B4 issue 45

’s s re es hi in K ds us e E 24 or B in LIN xf g az OFF O adin ag ON & M Le

IP SH ER D A RE

B4 MAGAZINE I S S U E 4 5 M A R C H 2 0 1 7

HEADINGTON CARRIERS We meet Peter Barrett, MD of Headington Carriers, who's team make the earth move for their customers

PEMBROKE COLLEGE

W W W . B 4 - B U S I N E S S . C O M

TEAM GB

NEWBURY RACECOURSE

B U I L D I N G B R I D G E S B E T W E E N B U S I N E S S E S

Welcome to B4 Building Bridges Between Businesses

Face-to-face

Brand new interactive website for you to connect with the network

Networking Events in stunning locations throughout the year

Upcoming events: Monday 20th March: Thursday 11th May: Wednesday 28th June: Thursday 29th June Monday 21st August

• Upload unlimited content: Press Releases, Events, Jobs, Offers, all filterable by category and region

B4 Classic Event at St Anne's College Business in Oxford 2017 B4 Golf Cup Newbury Racecourse Bombay Sapphire

• Subscribe to content you are most interested in with our ‘My B4’ feature • Make connections with over 600 other B4 Members and receive reviews & recommendations

Visit www.b4-business.com to register for all events or call 01865 742211 for more information

Find Us:

 www.b4-business.com

• Attracts over 6,000 unique visitors every month







@b4magazine @b4berkshire @b4bucks

/b4magazine

/ b4businesstv

B4 Membership If you would like to join B4 and take advantage of the great avenues for exposure and networking that we offer, we have a variety of membership levels starting from our basic “Bronze” level, up to our exclusive “Black” level.

Memberships start from £250+VAT for one year.

Visit https://goo.gl/4ppWdo for full details.

A basic membership gets you: · · · · · ·

Your business listed online & in the magazine A personal profile for you and 4 other employees Discounts on any magazine advertising you take out Free attendance at all B4 Classic Events The ability to post unlimited content on the B4 website The ability to content with and message other members

What we do: B2B Networking -

Increase your business’ profile How we do it:

High Quality Magazine Exposure, shining a spotlight on your business • Great editorials from experts in their fields • An in-depth directory of great businesses in your area (see pages 94-99 in this issue) • The latest business news from B4 and its growing network of members • Distributed bi-monthly to over 9,000 business decision makers in the Thames Valley

Daily Social Networking and e-newsletters to keep you in touch and up to date • We share B4 Members’ content on our social media platforms • Subscribe to the weekly B4 newsletter for the latest on news and event • • • •

200+ likes on Facebook 500+ followers on LinkedIn 7,000+ subscribers to the newsletter 8,500+ followers on Twitter

Latest B4 Members:

SPECIAL OFFER Use the coupon code “b4issue45” online until 31st March 2017 for £50 off of your membership. For more information please call us on 01865 742211.

ON THE

PLATINUM

T H E

HILL

OX F O R D S H I R E

RESTAURANT

AWARDS

7

BUSINESS

7

Experience OXFORDSHIRE Conferencing

B4 Platinum & Gold Members We would like to thank our B4 Gold & Platinum Members for supporting the B4 Business network. To find out more about joining them and over six hundred B4 Member companies, please call us on 01865 742 211.

GOLD

BRONZE

With annual memberships just £250+VAT*, entitling you to a business directory listing and unlimited press release, event, job vacancy and offer uploads, it’s no wonder our membership is increasing daily. Members are also invited to events in all B4 areas, up to 12 per annum.

Call us now on 01865 742 211 to book your membership or e-mail sales@b4-business.com for more details.

The B4 Website – the most efficient way to network your business from your PC!

*Quoted rate is per company entitling selected employees to attend B4 events. The Ambassador scheme is separate and subject to a different charge of £250+VAT for the first Ambassador.

B4

B4 contributors

ON THE

COMPANIES TO LOOK OUT FOR IN THIS ISSUE

22

25

28

30

48

55

61

72

76

80

82

HILL 74

ON THE

B4 partners

6

HILL

Official E-mail Marketing Partner

Official Cloud Partner

Visual Design Partner

Official Photographer

Official Transport Partner

Official Stationery Partner

www.b4-business.com

www.b4-business.com Contacts If you want to contact B4 Magazine Telephone: 01865 742 211 info@b4-business.com Publisher B4 Magazine is published by Designs On Ltd, PO Box 388, Kidlington, OX5 9EH Chairman Colin Rosser colin@b4-business.com Editor Richard Rosser editorial@b4-business.com Art Editor Keith Simpson studio@hothdesign.co.uk Assistant Editor Lorna Dodson assistanteditor@b4-business.com B4 Events events@b4-business.com Editorial contributors Olivia Lane-Nott Rachel Warren Jo Sensecall Claire Thompson Photography/ Videography Rob Scotcher Studio Photography Studio8 Telephone: 01865 842525

Subscriptions For free Subscription, please contact: Telephone: 01865 742 211 info@b4-business.com Each business with an Oxfordshire, Berkshire or Buckinghamshire postcode is entitled to one free copy per issue.

For additional copies and for businesses outside of the three counties, there is an annual subscription charge of £25.

© 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 45 “Steady As She Goes” is the message coming from Trevor French, Head of Barclays Corporate and Business Banking in the Thames Valley as the beginning of negotations to leave the EU draw nearer. That would seem to be a fair assessment having discussed the state of the economy with a wide range of businesses across all manner of sectors over the past couple of months. You can read more from Trevor in this issue of B4.

We welcome the charismatic Peter Barrett, MD of Headington Carriers, and his fantastic team to B4 this issue, proudly adorning our front cover. Peter talks to B4 about the success of his business over the past 27 years and their plans for expansion in 2017.

We also hear from James Cowper who help to demystify the complex world of business tax, Shaw Gibbs focus on the The Let Property Campaign and Finders Keepers look at 9 trends for the 2017 property market.

A good indicator of business confidence is our annual conference, Business in Oxford, which this year will take place on 11th May. Ticket sales are already far in excess of previous years and we have a great line up of presenters which we are adding to daily. Inside this issue (and on the BIO website you can see the original videos) we feature some of the speakers that delegates can look forward to hearing from. If you would like to speak, sponsor or exhibit at BIO2017, please get in touch soon as opportunities are already limited.

In this issue of B4 we welcome Oxford Space Systems, Haiku, Beyond Touch, Ratchet Clothing, Bloodwise, TFN, TEDx Oxford, Reciprocate and our very own House on the Hill with some design advice from the team behind B4.

I don’t know about you but, despite the doom mongers out their predicting and fearing the worst, there’s an air of quiet optimism. Oxfordshire is a great place to be and we should all be looking forward with masses of positivity for 2017. If you’ve got a great story about your business, why not get in touch and tell the local business community all about it? Good news breeds confidence and a vibrant local economy…there’s a lot to look forward to this year.

Enjoy B4 Issue 45 and if you’re not already engaging with B4, why not give me a call to find out how you can do so.

Richard Rosser Editor

Richard is running the 2017 London Marathon in aid of Helen & Douglas House

 @B4Magazine

Meet the Writers

12. Headington Carriers Written by Richard Rosser

61. Oxford Innovation Written by Jo Willett

74. House on the Hill Written by Rob Scotcher

Sponsor him here: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/richardrosser

About B 4 Magazine B4 Magazine is printed by

B4 Magazine was established to provide Thames Valley businesses with a clear voice to raise their profile and to help businesses connect. Direct mailed to nine thousand business decision makers in once every two months, B4 is regarded a leading free distribution business publication in the region. B4 stands for Building Bridges Between Business and that is what B4 helps businesses to do, aided by our first class website at www.b4-business.com, monthly B4 Classic and Masterclass Events.

B4 is funded by paid for display advertising and editorial. Underpinning B4 is a membership of over 600 of the Thames Valley’s leading businesses.

76. Strangebrew Written by Phil Strachan

news

finance

10 B4 News: Latest news from B4 Members

22 Business Sentiment Survey:

Barclays take a look at general business

sentiment in the wake of Brexit.

66 Sobell House: Latest news from Sobell

House Hospice

25 Business Tax: Let James Cowper Kreston

demystify the complex world of business tax

for you.

lead

27 Now That You've Bought Property: Shaw Gibbs explain what your

next steps should be financially and whether

letting is the right choice for you.

12 Headington Carriers: B4 talks to this

long-running, reliable removals business about

their history, achievements and plans for the future.

property

50 B4 Event Recap: B4 held a Classic Event

at Hartwell House in January, read on for a

recap of this great evening.

51 Corporate Crowdfunding: Read

about TFN Oxford's annual live crowdfunding

event, Oxford Gives, and how to get involved.

BIO2017 35 Business In Oxford 2017: Catch up

on the latest news from BIO2017 and find out

how you can get involved.

38 BIO2017: Hussain Manawer:

Richard Rosser met with young astronaut

Hussain Manawer to talk about his charity

fundraising goals.

42 BIO2017: Meet The Presenters:

Check out these introductions and videos

from a few of our BIO2017 presenters.

28 9 Trends for 2017: Finders Keepers

make some logical predictions for the

property market over the coming year.

30 Carter Jonas: Check out the latest news

and commercial properties from Carter Jonas.

32 VSL & Partners: Check out the latest

news and commercial properties from VSL.

advice 17 The Importance of Culture: EY

discuss the post-Brexit heightened interest in

culture within the climate of uncertainty.

18 Accountability in Cyber Crime:

Blake Morgan talk about the numerous ways

to protect your business from cyber crime.

21 On Purpose: Joy Le Fevre of Haiku

Consulting explains the importance of straight

talking and conveying purpose.

events 48 TEDx Talks: Hedges Law were proud to

sponsor TEDx Oxford in February, read on to

find out more.

49 Bloodwise Blenheim Triathlon:

Think you've got what it takes? Find out how

you can get involved in this year's triathlon event.

Technology 53 Oxford Space Systems: It might

surprise you to read that Oxfordshire is

actually home to a lot of cutting edge space technology!

55 Your Business In The Cloud: Wellers

Accountants offer some great advice about

the benefits and risks of cloud storage.

B4 contents health & fitness 70 Fit 4 Business: We're taking part in a

90-day fitness challenge! Check out some

ways you yourself can keep fit this year.?

72 Come Again?: Tara Tripp Hearing Care

discusses the importance of hearing and how

to spot early signs of hearing loss.

services 79 A Class Above: Meet Max, Head Chef of

Max's Kitchen at The King's Centre in Oxford,

and find out how he can brighten your day.

80 Your Business' New Year's Resolution: Let CIS explain the severity

of down-time and data loss for your business

and how you can protect yourself.

82 Xerox Has You Covered: Whatever

make of printer you have, Aston & James can

provide Xerox brand replacement supplies at

1/4 of the price.

spotlight 57

venues

Who's Who: Beyond Touch: Get to know this great company offering advice on business transformation, staff alignment, and optimisation.

84 Pembroke College: Find out why this

beautiful juxtaposition of a college could be

the dream setting for your event.

59 Dhillan Bhardwaj: B4 talked to this

Derby born, self-made entrepreneur about

his exciting business career so far.

59 Oxfordshire Soup: Read about how

Wonky Fruit has formed a successful

partnership with The Midcounties Co-operative.

marketing 74 House on the Hill Knowledgebase: Tips and tricks from

our very own House on the Hill designers,

coders and photographers.

76 A Brand Experience: Phil Strachan

of Strangebrew talks about his experiences

with customer satisfaction.

corp. life 87 La Belle Epoque: Learn about the

luxurious services for private dining, weddings

and meetings at Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons.

89 K West Hotel: Classy, vibrant and oozing

style - A favourite amongst those in the music industry.

91 Hunter 486 at The Arch: Located just

off of Marble Arch, this restaurant is as cool

and elegant as you would imagine.

93 Big News for Jurys Inn: This Oxford

hotel has recently reopened it's doors to an

exciting new look after a ÂŁ11m refurbishment.

csr 68 Reciprocate: Learn how your business

can engage in a meaningful way with the

local community.

B4 Club Member's 94 Contacts 99

ELS Business Training ELS Business Training is the course provider element of Explosive Learning Solutions and has a strong heritage in training provision and delivery for all sectors. All of our trainers work as consultants within the area they train.

As an Accredited Training Organisation, we provide many courses including, but not limited to: • PRINCE2® • APM PMQ & APM PMQ for PRINCE2® • Managing Successful Programmes (MSP) • Change Management • Management of Risk

• PS Professionals • Facilitation Feel free to look at our website for a more complete view of our courses.

What we offer: • Courses have no more than 12 students (offering excellent tutor/student ratio for support) • Training is contextualised to meet your needs • Training is based on known principles of adult learning • Continuous – we offer follow on support throughout and after the course.

• Course Bundles to give you excellent value for money For more information please go to our website www.elsbusinesstraining.co.uk or give us a call on 01235 861805.

Gardner Leader Starts 2017 on a High, Derek Rodgers, Managing Partner Now with more than 110 employees, including 14 solicitor partners, as a leading regional law firm Gardner Leader offers peace of mind to individuals and businesses with legal issues across Berkshire and beyond, nationally and internationally. Clients range from first time buyers and start-up companies to venture capital funds, charities and PLCs and a full range of services is provided.

The last year has seen a number of exceptional recruits, particularly in Maidenhead which has been the focus of growth strategy since the

acquisition of Heath Buckeridge in October 2014. In December the firm moved into new, larger offices in Maidenhead. Corporate partner Diane Yarrow joined in Maidenhead in January 2016 and senior employment associate Michelle Morgan towards the end of 2016. In Newbury commercial property partner Suki Hardy joined in January 2017. The firm also now has professional directors for Finance, IT and Marketing and a dedicated HR Manager will join the firm in April.

The Wedding Season After a busy festive period, Passion for Food is looking forward to another fun filled wedding season with more informal dining leading the way in 2017.

Managing Director Philip Baker said, “Traditional 3 course sit-downs have been pushed aside to make way for a more informal, relaxed style of dining with sharing platters. Our 'DIY' desserts have proved to be a big hit, with clients looking for the ‘wow factor’ to impress their guests. Our 'English Tea time'

offering of bowls of ice cream, mixed redcurrants, blueberries, raspberries, poppy seed and lemon shortbread, elderflower jelly, chocolate dipped strawberries and meringue, served on vintage three tiered cakes stand, is one our most popular options”.

If you are looking for something different or traditional for your big day, get in touch with the team at Passion for Food. Based in Westcott, Buckinghamshire, Passion for Food provides

fantastic event catering for wedding receptions, corporate gatherings, intimate dinners, large scale events, Christmas parties and more. www.passion-for-food.co.uk

Business In Oxford 2017 sells over 250 tickets within first 2 weeks!

10

BUSINESS

The biggest business networking and showcase event in the county returns for a 4th year at The King’s Centre in the centre of Oxford on Thursday 11th May.

7

BIO is just over 3 months away and tickets for this year have been selling fast, with over 250 tickets sold during the first few weeks of them being available!

We will be moving to our next pricing tier on the 25th March, so make sure to purchase your tickets now to guarantee the best price for you and your colleagues. Tickets are available at www. businessinoxford.com.

For more information about the event and opportunities to exhibit or present, please see pages 35-37 in this magazine.

www.b4-business.com

B4

news

The Kitchen The Kitchen is a delightful Country Eating House located in Farnborough near Banbury. We pride ourselves on creating the very best of Rustic British Cooking, sourcing produce from local food heroes with fruit and vegetables from our own Kitchen garden. We like to keep everything seasonal, with food freshly prepared in our kitchens by our amazing chef Dan and his team.

The Kitchen is open Thursdays through to Sundays, and available for private hire for events

or gatherings on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, with an experienced events team on hand to assist with your requirements.

The Kitchen is surrounded by some of the best walks in the region, and we welcome dogs and muddy wellies through our doors. Our ethos is fantastic food, fun, family and friends joining together around the table to create special memories.

We look forward to welcoming you soon.

Main Street, Farnborough, OX17 1DZ. www.thekitchenfarnborough.co.uk

Busy times at Startech Productions Busy times at Startech Productions see the Event Team producing a spectacular show for the Unicorn Trust 20th Anniversary celebrations (see photo courtesy of Neale Blackburn Photography), with further events including The Christmas Carol concerts at Le Manoir, BVNA Conference in Telford and a conference for the Zacharias Trust. But it’s not always our full production services that a company require, we’ve also recently supplied design and equipment to the productions of Hairspray and We Will Rock You, and AV and Presentation services for The SAID Business School.

Other areas of our business have been busy too with considerable dry hire of PA, Lighting, Projection and screen hire. We’ve also been investing in HD presentation equipment; new Touch Screens, projectors and image mixing equipment as well as many new LED lighting fixtures and more Radio mics.

So whatever you need for your events, Startech Productions have it covered.

01865 722 522 www.startechproductions.co.uk

The POD: A new flexible work space in central Oxford Thanks to funding from The Oxford Trust, a stylish new flexible working space called The POD is now open at the Oxford Centre for Innovation (OCFI) on New Road in central Oxford. The POD provides start-up science and tech companies with accommodation options from dedicated desks to shared co-working and presentation facilities. It is an ideal solution for small start-up businesses who don’t want the expense of renting an office full time. Young businesses using The POD get support from the OCFI team, who are on hand to provide reception services and can arrange a mailing

address, locker space, and dedicated broadband.

Steve Burgess, CEO of The Oxford Trust, said: “Central Oxford is desperately short of affordable innovation space so we hope that our investment in The POD will enable more science and tech startups to take root and grow. This support is part of the Trust’s on-going commitment to facilitating local knowledge-intensive economic growth.”

For further information, contact OCFI manager Margaret Hewitt on 01865 261400.

Mulholland Landscape Consultants touch down at Birmingham Airport With just over 10m passengers per annum Birmingham Airport is the seventh busiest in the UK. Over the next 12 months David Mulholland will be providing landscape and habitat management advice to the airport.

Exciting times ahead for Mulholland Landscape Consultants Ltd as they have landed a new contract at Birmingham Airport.

www.b4-business.com

As well as airports Mulholland Landscape Consultants work with Builders, Construction

Companies, Landowners, Local Authorities, Landscape Architects and Facilities Managers.

Clients include Bridgman & Bridgman LLP, Tearfund, Peerless Properties (Oxford) Ltd and LVS School Oxford.

If you have a project you would like to discuss please call David on 07734 253579 or contact david@mulhollandconsultants.co.uk

11

WITH DUE CARE & CONSIDERATION… AND A FAIR AMOUNT OF MUSCLE! With over 27 years experience in the removals industry, Headington Carriers Ltd (HCL) have built a reputation as being one of the leading commercial and domestic removals and storage companies in Oxfordshire. Their thirteen strong fleet of distinctive light blue trucks can be seen all over Oxfordshire and beyond, entrusted with private and commercial removals. B4’s Richard Rosser met with Managing Director, Peter Barrett, to discover that attention to detail and care are fundamental to HCL’s success.

Written by: Richard Rosser

Photography by: Rob Scotcher & Headington Carriers

I meet the engaging Peter at HCL’s offices just outside of Woodstock on a site bordering London Oxford Airport. There’s a family feel about the business, not least because Daniel, Peter’s son, is HCL’s Surveying Manager. Having experienced first hand this tight knit group’s incredibly focused passion for their work when HCL moved B4 to its new premises in North Oxford, Peter doesn’t need to convince me that customer care is top of his list of priorities.

business or home visit you will generally meet Peter or Daniel who aim to supply a quotation by email on the same day, with a copy also sent by post.

“We win most of our work on recommendation and having been in the business over 27 years, we wouldn’t be where we are without making sure our customers are happy and that means being careful, well planned and a lot of hard work.” In fact, Basil Fry, insurance company to the UK’s leading removals companies, commented that HCL’s claims are lower than anyone else on their books. That’s testament to the team and their care as we witnessed when packing up the offices (and the family home of 36 years). Colin’s account of the move in this article gives that first hand experience testimonial which says all you need to know. Safe hands for sure.

No matter the size or distance of a move our expert staff will ensure that your belongings reach their destination safely, whether you are moving locally or across the country.

HCL’s fleet of trucks come in all shapes and sizes which means they can undertake the largest and most complex of moves at one end of the scale or a valuable Ming vase at the other end – it has been known for one truck to transport one item!

You can sit down and plan your removal with Daniel and receive an overall project cost or pay for HCL’s services on an hourly rate basis. When arranging a

12

All of this is underpinned by HCL’s membership of The British Association Of Removers ( B.A.R. ), giving you ‘belt and braces’ assurance that by choosing HCL you will receive the highest level of service from start to finish.

“

Peter Barrett - Headington Carriers

”

Alongside Peter, who has considerable experience of project management within the construction industry which has provided an invaluable platform in understanding the commercial and domestic removals industry, General Manager Sean Willoughby controls the day to day management of the business with support staff based at the offices in The Straight Mile, Woodstock.

“Our fully trained and experienced full time

employees share a mutual desire to complete every move to the highest possible standard.” Continues Peter. “Many have been with us for years and although you’d think this is back breaking work, which it is, it’s quite addictive and a lot of the boys have been with us most of their working lives.

They all work really well together and there’s no greater sense of satisfaction than emptying a huge premises and transporting everything safely to a new home or office. Some of the items we move are unbelievable, but we do it and we are always receiving compliments about the team who mix the necessary strength with care and consideration. It’s easy to conclude that your average removals guy will be strong and that’s about it. These boys have to solve complex problems, consider weight distribution on the van, pack a room in the correct order, make sure everything is labelled and, of course, not break anything! There’s then the time pressure to factor in and we all know moving is a stressful process for the calmest person, so add a client’s worries to the mix and you need to be on your game at all times when you’re on the job.”

COMMERCIAL MOVES Talking to Peter, I was surprised to hear how much commercial work HCL do. “We work on a regular basis for many of Oxfordshire’s businesses including Oxford University, Blenheim Palace, Thames Valley Police and the NHS. Our main aim is to be flexible and ensure that we fulfil each and every requirement for a successful move and that means sitting down

www.b4-business.com

B4

with the client to understand their exact needs and Sean, Daniel and myself need to make sure the client’s requirements are communicated to the team so we carry out their instructions to the letter. If we need to get an expert in to assess the best way to move something, we will do so.

submitted for the alteration of the existing buildings and construction of a new purpose built storage and self storage facility at our depot in The Straight Mile, Woodstock.”

“A lot of our work comes from repeat customers and recommendation. We also have an ongoing agreement with several retirement home developers whereby we offer a full packing, unpacking and decluttering service.”

“No matter the size or distance of a move our expert staff will ensure that your belongings reach their destination safely, whether you are moving locally or across the country. We also offer a range of packing options for your move, allowing you to get involved with as much or as little of the packing yourself, while our experts take care of the rest.”

“We have traditionally supplied storage facilities for domestic customers and commercial businesses but in recent years it had become apparent that there was a need for a self storage facility in North Oxford and we have recently extended this facility within our existing premises to accommodate this demand. We can offer anything from a small self storage unit at £7.00p plus vat per week to 2,400 cubic ft. secure units.” Imagine the closing scene from Indiana Jones!

• Archiving service DOMESTIC HOME REMOVALS

• Crate Hire • De clutter service • Disposal of furniture • Disposal service • Export wrapping service • Full packing service • Porterage service

PROPOSED NEW PURPOSE BUILT FACILITY

“We know that a great business is defined by its people and that’s why every member of our team is dedicated to delivering excellent service and customer satisfaction in everything they do. I’m really proud of what we have achieved over the last 27 years. It’s a great business which is tremendously satisfying for all of us and to have served so many satisfied clients has given us the passion to do more. We want to keep growing the business and I would really like to have the opportunity to meet with prospective clients and find out what their requirements are.

“Having reached full capacity within our existing buildings, we have recently taken on a new warehouse for storage and we are also excited to announce that a planning application is about to be

“With 27 years comes a lot of experience and we are well versed in dealing with most challenges so why not give us a try?”

www.b4-business.com

HCL SERVICES ALSO INCLUDE

• Project management • Secure storage, for surplus stock, equipment and furniture • Weekend and night moves

HEADINGTON

CARRIERS R E M O V A L S

|

LT D

STORAGE AND SELF STORAGE

lead

S T O R A G E

 peter@headingtoncarriers.co.uk  01865 300 111 / 01993 811 276  www.headingtoncarriers.co.uk

13

CARRIERS R E M O V A L S

|

LT D

HEADINGTON S T O R A G E

First class removal services throughout Oxfordshire and the UK for over 20 years.

"I recently used Heading Carriers for a client's office move. Not only did I find them very accommodating but my client (Careus, Swindon) found HCL staff to extremely helpful and professional. I would certainly use them again in the future" Jon Mills, P3i Ltd

“Headington Carriers is always my go-to removal company. They are quick to reply with any queries and quotes, and their removal staff are prompt, professional and nothing is too much trouble for them.�

Jacqueline Gills, Balliol College

STORAGE

REMOVALS

We offer a range of self storage solutions for household goods or business purposes. Whether you are a business looking for extra space for stock or a private individual needing to make some space at home, we have the ideal warehouse storage facilities for you.

From house removals in the UK or even abroad, through to carrying out relocations for businesses and staff, we have the solution to all your moving needs. We pride ourselves on making moving house as simple and stress-free as possible. Your belongings are always in safe hands as we take entire responsibility for the careful transportation of your goods to their new destination. We can even provide a packing service to save you time

- Containerised - Archive - Self-operated

For a flexible, professional and personalised door-to-door removal service or to find out more about our storage solutions, simple give us a call. We will be happy to give you a no obligation quote.

Approved contractors for

Call us: 01865 300 111 or 01993 811 276 and ask for Peter Barrett Email: peter@headingtoncarriers.co.uk or visit: www.headingtoncarriers.co.uk Headington Carriers Ltd, The Straight Mile, Woodstock, Oxfordshire, OX20 1PW Follow us on social media @HCarriers

Headington-Carriers-Ltd

B4

SATISFIED CUSTOMERS When you have lived somewhere for 37 years, moving is not something you can enter into without a good deal of planning, thought and careful consideration as to which removal company you use. On top of this, moving from over 7,000 square feet of accommodation to somewhere a little over 2,000 square feet certainly brings to mind ’fitting a quart into a pint pot’!

Written by: Colin Rosser

The move was basically carried out over two weeks from the 23rd November to the 6th December.

We first met Daniel Barrett, the manager of Headington Carriers, on the 27th September and immediately felt we were in safe hands. My worries about moving the snooker table (with 6 x 70 kg slates) from our basement, moving cumbersome gym equipment, large Bay trees planted in huge terracotta pots and a great deal of office equipment, were all put to rest. We accepted their quote which I thought was very reasonable and decided to look no further.

This company has a depth of resources, with men and vehicles in good supply. No wonder they are first choice for Thames Valley Police and the local NHS. As arranged, they dismantled the snooker table and packed all that was needed prior to the 24th and when the actual move happened on that day, everything went to plan. Of course I should have

www.b4-business.com

realised ‘that was the easy bit’! We cherry picked the furniture we needed for the rental and my wife soon made it look just like home!

“

I have found Headington Carriers reliable, professional and courteous. I would have no hesitation in recommending them to others.

”

Simon Kelner, Chief Executive, Seven Dials

“

I have used Headington Carriers Ltd on a number of occasions and have consistently found the service they provide to be very impressive.

They are fast, efficient and the staff are always eager to assist

”

David Stewart, Practice Manager, Horsey Lightly

“

Getting everything out of a very large house is some task. On that final day the 6th December there were 4 large Headington Carrier Vehicles in our drive and it was bedlam. Two full skips were to be collected and there was a team of cleaners making sure everything was as neat and tidy as possible.

It didn’t help that it was a filthy day and didn’t stop raining. The Bay tree pots had absorbed a lot of rain and now weighed something like 100 kg each.

I have known Peter and HCL for over 25 years. Having worked with them on many public sector projects, their technical quality and experience has been invaluable and I would be happy to recommend them to anyone requiring a professional move management and storage service

There was the usual delay with completion but we were out by 2.30pm.

Gary Barnett, Associate Director of Estates,

Some furniture is now in store at Headington Carriers and some of the garden furniture is in the stables at our new site.

I know moving is not something I have done for a while but we chose the right company and I have no hesitation in recommending Headington Carriers, lead by Peter Barrett, Managing Director and his son Daniel.

”

Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust

HEADINGTON

CARRIERS R E M O V A L S

|

LT D

Given that we were initially moving into rented accommodation whilst obtaining planning permission for our new home gave us some flexibility, there were still three different destinations for our furniture.

lead

S T O R A G E

 peter@headingtoncarriers.co.uk  01865 300 111 / 01993 811 276  www.headingtoncarriers.co.uk

15

You have made this week magical for us and our partners!

We couldn’t of picked a more amazing location for our first ‘The Always Original Experience’ event - Copart Thank you for the exceptional service, fantastic hospitality and for helping us create great memories. The venue is perfect for hosting bespoke events like ours and we hope to work again with you in the future - KFC

Please call us to book on 01635 528770

www.the-vineyard.co.uk The Vineyard Stockcross | Newbury | Berkshire | RG20 8JU

B4

advice

The importance of culture in an uncertain age: From intuition to objective assessment In December EY set out our point of view on Brexit as one of a series of change drivers alongside digital disruption, political uncertainty and geopolitical risk. Our ongoing experience either side of the new-year break has seen heightened interest in culture within the climate of uncertainty.

Written by: EY’s Oxfordshire team

Whilst there are again many inter-connected factors at play, there is a strong indication that it is underpinned by an ongoing lack of trust between the consumer and big business / institutions following a string of incidents over the last decade. Many have been blamed upon / linked to culture and seen a range of responses that include: • Government taking active steps to ensure the articulation and creation of economic policy that works for and is inclusive of all • Regulators and other professional bodies that are actively researching and discussing the topic, through papers, events, standards and regulation • Investors, consumers and tax payers are paying more attention to the link between culture and sustainable performance In our experience working with a diverse range of organisations in terms of size, location and purpose, it is clear that whilst leadership teams intuitively understand the importance of culture, many find it difficult objectively to assess what is happening on the ground in their organisations. www.b4-business.com

The volume of people to connect with often results in a response that relies upon mechanisms, such as controls, procedures, incentives and KPIs. Unfortunately, an over-reliance on those mechanisms can create a tick-box approach to compliance and lead to unintended consequences as we have witnessed over the past few years. For example, too many rules that diminish the importance of judgment can have perverse effects on people, leading to decisions that are not aligned to the individual's or organisation's sense of "what is right" on the basis that the rules pointed the way.

them objectively to assess local cultures within their organisation, both as a lens on risk but also to improve performance by creating high trust environments in which people feel confident that they will be supported when making decisions in line with the organisation's purpose and values. This also simplifies reporting, helping people explain to stakeholders what they are doing to ensure they are building a sustainable business.

We have spent the last two years working with academics and clients from a wide range of organisations, applying advanced analytics to data collected from internal, external and bespoke sources. By combining these data sets we arrive at an objective assessment of the impact that local cultures are having on the organisation, including measures of cultural dysfunction and their consequential impact on risk and performance.

Want to learn more? Contact EY’s David Rutherford, below.

This provides leaders with a suite of tools to allow

In an age of uncertainty we think this is a crucial capability to consider and explore.

 dbirch@uk.ey.com ajenkins@uk.ey.com drutherford1@uk.ey.com  www.ey.com

17

Accountability at the heart of the new GDPR regime as cyber threats set to rise in 2017 The Government’s Cyber Security Breaches Survey reported last year that two thirds of large UK businesses had suffered some form of cyber attack, often involving viruses, spyware or malware.

Written by: Elisabeth Bell Photography by: Charlie Best

Technology touches every aspect of our business lives, bringing with it enormous benefits in productivity and flexibility. The benefits of tools such as voice over internet telephony, remote working, cloud systems and video conferencing are immense – but the flip side is that businesses from the smallest of SMEs up to the largest corporates now hold significant data assets relating to individuals and companies alike. Having that data compromised or suddenly inaccessible can be paralysing.

High-profile data breaches such as the one suffered by TalkTalk in October 2015, which exposed the personal details of 155,000 businesses, highlight the long term damage of online attacks. Financial results showed the company suffered a £15million trading impact and extra "exceptional" costs of £40m to £45m during the third quarter of 2015 and furthermore, TalkTalk was hit with a record £400,000 fine in October 2016 for the security failings that led to the company being hacked.

The increasing use of Bring Your Own Devices (BYOD), often seen by SMEs as a way to reduce capital expenditure on IT, brings risks associated with workplace data leaving the security of a central network. It is possible to store large volumes of data in small, mobile devices which, if not adequately secured, can be a more vulnerable target for rogue third parties or disgruntled employees to access, corrupt or even trade confidential information.

Regular backups, strong passwords and secure networks should be in place as a matter of course – but it is crucial for businesses to also understand that the exploitable vulnerabilities may not be limited to the systems in use, but can also be found in the people who use them.

Successful hackers often use surprisingly lowtech methods such as bogus emails or telephone calls to gather information that can later be used in an attack.

18

Businesses must also be aware that it is not only their own cyber security that can cause issues.

I have recently supported a client which has invested considerable management resource investigating and dealing with the consequences of a security breach caused by one of its own customers.

I have been advising businesses on managing risks and dealing with cyber security for many years. In some ways awareness can contribute to the problem. I have often found that familiarity with the issue can lead to complacency as known IT issues languish and cyber security competes for Board time alongside other business risks.

When a business fails to ensure its IT infrastructure is secure, it risks: • Losing intellectual property assets – for a recent example, the leak of final episode of the BBC's Sherlock series, could have contributed to drop in viewers when the show aired on TV • Business interruption/downtime – for example, denial of service attacks which take websites offline so customers cannot place orders • Loss/corruption of data – resulting in the cost of restoring data, delays in service provision, and inability to service customers • Loss of reputation – particularly now that customer issues are often widely shared on social media • Regulatory fines and sanctions – contractual liability for losses suffered by third parties, and fines by regulators including the Information Commissioner and the Financial Conduct Authority While the practical effects of poor security are well understood, the legal effects (which can be equally detrimental) are less well known. The contractual liability for breach of contract involving third party data or systems is often unlimited, with companies required to pay significant compensation or damage to customers and suppliers who have been affected.

Any

business operating in a regulated sector such as healthcare, financial services or defence faces investigation by the relevant regulator if it falls short of the standards required.

The legal framework is about to get tougher as cyber security is a vital component to ensuring compliance with the new General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) which comes into effect on May 25, 2018. Elizabeth Denham, the Information Commissioner, recently described GDPR as a "game changer" with its emphasis on systemic data security and accountability. As well as bringing in mandatory reporting of security breaches, GDPR will also increase the value of fines that the regulator can impose (currently capped at £500,000) to a percentage of revenue of the offending business.

Blake Morgan works closely with clients to ensure that their contracts with customers and suppliers enable them to manage and mitigate risks associated with collecting, hosting and storing data.

We also offer straightforward, practical advice on managing the consequences of a data breach, reducing the impact of such a breach on ongoing relationships with customers and suppliers, and reducing the financial impact of damages claims.

Elisabeth Bell is a Senior Associate in the Commercial Team at Blake Morgan and a specialist in IT law, commercial contracts and outsourcing.

 Elisabeth.bell@blakemorgan.co.uk  0118 955 3045  www.blakemorgan.co.uk

www.b4-business.com

B4

advice

Regular backups, strong “ passwords and secure networks should be in place as a matter of course – but it is crucial for businesses to also understand that the exploitable vulnerabilities may not be limited to the systems in use, but can also be found in the people who use them

�

Elisabeth Bell, Senior Associate - Blake Morgan

www.b4-business.com

19

CLIENT SUPPORT AUDIT ACCOUNTANCY CHARITIES COMPANY SECRETARIAL CONSULTANCY FINANCIAL PLANNING FORENSIC ACCOUNTING MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTS PAYROLL TAXATION TRUSTS

OXFORD 30 St. Giles, Oxford OX1 3LE Tel . 01865 559900 email . information@wenntownsend.co.uk CIRENCESTER 5 Gosditch Street, Cirencester GL7 2AG Tel . 01285 659778 email . partners@wenntownsend.net ABINGDON 10 Broad Street, Abingdon OX14 3LH Tel . 01235 548700 email . abingdon@wenntownsend.co.uk www.wenntownsend .co .uk

B4

advice

On

Purpose I like straight talking. Scratch that. I LOVE straight talking. I spend much of my time with client organisations helping them to do it. Global empires, new start-ups, fat ones, thin ones – they are all, at times, in need of corporate elocution; the art of clear and expressive speech. But here’s the thing.

Speech isn’t just about words. Adore them as I do, words play just one part in straight talking. Before words, one must understand what it is you are trying to say and to whom.

In other words, (ahem!) you must be clear about your purpose, and you have to know that your audience is the right one, the one that shares that purpose too WRITTEN BY: JOY LE FEVRE, CEO OF HAIKU CONSULTING

Organisations that understand their purpose, and pursue and express it clearly and single-mindedly, are more successful than those that don’t. It is as simple as that – so it’s worth taking the time to work it out.

So, what does a purpose look like and how do you discover yours? Simon Sinek in his brilliant book ‘Start with Why’ gives a stellar list of businesses which have all found fame and fortune based on crystal clear purpose. Steve Jobs gave Apple its purpose of challenging the status quo at a time when the antiestablishment zeitgeist was rising. They happened to make computers at the time – but their cause was clear and strong enough to lead them on to worldchanging phones and music too. Global retailers Costco based their success on the single-minded belief that employees come first. Their purpose was to look after their own and trust them to look after the customer accordingly.

Virgin’s Richard Branson is always popping up on Facebook with his version of this principle. My favourite is “Train people well enough so they can leave.

Treat them well enough that they don’t want to”.

In all these cases, a strong founder leader has imbued the organisation with a deeply felt sense of “the right thing to do”. As Branson said about the start of Virgin; “We knew very little about marketing or branding when we started Virgin Records, back in 1972. We simply formed the business around our personal values, and went from there”.

with some equally profound exploration of how the customer is truly motivated.

Armed with clear insights into what the world really, really wants (in Apple’s case, an anti-establishment hero) together with how we do this best (eg by challenging the status quo), we can start to drill down into an expression of what, at its heart, this organisation’s purpose might be. Once discovered, that purpose can inform and direct every aspect of a company’s activities – inside and out. This is straight talking at its best – straight from the heart.

Like mining for diamonds, this process almost always shows that your purpose, precious and perfect, was there all the time. It just needed finding amongst the rubble – and maybe a little polish.

ABOUT HAIKU Haiku Consulting is a strategic consultancy which works with businesses and their leaders to define their central purpose. It employs a range of research and interrogative techniques to get to the heart of what an organisation is all about: its essence; its central pivot; its singular promise. It then creates the language and communication programmes designed to help articulate and pursue that purpose with clarity, dedication and precision. It coordinates and extracts maximum value from this creative expression by aligning external reputation activities such as Marketing and PR with internal change programmes and culture management.

So, what happens when you’re well off the starting blocks but need to consider your purpose afresh?

This is one of my favourite challenges as it can often feel like ‘boardroom therapy’, with all the twists and turns typical of important transformation. It starts with deep questioning of the business’s real offer to the world – and matches this

www.b4-business.com

 joy@haiku.consulting  07885 066 163  www.haiku.consulting

21

Our business “ sentiment survey revealed that UK businesses are resilient in the face of change, and optimistic about their growth trajectories.

�

Trevor French - Head of Barclays Thames Valley

22

www.b4-business.com

B4

Barclays

finance

Business Sentiment Survey A mood of ‘steady as she goes’ is the prevailing headwind from UK businesses as 2017 begins and the beginning of negotiations to leave the European Union draw nearer.

Written by: Celia Cornforth Photography by: Binky Nixon Photography

In our survey of over 1,000 UK businesses, optimism for the year just gone has held up with 65% of businesses saying confidence has increased or remained the same since January 2016 and 58% of businesses believing they will experience growth this coming year with an average across our respondents of 4% growth in 2017.

50%

2016

45%

2017

40% 35%

The top areas for concern among businesses for the year ahead include the impact and outcome of Brexit negotiations, along with political and economic uncertainty within the Eurozone. However, while many are worried and concerned about the impact of Brexit, a large number of businesses want to “just get on with it” with one respondent adding that by making doom-laden predictions “we will talk ourselves into difficult times.”

30% 25% 20% 15% 10%

Cautious optimism

5%

When compared to the same survey last year, business confidence in 2016 was dented, with 40% of respondents at the start of the year feeling optimistic that their confidence would grow, but only 22% telling us at the end of the year that confidence had increased.

0%

The results showed that larger firms were more willing to invest in their business and people than smaller businesses, perhaps suggesting they are trying to invest now to avoid possible disruption in the future.

When it comes to the year ahead, confidence differs across industries; those in transport and logistics, financial services and healthcare were most likely to be optimistic for the year ahead while charities, recruitment firms, and those in the public sector were most likely to be pessimistic. Overall, the majority of businesses we asked expected their confidence for the year ahead to remain the same, however more businesses expected it to increase at the start of 2016 than compared to the start of this year.

The top three areas of concern in 2017 for businesses were: 1. Brexit negotiations 2. Uncertainty within the Eurozone 3. Exchange rates

Brexit Britain The impact of the EU referendum on businesses came through strongly. 86% of businesses said it had some impact on their confidence in the UK economic climate, with the largest number (31%) saying it had had a medium impact.

Barclays predicts that growth will fall in the UK during 2017 to around 0.4% for the year but will recover in 2018. This could be stronger if the Government gives a clearer indication of the UK’s possible trading relationship with Europe after Brexit. Our survey revealed a striking divide across businesses in terms of what model the UK’s negotiators should aim for – with an equal number of 23% of responses all saying that either the Swiss, Norwegian or Canadian models would be their preferred relationship with Europe.

Our survey also indicated that corporate businesses are more likely than smaller businesses to be expanding their international operations with 29% saying they

Increase

Remain the same

Decrease

would increase trading overseas, compared with 18% of small businesses, and 8% saying they would start trading overseas for the first time, compared to 5% of small businesses. Perhaps because of this, corporates were also more likely to say they were worried about Brexit negotiations than SMEs – almost two thirds of corporates named Brexit negotiations in their top three greatest concerns, compared with just under half of SMEs. Trevor French, Head of BarclaysThames Valley & Oxford said: “Few would have predicted that 2016 would have been the year that Britain voted to leave the EU, Donald Trump would be elected US President and Leicester City, would have been crowned Barclays Premier League champions, so you would be forgiven for being cautious of making predictions for 2017.

“Our business sentiment survey revealed that UK businesses are resilient in the face of change, and optimistic about their growth trajectories, but understandably cautious in the face of a great deal of uncertainty. The top two concerns that businesses identified – the progress of Brexit negotiations and political and economic uncertainty within the Eurozone – may not have been as much as a surprise as the triumphs of Farage, Trump and Ranieri but this doesn’t lessen their potential impact.”

Barclays business sentiment survey The Barclays business sentiment survey was designed to understand the views of British businesses on the current economic environment and explore some of the challenges and opportunities for 2017. A total of 1,010 businesses took part between 3 and 11 November. All answers were given anonymously. Larger businesses and corporates for the terms of this report are those with revenue of £6.5m/year and above.

 trevor.french@barclays.com  07917 426 547  www.barclayscorporate.com

The views expressed in this article are the views of the author alone and do not necessarily refl ect the views of the Barclays Bank PLC Group nor should they be taken as statements of policy or intent of the Barclays Bank PLC Group. The Barclays Bank PLC Group takes no responsibility for the veracity of information contained in the third party guides or articles and no warranties or undertakings of any kind, whether express or implied, regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information given. The Barclays Bank PLC Group takes noliability for the impact of any decisions made based on information contained and views expressed. Barclays is a trading name of Barclays Bank PLC and its subsidiaries. Barclays Bank PLC is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority (Financial Services Register No 122702).

Registered in England. Registered number is 1026167 with registered offi ce at 1 Churchill Place, London E14 5HP. February 2017. + Please note: this is a mobile phone number and calls will be charged in accordance with your mobile tariff.

www.b4-business.com

23

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

finance

JAMES COWPER KRESTON: DEMYSTIFYING THE COMPLEX WORLD OF BUSINESS TAX Award-winning firm of accountants and business advisers James Cowper Kreston says putting clients first and team work are essential components in helping businesses achieve success.

Photography by: Philip Tull

As the UK government rises to the mammoth task of dealing with the complexities of leaving the European Union, many business owners are faced with the daunting task of trying to make sense of the complex world of business tax ahead of the Spring Budget, and Brexit. According to James Cowper Kreston, ‘off-the-shelf’ solutions may seem like a safe bet for some business owners, but they are not the answer for business success. The challenge for entrepreneurial businesses in Oxford and the Thames Valley is finding tax advisers with relevant experience and expertise to help them to achieve their goals.

Sharon Bedford, who heads up James Cowper Kreston's business tax team and advise businesses on tax strategy, explains: “At James Cowper Kreston, we know that when it comes to business tax, the best advice is based on a thorough understanding of the client’s needs. We listen intently to what our clients tell us to gain a clear insight into their business aspirations and actively engage with their issues to help create innovative solutions to their problems.”

James Cowper Kreston’s business tax team, recipients of two British Accountancy Awards in the last five years, are uncompromising when comes to putting clients first. Utilising their combined wealth of experience, each team member carries out a review of their client’s short and long-term objectives. They work alongside clients, helping them to demystify the complexities of tax legislation and simplify the process of tax planning and compliance, which gives them peace of mind.

www.b4-business.com

The team handles everything from structuring companies to the disposal and acquisition of businesses. It has a strong track record of advising on matters relating to the Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) and SEED Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS), which enables smaller higher-risk unquoted trading companies to gain a competitive edge in securing equity funding.

We listen intently to “ what our clients tell us to gain a clear insight into their business aspirations and actively engage with their issues to help create innovative solutions to their problems.

”

Sharon Bedford - Head of Tax Team, James Cowper Kreston

the challenge. Many members of our team have previously worked within international tax in global tax practices and our membership of the accountancy network Kreston International means we have access to like-minded professionals in 110 countries.”

James Cowper Kreston have carved out a timely niche for themselves, punching well above their weight, competing alongside top tier firms. However, the business tax team has not rested on its laurels and has grown significantly in recent years. Their clients commend them for their professionalism, approachability and fresh thinking.

Sharon concludes: “Time is a critical factor in the success of any business. However, many business owners simply don’t have the time nor the expertise to deal with issues relating to tax. Many business owners in Oxford and the Thames Valley are missing out on opportunities because their tax strategy is not aligned with their businesses. This is where James Cowper Kreston comes in.”

The team has helped its clients to secure multimillions in R&D tax credits and has a deep expertise in advising clients on the 10% tax rate available under patent box. The team, which includes a growing number of VAT advisers, also advises on payroll taxes.

Sharon adds: “Business today is increasingly international. We recognise that expanding overseas can be daunting for clients and the need to get to understand the complexities of overseas taxes and deal with foreign tax authorities can add to

 sbedford@jamescowper.co.uk  01865 861 166  www.jamescowperkreston.co.uk

25

At Alberon we’re all about helping you do what you do even better. We work with you to design and build a bespoke website or software solution that simplifies processes, transforms performance, and gives your business the scope to grow.

For more than 10 years, we’ve been making organisations more efficient and profitable. We can do the same for you.

For more information call 01865 794009 or email grow@alberon.co.uk

B4

finance

Now that you’ve bought property in Oxford…

There is a strong demand for rental properties in Oxford. Not only do people travel from far and wide to study or to be employed by the two universities, but the large number of University spinouts – especially in medical research - attract young professionals to live and work in the city.

WRITTEN BY: SARAH GARDENER

In fact, there are an estimated 15,000 rented properties across Oxford and even more in the surrounding area. A high number of these rentals are through private landlords - 28% of households rent in the private sector, compared to the national average of 17%. This number has risen considerably in recent years, with figures being 50% higher than they were a decade ago.

That being said, there is a risk of higher penalties if you are subject to any enquiry and have not yet notified HMRC about your intentions to disclose. In cooperating with HMRC throughout this campaign, you can also gain the best possible terms available for paying your tax. Similarly, the levels of tax are likely to be lower than if HMRC becomes aware that you have not paid the correct amount of tax.

To rent a property privately, you must declare your rental income to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). However, recent figures suggest that 1 in 3 landlords are not doing so. HMRC are looking to put this right with the introduction of their ‘Let Property Campaign’.

Although the process of taking part in the campaign is relatively simple and formulaic, the process of calculating what you owe could be more complicated, and in some cases, it may be best to seek professional advice. The time limit for the calculating process is 90 days from the point of notifying HMRC, at which point you must disclose information. Before you can calculate the level of tax owed, you must work out the total rental income that you have not previously disclosed to HMRC. You must then deduct any allowable expenses – this is the expenditure required on the day-to-day running of the property, including; gas, electric and council tax. Once you have determined your taxable profit, you will be able to work out the amount of tax you need to pay on the income. This number will depend on how much income you earn above the personal allowance.

The Let Property Campaign allows landlords to voluntarily disclose and pay any outstanding tax on their rental income. To take part in the scheme, you must first notify HMRC that you want to take part before disclosing all tax that you have not previously mentioned. You must then make a formal offer of how much you owe before paying that figure.

If you offer full cooperation to HMRC, you could see a number of benefits from the Let Property Campaign. The first of these benefits is that you don’t have to disclose the amount of tax by a specific date.

www.b4-business.com

At Shaw Gibbs, our Property Team is on hand to offer landlords – as well as property developers, contractors and agents - a full range of tax and investment guidance. To feel the benefit of the Let Property Campaign, our Personal Tax experts can offer support in completing the relevant tax calculations for HMRC, as well as filing tax returns.

For those members of the property industry who are assessing their long term options, we can offer VAT, Capital Gains and Inheritance Tax planning advice.

If you are a member of the property industry and are interested in the Let Property Campaign or need wider assistance on any property matters then please contact Sarah Gardener (details below).

 sarah.gardener@shawgibbs.com  01865 292 286  www.shawgibbs.com

27

9

Trends for 2017

1.

2.

Experts – what do they know? If we look at Brexit, Trump and Leicester City, then we could say “not very much”. So we’re keeping our annual predictions close to home and full of common sense. They are the continuation of trends from the last few months and views based particularly on learnings from 2008-2011.

Written by: Dan Channer Photography by: E8 Property Services & Teneo Blue Rubicon

1. We will see fewer, more serious investors who like 5% gross yields…

George Osborne didn’t like landlords. Or agents.

Or property owners really, and from April there will be a phased reduction in the amount of mortgage finance which is tax deductible at 40%. Alongside the extra 3% stamp duty for second homes, the new tax legislation is designed to reduce the activity of buy-to-let investors and, you could argue, force some to sell their rental properties. We are seeing the more ‘fair-weather’ investor disappear and a more serious (as in determination rather than humour) investor remain who likes the 5% gross yields they can get in some parts of Oxfordshire at a time when savings rates are 0.05% and the stock market is as predictable as Mr Trump’s Twitter feed.

2. …but not many landlords will sell down their portfolios We do not think the new tax system will trigger many disposals. 62% of landlords only have one property and so are unlikely to be affected by the tax changes. Plus 49% of landlords have no mortgage finance and so will be unaffected (CML, December 2016). When you add in the long-term housing supply constraints, the tangibility of bricks and mortar and the complexity of many financial products, we believe that rental disposal rates will not increase materially in the next two years.

3. Rents to increase as more tenants will renew their tenancies Hardly the boldest prediction, but a good rule of thumb is that in more cautious times the rate of tenants renewing their tenancies goes up. This is good for landlord and good for tenants. Or is it? More renewals means less rental stock is available which leads to rents going up. So more tenants renewing is in fact good news for landlords but not tenants

28

looking for a new rental home.

4. Short tenancies for more reluctant landlords The sales market has been challenging since Brexit. It is taking longer to sell and buyers want to negotiate more. The result is that asking vs. achieved prices are falling. In Q4 of last year we saw the return of the ‘reluctant’ landlord made famous in 20089, typically with larger property as the sub-£500K segment is the most active in the sales market. We are honest with our clients: rents are lower when marketing property in winter, particularly for family homes. However a 6-9 month tenancy can bring the property to the right time of year, provide income and stop the outgoings in council tax and utilities.

The sales market “ has been challenging

July at which point they can decide whether they want to re-let or try selling again.

5. Necessary debate on the purpose of High Street property The ‘commercial to residential’ conversions from the past five years have been a mini, hidden revolution (Image 2). Local authorities hate the loss of employment space and the business rates which employers pay – tenants and buyers like the new housing, often with larger windows and room sizes. More debate is needed about High Street property – even attractive retail streets in our towns have boarded up shops and the e-commerce tide is irrepressible. The shape of society is changing faster than our designation of property space and vacant retail units at a time of housing shortages will become a higher profile issue.

since Brexit. It is taking longer to sell and buyers want to negotiate more. The result is that asking vs. achieved prices are falling

6. Improving existing property to be emotionally and rationally attractive The volume of visible hoardings and skips indicates the building market is still hot. We expect this to continue – owners reap the benefit of adding space / value to their property. For landlords we help them get a direct return on their investment – by refurbishing a rental property our building team sees rents go up typically from 10-15%. Such projects please the head (financial return) and the heart (they are exciting).

A case in point is a well maintained 4 bedroom home in the village of Steventon (Image 1) which had been on the sales market for several months.

The owner decided to let the property out instead and so we listed the property at £1,750pcm and promptly negotiated a 9 month tenancy, ending in

7. Waiting for the Westgate It’s been a long wait, five years overdue. In the Autumn the new Westgate Centre (Image 3) will open. This should be a boon to OX1 rents and house prices but the consequences on the rest of Oxford’s retail offer are yet to be seen. Let’s hope it doesn’t divert too much foot traffic from Cornmarket and the High Street. Interestingly, the new Centre is

”

www.b4-business.com

B4

property

M40

Banbury

Bicester

Chipping Norton

A40

Witney

Oxford Wheatley

Faringdon

Culham Milton Park Harwell

Wantage

M4

8. Letting to become more virtual We have been delivering viewings by Skype for two years now and the uptake is increasing. It gives the applicant the chance to ask all their questions without flying over to the UK. The ideal scenario is always for the tenant to view the property in person, but with sufficient description we manage to avoid any unpleasant shocks on the tenants moving into their house.

9. More demand for Bicester from buyers, investors and tenants As if Bicester Village, a new train line, multiple major new build schemes and a ripe economy was not enough, the government has now committed to re-open the Varsity train line between Oxford and Cambridge (via Bicester and Milton Keynes) and also funded a feasibility study into a new ‘express’ road between Oxford and Cambridge in the Autumn Statement. Bicester has such a strong story to tell and we are only in the first chapters.

2017 BY AREA Abingdon: 2017 promises to be another year of growth in Abingdon, Didcot and surrounding villages with the continued expansion of Great Western Park being supported by growth in Wantage and a number of smaller scale village developments.

Science Vale (Image 4), Milton Park and local specialist companies such as Sophos in Abingdon continue to be our key tenant sources plus the villages which appeal to those working in Oxford.

www.b4-business.com

A34

4.

3.

predicted to need 3,400 staff yet there are only 710 people claiming Jobseekers’ Allowance in Oxford (Nomis, May 2016).

Didcot

Science Vale

Banbury: With the major investment some huge employers have made around Banbury during 2016 (Amazon; Hello Fresh; Soho Farmhouse), the demand for good quality 2/3 bedroom properties in and around the town centre will remain strong in the new year. Yields of 4-5% can be achieved if considering investment in a brand new property on one of the ever popular developments around Banbury.

Bicester: The town is buzzing. The new train from Bicester Village to Oxford city centre will make a big difference to the attractiveness of Bicester as a place to live especially when you take into account that rents are some 25% less than they are in the city. We predict that demand for rental property will continue to increase in the area – both through commuters (Oxford and London especially) and through an increase in low skilled labour as immigration is likely to increase in the short term lead up to Article 50 and our exiting the EU. Central and West Oxford: 2016 was a bumper year in Central Oxford and we let more properties than ever before. In 2017 landlords must make their property stand out either by it being ‘high-spec’ or ‘good value’. We expect top end rents (over £2,500 pcm) to plateau and 2017 will be about improving the standard of property to maintain rental values and returns for investors. Tenants want value for money and will be more sensitive about paying too much.

East and South Oxford: The growth of industry and business around East Oxford drives the housing demand. Coupled with the Oxford-to-London Tube and M40 links means the demand for good quality rental property remains strong. Whilst the resolute favourites such as Headington, the Cowley Road,

M4

and Iffley Fields still command a lot of attention amongst applicants, a short distance away the villages surrounding East Oxford offer a more peaceful alternative to the buzz of the city.

North Oxford: North Oxford remains a popular choice for landlord investors and tenants alike – four 1 bedroom properties acquired by us through Inspired Investment above M&S in Summertown (Image 2) let immediately at premium rents entirely due to the prime location and because the landlords agreed to follow our advice to furnish them to the high standard required to encourage quality tenants.

The draw of the new Oxford Parkway Station has added to the appeal of living in nearby towns and villages such as Wolvercote and Kidlington. North Oxford schools continue to be high on applicants’ list of priorities.

Witney: 1 and 2 bedroom properties will be most popular, especially houses in walking distance of the town centre. The Long Hanborough to Oxford stretch will be desirable with both applicants and investors trying to fulfil the needs of the commuters.

Early 2017 will be more testing for landlords of larger rural properties and flexibility with pets and terms will be required. We expect the post-Brexit concerns to feed into more rental demand as people seek a more flexible approach to their living arrangements.

 marketing@finderskeepers.co.uk  01865 311 011  www.finders.co.uk

29

You’re only as good as your last deal!

Jon Silversides, Head of Carter Jonas Oxford Commercial Agency team reflects on the year past and the prospects for 2017.

Written by: Jon Silversides Photography by: Aurelian Langlais

While the years appear to come and go with increasing speed, by most measures 2016 was a striking one that will last long in the memory, and not just because of England Rugby’s rise from the ashes of their dramatic world cup exit.

Most of the daily headlines continue to report negatively whether it be the effect of Brexit, Donald Trump’s election as US President or the likelihood of a meltdown at European elections.

We are certainly not in the business of making light of these events nor indeed going against the weight of caution, especially as our clients expect clear reasoned advice. However, as we reflect on activity in the 2016 commercial property market and look forward to what is in store for 2017 we genuinely

believe that that there are reasons to be positive.

Firstly, looking at our year end statistics for both the office and industrial sectors, notwithstanding a universal Brexit related mid-year stall, office take up only shows a modest 2.5% fall from the previous year to 395,000 sq ft and industrial take up shows an impressive 63% increase to 1.5m sq ft.

In general terms, market sentiment in Oxford is strong with an expectation for rental and capital value growth as a result of landlord investment in stock, diminishing availability, and continued demand.

Whilst this is arguably better news for landlords and property investors, rather than occupiers, in the longer term this should result in additional stock

Industrial

30

being developed and a wider choice. Oxfordshire continues to represent good value in commercial occupier terms with our latest research, in Q4 2016, showing office space in Oxford at £25per sq ft on average in comparison to London’s West End where rents are five times more expensive at £125per sq ft.

Availability in both sectors has reduced, with genuine shortages in certain locations, leading to further pressure on rentals but also speculative development. New industrial stock is under construction in Banbury, with further small units schemes due in both Abingdon and Witney, and perhaps of more significance is that the largest volume of speculative office/R&D stock to be constructed in over a decade is planned at Oxford Science Park, the Harwell Campus and Milton Park.

Offices

Park House, Bicester: 17,617 sq ft sold to Park Display

Oxford Industrial Park: 75,000 sq ft let to a range of occupiers

Manor Court, Chilton: 14,351 sq ft sold to HTA Ltd

St Georges House, Kidlington: 16,645 sq ft sold to TVCO Ltd

Dormer Road, Thame: 35,000 sq ft let to Rhubarb Solutions

Unipart House, Oxford: 30,000 sq ft let to OUHT

www.b4-business.com

B4

property

The government has also reiterated its dedication to research and industries and is devoting additional funding to the development of science and technology innovations. This commitment will ensure that the industrial market continues to thrive, especially in the designated Enterprise Zones, including Science Vale UK in Southern Oxfordshire.

So, it is business as usual and currently proving to be much busier than we initially expected for the beginning of 2017. Yes, there might be some nervousness from our clients but that is where our growing multi-discipline commercial team, market knowledge and depth of experience as well as long-forged relationships will come into their own and show their worth. Although the general sentiment for the year is fairly positive, it is the longer term that is unknown with the imminent trigger of Article 50 which, as announced by Teresa May on 17th January, will take place by the end of March.

Oxfordshire undoubtedly has some challenges ahead, not least dealing with localised housing and transport issues as well as the wider economic factors. However, with it’s diverse, knowledge based and world beating businesses, widespread investment into our business parks and built space there is equal weight to the argument that Oxfordshire’s economy and commercial property market will continue to thrive and push forward through 2017 and beyond.

So if we’re only as good as our last deal(s), examples of which are shown below, 2017 has got a lot to live up to!  oxford.commercial@carterjonas.co.uk  01865 517 000  www.carterjonas.com

Investment

King Charles House, Oxford: 9,708 sq ft let to OSI

Des Roches Square, Witney: 32,705 sq ft office scheme acquired for client

Range Road, Witney: 22,500 sq ft industrial investment acquired for client

The Quadrant Abingdon Science Park: 58,000 sq ft under offer or committed

Redkiln Close, Horsham: 30,000 sq ft industrial scheme acquired for client

Wimblestraw Road, Berinsfield: 2.67 acres industrial site sold

www.b4-business.com

31

UNIT 4 OXFORD TRADE CENTRE Harrow Road, Oxford TO LET 3,003 sq ft plus a mezzanine of 2,046 sq ft Roadside trade counter unit with main road frontage on the corner of the development.

BLUE BOAR COURT 9 Alfred Street, Oxford TO LET 2,750 sq ft Blue Boar Court is a late Victorian Oxford brick building and converted to offices in 1989. The ground floor is an open plan office ready for tenant partitioning.

NORTH HOUSE, 5 FARMOOR COURT Cumnor Road, Farmoor, Oxford TO LET/MAY SELL 1,871 sq ft Modern self contained two storey office in barn conversion style on an attractive office park. Opposite Farmoor Reservoir.

UNIT 2 COWLEY BUSINESS CENTRE Oxford Road, Cowley TO LET 6,917 sq ft Prominent warehouse/distribution unit with good quality offices. The unit has 9m eaves and is available on a new lease.

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

news Record occupancy levels fuel growth in Oxfordshire’s flexible office market Occupancy levels in serviced office and coworking space across Oxfordshire are at an alltime high according to a recent review carried out by leading commercial property agents, VSL & Partners.

The flexible office market has, for over 30 years, provided growing businesses with an effective alternative to the traditional office. The rise in startup culture, the rocketing demand for short-term lets, and the OxLEP’s investment funding is fuelling further growth in Oxfordshire, with two new centres just opened and a further two to open in the next 18 months.

The VSL review carried out in December 2016, investigated the serviced and innovation centre market in Oxford and Oxfordshire. The report uncovers 42 different centres providing a total of 502,000 sq ft of flexible office space, of which 45% is located in and around Oxford. The largest provider is Oxford Innovation with 110,000 sq ft (22% of the total space).

The report finds that the average size of a centre is 14,000 sq ft. Over 25 centre’s were contacted with all reporting occupancy rates of between 85 and 100% and many reporting a waiting list.

Richard Venables, director of VSL & Partners says: “Not so long ago, serviced offices were considered a fringe element of the commercial property industry, suitable as a stepping-stone for startups and small businesses. But as the sector has grown, so too has its reputation as a sustainable workplace model for all sizes of businesses, including large corporations.

Couple this with the growing number of start-up companies in the county and the potential for further growth in this sector is huge.”

“The attraction for business is that these facilities offer flexible licence arrangements which allow for growth and contraction and also the benefit of a fixed all-inclusive package to contain costs.’’

From start-ups to multi-national corporations, Oxfordshire continues to attract some of the brightest

entrepreneurial brains and is noted as one of the five top Technology Innovation Ecosystems in the word, with more than 1,500 high-tech companies employing some 43,000 people.

According to figures released by StartUp Britain, the campaign group for entrepreneurs, there were 4,544 new companies created in Oxfordshire in 2015 this includes Oxford, South Oxfordshire, West Oxfordshire, Vale of White Horse and Cherwell. 2016 figures, released on 16th January 2017 show that across Britain more than 650,000 new ventures were founded, a rise of almost 50% on the previous year. 2017 is expected to be another record-breaking year.

The Oxford and Oxfordshire City Deal announced in 2014 allocated £30m Government finance and £37.5M private sector match funding for the development of four innovation hubs in Oxfordshire to support the county’s increasing number of innovative start-ups and university ‘spin-out’ companies.

This summer saw the opening of the first two at: • The Begbroke Institute of Advance Technology providing 20,000 sq ft of wet/dry lab and office space • The Culham (RACE) Remote Applications in Challenging Environments facility - 30,000 sq ft of mixed engineering space A further two centres are set to open in 2017: • The Oxford BioEscalator, Old Road Campus, Headington which will provide 15,000 sq ft of innovations space within the world’s leading medical research hub to catalyze the commercialization of clinical research.

• Harwell Innovation Hub. A 40,000 sq ft innovation centre and amenity facility within a new building called The Quad.

Despite this huge investment into providing new homes for early stage companies, availability in Oxford is still very constrained according to the “Oxfordshire Innovation Engine Update” report published by OxLEP in May 2016. Equally the Oxford

City Council “Oxford Economic Growth Strategy” published in 2013 also identified the need for greater innovation space in the city.

The OxLEP has identified five key business growth clusters in Oxfordshire which include: life sciences, electronic sensors, automotive engineering, creative, and digital and space. The challenge moving forward will be to meet the requirements of these businesses which have diverse operational requirements including the need for lab and starter workshop space. Even with the addition of the four new innovation hubs there is still limited supply to meet the current demand. The lack of new office development over recent years and the shrinking supply of space has means opportunities for new innovation or serviced centres are scarce. Not all buildings are suitable as they need to be capable of easy subdivision and new buildings often lead to prohibitively expensive rental costs.

A recent study by property academics* states the UK serviced office market overall could grow from the current £16bn to £126bn by 2025. It also says that the UK is the largest and most mature serviced office market globally, having grown by 31% since 2008. With approximately 2,300 serviced office centres nationally, the UK accounts for 36% of the international market.

“With national growth in the serviced office market in mind, the current occupancy rate in Oxfordshire and the ongoing growth in the science and innovation sectors in the county, flexible working is clearly here to stay. Those landlords who embrace the opportunities for growth in this sector, and adapt their thinking and space accordingly, will inevitably reap the reward“ says Richard.

VSL & Partners produces market reports providing a valuable insight into commercial property market activity in the Oxfordshire region. For further information or to speak to one of VSL & Partners experts, please call 01865 848488 or visit http:// www.vslandp.com

Deals Done...

59-63 Cowley Road, Oxford 2,172 sq ft sold to Mr H

www.b4-business.com

6th Floor Seacourt Tower, Oxford 1,802 sq ft let to Oxford Computer Group

Suite N1 The Kidlington Centre 402 sq ft let to Map of Agriculture

33

T H E OX F O R D C L O T H I N G C O M PA N Y LT D

OXC L O T H I N G . C O . U K

S TAY T U N E D V I A  OXC L O  OXC L O T H I N G C O M PA N Y

BUSINESS

7

““The biggest business-networking and showcase event in the county.

N

E

W

S

&

A

N

N

O

U

N

C

E

M

E

N

T

S

BIO2017 LATEST NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS Over 200 tickets already sold, just 2 weeks after going on sale The biggest business networking and showcase event in the county returns for a 4th year at The King’s Centre in the centre of Oxford on Thursday 11th May.

We will be moving to our next pricing tier on the 25th March, so make sure to purchase your tickets now to guarantee the best price for you and your colleagues.

BIO is just over 3 months away and tickets for this year have been selling fast, with over 200 tickets sold during the first two weeks of them being available!

Visit www.businessinoxford.com to book your ticket today!

EY to discuss doing business in an ever-changing world

EY is a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services. The insights and quality services they deliver help build trust and confidence in the capital markets and in economies the world over.

EY develop outstanding leaders who team to deliver on their promises to all of our stakeholders. In so doing, EY play a critical role in building a better working world. u

EY will discuss "Doing Business in an Ever-Changing World" with two presentations at this year's Business in Oxford; the EY Item Club will present on the latest economic forecasts for the UK and Oxford and articulate the “Oxford” offer to foreign investors, the Digital Strategy team will then explain the latest emerging technologies in 2017 and what it could mean for your business.

See video interviews with all presenters at www.businessinoxford.com

Annabel Chaffey, Bobsleigh Athlete, for Team GB, to present Annabel Chaffey has been a GB Bobsleigh Athlete since January 2014, during this time Annabel competed at the Lillehammer Winter Youth Olympic Games in February 2016 and came fourth.

Chaffey added a world title to her bobsleigh CV when she scooped gold at the Women’s Youth Bobsleigh Championship in Switzerland in February 2015. At this time, Annabel was named the world’s number one for her age, and the u

youngest person ever to have competed in the British Bobsleigh Championships. Annabel now ranks as World Number Two for Women's Youth Monobob.

Annabel will be talking about her experiences in the sport of bobsleigh including what she has learnt about the concept of success; what success is and how you can achieve it. Annabel will also cover how this can potentially be applied to those who work in business.

See video interviews with all presenters at www.businessinoxford.com

Intelligent digital marketing agency The Evergreen Agency will be presenting The Evergreen Agency is a specialist digital marketing provider of SEO, paid marketing and Facebook advertising. They work with and are passionate about helping small and medium sized businesses through to independents and start-ups gain visibility online and reach their desired goals.

The Evergreen Agency proudly boasts clients all over the world. Thanks to their focus on doing things properly, with u

integrity and the trust of their clients, they have gained an excellent reputation.

The focus of Aaron's presentation will be on empowering small businesses when it comes to their digital marketing. Aaron is going to discuss what is essential for small businesses to be doing in 2017 and looking at where the greatest opportunities are today within the digital marketing space.

See video interviews with all presenters at www.businessinoxford.com

View BIO2016 Testimonials here: http://www.businessinoxford.com/bio16.html View our BIO2016 Film here: http://www.businessinoxford.com

 BusinessinOx #BIO2017  business-in-oxford  businessinoxford.com

PRESENTATION THEMES Getting involved in BIO2017 as a sponsor or exhibitor gives you the opportunity to share your expertise with potential clients. Below is a list of proposed themes that we would like to see featuring in our presentations at BIO2017. It is by no means an exhaustive list and we welcome sponsors to propose their own topics.

The Future of the Digital Economy Raising the Bar: Ensuring a Successful Customer Experience How to Stay Ahead as Digital Transforms Your World The Vision of Smart Oxford: Building a Stronger, Safer, Economical and Sustainable City Establishing a Strong Brand Presence in Today's Crowded Business Landscape The Future of Business in Oxford Business Growth: Going from Good to Great Winning Team: Moving from High Potential to High Performance Teams Employability: Inspiring and Training Tomorrow's Workforce The Building Blocks of Oxford Accommodating Oxford Financial Muscle for Your Business Fit For Business: How to Achieve an Effective Work Life Balance The Secret Formula for Sales Success Innovation in Oxford Elevate Your Business Economic Benefits of Partnership to Oxford Business in the Community (CSR) Leadership

LATEST PARTNERS

You don't have to take our word that BIO2017 is gearing up to be an amazing event, just take a look at all the people who support us.

You can see the full list on www. businessinoxford.com.

NIGEL TIPPLE Oxfordshire LEP

CLLR BOB PRICE Oxford City Council

SEBASTIAN JOHNSON Oxford City Council

NICOLA POOLE Hedges Law

xLEP

driving economic growth

BUSINESS

7  BusinessinOx #BIO2017  business-in-oxford  businessinoxford.com

 01865 742 211  info@businessinoxford.com

Hussain Manawer is a man on a mission, on and off the earth. B4’s Richard Rosser met with the talented and hugely inspiring Hussain Manawer ahead of his guest speaking slot at BIO2017 to find out what exactly his mission is.

Interview by Richard Rosser, Written by Abi Rosser

RICHARD You’ve secured support in your quest to raise awareness of mental health issues from around the world, you’re a social media success and you have the personal backing of Sir Bob Geldof. You’ve raised thousands for charity my climbing Mount Kilamanjaro and you have been described as ‘the voice of a generation’ by ITV. As early as 2018, you will be the first British Muslim to travel into space. At 25, that’s some roll of honour.

But you admit to having a problem, you admit to caring too much. Tell us about your real passion, raising awareness of Mental Health issues.

HUSSAIN Well thank you for having me first of all. I mean who am I lying to? You have to be honest don’t you? That’s what I have learned, everyone’s going through a battle we all know nothing about. And it made me realise that when I first started working on social media, working with really influential people, as soon as the camera would cut we would have a more of in depth conversation off camera than we would on camera.

I would ask them why they didn’t want to be so open on camera, and a lot of them would say they didn’t want to damage their career. I just think if people heard you speak up, it would help a lot of other people. I just came to the point where I realised that I wanted to plaster it everywhere I can, because I believe it’s the root core problem to other problems we have in the world, because I think we can’t expect people to care about the rain forest and animals when people don’t even care about themselves. So if we can tackle that, then we can tackle a lot of things.

RICHARD Your Oxford Street experiment video was heartwarming in many respects. Blinfolded with your arms outstretched, you asked (with a sign placed in front of you) passing strangers to give you a hug to raise awareness of Mental Health. How long was it before your first hug, how many hugs did you receive and did the experiment achieve what you set out to achieve?

HUSSAIN It worked, it definitely worked. I don’t like hugging, personally, but I do now. It was weird you know because if you walk down the street and you see someone with a broken leg or broken arm, you will move out the way for them and you will be more sensitive towards them, you would give them a seat on a bus, or I would at least like to think people would.

38

 BusinessinOx #BIO2017  business-in-oxford  businessinoxford.com

It made me think, if I’m sitting on a tube and looking at the person next to me, the person could be going through the craziest things in their head, but no one knows because we can’t see it. So I stood there, literally, for twenty minutes. I was anticipating I would be standing there for a few hours and within the twenty minutes I stood, there someone came and touched me and I thought, ‘wow’ already?

But it wasn’t, it was a security guard telling me to move out the way of the Topshop door!

I’ll be honest, that killed my vibe a bit but in the next twenty minutes, sixty people hugged me! I had to stop …. it was getting too emotional. People were whispering in my ear. One woman whispered in my ear “I was going to kill myself today but I saw you” someone else said “Jesus loves you”.

Least expected of all was the girl who said “I put my number in your pocket, call me later”! People were saying the nicest things. One kid came up to me said “I have to be there for my mum, thank you for understanding” it was just proper, I hate to use the word, but insane. And I don’t think I would be able to ever do it again because some things you hear can really get to you.

When I took the blindfold off and I watched it back, people like the guy that kissed me three times…. he wasn’t what I envisaged he would be. You build a mental image of someone in your head from what they say to you – like you do when speaking to a customer or supplier you haven’t met – but none of the people I saw on the tape were as I had imagined.

They were all different races, different backgrounds, different classes. Everything was different. It just shows it affects everyone. It was like wow. Pretty sick!

RICHARD So let’s talk about space and how one tweet might have changed your life.

HUSSAIN I saw a tweet on Twitter saying ‘do you want to go to space?’ and I thought, ‘why not?’.

If I’m honest with you Richard, I have never won anything in my life. Never won school sports day….. I never even got to complete the bleep test! Never got to win much. I didn’t get a sticker in assembly or anything like that. So I saw this and I thought ‘let me try it!’ I opened the browser and there was this long application form and I said ‘no way...’ – I initially couldn’t

 01865 742 211  info@businessinoxford.com

BUSINESS

7

““

Least expected of all was the girl who said “I put my number in your pocket, call me later”! People were saying the nicest things.

One kid came up to me said “I have to be there for my mum, thank you for understanding” it was just proper, I hate to use the word, but insane.

Hussain Manawer

 BusinessinOx #BIO2017  business-in-oxford  businessinoxford.com

 01865 742 211  info@businessinoxford.com

39

A perfect venue...

Conferences, Seminars, Meetings Facilities include: • Fully modernised meeting & conference facilities • Excellent road & rail links • Separate meeting & break out rooms • Also suitable for seminars & exhibitions • Free wifi available • Ample free parking

events@frilfordheath.co.uk

...for a productive day

Your Special Day Greet your guests in our elegant Skelton Suite with a glass of champagne and canapés.

Enjoy the exquisite facilities exclusively for the day and enjoy the wedding breakfast of your choice in our spacious clubhouse.

Come and meet our wedding co-ordinator to talk about your plans weddings@frilfordheath.co.uk

...for a perfect day Golf Days Includes: • Unlimited golf – play all 3 of our Championship Courses • Home cooked food served in the Clubhouse

Please enquire for rates and availability events@frilfordheath.co.uk

Regional Open Qualifying Venue

...for a golf day

Venue for England Golf Week, 2016

Frilford Heath I Abingdon I Oxon OX13 5NW 01865 390864 www.frilfordheath.co.uk events@frilfordheath.co.uk

Qualifying School Venue

FRILFORD HEATH GOLF CLUB

BUSINESS

7

be bothered! It was way too long.

Shortly after that, I was getting on a flight to America. I was flicking through my phone and the browser popped up again and I thought ‘why not?’….but this time I completed it….after all, I had eight hours! I submitted the application form and I got an email saying ‘Congratulations! You have been selected for the short list.

There were thirty of us on that short list but included people from Google, the UN, some really powerful people. The next challenge was to make a YouTube video in 24 hours which had to be two minutes long. I was thinking ‘Sweet!

I know all about YouTube, all of my friends are cameramen and know how to work sound and I don’t have to worry about the technical side of filming….I really couldn’t have asked for a better challenge, so I uploaded a video which I had to share via social media.

I thought to myself ‘Wow! this is even better because everyone I know is an influencer. I looked at a few of the other videos that had been submitted and I was thinking ‘you know what, I don’t know if I’m going to win but I’m very happy to have got this far.

Then I got another email when I was doing a presentation at a school in Liverpool. I was with my friend Jo and we were doing a voluntary school tour, teaching kids how to write and he was a songwriter. We were teaching them how to write poetry and I got an email saying, ‘Congratulations! You’re going to Thailand to deliver a keynote speech’.

My first thought was ‘what’s a keynote speech?’ I had to ask one of the teachers that was in the class ‘what’s a keynote speech?’ and she said ‘Why?’ and I said, ‘I have to go to Thailand and deliver one and, if I win, I could go to space!’

Everyone in that school thought I was lying!

When I thought about the speech I thought I’m going to deliver this key note speech but I want to do it a way in which I haven’t seen one done before. And if I’m going to be talking about mental health,

it’s such a sensitive subject, I don’t want to be standing there going ‘mental health affects one in four people, it kills more people than road traffic accidents, bla bla bla…’ because we have heard it all before. So I needed to speak to people and go to their heart as opposed to just going to their heads.

I went to Thailand and I delivered a keynote speech AND I WON!!!! There were 6 judges and I won the vote of all 6 judges. There was also a public vote and my votes were in the thousands …. The other competitors had 10% of my votes!

RICHARD Did you know you’d won it?

HUSSAIN I got a good feeling. I delivered my speech on the first day of the summit and the results were on the last day and, in between, I was getting so much positive attention. If I hadn’t won it would have been a bit of a bump but, even so, it was a humbling experience even before I found out.

RICHARD Delivering your speech in the style that you did, was it easier to remember? I might even take on your style!

HUSSAIN You should! Yes it was easier to remember. But do you know what was difficult? They said your key note speech had to be 15 minutes long. So I prepared for that, then they said 5 minutes and then I got there on the day and they said 3 minutes due to time restrictions. This event had so many global speakers like Sir Bob Geldof, Ron Garan (who has been to space) ….. there were so many great speakers and many overran – so I had less and less time. But, I pulled it off!

RICHARD Changing the world is a big point on a To Do list…you’ve already started haven’t you?

HUSSAIN I’ve got a few plans in my head, at the moment I’m very, very fortunate.

From the moment I won and I came off stage I had people emailing me, people coming up to me. Everywhere from Hollywood to royalty, people wanted to work with me so I was like ‘cool’ so if you’re going to work with me this is how

 BusinessinOx #BIO2017  business-in-oxford  businessinoxford.com

it’s going to work. And it changed, I used to be an intern at a marketing agency and now I’m friends with all sorts of high powered people.

I’m in a position where I’m very fortunate and I’m looking for my own mental health summit to take place next year. I’ve already got some really good people on side with me including Universal Music.

What I would like to do is create global change through big corporates but keeping my work ethical but meaningful and cool and edgy at the same time.

Imagine Cirque du Soleil meets Davos, bought up in East London and then adopted by opera!

RICHARD Is this all linked with your new foundation?

HUSSAIN Yes - I’m launching a foundation and I want to run missions across the world. The way I see it is it’s not hard to help and I think the most valuable thing we can give people is time, because time is something we can never take back. You seem like a very smart person and I’m sure if you dedicated an hour or a few hours of your time you would be able to figure out a problem. It’s better that more people do that than give £10 or £20. If we sat down collectively and said we’re going to create global change and we’re going to do it, it can be done. Of course there are hurdles in the way I’ve experienced my fair share of them, but it’s all part of the banter, all part of the challenge!

RICHARD You’re a determined and inspiring individual, it was a pleasure to meet you!

SOCIAL AND WEBSITE LINKS www.twitter.com/HussainsHouse www.facebook.com/hussain.manawer www.instagram.com/hussains_house/ www.youtube.com/user/HussainsHouse

With thanks to Mike Lawton and his team at Oxford Space Systems for hosting our interview. See page 53 for interview with Mike.

 01865 742 211  info@businessinoxford.com

41

BUSINESS

7

BIO2017 INTERVIEW

Alistair Fitt, Vice Chancellor of Oxford Brookes University and Key Note Speaker at Business In Oxford, talks to us about employability and how to inspire and train the workforce of tomorrow.

ALISTAIR I came to Oxford Brookes about 6 years ago actually as Pro Vice Chancellor in charge of all research, and 2 years ago I became the Vice Chancellor. My role is really that I am the Chief Executive of the University; responsible for delivering everything, really, including the educational "mission" of the University. But I also have quite a few roles outside of the University, for example I am on the board of the Local Enterprise Partnership, and am also about to become President of the UK's largest mathematics professional learning society.

RICHARD And regarding Business In Oxford, which you've kindly agreed to present at in May: The government have recently announced an industrial strategy, and I believe that is going to be a part of what you will be talking about at the event. Could you give us a bit of a preview of your thoughts on this industrial strategy?

ALISTAIR I think the government has done a great job in producing an industrial strategy. We've had industrial strategies before and in this government's strategy they really have put their finger on a lot of things that UK business and industry needs. Now of course the big question is "How can we deliver it?"

RICHARD And with regards to the skills agenda: You're obviously seeing day-to-day very talented students coming through Brookes - Would you say they are equipped and geared up for a future in work?

ALISTAIR I think they are. We take a tremendous amount of time thinking about graduate skills, graduate attributes, employment skills - A lot of our courses face the professions and the vocations so we are well used to doing that. One of the things which interest me is that in the UK just under 50% of our young people go to University, which means just over 50% don't. If we are going to deliver the industrial strategy we need

42

 BusinessinOx #BIO2017  business-in-oxford  businessinoxford.com

to think about how those people will get the skills that they need.

RICHARD Looking ahead to Business In Oxford: You are on the board of the Oxfordshire LEP - Do you feel Oxford is benefitting from many attributes that other places in the country don't enjoy and that we are fortunate here, or do you feel there are an equal amount of pressures here such as housing and transport which stifle growth?

ALISTAIR There's a city council booklet on how the 65 cities in the UK all compare with each other, and in all measures Oxford is remarkably either 1st out of 65, or 65th out of 65. For instance it is 1st out of 65 for the "percentage of the population who have a degree", but it is 65th out of 65 for "how easy it is to buy a house compared to your wage". We have a lot of unique advantages but also a lot of unique challenges as well, and that's one of the reasons why I would ask whether we have the governance of Oxford and the Oxfordshire region right and would like to investigate how we could change that setup.

RICHARD Talking about investment: We are here in your fabulous John Henry Brookes building, now a few years after having opened - Has everything settled down and is it working as was originally planned?

ALISTAIR Oh I think it is working better than originally planned.

One of the things that I immediately noticed when I came to Oxford Brookes 5 or 6 years ago was that, although the University had a great number of up-sides, there wasn't a central place where the students hung out. Well there is now: The Forum in the John Henry Brookes building, open 24/7 during term time. It is incredibly popular. If you go in there at 4 o'clock in the morning you'll find the place is full and buzzing, and that is what the University desperately needed and that is why we are doing lots more building work at the moment.

For more information on Oxford Brookes University please visit www.indulgemedia.com and for more Business In Oxford videos check out www.businessinoxford.com

 01865 742 211  info@businessinoxford.com

BUSINESS

7

BIO2017 INTERVIEW

RICHARD Aaron, good afternoon. Thanks for joining us at B4 AARON Thanks for having me.

RICHARD We're here at The Evergreen Agency. Perhaps you could give our viewers a bit of background on what you do here?

AARON We're a digital marketing agency who specialise in SEO, paid media, and increasingly social media marketing as well.

RICHARD And with regards to Business In Oxford in May at The King's Centre, what can delegates look forward to hearing from you about?

AARON I am going to look at how digital marketing is evolving and how these changing trends are affecting small, medium and even large businesses, and how these businesses need to evolve and change their digital marketing tactics and techniques.

AARON Absolutely. You can visit www.theevergreenagency. co.uk and in the run-up to the event I am going to be putting out a few teasers and a few highlights of what they can expect to see, and also if they keep looking on social media I am going to be putting a lot of stuff out on there as well.

RICHARD So you're going to demystify social media and SEO for all of us luddites that haven't got a clue?

AARON I'm going to try! That's my aim, my focus.

RICHARD Well, great to see you and good luck with the launch.

We'll see you in May. For more information on The Evergreen Agency please visit www.theevergreenagency.co.uk and for more Business In Oxford videos check out www.businessinoxford.com

RICHARD You've said to me in the past that you are looking for ways to help businesses, particularly smaller ones, master the dark art of social media and SEO et cetera - I understand you have a new product coming to the market soon which will do exactly that...

AARON Yes, I have. To coincide with what I just mentioned, I am actually launching a brand new service which my agency is going to offer which is targeted specifically towards those businesses, the small businesses and the independents, who would love to work with a digital agency such as The Evergreen Agency but maybe can't afford it or haven't got the time to invest in it, but still want to do things right and do things well. So it's a new product, I'm really excited about it, and I am going to be launching it at Business In Oxford.

RICHARD Fantastic. So if anybody watching would like to find out more about it before the event in May I presume they can access information via your website or contact you direct?

 BusinessinOx #BIO2017  business-in-oxford  businessinoxford.com

““

I am going to look at how digital marketing is evolving and how these changing trends are effecting small, medium and even large businesses, and how these businesses need to evolve and change their digital marketing tactics and techniques.

Aaron Rudman-Hawkins - The Evergreen Agency

 01865 742 211  info@businessinoxford.com

43

BUSINESS

7

BIO2017 INTERVIEW RICHARD Good morning, Paul, and welcome to B4. Perhaps you could tell our viewers a bit about Indulge Media?.

PAUL Indulge Media is an SEO-lead website design agency.

We have studios in Oxford and Guernsey, and we've been established since 2009. We work with clients who have "mission critical" websites, i.e. those who have complex digital needs. It could be an airport that has complex feeds coming into its website for real-time information, or it could be an estate agency that needs to allow its customers to build up their own customised list of properties that they can then follow over a period of time.

RICHARD So a wide range of customers - Any business could use your services?

PAUL Yes any type of business in any sector, but a business that has a complicated digital need where their website is critical to the success of what they do.

RICHARD And with regard to Business In Oxford in May, based as you are here in Osney Mead (just a stone's throw from the King's Centre) you're certainly one of our closest presenters to the venue, what can our delegates expect to hear from you at the event?

PAUL We're seeing a movement towards what we call "intelligent website management", which seems to fuse Search Engine Optimisation with the technical side of managing a website. It's about putting SEO before everything and allowing that to guide what you are doing online. That allows you to target the right customers, making sure you're allowing people to access everything you do online, and communicating with everybody from the media through to customers on social media and everything in-between. We want to educate people around thinking about everything in that way, so that they can feed their website into their wider marketing strategy.

RICHARD So in essence what you're talking about is a completely joined up marketing plan using the principles of SEO?

PAUL Exactly. SEO has always been about doing the right research into your target market, making sure you've got the right technical foundation in place, and then communicating online. And those principles apply just as much to everything else you are doing, whether it's social media, paid search advertising, or offline advertising, you've got to make sure that ground-work is in place. We find that by taking that intelligent approach to what you do online you are making sure that everything which goes on around it is going to be successful.

RICHARD If anybody watching is keen to find out more about what you do and what you can do for them, I presume you've got your own intelligent website?

PAUL Absolutely. We run a website that is updated with blog posts regularly, taking a lot of time to educate people around us, and you can find out more online.

RICHARD Brilliant. Well we look forward to seeing you in May. PAUL Fantastic.

For more information on Indulge Media please visit www.indulgemedia.com and for more Business In Oxford videos check out www.businessinoxford.com

““

SEO has always been about doing the right research into your target market, making sure you've got the right technical foundation in place, and then communicating online.

Paul Wood, Indulge Media

44

 BusinessinOx #BIO2017  business-in-oxford  businessinoxford.com

 01865 742 211  info@businessinoxford.com

BUSINESS

7

BIO2017 INTERVIEW Annabel Chaffey has been a GB Bobsleigh Athlete since January 2014, during this time Annabel competed at the Lillehammer Winter Youth Olympic Games in February 2016 and came fourth. Annabel now ranks as World Number Two for Women's Youth Monobob.

RICHARD Annabel, thank you for joining us, Team GB bobsleigh athlete and bringer of cold weather to Oxford! It’s almost! So bobsleigh or ‘sliding’ as I understand you term it, what got you into sliding?

ANNABEL I was at secondary school down in Newbury and my PE teachers there heard about a trial day down at Bath University. That’s where British bobsleigh is based and they thought I might be OK at it because I used to be a sprinter and a long jumper. So they said ‘we’re just going to send you to a trial next weekend, see how you get on.’ It was the middle of July, hot and sunny, completely bizarre! Really it went from there. I did that first trial and then got asked back for a second one and then two months later I was on ice for the very first time, so it was a rapid journey to say the least.

RICHARD I’m no sliding expert but I understand you have enjoyed considerable success already.

ANNABEL Yes I have been fortunate enough to have been be part of the GB youth squad and through that I’ve raced internationally in 11 different competitions, being ranked as world number 1 in my first season and world number 2 in my second season. I was Britain’s youngest ever female to drive a bobsleigh, starting at only 15.

RICHARD And funding for all sports, especially sliding which I should imagine must be quite expensive, is quite a balancing act for you. How do you manage, how do you get by?

ANNABEL It’s been a challenge. For one of my seasons in the youth squad, I had to set up a Go Fund Me Page. My kit can be over £300 per at a time so it’s quite intense and its other costs like my petrol money to get to training, I have to go to Bath twice a week during the summer and that soon adds up, that’s a tank of petrol every time I go.

 BusinessinOx #BIO2017  business-in-oxford  businessinoxford.com

RICHARD And obviously you’re in it and you want to go to the very top and your ultimate aim is….?

ANNABEL I’m aiming for the 2022 Winter Olympic games in Beijing. At the moment I am so I’m hoping to keep up the funding levels so I can break from youth to senior which is a big jump. Internationally the very best are in their 30’s so I’m competing against people who are a good 10 / 15 years older than me, which is noticeable in such a physical sport.

RICHARD You’ve kindly agreed to speak at Business in Oxford this year. What will you be bringing to the event? Obviously you’ve taken part in very high octane sport and been part of a winning team and enjoyed considerable success. Can your experiences translate into business and, if so, how can you help our delegates take some of your, at your tender age, experience into their business lives?

ANNABEL I’m planning to talk about what success has been as an athlete for me. A little bit about how I’ve had to reassess success and how, sometimes, failure can actually be success.

I will also talk about what you need to support success, as for me having been in a successful team I have an appreciation of the support team around me and the behind the scenes work they do. It’s no different to business – you need the right team around you to help you to succeed.

RICHARD Being part of Team GB, one of the country’s most successful and most loved teams, does the spirit and ethos of Team GB rub off on you and do you aspire to having that same success that the team enjoyed last summer?

ANNABEL Definitely. The whole experience of me being part of Team GB when I went to the youth Olympics back in February last year was amazing. Just getting the kit and putting the Olympic rings on, having that little logo is amazing, and It fills you with passion and this is what I want to do.

For more information on TeamGB please visit www.teamgb.com and for more Business In Oxford videos check out www.businessinoxford.com

 01865 742 211  info@businessinoxford.com

45

BUSINESS

7

BIO2017 INTERVIEW RICHARD Good morning David and welcome to B4 TV. We are based at your offices in Reading but I wanted to find out more about the reasons behind EY’s move in to Oxford.

DAVID Oxford is very close to my heart because I grew up in Summertown and I went to school and University in Oxford. My family are also all based there, so, actually, the fact that EY did not have a presence in Oxford for some time was something which bothered me a lot, because I look at it as one of the most vibrant parts of the country, one of the most economically successful parts of the country and yet we as a firm were not engaging with Oxford.

So we decided that we would start to dip our toe in the local market and see how we could help local businesses become more successful, how we could help inward investment into the city and into the county. We wanted to make an impact and help to grow the local economy and increase the number of jobs available. We started running various seminars on the science and business parks, we started talking to a number of companies and we now actually have a physical presence in Oxfordshire being based at the Harwell campus. We’re looking forward over the course of the next year to really ramping up our activity in the local market.

RICHARD You’re kindly sponsoring Business in Oxford again this year, held at The King’s Centre. What can the delegates expect to hear from EY? DAVID One of the themes we’ve been picking up across the county and across the city over the last 12 months is around the fact that it’s a changing world; it’s a changing environment in which to do business. something that’s resonated particularly effectively as we’ve talked to organisations across the area is around the economic drivers that are bringing success to Oxfordshire, so we are going to be focussing on that using our economic forecasters to talk a little bit about where we are going and how companies can latch on to that and really accelerate their growth plans.

We’re also seeing a lot of interest in the way that the world of digital disruption is starting to have an impact and the sessions we’ve run on those have been very well received, so we’re looking to bring to Business in Oxford some really interesting, exciting topics, which will be thought provoking for organisations which are ambitious, businesses that are hungry, energetic an really looking to accelerate their trajectory through 2017.

46

 BusinessinOx #BIO2017  business-in-oxford  businessinoxford.com

I have to say having been at Business in Oxford 2016, I love the buzz, the environment, I love the way the organisations were chatting and sharing ideas so that they could help each other to move forward, so I’m really looking forward to Business in Oxford 2017 in Osney RICHARD We are certainly hoping the event this year will be significantly bigger and an opportunity for more delegates to hear from EY. Will you be able to provide us with some updates as we get closer to the event about exactly what you’re going to be talking about in more detail?

DAVID I would love to do that! We are formulating our ideas, we want to make it as topical and as relevant as possible, so while we have our theme ideas in mind at the moment, we’re going to be refining that thinking and what we found is actually some of these areas are moving so quickly that the updates, that we will bring on the day may be less than 24 hours old. So really topical, really up to date and we will be delighted to keep you informed as we move forward.

RICHARD We are looking forward to it.

DAVID We would love to engage with anyone who has any particular interests in any of those themes, the website is vast; there are lots and lots of different areas on there, but yes if people want to contact me or my team we would love to speak to anyone who has any particular questions or interest.

For more information on EY please visit www.ey.com and for more Business In Oxford videos check out www.businessinoxford.com

““

We decided that we would start to dip our toe in the local market and see how we could help local businesses become more successful.

David Birch, EY

 01865 742 211  info@businessinoxford.com

Forthcoming B4 Event 

A Day at the Races with B4 DATE: THURSDAY 29TH JUNE 2017 TIME: 4:00 PM - LATE VENUE: NEWBURY RACECOURSE, NEWBURY, BERKSHIRE RG14 5AW

B4 are pleased to announce the return of our Day at the Races event at the fantastic Newbury Racecourse.

This is a fun and relaxed event where you can mingle with other businesses in a friendly atmosphere whilst enjoying great food and drink on behalf of Newbury Racecourse, and enjoy watching and betting on the races taking place that evening.

The timetable for the evening will be as follows:

4pm Arrival into Hospitality Suite in Berkshire Grandstand with Pimms reception 4.30pm Hints & Tipster from our Resident Tipster 5.30pm Two Course Buffet to be served 6pm - 9pm Racing 9pm till late guests can move to the Premier Lawn Bar to watch our Irish Band until late

For more information about the Racecourse and travel directions, please visit www.newburyracecourse.co.uk

This is a limited capacity event (25 places only) and we have to ensure all guests attend. In view of this please note the following important terms and conditions:

• ONE ATTENDEE PER BUSINESS • Until end-Jan – Only Gold and Platinum Members will be accepted, no guests • 1st to 28th Feb – Registration open to all other B4 Members, no guests • 1st to 31st Mar – Guests of Gold and Platinum Members accepted • 1st to 30th Apr – All other B4 Member guests accepted • We will be starting a reserve list once this event is full.

• All Members and Guests booking space for this event will be asked to confirm their attendance by 22nd June, failure to do so will mean their place is forfeited to the reserve list.

• All no shows will be invoiced £100+VAT on 30th June.

• The following costs are covered: House wines, beers and soft drinks in the box not in the public bars. Those attending will also need their own spending money from 9pm onwards when they move to the after party area. Oh and money for your bets!

We’re definitely not covering those!

For more information see: www.b4-business.com/event/a-day-at-the-races www.b4-business.com

47

B4

events

Ideas worth spreading

(investing in and protecting)...

John Keating, Robin William’s character in Dead Poets Society, said “No matter what people tell you, words and ideas can change the world.”

Written by: Carl Selby Photography by: TEDX

Ideas worth spreading

Change is not new

At Hedges we like ideas, but we love sharing them.

One of our favourite sources of inspiration are TED talks (www.ted.com), so we jumped at the chance to sponsor TEDx Oxford 2017.

The theme resonated with us because we have been dealing with change since 1789, the year of the French revolution and a year before Charles Dickens was born! Of course, the law has changed a lot in that time, even if the four remaining chapters of the Statute of Marlborough 1267 beg to differ!

TED is a non-profit organisation dedicated to spreading ideas through short talks. It is the largest global community of its kind.

TEDx events are independently run and share ideas in communities worldwide. Since 2009 there have been over 15,000 TEDx events in over 3,100 cities worldwide. When I wrote this article, TEDx talks had been viewed 1,188,053,779 times on YouTube. The ideas are definitely spreading!

TEDx Oxford has been running since 2011, growing from 100 people in a lecture theatre to the 1,800 who joined us to the New Theatre for the 2017 event. It is a testament to the creative spark in Oxford that TEDx is so well supported here.

It was truly a festival of ideas. Themed "X Changes Everything", 12 speakers spoke about their X. X's included: • teaching maths visually, • using Shakespeare to inspire children, • using social media to influence elections, • using visual mapping to better explain the world, • energy consumption of Dave's past, present and future, • communities being key to mental well being, and • u sing magic mushrooms to cure depression.

The talks were amazing, thought provoking, inspirational, and occasionally scary! We may even have heard an idea that will change the world!

48

Clients certainly ask us for different advice than they did four centuries ago! The pace at which they need advice in new areas only increases as technology creates an ever more connected world. However, the most significant changes at Hedges have been in the service we offer our clients.

Advice for life We start by looking at what clients want to achieve, not what we can provide them. Working creatively together we build effective solutions to achieve those aims.

we can help them turn their ideas into reality (… and cash)!

Experience new ideas If you want to experience TEDx Oxford 2017, you still can!

All of the talks will be available on the TEDx YouTube channel shortly. We will be showcasing all of the talks via our blog at: businessandproperty.hedgeslaw. co.uk over the next few weeks. So take 20 minutes to watch one of the talks, it will be time well spent!

If you want to find out more about how we can help you or your business, what you can do to protect and exploit an idea or just fancy a coffee and a chat about how we can make the difference for you, please contact us below. www.hedgeslaw.co.uk/ site/tedx/tedx_mail_success.html.

But we don’t stop there. We use our expertise in different areas to pro-actively put together solutions for everything a client wants to achieve throughout their life. Combine this with a promise to deliver on time, on budget with the highest level of service and you get to the core idea that sums up our approach, advice for life.

Ideas worth investing in and protecting Increasingly our clients are looking to exploit new business ideas. I joined Hedges in October 2016 to lead our Business Services Team. I bring with me a wealth of experience in helping businesses exploit and protect new ideas. Whether clients want to license, manufacture or distribute a product, develop or buy software or invest in, buy or sell a business

 carl.selby@hedgeslaw.co.uk  01865 594 278  www.hedgeslaw.co.uk

www.b4-business.com

B4

events

BLOODWISE BLENHEIM PALACE TRIATHLON At any one time we have over £90 million invested in research. We’re currently funding over 1,000 researchers and clinicians across over 220 active research projects, as well as countless more awards to train the research leaders of the future.

Written by: Richard Rosser Photography by: Bloodwise

Research will beat blood cancer Blood cancer is the third biggest killer and growing: • 38,000 diagnosed every year: one every 14 minutes • 13,000 die every year • 230,000 living with it It affects people at all ages and any lifestyle: • Almost a third of childhood cancers are blood cancer • Blood cancer is the most common cancer in children and young adults • We fund 4/5 blood cancer researchers • We are the largest blood cancer research charity

Our Charity events Our supporters take part in events all over the country to help beat blood cancer. If you’re feeling sporty you could take on a run, cycle, or triathlonin our team colours. Perhaps you want to push yourself to the limit andexperience a white-knuckle challenge?

Or maybe you’d like to spendsome time at one of our fascinating talks or rousing concerts?

Bloodwise Blenheim Palace Triathlon Join our team of Bloodwise triathletes at Blenheim Palace and be part of acommunity of thousands taking on challenges all over the country, for one common goal: beating blood cancer. www.b4-business.com

Taking place in the glorious grounds of Blenheim Palace, you won'tfind a more picturesque location for a triathlon. Swim in the magnificent Great Lake, cycle through the picturesque Oxfordshire countryside, and run around the stunning palace itself - knowing that with every passing kilometre you're raising vital funds to beat blood cancer.

we've got some great fundraising incentives to help you reach your sponsorship target!

The event is open to everyone – you don’t have to be super fit to getinvolved as Living in Oxford Magazine’s Editor, Richard Rosser can testify “I’ve taken part in the past three Blenheim Triathlons and each and every one has been an incredible experience. You rub shoulders with some serious athletes and it’s just great to be a part of such a fantastic event, superbly organised and in aid of a wonderful cause. What’s stopping you getting involved? You can always sign up as a team and just do one of the legs if the whole thing isn’t for you. I promise you it will be an unforgettable experience.”

Please note that your entry fee only covers the cost of the event. We encourage all charity entrants raise at least £400.

• Raise over £200 and you'll be eligible for a Bloodwise Tri belt.

• Reach £400 and you'll be in line to receive a brand new Bloodwise triathlon suit.

Entrance fee Super Sprint £85.00. Sprint £95.00. Sprint Team Relay £145.00.

When?

Saturday, 3 June, 2017 - 08:00 to Sunday, 4 June, 2017 - 19:00 at Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, Oxfordshire, OX20 1PP

Raising money Every pound you raise will help fund our world class blood cancer research and vital patient support - and

 support@bloodwise.org.uk  0207 504 2215  www.bloodwise.org.uk

49

B4

events

THURSDAY

11TH JANUARY

B4 CLASSIC EVENTS

HARTWELL HOUSE B4 Members and guests gathered at the stunning Hartwell House in Aylesbury in January for a pleasant evening of networking, drinks and canapes.

Hartwell House is an historic country house hotel & spa. It is a restored 18th-century stately home in 90 acres of parkland, and its most famous resident was Louis XVIII. Â During the evening guests enjoyed an interesting talk from General Manager Matthew Johnson on the rich history of the house, its refurbishments and

50

their plans for the future.

If you missed out on this lovely evening you can attend the next B4 Classic Event which will be at Newbury Racecourse in June. See page 47 for more information. www.b4-business.com/b4-events/

www.b4-business.com

B4

events

Corporate Crowdfunding with TFN Oxford

The Funding Network (TFN) is a pioneer of live crowdfunding. TFN provides a platform for donors of all levels to get together in a relaxed, enjoyable environment and creates opportunities for them to meet with innovative social change organisations. Our live crowdfunding events allow people to pool their resources to support a wide range of projects to help foster a healthier, fairer and more sustainable society. Donations range from £50 to several thousands, meaning people of all giving capacity can participate.

WRITTEN BY: GRACE SHOTBOLT, MEMBERSHIP & COMMUNICATIONS EXECUTIVE PHOTOGRAPHY BY: JOSH BROWN, ASPIRE OXFORD, TOM CHADWICK

TFN Oxford (TFNO) has held an annual live crowdfunding event, Oxford Gives, since 2008 to help social change projects in the Oxfordshire area. Oxford Gives has raised almost £200,000 for 36 non-profit organisations based in Oxford and working to improve lives for individuals, communities and the environment both in Oxfordshire and all over the world.

Who we have supported Over the past 10 years we have provided vital support to 36 social change organisations, including: Aspire Oxford, who set up work placements, training and employment for people facing severe, multiple disadvantages such as homelessness, substance misuse and detention. Funded in 2013, they have since gone on to be named Charity of the Year in the Oxfordshire Business Awards 2016.

Student Hubs pitched in 2009 as a student-led charity working in universities to increase students’ involvement in charitable activities. After securing their first funding from TFNO, they now have studentpowered social change hubs in 10 universities in the UK. Host Oxford pitched in 2016 and received £5,500 to enable local hosts to offer a room in their homes to refugees, aiming to facilitate integration for refugees and asylum seekers. They are already growing their team in order to increase the support available to hosts and their guests in and beyond Oxford City.

www.b4-business.com

Join us!

We are excited to be celebrating our 10th anniversary on 18th May 2017 where we will have a specially commissioned photo exhibition of some of the wonderful organisations we’ve supported in the last decade. Join us to discover innovative new projects addressing social change in your area.

Anyone can attend and donate at Oxford Gives 2017, as individuals or as corporations who seek to enhance their CSR activities. TFNO provides businesses an opportunity to engage their staff team – with staff attending the event with a preagreed ‘company pot’ to donate to the organisations pitching or having their personal donations matched by their company.

How projects are selected

their pitches, the real excitement begins. Our MC leads the crowdfunding session during which guests pledge their support to whichever projects they wish.

Whilst audience members can pledge privately at the end of the evening, we think you will find raising your hand and pledging your support thrilling, and maybe even a little addictive!

There is never any obligation to give, so come along to see what live crowdfunding is all about and how it can help your business meet its charitable objectives.

Event Details Date: 18th May 2017 Time: 6.15pm Venue: The Ship Street Centre, Jesus College, Ship Street, Oxford

TFNO holds an annual open call for non-profit organisations to apply prior to the event. Eligible applications are circulated to a selection panel made up on local volunteers, who hold short telephone interviews with each organisation about the project they are seeking funding for. The selected four projects receive thorough presentation training to perfect their pitch in the lead up to the event.

How the event works Four organisations are chosen to present at the event, each pitching for £4,000 towards their project.

Organisations have six minutes to pitch their project, followed by six minutes for questions from the audience. Once all four organisations have made

 karen@thefundingnetwork.org.uk  0845 313 8449  www.thefundingnetwork.org.uk

51

SUNDAY 5th MARCH 2017

THE UK’s PREMIER RUNNING FESTIVAL!

Join us for one of our great events: a family friendly 5k event, our classic 10k distance race, our ever popular half marathon and our 20 miler for those who like to go long.

ENTER NOW: www.mkrun.co.uk There are medals for all and the routes are flat and fast, ideal for those aiming to go fast. See you on the start line!

B4

technology

Space Entrepreneur: OSS Founder & CEO, Mike Lawton

OXFORD SPACE SYSTEMS

The OSS AstroTube™ Boom in orbit over the north West coast of Russia

Ask someone on the streets of Oxfordshire - or indeed anywhere in the UK - if the UK is a world leader in space technology and you’ll probably receive a quizzical look that suggests otherwise. So it will probably surprise you to hear that Oxfordshire is home to a hot bed of cutting edge of space technology. This quiet revolution on our doorstep is taking shape at the Harwell Science Campus or the UK Space Cluster as a section of the site is known. Over 65 space companies, ranging from lone entrepreneurs to some of the largest satellite builders in the world now occupy the site.

Written by: Lorna Dodson

One such company is Oxford Space Systems (OSS), a multi-award winning business that has attracted significant venture capital investment for the range of innovative deployable structures – things like antennas and boom systems – that it’s developing for the global space industry. B4 Magazine caught up with its founder and CEO, Mike Lawton, to learn more about the business and why he chose Oxfordshire to locate OSS. “It’s a really exciting time to be in the space industry – we’re seeing a fantastic pace of development and opportunities that were unheard of even 5 years ago”, Lawton explained. “In the same way technology has advanced to give us smart phones with performance at a price point that would seem impossible 10 years ago, so we’re seeing a similar revolution with satellites”. This has given rise to microsatellites, spacecraft that are a fraction of the size of traditional spacecraft that can be built rapidly and pack a powerful punch for a much lower price.

And what’s attracting entrepreneurs like Lawton is the prospect of so-called mega-constellations. Business are emerging that need hundreds of spacecraft to deliver a new range of services from space such as telephony and WI-FI to aircraft. Every one of these satellite will require a deployable antenna to communicate with the ground and solar panels to power them – and that’s where OSS comes in. www.b4-business.com

The company is using its proprietary materials to reduce cost and complexity together with origami to improve stowage efficiency.

The company has recently set two records for the space sector. It designed and demonstrated on orbit in record time the world’s longest retractable microsat boom. Mike explained, “We wanted to show what’s possible – space tech can be developed rapidly and with the upside that a niche market can deliver healthy margins”.

But a company the size of OSS, with its team of 16 engineers, needs support to deliver its impressive achievements. “And that’s why we’re at Harwell – it has excellent test facilities and the expertise to support early stage companies”, explained Lawton.

The Space Cluster is also the home of the Satellite Applications Catapult, a UK government supported initiative designed to act as nexus for the space industry. The Catapult brings together entrepreneurs, companies, investors, customers and academia to explore opportunities. “The Catapult is an essential part of the UK space scene”, said Mike. “In fact OSS wouldn’t have achieved what we have without their support”. In addition to support from the Catapult, OSS has received co-funding from Innovate UK and the UK Space Agency.

The UK space industry is seen as a strategically important area by the Government and its set the ambitious target of growing the sector from 7% to 10% of the global market by 2030, generating potential annual revenues of £40bn and employing 100,000 staff.

So next time you check a weather forecast, surf the internet or use GPS the chances are you’re using space technology developed at Harwell – and possibly that of Oxford Space Systems.

See page 38 for interview with Hussain Manawar, held at Oxford Space Systems, with thanks to Mike Lawton.

   

explore@oxfordspacesystems.com +44 (0)1235 567 999 www.oxfordspacesystems.com @oxfordspace

53

Tri the scenic route Held in the stunning grounds of Oxfordshire’s UNESCO World Heritage site, Blenheim Palace is without a doubt the UK’s most picturesque triathlon.

With its sprint and super sprint distances, this is the perfect challenge for those dipping a toe into the world of triathlons. And if you don’t fancy getting your feet wet, why not take on the team relay with a couple of mates instead?

Every penny you raise will go towards vital blood cancer research.

Sign up now — and don’t forget to enjoy the view!

3–4 June 2017 bloodwise.org.uk/blenheim

B4

technology

What you need to know about your business in the cloud We live in a world of personal and corporate data. Almost everything we now process through software and apps (think accounting, HR and project management to name a few), is stored and backed up in the cloud. Whilst this has many significant benefits, it’s vital to understand that cloud storage also comes with risks.

Written by: Debbie Austin

With the Talk Talk and Yahoo hacking disclosures fresh in mind, business owners should realise, in using the cloud you're placing the storage of your business data in the hands of third party providers. This article will equip you with the knowledge you need to ask the right questions, so that your valuable information is kept as safe as it possibly can be.

How the cloud works Data used to be stored in computers, external hard drives, or even servers at work premises. Such has been the development of software functionality that businesses have increasingly performed more connected and sophisticated computing functions via the internet.

The subsequent rapid need for more storage resulted in the rise of the cloud. This allows you to save data to large off-site storage facilities which are operated and maintained by a third party.

Accessibility for you as the user is obtained by the cloud provider installing your software on their server and you accessing the data via the internet through a connected device.

Data tends to be stored on several servers in facilities known as data centers which host your software. In conducting your work through the software, you’re sending files to the data server online so that it can record this information. Then, when accessing this information you’re entering the cloud to read and edit the files held there.

Consequently, you and your team (subject to their user rights) can work from potentially any connected www.b4-business.com

location and hardware. Importantly, responsibility for items such as security and backing up the data rests with the 3rd party cloud provider, “the host”.

Accounting software providers for example, including Xero, Kashflow and Sage One all offer their software on this “hosted” basis.

It’s a serious issue particularly if you consider the sensitive information you store on your employees through HR and payroll records. In understanding who is hosting your software and data, you should also find out about the security provisions they have in place:

Backing the data up

• What firewalls do they use to handle spyware, Trojans and Malware?

• Do they hold safety certificates such as ISO27001, BS10012 or ISO22301?

• Are they compliant with principle 7 and principle 8 of the data Protection Act 1998?

Computers go wrong sometimes, so data needs to be stored in more than one place for files to be retrieved. This is why cloud storage systems tend to have a number of different data servers each using individual power supplies in case there’s an outage.

So where is your data actually kept?

Herein lies the problem, it’s difficult to discover where exactly your data is being stored. A cloud service could be hosted in Canada for example, but the data centers for backing it up may be in multiple different locations across the globe!

A useful starting point is for you to understand who the cloud provider is that hosts your software. Using the accounting example again, Xero is hosted by Amazon Web Services (AWS) and according to a zdnet article, a total of 625 servers were run to host its software in 2014.

In obtaining answers to these questions, remember your data is backed up on servers that may be based in different locations; these countries may have their own privacy and protection laws.

So, do your homework and search for answers to the points raised here. If you’re already using software, be sure to understand exactly where and how your data is being treated. Finally remember every business, no matter what field you operate in, is now an IT business!

How secure is it?

Needless to say data held in servers connected over the internet creates risk in terms of hacking – the unauthorised access of data in a system or computer. The nature and severity of these attacks has increased markedly as we rely more and more on conducting work and social activities online.

 debbie.austin@wellersaccountants.co.uk  01865 723 131  www.wellersaccountants.co.uk

55



“Aaron and his team at Evergreen are amazing! Every project that we have worked on together has been professionally and expertly managed by them, resulting in an increase in our client numbers, month by month. Nothing is too much trouble for Aaron and somehow he will always find a solution to a problem!! Can’t recommend them highly enough” – John Tsagaris Clinic



“I would recommend Evergreens services to anyone wanting to get off the ground and build a good website before turning to many others like we did until we met Aaron. Once we got the basics right we have built from there and are seeing progress month on month.” – Hawk Interiors

Trusted Digital Marketing Expertise in Oxfordshire 5-Star Service...don’t just take our word for it! 

“Having worked with Aaron in a previous role, I was keen to recommend and work with him again as the work he does is absolutely fantastic. Not only does he know his stuff, but also pays great attention to detail, and makes every effort to understand what we want out of Search Marketing and recommends the appropriate steps to achieve our goals.” – Ten Insurance

20% SPECIAL DISCOUNT on all our services for B4 members (until 31.03.17) Quote: B4Evergreen2017



“Aaron’s professionalism and passion for digital marketing really shines through in all he does. We have worked with him for almost a year on PPC and SEO projects, and have very much appreciated his willingness to share his knowledge in these areas, to help us better understand the why and how behind his recommendations.”

– Campaign Works

Aaron Rudman-Hawkins aaron@theevergreenagency.co.uk

07738 427 277 | 01869 242 222 thevergreenagency.co.uk

B4

spotlight

Beyond Touch Written by: Grae Laws Photography by: David Thrower, Redshift Media Production

Business Transformation This is very much a buzz phrase, whether working with blue-chip, third sector, education or SMEs, I’m hearing senior leadership Team reaching out for advice and a greater understanding of what BT means to them.

In simple terms, we are talking about the re-alignment of an organisations staff, activities and business technology with the strategic vision the organisation. Get all that humming and how could you possibly fail? Well, introduce a changing market, new legislation, FeBrexit (fear of the impact of Brexit), talent migration from your organisation and add in a healthy dose of entrepreneurial ‘new direction’ for the Chairman or MD. Whilst it seems obvious that a successful enterprise would have this alignment in place, it is organic growth or these pivotal moments in the history that can easily knock one of several of these factors out of alignment.

Staff alignment Getting talent in your organisation to work towards a greater good can mean one of three staged approaches. Which route you choose may well depend upon the sector you operate in, the organisational structure you have in place and the individual personality traits within the very team itself.

Are you are micromanaging their every move? If so can you afford to do this and does the team respond well to this approach? Growing businesses, where new tiers in an organisation need to be created, often require this approach – but it should only a transformative step. The next stage allows your talent to have a degree of autonomy in their roles. You have expectations, they know what you want and you manage them directly in exceptional circumstances. If this model works for you, then more power to you and perhaps you are ready for the final stage; Giving the team a freer reign to manage beyond their authority. There is risk in this approach but if you truly believe in freeing the spirit of untapped potential in your team then give them wings.

Business Technology Bring your own device strategy to keep costs of staff IT low but effective.

Workplace automation of non-value adding processes to give staff more client face-time or the opportunity to stay on top. Self-service systems that enable your suppliers and customer to be part of the business process experience.

Big data analytics and block chain transactions to enable AI top cover off much of the heavy lifting of your numbers. If you are not talking about this with you Senior Leadership Team – I ask you why not? If you think that digital disruption only affects Dell and Xerox then think again.

Process Optimisation The long-held belief that ‘we have always done it this way so that must be the best way’ is not always correct. Sometimes it takes the eagle eyes of an outsider to spot this and help your company adapt. This may come in the way of a new employee, one that has come from as related organisation and offers a quicker, slicker, more effective way of getting the job done. Business that embrace change usual stay one step ahead of their own bureaucratic debris.

www.b4-business.com

The most common approach comes in the form of the business transformation consultancy service of companies like my own, beyond touch ltd. Parachuting in consultants to work with teams of people, defining processes, documenting and validating tasks, analysing their impact on business success, building improvement plans at tactical and strategic levels and finally ensuring control measure are embedded into your business systems.

We take pride in an adaptive approach, one that is as capable of solving global business problems for Xerox , as it is in delivering localised operational change for UK SMEs like Artisan Plasterworks. Our methodologies achieve measurable results irrespective of size. We reduce complexity, amplify effectiveness and increase the energy in a business. Isn’t it time you and your team were transformed?

 graeme@beyondtouch.co.uk  01296 711 517  www.beyondtouch.co.uk

57

A magnificent setting

Conferences & Meetings | Private Celebrations Showcases & Promotional Events Contact our events team Email sales@blenheimpalace.com Call 01993 813874 Visit blenheimpalace.com

A precious time, every time. Britain’s Greatest Palace.

blenheimpalace.com

B4

spotlight

DHILLAN BHARDWAJ Dhillan Bhardwaj is a Derby born, self-made entrepreneur with a larger than life personality and founded the influential label, Ratchet Clothing. Using fashion as a way to celebrate diversity, individuality and freedom, Ratchet took the Internet by storm having gained tens of thousands of followers on Facebook within its first month of starting. B4 talked to Dhillan about his exciting business career so far.

Written by: Richard Rosser Photography by: Rob Scotcher

B4 When did you first know you wanted to be an entrepreneur and what made you really go for it?

DHILLAN I never wanted to be a business entrepreneur, I never had a business plan to make it really big. I always had my mind set that I was going to work in the family business because that’s all I was told when I finished school. So everything came to me unexpectedly. But I think when it started to become more of a business then a hobby, I put my whole life into making it big. I dedicated all of my time, sacrificed my social life, I'd forget to eat, it was just Ratchet, Ratchet, Ratchet!

B4 What’s the best and what’s the hardest part about having your own clothing line?

DHILLAN The best thing about having your own clothing line is wearing whatever you want, when you want. But my mother does get annoyed with me because my wardrobe is overflowing. The hardest part is always trying to keep up, coping with he pressure you get when you're not doing as well as you want to be doing. Especially at a young age, I get really paranoid that I'll fail. But I do make small issues into big problems, so only have myself to blame!

B4 If you were to go back to where it all started, would you do approach your business in another way?

DHILLAN If I could go back to the beginning I would start by having a business mind from day

www.b4-business.com

1. I was very lackadaisical when it came to starting.

Like I said before, I treated it like a hobby more than anything else. I was of a mind not to take it so seriously, but I should have done so, right from the start... I could've made more money.

B4 What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced in launching your brand?

DHILLAN The biggest challenge I face are events.

Will people turn up? Do people care? I overthink all the time, but obviously the outcome is always great.

I just expect the worse, just in case. At least then you wont be so disappointed!

B4 And your biggest success to date?

DHILLAN My biggest success, I wouldn't say I only have one! What teenager can say they got invited to David Cameron's house for tea? Got invited to meet Miley Cyrus after a show? Scouted for a TV show about young kids making it to the top on their own? The list is endless. I think this is what I should have achieved in a lifetime, not four years.

B4 What’s your latest fashion design project?

DHILLAN My latest project is dance wear. Ratchet Clothing seems to be loved by the dance industry.

So at this moment we are creating different styles, innovative designs to keep things fresh and unique.

B4 What advice would you give to aspiring fashion designers?

DHILLAN The only advice I would give is break every single rule you possibly can. Don't follow anyone, crush them. My biggest inspiration is Rihanna, I always think to myself 'What would Rihanna do?'. Don't take everything so seriously, have fun along the way. And surround yourself with positive people. Create a new lane for people to follow.

B4 What has the future in store for you?

DHILLAN I want my own TV show. I want my own book and I tend to get what I want.

B4 How do you balance creativity with business?

DHILLAN I’m a creative person, mentally and physically. I think my personality is my business.

If I wasn't the way I was I don't think I would be where I am today.

 info@ratchetclothing.co.uk  www.ratchetclothing.co.uk

59

TO LET: Commercial property Contact our award winning agency team for more information

TO LET at Abingdon Business Park

TO LET: Fletcher House, Oxford

• Office properties from 1,189 sq ft • Range of modern suites available • High quality, fully refurbished space

• 6,900 – 14,000 sq ft Grade A offices • Fully fitted, true plug and play accommodation • Prominent location on the Oxford Science Park

TO LET: The HQ, Harwell Campus

TO LET: Quad One, Harwell Campus

• Office space from 2,000 – 20,000 sq ft • Fully refurbished to Grade A specification • Available early 2017 on flexible lease terms

• 690 - 25,016 sq ft Grade A offices/laboratories • Available for occupiers’ bespoke fit-out • Occupation available from Q3 2017

TO LET at Abingdon Business Park

TO LET: Orion House, Oxford

• Modern industrial properties from 2,558 sq ft • Range of business units and distribution space • Within close proximity of the A34, M40/M4

• 6,187 – 12,815 sq ft open plan office space • Refurbished self-contained offices with parking • Prominent Oxford ring road location

Kevin Wood Head of Office kwood@lsh.co.uk 01865 587 707

John Greaves Director jgreaves@lsh.co.uk 01865 587 706

Charlotte Reaney Senior Surveyor creaney@lsh.co.uk 01865 587 701

Leo Silver Graduate Surveyor lsilver@lsh.co.uk 01865 587 709

Get in touch: oxford@lsh.co.uk

B4

spotlight

L-R: Alison Rosier (The Bicester School), John Cavers (Wonky Fruit), Laura Snook (Wonky Fruit), Ashley Cavers (Wonky Fruit), Tina Marshall (Creating Sense), Tom Hanney (Oxford Innovation).

Wonky Fruit wins Oxfordshire SOUP to secure Co-op contract An Oxfordshire business that creates chutneys, relishes and sauces from fruit and vegetables that would otherwise go to waste, has formed a successful partnership with The Midcounties Co-operative following a six-month trial in seven Oxfordshire stores.

Written by: Jo Willett

Winner of Bicester’s first Oxfordshire SOUP, a live crowdfunding-meets-Dragon’s Den event sponsored by Bicester Innovation Centre, Wonky Fruit will use the prize fund of £1,600 towards a rebrand to Wonky Food Company, which will launch early next year.

Manager, at Bicester and Cherwell Innovation Centres, comments: “The audience and judges were extremely impressed by the concept and the Wonky Fruit team. The business clearly has lots of potential and will help provide a solution for food waste in Oxfordshire and across the UK.”

Ashley Cavers, Co-Founder of Wonky Fruit, comments:

Brother and sister, Ashley and John Cavers, founded Wonky Fruit in an attempt to try and reduce food waste and enlisted top local caterer Laura Snook, to create Wonky recipes. The company trademarked the Wonky name two years ago, ahead of Jamie Oliver’s national initiative to reclaim food waste.

“We have been working closely with The Midcounties Co-operative’s local food team who have advised that our rebrand will help make us stand out in addition to reflecting that we create recipes from vegetables as well as fruit.

“The Wonky team is extremely grateful for the generous business support and prize money provided through the Oxfordshire SOUP event, which is vital in helping us reach the next stage of our exciting journey - seeing our range of tasty relishes sourced and sold in Midcounties Cooperative across Oxfordshire.”

Matt Fletcher, who heads up the Direct Sourcing Team at The Midcounties Co-operative, said: “We’ve had a long relationship with Wonky Fruit, which first started when we began donating our unsold fruit to the company so they could create delicious chutneys and relishes.

Ms Cavers from Combe in West Oxfordshire successfully pitched Wonky Fruit to an Oxfordshire SOUP audience and judges to win financial aid, marketing and mentoring support. The event was held at The Bicester School to help inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs.

“We saw an opportunity to build on this partnership and help the team create a new brand that we could eventually stock on our shelves. We’re looking forward to introducing the first batch of the newly rebranded Wonky Food Company products to our Chipping Norton store in the new year. It’s hugely satisfying to provide this kind of support to local producers and see their products on our shelves for local customers to enjoy.”

Tom Hanney, Oxfordshire SOUP judge and Centre

The Wonky team is keen to hear from anybody who

www.b4-business.com

is part of the Oxfordshire food chain who would like to join them in their combat against food waste. For further information, visit: wonkyfruit.co.uk The next Oxfordshire SOUP event will take place in West Oxfordshire and will be supported by West Oxfordshire District Council. For further information, visit: oxfordshiresoup.org Tim Marstan, Deputy Head of The Bicester School, concludes: “It was great to see so many representatives from the business world at The Bicester School as part of the Oxfordshire SOUP event. The students benefitted from interacting with people who are involved daily in industry and thought the presentations were fantastic. They really appreciated the opportunity to vote alongside the representatives from the business community and found it invaluable as they seek to grow their own business venture.”

   

offices@oxin.co.uk 01865 261 480 www.oxin.co.uk @oxinnovation

61

Bigger

Bolder

Over the past few months you may have noticed the changing face of Twining House in Summertown (formerly occupied by Barefoot Books), an attractive and well-known Victorian building at the northern end of the Summertown shopping parade.

Now in the final stages of refurbishment, this incredible space is to be the new headquarters for Breckon & Breckon.

The Summertown sales team together with Oxford Apartments will be moving there in February and will be joined by our Residential Letting and Asset Management divisions.

With the new office we hope that this combined force all under one roof in an extremely prominent and accessible location will be of huge benefit to our clients.

Our senior management will also relocate to this new office along with land and new homes.

So why? Currently these four divisions are run from separate premises throughout the city and whilst they have served us well we have simply outgrown them.

With our new HQ building we hope that this wealth of experience under one roof in an extremely prominent and accessible location will be of huge benefit to our clients.

We are a privately owned Oxford company and 2017 marks our 70th year of trading. We are thrilled to have the opportunity of working from such an iconic building and look forward to improving our engagement with the local community.

Our sales and lettings offices on Oxford High Street and in Headington will continue to trade as normal.

We will be moving at the end of January and are very proud of what we have created. Why not pop in and see what we’ve done?

Beautiful Victorian architecture

Twining House, 294 Banbury Road, Summertown, Oxford OX2 7ED

Meet the Team Letting & Management Our highly experienced letting and property management teams provide an award winning service to ensure all our landlord and tenants get the best in customer experience.

S (01865) 201111 Y lettings@breckon.co.uk

Ashleigh Swales Letting Negotiator

Max Brickell

Property Manager

Chris Mitty

Operations Manager

Sam Cassels Senior Letting Negotiator

Summer Swailes Senior Letting Negotiator

Liz Nuttall

Office Manager

Jodie Smith

Andy Slatter

Client Accounts Manager

Jessica Wulff

Property Supervisor

Property Supervisor

Joe Tustin

Luke Mazonowicz

Ben Coates

Property Manager

Greg Barnes

Managing Director

Residential Sales We can help in all aspects of your move. From charming cottages to Victorian villas we’d be delighted to assist. If you’re buying, selling or looking for a valuation please get in touch.

S (01865) 310 300 Y summertown@breckon.co.uk

Chris Dixey

Managing Director

Assistant Manager

Katie Leppard

Michelle Bricker

Sales Negotiator

Lucy Kirby

Sales Coordinator

Asset Management Professionally managing and valuing residential, commercial and rural property across Oxfordshire.

We specialise in block and estate management and formal RICS “red book” valuations.

S (01865) 72 72 72 Y mail@breckon.co.uk

Managing Director

Property Manager

Felicity Hill

Property Manager

Tom Emmerson

Asst. Property Manager

Land & New Homes The team offer detailed appraisals on potential development sites. Working with specialist partners we can also advise on planning policy, viability studies, layout, unit mix, density and value.

S (01865) 240 140 Y land@breckon.co.uk

Keith Stacey

Managing Director

Anneka Smith Land & Planning

Based out of our Summertown office, Oxford Apartments was established in 2005 and is the specialist apartment sales division of Breckon & Breckon.

Creative Department A small but effective team with a passion for design & photography. They plan and create all our marketing materials and manage our website. Can is our in-house professional property photographer.

S (01865) 240 140 Y nick@breckon.co.uk

Ben Turner Manager

Nick Mawley

Creative & Marketing Director

Can Sengunes Photographer

Adam Wilkins Assistant Manager

S (01865) 558 999 Y post@oxfordapartments.co.uk oxfordapartments.co.uk

M A G A Z I N E

|

W E B S I T E

|

F U N C T I O N S

|

P H O T O G R A P H Y

YOUR INVITATION TO B4 PLATINUM Platinum is the premier B4 membership package giving you the best of magazine, online, event, social media and B4 TV exposure By joining our Platinum group of Members, you can expect the highest profile throughout B4 and some excellent value added benefits only available to our Platinum Members.

Not only will you receive 8 pages to use in B4 throughout the year, but B4 TV will feature your company in one of our B4 TV video interviews, a photo shoot and also benefit from the B4 Newsdesk where we will post your press releases to the B4 website and then through our social media accounts on Twitter and LinkedIn. You and your colleagues will also have access to B4 Classic Events as normal, in superb locations, but we are also adding the B4

Platinum ‘100’ Club as a value added extra just for our Platinum Members. Six excellent lunches or dinners in some of the region’s leading venues and restaurants. Read more inside.

Platinum Members can also take advantage of our personal introduction service and will also receive invitations to review hotels, restaurants, cars and even star in fashion shoots!

We sincerely hope you will consider joining B4 Platinum and look forward to hearing from you. Please call us on 01865 742211 or e-mail editorial@b4-business.com The B4 Team

B4 PLATINUM PACKAGE B4 Platinum Membership

Photo Shoot

All the benefits of B4 Membership including B4 Magazine Business Directory listing (highlighted as a Platinum Member), B4 website presence with access to post unlimited press releases, job vacancies, offers and events, plus access to all B4 events for up to 5 members of staff. Logo also included on Platinum logo spread in B4 Magazine.

Whether you need shots of your premises or new recruits, B4 will capture what you need and supply these to you in high resolution for your own use, as well as B4 articles.

B4 Magazine Exposure

We know you don’t always have the time to post your press releases to the B4 website, so we’re here to do it for you. Add us to your press lists and we will post your news direct to your account on the B4 website and then across our social media accounts too.

8 pages to be used during the year Select your preferred features from our new features list, either taken as single pages or a combination of single and double pages.

See the new B4 Media Rate Card for the full list of features.

B4 TV interview We will interview key individuals, take footage of your premises and then edit for you to promote on your website and through your social media platforms. We post the video on the B4 website and also through our social media accounts.

Platinum ‘100’ Club Membership You will be invited, with other Platinum Members, to six lunches or dinners in some of the region’s leading establishments, including Oxford University colleges, leading restaurants and superb venues.

All food and drink included. Additional tickets available for guests, but to Platinum Members only. (additional tickets available at £150+VAT per head)

64

B4 Newsdesk

B4 Editor Personal Introductions Do you need a personal introduction to another B4 Member? The B4 Editor Intro is a personal e-mail introduction to your key targets for B4 Platinum Members only.

Star in our Features From time to time we will invite Platinum Member companies to help us for our Corporate Lifestyle features including: hotel and restaurant reviews, car reviews and even fashion shoots!

For more details see ‘Platinum Rates’

CALL 01865 742211 AND BECOME A PLATINUM MEMBER TODAY

www.b4-business.com

R E V I E W S

|

V I D E O

|

N E W S D E S K

|

I N T R O D U C T I O N S

PLATINUM ‘100’ CLUB DIARY Belmond Le Manoir

Pembroke College Sep & Aug 2017

22nd Feb, 2017

Created by celebrated chef Raymond Blanc OBE, Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons is renowned for offering one of Britain’s finest gastronomic experiences. Situated in the picturesque Oxfordshire village of Great Milton, it is also one of the country’s most cherished manor house hotels, with 32 individually designed guest rooms and suites. The hotel has held two Michelin stars since it opened in 1984.

Founded in 1624 to serve the common good through the promotion of scholarship and research, informality and distinction have always rubbed shoulders at Pembroke. The College’s student body is made up of some 360 undergraduates, around 30 visiting students on their Junior Year Abroad from US universities, and more than 270 postgraduates. The whole student body is active in College life, with wide participation in activities and events and an unusually active MCR (graduate student) community.

Stoke Park April 2017

Randolph Hotel September 2017

Founded in 1908, Stoke Park is the perfect place to enjoy life in a five star and friendly atmosphere. We provide a unique combination of the traditions of an exclusive club and the best of today’s sporting, leisure, entertaining and hotel facilities in one of the most convenient locations in Britain: only 35 minutes from London and 7 miles from London Heathrow.

Located in Oxford’s city centre, Macdonald Randolph hotel is a landmark building with elegance and charm aplenty. The hotel has played host to prime ministers and presidents and the renowned Morse Bar is instantly recognisable as the watering hole of Colin Dexter’s world-famous detective, Inspector Morse. The hotel’s restaurant recently re-opened as Acanthus which together with the new Cartoon Bar, provides guests and residents of Oxford with a fantastic destination for lunch and dinner.

Eynsham Hall 22nd June, 2017

Divinity School 4th December, 2017

Eynsham Hall is one of Oxfordshire’s great country houses. In the early 1700s, wealthy local landowner, Willoughby Lacey, chose to enclose a huge section of his land to create the ultimate space in which to entertain guests and to pursue the popular outdoor sports of the day. In 1981, the Hall became a dedicated conference and training centre and in 2005, the property was acquired by the Cathedral Group.

The university’s oldest teaching and examination room, dating from the 1500s, a masterpiece of English gothic architecture.

Built between 1427 and 1483, it is the oldest surviving purpose-built building for university use, specifically for lectures, oral exams and discussions on theology. Public access is limited so this will be a wonderful opportunity to see inside this fantastic building.

PLATINUM RATES Membership

Rate £

Platinum

Rate £

Platinum Membership

1

1,750

Total

9,200

Pages in B4 per annum

8

5,000

Reduced to

6,000

B4 TV interviews per annum

1

950

One off payment

6,000

Platinum ‘100’ Club Membership

1 Person

1,500

Quarterly

4 x 1,750

Photo Shoot

Included

0

Monthly

12 x 700

Included

0

B4 Newsdesk

www.b4-business.com

NB All figures stated exclusive of VAT at 20%

65

Sobell House Q & A with June Maharaj , Home Manager the community overall. It’s also very nice to meet like-minded individuals!

Q: How important is it to you and your company to get involved in local charity?

A: It’s very important to us. Forging close links with the wider community is critically important for our home of course, but equally importantly it ensures that our residents and staff feel they are an integral part of that community – helping give meaning and a sense of belonging.

Q: How have your staff risen to the challenge?

A: My staff took on the challenge of raising £10 000 in 4 years with great enthusiasm and excitement.

As a home, we enjoy giving back to the community and this has given us the platform to come together as a team - having fun and giving something back at the same time.

Q: Would you say that your staff are more motivated and productive as a direct result of your CSR?

Name: June Maharaj Business: Bridge House Care Home

enthusiasm and involvement in whatever charity we support is a key part of our decision making.

Q: Please tell B4 just why you decided to support Sobell House and The 40 Club.

Q: What have been the most distinctive benefits of The 40 Club so far?

A: Sobell House is centred on the patient’s needs at their most vulnerable time, helping them to make the present as good as it can be. The work they do and the difference they make to people who are at the end of their lives is incredible. Additionally, Specialist Sobell Nurses have been working with the team at Bridge House and together we strive to make each moment truly matter for both residents and their loved ones, ensuring that both their comfort is met as well as their social, emotional, psychological and spiritual needs. This is why we have chosen Sobell House as our Charity of the Year and have pledged to raise funds for them to help them continue their invaluable work.

A: Those attending The 40 Club events build relationships with each other and thus strengthen

A: Yes. The programme of events aimed at raising funds for Sobell is hugely motivating for our staff.

It helps to bring staff together within the home, promoting better team work and morale. It is also involving and motivating for many of our residents too. The home is also in the process of preparing for The Gold Standard Care accreditation in End of Life Care with the GSFCH. (http://www. goldstandardsframework.org.uk/accredited-carehomes). Our close relationship with Sobell House

Q: Do you feel that your community driven CSR undertaking has helped to position your business more positively within Oxfordshire?

A: Links with such a highly regarded organisation are certainly a plus point to any business, but where Bridge House is concerned, this is far from a business decision. This is a natural ‘fit’ for us and Sobell is very much supported by our staff. Their

66

www.b4-business.com

news and the learning we have taken from that is helping us to ensure that everyone lives well right until the end.

Q: How much have you raised so far for The 40 Club?

A: So far, we have raised £2,839 – and we are very proud of that.

Q: What has been the most adventurous fundraising activity so far?

A: The Moonlight Stroll! We hit the road decked out in 70’s outfits for the 10 mile walk – all of us clearing the finishing line with big smiles and a great feeling of accomplishment as a team.

Q: What other interesting and unique fundraising activities do you have planned to help hit your target?

A: We’ve got quite a few things in the pipeline. Our annual Scruffs Dog Show, a Summer Fair, the Moonlight Stroll and possibly a Skydive as well. Watch this space!

Q: And lastly, what message would you like to give to other businesses considering joining The 40 Club?

A: I think that the quote below nicely sums up the message we would like to give.

“Giving is not just about making a donation, it is about making a difference” Kathy Calvin – CEO & President of the United Nations Foundation

Introducing Tim Wraith as the new Corporate Partnerships Manager at Sobell House.

I want to take this opportunity to introduce myself as the Corporate Partnerships Manager for Sobell House. I am delighted to join the team here and I bring experience from the corporate world having worked in the financial sector for over 20 years. In 2010 I decided to make a big career change and since then have worked for a children’s hospice and a medical research charity.

end of their lives. Sobell House is a friendly, warm and safe place at the heart of the local community with a large range of expert services to support patients, their families and friends, in the Hospice, local hospitals and in the community. Having joined in what has been our 40th Anniversary year it is a privilege to be part of a very well respected Oxfordshire charity providing vital care.

I am so pleased to have joined Sobell House and look forward to meeting members of The 40 Club and all the other businesses that support the incredible care taking place here.

I started here in early December and as soon as I arrived I could see what a very special place Sobell House is. We provide the best possible care for local people coming to the

Please do get in touch if you would like to support the care taking place here, I would love to hear from you. You can contact me by email tim.wraith@sobellhospice.org or phone 01865 857066 07527 849748. You can also find more information on our website: www.sobellhouse.org/the40club/

Calling 50 runners to make a difference for Sobell House!!

On Sunday 8th of October the seventh Oxford Half Marathon will be taking place in this beautiful city. The race starts on Broad Street in Oxford City Centre and takes on a fast and flat route that showcases everything we love about Oxford. It’s an incredible route running through the streets, around the parks and past the many historic buildings.

This year we would love you to be part of this wonderful event. We are looking for 50 runners

www.b4-business.com

from the business community of Oxford to wear our yellow t shirts and raise vital funds to help us provide care at Sobell House. Whether you are an experience runner or just looking for a new challenge we would love to hear from you.

If you would like to know more about running the Oxford Half Marathon for Sobell House please contact Tim Wraith on 01865 857066, we would love to hear from you.

67

Want your business to engage in a meaningful way with the local community? Reciprocate may be the answer Most businesses understand the importance of corporate social responsibility and community engagement – but for small and medium-sized enterprises in particular, it is tricky to know where to start and which activities to prioritise. Reciprocate is a group of socially minded businesses that believe by working together, they can provide more meaningful support for the local charity and community sector.

Written by: Kate Parrinder, Oxfordshire Community Foundation

Thames Valley Police Chief Constable Francis Habgood speaks at a Reciprocate event

Marlborough School at Blenheim

In March 2016, Oxfordshire Community Foundation (OCF) launched Reciprocate to share its knowledge of the charitable sector and the unacceptable social problems faced by many in our communities across Oxfordshire.

Businesses are at the heart of the community.

Business leaders know that getting staff together to do something for charity is a great way of engaging and retaining them, especially in a job market where the talented employees are in high demand. What is more, positive community engagement can position companies favourably in the hearts and minds of their customers.

Reciprocate is a membership network of responsible businesses: organisations that believe that, by sharing ideas and collaborating on projects, they can increase their support for the local community. Reciprocate empowers them to become more effective and strategic in their engagement.

68

One of Reciprocate’s newest members, Adestra, told us that they were keen to give something back, but weren’t sure where to start, or how to turn their adhoc CSR activities into something more meaningful.

They chose Reciprocate to help them articulate their objectives and make better connections locally.

Reciprocate businesses are asked to commit to an ‘impact pledge’, which may involve volunteering activity, in-kind or financial support for the charitable sector, or CSR initiatives of the company’s choosing.

Current members include Allen Associates, Blenheim Palace, Unipart, Beard Construction, DAF Trucks, Taylor & Francis and many more.

“We don’t write cheques” Whilst many Reciprocate businesses have generously supported local charities with funds, most would like to create different kinds of partnerships with the causes they support, for example by offering their staff’s time, or championing a particular charity.

Such support is greatly needed and desired by local

charities, many of which are struggling to cope in the context of funding cuts and increased demand for their services.

However, along with many others in the voluntary sector, OCF has identified that there can be a mismatch between businesses’ desire to offer help, and charities’ capacity to deal with volunteers or communicate what support is most useful to them.

For example, mass volunteering, where companies send a team of volunteers to carry out manual labour for a day, is popular, but in fact most charities would benefit from the sharing of professional skills such as finance, HR, marketing or strategy to a much greater extent.

OCF is therefore proposing to proactively support businesses to better understand their volunteering ambitions and develop a clear strategy for the type and amount of volunteering they would like to offer.

OCF will then work with partners at Oxfordshire Community and Voluntary Action (OCVA) and www.b4-business.com

B4

csr

Reciprocate is a “ membership network of responsible businesses: organisations that believe that, by sharing ideas and collaborating on projects, they can increase their support for the local community.

Reciprocate empowers them to become more effective and strategic in their engagement

”

Finders Keepers staff raise money for the British Heart Foundation

Allen Associates OX5 run

Beard work experience

“

Businesses are at the heart of the community.

Business leaders know that getting staff together to do something for charity is a great way of engaging and retaining them, especially in a job market where the talented employees are in high demand

”

beyond to match company staff with relevant volunteering opportunities within recommended charities.

Achievements in the first year Reciprocate has been gaining momentum during its first year. For example, Bicester-based accountancy firm Clark Howes has created a series of free professional skills seminars for charities, in which companies share their expertise in critical topics such as growth and development, marketing and comms, digital and online, and HR and talent management.

The first seminar took place in November, hosted

by CPM in Thame.

Reciprocate businesses have also contributed to a series of best-practice guides on community engagement themes, in particular sharing experience of running an effective Charity of the Year programme (one that doesn’t leave the charity with a significant drop in income when the relationship ends), and of developing a sustained, long-term partnership www.b4-business.com

with a charity instead. Member companies have contributed towards a step-by-step guide to offering quality work experience, with further guidance in the pipeline on how to support vulnerable adults, such as ex-offenders, back into the workplace.

In October, Reciprocate members were invited to a special reception given by Thames Valley Police chief Francis Habgood and colleagues, which gave them a unique insight into how to combat cybercrime, and encouraged them to develop their knowledge of the social problems on their doorsteps.

at the Saïd Business School, Andy will share his personal insights about ethical business and building the community credentials of a world-leading brand.

We believe that this will be an inspiration for many more businesses to join Reciprocate and build better relationships with the communities in which they operate.

If you would like to know more or to sign up to become a member of Reciprocate, please contact us below.

Date for the diary Alongside its focus on actively supporting employee volunteering in Oxfordshire, Reciprocate has exciting plans for 2017. Reciprocate members and the wider business community will be invited to a Reciprocate event on 14th February 2017 with Andy Street, who will talk about his recent decision to swap his role as MD of John Lewis for the potential of becoming Mayor of Birmingham. Over a Q&A and breakfast

 reciprocate@oxfordshire.org  01865 798 666  www.ReciprocateOx.org

69

THE B4 90 DAY CHALLENGE After an indulgent festive season and with varying targets ahead of us for 2017, Tom Alden came up with the bright idea of three generations attempting a 90 Day Challenge. It soon spiralled out of control from there with additional support in the form of Helen Money Nutrition and Jo O’Donovan providing expert physio support and even another member of the family joining in. So what does a 90 Day Challenge entail?

A better way of life, hopefully, with a clearer mind, a little bit of weight off and healthy eating. Spanning 57 years (now 60 with the addition of 16 year old Abi to the team) we all have our different levels of fitness, fatness (!) and strength. All of us have our own vices when it comes to eating and drinking so getting everyone on the same page was going to take some thought and effort. But, two weeks into the challenge and we are all reaping the rewards thanks to the expert support of Tom, Helen and Jo.

THE TEAM TLA Fitness (Tom Alden) TLA Fitness offer Personal Training, private group training, studio classes and bootcamps around Oxfordshire.

Knowing and understanding the importance for training to fit into busy lifestyles, we offer to travel out to residential properties, companies and school locations to deliver training. The TLA trainers are a highly experienced and qualified team, with a strong emphasis on commitment, loyalty and enjoyment whilst training. The TLA Fitness team will work to tailor your experience, finding the right workout to suit your individual ability, fitness and training needs. We will set personal goals and potentially get you involved in team events if it’s right for you.

 www.tlafitness.com  07554 400 401  tom@tlafitness.com

Helen Money Nutrition (Helen Money) Helen Money Nutrition provides nutritional advice through private consultations, workshops, talks and written articles. Helen works with clients to enable them to perform to the best of their ability be it in the boardroom, on the sports field or at home. Helen covers a wide range of nutrition issues including weight loss, fatigue, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, IBS and health maintenance. Helen has particular interests in sports nutrition and workplace wellbeing.

 www.helenmoneynutrition.com  07961 394 201  helen@helenmoneynutrition.com

Complete Massage (Jo O’Donovan) We are based in Kidlington, and specialise in Sports and Remedial Massage (or Soft Tissue Therapy).

Treatments aim to increase mobility, improve posture and alignment, reduce injury risk, assist in recovery, and provide stress relief and relaxation. Joanne, the company owner has been practising massage for over 10 years. During that time she’s worked with a range of clients including elite and recreational athletes for body maintenance, repetitive strain and injury. Also with clients who suffer health conditions such as Parkinson’s, MS, fibromyalgia, brain injury, depression and anxiety. Alternative treatments include, Dry Needling Therapy (Western Medical Acupuncture), Swedish Massage, Indian Head Massage, Kinesiology Taping and Yoga.

 www.sportsmassageoxford.com  07511 593 356  sportsmassageoxford@gmail.com

70

www.b4-business.com

FIT4BUSINESS WITH B4 THE PARTICIPANTS Colin Rosser, 76

Richard Rosser, 48

Still fit as a fiddle, cross-trains at least 4 times a week. Having moved from the family home of 36 years in December to a new property in Bletchingdon, Colin wants to make the most of more time on his hands to focus on improving his fitness, which is already good, and cutting out the naughty things. “I like a snack – that’s what the grandchildren know me for – but I’m really enjoying the new food plan that Helen has given me and I’m cutting out the naughtier things much easier than I thought. Delighted to be taking part and really feeling the benefit at an early stage.”

Into his fitness, not that it shows! Veteran of the past two London Marathons and with a third coming up in April this year, Richard wants to make sure he puts in a significantly better time than the first two attempts. “I couldn’t wait to get onto the plan and I’m already reaping the rewards. Since January 2nd (the 90 days actually started on 1st February) I’ve lost 5kg so 30% of the way towards my target weight – I think cutting out drink for over 5 weeks has been a bit factor (not that I have a problem I hasten to add!. It’s easier to block off a period of time and just focus on getting fit and eating right than I thought it would be. The support team have been a massive encouragement and we couldn’t do it without them.”

Target: Weight loss, tone and improve time for his third London Marathon in April

Target: Maintain and improve his fitness without doing long term damage

Edward Rosser, 20

Abi Rosser, 16

By his own admission, he should be fitter.

He’s almost managed to quit smoking and has approached the challenge with a real determination to get stronger and toned. “I really need something like this to get me in gear – it’s easy just to drift, especially at my age! I’m really enjoying the food and when I’ve had a couple of lapses – come on, what do you expect, I’m 19! – then you really notice the difference between the good and the bad food. The good food is really tasty and it adds to the enjoyment to know it’s doing me some good!”

Target: Quit smoking and get fit, simple

A late recruit, Abi is keen to tone up and get more definition so those selfies look even better than they do already! How many selfies a day? It’s a lot! “I’m really enjoying the 90 Day Challenge but without me Dad wouldn’t be doing his exercise every day – don’t tell him I said that! I’m really noticing the benefits and it’s certainly giving me the results I want after only a couple of weeks. I now LOVE apples! Never been a big fan to be honest but I’m discovering lots of new foods which I never thought I would enjoy! Kale and butternut are gorgeous!”

Target: Get defined abs and slimmer legs

THE CHALLENGE FOR THE SUPPORT TEAM Fitness TLA Fitness will be delivering four completely separate programmes to four completely different individuals; Colin, Richard, Ed and Abi. The training programmes will be completely varied but will be relevant for each individual to see, feel and notice a considerable change over 90 days. As well as working 1:1 with a TLA trainer, there will be homework for each individual, sometimes on a daily basis. Each programme will be varied and more importantly, enjoyable. Strong emphasis will also be placed on communication between the TLA team and the individuals to ensure the programmes are being followed. The 90 days will be broken down into three bitesize chunks every 30 days, which will enable the individuals to reach more achievable targets both mentally and physically, and then by the time the 90 days are up, the main goal will (hopefully!) be achieved.

Nutrition Colin, Richard, Ed and Abi will all have 4 consultations, as well as weekly email or text contact. Richard, Ed and Abi will have set diet plans and Colin will receive guidance on eating principles, foods to include and

www.b4-business.com

those to limit. All have different goals, for Colin I am looking to create eating patterns that will support long term wellbeing. Richard will have an initial 4 week weight loss plan, thereafter his diet will be designed to support endurance performance in the lead up to the marathon. Ed’s diet plan will be designed along with his training program to build muscle, and Abi’s for general well being and creating a glow!

Body Maintenance

to reduce tension and improve mobility. This must be paired with the core and postural exercise, given

by TLA and Helen’s nutritional advice to help his muscles recover well, and keep energy levels up.

The main aim for Colin is to stay fit and well, so he can continue an active and fulfilled lifestyle. Joanne will focus treatments on improving mobility and circulation to the joints. He will be focusing on core and postural exercise with TLA.

Joanne will be treating Ed with Soft Tissue Therapy.

This can help correct misalignment of the body, help the muscles to recover from strength work, relieve areas of excess tension, and help improve circulation to weaker or inactive muscles. At 19 it’s important for Ed to get these foundations right to avoid injury while undertaking strength exercise that can stress the joints and muscles.

At 16 Abi is unlikely have many musculoskeletal complaints. However, undertaking this new exercise programme, may show up some areas of tension from day to day lifestyle, such as sitting at a desk for long periods. Abi’s massage treatments will be focused on keeping good posture and alignment.

Richard is running his third London Marathon this year and training up to 5 times a week. Sports and Remedial massage will be key to help his muscles recover and prevent overuse injury. Joanne will be assessing his posture and using massage techniques

90 DAY CHALLENGE

71

B4

health & fitness

THE IMPORTANCE OF HEARING People naturally like to connect to one another and to the environment around. Hearing is an important medium which helps us in this process. Read on to find out more about the importance of hearing.

Written by: Vincent Tripp Photography by: JJ Hunt Photography (practice photis)

Why hearing is important Consider all the sounds that surround you every single day: a child laughing, a bird singing, a friend chatting, or a great song on the radio - it is this symphony of sounds that makes life richer.

Hearing empowers us and helps us lead our everyday lives without limitations. It enables us to socialize, work and communicate. It also helps us to stay connected to the outside world and it keeps us safe by warning us of potential danger. A telephone ringing, a restless baby or the blare of a fire alarm is just a few examples of important signals that we need to be able to hear.

Living with hearing loss Hearing is an easy thing to take for granted.

Occasionally we might miss a few words, but in general we move around effortlessly in everyday life, talking to one another, chatting over the phone or listening to the TV, without paying it a second thought.

Things are not nearly as easy with a hearing loss.

72

When hearing loss occurs, a simple thing like following a conversation in a restaurant or hearing the doorbell or telephone can become a real issue.

You may start to experience all sorts of emotions – from worry to sadness and loneliness. You may also feel tired and irritable from having to concentrate just to hear what people are saying. Left unattended, hearing loss can ultimately lead to feelings of isolation and depression.

information it receives must be as accurate and as detailed as possible.

Recognize the signs

What does hearing loss sound like?

Happily, things do not have to stay that way. Thanks to the latest technology, there are many products out there that can help you to overcome the difficulties of hearing loss. That’s why it’s important to recognize the signs and symptoms as early as possible, so that a hearing loss doesn’t limit your social life.

Hearing loss is not the same as turning down the volume of a sound. What usually happens is certain sounds, tones, and pitches become more difficult for you to hear. What makes speech so hard to follow with a hearing loss is that it involves so many different sounds in a rapid flow.

Why two ears?

Age related hearing loss (sensorineural hearing loss) initially effects the high frequency sounds. These high pitch sounds such as “s”, “f”, “sh” and “t” play a key role in our ability to understand speech clearly.

Without these high pitch speech sounds speech can sound muffled. This is why a person with this type

Why do people have two ears? Basically, it is to widen the scope of your hearing so you can find out where sounds are coming from, and from what distance.

In reality it is not your ears that do the listening, but your brain. And to interpret sounds correctly, the

A friend is calling from across the street. Someone is tapping on your kitchen window. A car is honking its horn. In situations like these, how do you know which way to look? The fact is that the sounds will reach one ear fractionally faster and louder than the other, and your brain registers these subtle differences.

www.b4-business.com

of hearing loss will often say, “I can hear but I don’t understand what is being said”.

For example, if someone says “statue” and all you can hear is “s_a_ue”, you will be forced to try and guess the rest, by which time the conversation will have moved on.

Below are three illustrations which show the difference a hearing loss has on letters compared to a visual impairment.

Don’t be the last to know Hearing loss can creep up so slowly that the person affected is often the last one to know. In fact, family members, friends or colleagues are likely to spot the problem before you do. They might say that you are not listening to them, or that the television is turned up far too loud. And they might wonder why you don’t answer the doorbell or telephone when they

are trying to get a hold of you. The real problem is often not the condition itself – but that we do not recognize it and do something about it.

Test your hearing Our hearing healthcare practice has earned an excellent reputation in Oxford and the surrounding areas for providing a wide range of digital hearing aids and also for our microsuction ear wax removal clinic.

all your digital hearing instrument options.

We have clinics around Oxfordshire in Oxford, Abingdon, Chipping Norton and Goring so Tara Tripp Hearing Care may be closer than you think.

To find out more about your hearing and how we can help, contact Tara Tripp Hearing Care today.

We understand that hearing loss and tinnitus can interfere with your quality of life and we recognize that it is essential that you receive the care, attention and expertise to find the best solution to solve or manage your hearing impairment.

Our personalised hearing tests utilise state of the art equipment and result in a comprehensive and detailed report on your hearing and a full analysis of

 enquiries@tripphearing.co.uk  01865 910 202  www.tripphearing.co.uk

VISUAL IMPAIRMENT

HEARING IMPAIRMENT

EYE CHART

NORMAL HEARING

www.b4-business.com

73

HOUSE ON THE HILL

Design & Web tips Design and communication can mean personal preference, or it can mean adhering to strict branding guidelines. Regardless of the type of design or web work you do, there is fundamental knowledge you should be aware of and a variety of tips and tricks for motivation and ideas. Check out some of ours below. Written by: House on the Hill

Thinking about a career in Graphic Design?

Written by: Rob Scotcher, Designer, Photographer & Videographer

Whether you are a student thinking about a course in design or a professional looking for a career change, we here at House on the Hill hope to highlight a few speed bumps you might encounter along the way and prepare you for the world of design and print.

Many people's idea of a designer is someone that effortlessly creates adverts, posters, magazines and other printed goods, creating logos and illustrations to a certain degree too. The truth is designers are a diverse bunch. Gone are the days of a designer solely tinkering with fonts and sizes to fit the perfect magazine layout. Today, designers are expected to do everything from print design, web design, photography, video and animation.

There are even some places that would require you to code in Python or similar and others that require you to know Cinema 4D or similar.

For your average student thinking of entering the world of design, or a graduate fresh out of University, the job market must be a scary prospect to tackle. First off, all is not lost if you aren’t up to date in the latest design practices.

To combat your lack of experience in certain areas of design, make sure you are perfecting the fundamentals. If you work off of a solid base of knowledge in any area of design, you'll usually get by. Communicating a clear message to your audience while making it engaging is the core of everything you will be doing.

74

You may also find that the job you land ends up requiring you to learn a program you were previously unfamiliar with. There are a lot of tools that a designer will use daily, basic programs like Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign are all important first steps. But as employers' expectations increase, so must your knowledge of design programs. Today, for any designer going into a new role, we would recommend an expert knowledge of Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign, then a decent working knowledge of Premier Pro, Dreamweaver, After Effects, Lightroom and Audition, with a basic knowledge of Cinema 4D. Most of these are easy to pick up with many good quality tutorials on YouTube that can help you diversify your portfolio.

When it comes to web development, if you are going in with no prior knowledge an easy place to start is by learning the basics of HTML and CSS in a Bootstrap environment. This core knowledge will enable you to create good looking, if basic, websites for your clients. From there you can move into a variety of coding languages depending on what you are interested in creating, or what is asked of you. Check out FreeCodeCamp for free lessons on a variety of coding languages.

A few things to look out for: Education shortfalls University will not teach you everything you need to know about a career in design. A lot of Universities even fail to teach students the very basics of the job. If you don’t know the difference between RGB and CMYK at the end of the first semester I would reconsider the course. However, there are designers on £30,000+ in some professional London agencies right now that constantly fail basic

print checks (low res. imagery, RGB format, no bleed etc.) - All style, no substance.

Don't be like them, learn your craft!

Cost When learning to design or if you are a freelancer, buying a computer plus all the software is extremely expensive! Adobe CC costs from £15 to £45 a month alone, so maybe look into getting Adobe CS6 Creative Suite instead. It’s an older, cheaper version of the current Adobe offering, but you can still do the job with these tools just fine! When it comes to a computer, you do not need an Apple Mac to be a designer but you will find that a lot of agencies use them and so you may be required to. Macs are often chosen due to their native anti-aliasing and support for retina displays, but aside from that a PC will do everything you need it to, are much easier to upgrade without needing to buy a whole new machine, and will cost less to get you up and running.

Conclusion Everyone will have their own experiences. The above advice has worked for us and makes the most sense to us, but the world of design is constantly changing. Regardless, what it really boils down to is knowing the basics, standing by your methods and learning as many tools as possible to make what’s in your head a reality.

Pick up the next issue of B4 Magazine for more tips and tricks from House on the Hill!

www.b4-business.com

B4

SEO

5 quick tips

Written by: Keith Simpson, Senior Designer & Web builder

This issue I thought I would look at a few tips when it comes to optimising your SEO content on your website. Don't be afraid of SEO, it isn't a black art and you can do a lot of the work yourself.

1. Duplicate content: You should try to avoid this where possible.

Google can look at your website and interpret this as spamming, but in general you won’t be penalised for doing this, but having clearly defined content on each page without replication will help it to be ranked and indexed correctly and ensure the searcher finds the correct content they are looking for. It also avoids a less desirable page on your site being ranked which could cause a searcher to leave your site.

2. Image optimisation: Search engines can't read images, so to make them easily indexable you can do a few simple things to help. Each image has an 'Alt Tag', 'File Name' and a 'Description'. Making these relevant to the image and the page content will help to rank the page, and also be more relevant to the person searching. A file name of 'DCMIMAGE10.jpg' isn't going to help if your webpage is about Roses, but calling it 'redroses.jpg' which is descriptive, would give it relevance. Be sure to use the same idea when it comes to your alt tags, as they describe the image and its relationship to the page content. Alt tags are used by screen reader software for visually impaired people, so you should give a clear description of the image.

3. Focus on content: You should ensure your titles relate to the page content or keywords clearly. Titles need to be concise, relevant and engaging! Make your content simple and specific to a topic area. Trying to squeeze in extra, irrelevant information won’t help your rankings.

Search engines have really evolved in the last few years to use intelligent algorithms to understand context and conversational language.

4. Use Heading Tags correctly, they are there to help: Using tags correctly, like H1 through H6, structures the content on a webpage and results in increased website usability for searchers. H1 is your main topic or focus of a page, and H2 to H6 tags support the main topic in an ascending hierarchical order. These tags should be on topic and relevant to the page topic for which your wish to rank. You should also only have H1 once on a page, multiple H1 tags will make it difficult for search engines to know what the main focus of the page is.

5. Are you mobile friendly?: Mobile friendliness is definitely a major factor for Google, its algorithms focus on elevating content that is mobile friendly. It’s important to note that desktop search results are not impacted by this update. Many of us use our mobiles for pretty much everything. If you’re building a new site, make sure it is responsive from the start.

marketing

Colour me impressed Written by: Emma Davis, Designer & Social Media

Colour is one of the most powerful tools that a designer can draw upon and understanding how colour affects us is key in communicating messages effectively.

So how do you make the best colour choice for your next promotional leaflet, company logo or website? It is important to remember that each colour has both positive and negative connotations. An example is the colour green, which can have positive attributes in the sense of nature and the environment, but it can also be seen as the colour of envy and greed.

When you are putting a piece of design together, you should use the powerful role of colour to communicate the meaning of the words and pictures you use. To reflect on this in everyday life you could look at; police cells which are painted in pastel shades, theme parks which use bright reds and oranges and solicitors which favour blue.

Meet the Designers Keith Simpson Keith is our Senior Designer and has been with us for over 14 years. Having shaped how the company has moved forward, he continues to innovate in print and Web design.

Ouside of work, when not dabbling with design, he dotes on his lovely cat Ivy and is an avid collector of vinyl.

Rob Scotcher Rob has been with us for close to 8 years and throughout that time has evolved from a fresh from uni junior designer into a multiskilled designer, developer, photographer and videographer.

Outside of the office he likes to work on his skills, spend time with friends in run down pubs, pet attractive dogs and snowboard.

Emma Davis Emma joined The In Oxford Group in 2015 as a Production Assistant and had previously studied a Level 3 Extended Diploma in Art and Design and looks to develop her skills in the area of design whilst working with our team.

In her spare time Emma likes to produce portrait illustrations and is in love with her new Mini.

Well I hope those small tips have got you thinking about how you could get more involved with your website, and help your rankings!

 01865 742211  studio@hothdesign.co.uk  www.hothdesign.co.uk www.b4-business.com

75

When customer satisfaction levels go right off the rails Phil Strachan, Business and Brand Alchemist at Strangebrew, recounts an example of bad customer experience where any attempt at delivering good customer satisfaction was most definitely not on track and became totally derailed.

Written by: Phil Strachan Photography by: Carli Adby, Adby Creative

Any brand experience, whether good or bad and whether it relates to a product or a service, can have very significant consequences in terms of perceptions of the brand involved and the business or organisation behind it. This seems very obvious and almost unnecessary to say because in today’s highly competitive markets, if a business or organisation fails to deliver a good customer experience, to deliver value for money and to deliver the expected level of customer satisfaction, its customers will simply switch to a competitor to get the level of service and value for money expected. However, if a business or organisation has what is an effective monopoly, ie it has no real direct competition and its customers or consumers have little or no choice but to use their product or service, does that mean that they should put any less effort into delivering a good brand experience, good value for money and a good level of customer satisfaction?

A few weeks ago, I had the misfortune to travel by rail from Reading to Manchester on an early morning train – the 7.15am departure to be precise. I had arrived at Reading station complete with ticket in plenty of time at 6.50 because I wanted to make sure that I got a good seat and preferably one of the few with extra legroom because it was a business trip and I wanted to relax and work on my PC on the three hour plus journey to Manchester. Since the train apparently started from Reading (unlike others which stop at Reading having set off from say Paddington), getting a seat should not have been a problem.

Everything looked good – the train came into the platform about 10 minutes before the due departure time and I was one of the very first on the platform standing there as the train came in. Having established that the train would go out in the opposite direction

76

and that the first class carriage (I was not planning to travel first class) would be at the far end off the train, I joined probably 12 to 15 people at the doors of the carriage which would be at the rear of the train.

Since the train was made up of five carriages and I estimate that there were 12 to 15 people ready to board at each of the 10 doors on the train they could probably all have been accommodated in just one or at the most two of the five carriages.

“

She then said, and I really loved this, that buying a ticket on the train only entitled me to travel on it – not to a seat on it - which is in fact a condition of travel.

”

When the train had pulled to a halt, some people got off from each carriage - but not that many. However, that mattered little since I was getting onto what I believed would be an empty train starting off from Reading. The reality turned out to be somewhat different however because what I and others getting onto the train discovered was that the seats in the carriage were already about 80 to 85% occupied and those that were not were reserved from Reading or Oxford to various stations en route to Manchester Piccadilly.

We all walked the length of the carriage desperately and in vain looking for an unreserved seat but doing so soon became problematic because we deluded hopefuls suddenly met head on similarly desperate vacant seat seekers who had got on to the carriage at the other end. So we all came to the conclusion that we had chosen to try the one wrong carriage and we formed a procession of disgruntled but hopeful ticket holders who then moved through to the next carriage where vacant seats would surely be available – it was after all our fault for choosing to get on the wrong carriage! But no, all we found was exactly the same in the next carriage with seats fully occupied or reserved and people going in both directions, some carrying coffee, looking at every seat indicator in the forlorn hope of finding a vacant and available seat.

So, we all moved on to the third carriage – but then it began to get really messy! Suddenly we were heading for carnage in the carriage as the two and a half carriages worth of increasingly frustrated, disgruntled and desperate seat seekers coming from the back of the train (who had bought tickets to travel and reasonably expected a seat) met head on with the two and a half carriages worth of equally, frustrated, disgruntled and desperate ticket holding seat seekers coming from the front of the train. By that time the train had moved off and many had just given up and had thrown themselves on the floor in the lobbyways between carriages or had just decided to stand there which did not help moving (or more accurately battling your way) through the train. On my way through towards the front of the train, still seeking a seat and finding it hard to believe the experience I was encountering, I met many others who commented on the mayhem, the appalling situation that they, as ticket holders, were experiencing. Many had, like myself planned to work on laptops etc and sat on the floor attempting to do so. There was much customer dissatisfaction!!

www.b4-business.com

B4

Increasingly, it was becoming impossible to move through the train because a strange game of musical chairs had begun to happen – because throughout the train people who had just sat down in theoretically reserved seats through desperation were being politely ‘evicted’ by those who had reserved them when they themselves had eventually managed to fight their way to them. Musical chairs indeed but not a lot of fun because the only musical that came to mind was ‘Les Miserables’ because the train was packed by very hacked off, extremely fed up and truly miserable ticket holders who had reasonably expected a seat as a return for their investment in a ticket bought in good faith.

Eventually, I came to the first class carriage at the front of the train and I pushed my way gently through the collection of unsmiling and cheesed off standing and sitting bodies who had just given up and had parked themselves in the lobbyway (or maybe class divide is a better description!) just before it. Looking into the carriage, I saw something very unusual and by this time totally unexpected – OMG three vacant seats!

Sure, they were in first class. Which begs a question if that one carriage is for passengers described as first class, what terminology applied to the rest of us - who surely made up well in excess of 95% of the passengers. Were we second class, were we standard class or were we simply the riff raff, the undesirables. Was this really any way to treat the bulk of your customers, any way to deliver a good customer experience, any way to build a good brand and brand loyalty.

Anyway, I decided that since there was a spare seat in first class, I would sit in it temporarily until we got to at least Oxford (the first stop) at which point some people would inevitably be getting off. I sat opposite a chap probably in this early thirties and we discussed

www.b4-business.com

what a crazy situation it was because by that time there must have been of the order of 150 to 200 people at least standing on the train in the carriages and in the lobbyways between the carriages – and how safe is that? – Do health and safety not have a view on this at all? – they seem to have on everything else and in this case it would seem justified. It is surely downright dangerous? And at what point does overcrowding be deemed to have happened.

The chap I was sitting opposite me told me that he travelled on that train every day and he assured me that what was happening that day was normal service, it was that way everyday - indeed that was why he was sitting in first class because it was the only way he could ever get a seat, be relaxed and do any work! Importantly though, he was not in first class and paying for it because he chose to be or wanted to be but instead just to get a seat on the train. We discussed how bad it was but after about 10 minutes, a member of staff came to check the tickets and take orders for breakfast for the first class travellers. I of course told her that I was not a first class passenger but that there were no seats on the train – she politely said that I would have to leave the seat and carriage even though the seat was vacant because there were first class passengers who had paid for first class in the carriage. I very politely pointed out all the people standing and sitting in the lobbyway and I also politely pointed out that I had paid quite a large amount of money myself with the reasonable expectation of a seat and value for money – rather than the prospect of standing all the way or much of the way from Reading to Manchester. I said that if she found me a seat in ‘inferior class’ I would gladly go and take it but I also said that I would move from the first class seat/carriage when the train stopped at the first stop in Oxford when some people would get off and possibly free up some seats.

marketing

She again said that I would have to move and that she would get the train manager to talk to me. She then said, and I really loved this, that buying a ticket on the train only entitled me to travel on it – not to a seat on it - which is in fact a condition of travel – See the 35 page National Rail Conditions of Travel Oct 2016 – ‘Unless you have made a reservation please note that your Ticket does not automatically entitle you to a seat, and at busy times you may have to stand.’ Fine and understandable – but if this is happening every day, surely it is entirely possible and in everyone’s interest (including the train operator’s) to take account of this and to prevent such bad customer experience and such levels of customer dissatisfaction by simply putting on a few more carriages. My view is very clear and that even if you have an effective monopoly, you should still always aim to deliver a high level of customer and brand experience and aim for a high level of customer satisfaction. The problem is that as a nation we put up with such bad service - we seem frightened to complain - so maybe we just get what we deserve!.

NB – I did eventually get a seat but not at Oxford because the seats vacated there were then occupied by those who had been hovering over them and also many new passengers boarded at Oxford.

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

77

Growing your business has never been easier Effective web based sales and marketing software for small business Imagine a sales and marketing system that actually made your life easier. All of your customer details in one place, an easy way to communicate to your whole customer base.

Build strong relationships with all of your customers, find out what they like, keep them coming back for more, time and time again.

Take a 14 day free trial of InTouch today, visit:

www.intouchcrm.com

B4

services

Max’s Kitchen at The King’s Centre

Catering a class above Are you looking for an extra refreshing kick to get your meeting ticking? Do you dream of events galvanized by delicious tastes at fantastic prices? Wouldn’t you just like a drop of luxury in a great day’s work?

Written by: Mark Poniatowski

Photography by: Rob Scotcher

Let me tell you: at the King’s Centre, Max’s Kitchen is open for business. Our Head Chef Maksymilian Rapacz has a distinguished history.

Now based at the King’s Centre, Max’s Kitchen continually delivers tasty treats which astound our clients and staff alike.

We use only the freshest, highest quality ingredients to produce food inspired by a range of cuisines from around the world. Our catering is crafted with a depth of precision and care that goes into every sandwich, salad and soup. This care counts towards creating catering that is a class above. Just take Max’s Oxford Sandwich for example. Inspired by a commitment to locally sourced produce, this simplest of delicacies is created with a good slice of Oxfordshire beef and a slather of local Oxford Blue cheese to complete a taste sensation which will rock your everyday sandwich selection. Our clients consistently tell us that our food is the best around and keep on coming back for more!

He also has an incredible expertise in providing top-of-the range corporate meals. See, for example, this menu from a recent event at the King’s Centre:

Starters

• Breast of chicken with potato gnocchi, courgette and a tomato and olive sauce • Wild mushroom risotto, aged parmesan and Italian herbs and olives • Slowly braised belly of pork with apple sauce, garlic purée and port jus • Sea bass, zucchini gratin and parsnip mousse

Desserts • Soft Belgian chocolate cheesecake with mascarpone and raspberries • Tonka and rum jelly with panna cotta • Selected cheeses with handmade chutney.

What’s more, we’re “ flexible to fit! We’re the Centre that bends over backwards for you.

Think of something that’s not on our menu? Not a problem!

We know that the standard of catering can make or break your conference or event. You’re working hard; you need good cuisine to match. Why not rely on Max and his kitchen staff to give your delegates the quality of refreshments that they deserve at a price that won’t break the bank. Choose the King’s Centre, Oxford for your next event for catering that goes a class above the rest.

”

• Roast pumpkin and charred onion salad with goat’s cheese and basil • Chicken and ham hock terrine with cauliflower and onion brioche • Poached salmon, spiced lentils and beetroot purée •

What’s more, we’re flexible to fit! We’re the Centre that bends over backwards for you. Think of something that’s not on our menu? Not a problem!

Our Max is as creative as he is talented and will come up with a menu to suit. No dietary requirement is a step too far for our star chef. Just let us know and he’ll come up with some delectable morsels for you to devour.

• Duck leg with celeriac and vanilla purée • Roasted lamb rump with salsify and wild mushrooms

We honestly think he’s got all bases covered. Want a breakfast to give a kickstart to the day? He’ll do anything from hand-crafted French Pastries to

Mains

www.b4-business.com

American Pancakes or even a traditional Full English.

How about a hot buffet lunch to wow and warm up your delegates? He’s got deluxe French, Greek, Indian, Italian and Middle Eastern options up his sleeves and more. Why not add some homemade cakes and cookies to rejuvenate your energy through to the end of the day? (We’ll let you in on a secret, with his patisserie past, these are Max’s faves. Give him a chance to show what he can do and he’ll wow your socks off, that’s for sure.)

 bookings@kingscentre.co.uk  01865 297 400  www.kingscentre.co.uk

79

Your business’s New Year’s resolution…

Richard Marsh, the CEO of a fast-growing local IT firm based in Faringdon Oxfordshire is helping businesses with the severity of down-time and data loss.

Written by: Richard Marsh

“At CIS we understand that not everyone appreciates the nuts and bolts of IT technology, so we ensure that the problem of losing money through disaster, down-time and data loss is explained in a way that’s relevant and a solution is presented in plain English. We help you plan to avoid disaster striking and mitigate the damage done if it does” - Richard Marsh.

and mitigating loss of revenue which keeps you and your business, but more importantly your clients, happy.

The solution is Disaster Recovery

A backup system is a great start but if it is manual, untested and located in the same location as your IT systems is it reliable enough to bet your business on?

But what is Disaster Recovery (DR) I hear you say? If you understand backup then you’re halfway there but the difference between backup and DR is like the difference between running out of petrol and having your car written off. Both stop you from getting to your destination, but the latter is a lot more difficult and expensive to recover from.

Your data is the life-blood of your business – as valuable as cash.

You employ professionals to help you manage your company’s finances – why would you treat your data any differently?

Any single point of failure whether that be hardware, software, personnel, connectivity or a power source is leaving you wide open to downtime. If disaster strikes, do you have a plan B?

Your thoughts…

It’s too expensive

But I already have a backup system in house…

When an emergency strikes your business, you need to be 100% confident that you can be back up and running as usual as quickly as possible.

For more information on Disaster Recovery planning please speak to me or one of our experts. Contact us below.

Losing business data is one thing but what if your employees couldn’t work for a day? Or worse, a whole week!? Once you start weighing up the costs, of not being open for business and include the possible damage to your reputation, you should then start to see the importance of implementing a solid DR plan.

What will DR do for me?

Having a DR plan in place means you’re reducing the risk of downtime

80

 richard.marsh@cisltd.com  01367 700 555  www.cisltd.com

www.b4-business.com

B4

services

Your data is the life-blood of your business – as “ valuable as cash. You don’t keep your hard-earned salary in a metal box underneath your bed but rather in a purpose-built building - a bank - so why would you treat your data any differently?

Richard Marsh, CEO, CIS

www.b4-business.com

”

81

No risk...No worries...total performance Xerox Supplies for Non-Xerox Printers from Aston & James!

Whatever your printer brand, Xerox Supplies from Aston and James have your printing needs covered with savings, quality, performance and reliability. Xerox Replacement Cartridges on average are 25% cheaper than an original branded version. They offer a Lifetime Guarantee, Customer Hotline, Free replacement of defective cartridges, and complete reimbursement in case of printer damage Written by: Gemma Mallon

The quality of Xerox Supplies for non-Xerox Printers is just what you would expect from the leader in toner technology. Xerox has engineered and tested a range of toner cartridges for use with HP®, Brother®, Lexmark™, Kyocera®, OKI™, Canon, Epson, IBM–InfoPrint and Panasonic printers • You want crisp, sharp images and a number of pages equal to or better than the stated yield of your OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) cartridge. Xerox Supplies can do that.

• You want to minimise downtime and service calls and drive your printer to maximum productivity. Aston and James understand.

• Quality Engineered to meet OEM standards… and then some.

Xerox invented toner 60 years ago, and then invented laser cartridges. Xerographic expertise means that with Xerox laser cartridges, you can expect great performance from the first print to the last. Triple tested for quality assurance. Rigorous testing and depth of xerographic technology knowledge enable Xerox to put quality into every Xerox laser cartridge - from engineering design to manufacturing to your final output.

Performance • Put Xerox quality into your printer and get the triple benefit of Total Performance Warranty: OEM Quality Xerox actually invented laser printing and has engineering laboratories dedicated to cartridge and drum product performance.

• Xerox engineer their cartridges so that the page yield and performance is equal to, or significantly better than the OEM. • Xerox won’t offer a cartridge if it won’t pass their testing - from first print to last, in a variety of stressful environmental conditions.

Lifetime Guarantee • If there is still toner in your Xerox cartridge, the last page will look as good as the first. If not, Xerox will replace the cartridge to ensure that you are satisfied. It’s that easy. No worries.

• Risk free printing • When you choose a Xerox brand cartridge for your printer, there is 82

no risk to your printer OEM warranty. If our cartridge is responsible for any printer damage, Xerox will pay your repair costs. It’s that simple. No risk.

Sustainability • Xerox invented the printer cartridge and all other OEMs use them today. Xerox Supplies replacement cartridges keep plastic out of the waste stream. While they contain new and reprocessed components, all critical xerographic parts are 100% new.

• Xerox has a very long history of environmental stewardship. Their replacement cartridges not only save you money, but help to keep waste from landfills. It’s the best option for your business and for the environment. And, when you recycle used cartridges locally, it lowers your carbon footprint. Great news by any calculation.

• Certified to meet your expectations.

• Xerox production and distribution facilities meet ISO 9001 standards as well as ISO 14001 environmental standards. Their quality standards comply with DIN33870.

• You can be confident that Xerox is fully compliant with all the relevant laws and statutes.

Free Collection Aston and James also provide their customers with a completely free collection service for all used toner and ink cartridges. To find out more about this service or to request a free collection, give them a call on 01993 706900 or visit: www.aston-james.co.uk/toner_recycling_enquiry_form.asp Let Aston and James quote you happy on your cartridges! Contact them today to find out more below.

CONTACT DETAILS

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

www.b4-business.com

B4

services

The savings you’ll make may be a surprise!

Immediate savings: Two ways to save more

+

=

Between 25% and 40% cost savings compared to HP®, Brother®, Lexmark™, Kyocera®, OKI™, Canon, Epson, IBM– InfoPrint and Panasonic cartridges Xerox cartridges deliver page yields equal to or significantly better than the listed original branded yields Lower cost per page on all Xerox cartridges compared to the listed original branded version.

Confidence: Worry-free printing, page after page.

Unconditional lifetime guarantee.

• Using Xerox® cartridges does not invalidate your printer warranty • Xerox® free helpline for support to endcustomers • Xerox® cartridges are designed to minimise waste and reuse or recycle materials

Quality: From the leader in toner technology • Xerox® is the leader in toner technology with excellence in colour • 100% post-manufacturing print testing ensures optimal print quality/performance out of the box • Designed and developed to industry standard specifications

Breadth of portfolio: Covering the most popular original branded printers • Extensive and increasing range of cartridges: HP®, Brother®, Lexmark™, Kyocera®, OKI™, Canon and other printer models • Current support for over 750 of the most common printer models in the marketplace (99% coverage of HP & Brother printer laser models in Western Europe)

www.b4-business.com

83

Traditional buildings in Chapel Quad

170 seat Pichette Auditorium ©Quintin Lake

Another wonderful day at “Pembroke, our thanks to all

involved - the administrative staff responsible for arrangements, the chef for the excellence of the food, the Hall steward for her efficient assistance throughout Pembroke’s Hall © Quintin Lake

”

Martin Gaughan, TCD

Inside the Hall – a beautiful banquet setting

PEMBROKE COLLEGE Pembroke is a College of beautiful juxtapositions: Heritage buildings alongside awardwinning 21st century architecture. The rich history and atmosphere of academia combined with the convenience of state-of-the-art conference facilities. Traditional candle-lit dining experiences in our 150 year old Hall paired with sophisticated modern British cuisine.

Written by: Ellen Brady, Steve Capper, Charlie Harris, Kevin Dudley, Jane Osborne Photography by: Quintin Lake, Shannon Dudley, Beata Rauk, Phil Sills, Lara Avincola

A TEAM EFFORT However, it is not only these qualities for which Pembroke is renowned as an outstanding location for meetings, dinners, lectures, conferences and accommodation. Rather it is the people at the heart of Pembroke, the staff who are responsible for every aspect of making an event a success, that make our College the venue clients return to again and again. Each role is crucial, and every member of our team cares about working together to provide an experience that is welcoming and friendly whilst also highly professional and efficient. We’d like to introduce you to some of the people behind your events:

Ellen Brady, Head of Events Organise Your Event Effortlessly “Hosting your event, no matter how large or small, at Pembroke College couldn’t be more stress-free.

84

Our experienced Events Team are with you step-bystep from enquiry through to delivery, liaising with all internal departments on your behalf and offering advice and support wherever needed. It is such a pleasure to work at Pembroke because – aside from having complete confidence in the excellent facilities and service - there is a real sense of being in a family community. Being such a tight-knit team shows in the results we achieve and the delighted feedback we get from our clients.”

Steve Capper, Head Porter A Warm Welcome “From the moment you arrive at the front door, the friendly Lodge Reception Team (available 24 hours a day) start your visit with a smile and will help you find your way around. Our Porters are always ready to share top tips on Oxford life, and make you feel a part of the history of this 400 year old Oxford

College. The College is conveniently located right in the centre of Oxford and we benefit from excellent public transport links making it easy to get here. We are also one of the few Colleges to offer step-free access to all public areas across the site.”

Charlie Harris, Head of Maintenance Enjoy Excellent Facilities “With an estate dating back to the 17th century which has been updated to 21st century standards, we can proudly deliver everything our guests need and more, from free WiFi right across the College, to our own barista coffee shop. I was part of the project team that designed and built the latest addition in 2013 and I am frequently struck by just how easily our facilities adapt to every client. They have not only been designed to be flexible for all manner of events but have also been built to award-winning environmental standards: we use both solar energy www.b4-business.com

B4

venues

Meet some of the Operations Team! ©Beata Rauk Loin of venison © Shannon Dudley

Café terrace and seminar rooms in the Rokos Quad © Quintin Lake

to Pembroke's “chefOurandthanks the catering staff;

the food was delicious and beautifully presented. And to the housekeepers; the rooms were incredibly comfortable.

And to the porters; they were most welcoming and helpful.

”

Leslie Scott, Smithsonian UK Charitable Trust

and ground sourced heat pumps to power the new buildings.”

Kevin Dudley, Executive Chef Breakfast to Supper “I have been here at Pembroke for over 15 years now, and it is still a fun and exciting place to work.

Our kitchens have been completely re-built in the last 5 years, giving us the space and professional equipment to be more creative. We have an excellent reputation in Oxford and cater for a huge variety of different experiences. You might be enjoying a full English breakfast at a conference, attending a prestigious banquet dinner, or just having a cup of coffee in a break... whatever you are here for we take

every care to provide the best food and the most welcoming service. Where possible we use local produce and local suppliers, and pride ourselves on seasonality in our menus.”

Jane Osborne, Accommodation Manager A Good Night’s Sleep

the heritage rooms in older parts of the College are completely unique, a very attractive aspect for guests who appreciate this taste of Oxford College life. My experienced Housekeeping Team look after all our visitors – providing a service which includes fresh linens, towels, toiletries and a laundry facility – and are happy to help with your extra requests to ensure you get the rest you need.”

“I have been managing the College’s accommodation for over 25 years - I know each room inside out! In this time I have seen the College expand to offer almost double the number of bedrooms, including 100 brand new ensuites. We have a majority of single rooms, some twins and even a few doubles.

Due to the different ages of the buildings, many of

CONTACT DETAILS

 conferences@pmb.ox.ac.uk  01865 610 939  www.pmb.ox.ac.uk/conferences

SPECIAL SPRING OFFER – HAROLD LEE ROOM • Free Champagne Reception when you book a private dinner • 10% discount when you book a day meeting Pembroke’s Harold Lee Room (also known as the ‘best meeting room in Oxford’) is a visually impressive oak-lined room, with floor-to-ceiling dual aspect windows and a private terrace. Unobtrusive integrated AV with wireless technology melts away when not required. This light and airy space is particularly flexible and suits both day meetings and evening receptions, as well as being the venue for our most exclusive private dinners.

Book before 31st March 2017 for an event before 31st July 2017.

Minimum of 25 and maximum of 48 for dinner. Minimum of 20 and maximum of 60 for day meetings.

For more details please contact us and quote B42017

www.b4-business.com

85

If you suffer from teeth grinding, jaw pain or headaches...

You’ve found the answer you are looking for.

Talk to the team at Diamond House Dental Practice today to see if Cerezen™ can help you.

Diamond House Dental Practice 199 Banbury Road, Oxford, OX2 7AR Tel: 01865 559521 enquiries@diamondhouse.co.uk • www.diamondhouse.co.uk

B4

corp. lifestyle

Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons Created by celebrated chef Raymond Blanc OBE, Belmond Le Manoir is renowned for offering one of Britain’s finest gastronomic experiences.

WRITTEN BY: JULIA SUTCLIFFE

Situated in the picturesque Oxfordshire village of Great Milton, it is one of the country’s most cherished manor houses, with 32 individually designed guest bedrooms and suites. The hotel received two Michelin in 1984, the first year of its opening, and, remarkably, has held them ever since.

Surrounded by lawns, flowers borders and orchards, the luxury hotel enjoys an idyllic, typically English setting. But beyond the eye-catching displays are vegetable and herb gardens that provide the kitchens – and the acclaimed Raymond Blanc Cookery School – with ultra-fresh, organic produce, ensuring the restaurant remains at the cutting edge of culinary excellence. From the mushroom valley and orchards to the serene English water garden, a stroll through the verdant scenery will be one of many highlights to your visit. You can also enjoy a fascinating insight into the unique flora of the hotel’s grounds with daily tours.

La Belle Epoque – private dining, weddings and meetings at Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons The creation of the private dining room, right at the heart of Belmond Le Manoir, is designed to give you the best dining experience, whether for a private celebration or a business event. The food and hospitality will equal the quality of our restaurant. www.b4-business.com

La Belle Epoque consists of the wood panelled dining room, its own private reception area and elegant conservatory, opening up onto an enchanting walled garden within the oldest part of the house.

A place for all seasons, your guests can enjoy drinks on the terrace and croquet on the lawn during the summer months or the glow of an open fire for a warm welcome during winter.

comfort and style. The secluded garden is the perfect backdrop for wedding photographs. Of course no two weddings are alike, and therefore a collection of our most beautiful suites are also licensed to hold your ceremony, together with the Japanese Tea House and Hartley Botanic Glass House for the most intimate of occasions.

Corporate days

Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons • Two Michelin stars since 1984 • Discover 11 gardens within the grounds • Home to the acclaimed Raymond Blanc Cookery School • Wine and Dine Experiences • La Belle Epoque Private Dining Room for up to 50 guests • Corporate and business entertaining • Product Launches • Weddings • Calendar of unique events

Your wedding celebration Belmond Le Manoir is licensed to hold your civil wedding ceremonies, enabling you and your guests to enjoy both the formalities and the reception in

La Belle Epoque is ideal for meetings, product launches and corporate events. For the ultimate incentive day and for a day out of the office, why not bring your team to The Raymond Blanc Cookery School. Encourage your colleagues to work together as the pace hots up. You may be surprised at who is the dab-hand in the kitchen and who can’t stand the heat.

     

manoir.mqs@belmond.com +44 (0)1844 278 881 www.belmond.com @lemanoir @lemanoirauxquatsaisons @belmondlemanoir

87

with the

Radiothon

Join in the fun Your donation will help us care for terminally ill children and young people locally “It is such a relief to walk through the door. We are truly grateful to have Helen House. It is an amazing place.”

Jack’s Mummy.

len & Douglas House Broadcasting live from He

Organise a Go Orange fundraising event Call in to JACKfm and tell us all about it live on air • Dye your hair or beard orange • Wear orange and hold a dress-down day at work • Bake and sell orange cakes • Decorate your office orange • Share your orange photos #hdhorange

Jack Please help children like

Tune in

Sponsorship opportunities with JACKfm

To hear amazing stories from our families, carers, staff and volunteers tune in on 2/3 March, 7am-7pm and 4 March, 7am-12 noon

JACKfm DAB Make a Go Orange donation 106.4, 106.8 MHz Text JACK to 70500 to donate £5 www.hdh.org.uk 01865 799150 and online

B4

corp. lifestyle

K WEST

If you’re looking for a super cool hotel in Central London and an easy run in from Oxford then K West is up there with the best. We enjoyed a night of luxury in a hotel which is definitely too cool for school….and me!

Written by: Richard Rosser

We actually arrived at the hotel earlier than planned, sailing up the M40 and the A40 into the hotel at just after 4.30pm having left Oxford a little over an hour earlier. So time to relax and unwind with, perhaps, an early evening drink in the bar before dinner at 8pm?

At the reception desk, we were checked in by a very pleasant Dutch young lady, after which we made our way to our room, luxurious in every way, with our daughter Abi’s sofa bed made up – it was practically a double and looked very comfortable.

We had a quick spruce up and went downstairs to grab that pre dinner drink, the bar, adjacent to reception and the entrance doors, was very welcoming. Tina was already drinking a cocktail by the time I got down to the bar – perhaps my driving is more nerve-wracking than I thought! The bar was busy and we gradually got up to speed with the London way whilst unwinding with our cocktails.

ROOMS AND ACCOMMODATION If walls could talk, the rooms at K West would have a few stories to tell. As former BBC offices and recording studios, the 219 guest rooms have soaked up the Rock 'n' Roll essence of hallowed legends such as Bob Marley and the Kinks. Music is in their very DNA – the perfect choice for their savvy, cosmopolitan clientele. www.b4-business.com

You'll immediately notice the space - the "smallest" room is well over 200sq ft. And they've all undergone a little pampering recently, with fresh paint, funky feature wallpaper, new drapes and soft, cosy bedding (with feather pillows on demand). Large wardrobes, hungry for all your new shopping purchases, add a stylish feature to the cool, contemporary vibe.

Thoughtful extras including hot drinks stations, ironing board and irons, trouser press and powerful hairdryers. All rooms are decked out with Smart TVs – with a huge range of channels to choose from.

Complimentary Wi-Fi also available in every room.

Other funky little amenities include in-room tablets and Handy smartphones, your perfect travel companion offering complimentary calls to selected destinations and unlimited data browsing.

K SPA If you’re looking for pure indulgence and total relaxation…K Spa is a holistic haven where mind, body and spirit converge to create an unforgettable and deeply pleasurable moment in time.

The team of experienced and highly qualified therapists will compose a tailored treatment package designed specifically to your needs, offering expert advice on your individual requirements.

EVENT SPACES K West is the perfect venue, with personnel and expertise to help you plan your meetings and events in a unique setting. K West has an energy that attracts and inspires dynamic, creative individuals. So it’s unsurprising that switched-on, entrepreneurial types want a piece of the action too.

There are four highly distinct event spaces, each designed to eke out the most brilliant ideas, rouse you to be on the top of your game, or help you impress an audience with your audacious brilliance.

All function rooms benefit from large windows making them light, airy and inviting. Alternatively, the restaurant and bar can be hired for private dining and drinks receptions. Studio Kitchen seats up to 60 diners, while you can host around 120 cocktail-style in Studio Bar. Any of the suites could also be ideal for your smaller events.

Whatever the occasion, K West will make sure you have all of the fun and none of the stress!

CONTACT DETAILS

 bookit@k-west.co.uk  020 8008 6600  www.k-west.co.uk 89

Video is an increasingly effective means of absorbing information and that’s why we are developing B4TV to capture the latest news from our members. So to get your message and personality across, call B4 and we’ll do the rest. All you’ve got to do is make sure you don’t fluff your lines... a touch of foundation wouldn’t go amiss either!

Contact us today, to get your business message across on the most viral social platform Call 01865 742211

 @b4businesstv  @b4magazine  @b4magazine

B4

corp. lifestyle

Hunter 486 at The Arch London Hotel

Hunter 486, located in the splendid Arch Hotel just off Marble Arch, is as cool and elegant as you would imagine. A great location for a family meal out.

Written by: Richard Rosser

With its central London location, artistic flair, fine food and exceptional five-star service, The Arch London is the perfect place to host events – from private dinners and meetings to cocktail parties and press launches. A variety of flexible rooms can be adapted to create the perfect event.

The luxurious boutique decor and attentive, yet discreet, service ensure you and your guests can relax and enjoy your celebration or meeting. With impeccable attention to detail and a delicious selection of canapés, fine food and wines we can cater for your most important occasions.

We arrived shortly after 8pm and were shown to our seats. Immediately we were struck by the warm and friendly ambience. The kids felt like VIP’s in our secluded booth and to enhance their star status we ordered a bottle of Prosecco as we had a few things to celebrate – when I say ‘kids’ they are old enough!

The food was excellent. The pan fried chicken livers and bacon that I had were superb, so much so that Ed pinched Tina’s fairly early on leaving Tina and

www.b4-business.com

Beth to enjoy smoked Barbary duck breast, celeriac and Braeburn remoulade. Clean plates all round.

an enticing range “ofWith homemade cuisine to suit all tastes, Hunter 486 is the perfect destination for a unique experience showcasing laid-back luxury dining

”

Our main courses were equally enjoyable with three 28 day aged Flat Iron steaks served with French fries, grilled mushrooms and peppercorn sauce. Tina plumped for the fillet of halibut, salsify, orange and chervil butter sauce and Abi had the beer battered haddock, mushy peas and hand cut chips. All exceptionally good.

The open plan kitchen enables guests to watch our skilled chefs at work, while the large Georgian windows treat guests to views of the neighbourhood mews. Come twilight, the soft lighting provides an intimate, romantic setting for dinner and drinks.

With an enticing range of homemade cuisine to suit all tastes, Hunter 486 is the perfect destination for a unique experience showcasing laid-back luxury dining.

The Arch London, 50 Great Cumberland Place, Marble Arch, London W1H 7FD For reservations, please see below.

CONTACT DETAILS

 info@thearchlondon.com  02027 724 4700  www.thearchlondon.com

91

B4

corp. life

This is a truly exciting “ time for us, as we complete our extensive refurbishment.

We look forward to welcoming tourists, business travellers and Oxford locals alike to our newly upgraded hotel and that they enjoy the wonderful new amenities we have to offer

”

Chris Broderick - General Manager, Jurys Inn Oxford

JURYS INN OXFORD

LOCAL HOTEL OPENS DOORS TO EXCITING NEW LOOK AFTER £11 MILLION REFURBISHMENT Written by: Richard Rosser Photography by: Stefan Zander, Photoweb

Following an £11 million refurbishment, Jurys Inn Oxford Hotel and Conference Venue officially reopened its doors last month. Situated just 3 miles from the city centre, the hotel is poised as the perfect base for business and leisure travellers alike, as well as locals seeking a weekend of rest and relaxation.

The full-scale refurbishment has completely transformed the hotel’s public areas and lobby, which now plays home to a new Costa Coffee bar for those looking for a caffeine fix. With the addition of 72 new bedrooms, the hotel now boasts 240 fully upgraded rooms, each complete with a bespoke DREAM bed by Jurys Inn. With upgraded mattresses, pillows and bed linen, the new improved beds are designed to offer unparalleled comfort that will be sure to have you snoozing your alarm.

Equally as essential as the bedrooms are its bespoke meeting rooms and banqueting facilities to accommodate business travellers. For the new

92

Oxford hotel, Jurys Inn has made a significant investment in technology throughout the meeting rooms. The new conference centre has 20 meeting rooms including a dedicated boardroom with integrated power sockets for wireless meetings; and new breakout areas with refrigerated drinks dispensers for refreshment breaks. The biggest meeting room, the University Suite, is designed for business meetings of a large scale. Accommodating up to 300 people; there’s few meetings that are too big to host within this premier facility – making the hotel an ideal destination for large businesses looking for spaces within close proximity of the city.

Additionally, the hotel’s refurbishment spans a brand new bar and a Juvenate Health & Leisure Club, both of which are ideal for those wanting to refuel and unwind after a long day of business meetings or exploring the city.

General Manager Chris Broderick says, “This is a truly exciting time for us, as we complete our extensive

refurbishment. We look forward to welcoming tourists, business travellers and Oxford locals alike to our newly upgraded hotel and that they enjoy the wonderful new amenities we have to offer.”

New for 2017, the hotel is now home to Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill. Within the restaurant’s relaxed ambience and glamorous interior, guests can expect a traditional steakhouse serving up a timeless selection of English and French classics from the world-famous chef. Alongside succulent, 28-day aged steaks, the menu features many of White’s signature dishes such as the Roast Rump of Lamb Haricots Verts.

For more information see below CONTACT DETAILS

 jurysinnoxford@jurysinns.com  01865 489 988  www.jurysinn.com/hotels/oxford

www.b4-business.com

The B4 Members Club Welcome to the B4 Member’s Club. In this section you’ll find some exclusive content for B4 Members.

Contents: 94. Meet The B4 Members 95. B4 Testimonials 97. B4 Events

Meet the B4 Members B4 is proud to welcome the following new members to the network.

MEPC BUSINESS SECTOR : BUSINESS PARKS Milton Park is a premium Business Park in the South East of England.

It's a place where collaboration and interaction are actively encouraged and diverse ingredients come together to create a vibrant small town.

Tel: 01235 865 555 www.miltonpark.co.uk

Westwood Country Hotel BUSINESS SECTOR : LEISURE The Westwood Hotel is a privately owned luxurious boutique hotel, only 3 miles from the centre of Oxford set in landscaped gardens of more than 3 acres and surrounded by 400 acres of ancient woodland the hotel provides an opportunity to enjoy fine dining, 20 individually designed bedrooms, a cosy relaxing bar and outstanding service. The hotel is equipped with complimentary Wi-Fi technology throughout and offers complimentary car parking for the duration of your stay. We have excellent conference, meeting, wedding and private function facilities and the private grounds offer a relaxing and tranquil setting for all occasions

Tel: 01865 735 408 www.westwoodhotel.co.uk

MK Festival of Running BUSINESS SECTOR : MARKETING The Milton Keynes Half Marathon and Festival of Running takes place on Sunday 5th March 2017 starting at our wonderful Xscape city-centre venue and we hope you will come and join us! The festival consists of a family friendly or super-swift 5k event, our classic 10k distance race, our ever popular half marathon distance race and our 20 miler for those who like to go long

Email: info@mkrun.co.uk www.mkrun.co.uk

Reciprocate

Haiku Consulting

The Oxford Clothing Company

BUSINESS SECTOR : CSR

BUSINESS SECTOR : MARKETING

BUSINESS SECTOR : LEISURE

Reciprocate is a group of businesses that are working together to improve the lives of people in Oxfordshire.

We look deep into the purpose of your business before crystallising it with words and bringing it to life through reputation and culture. We align your messages inside and out. One consistent voice. Maximum impact with minimum waste.

The Oxford Clothing Company wants to create a new buzz in Oxfordshire, we aim to do this by giving you fresh products constanly and holding incredible events around Oxford. We also aim to create a platform for young men & women to grow their interests in what they want to do for a career.

Tel: 007885 066 163 www.haiku.consulting

Email: ed@ oxclothing.co.uk www.oxclothing.co.uk

Reciprocate is a responsible business network that enables companies to become more effective and strategic in the way they support their local community.

Tel: 01865 798 666 www.reciprocateox.org

94

www.b4-business.com

B4 Testimonials What our members have to say about the B4 Network

"B4 offers unrivalled opportunities to discuss business with representatives you might not otherwise discover in relaxed surroundings."

Phil Southall | Managing Director | Oxford Bus Company

"B4 is one of the best business networks that I have come across, providing great networking opportunities and an outlet for us to share our news, and what’s more, they really understanding the region in which they operate."

Ian White | Business Development Manager | BDO

"Venturefest Oxford is all about connecting entrepreneurs with the right people to help grow their business. B4 takes that one step further and offers a platform for all businesses in Oxfordshire to connect and does it really successfully."

"We have hugely benefitted from our partnership with B4, they have managed to raise our profile in the local area and are a pleasure to work with."

Amy Dobson | Sales & Marketing Manager | Bombay Sapphire Distillery

"B4 has helped Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons connect with our local business community very effectively as well as build some excellent new relationships along the way."

"Since working with B4 our presence in Oxfordshire has seen a marked increase. This has helped us to expand our target audience, raising our profile with local businesses in and around Oxfordshire."

Peter Osborne | Marketing | Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons

Richard Marsh | CEO | CIS

"Quite simply, without B4 we wouldn’t have met, worked and partnered with some of the people we now act for."

"B4 has provided us with an excellent platform to promote the responsible business agenda to Oxfordshire companies."

Tony Haines | Partner | Wenn Townsend

Frank Nigriello | Director of Corporate Affairs | Unipart Group

"B4 has helped us build relationships with new businesses around Oxfordshire and made businesses aware of us."

"In a very diverse and fast-moving business community, B4 is one of the most important communication channels for sharing the information that builds relationships and drives success for local businesses. I am delighted that my firm is associated with B4."

Lynn Shepherd | Executive Chair | Venturefest

"B4 have clearly taken the time to understand what we are trying to do as a business and have given us great support in getting our message across."

Derek Rodgers | Managing Partner | Gardner Leader

"The team at B4 seem to know everyone in Oxfordshire! They never fail to put you in contact with someone useful. Their events are interesting and engaging, and the publication is packed full of relevant stories. But it is the individual service that really makes the difference to building our local network. Richard even facilitated the introduction to my rescue cat, Poppy!"

Nikki A Wood | Events Manager | the Oxford Union

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

Elaine McKechnie | Head of Marketing | Oxford Innovation

WILSON PARTNERS ACCOUNTING. TAX. ADVISORY

"B4’s Business in Oxford is the only annual event that combines lead players in all sectors of our region’s business."

Matthew Smart | Project Officer | University of Oxford

"Partnering with B4 enables us to connect with other businesses in the local area and share our news and updates with a wider online audience."

Katie Finch | Kempton Carr Croft

"Doing great business is about connecting with really good people and B4 has helped us do just that!"

Ross Wilson | CA FIoD | Wilson Partners Limited

"As one of the leading independent schools in Oxford with a strong interest in our role in the community, B4 has provided an important link for us with the business leaders in the area."

Peter Talbot | Bursar | d’Overbroeck’s

www.b4-business.com

95

B4 Events  Upcoming B4 Classic Events and Masterclasses.

WHO

WHEN

WHERE

Business in Oxford 2017

Thursday 11th May 2017

The King’s Centre

B4 / MGroup

Wednesday 28th June 2017

Newbury Racecourse

WHAT Business in Oxford 2017

The fourth annual Oxfordshire business showcase. Up to 70 presentations and exhibitions at our new venue, The King’s Centre. www.businessinoxford.com

Thursday 29th June 2017

Frilford Heath Golf Club, Oxford Road Abingdon, Oxfordshire OX13 5NW

B4 / MGroup Golf Cup

Newbury Racecourse, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 5AW

A Day at the Races

The 11th B4 / MGroup Golf Cup takes place at Frilford Heath Golf Club. Make sure your business is on the tee!

For further details p;laese call 01865 742211 or Email: colin@b4-business.com

Join B4 members for an afternoon of racing in our exclusive box, followed by an evening of celebration. This is a fun and relaxed event where you can mingle with other businesses in a friendly atmosphere whilst enjoying great food and drink on behalf of Newbury Racecourse, and enjoy watching and betting on the races taking place that evening.

For more information and to book your place here: http://www.b4-business.com/event/a-day-at-the-races/

Bombay Sapphire

Rhodes House

Monday 21st August 2017

Thursday 7th September 2017

Bombay Sapphire Distillery, Laverstoke Mill, Whitchurch, Hampshire, RG28 7NR

Tour of Bombay Sapphire Distillery

Rhodes House, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3RG

B4 Classic Event at Rhodes House

Join B4 Members for a tour of this stunning venue, with the opportunity to taste some gins and create your own cocktails.

For more information and to book your place here: http://www.b4-business.com/b4-events/

B4 returns to Rhodes House again this year for what is always a pleasant and relaxed evening of networking, with canapes and drinks.

For more information and to book your place here: http://www.b4-business.com/b4-events/

B4 Members, do you have events coming up that you would like shown here, please call us on: 01865 742211 www.b4-business.com

97

CULTURED CULTURED CONFERENCING

CONFERENCING

The Experience Oxfordshire Conferencing Bureau is the official and free conference and event venuefinding service for Oxford and Oxfordshire.

Our Conferencing services include: • Local knowledge and advice • Venue selection • Venue visits and pre-event recce • Social programmes and incentives • Local information • Arranging welcome packs

The Experience Oxfordshire Conferencing Bureau is the official and free conference and event venue-finding service for Oxford and Oxfordshire.

The team will match your brief to one or more venues in the historic heart of Oxford or the surrounding countryside, completely free of charge.

The team will match your brief to one or more venues in the historic heart of Oxford or the surrounding countryside, completely free of charge.

Our Conferencing services include:

Local knowledge and advice • Venue selection • Pre-event venue visits Social programmes and incentives • Local information • Arranging welcome packs

15-16 Broad Street, Oxford OX1 3AS t +44(0)1865 686443 e conferencing@experienceoxfordshire.org ExOxConference

conferencing.experienceoxfordshire.org

Discover ...

WHERE OXFORD BEGAN...

Enjoy an exciting journey back in time to experience a wealth of history and heritage mixed with a 21st century welcome.

www.oxfordcastlequarter.com

B4 contacts contacts directory

P

ADVICE.........................................................................................................99 BUSINESS SERVICES..............................................................................99 CONFERENCE, EVENTS & VENUES...............................................101 EDUCATION...............................................................................................103 FINANCE......................................................................................................103 HEALTH & LEISURE..................................................................................103

ADVICE ACCOUNTING Wenn Townsend P Tony Haines Partner 01865 559 900 OXON www.wenntownsend.co.uk Grant Thornton UK LLP P Wendy Hart Managing Partner 01865 799 899 OXON www.grant-thornton.co.uk Grant Thornton UK LLP P Jim Rogers Assurance Partner 01189 559 114 BERKS www.grant-thornton.co.uk The MGroup P Richard Clayton Partner 01865 552 925 OXON www.themgroup.co.uk Wellers P Debbie Austin Partner 01865 723 131 OXON www.wellersaccountants.co.uk James Cowper Kreston P Andy Cowie Marketing & Business Development Director 01189 590 261 OXON www.jamescowperkreston.co.uk Whitley Stimpson Ltd G Jonathan Walton Director 01494 448 122 BUCKS www.whitleystimpson.co.uk Whitley Stimpson Ltd G Stuart Haigh Director 01869 252 151 OXON www.whitleystimpson.co.uk Shaw Gibbs A Peter O’Connell Partner 01865 292 200 OXON www.shawgibbs.com Wilson Partners A Allan Ian Wilson Managing Director 01628 770 770 BERKS www.wilson-partners.co.uk

www.b4-business.com

Gracechurch Wealth Management LLP A Richard Lawrance Independent Financial Adviser 01908 209 220 BUCKS www.gracechurchwm.com Auditel A Chris Bourke Cost Management Specialist 01865 774 387 OXON www.auditel.co.uk Seymour Taylor A Simon Turner Managing Director 01494 552 125 BUCKS www.stca.co.uk

PLATINUM

G

GOLD

RTS Breakthrough Solutions 07789 405 079 BERKS www.rts-breakthroughsolutions.co.uk Sandler Training 01608 611 211 OXON www.oxford.sandler.com Active Education and Training Ltd 01865 594 325 OXON www.oxfordactive.co.uk Endeavour Consulting 07711 825 005 OXON www.endeavour-consulting.co.uk Neil Urquhart - Business manager 01295 780 928 OXON Leading Edge Coaching 01488 638 119 OXON www.leadingedgecoaching.co.uk

Richardsons Accountants 01844 261 155 OXON www.richardsons-group.co.uk

Two One Services 07730 927 888 OXON www.facebook.com/twooneservices

Rees Russell 01993 702 418 OXON www.reesrussell.co.uk

LEGAL

Clark Howes 0808 271 3099 OXON www.clarkhowes.com Harmonea 01844 274 808 OXON www.harmonea.co.uk

BUSINESS ADVICE Oxford Professional P Consulting Alison Haill Executive Coach 01865 436 791 OXON www.oxfordprofessionalconsulting.com Haiku Consulting G Joy Le Fevre 07885 066163 OXON www.haiku.consulting Ernst & Young 01189 281 100 BERKS www.ey.com/UK/en/home Hilltop Consultancy 01844 237 450 BUCKS www.hilltopconsultancy.co.uk

BRONZE

A

AMBASSADOR

HR..................................................................................................................103 IT & TELECOMMUNICATIONS.........................................................103 MANUFACTURING.................................................................................105 MARKETING & DESIGN...........................................................................105 PROPERTY & BUILDING.........................................................................105 R&R............................................................................................................106

Hunter, Thomas & Company 01865 245 511 OXON www.hunter-thomas.co.uk

Russell Whitlock Accountancy 01865 481 625 OXON www.rw-accountancy.co.uk

G

Knights P David Beech Chief Executive Officer 01865 811 700 OXON www.knights1759.co.uk Hedges Law P Nicola Poole Managing Director 01491 839 839 OXON www.hedgeslaw.co.uk Freeths LLP G Sarah Foster Managing Partner 01865 781 000 OXON www.freeths.co.uk Gardner Leader LLP G Derek Rogers Managing Partner 01635 508 080 BERKS www.gardner-leader.co.uk BrookStreet Des Roches LLP Paddy Gregan G Partner 01235 836 655 OXON www.bsdr.com Blake Morgan LLP A Stephen Schneider Senior Associate 01865 248 607 OXON www.blakemorgan.co.uk

Brethertons A Marie Parkinson Marketing Executive, Client Services 01295 661 425 OXON www.brethertons.co.uk Turpin & Miller LLP A Emily Boardman Partner 01865 770 111 OXON www.turpinmiller.co.uk Penningtons Manches LLP Richard Smith A Partner 01865 722 106 OXON www.penningtons.co.uk Lewis Silkin 0207 0748 494 OXON www.lewissilkin.com David Parry Employment Law 01993 848 247 OXON www.parryemploymentlaw.com Blandy & Blandy 0118 951 6800 BERKS www.blandy.co.uk

BUSINESS SERVICES ARCHIVE & STORAGE The Oxford Duplication Centre Cheryl-Lee Foulsham A Managing Director 01865 457 000 OXON www.theduplicationcentre.co.uk

BUSINESS SUPPLIES & EQUIPMENT Aston & James Office Supplies Ltd P Darren Aston Director 01993 706 900 OXON www.aston-james.co.uk

CHARITIES The Oxford Trust G Jude Eades Head of Communications 01865 810 013 OXON www.theoxfordtrust.co.uk Helen & Douglas House A Hugh Thompson Head of High Value Partnerships 01865 799 150 OXON www.helenanddouglas.org.uk

99

The service offered by Conference Oxford is free, available to everyone and includes: ● A venue search amongst our college and University venues ● Site-visits arranged for you to view the conference and

event facilities

Support and advice should you need to use more than one venue for your event

●

Choose from 63 unique, modern and historic venues: Meetings and conferences: With outstanding facilities for every type of meeting or conference. From small traditional oak-panelled meeting rooms for 10 to large, contemporary lecture theatres and conference halls for up to 750, all offering high performance equipment and advanced technology.

Residential events: With over 7,000 bedrooms, offering a mixture of standard and ensuite, from modern to more traditional. Bed and breakfast and full board are available at highly competitive rates.

Celebrations: When looking for a wonderful setting for an anniversary, a romantic backdrop for your wedding or a unique venue for a drinks reception or party, where you and your guests can celebrate in style, then the University and its colleges have the perfect venue for your special occasion.

Whatever your requirements, the Conference Oxford team will provide you with the information, advice and support necessary to ensure a memorable, successful event that will create a lasting impression.

Get in touch Tel: 01865 276 190 Email: enquiries@conference-oxford.ox.ac.uk Website: www.conference-oxford.com

Join our Partnership and help shape the future of Bicester “Our Partnership is comitted to working with businesses in Bicester to encourage innovation, develop a skilled workforce and to attract inward investment.?

Phil Shadbolt, OBE. Chairman of Bicester Vision

Partner benefits

Bicester Vision can be reached through any of these channels:

01869 324 244 /groups/4147186 @bicestervision info@bicestervision.co.uk

www.bicestervision.co.uk

Photos: Oxford University Images/Greg Smolonski and David Fisher

It’s easier than you think to hold your event in the world-renowned surroundings of the University of Oxford. Let Conference Oxford be your first point of contact when looking for a venue for a residential or day conference, a meeting, a celebratory dinner, an award ceremony, a party or wedding.

B4 contacts Oxfordshire Community Foundation A Jayne Woodley Chief Executive 01865 798 666 OXON www.oxfordshire.org Big 60 07912 733 723 OXON www.big60.org Bloodwise 020 7504 2231 OXON www.bloodwise.org.uk Sobell House 01865 857 067 OXON www.sobellhouse.org

CLEANING SERVICES Excel Dry Cleaners G 01865 511 773 OXON www.exceldrycleanersofoxford.co.uk WH Mobile Valeting 07979 480 886 OXON www.whvaleting.com

LOCAL GOVERNMENT OxfordshireLEP P Richard Byard Director of Business Development 01865 261 433 OXON www.oxfordshirelep.com Reciprocate G Tony Stratton Chairman 01865 798666 http://reciprocateox.org

MOTOR Ridgeway Jaguar 01865 590 777 OXON www.ridgeway.co.uk Ridgeway Maserati 01865 590 777 OXON www.ridgeway.co.uk

SECURITY

CONFERENCE VENUES

Executive Alarms Ltd A John Keown Director 01865 435 435 OXON www.executive-systems.co.uk

Rhodes House P Isabelle Barber Business Development Manager 01865 282 599 OXON www.rhodeshouseoxford.com

Security Exchange 01491 683 710 BERKS www.securityexchange24.com

Westwood Country Hotel P Merilyn Macleod Sales, Event & Marketing Manager 01865 735408 www.westwoodhotel.co.uk

TRANSPORT Chiltern Railways P 020 7333 3113 OXON www.chilternrailways.co.uk Headington Carriers G Peter Barrett Managing Director 01993 811276 OXON www.headingtoncarriers.co.uk Combined Carriers G Susan Baxter 01844 275 525 BUCKS www.combinedcarriers.co.uk Findlay Chauffeurs A Claire Hickson Managing Director 0845 644 7099 OXON www.findlaycs.com London Oxford Airport 01865 290 710 OXON www.londonoxfordairport.com Hilltop Chauffeurs 07825 500 852 OXON www.hilltopchauffeurs.co.uk

TRAVEL City Sightseeing P Jane Marshall Transport Manager 01865 790 522 OXON www.citysightseeingoxford.com

CONFERENCE, EVENTS & VENUES

NETWORKING GROUPS

CATERING SERVICES

B4 Magazine P Richard Rosser Editor 01865 742 211 OXON www.b4-business.com

Complete Catering G Jon Kay Managing Director 01235 820 840 OXON www.completecatering.co.uk

MD2MD 01865 600 800 OXON www.md2md.co.uk

Lamb Catering A Emma Tasker Events and Marketing Director 01865 772 446 OXON www.lambcatering.co.uk

PERSONAL ASSISTANTS SmartPA 07392 332 606 OXON www.smartpasupport.com

The Cocktail Service 01865 251 431 OXON www.thecocktailservice.co.uk Elegant Cuisine 01865 391 888 OXON www.elegantcuisine.com

www.b4-business.com

The Feathers P Dominic Bishop General Manager 01993 812 291 OXON www.feathers.co.uk Bombay Sapphire Distillery G Amy Dobson Sales and Marketing Manager 01256 890 090 BERKS distillery.bombaysapphire.com Oxford Brookes University Conference Services G Becky Rossiter Conference Sales and Marketing Manager 01865 484 612 OXON www.brookes.ac.uk Stoke Park G Nick Downie Head of Communications 01753 717 171 BUCKS www.stokepark.com Pembroke College A Ellen Brady Head of Events 01865 276 484 OXON www.pmb.ox.ac.uk/Conferences Hartwell House Hotel A Matthew Johnson General Manager 01296 747 444 BUCKS www.hartwell-house.com Venue Services, Bodleian Library A Alice Ogilvie Head of Venue Services 01865 277 224 OXON www.bodleian.ox.ac.uk The Examination Schools Kay Hogg A Events Manager 01865 276 905 OXON www.examschools.ox.ac.uk Howbery Business Park A Donna Bowles Estate Manager 01491 822 305 OXON www.howberypark.com Egrove Park A Martin Garside Conference Manager 01865 422 757 OXON www.sbs.oxford.edu/conferencing

Macdonald Windsor Hotel Beverley Molmans A General Manager 0844 879 9101 BERKS www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk Blenheim Palace Hospitality 01993 813 874 OXON www.blenheimpalace.com/hospitality Conference Oxford 01865 287 378 OXON www.conference-oxford.com The Oxford Union 01865 241 353 OXON www.oxford-union.org Exeter College 01865 279 600 OXON www.exeter.ox.ac.uk/conferences Malmaison 01865 268 400 OXON www.malmaison-oxford.com Oxford Town Hall 01865 252 195 OXON www.oxfordtownhall.co.uk The King’s Centre 01865 297 400 OXON www.kingscentre.co.uk The Tythe Barn 01869 321 442 OXON www.thetythebarn.co.uk

EQUIPMENT HIRE Oxford Event Hire A Kieran Lynch Owner 01865 760 158 OXON www.oxfordeventhire.co.uk Startech Productions A Roy Naraine 01865 722522 OXON www.startechproductions.co.uk ACDiSCO 01865 875 519 OXON www.acdisco.com BHK Rentals 01993 703 327 OXON www.bhkrentals.co.uk

EVENTS Business in Oxford 2017 P 01865 742 211 OXON www.businessinoxford.com Oxfordshire Restaurant Awards P 01865 742 211 OXON www.oxfordshirerestaurantawards.co.uk MK Festival of Running B www.mkrun.co.uk Henley Highwayman 0118 988 6041 OXON www.henleyhighwayman.co.uk

101

Are you looking for New Business Prospects?

The 3.5 million members of our Consumer Clubs and the 350,000 members of our B2B Club are waiting to hear from you by email now!

Contact Web-Clubs!

www.Web-Clubs.co.uk We are based in the Chilterns!

01494 240 150

Tailored to your needs We ensure that we thoroughly understand your challenges and the needs of your business. We tailor intelligent, effective solutions to help you grow.

Contact Whitley Stimpson for a FREE consultation.

Banbury Office: +44 (0)1295 270200 High Wycombe Office: +44 (0)1494 448122 Bicester Office: + 44 (0)1869 252151 Witney Office: +44 (0)1993 700010

C HA RTER ED A C CO UNTA NTS A ND BUSINESS A DV ISORS

PARTNERS IN YOUR PROGRESS

whitleystimpson.co.uk

B4 contacts Oxfordshire Business Awards OXON www.oxfordshirebusinessawards.co.uk Oxfordshire In Bloom 2016 01865 252 016 OXON www.oxford.gov.uk/oxfordinbloom Venturefest 01865 810 025 OXON www.venturefestoxford.com West Oxfordshire Business Awards 01993 220 690 OXON www.woba.org.uk Abingdon & Witney College 01235 216 394 OXON www.abingdon-witney.ac.uk

EDUCATION Corpus Christi College 01865 276 708 OXON www.ccc.ox.ac.uk Oxford International Study Centre 01865 201 009 OXON www.oxintstudycentre.com Oxford Saïd Entrepreneurship Centre 01865 288 845 OXON www.sbs.ox.ac.uk/faculty-research/ entrepreneurship Stagecoach Theatre Arts 0800 915 0199 OXON www.stagecoach.co.uk Explosive Learning Solutions 01235 861 805 OXON www.explosivelearningsolutions.com

FINANCE ADVICE Focus P Phil Casey Partner 01865 813 315 OXON www.focusllp.co.uk Brewin Dolphin 01865 255 750 OXON www.brewin.co.uk Mathews Comfort 01865 208 000 OXON www.mathewscomfort.co.uk Oxford Capital Partners 01865 860 760 OXON www.oxcp.com Finance.work 01869 354 041 OXON www.finance.work

BANKING Barclays Corporate Banking Trevor French P Head of Business and Corporate Banking 0800 015 4242 OXON www.barclayscorporate.com

www.b4-business.com

HSBC 0845 850 174 OXON www.hsbc.com

Clinic on the Green 01869 351 345 OXON www.cliniconthegreen.com

NatWest 01865 305 175 OXON www.natwest.com

Linda Flanigan Hypnotherapy 07866 360 359 OXON www.lfhypnotherapy-oxfordshire.co.uk

INSURANCE Focus P Nick Jones Partner 01865 813 307 OXON www.focusllp.co.uk

MORTGAGE ADVICE Focus P Nick Walker Partner 01865 295 295 OXON www.focusllp.co.uk

HEALTH & LEISURE FITNESS TLA Fitness A Tom Alden Founder 07554 400 401 OXON www.tlafitness.com Prime Energy Fitness Ltd Barry Grinham 01869 352 000 OXON www.primeenergy.org Cherwell Boathouse Punting 01865 552 746 OXON www.cherwellboathouse.co.uk

SPORT Oxford University Rugby Football Club Tim Stevens Club Administrator 01865 432 000 OXON www.ourfc.org Oxford United Football Club 01865 337 500 OXON www.oufc.co.uk Oxfordshire Cricket 07790 102 130 OXON www.oxoncb.com North Oxford Lawn Tennis Club 01865 513 560 (Clubhouse) OXON www.northoxfordltc.org.uk Oxford Rowing Club 01865 242 576 OXON www.oxfordrowingclub.org.uk Milton Keynes Festival of Running www.mkrun.co.ukk

WELLBEING Helen Money Nutrition A Helen Money Owner 01865 339 672 OXON www.helenmoneynutrition.com

HR GOLF Frilford Heath Golf Club P Alistair Booth Director 01865 390 864 OXON www.frilfordheath.co.uk Kirtlington Golf Club A Gary Quainton Golf and Pro Shop Manager 01869 351 133 OXON www.kirtlingtongolfclub.com

HEALTH CARE Clinic95 P Maria Hardman Business Manager 01865 241 661 OXON www.clinic95.com Tara Tripp Hearing Care P Vincent Tripp Practice Manager 01865 910 202 OXON www.tripphearing.co.uk Diamond House Dental Practice 01865 559 521 OXON www.diamondhouse.co.uk

HR CONSULTANTS You HR 07703 719 464 OXON www.youhrconsultancy.co.uk

RECRUITMENT Gold Star Recruitment 01993 225 075 OXON www.goldstarrecruit.co.uk Allen Associates 01865 335 600 OXON www.allen-associates.co.uk Avatar Recruitment 01295 724 570 OXON www.avatarrecruit.co.uk Nicola Gardiner Executive Search 07900 912 941 OXON www.nicolagardiner.com Thompson & Terry Recruitment 01235 797 177 OXON www.thompsonandterry.co.uk

IT & TELECOMMUNICATIONS TELECOMMUNICATIONS Orange Stripe Telecommunications A Nigel Pursall Managing Director 0845 241 7772 OXON www.orangestripe.co.uk STL Communications Ltd A Philip Donigan Sales Director 01993 777 113 OXON www.stlcomms.com

DATABASE MANAGEMENT InTouch CRM P James White Managing Director 0845 310 9973 OXON www.intouchcrm.co.uk

EMAIL MARKETING Web-Clubs G Anthony O’Sullivan Managing Director 01494 240 150 BUCKS www.web-clubs.co.uk

IT SERVICES Computing Information Systems (CIS) Ltd P Richard Marsh Director 01367 700 555 OXON www.cisltd.com The Cabling Company G David Jackson Sales Director 07796 140 348 OXON www.thecablingcompany.com Simeio A Ollie McGovern Founder 07795 235 995 OXON www.simeio.co.uk Attenda 01784 211100 MIDD www.attenda.com iHub 0203 019 0000 www.ihub.co.uk Security Exchange Ltd. 01491 683 710 BERKS www.securityexchange24.com Storm Internet 08447 366171 OXON www.storminternet.co.uk Bongo IT 01865 988 217 OXON www.bongoit.co.uk

103

city & county g rap hics

Sophos, Unicorn Trust, Oxford University, Bicester Village Retail, Belmond Le Manoir, SAID Business School, Sheldonian Theatre, The King's Centre... ...just a few who like what we do will you?

Call or email us for more information T: 01865 823161 E: sales@cityandcountygraphics.co.uk

I need help with public speaking.

In my position I should be upbeat and confident but I’m not a natural extrovert.

In fact I feel very nervous and I’m afraid it shows.

Do you want to be a confident effective speaker? Contact us for expert help.

Oxford Professional Consulting E: alison.haill@opcOxford.com T: +44 1865 436 791 W: www.opcOxford.com

Tel: +44 (0) 1865 722522 email: hire@startechproductions.co.uk www.startechproductions.co.uk

B4 contacts WEBSITE DEVELOPMENT

DESIGN

Alberon P Tim Ault Managing Director 01865 263 220 OXON www.alberon.co.uk

House on the Hill P Keith Simpson Senior Designer 01865 742 211 OXON www.hothdesign.co.uk

Torpedo Group Limited A Iain Lewis Director 01865 733 710 OXON www.torpedogroup.com

MANUFACTURING Unipart P Frank Nigriello Director of Corporate Affairs 01865 383 339 OXON www.unipart.com Owen Mumford G Jarl Severn Director 01993 812 021 OXON www.owenmumford.com WILA G Claire Styles Director 01235 773 500 OXON www.wila.co.uk

MARKETING & DESIGN ADVERTISING B4 Magazine P Richard Rosser Managing Director 01865 742 211 OXON www.b4-business.com Living In Oxford Magazine Colin Rosser P Chairman 01865 742 211 OXON www.inoxford.com Focal Point Advertising Solutions 01256 767 837 HAMP www.focal.co.uk

CORPORATE IDENTITY Recognition Express P Andy Olejnik Managing Director 01295 257 611 OXON www.re-oxfordshire.co.uk Strangebrew P Phil Strachan Director 07770 753 975 BERKS www.thinkbrandnotbland.co.uk BrandAsylum 01235 828 508 OXON www.brandasylum.co.uk

www.b4-business.com

FRAMING Isis Creative Framing 01865 203 420 OXON www.isiscreative.co.uk

MARKETING Experience Oxfordshire P Hayley Beer-Gamage Chief Executive 01865 252 409 OXON www.experienceoxfordshire.org Marketing Sense A Jo Sensecall Director 01865 883 579 OXON www.marketing-sense.co.uk

LeachPrint 01235 520 444 OXON www.leachprint.co.uk

The Oxford Science Park G 01865 784 000 OXON www.oxfordsp.com

PUBLIC RELATIONS

MEPC B 01235 865 555 OXON www.mepc.com

Papa Romeo PR A Claire Thompson Managing Director 07811 339 577 OXON www.paparomeopr.com Spriggs David A Karen David Partner 01865 512 662 OXON www.spriggsdavid.co.uk Escapade 01189 207 675 BERKS http://escapadepr.com HeadOn PR 07920 792 183 GLOU www.headonpr.co.uk Promote PR 01628 630 363 BERKS www.promotepr.com

Heart of Business A Jackie Jarvis Director 07801 293 022 OXON

Spacecraft Consulting 01295 811 781 OXON www.oconsultancy.com

ADS 01993 885 125 OXON www.adsoxford.co.uk

Fluent 01865 426 862 OXON www.fluentagency.co.uk

Oxford Digital Marketing 01865 575 955 OXON www.oxforddigitalmarketing.co.uk

Luxe PR 020 7368 3330 LDN www.luxepr.com

MEDIA/DIGITAL

Present3r 07790 670 234 www.present3r.com

The Evergreen Agency P Aaron Rudman Hawkins 01869 242 222 OXON www.theevergreenagency.co.uk Imageworks 01865 865656 OXON www.imageworks.co.uk Indulge Media 01865 686 093 OXON www.indulgemedia.com Epic Media Services 07916 005 942 OXON www.epicmediaservices.co.uk

PHOTOGRAPHY Studio8 P Clark Wiseman Managing Director 01865 842 525 OXON www.studio-8.co.uk

PRINTING OxUniPrint A Ian Wilton Managing Director 01865 844 918 OXON www.oxuniprint.co.uk

PROPERTY & BUILDING ARCHITECTURE John Hallam Associates A John Hallam Director 01608 646 969 OXON www.johnhallamassociates.co.uk Adrian James Architects 01865 203 267 OXON www.adrianjames.com Oxford Architects 01865 329 100 OXON www.oxford-architects.com

BUSINESS PARKS Oxford Innovation Ltd P Jo Willett Marketing and Business Development Director 01865 261 400 OXON www.oxin-centres.co.uk

Begbroke Science Park A Caroline Livingstone Managing Director 01865 283 700 OXON www.begbroke.ox.ac.uk Bloxham Mill 01295 722 800 OXON www.bloxhammill.com

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY AGENTS VSL and Partners P Richard Venables Director 01865 848 488 OXON www.vslandp.com Carter Jonas P Scott Harkness Partner 01865 511 444 OXON www.carterjonas.co.uk Lambert Smith Hampton (Oxford) A Kevin Wood Director 01865 200 244 OXON www.lsh.co.uk Marriotts A Neil Evans Partner 01865 316 311 OXON www.marriottsoxford.co.uk Lambert Smith Hampton (Reading) 01189 606 909 BERKS www.lsh.co.uk

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY SERVICES Oxford Innovation Ltd P Jo Willett Marketing and Business Development Director 01865 261 400 OXON www.oxin-centres.co.uk Bracknell Enterprise & Innovation Hub A Shelley Furey Centre Manager 01344 388 000 BERKS www.bracknell-hub.co.uk

ESTATE AGENTS Breckon & Breckon P Keith Stacey Managing Director 01865 244 735 OXON www.breckon.co.uk

105

scottfraser A David Blythman Managing Director Sales 01865 759 500 OXON www.scottfraser.co.uk

Kemp & Kemp A Steven Sensecall Partner 01865 240 001 OXON www.kempandkemp.co.uk

Aviator G Vickita Reddy Marketing & PR Manager 01252 555 890 HAMP www.aviatorbytag.com

ENTERTAINMENT

Wallers of Oxford 01865 435 175 OXON www.wallersofoxford.co.uk

Solid Structures 01608 690 858 OXON www.solid-structures.com

New Theatre Oxford 01865 320 756 OXON www.atgtickets.com/oxford

Savills 01865 339 705 OXON www.savills.com

Forge Engineering Design Solutions Ltd 01865 362 780 OXON www.f-eds.co.uk

The Bear & Ragged Staff A Mark Greenwood Landlord 01865 862 329 OXON www.bearandraggedstaff.com

LETTING AGENTS

Ian Bridge Consultancy Ltd 07917 881 465 OXON www.ianbridge.com

Breckon & Breckon P Greg Barnes Director 01865 201 111 OXON www.breckon.co.uk North Oxford Property Services P Robin Swailes Director 01865 311 745 OXON www.nops.co.uk Finders Keepers P Frank Webster Director 01865 302 308 OXON www.finders.co.uk Lucy Properties A Ian Ashcroft Managing Director 01865 559 973 OXON www.lucyproperties.co.uk College and County A Mark Crampton-Smith Owner 01865 722 722 OXON www.collegeandcounty.biz Premier Letting A Charles Bartlett Partner 01865 792 299 OXON www.premier.uk.com

Mulholland Landscape Consultants 07734 253 579 OXON www.mulhollandconsultants.co.uk RED Engineering 01869 355 600 OXON www.red-eng.com PMS Oxford 01865 407 554 OXON www.pmsoxford.co.uk Element Studios 07887 407 456 OXON www.elementstudios.co.uk

PROPERTY SERVICES Savvy Maintenance & Renovations P Stephen Dunne Director 01865 920 020 OXON www.savvy-group.co.uk Bicester Roofing G Michael Staniford Managing Director 0870 264 6454 OXON www.bicesterroofing.co.uk Darke & Taylor Ltd 01865 290 000 OXON www.darkeandtaylor.co.uk

Short Let Space Ltd. 01993 811 711 OXON www.weeklyhome.com

The Rooflight Company 01993 833 155 OXON www.therooflightcompany.co.uk

Taylor Cox 01993 835 588 OXON www.taycox.com

A1 Plumbing & Heating 01865 327 732 OXON www.a1ltd.co.uk

PROPERTY & CONSTRUCTION CONSULTANTS

ACCOMMODATION

Ridge and Partners LLP G David Walker Partner 01993 815 101 OXON www.ridge.co.uk Kempton Carr Croft G Rob Kerrigan Chartered Surveyor and RICS Registered Valuer 01628 771 221 BERKS www.kemptoncarr.co.uk

106

Macdonald Randolph Hotel Michael Grange P General Manager 0844 879 9132 OXON www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk The Manor at Weston on the Green G Adam Treloar Front of House Manager 01869 350 621 OXON www.themanorweston.com

Eynsham Hall 01993 885 238 OXON www.eynshamhall.com Conifers Guest House 01865 763 055 OXON www.conifersguesthouse.co.uk Spirit Health Club 0207 973 7540 OXON www.langhamhotels.com Bicester Hotel Golf and Spa 01869 241 204 OXON www.bicesterhotelgolfandspa.com Holiday Inn Oxford 0871 942 9086 OXON www.hioxfordhotel.co.uk Royal Oxford Hotel 01865 248 432 OXON www.royaloxfordhotel.co.uk The Mews at Sopwell House 01727 864477 HERTS www.sopwellhouse.co.uk/rooms-suites/ mews-suite/ Old Swan & Minster Mill 01993 774 441 OXON www.oldswanandminstermill.com

R&R ARTISTIC & CULTURAL Orchestra of St John’s A John Lubbock Artistic Director 07765 252 489 OXON www.osj.org.uk Ashmolean Museum 01865 288 364 OXON www.ashmus.ox.ac.uk Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra 01865 987 222 OXON www.oxfordphil.com

CORPORATE ENTERTAINMENT Sam Strange Magic A Sam Strange Owner 01865 742 211 OXON www.samstrangemagic.co.uk

Oxford Playhouse 01865 305 305 OXON www.oxfordplayhouse.com

Wychwood Brewery 01993 890 800 OXON www.wychwood.co.uk James Sadler Balloon Experience 0845 116 8899 OXON www.oxfordballoonexperience.com

FOOD & DRINK SUPPLIES Laurent Perrier UK P David Green Regional Account Manager 01628 475 404 BUCKS www.laurent-perrier.co.uk The Oxford Wine Company Ted Sandbach A Managing Director 01865 301 144 OXON www.oxfordwine.co.uk

GALLERIES Wiseman Gallery A Sarah Wiseman Owner 01865 515 123 OXON www.wisegal.com

RENTAL ACCOMMODATION Lower Mill Estate A Red Paxton Marketing and Sales Director 01285 869 489 OXON www.lowermillestate.com

RESTAURANTS Deliveroo G Sophie Riley Community Manager South East 07494 178 083 OXON www.deliveroo.co.uk The Snooty Mehmaan A Asad Ahmed Director 01367 242 260 OXON www.thesnootymehmaan.co.uk Belmond Le Manoir Aux Quat’Saisons 01844 278 881 OXON www.manoir.com Pierre Victoire 01865 316 616 OXON www.pierrevictoire.co.uk Café Aloha 01865 792 696 OXON www.cafealoha.co.uk

www.b4-business.com

B4 contacts Marco’s at Mercure Eastgate Hotel 01865 248 332 OXON www.mpwrestaurants.co.uk/restaurants /marcos-oxford Mezzeto 01865 559 668 OXON www.mezzeto.com 1855 01865 247 217 OXON www.1855oxford.com Cosmo 01865 297 575 OXON www.cosmo-restaurants.co.uk

SHOPPING The Oxford Clothing Company 07837 244 826 OXON www.oxclothing.co.uk Blackwell's 01865 333 536 OXON www.blackwell.co.uk Daisies Flower Shop 01865 554 882 OXON www.daisies-flower-shop.co.uk Bicester Village 01869 323 200 OXON www.bicestervillage.com Stella and Dot 07763 743 783 OXON www.stelladot.co.uk

ON THE

Al-Andalus 01865 516 688 OXON www.tapasoxford.co.uk

HILL

B4 IS DESIGNED BY HOUSE ON THE HILL T: 01865 742211 W: HOTH.CO.UK

Need To Freshen Up Your Image?

For all your Graphic Design, Photography.

Video & Print needs

Call us on 01865 742211 www.hothdesign.co.uk

www.b4-business.com

107

“Exhilarating and poignant” The Sunday Times

GHOST DANCES

15–17 March 2017 0844 871 3020* atgtickets.com/oxford* *Booking and transaction fees apply.

Calls cost up to 7p per minute plus your phone company’s access charge.

Photo: Anthony Crickmay

Christopher Bruce’s masterpiece plus other works