but complementary business units, OGT is delivering strong, risk diversified organic growth with a growth rate for its

“The appointment of a commercially experienced management team and strengthening of key business areas has resulted in significant and sustained growth” order to decrease its reliance on licensing-derived revenue. Today, over half of all revenues are derived from this rapidly expanding range of products and services.

offering is extracting meaningful biological results from such data so that researchers and clinicians can focus on biology rather than insurmountable data sets.

The appointment of a commercially experienced management team and strengthening of key business areas has resulted in significant and sustained growth. Located in purpose built facilities, just outside Oxford, the company has two core commercial arms: Clinical and Genomic Solutions

The Diagnostic Biomarkers business utilises the same high-throughput genomic technology to create a patent protected portfolio of new and improved tests for early and accurate disease detection. Biomarker discovery studies in colorectal cancer, prostate cancer and pancreatic cancer plus

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trading businesses of over 20%. Even in these turbulent economic times, the future of OGT looks both assured and exciting with further expansion plans on the horizon fuelled by growth into the clinical diagnostics market, a full pipeline of new products and further corporate development opportunities. For more information www.ogt.co.uk

about

OGT,

visit

B4 HR

HOW STRONG IS YOUR RECRUITMENT & RETENTION STRATEGY? With the impending influx of new talent into Oxfordshire as a result of new government led initiatives & partnerships, how flexible is your organisation’s recruitment strategy? How will you retain your talent? How attractive is your organisation to new talent? The increased flow of new organisations into Oxfordshire can only be a good thing for economic growth in the area, highlighting the exceptional talent and resources we have in our county and ensuring a bright economic future for Oxfordshire. However, this could leave an organisations recruitment and retention strategy wide open. With new and exciting organisations coming into the area, your talent could start to think the grass is greener on the other side. The Career Boutique have built up open and honest professional relationships with our clients, and feel they are in an ideal position to advise and guide them on the employment market, employee retention, and more importantly employee satisfaction. With incentives and benefits such as flexible working, personal development & training plans, healthcare and pension benefits, to name only a few, your organisation would become more attractive.

regimented, open to ideas & forward thinking rather than stuck in a rut and most of all an organisation who values its existing staff by offering them a pleasant, safe and secure working environment.

You must be listening to your staff and providing them with opportunities to communicate with you. If your employees feel respected and secure, they will tell you what’s on their minds.

Financial rewards and bonuses can be very attractive but in these austere times, other incentives can be just as attractive. Some organisations offer stock options, others team building days/nights, some offer vouchers for online or high street retailers or restaurants. An organisation who is keen to retain its talent would be well advised to ask them what they’d like rather than just assume. By asking, you’re showing you’re willing to be flexible, willing to listen, which in itself can be a satisfying experience for the work force. Staff just want to feel part of the process, part of the decision making and part of the company they’re putting their time and effort into supporting.

The Top complaints employees have include:-

Katherine has come across these issues many times before in her work with clients on their

Salaries: Do your employees feel comfortable asking for a raise? How can you encourage open communication? Do your employees feel there is inequality in pay between new and longer term employees? In some organisations with the average annual pay increase of around 4%, employees think that newcomers are being paid more – and, often, they are. Over-management: Are your employees micro-managed? Workplaces that encourage employee empowerment and more employee contributions have fewer complaints. HR Dept responses: Is your HR Dept

“...hiring staff is just the start of creating a strong and talented work force. Your next challenge is keep them there because high turnover costs businesses time and productivity

”

Katherine has always believed that hiring staff is just the start of creating a strong and talented work force. Your next challenge is to keep them there because high turnover costs businesses time and productivity. By offering benefits and perks to keep staff happy, perhaps affording them a good work life balance and promoting from within wherever possible your time will be better spent and your productivity will improve. On the flip-side, by having these benefits and perks in place, your organisation becomes attractive to those seeking employment. Job seekers would prefer to work for an organisation that is flexible rather than 42

recruitment projects, and as a consequence she has gained many valuable partnerships with training/coaching organisations, HR professionals and legal advisors. She feels strongly that being able to offer rounded and impartial advice during the recruitment process, this only enhances the experience for the client. Our recent seminar on “Family Rights at Work” has highlighted the changes in society that require organisations to have a more flexible attitude towards family life and the balance with work. Knowing what makes your employees unhappy is essential when considering work satisfaction, morale, motivation and retention.

responding quickly to employee questions and concerns. In forward thinking HR departments, responsiveness to employee needs is essential. Favoritism: Are your employees treated equally? Employees want fair treatment in all policies, guidelines, requesting time off, assignments, regular communication and development opportunities. Communication and availability: Do you encourage face-to-face communication time with senior management? Communication helps employees feel valued and important.

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“Knowing what makes your employees unhappy is essential when considering work satisfaction, morale, motivation and retention” Workload: Do your employees feel their workloads are too heavy or their time is spread too thinly? This problem is becoming worse as redundancies; the economy; lack of educated, skilled or experienced staff; and your business demands grow. Some of the advice and recommendations the CIPD came up with from their recent talent management research was particularly helpful when you’re thinking about your resourcing and talent planning strategies: • Consolidate the people management skills of your line managers to identify, assess and develop your talent effectively, this would include managing performance, providing feedback and conducting effective & productive conversations plus training/coaching and engaging with your employees • Develop and support roles that are pivotal to the business. • Maintain a proactive and consistent approach to performance management. • Simplify and entrench your talent management processes and anchor development to the needs of the business.

Photography: www.studio-8.co.uk

• Support and engage with your employees through the uncertain economic climate – communicate regularly what is happening with the business, pay close attention and gauge the general mood of employees, supporting the ‘survivors’ of the business. • Acknowledge your organisation’s skills shortages and develop various possibilities to build knowledge and experience in the areas that are lacking. • Maintain enthusiasm and momentum around your brand and, even if not currently recruiting, keep talent interested for the future. www.thecareerboutique.com 43

B4 PROPERTY

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MAKING IT HAPPEN Starting a business in a recession takes more nerve than would normally be required, nevertheless, determination, application and an independent approach has secured Penny & Sinclair its prime position in the Oxford residential property market and enabled its substantial expansion. Claire Thompson of Syncro PR talks to James Penny and Wendy Sinclair about their past three years in business, the obstacles they have overcome and their plans for the future. The 2008 housing slowdown presented an unexpected opportunity for James and Wendy, who saw a gap in the North Oxfordshire residential property market for a premium, independent estate agency. In May 2009 they launched Penny & Sinclair with a team of five agents based at Mayfield House, 256 Banbury Road, Summertown. The office now houses a ten-strong team which has built a solid reputation throughout Oxford and a loyal client base. In a confident move, Penny & Sinclair launched its second office on The Plain in St Clements in March 2011. This marked a major expansion for the agency as it extended the firm’s reach into the central Oxford market. “When we initially launched Penny & Sinclair, it wasn’t about aiming to pick up business from competitors who were failing in the downturn, we had a determined attitude to the economic

examine what the competition were doing and improve on it.” Unlike the larger national firms who also operate in the high profile housing market in Oxford, Penny & Sinclair is a smaller and leaner independent agency and as such, is far more responsive to their client’s needs. It has the ability to adjust and deliver more rapidly, affording them a clear competitive advantage. This allows the company to work in partnership with their clients to provide bespoke solutions and cater for all eventualities. “From the outset, we ensure we have a real understanding of our clients objectives and we work with them to ensure their goals are realised. By way of example, a recent client who had vacated their property due to business relocation wanted to sell their home but was reluctant to do so due to price depreciation. We are now providing a full property management service to this client who is renting their property

“...we had a determined attitude to the economic climate and decided to focus on exceptional, personal and professional service with new innovative methods of marketing

”

climate and decided to focus on exceptional, personal and professional service with new innovative methods of marketing in order to build the Penny & Sinclair brand,” says James. “For us, we were not restructuring an existing traditional agency model, we were starting with a blank sheet, so we had the opportunity to

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on a long-term letting basis thereby giving them a significant rental income and time for sale prices to improve. This is one of many examples where we can demonstrate real flexibility and the ability to create practical solutions in a way that our competitors are not able.” Continued overleaf

B4 PROPERTY

Irreconcilable differences with James’s former partners at previous firm James C Penny meant that he had no option but to leave the company that bore his name on the door. Consequently, Penny & Sinclair has no connection with James C Penny. This paved the way for James to set up in business with Wendy Sinclair, with whom he had worked for many years. One of Penny & Sinclair’s key differentiators is the hands-on approach and genuine personal service they provide, so they felt it essential for the business name to incorporate the names behind the business. This decision has created some confusion among clients, since James’ name is still associated with his previous firm. James and Wendy are very clear with all new and existing clients that the connection is in name only. The business has made an extremely healthy start, selling over £44M worth of property to date and

taking on a further £7.25M listed to sell in 2011 alone. On the lettings and short lets side, it manages over 260 properties, equating to a value of £3.5M. The profile split equates to around 70% of the business being sales focused with the remaining 30% lettings.

years. We have seen a significant upturn in the market with increased buyer confidence. This combined with our proactive marketing has resulted in more sales being agreed, a number of which were in excess of the guide price,” says James.

“Despite the talk of economic doom, the Oxford residential market remains buoyant. Market momentum and interest in properties has been sustained throughout the first few months of 2012 and we have noticed a significant increase in viewings year on year. This has provided a great boost for us, as setting up a new office is demanding enough without the additional stress of launching in a quiet market.

Penny & Sinclair see the short let or serviced accommodation market as a key area for business growth in 2012, with a healthy rise in demand anticipated in the run up to the Queen’s Jubilee and the 2012 Olympics. With Oxford the third most visited city in England outside London demand is expected to be high during the peak period. The firm has superior short let accommodation to meet this expected demand, available on weekly rates inclusive of all utilities.

“Sometimes, you need to have a bit of blind faith to make it happen. Fortunately, the Penny & Sinclair brand is now established and the business has gone from strength to strength over the last three

“With properties in such high demand over the Olympic period, rental prices are expected to be higher than normal, so we are advising visitors to

“the Penny & Sinclair brand is now established and the business has gone from strength to strength over the last three years” 46

www.b4-business.com

“Despite working in an innovative way, we still adhere to the old fashioned principles of fairness and professionalism, which enables us to strengthen our foothold and look to develop our portfolio”

secure their accommodation in good time. We have superb accommodation to meet this predicted demand. To meet this demand, Lucy Lawton Smith has joined Penny & Sinclair as Lettings Manager, and is based at the Summertown office. Lucy joins from Finders Keepers in Summertown, with seven years’ lettings agency experience in both residential and corporate lettings. She is also a member of the Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA). The firm made two other high profile appointments in February this year with Angie Parmenter and Jeremy Turner joining the team to run the new City office in St Clements. Jeremy, with his wealth of industry experience heads up the City office, he is a Member of the National Association of Estate Agents (MNAEA) and of the Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA). Angie works as Senior Sales Negotiator, bringing with her a vast

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range of contacts and a rich background in entrepreneurial ventures. In terms of profile, Penny & Sinclair is streets ahead of its competitors, utilising cutting-edge marketing strategies and employing professional PR services in order to carry out online and offline activities. The firm has recently launched its social media platforms on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn in order to reach broader target audiences and attract maximum attention to its properties. Penny & Sinclair is also displaying its portfolio of properties at the Esporta Health & Racquets Club near Woodstock Road, Oxford. “Despite working in an innovative way, we still adhere to the old fashioned principles of fairness and professionalism, which enables us to strengthen our foothold and look to develop our portfolio beyond the boundaries of North and Central Oxford. Opening the St Clements office and

branching further into central Oxford is a fantastic move for the firm as it allows us to spread the net wider and gives us a chance to develop the level of specialist expertise that we can offer. “We are confident that with our new team on board, entrepreneurial culture and commitment to clients, we can continue to reinforce our position as one of Oxfordshire’s leading property agents. We are therefore very optimistic about 2012 and the continued growth of our company,” concludes James. If you are looking to buy or sell in 2012 or to find out more about Penny & Sinclair, please do not hesitate to call 01865 318013 or visit www.pennyandsinclair.co.uk

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news Approach to Performance Management Q: So, how does my Company avoid negativity in the workplace? A: The best way to combat workplace negativity is to keep it from occurring in the first place. Here are some suggestions to help you: Photography: www.studio-8.co.uk

1. Responsibility/ Ownership; Provide opportunities for people to make decisions about and control and/or influence their own job. The single most frequent cause of workplace negativity I encounter is traceable to a manager or the organisation making a decision about a person’s work without her input. Almost any decision that excludes the input of the person doing the work is perceived as negative.

B4 Ambassador, Sarah Morris, runs Oxfordshire based HR2YOU, a leading provider of Human Resources solutions for businesses of all sizes. Here Sarah answers questions put to her by B4 readers. Q: My Company is thriving despite the current climate yet my employees are very negative, what do you suggest? A: Nothing affects employee morale more than persistent workplace negativity. It saps the energy of your organisation and diverts critical attention from work and performance. As a manager, you are closely in touch with employees throughout the company. Knowing what people are negative about is the first step in solving the problem. In my experience, when rumblings and negativity are beginning in your organisation, talking with employees will help you understand the exact problems and the degree to which the problems are impacting your workplace. You will want to identify the exact employee groups who are experiencing the negativity, and the nature of the issues that sparked their unhappiness. Q: That’s, great but I wouldn’t even know where to start with finding that information! A: You receive employee complaints, do exit interviews with employees who leave, and examine the reputation of your organisation in your community. You watch the discussions on employee Intranets, manage the appraisal and 360-degree feedback process, and coach managers in appropriate staff treatment. This information will help you learn to identify the symptoms of negativity before its morale-busting consequences damage your workplace. It will also assist you in preventing and curing workplace negativity. Q: So what could the cause be? A: Perhaps the organisation made a decision that adversely affected staff or the executive manager held a staff meeting and was perceived to ignore people asking legitimate questions. Maybe staff members feel insecure because concern exists over losing a product line. Another cause could be underground rumours about impending redundancy. People may feel that they give the organisation more than they receive in return. Whatever the cause of the workplace negativity, you must address the issues. Or like a dormant volcano, they will boil beneath the surface, and periodically bubble up and overflow to cause fresh damage.

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2. Give employees a voice; Make opportunities available for people to express their opinion about workplace policies and procedures. Try an Employee Forum where department representatives are invited to ask questions relating to all aspects of the business, they may well have valuable suggestions since quite often those who have first-hand knowledge/experience of products or processes understand them better than anyone. Make sure the meeting is constructive and have a chairperson. 3. Apply workplace policies and procedures fairly and consistently; One rule must apply to all, otherwise you could be in line for costly discrimination claims. 4. Communication; Each person wants to have the same information as quickly as everyone else. Provide the context for decisions, and communicate effectively and constantly. 5. Reward and Recognition; One of the most powerful tools an organisation can use to boost staff morale is reward and recognition. They don’t have to be financial either, employee of the month awards, cinema tickets or cakes or dress down days are all low cost! BUT, think carefully about the type of reward you use as some could be deemed as discriminatory. Q: . I am the MD of a fairly new company and we are growing rapidly, I need to set some standards/image or brand for my fast employee base. What do you suggest? A: Try starting with identifying the appropriate leadership for your organisation, you then need to align the Company culture with the desired strategy of your company. In addition to this you should implement a strategic framework, including a mission that defines what you are doing ,a vision for your future, values that shape our actions, and goals and action plans to guide your daily, weekly and monthly actions. People want to feel as if they are part of something bigger than themselves. If they understand the direction, and their part in making the desired outcomes happen, they can effectively contribute more. Take some time to analyse what is important to the stakeholders of your organisation, what is the message you want to send out and the image you want to portray. They form the foundation for positive staff morale. www.hr2you.co.uk

YOUR BLANK CANVAS Over 200 B4 Ambassadors, Members and their guests enjoyed presentations from Lloyds TSB, Manpower plc, Learnership Ltd and Oxfordshire LEP, followed by an Ambassadors event at the stunning Canvas building at Abingdon Business Park on May 17th. Here are a few comments from those who came along. “Thanks to both of you for working to put on such a good event. From my point of view it all went very well and also promoted the building well. It was exceptionally well organised and I really take my hat off to you. I hope the B4 members enjoyed it!” Sarah Waller MRICS, Leasing Manager, IVG UK Ltd “I just wanted to say thanks for putting on the event yesterday, I really enjoyed it and it is exactly what we were looking for when we signed up with B4.” John Whitehurst, Head of Marketing, Momentum Hub – B4 Berkshire Ambassador “I wanted to thank you for the invitation to your event yesterday. The speakers were excellent and I spoke to a lot of people from all the three area's represented. I would welcome information of all future events.” Chris Barrett, Local Business Banking, Santander Corporate – B4 Berkshire Guest

Photography: www.studio-8.co.uk

“Thanks again for letting me attend yesterday, I found it really interesting and unquestionably a benefit to our Organisation when we become members.” Lee Rudd, Business Development Executive, CIS Ltd – B4 Oxfordshire Guest

“Hope all is well and thank you so much for last night. It was a really interesting evening at Canvas what a venue. B4 did it again! I will try my best to make our Event here at Blenheim Palace an even greater success for B4.” Paul Liczbinski, Head of Sales, Blenheim Palace – B4 Oxfordshire Member B4 would like to extend its thanks to Richard Venables of VSL, Sarah Waller of IVG, Adam Chester, Martin Dare-Edwards, Nick Heckscher, John Williamson, Oxford Fine Dining, Illy, The Oxford Wine Company, Studio 8, City Audio Visual, Blueprint Imaging, Oxford Event Hire, Camp Energy and Tom Ellis Champagne for their contributions. www.b4-business.com

B4 SPOTLIGHT

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B4 ADVICE

SALARY SACRIFICE SCHEMES A

‘SILVER BULLET’? Whether your business is growing or you are looking at ways to reduce your costs, an employee salary sacrifice scheme can offer a cost effective and tax efficient approach to staff retention and remuneration. Richard Webb, Tax Director at Grant Thornton in Reading provides insight into how it could work for you. The current economic outlook remains uncertain, with employees' pay lagging behind inflation and many households feeling the ‘pinch’ from the rise in the cost of living. Employers remain cautious about the future: whilst some businesses are recruiting, many in the South East are adopting a more conservative approach, according to a Manpower survey conducted in the first quarter. One of the many issues facing businesses and individuals alike is the high tax and National Insurance (NI) burden. Employees paying the basic rate of tax and NI may only take home £60 for every £100 that the employer originally budgeted for salaries, and for additional rate tax payers, this is as little as £42. Businesses need to find ways to increase employee net pay without increasing their own operating costs. What is Salary Sacrifice? Salary sacrifice schemes offer employers the potential to reduce the ‘tax take’ in payroll through creative and flexible benefits that can be tailored to suit the values of the business and the needs of the individual. These schemes not only effectively increase the net take home pay of the individual, but also offer other benefits such as integration with the Corporate Social Responsibility agenda of the business to help align individual’s behaviour with the organisation’s own ethics. Pensions One of the most popular examples of salary sacrifice is seen in relation to pensions, where an employee can choose to take a reduction in salary. The employer pays less in NI as a result of the reduced salary, and the employee's pension is enhanced by that same amount being paid into the pension scheme as an employer contribution. As pensions auto-enrolment looms in October 2012, those employers not yet using salary sacrifice could adopt this approach to offset some of the cost of funding additional pensions. 52

However, pensions are not the only benefit that can be offered as part of a salary sacrifice scheme. Childcare vouchers, bikes for work, cars and car parking, among others, can all form part of a bundle of flexible benefits offered to employees willing to sacrifice an element of their pay to take advantage of tax breaks and harness the buying power of their employer.

“Salary sacrifice schemes offer employers the potential to reduce the ‘tax take’ in payroll through creative and flexible benefits” Childcare Vouchers These are of particular interest alongside recent Budget announcements to reduce the value of Child Benefit once an individual earns over £50,000, with the Benefit being negated altogether at an income of £60,000. Childcare vouchers can generate cash savings of over £600 per annum even for those falling outside the threshold for Child Benefit. For some the tax saving can be in excess of £900.

Implementing a Scheme The key to any effective salary sacrifice scheme is to ensure that it is fully understood, implemented correctly and managed proactively: • Ensure that the benefits on offer are aligned with your overall business agenda, rather than providing a random ‘bag’ of benefits. • Take professional advice at the planning stage to ensure that you effectively build in any tax advantage • Stay aligned with market offerings and employee needs through an annual benefit survey • Review regularly to ensure that you are still achieving tax effectiveness Find out more A salary sacrifice scheme provides an employer with a creative mechanism to increase the value of the overall pay package to employees whilst managing their own tax costs. Saving money for the individual and the business comes down to effective planning and professional guidance to create a business environment in which employment can be maintained and there is potential for growth. If you want to find out more about Employment Tax Planning, join us at one of our Employment Tax events on Thursday 3 May at the Holiday Inn (M4, J10), Reading or Wednesday 9 May at the Oxford Centre, Oxford. To register or find out more details, call us on 01189 559100.

Cars www.grant-thornton.co.uk Some may think that an employee car scheme is a revival of the old Company Car policy, but although similar it is conceptually different. The fundamental principle of this scheme is to use salary sacrifice for any employee to leverage the attractive tax breaks on ‘green’ vehicles and lower employer fleet purchase rates. www.b4-business.com

“Childcare vouchers can generate cash savings of over £600 per annum even for those falling outside the threshold for Child Benefit.”

P RO F I L E O F

RICHARD

WEBB Richard Webb is Director in Employer Solutions at Grant Thornton, based in the Thames Valley offices at Winnersh IQ. He has over 25 years’ experience in tax, having started his career as an Inspector of Taxes and having worked with the Big 4 as well as a self-employed consultant. He works with employers of varying size, helping busy finance and HR teams to effectively manage employment tax risk and implement pragmatic pay and benefit structures to mitigate tax costs.

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Ex cess mileage Based on 10,000 miles per annum. Excess mileage charges charges apply. apply. Offer Offer based on standar standardd vvehicle ehicle without eextra xtra cost options. Off Offer er subject to status, a guar guarantee antee and/or indemnity ma mayy be rrequired. equired. TTerms erms and Conditions apply apply.. AAtt participating Dealers only. only. Offer Offer may ma y be varied v aried or withdrawn Dealers withdra wn at any time without prior notification. notif ication. FGA FG A Contracts, Contracts, 240 Bath Road, Road, Slough, SL1 4DX. 4DX. Vehicles Vehicles must be registered registered with FGA FG A Contracts Contracts before before 30th June 2012. Prices Prices aand nd sspecifications pecifications correct correct at at egistered trtrademark ademark of Chr Chrysler ysler Gr Group oup LL LLC. C. ess (04/12). Jeep® is a rregistered time of going to pr press

B4 ADVICE

PREPARE TO PAYE IN REAL TIME Whether you’re a one-man-band, employ a carer, run a restaurant or supply professional services or goods, the government’s changes to PAYE will impact ALL employers – no exceptions. Katie Preston, Shaw Gibbs’ Payroll Expert, highlights the key issues.

What is Real Time Information? Real Time Information is an initiative launched by HMRC to improve the accuracy of PAYE information. Under this new scheme employees of all sizes will be required to submit information every time they run a payroll for their employees.

Manual Payroll Any employer currently using manual payroll records will need to either source an electronic form for filling the return or outsource to a company to process the return for them.

• All employees should be identified and their names checked against documentation such as passports or driving licenses

The integrity of the employee information is paramount. Any incorrect information will result in the return being rejected.

• Details should be written in full, such as the employee’s name - no abbreviations or initials can be used

Now is the time to act to make sure you are compliant.

• Make sure all correct addresses are held. Employees should advise employers of a new address, and employers should make them aware of the need to inform HMRC of these details online.

Currently large organisations will go live in January 2013, medium size companies will begin in April 2013 and smaller companies will have completed the change over by October 2013. This will then coincide with the government’s launch of Universal Credits (which replaces the current Benefits structure) in October 2013. Considerations for Employers P38A Form Currently employers are allowed to fill a P38A form for staff that are currently earning below the national insurance earnings threshold and have no other source of income. These employees will now have to go onto the payroll system and be reported along with all other staff to ensure HMRC has correct earnings records for anyone in paid employment at any one time. This will in turn make sure the information on the new Universal Credits system will always be up to date and correct.

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using manual payroll records will need to either source an electronic form for filling the return or outsource to a company to process the return for them”

Data Precision It is imperative that employee information on the system is correct:

What does this mean for employers? If you are currently paying your employees on a weekly basis you will need to produce and send an electronic return to HMRC on a weekly basis.

Timelines The government has given estimated launch times but these may be subject to change.

“Any employer currently

Any amendments made to the payroll after the employee has been paid will result in additional adjustment returns being made so where possible ‘get in right first time’. Software Employers need to check with their software providers to ensure their payroll packages will be compliant and ready for the implementation dates for the RTI launch. Fines HMRC currently issue fines for late payments of PAYE. Once your returns are being filled electronically they will be able to track the amounts of PAYE owed at any time and the current fining system also includes penalties for incorrect amounts received. If you are thinking of outsourcing your Payroll, whether you are team of one or employ hundreds of staff, we can offer a free initial onehour consultation to discuss your needs. Please contact our Payroll Centre on 01865 292 200 or visit www.shawgibbs.com for more information. 55

B4 PROPERTY

STRENGTH IN NUMBERS We have previously featured Breckon & Breckon in Issues 3 and 12 of B4, talking to Greg Barnes about how one of Oxfordshire’s leading property firms was looking to expand its portfolio of services and offices. Nearly three years on from our last interview, Greg talks to B4’s Richard Rosser from the firms’ latest branch in Headington to look back on a period of dramatic transformation and in a year which sees the company celebrate its sixty-fifth birthday. With its history and expansion over the past few years, Breckon & Breckon has certainly entrenched itself as a firm with integrity and a reputation for first class service; whether you’re looking to rent or buy, invest or develop. But, as Greg explains, the dynamics of the firm have shifted with the times. Keith Stacey joined the firm in 1986 as a fresh faced trainee under the supervision of the Principal of the firm, Neil Innes. He was made an equal partner in 1999 and took full control in 2005 when Neil Innes retired. At that time the business had two offices, one in King Edward Street in Oxford City centre and one in Woodstock.

plan, or was it just natural evolution? “Keith and I have always wanted to expand our respective parts of the business, Keith in particular is the ideas man, always looking to do things differently, to add value and to make us stand out in what is a highly competitive market. It’s also been natural progression and by keeping our ear to the ground we have been able to identify opportunities as they present themselves.”

Step one of the expansion was when Greg set up

We have always been classed as a traditional agency and those values remain, but in recent years we have become far more dynamic and far more proactive in many aspects of the business. The new offices have been designed with a ‘cutting edge’ feel to them. They’re certainly eye-catching

the Letting & Management division in late 2004. Greg had known Keith for a number of years and their collective experience enabled them to create a new division that immediately challenged some of the more dominant players in the letting market. The success of the new business gave them the

which not only promotes the company’s image but gives a fantastic shop front to display our client’s properties. We’re seeing the benefits of expanding into new territories and because we now have a presence in so many key areas of the county, our clients, whichever side of the fence they are on,

and the City Centre sales office moving to a very prominent position on Oxford High Street. In addition to our established Woodstock office we have opened new offices in Witney, Summertown and most recently Headington. We have also launched ‘Oxford Apartments’ our specialist apartment sales division. There have been a number of acquisitions, including two block management companies which are now successfully looked after by our ‘Asset Management’ team who also carry out estate management and professional work. In the last twelve months we have created two further divisions; Land and New homes and Commercial. Don’t forget that this expansion has come as the country has experienced economic conditions which have seen challenging times for many of the

larger property companies. A lot of lessons were learnt when the property market crashed in 2008 and although there were a few sleepless nights we now have a much more focused and efficient company because of it.

“The forecast for the economy doesn’t exactly fill you with confidence, but we’re in great shape and poised to really see the benefits of our expansion” taste for growth and since then the Breckon & Breckon brand has expanded beyond all recognition. I ask Greg if the expansion was part of a master 56

benefit from a far broader depth of knowledge. Since 2004, there has been a continued period of expansion, including relocation of the letting business to larger premises in Beaumont Street

“We’ve drawn strength from a difficult position. We could have easily said, ‘right, that’s it, we’ll shelter until the economy picks up’ but I honestly think that we’d have slipped back considerably. The forecast for the economy doesn’t exactly fill you with www.b4-business.com

confidence, but we’re in great shape and poised to really see the benefits of our expansion” “We know we have a trusted brand, an excellent reputation and a track record which speaks for itself. But it’s today that counts and the challenges are consistently being met by our fantastic staff. We currently have a team of just over 40 professional and hard-working individuals with an impressive combined experience of over 400 years! We are seen as a good company to work for, a fact that is echoed by the number of applications we receive every year from agents currently working for our competitors. “For example, here in Headington we have our Sales Manager, Andy Topping and Lettings Manager, Kate Sinclair. Both have joined us from outside of the group and have been phenomenal in getting the office established very quickly. They have strong professional backgrounds and that really gives us the confidence to put our foot down and push on.” Trust in the brand from their customers and trust in staff have certainly been key factors in reinforcing Breckon & Breckon’s already strong position, but there’s another support network which has been crucial in the firm’s expansion, as

Greg explains. “We have built up a very strong network of associates, businesses we work with in different capacities. For example, our lettings company has long-standing and reliable suppliers which service our client’s properties. We have also developed some excellent relationships with some of Oxfordshire’s leading professionals who are happy to refer their clients in the knowledge that they will be looked after. Undoubtedly a number of these are also in the B4 network, firms we have either met through or introduced to the network, and it demonstrates perfectly how collaborations can be mutually beneficial for all of us.” It would be easy in a firm like Breckon & Breckon for the key directors to sit back and not get involved in the day to day minutiae of running the www.b4-business.com

firm. But that’s not the case as Greg illustrates. “We’re all very hands on. We’ve all been doing business for a long time in Oxfordshire and have developed our own networks which are great for recommendations and referrals. This is very much a people business and whilst we can’t get it right all of the time any client can talk directly to either myself or Keith to get any issue resolved. Try doing that with a corporate firm! “Perhaps that’s key to it, I think we are all very involved and I can’t see that changing. We try very hard to keep that personal thread even after the level of expansion we have gone through. Our individual sales and lettings offices have strong teams in place allowing the directors to concentrate on the overall direction of the company. “We continually have to review how we keep ahead of the game. From a marketing perspective we are the only firm in Oxfordshire to have employed our own professional photographers. Because of this investment we will be launching video tours of our properties later this year, imagine scanning a QR code and then watching a full screen professionally edited video on your mobile device. This enhanced service will tie in with the launch of a new company website.

Greg admits that for 2012 the key word is ‘consolidation’. To ensure standards are maintained with an ever increasing client base takes planning and investment in continued staff training. We will look at all our current processes, pull them apart and put them together again. This will result in an even better service for our clients and a more effective company overall. So that is the remit for the rest of the year, however if another opportunity comes our way… then, who knows! www.breckon.co.uk

ABOUT US We are an independent firm of Estate Agents established in 1947 and now operating from a network of six offices in the county of Oxfordshire. We are property professionals with many years of experience in the local market. Whilst we are constantly recommended by many firms of solicitors, high street banks and other institutions, we are very proud of the fact that the majority of our new business comes from the personal recommendations of past clients. As a privately owned company we are able to react quickly to changes in the market. We constantly review our marketing, often setting new standards for other estate agents to follow. However, none of this innovation means a great deal if it is not backed up with the right staff. Breckon & Breckon has an enviable reputation and is seen as one of the most sought after companies to work for. Our staff are quite simply some of the most experienced property professionals that Oxfordshire has to offer.

TIMELINE 2004 Opening of our letting division 2005 Oxford Apartments open 2006 Relocation of our City office to Oxford High Street 2007 Summertown office opens. 2008 Witney office opens 2008 Woodstock Lettings Opened 2009 Acquisition of Cluttons Letting business and relocation of lettings office to Beaumont Street 2010 Asset Management opens 2011 Headington office opens 2011 Land and Planning launched 2012 Commercial launched

news B4 team completes the London Marathon Congratulations to B4 Oxfordshire’s amazing runners, Nina Langford and Graham MacDonald from Kemp & Kemp, and Chris Thompson and Tom Mullan from Wellers’ London office who last month completed the 2012 Virgin London Marathon for Oxfam alongside more than 37,500 runners. Fastest home was Nina, who broke four hours, with 3:59:46 and was 10,991st across the finishing line! Together they’ll have raised around £8,000 for Oxfam, which is outstanding.

“I am so impressed with the determination and sheer hard work put in by Oxfam’s B4 runners, I’ve heard from them along the way about the challenges, the injuries and the surprise at how hard it is to achieve the level of fitness required to run a marathon. To have completed the world’s biggest and best marathon wearing an Oxfam shirt is just fantastic! I hope that knowing the money you’ve raised together could help to build four classrooms in which hundreds of children will get an education will help to ease the aches and pains!” said Anna Thorne from Oxfam.

B4 Paris to Oxford Bike Ride The next physical challenge the B4 network is supporting is the B4 Paris to Oxford Bike Ride from 1 - 4 June. The whole team has been busy training and fundraising, through fair weather and foul. Help them have a 'diamond' weekend, whilst we all enjoy the street parties and sunshine here in Oxfordshire, by supporting their huge effort. Please go to www.virginmoneygiving/team/b4bikeride to add your support.

No amount is too small, here's what your money could do: £5 could pay for books and pens for one child £15 could pay for teacher training materials £25 could pay for clean safe water for 27 children And if you only get around to reading this well after the bike ride itself, you can still donate to the above page to recognise the team's huge achievement.

A Bangladeshi family travels to a safe place as flood water travels to new areas after cyclone Aila hit in 2009. Photo: Abir Abdullah

An Oxfam Case Study: Building a safer future for disaster-prone communities in Bangladesh Oxfam has worked in Bangladesh since its creation in 1972, supporting some of the most vulnerable people in the world, helping them deal with devastating natural events and extreme, unpredictable weather. Nearly 60% of the population lives on less than £1.25 a day. This year B4 is working with Oxfam and its partners to empower people, especially women, to build a safer, more prosperous future. This project will reach 11,000 people currently living in extreme poverty and help them improve their financial security, their health and their understanding of their rights and entitlements. You’ll help protect homes and assets, provide water supplies and sanitation. But perhaps more

important as a business network, you’ll help train 225 producer group leaders in business management and marketing, support 22 workshops with banks to help provide financial services, hold 21 trade fairs and create links with traders and markets, train 200 producers in farming techniques that will increase the value of market crops (like chillies.) It costs less than £5,000 to drill 62 tube wells and only £28,000 to raise 100 houses above flood level (like the one in this picture). To find out more about the project and how you might help contact Anna Thorne on 01865 473775 athorne@oxfam.org.uk

Sufia, 35, stands on the raised ground of her new home, with her daughter, Shilpi, 2 Photo: Dan Chung

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B4 EVENTS

SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURS GATHER AT EXAMINATION SCHOOLS Over 900 distinguished delegates from the social, finance, private and public sectors convened in Oxford for a week-long event of critical debates, discussions and work sessions relating to social entrepreneurship. Social entrepreneurs are people who have noticed a need in their community or somewhere in the world and have come up with a way of remedying that issue. The Examination Schools was pleased to be one of the principal venues chosen by the Skoll World Forum to host their week-long event. The Skoll Foundation was founded by Jeff Skoll (first president of Ebay and philanthropist) to pursue his vision of a sustainable world of peace

highlight large scale change on the big issues facing the planet. Having impact on these issues - climate change, water scarcity, public health, social justice, poverty and more – requires a strong coalition of partners and the forum has evolved to reflect this new reality. Leading social entrepreneurs now interact at the Forum with key government officials, social finance professionals, academics, philanthropic funders and others who can assist in scaling their impact. With an impressive speaker line-up including Gordon Brown, singer-song writer Annie Lennox and a host of CEOs from major blue chip companies, delegates were immersed in an environment of inspiration, knowledge and

Skoll World Forum on this busy event which required multiple room layout formats across its 17 plenary and break-out rooms. While not new customers of the Examination Schools, it was the first time that the Skoll Foundation had the opportunity to use the Examination Schools’ new in-house caterers. Breakfasts, lunches and refreshments were served both within the building and in a marquee erected in the outside quadrangle. Events Manager Kay Hogg commented: “Ensuring there was a suitable choice of items and food that could be delivered to fit in with Skoll’s principles of sustainability was one of the key challenges for the event. We worked hard to deliver

“It’s a privilege and pleasure to gather such a world-changing group at Thomas Jackson’s beautiful Examination Schools, and not have to take any exams! Our surroundings always influence our conversations. Here, they raise them up” and prosperity. Quoted as saying “a lot of good comes from a little bit of good”, Jeff’s focus for the conference is about investing, connecting and celebrating social entrepreneurs. Now in its 9th year, the Skoll World Forum has become the premier global event for social entrepreneurship. While the early years focussed on defining and building the event foundations, the Forum has increasingly become a showcase to www.b4-business.com

collaboration. Holly Finn, Communications Director at Skoll commented: “It’s a privilege and pleasure to gather such a world-changing group at Thomas Jackson’s beautiful Examination Schools, and not have to take any exams! Our surroundings always influence our conversations. Here, they raise them up.” As a venue that prides itself on its flexibility, the Examination Schools was pleased to work with the

this and were pleased to be able to offer a food composting service”. For information about the Skoll World Forum visit: www.skollworldforum.org For information about hiring the Examination Schools for your event visit: www.examschools.ox.ac.uk

Not a B4 Member Yet?

Why Not? With over 500 members in the B4 network, isn’t it about time you got involved? Feature in four quarterly editions of B4, appear on the www.b4-business.com website in your preferred category and upload unlimited press releases, event details, offers and job vacancies to the site. AND Receive invites to at least four B4 Oxfordshire Ambassador events plus selected B4 Berkshire and Buckinghamshire events. And all for as little as £150+VAT per annum – that’s just £3+VAT a week!!!!! Get connected to the best Oxfordshire businesses and now also Berkshire and Buckinghamshire businesses in the growing B4 network. See table below for a full breakdown of rates for different company sizes and added value benefits if you join before the end of July 2012.

Number of Employees

Rate £

Additional Exposure (New B4 members only after 15th May 2012)

NEW!!!! Businesses with one person only

150

1 x ¼ page news item

2 to 5

250

1 x ¼ page news item

6 to 20

375

2 x ¼ page news items

21 to 50

500

3 x ¼ page news items

51 to 100

900

2 x ¼ page news items and single page editorial and Ambassador

100+

1,200

2 x ¼ page news items and double page editorial and Ambassador

B 4 Magazine Contact us ON 01865 742211 or e-mail editorial@b4-business.com and we can get you online in 24 hours.

B4 R&R

THE CHEQUERS AT BURCOT Whether you’re looking for somewhere to impress or a great restaurant for a family or group celebration, The Chequers at Burcot provides the perfect combination of ambience, warmth, excellent service and wonderful food. It’s no wonder owner Steven Sanderson’s first class blend of cutting edge design in this four hundred year old inn is attracting rave reviews. We went along on a Saturday night to find there’s no smoke without fire.

Pulling in to The Chequers off the A415 (only five miles south of Oxford) on a cold Saturday night, all we wanted was some warmth. As soon as you set foot inside there’s all you need – a roaring fire, a friendly welcome and a good vibe to melt away the cold and give you all the ingredients you will need for a memorable night out. We took our seats by the fire and time to peruse the extensive menu. I say extensive, but it’s not an endless list of choices, more a good balance and something to whet everyone’s appetite. Tina had a gin and tonic whilst we chose and I plumped for a pint which slipped down perfectly, so much so that a second was not far behind.

– delicious, I know because I pinched one!

or short changed.

To accompany our food, seeing as it was all very fishy, we were recommended a bottle of Vouvray, La Forcine Auguste Bonhomme, Loire, France. The staff certainly knew their stuff and the wine was a perfect suggestion. Steve’s love of wine is clear throughout the wine list as the website confirms. “He has tried and tested numerous wines from the top suppliers and importers across Europe to ensure he gets the top quality and the most up and coming wines and grape varieties. He tries to put emphasis on small, independent wine makers and family run vineyards. At The Chequers we are very proud of our wine cellar and we understand that the choice of wine to accompany your meal is not to be taken lightly.”

We managed to squeeze in a sticky toffee pudding to help us wash down the last of the wine, complete with hot toffee sauce, caramelised banana and banana ice cream – 10 out of 10 on the naughty scale! I was really impressed with The Chequers, and its versatility also extends beyond being a great restaurant. There are well-appointed conference and meeting rooms. The conference room seats up to 16 people, complete with Wi-Fi Broadband access. The Chequers is also available for hire for weddings, birthdays, christenings and promotional events. We also cater for tailor-made private parties and meetings, with bespoke menus.

I chose the home cured salmon to start, served with Tina’s favourite Wasabi together with lemon mayo, pickled ginger, cucumber, soy sauce and sesame dressing. Tina went for the hand dived Scottish scallops served with butternut purée, sweet and sour apples, pork crackling and apple gel www.b4-business.com

For our main course, Tina chose the line caught Cornish sea bass whilst I couldn’t resist the “World Famous Fish and Chips” with The Chequer’s Farm Shop tartare sauce. Not only were the mains as good as the opening course, they are great value, hearty portions so you won’t leave feeling hungry

If you would like more information, or discuss your next event. Please call The Chequers now on 01865 407771 or see their website below for more information. www.thechequers-burcot.co.uk 61

Photography: Oliver Hutton

“If you’re used to great quality food and a restaurant with high standards throughout, The Chequers at Burcot won’t let you down”

“We want every guest to go away saying Wow that was the best event food I’ve ever tasted”

YOU’RE ONLY AS GOOD AS THE LAST MEAL YOU SERVED… Sue Randall, Managing Director of Oxford Fine Dining, explains to B4 why her attention to detail is so critical for event organisers, which was good news for the B4 events team as Oxford Fine Dining provided the canapés for the B4 Ambassadors Event at the Canvas Building, Abingdon Business Park on Thursday 17th May 2012. As event caterers, Oxford Fine Dining has established a reputation amongst corporate and private clients in Oxfordshire for tailor made catering solutions with high quality food and service, whatever the size, the venue or the occasion, so how has a growing company earned such a good reputation? Oxford Fine Dining was set up in 2007 by Managing Director, Sue Randall and Executive Head Chef, Martin Bridgeman, supported by Mel Cooper, Operations Manager. Having worked together for a number of years, this was a business partnership made in heaven – Martin’s skill in producing outstanding food and Sue and Mel’s exceptional organisational skills with events. And so it has proved, with the business growing successfully year to year as they become better known.

Sue says, “We pride ourselves on our reputation – we want every guest to go away saying “Wow that was the best event food I’ve ever tasted” which means that then they will tell others about us and that is the way we get new contacts and win new contracts.” Sue adds, smiling, ”The trouble is just one little thing that is not quite right can spoil people’s perception of us, which is why I apparently have a reputation amongst our staff for being somewhat picky!” Everything is freshly made in the Oxford Fine Dining kitchens by Martin and his team of chefs with ingredients carefully chosen locally. The menu choices are extensive and suited to any occasion with seasonal menus changing throughout the year with the availability of fresh produce. “We often adapt our dishes to include the organiser’s favourite ingredients or to fit with a theme.” says Sue.

The chefs travel to the venues for the event and often work in some challenging situations. With experience in providing catering for conferences‚ boardroom lunches‚ formal dinners‚ garden parties‚ corporate and showroom events‚ open days or celebrations at business premises or venues‚ Oxford Fine Dining is well practised at being both flexible and practical, able to work with the facilities available. Presentation plays a key role according to Sue, who believes that the crockery is a blank canvas that should show off the food itself. “All Oxford Fine Dining’s services include provision of crockery and glasses‚ napkins and table linen as required. We use designer plates and glasses to create the right image along with stylish table linen and cutlery.” Attention to detail does not just apply to the quality

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Photography: www.studio-8.co.uk

B4 EVENTS

and presentation of the food, but also to the service that the staff give and to their appearance. Oxford Fine Dining trains its staff to provide a friendly and efficient yet discreet service. Says Sue, ”A smiling face and kind words make all the difference at an event when for many of the guests, their waiter/waitress is the only direct contact they will have with Oxford Fine Dining. I hope that all our staff take great pride in every meal that we serve and the way in which we serve the guests.” Dressed in smart black uniforms with Oxford Fine Dining ties and long black aprons, the appearance of the staff is also important to Sue. “Oxford Fine Dining understands the effort that clients put into organising an event and untidy staff is not the image that Oxford Fine Dining wants to create or that clients want their guests to see.” From her years of experience, Sue understands the importance of corporate events and the impression that organisers need to make. With careful planning, Oxford Fine Dining works to provide the best dining experience possible for a client’s corporate guests which includes providing a dedicated event manager to ensure everything runs smoothly both beforehand and on the day. “The amount of time and money that a firm can invest in an event is huge and we do not want the organiser to have to worry about the food and catering at the event itself. To us, every event is very special and we want to help make it a success for the organiser.” says Sue, who adds, ”There are

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always strange requests, last-minute panics and changes that we need to accommodate graciously at events and it is often these little extras that mean so much to an event organiser!”

“our staff take great pride in every meal that we serve and the way in which we serve the guests” Oxford Fine Dining are approved caterers to a number of Oxford and Oxford University venues including Rhodes House‚ Bodleian Library as well as Yarnton Manor‚ The Cotswold Organic Estate‚ Cats Abbey, Dinckley Court and Worton Park. They also work closely with a number of Oxfordshire’s leading marquee companies for balls and weddings. “We are lucky to have so many historic venues in Oxford and it is an honour to be recommended by so many of them as caterers of distinction for their events.” comments Sue.

Manager, Bob Harris, “Their professionalism combined with fine dining has proven a winner for the club which has increased bar turnover by 53%. Their fine dining themed evenings often attract 100 covers and their Sunday Carverys require two sittings. North Oxford Golf Club would not hesitate in recommending Oxford Fine Dining for any form of function as their standards are second to none.” Oxford Fine Dining also caters for the numerous social events held at the club such as corporate golf days, wedding receptions, birthday parties and family celebrations. Bob adds, ”I have been at North Oxford Golf Club for 25 years and without doubt our catering service is the best we have ever had. As an Ambassador of B4 my only reservation is that my waist line has increased some four inches!” If you would like your guests to enjoy exceptional food and service at your next corporate event and to leave with that “wow” factor, then try Oxford Fine Dining, knowing that Sue’s attention to detail will mean that you won’t have to worry about any aspect of the catering, so you can enjoy the event too. Contact Sue on 01865 728240 or visit www.oxfordfinedining.co.uk www.oxfordfinedining.co.uk

In addition to event catering, Oxford Fine Dining has been the franchise caterer at North Oxford Golf Club for over 4 years, where according to General

news New Season at The New Theatre The New Theatre have recently mailed their Summer Season Brochure, covering the May – December period, and there are some really exciting events coming to town. In June and July, Musical Theatre lovers can look out for 42nd Street, Dreamboats and Petticoats, along with the more recent hit musical Legally Blonde which has played to great acclaim at London’s Savoy Theatre. Looking ahead, there is a return visit of Chicago the musical and the first UK tour of 9 To 5 The Musical with music and lyrics by the legendary Dolly Parton. The theatre is also thrilled to announce their Christmas show – Starlight Express,

the timeless roller skating extravaganza which is fantastic fun for all of the family. Other season highlights include: streetdance champions Flawless appearing with English National Ballet, the international sensation Stomp; Oxford a-capella favourites Out Of The Blue; comedy from Rhod Gilbert, Simon Amstell, Alan Davies, Al Murray, Kevin Bridges, Jason Byrne, Greg Davies and Ross Noble; music from Level 42, Jools Holland, Deacon Blue and Peter Andre; Welsh National Opera and the Oxford Operatic Society also make return visits. If you are looking for a great night out with family, friends or colleagues then why not get a group together? Most shows have favourable rates for groups of 10 or more people, you can reserve the tickets while you get the numbers confirmed and payment collected and on many shows you will also avoid the Booking Fees. Call our venue based Groups team on 0844 871 3040 (MonFri 9.30am-6pm) for more details. www.atgtickets.com/oxford

ATG Theatre Card If you go to the theatre more than twice a year, or you know someone who does, then the ATG Theatre Card could be ideal for you or your organisation. Membership costs just £30 a year and allows you to buy up to 4 tickets at each performance. Many of our shows offer half price tickets for Theatre Card holders, and you also avoid the booking fees. You will also receive priority on sale information for the big name concerts and comedy, priority mailing of the brochures and 10% discount at the bars. Theatre Card members can benefit from these offers and discounts at all 39 of the ATG theatres across the UK including the West End. Theatre Card could work for you, as a gift for a friend or family member, or for your organisation to reward staff members. For more information, visit ww.atgtickets.com/theatrecard

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B4 FINANCE

LOOKING FOR GROWTH AT HOME AND ABROAD With domestic markets proving a challenge for many small businesses, expansion abroad may provide a viable option for growth. By Dave Atkinson, Area Director for Lloyds TSB Commercial in Oxfordshire. Amidst fragile economic recovery in Oxfordshire, as across the rest of the UK, many small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) may be looking to explore foreign markets to mitigate against slow growth in the UK. More than half of the UK’s total foreign trade is done with European Union countries, showing that many SMEs have given consideration to developing an export strategy. However, as the eurozone remains unstable, a reduction in demand across the continent for goods and services originating in the UK is becoming an increased threat to the export operations of SMEs. This serves to highlight the importance of businesses having an international trade strategy, beyond the traditional potential first ports of call such as the EU or the USA. One key way to mitigate this risk to your business is to explore the opportunities presented by emerging markets. Brazil, Russia, India and China (the so-called BRIC countries), for example, are already seen as key markets outside of the EU and North America. But research from UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) has also demonstrated that beyond the BRIC countries, markets in Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Latin America are also providing a multitude of opportunities for exporting. Mexico, Vietnam and the United Arab Emirates, for example, have been highlighted as particular front-runners in the so called ‘second tier’ of emerging markets behind the BRICs. UKTI is a UK Government agency funded jointly by the Department for Business Innovation and Skills, together with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, which supports UK businesses looking to export. Lloyds TSB Commercial works closely with UKTI trade advisors and encourages businesses to take advantage of the UKTI services available, such as profiles on a variety of countries, including sections on its website dedicated to emerging markets. Preparing for currency fluctuations Protecting cash flow from unpredictable foreign exchange fluctuations is one concern which will trouble companies that import and export -

particularly in these volatile markets. Little growth in the UK economy means revenue generated from fast growing overseas economies is increasingly the income stream needed to keep a growing business moving forward.

Strategy to protect your fixed price currency exposure.

Yet Lloyds TSB Commercial’s own research shows that only 14 per cent of businesses in the area covering Oxfordshire plan to do anything to protect these transactions, despite a quarter (25 per cent) being involved in exporting.

If exporting is something you plan to start or do more of, it is worth opening a foreign currency account so that transactions don’t have to be converted immediately. This would allow you to time the conversion of exchanging to potentially maximise any exchange rate opportunity, or of course avoid having to exchange money into a foreign currency should you have invoices to pay overseas.

With so many other pressures facing the management team of growing businesses, it isn’t surprising that predicting the ebb and flow of foreign exchange rates falls down a list of company priorities.

But there is no real substitute for regional and market knowledge. While predicting currency fluctuations might be complex, the process of deciding which option suits a company can be made a lot simpler with some research and insight.

Make revenue protection a priority A priority for any trading business is to ensure that its revenue stream is protected. This takes two forms. Firstly, the exporter must ensure that they are paid when they expect to be paid and that they receive the amount they expect.

Knowing your market Our recently launched Arena e-solution from Lloyds Bank Wholesale Banking & Markets is designed to do just that. Arena combines foreign exchange and money markets deposit transacting with access to valuable ‘up to the minute’ market data and economic insight to help businesses determine the optimum time to trade.

In the first instance, use of trade instruments such as Letters of Credit can provide the Exporter with a conditional guarantee of payment, subject to meeting the documentary and timing aspects of the trade. With regard to receiving the correct amount of protection of your revenue streams and securing your costs when exporting or importing should make Foreign Exchange Risk Management a core part of your strategy. Businesses of all sizes in Oxfordshire have found a sudden shift in exchange rates can turn a good contract bad. Reducing the risk of that can be addressed with a few simple options: • You may be able to negotiate terms with your supplier which allow for adjustments due to currency fluctuations. • Some suppliers may be willing to let you invoice in sterling so that your transaction is only linked to the value of the pound. • Try and negotiate terms on a fixed price. • If you have a fixed price contract then you need to consider implementing a Risk Management

Arena lets users display only the information they need on their computers, whether it’s charts of currency markets movements, currency analysis from the Bank’s economists or live market news. When they decide to transact they can do so easily and quickly on Arena. With finger-tip access to all the data, applications and economic research, Arena helps businesses to manage FX risk and trade effectively overseas. Don’t ignore the benefits of international trade due to a perception that the rewards are tempered by risk, seek insight to help you take the opportunity for expansion into new markets or strike up fresh supplier relationships overseas. Financing your ambitions Of course, exploring any new markets, whether domestic or international, is likely to require an initial financial outlay which you may be considering approaching your bank for. If so, it is important to know how much, and what kind, of funding you will require and which operations are available to you.

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“Don’t ignore the benefits of international trade due to a perception that the rewards are tempered by risk, seek insight to help you take the opportunity for expansion into new markets

”

The Government has recently announced the National Loan Guarantee Scheme (NLGS), through which we are offering our customers a a range of discounts on new term loans, leasing arrangements and hire purchase from £25,000 to £1m. Lloyds TSB is a keen supporter of this new scheme. This is an addition to the well established Enterprise Finance Guarantee (EFG) scheme, under which the Government will guarantee lending to viable businesses with a turnover of up to £25 million. EFG loans are suited to those businesses – both new and established - that don’t have the assets or security to back a traditional borrowing request. For exporters specifically, there are currently four Government backed schemes to assist exporters gain access to bank assistance when trading with overseas business partners. These schemes, run by the Department for Business Innovation and Skills, and by UK Export Finance (formerly ECGD), can assist business to obtain access to funds for the assuance of bonds, for access to working capital for export business, or to cover foreign exchange risk. Support across Oxfordshire In Oxfordshire, Lloyds TSB Commercial also sponsors the Oxfordshire International Trade Forum, run jointly by Oxford Town Chambers Network, UKTI, the FSB and Cherwell, Vale and South Oxfordshire District Councils. The aim of the forum is to provide help and guidance to exporting businesses and provide an opportunity to network with other businesses and advisors in the Oxfordshire area. The forum meets every other month and focuses on either a specific territory, such as China or India, or an aspect of international trade such as cultural awareness or trade finance. For further information on how Lloyds TSB Commercial can help you meet your growth ambitions, both at home and abroad, please contact either Karl Leitelmayer on 07970 566 065 / karl.leitelmayer@lloydstsb.co.uk or Tim Burden on 07921 105 530 / timothy.burden@lloydstsb.co.uk

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B4 ADVICE

THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN YOU ARE NO LONGER MR & MRS SMITH You’ve finally reached the decision that you no longer wish to be married, but what happens next and how do you sort out your finances? Henmans’ team of family law specialists are experts in dealing with all areas of family law. We hear from clients with very different circumstances but there are often key considerations relevant to all of them. I thought it would be helpful to explain these key considerations in a case study. Mr and Mrs Smith… Mr and Mrs Smith are in their 40s, have been married for 20 years and have 2 children, aged 14 and 16 who attend their local school. Mr Smith works full time as a GP and Mrs Smith works part-time, having given up full

between themselves, through mediation, via the collaborative process, through solicitor led negotiation or through the court. Whatever option Mr and Mrs Smith choose, the process usually starts with them each providing to the other their financial information known as disclosure. They would then need to consider the following: 1. The family home How much is it worth and what is the amount outstanding on the mortgage? When they know this, they can work out what equity is in

But, what happens if Mrs Smith wants to stay in the home with their children, but can’t afford to buy out Mr Smith? It may still be possible as Mr Smith could agree to delay getting his share of the equity until the children have finished their full-time education. This would mean Mr Smith would take a second charge over the property to protect his interest in it and the amount of the charge depends on all the circumstances. It may be Mrs Smith cannot release Mr Smith from the mortgage but she could give a legally binding promise to release him from the mortgage within a certain period of time,

“The common misconception is that once you are divorced, you can no longer pursue any financial claims against each other but this is not the case and you do have to deal with the financial issues.” time work so that she could raise their children. As the children are becoming more independent, Mrs Smith would be happy to increase her hours. They jointly own a 4bedroom property with a joint mortgage. They have always paid into both private and state pensions and have only nominal savings. Sadly, both Mr and Mrs Smith feel their marriage has come to an end as they have grown apart. The first step is to think about starting divorce proceedings. As long as both parties agree to the divorce, it should proceed straightforwardly and neither party has to go to court. The common misconception is that once you are divorced, you can no longer pursue any financial claims against each other but this is not the case and you do have to deal with the financial issues. There are many options available to Mr and Mrs Smith as to how they reach a financial agreement. They could reach an agreement

the property. If there is enough equity, it may be they could sell their home and each rehouse themselves.

particularly if she thinks that her income will improve in, say the next 12-18 months, which she does.

However, it may be that either Mr or Mrs Smith would like to stay in the home. This is an option, but it would depend on their income position and whether they could afford to do that. Not only would they need to afford to take over the mortgage in their sole name, they would also need to raise enough funds to pay the other their share of the equity, whatever that may be.

2. Their income/employment Mr Smith is happy in his job and has no plans to retire yet.

Let’s say Mr Smith can afford to do this as he has a good income and works full time. In reality, this would mean he takes over the existing mortgage in his sole name (the mortgage company were happy to consent to this because he can afford the repayments on his income) and raises a further sum to pay Mrs Smith her share of the equity. Or, Mr Smith may obtain a new mortgage that would repay the existing one and pay Mrs Smith her share of the equity. Mrs Smith would transfer her interest in the property to him.

Mrs Smith works part-time, but is looking to increase her income particularly now the children are more independent. She would be expected to maximise her income and so for example, would need to make enquiries about any benefits she may be entitled to such as tax credits. There may however, be a shortfall between Mrs Smith’s income and all her outgoings. A Court would regard their marriage as a long marriage and Mrs Smith may be entitled to look to Mr Smith for maintenance. This is known as spousal maintenance and they could agree that he will pay this for the next few years until her income has increased or, until the children have finished their full-time education. Maintenance could be paid for

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“Usually, we instruct an expert to prepare a report to check what the pensions are worth and what in the circumstances, it would be reasonable for each party to receive.

”

longer depending on all the factors in the case. It is however, subject to variation if there is a change in circumstances. If the children live full time with Mrs Smith, she would also be entitled to child support from Mr Smith and there is a set calculation for this. For two children, it would be 20% of Mr Smith’s net income less deductions, depending on the number of overnight stays the children have with him. 3. Pensions Pensions can be treated in different ways. The starting point would be for the parties to obtain up to date values of their pensions. Usually, we instruct an expert to prepare a report to check what the pensions are worth and what in the circumstances, it would be reasonable for each party to receive. In practice, it is usual for there to be a pension sharing order in one party’s favour which is done by taking a credit from one pension and transferring it to another existing pension, or transferring it into a new pension fund. Alternatively, in the scenario Mrs Smith would like to stay in the house but can’t afford to raise enough funds to pay Mr Smith his share of the equity, it may be they could agree that she offsets her entitlement to his pension (if his is worth more) and so the sum she would need to pay him would be less. These considerations are by no means all the issues in a case, but they are the main ones that clients raise. For further advice, please contact Helen Taylor, partner in the Henmans family law team, on 01865 781182 or email helen.taylor@henmansllp.co.uk. www.henmansllp.co.uk

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NEW BARCLAY HOUSE Botley, Oxford TO LET

3,000 – 11,000 sq ft Modern refurbished offices with comfort cooling and excellent access to Oxford and A34.

CHILBROOK Oasis Park, Eynsham TO LET

Ground Floor: 14,706 sq ft First Floor: 6,351 sq ft Total: 21,731 sq ft Refurbished air conditioned offices

BESSEMER CLOSE Off Launton Road, Bicester TO LET

66,155 sq ft Fully Fitted Modern Warehouse/Industrial Unit.

WINDRUSH COURT Transport Way, Watlington Road, Oxford FOR SALE/TO LET

Headquarters office building with fully fitted laboratories. On secure site.

71,955 sq ft

unrivalled local and regional expertise Richard Venables Tom Barton

rvenables@vslandp.com tbarton@vslandp.com

news Slow start to 2012 Given the state of the economy it is perhaps not surprising that the commercial property market is still very much in the doldrums. Whilst the beginning of the year saw a reasonable flurry of new enquiries, this soon died down and the Easter break has been quieter than usual. It appears Oxfordshire has not been selected for special treatment as this reduced level of activity has been experienced across the whole of the South East and is affecting central London as well which to date has ridden the economic storm. In Oxfordshire we have recorded 110,000 sq ft of office lettings so far this year. One of these lettings was a 50,000 sq ft pre-letting at Harwell to hi tech industrial diamond producer Element Six which is good news for the Science Vale Enterprise Zone. We have recorded a further 30,000 sq ft of deals under

offer but on this basis unless the market brightens up in the second half of the year the take up statistics will be as bad as last year. There are some rays of light though and at present we have recorded four large office occupier requirements for Oxfordshire in the range of 30,000-60,000 sq ft. These tend to be long term projects which are speculative in nature at this stage. The industrial market still appears more resilient, especially in Banbury. In comparison with the office market it is suffering from a lack of quality stock and therefore opportunities for companies wishing to grow in the future are likely to be limited which could potentially constrain the regions recovery.

Deals, Deals and more Deals….. Here are a selection of deals VSL and Partners have completed in the second quarter of 2011.

Lime Tree Mews, Headington – Letting of 1800 sq ft to the Titus Trust.

Land at Langford Locks Kidlington – Sale of land comprising 1.77 acres on behalf of Glenmore to Filtrona.

Langford Lane, Kidlington – Acquisition of land and buildings comprising 1.5 acres on behalf of retained client.

15 Blacklands Way, Abingdon Business Park – Letting of building to Conservation Resources.

18 Avenue One, Witney – Letting of building to Kier.

Oxford House, Pony Road – Sale of building comprising 7,000 sq ft to private investor/developer.

Summertown, Oxford – Letting of Retail Units to Sainsburys PLC.

King Charles House, Oxford – Letting of Ground Floor Office Suite to Adlens.

Suite C/D Kidlington Centre – Letting of 1400 sq ft offices to Global Engage.

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www.vslandp.com

Oxford Airport has had another good year, bucking the trend for many other regional airports which have been struggling with tough financial times and sky high fuel costs. “Our business aviation sector has grown progressively over the last five years, noticeably better than all of our peers in the South East,” says James Dillon-Godfray, Business Development Director at Oxford Airport. “Last year we saw 12-13% growth in that sector and we are now running around 6,000 business aircraft movements a year.” This equates to around 20 business jet flights each day and is four times the airport’s business traffic of five years ago. “In five years we have gone from about 1,500 to about

leading to more expansion and plans are well underway for a new 12,500 sq ft office block at the end of the year. The Olympics How will the airport cope with this summer’s Olympics? James explains, “The Government has decided that all 40 airfields within a 100 mile radius of London are to be very tightly controlled in terms of their capacity. Our capacity slot is about 6 movements an hour.” James says, “We expect to handle around 100 movements in a day to maximise the number of people coming in and out.” “It is all very tightly controlled. There is a Prohibited

to whisk people in and out very quickly.” New Routes The airport has tried long and hard to develop commercial flights, and two new routes have just been opened up by Manx2.com from Oxford to Jersey and the Isle of Man. Manx2.com are a niche operator focussed on island destinations with daily flights in a 20-seater aircraft. Initially the services are starting with two flights a day on each route, out and back. Ticket sales are already very good, so there is “a strong chance we will double that, certainly to Jersey.” Furthermore, James says, “There is a good possibility of linking in with other Manx2.com

“We are also working on connecting Oxford and Munich. something we have wanted to do for a long time” 6,000 flights a year, so we are now the fifth busiest business aviation airport in the UK for executive charter and private business aircraft.” (After Luton, Farnborough, Biggin Hill, and London City airports). During this time the airport has also grown into a hub for other aviation related businesses, the largest being the Oxford Aviation Academy and Eurocopter. There are now 22 businesses based at the airport and James estimates that around 800 people work daily on the site. This success is 72

Zone of a 15 mile radius of the Olympic stadium and a Restricted Zone of 30 miles around London. We can fly through the Restricted Zone, but it is all very tightly controlled.” “We have a huge advantage with Thames Valley Police HQ here in Kidlington, half of which is on the airport, including Special Branch and the Counter Terrorism Unit. We are very well placed to deal with Head of State movements and the ability

It is

destinations such as Newcastle and Belfast, with a proven demand for both of those destinations.” He explains, “In the order of 50,000 trips to Belfast are made by Oxfordshire originated or destined air passengers each year. Currently they have to go to Birmingham, Luton or Heathrow. These trips are mainly business orientated so that if we can tap into part of that demographic we should capture a slice of the market, and we only need about 20% www.b4-business.com

B4 SPOTLIGHT B4 TRAVEL

OXFORD FLYING HIGH Oxford Airport is now the 5th largest business airport in the UK. James Dillon-Godfray tells B4 about the airport’s expansion, new routes, how it will manage traffic for the Olympics and plans for the future. By Sarah Airey.

of that to become viable.” On other planned routes he says, “Trying to get to Newcastle by train is a nightmare. It is very expensive, you have to change trains twice en route, and it takes about 51/2 hours. Doing a day return trip to Newcastle is not practical in any way whatsoever.” “We are also working on connecting Oxford and Munich. It is something we have wanted to do for a long time. There is a huge amount of travel between BMW Munich and Cowley – 1,500-2,000 trips each month. Several airlines have expressed an interest and we hope to see something established by the autumn." As he has told us before, Edinburgh is still the priority route he wants to establish. “Edinburgh has always been top of our list. The challenge is to find the right carrier. Statistically there are 80,000 people every year going from Oxford to Edinburgh and vice versa by plane. When we develop routes they need to be business orientated destinations to survive out of season. Edinburgh is very strong on the leisure and the business front, so as soon as we can find a carrier who is interested that will be the next thing that can be done.” Flying from Oxford is so convenient - only a short drive, hassle free, and absolutely no need to go near the M25! "Some places you have to turn up 21/2 hours before the flight. Here you will be able www.b4-business.com

to turn up 25 minutes before your flight and you will still be able to get on the aeroplane." “We will not have retail establishments, shops, restaurants and all the rest of it. We want to get people in and out as quickly as possible.” Development and Future Plans One development that is instantly noticeable is the new radar, an investment of over £4million. “Our new radar is a huge leap forward. A lot of the commercial operators were reluctant to use Oxford because of the lack of controlled airspace. The new level of visibility and control gives commercial operations much greater confidence. It changes Oxford Airport from what would be considered a minor aviation airport into what is now a fullyfledged regional commercial aerodrome. The radar was the last missing link in terms of our capability.” As the Government decides on the best use of established capacity, especially in the south-east of England, James says, “We have a role to play and have submitted a paper to consultation process.” “We are the only commercial airport between Birmingham and Heathrow, serving the Thames Valley, the Home Counties and regions West of London, relatively isolated and with no competition on our doorstep.” “We have invested £25 million into making the airport what it is today, including the new hangars, the new radar and the new office block being built

at the entrance. This is the first of two large new office buildings being built to accommodate the existing businesses on site as well as to bring in new businesses. The owners have bought London Battersea Heliport, and there are possibilities to link them with incentives to use both. “You can fly from here to there in about 20 minutes and we are contemplating a regular shuttle helicopter to go in and out of London.” Other plans include the upgrading of the existing accommodation block for the Aviation Academy. The existing 170 bedroom student block was built in the 1960s and the aim is to knock it down and replace it with a 300 bedroom complex for the pilot training students. More information and to book on flights to Jersey and the Isle of Man at www.manx2.com More information on Oxford Airport is at www.oxfordairport.co.uk The airport is also hosting Fly to the Past for the second time on 1-2 September 2012. The annual celebration of the history of flight and vintage entertainment including the Wings and Strings concert is on 1-2 September. Further details from a link on the Airport web site and www.flytothepast2012.homestead.com

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B4 SERVICES

SHARE OUR PASSION FOR A DUPLICATED SUCCESS STORY... Five years on from her first interview in B4 Magazine, Cheryl-Lee Foulsham is back to talk about the continued success of The Oxford Duplication Centre, its new ventures, client base, expanding business and increasing motivation. Article by Freya Davidson-Smith.

A: I moved the business because in the last year the business expanded so much that I needed the extra space. To cope with the increase I brought in Alison Martin to work alongside me on a full time basis. Q: So the work obviously increased enough to enable you to move, but can you give some broad ideas of how turnover has increased over the last 4 or 5 years? A: Over the last year, business has increased by 20% due to upgrading and listening to our customers’ needs but over the last 4 years I’d say it’s been a steady upward climb in turnover. Office hours were from 9am until 3pm but now we reopen at 4pm and close at 8pm, and can effectively duplicate up to 1500 items per day, thanks to our new equipment. Q: So you’re not stifled in terms of growth, there is still room to expand? A: Definitely. We’re doing extensive marketing to promote the business to other companies who now know where we are and what levels of production we can cope with. Last year I thought it prudent to reinvest in new thermal printers that would last a long time so we could utilise them to cope with a bigger market. These are a superb investment offering waterproof, scratchproof and www.b4-business.com

UV protection. Coupled with our video, audio editing and tape conversions suite for MAC and PC we are experiencing a steady and positive growth. Q: Have you got new sectors that you’ve branched into in terms of client profile? A: Yes, we bought out Disc Studio a few months ago so we’ve got their customer list as well. Not only that, we’re also dealing with corporate businesses, more production companies, bands and musicians, record labels and recording studios. We’re noticing that a lot more work is coming from the corporate side now. We’re the unique, ‘go to’ company.

“We’re noticing that a lot more work is coming from the corporate side now. We’re the unique, ‘go to’ company” Q: What sort of jobs are you doing for these corporate companies? A: A lot of batch CD DVD duplication per month including video editing and audio production. If a customer requires audio or video files converted

into different formats we can do that now and we have noticed that much of the increased business is due to the expansion into video editing and production with all format tape transfers. Q: In terms of aims for the future, have you got plans to take on more people? A: My aim is to employ a second member of staff to deal with the video and audio suite. We have started work experience schemes with the local Job Centre because I personally think it is really important to offer something to younger people who are struggling to find work. We liaise with Gosford School as well so we take on students from there. Q: You are also undertaking a new joint business venture? A: We have teamed up with Kevin Cousineau from Coozes Post Production in Botley. Services include Audio Recording, Foley Recording, Sound Design for Film, Audio Dialogue Replacement and Voice Overs. This is to offer an enhanced service to compliment what we do, whether that be through gaining sharper sound to go with video or simply putting the two together. We hope that this will set us apart from the competition. It seems that the newly improved Oxford Duplication Centre is set for a bright future, offering something unique that is so much more than just a CD DVD duplication service. www.theduplicationcentre.co.uk

Photography: www.studio-8.co.uk

Q: Since 2007, your business has literally been based in a back bedroom. You’ve recently moved into new premises. What has the space enabled you to do?

“It is a hotel brand that is gaining a reputation for being at the cutting edge of hospitality – and I wanted to be a part of that!” Amanda Coombs

THE MAL-LADIES

The Oxford Malmaison is an established B4 favourite, with regular events held there from workshops to large get-togethers, as well at the annual Oxfordshire Restaurant Awards. Sarah Airey talks to two key members of Malmaison’s management team: Sara Dinning, Meetings and Events Manager, and Amanda Coombs who has just joined as Sales Manager. Amanda isn’t new to Oxford. In fact, she has been busy working just next door to the Mal for 31/2 years, as Marketing Manager for Oxford Castle - Unlocked. She was responsible for the branding and creative identity as well as marketing, corporate private hire, meetings,

bespoke events, group travel and a programme of 50 events a year. She is passionate about her work and says, “I adore working in tourism and hospitality.” “I Love Oxford Castle, and love the development.

It is perfect for local residents as well as visitors to the city.” Of her new job, she says, “Malmaison Oxford is a special place to work, it has a very vibrant culture and succeeds in putting the company spirit at the

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B4 R&R

“When our guests walk through the doors they are not just coming to stay at a hotel they are coming to embrace the prison experience and enjoy being ‘Locked Up’ for a night”

Photography: www.lyonphotography.co.uk

Sara Dining

heart of what we do.’’ The Oxford Mal is the flagship of the Malmaison hotel group which specialises in quirky and unusual buildings. Amanda says, “The site has a unique history of over 1,000 years. With its unique blend of the cosmopolitan and the historical, it is definitely a hotel that dares to be different!” “I was attracted to working for Malmaison having seen how the hotel’s employees deliver hospitality in a different way – living and breathing the Malmaison culture. It is a hotel brand that is gaining a reputation for being at the cutting edge of hospitality – and I wanted to be a part of that!” “My job role as Sales Manager entails late nights or attending networking events but it’s also very rewarding. Receiving great feedback speaking to

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guests on checkout makes it all worthwhile….Most of all I enjoy that no day is the same so it keeps the job exciting. This fits the Malmaison work philosophy - It’s not where you choose to work, it’s how you choose to live.” Amanda has joined a young and friendly team, including Sara Dinning. Sara is equally proud to be working at the Mal. She says, “Working for such a unique property is incredibly rewarding, seeing the look on guests faces as they enter the prison and escape to the houses of correction is a wonderful moment.” “When our guests walk through the doors they are not just coming to stay at a hotel they are coming to embrace the prison experience and enjoy being ‘Locked Up’ for a night.” The hotel has retained many of the features of its time as Oxford prison, including the hanging cell

and punishment cells. You can dine in a converted prison cell, stay in the old solitary confinement or enjoy drinks in the Visitors Room bar, complete with warden’s lookout point. Amanda says, “The location is a great icebreaker at events. There is always something to say about the building when meeting people for the first time.” It offers a fascinating venue for conferences, meetings, private dinners and weddings, with a vast amount of outdoor space and converted prison cells transformed into timelessly styled function and bedrooms. And with 5 private function rooms and 95 bedrooms the Mal can hold functions for up to 120 people, be it a wedding, birthday or corporate event.” To arrange your meeting or special event at the Mal contact Amanda or Sara, or to book please call 01865 278 400 or see www.malmaison.com

June. intervals onertb3rd earances at ear.com Personal app the gang at www.rup e about Rupert and Find out mor

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DIAMOND JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS AT

BLENHEIM PALACE 2nd - 5th JUNE Enjoy Afternoon Teas on the South Lawn, a special Jubilee exhibition about Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, appearances by children's characters Rupert the Bear, Noddy and Big Ears on 3rd, the spectacular Bunbury’s Celebrity Cricket Match on 4th, and Massed Brass Bands on 5th. We also welcome the B4 cyclists who return to Blenheim Palace on Monday 4th June at approximately 6pm following their 280 mile cycle from Paris. Buy One Day, Get 12 Months Free! Terms and conditions apply

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B4 IT & COMMS

ENGINEERS WITH VISION PART 10: A SUMMARY OF THE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SERIES TO DATE… Through the B4 Network over the past few years, OrangeStripe have been able to provide a trusted source of telecommunications product & computer technology information to its readers. Our Engineers with Vision series has covered a wide range of topics from Voice over IP to vital day to day features of a modern telephone system, plus how to avoid unnecessary costs when purchasing a new office system. Through our accreditation with Samsung Telecoms UK we have become an established supplier of the award winning OfficeServ range of office telephone systems from a small home office type requirement, through to a full corporate size configuration. We commenced the Vision series in Issue 12, initially as a 4 part; however its interest has been

using broadband, whilst also giving homeworkers connectivity to the office system. The key to a successful system installation is the level of end user training, allowing the user to benefit from the most frequently used system features. Our end user training is headed up by our Director of training services Victoria McIntosh and was covered in Issue 13. The next two issues focussed on how a modern telephone system can provide detailed real time statistics coupled with missed call reports. The OfficeServ system provides extensive management information monitoring how calls are handled during both incoming and outgoing call traffic. Following a spotlight on OrangeStripe in Issue 16, the next few Issues covered the ever evolving cross over between the desk phone and the computer.

road, we can configure the system to ring both handsets simultaneously. If a call rings at or is transferred to your desk phone, rather than wait for a message to be left, you can answer the call from your mobile handset. Finally, in the last Issue we touched on how to avoid unnecessary costs when purchasing a new telephone system. This generated much interest, and I guess epitomizes the state of the economy currently. You don’t need to spend excessive budget on highly functional handsets, when very often a user just simply needs to make, receive and transfer calls. OrangeStripe offer a whole range of BT Network Services through the Wholesale channel, from standard exchange lines to full ISDN direct dial, broadband internet services and internet based telephony. We continue to drive down the cost of

“OrangeStripe can demonstration a wide range of features and benefits of a modern telephone system at your office. We have many years of experience and have seen the industry evolve extremely fast to where we are today

”

In this Summer’s Issue I thought it would be beneficial to provide an overview, therefore a single reference page to the series so far.

This is often referred to as CTI, or computer telephony integration. The telephone and computer have all but converged to become one powerful office tool for the integration of the phone system with a CRM database. CTI can also show the status, or the presence of all users within a company network.

First up we covered the extremely versatile functionality referred to as Voice over IP. This is an internet based technology used to economically connect together multiple office telephone systems

Issue 20 explained use of a feature called Mobex. This is when a mobile telephone is connected to the office telephone system as an extension. If you have a desk phone and also spend time out on the

such that it has developed into a popular source of information and has secured OrangeStripe a number of projects from B4 readers.

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line rental, and every minute you spend on the telephone. OrangeStripe can demonstrate a wide range of features and benefits of a modern telephone system at your office. We have many years of experience and have seen the industry evolve extremely quickly to where we are today. I would be delighted to discuss your requirements. Please call me, Nigel Pursall on 0777 55 888 11, or via the office on 0845 241 7772.

KEEPING IT IN THE FAMILY AT DARBYS Darbys Solicitors LLP have been practising law in Oxford since 1919. Louise Esplin went to find out more about their Family Team for B4

Elizabeth Cole, Associate Legal Executive

Lisa Chapman, Para-legal

Much has changed with the world since 1919 and Oxford law firm Darbys has changed along with it. From humble beginnings, the firm is now a very different business which can deal with any aspect of law. It boasts 14 specialist teams and is now based over three offices in Oxford, Thame and Manchester. Five years ago, under the guidance of Simon McCrum, Darbys launched two schemes - PURPLE LEGAL for people and their families and BLUE LAW

Katherine Semlyen, Solicitor

“Darbys prides itself on providing expert legal advice from respected and experienced lawyers in any area of law, and our Family Team is no exception,” explains Jackie Phillips, Head of the Family Team. Darbys family lawyers deal with matters that arise upon family and relationship breakdown. Commonly this is divorce, but it can also concern the breakdown of a civil partnership or a relationship between unmarried couples. “It is a

Gwendolen Birks, Solicitor and Mediator

a fair and swift solution to the difficulties they face,” Anne Davies, solicitor, adds. The issues to resolve are varied and often financial matters are at the forefront of the client’s mind. In the more complex cases the team may be involved in advising on business interests. These can vary from sole traders to much larger enterprises with high turnovers and many employees. Often the business is both a capital asset and the source of the family income. To simply sell it and divide the

Photography: www.studio-8.co.uk

“Darbys prides itself on providing expert legal advice from respected and experienced lawyers in any area of law” for businesses. An individual or business can become a member of these schemes and by doing so they are entitled to 15 minutes free legal advice on any aspect of law that affects their lives from the relevant specialist team. These schemes make their lawyers very accessible to their clients and in many instances just the opportunity to discuss an issue with a lawyer is sufficient to resolve the problem. In other cases, further assistance may be required, and in those circumstances Darbys can continue to help.

tricky area of law not least due to the emotional significance it has for the parties. It has to be handled carefully, sympathetically and professionally,” says solicitor, Helen Duthie. For this reason, the team are members of Resolution, a national organisation of family lawyers committed to following a code of conduct to ensure their cases are dealt with as amicably and non-confrontationally as possible. “It is very easy to make a difficult situation worse. As members of Resolution we aim to guide our clients to achieve

proceeds is invariably not the correct approach. Various factors need to be considered and often the team consults with Darbys’ Commercial or Employment Teams on how best to deal with these issues. “The challenging part for the family lawyer is how to factor the business into the settlement in a way that is fair to the parties, taking all these different issues into account,” comments Jackie Phillips. “We also have to consider different types of assets, such as pension funds, share options and assets held

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B4 ADVICE

(left to right) Anne Davies, Solicitor, Andrew Nellist, Solicitor, Jackie Phillips, Head of Family Team, Rosemary Tansey, Solicitor, Helen Duthie, Solicitor

abroad. Our team has an excellent reputation whether dealing with complicated and high net value cases, or cases where the assets are much more modest. Every case will be different.” Disputes which relate to the children can be particularly emotive. The team is well placed to deal with disputes about the living arrangements for the children, known as ‘residence’ or the contact they have with the parent the child does not live with. “Increasingly we find that we are dealing with cases

who are getting married later or for a second time. They want to preserve their assets by entering into a pre-nuptial agreement and this can be an effective way to protect their assets in the event of a later separation. With the trend for marriage steadily declining and married couples now making up less than half the population, Darbys is also keen to address an apparent misunderstanding of cohabitation rights.

potentially expensive legal battle if the relationship breaks down and you disagree about, for example, who owns the property. Couples tend not to get advice at the outset of their relationship but regret that later when they realise that they have made expensive mistakes.” Perhaps these couples should take notice of Rosemary’s cautionary words: “If you think the price of knowledge is expensive, try the price of ignorance!” Jackie Phillips adds: “The benefit of having one of

“The benefit of having one of the largest Family Teams in the Thames Valley is that we have collectively dealt with a vast range of cases” where one parent wishes to move with the children either to another part of the UK or abroad,” says solicitor Andrew Nellist. “Where parents share parental responsibility they cannot simply move out of the country with a child without the other parent’s permission. Often permission is not given as in most instances such a move will significantly impact upon the child’s contact with the other parent. It is very important to get early legal advice in these types of cases.” Darbys are seeing an increasing number of people

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“People hugely misunderstand their rights in this area,” says Rosemary Tansey, solicitor and a Deputy District Judge in the Thames Valley, “the common perception that by living with someone you can become their ‘common law wife or husband’ is completely wrong. Cohabitees acquire no rights or obligations as a consequence of their cohabitation. Such couples must rely on very limited laws of property, trust or on the Children Act. “Our advice is to enter into a cohabitation agreement before living together to avoid a

the largest Family Teams in the Thames Valley is that we have collectively dealt with a vast range of cases. That, combined with having access to the knowledge and services provided by the other specialist teams within Darbys, allows us to provide an excellent service to our clients.” If you need help with a legal problem or would be interested in the BLUE LAW and PURPLE LEGAL schemes call Darbys now on 0845 5675000. www.darbys.co.uk

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B4 R&R

THE ART OF ENGAGEMENT Art appreciates with age, and the same can definitely be said for the country’s biggest and oldest open studio event; with audience figures increasing each year. Last year the month long event saw over 100,000 people visit nearly 500 locations, this year Oxfordshire Artweeks celebrates its 30th birthday.

Whilst the event has become something of an institution, with many artists exhibiting annually, time doesn’t stand still, and it is necessary to evolve as the work exhibited in Oxford Castle Quarter as part of Oxfordshire Artweeks represents - time waits for no man as life is reflected in art, and art is reflected in life. Keen to engage early career artists, and to tap into the talent that exists in schools, colleges, and art schools across the county Oxfordshire Artweeks Director, Esther Browning, has been working alongside Helen Statham, Gallery Manager in O3 Gallery, Oxford Castle Quarter, in order to secure public exhibition space in neighbouring businesses. Oxfordshire Artweeks and O3 Gallery put a call out to students inviting them to submit art on the subject of The Passing of Time for consideration in an exhibition of the same name. Selected works now hang in restaurants and café's within Oxford Castle Quarter as part of Oxfordshire Artweeks. Whilst it goes about its business quietly this is a high profile event, and it’s attracting increasing amounts of interest from inventive corporate sponsors. It distributes over 50,000 brochures across the county, and is also a firm favourite with the local media. With such a broad spectrum of exhibiting artists, and an increasingly broad spectrum of visitors, it is even proving possible to micro-market to specific target audiences, it’s just about being clever about the way that you do it! This year sees Hamptons Estate and Lettings Agent

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erecting Oxfordshire Artweeks ‘Artist in Residence’ boards outside of selected participating venues, whilst car club Zipcar are providing free lifts home to visitors to an Oxfordshire Artweeks associated gig-in-a-gallery. Restaurants, dentist surgeries, cinemas, and gardens, are amongst the businessbased venues offering up their walls this May. In short, Oxfordshire Artweeks provides a fantastic opportunity for businesses to engage with the community in an exciting and creative way, reaching out to new audiences, developing customer base, and driving footfall. Oxfordshire Artweeks exhibitions are generally one week long; in 2011 over 400 of the exhibitions were selling exhibitions (as opposed to some exhibitions where work is not available to buy); the average net profit at these exhibitions was £1800, with some exhibitors declaring a net profit of £5,000. This means that sales associated with Oxfordshire Artweeks approached £1 million last year, a clear indication that the month long event appeals to those with a significant disposable income, and an interest in investment. Approaching business development from a different perspective another interesting public engagement initiative taking place in Oxford Castle Quarter, and linked in to Oxfordshire Artweeks, is the Oxford Pride of Place Project by The Caravan Gallery. Described as ‘distressingly perceptive, beautifully absurd, and seriously thought provoking,’ artists Jan Williams and Chris Teasdale (The Caravan Gallery artists) have been busy touring the

nooks and crannies of Oxford taking photographs that capture the idiosyncrasies and provide a refreshing antidote to the airbrushed views of places we are usually fed by the tourist industry – they photograph the city as experienced by the residents of the city. From the 5th to the 27th May Castle Street Square will become home to The Caravan Gallery, a small but perfectly formed 1969 mustard caravan containing a photography exhibition that celebrates the reality and surreality of everyday life in contemporary Britain. Setting the scene with a selection of their own photographic impressions of Oxford, in all its multifaceted glory, The Caravan Gallery will transform neighbouring O3 Gallery into an evolving exhibition and creative collaboration between The Caravan Gallery and visitors to the space for the Oxford Pride of Place Project. This commission is very much about reaching out and engaging with new audiences in different parts of the city, and inviting those people back to Oxford Castle Quarter. The nature of The Caravan Gallery’s work means that it is possible to achieve this without sacrificing the integrity of their practice, as it is exactly this interaction that makes up their practice. This is a project about the people of Oxford for the people of Oxford, presented in Oxford Castle Quarter in the heart of the city of Oxford. www.oxfordcastle.com

Mark Crampton Smith

Jane Robinson – Finance Manager

ETHICAL LETTING With a background in education and a relatively short career in property, Mark explains why he made the transition to running this award winning lettings agency. “To be honest, being involved in education wasn’t challenging me and I needed a change of scenery. My brother had built up a reasonable property portfolio but was becoming frustrated at the service he was receiving from letting agents, so we got our heads together and came up with a solution…..College and County Lettings. “In the summer before we set up the business, I spent some time visiting letting agents to see what sort of service I was given, both as a prospective landlord and as a prospective tenant. The difference was significant. As a prospective landlord, you are invariably treated exceptionally well, as you might expect, but as a prospective tenant, I was often shocked at the lack of customer care – failure to turn up to appointments being commonplace, and generally being made to feel like a second class citizen. “The apathy shown to prospective tenants is, I am convinced, reciprocated by poorly treated tenants when they manage to secure a tenancy….the property may be treated badly. There could be lack of care or pride taken in maintaining and reporting basic standards in the property, resulting in dilapidations or, at the very least, an acrimonious end to the tenancy and more work for everyone in the office.

“we were determined, from the outset, to be ethical in the way that we delivered our service and treated everyone, landlords and tenants, the same

”

“So, we were determined, from the outset, to be ethical in the way that we delivered our service and treated everyone, landlords and tenants, the same.” College and County opened their books 11 years ago with thirty properties and now have three hundred and sixty under management with one hundred and seventy clients. “It’s mainly grown through word of mouth and I think that says we’re doing something right,” adds Mark but in terms of the portfolio of

properties, it ranges vastly. “We have property on Woodstock Road that we let for over £11,000 a month and we have flats in Cowley that are less than £600 a month.” Mark is seeing such high rents as commonplace in a changing market. “There used to be a well trodden path, where a young couple would make their money in the City, sell up and have a family in Oxford and commute to the City whilst their children attended private school. Then, once the kids had grown up, they would sell and move to the Cotswolds. “But now what’s happening is that if you own property in central London, you would be crazy to sell because of the capital appreciation – if it’s worth £10 million this year, it may well be worth £11 million next year. It’s impossible to sell unless you want to miss out on such unprecedented hikes in your property value, so you rent in Oxford and the rental rates are low enough to still give a net gain. We’re now seeing the same happening in Oxford, obviously to a lesser degree, but there are some very expensive houses in Oxford and they’re enjoying some healthy annual valuation increases. We are seeing a movement towards a ‘Let to Rent market’ where owners are retaining these high end properties to benefit from letting them out for rental income, but more importantly to benefit from the capital growth”. So with rental incomes on the rise, minimal void periods and a glowing reputation, how would Mark and his staff perform if he were to don a disguise and test his own business? “Everything we do is transparent from the start, we have never had a bad tenant, and it’s because we are disarmingly honest. If we don’t think a property is suitable for an applicant, we will tell them – we don’t want to waste their time or ours. In eleven years of letting, we have never had a tenancy end with rent arrears or dilapidations that haven’t been covered, which is fantastic. When I talk to other people it’s just unheard of, and I think it’s partly because we are very flexible about the way we do things. If a tenant genuinely gets in trouble with the rent, we will offer them early release – if we know we can fill a property, why force someone who is obviously stressed to go through more stress? No void periods or rent arrears, and 2.4 days per year is our average void. We get tenants lined up in advance, we deal with tenants who are organised, who know where they are going to be and when, and as long as we’re dealing with clients who know what they want, it makes our life so much easier, and helps us to keep those voids so low.

www.b4-business.com

David Gilson – Lettings Manager

Tina Doyle – Senior Property Manager

B4 PROPERTY

Mark Crampton Smith, Director of College and County Lettings, talks to B4’s Richard Rosser about his firm’s approach to letting and explains that although the term “Ethical Letting” will mean different things to different people, in a cosmopolitan city like Oxford, Ethical Residential Letting is in the interests of both Landlords and Tenants, in equal measure. Article written by Lucy Holmes. “We also understand that our student tenants need some help and guidance that would have, until that point, been provided by their parents. We try to make things as easy as possible, all our documents can be viewed online and we have a range of communication channels to choose from including Facebook, email, txt and phone”

“I’ve seen agencies grow, and go out of control. Once the wheels start wobbling, it’s difficult to keep it together. We are on top of everything

”

So what of the future? “We have to grow, but it’s vital to maintain the service levels. I’ve seen agencies grow, and go out of control. Once the wheels start wobbling, it’s difficult to keep it together. We have a really strong team in place and the capacity to now take on more clients so it’s an exciting time. I look at our development step by step…we hope to have a paperless office in 3 years and we are currently looking into using touch screen e-sign technology, so tenants can give instant feedback after a contractor visit to help ensure service levels are maintained and can be benchmarked for improvement. This will enable us to build a databank of safe contractors in Oxford – that’s then priceless.” What’s also priceless is an ethical business in a ‘difficult’ sector, and Mark’s staff are also buying into the whole concept. “One day I’d like to leave it to the team and I can see that being not too far off. The team are excited about what we’re doing, they enjoy the ethical and transparent approach. We don’t offer commission, we just reward our staff well for doing a good job and feel incentivising goes against the grain of selecting the right tenants for the right properties. After all, if we fit square pegs in round holes, the job is ten times harder, isn’t it?” Expansion will be dependent on recruiting the rights staff and ensuring service levels can be maintained. “It is likely that will only have one office. We might have a back office on a trading estate somewhere but we want to keep it simple and invest in the structure and the staff…. that’s our strength.”

www.b4-business.com

BEING ETHICAL MEANS…… Being ethical is about absolute transparency, consistency and continuity in our approach to service delivery. This means that we are able to attract clients who are like minded, and want to provide Ethical Property for Ethical Tenants. We encourage clients to keep rents just below the market value so that they can have the maximum choice of occupants, occupants who will appreciate the fact that they are being treated equally and with respect. “Ethical Property Management is about providing quality service to tenants, and rapid response to maintenance reporting, and ensures tenants are always prompt in reporting problems. “Being Ethical means all our key documents (tenancy agreements etc….) are available on line so that tenants and applicants can see them before viewing a property, and they know exactly what the process is for renting a property through us. “Ethical accounting means we have full client money protection. We have designated client accounting and all deposits are registered in accordance with the 2004 Housing Act. It also means that we have real-time statements available on line for landlords through encrypted access and all deductions are invoiced accordingly. “By developing a true partnership approach to services, dilapidations are reduced, voids are minimised and arrears are non-existent. Tenants and applicants who feel valued and respected by those acting for their landlord will be far more inclined to feedback through their respect for the property. Those having a positive experience of residential letting also tell their professional and social networks. “Our Ethical approach means that we are working towards a paper-free office. We have forms and documents on-line and are currently researching e-signing. We also have a special Charities Rate which means that any Registered Charity with Property assets in Oxford can negotiate an exceptional deal with College and County.” www.collegeandcounty.biz

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B4 PROPERTY

BUILDING

A GREENER LIFESTYLE An Oxford builders merchant has all the answers when it comes to building a greener lifestyle. B4 went to investigate.

The history of Johnsons Buildbase goes back several centuries, but the business is leading the way when it comes to providing all you’ll need when installing renewable and sustainable energy systems in your home or business. A visit to the first floor showroom, called Go Green at Buildbase, in Watlington Road, is a real education. Designed for the trade and for homeowners, the ‘eco room’ brings together every option when it comes to green energy generation. Buildbase had a presence at Ecobuild earlier this year, which is the showcase for the very latest ideas and innovations in the ‘renewables’ sector. “It is a complex situation with a raft of government regulation that’s still being finalised so it’s hard for homeowners to understand what they could, or should be doing to benefit themselves and care for the environment into the bargain,” says Craig Tarrant, branch manager for lightside products at Johnsons Buildbase. “Similarly, our customers in the building trade are looking at the pros and cons of including more sustainable products when they’re building new homes or as a retrofit option. As a builders merchant we are in close contact with our manufacturers and can advise on any aspect, from installation to aesthetics.” The company’s latest leaflet of product offers includes a solar panel and solar thermal kits as well as other ‘eco’ products like loft insulation, thermal and acoustic liners, an alternative to lead flashing

www.b4-business.com

and even bulk bags of topsoil.

the showroom, formerly branded as Select, has recently been renamed ‘Buildbase KBT’.

One very topical example of how householders can go green is the Halsted wall mounted rainwater harvesting system. Featured in the eco room at Buildbase, this product is set to be a popular choice for many of us who are wondering how to cope with the latest hosepipe ban.

“As a builders merchant we are in close contact with our manufacturers and can advise on any aspect, from installation to aesthetics

”

“We’re told that summers are getting warmer and drier and it’s an obvious solution to harvest the rain whenever we do get a downpour,” says Craig. “This is a slim, sealed tank that is attached to the wall and is a simple way to use less mains water. The water that’s collected can be used for your washing machine, toilet or in the garden. It’s particularly good where space is at a premium and several modules can be installed for more capacity.” Beyond the eco room is one of the area’s largest showrooms featuring kitchens, bathrooms and tiles. With over 110 displays, including five wet rooms,

“We wanted a name that ‘says what it does on the tin’ and describes what we have here,” says Craig. “We hear time and time again that the choice here, and the inspiration that customers can take away is invaluable.” The latest addition to the showroom is an exciting range of fitted bedrooms from Utopia, an established UK bathroom furniture manufacturer. This high end range has been designed to create a seamless transition from en-suite bathroom to bedroom. Just like a fitted kitchen or bathroom, a Utopia bedroom at Buildbase will be designed on a CAD system to maximise space and include all the storage and fittings unique to your personal taste. An impressive bedroom display will be installed in the showroom in May. An important date for the calendar is 14 June when Buildbase stages its annual Trade Show. As well as the latest products and manufacturers’ displays, the show is a great night out with delicious food and live entertainment including ‘Queen B’, one of the best Queen tribute bands. To reserve your ticket, please contact Anna Karavias at Johnsons Buildbase on 01865 787741 or visit the website at www.buildbase.co.uk. For kitchens and bathrooms see www.oxford-kitchens.co.uk www.oxford-bathrooms.co.uk

FACING UP TO REALITY DAN CHANNER F INDERS K EEPERS Q. Is the Oxford economy different to the national economy? A. Fortunately the dominant manufacturing industry – automotive – has managed to stay relevant in an era when many UK manufacturers struggle against overseas competition. By creating a premium product, BMW and the MINI have become a local success story. Whilst Oxford has a far more diversified economy than the North-East – where the public sector dominates – Oxfordshire’s economy is still dependent on the public sector with the three biggest employers being the NHS, the universities and the councils. Q. How is your business experiencing difficulties in 2012 compared to 2005? A. The (arguably sensible) restrictions on buy-to-let finance today against the freer environment of 2005 means that there are fewer investors looking to purchase rental property. Combine this with a sales market experiencing lower volumes and you have less churn in the market, fewer incoming landlords and a general reduction in supply of rental property.

B4 Platinum Ambassador, Tony Haines of local accountancy firm, Wenn Townsend, is rather irritated when we meet. We’d both agreed to send out a questionnaire to B4 Ambassadors and the banks to get a feel for the economy, a steer on where we are all going. I’ll let Tony take it from here. Written by Richard Rosser. “Disappointed to say the least.” Exclaimed Tony, as we sat down to eat at Pierre Victoire in Little Clarendon Street. “One bank replied?!?!?!? It just goes to show that the banks aren’t telling us all what we need to know. We need to get answers and I’m making a stand…..I want to get those answers.” All of the leading banks were sent our questionnaire and one, Lloyds TSB Commercial, responded. Others claimed they ‘weren’t in a position to respond’ or felt ‘it was inappropriate to comment’. Whilst B4 is more than happy to give businesses a platform to promote themselves, we feel we have a responsibility to get some answers on key issues, hence we share Tony’s passion to get these answers as to where the banks feel we are all heading. “I fear we’re pushing water uphill. I can understand the dilemma the banks have, but it’s crucial, now more than ever before, to get these answers. Many SME’s will never have had to borrow money before. Until now, many businesses will have been operating cash positive balances and never had to even contemplate borrowing money. We need to offer a guiding hand through this difficult time and we need the banks’ full co-operation in this.

“We should be able to get simple answers to our questions and some transparency. Businesses need cash, fact, and if we’re not getting answers as to why this isn’t forthcoming, then a lot of businesses are going to be in a lot of trouble. Now’s not the time to be hiding your cards under the table, we need strong heads and clear voices. We need direction and leadership. The B4 Ambassadors are open and honest enough to tell us about their businesses in public, now let’s hear from the banks. They make some interesting points and give us all some reasons to have fears and hope in equal measure. “We need friendly not sterile banking, and I intend to get these answers.” You have been warned! Tony Haines is on the warpath. Now let’s start getting a response. Thanks to all of those who contributed to the survey…..and, now we’ve rattled Tony’s cage, expect more from Tony and B4 in the future. If you’d like to have your say on the state of the economy or any problems your business faces which you feel are common to many in Oxfordshire, contact Tony at aehaines@wenntownsend.co.uk and if he feels it’s worth profiling on these pages, then we’ll do it.

Q. Do you anticipate recruiting in 2012 or reducing your staff numbers? A. We do not anticipate reducing staff numbers and are looking to add a few people. Q. 2012 – boom or bust? A. Neither – steady progress instead. In 2011 we saw the recession hit the rental market in Oxfordshire for the first time, with fewer top-end applicants (budgets of £2000+pcm) and a slight reduction in public sector tenants. This story has continued in 2012, with many tenants feeling price-sensitive. In parallel, the topend has strengthened slightly, with the private schools, university and hi-tech clusters continuing to deliver some excellent tenants.

www.b4-business.com

B4 ADVICE

Q. A recent survey on 100 directors found 80 of them that said their businesses had increased in the last year. How do you think the economy has moved in the last 12 months?

Q. How is your business experiencing difficulties in 2012 compared to 2005? A. Greater consumer choice and more competition – some costs (especially utilities) are outpacing inflation and impacting on the bottom line.

customers and their requirements better than anyone. As a result, our relationship managers are empowered to make local lending decisions of up to £500,000.

DAVE ATKINSON LLOYDS TSB COMMERCIAL Q. Are you operating national policies at local level? A. At Lloyds TSB Commercial, we understand the importance for businesses of having face-to face contact with their bank. That’s why we have a nationwide network of locally-based relationship managers, who work hard to understand our customers’ businesses and become an integral part of their support network. We appreciate that our relationship managers understand their

Q. Are you factoring in a potential reduction in property values? A. The latest Lloyds TSB Commercial Property Matters report, which reviews intentions and confidence in the property market, showed that in the South East, property owners were actually preparing to invest in their residential or commercial portfolios in the next few months a net increase in investment value of +0.69% in the region. However, despite this confidence in their own portfolios, property investors were much more pessimistic about the prospects for the wider UK property market. At Lloyds TSB Commercial, whether property values rise or fall, we are committed to continuing to support our customers in the property sector. In the first eight months of 2011 in Oxfordshire and Gloucestershire, for example, we increased our lending to property businesses

SARAH MORRIS H R 2 Y O U Q. How is your business experiencing difficulties in 2012 compared to 2005? A. Clients are being much more cautious and not spending as much. Q. Do you anticipate recruiting in 2012 or

www.b4-business.com

Q. Is uncertainty stifling your business’s growth or are you throwing caution to the wind? A. We are investing in our catering and retail facilities on the back of our annual pass growth – thus leaving our visitor business well placed for 2013 and beyond when the Olympic legacy – arising from a global audience of 4 billion people in 2012 - should see tourism and the visitor economy surge forward.

Photography: www.studio-8.co.uk

B LENHEIM PALACE

Q. Do you anticipate recruiting in 2012 or reducing your staff numbers? A. We would anticipate our staff numbers holding level or marginally increasing through 2012.

Q. 2012 – boom or bust? A. Neither – but opportunity to pave the way for strong years to come.

by six per cent, when compared to the same period in 2010. Q. What is your bank doing to help start ups? A. We understand the importance of business start ups to the UK economy, which is why our SME Charter, which sets out our commitment to support small and medium sized enterprises and incorporates elements such as encouraging enterprise, access to finance and clearer and fairer pricing. As part of the Charter, we also pledged to support 300,000 new start ups across the UK by the end of 2012. To February 2012, we had supported 230,000 start ups since January 2010. Q. When do you see interest rates starting to rise? A. Please see a summary of the latest forecast data presented by one of our chief economists. Please see this date in Lloyds table presented overleaf.

reducing your staff numbers? A. We already have recruited this year. Q. Is uncertainty stifling your business’s growth or are you throwing caution to the wind? A. I think you should always be cautious regardless of what your bank accounts tell you!

Photography: www.studio-8.co.uk

JOHN HOY

A. Those businesses that have shaped themselves correctly – with appropriate cost cutting + cost containment and with dynamic and innovative revenue generation have performed well and should continue to perform well. Our Annual Pass product has been seen as an excellent ‘value for money/value for time’ offer which has helped to drive our visitor business forward despite the wider economic challenges that we have all had to face. In my opinion, the Economy generally is stronger than the media would have us believe.

Q. 2012 – boom or bust? A. Neither – Slowly, slowly catchy monkey!

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B4 ADVICE

Q. Is the Oxford economy different to the national economy? A. Yes, see above.

PAULA HOLLOWAY ST CLARE’S OXFORD Q. Is Oxford a special case compared to other cities in the country and, if so, why? A. We all like to think so but the city depends hugely on the spending power of foreign visitors/students. It trades on brand Oxford which

GDP % Yr

Q. A recent survey on 100 directors found 80 of them that said their businesses had increased in the last year. How do you think the economy has moved in the last 12 months? A. I think that we are seeing quite clear distinctions between those who are employed, and continue to have purchasing power, and those who have lost their jobs. There are, in effect, a number of different 'economies' at work both nationally and in our own city.

Q. Do you anticipate recruiting in 2012 or reducing your staff numbers? A. Neither, it remains as important as ever to keep a firm grip on costs. Q. Is uncertainty stifling your business’s growth or are you throwing caution to the wind? A. Neither, it is important to understand your business [in our case, education] and to take advantage of opportunities as they occur. It is also just as important to make sure that your core business is looked after so that it remains attractive to the people who pay your salaries. Photography: www.studio-8.co.uk

gives it a real edge when compared to other cities.

Q. 2012 – boom or bust? A. We benefit from our large international catchment area and this helps us to avoid overreliance on any one market.

2010

2011

2012

2013

1.8

0.9

0.5

1.5

Bank Rates

0.50

3m (offer)

0.76

1.1

1.0

1.2

2.6

1.6

2.1

2.9

£:$

1.55

1.54

1.51

1.52

£:€

1.17

1.19

1.20

1.19

€: $

1.34

1.3

1.25

1.27

GDP Interest Rates (% and yr)

5yr Swap Rate (mid) FX Rates (end year)

MARK CHARTER CARTER JONAS Q. Is Oxford a special case compared to other cities in the country and, if so, why? A. I don’t think anywhere can claim it is special or be so naïve as to presume it is – that thinking breeds complacency. What it does have is a very diversified economy and some elements which have historically proven very resilient to prior busts, but equally it rarely sees the booms either.

Q. A recent survey on 100 directors found 80 of them that said their businesses had increased in the last year. How do you think the economy has moved in the last 12 months? A. Our business has increased, but not by virtue of the economy but by virtue of our investment in growth areas and disciplines. Q. How is your business experiencing difficulties in 2012 compared to 2005? A. Gosh, too far back to remember! More red tape and pointless paper shuffling. More pressure on fee levels but with significantly increased costs - you are having to work twice as hard for half the fee. Q. Do you anticipate recruiting in 2012 or

www.b4-business.com

reducing your staff numbers? A. We have already increased staff numbers in Oxford so far in 2012 and would hope to do so again towards the end of the year. Q. Is uncertainty stifling your business’s growth or are you throwing caution to the wind? A. Uncertainty is affecting our client’s decision making process which does impact on our business, but you have to look beyond the next 6 months of the current economic cycle to stand any hope of capitalizing on growth areas and disciplines. Increasing our Oxford based staff from 40 in September 2011 to 70 at March 2012 underlines this – whilst one area may be suffering, there are other disciplines that have great promise, such as infrastructure and energy etc. Photography: www.studio-8.co.uk

Q. Is the Oxford economy different to the national economy? A. No. It has manufacturing, health, education, service, high tech, military, tourism – all seen elsewhere.

Q. 2012 – boom or bust? A. Neither, just hard work….. something some people have forgotten about and something many have never experienced!

TAILORED BUSINESS COACHING Magna Carta’s Business Development Director, Andrew Pearson, talks to B4 about the college’s new business courses which will offer local businesses of all sizes the opportunity to tailor high level business coaching to their specific requirements to achieve new profitable growth. Article by Lucy Holmes. Andrew has a clear strategy to deliver this service. “The starting point is the vision and this is to make a real impact in terms of enabling local businesses, and also those from further afield, an opportunity to improve performance and profit, through sensible growth patterns with robust business growth models, that’s our primary goal. “This applies on three levels. Firstly, to start ups looking for direction in all areas of their business and to help them prepare for the next phase of growth. Secondly, for medium sized businesses that have moved away from the start-up phase, that have grown and that are now succeeding. Typically these businesses wish to systemize a few things, put a bit of structure in, acquire further management skills and begin to look forward to the future, with a more organized business model, yet still seek further strategies to create demand. And the third area is larger businesses, which might already have many of these skills, but might be looking to reinvent themselves or to look at a wider variety of skills, say in management or strategy development or operations. “Across all areas, the three areas of management, operations and strategy are the key areas of interest. Of course the delivery of our programmes is tailored to our audiences as we conduct them in different ways to reach different levels of understanding and need. So, clearly, a start-up would be coming in looking at management issues, seeking a strategy which uniquely positions its product or a service in its market place, and it would then look at how to organise itself to deliver what it is offering in an efficient and distinctive way. A larger organisation might require insights and practical support to facilitate decision making in additive, complementary or breakthrough opportunities, the development of new business or the management of a new strategic alliance and organise itself to support new demand.” Magna Carta will be delivering short workshops for sole traders and start ups and three day taster sessions for medium and large sized companies. These will offer business fundamentals and explore business development from start up to

growth and means of sustaining growth, explains Andrew. “We will be looking at how to identify uncontested market space, strategies to support new and established business, supply chain development, leadership, outsourcing capabilities and of course competitive advantage and much, much more. Further support will be offered to businesses via bespoke in-house workshops as well as in a forum environment. Here managers can network and have access to regular workshops, individual coaching and mentoring and online support over a ten month period.”

fixed dates for attendance.”

“So, for example, if a delegate company wants to make the present business more effective, as well as find and realize further business potential we would tackle these issues just as we would review decisions in business purpose, strategy and organisation to achieve additional growth.

For start up and smaller businesses, we will work with individuals to explore the realities of entrepreneurial business, such as the need to make a business different, exploit opportunities, define potential and realise it, allocate the right resources and create sustainable business. Our intention is to work with the ideas and skills people might or might not have, and help them find and develop opportunities to bring fresh value to their markets. We will look at how a business might articulate these ideas that they have and convert them into product or service initiatives on the basis of trying to establish a unique positioning.”

“It’s our job to get a business thinking in a different way or to take on skills it hasn’t hereto demonstrated” We would address these and other issues via workshops and in addition at a bespoke level with individual businesses through mentoring and coaching.” The key here is a flexible approach which recognises that senior management operates with tremendous demands on its time and cannot easily get away from a busy schedule to attend two or three day workshops but would welcome an opportunity to share and gain with peers and draw on support as and when needed. “A combination of face-to-face and online tuition will enable delegates to obtain coaching as well as tuition in an efficient way and allow the course deliver its outcomes. With start ups we would be looking at communal sessions for a group of start ups where we would have

The outcome of the courses? “For larger concerns, fresh insight into making strategic choices; what opportunities to pursue, how to specialise and how to diversify; whether to build or to acquire and what organisation is most appropriate for the business and its opportunities. And finally the course offers a means to analysis result areas in the entire business and relate them to resources, effort, opportunity and expectation.

Unlocking potential is what Andrew is aiming to do for businesses of all sizes. To help the sole trader think ‘yes I can’ rather than ‘that’s beyond me’, to enable a larger business to think in a different way after years of operating in a particular way and accepting it because we’ve always done it this way’. Andrew recognises working in new ways can be very alien and admits that resistance is a familiar reaction. “It’s our job to get a business thinking in a different way or to take on skills it hasn’t hereto demonstrated. Has a large businesses tried to differentiate itself or find uncontested market space? If not, why not. If differentiation or new business is feasible, won’t that help gain a competitive edge? A key tenet of each course is to help managers and executives put creativity into the heart of strategy to invent something or to derive something that’s unique, and how to sustain that, and how to manage people, to manage

www.b4-business.com

B4 EDUCATION

“If entrepreneurship

is about change and opportunity, and a means of creating organisation around an opportunity and managing that, then that’s where we are coming from

”

themselves, to free up their thinking to be more flexible in their approach to business development, not to be so stifled or suffer from tunnel vision. Call it entrepreneurship if you like.

A fascinating by-product of the courses could be investment from a circle of investors close to Magna Carta, expands Andrew. “This isn’t a carrot, nor should it be viewed cynically. We have a close group of investors who would be the first we would turn to if one of our clients provided a good fit for them. This might happen in isolated cases, but we can see an instance where we help a small, medium or large business prepare itself for growth, highlight the do’s and don’ts of attracting an investor, and then regard this business as worth further investigation by one of our investors. We’re probably talking more about an established business having moved from start up or acquired new management, that is now beginning to flex a little more. It would provide the perfect case study if a business we had helped ‘polish the rough edges’ successfully engaged with one of our investors who helped propel them to the next level…..now that really would make for interesting reading!” www.magnacartacollege.org

www.b4-business.com

Photography: www.studio-8.co.uk

Entrepreneurship is a term most often associated with an individual who brings to mind a Herculean approach to business, but Andrew sees the common denominator in these courses for sole traders and larger concerns as gearing those on the courses to the pursuit of change, opportunity and organisation. “I feel that’s at the heart of our understanding of entrepreneurship, but where we are working with established businesses pursuing those concepts, or even if they are not, I think the word still applies. If entrepreneurship is about change and opportunity, and a means of creating organisation around an opportunity and managing that, then that’s where we are coming from.”

B4 SERVICES

O LAMALU: M T R C AKING

IGHT

HOICES

Christoph Corvin, the lead developer and co-owner of Olamalu Web Development, stood up to give a presentation on creating 'apps' for the business community in West Oxfordshire recently. It's just another step in the rapid development of the company, barely two years old, which started with creating a website for another business venture. Article by Ashley Merry.

“We just saw how expensive it was to get hold of good technology for the average small business,” says Christoph, “and decided we'd just build it ourselves. Open source content management systems were coming of age. We evaluated three and chose the one we thought was the best.” He gives a smile. “I think we were spot on with that choice.” Drupal, the platform Olamalu chose, like many other technologies around is a community built platform. Used by the White House, the Economist and millions of other organisations, big and small, it proves that social driven technologies work. It's entirely free, although it's not always easy to set up and manage if you don't have a technical skill-set. That's why Olamalu always offers to host and manage websites for their clients and keeps the cost down because of a another amazing bit of Drupal engineering. “Every website we run on our servers can be updated at a press of a button,” explains Christoph. “Nearly every content management system website – Drupal, Wordpress and Joomla included – needs to be updated almost monthly, which means without that capability running a site would cost hundreds of pounds a year. With Drupal it doesn't need to.” Perfecting websites for small businesses “Both Kate, my business partner, and I used to work for General Electric. The company was obsessive about process, and we learnt a lot from working there. That experience helped us figure out that, with the right process and

Covered Market, Wolfson College and more Despite the youth of the business, the Olamalu team have done well to build a reputation in the local community. “We got in with the West Oxfordshire Business Awards at the ground level,” says Christoph. “It was a stroke of luck, and we've sponsored them ever since. It builds our name locally and means we are contributing back too. Meeting David Cameron at the last awards was a nice plus.” Whilst thinking a lot about smaller business websites, Olamalu finds working on sites such as JackFM's or University College's a good challenge. The lessons from the extra technology demanded is often rolled back into other sites. It also builds their name as a really technical team. For example, they're creating an Intranet site for University College which needs to integrate into Oxford University's secured login system. “We recreated the login environment that Stanford University developed and used that to develop a Drupal add-on. It is likely to be used across many departments as Drupal is Oxford's chosen web platform.” Stanford wrote the login system. Creating Abingdon's App Olamalu worked with another local firm to create an iPhone and Android app for Abingdon Prep School. “It uses the same cutting edge technology that the Financial Times chose to use,” says Nigel Marsh who runs a company doing IT for

“we're always looking for ways to keep costs down and technology right up there” investment in technology, we can build a website in 12-15 hours. We've invested a lot in getting that right and passing the savings onto our customers.” This is borne out by the ever growing list of clients and partners who work with Olamalu. They like the clean, structured websites that come out and are impressed by the functionality they get for the price. “Our technology lends itself to our aims well.” adds Kate, “It enables us to standardise what's happening behind the scenes, at a technical and business process level, but still leaves us a lot of scope to make every site look unique.” As the team work with more graphic designers and other agencies that has proven important. It gives everyone the ability to be creative within broad guidelines which help sites to be both desktop and mobile friendly.

schools, “which was perfect for Abingdon as it kept the cost of developing and maintaining their app down.” The app is now an important part of the communication to parents. It includes the school calendar, news, weekly newsletters and will soon be upgraded to share photos of school events – all in a nicely wrapped user interface. “The next big thing are apps,” says Christoph. “As with everything else, we're always looking for ways to keep costs down and technology right up there. It's amazing that we can run our apps from the same platform as our websites and we're proud of that achievement.” If you want to know more about Olamalu please take a look at www.olamalu.com. For more on apps and how to make a decision on choosing the right platform follow this link www.olamalu.com/apps

JackFM, University College Oxford, The www.b4-business.com

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

B4 R&R

TRUSTY BROWNS If there is ever an Oxford restaurant which is blue chip, Browns must be it. Generations have passed through, and I’ve no doubt countless families who have all studied at Oxford have taken their children and children’s children into this wonderful Oxford restaurant. We enjoyed a meal with the rest of the team earlier this year but there’s lots to report on for you to get the best out of Browns so let’s press on.

If you’re looking to book for two or a group, track down James Pounds, Browns’ engaging General Manager who’ll look after you and your needs with the highest levels of care and attention. As a group we wanted for nothing, with two very attentive members of staff serving us from Browns’ fantastic new Spring menu. The great thing about the new menu is that you can do your bit for charity and Browns will buy the wine. Become a Friend of Browns and chose two courses from the latest menu and Browns will buy you a complimentary glass of wine and donate £1 to the NSPCC! The team got stuck into the most gorgeous Breads and Tapenade selection including black olive ciabatta, rosemary focaccia and paprika artisan loaf; a great Fish Platter which included prawn cocktail, salt and pepper squid, mackerel pâté, salmon, smoked haddock and lobster croquettes, yoghurt and caper dressing, lemon hollandaise and more bread!!!! We also tried the Meat Platter (the platters are great for big groups) which included prosciutto, salt beef, warmed chorizo, chicken satay, picante peppers, fruit chutney, piccalilli and breads (yes, more bread!) Some of the good ones tried the Browns House Salad, basically lots and lots of good things tossed with white balsamic, rapeseed oil and mustard www.b4-business.com

dressed mixed leaves, edamame beans, avocado, broccoli, semi-dried cherry tomatoes, pomegranate, butternut squash ribbons, green beans,spinach, chard, chicory, baby gem and toasted cous cous – that’s enough to keep you going! And if that’s not enough, you can choose a topping from two poached free range eggs, or chargrilled chicken breast or salmon.

“The atmosphere, as ever in Browns, was electric and the new layout with the bar area moved to the heart of the restaurant injects even more life into an already busy and lively restaurant.

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It was a feast to end all feasts, with Duck Salads, Grilled Fillet of Beef Salads, Fillets of Fresh Sea Bass, Crab and Tiger Prawn Linguine and Steak, Mushroom & Guinness Pie. The kids joined us later on and tucked into The Browns Burger (kids have

to have it!) which comes with beef tomatoes, friend onions and big fat Browns chips! Don’t forget the tasty sides such as Avocado, Bacon & Spinach Salad, Asparagus with lemon and chervil hollandaise, or Carrots, Broad & Green Beans and Savoy Cabbage. You just can’t leave Browns hungry, and although a couple of Red Fruit Crumbles with custard and one (that I know of because I had it!) Sticky Toffee Pudding made their way to the table, we were all stuffed to the rafters! The atmosphere, as ever in Browns, was electric and the new layout with the bar area moved to the heart of the restaurant injects even more life into an already busy and lively restaurant. If you’re a lobster lover, you’ll love Browns’ new Lobster Nights. New for Thursday’s, Browns will be serving up a range of fabulous Lobster dishes. Put it in your diary for another Thursday evening when you can enjoy a perfectly chilled glass of white wine and an expertly cooked Lobster! When you book, let the restaurant know how many lobsters you want and will do their very best to reserve them for you! www.browns-restaurants.com

FOOD, GLORIOUS FOOD AND SO MUCH MORE Everyone loves a foodie writing assignment and despite the lack of a tasting session on the day of interview, I left Elegant Cuisine with my taste buds well and truly tickled. Article by Tracey Jefferies.

Having only received his CV after meeting the man himself, I wasn’t surprised to read that Michael Ashton is a ‘firm believer in empowerment of people, providing the resources and training they require, to aid personal development as an integral part of achieving the strategic objectives of the business’. Since 1998, Michael has been the man behind catering company Elegant Cuisine and his staff and the success of the business is a true testament to this statement. With a solid background in five star hotel management and catering, Michael has an enviable

Increasing sales and more than trebling the gross operating profit from £820,000 to £3.3m in three years at a 4-star deluxe London city centre hotel and increasing the public catering sales for Kew Gardens from £1.7m to £4.6m on reducing visitor numbers. Elegant Cuisine has provided the restaurant catering services at Millets Farm Centre, near Abingdon for over 15 years and more recently at Cornerstone Café Bar at The Arts Centre in Didcot. They have provided outside catering services for over 30 years in and around Oxfordshire and the Home Counties for corporate, high society and

business is quality, exceptional customer service, the finest ingredients and an unparalleled level of infrastructure and logistics delivery. Staff turnover in the catering industry is usually very high, factor in the normal practice of employing a greater percentage of temporary staff (over permanent) and it’s easy to see how maintaining quality for a catering business is fraught with difficulty. Michael Ashton believes you must maintain a high level of full-time staff in order to deliver a consistent level of service and employs over 100 staff, of which over 50 are full-time with the balance being exclusively part time. Many of

“...you must maintain a high level of full-time staff in order to deliver a consistent level of service...” track record of increasing the turnover and profits of any business that he has been involved with. Highlights include: dramatically improving the profit for Farnborough Air Show from £90k to £330k for an eight-day event on a £400,000 lower turnover than the previous show that returned £90k.

private clients, weddings and celebrations of many kinds and are the preferred supplier to such prestigious venues as Rhodes House, Temple Island in Henley, Caswell House, The Bodleian Library, Divinity Schools and many more. The common thread that binds all elements of the

the staff members have worked with Elegant Cuisine for over 10 years, an endorsement of a happy and proud workforce and a statistic that must surely have contributed to the success of this £2 million plus turnover business.

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Photography: www.studio-8.co.uk

B4 EVENTS

So how does a successful businessman like Michael Ashton manage to look so rested and relaxed? “Good, well-trained and motivated staff and the safe knowledge that they are all fully committed to delivering great events. I like to think I’m good at employing the right people, people who care as much as I do about delivering only the very highest level of service in all areas of the business. I trust all of my staff implicitly, which enables me to delegate without worrying. It’s about good teamwork and each of us understanding where we fit within the team, taking responsibility, and

together for regular tasting sessions where new or revised dishes are produced and presented by the chefs for tasting and collective judging to see if they gain a place on the menu. Activities like this means that all staff have a good understanding of the food they are preparing or serving. Being involved in such important decision-making processes also helps to reinforce the sense of ownership of and loyalty to the business. Weddings are big business for any catering company and Elegant Cuisine is no exception. However, the vast majority of their business comes from corporate and private clients who organise

Because of the size of the team Elegant Cuisine provides more than just good food for every event; they take every care to ensure that no small detail of the day is overlooked. The service provided means that you literally don’t have to think or worry about a thing other than enjoying yourself. A management team visits you at your chosen venue beforehand, usually with the chef who will be responsible for preparing your food so that there are no surprises on the day. On the day itself, Elegant Cuisine staff, blend effortlessly into the background, making sure that the event schedule runs to time and willingly offering additional help where they can to make the event run smoothly.

“It’s about good teamwork and each of us understanding where we fit within the team, taking responsibility, and knowing how everyone’s actions impact on others” knowing how everyone’s actions impact on others”, Michael explained. Selecting new dishes, either for the restaurant menu, or for outside catering is a good example of Elegant Cuisine teamwork at its best. Everyone gets

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regular and numerous events each year. They value both the reliability and security that Elegant Cuisine offers due to the consistency of their full time team of professional, loyal and knowledgeable staff.

If you want food that always leaves you asking for “more please” and a team of experienced staff that really cares as much as you do about your event, Elegant Cuisine is the perfect partner. www.elegantcuisine.com

M a g a z i n e s

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Don’t run the risk of missing the mark! Benham Goodhead Print. Always spot on!

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F i n a n c i a l

news The Tree of Light: Spectacular community celebration brings the spirit of the London 2012 Olympic Games to the Thames Valley this summer Across the country, anticipation is mounting for the arrival of the ‘greatest show on Earth’ this summer – the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. But while much of the world’s attention is expected to fall on the capital city this July, individuals, groups and organisations spanning the entire length and breadth of the UK have been fastidiously planning their own unique celebrations – providing opportunities for everyone, no matter who they are and where they live, to experience the excitement of the Olympics for themselves. In the South East, one particular project will achieve this goal on a scale of epic proportions. The Tree of Light is a ground-breaking project that explores the rich and fragile relationship between people and their environment. A community celebration of the life and importance of trees, it has already involved hundreds of participants from across the Thames Valley region, including school and community groups, dancers, singers, artists, scientists and environmentalists. Dancers from Creative Academy, Slough

Part of the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad, The Tree of Light has been a full two years in the making. Its vision and direction have been spearheaded by a handful of the country’s top professional artists, including Artistic Director and choreographer Charlie Morrissey, composer Orlando Gough and much admired Glastonbury design duo Block9. And the final performances – the culmination of this enormous project – will undoubtedly reflect the extraordinary artistic vision of those involved. Taking place in some of the region’s best-loved outdoor spaces, these spectacular events will bring together hundreds of performers in visual and sonic feast for the senses. Combining choreography, music and cutting edge set design, they will tell the life story of a tree: as it grows and thrives, as it is attacked and destroyed, and as it is finally reborn. And at their heart will be the tree itself; a gargantuan vision of glass and concrete, a decaying, overgrown industrial facility, a man-made hybrid machine, part tree, part generator – built to resuscitate a dying planet.

These huge performances will amount to what will potentially be some of the most exciting spectacles the region has ever seen; something that all those involved, and their audiences, will come to remember and enjoy for the rest of their lives. Artistic Director Charlie Morrissey says: “There are lots of things that will be created from this extraordinary project. Participation in something like this can have a profound effect on people’s lives – on what people think it’s possible to achieve, for instance. It’s a rare situation where the term ‘once in a lifetime’ is appropriate; where so many people – from 7 to 70 years old – are coming together en-masse to create something very powerful and life-affirming. “All those people will have been on a personal journey in the project, exploring a whole host of things which have drawn their attention to the environment in which they live. They worked at the start with scientists and environmentalists, and now are going through the whole creative phase with myself and the choreographers, Orlando, Block9, and Electric Pedals. The performance itself will be a potent, celebratory and positive experience, for participants and audience alike – don’t miss it.” The final performances will take place in South Park, Oxford on Monday 9 July and at the Madejski Stadium, Reading on Tuesday 10 July – both as part of the Olympic Torch Relay. Glorious, thought provoking and immense, the finale performance will be held at dusk in the beautiful grounds of Stonor Park, Henley-on-Thames on Saturday 21 July.

Choir rehearsals with composer Orlando Gough

The Tree of Light is funded by Legacy Trust UK and Arts Council England and is being delivered by a consortium that includes CIAO! Festival, Henley Festival, Oxford Inspires and Windsor Festival. To find out more about the project, and to book tickets to any of the events listed above, please visit www.thetreeoflight.org.

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.

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B4 SPOTLIGHT

GRAND BUSINESS SETTING INSPIRES FULL HOUSE The Office for National Statistics recently concluded that UK full-time workers are chained to their desks on average for 42.7 hours a week, which puts us at number 3 in Europe’s league table. Long hours don’t always equate to high productivity – the UK ranks bang in the middle for productivity per hour worked - unless the environment works with your workforce rather than against it. Aptly-named Oxford Innovation is an expert in providing perfect individual workspace for companies to evolve and prosper. Here in Berkshire, Oxford Innovation’s Regional Director, Dianne Heath, has led the programme to sympathetically transform Lily Hill House, a charming former hunting lodge, into a thriving and rather idyllic business centre. Nestled in parkland close to the centres of Bracknell and Ascot, and only 10 minutes away from the M3 and M4, Lily Hill House has become home to some exceptional well-established businesses and promising newcomers. There is a peaceful creative energy about the place, and whilst offices

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elsewhere are standing empty, Lily Hill House is bucking the trend and flourishing. In the two years since opening, Lily Hill House has enjoyed rapid growth and is now home to 22 companies, occupying more than 88% of the available space. So what is the key to Lily Hill House and Oxford Innovation’s success? Dianne Heath, Centre Director, is quick to respond and her passion warmth and professionalism for her customers and Lily Hill House is obvious. ‘First and foremost we have two beautiful buildings set in natural parkland. From there we pretty much have a blank canvas, which enables us to listen to our customers and design a workspace aligned to their business and staff needs. We have a flexible approach and work with our customers to create the right package for them. Our solutions are always customer driven. We know how costly and disruptive moving premises can be for a business and its customers, so we have an ‘easy in easy out’ model, which removes the long traditional lease dilemma that

can cloud a company’s horizon and restrict its growth and regional expansion. We have a can-do approach when it comes to our customers, and the whole team work hard to meet their levels of expectation. Our commitment to them starts from their first contact with us to the last day of their occupancy.’ Three satisfied customers had high praise for the helpful friendly and professional staff. The Customer Framework shows organisations how to increase profit by effective customer engagement. With an impressive client list Neil Woodcock, Chairman and CEO, said, ’It is essential that we have the right ambience to encourage effective brainstorming and creative activities to address our clients requirements and deliver against incredibly tough deadlines. Lily Hill House is perfect for us.’ Consultant Jamie Pullen of Genesis Technologies experts and leading suppliers in designing and delivering home electronic system solutions said.’

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We have created a high end showroom with exactly the right feel for customers.’ Kennett Wealth Management offers a dedicated and bespoke financial planning service for individuals and businesses. Principal Darryll Connor

11,000 sq ft. Both buildings have been designed using colours and finishes, which work in perfect harmony with the parkland location and create a ‘lifestyle’ rather than simply somewhere to work. The Centre also has a selection of meeting rooms

of charge on a first come, first served basis. Oxford Innovation manages 20 business and innovation centres in Berkshire, Oxfordshire, Greater London, Hampshire, Northamptonshire and Yorkshire. Totalling nearly 346,000 square

“There is a peaceful creative energy about the place, and whilst offices commented, ’Lily Hill House has the WOW factor, and it is nice to be associated with something so good. Being in a great environment makes you think and act differently, which benefits our clients.’ The Centre Lily Hill House has two buildings and good parking. Lily Hill House has an area of just under 20,000 sq ft of Grade A office space and is a tasteful blended mix of modern and period features with state of the art technology. Lily Hill Court is an adjacent, stand-alone modern office building of just over

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(in both buildings) for hire by internal or external companies. The Ballroom is an exquisite meeting room. Seating up to 30 people for a board meeting or training event, 60 theatre style or for a networking event it is perfect for product launches, evening dinners, networking events, workshops or board meetings. The Old Hall is ideal for informal meetings or breakout space used in conjunction with the main Ballroom. It is available for all centre occupiers free

feet of prime office premises, the centres have more than 500 occupier companies. A virtual office space package is available at some centres including Crowthorne Enterprise Centre www.crowthorne-ec.co.uk, which is particularly suited to smaller companies. For further information and to arrange a visit please contact Dianne Heath on 01344 317900 or email lhh@oxin.co.uk www.lilyhillhouse.com

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Photography by Carli Adby of ADBY Creative

elsewhere are standing empty, Lily Hill House is bucking the trend and flourishing”

B4 R&R One thing we learned about Loch Fyne, other than that it is a superb restaurant, is that if you’re going on a Saturday, make sure you book. Time-keeping isn’t my strong point, and although we’d booked, we were late and our table had gone – fair enough, we’d all do the same if there was a queue of hungry customers out of the door. Our guests, Sam and Ian, who had arrived ahead of us, called to inform us that we’d have to get a move on if we were to get a table. Sure enough, when we arrived, our ship had sailed, but Max came to the rescue. He managed to seat us in the first part of the restaurant adjacent to the bar. It was a great spot to really appreciate the hustle and bustle of the restaurant – it was genuinely one of the liveliest restaurants I have ever been in with a

the fresh air! The mains were beautifully presented and articulately introduced, showing the staff had not only a passion for what they were serving but that they actually had a detailed knowledge of what they were serving, and, sad to say, that’s rare these days, from my own experience. We enjoyed line-caught North Atlantic haddock, twice-cooked chips, mushy peas, home-made tartare sauce, Seared King Scallops in the Shell, Whole Grilled South Coast Plaice and pan-fried Breast of Gressingham Duck (served pink) Sautéed potatoes, fricassée of pancetta & baby leeks and white wine.

SHARE OUR PASSION FOR SEAFOOD Having lived in Oxford practically all of my life, it was somewhat bizarre that I had never eaten at Loch Fyne. What a mistake. Four of us spent a memorable Saturday evening, superbly hosted by Loch Fyne’s excellent General Manager, Max Woolnough and his colleagues Tibo and Pierre Ferrand, at, arguably, Oxford’s finest seafood restaurant. wonderful atmosphere. Another tip, if you want oysters, get your order in quickly as they soon go – Ian missed out on this occasion but will definitely be going back in the future to sample what he missed out on. The food was first class, accompanied by a couple of bottles of Laroche Chablis (Burgundy, France). The new menu is user friendly and versatile, without being over-bearing. Carefully thought out and a hit with the staff, as I found out when interviewing Max after our meal (no not straight after!) “I love this menu. Loch Fyne have taken on board feedback from our guests and staff and come up with something original, practical and it’s being really well received.” Imaginative appetisers like mixed olives, a glass of Kir Royale or just one Loch Fyne Oyster show real thought, followed by some mouth-watering starters. We had a range, including the Duck Liver Parfait with spiced plum chutney and a chunk of crusty bloomer, Tempura Battered Squid with Chilli jam, a platter of Bradan Rost (kiln roasted salmon fillet), Kinglas Fillet (sashimi style) and Loch Fyne Smoked Salmon, and finally trusted Moules Marinières. The starter was a meal in itself, the conversation was flowing and although, by our own admission, we had all been struggling on the back of a busy week, Loch Fyne was a real pick up and had revitalised all of us – there was even talk of a few drinks after the meal, but we resisted this as soon as we opened the door to www.b4-business.com

“We have a great team here and everyone wants to make sure our guests have a great experience”

Why not opt for the ‘FISH YOUR WAY’ option where you choose your favourite fillet, ask for it to be cooked as you wish, and then choose an accompanying sauce to go with it. You can even choose two sides to go with it – the pan-fried Samphire in Garlic Butter is wonderful! If it hasn’t come through in this review, I was thoroughly impressed with Loch Fyne and great credit goes to Max, Tibo and Pierre. They are all exceptionally courteous, attentive and great hosts. When I met Max at a later date, it was abundantly clear that Max and his staff have a massive passion for their work. As a young man of just 24, it was great to see a burning desire to succeed. “I absolutely love it here. I spent some time in one of our busiest restaurants at Gracechurch Street in the City, but this is very different and a huge challenge for me. We have a great team here and everyone wants to make sure our guests have a great experience. We know the food is of a high quality but eating out now has to tick more boxes than just good food, so we do our best to make sure the service is exceptional and the atmosphere is conducive to our guests having an enjoyable evening.” Don’t wait as long as I did to try it – Loch Fyne, Walton Street, Oxford. Book it now! www.lochfyne.com

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IMPORTANT

IMPERATIVE ACTION!

HOW DOES THIS LOCAL ENTREPRENEUR MANAGE SO MANY HATS? Three years ago Mike Foster, by his own admission was working extremely long hours with no work / life balance or real purpose, but knowing he would soon be a father changed all that. Unless he took important imperative action, his young daughter ‘was never going to get her dad’s attention’. Article by Ashley Merry. This realisation was the start of a journey which has taken Mike from strength to strength with a number of enterprises running side by side with very definite destinations. It is refreshing to meet a true entrepreneur with a record of real success behind him, and with significant potential growth in front of him. Coming from a strong banking background, and with additional experience gained from senior management positions in the leisure industry, Mike still quite remarkably found the time to support his local community. His commitment to be a ‘good neighbour in business’ led to senior leadership roles in the charitable sector with Rotary, much work with the Chamber of Commerce and this dedication to Oxfordshire and surrounding counties still burns bright. Under Mike’s leadership A1 since it was established in 1999 is certainly living proof that diversification doesn’t dilute a company’s effectiveness, but rather enhances and strengthens it. ‘You need to see challenges through the eyes of others – not from your own position. I suppose this is why A1 has diversified but with real focus on what we do well and our experience. We have responded to customers’ needs and identified gaps in the market, with an informed and considered attitude. That isn’t to say we leap at every opportunity. We don’t. The A1 team works very hard to ensure we cover our handful of market sectors exceptionally well rather than go off at tangents and become average players.’ This attitude is reflected with the different businesses being recognised for industry awards during the last 12 months. ‘In this climate running one business is not for the faint–hearted. Running more than one activity is only for the disciplined and innovative. It requires meticulous day to day and forward planning with stringent time management. One of the biggest challenges for employers, and especially in difficult and austere economic times, is to keep staff motivated so they work productively. This is achieved at A1 by prioritizing and concentrating on high pay off activities. By working across different but very inter-

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connected business skills sectors no two days are ever the same, and therefore it’s much easier to keep excitement and interest levels up. It also helps keep brains sharp – coasting is just not an option.’ Mike is definitely a ‘figures man’, and after many years in business banking it was a natural and shrewd move for A1 to start its operations in bookkeeping and financial matters. Through personal experiences helping clients take a grip of their finances, Mike knows only too well that every business has to do more than just keep an eye on the bottom line, it has to understand what the numbers mean and take action when required. ‘At A1 Financials, we pride ourselves on being able to remove the bookkeeping hassle from SMEs, who can’t justify an internal accounts department or simply prefer to outsource because accounts, salaries, and profits can be sensitive issues. This is where A1 really can provide a perfect and very costeffective solution. We work with our clients to develop the relationship, and work in a way that suits them. By using best practices we ensure our service is efficient and meets a client’s budget. We are a ‘critical friend’ in certain circumstances and definitely act to avoid financial ‘car crashes’ for our clients.’ Not surprisingly the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers shortlisted A1 for special recognition out of 3500 firms in both 2009 and 2011 and the business model has recently been franchised with its first franchisee in Guildford. A1’s strapline, ‘Our business is to support your business’ is very apt and intuitive, and yet you can’t help but think perhaps, ‘going the extra mile’ should feature too. The support to others is also evident with A1’s business groups, The Oxford Business Network and The Pathfinder club. ‘I treat a client's business as if it were my own business. In fact my focus is as if it was my own management information and key performance indicators. It is common for discussions to extend beyond just the financials, for example, what makes up the sales income.’ A1’s main areas of expertise cover bookkeeping and management accounts, marketing and business support, and training including First Aid.

Mike also owns an indoor children’s soft play centre in Didcot. Mike himself is really filling the role of a very ‘hands on’ Chairman, employing 17 people across the group. So how does one man wear so many hats with such aplomb ease and proficiency? Those who meet Mike quickly realise that he is a one-off and come away feeling inspired and motivated. His ’can do’ attitude is certainly contagious. But what shouldn’t be overlooked is the meticulous planning, formal academic and on the job training, and total dedication Mike puts into his business and his clients. ‘Whatever hat I wear, I can never settle for anything less than an A1 service.’ By genuinely being a ’people person’ Mike can match the right professional personality and skills to each client, which goes a long way to ensuring satisfaction on both sides. Mike’s approach and leadership of A1 is certainly paying off with testimonials from clients across his various businesses to prove it. Contactable, very easy to work with, reliable, flexible and totally trustworthy help sum up the service and the man. Likeable, highly competent, and a real team player should also be added. Mike himself is in much demand as a business and motivational speaker, and is the producer of two highly recommended dvds. The first aid dvd assists staff who have this area of responsibility in their business environment www.firstaiddvd.co.uk. The second is vital viewing for those wanting to become their own bosses, www.startyourownbusinessdvd.co.uk. Most business leaders recognise that this year will be more challenging than most with margins being tightly squeezed, but it is not all doom and gloom. Challenges offer opportunities for innovation within a company, but this requires important imperative action. A1 assistance is a great first step in helping your business become the success it deserves to be, especially when you believe wearing more than one hat really does make sound A1 business sense. Please visit www.a1-group.co.uk to see how A1 can support your business or email at info@a1-group.co.uk to arrange an appointment.

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B4 ADVICE

“You need to

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Photography: www.studio-8.co.uk

see challenges through the eyes of others – not from your own position”

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B4 EDUCATION

ST. CLARE’S, ENCOURAGING A SENSE OF RESPONSIBILITY B4 Magazine went to meet Kevin Hennessey, Head of Activities and Paula Holloway, Principal at St Clare’s to see how getting involved with the local community gives students a greater sense of responsibility and a sense of achievement.

A couple of weeks ago, I was standing outside St. Clare’s talking to two students – one excused herself after a few minutes as she had a commitment to visit the elderly at Fairfield Residential Home. The second student was the former President of the Student Council and was explaining how the Council had raised £3,000 for local charities.

extraordinary number of extra-curricular activities on offer and the way that they are integrated into the International Baccalaureate Diploma. The programme is known as CAS which stands for Creativity, Action and Service. Each student must be involved in CAS activities on a continual and regular basis over the two years of the Diploma.

students an appreciation of the needs of the local community and an insight into groups that they would not normally encounter in their daily college lives. Our students experience a sense of achievement by working with children who have special needs

The CAS programme aims to develop a spirit of open mindedness, lifelong learning, discovery and self reliance. By active participation in the programme, our students develop new skills on both a creative and physical level. The emphasis is on learning by doing real tasks that have real consequences and then reflecting on, and learning from, these experiences over time.

Diya is working as a member of the ‘Visiting the Elderly’ group. I enjoy this service activity because I feel really relaxed and happy talking to the old ladies after a busy Monday and their life stories are always inspiring. Also, it helps me to be more responsible and caring towards others. They would be really disappointed if I missed a week.

The College takes its responsibilities for helping others very seriously. Every week we have students volunteering in charity shops, assisting in after school clubs in local primary schools, working with those with learning difficulties and, as already mentioned, visiting the elderly. The weekends are also busy with conservation work in local nature reserves. Charity fundraising has a strong profile at St. Clare’s: the Student Council, the Overseas Community Project Group and the Invisible Children Group not only raise money but create an awareness of the issues faced by the disadvantaged in our community and beyond. The Overseas Community Project has just sponsored a young woman from Tanzania who needed help to complete her teacher training course. Everyone who visits St. Clare’s is impressed by the

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Some situations take our students out of their comfort zone - they stretch them physically and mentally but there are real benefits to be gained from such experiences: there is a recognition that individuals can make a positive contribution to the development or wellbeing of others. The link between school and the community has real and significant benefits. Volunteering gives our

Christian is working as a Volunteer Coach at the weekly KEEN sessions (Kids Enjoy Exercise Now). I enjoy this service activity because at K.E.E.N. I am directly involved in helping and supporting disabled children through sport. It is one of my favourite activities because it is amazing to see how easy it is to give a child a smile even though they might not have such an easy life as ours.

Carolina is working as a Volunteer in the After School Club at St. Nicholas’ Primary School. Marston. I really like this activity because it helps me to develop communication skills as well as connecting with the children. I enjoy spending time with them and finding games that we can play together. I have to take the initiative and involve them. When it is ‘snack time’ they all come running and try to get the best places at the table, usually the chairs nearest the food. I’m really happy to see them smiling for such simple things. I feel young again, we draw, we run, we laugh and we have fun. Overall this experience has been nothing but amazing and very helpful in understanding about hospitality and developing skills.

and helping them to participate in sport, music or arts and crafts. Volunteering allows our students to express themselves as young adults, be responsible for their actions and recognise the importance of being committed to a service activity over an extended period. Our students are able to share their skills with local organisations and give generously of their time, enthusiasm and commitment. The Oxford City Casuals Football team which provides sporting

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“Some situations take our students out of their comfort zone... but there are real benefits to be gained from such experiences” opportunities for disabled young people comment on the energy, enthusiasm and optimism that the St. Clare’s students bring to their Sunday morning sessions. Whether on the charity shop floor or clearing overgrown brambles in the nature reserve, our students have skills that they can share, for example the Central library in Oxford is using our students’ computer skills in their one-to-one computer buddy scheme.

Rhys is working as a Volunteer in the Mind Charity shop, Jerico. This activity allows me to feel as if I’m finally giving something back. The experience of working with a charity does not usually allow for such a feeling of direct influence. For every shoe I sort, for every book that I sell, I know that every penny is going to the people who need it without middlemen and bureaucracy. It’s just wonderful, really.

At St. Clare’s, the community service programme is embedded in the wider curriculum – we believe it makes our students more rounded individuals who will continue to find ways of contributing to community activities beyond their time at the College. www.stclares.ac.uk

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Alex told us in Issue 18 how he designed his first website aged twelve and sold his first site at the age of sixteen, ‘for quite a lot of money’. His interest in search engine optimisation, or SEO as it is commonly known), was stimulated by an early site he built where Alex was the only visitor! He went on to study at Chester University and then came back to work for a web design agency in Oxfordshire. It wasn’t long before Alex left to set up on his own, with one of his clients who took a financial interest in his new business. Alex has now run Zest Digital Ltd, an online marketing consultancy based in Oxford, for just shy of two years. Zest specialize in fully-managed online marketing solutions and web development, and are quickly becoming one of the most reputable digital marketing companies in the county and are now expanding their sights to Buckinghamshire.

“Shortly after we spoke last year, in May, Alex Quail joined me. At that point it was just me doing all the work and admin, so to get more business in, I got Quail on board.” Alex refers to his colleague as Quail, and seeing, as there are two Alex’s, let’s do the same (!). “We've known each other for a few years. We went to school together, then went our different ways, got experience in the same sectors and had a similar kind of working style. It was a straightforward fit.” Quail expands more on his role. “I handle more of the technical side of things, the day to day SEO work. I’m more the point of contact for the clients who are on monthly contracts. This frees Alex up to focus more on the business, sales, web design and project management. I’m tasked with keeping the clients happy on a day to day basis.” “Rachel Slim also joined the team on credit control, and then Kasia Piekut joined us, initially for work experience, helping out with some of the social

business was coming in pretty thick and fast. In addition, the level of business has gone up a notch, so in addition to the sole traders who were our initial clients (and still are), we have been getting some bigger national contracts, from all over the place, including Leeds and London which is a testament to the confidence we work with.” With an expanding business and more demanding clientele, Alex had to match resources with these increased pressures and turned to another old school friend, James Lawler who became available in December. He was a partner in an IT company where he had been for seven years since he left school, as he recalls. “My interest in the web began once I started working. I knew Alex had started his own business and we’d talked about working together before. It was therefore an easy decision to make when Alex talked about me coming in as business development director….it was great timing for all of us. I’m very ambitious and delighted to be working with Alex and Quail.”

“Consistent and incremental improvements carried out over time, compounded to produce results. That’s Zest!” During our first interview, Alex explained that he tended to bring in alliances to help with projects and claimed that he was “still establishing those and working out who’s right for me in terms of the projects that I’ll be getting to work on.” Well, things have moved on to plan, and Alex has now built himself a great team as he outlines.

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media duties. She is still with us, and we’re now looking to train her up in more of the SEO side of things, with a view to her becoming a junior.” This was all before September 2011 when, in Alex’s words, “it really took off” Around the end of September, early October, Quail and I realised that we were doing a very good job for people and the

Now that the business has a track record and some excellent case studies where it can demonstrate how effective its advice has been, attracting great business is becoming even more realistic, continues Alex. “James has had a lot of experience working with larger companies, more so than Quail and I, so it really helps broaden our range of expertise.”

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B4 SERVICES

GREAT

EXPECTATIONS! We first met Alex Minchin of Zest in Issue 18 when he stated that, “In a years’ time, I hope to have people working for me. I think it’s important to hire people better than you at certain things; both to compensate for my weaknesses to make the business stronger but also to push me to be better.” Well, he’s a man of his word. B4 were delighted to see Alex again and meet his new colleagues, (from left to right) James, Rachael, Alex M, Alex Q and Kasia. Article by Lucy Holmes.

James explains that working in the public sector and with larger organisations generally has taught him one key skill – to learn to be patient! “The bigger the company, the longer the wheels take to turn and you can’t afford to be impatient. My expertise isn’t in the technical SEO side of things. I’m more au fait with the business side of things. I cover the delivery and Alex covers the technical side of the business. We complement each other very well.”

successful in this industry is to follow it relentlessly, and to be completely willing to adapt to change, which is a skill in its own right.

In terms of clients, Zest are delighted to have negotiated an exclusive partnership with JACKfm as of last December. This will involve offering their

“We also have to make sure that our sites have a good profile of links. If it has happened naturally, it will have a bit of everything, even the lower quality

“Connect: This is to look into how visitors are engaging online with our client. We consider the type of ideal visitor, their path to conversion, and obstacles they might face along the way. Then we work to reduce those leakages and encourage more conversions.

compounded to produce results. That’s Zest!” Alex is still brimming with enthusiasm and it’s great to see three young businessmen with a real drive for what they do. Much as Alex had predicted in Issue 18 that he would expand his business, he concludes with one eye on the next chapter in Zest’s impressive expansion. “We are looking to grow the team fairly rapidly over the next twelve months and in other skill areas too. For example, we are looking at mobile marketing where there are so many possibilities. Apps, smart phones, responsive design, that’s where we have to be and it’s a natural progression for us all. The apps and

“we are looking at mobile marketing where there are so many possibilities. Apps, smart phones, responsive design, that’s where we have to be and it’s a natural progression for us all”

The crux of what Zest offers is to locate, connect and convert customers, as Alex explains. “Locate: to discover those looking for your products and/or services. This is a strength Quail and I have, as we’ve been doing it successfully for years. It’s something we have to keep on top of for all of our customers and needs constant attention. Something that worked a few weeks ago might not necessarily work now. A large part of being

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links help build a rounded profile. If your site has high quality links and that’s all, Google will smell a rat and you’ll get ‘flagged’. The latest Google update has penalised websites with poor link profiles, and those who have opted for volume only, or blanket paid link strategies have suffered. “Convert: make your website work for you by getting the visitor you have located and connected with to buy something, to make an enquiry or sign up for your e-Newsletter. That’s the end result everyone looks for, the result of this work and that is ultimately how we are judged. Consistent and incremental improvements carried out over time,

phones will help support the campaigns that we run - we are already monitoring all of our clients’ mobile profiles at the moment, just to make sure that we can see the growth when it starts and demonstrate that we have made an impact.” That’s what I like! Nothing like knowing you’re going to make a difference……

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Photography: www.studio-8.co.uk

SEO service to JACK customers. “This partnership signals a really positive progression to where we are now, and it’s a testament to the hard work we’ve put in to date.”

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news Oxford United are delighted to announce that their annual Open Day this year will be on Saturday 14th July.

The Open Day is always a great event with fans able to meet the players, see an open training session, tour the ground and enjoy events and activities from all of the club's partners. The Oxford United Juniors will have the chance to train on the pitch and then take on the players in a match, with the game between hundreds of youngsters and the first team always a highlight of the day. There is also a penalty shoot-out between five first team players and the fans for the Oxford Mail trophy. The U's new NIKE home kit will be unveiled for the first time and will be available for sale from the Club Shop inside the ground. Chairman Kelvin Thomas said "This has become a great annual event and something we all look forward to. There is always a real buzz and it brings

the players and fans together just ahead of the new season. "Plans are already in place to make this the biggest and best Open Day so far and we look forward to seeing everyone here." Last year more than 4,000 people turned out and the U's are hoping even more will come and join the festivities this time around. The Kassam Stadium will be open from 10.30am until 2pm and entrance is free. At the same time, the U's have been awarded ‘The Football League Family Excellence Award’ for the 2011/12 season. United's continued commitment to making games 'family friendly' saw them awarded the 'Family Club of the Year' for npower League 2 last season and this award further highlights the club's work to attract fans of all ages. Created in 2007, the Award is based on an independent assessment, commissioned by The Football League, of the family experience at all 72 League clubs during the 2011/12 season using ‘mystery shopper’ families and recognises the outstanding experience clubs provide for young fans and families at their grounds. Chairman Kelvin Thomas was delighted with the

award "It is a tremendous honour for the club to win another award for our work with family groups. It is especially pleasing as the award is based on real experiences that fans have at games. Families come to matches and give feedback to the Football League and I think that being recognised like this in successive years shows the work we are doing here. "As always we will continue to work and act on the recommendations and suggestions that have been put forward, but it is very pleasing to know that what we are doing is being noticed and acknowledged." Football League Chairman, Greg Clarke, said: “The Football League Family Excellence Award provides clubs with a benchmark in their efforts to attract families through their gates. “It is hugely encouraging to see that the number of clubs receiving the accolade is at its highest ever level, demonstrating The Football League’s commitment to securing the next generation of fans.” The judges were particularly impressed with the efforts clubs are making to engage with families through matchday entertainment, refreshment facilities and mascot activities, all ensuring they can enjoy the match in a dedicated, safe, welcoming and entertaining environment. www.oufc.co.uk

Owen Clark Business Development Manager - E: oclark@oufc.co.uk T: +44 (0) 1865 337512 M: 07769 655 808 David Jackson Commerical Manager - E: djackson@oufc.co.uk T:01865 337 517 M: 07825511911

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TANGO SEDUCTION AT LADY MARGARET HALL Historical portraits, vaulted ceilings and a building that is centuries old is perhaps not the stereotypical venue that comes to mind to host an intimate and downright seductive Tango evening. Yet this is what professional dancers cum organisers Dante Culcuy and Miriam Orcutt have managed to achieve in celebrating Oxfords very own, and first, International Tango Festival at the prestigious Lady Margaret Hall (LMH). Written by B4’s Laurence Cruse. For the uninitiated, the Tango is an inwardly technical and outwardly graceful dance with Argentinian heritage and is currently growing massively in popularity throughout the UK and across the world. Dance is inherently a multifaceted medium for self-expression and in this regard, the Tango offers a ‘complete package.’ The basics are technical and challenging to learn but once you get the hang of it, the skills are transferrable to any gathering of likeminded individuals. The gathering part is hugely important because Tango evenings are focused around sociability and the ability to approach strangers at will. In this respect, the Tango is an inherently formal affair, with a number of rigidly followed rules and procedures (such as moving around the dance floor in an anti-clockwise direction and not approaching a potential partner but merely offering a seductive wink to entice them to dance with you). It is these nuances that helped to shape and direct the course of the Tango evening, ably supported by the musical ebb and flow of the ever popular DJ Alberto Ortiz. Miriam and Dante are both classically trained dancers that have combined their love of the Tango with their undisputed ability to guide and teach new and improving dancers in their quest for

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technical perfection. What started five years ago as the combination of a passion and a profession, has grown to the point where they are hosting classes and events across the UK, Europe and South America. They have indeed played a significant part in promoting and developing the Tango scene in the UK where the following has never been stronger – and they are struggling to return to Argentina due to the demand for their services! This festival is a celebration of all things Tango. The three day event saw a number of master classes by the internationally recognised professional couples Yanina Quinones & Neri Piliu and Selva Mastroti & Marcelo Ramer, stalls selling Tango related products (including shoes and clothes), beginner’s classes excellently run by Miriam & Dante and of course a number of Milonga’s (social dances). The Milonga’s encourage people to regularly change partners, so as to enrich the experience and ensure that your social circle has expanded by the time you call it a night. What they have managed to create in this most esteemed of venues is a fantastic dichotomy between an austere English bastion of intellectual history and a dance form that is laden with subtleties, intimacy and pleasure. The venue itself is spread across a number of interconnected halls and reception areas that can comfortably

accommodate many hundreds of people. Combining the venue and the simply excellent LMH events team, led by Bill Kemp, this event has been executed to the highest standard and has definitively laid the foundations for an annual return. Oxford’s first international tango festival has been a resounding success. The co-ordination was slick, the products and performances on offer were simply brilliant and they have certainly spread the word of Tango to Oxford. Without the facilitation of the LMH events team this festival would not have reached the heady heights that it has. This historical venue has given the Oxfordshire community an enticing introduction to the passion of the Tango – and surely many of its more stately portraitures would agree! Even if not to participate, events of this nature are well worth attending to simply soak up the craft on display and allow yourself to be educated by a rich and wonderful pursuit. The message from this is clear – the enjoyment of Tango evenings is not measured by levels of technical proficiency but by the degree of social interaction and overall personal enjoyment from what is quite simply an incredible dance form. www.lmh.ox.ac.uk www.oxfordtangofestival.com

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Photography: www.richardbudd.co.uk

B4 EVENTS

“This historical venue has given the Oxfordshire community an enticing introduction to the passion of the Tango – and surely many of its more stately portraitures would agree!

”

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ENTERTAINING MADE EASY Marquees were just the beginning. New Folium Marquees saw a gap in the market to offer catering and event management services, together with creative marquee solutions and it seems they were right. Managing Director Ben Wild talked to B4. Article by Tracey Jefferies.

When did you start the business and why 'marquees' and 'catering'?

about by playing with words and images related to a leaf logo design that we liked.

Peter Wells and I started the business in 2009. We had had our own marquee for company entertaining in a previous business and were constantly asked if we would hire it out. We came to the conclusion if we kept our equipment clean and tidy and approached the marquee events world with a focus on customer service we had a new business. The catering grew out of seeing there was a need for an integrated approach to event structures and catering. Both private and corporate clients want to deal with as few suppliers as possible. With neither of us coming from a background in catering we established a team of freelance chefs to work with us. We have one head chef who manages the team and ensures continuity.

How have you grown the business?

The company name is unusual, how did it come about? New Folium means â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;new leafâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. The name came

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We have grown the business through old-fashioned word of mouth and some careful targeted marketing. Marquee and catering as a package is not a service required by everyone, but once you win any contract if you provide a good service you have a lot of potential clients sampling your service, be that marquee hire alone or catering. We find we win new contracts from guests at previous weddings and events. To date, we have just completed our 110th marquee event. Do you recall your first order, what did that entail, and have you worked for them again? Our first contract was a wedding for a local couple, where we provided the marquee, catering and management of the day. We have worked for their employer following a recommendation on three corporate catering events.

Any interesting anecdotes? We get to work with a huge range of clients, both personal and corporate. The role allows us to work on some amazing events. One that sticks in my mind was a garden party for Cambridge University for 10,000 employees to celebrate their 800th Birthday. We provided 15 marquee structures in the wonderful setting of Cambridge University Botanic Garden. What personal strengths have contributed to the company success? Having come from a scientific management background with strong logistics skills I feel being able to manage large teams, working on several contracts at once and being able to stay calm has given me the ability to get on in the hectic world of events. Our summer season through to Christmas is very busy with a huge variety of back-to-back contracts.

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B4 EVENTS

“We find we win new contracts from guests at previous weddings and events. To date, we have just completed our 110th marquee event”

How does New Folium compete against similar companies?

individuals and companies, this is probably one of our best strengths.

As the new guys we have had to work hard at making a name for ourselves locally. We provide the best service we can and this has paid off with recommendations, repeat business and continued growth. Price at the moment is key and we pride ourselves on being innovative with both structure design and menus to deliver clients with the best value for their budget. This approach has helped us to gain local market share as well as contracts in many other counties.

Plans for the future?

How has New Folium adapted the business (if at all) to survive over the last few years? As a new business launching in recent years, operating in a tough economic climate is all we know, so we have not had to adapt. We do think outside of the box and work closely with our clients to achieve their briefs on smaller budgets. With money so tight for many

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We are growing the catering side of the business in 2012 with more catered-only events (events that don’t require marquees) as well as our core business. We are hosting our own Wedding Fair on Sunday 8th July and food, drink and craft markets in November, both events being held at Bo Peep Farm, Adderbury. We’re also hosting Christmas Parties for the fourth year at Bo Peep Farm, where we build a marquee complex to seat up to 350 guests, and install kitchens, a dance area, bar, cocktail bar and lounge. We are very excited about our continued growth in 2012. www.newfoliummarquees.co.uk

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THINK BRAND NOT BLAND Phil Strachan of Strangebrew presents an adaptation of the chapter of the same title in the multi–author compilation book ‘Breaking the Barriers to Business Growth’ by Right Angle Consultants The importance of thinking Brand not bland. Let’s face it, not every business can expect to be a Coca Cola, a Nike, an Apple, a L’Oréal, a Google, a Virgin, a Harley Davidson, an Armani or an Innocent overnight. However, every business owner, whatever size their business, can learn from what made these stand-out businesses successful by understanding what it is that they have in common and by applying this learning. One thing for certain is that none of these successful businesses could reasonably be described as bland. They are all most certainly brands rather than blands. They are iconic brands rather than just businesses – they stand out from the crowd, they are individual, they have personality and character in abundance and they all represent

a promise consistently delivered. They deliver real value, substantial added value, both to their target markets and to their owners and shareholders alike.

In the world of brands, perception equals reality and that is why I believe that branding is fundamentally the art of managing perceptions.

What many people running businesses do not understand is that they too are brands - even if they are not a Coca Cola and whether they like it or not and whether they have deliberately set out to create a brand or not. They may not be a good brand, they may not be the brand that they would like to be, but they are brands nonetheless. They already have a brand image and they are being judged on that image. What they have to decide is whether or not they wish to be in control of that image because what really matters is how your business is perceived.

Differentiation, differentiation, differentiation The brand of a business is what separates and differentiates it from its competitors and prevents it from being lost in a sea of sameness. Unless seen to stand for something in particular, your business might be in danger of being seen to stand for nothing in particular and therefore to represent no discernible added value. To be successful, you need to do everything possible to differentiate your business positively from your competitors. That requires knowing what it is that makes you different and better, combined

“So what is it to be? Do you just join the crowd, jump on the blandwagon and reach for the bland guidelines manual or do you elect to think brand not bland?”

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B4 SERVICES bland promise from a bland that is rich in bland personality and simply oozes bland character by the bucketful?

Clearly, there is a choice. You can choose to go for bland differentiation or brand differentiation. However, if you are looking to grow your business, there is simply no choice because the message has to be to think brand not bland. It is very simple. Do you want to be seen as a distinctive brand or distinctly bland, a complete non-entity or a well-known entity? It really is your choice.

There can surely be no future in creating a bland portfolio comprising mega-blands, global blands, premium blands, power blands, luxury blands, drive blands, challenger blands, fighting blands and niche blands all with their own bland identities and at varying stages of their bland life cycles because at the end of the day they will all still be blands. And what possible reason could there be to conduct a re-blanding exercise when surely it would be preferable for today’s underperforming bland to be transformed into one of tomorrow’s top performing brands with the injection of some good solid brand thinking?

If you think about it, we live in a world in which we are surrounded by brands. There are brands everywhere we look and everywhere we go and we ourselves constantly choose and buy brands, whether in the Supermarket, the DIY store or the Off Licence and we probably made a deliberate brand choice about where to shop. We select and buy brands when it comes to clothing, cars, insurances or sporting good etc, so why then should we think that our consumers and/or customers will not be choosing to buy brands when it comes to the products and services that we offer? The simple fact of life is that there is no point in being a bland – the default brand bland – you need to think brand if you are serious about creating a business with serious growth potential. In fact, your greatest barrier to growth could be your own thinking, so break down this barrier and think brand not bland. Another anonymous blot on the blandscape? If your business is not seen to be different, it will be seen to be the same, to lack character, to lack any distinguishing feature, to be devoid of any distinctive merit, to be unremarkable, unexciting, uninteresting, dull – in short, to be bland rather than brand. If your business is simply seen as bland, as just another anonymous blot on the blandscape, this cannot possibly be a recipe for success in terms of building a successful business. What possible future can there be in being a corporate bland or having umbrella blands, product blands, service blands, FMCG blands, experiential blands, core blands or sub-blands all delivering truly forgettable bland experiences. There are plenty of bland brands out there already, plenty of blands masquerading as brands, for the simple reason that they are insufficiently differentiated from their competitors. Why be one of them? We have all come across them and many of them seem to be little more than wanton acts of brandalism, blands with delusions of blandeur and blands with very little hope and even less chance of any glory. There is surely absolutely nothing to be gained by having any kind of bland that is built on a bland platform, a bland positioning statement and a bland proposition. What good is bland integrity and bland alignment based on bland attributes and bland benefits? Precisely who is going to be wooed by a www.b4-business.com

Similarly, it is completely pointless investing in bland innovation, bland evolution, bland building, bland stretching or bland extension programmes to leverage the bland. Bland in – bland out!

“If your business is not seen to be different, it will be seen to be the same, to lack character, to lack any distinguishing feature - to be bland not brand” In the kingdom of the bland… And, if you stop to think about it, who could possibly be interested in bland licensing, bland franchising or co-blanding opportunities that simply fail to connect, communicate and engage with their intended target markets? Who could possibly aspire to be guardian of the bland or head of bland marketing? Yet they seem to be out there, busy writing bland plans that are clearly the direct result of bland vision, bland mission statements and the bland objectives they drove out in the first place. Nothing wrong with that providing that they are just looking to bland in and to create the bland that time forgot. If you are a sole trader, there is little point in aspiring to be the bland leader in your market or market sector because that would surely just be a case of the bland leading the bland and in the kingdom of the bland the one-man bland will never be king even if he religiously follows a carefully constructed set of bland guidelines to ensure that he or she is,

at all times, well and truly blanded. Armed with all the tools of bland management at our disposal, it is clearly a very easy matter to come up with bland names that fail to register, bland identities that fail to connect, bland advertising campaigns that fail to communicate, bland packaging designs that are instantly forgettable and bland promotions that fail to engage and result in unacceptable levels of bland loyalty. There is little or no value in being bland. There are no iconic blands out there because almost by definition this would be a contradiction in terms – iconic brands do not run with the pack but rather break with convention in a manner that ensures that their target consumer or customer has something powerful and individual to identify with and to relate to. They are perceived to be unique. On the other hand, it hardly takes a genius to work out that bland is bland and is not worth a lot to anyone. Time to jump on the blandwagon? So what is it to be? Do you just join the crowd, jump on the blandwagon and reach for the bland guidelines manual or do you elect to think brand not bland? Do you leave your brand to chance or take control of your own destiny? Whether you are looking to create a new business or to take an established business to the next level, stop and think. But don’t just jump in, grab a name and get a quick and cheap logo done and believe that you will have created a successful brand or even the basis for one. A name and a logo are only brand identifiers to assist brand recognition. They are not the brand, they are only what stand for the brand, forms of shorthand for the brand. They are not what the brand stands for which is what consumers and customers value and buy. So, know your target market, know your competitors, know your USP and know what you want to be seen to stand for. Then think about how you will express and communicate that including what your business name and business identity will be in order take ownership of that and make it your own. That is what will set you apart and provide the platform for business growth and success because good branding can be truly transformational. Take care to ensure that you are building your brand on a compelling brand promise and not on an empty bland promise – and make sure that you keep that promise because a successful brand is a contract and promise built on reputation and trust – and it has to be earned. So, just do it, because you’re worth it, be the real thing, be reassuringly expensive – THINK BRAND NOT BLAND and call Phil Strachan of Strangebrew on 07770 753 975 to find out how to get London quality branding, identity and design at Glasgow prices. www.thinkbrandnotbland.co.uk

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Photography by Carli Adby of ADBY Creative

with the ability to connect, communicate and engage successfully and consistently with your identified target market.

FRILFORD HEATH

DRIVING NEW PLANS FORWARD Oxfordshire’s most prestigious golf club will achieve a number of exciting ‘firsts’ in 2012. Frilford Heath Golf Club is proud to be hosting some top level events in the golfing calendar and will be featuring on national television for the first time. Thanks to an extensive list of improvements at the club in recent years which has seen over £500,000 invested in the clubhouse and its three beautiful courses, Frilford has attracted the attention of the top golfing associations and societies.

The cameras will be rolling again in July when the Buildbase Open comes to Frilford. Sponsored by builders merchant Buildbase, this is the full PGA Europro Tour event and is one of the only officially recognised golf developmental tours in the UK, showcasing tomorrow’s up and coming golf stars.

England Golf (formerly the English Golf Union) has recently staged its English Golf Captain’s Final at the club for the first time. So impressed were the organisers and players that they have pledged to hold the English Amateur Championship at Frilford in August 2013. The club will also welcome the EWGA Brenda King Foursomes Tournament this September.

The biggest, and most stylish, amateur golf tournament in the UK comes to Frilford Heath on 16 May with The Trilby Tour. Also televised, this regional final gives amateurs the unique opportunity to compete under professional conditions.

“With the pick of all the golf clubs in England, Frilford has been chosen for a number of national competitions,” says executive director Alistair Booth. “During the first week of October the European Tour will be returning after a successful qualifying school held here last year. “This is immediately followed by the ‘Black Tee Challenge’, an exciting competition for members and visitors who have the opportunity to play off the very back tees to the pins that were in place for the final day of the European Tour.” In April Frilford had its debut appearance on Sky TV when the final qualifying school for the PGA Europro Tour was played out at the club. Sky presenters interviewed players outside the clubhouse with stunning views of the golf course as a backdrop.

The tournament has grown dramatically since it was first staged in 2007. Saville Row tailors, William Hunt, created the concept and paying entrants in the regional finals are kitted out with a William Hunt outfit, including the trademark trilby hat. “The appeal lies in its unusual competitive format which concludes with a four-man, three-hole shootout to decide the winner. The cameras will be filming here on the Red Course so players will have all the pressures of an international televised event,” says Alistair. The courses are certainly looking very inviting at the moment. Some of the woodland alongside the fairways has been cleared to create more light and air, with the added benefit of speeding up play. New tees have been built on all courses and a chipping green, putting green and driving nets have been added to create a new practice area behind the first tee on the Red Course.

A popular and successful young Oxfordshire golfer is now officially ‘attached’ to Frilford Heath. Eddie Pepperell, 21, has played with Frilford as a junior for many years, before winning the Gold Medal in 2006 and the Club Championship in 2007. “Beyond the county, Eddie has represented England and GB & Ireland, such is his great potential,” comments Alistair. “In May last year he turned professional and is now on the road to, what we hope will be, a glittering professional career. “When Eddie’s in the UK he has a rigorous regime. The superb practice facilities here and the excellent condition of the courses make it a perfect place for him to develop his game.” He finished fourth in the European Tour Qualifying School final at Frilford and many members witnessed his astonishing finishing round of 65. Since then he has been occupying the top slots of the leaderboard as the Tour School is played out across Europe. The club is also sponsoring Tom Fleming and Sean Elliot as they try their luck on the Europro Tour. “It’s no exaggeration to say that Frilford is going places,” says Alistair. “In short, it’s a wonderful place to play golf as well as to watch some golfing history being made.” www.frilfordheath.co.uk

“In short, it’s a wonderful place to play golf as well as to watch some golfing history being made”

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B4 R&R

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THE RANDOLPH

HOTEL

When you think of LEADING Oxfordshire hotels, what first comes to mind? My thoughts immediately turn to The Macdonald Randolph Hotel. Not only does The Randolph give you the perfect central base from which to explore our wonderful city, but it has an undeniable class, , sophistication and style, which underlines its five star status; unique in Oxford. Anne Kamphausen reports for B4. It’s not every day you get the opportunity to review a stunning five star hotel, and this was an experience I’ll remember for a long, long time. Walking up the front steps to the hotel’s

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entrance, the elegance hits you – I was mesmerised. An impeccably dressed concierge opened the door to greet me – my first formal door opening! I couldn’t help but take a couple

of minutes to admire the entrance – directly in front of me, above the reception, was the sort of staircase I had dreamed of as an aspiring princess!

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B4 R&R

“It’s not every day you get the opportunity to review a stunning five star hotel, and this was an experience I certainly will never forget”

I was sold before I had even opened the doors to my suite, and, to be honest with you, if I had walked in to a tiny box room with a single bed, my enthusiasm and excitement wouldn’t have waned. But my room was quite the contrary: I had been put in the Presidential Suite. This was most definitely a breathtakingly, beautiful room, - going back to my Princess dream, this was the room at the top of the stairs, on the left! If I told you there was a library in the suite, you probably wouldn’t believe me, but if I tell you it also had two ‘deluxe’ lavatories, then that gives you an idea of the size of this ‘chamber’. The king-sized bed looked good enough to stay in for a whole month, so being a child still at heart, I took my opportunity to flop onto the bed for a little while, complete with tiara and fluffy dress…..STOP!!!!! I’m not a Princess! I had to keep pinching myself and convincing myself I wasn’t though!. My whole body just melted into the mattress, in fact if it wasn’t for

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the three course meal awaiting me in the fabulous hotel restaurant, then I don’t think anything could have dragged me off that bed, not even a knight in shining armour driving a Ferrari!

complemented with a Rosemary sauce and Butternut squash on the side to create the perfect combination. There was nothing that I could possibly fault about the meal.

The food certainly kept up with the quality which I had become accustomed! There to greet me in the dining hall was my friendly waitress, who escorted me to my table for the evening. The waiter handed the food menu to me, highlighting the specials of the day. Whilst I mulled over my choice , I was offered a bottle of delicious wine. Now, being a picky wine drinker I needed a little bit of advice, and the young sommelier was on hand to ably assist. A couple of minutes later, a fantastically chilled white wine was presented, and I savoured every sip throughout the course of the meal.

Returning to my room, I was still reeling in the excitement of my surroundings. The room was out of this world, the food was sensational, offering a fantastic combination of flavours, and to top it off each member of staff was well presented, and prepared to go that extra mile to keep their guests happy – it’s no wonder The Randolph enjoys it’s five star reputation.

It didn’t take me long to decide on my main course, the special of the day just looked too good. Pork, which is carved in front of you, was then

The Randolph is an extravagance but it’s an affordable extravagance. Whether it’s a meal or an overnight stay, or both if you’re lucky, The Randolph is fit for any occasion, in fact it’s even fit for a Princess. Sorry! Contact: 0844 879 9132 or www.MacdonaldHotels.co.uk/Randolph

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B4 contacts ADVICE

BUSINESS SERVICES

ACCOUNTING

myFD Recruitment t: 01869 354041 w: www.myfdrecruitment.co.uk

Wenn Townsend Tony Haines Partner

Concise Training t: 01865 522658 w: www.concisetraining.net

Ardington Archives Janet Gibbons Director

t: 01865 559900 w: www.wenntownsend.co.uk

Unique Business Strategies t: 01280 844966 w: www.uniquebusinessstrategies.co.uk

t: 01367 718710 w:www.ardingtonarchives.co.uk

The MGroup Richard Clayton Partner t: 01865 552925 w: www.themgroup.co.uk Shaw Gibbs Peter Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 Rees Russell LLP t: 01993 702418 w: www.reesrussell.co.uk Baxter Payne & Haigh t: 01869 252151 w: www.bphonline.co.uk

Conduit Partners t: 01235 831777 w: www.conduitpartners.co.uk

LEGAL Darbys Solicitors Simon McCrum Managing Partner t: 01865 811700 w: www.darbys.co.uk BrookStreet Des Roches LLP Paddy Gregan Partner t: 01235 836655 w: www.bsdr.com Henmans LLP Julia Iball Managing Partner t: 01865 781000 w: www.henmansllp.co.uk Manches Richard Smith Managing Partner t: 01865 722106 w: www.manches.com

Russell Whitlock Accountancy t: 01865 481625 w: www.rw-accountancy.co.uk

Hedges Law t: 01491 839839 w: www.hedgeslaw.co.uk

BUSINESS ADVICE

Withy King Mark Emery Partner

Jamesons Insolvency & Business Recovery t: 01993 707860 w: www.jamesons.co.uk

t: 01865 792300 w: www.withyking.co.uk

The Business Wealth Club Paul Avins Founder & CEO

Turpin & Miller LLP t: 01865 770111 w: www.turpinmiller.co.uk

t: 01869 278900 w: www.thebusinesswealthclub.com

White & Black Legal LLP t: 0800 035 2656 w: www.wablegal.com

Sci Net Duncan Ferguson Managing Director t: 01869 349949 w: www.sci-net.co.uk The Clarkson Alliance t: 01865 355580 w: www.theclarksonalliance.com

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Morgan Cole LLP t: 01865 262600 w: www.morgan-cole.com Charles Russell LLP t: 020 7203 5000 w: www.charlesrussell.co.uk

ARCHIVING AND STORAGE

AUDIO VISUAL City Audio Visual Peter Gunn Director t: 01865 722800 w: www.cityaudiovisual.co.uk Bang & Olufsen t: 01865 511241 w: www.bang-olufsen.com

BOOKKEEPING A1 Group Mike Foster Director t: 01865 511241 w: www.a1-group.co.uk

BUSINESS CONSULTANTS Insight Oxford t: 01865 596 771 w: www.insightoxford.co.uk Sandler Training t: 01608 611211 w: www.uk.sandler.com

BUSINESS ORGANISATIONS Institute of Directors Ian Wenman Chairman t: 07770 893834 w: www.iod.com The Business Growth Show t: 0121 698 2370 w: www.thebusinessgrowthshow.co.uk Bizlinx t: 0333 700 1057 w: www.bizlinx.org.uk

BUSINESS SUPPLIES AND EQUIPMENT B-Line David Beesley Chairman t: 01865 594550 w: www.b-line.co.uk

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Making an impact At Banbury Litho we have the technology and the expertise to print pin-sharp, attention-grabbing graphics on a wide range of materials including vinyl, paper and rigid displays. What’s more, many of our systems lend themselves to multiple use, being simplicity itself to pack up and move. This not only increases their productivity, it makes them particularly good value for money. Use Banbury Litho’s experienced team to manage all your large format print needs, from roller banners and silent salesmen, to pop-up panels and exhibition stands. For impact and value, chose Banbury Litho’s large format print service. You can rely on Banbury Litho to deliver, to time and spec - every time.

Litho Print

•

Dig it al Pr in t

•

Large Format Print Banbury Litho Ltd., Unit 1 Vantage Business Park, Wykham Mill, Bloxham Road, Bloxham, Banbury, OX16 9UX

The colour print supplier of choice

Tel: 01295 220 488 www.banburylitho.co.uk

B4 contacts Aston & James Office Supplies Limited Darren Aston Director t: 01993 706900 w: www.aston-james.co.uk

INSURANCE

TRANSPORT

CETA Insurance Ltd Sandie Schofield Managing Director

Chiltern Railways Rob Brighouse MD

CLEANING SERVICES

t: 0845 4583071 w: www.lowerpremium.co.uk

t: 08456 005 165 w: www.chilternrailways.co.uk

Pinewood Cleaning Services t: 01993 862866 w: www.pinewoodcc.co.uk

Chase Templeton Charles Frost Independent Insurance Consultant

Hilltop Chauffeurs Nathan Thomas Owner

CHARITIES

t: 0800 018 3633 w: www.chasetempleton.co.uk

t: 07825 500852 / 01865 595262 w:www.hilltopchauffeurs.co.uk

Oxfam Joss Saunders Legal Advisor

Osbornes Insurances t: 01844 214316 w: www.osbornesins.co.uk

Isis Chauffeurs t: 01993 709023 / 07545 601515 w:www.isischauffeur.co.uk

t. 0300 200 1292 w: www.oxfam.org.uk

LOCAL GOVERNMENT

MOTOR

West Oxfordshire District Council William Barton Business Development Officer

Chrysler & Jeep Oxford Tim Keatinge Managing Director

Oxford Inspires Tony Stratton Chairman t: 01865 815525 w: www.oxfordinspires.org Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals Charitable Funds Graham Brogden Head of Community Fundraising t: 01865 743442 w: www.oxfordradcliffe.nhs.uk Oxfordshire Community Foundation Jayne Woodley Chief Executive t: 01865 798666 w: www.oxfordshire.org

w: www.westoxon.gov.uk/business West Oxfordshire District Council Hayley Beer Tourism Services Manager t: 01993 861558 w: www.oxfordshirecotswolds.org

t: 01865 376000 w: www.chrysleroxford.co.uk

TRAVEL City Sightseeing Jane Marshall Transport Manager

NETWORKING GROUPS

t: 01865 790 522 w: www.citysightseeingoxford.com

B4 Magazine Richard Rosser Editor

London Oxford Airport James Dillon-Godfray Business Development Manager

t: 01865 742211 w: www.b4-business.com

t: 01865 290 600 w: www.londonoxfordairport.com

DEBT COLLECTION

Witney Bigger Breakfast t: 01608 811533 w: www.witneybigbreakfast.co.uk

Visit Oxfordshire Joanne Butler Tourism Team Leader

Total Credit Management Clive Taylor Director

Opendoorz t: 01865 339434 w: www.opendoorz.biz

t: 01865 252200 w: www.visitoxfordandoxfordshire.com

t: 01993 832266 w: www.totalcreditmanagement.co.uk

SECURITY

CONFERENCE, EVENTS & VENUES

CLIC Sargent t: 03003 300803 w: www.clicsargent.org.uk

DISTRIBUTION Air Business Ltd Adam Sherman Group Mamanging Director

Risk Management Security Services Peter Smith Managing Director t: 01494 535830 w: www.riskmanagementsecurity.co.uk

t: 01727 890 620 w: www.airbusonline.com

Executive Alarms Ltd t: 01865 435435 w: www.executive-systems.co.uk

ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES

Executive Fire Protection Ltd t: 01865 771133 w: executive-systems.co.uk

PAVY Ltd t: 01865 349014 w: www.pavy.co.uk

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CATERING Oxford Fine Dining Sue Randall Managing Director t: 01865 728240 w: www.oxfordfinedining.co.uk Elegant Cuisine Michael Ashton Managing Director t: 01865 391888 w: www.elegantcuisine.com

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Why Become a Member ? B 4 Magazine Feature in the contacts directory of four issues of B4 Oxfordshire Magazine.

B 4 Website Feature in the B4 Oxfordshire on-line web directory. Upload unlimited press releases and events to the B4 Oxfordshire website.

B 4 Events Attend B4 Oxfordshire, Berkshire & Buckinghamshire networking events during the year and bring a colleague or a customer as your guest. Connect not only with over 350 B4 Oxfordshire members, and the growing networks in Berkshire and Buckinghamshire. Rates based on number of employees, starting from £250+VAT per annum.

Call 01865 742211 to book your membership NOW!

Last Wednesday, 16/05/12, Beautiful Group invited friends, family, clients and suppliers to come and take a look round our new premises to show them what we have achieved in the last few months. The day was a great success, with everyone enjoying the networking opportunity and pleasantly surprised that although we are all in tough financial times, we are here poking our head above the parapet, showing the success we have had. It has not been easy - we could not have got where we are without support from a lot of places and we used this opportunity to thank those concerned and hope that our success continues.

“Th The e ‘‘go-to’ go-to’ te team!” am!” Chamberss & P Chamber Partners artners

L Leaders eaders in family family law law since since 2 2001 001 vv GLYRUFH v VHSDUDWLRQ DJUHHPHQWV v FRKDELWDWLRQ GLYRUFH v VHSDUDWLRQ DJUHHPHQWV v FRKDELWDWLRQ F FRQWUDFWV v GLVSXWHV LQYROYLQJ FKLOGUHQ v FLYLO RQWUDFWV v GLVSXWHV LQYROYLQJ FKLOGUHQ v FLYLO SDUWQHUVKLSV v FROODERUDWLYH ODZ v GLVSXWHV EHWZHHQ SDUWQHUVKLSV v FROODERUDWLYH ODZ v GLVSXWHV EHWZHHQ X XQPDUULHG SDUWQHUV v SUH QXSWLDO FRQWUDFWV QPDUULHG SDUWQHUV v SUH QXSWLDO FRQWUDFWV Contact Jane Mitchell on 01865 722106

Oxford | Reading | London www.manches.com

If you, or any friends and family are getting married, we welcome you to come to our new location and show you exactly what we can offer you - anything from chair covers and table linen, to centre pieces and bridal flowers, to lighting, PA and disco hire - and don't forget we can launder, dry clean and/or press anything in time for your big day and after for safe keeping. Our staff at our Beautiful Creases shop, still on West End, would be delighted to welcome you and take the load off by doing your laundry and ironing for you too! Thank you once again for everyone who joined us and we look forward to helping hopefully another thousand brides this year. Chris Clinkard - Chief Executive Beautiful Group

Call to speak to our experienced, trained team for advice and a full quote today Unit 1 Wessex Ind Est, Avenue Three, Station Lane, Witney, Oxon, OX28 4BT

www.beautiful-group.co.uk Tel: 01993 708330

CONFERENCES 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 288364 w: www.ashmolean.org Egrove Park Jill Grievson Conference Manager t: 01865 422757 w: www.sbs.oxford.edu/conferencing Four Pillars Hotels Chris Green Group Marketing Manager t: 0800 374 692 w: www.four-pillars.co.uk Kassam Stadium Rachel Harwood General Manager t: 01865 337602 w: www.thekassamstadium.com Lady Margaret Hall Bill Kemp Head of Conference Services t: 01865 611079 w: www.lmh.ox.ac.uk Magdalen College School Emma Bellenie Events Manager t: 01865 242191 w: www.mcsoxford.org Malmaison Mark McSorley General Manager t: 01865 268400 w: www.malmaison-oxford.com Meet Oxfordshire Julie Archer Managing Agent T: 01608 659900 W: www.meetoxfordshire.com

The Examination Schools Kay Hogg Events Manager t: 01865 276905 w: www.examschools.ox.ac.uk Exeter College t: 01865 279600 w: www.exeter.ox.ac.uk/conferences/ Worton Park t: 01865 882644 w: www.wortonfarms.co.uk

The Active Network Banks Holcombe Head of Business Development t: 08700 841 480 w: www.regonline.co.uk

EQUIPMENT HIRE Oxford Event Hire Kieran Lynch Owner

Howbery Estates t: 01491 822305 w: www.hrwallingford.co.uk

t: 01865 760158 w: www.oxfordeventhire.co.uk

The King’s Centre t: 01865 297400 w: www.kingscentre.co.uk

New Folium Marquees Ben Wild Managing Director t: 01295 255645 w: www.newfoliummarquees.co.uk

EVENTS Oxfordshire Registration Services Jacquie Bugeja Head of Registration and Coroner's Services t: 0845 129 5900 w: www.oxfordshire.gov.uk Fly to the Past t: 01865 516124 w: www.flytothepast2012.homestead.com Battle Proms t: 01432 355416 w: www.battleproms.com Abacus Events t: 07976 073186 w: www.abacuseventsgroup.co.uk

Beautiful Group Chris Clinkard Chief Executive t: 01993 708330 w: www.beautiful-group.co.uk

EDUCATION COLLEGES Magna Carta College David Faulkner Dean t: 01865 593131 w: www.magnacartacollege.org

VENUES

OXFORD UNIVERSITY

Blenheim Palace John Hoy Chief Executive

Begbroke Science Park Peter Dobson Managing Director

t: 01993 810501 w: www.blenheimpalace.com

t: 01865 283700 w: www.begbroke.ox.ac.uk

Blenheim Palace Hospitality t: 01993 813 874 w: www.blenheimpalace.com/hospitality

FURTHER EDUCATION

Oxford Castle Sarah Mayhew Events and Marketing Officer

Oxford & Cherwell Valley College Sally Dicketts Principal t: 01865 550550 w: www.ocvc.ac.uk

Williams F1 Conference Centre Brendan Caffrey Conference Centre Manager t: 01235 777900 w: www.williamsf1conferences.com

t: 01865 201657 w: www.oxfordcastle.com

Eynsham Hall t: 01993 885200 w: www.eynshamhall.com

t: 01865 270918 w: www.rhodeshouseoxford.com

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EVENT MANAGEMENT

Rhodes House Martin Gubb Director

6TH FORM DAY AND BOARDING COLLEGE St Clare’s, Oxford Paula Holloway Principal t: 01865 552031 w: www.stclares.ac.uk

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B4 contacts SCHOOLS

MORTGAGE ADVICE

Bloxham School Nick Irvine Marketing Director t: 01295 724332 w: www.bloxhamschool.com

Mortgage Choices James Keene Principal Consultant

Tudor Hall Boarding School t: 01295 756276 w: www.tudorhallschool.com d'Overbroek's College Sami Cohen Principal t: 01865 302637 w: www.doverbroecks.com

TUITION Oxford International Study Centre t: 01865 201009 w: www.oxintstudycentre.com

FINANCE BANKING LloydsTSB Commercial Dave Atkinson Area Director w: www.lloydstsb.com Coutts t: 01865 389039 w: www.coutts.com Barclays Trevor French Corporate Director Oxford t: 07775 542467 w: www.barclayscorporate.com Santander t: 0845 765 4321 w: www.santander.co.uk

IFA’s Mark Barclay Partner at St. Jame’s Place t: 01865 793121 w: wwww.sjp.co.uk CMS Financial Management Ltd t: 01869 345588 w: www.cmsfinancialltd.co.uk Amber Wealth Creation Ltd John Fissenden Director t: 01993 886333 w: www.amberwealth.co.uk

t: 01993 862888 w: www.mortgage-choices.com

HEALTH AND LEISURE FITNESS TLA Fitness Tom Alden Founder t: 07554 400 401 w: www.tlafitness.com

Oxford United Football Club Kelvin Thomas Chairman t: 01865 337505 w: www.oufc.co.uk Oxford University Rugby Football Club Tim Stevens Club Administrator t: 01865 432000 w: www.ourfc.org

WELLBEING Helen Money Nutrition Helen Money Owner t: 01865 339672 w: www.helenmoneynutrition.com

GOLF

BEAUTY

The B4/MGroup Golf Cup t: 01865 742211 w: www.b4-business.com

Electric Hair t: 01865 790440 w: www.electric-hair.com

Frilford Heath Golf Club Alistair Booth Director

Bare UK t: 07773 764817 w: www.bareuk.co.uk

t: 01865 390864 w: www.frilfordheath.co.uk

LEISURE

North Oxford Golf Club Bob Harris Managing Director

Enstone Flying Club t: 01608 678204 w: www.enstoneflyingclub.co.uk

t: 01865 553977 w: www.nogc.co.uk Studley Wood Golf Club Ken Heathcote Managing Director t: 01865 351122 w: www.studleywoodgolfclub.co.uk

HEALTHCARE

HR RECRUITMENT The Career Boutique Katherine Dales Managing Director t: 0845 5204010 w: www.thecareerboutique.com

Monica Franke t: 07970 119721 w: www.monicafranke.com

HR CONSULTANT

Oxford Radcliffe Private Healthcare Alex Barnes Assistant Director, Private Patients t: 01865 221033 w: www.oxfordradcliffe.nhs.uk/ privatehealthcare

t: 07789 711997 w: www.hr2you.co.uk

SPORT

HR2You Sarah Morris Owner

TRAINING Sandler Training t: 01608 611211 w: www.uk.sandler.com

North Oxford Lawn Tennis Club t: 01865 513560 (Clubhouse) w: www.northoxfordltc.org.uk

www.b4-business.com

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IT & TELECOMMUNICATIONS DATABASE MANAGEMENT InTouch CRM James White Managing Director

Chris Fulton Design Chris Fulton Owner t: 07745 033707 w: www.chrisfultondesign.co.uk

EMAIL MARKETING ClientMailer t: 01865 339406 w: www.clientmailer.com

MANUFACTURING

t: 0845 310 9973 w: www.intouchcrm.co.uk

Torpedo Group Limited Iain Lewis Director

IT SERVICES

t: 01865 733710 w: www.torpedogroup.com

Nominet Lesley Cowley OBE CEO

Olamalu Christoph Corvin Director

WILA Group Ltd Mike Collett Chief Executive Officer t: 01235 773500 w: www.wila.com

t: 01865 332211 w: www.nominet.org.uk

t: 01993 764566 w: www.olamalu.com

KITCHEN APPLIANCES

Oxford Knowledge Company Mark Salisbury Director

Surefire Digital Rob Jones Director

Miele Company Ltd Zoe Naylor Financial Controller

t: 01865 322100 w: www.oxford-knowledge.com

t: 020 3239 8055 w: www.surefiredigital.co.uk

t: 0845 365 6600 w: www.miele.co.uk

Bluespires IT t: 0845 5280505 w: www.bluespires.co.uk

Evucan Web Solutions Arjun Thandi Director

MEDICAL GOODS

Data Efficiency t: 01993 608612 w: www.dataefficiency.co.uk

t: 0845 8624400 w: www.evucan.com

Owen Mumford Jarl Severn Director

Momentum Solutions t: 01865 793520 w: www.momentumws.co.uk

t: 01993 812021 w: www.owenmumford.com

Advanced IT Solutions t: 01235 833869 w: www.advancedits.co.uk

MOBILE PHONES

Grow Media Group t: 01865 339 379 w: www.growcreate.co.uk

Everything Everywhere Fauzzia Karim

Urban Element t: 01993 776 999 w: www.urbanelement.com

t: 07968 107671 w: www.everythingeverywhere.com

WEB OPTIMISATION & SERVICES

SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT

Oxford Digital Marketing Simon Wallace-Jones Co-Founder

QuarkXPress w: www.quark.com

TELECOMMUNICATIONS Orange Stripe Telecommunications Nigel Pursall Managing Director t: 0845 241 7772 w: www.orangestripe.co.uk

WEBSITE DEVELOPMENT Blink Design Keith Simpson Senior Designer t: 01865 742211 w: www.on-the-blink.com

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t: 01865 600 508 w: www.oxforddigitalmarketing.co.uk Zest Alex Minchin Director t: 0843 289 0161 w: www.zestdigital.co

LIGHTING

RealTime Health Ltd t: 01865 811124 w: www.realtimehealth.net

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY SCIENCE Science Oxford Dominic McDonald Head of Public Engagement and Business Networks t: 01865 728953 w: www.scienceoxford.com Mirada Medical Simona Nita Digital Marketing Manager t: 01865 261410 w: www.mirada-medical.com

Glooo Chris Jones Director

MARKETING & DESIGN

t: 07814 046747 w: www.glooo.co.uk

ADVERTISING In Oxford Magazine Colin Rosser Chairman t: 01865 742211 w: www.inoxford.com

www.b4-business.com

B4 contacts CORPORATE IDENTITY Recognition Express Andy Olejnik Managing Director t: 01295 257611 w: www.re-oxfordshire.co.uk/

DESIGN Blink Design Keith Simpson Senior Designer t: 01865 742211 w: www.on-the-blink.com ADS t: 01993 885122 w: www.adsoxford.co.uk Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Brand It t: 02081 443366 w: www.letsbrandit.co.uk

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

MARKETING The Project Managers Peronel Barnes Director t: 01865 751531 w: www.the-project-managers.com

Lyon Photography t: 01865 481550 w: www.lyonphotography.co.uk

To The Point PR t: 0845 055 9696 w: www.tothepointpr.com

PRINTING

PinkFish Media t: 01865 582685 w: www.pinkfish-media.co.uk

Stones the Printers Steve Palmer Managing Director t: 01295 819 300 w: www.stonestheprinters.co.uk The Goodhead Group David Holland Chief Executive t: 07773 316 204 w: www.bgprint.co.uk Press to Print Ltd t: 01865 240420 w: www.presstoprint.co.uk The Oxford Duplication Centre t: 01865 457000 w: www.oxfordduplicationcentre.co.uk Blueprint Imaging Martin Matthews Managing Director

UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) t: 020 7215 8000 w: www.ukti.gov.uk GB PR Gail Buckle Owner t: 01865 742940 w: www.gbprconsultancy.blogspot.com Love Communication t: 07887 775271 w: www.lovecommunication.co.uk

WEB PERFORMANCE Obergine Jeremy Anderson Director t: 01865 245777 w: www.obergine.com

t: 01993 892360 w: www.blueprintimaging.com

MEDIA Banbury Litho t: 01295 220488 w: www.banburylitho.co.uk Culham Publication Services t: 01235 464904 w: www.culhampublicationservices.com

JACKfm t: 01865 315980 w: www.jackfm.co.uk This is Global/Heart FM t: 020 7766 6000 w: www.thisisglobal.com

PUBLIC RELATIONS The Buzzworks Sarah Airey Proprietor

PROPERTY & BUILDING ARCHITECTS

ClientMailer t: 07788 677512 w: www.clientmailer.com Marketing Sense Jo Sensecall Director t: 01865 883579 w: www.marketing-sense.co.uk AWM Marketing t: 01367 244996 w: www.awm-marketing.com

PHOTOGRAPHY Studio 8 Clark Wiseman Managing Director t: 01865 842525 w: www.studio-8.co.uk

www.b4-business.com

t: 01993 813848 w: www.thebuzzworks.co.uk Tracey Jefferies Tracey Jefferies Founder t: 01865 820183 w: www.traceyjefferies.co.uk Syncro PR Claire Thompson PR Director

Riach Architects Douglas Riach Principal t: 01865 553772 w: www.riacharchitects.com John Hallam Associates John Hallam Director t: 01608 646969 w: www.johnhallamassociates.co.uk

t: 01865 886344 w: www.syncropr.com

PROPERTY & CONSTRUCTION CONSULTANTS Esplin PR Louise Esplin Freelance PR Consultant t: 01235 850115 w: www.esplinpr.co.uk

Ridge and Partners David Walker Partner t: 01993 815000 w: www.ridge.co.uk

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Kemp & Kemp Steven Sensecall Partner

Marriotts t: 01865 200 244 w: www.marriottsoxford.co.uk

scottfraser Andrew Greenwood Group Managing Director

t: 01865 240001 w: wwww.kempandkemp.co.uk

Lambert Smith Hampton t: 01865 316311 w: www.lsh.co.uk

t: 01865 761111 w: www.scottfraser.co.uk

BUILDERS MERCHANTS Buildbase David Robertson Central Regional Director t: 01865 787763 w: www.buildbase.co.uk

BUSINESS PARKS Grove Technology Park Robert Lamplough Chairman t: 01235 772992 w: www.grovetechpark.com Jennings Mike Jennings Managing Director t: 01865 893303 w: www.jennings.co.uk Bloxham Mill Business Centre Ray Avery Managing Director

DEVELOPMENT The Trevor Osborne Property Group Trevor Osborne Chairman t: 01225 832302 w: www.topgroup.co.uk

ESTATE AGENTS Breckon and Breckon Keith Stacey Managing Director t: 01865 244735 w: www.breckon.co.uk Penny & Sinclair James Penny Director t: 01865 318013 w: www.pennyandsinclair.co.uk

Lucy Properties Ian Ashcroft Managing Director t: 01865 559973 w: www.lucyproperties.co.uk Bluestone Letting and Management t: 01869 327577 w: www.bluestonelm.co.uk College and County t: 01865 722722 w: www.collegeandcounty.biz The Letting Centre t: 01865 759930 w: www.thelettingcentre.com Rentaflat Ltd t: 01865 726966 w: www.rentaflat.co.uk

PROPERTY SERVICES A1 Plumbing & Heating t: 01865 327732 Windover Facilities Management t: 01869 368095 w: www.windoverfm.com

t: 01295 722800 w: www.bloxhammill.com

scottfraser David Blythman Managing Director Sales

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY AGENTS

t: 01865 759500 w: www.scottfraser.co.uk

Next Generation Solar t: 01993 813105 w: www.nextgenerationsolar.co.uk

VSL and Partners Richard Venables Director

Kemp & Kemp Graham MacDonald Director

Savvy Maintenance & Renovations Steve Dunne

t: 01865 848488 w: www.vslandp.com

t: 01865 510000 w: www.kempandkemp.co.uk

Carter Jonas Scott Harkness Partner

LETTING AGENTS

t: 01865 511444 w: www.carterjonas.co.uk Oxford Innovation Ltd Jo Willett Sales and Marketing Director t: 01865 811127 w: www.oxin.co.uk Kemp & Kemp Emma Jewson Partner t: 01865 240001 w: www.kempandkemp.co.uk Meeson Williams Ltd t: 01865 349011 w: www.meesonwilliams.com

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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 Kemp and Kemp t: 01865 517584 w: www.kempandkemp.co.uk

t: 01865 920020 w: www.savvy-group.co.uk

R&R ACCOMMODATION Macdonald Randolph Hotel Michael Grange General Manager t: 0844 879 9132 w: www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk The Royal Oxford Hotel Tom Crampton-Smith Owner t: 01865 248432 w: www.royaloxfordhotel.co.uk

www.b4-business.com

B4 contacts Westwood Hotel t: 01865 735408 w: www.westwoodhotel.co.uk Conifers Guest House t: 01865 763055 w: www.conifersguesthouse.co.uk

RENTAL ACCOMMODATION Lower Mill Estate Red Paxton Marketing and Sales Director t: 01285 869489 w: www.lowermillestate.com

ARTISTIC AND CULTURAL New Theatre Jamie Baskeyfield General Manager t:01865 320760 w: www.newtheatreoxford.org.uk/ Henley Festival t: 01491 843400 w: www.henley-festival.co.uk Oxford Philomusica Simon Payne Development Manager t: 07775 904626 w: www.oxfordphil.com Modern Art Oxford t: 01865 813826 w: www.modernartoxford.org.uk/

GALLERIES Wiseman Gallery Sarah Wiseman Owner t: 01865 515123 w: www.wisegal.com

FOOD & DRINK SUPPLIES

BARS

LM Champagne t: 07919 133476 w: www.LMchampagne.co.uk

O’Neill’s Oxford t: 01865 250708 w: www.oneills.co.uk

The Oxford Wine Company Ted Sandbach Managing Director t: 01865 301144 w: www.oxfordwine.co.uk

RESTAURANTS 4500 MIles From Delhi Nav Kandola Owner t: 01865 244 922 w: www.milesfromdelhi.com/oxford Le Manoir t: 01844 278881 w: www.manoir.com Saffron t: 01865 512211 w: www.saffronrestaurantoxford.co.uk Old Swan & Minster Mill Ian Solkin General Manager

RETAIL SHOPPING University of Oxford Shop t: 01865 247414 w: www.oushop.com Bicester Village Helen Peters Sales & Marketing Manager - Tourism t: 01869 323200 w: www.bicestervillage.com

WHY NOT JOIN THEM?

Spice Lounge Ali Aktar Owner

400 members and rising.

t: 01865 510071 w: www.spiceloungeoxford.co.uk Fallowfields Hotel & Restaurant Anthony Lloyd Owner t: 01865 820416 w: www.fallowfields.com

CORPORATE ENTERTAINMENT Sam Strange Magic Sam Strange Owner

Browns t: 01865 511995 w: www.browns-restaurants.co.uk

t: 01865 742211 w: www.samstrangemagic.co.uk

Saffron t: 01865 512211 w: www.saffronrestaurantoxford.co.uk

ENTERTAINMENT

Gee’s Restaurant & Bar t: 01865 553 540 w: www.gees-restaurant.co.uk

t: 01865 812160 w: www.pegasustheatre.org.uk

The Duke of Cambridge t: 01865 558 173 w: www.dukebar.com

t: 01993 774441 w: www.oldswanandminstermill.com

The Feathered Nest Inn t: 01993 833030 w: www.thefeatherednestinn.co.uk

Pegasus Theatre Dominique Cadiou Development Director

The House t: 01865 724 433 w: www.housebar.co.uk

Old Parsonage Hotel t: 01865 310 210 w: www.oldparsonage-hotel.co.uk

It’ll be the smartest move you’ve made this year! 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.

B4 is designed by Blink Design & Print e: studio@on-the-blink.com t: 01865 742211

Quod Brasserie & Bar t: 01865 202505 w: www.quod.co.uk

www.b4-business.com

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K E Y M E M B E R O F S TA F F

Y O U R K E Y P E O P L E A R E S T U C K I N T H E S N O W. BUSINESS AS USUAL?

You may have already experienced the effect that extreme weather has on the smooth running of your business. When key people can’t make it to work, there is a serious impact on your productivity. At The Oxford Knowledge Company, we help our clients protect their businesses against the impact of bad weather. Our clients don’t have to worry about staff not getting into the office, whatever the reason. We set up systems which allow them to work remotely, enabling them to be as productive as if they are sitting at their desk. Business as usual. Call us now on 01865 322100 to discuss how we can ensure your business continues to run smoothly, whatever the weather.

P OW E R YO U R B U S I N E S S W I T H T H E I . T. S O L U T I O N S E X P E RT S S T R AT E G Y • S Y S T E M D E S I G N A N D I N S TA L L AT I O N • D ATA S E C U R I T Y • M A N A G E M E N T A N D S U P P O RT D I S A S T E R R E C OV E RY • S M A RT E R WO R K I N G • B U S I N E S S R E L O C AT I O N • C O N N E C T I V I T Y • T RO U B L E S H O OT I N G W O O D S I D E , H I N K S E Y H I L L , OX F O R D OX 1 5 B E | 0 1 8 6 5 3 2 2 1 0 0 | W W W. OX F O R D - K N O W L E D G E . C O M