B4 Oxfordshire Issue 28

OXFORDSHIRE EDITION

B4

Magazine

ISSUE 28 AUTUMN 2013

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Alfa Romeo Comes to Oxford B4 welcomes Alfa Romeo to Oxford and we hear more from our test-driving B4 Ambassadors

First Past the Post at Oxford Town Hall We meet the Oxford Town Hall's new Commercial Manager, Richard Clements

The Wonderful West Wing Completing an alliance of stunning venues in Oxford, we meet The West Wing's Martin Garside

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Join the B4 Community

So What is B4?

B4 is the fastest growing business to business network, providing over 500 businesses in Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire with four great platforms to promote and connect their businesses. It's a business network with a difference where we facilitate face to face contact with other Members at B4 events held in iconic locations.

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4 Effective Platforms to Help You Connect 1

B4 Magazine - Packed with great features, news and promotional articles mailed free to 3,000 business decision makers (separate circulation of 3,000 in each county)

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B4 Website - Upload press releases direct to the site and promote forthcoming events and seminars. All B4 articles printed are uploaded to the business directory on the site.

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B4 Events - Meet other B4 members at high quality B4 events in Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire...Why not even bring a guest?

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B4 Social - Promote your business to other B4 members via our social media platforms, a great way to get your message across.

Why Become a Member?

Memberships are specific to one area, not all, and gives your business a listing in the back of your chosen area B4 Magazine. A listing on the business directory of the relevant B4 website but access to all B4 events in all areas (restrictions may apply due to capacity limitations and we do have some Platinum Ambassador only events).

Members can also promote their status on company e-mails and websites with our new B4 Member icons

Why Not Upgrade to Ambassador?

Becoming an Ambassador gets a face to represent your business in the B4 community. Your chosen Ambassador will feature alongside your listing in the magazine directory, on your on line business directory listing and also in the Ambassadors’ section on the B4 website. Being an Ambassador gives you something in common to approach other B4 Ambassadors throughout the network. All Ambassadors will also receive a new B4 Ambassadors Card.

The rate to become an Ambassador is £250+VAT per annum (additional Ambassadors charged £99+VAT).

Become a B4 Member in less than 24 hours Here's what we need to get you started: 1. Your Logo - high quality is a must and in one of the following formats: jpeg, eps, pdf, ai 2. Between 50 and 300 words about your business - See the website for some great examples 3. Basic contact details - Basic contact details e.g. Address, telephone number, email address Our system will automatically generate a user name and password (which you can change) and you are ready to put up your first Press Release. But Don't Worry! There's a helpful online guide to assist you and we're always at the end of the phone.

Join B4 for just £250+VAT per annum B4 Membership is now one rate for all companies. The annual charge gives your business a listing in four quarterly editions of B4, presence in the B4 online directory with the ability to upload unlimited press releases and event details and access to all B4 Member events for all of your employees. We have at least four events in each area and you and your colleagues are welcome to all of them – there are no additional charges to attend events.

What about Editorial in the Magazine?

Looks complicated? Well it's not! We can set you up to have your picture taken at our associate's studio. We can get one of our freelance PR or Editor to interview you. You have Full Editorial Control so, nothing's printed without your agreement. Editorial pages start at £695+VAT and we can do almost all of it for you! Just ask!

Get Connected to our Growing Community Now:

Call Us Now - 01865 742211 B

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Going the extra mile

We don’t just want your event to be a success – we want the planning and hosting of it to be as easy, stress-free and enjoyable as possible.

We have a superb in-house team of event managers, chefs, technical and hospitality staff who all work endlessly to ensure the smooth running of our events.

For more information on our current day delegate offers visit www.cheltenham.co.uk Call 01242 539 538 or email cheltenhamevents@thejockeyclub.co.uk for our latest brochure.

• Over 10,000 free parking spaces • Capacity for 2 – 2,250 people • Full on site technical, AV and Marketing support available • Experienced and dedicated event management service • Bespoke catering options • Superb views of Cotswold Hills • Close to major road and rail links

@CheltRaceEvents

• Free Wi-Fi in key rooms

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 Lorna Dodson assistanteditor@b4-business.com Proofreader Sue Rosser B4 Events Tina Rosser events@b4-business.com B4 Digital Marketing Daria Montella Editorial contributors Jackie Jarvis Jo Sensecall Kelly Lea Lucy Holmes Lucy Howard Madeleine Barber Nicholas Newman Tony Haines Tracey Jefferies B4 Photography Rob Scotcher Studio Photography Studio8 Telephone: 01865 842525

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

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

© Designs-on Ltd and B4 Magazine.

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

welcome to B4 Welcome to Issue 28 It’s another bumper edition of B4 packed full of great advice, interesting articles and some new faces.

We welcome Alfa Romeo to Oxford, an iconic brand which is now available at Platinum Ambassadors, Motor Village Oxford and hear from B4 Ambassadors who have test driven various models.

Meet The Writers

We would also like to welcome, as new Platinum Ambassadors, The Jockey Club (South West Racecourses), Robert Stanley Opticians, Oxford Castle (all of whom you can read about in this issue) and finally, Pegasus Theatre.

Our lead article features Oxford Town Hall and Kelly Lea meets new commercial manager, Richard Clements, to find out more about the events being staged there, the challenges and opportunities facing Richard, and why you should consider the Town Hall for your next event.

If it’s advice you’re after, we have it in buckets! There’s great financial advice from Lloyds Commercial, Shaw Gibbs, Wenn Townsend and Grant Thornton, legal pointers from Darbys and Henmans Freeth and human resources features from Right Hand HR and Nicola Gardiner.

106. Business Insights Inspired Written by Jackie Jarvis

On the property front, we welcome Strutt & Parker to Oxford and also have contributions from VSL, Carter Jonas and Pink & Black.

We all like to unwind, (occasionally!) so have a look at our reviews of Café Aloha and The Bear and Ragged Staff; read all about Invisible Vegas’ photo shoot at Lady Margaret Hall and for some inspiring tales of the B4 bike ride, Jackie Jarvis puts all that effort into a great motivational article.

For those of you who attended our Said Lecture earlier in the year, we spotlight The West Wing, The Said Business School’s new conference facility…. and it’s simply stunning.

22. First Past the Post Written by Kelly Lea

We have also launched the B4 Ambassadors Card which is gaining momentum with some great offers across the Thames Valley. If you would like to upgrade to The Ambassadors Club, please get in touch with us today! See more on page 82.

Enjoy B4!

46. Buy, Hire Purchase or Lease?

Richard Rosser Editor

Written by Tony Haines

About

B4

Magazine

B4 Magazine was established to provide Oxfordshire businesses with a clear voice to raise their profile and to help businesses connect. Direct mailed to three thousand business decision makers in Oxfordshire every quarter, B4 is 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 Magazine is printed by 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

96. Not a cracker in sight Written by Jo Sensecall

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46 Buy, Hire Purchase, or Lease?: Wenn Townsend's Tony Haines helps you to understand your options.

51 Thinking About Recruiting?: Advice from Right Hand HR on recruitment after the recession.

LEAD

22 First Past the Post: The journey of Oxford Town Hall's commercial manager, Richard Clements.

72 A New Lease of Life?: Tips for business lease renewals from Henmans Freeth.

34 The Wonderful West Wing: Said Business School's stunning new investment.

41 Satisfaction Guaranteed: The women behind ADS, one of Oxon's leading advertising and design agencies.

52 IT Security Provider Goes for Gold: Quadsys Ltd becomes first UK Sophos Gold Solution Partner.

103 Company Car Drivers: Make sure yours aren't going to end you up in prison!

106 Marketingco's Business Insights: Inspired by B4's 428mile Cycle Challenge.

116 To 'Search' or to 'Find'?: A recruitment specialist such as Nicola Gardner could be the answer.

60 The High Sheriff Challenge: Tony Stratton, the High Sheriff of Oxfordshire for 2014, talks ideas.

68 Business is Booming: Oxford Centre for Innovation set for expansion even in these dark times.

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79 Strictly Fundraising: Oxford banker Karl Leitelmayer tells of his dancing endeavours.

112 What Katy Did: The story of Katy Stilborn, Blackwell's Head of Operations and Warrior Princess.

NEWS 10 13 21 30 45 67 75 76 91 115 104

News from the Ambassadors B4 News B4 Events Diary Visit Oxfordshire & Oxford Inspires Oxford Wine Company The Jockey Club Hawkwell House VSL Jennings Meet Oxfordshire B4 Summer Events

48 FINANCE

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48 Zombies to Defeat Recovery?: Shaw Gibbs outlines why growth in the economy might not equal new jobs.

ADVICE

71 International Trade: Get the support you need to trade internationally from Santander.

26 Motor Village: Alfa Romeo Comes to Oxford. B4 Ambassadors test drive the Giulietta and the Mito.

33 Darbys Crime & Regulatory Team: Defending you when the chips are down!

84 Tax Turns Innovative: Grant Thornton discuss the evolution of their team and plans for the future.

SPOTLIGHT

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B4 contents 64

124 Lower Mill Estate: The water garden is unveiled at Lower Mill Estate.

128 Pink & Black Property: Selling homes with style and intelligence.

VENUES

64 Invisible Vegas: Oxford-based rock band shoot their new promo at Lady Margaret Hall.

80 Williams Conference Centre: Looking for a venue to inspire, motivate and reward? Look no further.

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IT & COMMS 59 The Importance of Training: IT firm CIS Ltd explain why training, whenever possible, is key for your business.

95 The Social: This issue Glooo takes us through Google Alerts.

87 HEALTH

87 Keeping in Focus: Robert Stanley Opticians are on an eyecare mission.

123 In the CLEAR: Oxford Brookes' University's Clinical Exercise and Rehabilitation Unit.

38 SERVICES

38 NEW from Aston & James: Secure Shredding and Managed Print Services for your business.

96 Not a Cracker in Sight: Oxford Fine Dining explains how to make your Christmas Party memorable.

120 Suited to Oxford and Beyond: Meet Carol Rawson, MD of bespoke Oxford-based tailor Suit the City.

56 R&R

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MARKETING

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PROPERTY

63 SEOptimise: Oxford-based digital marketing agency takes the industry by storm.

42 Strutt & Parker: B4 meets a property firm bursting with enthusiasm and innovation.

111 Branding & Identity: Phil Strachan talks about the essential art of Managing Perceptions.

88 Unearthing the Experts' Stories: Meet four unique characters from Carter Jonas' Oxford office.

www.b4-business.com

56 How Smart is Your Home?: Endless possibilities with Bang & Olufsen's new Smart Home installations.

92 Eat. Drink. Enjoy.: Oxford Castle Quarter isn't going to let the Summer end!

99 CafĂŠ by Day, Restaurant by Night: Meet the man behind the buzzing CafĂŠ Aloha.

101 The Feathers in Woodstock: The country retreat that combines historic charm and a fun personality.

108 The Not So Ragged Bear: B4 meets Mark Greenwood, landlord of The Bear and Ragged Staff.

131 CONTACTS

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Residential Letting 路 Property Management

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meet oxfordshire

Why not join them?

Call us on 01865 742211 now for details about our Platinum Ambassador packages.

We have a capacity of 75 Platinum Ambassadors in each area.

AMBASSADORSHIPS ALREADY TAKEN OXFORDSHIRE 55 BERKSHIRE 15 BUCKINGHAMSHIRE 8

B4 contributors PICK OF THE B4 PLATINUM AMBASSADOR CONTRIBUTORS

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B4 REGULAR CONTRIBUTORS IN THIS ISSUE (IN PAGE ORDER) Visit Oxfordshire.......................................................................................................................30

VSL.........................................................................................................................................................76

Aston & James.............................................................................................................................38

Glooo...................................................................................................................................................95

Oxford Wine Company........................................................................................................45

Oxford Fine Dining..................................................................................................................96

Shaw Gibbs....................................................................................................................................48

The Feathers................................................................................................................................101

Lloyds TSB.......................................................................................................................................52

Ultimate Car Control...........................................................................................................103

Bang & Olufsen.......................................................................................................................56

Strangebrew................................................................................................................................111

Lady Margaret Hall...............................................................................................................64

Blackwell’s....................................................................................................................................112

Henmans Freeth........................................................................................................................72

www.b4-business.com

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B4 VIEWS We have asked some of the B4 network’s Ambassadors to help us to inject some confidence into the business community with encouraging news about their businesses or general reasons to be optimistic.

Many thanks to each of them for their time and we hope you leave this page feeling positive and upbeat!

Karl Leitelmayer, Senior Director, SME Banking, Lloyds TSB “Confidence is rising among local businesses, which seem more willing to look for investment. As part of our commitment to local causes, I am also taking part in Strictly Oxford, to raise money for Vale House” www.lloydstsb.com

Simon McCrum, partner Darbys “35% cent growth last year and another 40% at the half-year stage this year. You can try every option under the sun, but you can’t get away from the fact that only great people make a great business.” www.darbys.co.uk

Cheryl Adams, Regional Corporate Director, Santander “We’re passionate about fuelling the ambitions of Oxford businesses. That’s why we recently opened our new corporate office in Oxford with a team of dedicated Relationship Directors and Product Specialists, ready to help support successful and fast growing SME businesses.” www.santander.co.uk

Neil Grundon, Deputy Chairman, Grundon Waste Management Ltd “We expect to see real signs of recovery very soon now. Sales leads received via our web site have proven to be a good indicator of business confidence. After declining for 18 months they bounced back in Q2 and are rising again.” www.grundon.com

Tim Keatinge, General Manager Motor Village, Oxford “Motor Village Oxford has enjoyed quite a transformation in the last 12 months, not least with a new name. With Alfa Romeo coming to Oxford after a long absence, we are really excited about a positive future. Read all about Alfa Romeo in Oxford in Issue 28 of B4.” www.motorvillageuk.com

Mark Crampton Smith, Managing Director, College and County “Our confidence in the continued growth of the Private Rented Sector has allowed us to expand into Buckinghamshire where we have just acquired Open Doors. Two offices will allow us to deliver the same high quality, award winning, customer services in an innovative way, to a much wider market.” www.collegeandcounty.biz

Richard Smith, General Manager The Oakley Court Hotel, Windsor “Two glorious bank holidays recently made a significant difference to our business. But then, a shot of sunshine on our al fresco riverside terrace gives everyone a positive boost!” www.oakleycourtwindsor.com

Simon Brooker, partner BDO LLP “We are exceptionally lucky to be living and working in the Thames Valley area. There are so many tremendous businesses around us with some fantastic success stories....we’ve got many clients growing very confidently, despite the recession.” www.bdo.co.uk

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www.b4-business.com

B4 SPOTLIGHT

Phil Wood, Head of Enterprise Buckinghamshire New University “Innovation is key to our success and Bucks New University is increasingly becoming the first port of call for businesses who want to grow their people, their capabilities and their competitive edge.” www.bucks.ac.uk

David Stanning, Senior partner, B P Collins LLP “With some bounce at last returning to the economy, the Thames Valley remains a great place to build a business. We're passionate, privileged and pleased to bring top quality and top value legal advice to the thriving entrepreneurial culture.” www.bpcollins.co.uk

Richard Rosser, Editor, B4 Magazine “We come into contact with a wide range of businesses across the Thames Valley and although conditions will never be the same as they were, confidence is gradually coming back.” www.b4-business.com

James Dillon-Godfray, Business Development Director, London Oxford Airport

If you would like to contribute your view to a future edition of B4, please e-mail the editor at: editorial@b4-business.com

“We've seen 98% growth in our private aircraft market over the last five years, highest growth for any UK airport, which must be testament to the Thames Valley remaining prime investment territory.” www.londonoxfordairport.co.uk

Tony Rider, Director Business & Commercial Banking, RBS “I feel privileged to lead the RBS team working with the professional and business communities across the Thames Valley - economic challenge is still part of everyday life but there is good cause for optimism.” www.rbs.co.uk

Nicola Miller, Managing Director, Lime Blue Solutions “We have seen a significant increase in enquiries over the last month, for conferences and events at home and overseas. This is a very positive sign and hope that this will continue moving into the final quarter of the year.” www.limebluesolutions.com

www.b4-business.com

Ray Best, Managing Director, Pareto Lawrence “Ray Best received lifetime achievement award with Million Dollar Round Table, we have had a very busy and successful 12 months and put our success down to business owner clients and their response to our total planning service.” www.paretolawrence.co.uk

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

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

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B4 news

Aspire Oxford’s Life-Changing Social Businesses: Bigger, Better, Bolder Aspire Oxford is an award-winning local charity running its own social businesses in grounds & landscape maintenance, property services, labour supply and recycling. We provide our facilities management services to local councils, blue-chip corporates, academic institutions and private customers across Oxfordshire and beyond. All of our businesses come with social impact built-in, changing lives for local men and women facing complex barriers to securing employment.

We’ve expanded our teams and our fleet of vans this summer to match an unprecedented demand for our services from new and existing clients. From building beaches at the Oxford Castle Quarter to delivering grounds maintenance for Cottsway Housing Association across three counties, there’s no job Aspire can’t deliver!

We’re always keen to take on more business at a competitive price, so if your organisation has painting & decorating or grounds maintenance needs to be taken care of this autumn, contact us

on 01865 204451 / www.aspireoxford.co.uk to get a competitive quote.

Talented Young Oxfordshire Cyclist Seeks Sponsorship for Belgian Adventure one of the guides in the recent B4 ride from Edinburgh to Oxford, is currently seeking sponsorship from local businesses

Young Oxfordshire cyclist Ben Homa recently moved to Belgium to race for Kings North International, the team that produced Jack Baur, a competitor in the 2013 Tour de France. Ben,

“At a very young age I started cycling and completed my first road race at the age of twelve.

Leaving home at 18, I worked as a bike guide on a cruise ship around the Caribbean and Med. I graduated in 2012 with a 2:1 in Sport Science from Oxford Brookes. My race results are beginning to match the hours of work I put in during the winter months, and sponsorship would help fund the rest

of this season’s racing in Belgium and the UK in pursuit of a professional cycling contact. In return I can help raise the profile of any prospective sponsor’s brand via social media, on bike graphics and clothing related branding. Also 15% of my prize money is donated to Help for Heroes as I feel it is very important to aid those serving to recover.”

Please email bhoma23@gmail.com if you would like to discuss any of the above in more detail.

Good luck from all of us at B4, Ben.

Executive Fire Protection In addition to supplying and maintaining all types of fire extinguishers and fire safety equipment, Executive Fire Protection Ltd is about to embark on the servicing of kitchen fire suppression systems as well as maintaining dry riser systems, sprinkler systems and fire hydrants.

We are continuing to grow, and to expand our services in all aspects of fire fighting products and services.

We are always willing and open to offering new safety measures within our area of expertise.

We offer a 24 hour service, are BAFE accredited, and all our engineers are fully trained in the commissioning and maintenance of Portable Fire Extinguishers in compliance with British Standard 5306 Part 3.

requirements may be.

We offer a free site visit to give advice and guidance no matter how large or small the customer’s

We strive to deliver excellent customer service, care, and peace of mind. www.executivealarms.co.uk

Brethertons Seminar Programme rural businesses. The event will be held at the Windmill Community Centre, Hempton Road, Deddington, Banbury OX15 0QH on Tuesday 29 October and will be supported by the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI).

Brethertons Solicitors is launching a programme of complimentary seminars for small and rural business owners.

The first seminar, entitled Up in Smoke, deals with the topic of disaster recovery for agricultural and

www.b4-business.com

The second seminar, entitled Caring for Mum & Dad, deals with the subject of Long Term Care planning. The seminar, to be held on Thursday 14 November at the Littlebury Hotel, Kings End, Bicester, Oxfordshire, OX26 6DR, will look at the

financial consequences of long-term care, possible planning methods, the types of Trust available and comparing the merits of lifetime planning versus Wills.

To register your place at either of these events, and for details of forthcoming seminars, visit the Brethertons website www.brethertons.co.uk.

Contact rosieburchell@brethertons.co.uk for more information.

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The combination of stunning spaces, impressive technology, delicious food and unbeatable locations makes Saïd Business School, the centre for Oxford’s conferencing

Egrove Park

Park End Street

Egrove Park is Saïd Business School’s purpose-built executive education centre situated in 37 acres of parkland two miles from Oxford city centre.

The SaĂŻd Business School Park End Street building has a wide variety of different sized rooms to cater for all bookings from 300 people to a small meeting of six people all within a modern environment. The School is located next to the railway station and within easy walking distance of the city centre and bus station.

Facilities include: • wide range of meeting rooms – from a lecture theatre seating 100, to smaller syndicate rooms for break-out sessions • the latest high-tech and multimedia facilities and full IT/AV support from our -ICROSOFT #ERTIlED 4ECHNICIANS • 63 en-suite study bedrooms • on-site gym, sauna, two squash courts, an all-weather tennis court, a croquet lawn and a snooker room

The stunning new West Wing opened in October 2012 and complements the Park End Street state-of-the-art facilities. The large variety of teaching and meeting rooms lNISHED AND FURNISHED TO THE HIGHEST OF standards are available to businesses and organisations for conferences, meetings and exhibitions.

4O lND OUT MORE ABOUT OUR FACILITIES ACROSS THESE TWO SITES EMAIL CONFERENCE SBS OX AC UK 4ELEPHONE

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B4 news

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Clements and Church’s F1 Adventure Clements and Church are a gentleman’s tailors located on little clarendon street, Oxford. Jason Bevan the head tailor has recently enjoyed rubbing shoulders with the stars at Eddie Jordan’s Windsor races charity event. After meeting Barry Grinham owner of Prime Energy and Eddie Jordan’s personal trainer at a B4 event in Oxford, they both attended the event where Jason donated a bespoke suit that sold for 2 thousand pounds to the Clic Sargent charity. Jake Humphrey the BBC presenter ,hosted the event and Jason kindly gave him a pure silk pocket square to complete his outfit

on the night!

Separately Jason and Barry also attended the British Grand Prix where they spent the day with Force India and bumped into Sir Jackie Stewart, Niki Lauda amongst others!

Clements & Church provide an exceptional bespoke and ready to wear tailoring service sourcing some of the finest fabrics available.

Creating and designing ranges that cover everything from formal business attire through to unique one off bespoke suits.

www.clementsandchurch.co.uk

Rupert Reid and Jim Walters complete B4 Bike Ride and wingman Jim Walters of Security Exchange, eventually set off from Edinburgh Castle amidst the Fringe Festival on Thursday 15th August, bound for Blenheim Palace in aid of Helen & Douglas House, the Oxford children’s hospice.

Having missed the Big B4 Charity bike ride from Edinburgh to Oxford in May due to a minor medical issue, Rupert Reid (less his appendix)

Battling brisk headwinds and heavy rain showers, the intrepid ‘Peloton of Two’ peddled steadily South, ‘up hill and down dale’, with stops in Kelso, Newcastle, Leeds, Nottingham and Oxford where they refuelled on Aussie Shiraz and Ribeye steaks;

pressing on to a triumphant entry into Blenheim Palace on the following Monday.

Rupert and Jim would like to thank the Security Exchange Race Support Crew, the excellent staff of the Cross Keys Hotel in Kelso, the De Vere Village Hotel Group and Browns Restaurants; and Richard Rosser and the B4 team for making it all happen.

Most of all, though, thanks to all their sponsors who gave so generously and helped raise over £3500 for Helen & Douglas House.

Adhere Training Club Launches its First Franchise Adhere Training Club, based in High Wycombe, sees its first Training Club franchise launch in October this year in Guildford, Surrey. The Training Club model is only two years old but has already seen a huge amount of growth in that period with training venues in Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, London and now Surrey.

Founder of Adhere Training Club, Lisa Butler, puts

the success of Training Club down to the innovative way in which the training workshops have been packaged as part of a membership based offer.

Members pay a fixed monthly fee, from as little as £10 per person, and they then have unlimited access to all 26 workshop topics, as often and as much as they like. Lisa says “No other training provider in the UK offers a package in this way, which is why it’s very appealing not only to potential members but also potential franchisees.

Adhere Training Club focuses on three core benefits to all of their training workshops, Increase Sales, Reduce Costs and Save Time. To find out more about Adhere Training Club visit www.adheretraining.co.uk

There are easier ways to save on fuel and speed up your service!

teletra

Fleet Management Solutions

Teletrax Ltd is an independent Certified Business Partner for TomTom Business Solutions and we provide the latest in GPS satellite vehicle tracking and internet-based telematics and fleet management systems.

www.b4-business.com

We offer a range of products and services such as: • TomTom vehicle tracking, fuel monitoring, two way communication and active driver behaviour solutions (typically saving companies up to 20% on fleet operating costs) • TomTom navigation solutions with LIVE services and HD Traffic • PDA based solutions enabling efficient communication with your mobile workforce • Dynamic Routing & Scheduling solutions (typically

saving companies up to 29% on fleet operating costs) • Vehicle Tracking Policies to protect companies from falling foul of data protection and privacy laws when using vehicle tracking systems • Full UK & European installation coverage Contact us on 01235 856 054 or email info@teletraxltd.co.uk

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Executive Alarms continued growth

Executive Alarms is continuing to grow its customer base and our reputation and company profile continues to widen after successfully securing a contract award with a Local Authority for a large fire alarm system.

We strive to deliver excellent customer service and

in order to fulfil this goal we are currently working towards NSI NACOSS Gold Scheme accreditation.

operate an effective quality management system, but also that the product supplied is fully compliant.

The prestigious reputation of the NSI audit means customers will enjoy the reassurance which NSI certification brings.

Whilst preparing for NACOSS Gold, we have already received BAFE (British Approvals for Fire Equipment) compliance for the design, installation & maintenance of fire alarm systems & equipment.

The NACOSS Gold Scheme is not only a UKAS Accredited QMS scheme but it is also a UKAS Accredited PC (Product Certification) scheme for companies like ourselves who Design, Plan, Install and Maintain Electronic Security Systems.

Consequently companies approved under the scheme not only have to demonstrate that they

Furthermore we have recently employed two new Trainee Alarm Engineers who will be enrolled this autumn on the Skills for Security apprenticeship scheme as we actively invest in our workforce offering talented young people a career in the industry. www.executive-systems.co.uk

Hidden Spire returns to the Old Fire Station In the centre of Oxford is a tower above the Old Fire Station which is hard to spot. We call it the Hidden Spire. In December 2012, Arts at the Old Fire Station and Crisis Skylight produced the first Hidden Spire event. It was the biggest creative collaboration between the two charities since we re-opened in November 2011 and brought professional artists and homeless people together to explore the theme of hidden through music, theatre, dance, visual arts and more.

For 2013, an expanded Hidden Spire returns with the theme of chance with four performances from 12th to 14th December.

Hidden Spire will stir, enchant, amuse and intrigue.

It will also show the value and the potential of combining a public art centre and resources for homeless people in the same building. And importantly it shows that excellent art and inclusive art can be the same thing.

How lucky are you at Christmas?

To find out more about the project, visit the project blog: www.hiddenspire.blogspot.co.uk

Regional businesses invited to join as founder members of Thames Valley Business Barometer panel Valley region. The survey results offer a compelling street-level view of business sentiment, helping to inform decisions on growth, investment and employment in the region.

Accountancy and business advisory firm, BDO LLP in collaboration with premier PR and marketing agency, C8 Consulting, are delighted to announce plans to create a new panel of business leaders to influence commerce, infrastructure and social trends in the Thames Valley.

Members will be invited to contribute to the Thames Valley Business Barometer and represent a cross section of regional businesses from the area, giving companies the opportunity to influence Barometer reports through discussion and the identification of emerging trends.

Now in its second year, the Thames Valley Business Barometer provides a quarterly snapshot of business and economic confidence in the Thames

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Simon Brooker, Head of BDO Thames Valley comments: “This new Thames Valley Business Barometer Panel gives local organisations a voice, creating an opportunity for discussion around topical issues and current trends in business. It provides panel members with key insights into the region’s growth strategy and an understanding of how their peers are faring, as well as the impact that businesses are having on the Thames Valley economy.”

There are many benefits in becoming a founding member of the Thames Valley Business Barometer panel: · Thought Leadership: Organisations can share their views and comment on key trends and themes around regional business for the Barometer

· Share of Voice: Members will be invited to discuss the initial findings at events and have their views referenced in the final production of the report · Profile: There will be a social media and PR programme wrapped around the launch of each Barometer and also members will be invited to attend regular Barometer events · Networking: Attendance at the quarterly Twenties Club event will be extended to all panel members, where they can network with business peers and discuss the Barometer findings · Enhancing Relationships: The opportunity to nominate businesses they work with or admire to be interviewed for an in-depth business profile, and to invite businesses within their networks to participate for themselves If you are a business in the Thames Valley area and would like to commit to becoming a panel member, or simply to discuss the Thames Valley Business Barometer further, please contact Karen Meenderink at BDO on 0118 925 4448 or via email Karen.Meenderink@bdo.co.uk.

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B4 news Oxford Technologies Wins Major UK Decommissioning Contract Oxford Technologies Ltd has been awarded a £4.3M contract by Dounreay Site Restoration Ltd to design, build, install and commission a remotely controlled Intervention Platform which will facilitate the retrieval of waste from the Dounreay Shaft and Stub tunnel complex.

Some of the most hazardous radioactive waste from Britain’s post war nuclear programme was disposed of into the 65m shaft and 18m long horizontal stub tunnel. Emptying and cleaning the Shaft and Stub Tunnel presents one of the world’s most challenging decommissioning projects, and

Oxford Technologies’ proven ability to deliver innovative and cost effective remote handling solutions will be brought to bear on this mission.

Oxford Technologies Ltd is a world leading SME in the provision of remote handling solutions for Nuclear Fusion and High Energy Physics applications. This contract is a major step in a planned growth and diversification programme with several new positions being created.

Charlotte Daubney (Executive). Tel: 01235 544871 charlotte.daubney@oxfordtechnologies.co.uk

Are you missing opportunities?

Are you missing opportunities for profit growth because you’re tied up with the day-to-day running of the business?

onward development.

RTS specialises in helping small to medium size businesses to identify operational efficiencies which will significantly improve the bottom line.

“Rosemary hits the ground running. We value her support, input and professional approach and she delivered not only a significant improvement to our gross margin but also better business systems for our onward control and planning.”

Many years of experience in retail buying with large High Street Retailers ensures delivery of both a strategic vision and focus on detail. This will leave you with a clear view of the future, better established processes and greater control of your

Val Jackson, Director. Jigsaw Media & Marketing Ltd Fast, affordable and a flexible addition to your team, contact Rosemary Brown for more information. rbrown@riseholme.plus.com www.rts-breakthroughsolutions.co.uk

Culham Publication Services Make It A Hat Trick! tournament has been a resounding success. We are also grateful for the help received from Donna, Claire, Rachel and Brian.

Ken Heathcote and the team at Studley Wood put on a great show that made Studley Wood a very worthy venue for the final.

The final pairing of Frilford Heath (Jimmy James and Alistair Booth) and Bang & Olufsen (Mark James and Gary Quainton) had the best scores carried forward from the qualifiers but Culham Publication Services (Peter Wilson and Barry James) with a score of 46 points came from behind to win the trophy. Bang & Olufsen were second and Clifton Ingram third.

On probably the hottest day of the year the B4/M Group Golf Cup Final was contested on the demanding course at Studley Wood. The fairways were firm but the softer greens enabled the better players to score well. The

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Course was in exceptional condition and the day was absolutely fantastic with tmb Events yet again stamping their professionalism on the event. We are indebted to Nigel Green for his tireless efforts to ensure that the whole

Alistair Booth won nearest the pin and the longest drive. Interested in joining over 40 Thames Valley teams for next year’s competition? Call Colin on 01865 742211.

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B4 news

by

WILA celebrate WILA Lighting celebrated its’ 20th Birthday of trading here in the UK at a surprise celebration held for Mike Collett at The Vineyard, Stockcross earlier this month.

Claire Styles had organised the evening of celebration in secret over the last 6 months.

The evening was enjoyed by a number of colleagues past and present, associates and friends of Mike.

The evening began with Claire explaining what Mike and WILA have achieved during the last 20

years. Others then spoke of working for and with Mike. Before a production of video messages in the form of “This is your Life” were played. Friend and Editor of Lux Magazine, Ray Molony spoke of the other Top 10 challenges Mike had faced during the last 20 years.

All then enjoyed fantastic food and wine whilst listening to the amazing operatic voice of Rejeli Paulo and Andrew Macmillan, who accompanied Rejeli on piano. www.wila.com

Playreal Ronaldo. Kaka. And now Bale. It is not often that you get to train under the club that houses such extraordinary talent.

But this year Oxford played host to the very first Real Madrid Foundation "Campus Experience".

Students aged 9-17 spent one week living and breathing the ethos and values that the club instills in all of its players.

Each day saw packed schedules with two training sessions and a huge range of activities including

assault courses, chef's school and even yoga. And with the course hosted by Lady Margaret Hall, University of Oxford it really was the football experience of a lifetime.

"Fantastic camp", "One to treasure" and "Big success" have been just some of the reviews from the parents and children who attended.

The only question left to ask is will you be there next year? For information and enquires just visit www.playreal.co.uk.

The B4 Said Lecture: IT and Your Business In association with Lloyds Commercial, we will again be holding a B4 Lecture event at The West Wing, Said Business School on Friday 8th November at 8am (finishes at 10am).

not restricted to B4 Members and Ambassadors.

There will be an opportunity to network until 8.30am before the four 15 minute presentations and again after the presentations until 10am.

Our confirmed speakers are CIS, Sophos and Everyday Technologies with one other to confirm.

Places are limited to just 75 so please register by visiting www.b4-business.com and clicking on B4 Events in the menu.

Breakfast will be provided for this open event, so

Join The B4 Ambassadors Club Our fantastic new B4 Ambassadors Card is attracting some great offers as you can see on page 82.

If you’re a member and want to upgrade to Ambassador, why not do so today and start to benefit from these great deals. We have new offers coming on stream weekly and you can be a B4 Ambassador for just £250+VAT per annum (once

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you have one Ambassador, your colleagues can get hold of a card for just £99+VAT).

Contact B4 today on 01865 742211 to find out more about being an Ambassador. www.b4-business.com

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B4 diary

In Association with Carter Jonas

Event Organiser

OXFORDSHIRE

Venues

Date

Time

Event Details

The Manor Hawkwell House Bodleian Library Said Business School

2nd Oct 21st Nov TBA 2014 8th Nov

6.00pm 6.00pm TBA 8.00am

The Forbury Hotel

17th Oct

5.30pm

B4 Members & Guests’ Networking Events

The Compleat Angler Hartwell House

24th Oct TBA

6.30pm TBA

B4 Members & Guests’ Networking Events

The Manor

1st Oct

6.00pm

The Oxfordshire Restaurant Awards 2013 www.oxfordshirerestaurantawards.co.uk

12.00pm

Business growth networking forum which gives its members a safe, confidential testing ground for ideas, solution-finding and business opportunities. Please contact lmacdonald@bizlinx.org.uk for further information. Tel: 01865 424869 / 07554 019240

9.30am

This informal seminar looks at LinkedIn profiles and accounts and how you can make them more effective and use LinkedIn as a tool for your business. We will look at your strategy for LinkedIn, raising your profile and the new company pages.

12.30pm

This informal seminar will look at: Integrating twitter as part of your marketing plan - Setting up your account & profile - What and when to tweet Measuring Twitters effectiveness - Using Twitter as a promotional tool.

B4 Members & Guests’ Networking Events Presentations by Sophos, CIS, and Everyday Technologies

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Blenheim Palace

Urban Element, Witney Office

Urban Element, Witney Office

2nd Oct 6th Nov 5th Dec

22nd Oct

22nd Oct

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

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B4 LEAD

FIRST PAST THE POST AT OXFORD TOWN HALL From Carlisle Racecourse to Oxford Town Hall, a journey with more similarities than you may think for commercial manager, Richard Clements, writes Kelly Lea of Syncro PR. If new to the city you could be forgiven for walking past the magnificent Grade II* Victorian building on St Aldate’s without discovering the diverse venue of Oxford Town Hall which has hosted a wide range of events in its history from a Rolling Stones concert through to Nelson Mandela giving his acceptance speech for Freedom of the City.

Home to the Museum of Oxford, the only museum in Oxford to tell the story of Oxford, the beautiful historic venue also has a licensed cafe, gift shop, heritage learning centre, exhibition space and gallery corridor. However, there are many more hidden treasures that could be of interest to the B4 Business community in addition to general visitors to the city.

The challenge facing new commercial manager, Richard Clements, is to broadcast one of Oxford’s best-kept secrets, creating noise about a venue, which has so much potential to play a bigger role on the Oxford stage.

Previously General Manager of Carlisle Racecourse, Clements spent seven and a half years working at venues owned by The Jockey Club to help maximise their use beyond the race meetings they ran throughout the year.

His last race meeting at Carlisle saw interest triple, with 9,000 tickets sold, inspired by a hotly

anticipated performance from Madness which followed a great evening’s racing. This was a fantastic achievement considering the average race card would typically attract interest from up to 3,000 visitors or ‘punters’.

“Oxford Town Hall is not too dissimilar to Carlisle Racecourse in terms of challenges,’ explains Clements. “My task at Carlisle was to make use of the venue outside of racing which left 344 days of the year. What do you do with a racetrack?

Conferences, exhibitions, concerts and weddings!”

The Jockey Club reinvests profit made from its racecourses towards the development of horse racing, and Clements is keen to highlight that the increase in income at Oxford Town Hall will be reinvested back into public services via Oxford City Council. This was an influencing factor, aside from location, when accepting his new role.

My interview with Clements took place in a room, which hosted two Hindu weddings the previous day. With four licensed rooms to host civil and partnership ceremonies, he reports that wedding bookings are already up by 50 per cent on last year in the first four months.

The upcoming Oxford Town Hall Wedding Fair will also become a firm fixture in the bride to be diary as ladies flock to see up to 40 exhibitors alongside an unrivalled wedding fashion catwalk showcasing an array of dress designs and accessories, every September.

“The challenge facing new commercial manager, Richard Clements, is to broadcast one of Oxford’s best-kept secrets”

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D ECK THE HALL With schools now back and normal play resumed, it won’t be long before the chaos of summer holidays is a distant memory with thoughts turning towards Christmas trees, mistletoe and the infamous office Christmas Party.

During December, Oxford Town Hall will be transforming its beautiful main hall into an extravagant Winter Wonderland for shared Christmas parties and we have been promised: ‘a magical spectacle with exquisite lighting and guests captivated by the breath-taking landscape.’

Clements explains: “We are going all-out to create a Winter Wonderland to get everyone in the Christmas mood. After an entertaining welcome from our themed characters, guests will be treated to a complimentary drink to break the ice before being seated under a starry night sky to enjoy a three-course banquet and I am positive they will all be keen to dance the night away to our JackFM DJ following that!”

Tickets are on sale for half a table now (five people) at £55 per person with party dates available from Thursday 12 December to Saturday 21 December, but be sure to be quick as dates are already starting to sell-out.

Incentives are offered to those purchasing two full tables (ten per table) in addition to drinks packages as an alternative to the cash bar option.

Book online at: www.wegottickets.com/ OxfordTownHall or contact the Oxford Town Hall team for further information on T: 01865 252525 or E: townhall@oxford.gov.uk.

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I[`fWd Ia`VWd^S`V

Shared Christmas Parties

12th - 21st December 2013 Meet & greet welcome by themed characters Complementary arrival drink 3 course festive dinner Frosted bar Free photo booth Jack FM DJ & disco BOOK NOW! Tickets on sale for half tables of 5 or full tables of 10 wegottickets.com/oxfordtownhall Exclusive and individual bookings available Call 01865 252525 or email townhall@oxford.gov.uk

B4 LEAD

“A lot of fantastic events

already take place at the Town Hall but we haven’t been shouting about them to date which is about to change

”

“With stunning architecture, feature fireplaces, wood panelling and chandeliers, Oxford Town Hall is the perfect venue to host a variety of weddings,” comments Clements. “We can accommodate the wedding ceremony and reception in one venue and make use of our many rooms so that guests receive a different experience in each. The team are already doing a fantastic job with weddings so my efforts will mostly be focussed on developing other areas to attract more visitors to the Town Hall.”

That said, Clements does have a fantastic idea, which may appeal to the slightly quirky bride and groom, but before that can be revealed, he needs to ‘hold court’ to discuss the merits of applying for an additional license, which could see the groom in a dock and wedding party as judge and jury before even becoming Mr and Mrs! A new chapter The present Town Hall opened on 12 May 1897 by the Prince of Wales (who later became King Edward VII) following a fiercely fought design competition, which received over 300 entries. It was eventually won by a Paris-trained architect, Henry Thomas Hare, responsible for creating the Town Hall as we know it today.

showcasing the venue to the business community so that its scope to woo and impress clients is truly realised, we will also be hosting many more Oxford Town Hall run events from comedy nights through to concerts which will benefit Oxford residents and the many tourists attracted to the city.”

With rooms for hire to suit all events, Oxford Town Hall can host small intimate events from two - 50 guests, receptions and dinner dances for 50-270, conferences with support space, including 13 breakout rooms for up to 350 and concerts for up to 842 guests.

Many visitors fail to realise that a courtroom is located within the building, which has unquestionably appeared in Morse, in addition to judge and jury rooms. Often used by the Oxford University Debating Club, the rooms are available for meetings and events to provide a unique environment beyond the typical venue offering.

Clements is keen to emphasise that he has joined an exceptional events team, which has experience of managing and working on high profile events from the Grand National through to civic ceremonies surrounded in protocol, requiring great attention to detail to ensure success.

Clements is aiming to replicate the same buzz and awareness around the building with the creation of a new chapter in Oxford Town Hall’s history that will see it recognised as a first-rate venue for conferences, meetings, exhibitions, fairs, concerts, corporate dinners, Christmas parties and many more social events.

“Flexibility is key in the service offered by the Oxford Town Hall team. Each client is provided with a dedicated event manager to ensure events go without a hitch and catering can either be provided through Oxford Town Hall’s preferred suppliers or alternatively, a client’s own supplier can be easily accommodated.”

The list is endless which reflects the vast potential of an iconic venue, which successfully combines Victorian grandeur with modern amenities.

A smashing event The Oxford Town Hall team has already attracted a booking for March 2014 for Smashing Conference, an international three-day event aimed at web developers, which attracts prestigious sponsors such as Google and Wordpress and well-respected industry experts as speakers.

This year’s

“A lot of fantastic events already take place at the Town Hall but we haven’t been shouting about them to date which is about to change. Aside from www.b4-business.com

conference took place in Germany.

“The Smashing Conference will be a fantastic event held at Oxford Town Hall next year with the venue being fully utilised with a combination of high profile speakers in the main hall through to workshops taking place in our breakout rooms.

Organisers are taking advantage of the fact Oxford is known to the International audience it is trying to attract.”

He continues: “Oxford Town Hall has the necessary stature to support the ethos of the event to attract attendees, speakers and sponsors in addition to being perfectly located in the city centre with great public transport links to airports and the train station. Many buses even stop outside of our door so it couldn’t be more convenient!”

Clements’ target is to attract more events of this calibre to Oxford Town Hall and Smashing Conference will clearly be a good case study to market the venue moving forward.

A bigger slice of pie Oxford Town Hall currently attracts approximately 150,000 visitors each year when combining Museum visitors with events held at the venue, which is just a snip of the 9.5million visitors, attracted to the city as reported by Oxford City Council.

With that in mind, combined with the 4,000 businesses in Oxfordshire, Clements clearly has a ready-made-market to increase footfall through the doors of Oxford Town Hall, a challenge he is clearly looking forward to.

To discover what’s on at Oxford Town Hall or to find out more about the venue’s facilities, visit www.oxford.gov.uk/townhall, follow them on twitter @OxfordTownHall.

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ALFA ROMEO COMES TO OXFORD For over 100 years, Alfa Romeo has made cars that enthusiasts dream about – fast, stylish, distinctive and unmistakably Italian. Great designers and engineers have contributed to the legend, as have drivers such as Nuvolari, Fangio and Tarquini. Even Enzo Ferrari started his career as an Alfa Romeo racing driver, and later managed the Grand Prix team before starting his own company.

Alfa Romeo’s roll of honour includes victories at Le Mans, the Mille Miglia, the Targa Florio and countless Grand Prix victories. Henry Ford used to doff his hat whenever he saw an Alfa Romeo: more recently Jeremy Clarkson described Alfa Romeo ownership as ‘a rite of passage’. The passion and heritage of over 100 years of Alfa Romeo is distilled within the current Alfa Romeo range, one which you can now see at Motor Village Oxford just outside of Kidlington.

Cloverleaf

In this article we look at the history of Alfa Romeo and hear from B4 Ambassadors who tell us about their experiences following a two day testing.

Now the Cloverleaf has returned to the Alfa Giulietta and Alfa MiTo, the new models which have assumed a place in the tradition of the best Alfa Romeos, drawing on the heritage of dynamic performance, without compromising on efficiency, respect for the environment and convenience in everyday use.

The Goodwood Festival of Speed A superb line up of historic Alfa Romeo vehicles added to the action brought at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed 2013.

Alongside the dynamic UK debut of the Alfa 4C, show-goers were able to see six examples from the Alfa Romeo Museum including the stunning 33 Stradale, the spiritual predecessor of the Alfa 4C. This year Alfa Romeo celebrates the 50th anniversary of Autodelta, its official racing division established in March 1963, and the 90th anniversary of the 'Quadrifoglio Verde', the legendary symbol that has identified some of Alfa Romeo's sportiest models.

Bringing everything right up to date is the Alfa 4C, the ‘Launch Edition' of which was given its world première at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year. Made in Italy, the Alfa 4C represents the true essence of a sports car, embodying the authentic values of the Alfa Romeo brand: Italian style, performance and technical excellence, offering maximum driving satisfaction in total safety.

Powered by a new all-aluminium, direct-injection, 240hp 1750cc turbo petrol engine, developing 350Nm of torque, the implemented state-of-the-art technical and technological solutions push the Alfa 4C to reach real supercar performance, as demonstrated by a weight/power ratio of less than 4kg per hp.

"We were so excited to showcase Alfa Romeo’s future at Goodwood with the Alfa 4C, but it’s equally important to us that we gave festival goers a taste of our history too. Alfa’s heritage is so valuable to the company – it’s part of our DNA. You only have to look at the 33 Stradale and the 4C to see that amazing lineage,’ said Damien Dally, Head of Brand at Alfa Romeo UK.

The origin of the 'Quadrifoglio Verde' (Cloverleaf) badge has been lost in legend, but today the Cloverleaf is part of the Italian Air Force's coat of arms and at the same time remains the symbol of Alfa Romeo's philosophy, based on the constant pursuit of excellence applied to competitions, and transferred to production vehicles.

AUTODELTA Autodelta’s original goal was to manage Alfa Romeo's official return to competitive sports after withdrawing from the F1 World Championship in 1951. It’s the reason why Alfa Romeo decided to create a special racing organisation physically detached from the production plant and having enough discretionary power to quickly take technical and sporting decisions. The most prominent figure of Autodelta's fascinating history is without a doubt the charismatic engineer Carlo Chiti.

Carlo Chiti was in motorsport during one of its most romantic eras; he worked with Enzo Ferrari, helped to design cars that won hundreds of races, and guided drivers such as Juan Manuel Fangio and Niki Lauda to many famous victories. Carlo Chiti was at the heart of Autodelta and he played a pivotal role in Alfa Romeo’s return to motorsport.

MOTOR VILLAGE OXFORD The Motor Village Oxford dealership has been completely transformed and offers Alfa Romeo, Jeep and Chrysler. You will find other Motor Village showrooms located in Croydon, West London and Central London.

Come and see us at the Motor Village Oxford showroom today and find out more about these exciting brands.

Visit us for everything you need for Alfa Romeo, Jeep and Chrysler - all under one roof. In addition to all the services you’d expect – new and used car sales, business and fleet, Motability and servicing , Motor Village Oxford also acts as a centre of excellence for these brands. With the best of the best in quality, service and experience we look forward to welcoming you soon. www.motorvillageoxfordalfaromeo.co.uk

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B4 SPOTLIGHT

“Alfa’s heritage is so valuable to the company – it’s part of our DNA” Damien Dally, Head of Brand at Alfa Romeo UK

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Think Rhodes for Business...

For full information on exclusive use, meetings, seminars, team building and conferences please call 01865 282599 or email events@rhodeshouse.ox.ac.uk

Rhodes House, Oxford, OX1 3RG

Telephone 01865 282 599 events@rhodeshouse.ox.ac.uk www.rhodeshouseoxford.com

B4 SPOTLIGHT

B4 ALFA ROMEO AMBASSADOR REVIEWS with good visual features. The alloys were great and really added value to the looks. I liked the whole interior and it had a real sporty feel, the only criticism would be that it didn’t feel premium but ahead of the middle class. Good boot space but not so much for rear passengers, however, I wouldn’t think this is pointed at the family type market

The Old Swan and Minster Mill “I’m a girl who loves her car. I enjoy getting behind the wheel and knowing if I need the power to overtake, my 2 litre won’t let me down. So when I was offered the chance to drive the new 1.4 litre Alfa Romeo Giulietta, I was a little apprehensive.

Would it live up to my expectations?

“I was presented with the sleek, sporty Giulietta, with smooth lines and four doors. Over a period of three days, I was able to experience the drive in various weather conditions and times of the day. I was impressed with the option of the DNA System, which meant that I could choose to drive in Dynamic Mode, allowing me to experience the responsive braking system, and giving me the ability to be confident in taking corners quickly. The Natural Mode was a great option, particularly on a motorway, when a smoother, more relaxed drive was required. Being a girl, I’ve always been told that a couple of inches make all the difference, and when it came to parking I was grateful for the parking sensors, which guided me to inch-perfect parking even in the tightest of positions.

“My journey into work involves going across a toll bridge. Unfortunately, the absence of a coin holder meant scrambling in my handbag for a 5 pence coin. The coffee holder didn’t fit my unusually large coffee container, which meant my required daily dose of caffeine was restricted. In addition, though I’m not a golfer, I did think the boot would be too tight to squeeze in a set of golf clubs.

“That being said, the car was sexy, compact, and economical on fuel, with attractive red leather seats.

The automatic transmission was very responsive, and for a 1.4 litre I was very impressed with the power under the bonnet.“

“I really enjoyed the drive. A comfortable and responsive drive with enough power without the gas guzzling fuel. I probably didn’t test the DNA enough on different roads because, to be fair, I didn’t get a distinct change in drive. My only issue was I found the clutch too high and difficult to get used to. My knee was quite high when not in use.

It didn’t raise an eyebrow but I must admit it did hold its own.

“The Alfa Romeo Giulietta is a good looking car. The interior was very nice and the dash well laid out

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It truly is a remarkable Supermini that has to be driven to be appreciated.

“I got quite attached with the car to be honest and the more I drove it, the more I enjoyed it. Would I buy one? If I was in the market for this category then I think it would definitely have to be in with a shout. I think it does everything very well. What do I remember negatively? For me I just wasn’t fond of the front but I loved the back. The drive didn’t sparkle me but I did enjoy it and overall I liked the car.

Rupert Leigh-Wood Carter Jonas

Advertising and Design

I thought the Mito, over the two days, to be a very enjoyable car to drive both in the city and countryside. Externally the car was very stylish with round tail lights, a smart badge and a sporty look.

Alfa Romeo’s have always been known to be very stylish and this model did not disappoint. Internally I was surprised by the amount of space available, the comfortable driving position and the quality of finish. The boot was of a generous size and the only slight issue I had was the rear view could have been better.

“On initial viewing, the Mito looked like a stylish 3 door hatchback. I was right too. Not only does the exterior deliver, with its modern, sophisticated style, it continues to impress when you step into the car.

The Mito is both spacious and comfortable which, for a 3-door hatchback, was a surprise.

Above all though was the drive the Mito offered.

The steering was crisp and the engine had enough torque through all the gears. The gear box was excellent and the drive on the A roads was effortless. My only reservation was that it could have benefited from having a sixth gear.

“The dashboard and graphics are well designed and the interior design is innovative and styles itself well as an ’Alfa’ with a modern edge. As I would expect from an Alfa Romeo, there would be that little extra something that makes it special.

I would thoroughly recommend this car as it is stylish, handles well and has just the right amount of power coupled with sound handling. It was certainly a bind to let it go and made the return to my usual car a rather disappointing experience.

“The first was the personality. Alfa has not lost its way with this car which shows why the reputation Alfa has spent years to build, and is renowned for, will live on in this Mito hatchback.

For enquiries, please contact Cristiano at Motor Village Oxford on 01865 376 000.

Emma Ludden

Tim Gilpin Heythrop Resort

The Mito is presented as being the world’s sportiest compact car. It did feel like I was in sports car, which is an achievement considering I felt anything but compact. I drove the 1.3 diesel Mito sprint and it did just that. It has an advanced system that allows you to change the dynamics of the car according to your driving needs. I got to test the ‘dynamic’ and ’natura’ features and was really impressed at the differences I noticed in the feel and handling of the car. The Mito becomes even more appealing when you look beyond the sports car features and discover the efficiency and safety aspects to this car.

“The second was the air vents. A part of a car most would not consider as a reason to buy I grant you but the functionality of these are the best I have ever experienced and I hope have won or do win

Motor Village Oxford, Banbury Road, Shipton on Cherwell, Kidlington, Oxon, OX5 1JH.

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Photography: Rob Scotcher

Amanda Baker

an award.

Experience Oxfordshire is the county’s development agency for culture and tourism.

BBC Arts Correspondent, Will Gompertz

Oxford Inspires hosted their annual Cultural Platform event on the 17th May at The Old Fire Station in Oxford. Over 80 delegates attended the event from both the business and cultural sector. Guest celebrity speaker was BBC Arts Correspondent, Will Gompertz who gave an inspiring talk on how we all should think and behave like artists in order to be successful in all walks of life.

Witney Corn Exchange: Oxford Inspires continues to support Witney Town Council through their proposed redevelopment of Witney Corn Exchange into an Arts Centre. Having commissioned a detailed feasibility study, Oxford Inspires is now developing an application to Heritage Lottery Fund and calling upon experts to provide the information required for a robust application.

Cultural Tourism Research & Development: Oxford Inspires is nearing the completion of the 3 month research and development period into potential areas of growth in cultural tourism in Oxfordshire, Oxford Inspires hosted a round table meeting at The Ashmolean on 12th July. 20 people were invited from across the cultural and tourism sectors and John Prebble attended from Arts Council England to announce the launch of the 3 million pound funding stream ‘Cultural Destinations’. The discussions were constructive and highlighted the potential for growth, particularly in the groups market. Oxford

Inspires will write an application in partnership with Visit Oxfordshire and a number of other consortium members to be agreed. Only 15 consortium bids will be successful across the UK and up to £350K may be applied for.

Creative Literacy project: Oxford Inspires raised the funds for The ‘Learning Through Stories’ creative literacy project to complement the work of our local authorities and the project was successfully launched at The Story Museum on 26th June. The author Geraldine McCaughrean gave an emotive speech and there were also remarks from Leader of the Council, Bob Price, Jane Bryant, Director of Artswork and Jacqui Ibbotson. The project, designed to enhance the City Council’s own literacy and leadership programme, will be delivered by The Story Museum and Pegasus Theatre, using storytelling, creative writing, drama, visual arts and music and will run from September 2013 to March 2015.

100 Years of Car Making in Oxford: Oxford Inspires continues to support and promote Oxfordshire’s celebrations for our centenary of car making.

William Morris was the driving force behind this innovative industry and rose from humble beginnings in Oxford to become a multi-millionaire who donated huge sums of money to medical research. For details of these and more Car centenary events, go visit www.visitoxfordandoxfordshire.com.

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, together with our new bedfellows at Visit Oxfordshire, to raise Oxfordshire’s profile as a cultural destination nationally and internationally.

30

www.oxfordinspires.org

www.b4-business.com

news 2014 Visit Oxfordshire Destination Guide Visit Oxfordshire has started work on the 2014 destination guide promoting Oxford and Oxfordshire as a key short break destination in the UK.

It will be a 36 page A4 brochure highlighting the best Oxfordshire has to offer with a 40,000 print run and 25,000 will be distributed to online consumers. The guide will also be developed into

a brochure app and available to download through our website at www.visitoxfordandoxfordshire.com for more information please contact Kelly Mills-Dudley - marketing@visitoxfordshire.org

Meet Oxfordshire The Summer Garden Party was held on the 3rd July at Rhodes House and it was a great success. We had 26 exhibitors and over 120 delegates attended. Initial feedback from the exhibitors has been positive and they are asking for this event to take place next year.

The enquiry handling service has now come back in house and is managed by Thea Howe, a review is also taking place of the website www.meetoxfordshire.com which promotes Oxfordshire as a world class destination for conferences and events – if you would like to find out more about Meet Oxfordshire please contact the team on 01865 252799 or follow us on twitter @meetoxfordshire Rhodes House

Blenheim Palace Flower Show Visit Oxfordshire attending the first Flower show at Blenheim Palace in June promoting all the wonderful gardens of Oxfordshire.

The event was very successful and lots of visitors were delighted to find out more about what there is to see and do in this amazing county

Group and Travel Trade Campaign 2013/14 A new group and travel trade campaign has been launched to promote Oxfordshire as a favorite destination for group organizers and tour operators. Visit Oxfordshire values the importance of this market sector and has tailor

made a targeted campaign to attract groups.

The cost of this campaign is £349 and includes promotion on the new groups area on the website www.visitoxfordandoxfordshire.com, inclusions in

group itineraries and representation at Group and Travel Trade fairs. For more information on this campaign and all the other marketing activities from Visit Oxfordshire please visit www.visitoxfordshire.org/get_involved

New Places of Interest Map Visit Oxfordshire has designed a new map of the county highlighting all the great things to see and do in the area.

If you would like to display a copy of the map or hand out to your visitors please email us at marketing@visitoxfordshire.org for a pdf version

How do I get involved?

Whether your business is aimed at the leisure or business tourism market, full information on how to become a partner of Visit Oxfordshire can be found at www.visitoxfordshire.org. Partnership levels range from just £125 to £10,000 per annum, and all levels include membership of Tourism South East. For more details on how your business can join Visit Oxfordshire please contact Martin Tipping: partnership@visitoxfordshire.org

www.b4-business.com

www.visitoxfordandoxfordshire.com

31

CREATIVE CR EATIVE ATIVE MEDI A MEDIA ED UCATION EDUCATION Oxfo Oxford rd

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Open Day // November 9th

B4 ADVICE

Photography: www.studio-8.co.uk

L to R: Michael Geeson - Consultant and Jim Astle - Partner

DEFENDING YOU WHEN THE CHIPS ARE DOWN!

Your livelihood or liberty at stake? Call Darbys Crime & Regulatory Team, ranked in Chambers and Legal 500 directories.

Won’t happen to you? Editor of the News of the World one day; fighting to stay out of jail the next? 30 years a doctor but facing strike-off by the GMC? A speeding offence risks a 6 months’ disqualification and you can’t do your job without your car?

Team leader, Jim Astle, a grizzled lawyer of 37 years’ experience, is no stranger to murder, rape, or serious fraud. He took a break last week from a high profile government fraud case to help a PLC director suspected of rape. Poacher-gamekeeper, he sits as Chairman on the Solicitors’ Disciplinary Tribunal, regulator of the road haulage and bus industry and criminal court judge.

Martin Bourne, the team’s intellectual star 20 years with Darbys, is as comfortable with razor-sharp argument to save a driving licence as getting into High Court law reports. He regularly advises other professionals on money laundering matters, financial crime and disciplinary transgressions.

Michael Geeson, with 25 years’ experience and respected by fellow lawyers as a reliable practitioner recently successfully defended the great grandson of a Lord Chief Justice charged with rape. Regularly instructed by central & local government to prosecute regulatory matters, he also uses his specialist knowledge successfully to defend.

Simon Graham-Harrison, with 17 years’ experience of criminal and regulatory offences, is massively busy across the piste. He specialises in road haulage regulatory law and coroner’s inquests. Recently he successfully represented an www.b4-business.com

Oxford don whose best friend, an Oxford Professor, died under his restraint after the psychotic Professor attacked him.

Amy Holden, a popular and rising young star, last year successfully defended a senior philatelist accused of stealing rare stamps from a vulnerable fellowcollector. She earned the unstinting praise of a senior accountant corporate finance director charged with harassment and has recently been advising a major private school in disciplinary matters getting an A* report from the headmistress.

The highly stressful work requires 24/7 availability so the team members enjoy their free time. Jim, a Governor of his local school, plays cricket, sails and walks the fells in his native Cumberland and in Wales. Martin is a fanatically enthusiastic sportsman and athlete and shares his enthusiasm with his two young children. Michael, a county and club cricket coach, organises training for a multitude of local children. You cross Simon at your peril on the five-a-side football pitch. He also likes breakfasts. Amy is a karate black belt and keeps the other four in order professionally and socially.

They will not let you down: 01865 811704 (out-of-hours 07764 378 648) and jastle@darbys.co.uk with cc criminalteam@darbys.co.uk 33

THE WONDERFUL WEST WING I doubt there’s a B4 reader not familiar with the brilliant Saïd Business School in Oxford City Centre, a stone’s throw from the train station and a hive of business intelligence. Combine that with the versatile Egrove Park, just two miles from the City Centre and you have a brilliant alliance of venues. However, there’s now a third stunning venue, and it’s turning heads. Richard Rosser met The West Wing’s Space Allocation and Events Manager, Martin Garside.

Officially opened by HRH Prince Charles in February this year, the West Wing on Park End Street represents a £28 million investment, providing conference and event facilities to the highest possible standard. B4 members can bear testament to the unequalled facilities which provide students and visitors with a fantastic choice of spaces and hospitality areas both inside and out.

Martin is responsible for promoting the two City Centre venues for conferences, meetings and events and having started his role earlier in 2013, is obviously taken with the capabilities of both

venues. ‘I am extremely impressed by the facilities at both sites and the exceptional quality of service offered to customers by the conference and operations teams. I look forward to developing relationships with organisations in the region and welcoming events into our stunning venues.”

“The West Wing was designed by Dixon Jones, whose previous projects include the Royal Opera House, so that gives you an idea of the standards we have sought to emulate. Key highlights include three oak-panelled Harvard-style lecture theatres, each seating up to 75 delegates, three large flexible classrooms, and 18 boardroom style seminar rooms.

“My favourite space is at the heart of the West 34

Wing. The Club Room comprises a bar, lounge space, terrace and views across private gardens, which is the perfect space for refreshments, a drinks reception and networking. The Club Room offers a wow factor to any event, with exotic rugs and leather Chesterfields adding a classic touch to the design. It’s our hub, a grown up Common Room if you like, not at all stuffy, providing the perfect escape after a hard day’s lectures of presentations, with lots of natural light flooding in and comfortable sofas to sink into.”

Banquet or buffet dining is available in three second-floor private dining rooms with panoramic

views over Oxford’s dreaming spires. They’re all about space, with a central buffet area where offerings of the highest quality were on display as we wandered through this tardis like building, which is packed full of the latest energy saving ideas to keep it as efficient as possible, as Martin explains. “The West Wing was designed with geothermal energy being used for heating and cooling, rainwater harvesting being used to flush toilets, and solar energy contributing to water heating.”

The West Wing’s older brother is accessible through a corridor to the side of the main reception, and is literally a few paces away as Martin continues. “The

new facilities augment the original building which includes a 300 seat auditorium, 5 Harvard-style lecture theatres, 2 large classrooms and a wide variety of seminar rooms. The impressive entrance hall offers a flexible space for registration, exhibitions and catering, whilst the 400 seat outdoor amphitheatre offers a truly stunning and unique option for an event. Although Park End Street is set in the heart of the city and in close proximity to a variety of world class attractions, the pretty courtyard and beautiful garden ensure an air of calm and tranquillity is brought to the venue.” In contrast to the West Wing's peaceful courtyard, the entrance to the main building is imposing and

instantly recognisable to anyone passing through Park End Street.

For clients looking for a more residential course, the ideal solution is Egrove Park, based just outside of Kennington, a ten minute cab ride from Park End Street.

“Situated in its own grounds of 37 acres of parkland, Egrove Park is just two miles from the centre of Oxford. Our purpose built residential centre offers a first-class venue for business meetings of any kind, whether you need a secluded setting in which the board can discuss strategy, or conference facilities to suit the larger www.b4-business.com

B4 SPOTLIGHT

OFFERS LECTURES & SHOWCASES Why not take advantage of Martin’s offer below or register for the B4 event in November to experience The West Wing for yourself?

B4 Readers Offer Martin would like to offer B4 readers a 20% discount from the Day Delegate Rate for new bookings for dates in 2013. The offer is subject to availability and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.

Please quote B4B2013 when making an enquiry. E: martin.garside@sbs.ox.ac.uk T: 01865 610078.

For enquiries for Egrove Park please contact Jill Grieveson on 01865 422757 and for Park End Street enquiries please contact Clare Andrews or Lisa Quinn on either 01865 288847 or 01865 288846. Alternatively, please email conference@sbs.ox.ac.uk.

management team.

“The rooms are equipped with the latest audio-visual equipment, many enjoying views of the stunning grounds. Egrove Park is located just off Oxford’s southern bypass, offering easy access to delegates with ample free parking. There are 63 en-suite bedrooms offering exceptional value and comfort, including television, toiletries and complimentary internet access.

“There are a wide range of conference and meeting rooms at Egrove Park, including the Clifford Barclay Lecture Theatre seating up to 110 delegates, a selection of flexible classrooms and sixteen syndicate www.b4-business.com

rooms, most of which seat 6 to 10 delegates. The bar is the perfect place to meet up with business associates, whilst the dining room offers catering for a variety of functions including breakfast, buffet lunch and dinner or private dining.

“The beautiful grounds are perfect for outdoor activities, including barbecues and receptions, whilst delegates are able to unwind using leisure facilities including an all-weather surface for tennis and football, gymnasium and croquet lawn. The extensive grounds are also the perfect setting for a relaxing walk or invigorating jog.” www.sbs.ox.ac.uk

B4 Lecture Friday 8th November Why not book into the next B4 seminar on Friday 8th November featuring Lloyds Commercial, CIS, Sophos and more speakers to be announced. Log on to www.b4-business.com for more details and to register.

B4 Showcase 2014 Interested in presenting or attending our 2014 Showcase at The West Wing in 2014?

More details to be announced but if you would like to present your business at The West Wing, exhibit or simply attend the event, please register your interest by emailing events@b4-business.com.

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Our Letting Offices Chris Mitty (01865) 201111

13 Beaumont Street, Oxford chris.mitty@breckon.co.uk

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NEW SERVICES AVAILABLE FROM ASTON AND JAMES – SECURE SHREDDING AND MANAGED PRINT SERVICE (MPS) SECURE SHREDDING - PROTECT YOUR BUSINESS, STAFF AND CLIENTS! Your company stores information which could be a huge risk to your business in the wrong hands.

According to the BBC Money Programme the cost of identity theft in the UK is approximately £1.7bn and increasing at the phenomenal rate of 500% a year. This has become the most costly security risk a business faces.

maximum security (A4 into 15,000 pieces), we have the right shredder for you. Many of the machines we supply take staples, paperclips and CDs to make life easier. We will identify the perfect shredder or option to meet your needs.

Is shredding a legal requirement?

Shredding is not a legal requirement, but taking the proper steps to secure information is. Every business has to securely dispose of confidential information, including customer lists, client information, credit card receipts, personal files or payroll records. It's vital to protect and secure information that could be used to steal identities.

a legal requirement, but taking the proper steps to secure information is

The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has the power to issue penalties up to £500,000 if a business is found in breach of the Data Protection Act. Under this act, an organisation should not discard intact customer, staff or supplier information, and shredding offers the most environmentally friendly solution.

How Aston and James can help!

Let us help you. We can shred, bale and ensure that your shredded paper is recycled back into products, such as kitchen paper or facial tissues.

Alternatively, we have over 80 shredders in our catalogue suitable for offices of any size. From home office to large heavy duty machines, and from basic security (A4 into 30 pieces) to

“Shredding is not ”

In today's busy working environment, we've had an increased demand for our secure shredding solution. Introducing a secure shredding solution will reduce the number of important documents slipping through the net illegally and possibly into a waste paper bin.

Shredding in 4 simple steps We will work with you to implement the most suitable and cost effective shredding solution for your office supplying different sized consoles or wheelie bins with a lock and a slot, or secure sacks which can be ordered along with your office supplies, online or via the telephone.

Step 1 - Fill up Once your solution is agreed, you then fill the consoles, bins or secure sacks with the important

documentation to be shredded. You don't even have to remove staples or paperclips.

Step 2 - Collect When containers are full, we will collect. You can either call us when you are ready for collection, or we can schedule a weekly, fortnightly or 4 weekly collection. Once your documents are collected, we will be able to provide you with a certificate for your records.

Step 3 - Shred Depending on your organisation's security requirements, we can then either shred your documents on-site using a mobile shredding truck, or we can safely transport them to one of our secure shredding facilities with a robust audit trail.

Step 4 - Recycle Once your documents have been shredded, they will be taken to a secure recycling facility where the paper is then baled and then sent for recycling.

Providing a shredding solution requires a high level of expertise, so we've partnered with a leading independent on-site and off-site secure destruction service provider. Combining the strengths of being national and local, The Shredding Alliance (TSA) delivers a flexible and personal service with 12 depots across the UK. All of the companies that own or deliver services to TSA are members of the British Security Industry Association, and they go further than their competitors to ensure the highest levels of compliance to BS EN 15713:2009.

MANAGED PRINT SERVICE – SPEND LESS TIME AND MONEY ON PRINTING! Our “Sprintwise” Management Print Service (MPS) is designed entirely around you! It frees you up to focus on what really matters – your business. We manage your print and document infrastructure for you, ensuring that at all times you have the right combination of fully functioning and supported hardware and software for your business needs.

How does it help you?

By pulling all the print-related equipment around your business together and managing it as one consolidated infrastructure, you should expect to reduce the total number of devices you need. This consolidation is also an opportunity for you to 38

control how the equipment is used, and drive your total document volumes down.

A fully managed infrastructure will deliver increased resilience and security With reduced waste and environmental impact, you should look to optimise the paper processes and workflows you operate in-house. Your new print infrastructure can be used to digitise and automate your paper workflows which will drive up efficiency and staff productivity.

Don’t under-estimate where an MPS can deliver benefits

These can often come from surprising areas and generate soft cost savings too. Our clients consistently tell us how our pro-active servicing has slashed the number of calls their in-house IT Service desks receive, freeing up valuable skilled staff to redeploy on value-added projects elsewhere in-house.

Providing a full Managed Print Service experience requires an extensive range of knowledge and expertise which is why Sprintwise is powered by our partner Balreed, one of the UK’s leading providers of MPS. Certified to ISO9001 and ISO14001 international standards, www.b4-business.com

B4 SERVICES you can rely on the highest levels of quality and professionalism. As a nationwide independent, Balreed can supply and service a wide range of technology from the world’s leading manufacturers, so the optimal mix of hardware, software and services can be combined and tailored to your unique business.

Manage all your print needs in just 4 simple steps Step 1 - Measure We will conduct a thorough assessment of your current equipment and staff usage, and measure your key document processes against your business objectives to inform our strategy.

“We manage your

print and document infrastructure for you, ensuring that at all times you have the right combination of fully functioning and supported hardware and software for your business needs

”

Step 2 - Design We will design the optimal infrastructure for you which may include retaining some devices you already have, rationalising the fleet down to the right size and mix, and introducing new technology as required. We will also agree the account management, servicing and support required. For many clients our consolidated billing service proves invaluable and is another major benefit of MPS. Step 3 - Implement Transitioning to your new MPS and equipment is simple and straightforward. To minimise disruption we pre-configure all equipment to network IP address level at our national logistics facility. We also have a dedicated Client Support Team who will provide training support for your staff on-site, or via video-link, user guides and telephone support.

Certified to ISO9001 and ISO14001 international standards, you can rely on the highest levels of quality and professionalism from Balreed and Sprintwise MPS. Step 4 - Deliver We promise pro-active monitoring of your equipment; just-in-time delivery of consumables before you need them; real meter readings taken from your equipment automatically and preemptive fleet management to maximise your uptime. Our Managed Print Service will pre-empt many potential issues but when you need on-site service we are committed to respond rapidly with first time fix rates of over 93%. Live remote monitoring of your equipment by Balreed can also deliver real value. As well as minimising the need for your staff to intervene with devices, order and manage toner cartridges, or give meter readings, you will also see reduced demands on your internal IT support desk as Balreed pro-actively manages your devices. www.aston-james.co.uk

Where to go from here?

Contact us today on 01993 706900 or sales@aston-james.co.uk and quote ‘B4 magazine’ to find out more about these services. We will work with you to develop the right option to suit your business and its needs.

www.b4-business.com

39

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 GBDJMJUJFT mOF EJOJOH BOE JNQFDDBCMF TFSWJDF BMM QMBZ UIFJS QBrt in creating a memorable conference.

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A HOTEL WITH CHARACTER The Oakley Court Hotel, Windsor Road, Water Oakley, Windsor, SL4 5UR Tel: 01753 609988 www.principal-hayley.com/theoakleycourt

B4 SPOTLIGHT

SATISFACTION GUARANTEED

Emma Ludden is one of the latest recruits to bring her expertise to the team at ADS, working at its offices in the historic setting of the Blenheim Palace Estate.

The company's continued success, says Director Karen Roberts, is due as much to the wealth of expertise it has amassed among its staff, as to the close relationships it has built up with local business owners and the media.

Emma Ludden joined the company in April this year as Sales and Business Development Manager, bringing with her just the right skills to complement the team - in an agency which prides itself on tailoring a wide range of services to suit each individual client's needs.

"I have always wanted to work with people," says Emma, "and began my career in the hospitality industry.� As a Conference and Events Manger she worked with some well known UK venues including the International Convention Centre in Birmingham, Heythrop Park, and The Crazy Bear.

But the anti-social hours eventually took their toll and she decided to move into a sales role which would have less impact on her private life.

Emma joined Newsquest, the third largest publisher of regional and local newspapers in the UK, at its Oxford base, as an Advertising Sales Consultant in the education sector, moving later to

www.b4-business.com

work on the digital media team. It was while in this role that Director Karen Roberts became one of Emma's business customers, as she explains: "We encourage our staff to genuinely get to know our clients and their businesses, and having worked with Emma as her client, I was impressed by her personal and professional approach and asked whether she could consider joining our team."

As for Emma, she was delighted to be offered the opportunity to work with a well-established agency, working across all media platforms where she would personally be involved with many different projects.

"I needed a new challenge and was excited at the prospect of helping companies with a broad range of services, from designing business cards to a marketing strategy or full advertising campaign," she says.

The stance of always being prepared to work with clients, no matter how big or small the project, is just one of the attributes which sets ADS apart from other advertising and design agencies.

Whether it's a full marketing strategy or a few hundred business cards, clients receive the same, individual service and attention.

Emma is working alongside Caroline O'Connor, who joined ADS three years ago from a sales role at Heart FM. Caroline's strong radio background along with Emma's complementary media and

events experience combine to make an impressive team to help take the business forward.

ADS recognises that the business environment is constantly changing, which means, more than ever, that companies have to get their marketing mix right. Emma brings a strong work ethic to the agency, which sits comfortably with its approach of providing a streamlined, informed and professional approach to offering expert advice, yet at the same time being sure to allow the client to always remain in the driving seat.

Emma strongly believes that paying attention to detail and listening are two of the most valuable skills required if you are to really understand a client's business, to know what they need and where they want to go.

"I am proud to work for ADS. Not only do I enjoy going to work every day, but I know that our clients are always satisfied with the job we do and I look forward to playing my part in ensuring that the excellent reputation of ADS continues, or becomes even stronger."

Emma doesn't say whether working every day in the idyllic setting of the Blenheim Palace Estate also played a part in her accepting the position at ADS, but we have a sneaky feeling that if asked, she wouldn't deny it! adsoxford.co.uk

41

Photography: www.studio-8.co.uk

Although ADS Advertising and Design, one of Oxfordshire's leading advertising and design agencies, has been established for 26 years, its approach to service delivery today, is as fresh as the day it started.

“We wanted the office

to be bright, modern and inviting reflecting the ethos of the firm and the range of services that we can offer our clients

”

Miles Collison, Partner, Development Land and New Homes

STRUTT & PARKER Ranking as one of the UK’s top three property consultancies, Strutt & Parker have recently opened their smart red doors in Summertown, North Oxford behind which you will find a property firm bursting with a refreshing enthusiasm and invigoratingly innovative approach. B4’s Richard Rosser met with Miles Collison and Alex McEntyre of Strutt & Parker.

I don’t want to make a big thing about the doors, but you can’t help but admire them, but equally as impressive are the fantastic new offices which are now home to the fifteen strong Strutt & Parker team. A welcoming reception area is flanked by the Estate Agency team on one side and a customer meeting area on the other, behind which sits the Development & Planning and Farming & Land Management teams, in one open-planned environment.

As Miles Collison, Partner, Development & Planning explains.

“We wanted the office to be bright, modern and inviting reflecting the ethos of the firm and the range of services that we can offer our clients.

Whether it is a city or country house sale, planning and development advice or rural estate management, we have experts who can advise.

The firm is owned and managed by 55 equity Partners who drive the philosophy of the 42

Partnership forward to the ultimate benefit of our clients who see a joined up approach in everything we do.”

As Alex McEntyre, an Associate in the Estate Agency team explains, this is crucial to the success of the new office. “It’s fantastic that we have such a wealth of experience in the office with room to grow and develop and a design which stimulates interaction.”

The Oxford office is the 50th office of Strutt & Parker, with 10 being in central London. The firm is also the only UK affiliate of Christie’s International Real Estate network, with 920 affiliate offices worldwide from New York to Hong Kong and everywhere in between. Its luxury property website is viewed by more than 135,600 potential buyers in 41 countries every month meaning that the firm is now well connected globally, with the reach and relationships to match your property to the ideal buyer, wherever they are in the world.

In terms of experience, the Oxford office has it in

abundance with well over one hundred years of combined experience in each of the three areas previously referred to. Mark Smith heads up the Estate Agency team of five and has over 28 years experience in the Oxford market. Tom Richardson is the firm’s Deputy Senior Partner with a wealth of rural estate management experience and has been with the firm for over 30 years. Mark Juniper completes the Rural Consultancy & Management team having moved from the firm’s Newbury office to build on the large rural client base. Miles himself has been advising clients in Oxfordshire for well over 15 years on a wide range of residential and mixed use development matters.

As Alex explains, “In a competitive market getting instructions from a standing start requires a creative approach to set ourselves apart. We are delighted with the reaction we have had so far, and have a number of initiatives coming up which we are confident will boost our presence in the area.”

To show their fresh approach, Strutt & Parker have www.b4-business.com

B4 PROPERTY

ABOUT STRUTT & PARKER n Founded in 1885 by Edward Strutt & Charles Parker. n S&P is a privately owned partnership with 55 equity partners who run and own a share of S&P. n S&P have a network of 50 offices across England and Scotland employing over 800 staff. n The firm has over £3.5 billion worth of residential properties on its books - from £250,000 country cottages to multi-million pound London homes and sporting estates. n Each month there are over 400,000 property searches on the S&P website. n The firm’s national database has over 24,000 applicants across the country, actively looking for property. n Currently providing development & planning advice on 20,000 acres in the UK. n Handling sites with potential for 200,000 homes. n 2 million acres of land managed across the UK. n Nationally they manage over 100,000 hectares of land under Environmental Stewardship Schemes. n S&P carry out crop management on over 40,000 hectares of arable land. n £150 million rent roll managed for S&P clients

been handing out crisp red apples in the Covered Market and will soon be delivering 5,000 pairs of red socks through letterboxes in Oxford emblazoned with our slogan ‘We’ll Work Our Socks Off!’.

have seen very definite signs of growth in the land market. Government initiatives such as ‘Help to Buy’, and a general freeing up of finance, have stimulated activity and house-builders are strongly back in the market.”

On the 28th September Strutt & Parker will hold their National Open House Day, where all of the firm’s clients are asked to open their doors to anyone wishing to view, explains Alex. “There are no appointments needed, and at the last such event, the firm had over 2,500 viewings and received over £110,000,000 worth of offers from the day, which was phenomenal. It is a very effective sales event and we also get instructions just for the day, so if your property isn’t moving under your existing agent, give us a call.”

Miles and Alex are keen to stress that Strutt & Parker are very much City and Country agents, operating effectively in both markets, with specialists throughout the group which can be enlisted to support you as and when required.

As Miles concludes, “We’re a modern firm with traditional values and an enthusiasm to work with the local market and provide a first class service.” There’s no doubt that the team at Strutt & Parker are open for business and whether it’s a big shiny apple, a pair of socks or those big red doors that hooks you in, the team is ready to do business.

In respect to his own team, Miles has seen a big increase in activity and is looking forward to a busy Autumn market. “Through hard work on the development & planning side of the business, we are winning some fantastic instructions and

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www.struttandparker.com

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news

Events at The Oxford Wine Café JAZZ AT THE CAFÉ Every Sunday 6.00-9.00pm.

We feature the cream of the jazz scene from all over the South of England as well as some of the top local names and present a different style of jazz every week, from gypsy through swing, latin and blues. The majority we put on are vocal acts and the jazz is proving very popular with our customers.

PRIVATE TASTINGS FOR YOU

BEST PRICES

You can book your own tasting in the Café where each person is given 6 glasses of wine and tasting notes on them and you can taste at your own speed. Or, across the road at Portabello Restaurant Theo Sloot can present fun tasting games and events for corporate or private parties alike – see The Blind Tasting Challenge on the website.

Because The Oxford Wine Company ships from all over the world we are able to bring you wine from source and command the very best prices which we are happy to pass on to you. Consequently our by the glass selection starts at just £2.95 per glass.

We also offer a full and varied range of wines in our by the bottle selection which starts from £14.95, as well as a range of approximately 100 wines available to take home with you.

TASTINGS We present informal and fun tastings every two weeks at the Café, on a Tuesday. These alternate between Theo’s Tasty Tuesdays (a humorous introduction to the world of wine) and tastings presented by well known Masters of Wine and Winemakers. These are never formal events – they are designed to be accessible to everyone, whatever their interests in wine may be. To see what’s coming up please look at our website: www.oxfordwinecafe.co.uk or fill in a card at the bar to join our mailing list and receive full details of all these events, both in the Café and at The Oxford Wine Company.

The Oxford Wine Café, 38 South Parade, Oxford OX2 7JN. Tel: 01865 236959 Opening hours: Mon-Fri 8.30am-11.00pm Sat 10.00am-11.00pm Sun 10.00am-10.00pm Manager: Louise Ferreira louise@oxfordwinecafe.co.uk

PRIVATE ROOM HIRE

www.oxfordwinecafe.co.uk www.oxfordwine.co.uk

The Café has become a popular corporate hire venue that many have taken advantage of – including Nick Clegg who booked the room in the late Spring! Have a look at our website for details.

FOOD SPECIALS Keep an eye on the blackboard at the Café for what’s new on the food front or try our large range of delicious coffees and aromatic teas and chill out with the Wi-Fi during the day – many do!

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45

B4 ADVICE

BUY, HIRE PURCHASE OR LEASE? The decision to buy, hire purchase, or lease an asset will generally depend on the financing available to your business. There are different treatments for tax and accounting purposes, depending on the type of finance contract entered into, and these will need to be considered together with the VAT treatment.

BUY This section covers outright purchase for cash or by bank loan, etc.

A 100 per cent capital allowance is also available for new or unused (i.e. not second hand) vans that do not produce any CO2 emissions.

£100,000 enters either the 10 per cent pool or the 20 per cent pool, attracting a writing down allowance (WDA) at the appropriate rate.

Accounting treatment From an accounting viewpoint the actual cost of the asset is capitalised in the balance sheet and an annual charge for depreciation is shown in the accounts as an expense in the profit and loss account. This therefore has the effect of showing the asset(s) in the balance sheet at cost, reduced by the cumulative charge for depreciation.

The finance charge in the accounts is normally allowed against tax.

Any business that invests in energy-saving or waterefficient technology is entitled to claim a 100 per cent first year allowance. Cars with CO2 emissions of up to 110 g/km also qualify for a 100 per cent first year allowance. Cars with CO2 emissions of up to 110 g/km will also qualify for a 100 per cent first year allowance. Cars with CO2 emissions that are greater than 110 g/km and up to 160 g/km will be allocated to the main pool and attract the 20 per cent writing down allowance. Cars with CO2 emissions exceeding 160 g/km will enter the special rate pool and attract WDA at 10 per cent.

A 100 per cent capital allowance is also available for new or unused (i.e. not second hand) vans that do not produce any CO2 emissions.

The annual depreciation charge is calculated in accordance with accounting standards, based on the useful economic life of the asset and the residual value.

Tax treatment The actual charge for depreciation is not allowed for tax purposes, as this is replaced by capital allowances, which is HM Revenue & Customs deduction regime for allowing capital expenditure against chargeable profits. The first £100,000 of expenditure each year on plant and equipment, excluding cars, qualifies for a 100 per cent capital allowance deduction. Expenditure in excess of £100,000 enters either the 10 per cent pool or the 20 per cent pool, attracting a writing down allowance (WDA) at the appropriate rate.

Any business that invests in energy-saving or waterefficient technology is entitled to claim a 100 per cent first year allowance. Cars with CO2 emissions of up to 110 g/km also qualify for a 100 per cent first year allowance. Cars with CO2 emissions of up to 110 g/km will also qualify for a 100 per cent first year allowance. Cars with CO2 emissions that are greater than 110 g/km and up to 160 g/km will be allocated to the main pool and attract the 20 per cent writing down allowance. Cars with CO2 emissions exceeding 160 g/km will enter the special rate pool and attract WDA at 10 per cent.

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Vat Unless the asset is a car, the VAT shown on the supplier's invoice will generally be recoverable by the purchaser, if he or she is registered. Buying at the beginning of a VAT period will entail a wait of three months or more to recover the tax. VAT on cars is recoverable only in very rare circumstances.

HIRE PURCHASE A HP agreement usually includes an option to purchase at the end of an initial period. Payment of this nominal fee transfers title of the asset and brings the legal agreement to an end.

Accounting treatment The asset is treated as if it had been purchased. It is, therefore, capitalised in the balance sheet and depreciation is provided on an annual basis.

The obligation to pay future instalments is recorded as a liability in the balance sheet.

The payments are apportioned between a finance charge and a reduction of the outstanding liability.

The total finance charge should be allocated to accounting periods during the HP term and is shown as an expense in the profit and loss account.

Tax treatment The actual charge for depreciation is not allowed for tax purposes, as this is replaced by capital allowances, which is HM Revenue & Customs deduction regime for allowing capital expenditure against chargeable profits. The first £100,000 of expenditure each year on plant and equipment, excluding cars, qualifies for a 100 per cent capital allowance deduction. Expenditure in excess of

The finance charge in the accounts is normally allowed against tax.

Vat VAT charged by the finance company will be payable with the initial installment. There will be a delay of up to four months in recovering this from HM Revenue & Customs. In the case of a car, most businesses will be unable to recover any of the VAT. FINANCE LEASES A finance lease typically has a primary period for a fixed period at full cost, followed by a secondary period, usually of an indefinite length, at a very low cost.

Accounting treatment The asset is treated as if it had been purchased. It is therefore capitalised in the balance sheet and depreciation is provided on an annual basis.

The obligation to pay future rentals is recorded as a liability in the balance sheet.

www.b4-business.com

“Buying at the beginning of a VAT

period will entail a wait of three months or more to recover the tax.

VAT on cars is recoverable only in very rare circumstances.

�

The total finance charge should be allocated to accounting periods during the primary lease term and is shown as an expense in the profit and loss account.

Tax treatment Where accounts have been prepared in accordance with accounting standards, the accounting treatment will be acceptable for tax purposes and no adjustments to profit need be made.

Where accounts have not been prepared in accordance with accounting standards, for tax purposes the rentals are deductible in computing profits under the accrual concept. The rentals are, therefore, allocated over the period of the lease.

Where the asset is a car with CO2 emissions exceeding 160 g/km, there is a flat rate disallowance of 15 per cent on the amount of rental payments allowed for tax purposes.

Capital allowances are not available.

Vat VAT charged by the finance company will be payable with the initial instalment and each subsequent rental. There will be a delay of up to four months in recovering this from HM Revenue & Customs. In the case of a car, most businesses will be able to recover 50 per cent of the VAT. OPERATING LEASES An operating lease is where an asset is rented for a period, not necessarily fixed, and returned to the owner at the end of the period. Contract hire is a typical form of operating lease.

Accounting treatment The asset is not capitalised; the rental payments are charged on an acceptable basis over the lease term to the profit and loss account.

Tax treatment The accounting treatment is an acceptable treatment for tax purposes, where the accounting

standard has been applied. No adjustments to profits, therefore, need be made.

Where the asset is a car with CO2 emissions exceeding 160 g/km, there is a flat rate disallowance of 15 per cent on the amount of rental payments allowed for tax purposes.

Capital allowances are not available.

Vat Each rental or instalment will have VAT added so that the VAT cost is spread throughout the period of the agreement.

Where the asset is a car, only 50 per cent of the VAT on the leasing charges can be reclaimed. If identified separately, the VAT on any maintenance element of the contract can be reclaimed in full.

The disposal proceeds of leased cars will be VAT inclusive. www.wenntownsend.co.uk

Summary

Accounting treatment

Tax treatment (deductions normally allowed)

VAT (normal treatment)

Buy

Asset Depreciation

Capital allowances Interest

Up front

HP

Asset / liability Depreciation Interest

Capital allowances Interest

Up front

Finance Lease

Asset / liability Depreciation Interest

Depreciation Interest

On each instalment

Operating Lease

Rental expense as you go

Rental

On each installment

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Photography: www.studio-8.co.uk

The rents payable are apportioned between a finance charge and a reduction of the outstanding liability.

47

ZOMBIES TO DEFEAT RECOVERY? At his first news conference as Governor of the Bank of England in August, Mark Carney said the Bank will not consider raising interest rates until unemployment has fallen to 7% which he anticipates could take three years. Many business organisations welcomed the statement but savers and pensioner organisations were less happy.

In this article Clive Everitt, Head of Recovery and Insolvency at accountancy firm and business advisers Shaw Gibbs, outlines why he believes the impact of growth in the economy might take considerably longer to translate into new jobs.

Since the economic crisis of 2008, insolvencies have not reached the anticipated levels seen during earlier recessions. There are several contributing factors. Firstly all the major banks have, instead of making appointment of administrators, created intensive care units housing expertise to help businesses restructure and recover.

Secondly landlords, facing liability for business rates on empty premises, are reluctant to precipitate action which could lead to them being left with vacant premises if they will be unlikely to find a new tenant.

Research estimates the cost of vacant premises as c175% of previous rental income taking into account insurance, security and rates. Better therefore to have a tenant in occupation and paying some rent rather than the cashflow disadvantage of no rental income and increased outflow of cash.

HMRC have also taken a more pragmatic view towards companies in financial distress.

HMRC can normally be persuaded to give at least one chance to a distressed company by allowing a time to pay arrangement to be put in place.

Interest rates remain at record lows meaning that whilst ailing companies may not have access to new finance in many cases they are able to fund existing finance costs. Finally and most significantly in light of the Governor’s statement employees and employers have collectively been more pragmatic with innovative solutions to downturns in business to avoid redundancies including wage freezes and reductions and reduced working hours, all

48

aimed at keeping as many in employment as possible. These factors have created a proliferation of what are described as 'zombie' companies.

Characteristically a zombie company generates enough cash to service debt thus avoiding bank or other creditors action but not enough money to invest in new products, research or services. Research by R3, the professional association of Insolvency Practitioners, in 2012 indicated the economy is supporting 146,000 zombie companies with up to a third unlikely to survive long term. However, zombies provide employment helping the country to avoid a massive increase in unemployment and the consequential increase in the welfare bill.

With historically lower productivity than the USA and other Western European economies, there is much soul searching about how the UK economy could be made more efficient during boom years. Not so now. Our lack of efficiency and productivity helps explain why our unemployment rate did not worsen in recent years. Businesses have fought to retain staff to avoid the loss of skills, expensive redundancies and recruitment costs when times improve.

During economic crisis this approach and the resulting relatively high levels of employment, even with an inefficient workforce, helps prevent a recession deepening, maintains confidence levels for those in work, reduces calls on social welfare payments and prevents the social unrest seen in the southern European states where unemployment levels are well into double figures.

So how does the new guidance from the Governor sit alongside an economy with 150,000 zombie companies, low productivity and unemployment rates of well below 10% and is this good news for business and the younger generation who have suffered disproportionately in the employment market in recent years. Clive

Everitt does not think so.

The low productivity levels means that increasing order levels will be met from improving efficiency rather than increased recruitment. The widely predicted demise of so many zombie companies may be avoided but that will not necessarily result in new jobs. Historically as each recession unfolds the old guard of companies is wound up and new companies form in their place using new technologies with a new vibrant workforce being trained for the role.

Whilst the emphasis of the new Bank of England statement is that their new policy is good for the economy, the maintenance of low interest rates will prolong the survival of zombies. New companies will not grow from the ashes of failure and directors who have become accustomed to the behaviours of the last five years of 'survival mode' will continue to prevail, particularly at the SME level. It could therefore take very much longer than anticipated for the target of an increase in employment by 750,000 to be reached than the three year estimate.

The new policy may avoid a number of insolvencies and the personal tragedy of unemployment but may instead prolong the agony for the overall economy.

With economic growth underway it will be interesting to see how the next few months unfold and whether the usual increase in insolvencies during a period of recovery can be avoided. Whatever happens there are clearly a significant number of companies that would benefit from the expertise developed in recent years to help companies through a crisis. With over half of their work in recent years being focused on recovery and rescue if help is needed the Recovery team at Shaw Gibbs, with over 100 years combined expertise, is ready to help.

For further information please contact Clive Everitt at clive.everitt@shawgibbs.com or tel: 01865 292231. www.shawgibbs.com

www.b4-business.com

B4 FINANCE

“Directors who have become accustomed to the behaviours of the last five years of 'survival mode' will continue to prevail�

Clive Everitt, Head of Recovery and Insolvency at Shaw Gibbs

www.b4-business.com

49

B4 ADVICE

THINKING ABOUT

RECRUITING? As the much heralded green shoots of recovery are being reported it could be that more employers will be thinking about recruitment and the best candidates will be in even more demand. Is this you and the challenge you are facing?

Right Hand HR has certainly seen a shift change over the past few months in the number of recruitment projects it has been involved in with its clients. Campbell Ritchie, Managing Director of Right Hand HR says “The fact is that, recession or not, the best candidates are always in demand.

It may be a surprise that unemployment has not increased more during the recession and we are certainly not out of the woods yet – we need growth above 1% just to stand still with population growth. What has changed – and why we are busier – is that more employers are interested in how they can reach the best candidates as economically as possible and the processes they can then use to identify the best from the rest.’’

Campbell’s comments are confirmed by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) which has released its latest Labour Market Outlook report. This predicts continued growth in employment during the second quarter of 2013, but higher competition for job roles.

However, the survey warns that for jobseekers with fewer skills, qualifications and less experience, the jobs market is becoming increasingly competitive, with 45 applicants chasing each low-skilled job. Some jobseekers are completely excluded from the recruitment process, with 11% of employers saying they would not look at candidates who had been long-term unemployed and 14% saying they would not consider taking on school leavers.

The report has also warned that for every medium-skilled role, there is an average of 29 applicants, and for every highly skilled vacancy, there is an average of 10 people competing for the role.

Labour market adviser for the CIPD, Gerwyn Davies, commented on the organisation’s findings saying employers should look at this as an opportunity to select from a wider pool of talent, helping to address their own skills shortages and build their talent pipelines. He also called on employers not to “inadvertently screen out candidates of different ages or backgrounds for the wrong reasons, for example, by requiring degrees for roles where they are not needed.”

So how will this affect your organisation if you are currently looking to recruit?

We all know recruitment is a major challenge for any small business, becoming

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a huge drain on management time. So it’s vital to get it right.

It’s important to firstly understand the role you are looking to fill. What key skills and competencies are required for the position? When was the last time the job description for that role was reviewed, is it still relevant? Then the challenge is to reach the best candidates and run a fair and objective recruitment process.

Recruitment agencies may be part of the answer but they aren’t cheap and can see it as job done with the supply of some CV’s and any bum on the seat.

“It’s important to firstly understand

the role you are looking to fill. What key skills and competencies are required for the position?

”

Right Hand HR supports many local businesses across Buckinghamshire with their recruitment by managing their recruitment process from end to end. Being expert at using social networks, job boards and other web-based recruitment techniques we can reduce or remove the need for agencies, and by applying our HR skills, including the use of on line candidate assessment tests, we improve the quality of recruitment decisions. It is a win-win-win; better service, lower and predictable costs and superior outcomes.

Working with us as an on-going business partner puts us in the unique position of understanding your culture, values and aims. This enables us to continue to improve our service and save more of your valuable time and money. When your employees are probably your biggest cost and make the difference between your success and failure, recruitment is the HR process you really do have to get right.

We would welcome the opportunity to discuss with your recruitment or HR needs. Please contact us on 01494 451681. www.rhhr.com

51

B4 SPOTLIGHT

IT SECURITY PROVIDER GOES FOR GOLD

Quadsys Limited, a supplier of security software, anti-virus protection and hardware has been named the first company in the UK to become a Sophos Gold Solution Partner.

The new partnership allows the Oxford based company to provide customers with a range of Sophos products, which protect over 100,000 businesses and 100 million users in more than 150 countries. Sophos is headquartered in Boston, US and Oxford.

a commercial mortgage from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking through the Funding for Lending Scheme to acquire new trading premises on Langford Lane in Kidlington. The offices have enabled the business to increase its staff headcount from four to 17.

it to manage its cashflow by unlocking the value of its unpaid invoices.

To provide a platform for further growth, Paul Cox, who is the managing director of Quadsys, secured

The firm has also secured an invoice finance facility from Lloyds Bank Commercial Finance which helps

Paul Cox, managing director of Quadsys, said: “To be the first company in the UK to receive Sophos

52

This has helped the business to boost its annual turnover to in excess of ÂŁ5 million since it was founded in 2008.

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“The support we have received from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking and Lloyds Bank Commercial Finance has been immensely helpful as we have grown” Gold Solution Partner status is a fantastic achievement and it reflects not only the professionalism of our sales and technical staff, but also the commitment and support that we have come to expect from Sophos. Our combined drive to offer the perfect solution for any size company’s security will ensure that we continue to provide the highest quality service for many years to come.

“The support we have received from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking and Lloyds Bank Commercial Finance has been immensely helpful as we have grown. Having a relationship manager at the end of the phone is a huge boost, and by freeing up www.b4-business.com

cashflow we don’t have to wait for client payments before moving on to new projects.”

Mike Hemmings, relationship manager at Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “Quadsys is a wellestablished firm and the hard work of Paul and his team to fulfil both old and new client’s needs has helped them to become a Sophos Gold Solution Partner, which just adds to the firm’s ever growing reputation in the IT world.”

Yvonne Hitchcox, client manager at Lloyds Bank Commercial Finance, said: “We are delighted to be supporting Quadsys through an invoice finance

facility. This flexible form of finance helps to bridge the gap between a company issuing invoices and receiving payments from customers, meaning they can smooth out cashflow and use the funding to help them grow.”

For more information about commercial mortgages contact Karl Leitelmayer of Lloyds Commercial Banking on 07970 566065. www.quadsys.co.uk www.lloydstsbbusiness.com

53

FULL SERVICE

CREATIVE STUDIO www.culhamstudio.co.uk info@culhamstudio.co.uk

01235 464904

Culham Studio

@culhamstudio

EAGLES ARE ADMIRED AS LIVING SYMBOLS OF POWER AND FREEDOM

FULL SERVICE

CREATIVE STUDIO 03 3< 36 : .6 ;9 + (;0 ,: 6 0. 5 5

Feathers have a number of utilitarian, cultural and religious uses.

“

“

.9(7/0* +,:0.5 (+=,9;0:05 .

7(*2( .05.

4,9 =0+ */(5+ 0:, 7/ ,6 6 *6 ;6 )9 97 .9 (7 (5 69 /@ ( + 05 ;, 0+ . ,5 ;0 ;@

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Like bird’s feathers, we have many different uses, all of which will help make your business soar.

OUT WITH THE OLD IN WITH THE NEW www.culhamstudio.co.uk info@culhamstudio.co.uk

01235 464904

Culham Studio

@culhamstudio

SMART HOME INSTALLATIONS FROM

BANG & OLUFSEN Over the recent years a number of new technologies have evolved and the concept of Smart Homes have picked up momentum and are now becoming much more mainstream.

Although Bang & Olufsen have been integrating multi-room audio and video for well over 30 years, Smart Home is much more than just music in a few rooms.

So what is Smart Home?

Smart Home is a concept of integrating some or all of your homes infrastructure into a single control system so that everything including lighting, curtains, heating, CCTV, and a complete entertainment system can all be controlled by one remote control and interact with each other.

Imagine pressing DVD on your remote which starts everything: playing the film, closing the blinds and dimming the lights. Or being able to remotely turn on your heating from your smart phone when on your way home.

The possibilities are endless from whole house

56

systems to single rooms, all controlled from your televisionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s remote.

Unlike all other televisions on the planet, the ability to control such systems is built into every Bang & Olufsen television making it the perfect way to start your Smart Home system.

Here at Bang & Olufsen of Oxford we now have a new installation team who specialise in Smart Home systems and can cater for any home, big or small.

Simply contact or visit our showroom to discuss the options further and see it all in action.

Bang & Olufsen of Oxford: South Parade, Summertown, Oxford, OX2 7JL Tel: 01865 511241.

Email: oxford@bang-olufsen.co.uk

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B4 R&R

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Imagine pressing DVD on your remote which starts everything: playing the film, closing the blinds and dimming the lightsâ&#x20AC;?

www.b4-business.com

57

B4 IT & COMMS

THE IMPORTANCE OF CONTINUAL

LEARNING

Training is an important aspect of daily life at CIS; it ensures the business is providing the very best solutions to its customers.

“...with two banks being exploited in the last week it just goes to show how little people care about IT security before it’s too late!

”

Richard Marsh - Director, Computing Information Systems Ltd

Training is an important aspect of daily life at CIS; it ensures the business is providing the very best solutions to its customers.

Over the years, CIS has understood the importance of continual training and learning for all it staff in support and sales roles. By providing time and funding, CIS allows all members of the team to develop technically to ensure they are confident in all daily operations.

Richard Marsh recently underwent training at leading security solution provider Sophos to gain the Security Architect qualification over a period of 5 days at their Headquarter site in Abingdon. “The training is crucial to all of our staff, be that in house

or external. This security training was difficult, but has allowed us to offer a whole new suite of security products to customers, and with two banks being exploited in the last week it just goes to show how little people care about IT security before it’s too late!”

Our vendor partnerships form an important part of our solution success and therefore Stephen Wilkinson in Business Development has now achieved various qualifications in identifying specific solutions across a broad range of providers including Citrix Certified Sales Specialist, Sophos Certified Sales Consultant, and VEEAM Backup & Replication.

Stephen adds, “On-going training is a great way of learning; it adds value and most of all it allows you to make confident decisions in business.”

Although training is not forced upon members of staff at CIS, the open discussions and sharing of information is crucial to our business growth and service delivery. “IT is constantly changing and our staff need to keep up,” Richard adds, “An important part of taking on a new client is when all departments sit down together to discuss the project in hand. Through a broad range of experience we are able to look at every avenue.” www.cisltd.com

B4 RECOMMENDS: ARE YOU KEEN TO GET YOUR BUSINESS ON THE CLOUD? B4’s move to the cloud earlier this year has delivered everything and more to the business and eliminated in one go the worries and concerns of losing precious data, as B4’s Assistant Editor, Lorna Dodson commented.

“Moving to the cloud has given us all much more flexibility at work and the reassurance that everything is backed up without us having to worry.

“There are no more worries about back up tapes,

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and because we work off small desk top boxes (the size of an old modem) then there are no more PC towers dominating the desk or floorspace.

responsive support and we know we’re in capable hands.”

“And on the odd occasion one of us doesn’t make it into the office for whatever reason, we can log into files wherever we are in the world!

“If you are looking for a simple solution to your office computer conundrum, look no further than the cloud and CIS. They have been superb in their

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THE HIGH SHERIFF CHALLENGE “What on earth does a High Sheriff do Papa?” asked my granddaughter when it was announced that I was taking on the role in 2014. And over recent months it’s a question that has been asked by quite a number of people as I’ve introduced the concept of the High Sheriff Challenge. By Tony Stratton.

Allan Leighton

The High Sheriff Challenge is an initiative that aims to reward charitable donations from the business sector by delivering a series of free, unique events. The thinking recognises that businesses are constantly being asked to give money for good causes but need to justify donations to staff, customers and shareholders.

The High Sheriff Challenge enables businesses to deliver value to stakeholders, whilst still ticking the corporate social responsibility box.

The High Sheriff of Oxfordshire The Office of High Sheriff is an independent, non-political Royal appointment for a single year.

The origins of the Office date back to Saxon times, when the ‘Shire Reeve’ was responsible to the king for the maintenance of law and order within the shire, or county, and for the collection and return of taxes due to the Crown. Today, the former very extensive powers which the office enjoyed have gone and the role involves a mix of ceremonial, charitable and civic functions. The role is voluntary, unfunded and non-political.

The current High Sheriff of Oxfordshire is Graham Upton, perhaps better known as a past Vice 60

Graham Upton

Greg Searle

Chancellor of Oxford Brookes University. I will take over from him in April next year.

“The thinking behind The High Sheriff Challenge therefore is to deliver value to participating businesses, rather than simply asking for money

”

Tont Stratton - High Sheriff of Oxfordshire 2014

to engage the local business community in the support of 3 charities: OXFORDSHIRE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION Committed to improving the lives of Oxfordshire’s most vulnerable and disadvantaged, it makes small grants of £500-£5000, to support activities that would be unlikely to attract other charitable funding.

MUSIC FOR AUTISM - Enhances quality of life and raises public awareness through autism-friendly, interactive concerts developed specifically for individuals with autism and their families.

ACCESS SPORT - Transforms the lives of under privileged and disabled youngsters – helping sports clubs give them opportunities they would never otherwise have. They will establish a post within Oxford City Council, to work with the council’s team and local sports clubs, supporting Oxford’s Youth Ambition Strategy.

The 2014/15 High Sheriff Challenge In addition to the High Sheriff of Oxfordshire’s civic and ceremonial roles, the year offers a unique opportunity to raise money for and generally encourage appropriate charities. It is my intention

During my working life as a local businessman, I came to know only too well that charitable requests arrive on the desks of business leaders with great frequency. Requests from the local community and staff members, as well as highly publicised national www.b4-business.com

B4 SPOTLIGHT

“the role involves a mix of ceremonial, charitable and civic functions. The role is voluntary, unfunded and non-political” Tony Stratton - High Sheriff of Oxfordshire 2014

John Lubbock

Tony Stratton

and international good causes all deserve support and so budgets quickly disappear.

The thinking behind The High Sheriff Challenge therefore is to deliver value to participating businesses, rather than simply asking for money and, to that end we have developed 3 unique events which will enable participating firms to involve staff, customers and other stakeholders. The events reflect the nature of the chosen charities – sport and culture – with the addition of a business element.

The first will be a competitive sporting afternoon at the Iffley Road Sports Ground in Oxford, hosted by rugby and TV celebrity Matt Dawson and Olympic gold medallist Greg Searle. Teams of 5 “athletes” from each business will compete in 8 events, reflecting an Olympic theme, under the professional control of local fitness guru Barry Grinham. In the evening, 10 people from each company will be invited to attend an awards dinner at Oxford Brookes and Matt will present the prizes!

We also intend to invite Sir Roger Bannister, who famously broke the 4 minute mile at Iffley Road.

The second event will be a choral afternoon at www.b4-business.com

Blenheim Palace, when 4 people from each business will have the opportunity to learn to sing together, led by local maestro and Director of the Orchestra of St John, John Lubbock. During the course of the afternoon John and colleagues will mould the group into the High Sheriff’s Choir and, later that evening when 10 people from each company will enjoy diner in The Orangery at Blenheim they will be entertained…by the choir!

The third unique event will be a lecture at the SAID Business School from legendary businessman Allan Leighton, followed by a drinks reception in the school for 10 people from each business. Allan is an inspirational speaker and author, as well as business pluralist, working with many leading companies and entrepreneurs.

In addition, each company will receive an invitation for two people to attend the High Sheriff’s Garden Party.

The Commitment

in March 2015. All the events and dinners will be provided and there will be no further fundraising.

Donations will be paid directly to the charities.

The Challenge Diary Sports afternoon and dinner: Thursday 17th July 2014 High Sheriff’s Garden Party: Thursday 24th July 2014 Choral afternoon and Dinner: Thursday 4th September 2014 Business lecture: Thursday 11th December 2014 Getting involved Contact Tony Stratton – tony.stratton@cpm-int.com or 07850261777

The number of participating companies will be capped at 20 to ensure practicality and exclusivity.

Each business will be asked to make two donations of £3750 – the first in April 2015 and the second 61

SUPERCAR INSPIRATION. SUPERMINI SPECIFICATION.

THE ALFA MITO FOR JUST £149 PER MONTH* UNTIL THE END OF SEPTEMBER.

It’s styled on a sports car and nips through traffic like a city car.

The Alfa MiTo Sprint with 16” alloys, rear spoiler, manual climate control, cruise control and Bluetooth ® including USB and Aux-in offers far more than you’d expect, for less than you’d expect to pay.

Available now with 3 years Alfa Romeo unlimited mileage warranty **.

ALFA MITO 875CC TB TWINAIR 85 BHP SPRINT Monthly Payment* Customer Deposit

£14,150 Amount of Credit

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£149 Duration of Contract

£4,761

48 months Rate of Interest (Fixed)

£3,485 Total Amount Payable by Customer

£15,249 Representative APR

2.67% 3.6%

W I T H O U T H E A R T W E W O U L D B E M E R E M A C H I N E S.

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‡Model

shown is Alfa MiTo 875cc TB TwinAir 85 bhp Sprint at £14,150 OTR† excluding Alfa Red special paint at £425. Range of official fuel consumption figures for the Alfa MiTo range: Urban 34.9 – 64.2 mpg (8.1 – 4.4 I/100km); Extra Urban 58.9 – 97.4 mpg (4.8 – 2.9 I/100km); Combined 47.1 – 80.7 mpg (6.0 – 3.5 I/100km). CO2 emissions 139 – 90 g/km.

‡Fuel consumption and CO2 figures are obtained for comparative purposes in accordance with EC directives/regulations and may not be representative of real-life driving conditions.

Factors such as driving style, weather and road conditions may also have a significant effect on fuel consumption. *With Alfa Romeo Preferenza you have the option to return the vehicle and not pay the final payment, subject to the vehicle not having exceeded an agreed annual mileage (a charge of 6p per mile for exceeding 6,000 miles per annum in these examples) and being in good condition. Offers may be withdrawn or amended without prior notification. Offer subject to status, a guarantee and/or indemnity may be required. Terms and Conditions apply. Alfa Romeo Financial Services, PO Box 4465, Slough SL1 0RW. Offer applies to vehicles registered between 1 July and 30 September 2013 on Alfa MiTo models. Terms and conditions apply. †On the road price is based on an Alfa MiTo 875cc TB TwinAir 85 bhp Sprint and includes 12 months road fund licence, vehicle first registration fee, delivery, number plates and VAT. Figures correct at time of printing. Offer subject to status. Terms and conditions apply. See our website for full details. **The 3 year warranty consists of 36 months’ unlimited mileage warranty (incl.24 months’ Pan European warranty) which guarantees your vehicle against defective manufacturing faults for a period of 36 months from the date of first registration and without mileage limits. This excludes wear and tear items. Retail sales only. Terms and conditions apply and the warranty is subject to exclusions. See www.alfaromeo.co.uk for more details.

REPRESENTATIVE EXAMPLE

On the Road Price†

B4 MARKETING

SEOPTIMISE

SEOptimise is an Oxford-based digital marketing agency that has taken the world of online marketing by storm. Founded in 2007 with two members of staff, it has grown dramatically into a respected and recognised industry leader. With an award-winning blog and a team of highly educated, forward-thinking consultants, SEOptimise offers a successful combination of agency experience and an in-house level of client business knowledge.

The SEOptimise team works on bespoke search engine optimisation, pay-per-click, branded content and web analytics projects.

If you’re new to the concept of digital marketing, in particular search engine marketing (SEM), here’s how it works.

In this fast-paced world there are numerous direct and specialised multi-channel marketing opportunities, with quantitative results that can be analysed to gain insights into user behaviour and formulate strategies for improving brand awareness and driving traffic. SEM is a type of internet marketing that involves increasing the visibility of your company’s website in search engine results pages (SERPs), with a particular emphasis on market leader Google, through optimisation and advertising. Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) fine-tunes the technical aspects of a website to ensure that it can be crawled and indexed effectively by search engines, as well as optimising meta data and rewriting or creating new website content to help push it higher up the search engine rankings.

Branding content is a vital component to SEO, increasing brand awareness and driving

achieve the client’s business goals. And their hard work pays off: SEOptimise ranked 9th in the Deloitte Fast 50 2012 (fastest growing technology companies) in the UK and 74th in EMEA. SEOptimise has an impressive client base across a diverse range of competitive market sectors. They have built up an enviable portfolio that includes a host of household names, including MORE TH>N, Deloitte, Miele, UCAS and M&G. SEOptimise has worked closely with Deloitte since May 2011 to increase the organic search engine visibility of the UK section of their global site, producing many successful, on-going campaigns that achieve consistently strong results, rising to the challenge of widening the reach of complex data from an initially small audience demographic. Through using engaging infographics to represent financial data in a form more appropriate to appeal to a wider audience, SEOptimise

We strive to be outstanding in everything we do, “because we believe that our commitment to excellence is what enables us to deliver the best results for our clients valuable traffic. SEOptimise offers content audits, strategy advice, and just about any new content required to make a brand a success online. Pay-Per-Click (PPC) involves paid advertising beside the search results and on other websites; only when the advert is clicked does the advertiser pay.

Some people may see SEM as a dark art, but this attitude is mainly down to a lack of information on the subject. SEOptimise puts a lot of time into knowledge-sharing with its clients so as not to keep them in the dark on the subject. The SEOptimise team approaches each project with a unique strategy tailored to the differing needs of their clients. Using their expert online marketing knowledge and also utilising their individual knowledge and experience in their own particular fields, the talented members of the team are able to achieve more successful results. They like to develop a long-term, strategic relationship with clients to understand how they can help

www.b4-business.com

”

managed to exceed all client expectations and obtain fantastic results. For example, the Football Money League infographic saw a traffic increase to the site of 450% on the release day as well as being published in ten languages and mentioned in City AM, the Metro and The Guardian, with exposure from the BBC, CNN and Sky Sports.

If there’s one thing that stands out about SEOptimise, it’s that they care. They care about their clients and their goals, value their team members, invest in education and nurture potential. They not only produce a continually brilliant quality of work, but are a fantastic team of people who work together to grow ideas.

Tel: 08452990818 Email: carla@seoptimise.com Twitter: @seoptimise www.seoptimise.com

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B4 VENUES

INVISIBLE VEGAS

Invisible Vegas are a 4-piece, Oxford based alternative guitar band, who were invited to shoot their latest video and promotional shots at the impressive Lady Margaret Hall. As the college opens its doors to an ever wider range of activities and events, Maddy Barber met with members Alex, Jacques, and manager Rob Butler to find out more about the band and how the venue have helped provide an invaluable platform.

The band made contact with Lady Margaret Hall as part of their recent promotional push, as Rob explained. 'We were looking for an interesting place to promote the band and we wanted something a little different. Alex mentioned oak panelled rooms and I instinctively thought of Oxford University which has obviously got a lot of oak panelled rooms! I spoke with Head of Hospitality Services Bill Kemp and he was very receptive to the idea. He explained how the Simpkins Lee Theatre at Lady Margaret Hall was developing into an alternative arts venue so this fitted perfectly with his vision.

not a fixed unit and go out in various permutations of the band doing acoustic gigs with just two of us quite often. We've been going for a few years now and have played BBC introducing gigs [at The O2 Academy] and have another lined up for October/November. But the original material is what we're pushing and we feel we're in a stronger position than we ever have been to do that. Chris is from Derby, but everyone else is from Oxford but we’re not your stereotypical Oxford band….. there's plenty of them around.’

LMH have, as featured in previous editions of B4 Magazine, opened up to a wide range of diverse events. Jazz festivals, Tango competitions, theatre and even film premieres. Most recently LMH have hosted a Real Madrid FC coaching course for youngsters and have announced a partnership with Creation Theatre for next summer and also plans for a flower festival. Hosting the band for a day was just another string to LMH’s bow.

music, we love other people enjoying it and, at the end of the day, that's what it's all about”

But what of Invisible Vegas? Bass guitarist and backing vocalist, Jacques, told me more. “There's four of us in the band including Ashley on drums and Chris as lead guitar. Completing the band is Alex who will no doubt tell you more about his vocal talents!”

Lead singer Alex stresses that the band is adaptable to the wide range of venues they play in. ”We’re

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“We love

In terms of the current music scene, the band liken themselves to Kings of Leon and cite bands such as The Stone Roses as key influences.

“Our vocals are likened to Pearl Jam, but we’re also likened to The Dandy Warhols,” adds Jacques.

The guys were obviously delighted with LMH as a venue to do their promotional work, as Alex commented. “It's a cool venue. You could play a fully fledged rock and roll concert there but acoustic nights would work too. But that venue cries out for bands, with a good atmosphere, and a great vibe.

On the Friday night they had a jazz performance in the Simpkins Lee theatre where we recorded the video and afterwards there was a big session in the cellar bar. Richard Budd, who photographed us during the day, suggested we went down and contributed something, it was amazing.”

The band appears hugely enthusiastic about their past and potential future experiences with the venue, showing a great appreciation for the platform it presents them with. Both Jacques and Alex have a massive appreciation for the position they are in and obviously thrive doing what they love most.

“We love music, we love other people enjoying it and, at the end of the day, that's what it's all about.

We’re taking ourselves seriously, we're working hard at the moment and the fruits of the labour will come in time.” www.facebook.com/invisiblevegas www.lmh.ox.ac.uk Photography: www.richardbudd.co.uk

www.b4-business.com

“It's a cool venue.

You could play a fully fledged rock and roll concert there but acoustic nights would work too”

“we're working hard at the moment and the fruits of the labour will come in time”

www.b4-business.com

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news Cheltenham Racecourse to host live comedy this autumn Highly acclaimed stand-up comic Sean Lock, who has featured as team captain for 14 series of Channel 4’s comedy panel show, 8 out of 10 Cats, will entertain the Cheltenham crowds on Saturday the 12th October while the 2013 comedy tour from Jack Dee, who returns from a six year absence from stand-up comedy, will roll into Cheltenham on Thursday 31st October.

Tickets for the Cheltenham legs of Sean Lock’s ‘Purple Van Man’ and ‘Jack Dee Live 2013’ are on sale now. Both are priced at £21.00pp plus booking fee and can be purchased via www.cheltenham.co.uk or on 01242 539538.

The Army of Angels Charity Comedy Night, taking place on Friday November 1st will showcase a plethora of television’s best comic talent, including Stephen K Amos, coming together to support the charity, which endeavours to provide support to members of the UK’s armed forces and their families following injury.

Sean Lock

Cheltenham Racecourse, Gloucestershire’s iconic sporting venue, has announced it will host several live comedy events this autumn.

Funny-men Sean Lock and Jack Dee have been confirmed for Cheltenham Racecourse LIVE events this October, while November 1st will see the racecourse play host to a Charity Comedy Night in support of UK based military charity, Army of Angels.

Susie Bradshaw, conference and events manager at Cheltenham Racecourse said, “Following the success of last year’s comedy showcase at Cheltenham Racecourse, we’re thrilled to be able to bring more world-class entertainment to Gloucestershire for autumn 2013. We hope to build on the excitement surrounding past performances from the Stereophonics and Kaiser Chiefs and highlight The Centaur’s prominence as a superb entertainment venue” Jack Dee

All wrapped up at Cheltenham Racecourse Familiar with creating award-winning cuisine for hospitality customers at some of the UK’s most prominent racing fixtures including the legendary Cheltenham Festival, the chefs personally arrange each dish for all Christmas party bookings. The specially created three course menu allows guests to indulge in locally sourced, freshly prepared dishes such as: ‘Smoked Salmon and Prawn Tian’, ‘Braised British Beef in Cheltenham Racing Ale with all the trimmings’, and a ‘seasonal caramelised Panna Cotta’ to round off the delicious meal.

Renowned sporting venue Cheltenham Racecourse announces its Christmas party packages for 2013’s festive period.

The packages catering for groups of 80 to 300 start from £32.50 (inc. VAT) per person. Parties will be held in the stunning Grandstand rooms, with spectacular views across the course and Cleeve Hill.

The celebratory package includes room hire, a mouthwatering three course meal, decorations and a disco to keep all dancing feet moving until 1am.

www.b4-business.com

Located only one mile from Cheltenham town centre, the course is accessible from the midlands’ major arterial routes including the M40 and M5, as well as direct train links to London and Bristol.

Cheltenham Racecourse also offers over 10,000 free car parking spaces.

Susie Bradshaw, conference and events manager at Cheltenham Racecourse, said: “We are delighted to announce our Christmas party packages for 2013. Last year the package was very popular due to its inclusion of entertainment paired with a

greater flexibility to consider off-peak dates. In combining these elements, we can offer a price which meets client’s cost-sensitive requirements as well as creating a party to remember.”

Bookings for the exclusive Christmas package can be made by calling the venue’s events team on 01242 807 286. Dates are available throughout November and December.

Midweek package: £32.50 per person (inc. VAT) Sunday - Wednesday parties, 7pm – 1am (min x80 people) - 3 course meal - Decoration and novelties - Disco Weekend package: £35.00 per person (inc. VAT) Thursday – Saturday parties, 7pm – 1am (min x80 people) - 3 course meal - Decoration and novelties - Disco www.cheltenham.co.uk

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BUSINESS IS BOOMING: OXFORD CENTRE FOR INNOVATION SET FOR EXPANSION

Economic news may have been gloomy in recent years, but business is booming in the heart of Oxford.

Occupying a prominent city centre position beneath the protective bulk of the medieval castle mound, the Oxford Centre for Innovation has spent the summer in feverish activity.

Following a highly successful year for its roster of fast growth start up businesses, this month the facility opens the doors to a suite of new offices that effectively doubles its size.

The city centre business hub, which provides a range of commercial accommodation and support services to a range of ambitious local companies, has expanded operations to encompass two new floors in its New Road premises, making available a range of new offices for growing firms.

“Demand for space within the Centre has been so great that in recent months we’ve had to operate a waiting list for companies wishing to move in.

Oxford’s business community is growing fast, and we’re delighted to have doubled the amount of first class office space available,” says Margaret Hewitt, Centre Director.

“While some of the new offices have already been secured by existing tenants looking to expand their staffing levels, we expect a variety of new businesses to be coming on board from September.”

Centre operators Oxford Innovation, the UK's leading operator of business & innovation centres with 20 facilities countrywide, attribute the facility’s success to a range of factors including its central location, state of the art facilities and a range of support services including business, marketing and financial advice.

The Centre currently hosts 13 companies - largely from the high tech sector - employing in excess of 130 staff, with that number expected to increase by up to 100% over the rest of 2013. A further 14

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businesses occupy flexible virtual tenancies, using the centre as a central point of contact and occasional meeting venue for a fraction of the cost normally associated with setting up commercial premises.

They vary enormously in size and focus, ranging from cutting-edge renewable energy development outfit Joulefusion to consultancy organisation the Global Climate Adaptation Partnership, but all are attracted by a number of shared factors.

“First and foremost, Oxford is a great place to do business. The combination of fantastic transport links, a vibrant technology sector and high quality workforce makes it an excellent place to live and work,” says Karl Schweppe, Managing Director and co-founder of personal organisation software company Journl.

Journl, which launched its online service designed to help individuals trying to manage hectic lives earlier this summer, has expanded rapidly since its foundation in 2011, growing from a launch team of two to a full staff of 10 in under two years. The company selected the Oxford Centre for Innovation as its headquarters because the fully serviced nature of its offering allowed the firm’s founders to forget about the day-to-day problems associated with maintaining premises and focus on growth, but believes that the major factor responsible for the facility’s success is due to its understanding of the pressures and issues facing new companies.

Schweppe added: “The city centre location and high quality facilities are clearly key advantages, but for us the main benefit of working with the Oxford Innovation team is the added support and advice on offer. They understand how start up companies work, and are geared up to provide a blend of support and expertise that has been very important to our development.”

Hugh Bettesworth, Chief Executive of medical imaging expert Mirada Medical, believes that the many start up businesses headquartered at the centre has created a unique atmosphere. The company, an Oxford University spinout that has been located in the Centre since 2008, develops advanced software applications designed to help healthcare professionals use medical images more effectively and efficiently to improve cancer care.

He added: “Being surrounded by other new companies, particularly those in similar sectors to your own, offers real business benefits. With other companies close by who’ve experienced the same issues, or can even offer opportunities for new partnerships, there’s a uniquely supportive working culture here that is of tremendous value.”

Through its Innovation Services division, Oxford Innovation provides a full range of support for member businesses. Going well beyond the basic bricks and mortar provision offered by most serviced office facilities, the centre is highly focused upon helping high growth and start up businesses, providing advice on accessing finance in addition to facilitating access to the Government backed Growth Accelerator Service, which helps England's brightest businesses achieve their ambitions with rapid, sustainable growth.

Margaret Hewitt added: “Oxford Innovation isn’t just about providing suitable office and laboratory space. For us, that is where the partnership with our clients really begins. With over 20 years of experience running business centres we truly understand the needs of ambitious young companies and are dedicated to working with them step-by-step and providing the assistance they need to realise their true commercial potential.” www.ocfi.co.uk

www.b4-business.com

B4 SPOTLIGHT

â&#x20AC;&#x153;First and foremost, Oxford

is a great place to do business. The combination of fantastic transport links, a vibrant technology sector and high quality workforce makes it an excellent place to live and work

â&#x20AC;?

Karl Schweppe, Managing Director / co-founder Journl

www.b4-business.com

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B4 FINANCE

“conducting an ‘International Health Check’ to identify efficiencies and appropriate financing solutions which can help underpin your overseas success”

INTERNATIONAL TRADE There are excellent opportunities for UK business to trade internationally, but it is important to have the right support in place before you make the leap.

For businesses at a certain point in their lifecycle, trading internationally is a natural next step. Making the move overseas can seem daunting, but the benefits are clear: figures from UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) indicate that companies which export see a 34% increase in productivity within the first year of doing so, with 11% more likely to survive in the long-term1.

Also, with the government currently working hard to encourage more SMEs to trade overseas, there is a range of support available to help you to overcome any potential hurdles.

Prepare to succeed Before embarking overseas, it’s important that you asses if your business is ready. It can be useful at this point to speak to an expert, such as a UKTI International Trade Adviser, and to your accountant and bank to get an overview of your financial situation. They can guide you through one of the most tricky aspects of trade internationally – ticking all legal and regulatory boxes, including obtaining intellectual property (IP) protection.

Once you have decided which market you want to move into, the next step is to establish trusted local relationships, with many businesses choosing to working with a partner ‘on the ground’ who can manage liaison with buyers, suppliers and distributors.

The right support As you begin to grow internationally, it is likely that you will need to make an

initial financial investment and hire more staff. Also, issues such as shipping timescales and delayed invoice payment can begin to have an impact on your cash flow. By planning in advance and putting the right solutions in place, you may be able to enjoy a return on your investment sooner rather than later.

Experts can be vital at this stage – helping to prepare an informed international business plan and providing valuable insight around foreign exchange, mitigating export risk and trade finance solutions. This could include information about the UK’s export credit agency, helping exporters and investors by providing credit insurance policies, political risk insurance on overseas investments and guarantees on bank loans.

At Santander, we are serious about boosting our Trade Finance offering to support UK businesses. Our specialists have an in-depth understanding and experience across the export and international trade markets. They offer real value by talking to customers about the whole trading cycle; conducting an ‘International Health Check’ to identify efficiencies and appropriate financing solutions which can help underpin your overseas success. Whichever point your business is at in developing its international focus, having an independent expert who knows which markets are best suited to which industries and can assess current and future priorities is invaluable.

To see what your local trade finance expert could do to support your international growth plans contact Justin Hayward: Telephone: 07809 493 739 businessinsight.santandercb.co.uk

1 Harris, R. and Q. Cher Li (2007), Firm Level Empirical Study of the Contribution of Exporting to UK Productivity. www.exploreexport.ukti.gov.uk

BREAKTHROUGH INTERNATIONAL To further support UK businesses Santander has launched Breakthrough; an initiative that targets fast-growth SMEs, helping them to unlock their full potential. A key pillar of the programme is International – this focuses on both education and supporting international growth.

delegates to connect directly with successful local businesses and entrepreneurs and gain valuable insight into expansion and export opportunities. On return to the UK, the Breakthrough programme continues to support the delegates and input into ongoing international strategy.

One of the main elements of this initiative is Trade Missions. Groups of UK businesses are taken to visit key overseas markets, such as Brazil and the US; markets where Santander has strong corporate presence and links. This enables

If you would like to find out more about the Breakthrough and whether it would be suitable for your business2, please visit: www.santanderbreakthrough.co.uk

2 Requirements are turnover between £500,000 and £25 million and have demonstrated strong growth in turnover, profitability or employment over the last three years.

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71

A NEW LEASE OF LIFE? TIPS FOR BUSINESS LEASE RENEWALS

Rent and other lease payments are often one of the biggest outgoings for a business. Therefore, when tenants renew their business leases this presents a good opportunity to make sure that they are occupying on the best terms possible. Similarly, in these uncertain economic times, landlords want to maximise their rental yields and avoid having empty properties. In both cases careful planning and early advice is critical. Drawing on their wide experience in advising landlords and tenants on both contested and uncontested business lease renewals, Patrick Whetter of the Commercial Property Team and Clare Bellis of the Property Litigation Team at Henmans Freeth LLP set out a checklist of key tactical considerations: 1. Does the lease have the protection of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954 (“the Act”) The vast majority of business tenants enjoy statutory security of tenure and (subject to limited exceptions) have an automatic right to renew their lease when the term expires, provided proper procedures are followed. However, some leases will have been contracted out of the Act, and very different considerations apply. Landlords need to take care – a business tenant who was occupying under a “contracted out” lease can sometimes gain protection under the Act if they remain in occupation after the end of the lease. The key point is – do not assume your lease is protected, and if in doubt, seek advice.

However, assuming the lease is protected under the Act, then consider the following: 2. Time limits are strict – compliance is vital The lease renewal process is triggered by the landlord serving a Section 25 Notice or the tenant serving a Section 26 Request. The Notice must be in a prescribed form and be served no less than six months or more than twelve months before the termination/renewal date, and they cannot ask for an end/start date earlier than the expiry of the old lease. Serving notices is a very technical area, with many pitfalls for the unwary – so you should always seek advice when you are either served with or are serving a Section 25/26 Notice.

Similarly, deadlines for issuing Court proceedings after service of the Section 25/26 Notice are strict. Tenants who fail to issue Court proceedings in time lose the statutory right to renew their lease and will only obtain a new lease if their landlord (who then has the upper hand) is willing to negotiate. To avoid this, written extensions can be agreed before the deadline for issuing proceedings. Our team can provide advice on all notices and deadlines and ensure your position is protected.

3. What is the likely new rent?

Whether tenant or landlord, you should seek advice on this ideally about twelve months before the lease end (i.e before Section 25/26 Notices are served) or, at the latest, straight after you receive a Notice. Likely new rent is a key driver on tactics. In a falling market tenants may want to act quickly and serve an early Section 26 Request so they can negotiate a lower rent under a new lease. They may also 72

www.b4-business.com

B4 ADVICE want to seek a rent free period. Conversely, in a rising market landlords will serve early notices and will be thinking about preserving the right to interim rent (which can be sought at the same rate as rent under the new lease from the earliest date that can be specified in the Section 25/26 Notice).

4. Can you get any other more favourable terms?

Issues such as the length of the term, rent review and alienation clauses can all have differing impacts on rental advice. You need to take a holistic approach to negotiations and make sure every aspect of the new lease is considered.

In weak market conditions tenants should think about whether they can negotiate more flexible clauses e.g a tenant’s break clause, amendments to service charge provisions etc. Conversely landlords may want to consider using dilapidations obligations under the old lease to their best tactical advantage.

Our litigation property team work closely with our commercial property team, and jointly we can steer you through these tactical considerations.

5. Are there grounds for opposing a new lease?

Section 30(1)(a-g) of the Act provides a limited number of grounds on which a landlord can oppose the granting of a new lease. These include situations where: (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) (g)

the property is in disrepair rent is in arrears there are other substantial breaches of lease suitable alternative accommodation is available there are sub-leases and specific criteria are met landlord intends to demolish or reconstruct the premises landlord intends to occupy the premises for his own business.

The grounds we see used most often are grounds (f) and (g). In contested lease renewals it is important to seek early legal advice. We regularly work with tenants facing eviction under S.30(1) and advise on what evidence they need to gather to challenge and test their landlords’ intentions. It can be difficult to defeat the landlord’s claims, but we often find that a robust testing of the evidence can result in tenants obtaining payments on vacating the property under a negotiated settlement. Likewise, we guide our landlord clients through the process and assist in preparing evidence that will prove their chosen grounds and obtain the vacant possession they require.

6. Alternatives to litigation – PACT/Mediation/Offers?

The vast majority of business lease renewals settle by negotiation. However, if the parties and their surveyors are just too far apart, there are still many options to explore before you reach court. PACT (Professional Arbitration on Court Terms) is a scheme offered by RICS and the Law Society. It is a flexible process that is ideal for disputes about rent and is generally quicker and cheaper than Court proceedings. Members of our team are experienced in the PACT arbitration process and can guide you through this.

Similarly, other lease renewal disputes (particularly if they involve any wider commercial issues than just the terms of the new lease) will be ideal for mediation. Again our team regularly participate in and settle disputes at mediation.

Where negotiations/arbitration/mediation are not suitable or fail, and Court proceedings are required, we encourage clients to make early cost protective offers to try to improve the chances of obtaining a costs order against their opponents. At Henmans Freeth, we will talk to you at an early stage about tactics in making and responding to offers.

Further information For further information on renewing business leases, or if you are seeking to end a business lease please contact Clare Bellis, senior associate in the property litigation team on 01865 781058 / clare.bellis@henmansfreeth.co.uk or Patrick Whetter, partner in the commercial property team on 01865 781145 / patrick.whetter@henmansfreeth.co.uk.

www.b4-business.com

“You need to take a

holistic approach to negotiations and make sure every aspect of the new lease is considered” Clare Bellis, Property Litigaion Team, Henmans Freeth

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news Hawkwell House Hotel looks to a bright future after investment Superior rooms, including very creative roof lighting providing all round natural light to the rooms.”

To do this the whole of the central area of the house has been re-worked, beginning with the plan to ensure an easier flow through of the customer experience. Now the main function room, access to bedrooms and the stunning new bistro restaurant all have a more logical integration with each other.

Tim also believes that the investment in the additional rooms and the refurbishment programme across all of the hotel areas changes the business dynamic. Not only does the investment move the hotel in to the four star market but also, with now 77 bedrooms in the market place, allows the hotel to review the business segments it can attract. www.hawkwellhouse.co.uk The new bar in Iffley Blue

One of our new rooms with roof lights

Hawkwell House, one of Oxford’s most prestigious independent hotels, upgrades to the four star market this autumn following more than £1.5m of investment.

The potential of this Iffley village hotel, set in the historic Oxford house where the renowned Antarctic explorer Francis Bickerton was born in 1889, has never fully been realised -- until now. Its Oxford village location, including a stunning riverside walk into the heart of the city, ample free car parking and extensive grounds, are attributes other city hotels can only hope for.

“The potential of Hawkwell House as a four star hotel has always been there” observes general manager Tim Spittles. Tim has overseen the investment that has repositioned this unique location on the Oxford hotel scene.

“Our first strategy was to sensitively add 11 bedrooms in to the original early 19th century house” explains Tim. “Because of the design we have made these

Hand made glass from Devon stars in Iffley Blue Using an advanced fusion technique which allows for the creation of abstract designs of great individuality and depth, Jo has created an ‘inside out’ effect with the glass depicting flowing rivers, hills, valleys and sky across the ten panels. There are also panels of striking wall coverings reflecting bold stands of woodland.

Jo, who has been commissioned for P&O cruise ships, the National Trust and Molton Brown, as well as privately by individuals such as the singer Joss Stone, said Iffley Blue was a joy to work on because the lightness of the room.

One of the panels by Jo Downess

“My work is inspired by the colours and texture of nature and for Iffley Blue I wanted to create something really natural and beautiful that I hope will bring a little of the outside in and enhance the experience” she explained.

Cornish artist Jo Downes has produced some stunning glass panels for the new Iffley Blue Restaurant. Jo is one of the world’s most prominent fused glass designers.

www.hawkwellhouse.co.uk

www.b4-business.com

www.hawkwellhouse.co.uk

75

WINDRUSH COURT Transport Way, Watlington Road, Oxford FOR SALE/TO LET 71,955 sq ft

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

EPC Rating – D (100)

BANNISTER HOUSE Langford Locks, Kidlington TO LET/FOR SALE

2,379 – 14,685 sq ft Prominent Grade A office building well located opposite Oxford Airport.

EPC Rating – C (67)

TOWN HALL St Aldate’s, Oxford TO LET

6,651 sq ft Self contained Period offices within historic office Town Hall.

EPC Rating – N/A Listed Building

SEACOURT TOWER West Way, Botley, Oxford TO LET 2nd Floor West Wing – 4,700 sq ft 3rd Floor West Wing – 3,742 sq ft 3rd Floor West Wing – 2,229 sq ft

A range of high quality air conditioned offices with easy access and proximity to Oxford City Centre and the A34. EPC Rating – D (78)

unrivalled local and regional expertise Richard Venables Tom Barton Duncan May

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

news Positive Market Signs .....................?

Following the long hot summer of 2013 it seems it is not just the meteorological climate that has improved. Upbeat economic data now appears to be reflected in the Oxfordshire commercial property market.

Despite a very quiet summer with little market activity we can now point to three significant changes that lead us to believe that times are changing. Firstly, we are now receiving enquiries from businesses who are talking about growth and expansion rather than discussing downsizing and reletting of surplus property.

Secondly, the speed of commercial property transaction is quickening. For the last 5 years landlords and vendors have sat patiently whilst tenants and purchasers pick holes through contracts and try and chip on prices. This week saw the completion of a complex 50,000 sq ft warehouse acquisition within 8 weeks and where the new occupier has been pushing hard for completion so they can install newly ordered equipment for their expanding business.

Thirdly, office stock levels are reducing at a greater pace due to a combination of increased take up and vacant stock being converted to residential use. This week we celebrated the completion of the letting of the final suite of Northbrook House on The Oxford Science Park where we have now let 6 offices totalling 24,000 sq ft over the last 4 years with generous rent free incentives and numerous bicycles as additional bait. Following the change in planning laws allowing conversion of office to residential use we calculate that approx 80,000 sq ft of secondary (or even tertiary office buildings) are likely to be taken out of the available office stock. Whilst this might appear to take away opportunities for emerging businesses the reality is that many of the buildings are now obsolete and do not provide the type of space modern businesses require. We believe this reduction in stock will give developers the confidence to consider new office development.

We therefore hope that this positivity breeds further activity.

Deals, Deals and more Deals…..

Northbrook House, Oxford Science Park – Letting of 3,974 sq ft ground floor office suite to Circassia

Chawley Park, Cumnor Hill, Oxford – Letting of 4,962 sq ft of offices to Hartwell PLC

6 The Terrace, Harwell International Business Centre – Sale of 1,900 sq ft to Retail Active

9 Oxonian Park, Langford Locks, Kidlington – Letting of 9,169 sq ft to M-Solv

10 The Parade, Kidlington – Investment sale of 1,084 sq ft of retail let to S & R Childs Funeral Services & residential accommodation

71 London Road, Headington – Investment sale of 2,480 sq ft of retail accommodation let to Starbucks Coffee Company (UK) Ltd

9 Station Park, Witney – Letting of 5,410 sq ft to Topps Tiles

Park Central, Park End Street, Oxford – Letting of 8,616 sq ft to The Institute & Faculty of Actuaries

www.b4-business.com

Beaumont House, East Point Business Park – Letting of 14,119 sq ft of two storey refurbished offices to Cancer Partners (UK) Ltd

www.vslandp.com

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Moving In The Right Direction

With the future looking brighter, let The MGroup support you and your business on your route to success.

Accountancy ˙ Business Development ˙ Registered Auditors Computer Solutions ˙ Taxation ˙ Corporate Finance Software Development ˙ Financial Services Oxford Office: Cranbrook House, 287/291 Banbury Road, Summertown, Oxford, OX2 7JQ Tel: 01865 552925

Vist the website: www.theMgroup.co.uk

Witney Office: Harvestway House, 28 High Street, Witney, Oxfordshire, OX28 6RA Tel: 01993 776476

B4 SPOTLIGHT

S TRICTLY

F UNDRAISING FOR

OXFORDSHIRE BANKER

Senior director for Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking in Oxfordshire, Karl Leitelmayer, has raised more than £3,000 for a local charity by taking part and winning Strictly Oxford, the city’s answer to the popular BBC1 programme Strictly Come Dancing.

The competition saw 16 of Oxford’s finest, all hoping take part to win the dancing crown which included brain surgeons, authors and singers among others and attracted an audience of 1,000 people at the Oxford New Theatre.

This is the latest charity event that Karl has taken part in, earlier this year he accompanied a team of eight from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking to help Helen & Douglas House, another Oxfordbased hospice by preparing donated furniture for sale in its charity shops.

This is the second year of the competition and was judged by dancing experts David Roberts and Andrea Law, choreographer Ian Botham and BBC Radio Oxford’s Bill Heine.

The charity cares for children and young adults with life-shortening illnesses, offering specialist symptom and pain management, medically-supported short breaks and end-of-life care, as well as counselling and practical support for the families.

Vale House in Oxford, a hospice care centre, will benefit from the £30,000 raised on the night. The care home has 40 beds and provides specialist care to men and women who suffer from dementia in its severest forms.

The home was originally set-up in 1990 and has since moved to a state-of-theart location in Sandford, providing nursing care for patients.

Karl and his professional dancing partner Reka Balogh won after 60 hours of training. To clinch the crown, Karl and Reka performed the Jive, American Smooth and a show dance tribute to ‘The Mask’.”

Winner and senior director at Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, Karl Leitelmayer, said: “Taking part in the competition was an amazing experience, Vale House is a very worthy cause and I am still stunned by the support both through sponsorship and people’s comments.

“My professional dance partner and I trained for nearly 60 hours for the night.

My dance was a tribute to ‘The Mask’.

The vast majority of the £5 million a year needed to run Helen & Douglas House is from voluntary donations.

To help support the charity, the team from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking took part in a Furniture Fiesta which involved painting and redecorating old furniture.

Karl Leitelmayer, of Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “It was a pleasure for our team to help out this worthy cause. Taking part in events like this provides a real sense of giving something back to the community while giving colleagues a change to their everyday jobs.

“Helen & Douglas House does not just help the young people in its care, it supports their family and friends too. The project was both enjoyable and insightful and events like these are vital in allowing the hospice to carry on its work.” www.valehouse.org.uk

still stunned by the support both through “I amsponsorship and people’s comments ” Karl Leitelmayer - Lloyds Commercial Banking

www.b4-business.com

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LOOKING FOR A VENUE TO INSPIRE, MOTIVATE AND REWARD? The award-winning Williams Conference Centre offers a unique environment that will cater to all of your corporate hospitality needs.

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www.b4-business.com

B4 VENUES Located at the home of the Williams F1 Team just outside of Wantage, Oxfordshire Williams Conference Centre has established itself as one of the UK’s premier event venues.

The Williams Conference Centre facilities include a collection of ten event rooms of varying sizes and capacity to cater for up to 200 guests whether it be for a team building exercise, meeting or awards dinner it is supported by superb catering and service - all of which has been recognised in the M&IT Awards every year for the last four years.

The Centre is also the proud home of the Williams Grand Prix Collection, the largest private collection of formula one cars in the world.

What we have on offer: Conferences & Product Launches The Ayrton Senna Theatre is a fully equipped presentation room, which can seat 200 people, offers a built-in stage with three large projection screens, stage lights, surround sound and comes with the service of our in-house AV technician, cutting down on your needs for hiring additional AV services.

Seminars & Training Courses A range of rooms suitable for 1-on-1 coaching or groups of up to 50 guests are available. All come with presentation equipment as standard and a private hospitality room which double as a breakout area, saving you the need to hire another room for any catering requirements.

• The BATAK Challenge – Why not test reaction times and even fitness levels for all ages and abilities?

• Giant F1 Scalextric - Promote team work whilst ensuring guests understand the need for clear communication.

Something for the weekend!

• Williams PitStop Challenge - This is the ultimate in demonstrating the requirements required to create a winning team. Accepting individuals strengths and weaknesses, guests are instructed how to change the wheels on a Formula One car with the objective of completing a ‘PitStop’ in just seconds.

“We have created a 1st class events facility, a unique venue which offers outstanding catering and service.

Something we are truly proud of.”

Awards & Celebrations Mark your celebrations with award-winning catering in an environment that promotes innovation and success. We can cater for sit-down events of up to 200 guests in our Drivers Suite which includes the Ayrton Senna presentation room.

Team Building In-house we offer a range of fun experiences which you can use in your day’s activities to help bring your team together.

• F1 simulator - Test the driving and concentration skills of guests whilst providing entertainment for colleagues at the same time

www.b4-business.com

scenes insight to activities at the circuit. Events include access to the Williams Grand Prix Collection along with F1 Simulator Challenge, Race Sweepstake, BATAK Challenge, Scalextric Challenge, Hospitality Bar and superb catering. A full day of entertainment.

Corporate Hospitality Each season we operate a number of Grand Prix Race Day events offering you the chance to entertain colleagues and friends at the home of the Williams F1 Team. Join Williams F1 Team members to watch the Grand Prix and get a real behind the

Williams Grand Prix Collection Tours Tickets are sold for set dates throughout the year for an escorted tour of the world’s largest collection of Formula One cars. The Williams Grand Prix Collection charts the history of the Williams F1 Team from 1978 giving you the chance to get up close and witness the developments that have shaped the sport into what it is today. Information on the technology used will be explained with videos and a tour along with examples of materials, tests and challenges the team face in the development of it’s cars. Visit includes refreshments and lunch.

Race Day Specials Each season we operate a Grand Prix Race Day Special, designed for family and friends with a passion for Formula One. Hosted by Williams F1 Team members, we offer an affordable way of getting close to the team and offer behind the scene information whilst enjoying access to the Williams Grand Prix Collection and F1 Simulator Challenge. Package includes refreshments, a two course buffet luncheon and cash bar.

For more information please contact us on 01235 777900, events@williamsf1.com or visit our www.williamsconferencecentre.com for more information.

“We have created a 1st class events facility, a unique venue which offers outstanding catering and service. Something we are truly proud of.” Sir Frank Williams.

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The Ambassadors Club BECOME AN AMBASSADOR AND BENEFIT FROM AMAZING DISCOUNTS AND GREAT DEALS FROM OTHER B4 MEMBERS CITY AUDIO VISUAL

10% Off

Equipment Hire

Free

Business development mentoring session

City Audio Visual started trading in 1985 under its original name of City Television, starting as a retail shop specialising in servicing and satellite reception.

We help small business owners to achieve the clarity, focus and structure they need to attract customers and grow their business.

C: Katie Mildenhall | E: info@cityav.co.uk | T: 01865 722800 | W: www.cityav.co.uk

C: Jackie Jarvis | E: Jackie@marketingco.co.uk | T: 01491 833222 | W: www.a1limited.co.uk

THE OXFORD DUPLICATION CENTRE

SPICE LOUNGE

10% Off

All in-house digital media services

10% Off

On your food bill

Specialising in short run (1-1000) CD and DVD duplication, and replication services (1000+) we can cater for all your marketing requirements.

At the Spice Lounge the emphasis is on organic and creative dishes.

Ethnic recipes are used to provide a diverse, unusual menu, while focusing on healthy eating.

C: Cheryl-Lee Foulsham | E: cheryl@the duplicationcentre.co.uk | T: 01865 457000 | W: www.cityav.co.uk

E: info@spiceloungeoxford.co.uk | T: 01865 510 071 | W: www.spiceloungeoxford.co.uk

GLOOO

STUDIO 8

Free

Baseline review/report

10% Off

On standard prices

Glooo is an Oxford based outsourced ‘intelligent business development’ company. We monitor our client websites, and social media outputs to establish visitor information data.

Studio8 Provide professional photography and video services within Oxford and the UK. We are proud to be B4’s preferred photographers.

Subjects can include: People, Products, Interior, Location and more.

C: Chris Jones | E: chris@glooo.co.uk | T: 01865 595707 | W: www.glooo.co.uk

C: Clark Wiseman | E: info@studio-8.co.uk | T: 01865 842525 | W: www.studio-8.co.uk

A1 PLUMBING & HEATING

LADY MARGARET HALL

20% Off

Gas Boiler Servicing and Repairs

82

MARKETINGCO

10% Off

Any accommodation & Meeting Bookings

At A1 Plumbing & Heating we offer a complete service with competitive rates for all your plumbing and heating requirements on any scale, large or small.

Lady Margaret Hall is an academic community, utterly committed to research and scholarship and to effective, highly personalised teaching and learning for students from all backgrounds.

C: Justin Sinclair | E: hello@a1ltd.co.uk | T: 01865 327732 | W: www.a1limited.co.uk

C: Bill Kemp | E: lodge@lmh.ox.ac.uk | T: 01865 611079 | W: www.lmh.ox.ac.uk

www.b4-business.com

The Ambassadors Card This ia new benefit for B4 Ambassadors. Receive your personalised card in the post which will entitle you to benefit from amazing discounts and great deals from other B4 Members. Why not make us an offer? In addition to benefiting from other member offers, why not include your offer in the scheme?

Promote a benefit to obver 150 B4 Ambassadors and, depending on the nature of the offer, this can be extended (at your request) to all employees in the Ambassador’s company if you would like to each a wider audience.

OXFORD EVENT HIRE

10% Off

Equipment Hire

THE MANOR

20% Off

On food and beverage

Oxford Event Hire was established in 1990 with a clear vision to provide premium quality products and unbeatable service for both private and corporate clients in the events industry.

Proud of its 900-year-old history, the Manor is today a country house hotel, opening its doors to guests who seek a truly relaxed escape, with fine food, fine wine and beautiful, fascinating surroundings.

C: Kieran Lynch | E: info@oxfordeventhire.co.uk | T: 01865 760158 | W: www.oxfordeventhire.co.uk

C: Christian Kaberg | E: events@themanorweston.co.uk | T: 01869 350621 | W: http://themanorweston.comk

L’ORTOLAN

THE FORBURY

Free

Lunch for two

25% Off

Your food bill

Free lunch for 2 when booking private dining for at least 8 people.

Housed in a former vicarage on a leafy lane in Shinfield, L’Ortolan offers an exceptional dining experience. Terms & Conditions apply.

It makes every moment of your stay a special memory. It’s in the smile that greets you and in the warmth and friendliness you’ll feel while you are here.

C: Sally Albin | E: sally@lortolan.com | T: 0118 988 9107 | W: www.lortolan.com

C: Peter Farquhar | E: reception@theforburyhotel.co.uk | T: 01189 527770 | W: www.theforburyhotel.co.uk

HEYTHROP PARK RESORT

DARBYS

Round discounts

£20 pp Mon to Fri - £25 pp Sat & Sun

From £180

Will and free annual review

Heythrop Park Resort has undergone refurbishment of the Health Club & Spa, the 18 hole golf course to championship standards and opening a second hotel, a new 197 bedroom four star Crowne Plaza..

Via the BLUE® helpline, your legal team will give you up to a total of 20 minutes FREE time on a particular enquiry. In our experience this is long enough to deal with most enquiries that crop up.

C: Tracy Stanton | E: info@heythroppark.co.uk | T: 01608 673333 | W: www.heythropparkresort.co.uk

C: Simon McCrum | E: info@darbys.co.uk | T: 01865 811256 | W: www.darbys.co.uk

THE OXFORD WINE COMPANY

10% Off

At our 4 retail outlets Voted Best Independent Wine Retailer and Wholesaler in the UK 2011 by Harpers Wine & Spirit Magazine. Named Regional Wine Merchant of the Year 2007/2010 by the prestigious International Wine Challenge judges.

C: Theo Sloot | E: theo@oxfordwine.co.uk | T: 01865 301144 | W: www.oxfordwine.co.uk

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83

Katy Rabindran

Samantha Vanags

The 2013 Budget was a great indicator of the Government’s continued support and encouragement of UK businesses carrying out qualifying research and development (R&D), and the exploitation of registered patented technology, with the announcement of more generous tax reliefs for these businesses, and the introduction of the widely anticipated ‘patent box’.

This could be a newly improved product or process; it doesn’t have to be rocket science!

These announcements form part of the Government’s wider economic plans to generate more income from the science and technology industry, by making the UK a competitive market for both national and international innovative businesses.

The UK legislation currently provides two types of R&D tax relief, depending on the size of the company or organisation; the small or medium-sized enterprise (SME) relief, and the large company relief. Each of the reliefs can be claimed in two different ways; a super-deduction, and a claimable cash credit from HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC). Historically, the legislation did not allow large companies to claim a cash credit, however from April 1, 2013, the Government introduced an R&D expenditure credit, where this is now possible. A summary of the reliefs are given in the table below. (see fig.1)

What is R&D for tax purposes?

Patent Box

Essentially, it is the investment into achieving an advance in science or technology through the resolution of scientific or technological uncertainties.

In addition to these reliefs, the patent box regime was introduced with effect from April 1, 2013. Broadly speaking, the patent box enables companies to

R&D TAX RELIEF SUMMARY FIG.1 Description

Description SME relief

Large company relief

Super-deduction

Allows companies to deduct an additional amount on top of their qualifying R&D expenditure with their tax returns.

Extra deduction of £125 allowed for every £100 spent on qualifying R&D. This gives a net cost of £48.25 on £100 of qualifying R&D expenditure when a 23% corporation tax rate is applied.

Extra deduction of £30 allowed for every £100 spent on qualifying R&D. This gives a net cost of £70.10 on £100 of qualifying R&D expenditure when a 23% corporation tax rate is applied.

Cash credit claimable

Allows companies to claim a cash repayment from HMRC.

Available to loss-making SMEs at a rate of 24.75%. This gives a cash receipt of £24.75 on £100 of qualifying R&D expenditure when a 23% corporation tax rate is applied.

Available to large companies at a gross rate of 10% of their qualifying R&D expenditure. The credit is repayable net of tax, this gives a net cash receipt of £7.7 on £100 of qualifying expenditure when a 23% corporation tax rate is applied.

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www.b4-business.com

B4 FINANCE

TAX TURNS

INNOVATIVE Grant Thornton UK LLP is moving full steam ahead with its investment into a new national innovation team, set up to increase its national market offering to businesses who deal in all areas of innovation, including research and development. Samantha Vanags and Katy Rabindran discuss the evolution of the team and its plans for the future.

apply a 10% corporation tax rate to profits earned from its patented inventions and certain other innovations.

substantial – recently one of my clients secured over £1 million in cash refunds.”

Innovative thinking

The team uses methodologies agreed with HMRC when preparing and submitting R&D claims. They invest a great deal of time at the outset to understand the key R&D projects carried out by the business through interviewing or conducting workshops with key personnel, followed by detailed

The innovation team has strategically evolved from a group of R&D specialists mainly working in London and the Thames Valley region, to an expanding national network of dynamic innovation specialists. Regional specialists are currently situated in several local offices including Manchester and Cambridge; the plan being to expand the team to 25 heads by FY2016.

Samantha Vanags created and heads the innovation team, and has worked in R&D since the relief was first introduced in 2000. Having attended and influenced many of the HM Treasury consultations regarding the recently enacted legislation, Vanags has not only key technical insight into the legislation, but invaluable practical experience in dealing with HMRC and its views on a broad range of issues that exist within R&D claims. As a result, the team has a good working relationship with many of the R&D inspectors at HMRC, which is valuable when settling HMRC enquiries into R&D claims.

“Broadly speaking, the patent box enables companies to apply a 10% corporation tax rate to profits earned from its patented inventions and certain other innovations” Katy Rabindran leads the team in the Thames Valley. She says, “The Thames Valley is a real hub for innovative companies, and we work on claims for everything from satellites launched into space, to improved software solutions for internet dating. These reliefs are far more widely available than many companies first think, and the cash refunds generated from HMRC can be

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“the team has a good working relationship with many of the R&D inspectors at HMRC, which is valuable when settling HMRC enquiries into R&D claims

”

data analysis to extract associated qualifying costs in relation to the R&D projects. The team also work with businesses in preparing the accompanying narrative which describes why the projects are qualifying R&D. This methodology has proved very successful in ensuring robust, fully supportable claims are submitted to HMRC. The team have worked, and currently work with many dynamic businesses that are very influential within the UK’s science and technology industries, with extensive experience in both SME and large company claims.

Samantha Vanags 01865-799805 samantha.j.vanags@uk.gt.com Katy Rabindran 01865-799846 katy.j.rabindran@uk.gt.com

85

...AT THE MANOR WESTON

Wee are truly delighted to W announce the appointment of Larry Jayasekara as Executivee Cheff at The Manor.

Man Manor.

Larry joins us with a wealth of experience in 1, 2 and 3 Michelin-starred restaurants in London and the south east, and is already creating a stir with his team m at The Manor Manor. r..

Larry’ Larry’ss cooking is fresh and seasonal with a lightness of touch and superb flavour combinations. Join us for lunch or dinner to experience Larry’ Larry’ss seasonal tasting menus or the delights of our á la carte menu.

SEASO SEASONAL NAL MENUS FOCUSING O ON N FRESH, L LOCAL OCAL INGREDIENTS

LUNCH L UNCH H AND DINNER SERVED SER RVED VED IN OUR ANCIENT B BARON’S ARON’S HALL

SAMPLE DISH INCL INCLUDES UDES L LAKE AKE DISTRICT FARMERS FARMERS AR VENISO VENISON N LOIN, LOIN, MARIN MARINATED ATED FIG FIG,, SWEDE AND A AUTUMN UTUMN TR TRUFFLE RUFFLE

WINE PPAIRING AIRING B BY Y OUR E EXPERTS XPER RTS

DAILY D AIL LY CHEF CHEF’S ’S T TASTING ASTING MENU AND Á L LA A CAR CARTE RTE OPTIO OPTIONS NS DRINKS AV AVAILABLE A VAIL AI ABLE IN BER BERTIE’S RTIE’S TIE’S B BAR AR

FOR MORE INFORMA INFORMATION ORMA ATIO TION OR T TO O MAKE A RESERVATION RESER ER RV VATION PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE OR CO CONTACT NT TACT US USING THE DET DETAILS TAILS T AILS BEL BELOW: OW: THE THE M MANOR ANOR A AT TW WESTON~ON~THE~GREEN ESTON~ON~THE~GREEN OXFORDSHIRE, OXFORDSHIRE, O OX X 25 3QL TEL: TEL: +44 (0)1869 350621 E EMAIL: MAIL: HOUSE@ HOUSE@THEMANORWESTON.CO.UK THEMANOR ANOR RWESTON.CO.UK WWW.THEMANORWESTON.CO.UK WWW W.THEMANOR OR RWESTON.CO.UK

SEASO SEASONAL NAL AL FRESCO DINING O ON N OUR UR SUNLIT TERRA TERRACES ACES CES LUXURY L UXUR RY ACCOMMODATION ACCOMMOD DATION A AV AVAILABLE VAILABLE IN 28 BEA BEAUTIFULLY UTIFULL LY REFURBISHED BEDR BEDROOMS OOMS

B4 HEALTH

“Employers have a duty of care to

ensure that their staff's eyesight is protected while at work, but equally, individuals need to take responsibility for their own eyesight, particularly where something like driving safely is concerned

”

John Edwards - Robert Stanley Opticians

KEEPING

IN FOCUS Robert Stanley Opticians, which runs five branches across Oxfordshire, is on a mission to encourage people across the county to look after their eyes.

Celebrating 60 years in the optometry business this year more than qualifies Robert Stanley Opticians to talk about the importance of eye health. As co-owner and contact lens optician John Edwards explains: "We are dedicated to clinical excellence and personal service, always putting the customer first and never compromising on quality."

Of course eyesight, good or otherwise, doesn't just centre around using computers in the workplace, we need good eyesight to enjoy life in general and to keep us safe. Robert Stanley is concerned by the results of a recent survey of 1,000 car drivers conducted by the road safety charity Brake which reveals some alarming statistics.

But there is more than one reason why it is important to have a regular eye check, says John Edwards. The eye is a unique window into health and an optometrist can detect and diagnose a range of medical conditions when undertaking an eye examination.

They discovered nearly one in 10 people who need glasses or lenses don't always wear them when driving. Furthermore, of those who claimed they don't need glasses or lenses, one in three haven't had their eyes checked in the last two years, so can't be certain their vision is up to scratch. And a worrying one in 11 (9%) admit not visiting an optician for five years or more, or never, with 3%, (that's the equivalent of more than one million UK drivers), have never been to an optician.

"These conditions aren't necessarily restricted to eye diseases like cataracts and glaucoma," he says, " but conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular disease and liver disease as well. This isn't scaremongering, but a sound reason why people should have their eyes tested at least once every two years.

Nowadays, there are few of us in the business world who do not use a computer regularly, but eyes are not designed for non-stop computer use, which can lead to all sorts of complaints related to eyestrain, such as headaches, dry eyes or blurred vision.

To help minimise computer eye strain, Robert Stanley shares a few guidelines here: • Your monitor should be directly in front of you at little lower than eye level about 45 to 75 centimeters from your face • If you are copying from other documents, rest them on a stand next to the monitor to avoid flicking your eyes up and down from the screen to the document • Adjust your monitor to keep the glare down, and if you wear glasses, make sure they have an anti-reflection coating on the lenses • Often you blink less often when focusing on your screen, so adopt the 20-20 rule - every 20 minutes take a 20 second break to help rehydrate your eyes • Invest in an anti-static cloth or spray to minimise dust which can irritate your eyes • Try to avoid working with bright sunlight coming in through a window or from harsh overhead lighting.

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"Employers have a duty of care to ensure that their staff's eyesight is protected while at work," says John Edwards, "but equally, individuals need to take responsibility for their own eyesight, particularly where something like driving safely is concerned."

And responsibility is something Robert Stanley Opticians understand and indeed is central to its business. The company is continually searching for new ways to develop the business in terms of both clinical and product developments. They are continually looking to expand the choice of expertise offered by their clinicians, most recently adding a non-invasive treatment for short sightedness and visual dyslexia in children to their range of specialties.

They have spent many years developing relationships with leading lens and frame manufacturers in the UK and overseas in order to cater for the individual customers requirements.

"We need to ensure that we continue to stay dynamic and monitor our customer needs. As technology fills in some of the challenges of selling spectacles online, we envisage a growing importance in our internet business.

"But there will always be a need for a high street location and in this respect we will be looking to open further stores in the right locations over the next 60 years!" www.robertstanley.co.uk

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UNEARTHING THE EXPERTS’ STORIES

COLIN BUGGEY

MICHAEL LUNT

Head of Architecture & Building Consultancy 19 years' service

Education team 20 years' service

DESCRIBE YOUR TYPICAL CLIENT Two types: private clients who own country houses or townhouses who want to alter or extend or, educational & institutional clients who need help with listed or period buildings

DESCRIBE YOUR TYPICAL CLIENT Bursars of colleges or independent schools in Oxford and across the UK, generally boarding, who need full surveys and costs to help with planned and routine maintenance

BRIEF OVERVIEW OF WHAT YOU DO FOR YOUR CLIENT We guide clients through their build projects from initial feasibility study through to design and project management to successful completion.

I also act as an expert witness in professional negligence disputes or building defects in the construction industry

BRIEF OVERVIEW OF WHAT YOU DO FOR YOUR CLIENT As a specialist education surveyor, I deal with inspection and condition reports.

WHAT'S THE MOST UNUSUAL THING YOU'VE SEEN IN YOUR JOB? We once found a suede leather child’s jacket in the roof space of a Medieval house in Abingdon – that was really exciting. It used to be good luck to hide articles of children’s clothing in the houses. It is now displayed in Abingdon Museum AND FINALLY, WHAT YOU’VE LEARNT? On a building site, never be too arrogant to learn from the tradesman.

Listen to the grafter as well as the big boss

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I look at historic buildings and comment how they don’t comply with current standards and suggest ways they can be brought close to, or up to correct standards, with a likely cost and priorities with a 7-10 year plan WHAT'S THE MOST UNUSUAL THING YOU'VE SEEN IN YOUR JOB? On a lead roof, the lead maker had carved the shape of his foot and dated it 1750. Things like that make you realise you’re standing amongst history AND FINALLY, WHAT YOU’VE LEARNT? Never make assumptions when surveying a building – the devil is always in the detail

www.b4-business.com

B4 PROPERTY Agents, valuers, property managers, and planners are just some of the 70+ people who you would expect to see working in Carter Jonas’ Oxford office.

But what if you were told that you would also find: a fully qualified architect, a man who spends most of his time still at school, a mapping expert, and someone who lives and breathes the public sector?

Well, we set about unearthing them to hear their fascinating stories. www.carterjonas.co.uk

IAN MACEY

MARK HALL-DIGWEED

Head of Oxford Mapping 16 years' service

Head of Public Sector 13 years' service

DESCRIBE YOUR TYPICAL CLIENT We support our clients and colleagues with any mapping related request.

It could be for a house, land or estate. Solicitors use us too for house sale and boundary disputes

DESCRIBE YOUR TYPICAL CLIENT Public sector clients across central Government, local authorities and Quangos, including Network Rail, Nuclear Decommissioning Agency, and the Homes & Communities Agency

BRIEF OVERVIEW OF WHAT YOU DO FOR YOUR CLIENT We produce estate, utility, and site plans. We look at proposed sites and produce contextual analysis plans ie flood plains, designated areas referencing and ownership plans, 3D analysis and modelling and Geographic Information Systems

BRIEF OVERVIEW OF WHAT YOU DO FOR YOUR CLIENT It’s all about collaborative engagement: we focus on establishing our clients’ property objectives, working out the requirements needed to deliver the property solutions for those objectives, managing the process and measuring the result

WHAT'S THE MOST UNUSUAL THING YOU'VE SEEN IN YOUR JOB? I was asked to produce a land use map of an estate comprising 95,000 hectares of land in Guinea, West Africa. My most unusual request was being asked to produce a full range of plans for a proposed slurry pit including cross sections!

WHAT'S THE MOST UNUSUAL THING YOU'VE SEEN IN YOUR JOB? In Kazakhstan, I led an expert witness team covering mapping, GIS and land surveyors to assess the volumes of material moved historically and on going in huge iron ore quarries. The scale was amazing: 1 mile deep with spoil heaps over 2.5 miles long, and it was -33 degrees

AND FINALLY, WHAT YOU’VE LEARNT? Listen to the client to understand exactly their requirements and be clear in what you are going to produce for them

AND FINALLY, WHAT YOU’VE LEARNT? Always be straight with clients: tell them how it is, not what they want to hear.

www.b4-business.com

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Thinking Differently Generosity at the heart of Business I didn’t really want to run a business. I trained as an accountant, didn’t really like it, but assumed that I would remain an accountant in industry until retirement – at least I was being paid enough to feed the family.

That all changed when my father asked for my help, got me involved in the family business, and a few years later died suddenly. That was a bit of a shock I can tell you. I spent an emotional day telling our tenants the sad news. Their generosity to me, giving me time, allowing me to open up in front of them, even crying with me, changed the way that we worked together. The relationship evolved into one of mutual trust, rather than nervous acceptance. The lease, as a legal document to regulate the relationship, became redundant.

Trusting communication was the way forward.

It is easy to serve your tenant (customer) by providing the premises (or service or goods). That is what all landlords do. What I did was to take the time to consider the tenants needs when renting premises. I began to understand the anxieties they had, especially if they were moving in to premises for the first time. I began to feel empathy. My job I realised was to do my best to make them feel comfortable, relaxed, at ease, at home.

When you move beyond mere ‘service’ and think of it as ‘hospitality’; when you stop thinking about the buildings and start thinking about making the tenants feel at ease; when you stop worrying about how much damage the tenant may do to a building, and start being accommodating of their needs; when you stop thinking about the commercial agenda of your business, and start putting people first, that is where generosity springs from.

And of course what happens is that in most cases our tenants respect the way we treat them and respond in a similar way. And in the long run our customers become our marketing department!

Many years later and I have built such a fantastic team who really understand the need for generosity. Giving time, space, acceptance, and praise is as much a part of generosity as giving money. We are generous, we notice when tenants are generous back to us, and we talk about it so that our focus remains on one of the most important aspects of the way we do business, and what makes us different to other landlords. www.jennings.co.uk Mike Jennings - Chairman of Jennings

Mentoring The more I talk to the mentors the more I realise just how much they benefit from being a mentor. Yes they give generously of their time and experience, and more importantly they do that without expectation of anything in return.

Mentoring is not a trade-off, it is absolute generosity.

What none of them ever expect, is what they get in return. They get thanked, they get praised, they get feedback immediately from the client, or perhaps weeks later. They get awareness that they have something amazing to offer, something that few have to offer – experience in running a small business.

This in turn means that all of the mentors grow in self belief, and self confidence, and that makes them better at running their own business.

the difference in an emotional way. People with awareness will notice the difference in your body language, tone of voice, inflexion etc etc… .what we call ‘the music’

you feel vulnerable - and yet, and here’s the rub, it is by being generous that you build authentic, lasting business relationships.

An open discussion allows us all to learn, and if we are generous we give that learning away wherever we think it can make a difference. www.oxfordbusinessmentors.org

Leadership and Purpose You have probably heard the expression ‘to give in order to receive’, or ‘the more you put in, the more you get out’. These phrases are indicative of the spiritual nature of generosity. If you give expecting to receive, then that is merely doing business - a trade. If you give without expectation of something in return, then that is pure generosity - it is warm-hearted. People feel

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In business particularly people want to give the impression of being strong, and in control. There is little room for generosity, especially if that makes

www.conventionislimited.co.uk (website under reconstruction)

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B4 R&R

EAT. DRINK. ENJOY. DON’T LET THE END OF THE SUMMER BE THE END OF THE FUN!

Oxford Castle Quarter has been a hub of entertainment, exuberance and fun this summer. As the summer begins to fade the Quarter is determined to continue with the merriment and absolutely everyone is invited!

This summer many of you have sunk hazily into a deckchair, sipped on a cocktail, basked in the sunshine, and felt the golden sand between beneath. Amazingly, most of you did it on your own doorstep. If, however, you have yet to experience Oxford summer at its best, the beach at Oxford Castle Quarter is here until 25th September. With beach volleyball, Oxford Beach Babies, table tennis and more, there’s no reason to face that arduous journey to the nearest coast; we have everything you need, and more, right here.

Making the most of those summer nights, Oxford Castle Quarter will be home to the wonderful Creation Theatre with Shakespeare’s Henry V until 14th September. Against the stunning and atmospheric backdrop of Oxford Castle Quarter, Creation’s fast-paced, accessible, innovative style

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and a cast of just three actors will make this Henry V, as you’ve never seen it before.

Talking of seeing things as you’ve never seen them before, do not miss Oxford Open Doors at Oxford Castle Quarter. On the 14th and 15th September Oxford Castle Quarter invites you to reacquaint yourself with the 1,000-year old site. Discover hidden stories; see the untouched prison cells in their original state and compare them with the converted cells at Malmaison; go underground to see the Crypt, the Punishment Cells and the Well Chamber inside the Mound. With children and family activities, and the chance to dig for treasure, there really is plenty to do and see. As the most important piece of Oxford’s history outside of the University, Open Doors at Oxford Castle Quarter is simply not to be missed.

This September will also see Open Air Cinema return to Oxford Castle Quarter. Settings for a film don’t come much more perfect than this. The big screen is in and so are the bean bags as we come down off the rooftop terrace and take over the old exercise yard at Oxford’s former prison for a very special weekend of screenings with Malmaison Oxford. Pass the high walls, walk through the imposing doors, take in the A-Wing and find your place outside in the shadow of the Prison and St George’s Tower in the heart of Oxford Castle Quarter. Tim Robins and Morgan Freeman are the inmates doing hard time in the film that has topped IMDB top 250 for as many years as we can remember; The Shawshank Redemption. With a BBQ, beer, wine, popcorn and snacks available on the day, get #lockedupforMalLife and come to the showing on the 20th and 21st September. Book your place now www.cultscreens.co.uk

www.b4-business.com

“in the beautiful

and historic grounds of Oxford Castle Quarter, there really is something for everyone”

Ghost Fest at Oxford Castle Unlocked is also back!

This October and November will be filled with vigils, experiments and séances, spooky tours of the castle and family fun events. By night the 1,000 year old castle will become Oxford’s only scare attraction, and with the addition of Terror Tuesday and Murder Mystery Evenings, this year is set to be scarier than ever. Are you brave enough to join us?

Events include Spooky Tours, Terror Tuesdays and Murder Mystery Evenings, overnight ghost hunts and Trick or Treating nights. After Dark Dinner packages are also available at restaurants which are also located within Oxford Castle Quarter to truly finish the night off in style. See our events page for a full listing. Join us if you dare! www.oxfordcastleunlocked.co.uk/about/ghostfest To finish off 2013 with true spirit, Oxford Castle Quarter is welcoming a new Christmas Market. With

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the astonishing architecture and history of Oxford Castle Quarter the addition of a traditional market, with all the familiar sights and smells that it brings, will ensure this is certainly not just an average market. Celebrating the best traditions typical of an English Christmas there will be an opportunity to sample local food and drinks, purchase crafts and gifts, and browse through exclusive products displayed in festive wooden chalets that will fill the Quarter. The whole event will appeal to families, groups of friends, and to businesses who would like to take part in the event. With street entertainment, Santa stopping by to meet the children, midweek Christmas cookery demonstrations, afternoon tea with a range of celebrities, and a Big Business Breakfast, all set at the heart of Oxford, in the beautiful and historic grounds of Oxford Castle Quarter, there really is something for everyone. With the emotive smells

of Christmas and the sophistication of the location you can be sure that there will be no better way to spend your day and, of course, your evening.

Combine this with the opportunity to sample astonishing food or a festive cocktail at one of the many restaurants in the Oxford Castle Quarter to start this Christmas with yet more Oxford Castle Quarter fun!

For more information please www.oxfordcastlequarter.com

visit

us

at:

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Tailoring our service to your needs

Contact College and County

01865 722722 9-10 St Clements, Oxford OX4 1AE T. + 44 (0) 1865 722722 E. info@collegeandcounty.biz www.collegeandcounty.biz

the social

In association with

What's going on in your digital world? Not everything, just the stuff you're interested in for the business... don't know? Well you will now!

One of the most common questions we are asked at Glooo is how do you keep up with what's going on in the digital world? Its simple we use one the Internets simplest but most effective tools: Google Alerts The Wikipedia description is very clinical: "Google Alerts is a content change detection and notification service, offered by the search engine company Google, that automatically notifies users when new content from news, web, blogs, video and/or discussion groups matches a set of search terms selected by the user and stored by the Google Alerts service". Copyright Wikipedia 2013 So for this article in ‘the social’ we want to talk about the real business side of how using Google Alerts can benefit your data/ information collection process.

Once you log onto Google Alerts users are presented with a simple 5 step check box for you to set up:

format of results you require : News items, Blogs posts, Videos on You Tube / Vimeo, and discussions from forums. The most commonly used being 'news' articles.

posted on the web they will form part of your notifications. We find that this is a very powerful 'relationship building' tool in that its a great excuse to touch base with a client.

3rd box: 'How often': is the frequency of the notifications ranging from 'real time', 'once a day', or' once a week'. So dependant on the urgency for collating information you can manage how it is delivered. NB if you want' real time' prepare for your mail box to be full if you’re picking generic topics!

Secondly add competitors so you can keep up to date on their activities, being able to react to competitors ensures you're always in the business race!

4th box: 'How many': which has two options 'all results' or 'the best results'. You can review this on an ongoing basis, as again, if you set the alert to 'all results 'and' real time' your mail box will get full quickly.

5th box: 'Deliver to': allows you to choose from your portfolio of email accounts as to which account you want the information posted.

By defining the above carefully you can ensure within a time period and to an account of your choice that you receive relevant information on your industry, competitors, policy makers, clients, or strategic partners.

http://www.google.co.uk/alerts 1st Box: 'Search query': which is where you enter the interest/keyword/search term query, the more descriptive you are the better the results. NB By encasing the query in "xxx" will also help in defining results.

2nd box: 'Result type': allows you to define what

There is also a 'manage your alerts' section which lists your portfolio of alerts and allows you to edit and/or delete the alerts as required.

So how to use Alerts In the first instance we would recommend you add all of your clients, then when any news items are

Thirdly, if your business is located in a specific area or you want to target a specific location you can set up an alert for an area under a keyword /phrase which can open sales opportunities.

Finally put your own business as an alert and if someone posts anything relating to your business then again you will be notified.

This free service would be suited for all B4 directory businesses: • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Advisers Business Services Charities Conference, Events & Venues Finance Health and Leisure HR IT & Telecommunications Manufacturing Science & Technology Marketing & Design Property & Building Retail

To discuss how you can profile your digital world contact Glooo email Robin or Chris @glooo.co.uk or call 01865 595707. www.glooo.co.uk

www.b4-business.com

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B4 SERVICES

NOT A CRACKER IN SIGHT

Traditionally, Christmas is a time for parties, which for businesses means lots of food and drink, entertainment and merriment with clients, customers and staff. But when the decorations are taken down and the festivities are over, how many of the meals do you still remember for the quality of the food and the standard of service? Or do you remember them just for the cheap crackers? Sue Randall of Oxford Fine Dining tells B4 why not all Christmas parties need to be so easily forgotten.

We usually all go out to eat more often in the two weeks before Christmas than we do in the rest of the year put together. The pub lunch with the department, the staff party, drinks with the directors, dinner at a restaurant with your best client and lunch with the suppliers. Often, these festive meals disappoint. Your party is crammed in an over busy restaurant, the service is poor and food is below the quality that you are expecting as a result of your last visit there for lunch for two which was far more impressive. Then to top it all, an extra service charge is added as it is a ‘party’ before they bustle you out to relay the table for the next group. Sound familiar?

Oxford Fine Dining can offer businesses the chance to do something a bit special and a bit different that your guests will remember. From Christmas parties on your own premises to dinner in an Oxford university venue, Oxford Fine Dining provides the Christmas event with the ‘wow factor’.

As approved caterers at a number of Oxford’s historic venues, OFD is able to cater in settings that are often quite magical during the festive period.

This year, businesses can treat their guests to a very special Christmas luncheon being held in one of Oxford’s prestigious venues that is not usually open to the public, Rhodes House. This beautiful venue is a hidden delight situated in the heart of Oxford and steeped in history as the gathering place for Rhodes Scholars and distinguished guests. Rhodes House has a huge Christmas tree in the Milner Hall throughout December, making the perfect setting for a special event, especially if there is a covering of snow on the ground.

Guests will be welcomed by a carols and champagne reception, before progressing to the impressive Milner Hall with its stone walls, massive ceiling beams and imposing black marble fireplaces where a sumptuous 3 course fine dining Christmas menu, accompanied by some fine wines, will be served by OFD’s smart, personable staff. During lunch there will be live festive background music and table magic entertainment. Says Sue, “This luncheon is a good opportunity for businesses to

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entertain guests or treat staff to a Christmas Luncheon that they will really remember this Christmas. The opportunity to enjoy high quality food and wines in such prestigious surroundings will make guests feel very special.”

As caterers, food is the most important element of any event and OFD’s Christmas menus demonstrate their skills to create high class food using the very best seasonal produce. Executive chef Martin Bridgeman leads his team of chefs to produce a festive food that looks as good as it tastes. “Catering for a large number means that every plate has to delight not just the palette but also the eye of the guest. We take such pride in making sure that our food tastes amazing but that it is also presented beautifully.”

2013 Christmas starters include ‘Roasted butternut squash soup, sage scented truffle oil and parmesan croutons’ and ‘Scottish salmon and horseradish pâté with lemon dressed leaves and granary toast’ as well as ‘Duo of smoked duck and chicken breast, Oxford sauce and a pear and hazelnut salad’ and ‘Avocado, sun-blushed tomato and rocket leaf salad with butterbean puree’ all made from fresh locally sourced ingredients and made in the OFD kitchens.

In addition to the usual ‘Festive roast turkey with sage and onion stuffing, ‘pigs in blankets’ and rich pan gravy’, the OFD Christmas party menu incudes ‘Roast sirloin of British beef with horseradish and root vegetable gravy’ and ‘Baked sea bass fillet with leek, mustard and Chardonnay sauce’ or for vegetarians a delicious ‘Parsnip, chestnut and cranberry loaf with port and thyme jus’, all served with goose fat roasted potatoes and a panache of winter root vegetables. Sweet toothed readers might prefer to ponder the delights of the desserts, which feature the ‘Classic Christmas pudding with creamy brandy sauce’ or who could resist ‘Dark chocolate tart, orange sauce and white chocolate ice cream’ or ‘Vanilla poached pear, mini almond cake and vanilla syrup’. Martin adds, “We finish off our Christmas menus with coffee and a melt in the mouth homemade mini mince pie.”

accompany drinks, whether they be wine or festive cocktails. Says Sue, “We are used to arriving and setting up for events of any size in any location, serving the food and drinks, and clearing up so that the event organiser can just enjoy the evening. We often cater in offices and warehouses that have been made to look rather different than they usually do with Christmas decorations, tables and lighting.”

We often take living in Oxford for granted and yet its old buildings make a very special place for Christmas parties for firms with a nationwide team of staff. OFD has organised Christmas staff parties for one Abingdon based firm who have sales staff located across the UK. “It was the first time that many of them had been in an Oxford university building, and the ‘Harry Potter-esque’ setting was so different from the usual hotel venue that they have repeated the event at a number of different venues since.”

So what about the crackers? Fine, go for crackers if you think your guests will really wear the paper crowns and like the plastic gifts, but Oxford Fine Dining would prefer it if your guests remembered the quality of the food and service – and the good company of course! www.oxfordfinedining.co.uk

A more cost effective Christmas party could be drinks and canapés at a firms own premises.

Oxford Fine Dining can create festive canapés to

www.b4-business.com

FESTIVE DINING Oxford Fine Dining Christmas Luncheon is being held at Rhodes House on Tuesday 12th December. Tables of 10 cost £95 +VAT per person inclusive of a 3 course meal, champagne reception, half a bottle of wine, coffee and mince pies.

STARTERS Roasted butternut squash soup, sage scented truffle oil and parmesan croutons (V) Scottish salmon and horseradish pâté with lemon dressed leaves and granary toast Duo of smoked duck and chicken breast, Oxford sauce and a pear and hazelnut salad Avocado, sun-blushed tomato and rocket leaf salad with butterbean puree (V) MAIN COURSES Festive roast turkey with sage and onion stuffing, ‘pigs in blankets’ and rich pan gravy Roast sirloin of British beef with horseradish and root vegetable gravy Baked sea bass fillet with leek, mustard and Chardonnay sauce Parsnip, chestnut and cranberry loaf with port and thyme jus (V) All served with goose fat roasted potatoes and a panache of winter root vegetables DESSERTS Classic Christmas pudding with creamy brandy sauce Dark chocolate tart, orange sauce and white chocolate ice cream Vanilla poached pear, mini almond cake and vanilla syrup Selection of Oxfordshire cheese with grapes, celery and crackers Coffee and mince pies To reserve a table, please email: enquiries@oxfordfinedining.co.uk or for more information please visit: www.oxfordfinedining.co.uk/ christmas-luncheon-2013.php www.b4-business.com

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B4 R&R On the day of the interview I arrived slightly ahead of time, which gave me ample opportunity to unobtrusively survey the café and if I’m completely honest, I was surprised, in a more ways than one and all of them good.

Only open since January 2013, the café was just buzzing, the demographic of the clientele eclectic and to suggest that the menu board was tempting is a bit like stating girls quite like chocolate. I just knew I was in for a treat. First impressions count and when you’re met with a huge smile from the serving staff, you feel at once relaxed and your custom valued. Having grilled Charlie on his background I decided that this was his golden ticket to success. He genuinely likes people and gets huge satisfaction out of developing his staff. He joked that he probably puts their needs before his own, but I have a feeling this is almost certainly the case.

another and here we are! Our vision for Café Aloha is to provide something different for the local area, somewhere unique with a friendly vibe, serving great food for breakfast, lunch and dinner and somewhere that appeals to a wide target market”, explained Charlie.

You might think, seeking to appeal to such a diverse market, a vision fraught with potential problems, but you’d be wrong. I hear about a regular customer who arrives every morning like clockwork at 10am for her latte and I saw for myself the mix of local customers treating themselves sitting alongside office workers keen for a change of environment. I also witnessed a stream of people collecting takeaway lunches for local offices and businesses. In the evening, a slightly more formal dining ambience is created with linen tablecloths, candlelight and the offer of cocktails.

CAFÉ BY DAY, RESTAURANT BY NIGHT, THAT ’S AWESOME! I once heard Oxford-based Professor Russell Smith define a true entrepreneur as someone who has been involved in at least three businesses. At the tender age of 23, Charlie Bartlett has already achieved that, with Café Aloha being the most recent. Interview by Tracey Jefferies.

Given his background, it was almost inevitable that Charlie would join the ranks of the self-employed, although a stint in South Africa at the age of 18 learning how to surf and qualify as a lifeguard might not have been the first indicator. What it did highlight was his natural ability to teach and encourage: “The trip was an organised project, part of which was being able to demonstrate the skills learned.

For this, we invited school children from the local townships to take part. Some had never even been to a beach before. Seeing their huge smiles was just awesome and something I’ll always remember”, said Charlie.

Photography: Rob Scotcher

Back in the UK, Charlie returned to work at Premier Lettings, a letting and management company started by his mother Jan Bartlett in 1993.

Unsurprisingly, some may say, Charlie and Jan have a very successful working relationship and Charlie was made a Partner in Premier Lettings, something he’d always aspired to. Not content to stand still, a software development company followed and then Café Aloha (both jointly owned with Jan).

“Jan had always wanted to own a sandwich bar and I’d always fancied owning a bar. At the time, these were very much on the ‘would like to’ list of priorities in terms of business development, it wasn’t something either of us was actively pursuing. But things have a way of appearing out of the blue and an expected conversation led to www.b4-business.com

Charlie has strong ideas about food, but openly admits he’s no cook so the Chef takes the credit for the menu, which I’d suggest is largely a mix of Italian and Spanish favourites. Although there is a choice especially for ‘Younger Guests’ (as they are referred to), any of the dishes on the menu can be made in smaller quantities for children. This is such a sensible idea, but one which most restaurants don’t adopt. Although there are so many reasons to visit, this one initiative is entirely worthy of standalone comment and applause.

You would think running three businesses would be enough to keep anyone busy, but Charlie was also responsible for the recent Westway Music Festival, a one-day event that raised awareness and support for the continuation of the Westway Centre, currently under the threat of redevelopment in 2016. Music also plays a key role at Café Aloha, with regular Saturday night live music events and Open Mic sessions held on the last Tuesday of every month.

Already a success in a relatively short space of time, Charlie has now set his sights on ensuring a full house at Café Aloha every night of the week. Not only do I have absolute belief that he will achieve this, but in his own words, that will be truly “awesome’ for all involved. www.cafealoha.co.uk

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events

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Enjoy a festive lunch with jazz, great food and excellent companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

B4 XMAS LUNCH MODERN ART OXFORD Monday 16th December 2013 12.00pm - 4.30pm 30 Pembroke Street, Oxford, Oxfordshire, OX1 1BP, United Kingdom.

Dress code: Smart business casual Any enquiries should be directed to Tina Rosser 01865 742211 or events@b4-business.com

REGISTRATION

ABOUT OUR HOSTS We are delighted to announce the B4 Xmas Lunch will be held at Modern Art Oxford.

Founded in 1965, Modern Art Oxford is a visual art gallery devoted to presenting exhibitions of modern and contemporary art. The gallery has a national and international reputation for the quality of its exhibitions and accompanying community and education programme. Funded primarily by Arts Council England, all of the exhibitions and many of the events, activities and workshops are free for visitors.

Housed in the old City Brewery, Modern Art Oxford comprises of six architecturally striking exhibition spaces that range from intimate to spacious, all of which are available to hire. With capacities from 40 to 250, Modern Art Oxford can cater for seminars to formal dinners, wedding receptions to product launches and gigs.

Come and enjoy a festive lunch, good company, jazz and wine in this fantastic venue with members and their guests from the B4 network. www.modernartoxford.org.uk www.oxfordfinedining.co.uk

Please register for the event here: https://www.regonline.com/ B4XmasEventMAO

To find out more about B4 please visit WWW.B4-BUSINESS.COM t: 01865 742211 e: events@b4-business.com a: The Firs, Headington Hill, Oxford, OX3 0BT

B4 R&R

THE FEATHERS

The Feathers Hotel, a member of Pride of Britain Hotels, is an inviting country retreat that combines historic charm with a fun personality. Located in the historic market town of Woodstock, which was the birth place of Winston Churchill, the hotel is surrounded by cultural attractions. Just a two minute stroll through the beautiful village shops and guests will arrive at the magnificent Blenheim Palace.

There are 16 bedrooms and five suites available at The Feathers, which have undergone a major refurbishment. Each room has been given its own unique style by specialist interior designers, Trevillion, who have added boutique twists such as luxurious fabrics, ornate lighting, free-standing stone basins and even a decanter full of jelly beans!

The quirky bedrooms perfectly match the rest of the hotel, with its higgledy-piggledy hallways and five different staircases that add a delightfully whimsical feel. Contemporary wallpapers adorn the walls, alongside tastefully chosen art works, such as an eye-catching dressmaker mannequin. The bespoke carpet in the dining room bearing a feather motif is also testament to the hotel’s cool outlook.

Eating and drinking is at the heart of The Feathers experience. The hotel introduced the first dedicated ‘Gin Bar’ in the UK and has the largest collection of gins in the world. It currently has 181 types of gin from around the world and holds the Guinness World Record.

The hotel has recently expanded its casual dining offering, which is in keeping with the hotel’s cool and contemporary vibe. The new lunch and dinner menu is available in the hotel’s stylish restaurant and modern lounge bar.

Delicious highlights include: Scorched salmon, lemon zest puree, Hendrick’s gin jelly (£7.95); Rump of Cotswold lamb, summer cabbage & pancetta, cauliflower cheese (£20); and Strawberry & lavender “Eton mess” (£8). Lunch is served from Noon until 2.30pm and dinner from 7pm until 9.30pm.

For the first time The Feathers kitchen is now open all day, serving dishes from the new ‘Classic Light Bites’ menu from Noon until 9pm. Favourites include: Minced rib eye burger, brioche bap, red onion compote, Montgomery cheddar (£10); Bacon, lettuce and tomato sandwich (£6.95); and a selection of sharing platters priced at £17.50 each. The Feathers Hotel also offers a daily Afternoon Tea priced at £16.50 per person.

The Feathers is the perfect location for events. The hotel can be exclusively hired for wedding receptions for £4,000 during the week or £7,000 at the weekend. The ceremony can take place in the nearby church or town hall, which is a couple of minutes walk from the hotel.

The Feathers is also equipped for business meetings. The private master bedroom has a conference table suitable for up to six, alternatively one end of the restaurant can host up to 20 people boardroom style. The daily delegate rate starts from £65 per person.

The Feathers Hotel has a lively history. At the turn of the century, the reception area became a Drapers shop, and was subsequently converted into a Butcher’s shop in the early 1950s. In the early 1960s the property was fully joined and turned into a hotel. Today, remnants of the building’s former life still remain visible, adding to the hotel’s character. www.feathers.co.uk

“Eating and drinking is at the heart of The Feathers experience” www.b4-business.com

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PERSONAL P ERSONAL 1: 1:1 1 OUTDOORS OUTDOORS SPINNING SPIN NING K ETTLEBELLS KETTLEBELLS Y OGA YOGA T RX TRA INING TRX TRAINING

TLA Fitness, Oxfo Oxfordshire’s rdshire’s premier premier Get Fit Outdoors provider p rovider has been operating operating classes classes in in and around around Oxfordshire Oxfo rdshire for the past 3 years and we are are excited to announce the opening of our BRAND NEW FITNESS STUDIO situated just 2 miles ffrom rom the city centre! centre!

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B4 ADVICE

“150 cars are crashed every single day whilst being driven for business use”

WILL YOUR COMPANY CAR DRIVERS END YOU UP IN PRISON? As the blame culture continues to gain traction in today’s ever more litigious society, victims of road incidents involving business drivers are increasingly looking to employers for proof of the vehicle’s suitability and roadworthiness, and of the level of driver training provided. Under UK legislation there is the possibility of unlimited fines and up to two years in prison if the employer is deemed negligent in their duties. The question is; could this employer be you?

Any organisation that expects any employee to drive on business now has a number of critical legal obligations to fulfil. Do you know everything needed about the following legislation?

• The Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 • Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations 1999 • Corporate Manslaughter Bill & Corporate Homicide Act 2007 • The Health & Safety (Offences) Act 2008 Since 2001 Ultimate Car Control has been helping organisations who are worried about their legal exposure under all the latest government legislation with regard to their employees who drive on business. Ultimate Car Control is an advanced driver training company and as an active B4 member UCC is delighted to offer a complimentary risk assessment audit for companies to identify any issues that need to be addressed. They can then support you through their wide range of driver training/compliance services including: Driver Training (both on-road and/or at private training locations), Parking modules, EcoDrive sessions, Driver Education seminars and classroom sessions, www.b4-business.com

and many more. They can also create a bespoke programme/event around your requirements, so wherever you need help they can offer a solution.

One sure route to compliance in the fleet sector is via Ultimate Car Control’s EPD (Excellence in Professional Driving) Programme. EPD is the most complete, legally compliant fleet driver training programme for businesses under UK Health & Safety Duty of Care legislation. Courses are set up so that drivers can experience different driving scenarios and then learn and practice the appropriate response to each, such as emergency braking or accident avoidance techniques. Then they practice again and again until the correct reaction becomes second nature. These techniques have been proven to significantly reduce incident rates and associated fleet management and insurance costs.

There is also the DEK (Driver Encoded Knowledge) Programme, which evolved initially out of EPD to cover directors and senior management utilising higher performance vehicles. Attendees get a great introduction to vehicle dynamics in high performance cars, gain an in-depth understanding of why the car behaves as it does in extreme situations, and practice the art of high speed car control and learn how the different types of understeer and oversteer are induced and controlled.

Ultimate Car Control founder, and former British Touring Car Champion, Robb Gravett and his team have courses for people from all walks of life, of all ages and genders and are passionate about improving road safety and reducing incident rates.

One new programme not directly aimed at businesses is DX (Drive Xtra). DX is focused predominantly at young drivers, and those with limited driving experience, and recreates everyday driving scenarios that these drivers will face and then provides them with the knowledge to improve their reactions and driving ability and stay safe on the road. It’s proving a great hit with both young drivers and their parents!

So whether you’re a high mileage business fleet driver, an owner of a high performance or prestige vehicle, or a young or inexperienced post qualification driver, Ultimate Car Control have a course for you. And as they are currently offering special exclusive discounted rates for all B4 members now’s a great time to see how they can help you!

Ultimate Car Control can be contacted on 0845 459 1002, or by emailing enquiries@ultimatecarcontrol.com or visiting their website at www.ultimatecarcontrol.com

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B4 NEWS

B4 EVENTS

PHOTO DIARY Photography: Andrew Gleed www.andrewgleedphotography.co.uk and Rob Scotcher B4

B4 Ambassadors, Members and their guests recently enjoyed four very different events across the Thames Valley.

First up was a new event format at the impressive West Wing, the new development built alongside The Said Business School in Oxford. This saw 4 B4 members present for fifteen minutes each in the smart new Harvard Lecture Theatre, followed by a lively Q&A. Either side of the event, guests enjoyed superb hospitality in The Said Club Room.

Next up was Bucks New University and the opportunity for B4 Members to get to know more about this fascinating establishment based in the heart of High Wycombe. The following week we were at the magnificent Oakley Court Hotel in Windsor for a wonderful evening of fine food and excellent company hosted by our Platinum Ambassadors.

Finally, The University of Oxford Examination Schools hosted our 2nd B4 Oxfordshire event of the year at a recently refurbished venue where guests were treated to a speech from the grandson of the building’s original architect Sir Nicholas Jackson.

All great stuff, and if you weren’t there, why don’t you make sure you book in for our remaining B4 events of 2013 – see www.b4-business.com and click on B4 Events.

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BUSINESS INSIGHTS INSPIRED

BY THE B4 428 MILE CYCLE CHALLENGE

Whist I was peddling hard and really feeling the BIG challenge I was up against I thought about how this could be a great metaphor for life in business and could offer some inspiration. I wanted to share my thoughts as they came to me during the ride. Article by Jackie Jarvis.

Vision without execution is hallucination I first thought of doing this bike challenge when I heard about it after I had just completed a Vietnam to Cambodia cycle challenge for the British Heart Foundation. The vision of cycling 428 miles at that point felt like a hallucination, something I talked about doing but wasn’t really going to do.

focus on what you have to do right now to move it forward and keep taking those small steps until you reach your destination.

The execution of it was to come …

Gears make the ride easier If you change down in to an easier gear before you hit a big hill you need to climb, you can keep the cadence and can conserve your energy.

Small steps cover a BIG distance It can be over whelming when confronted with a very big seemingly impossible goal or task. 428 miles all in one go seemed massive and very daunting. However breaking it down into the daily mileage targets, and just focusing on what needed to be done each day, made it seem possible.

Some of the daily distances were also long and challenging so breaking them down into three or four 30 mile sections with the reward of a break made it even easier to focus on achieving. Just thinking about what you had to focus on bit by bit makes achieving any BIG goal easier.

So this was what I did day by day …

Photography: Zoe Kemp

A Big hill climb is a lot of little peddles A huge steep hill looming in front of you with the prospect of at least 16 of the same to climb is enough to make you feel tired just thinking about it, let alone actually doing it.

16 hills and 10 hours later the hotel I saw at the end of a very hard day was definitely not a hallucination.

When I stupidly missed my gear changes I found myself trying to climb a hill in a gear that was much too high to turn my peddles and that mistake cost me a lot of lost valuable energy. I learnt the hard way.

How often, I wonder, in business do we stay in the wrong gear to complete a task and end up working much harder than we have to.

It’s only 52 miles to go During this tough challenge I noticed how much impact words had on levels of motivation and hope..

We can take words for granted and not pay attention to what we say to ourselves and to others.

On this ride the words we used and heard made a huge impact on our ability to dig deep to make our vision reality.

It is just the same when you deal with a business challenge words have power.

Pain is just weakness leaving your body I was in a lot of pain on this cycle ride and different parts of my body hurt at different times. I went through lower back ache, neck ache, hip ache and the obvious pain in the bum that you get from sitting on it for a very long time!

Pain in business could be seen in the same way. It lets you know that there is weakness and you need to do something to enable it to leave your business.

A great thought.

The strange thing was that for all the pain I suffered before and during the trip when I reached the final destination it all disappeared as if it had never been there at all.

Words like it’s only 30 miles to the next stop or just we are over half way now always gave a little lift, where as ‘If you don’t hurry up were are never going to make it back to the hotel by night fall’ was not as motivating.

Hill climbs are made a lot easier by weaving your wheel back and forth, just looking a few metres in front of you, or zig zagging slowly from side to side.

When you are faced with a big business challenge which seems like a very steep hill to climb, just

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B4 ADVICE So the pain was just weakness leaving my body and it left me feeling better than I had in a long time.

Challenge yourself more and you will reach for more When I was thinking of doing this cycle challenge I didn’t quite realise how hard the reality of doing it would be. Having done it and reflecting back on what I achieved I realised that I was actually capable of more than I thought I was.

Pushing yourself and expanding your comfort zone can be a good thing. Once you have stretched your own personal boundaries they will never go back to how they were before.

It is easier together During the trip I saw some great examples of true team work and there was nothing better than what happens when you face some harsh head wind and the team pulls together to deal with it.

Drafting is a cycle term for cycling very close behind another cyclist and getting the benefit of them pulling you with the energy of their draft and their protection from the headwind. We all took it in turns to bear the brunt of the head winds and to enjoy the pull of the draft.

help was literally a hand placed against my back up a hard hill or along a road when I needed to catch up with the group to save time. It was a light touch that at certain points really added some energy and speed to my weaker peddling.

So in business there may be times when you are offered a guiding hand and even if you could make it on your own, your journey can be made easier, quicker and possibly better for your team.

Ask for what you need and it will come I am a believer in the power of universal energy and did ask for help when I felt like I was running low. I am convinced that I felt the power of the wind behind me and the trees literally dragging me along at certain points. It was a good feeling and one I will remember.

ABOUT JACKIE Jackie is an experienced business mentor, sales expert & provider of the grant funded Growth Accelerator coaching & training ‘If you are an ambitious business owner and want to get your sales, marketing and your team working well for you, I would be happy to be your guiding hand. Let’s have an exploratory conversation over coffee’ If you enjoyed reading this article and would like to make a donation to Jackie’s charity Macmillan cancer support please visit her Just giving page: www.justgiving.com/ JackieJarvis-B4BikeRide

So ask for what you really want in your business and put it out there. You just may get it. I definitely did get the help I needed for which I am truly grateful

e: Jackie@marketingco.co.uk t: 01491 833222 / 07801 293022. w: www.marketingco.co.uk

On the road to success there are few that make it the last mile The last bit of any big challenge can sometimes be the hardest but if you are prepared to push through you will be one of the few that make it to the other side. We did. Our hallucination had become reality and it was time to celebrate the achievement.

Contributed by Jackie Jarvis author of ’85 Inspiring ways to market your small business’.

You can order a signed copy of Jackie’s book by email. £12.99 plus postage all proceeds go to Macmillan Cancer Support

Drafting could be a great business team practice with stronger players letting others use their draft to ensure that all make it A guiding hand from an expert can add turbo power There were times when one or other of our two cycle guides on the trip offered me a hand. The

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THE NOT SO RAGGED BEAR Mark Greenwood, the charismatic and engaging landlord of The Bear and Ragged Staff in Cumnor shared lunch with B4’s Richard Rosser and explained how this wonderful establishment has regained its mantle as one of Oxfordshire’s finest restaurants , with a thriving new face in the form of first class accommodation.

Originally from Cheshire, Mark left the UK in 1978 to join HSBC in Dubai and remained in financial services until 1998 having somehow wangled his way to Bangkok in 1987, working as a stockbroker selling Thailand to financial institutions around the world. It was there that Mark’s catering and hospitality career first saw the light of day.

“I got involved with the first Irish Pub in Thailand, which was a disaster at first. It was a concept I knew could work because there was a strong ex-pat community but we had too many shareholders and not enough direction. So I started buying the other shareholders out and I was eventually offered non executive control because nobody else wanted to take the lead…and it took off. We then built another in Pattaya, approximately one hundred miles from Bangkok where there were lots of expat families, and a big business centre. They had nowhere to go but “girlie bars” and that was a great success.

“I also opened up the Ministry of Sound’s first overseas venture in Bangkok in 2002 / 2003 and I still have a Tex Mex restaurant in Bangkok which performs well.”

Despite his clear affinity for what sounds like a wonderful way of life in Asia (Mark keeps a house in Bangkok), as a single parent with two Bangkok born daughters, he felt compelled to return to the UK in 2007 to broaden their horizons. “I quickly realised that I couldn’t take the natural path back into the City because I wouldn’t have seen much of them so I decided to play to my second set of skills in the restaurant trade. Many of my friends were already in the sector and I decided it was the right time for me to get more involved. So I started looking for a place to set up and came across an advertisement that The Bear was for sale.

“I came and had a look and I talked to a few friends about it. I knew very little about Oxford so did my due diligence by asking those who knew Oxford what the place was like. They told me it had been THE all singing all dancing pub of Oxford in the late 80’s and 90’s but due to many changes in management, its reputation had declined. I like a challenge and thought I could turn it around with a good catchment area and an improved product. I turned out to be very wrong – it took a huge 108

amount of time (and cash) before we made the slightest impact!

“Simply put, the reputation was so bad the local populus weren’t prepared to give me the benefit of the doubt, despite refurbishing the restaurant and the pub and a commitment to freshly cooked food as opposed to the ‘boil in the bag’ offerings that were on display when I arrived. It wasn’t until July 2011 that we started to see things turn around, just before we opened the first four rooms in November 2011. The rooms added another dimension and were very profitable – very quickly at 80% to 90% capacity within four or five months. I then thought I should convert my own accommodation into rooms and another 5 stunning rooms were on stream by the end of 2012.”

Since Mark arrived turnover has increased 270% the core food and beverage element is up 150% and the rest is down to accommodation.

“The old institutional stock broking experience was useful for me as I had been fortunate enough to stay in some of the finest hotels and eat in the best restaurants in places like London, New York, Hong Kong, Paris and Singapore. You learn a lot about style, service and quality in places like that. Food had always really interested me as from a young age I was always fascinated by my Mum’s cooking and cake making.

“I had a very clear idea of the kind of offering there should be at the Bear. But without any formal training I was taking a risk. But I sought out good F&B trained people – Paul Summers came in as my right hand man and now runs our day to day operations. Paul was originally looking to buy his own place when we met but banks had shut their doors due to the credit crunch. Paul has given me the professional and local UK knowledge onto which I could graft my experience and plans for the future. Paul takes care of the day to day and I take care of the finance and strategy for the future.”

And it’s working. Since Mark opened up the five more rooms he has hit 99% occupancy and is so far on course for 100% occupancy in September.

But this shouldn’t come as a surprise to Mark, as he explains.

“I was always told that the Oxford market was strong and that there was a shortage of rooms. This gave me the confidence that good quality rooms four miles out of the city centre would work. In fact, being just four miles out of the city centre has its advantages. A country setting, easy car parking and so on. The people I spoke to were completely and utterly correct – this has given me the confidence to plan ahead in one or two ways.

“I would like Identify other sites within 5 or 6 miles of city centre which can benefit from Oxford’s critical mass – places I could put a first class restaurant and boutique hotel into. I don’t want more than 15 to 20 rooms per site because over that it ceases to be a ‘boutique’ family hotel. You lose that intimate customer interaction thereby harming the customer experience and therefore, ultimately, quality.

“I am also not ruling out the possibility of securing planning permission at the Bear to build another 8 rooms in the back, we have the room – I am in the process of putting an application together now.”

Mark knows that whatever he does to extend the bedrooms at The Bear will have to respect the property’s Grade II* listed status as he has done to great effect with the alterations he has made to date. “I wouldn’t want to do anything too outrageous as preserving the building’s ancient character has been a big part of the success.”

The corporate market is key for The Bear during the week. Mark has three key products. “For small corporate seminars we have an ‘olde worlde’ room complete with log fires which will take 12 to 15 people in front of a huge TV screen that hooks up for Powerpoint presentations and is very private.

The restaurant can deal with 10 to 12 private diners or larger banquets for 60 to 70 at one sitting. And finally there are the rooms which are proving very popular with the corporates during the week.”

As you can see, The Bear and Ragged Staff is very much open for business. Mark or Paul will be happy to show you around if you drop in, or just call them at 862329 to find out more. www.bearandraggedstaff.com

www.b4-business.com

Photography: Rob Scotcher

B4 R&R

“I was always told

that the Oxford market was strong and that there was a shortage of rooms.

This gave me the confidence that good quality rooms four miles out of the city centre would work

”

AMBASSADORS

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B4 MARKETING

BRANDING & IDENTITY THE ESSENTIAL ART OF MANAGING PERCEPTIONS

It’s a very simple fact. People and Businesses judge you, your Business, and your Brand by how they see you. For them, it really is a matter of seeing is believing. They believe what they see and that is why perceptions count. In this context, perception is, or at least quickly becomes, reality.

Phil Strachan of Business and Brand Alchemists, Strangebrew, talks to Richard Rosser about the importance of Managing Perceptions and why he sees this as being what good Branding, Identity and Design is all about.

For me, creating, building and establishing a successful Brand and Business Identity really is all about the art of managing perceptions in order to ensure that how you and your business are seen is exactly how you wish to be seen and how you need to be seen in order to succeed. Your Business and Brand Identity are absolutely vital elements, the cornerstone of your chosen positioning and the communication of your proposition in order to differentiate with clarity what you have to offer from the offerings of your perceived competitors. They are quite simply vital ingredients in creating the essential and all important element of individuality that will enable your Business, Brand and offering to stand out from the crowd.

As such, your Identity needs to be distinctive, relevant , memorable and true to yourself but it also needs to be desirable because your Brand and Business need to connect, communicate and engage effectively with your identified target market(s). Ideally, your Brand and Identity will also be compelling, helping you to stand out head and shoulders above the crowd for all the right reasons and to be chosen ahead of your competition. To achieve this, you need to be thinking Brand – not bland.

An outside-in process that begins from the inside-out Fundamental to the achievement of this, is a very good understanding in the first place of exactly what you need and want to be seen to stand for, what your values are and what your vision and mission are – ie what will ultimately define you. This is why creating, building and establishing a successful Brand or Business is about very much more than quickly grabbing a name, getting a quick logo done and getting a website up and running as soon as possible – and yet how often do we see exactly that? Creating, building and developing a successful Brand and Business Identity should be a considered strategic matter that should be afforded the required levels of input of time and effort and your Brand and Identity should be crafted carefully to cut through the clutter with immediate clarity. My fellow countryman, Robert Burns, most aptly commented on the importance of seeing yourself and your Business from the outside-in when he penned the following lines in his poem “To a Louse’: “O, wad some Power the giftie gie us To see oursels as others see us!

It wad frae monie a blunder free us, An' foolish notion.”

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Clearly, for existing Businesses and Brands, you first of all have to have a clear understanding of current perceptions in order to identify the job needing to be done, the journey to be undertaken and the degree of perception shift needing to be achieved. This is important, because all too often there is a very serious disconnect between how Business Owners and Managers see their own Businesses or Brand and how that Business or Brand is in fact perceived by those on the outside. It is amazing how a fresh perspective from someone more distant from a Business or Brand can shed light on such perception gaps and identify what needs to be addressed ie which perceptions need to be managed.

Distilling the essence – and then freeing the spirit.

When working with my Clients, I place great importance on drilling right in to what they and their Business are really all about, what it is that makes them different and can provide the essential bedrock for building meaningful and sustainable competitive advantage. My approach is, in Strangebrew terms, to distil the essence of a Business or Brand and then free the spirit that lies within.

One vital factor in this is to determine the personality and character of the Brand or Business to be projected because this has such a key role to play in the differentiation and appeal and a Business or Brand. If you stop to think about it, a Business or Brand without a personality or character is a Business or Brand without soul. So, some good old fashioned soul-searching can go a long way to determine the Branding and Identity of a business and how it should connect, communicate and engage with its target audience. Your Identity really must encapsulate the personality and character you wish to project.

Importantly though Managing Perceptions, should not be seen as a one-off matter that can be done and can then be forgotten. Rather, it is a constant and constantly evolving process that must be done with a high degree of consistency over time and at each and every touchpoint - both internally within a Business and externally with the outside world – because Businesses and Brands are living things.

If you would like to know more about how Managing Perceptions could benefit your Business or Brand, call Phil Strachan of Strangebrew on 07770 753 975 and find out about how to access London quality Branding, Identity and Graphic Design – at Glasgow prices! www.thinkbrandnotbland.co.uk

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WHAT KATY DID KATE STILBORN, HEAD OF OPERATIONS BLACKWELL’S UK.

I was lucky. I had a mum that loved books, a friendly and very local library and no television until my early teenage years. I didn’t feel lucky at the time of course but it did mean that my primary activity as a child (apart from my Cindy doll) was reading books. I immersed myself in Enid Blyton’s Famous Five, Heidi, and Fairy Tales, Grimm and otherwise.

I wanted to be Marya Morevna, the beautiful Russian warrior princess and marry Tsaravitch Ivan. No wimpy peas under the mattress for her nor ludicrously long golden tresses.

As a teenager I continued to read. I read anything – from Wilbur Smith’s African adventures to Ellis Bell’s emotionally charged tragi-romance Wuthering Heights. After reading Frances Hodgson Burnett’s Secret Garden I vowed to marry a Yorkshire-man (like Dickon).

I had no local bookshop but I found a boyfriend near a wonderful second-hand bookshop in the nearby city. Sadly, although he was very nice, he was Welsh. I did eventually find my Yorkshireman and we now own our own house full of books. Books have shaped my life. I got a part time job in a bookshop 20 years ago and I feel very blessed to be still working in a great industry with a strong heritage and an exciting future.

My two children are lucky. We have read aloud to them daily for 9 years. They have hundreds of books, get to go to Blackwell’s (a lot), have a school library and go to a public library weekly and have audio books on their CD players. They are privileged to have met and been inspired by acclaimed children’s authors such as Michael Morpurgo and Francesca Simon. They both read daily. They have also read a dozen books on our ereader but both far prefer physical books. They are unable to articulate why apart from the fact that the battery doesn’t run out on a normal book!

Many children aren’t so lucky. As a mum and as a professional bookseller I need to do more about this. On one level I donate books to charity shops, I buy books as presents. I do ‘party books’ instead of ‘party bags’. As an employee of Blackwell’s I have a real opportunity and responsibility to get books into the hands of children. According to a 2010

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National Literacy Trust survey, 3 in 10 children in the UK do not own a single book of their own. If this is really true or even close to the truth this is a call to arms for all of us who are in a position to help personally or professionally.

Blackwell’s have sponsored and supported a number of literacy and Children’s charities in addition to the National Literacy Trust. At Christmas we ran a Giving Tree in conjunction with the Children’s Society. Names of books alongside children’s ages were put on tags on a Christmas tree and shoppers bought a book for a child in need. We helped over 500 disadvantaged children get a book for Christmas.

One of my favourite Oxford based charities is BookFeast (www.bookfeast.net). The wonderful Angie Prysor-Jones heads up this charity which is dedicated to developing the habit of reading, ‘in order to nourish minds and fire imaginations’.

Bookfeast hosts book clubs in primary schools and runs a great book festival for primary schools every year with inspirational, renowned authors such as Michael Rosen, Jeremy Strong and Korky Paul.

Blackwell’s are immensely proud to support Bookfeast and provide practical help by the loaning of one of our staff to lead one of their school book groups. This local charity changes lives and makes reading cool. Can you help them?

We also work closely with The Story Museum (www.storymuseum.org.uk) who exist to ‘celebrate children's stories and to share enjoyable ways for young people to learn through stories as they grow.’

They have splendid plans to be the UK’s new centre of children's literature and storytelling. Phillip

Pullman recently described it as “A wonderful gift from Oxford, where so many stories have begun, to the whole world.” Blackwell’s has a permanent installation there either exhibiting or selling books and we are supporting them in any way that we can. Have a look at their website – there are many ways that you or your business can get involved.

Our very passionate Hannah Chinnery takes our books out to schools across Oxford by arranging author visits to classrooms and assemblies. We recently received entries thick and fast for a nonsense poetry competition open to children across Oxfordshire, we put on two great family days each year with an abundance of free activities in the bookshop to encourage families to discover the joys of their local bookshop. We aim to break even on these activities – it is our obligation to excite, inspire and spread the joy of reading to the next generation. Of course we do hope that they will become future customers one day!

I asked my children what Blackwell’s should be doing to help children get the reading bug. My daughter said that we should be reading stories aloud in the shop as much as possible. And she has offered to do some reading herself ’to the little ones.’ Good on her – she is only nine and already volunteering to do her bit.

What can you do? No, what can you do? http://bookshop.blackwell.co.uk

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Photography: Ed Nix © The Story Museum

B4 SPOTLIGHT

“Many things we need can wait.

The child cannot. Now is the time his bones are formed, his mind developed. To him we cannot say tomorrow, his name is today.

Gabriela Mistral – Nobel Prize Winning Poet

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news Meet Oxfordshire showcases leading venues in Oxford

After the success of the Meet Oxfordshire showcase held in London last November Meet Oxfordshire hosted a Summer Garden Party in July at the magnificent Rhodes House in the heart of Oxford.

The event showcased some of the leading venues and suppliers from Oxford and Oxfordshire who are renowned for hosting meetings and events on every scale – Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, Four Pillars Hotels, The Old Swan and Minster Mill, Blenheim Palace, The Macdonald Randolph and Heythrop Park Resort to name a few. Over 20 venues and suppliers showcased their venues with some flamboyant stands, with attendees enjoying prize giveaways and goodies.

Meet Oxfordshire were targeting regional conference and corporate bookers to attend this prestigious event designed to showcase the very best of Oxfordshire as a world class destination for conferences and events.

Jo Butler Head of Tourism and Marketing at Visit Oxfordshire – “We were thrilled to be hosting this event to demonstrate to existing and potential clients the delights of our county and the importance of Business Tourism to the local visitor economy. Oxford and Oxfordshire is an excellent destination to host a conference due to its central location and the wide variety of quality venues and services we have on offer”.

B4 were delighted to be the event’s Media Partner, with B4’s Managing Director, Richard Rosser stating. “We are delighted to be associated with Meet Oxfordshire and their first showcase event in the city to help raise awareness of Oxfordshire as a conference destination. Rhodes House is a favourite venue of ours and having spoken to a large number of the exhibitors, the event was a great success with many exhibitors reporting making good contacts and healthy enquiries.” www.meetoxfordshire.com

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TO ‘SEARCH’ OR TO ‘FIND?

Unlike in London, the headhunting industry in Oxford is populated by a small number of niche firms, and perhaps because of this, there is often some confusion as to the difference between a search assignment and a recruitment exercise. One analogy that can be useful when making that distinction is to view potential candidates as being within a pool or pond. With a search exercise, the headhunter hand picks the candidates who are in the pond for that specific role only, from which the shortlist is chosen. In a recruitment exercise, the pond is full of candidates who are ‘on the market’ and may have registered their details with one or often a variety of agencies/job boards. The recruiter selects the best possible shortlist from that pool of available talent only.

Benefits of using ‘search’: • Ability to target a specific set of skills and experience • The search can include talking to potential candidates who are based UK wide and internationally • Identifying and talking to appropriate ‘sources’ helps to qualify candidates at the first stage • Targeting individuals who are not on the market • Your headhunter can clearly and professionally discuss the opportunity to potential candidates • Search is the only method most senior level candidates will engage with The search process is undoubtedly the norm at the senior end of the market; at director and board level. At this level, individuals will be expecting to be ‘headhunted’ for their next move and are very unlikely to be on the open market unless they have been made redundant. It is also at this senior level where the impact of a successful hire will be felt more keenly by an organisation in terms of growth, profitability, creation of new markets etc.

Getting the right person is the top priority and making a mistake has serious consequences.

So what actually is the process of search? It is a thorough, methodical and proactive process of approaching people directly for a potential role. It involves many hours of internet research, telephone conversations, and meetings.

Successful headhunters are well networked; they shortlist candidates on the basis of thorough and painstaking research and often with an element of ‘gut instinct’.

Clients new to search often fear that the process is more expensive and lengthy.

In fact, when it comes to fees and timeline, search can be surprisingly similar to a recruitment exercise. Typical recruitment agency fees are 15-25% of the first year’s salary, usually on the basis of a contingent assignment. Search fees can be anywhere between 20-30%. Because of the time investment necessary in a search assignment, most fees are split between a proportion up front, and the remainder on completion. An agency may be able to send in a shortlist of ‘ready’ candidates in as little as a few hours or days, but waiting 2-4 weeks for a headhunter will produce a vastly superior shortlist.

Oxfordshire has the advantage of a strong international profile particularly through the University, automotive and life sciences networks. With many of Oxfordshire’s businesses reliant on international markets, being able to source top talent with overseas experience can be vital. The data below was collated earlier this year from a cross-section of Oxfordshire’s businesses, and clearly shows the wide geographic profile of our current Board leaders.

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ORIGINAL LOCATION OF BOARD MEMBERS

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The recruitment climate has undergone plenty of changes over the last couple of decades. When I started out in the mid 90’s the country was coming out of a recession, however, fortunes changed quickly and by the end of the 90’s the ‘war for talent’ had become frenzied. The market was ‘candidate driven’ and clients had to work hard to attract the top talent. The top of the recruitment bubble came in the form of the new ‘dotcoms’; high fliers left the safety of the corporate world in exchange for the excitement of embryonic but well-funded ventures. Suddenly the bubble burst. The last decade has been tough for recruiters; market confidence has been low, consolidation has occurred in most industries, and the economy challenging. The market shifted towards being client driven.

One exception to the general trend has been with director and Board level appointments. Just as with the property market where the ‘trophy’ houses continue to change hands regardless of short-term economic factors, the same is true with business leaders. It comes down to supply and demand; the relatively small pool of proven and successful business leaders are even more hotly fought over when conditions are tough.

Market conditions are now returning to more familiar times with confidence increasing and companies hiring. The market will turn back to being candidate driven and that means employers now need to shake off any complacency about their ability to attract the best people. www.nicolagardiner.com

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B4 ADVICE

“Successful headhunters are well networked; Photography: www.studio-8.co.uk

they shortlist candidates on the basis of thorough and painstaking research and often with an element of ‘gut instinct’” Nicola Gardiner

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events

‘Arrive early and take a show round of the hotel and two lucky attendees will win a Champagne Afternoon Tea for Two’

THE COMPLEAT ANGLER

ABOUT OUR HOSTS

Thursday 24th October 2013

The Macdonald Compleat Angler is located in a unique position overlooking the River Thames at Marlow Bridge, Buckinghamshire, only 40 minutes from London and Oxford and within a short drive of the M4 and M40 motorways. Selected as one of the UK and Ireland’s top 200 AA four red star hotel’s, its inspirational surroundings provide a calming backdrop for meetings and events.

6:00pm - 8:30pm The Regency Suite, Marlow Bridge, Marlow, Buckinghamshire, SL7 1RG, United Kingdom.

Dress code: Smart business casual Any enquiries should be directed to Tina Rosser 01865 742211 or events@b4-business.com

REGISTRATION Please register for the event here: http://www.regonline.com/ b4bbfcompleatangler

B4 Buckinghamshire and Buckinghamshire Business First are pleased to announce our second joint event held at The Compleat Angler Hotel. The event will take place in the Regency Suite situated in the hotel.

Buckinghamshire Business First‘s aim is to help businesses thrive and grow by creating a dynamic environment in the Entrepreneurial Heart of Britain. Our role is to provide the link between public policy and the business community in Buckinghamshire, to bring together the collective voice of Buckinghamshire's Businesses, where our members can develop their skills and knowledge, network and benefit from a range of member events. www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk/compleatangler www.bbf.uk.com

To find out more about B4 please visit WWW.B4-BUSINESS.COM t: 01865 742211 e: events@b4-business.com a: The Firs, Headington Hill, Oxford, OX3 0BT

events

‘Experience The Forbury Hotel’s private cinema’

THE FORBURY HOTEL

ABOUT OUR HOSTS

Thursday 17th October 2013

The Forbury Hotel has been described as ‘The UK's Sexiest Townhouse Hotel’ by The London Evening Standard and the design and opulence is the talk of the fashionable set.

5:00pm - 7:30pm Reading. Berkshire, RG1 3EJ, United Kingdom.

Dress code: Smart business casual

B4 Berkshire is delighted to announce a fabulous new venue for our events at The Forbury Hotel, Reading. The event will take place in the Cerise Restaurant located in the hotel.

From the 86,000 Italian glass beads in the chandelier running the height of the building in the old lift shaft, to the opulent fabrics and wallpapers and attention to every single detail - there is simply no place in the UK as extraordinarily opulent and stunning.

Any enquiries should be directed to Tina Rosser 01865 742211 or events@b4-business.com

The Forbury was designed for both business and pleasure. The latest technology and plush surroundings guarantee a hitch-free meeting guests will remember with pleasure. All meeting rooms are fully air conditioned with natural daylight, and all also offer complimentary Wi-Fi.

REGISTRATION

www.theforburyhotel.co.uk

Please register for the event here: http://www.regonline.com/ b4berksforbury

To find out more about B4 please visit WWW.B4-BUSINESS.COM t: 01865 742211 e: events@b4-business.com a: The Firs, Headington Hill, Oxford, OX3 0BT

B4 SERVICES

SUITED TO OXFORD & BEYOND An interview with Carol Rawson, Managing Director of Suit the City, by Nicholas Newman.

Finding the right clothes for work in the city and leisure in the countryside can be problematic even in the age of internet shopping and specialised clothing retailers. Let me introduce you to Carol Rawson and Sallie Belton and their High Wycombe based company, Suit the City. Their bespoke tailoring business offers an exclusive personal service, which provides high quality, made-tomeasure suits and separates for both men and women. No more hunting around the High Street searching for that elusive item: instead, Carol and Sallie will bring their seamless service to you.

So their advice and high quality tailoring can be yours at an affordable price.

A gap in the market Suit the City caters to a wide range of market segments, including timestarved business people, aspiring graduates, bankers, celebrities and even local farmers, all of whom desire the personal touch, the best in tailoring and convenience at an affordable price. Their celebrated clientele includes many professionals and even the Gloucester rugby team.

About Suit the City What makes the business so special is the time spent with each and every client. ‘Attention to detail is the key’, says Technical Director, Sallie Belton, “we take the time to understand the client’s lifestyle and personality so that their choices reflect the image that they want to project’. The client gets to choose from thousands of fabrics and lots of bespoke design details. Being measured up is easy and relaxed and the majority of clients walk away with their finished garment at the second visit”. For convenience, Suit the City keeps its clients’ measurements on their computer system, so subsequent orders can be placed over the phone or by email if preferred.

This business formula has proved very successful for Suit the City. Carol assures me that, “Age and size are not a problem: our oldest client is 96 and about 4ft 10” tall, whilst some of the rugby players are 6ft 8” or 6ft 9” tall!” One of our most challenging clients to fit was the sixty strong Gloucester Rugby team and its management. “We had two days to measure sixty rugby players, all coming straight from training into the meeting room, it was very entertaining measuring with an audience! But, we now know that in our suits they look just great away from the pitch”.

Carol Rawson came up with the original idea for Suit the City some 25 years ago. The business idea took shape and became reality after she recruited Sallie Belton from Oxford Brookes Business School to work in another of her businesses. Sallie became a Director of Suit the City whilst completing her final exams and together they launched Suit the City in May 2007.

At first, the company focussed on providing quality bespoke tailoring for the growing number of professional women. It soon became apparent that men required the same bespoke, convenient and affordable service and 120

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Carol Rawson

the business rapidly adapted to cater for the male executive.

Unique Selling Point What makes Suit the City so special? In an industry full of unethical manufacturing and exploitation the other key to success it its strong ethical foundation. Carol says; “we provide high quality at an affordable price, but we do this by cutting out expensive shops, not by using cheap fabrics and cheap labour. When we set up the business, we sourced suppliers that we could trust and since we manufacture in Europe, we can guarantee quality far superior to many competitors”.

Recent developments Like all entrepreneurs, Carol and Sallie are ambitious. Last year they launched Suit the Country, diversifying into weekend wear, suitable for outdoor pursuits as well as looking good at the races. Carol says, “Many clients who are Suit the City clients are looking for the same service for their weekend wear – they want the choice and fit that we offer, but in more casual clothes, so this was an obvious move for the business.”

The other major development is with the franchise network – the company wants to offer its service nationwide and they plan to establish around fifty franchises across the country in the next five years.

“If you are interested in working with Suit the City as a franchisee in the Oxford area, please get in touch, we offer full training them in all aspects of the business. The one thing you won’t be doing is sitting at a sewing machine – the business of manufacturing is highly technical and the expert tailors are the key to our success”.

To get in touch www.suitthecity.com Tel 0800 011 2450 Sallie Belton

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B4 HEALTH

CLEAR

WE SPOTLIGHT THE CLINICAL EXERCISE AND REHABILITATION UNIT AT OXFORD BROOKES UNIVERSITY. The CLEAR unit at Oxford Brookes University is a fitness studio designed exclusively for people who require a high level of supervision due to their medical condition. It is also suitable for people who may feel anxious or intimidated by the thought of attending a local gym and those who have rarely exercised in the past.

Regular physical exercise has been shown to produce significant improvements in mobility, functionality and quality of life. Participants commonly see fantastic and rapid improvements in these areas after visiting CLEAR on a regular basis.

CLEAR have an abundance of friendly staff including volunteers and students from Brookes Sports Science courses and a very supportive, friendly and relaxed atmosphere is offered at the CLEAR unit. Participants regularly inform staff about how much they benefit from the relaxed and social atmosphere, and it makes for a fun day at the CLEAR. "The progression I have made in 6 weeks has been quite remarkable – noticed by friends and family. Importantly I feel more confident and capable in my physical abilities." Commented Peter Harling, a CLEAR Unit participant "My fondest memories were the smiles on the participants faces when they achieved something that they thought they could never do. If you get the opportunity of working in the CLEAR, go for it! It is an experience you don’t want to miss." Beamed Kirsty Fuller, a CLEAR Unit volunteer Participants who attend the CLEAR typically: • Increase their range of movement • Improve fitness and confidence • Become competent at using fitness equipment • Be able to monitor their own performance Within a few weeks, everyone referred to the CLEAR unit should feel fitter and enjoy the benefits gained from increased levels of physical activity. CLEAR staff are experienced in providing exercise and rehabilitation programmes to individuals with a wide range of clinical conditions.

CLEAR Manager, James Bateman who looked after the 24 strong B4 team

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during the recent charity ride from Edinburgh to Oxford, is adamant that CLEAR can help any of us in our health and fitness goals. “I enjoy doing what I can to help our participants, making them more efficient in performing everyday tasks. This in turn improves their self-esteem and confidence. It’s such a friendly atmosphere in the CLEAR – our participants really enjoy interacting with staff and students.” One of the participants backed this up with their positive endorsement of the department’s great work. “The CLEAR teamleader’s professional but always friendly manner has helped our son to gain more confidence and endurance over the last year. His understanding of our son’s learning difficulties as well as his ability to communicate with him at an appropriate level has helped our son in a way that no other gym could.”

Gavin Smith provides another moving testimonial to CLEAR’s excellent work. “I was 27 when I was involved in a motorcycle accident which left me with severe brain trauma. After spending two years in hospital and five years in a wheelchair, I started coming to the CLEAR unit.

“When I began, I couldn’t lift 25kg, but can now lift 65kg on my paralysed leg.

The CLEAR unit has got me out of a wheelchair and walking at a normal speed. It feels unbelievable to walk again! It’s given me a new lease of life.

“The support is fantastic. There is a nice and relaxed atmosphere where we’re all on the same level and get to know each other really well. My motivation in life is not a problem anymore. I used to get depressed about being disabled, but with the CLEAR unit I am improving all the time. My aim is to run a marathon at the age of 45.”

To find out more about CLEAR call 01865 484293 or e-mail clear@brookes.ac.uk

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Water Garden is

designed to enable families to enjoy outdoor space with a sense of adventure. Each house is linked by water, ensuring the rich wildlife habitat is protected and grows in and around each building Red Paxton

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B4 PROPERTY

NOW YOU CAN PADDLE YOUR OWN CANOE – QUITE LITERALLY – AS THE WATER GARDEN IS UNVEILED AT LOWER MILL ESTATE This July marked the launch of the Water Garden at the award-winning Lower Mill Estate in the Cotswolds – an exclusive development of just 10 properties designed for the very best in outdoor as well as indoor living.

The Water Garden is home to the UK’s first canoe safari – where homeowners can step off their doorstep, climb into a canoe and head out to the neighbouring Spinney Lake to catch fresh trout. They can then canoe back and cook the fish on their own roof terrace.

Starting from £525,000, all 10 of the four‐bedroom Water Garden properties have been designed by leading architect, Andy Ramus, whose vision aligns with the eco-‐architecture credentials that Lower Mill Estate has won a multitude of awards for. Building work on the development will start in September, with completion expected in Spring 2014.

Each of the 10 properties, which are perfect for families wanting to relax or seek adventure on calm, safe waters, epitomise open-‐plan living with internal living spaces leading out onto large external decks. In addition, the roof terrace on each house offers incredible views across Lower Mill Estate and the large open water Spinney Lake.

The properties are also incredibly economic thanks to under- ‐floor heating, LED lightingand a ‘master switch’ to ensure all electricity can be switched off at the flick of a button. Bespoke interior touches can be selected by the buyer as they wish and there is also the option to have pergolas and herb gardens integrated into the design plan for an additional cost.

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A central garden, which appears to float like an island in the water, acts as the focal point and community hub of the development. The design concept sees each of the houses positioned like spokes on a wheel while a connecting body of water has been specially shaped to link each house to one another via canoe. The Water Garden houses sit within 550 acres of fresh air and space, with thousands of species thriving within the Estate, enabling owners to truly live side-‐by-‐side with nature. Home owners will further benefit from access to the Estate’s award-‐ winning Spa which is located just a stone’s throw from the development.

Owner, Red Paxton, comments ‘The Water Garden is designed to enable families to enjoy outdoor space with a sense of adventure. Each house is linked by water, ensuring the rich wildlife habitat is protected and grows in and around each building.”

Since it was founded 16 years ago, Lower Mill Estate has been at the forefront of offering fresh concepts to vacation home buyers, all of which put the habitat first. These include the recent launch of Lakeshore Reserve – an über-‐exclusive nine plot privately-‐gated development, with plots starting from £525,000.

01285 869489 www.lowermillestate.com

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BR ROW OW N S O X F O R D 5-11 Woodstock Road, Oxford, OX2 6HA Telephone: Telephone: 01865 511995 Email: Email: oxford@browns-restaurants.co.uk www.browns-restaurants.co.uk ww w.browns-restaurants.co.uk

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

PINK & BLACK

S E L L I N G H O M E S W I T H ST Y L E & I N T E L L I G E N C E So what does make an agent different? We all use the internet, The Oxford Times, various lifestyle magazines, some of us advertise in London, some do open houses, we have even distributed cupcakes at the train station to tell people about a house. This year we are exhibiting property at The Luxury Property Show at the Hurlingham Club in London in October, showcasing our clients homes to the highest net worth buyers in the UK and from Overseas.

What is more important to us than anything is how we deal with people while they are selling and buying through us.

I am constantly being told by people that I should be telling the world exactly what we do differently at Pink & Black because they are so surprised at how far we go for our clients. So here goes…

We recently called a client to book in a survey on her property, she could hardly speak but we managed to ascertain that she was at the JR. She is a widow and so one of us popped to see her to check she was ok, she was quite poorly but in good spirits, we are not quite sure how this happened but the person visiting inadvertently ended up as her next of kin! We then visited until she came out a week later. The prospect of moving whilst feeling unwell was overwhelming but she really wanted to go ahead. So Team PB to the rescue, we sorted her move completely from packing to arranging cleaners, removals, garden clearance et al. Not to mention finding her somewhere to live on a temporary basis. The day before completion it came to light that the transfer document had not been signed, rather than her doing a 100 mile round trip from her daughters in London, one of us popped to London, got it signed and had it back to the solicitors in time for completion. You might think that our job was complete but not quite – our client was moving to Australia and with a serious fear of flying just couldn’t go… what happened next… you guessed correctly ,one of us flew with her then came back after a few days later.

So on to Mr and Mrs R. A retired couple in their 70’s. They had had a particularly torrid experience in their journey to find a new home, when they

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came to view a property through us. They were staying with friends and so technically homeless which was causing great stress. We told them about a house that was on the market that they had not considered, having listened to what they really wanted we strongly advised them to view, they did and loved it, they offered and off we went with the transaction. The timescale was tight but we pushed things with the solicitors all the way, until along came a little tax problem… well big really. We had

“What we really want people to know is that we genuinely care about our clients and making their move as stress free as possible” a meeting with our vendor to look through things for him, things looked doomy until we managed to find some information that his solicitor and accountant had not noticed which unlocked the problem. So within 3 weeks they were in, settled and happy.

And onto the next, I called a client the week before completion to check that everything was sorted for their imminent move. Alarm bells rang with the statement “I’m a bit worried about the removals,

it’s a friend of my daughter who I wanted to give the job to as he is only just starting up”! I ask how many people and vans, the answer 1 van 3 people.

Now I am worried, so arrange for 2 of us to go and help. I also encourage the rental of more vans, the house was nearly 5000 sq ft with 2 acres of garden. On the day by 10 am it is very clear that 2 more vans really are needed, 2 more vans arrive and amazingly we finished at 10.30pm exhausted!

Note to self on that one, insist people use an experienced removals firm.

There are many more stories for us to tell and we will in the future. What we really want people to know is that we genuinely care about our clients and making their move as stress free as possible.

We will never be a volume agent as having hundreds of houses to sell just doesn’t rock our boat and isn’t what Pink and Black is about. If we had a hundred clients we couldn’t possibly offer the same level of service that we currently do. We might be like marmite and don’t suit every seller in the market, conversely not every seller suits Pink and Black. We are always very honest with people at our initial meeting as to whether or not we think we are the right agent for them. So if you know anyone who needs an agent to really work for them and support them throughout the transaction in every way imaginable, get them to give us a call or pop in for coffee with us in our very relaxed and comfortable office.

We look forward to meeting you soon.

The Pink & Black Team. www.pinkandblackproperty.com

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B4 PROPERTY

www.b4-business.com

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Online Booking | Treatment Packages available | Gift Vouchers available Health fairs | Staying in touch with Current Research | Interactive Blog

Visit www.cliniconthegreen.com for more details

B4 contacts P

CONTACTS DIRECTORY Advice................................................................................................................................................131 Business Services...................................................................................................................131 Charities................................................................................................................................135 Conference, Events & Venues......................................................................................135 Education.......................................................................................................................................137 Finance.............................................................................................................................................137 Health & Leisure......................................................................................................................137 HR.........................................................................................................................................................139

ADVICE

A M B A S S A D O R

A

IT & Telecommunications................................................................................................139 Manufacturing..........................................................................................................................141 Science & Technology.........................................................................................................141 Marketing & Design.............................................................................................................141 Property & Building..............................................................................................................143 R&R......................................................................................................................................................145 Retail..................................................................................................................................................147

ACCOUNTING

Thomas International t: 01608 659910 w: www.thomasinternational.net

Henmans Freeth LLP A Malcolm Sadler Senior Partner

Wenn Townsend P Tony Haines Partner

Strategic Mentors t: 01993 771728 w: www.strategicmentors.co.uk

t: 01865 781000 w: www.henmansfreeth.co.uk

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

Exilia t: 07817 767649

The MGroup P Richard Clayton Partner

Anrah Development t: 01865 243655 w: www.anrah.co.uk

t: 01865 552925 w: www.themgroup.co.uk Shaw Gibbs A Peter Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Connell Partner t: 01865 292200 w: www.shawgibbs.com Wellers A Stuart Crook Partner t: 01865 723131 w: www.wellersaccountants.co.uk Grant Thornton P Wendy Hart Managing Partner

Concept Leaders Ltd t: 01666 849071 w: www.conceptleaders.com Hilltop Consultancy t: 01844 238692 w: www.hilltopconsultancy.co.uk Adhere Training t: 0844 846 3866 w: www.adheretraining.co.uk Active Education and Training Ltd t: 01865 594325 w: www.oxfordactive.co.uk Increase Your Sales in 30 Days t: 07850 547423 w: www.increaseyoursalesin30days.com

t: 01865 799899 w: www.grant-thornton.co.uk

Oxford Professional Consulting t: 01865 436791 w: www.oxfordprofessionalconsulting.com

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

RTS Breakthrough Solutions t: 07789 405079 w: www.rts-breakthroughsolutions.co.uk

Rees Russell t: 01993 702418 w: www.reesrussell.co.uk

LEGAL

Richardsons Accountants t: 01844 261155 w: www.richardsons-group.co.uk

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

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Darbys Solicitors P Simon McCrum Managing Partner

Manches A Richard Smith Managing Partner t: 01865 722106 w: www.manches.com Turpin & Miller LLP A Emily Boardman Partner t: 01865 770111 w: www.turpinmiller.co.uk Brethertons A Karina Ray Key Client Manager t: 01295 661425 w: www.brethertons.co.uk White & Black Legal LLP t: 0800 035 2656 w: www.wablegal.com Morgan Cole LLP t: 01865 262600 w: www.morgan-cole.com Leigh Edwards Solicitors t: 01865 884436 w: www.leighedwards.com plainlaw LLP t: 01865 240202 w: www.plainlaw.co.uk Lewis Silkin t: 020 7074 8494 w: www.lewissilkin.com

BUSINESS SERVICES

t: 01865 811700 w: www.darbys.co.uk

ARCHIVING AND STORAGE

BrookStreet Des Roches LLP A Paddy Gregan Partner

Ardington Archives A Janet Gibbons Director

t: 01235 836655 w: www.bsdr.com

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

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EAT - DRINK - ENJOY townhall quarter page ad.pdf

3/9/13

16:01:18

WWW.OXFORDCASTLEQUARTER.COM OXFORD CASTLE QUARTER, OXFORD, OX1 1AY

Stretch quarter ad_Layout 1 27/08/2013 09:44 Page 1

concerts | conferences | weddings| exhibitions

The Venue for all Occasions www.oxfordtownhall.co.uk t: 01865 252195 e: townhall@oxford.gov.uk

• • • •

Parties Proms Weddings Anniversaries

• • • • •

Airport Transfers Theatre Trips Race Days Shopping Trips Sporting Events

www.1ststretch.com 01865 389 279

B4 contacts The Archive Centre A David Coulton Owner t: 01296 425744 w: www.thearchivecentre.com My Business Backup t: 01865 920581 w: www.mybusinessbackup.co.uk

BUSINESS SUPPLIES AND EQUIPMENT Aston & James Office P Supplies Limited Darren Aston Director t: 01993 706900 w: www.aston-james.co.uk

CLEANING SERVICES AUDIO VISUAL City Audio Visual A Peter Gunn Director t: 01865 722800 w: www.cityaudiovisual.co.uk Bang & Olufsen P Mark James Director t: 01865 511241 w: www.bang-olufsen.com Coozâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Recording Studio t: 01865 236117 w: www.coozes.com ShiningWithProductions A Sander Aben Film Producer / Director / Editor t: 07976 939420 w: www.shiningwithproductions.com

BUSINESS CONSULTANTS The Profitable Hotel Company A Stuart Harrison Owner t: 01993 706632 w: www.profitablehotelcompany.co.uk The Convergency Partnership A Anne Augustine Director t: 07506 139920 w: www.convergencypartnership.com Insight Oxford t: 01865 596 771 w: www.insightoxford.co.uk

BUSINESS ORGANISATIONS Institute of Directors A Timon Colgrove Chairman t: 01235 773500 w: www.iod.com/oxfordshire Bizlinx t: 0333 700 1057 w: www.bizlinx.org.uk

Pinewood Cleaning Services t: 01993 862866 w: www.pinewoodcc.co.uk Excel Dry Cleaners t: 01865 511 773 w: www.exceldrycleanersofoxford.co.uk

West Oxfordshire A District Council Hayley Beer Tourism Services Manager t: 01993 861558 w: www.oxfordshirecotswolds.org

NETWORKING GROUPS B4 Magazine P Richard Rosser Editor t: 01865 742211 w: www.b4-business.com Opendoorz t: 01865 339434 w: www.opendoorz.biz

HEALTH & SAFETY

SECURITY

Shawcity Ltd t: 01367 899553 w: www.shawcity.co.uk

Executive Alarms Ltd A John Keown Director

DISTRIBUTION

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

First Move Direct Marketing t: 01494 539300 w: www.firstmove.co.uk

Executive Fire A Protection Ltd Mickey Franklin Managing Director t: 01865 771133 w: www.executive-systems.co.uk

ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES Gavin Jones A Martin Ford Business Development Executive t: 01932 833833 w: www.gavinjones.co.uk PAVY Ltd t: 01865 349014 w: www.pavy.co.uk Grundon t: 01491 839212 w: www.grundon.com

TRANSPORT Brazenose Limited t: 01753 801079 w: www.realplay.co.uk Teletrax Limited t: 01235 856054 w: www.teletraxltd.co.uk

MOTOR

INSURANCE

Motor Village Oxford P Cristiano Calabrese Managing Director

Chase Templeton A Charles Frost Independent Insurance Consultant

t: 01865 376000 w: www.motorvillageuk.com

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

Ultimate Partnerships Mike Rebello Director

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

t: 0845 4591003 w: www.ultimatepartnerships.com

LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Ultimate Car Control Robb Gravett Founder

West Oxfordshire A District Council William Barton Business Development Officer

A

P

t: 01344 751669 w: www.ultimatecarcontrol.com

w: www.westoxon.gov.uk/business

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B4 contacts BMW P Catherine Rivetts

Crisis t: 01865 263911 w: www.crisis.org.uk

Meet Oxfordshire A Julie Archer Managing Agent

t: 01865 319000 w: www.oxfordbmw.co.uk

Aspire t: 01865 204450 w: www.aspireoxford.co.uk

T: 01608 659900 W: www.meetoxfordshire.com

TRAVEL City Sightseeing P Jane Marshall Transport Manager

CONFERENCE, EVENTS & VENUES CATERING

P

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

Oxford Fine Dining Sue Randall Managing Director

London Oxford Airport P James Dillon-Godfray Business Development Manager

t: 01865 728240 w: www.oxfordfinedining.co.uk

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

Elegant Cuisine A Michael Ashton Managing Director

Visit Oxfordshire A Joanne Butler Tourism Team Leader

t: 01865 391888 w: www.elegantcuisine.com

t: 01865 252200 w: www.visitoxfordandoxfordshire.com

CONFERENCES

Weekly Home t: 01993 811711 w: www.weeklyhome.com Travel Counsellors t: 01295 720266 w: www.travelcounsellors.com

CHARITIES Helen & Douglas House A Vanessa Fay Corporate & Trusts Fundraising Manager t. 01865 794749 w: www.helenanddouglas.org.uk Oxford Inspires A t: 01865 815525 w: www.oxfordinspires.org Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals Charitable Funds A Graham Brogden Head of Community Fundraising t: 01865 743442 w: www.oxfordradcliffe.nhs.uk Oxfordshire Community A Foundation Jayne Woodley Chief Executive t: 01865 798666 w: www.oxfordshire.org CLIC Sargent t: 03003 300803 w: www.clicsargent.org.uk Sue Ryder Care t: 01491 641404 w: www.sueryder.org

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Lady Margaret Hall P Bill Kemp Head of Conference Services t: 01865 611079 w: www.lmh.ox.ac.uk Pembroke College A Huw Edmunds Head of Conferences and Events t: 01865 276484 w: www.pmb.ox.ac.uk/Conferences Egrove Park A Jill Grieveson Conference Manager

Williams P Conference Centre Brendan Caffrey Conference Centre Manager t: 01235 777900 w: www.williamsconferencecentre.com The Examination Schools A 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/ Howbery Business Park A Angela Andrews Marketing and Lettings Manager t: 01491 822305 w: www.howberypark.com The Kingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Centre t: 01865 297400 w: www.kingscentre.co.uk Heythrop Park Resort A Tracy Stanton Sales Manager t: 01608 673372 w: www.heythroppark.co.uk The Burlington House t: 01865 513513 w: www.burlington-hotel-oxford.co.uk

t: 01865 422757 w: www.sbs.oxford.edu/conferencing

The Feathers P Pete Saunders Hotel Manager

Four Pillars Hotels A Chris Green Group Marketing Manager

t: 01993 812291 w: www.feathers.co.uk

t: 01993 777532 w: www.four-pillars.co.uk

The Manor P Christian Kaberg General Manager

Magdalen College School A Emma Withers Events Manager

t: 01869 350621 w: www.themanorweston.co.uk

t: 01865 242191 w: www.mcsoxford.org

Oxford Town Hall A Lucy Parr Sales Officer

Malmaison P Paul Watson General Manager

t: 01865 252195 w: www.oxfordtownhall.co.uk

t: 01865 268400 w: www.malmaison-oxford.com

EVENTS Oxfordshire Registration Services A Jacquie Bugeja Head of Registration and Coroner's Services t: 0845 129 5900 w: www.oxfordshire.gov.uk

135

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B4 contacts EDUCATION

VENUES Blenheim Palace P John Hoy Chief Executive t: 01993 810501 w: www.blenheimpalace.com Blenheim Palace Hospitality t: 01993 813 874 w: www.blenheimpalace.com/hospitality Oxford Castle Quarter t: 01865 201657 w: www.oxfordcastle.com Rhodes House P Martin Gubb Director t: 01865 270918 w: www.rhodeshouseoxford.com Venue Services, Bodleian Library A Felice Vermeulen Marketing & Administrative Assistant t: 01865 287400 w: www.bodleian.ox.ac.uk

Santander Justin Hayward Business Development Director

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

t: 07809 493563 w: www.santander.co.uk

SAE Institute P t: 01865 787150 w: oxford.sae.edu

RBS Corporate Banking t: 0845 8351249 w: www.rbs.co.uk

Coutts t: 01865 389039 w: www.coutts.com

IFAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

SCHOOLS

Mark Barclay A Partner at St. James's Place Wealth Management

Bloxham School A Nick Irvine Marketing Director

t: 01865 793121 w: www.mbarclay.co.uk

t: 01295 724332 w: www.bloxhamschool.com Tudor Hall Boarding School Wendy Griffiths Headmistress

A

CMS Financial Management Ltd t: 01869 345588 w: www.cmsfinancialltd.co.uk

t: 01295 263434 w: www.tudorhallschool.com

FOCUS t: 01865 295295 w: www.focus-oxford.co.ukk

tmb Events Ltd Nigel Green Director

FINANCE

MORTGAGE ADVICE

t: 01865 822500 w: www.tmb-events.com

Your Money Friend Ltd A Ted Yeates Managing Director

EVENT MANAGEMENT

ADVICE

The Active Network P t: 08700 841 480 w: www.regonline.co.uk Altis Consulting Charlie Allen Managing Director

A

t: 01451 812237 w: www.altisconsulting.co.uk Boys and Girls Promotions t: 01865 595717 w: www.boysandgirlspromotions.co.uk The Sound Foundation t: 07973 559203 w: www.soundfoundation.co.uk

EQUIPMENT HIRE Oxford Event Hire A Kieran Lynch Owner t: 01865 760158 w: www.oxfordeventhire.co.uk

CATERING EQUIPMENT DISTRIBUTION Basics t: 01993 706708 w: www.basictableware.com

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t: 01235 838542 w: www.yourmoneyfriend.co.uk Total Credit Management t: 01993 770770 w: www.totalcreditmanagement.co.uk Strategic Finance Director t: 07967 681 774 w: www.strategicfd.co.uk Herbert & Webster t: 01865 407755 w: www.herbertandwebster.co.uk

BANKING LloydsTSB Commercial A Karl Leitelmayer Senior Manager, Commercial t: 07764 625666 w: www.lloydstsb.com Barclays A Trevor French Corporate Director Oxford t: 07775 542467 w: www.barclayscorporate.com

Mortgage Choices A James Keene Principal Consultant t: 01993 862888 w: www.mortgage-choices.com

HEALTH AND LEISURE FITNESS TLA Fitness A Tom Alden Founder t: 07554 400 401 w: www.tlafitness.com Prime Energy Fitness Ltd t: 01869 352000 w: www.primeenergy.org Inner Space t: 01865 244321 w: www.innerspace.org/oxford Cherwell Boathouse t: 01865 552746 w: www.cherwellboathouse.co.uk

GOLF Frilford Heath Golf Club A Alistair Booth Director t: 01865 390864 w: www.frilfordheath.co.uk

137

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SPEAK TO OUR FRIENDLY TEAM TODAY ABOUT YOUR SPECIFIC NEEDS 01993 869202 enquiries@richedefleurs.com www.richeflowers.com

B4 contacts t: 01865 351122 w: www.studleywoodgolfclub.co.uk

The Jockey Club - South West Racecourses A Matthew Foxton-Duffy Regional Head of Marketing - South West t: 01242 537608 w: www.thejockeyclub.co.uk

Magnolia Park Golf Club A Mark McGeehan Head PGA Professional

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

t: 01844 239700 w: www.magnoliapark.co.uk

WELLBEING

HEALTHCARE

Helen Money Nutrition A Helen Money Owner

Studley Wood Golf Club A Ken Heathcote Managing Director

Gazella HR t: 01865 339411 w: www.gazellahr.co.uk Spires HR t: 01865 880391 w: www.spireshr.co.uk MB HR Support Ltd t: 01993 882744 w: www.mbhrsupport.co.uk

IT & TELECOMMUNICATIONS DATABASE MANAGEMENT

Eyesite A Duarte Meneses Manager

t: 01865 339672 w: www.helenmoneynutrition.com

InTouch CRM P James White Managing Director

t: 01865 242300 w: www.eyesite.co.uk

BEAUTY

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

Robert Stanley Opticians A John Edwards Director

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

IT SERVICES

t: 01865 766488 w: www.robertstanley.co.uk

Popham Hairdressing t: 01865 517040 w: www.popham.com

Clinic95 A Maria Hardman Business Manager t: 01865 241661 w: www.clinic95.com Monica Franke t: 07970 119721 w: www.monicafranke.com James Bateman t: 01865 483839 w: www.shs.brookes.ac.uk/clear Linda Flanigan Hypnotherapy t: 07866 360359 w: www.lfhypnotherapy-oxfordshire.co.uk

SPORT Oxford United Football Club A Ian Lenagan Chairman t: 01865 337505 w: www.oufc.co.uk Oxford University Rugby Football Club A Tim Stevens Club Administrator t: 01865 432000 w: www.ourfc.org London Welsh Rugby Club P Cerys Roberts Head of Corporates t: 07768 306007 w: www.london-welsh.co.uk

HR RECRUITMENT Allen Associates Kate Allen Managing Director t: 01865 335600 w: www.allen-associates.co.uk myFD Recruitment t: 01869 354041 w: www.myfdrecruitment.co.uk

Computing Information Systems (CIS) Ltd P Richard Marsh Director t: 01367 700555 w: www.cisltd.com Bluespires IT t: 0845 5280505 w: www.bluespires.co.uk Data Efficiency t: 01993 608612 w: www.dataefficiency.co.uk QPQ Software Ltd t: 01235 522516 w: www.qpqsoftware.com

MOBILE PHONES Avatar Recruitment Consultancy Ltd t: 01295 724570 w: www.avatarrecruit.co.uk

Everything Everywhere t: 07968 107671 w: www.everythingeverywhere.com

Hays t: 01865 727071 w: www.hays.com

SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT

Mars Recruitment t: 0800 066 5606 w: www.marsrecruitment.co.uk

QuarkXPress t: 0207 632 5612 w: www.quark.com

Better People Ltd t: 01491 836632 w: www.betterpeopleltd.co.uk

Sophos t: 01235 559933 w: www.sophos.com

Nicola Gardiner Executive Search t: 007900 912941 w: www.nicolagardiner.com

TELECOMMUNICATIONS

HR CONSULTANT HR2You P Sarah Morris Owner

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

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

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139

Oxford’s specialist Dry Cleaners, experts in cleaning all delicate items including silks to wedding dresses.

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The Bayleaf Restaurant Bangladeshi and Indian cuisine

“The moment your receive that first welcoming smile from the staff at the Bayleaf Bangladeshi & Indian restaurant, you know you are in the hands of professionals capable of providing you with a great meal experience.”

Helen Peacock, Food Writer and Eynsham Resident

4 Lombard Street, Eynsham, Witney, Oxon OX29 4HT tel 01865 884 401 or 01865 884 402

U LED lighting systems U Electrorad heating systems

01793 526003 07766 238814 info@cs-elec.co.uk www.cs-elec.co.uk

t m e w

B4 contacts Pink Connect t: 01865 592222 w: www.pinkconnect.com GHM Communications t: 0845 058 4668 w: www.ghmcommunications.com

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

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

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

Torpedo Group Limited A Iain Lewis Director

MEDICAL GOODS

t: 01865 733710 w: www.torpedogroup.com

Owen Mumford A Jarl Severn Director

Made Mobile Edward Catling Director

A

t: 0845 299 7529 w: www.unicityapp.com Olamalu A Christoph Corvin Director t: 01993 764566 w: www.olamalu.com Urban Element t: 01993 776 999 w: www.urbanelement.com White October t: 01865 706017 w: www.whiteoctober.co.uk

t: 01865 595707 w: www.glooo.co.uk SEOptimise t: 0845 299 0818 w: www.seoptimise.com

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ADS t: 01993 885122 w: www.adsoxford.co.uk Isis Creative Framing t: 01865 203420 w: www.isiscreative.co.uk

FREELANCE COPY WRITING AND EDITING

Nicholas Newman Freelance Journalist t: 01865 762710 w: www.nicnewmanoxford.com

SCIENCE Science Oxford A Dominic McDonald Head of Public Engagement and Business Networks t: 01865 728953 w: www.scienceoxford.com

MARKETING RESEARCH / TELEMARKETING Lingo Telemarketing A Su Copeland Managing Director

Oxford Technologies A Charlotte Daubney Marketing Executive

t: 01865 886340 w: www.lingotelemarketing.com

t: 01235 544871 w: www.oxfordtechnologies.co.uk

MARKETING

ADVERTISING

Glooo A Chris Jones Director

t: 01865 790039 w: www.rareformnewmedia.com

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Oxford Digital Marketing A Simon Wallace-Jones Co-Founder

t: 0843 289 0161 w: www.zestdigital.co

Rare Form New Media A Jean H. Paldan Director

Wordsmith TM t: 01993 811579 w: www.wordsmithtm.co.uk

MARKETING & DESIGN

Zest A Alex Minchin Director

t: 07770 753975 w: www.thinkbrandnotbland.co.uk

t: 01993 812021 w: www.owenmumford.com

WEB OPTIMISATION & SERVICES

t: 01865 600 508 w: www.oxforddigitalmarketing.co.uk

Strangebrew A Phil Strachan Director

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

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

DESIGN Blink Design A t: 01865 742211 w: www.on-the-blink.com

Marketing Sense A Jo Sensecall Director t: 01865 883579 w: www.marketing-sense.co.uk Cardwell Marketing A Ian Merriman Director t: 0845 1306634 w: www.cardwellmarketing.co.uk AWM Marketing t: 01367 244996 w: www.awm-marketing.com Reputation Selling t: 07976 684009 w: www.reputation-selling.co.uk Marketingco Jackie Jarvis Director t: 01491 822333 w: www.marketingco.co.uk

141

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A Ardington rdington A Archives rchives Ardington Archives LLP White Horse Business Park Stanford in the Vale Oxfordshire SN7 8NY

Quality Certifications Quality Management: ISO 9001:2008 IInformation nformation Security: ISO 27001:2005

Tel 01367 718710 enquiries@ardingtonarchives.co.uk

Environmental: ISO 14001:2004

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B4 contacts indiumonline t: 01865 980630 w: www.indiumonline.co.uk

Syncro PR A Claire Thompson PR Director

PHOTOGRAPHY

t: 01865 886344 w: www.syncropr.com

Studio 8 P Clark Wiseman Managing Director t: 01865 842525 w: www.studio-8.co.uk Lyon Photography t: 01865 481550 w: www.lyonphotography.co.uk

PRINTING Advent Colour P Mike Ackerman Sales Director t: 01264 359359 w: www.advent-colour.co.uk Blueprint Imaging A Martin Matthews Managing Director

Esplin PR A Louise Esplin Freelance PR Consultant t: 07775 678237 w: www.esplinpr.co.uk GB PR A Gail Buckle Owner t: 01865 742940 w: www.gbprconsultancy.blogspot.com Love Communication t: 07887 775271 w: www.lovecommunication.co.uk Spriggs David A Karen David Partner t: 01865 512662 w: www.spriggsdavid.co.uk

t: 01993 892360 w: www.blueprintimaging.com

WEB PERFORMANCE

The Oxford Duplication Centre t: 01865 457000 w: www.oxfordduplicationcentre.co.uk

Obergine A Jeremy Anderson Director

Culham Publication Services P Stuart Morris Studio Manager t: 01235 464904 w: www.culhampublicationservices.com

t: 01865 245777 w: www.obergine.com

OxUniPrint A Ian Wilton Managing Director t: 01865 844918 w: www.oxuniprint.co.uk Abbey Press t: 01235 554555 w: www.abbey-press.co.uk Solutions in Ink t: 020 7917 2964 w: www.solutionsinink.com

PUBLIC RELATIONS The Buzzworks A Sarah Airey Proprietor t: 01993 813848 w: www.thebuzzworks.co.uk Adapt Communications A Tracey Jefferies Partner

MEDIA JACKfm Ian Walker General Manager t: 01865 315980 w: www.jackfm.co.uk

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

PROPERTY & CONSTRUCTION CONSULTANTS Ridge and Partners A David Walker Partner t: 01993 815000 w: www.ridge.co.uk Kemp & Kemp A Steven Sensecall Partner t: 01865 240001 w: wwww.kempandkemp.co.uk Pink & Black Property Consultants A Claire Moloney Director t: 01865 515919 w: www.pinkandblackproperty.com

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

BUSINESS PARKS Begbroke Science Park A Peter Dobson Managing Director t: 01865 283700 w: www.begbroke.ox.ac.uk Grove Technology Park Robert Lamplough Chairman t: 01235 772992 w: www.grovetechpark.com Jennings A Mike Jennings Managing Director t: 01865 893303 w: www.jennings.co.uk Oxford Innovation Ltd P Jo Willett Marketing and Business Development Director t: 01865 261480 w: www.oxin-centres.co.uk Bloxham Mill Business Centre A Ray Avery Managing Director t: 01295 722800 w: www.bloxhammill.com

t: 0845 4591007 w: www.adapt.co

www.b4-business.com

143

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B4 contacts COMMERCIAL PROPERTY AGENTS VSL and Partners P Richard Venables Director

Strutt & Parker A Miles Collison Partner, Development Land & New Homes

A1 Plumbing & Heating t: 01865 327732 w: www.a1ltd.co.uk

t: 01865 366660 w: www.struttandparker.com

Windover Facilities A Management Edward MacFarlane CEO t: 01869 368095 w: www.windoverfm.com

t: 01865 848488 w: www.vslandp.com Carter Jonas P Scott Harkness Partner t: 01865 511444 w: www.carterjonas.co.uk Meeson Williams Ltd t: 01865 349011 w: www.meesonwilliams.com

LETTING AGENTS Breckon and Breckon P Greg Barnes Director t: 01865 201111 w: www.breckon.co.uk Finders Keepers A Frank Webster Director

Marriotts t: 01865 316311 w: www.marriottsoxford.co.uk

t: 01865 302308 w: www.finders.co.uk

Lambert Smith Hampton t: 01865 200 244 w: www.lsh.co.uk

scottfraser A Andrew Greenwood Group Managing Director

DEVELOPMENT

t: 01865 760055 w: www.scottfraser.co.uk

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

ESTATE AGENTS Breckon and Breckon P Keith Stacey Managing Director t: 01865 244735 w: www.breckon.co.uk scottfraser A David Blythman Managing Director Sales t: 01865 759500 w: www.scottfraser.co.uk scottfraser A Chris Rowntree Sales Director t: 01993 705507 w: www.scottfraser.co.uk Kemp & Kemp A Graham MacDonald Director

Lucy Properties A Ian Ashcroft Managing Director t: 01865 559973 w: www.lucyproperties.co.uk North Oxford Property Services A Robin Swailes Director t: 01865 311745 w: www.nops.co.uk College and County A Mark Crampton-Smith Owner t: 01865 722722 w: www.collegeandcounty.biz

frontdoorz A Sonia Kearns Creative Director t: 01865 339444 w: www.frontdoorz.com

www.b4-business.com

JCC Electrical t: 01869 570827 w: www.jccelectrical.co.uk rb Gas t: 01865 200902 w: www.rbgas.co.uk Jill Treloggen Interiors Jill Treloggen Owner t: 01993 700515 w: www.jtiuk.com

A

CS Electrical t: 01793 526003 w: www.cs-elec.co.uk Darke & Taylor Ltd t: 01865 290000 w: www.darkeandtaylor.co.uk

R&R ACCOMMODATION Macdonald Randolph Hotel A Michael Grange General Manager t: 0844 879 9132 w: www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk

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

The Royal Oxford Hotel A Tom Crampton-Smith Owner t: 01865 248432 w: www.royaloxfordhotel.co.uk

Bluestone Letting and Management t: 01869 327577 w: www.bluestonelm.co.uk

Westwood Hotel A Tony Healey Owner

The Letting Centre t: 01865 759930 w: www.thelettingcentre.com

t: 01865 735408 w: www.westwoodhotel.co.uk

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

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

Savvy Maintenance A & Renovations Stephen Dunne Director t: 01865 920020 w: www.savvy-group.co.uk

Fallowfields Hotel & Restaurant Anthony Lloyd A Managing Director t: 01865 820416 w: www.fallowfields.com Conifers Guest House t: 01865 763055 w: www.conifersguesthouse.co.uk

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Old Swan & Minster Mill A Amanda Baker t: 01993 862510 w: www.oldswanandminstermill.com

GALLERIES Wiseman Gallery A Sarah Wiseman Owner

Hawkwell House Hotel P Tim Spittles General Manager

t: 01865 515123 w: www.wisegal.com

t: 01865 749988 w: www.hawkwellhouse.co.uk

CORPORATE ENTERTAINMENT

Hope House Woodstock t: 01993 815990 w: www.hopehousewoodstock.co.uk The Bear & Ragged Staff Mark Greenwood Landlord

A

t: 01865 862329 w: www.bearandraggedstaff.com Eynsham Hall t: 01993 885238 w: www.eynshamhall.com

RENTAL ACCOMMODATION Lower Mill Estate Red Paxton Marketing and Sales Director t: 01285 869489 w: www.lowermillestate.com Sheepskin t: 01865 764087 w: www.sheepskinlife.com

ARTISTIC AND CULTURAL Oxford Philomusica t: 07775 904626 w: www.oxfordphil.com

Sam Strange Magic A Sam Strange Owner t: 01865 742211 w: www.samstrangemagic.co.uk

ENTERTAINMENT Pegasus Theatre A Bel Crewe Development Director t: 01865 812160 w: www.pegasustheatre.org.uk

FOOD & DRINK SUPPLIES The Oxford Wine Company A Ted Sandbach Managing Director t: 01865 301144 w: www.oxfordwine.co.uk Roots of Oxford P Mike Hirons Managing Director t: 01865 792060 w: www.rootsofoxford.com First Class Products A Thomas Ellis Owner

The Old Fire Station A Jeremy Spafford Director of Arts

t: 07919 133476 w: www.firstclassproducts.biz

t: 01865 263980 w: www.oldfirestation.org.uk

RESTAURANTS

Modern Art Oxford A Hannah Evans Communications Manager

Browns Restaurant P Simon Stonehouse General Manager

t: 01865 813826 w: www.modernartoxford.org.uk

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

Rachel Ducker w: www.rachelducker.co.uk

The Trout P Chris Lewis General Manager

Oxford Playhouse t: 01865 305305 w: www.oxfordplayhouse.com

t: 01865 510930 w: www.thetroutoxford.co.uk

Creation Theatre t: 01865 761393 w: www.creationtheatre.co.uk

The Red Lion P Simon Reeves General Manager

4500 MIles From Delhi A Nav Kandola Owner t: 01865 244 922 w: www.milesfromdelhi.com/oxford Spice Lounge A Ali Aktar Owner t: 01865 510071 w: www.spiceloungeoxford.co.uk

A

The Snooty Mehmaan Asad Ahmed Director

t: 01367 242260 w: www.thesnootymehmaan.co.uk Geeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Restaurant & Bar t: 01865 553 540 w: www.gees-restaurant.co.uk Old Parsonage Hotel t: 01865 310 210 w: www.oldparsonage-hotel.co.uk Quod Brasserie & Bar t: 01865 202505 w: www.quod.co.uk Head of the River t: 01865 721600 w: www.headoftheriveroxford.co.uk Cockadoo t: 01865 341030 w: www.cockadoo.co.uk The Big Bang t: 01865 249413 w: www.thebigbangrestaurants.co.uk Pierre Victoire t: 01865 316616 w: www.pierrevictoire.co.uk The Oxford Blue t: 01865 460215 w: www.theoxfordblue.com The Quince Tree t: 01491 639039 w: www.thequincetree.com Bayleaf t: 01865 884401 w: www.bayleafrestaurant.net The Chequers at Burcot t: 01865 407771 w: www.thechequers-burcot.co.uk The First Floor A t: 01865 200203 w: www.thefirstfloor-restaurant.com Saffron t: 01865 512211 w: www.saffronrestaurantoxford.co.uk

t: 01865 726255 w: www.redlionoxford.co.uk

146

www.b4-business.com

B4 contacts The Broad Face t: 01235 537775 w: www.thebroadface.co.uk

University of Oxford Shop P t: 01865 247414 w: www.oushop.com

Clements and Church t: 01865 511212 w: www.clementsandchurch.co.uk

Café Aloha t: 01865 792696 w: www.cafealoha.co.uk

Bicester Village Helen Peters Sales & Marketing Manager - Tourism

Riche de Fleurs t: 01993 869202 w: www.richeflowers.com

COFFEE SHOPS

t: 01869 323200 w: www.bicestervillage.com

Java & Co t: 07736 950673 w: www.javaandco.co.uk

Beeline Bicycles A Luis Tulip Manager t: 01865 246615 w: www.beelinebicycles.co.uk

RETAIL

Casa Rose Boudoir t: 01865 510191 w: www.casaroseoxford.com

SHOPPING Blackwell’s P David Prescott Managing Director

Argenteus t: 01865 840810 w: www.argenteus.co.uk

t: 01865 382500 w: www.blackwell.co.uk

B4 PARTNERS

Official E-Mail Marketing Partner

Official Events Software Partner

Official Business and Formal wear partner

Official Ticket Partner

Official Mobile Partner

Official Stationery Partner

Preferred supplier of Home Entertainment

Official Car Partner

Official Cloud Partner

Official Photographer

www.b4-business.com

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

147

STANDOUT LOOKS. OUTSTANDING VALUE.

With specification that includes a contrast roof and 17" Turbine alloys, you’d expect the Alfa Giulietta Collezione to cost a whole lot more. Yet somehow you only have to pay £500^ extra on the road price when compared to the entry level Turismo model.

Visit our website to see the additional specification you get with this exceptional Special Edition. www.motorvillageoxfordalfaromeo.co.uk/collezione

ALFA GIULIETTA 1.4 TB 120 BHP COLLEZIONE SPECIAL EDITION On the Road Price† Monthly Payment

£18,265

*

Alfa Deposit Contribution

£209 ^^

£1,250

REPRESENTATIVE EXAMPLE

Customer Deposit

£2,249

Amount of Credit

£14,766

Duration of Contract

48 months

Total Amount Payable by Customer Optional Final Payment (incl. £295 fee) Rate of Interest (Fixed)

£18,063 £5,991 1.85%

Representative 2.5% APR

MOTOR VILLAGE OXFORD BANBURY ROAD, KIDLINGTON, OXFORDSHIRE OX5 1JHD 01865 376000 www.motorvillageoxfordalfaromeo.co.uk W I T H O U T H E A R T W E W O U L D B E M E R E M A C H I N E S. ‡

†

Model shown: Alfa Giulietta 1.4 TB 120 bhp Collezione Special Edition at £18,265 OTR . Range of official fuel consumption figures for the Alfa Giulietta range: Urban 26.2 – 53.3 mpg (10.8 – 5.3 I/100km); Extra Urban 48.7 – 76.3 mpg (5.8 – 3.7 I/100km); Combined 37.2 – 64.2 mpg (7.6 – 4.4 I/100km). CO2 emissions 177 – 114 g/km.

‡Fuel consumption and CO2 figures are obtained for comparative purposes in accordance with EC directives/regulations and may not be representative of real-life driving conditions. Factors such as driving style, weather and road conditions may also have a significant effect on fuel consumption. *With Alfa Romeo Preferenza you have the option to return the vehicle and not pay the final payment, subject to the vehicle not having exceeded an agreed annual mileage (a charge of 6p per mile for exceeding 6,000 miles per annum in these examples) and being in good condition. Offers may be withdrawn or amended without prior notification. Offer subject to status, a guarantee and/or indemnity may be required. Terms and conditions apply. Alfa Romeo Financial Services, PO Box 4465, Slough SL1 0RW. Offer applies to vehicles registered between 1 July and 30 September 2013 on Alfa Giulietta models. Terms and conditions apply. ^The Alfa Giulietta 1.4 TB 120 bhp Collezione Special Edition is £500 more than the on the road price of the standard specification Alfa Giulietta 1.4 TB 120 bhp Turismo. ^^£1,250 Alfa Romeo Deposit Contribution is available on a PCP, HP and Cash and is valid between 1 July and 30 September 2013 on selected Alfa Giulietta models. Participating dealers only. Terms and conditions apply and are subject to exclusions. Retails sales only. †On the road price is based on an Alfa Giulietta 1.4 TB 120 bhp Collezione Special Edition and includes 12 months road fund licence, vehicle first registration fee, delivery, number plates and VAT. Figures correct at time of printing. Offer subject to status. Terms and conditions apply. See our website for full details.