B4 magazine Issue 40 by B4 Magazine

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B4 MAGAZINE I S S U E 4 0 A P R I L 2 0 1 6

SAVVY GROUP Managing Director Steve Dunne talks to B4 about Savvy’s rapid rise and his philosophy for success

BIO 2016

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Contacts If you want to contact B4 Magazine Telephone: 01865 742 211 info@b4-business.com Publisher B4 Magazine is published by Designs On Ltd, The Firs, Headington Hill, Oxford, OX3 0BT Chairman Colin Rosser colin@b4-business.com Editor Richard Rosser editorial@b4-business.com Art Editor Keith Simpson artwork@b4-business.com Sub Editor Lorna Dodson assistanteditor@b4-business.com Features Editor Matt Wright matt@b4-business.com Proofreader Sue Rosser B4 Events events@b4-business.com Editorial contributors Olivia Lane-Nott Rachel Warren Jo Sensecall Claire Thompson B4 Photography Rob Scotcher Studio Photography Studio8 Telephone: 01865 842525

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welcome to B4 40 Welcome to the Property Issue sponsored by Savvy Group who are also the overall event sponsors of Business in Oxford 2016. Steve Dunne and his team have enjoyed remarkable growth in a relatively short period of time and I met with the hugely likeable Steve to find out exactly how he’s done it. We also enjoyed meeting the rest of the team (in a field) for a rather unconventional photo shoot and you can meet them all inside. The Property edition also features contributions from VSL, Finders Keepers, John Hallam Associates, WILA, Brethertons, Oxford Science Park, Begbroke Science Park and Carter Jonas. On the subject of Business in Oxford 2016 (or as we have started to refer to it, BIO16), if you’re reading this before 21st April you can read about the presentations that didn’t make it into our pre event programme. In B4 41 you will be able to read about all 72 presentations and also view them on line, so we’ve got everything covered for you! Video interviews are one of our new features for B4 and in this issue we feature an interview with Oxford Bus Company Managing Director, Phil Southall. Read the full interview in B4 and then watch it all on line afterwards! Also new for this issue is our B4 Members Club section where you can find out all about our new B4 Buying group (powered by our wonderful partners, Aston & James), an intro to some of our latest members, event news and more and, finally, there’s a new announcements section where members can shout about their recent appointments and acquisitions. But that’s not all! We attended our first Oxford Union talks and report on engagements with Michael Lynton, Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures Entertainment and Bernard Arnault, Chairman and CEO of LVMH. There’s a recap of our fantastic B4 event at the stunning Ashmolean Museum; we hear from Pembroke College’s Kevin Dudley who lost almost six stone in six months; Oxford Duplication’s Cheryl Lee-Foulsham talks about her company’s move to everything digital and, for some R&R, we visited The Aviator, The Bear and Ragged Staff, Beaumont Estate and Thaikun. Plus we have some excellent features from the professional community including Brethertons, Knights, Grant Thornton, Hedges, Penningtons Manches, The MGroup and Wellers. On that note I would like to welcome Knights Professional Services to B4 following their acquisition of Darbys Solicitors. If that’s not enough to keep you going then make sure you log in to www.b4-business.com and keep up to date with the latest news through the Press Release section or, if you’re a B4 member, add your favourites to My B4 where you can receive latest news direct to your My B4 page. If you’re not a member yet, then please do enquire about the benefits. We have some fabulous events lined up for this year, including Oxford Union, Rhodes House, Bombay Sapphire Distillery, Stoke Park and more to be announced. Enjoy B4!

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Meet The Writers

14. Savvy Written by Richard Rosser

24. Carter Jonas Written by Olivia Lane-Nott

28. John Hallam Written by Claire Thompson

About

Richard Rosser Editor

Magazine

B4 Magazine was established to provide Thames Valley businesses with a clear voice to raise their profile and to help businesses connect. Direct mailed to nine thousand business decision makers in once every two months, B4 is regarded a leading free distribution business publication in the region. B4 stands for Building Bridges Between Business and that is what B4 helps businesses to do, aided by our first class website at www.b4-business.com, monthly B4 Classic and Masterclass Events. 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. WHY NOT FOLLOW B4 MAGAZINE ON

104. Bear & Ragged Written by Matt Wright

lead

88 City & County Graphics: Get the low-down on this successful signage company and their plans for the future

14 Building Savvy: B4 catches up with Savvy Group and their great team in Oxford enjoying success after success.

finance legal news 10 B4 Member’s News 13 B4 Member’s Appointments 87 The Cabling Company’s News

46 A Fresh Approach to Resolving Disputes: Hedges Law explains how mediation is often the best choice when dealing with disputes. 46 Getting To Know You: Knights talk about how knowing which lawyer you want to work with can be a difficult but important decision

42 6 Shrewd Dividend Strategies: Wellers go over the items to review with your advisor promptly as the date for the new dividend tax rates draws near 50 Salary or Dividend?: Let The M Group help you make the decision on which route you should take 53 2016 Pension Changes: Grant Thornton discuss how the recent pension changes could affect you 61 Gender Pay Reporting: Blake Morgan advises employers to review their figures now and put right any unjustifiable differences

marketing 95 How To Score On And Off The Pitch: Penningtons Manches talks to us about how your brand is ultimately one of your most important assets 112 Think Brand Not Bland: Strangebrew Brand Alchemy talk about their breakthrough branding and marketing conference

spotlight

events

38 The Oxford Union: Brush up on your knowledge of this world renowned Oxford debating platform

18 B4 Event: Bombay Sapphire Distillery: Join B4 Members and Ambassadors for a private tour of the Bombay Sapphire Distillery.

58 B4TV Interview: Oxford Bus Company: B4 met with Phil Southall of Oxford Bus Company for the first in a series of informative interviews

41 B4 at the Ashmolean: Read our recap of the great B4 Classic Event which took place in February

B4 contents 62 B4 at Rhodes House: The next B4 Classic Event will take place at the beautiful Rhodes House in Oxford

63 Business In Oxford 2016: This one-of-a-kind event for businesses in Oxford takes place on 21st April. See a selection of presentation topics here.

45 $17k Ransomware Attack in Hollywood: Don’t wait a moment longer - Read about how CIS Ltd can help you protect your business.

91 Making a Game-Changing Difference: Financed by Twin Town 14, a new games room at SpecialEffect was recently opened by PM David Cameron

57 £1m Ransomware Attack in Lincolnshire: Learn from their mistake and read about how to protect yourself and your business from these attacks

98 London Marathon: Help support B4’s Managing Director Richard Rosser as he takes on the London Marathon for the 2nd year.

32 What Makes a Successful Science Park?: Begbroke Science Park is expanding - As the building takes shape, we ask what makes Begbroke stand out from the rest 35 Architectural Accent Lighting: See WILA’s recently installed lighting experience at the new Blavatnik School of Government in Oxford 37 Energy Performance Certificates: Brethertons discuss the importance of up to date EPCs for your rental property

r&r

travel

84 Aviator: Read The R & R Collection’s review of this modern and chic hotel. The photos don’t do it justice! 103 The Beaumont Estate: Check out B4’s review of this favourite among Windsor Hotels

49 Capital Sport with Chiltern Railways: B4 takes Chiltern Railways’ new route from Oxford Parkway for a test on a trip to Wembley Stadium

104 The Bear & Ragged Staff: Matthew Wright reviews this local favourite, steeped in history and free of clichés

property

111 Thaikhun: Thaikhun translates roughly to “Your Thailand” and offers a personal, engaging and most importantly delicious experience

19 Property Feature 20 Commercial Property from VSL & Partners 23 Furnishing That Makes Money: Finders Keepers explains how the way your property is furnished can make all the difference in successful lettings 24 New Office & Laboratory Space: Carter Jonas reveal that a new plot of 340 acres in Oxfordshire could be devoted to office space and business parks

health 92 Oxford Company Diagnoses Zika Virus: Read about the major role they play in the global fight to diagnose and prevent the spread of the Zika virus 96 Never Give Up: From over 19st and wheezing to fit as a fiddle, read this inspirational story of one man’s motivations and triumphs

Are You Compliant?: With the government rolling out a lot of new legislation for Residential Landlords, Finders Keepers asks Are You Ready?

28 Old Hotel, New Face: Read about John Hallam, leading Architectural Practice, and their ongoing work in the hotel sector 31 25 Years of Discovery: Magdalen College hosted a glittering event to celebrate The Oxford Science Park’s 25th anniversary

services 100 Oxford Duplication Going Digital: Oxford Duplication Centre tells B4 how they have expanded their range of digital services 108 Promotional Gifts & Workwear: Let Aston & James show you how you can customise all types of gifts and workwear for your brand

B4 Members Club 114 Contacts 121

Alberon takes on Oxford Web Oxford web design and software development company, Alberon, has purchased Oxford Web from Integritec. Staff from Oxford Web have already joined Alberon in the move which brings 80 new clients to Alberon’s thriving business. Managing Director, Tim Ault, says “Alberon is growing in a controlled and sustainable way. Oxford Web is the perfect fit for us, with many clients in

the education and not-for-profit sectors. Oxford Web clients can be confident that their hosting and web support is secure with Alberon, plus we can help them improve traffic and performance.” Alberon has recently completed bespoke software systems for Onside Advocacy to monitor and report on the progress of their clients, and Fresh Start Catering to provide efficient and secure ordering for school meals.

To discuss your own website and software development requirements contact Alberon, t: 01865 794009, e: hello@alberon.co.uk or see www.alberon.co.uk

Focus receive highly commended Buy to Let Mortgage Broker Award We are extremely proud to announce that FOCUS received the Highly Commended (runner-up) Buy to Let Mortgage Broker of the Year Award at the prestigious 2016 Business Moneyfacts Awards, held at The Lancaster London Hotel on Thursday 17 March. Jon Barlow Photography

Lee Tillcock, Editor of Business Moneyfacts, said:”The 16th annual Business Moneyfacts Awards has recognised those providers and brokers involved in the business finance world who have made a firm commitment to excellence

that will serve them well during the next year.” Nick Walker, Partner and Head of The FOCUS Mortgage Department, commented that, ‘This is a truly remarkable achievement to be recognised ahead of some of the biggest firms in the industry throughout the whole of the UK. The whole team at FOCUS has proved that a truly personal and highly professional service really does mean the difference when it comes to providing what clients are looking for as part of their investment portfolio”. www.focusllp.co.uk

Passion for Food Passion for Food proudly sponsored the Oxfordshire Restaurant Awards in October 2015 for the second year running, providing a selection of delicious canapés which kicked off the evenings proceedings. Managing Director Philip Baker is working closely with B4 again this year and will continue to sponsor the event. As a trained chef and previously owning his own restaurant, Philip recognises the

importance of promoting restaurants in Oxfordshire and championing diversity and culinary skills. He brings his own expertise and culinary skills to the industry as an event caterer, with his company Passion for Food. Passionate about fantastic flavours and ingredients, Passion for Food provide fantastic food and excellent service whilst keeping ahead with new trends and changes within the industry.

Philip and his team are looking forward to a busy weddings and events season and to taking part in the 2016 Oxfordshire Restaurant Awards. www.passion-for-food.co.uk

James Cowper Kreston EU Referendum debate Your vote on the 23rd June 2016 is going to have potentially wide reaching ramifications for current and future generations. It is, therefore, essential that you are able to vote with a sound understanding of the consequences of your decision.

James Cowper Kreston is excited to announce they are hosting a debate on the forthcoming EU Referendum.

With leading experts on both sides of the argument from an economic, political and social point of view, the debate will enable you to make an informed decision as to whether the country should stay in or leave the EU.

The debate will be an exciting, tense and informative event which we hope will give voters the information they need to make a confident choice in June. For more information, please contact Andy Cowie on 01865 861166 or visit us at: www.jamescowperkreston.co.uk

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news

Owen Mumford raises its game in lowering carbon emissions With continued pressures on UK manufacturing to find ways to become “greener”, companies like Owen Mumford are always looking to see how they can improve energy efficiency; especially given the significant costs and carbon emissions resulting from industrial processes required to manufacture its products. The good news is that the company recently signed an agreement with Oxfordshire’s Low Carbon Hub (www.lowcarbonhub.org) to install solar panels at both its Woodstock and Chipping Norton (Cotswold)

sites. A 100kW solar array went live in January at Cotswold and a further 41kW has been switched on at Woodstock this month. This energy-saving initiative not only benefits Owen Mumford with lower electricity costs and reduced carbon emissions but the agreement means the company will also be de facto supporting the roll-out of renewable energy to schools, church halls and community centres across Oxfordshire. The deal has the potential to reduce carbon emissions by an estimated 1,320 tonnes during the life of the 20-year agreement term. But despite this innovative move, Owen Mumford is still unable to supply all of its electricity needs from the solar panel installations alone, which is why in addition, the company’s Supply Chain Team has negotiated a new two-year deal with energy supplier Total Oil & Gas. From November 2016, the vast majority of externally sourced electricity at Chipping Norton and Woodstock will be supplied from 100% renewable sources for the life of the contract, which has the potential to reduce total carbon emissions in some areas of the business by up to 90%.

Jarl Severn, Managing Director said: “We are delighted with the positive changes to our energy usage. The decisions taken, mean that Owen Mumford is not only meeting its CSR* (Corporate Social Responsibility) head on but also taking a decisive step towards a zero carbon future, as envisaged in the COP21 Climate Agreement signed in Paris last November.” * www.owenmumford.com/en/about/csr-andenvironment/

Volunteers at Richmond Village aim to increase dementia awareness in Witney A campaign to tackle the stigma and lack of understanding around dementia has got the support of staff at Richmond Village, Witney’s new retirement village. The Richmond team are now running regular free ‘Dementia Friends’ Information Sessions and are looking for local people to come along. Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Friends programme is the biggest ever initiative to change people’s perceptions of dementia. It aims to transform the way the nation thinks, talks and acts about the condition. Dementia Friends is about learning more about dementia and the small ways you can help. From telling friends about the Dementia Friends programme to visiting someone you know living with dementia, every action counts. There are currently 850,000 people living with the condition in England. Having volunteered to become Dementia Friends Champions, the team are now delivering Dementia Friends Sessions to people across Witney. Volunteer, Suzi Morgan said: “I signed up to be a Dementia Friends Champion because I want to help to make Witney a Dementia Friendly Community. It’s easy to get involved. I attended a training course, receive ongoing support and I’m now proud to be part of a growing network of people creating dementia friendly communities together.” Aimee Parkwood, Dementia Friends Regional Support Officer at Alzheimer’s Society said: “Dementia touches the lives of millions of people across the

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country. Dementia Friends was launched to tackle the stigma and lack of understanding that means many people with the condition experience loneliness and social exclusion. It’s all about learning more about dementia and the small ways you can help. From getting in touch with someone you know living with dementia to wearing your badge with pride, every action counts.” The next one-hour Dementia Friends Information Sessions will take place at Richmond Villages Marketing Suite, 58 High Street, Witney at the following times: 7th April 4-5pm & 21st April 4-5pm. Places can be booked online at www.dementiafriends.org.uk or by telephoning 01993 768557. The team are also keen to visit local businesses and offer the Sessions at a suitable time for groups of employees, anyone interested should email: suzi.morgan@richmond-villages.com or telephone the number above.

news

Restrictive Covenants – where ‘less is more’ Restrictive covenants remain an effective tool by which an employer can prevent a former employee from making use of confidential information (such as customer contacts) they acquired during the course of their employment for the benefit of a new employer or a business of their own. However, if the court comes to the view that the restrictions have been drawn too widely it will declare them as void and unenforceable. You should

consider limiting the period of protection in the covenants to no more than six months. Doing so is likely to put you in a stronger position when wanting to rely on them. In practice a six month period tends to (other than with the most senior members of staff or where the confidential information has a particularly long ‘shelf life’) provide the protection that is required by the business. If you would like to discuss this topic in more detail contact Ben Hegedus at: ben.hegedus@bsdr.com

Aidan Meller Art Club The Art Club provides its members with an exclusive programme of tours, talks and receptions, aimed at developing connoisseurship. The Club has access to leading private art collections and offers behindthe-scenes experiences of some of Europe’s leading public institutions. The programme of talks features leading experts from the worlds of art history, museum curating, art dealing and investment. It is my pleasure to invite you to the community we are building through our Art Club, as we join to share our thoughts, reflections and ideas, we strengthen each other and the art itself.

Current Exhibition: The Bloomsbury Set Our current show is based on the Bloomsbury Set. They were a bohemian intellectual group including seminal thinkers such as Virginia Woolf and John Maynard Keynes. It also included charismatic and influential artists, not least Duncan Grant, Vanessa Bell and Roger Fry. This trio was instrumental to introducing Impressionist and Post-Impressionist techniques into the vocabulary of British art for the first time. This Exhibition is housed at 14 Broad Street, Oxford, OX1 3AS (next to the Tourist Information Centre). www.aidanmeller.com

The Oxford Kitchen: Fine food, without any fuss or formality Executive Chef John Footman’s food creations have made The Oxford Kitchen in Summertown one of the most exciting and talked-about dining outlets in the city. The Summertown restaurant, with its reputation for exceptional Modern British fare, is now attracting foodies from far and near.

“I’m not all that bothered about the term ‘fine dining’ really, in the sense that the term can imply an emphasis on the formality and sideshows that don’t actually matter. For us, success is all about great food and attentive service in an attractive environment. That, in a nutshell, is our formula for success.”

John, who has worked alongside some of the UK’s leading chefs, including Simon Haigh and Alan Murchison, believes that the key to his restaurant’s success is to stay focused on what is important:

John’s new 6-course Spring Tasting menu with Sommelier wine pairing is now attracting a great deal of interest. To see all The Oxford Kitchen menus and make reservations, visit:

www.theoxfordkitchen.co.uk or call 01865 511 149

World record set at the iconic Reading Half Marathon Sunday’s 33rd Reading Half Marathon saw more than 12,000 runners take on the prestigious race, with many surpassing their personal best race times as well as raising thousands of pounds for charitable causes and for the first time in the race’s history, a Guinness World Record was set.

1.18.13 breaking the Guinness World Record for the ‘Fastest Half Marathon in a Suit’. Scott commented: “I’m absolutely ecstatic that I’ve managed to beat the world record, it was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do. I was so hot and it felt like I was running through mud - I’m just glad it’s over and it was all worth it!”

Scott Forbes, a BA Pilot from Wokingham, ran the whole race in a blue three piece suit in a time of

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B4 announcements The latest B4 Member recruitment news from across the B4 Network

Carter Jonas’ Oxford office recruits four people

be competitive with our colleagues, we continue to grow our team because clients are needing us more than ever to strategically advise them on everything: from the most simplest of sales, to unravelling the most complex property portfolios..

New corporate and technology partner for Penningtons Manches Thames Valley Carter Jonas has continued to strengthen its Oxford office with the appointment of four new commercial and planning team members bringing its total to 95 people. Kathryn Muncey has joined as an associate in the commercial consultancy & strategy team predominantly working on the Buckinghamshire County Council contract. Kathryn has previously worked for Oxfordshire County Council as a senior project officer in the strategic asset management team and more recently at Capita in Oxford as assistant head of estates working on the Oxfordshire County Council property contract. kathryn.muncey@carterjonas.co.uk or 01865 819 620. Ifti Maniar MRTPI has joined as a senior planner in the planning & development team. With more than 10 years’ experience in the private sector, most recently he was a senior planner at West Waddy in Abingdon. ifti.maniar@carterjonas.co.uk or 01865 404 486. Michael Doran has joined as an associate in the commercial team specialising in landlord and tenant advice including rent reviews and lease renewals. Michael has joined from CBRE where he was based at MEPC Milton Park as a senior surveyor in its asset services team. Prior to that he worked at Capita delivering estate transactional work on behalf of Oxfordshire County Council. michael.doran@carterjonas.co.uk or 01865 404 457. Clare Fleet has joined the commercial property asset management team as assistant property manager. Having completed a Real Estate Management degree from Oxford Brookes in 2010, Clare has worked for a number of agencies, including most recently, Penny Sinclair. clare.fleet@carterjonas.co.uk or 01865 404 476. Mark Charter, head of Carter Jonas’ Oxford office said: “We welcome our newest team members as we continue to grow our Oxford office for the benefit of our many clients to ensure we continue to provide simply better advice. In Carter Jonas’ 36 strong UK office network, we remain the largest hub office outside our London HQ, closely followed by our Cambridge office! But whilst it’s fun to

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Nicola McConville has joined the Penningtons Manches Thames Valley corporate team as a partner. She was previously a partner at Blake Morgan for eight years.

hot bed of entrepreneurial talent, with a lot of young technology businesses and spin-outs from the various universities. There is high demand for advisers able to guide businesses through the tax complexities when putting in place various incentive schemes. James Cowper Kreston has a terrific reputation across the Thames Valley for acting for those businesses and I look forward to contributing to the firm’s continued success.” Sharon Bedford, Partner and Head of Business Tax at James Cowper Kreston adds: “We are delighted by Mike’s decision to join the firm. He has a terrific reputation locally and across the wider Thames Valley. He will be a real asset to the firm and to our clients.” James Cowper Kreston has twice been named Tax Team of the Year at the annual British Accountancy Awards in the past five years. The firm has ambitious plans for its Tax practice, looking to double the size of the team over the next few years. www.jamescowperkreston.co.uk or 01865 861166

A senior corporate transactional lawyer with over 15 years’ experience, Nicola advises on a wide range of corporate law issues throughout the lifecycle of a business from selecting an appropriate structure for incorporation through to IPOs. Nicola has a strong track record of working with technology companies and has advised over 30 software incubator start-ups and spin outs from Oxford University and regional science parks. Her particular interests are clean technology, health tech, imaging and digital development. She also advises community groups and social enterprises throughout the UK on governance and raising finance. A regular speaker and author, Nicola has been recognised by the legal directories for several years as “the best person in southern England on green technology.” nicola.mcconville@penningtons.co.uk or 0118 982 2654.

NGI Finance are delighted to introduce a new member to our commercial finance team, Chris Badger. Chris comes from a financial background, having worked for a major high street bank for 26 years, and adds to our wealth of experience in the finance industry. NGI Finance offers all kinds of business finance including; asset finance, commercial mortgages, development loans, secured and unsecured business loans, sales invoice finance.

James Cowper Kreston strengthens Thames Valley business tax team James Cowper Kreston has strengthened its 25-strong Business Tax team in the Thames Valley with the appointment of Mike Shearan. Mike joined the firm on 14 March as a Senior Manager from Grant Thornton. He brings to the firm considerable experience in working with entrepreneurs and fast-growing businesses, and a detailed understanding of share option schemes, enterprise management incentive (EMI) options, the Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) and on the tax implications of investments, acquisitions and disposals. On joining the firm Mike said: “The Thames Valley is a

NGI have become a leading player in the Crowd Funding market; this exciting new sector provides innovative finance products for business. No matter how large or small or what type of business, NGI’s objective is to get the best finance package available. NGI has helped business secure in excess of £100m worth of funding since its inception, with most of our business coming from referrals, testament to the competitive products and outstanding level of service we provide. Contact Chris and the team: www.ngifinance.co.uk or 01993 706403.

B4 Members Please contact 01865 742211 and let us know about your latest recuitment news

lead

Building Savvy Construction is an industry which has had its fair share of ‘DO NOT ENTER’ signs over the past ten years, therefore launching a new business just five years ago at the height of a recession and in an already competitive sector would lead one to diagnose that those involved were either bordering on insanity , or, very smart…even savvy. B4’s Richard Rosser met with Savvy Group’s Managing Director, Steve Dunne, to find out that not only is he heading up a team of very smart cookies, but also that he and his team knew they would make a success of their new venture, despite the seemingly harsh economic climate. WRITTEN BY: RICHARD ROSSER PHOTOGRAPHY BY: ROB SCOTCHER

Savvy are now turning over almost £14 million per annum – that’s impressive in anyone’s book for a company only five years old, but as Steve explains, he always knew the business had a good chance of succeeding. “We knew we could get to this stage if the market held its own, partly because we have been surveying and in the building industry for quite some time and we knew the Oxfordshire market. We also have a passion for what we do and do it very well, with a collaborative approach. “Even as directors we are not afraid to apply ourselves and get stuck in to the nitty gritty. I think that work ethic has helped us cultivate a similar ethic right through the team. We have good people who are also very loyal – they see what we are doing and want to be part of our dream. We could see a gap in the market for a professional construction company to compete for projects of a certain size, and deliver an elite standard of service to our clients.” Having trained as a Quantity Surveyor, Steve knows his numbers and they have always added up, as he explains. “I know that one slip up can mean the difference between success or failure on a particular project given that the numbers we are dealing with are relatively large these days. It’s just in my nature to want to know what’s going on and this means long days with a lot of plate-spinning. We are a competitively priced company, in a competitive market that we know and understand well, prices have to be accurate to ensure the business is successful.” Steve is also delighted at how the business has managed to establish a solid reputation in such a short period of time with a loyal network of satisfied customers triggering plenty of repeat business. “Through doing a first class job we have a lot of satisfied customers who trust us and know we will deliver every time. This has given us a positive

reputation in the market which has helped attract new customers, confidence with the banks and a growing team. It’s a virtuous circle and we just have to maintain the high standards which have been our foundation.” The long term plan? To consolidate the business in Oxford and not expand, surprising given the success of the business to date. “We suit Oxfordshire and Oxfordshire suits us, because, as we have proved, if you do a good job in Oxford you really get the recognition for it. It’s very positive and has meant we are even having to turn work down because of the amount of approaches we receive. I would

“

when it comes to the numbers side of the business. I know that one slip up can mean the difference between success or failure on a particular project

”

Steve Dunne - Savvy Group Managing Director

be concerned about losing control if we went too far afield, you can’t just nip onto site if the site is a hundred (plus) miles away to deal with issues that construction projects throw up, or give support to clients, architects etc. We know there is enough work in Oxfordshire. The market is buoyant, there is plenty of work and the support we need is here - we also have an excellent supply chain, that we can rely on to support us.” I ask Steve if he always knew he could develop the business and whether he looks back and wished

he would have done anything differently. “I knew I was at the helm, it was down to me to take this forward. The truth is, nobody else would have my job. It’s relentless with long and anti-social hours. I’d even go so far as to use the word ‘brutal’ but, I actually enjoy it.” Says Steve with an impish grin. “I’m always expected to find a solution for every problem that comes up in a growing business. I can’t ever shy away from issues because as I said nobody would want that many plates in the air, other than me. Staff expect me to have solutions for a wide range of building surveying, planning permission, and general construction issues - it is quite exhausting because I am flitting from one major issue to another. Banks, business development, political issues, interest rates. On top of that I am dealing with HR, interviews for new people. I have to be able to adapt. “We are also very fair employers and the fact that are staff turnover is next to zero is testament to how well we treat and reward our staff. As a result, they have thrown themselves into the business and long may it continue! “Would I have done anything differently? No is the short answer. You learn from your mistakes and we’ve not done everything perfectly. If I’d followed every bit of advice I have been given over the past six years we wouldn’t have grown as quickly, but you have to go with your gut don’t you and, fortunately so far, most of our decisions have been correct.” As the business has grown, the problems just get bigger, as Steve elaborates. “Cashflow might be easier but there are other problems such as Corporation Tax …. and having to employ more expensive advisers. We are having to invest in new premises, plant, staff and that in turn creates its own problems of scheduling, sick days, more projects to manage. All good stuff!“

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Steve has built a trusted management team around him who he can delegate more to but the move to new premises – a farm with a significant amount of land – means he has to take his eye off the ball from time to time to ensure the move is as smooth as possible and doesn’t disrupt the business. “So far everything has gone to plan. We have a good track record with the banks so their support has been crucial, not only with the move but also to help grow the business. “We also make sure that we do what we say when we say, even if that puts us out. The right people know that - the bank know that, the architects know that and the clients know that. You will make mistakes but people are more forgiving because, on the whole, we do get it right. We owe the majority of our success to the team that have helped build Savvy to what it is and I think we have reached a level we are happy with. Get too big and you have to be very careful not to lose the good name you have started to get for yourself. “Our team is also very dynamic - we can take on any job – and we are all still very young. Our key management are between 35 and 45 years old, still with our best years ahead of us and our Site Managers are also excellent. We have a wealth of knowledge between us and I am very confident with the team who are predominantly Oxford born and bred.” I ask Steve if he has ever nearly crashed his car looking at a site he has worked on. “No! But I am always on the lookout for sites, asking myself why didn’t we get this job or that job. I am very visually aware. I am always looking at the clothing that the guys are wearing on site, the waste in a skip, how the men are acting - for example, I don’t like seeing skips full of rubbish on a windy day! I’ll ask to get a van or bike moved because it’s obstructing access for the owner on a private job. It’s the little

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things I notice which not everyone notices – I’ve got to think ahead and pre-empt problems and I’m getting our team to think more like this every day.” Steve wouldn’t say he rules with an iron fist, but he’ll lay down the law when the situation arises. “I treat everyone fairly but I do have my moments - I especially don’t like, in fact hate laziness, or a sloppy approach to the given task, you are doing some thing you should do it well or not at all. If I’m not happy with the standard of a job then I will question it. I won’t tolerate poor working standards and I will always take a stance against this otherwise standards would slip. Some days

“

I also make sure that everything we do is done correctly. The right people know that - the bank know that, the architects know that and the clients know that

”

Steve Dunne - Savvy Group Managing Director

we will have up to seventy staff on site and it’s the Site Manager’s role to make sure they are all working as a team. Sometimes I get called in to support the Site Manager and I do think you gain more respect for standing up to staff if they’re not doing their job as they should be. You have to be proactive and deal with issues head on regardless of what they are. Construction sites are a tough place to be, especially in the winter. If it rains the project gets compressed and deadlines still have to be met. It can get very congested on site and tempers quite strained.”

So why Savvy? I expected Steve to give me a simple one-line answer, but, amazingly, the details man that he is, he had his initial doodles from when he was thinking about the name, all those years ago, to hand. “The name has come from a number of ideas I had a long time ago which I wrote down on this piece of paper. I Googled words that I thought worked. I liked the word - it was, in my opinion, quite catchy.” Savvy by name and definitely by nature. Steve is now refining the business to ‘polish’ the bits he didn’t have time to give the attention they merited as the business exploded. “In an ideal world you would grow organically and perfectly. But the reality is you don’t have time to worry about the minutiae, so have to work out what to do daily in priority order. So now is the time to go back and ensure we polish the areas that weren’t perfect first time around. You get a lot of help and advice along the way but not everything is always possible first time around because we are growing. On paper they are right but, in reality, it isn’t possible. When you have a small business trying to create cashflow, you can’t do everything you want to. We are where we are through sheer hard work, guts and determination (and it’s not for everyone that’s for sure)….now we can make sure we cement our position as one of the leading construction companies in the area, something we are extremely proud of.” Meet the Savvy Team overleaf

CONTACT DETAILS info@group-savvy.co.uk 01865 920 040 www.group-savvy.co.uk

For all your construction, maintenance & renovations needs If you want to apply for a job in construction we are looking for new staff, please contact Steve, email steve@savvyconstruction.co.uk

Tel 01865 920040 Fax 01865 892320 info@savvyconstruction.co.uk www.group-savvy.co.uk Dunne House, 253 London Road, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9EH

Meet the Savvy Team Savvy employs a fantastic team with a huge range of skills. Get to know some of the guys below and their role within the company.

lead

Steve Dunne Managing Director Steve has 24 years experience in the construction industry as a quality surveyor and director, with a determination for having the best construction, maintenance and renovation business in Oxfordshire by dedication, hard work and a no-fail attitude.

Jon Peart

David Dunne

Jacob Siles

Kevin Taylor

Director - Construction

Director - Maintenance & Renovations

Site Foreman

Site Manager

Jon Peart (Director of Savvy Construction) is an experienced chartered quality surveyor with an eye for detail and comes across brilliantly with clients, architects and other professionals.

David Dunne (Director of Savvy Maintenance & Renovations) has 18 years experience in the mechanical and electrical side of the industry. David works hard managing a team of tradesmen ensuring 100% client satisfaction.

Jacob Siles is dedicated and clients enjoy having him on their projects. Jason originally comes from a tradesman background which holds him in good stead.

Kevin Taylor (SMSTS) is an enthusiastic Site Manager with a helpful and cheerful approach to projects. A carpenter by trade, Kevin is very hands on with the projects.

Tim Challenor

Jamie Hickman

Ron White

Jason Abrams

Commercial Manager & Quality Surveyor

Senior Quantity Surveyor

Site Manager

Tim Challenor (Commercial Manager and Quality Surveyor for Savvy Maintenance and Renovations) is a hugely experienced and highly respected key member of the team.

Jamie Hickman (Senior Quantity Surveyor) has over 20 years experience in a senior position with a major large contractor. Jamie brings a professional, process driven approach to Savvy Construction surveying department.

Ron White (SMTS) is an exceptional Site Manager, who has been in the industry for over 35 years with a carpenter skill set and an honest, direct approach that always delivers 1st class projects.

Jason Abrams (SMTS) is a hardworking Site Manager and loyal team member whose expertise is within the new houses schemes of multiple homes. He is very passionate about doing things correctly with impeccable paperwork and site control.

Craig Smith

Paul Mitchell

Gary Smith

Clive Gardner

Trainee Site Manager

Site Manager

Craig Smith (SMTS) is a trainee Site Manager coming from a carpentry background, an extremely hard working, loyal and determined employee.

Paul Mitchell (SMTS) is a great Site Manager that clients and architects love and who never fails to impress with his firm but fair method of management, who always delivers projects with a â&#x20AC;&#x153;nothing is too much troubleâ&#x20AC;? attitude.

Gary Smith (SMTS) is our 6ft 6in Site Manager who has been with us since day one. An extremely loyal, honest and brilliant tradesman that runs large, often extremely complex schemes with a great work ethic.

Clive Gardner (SMSTS) is a highly respected Site Manager with over 40 years in the construction industry. Coming from a carpentry background, Clive has a wealth of experience in all project types and construction methods.

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Forthcoming B4 Event ď ł

Behind the scenes at Bombay Sapphire DATE: TIME: VENUE:

THURSDAY 15TH SEPTEMBER 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM BOMBAY SAPPHIRE DISTILLERY, LAVERSTOKE MILL, LONDON ROAD, WHITCHURCH, BERKSHIRE RG28 7NR

Based at Laverstoke Mill in rural Hampshire, just 15 miles from Winchester and 60 miles from London, the Bombay Sapphire Distillery is in a Conservation Area with over 1000 years of history. The distillery showcases the care, skill and artistry behind every drop of Bombay Sapphire, and allows you to discover the flavours of the botanicals which make Bombay Sapphire gin so unique. This event is limited to 45 places and registration will open later this year.

For more information see: www.b4-business.com 18

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B4 property

feature

JOHN H A L L A M

ATES

ASSOCIATES

Welcome to the B4 Magazine Property Feature, focusing on the ever-changing Thames Valley property market. We have some great insights and advice from key businesses such as VSL & Partners, Finders Keepers, Carter Jonas, John Hallam Associates and many more. This issueâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lead article was brought to us by Savvy Group on page 14.

Contents 14. Savvy Group 20. VSL & Partners 23. Finders Keepers 24. Carter Jonas 27. Finders Keepers 28. John Hallam Associates 31. Oxford Science Park 32. Begbroke Science Park 35. WILA 37. Brethertons

OXFORD TECHNOLOGY PARK Langford Lane, Kidlington TO LET 10,000 sq ft – 400,000 sq ft A unique opportunity for office, research & development and high technology businesses.

BUILDING 4220 NASH COURT Oxford Business Park TO LET 4,885 sq ft Two storey self-contained office building.

3 OMEGA Southmead Industrial Estate, Didcot TO LET 29,770 sq ft

BUILDING ONE Abingdon Business Park TO LET

M T RE PRE O B FU HE E RB NS IS IV HE EL D Y

Self contained high bay distribution/ production premises with independent fenced and secure yard with ample HGV parking

27,697 sq ft Headquarters office facility, prominently located on Abingdon Business Park, a mixed use high technology and office campus set within 50 acres of landscaped grounds.

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

news VSL warns office & industrial supply likely to fall to critical levels by the end of 2016 A34A34 Corridor Corridor Office Office Supply Supply & Take & Take Up Up

A34A34 Corridor Corridor Industrial Industrial Supply Supply & Take & Take Up Up 3,000,000 3,000,000

1,000,000 1,000,000 900,000 900,000

2,500,000 2,500,000

800,000 800,000 700,000 700,000

2,000,000 2,000,000

600,000 600,000 500,000 500,000

1,500,000 1,500,000

400,000 400,000 1,000,000 1,000,000

300,000 300,000 200,000 200,000

500,000 500,000

100,000 100,000 0

0 2007 2007 2008 2008 2009 2009 2010 2010 2011 2011 2012 2012 2013 2013 2014 2014 2015 2015 2016 2016 SupplySupply (sq ft) (sq ft)

0 2008 2008 2009 2009 2010 2010 2011 2011 2012 2012 2013 2013 2014 2014 2015 2015 2016 2016 2007 2007 SupplySupply

Take Take Up (sqUp ft) (sq ft)

Take Up Take Up

VSL & Partners reports in its annual central Oxford and A34 market report that the lack of supply for both office and industrial space remains critical. The report focused on Oxford’s ‘Innovation Knowledge 2015 Office Rents Corridor’ provides 2015 Office Rents a clear insight into supply, take-up and rents and finds a lack of available £30.00£30.00 stock continues to be the talking point with office and industrial space continuing to diminish.

which is creating the right environment for speculative development. Banks also now seem prepared to loan money to occupiers looking to purchase their own buildings. Many companies have also built up healthy reserves of equity 2015 2015 Industrial Industrial Rents Rents that they want to release into bricks and mortar. The commercial land which £14.00£14.00 is available in Oxfordshire tends to be owned by developers and landlords who £12.00 are only prepared to develop on a leasehold basis. £12.00

Available office space fell once more by a further 200,000 sq ft compared to £20.00£20.00 the previous twelve months, a trend which has now persisted for 6 consecutive years. For industrial, supply has dropped by nearly two thirds over the last 5 £15.00£15.00 years, with total supply at 2.4 million sq ft in 2010, dropping to 900,000 sq ft in 2015. Supply for both office and industrial space in Oxfordshire is forecast to £10.00£10.00 continue to reduce to 500,000 sq ft for industrial and 400,000 sq ft for office supply by the end of 2016. Take-up in 2015 however has increased to pre £5.00 £5.00 Credit Crunch levels and is predicted to remain the same in 2016, reflecting the potential for pre lets.

£10.00 £10.00 A greater

£25.00£25.00

£0.00 £0.00 Oxford Oxford Oxford Oxford Kidlington Kidlington Abingdon Abingdon / Didcot / Didcot BicesterBicester Thame ThameWitney Witney City Centre City Centre Ring Rd Ring Rd Milton Park Milton Park

“The economy remains buoyant locally reflecting the strength and diversity of Prime of Secondary Prime Secondary the local market. The shortage commercial land opportunities and developer confidence are the main factors holding back new build in the County. The increased levels of take-up and reducing supply are leading to rental growth

supply of commercial land would open up the opportunities for companies to buy their own sites and allow other developers into the market £8.00 £8.00 who would consider freehold schemes. Bicester and Didcot are the frontrunners for land being released for commercial development and is where £6.00 £6.00 commercial opportunities are most likely to be realised in the immediate future. The £4.00centre £4.00 of gravity for many companies remains Oxford and the greater Oxford area but improved communications to Bicester via the new Chiltern £2.00and £2.00improvements to the A34 make these viable options. The next 5 line years looks very exciting for Oxford City centre with the Westgate development £0.00 £0.00 and the Oxford new Oxford Marylebone link Abingdon actingDidcot as Didcot catalysts for Thame growth combined Kidlington Abingdon BicesterBicester Witney Witney with Kidlington Thame continued growth of the commercialisation of University of Oxford spinouts.” Secondary Trade Prime Prime Secondary Says Richard Venables,Trade director at VSL & Partners. www.vslandp.com

Deals Done... 2015 2015 Industrial Industrial Rents Rents

2015 2015 Office Office Rents Rents £14.00£14.00

£30.00£30.00

£12.00£12.00

£25.00£25.00

£10.00£10.00

£20.00£20.00

£8.00 £8.00 £15.00£15.00 £6.00 £6.00 £10.00£10.00

40 Nuffield Industrial Estate, Abingdon letting to Atlas Copco £5.00 £5.00

£4.00 £4.00 Latimer House, Langford Locks, Kidlington Letting of a ground floor suite 2,500 sq ft to Handlesbanken

£0.00 £0.00 Kidlington Abingdon / Didcot Oxford Oxford Oxford Oxford Kidlington Abingdon / Didcot BicesterBicester Thame ThameWitney Witney Milton Park Milton Park

City Centre City Centre Ring Rd Ring Rd www.b4-business.com

Prime Prime

Secondary Secondary

£2.00 £2.00

North 13 & 14, Central 127, Milton Park Assignment of 5,985 sq ft offices to Immunocore

£0.00 £0.00 Oxford Oxford Kidlington Kidlington Abingdon AbingdonDidcot DidcotBicesterBicesterThame ThameWitney Witney

21 Trade Trade Prime Prime Secondary Secondary

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

property

Furnishing that makes money Decorum Interiors is Finders Keepers’ interior design and contract furnishing division. It is also our secret weapon. Decorum Interiors’ expertise lies in mixing the flair of our interior designers, the letting savvy of Finders Keepers and the practicality of an industrial contract furnisher. WRITTEN BY: VICTORIA LYALL PHOTOGRAPHY BY: TIM HALL

In a market where tenants expect glamorous, gorgeous homes, Decorum Interiors knows how to charm and excite tenants, command higher rents and energise tired rooms. Here are some recent examples where upgrading a property has resulted in impressive rent increases:

Jericho The landlord of a 2 bedroom split-level apartment in Jericho decided to upgrade the property after the tenant who had lived there for more than 20 years moved out. Bricks & Mortar, our renovation division, carried out some works to upgrade the kitchen and bathroom before Decorum Interiors supplied new carpets, window treatments and all furnishings. As with all projects, the focus was to pick a well-designed scheme which wouldn’t date and which would boost the rental value. Every decision was judged ruthlessly: “Will it last for 5+ years?” Sturdy furniture (not flat-pack) is a much wiser investment in the long term – particularly in a rental property where you will experience wear and tear from tenants. The weaker (cheaper) the furniture, the less time it lasts. Photo 1 shows the end result of this apartment and the landlord saw a huge rental increase of 50.8%.

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Central Oxford The owners of a central Oxford development have a long term plan to upgrade their properties. They have relied on the project management skills of Bricks & Mortar and the design style of Decorum Interiors to complete this exercise. For this recent apartment our choices included quality furnishings which were chosen specifically to stand the test of time and withhold the rigours of the rental market. We believe that cheap furnishings flatter to deceive, and conversely extravagant furnishing doesn’t guarantee success. Understanding your target market is essential when it comes to furnishing your residential letting property. Photos 2 and 3 show the new furnishings which provided the landlord with a 15.8% rental increase.

HMO Property After another long term let, the landlord of an HMO property in Jericho wanted to upgrade the house with new furniture and a full internal redecoration. Although the scheme for each room was different, our basic guidelines remain the same for all properties: creating a neutral palette is crucial for rental properties and soft furnishings can then be used to provide a mix of patterns or colours; this

also allows you to refresh a scheme easily and at relatively low cost. Also, you shouldn’t feel the need to fill a room with furniture – too many items can look messy and distract from the style you’re trying to achieve. Photo 4 shows one of the bedrooms in this 6 bedroom house which applies these guidelines. The landlord was delighted with the end result and with the 25% increase in rent.

In a market where tenants “expect glamorous, gorgeous homes, Decorum Interiors knows how to charm and excite tenants

”

Decorum Interiors manages projects ranging from a single pair of curtains to the full-furnishing of multiple apartments. Whether you need furnishing for a rental property or interior design for your own home, contact Jane and the team on 01865 302339.

CONTACT DETAILS decorum@finderskeepers.co.uk 01865 302 399 www.finders.co.uk

Research identifies 38-year development capacity for Oxfordshire’s new office & laboratory space Whilst Oxfordshire’s businesses are facing a marked lack of quality office and laboratory stock, with only 55,000 sq ft of grade A quality space currently available, our latest research identifies that there is capacity for approximately 7.48 million sq ft coming through the planning allocation process, with an additional 2.09 million sq ft of consented sites in Oxfordshire’s main business locations. WRITTEN BY: OLIVIA LANE-NOTT

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property

sq ft

Oxfordshire Development Pipeline (capacity of consented sites)

1,200,000

800,000

OXFORD

1,000,000

Office/R&D

600,000

Latest research from Carter Jonas identifies that approximately 340 acres of potential development land, in turn equating to approximately 7.48 million sq ft of office and R&D accommodation, is currently coming through the planning allocation process, in addition to current consented sites which total 2.09 million sq ft, jointly totalling approximately 9.57 million sq ft of future office and laboratory space. Whilst this new land allocation equates to approximately 38 years’ supply based on the current five-year average take up of 250,000 sq ft, if the county starts to fulfil its potential and for example matches Cambridge’s 2015 take up figures of 1.1 million sq ft, then this pipeline will reduce dramatically. The county’s immediate office and laboratory pipeline remains primarily concentrated around key business park locations around Oxford and South Oxfordshire including The Oxford Science Park, Harwell and Milton Park. In general terms the county’s business parks are now better and equipped to deliver stock than at any time in the past decade following significant investment in the majority of these and other schemes. Jon Silversides, partner, Oxford commercial agency, Carter Jonas, expands further: “With the current lack of Grade A space, if we are to continue to meet the high demand from our growing knowledge-based sectors, significant investment is needed to deliver new office and laboratory stock. “Whilst we appreciate that the debate is a little ‘chicken and egg’, equally, if we sit back then other national and global locations will attract investment ahead of Oxfordshire. There are signs that speculative development is returning to the agenda, notably at Harwell, and others are likely to follow suit. From an investment perspective, we believe that Oxfordshire represents good value, with business park quoting rents standing between £25.00 and £27.00 per sq ft, compared with other locations in the South

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KIDLINGTON

HARWELL

200,000

ABINGDON

BICESTER

400,000

East such as Reading and Cambridge where rents are over £35.00 psf. This differential is even more significant with London, where prime office rents in the West End are approaching £130 per sq ft. For commercial property in Oxfordshire in 2016, Carter Jonas forecasts: • stabilisation of existing rental tones in the short term, following the 2015 increases • continued buoyant level of investor demand for Oxfordshire’s commercial property, due to its strong economy and rental growth prospects

buoyant and both investors and businesses will continue to benefit.” Carter Jonas’ commercial team has been involved in some of the county’s most recent significant transactions: from the largest Oxford city centre office letting in two years at Clarendon House in Cornmarket Street; to the acquisition of a new headquarters building on behalf of The Diocese of Oxford in Kidlington, and the subsequent sale of its administrative headquarters at Church House in North Hinksey; to the successful sale of Caterham F1’s former headquarters in Leafield.

• wider geographic spread of activity given asset management initiatives in key business parks and deliverable planning consents • the completion of road improvements around Oxford and on the A34 will aid development prospects and will boost productivity for local businesses

“

Oxfordshire’s commercial property market is buoyant and both investors and businesses will continue to benefit

”

• development activity increasing over the coming year, with the county’s short term pipeline focused on key business park locations in Oxford and south Oxfordshire Jon Silversides added: “One of Oxfordshire’s main attractions is its highly skilled workforce, which is a major draw for domestic and international occupiers alike. With a diminishing amount of Grade A space, improved market confidence, landlord investment in existing stock and the fact that Oxfordshire represents good value compared with London and the South East, Oxfordshire’s commercial property market is

Jon Silversides at Carter Jonas

For commercial property advice, whether you are a landlord, investor or tenant, please contact Jon Silversides below. For a copy of Carter Jonas’ latest Commercial Edge Oxfordshire research report, please visit: www.carterjonas.co.uk/commercialedge CONTACT DETAILS oxford@carterjonas.co.uk 01865 517 000 www.carterjonas.co.uk

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

property

Residential Landlords

Are you compliant?

File this under ‘boring but important’. You wait five years for the Government to come up with something decent to improve the Private Rented Sector and suddenly they unleash not one, not two, not three but four new tranches of legislation onto residential landlords within 6 months. WRITTEN BY: RORY WOODHOUSE

You now must confirm that each adult occupier has the ‘right to rent’.

Alarms must be in proper working order on the day a new tenancy starts

From april 2018 residential property must have a minimum energy efficient rating of ‘e’ before a new tenancy begins

We care about our clients complying with new legislation – we handle it all for them at no extra cost and we get it right. For the B4 readers who are resi-landlords, and particularly the ‘Letting Only’ landlords (where you manage the property yourself), we write this guide to keep you out of jail and away from fines. If you get sick of trying to keep up, we can do it all for you – just give us a call on 01865 302362.

New changes • Energy Efficiency • From April 2016 a tenant will be able to request energy efficiency improvements to a property which – if there is recognised funding available – the landlord cannot unreasonably refuse to carry out. • From April 2018 residential property must have a minimum energy efficient rating of ‘E’ before a new tenancy begins. • From April 2020 this ‘E’ rating minimum will also apply to properties which already have a tenancy running. • Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations 2015 • Since October 2015 each storey of a property where there is at least one room used wholly or partially as accommodation (including bathrooms and lavatories) must have a smoke alarm fitted. • A carbon monoxide alarm must be fitted in every room used wholly or partly as accommodation that contains a solid fuel

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burning combustion appliance. • The alarms must be in proper working order on the day a new tenancy starts. • Testing applies to all tenancies (existing and new) created on or after 1st October 2015. • Deregulation Act 2015 - created to try to prevent ‘revenge evictions’ • Reasonable repair requests from tenants must be carried out, if not there must be an ‘adequate response’ within 14 days in writing to the tenant. The tenant can refer to the local authority who may issue an enforcement notice. • While a complaint is live you cannot issue a Section 21/Form 6a notice. • A tenant must sign to acknowledge receipt of a Gas Safety record, an EPC and the government’s ‘How to Rent’ guide at the start of each tenancy. Without this signature on record a Section 21/Form 6a cannot be issued. • Legal notice for possession can only be served once a tenant has lived in a property for 4 months and 1 day. • Right to Rent – The Immigration Act 2014 • You must confirm that each adult occupier has the ‘Right to Rent’, e.g. a valid passport or visa. The actual passport (not a scan) has to be checked within 28 days of a tenancy starting and a copy made and kept. • The ‘Right to Rent’ must be re-checked upon renewing tenancies. • If the tenant has the Right to Rent for 2 months but the tenancy is 6 months, this is okay. This is bizarre and counter-intuitive but true.

Two old favourites • Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 • This has been compulsory for nearly two decades and is vitally important not just to avoid the £5,000 fine or six month prison term, but because if anything were to happen to a tenant during a tenancy, the penalties could be far more severe. • Every tenant must be given a valid record before moving into a property and on the annual renewal of the landlord’s Gas Safety record. • Electrical Safety Certificate and Portable Appliance Test • Technically voluntary, however we strongly advise this as the landlord has a legally enforceable duty of care to ensure that the wiring and all appliances are safe. • This is a fixed term test to check that the fixed wiring (5-10 years) and portable appliances (1-2 years) are safe. • Many landlord insurance policies will only pay out on electrical appliance claims and related accidents if an Electrical Safety test has been done.

CONTACT DETAILS info@finders.co.uk 01865 302 362 www.finders.co.uk

Old Hotel New Face Claire Thompson of Papa Romeo PR talks to John Hallam of the region’s leading independent architectural practice about their ongoing work in the hotel sector. PHOTOGRAPHY BY: TERRY LEE, PHOTOJOURNALIST

John Hallam Associates has become the first choice among developers throughout the UK for a large range of architectural services and has built an enviable reputation for its work in the hotel sector. The Chipping Norton based practice has successfully worked with a number of national hotel chains and boutique hotel owners including the Cotswold Water Park, Tortworth Court, Oxford Thames Four Pillars Hotels and has now completed a substantial new extension and refurbishment at the Five Star Burlington House Hotel, 374 Banbury Road in Oxford. John explains: “For the luxury hotel sector, regular refurbishments are a necessity in order to maintain customer loyalty, room rates and market share. The brief from our clients the Omshanti Group, was to create two additional apartments, remodel the dining room and design a new kitchen which once completed, should all look like it was there from day one.” The property is a large, Victorian merchant’s house, dating from 1889, so without disturbing its Victorian elegance the house required total renovation to incorporate this additional space without it looking like a modern extension add on. John Hallam Associates worked in conjunction with contractors, Chipping Norton Builders Ltd, who used many of their own tradesmen to help create the finished project.

“One of the key challenges was to carry out the part refurbishment and part extension while the hotel was still in operation. This allowed our clients to retain customers and key members of staff as well as minimising loss of revenue during the 12-month project.

We are particularly proud of the high standards “delivered by our site team, they maintained a safe and friendly environment at all times and delivered a high quality building to a delighted client

”

Joe Johnson of Chipping Norton Builders

“To make this happen, it was necessary to demolish an existing cottage on the next door plot. We then developed and maintained good working relationships with the hotel management team and worked extended hours, which was necessary to minimise disruption and noise. We established a solid rapport with the next door neighbour, which was essential as Burlington House is situated on a restricted site and we were building up against the boundary on his side of the property. Without his support we could easily have faced lengthy delays.”

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property

“ For the luxury

hotel sector, regular refurbishments are a necessity in order to maintain customer loyalty, room rates and market share

”

John Hallam, John Hallam Associates

“Chipping Norton Builders have worked closely with John Hallam Associates on a number of prestige projects and Burlington House Hotel was a particularly successful collaboration. Communication is key to working in live environments. On all our projects, we have meetings with the client and project stakeholders on a daily and weekly basis to provide information about construction activities and address any of their concerns. We are particularly proud of the high standards delivered by our site team, they maintained a safe and friendly environment at all times and delivered a high quality building to a delighted client” says Joe Johnson of Chipping Norton Builders. Reorganising the interior of the hotel and adding a discrete extension has provided a modern efficient and functional hotel environment without losing the character of the existing building. The project has carefully upgraded and a continuation of style carried through thereby creating a seamless walk from the existing building into the extended property.

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Elements of the work needed to be in sympathy and harmony with the fabric of the existing building and it was paramount the building be converted without a major change in external appearance. A layer of lively contemporary design has been added with the opening out of the bright and airy dining and kitchen area. The building represents a clear expression of its constructional materials, being built with reclaimed yellow and red Oxford bricks. Meticulous detailing has gone into the external stonework, the shapes of existing windows have been replicated and the same materials used for the new development, as with the existing. Nes Saini, hotel manager says: “We are delighted with the end result which has been developed with real flair and originality and we now have a vibrant and commercially viable hotel in functional, aesthetic and environmental terms.” Established in 1993 John Hallam Associates has grown organically over the last 22 years to become the leading Architecture, planning, construction

consultants and project managers in the region. The ISO registered practice continues to assure clients of exceptional quality when providing architectural solutions leading to the successful development of hotels, heritage buildings commercial premises and residential properties. The practice has a very successful record of preserving heritage both in rural and urban settings to give a new purpose to old and beautiful buildings. To find out more about John Hallam Associates Limited please contact us below.

CONTACT DETAILS info@johnhallamassociates.co.uk 01608 646 969 www.johnhallamassociates.co.uk

Discover more oxfordsp.com

Lord Drayson, Magdalen College’s Entrepreneur in Residence as guest speaker

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“ We are proud to be at the

centre of this resurgence of innovation and entrepreneurship in Oxford

”

Rory Maw, Bursar, Magdalen College

Magdalen College celebrates 25 years of discovery at The Oxford Science Park Magdalen College hosted a glittering event to celebrate The Oxford Science Park’s 25th anniversary, with the College’s President, Professor David Clary, giving the welcome address, and Lord Drayson, the College’s Entrepreneur in Residence, as the guest speaker. WRITTEN BY: OLIVIA LANE-NOTT PHOTOGRAPHY BY: AURELIEN LANGLAIS

Held on Wednesday 9 March 2016 at the Park’s Sadler Building, the event was also to celebrate the College’s recent acquisition of the 50% stake in the Park joint venture to take 100% control of the management and future development of the Park. The aquisition was part of the College’s strategic commitment to develop an additional 300,000 sq ft of new office and laboratory space on the remaining 12.8 acres of land. The Oxford Science Park also unveiled its striking new brand identity, reflecting its position as one of the most influential science and technology environments in the UK. Set in 75 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds with an atmosphere of discovery, innovation and entrepreneurship, the Park is a community with over 2,400 people in more than 60 companies, ranging from start-ups based in the Magdalen Centre innovation hub to SMEs to major international companies.

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Professor Clary welcomed the full crowd of Magdalen College Fellows and alumni, many current Park occupiers, academics, researchers, entrepreneurs, and investors, as well as Oxfordshire’s business and professional community. Lord Drayson paid tribute to Oxford’s early pioneers who had the foresight to create The Oxford Science Park in 1991 and toasted success for the next generation of entrepreneurs. Magdalen College’s Anna Lapwood was the harpist for the evening. Rory Maw, Bursar, Magdalen College said: “It was great to see so many people celebrate with us. Thank you to both Professor Clary and Lord Drayson for giving up their time to speak at this event, and to Anna for playing so exquisitely. “We are proud to be at the centre of this resurgence of innovation and entrepreneurship in Oxford. Magdalen College had the vision 25 years ago to

create the Park and, in that time, we’ve seen two and a half decades of incredible discovery. We are demonstrating our commitment to the Park’s future development, helping Oxford’s growing community of science, technology and business services companies establish themselves, innovate, and thrive, to help them discover more.” Visit The Oxford Science Park’s new website: www.oxfordsp.com Watch the Park’s new corporate video, with stunning footage of both the College and Park here: http://oxfordsp.com/article-3.php

CONTACT DETAILS info@oxfordsp.com 01865 784 000 www.oxfordsp.com

Bodle Technologies

What makes a successful Science Park? Oxford University Begbroke Science Park (BSP) is expanding, opening new mixed-use offices and labs in summer 2016. As the building takes shape, we ask what makes Begbroke stand out from the rest. The answerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in its genes - unlike other science parks, BSP is wholly owned and managed by the university. WRITTEN BY: CAROLINE LIVINGSTONE

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B4 “Not only do we have a flexible property offer, we also have access to the best scientists in the world, to equipment and test facilities, and to a supply of graduates to meet your growing staff needs. We’re part of Oxford University, so we’re embedded in its culture of research, development, and commercialisation of technology. It’s great to welcome new companies to site, and to see existing ones grow” says Dr Caroline Livingstone, BSP’s General Manager. Case Study: Smart Glass for Smart Phones Bodle Technologies is an Oxford university spin-out using phase change materials for smart phone displays. This material uses no power which is significant because more than 90 per cent of a device’s battery power illuminates the screen. Oxford University engineer Dr Peiman Hosseini, who invented the material said ‘You have to charge smartwatches every night, but if you had smart glass, you could recharge it just once a week.’ To date, technology firms have focused on improving battery life but tackling the main drain on a gadget’s power may give better results. The innovation uses electrical pulses to create the displays that can be viewed even in direct sunlight. Bodle Technologies hope to have a prototype in a year. ‘This is the right moment to be an academic at Oxford,’ Dr Hosseini said. Battery life is seen as a major stumbling block for modern computing and technology. While the power of technology and lifestyle gadgets has improved exponentially in recent years, batteries have not kept pace. This technology promises be the right solution at the right time. Case Study : More effective cancer treatments: More than seven years work by Begbroke-based researcher Dr Helen Townley led to the formation of a new Oxford University spinout, Xerion Healthcare. Xerion Healthcare’s focus is the development of Rare Earth doped Titania Nanoparticles to improve the performance of clinical radiotherapy. The nanoparticles are inert in the absence of radiation, but during treatment lead to enhanced cell death in tumours. Whilst Xerion takes this forward, Dr Townley continues to develop a range of other solutions. Natural products are an interesting source of novel chemotherapeutics (eg: taxol from Yew trees), and these are being screened individually and in combinations. Drugs which are only cytotoxic in combination may alleviate side effects if they only combine in the tumour. Alternatively chemotherapy agents packaged into nanoparticles can make the compound more stable, and also only release the drug in the tumour. Using nanoparticle approaches mean that “We can deliver...treatment right at the centre of very dense tumours,” says Dr Townley. “I think my personal goal,

property

if it was ever achievable, would be to have chemotherapy with no side effects.” Case study: Under pressure with WheelRight Begbroke-based firm WheelRight has created a thriving business based on measuring the tyre pressure of cars and trucks using remote, drive-over technology. This innovative approach secured them a Top Ten placing in the UK’s first intellectual property (IP) league table, devised by consultancy firm Metis Partners, in association with Business Quarter magazine. Indeed, the firm has been running prototype tests and field trials live at Begbroke, to develop its potentially life-saving instrument. The system provides immediate, accurate tyre pressure information delivered by SMS, visual display or directly into a fleet management system. “It’s vital to test our system and undertaking on-site tests has always been a smooth process”, says WheelRight chief executive John Catling. “Staff work tremendously hard to create a supportive environment at Begbroke for our testing, recognising that great science and engineering has to leave the lab and meet real life someday.” Both the private motorist and professional truck driver can experience the WheelRight system free at Welcome Break’s Keele motorway services on the southbound M6. Here WheelRight are working with Highways England to measure just how poorly drivers maintain their tyre pressures. In nine months over 150,000 tyre pressures have been measured and not one valve cap removed. Coming Soon – New wet/dry labs and offices opening in 2016 Summer 2016 sees the opening of some great new facilities at Begbroke. Reservations are being taken and the site is poised to welcome some new technology companies. “We understand the needs of researchers and entrepreneurs and we tailor our offering to support them.” says Caroline. “Since we opened we’ve supported over 100 companies helping them flex and grow. Some of our former tenants are global leaders in their fields, with customers worldwide. Tenants at Begbroke reap the benefits of long-lasting relationships with academic partners, and our superb facilities”. For more information on the new building, to arrange a viewing or to reserve your space now, contact us below: CONTACT DETAILS enquiries@begbroke.ox.ac.uk 01865 283 700 www.begbroke.ox.ac.uk

“ The Park has greater

long-term vision than other business incubators, giving small businesses freedom to grow at their own pace.” David Palmer, MD of award-winning, family-run CrystalMaker Software Ltd

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WheelRight system

The Clancy Suite

The Kempster Suite

The Merchant Suite

The Waite Suite

As you pass through the doorways of Abingdon Old Gaol you walk in the footsteps of merchants and inmates as well as more modern families. The Old Gaol, it’s fair to say, has had a varied past. Built by prisoners of the Napoleonic wars, the Gaol received its first ‘guests’ in 1811. In the 1970s it became a leisure centre and many an Abingdon resident will remember it with fondness as the place where they learned to swim.

Abingdon on Thames

The Morland Suite

The Tomkins Suite

The Thames Suite

The Roysse Suite

property

Architectural Accent Lighting from an aesthetic and performance perspective WRITTEN BY: WILA PHOTOGRAPHY BY: REDSHIFT PHOTOGRAPHY

The Blavatnik School of Government is a new building located on the Radcliffe Observatory Quarter in Oxford. LED luminaires, all of which are circular in their design, have been utilised throughout the building from both from an aesthetic and performance perspective. WILA designed and manufactured a large percentage of the luminaires, taking a standard luminaire and developing this with architects Herzog & de Meuron and consultants Hoare Lea to create a full portfolio of luminaires which both compliment and work particularly well within the building’s curved circular form. The design also had to comply with the University’s Estates Services standards which outline the design and installation requirements for lighting control and luminaires along with CIBSE SLL Code for Lighting, LG5– Lighting for Education and LG7– Office lighting. The largest of the LED luminaires is the Halo Pendant

LIGHTING BY: HOARE LEA

with a diameter of 650mm which produces up to 3675 Llm of 4000K light with a direct/indirect distribution, achieving up to 112 Llm/W. The Halo’s body is produced using steel finished in RAL 9007 grey aluminium, this is combined with a bespoke rod suspension and ceiling rose fixing detail. The DALI driver is housed within the central mounting bar specifically for ease of maintenance. Within the Blavatnik School’s two horseshoe-shaped lecture theatres on the ground floor recessed Halo 450mm circular luminaires have been installed throughout. These fittings utilise a low glare Microprismatic optic (UGR<19) whilst still retaining a high efficacy. The cellular office spaces located around the perimeter of the upper floors include the Halo surface mount luminaire which evolved in design from the original WILA Flat Light luminaire through discussion with the project team. Again these utilise the low glare Micro-prismatic optic. Although the

luminaires have 90% DLR, they also feature an indirect element adding to the visual interest of the installation. With polished concrete throughout the building the feature spiral staircase is a focal point within the building. Pendant 200mm diameter direct/indirect Halo luminaires have been installed at evenly spaced locations along the staircase. With varying rod suspension lengths depending on location, it was also imperative that the fixing detail was designed correctly to enable the rod suspension to sit at the correct vertical angle against the sloped ceiling. All of this was incorporated into the design and manufacture of the WILA luminaires.

CONTACT DETAILS wila@wila.co.uk 01235 773 500 www.wila.com

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property

Energy Performance Certificates Don’t let your most valuable asset be affected This month we begin the move into our new Bicester offices and our thoughts turn to how energy efficient our new home will be. Did you know that legislation is changing (as a result of the Energy Act 2011) in relation to Energy Performance Certificates (EPC’s)? WRITTEN BY: ANGELA GUESS PHOTOGRAPHY BY: TUDOR PHOTOGRAPHY

all this is news to you, fear not, there is “stillIftime to act and we can help with any queries that you may have on this or any other property related matters Angela Guess, Brethertons

From April 2018 it will be illegal for landlords to let – or offer to be let – commercial or residential property that does not meet the minimum energy standard rating. This change could have a huge impact, in effect rendering non-compliant buildings unlettable. The changes to the EPC’s requirements are all part of the government’s scheme for greater energy efficiency.

How does this affect me I hear you ask? The changes to the EPC’s are to set a minimum energy efficient standard on an EPC to an ‘E’ rating – at the moment the minimum ratings are ‘F’ and ‘G’. These changes mean that landlords (and also tenant occupiers who wish to assign or sublet) of property which has an ‘F’ or ‘G’ rating will be unable to let (assign or sublet) them from April 2018. It may seem like a long way off but these changes will soon be upon us and you cannot afford to be unprepared. So, what should you be doing now? If you own commercial or residential property, start the process of evaluating the energy efficiency of those properties sooner rather than later. Give yourself plenty of time to be ready for the changes coming into effect in April 2018.

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”

What should you do? Commission an EPC for the property as early as possible, even if the property is not currently let or up for let. Getting an EPC at this stage will let you assess and evaluate how much investment will be required to go into the property to ensure that it achieves, at the very least, the minimum required energy rating of ‘E’ which will be effective from April 2018. Doing this now will also ensure that the value of the property is maintained beyond the changes coming into effect. The requirement for the building to be up to a minimum of an ‘E’ rating also has an impact on the tenant of a commercial or residential building. They should bear in mind that if they are in occupation of the property under a lease and the term of that lease extends beyond April 2018, their ability to assign or sublet will be hindered if the property is not up to the required standard.

How will getting an EPC now, help to preserve the value of the property after April 2018? If the minimum requirements for an EPC (i.e. an

‘E’ rating) for a commercial or residential property are not met it could have the following impact on what invariably is a landlord’s most valuable asset: • adverse effect on the marketability of the building – some buildings would be impossible to let unless they were upgraded to meeting the minimum requirements • adverse effect on the capital value of the building as an asset if its marketability is diminished or reduced If all this is news to you, fear not, there is still time to act and we can help with any queries that you may have on this or any other property related matters. And before you ask, yes, we too are checking our new offices in Bicester meet the upcoming EPC requirements. Contact Angela Guess, Commercial Property Solicitor at Brethertons below. CONTACT DETAILS angelaguess@brethertons.co.uk 01869 255 464 www.brethertons.co.uk

The Oxford Union The Union is the world’s most prestigious debating society, with an unparalleled reputation for bringing international guests and speakers to Oxford. It is approaching its 200th anniversary, aiming to promote debate and discussion not just in Oxford University, but across the globe. B4’s Edward Rosser visited the Union to find out more about its illustrious past and to also witness two events, in the impressive debating chamber, for himself. WRITTEN BY: ED ROSSER PHOTOGRAPHY BY: ROGER ASKEW

Michael Lynton - Chairman and CEO, Sony Pictures Entertainment

The Union is steeped in history. It was founded in 1823 as a forum for discussion and debate, at a time when the free exchange of ideas was a notion foreign to the restrictive University authorities. It soon became the only place for students to discuss political topics whilst at Oxford. W.E. Gladstone, later to become one of the greatest British Prime Ministers, was one of the leading figures of the Union’s early years. Gladstone was President of the Union in 1830, shortly before entering the House of Commons. Many others have followed him into politics, and the Union can boast dozens of former members who have been active in its affairs whilst at Oxford and then gone to become both nationally and internationally prominent figures. AT THE CUTTING EDGE OF CONTROVERSY The Oxford Union holds no political views. Instead, the Union is a forum for debate and the discussion of controversial issues. For example; in the 1960s, Malcolm X came to the Union and demanded black empowerment “by any means necessary”. In the 1970s, Richard Nixon in his first public speech after Watergate admitted, “I screwed up - and I paid the price”. In the 1980s, Gerry Adams, still under his television ban, addressed the Union’s members. In Michaelmas 1996, O. J. Simpson made his only public speech in Britain after the controversial “not guilty” verdict in his criminal trial. The Oxford Union believes first and foremost in freedom of speech: nothing more, nothing less. WORLDWIDE IMPACT The Oxford Union has been at the centre of controversial debate throughout its history. As

the most prominent debating platform outside Westminster, it is no surprise debates have been unrivalled in their quality and impact. One of the most famous motions, “This House will under no circumstances fight for King and Country”, was passed in 1933 by 275 votes to 153. The result sparked off a national outcry in the press, and Winston Churchill denounced it as “that abject, squalid, shameless avowal” and “this ever shameful motion”; some say that the result encouraged Hitler in his decision to invade Europe. In 1975, days before the referendum on EEC membership, the motion “This House would say ‘Yes’ to Europe” was carried by 493 votes to 92. This debate was, arguably, a considerable influence on the referendum result. In the words of Michael Heseltine, the Union has “managed to absorb the greatest diversity, the wildest firebrands, the most outspoken and nonconformist people.” Diversity and outspokenness, central to the Union’s foundation, remain its guiding principles to this day. MICHAEL LYNTON CEO, Sony Entertainment Chairman and CEO, Sony Pictures Entertainment Michael Lynton is CEO of Sony Entertainment, where he oversees Sony’s global entertainment businesses, including Sony Music Entertainment, Sony/ATV Music Publishing and Sony Pictures Entertainment. Lynton is also Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE), managing the studio’s overall global operations, which include motion picture, television and digital content production and distribution, home entertainment acquisition and distribution, operation of studio facilities, and the development of new entertainment products,

services and technologies. At Sony Pictures Entertainment, Lynton has focused on digital transformation, worldwide growth, content diversity and financial discipline, leading the studio through an era of innovation and success, putting Sony Pictures on the cutting edge of an industry experiencing rapid technological and global change. Under Lynton, Sony Pictures has been an industry leader in the migration to digital entertainment, from production and distribution to the introduction of new formats. The studio championed the industry’s UltraViolet digital entertainment format, helped reintroduce 3D to the entertainment industry and is deeply engaged in the rapidly expanding 4K marketplace. Lynton resides in Los Angeles with his wife, Elizabeth Jamie Alter Lynton, and their three daughters, Eloise Lynton, Maisie Lynton and Lucinda Lynton. Lynton’s speech focused on the importance of privacy for a company, especially when the company in question is as big as Sony. The area of unreleased movies being released by third parties is obviously a massive area of concern for Sony and formed a key part of Lynton’s speech. “Be careful what you put in an e-mail.” Explained Lynton as he disclosed how individuals would approach him, shamelessly, asking about personal emails and chats he had had with other people. Lynton also explained how he was introduced to Snapchat. His children used to show him Snapchat and when they found out the owner, Evan Spiegel, lived in the same area in LA, his wife invited him

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spotlight

Niamh Coote, Oxford Union, Vice President

Bernard Arnault - Chairman and CEO of LVMH

round to their house for dinner. Lynton’s wife, Elizabeth, told Spiegel to ask for anything he needed, recalls Lynton, “….and he said he needed money! My wife gave him some money and the rest is history.” BERNARD ARNAULT Chairman and CEO of LVMH Bernard Arnault is Chairman and CEO of LVMH Moët Hennessy – Louis Vuitton, the world’s leading luxury products group. Born to an industrial family in Roubaix, France on March 5, 1949, Mr. Arnault attended the Roubaix lycée and the Faidherbe lycée in Lille. He then went on to study at the Ecole Polytechnique, graduating in 1971. In 1989, Mr. Arnault accomplished his objective of creating the world’s leading luxury products group when he assumed control of LVMH Moët Hennessy – Louis Vuitton, vowing to assure French luxury goods brand leadership worldwide. Mr. Arnault has been Chairman and CEO of the company ever since. Mr. Arnault is also President of the Board of Directors of Groupe Arnault S.A. (his family holding company). He was appointed a Commander of the Legion of Honour for his services to the French nation and he is Commander of the Order of Arts and Letters. Mr. Arnault is married and has five children. Host (Niamh Coote, Vice President): “What’s your definition of luxury? Arnault: “It’s a combination of quality and creativity - that is how I define what we do. Because of the high level of innovation our goods are expensive. We spend a lot of time in our many laboratories trying

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to come up with innovative ideas. These then have to be converted into reality. This is my definition of luxury. We then have to market this. I often meet students in marketing and despite our business being number one for students in France, I tell them we don’t do marketing. I think this is against what a company like us stands for. “Marketing is analysing what our customers want. We do if very differently. We create new products which our customers want and then they follow. Our marketing then follows that. We find products which our customers want and then market the successful ones. “Luxury for me is, therefore, ‘how can you create desire?’. We create a good environment, attractive shops, advertisements in magazines and good profile on line which helps us to maximise the demand for our products.” Niamh: “The internet has affected lots of businesses – how important is the internet to your business and are there some brands you purposefully keep off line?” Arnault: “We are gradually reducing what we spend in magazines to increase the spend on-line. It is more and more important. The way that a brand is presented to the world is also very important you can not only see the product but the history behind the brand and the craftmanship behind the product. Customers can also buy the product on line and get it delivered very quickly, or see when it is available in the shop. “But advertising on line is becoming more and more expensive as they can give us more information

about our target market. They are also becoming more smart - for example, we might have one million followers on Facebook but we can’t get to them like we used to unless we pay. “We do have one company which we don’t promote on line but its success has been amazing without any promotion on the internet. It is because it is something unique and defies belief to a certain extent.” Niamh: “Is Apple a luxury item?” Arnault: “Apple is a fantastic company. I happened to know Steve Jobs. When he started the company he came to ask for my advice. Many of his shops have the style of Louis Vuitton. At the time he was criticised for selling Apple products in a shop. I was guiding him as he took Apple to retail outlets and I like to think I helped.” Niamh: “How do you approach the market in China?” Arnault: “It is a very important market for us. I wasn’t sure to start with and asked my team if they were sure we should open in Beijing. But we were very successful and today China is a very developed country and it is a very good market for us. There are some questions about China because of the economy but I think our product can withstand these problems.” CONTACT DETAILS enquiries@oxford-union.org 01865 241353 www.oxford-union.org

eFeathers is an inviting country retreat that combines historic charm with a fun personality. Named Oxfordshire’s Restaurant of the Year 2012, it currently holds the Guinness World Record for the largest collection of gin (167 varieties). “e Gin Experience” menu is £75 per person for seven courses.

MARKET STREET, WOODSTOCK, OXFORDSHIRE, OX20 1SX. TELEPHONE: 01993 812 291. WWW.FEATHERS.CO.UK

events

B4 at the Ashmolean The B4 event at the Ashmolean on Wednesday 10th February 2016 was not only an opportunity for our guests to enjoy networking in sumptuous settings, it was also a chance for all of us to find out more about the Ashmolean’s world-class collections and the people who look after them for our enjoyment.

We were joined by two Teaching Curators from the Ashmolean University Engagement Programme (a very exciting programme which promotes object-based learning and forms an integral part of the pedagogical environment at Oxford), Dr Mallica Kumbera Landrus and Dr Jim Harris; Mark Norman, Head of the Conservation Department; and the Ashmolean’s Head of Exhibitions, Agnes Valencak. As the first university museum and truly first public museum in the world, the Ashmolean Museum tells a history of the world through the objects in its collections, showing how humans have shaped the world and been shaped by it. The museum display strategy focuses on crossing cultures and crossing time, narrating an almost endless story of global exchange through trade, migrations and change. Dr Mallica Kumbera Landrus invited guests behindthe-scenes into one of the Ashmolean’s store/study rooms and shared multiple objects, currently not on public display, with the opportunity to closely observe and handle these objects. The emphasis was on the historical dimensions of globalisation, technology and development. With Teaching Curator Dr Jim Harris, paintings from Florence, Siena and Venice raised questions of how images were made and displayed during the Renaissance. We discussed science, faith,

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economics, the nature of reality(!) and what your pictures teach your servants, until finally, looking at a Titian portrait of a Genoese nobleman, we asked whether it matters who the painter is. Turns out it does. Probably. To those of us touring the conservation labs, Mark Norman explained the investigative approach to the work taken by the Ashmolean’s conservation team. Using a sixteenth century Venetian painting by Giorgione, he showed how a variety of examination techniques can reveal hidden details like altered composition and later restoration, none of which are visible to the naked eye. Agnes Valencak gave us a wonderful insight into the temporary exhibition Andy Warhol: Works from The Hall Collection. All the works on show come from a private collection and only 5 out of the 140 works have been lent to exhibitions before. Andy Warhol’s paintings are complemented with his experimental films, which due to copyright are not widely accessible. The films date from 196366, a time when Warhol believed that the medium film would become the main art form and replace painting and books. The Ashmolean offers a very interesting range of options to companies including outstanding entertaining opportunities, desirable employee benefits and special access to Ashmolean exhibitions and collections.

Current & Future Temporary Exhibitions Andy Warhol: Works from The Hall Collection - 4 Feb 2016 to 15 May 2016 This spring exhibition presents, for the first time in public, an important private collection of works by Andy Warhol (1928–1987). Galleries 58 – 61. Ticketed. Elizabeth Price: The Contemporary Art Society Award - 18 Mar 2016 to 15 May 2016 Elizabeth Price, winner of the 2013 Contemporary Art Society Award, has created a new work in response to the collections and archives of the Ashmolean and Pitt Rivers museums. Gallery 33. Admission Free.

CONTACT DETAILS corporatecircle@ashmus.ox.ac.uk 01865 288 273 events@ashmolean.org 01865 610 406 www.ashmolean.org/services/venuehire/

6 Shrewd strategies for the changes to the taxation of dividends The items to review with your advisor promptly as the date for the new dividend tax rates draws near. WRITTEN BY: CHRISTINA NAWROCKI

In last summer’s Emergency Budget, the Chancellor announced a new regime for the taxation of dividends commencing in April 2016. If you’re the director of a company that is likely to distribute dividends, you have a somewhat limited amount of time left in which to plan your tax affairs efficiently. The positive aspect to the changes is that the calculations of dividend tax have been made simpler. The negative implication is the tax rates are increasing which explains the need to review your financial affairs

An example of how this could impact on your drawings To give you an idea of how much worse off you could be, we have put together some calculations based on a director of a limited company withdrawing the tax free allowance as an annual salary (£11,000 for 2016/17 and £10,600 for 2015/16) with the remaining distributable reserves paid out as dividends. Dividend income

What exactly is changing? From April this year the old system of a 10% tax credit on dividends will be discarded. In its place will be a £5,000 tax free allowance. This will be applied whatever your level of income with the dividend tax rates altered as per the table below. Of note, for a more direct comparison between the current and future regimes we have put together the “current, effective dividend tax rate” in the far right column to account for the notional 10% tax credit. Tax payer band

Dividend tax rate as of April 2016

Current dividend tax rate

Current, effective dividend tax rate

Basic-rate Income ≤£42,385 in 2015/16 ≤£43,000 in 2016/17

7.5%

10%

Higher-rate £42,386-£150,000 in 2015/16 £43,001-£150,000 in 2016/17

32.5%

Dividend tax 2015/16

Worse off in 2016/17 by...

£15,000

£750

£-

£750

£25,000

£1,500

£-

£1,500

£50,000

£7,875

£5,348

£2,527

£75,000

£16,000

£11,598

£4,402

£100,000

£25,500

£20,233

£5,267

£125,000

£35,000

£26,483

£8,517

£150,000

£43,741

£34,097

£9,644

£175,000

£53,266

£41,736

£11,530

£200,000

£62,791

£49,374

£13,417

25%

How to plan for these changes

Additional >£150,000

Dividend tax 2016/17

38.1%

37.5%

30.56%

For many directors and shareholders, the advantages of the lower tax rates on dividends (versus being a full time paid employee) won’t be as good as they are

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currently. This means you should consider some of the following strategies with your advisor, depending on your personal circumstances, prior to 5 April 2016 (refer to the table to compare the rates): 1. The amount of income you should withdraw With tax rates set to rise you’re probably thinking it would be logical to maximise your dividend income prior to the increase. You need to be careful with such a strategy, depending on your sources of income and the amount, it could push you into a higher tax band with possible implications for your tax free allowance, defeating the purpose of this strategy. 2. Extract the maximum tax free dividend for the 2015/16 tax year This is your last opportunity to make use of the tax free dividend allowance before it comes to an end in April 2016. Take as much tax free dividends as possible. How much better off this will make you will depend on your different sources of income. 3. Pay yourself a bigger dividend this tax year? You may expect profits for your business and therefore your income, to rise significantly in the future. It would make sense to front load this year’s income if you knew that this tax year (2015/16) you’ll make maximum use of the tax free allowance (£42,385) and that next year’s dividend income will surpass that by taking you into the higher rate tax band. That way you would pay the higher rate

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tax band this year of 25% instead of 32.5% after April 2016. Be careful with this strategy, you need to be sure that your company will have sufficient distributable reserves this year in order to achieve the saving. If it works you’ll be 7.5% better off (32.5% - 25%). However, if it goes wrong you’ll end up 17.5% poorer as you’ll be paying 25% higher rate tax this year instead of 7.5% basic rate tax next year. Review thoroughly with your accountant. 4. Strategies for higher rate tax payers For higher rate tax payers, logic would again dictate that you withdraw more dividend income this year than next to achieve a 7.5% saving (25% instead of 32.5%). There is a hitch here though because if you exceed £100,000 of income then your personal allowance is withdrawn at a rate of £1 for every £2 that you earn above that level. Be sure to also read point 5 as this is linked and relevant to this strategy.

finance

comes in at 30.6%. Consequently it may make sense to pay 30.56% this tax year as opposed to 38.1% next year. 6. Other items to consider when planning If you have a partner or spouse who is actively involved in the business, then look at potentially splitting income. This could mean you both end up making use of the personal allowance and basic rate tax band which may be more efficient. Discuss carefully with your accountant about how to set this structure up. Also, be sure to make use of company personal pension contributions because as a director these provide no personal tax liability. Again you should discuss this subject with your advisor as the rules are complex and due to change drastically from April 2016.

5. The challenges facing higher income earners If you’re income reaches £121,600 (for the 2015/16 tax year) then your personal allowance is withdrawn entirely. If you earn in the £100,000 - £121,200 range, then the marginal rate of tax on your dividends will be a significant 48.6%. It may be wise if your income is around the £100,000 to not take any more for the 2015/16 tax year. At £121,200 additional dividends are charged at 25% tax. At £150,000 the additional rate of tax

CONTACT DETAILS oxford@wellersaccountants.co.uk 01865 723 131 www.wellersaccountants.co.uk

Oxford Brookes Centre for Sport

JOIN THE GYM BROOKES SPORT FACILITIES ARE AVAILABLE TO ALL STUDENTS, STAFF AND THE LOCAL COMMUNITY ACROSS ALL THREE UNIVERSITY CAMPUSES. JOIN TODAY TO MAKE THE MOST OF THESE GREAT FEATURES AND MORE:

• Gym • Health Suite • Free weights conditioning room • Climbing wall • Swimming Pool • Steam room and Sauna • Physiotherapy clinic • Racquet Sports • Café and Sports Bar It couldn’t be simpler to join the gym – Sign up online at www.brookes.ac.uk/brookes-sport or call 01865 484373 Plans start from £12.99 a month.

news Hollywood hospital pays $17,000 to ransomware

from data loss. It’s vital that you combine Data Protection & Disaster Recovery tools to ensure your data doesn’t get stolen or lost. How much down-time can you afford? This question will determine the level of Disaster Recovery required. Already back-up? It’s important to know the difference between backing up your data and having a Disaster Recovery system in place. The difference could be astronomical to your business, why? Because backing up your data doesn’t restore your business to a fully working order, with Disaster Recovery you can be fully recovered from ransomware or hardware/software malfunction in hours, not days or weeks! Learn how to protect your data with CIS

The actual ransomware amount was 40 bitcoins which is equivalent to roughly $17,000 (£11,800). Mr Stefanek said “The quickest and most efficient way to restore our systems and administrative functions was to pay the ransom and obtain the decryption key.” Ransomware is a common thing now and is here to stay Whether you like it or not, ransomware is here to stay and it’s up to you to ensure that you have the right levels of layered IT security and disaster recovery for your business. Why? The new EU Data Protection Regulation that’s coming into effect this year means your business is at risk to heavy fines of 20m euros or 4% of turnover per data breach. You’ll also have to let every single client affected know ASAP. Why encryption is only half the answer Encryption protects you from fines & data breaches but it doesn’t protect you

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CIS is holding a free seminar around the impact of the EU Data Protection Regulation coming into force in 2016. Encryption is the answer to avoiding data loss and you can learn for free on how to protect your data the best you can.

EU DATA PROTECTION SEMINAR The seminar is held at the Bunker which is located at the West Venture Building (The Bunker), New Greenham Park, Newbury, Berkshire, RG19 6HN.

CONTACT DETAILS solutions@cisltd.com 01367 700 555 wwwcisltd.com

success of mediation is now â&#x20AC;&#x153;The well documented, and current research confirms that just over 75% of cases reach agreement on the day of mediation and another 11% shortly after.

â&#x20AC;?

Toby Walker, Hedges Law

Toby Walker is an ADR Group Accredited Civil & Commercial Mediator. He is also a Solicitor and Head of Dispute Resolution at Hedges Law, based in Oxford. Toby.Walker@hedgeslaw.co.uk 01865 594271.

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legal

A fresh approach to resolving disputes WRITTEN BY: TOBY WALKER PHOTOGRAPHY BY: TINA HADLEY & STOCKSNAP.IO

There is a story often told by mediators. Two children are arguing over a single orange. Their father intervenes, grabs the orange and takes care to cut it into two equal halves, before presenting one half to each child. To the surprise of the father, one child begins to discard the peel into the bin and eats the orange. The other grates the peel to make a cake, discarding the fruit. The children, each seeing the other waste the part they had wanted, begin to cry - more upset than they were before the intervention!

Tribunal claim. On closer examination, it may be that each side could achieve what they want by a relatively small change, such as new line-management of the employee. In almost all disputes, interests need to be considered in light of the inherent risks and costs of the litigation process. But how are these interests going to be examined and discussed if a negotiated settlement is to be reached?

The story makes a simple point: had the father listened first to each child’s interests rather than imposing what seemed a just decision, this dispute could have been resolved in a way that gave each child what they wanted. It is not too dissimilar to the way that the majority of disputes arise and escalate, and the outcome that is subsequently reached in the legal process is often unsatisfactory.

Mediation can be a quick and effective method of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). It is not new, but has been around for millennia in one form or other. How does it work? Importantly, it is the context of mediation that creates a safe space for negotiations, by being:

Is there another way?

• Voluntary. No-one can be forced to mediate; the parties attend of their own free will. • Non-binding. Until a final agreement is reached. This gives people the flexibility to think outside the box and try out a solution. No-one is judging or making a decision, and nothing is imposed upon the parties. • Confidential. This applies to the conversations in the mediation between the parties, but it also applies to the private conversations each party may have with the mediator. • Without prejudice. Which means that a party does not need to fear that an offer made will be seen as an admission, or be held to it if agreement is not reached. Whatever our business or organisation, we frequently encounter disputes. Many of these can be minor, but some are more serious, or at least more difficult to resolve. They can arise inside our organisation, for example, between employer & employee, or externally with suppliers, competitors and customers. Sorting out these disputes requires time, money and energy that we would much rather invest in something more productive. If parties to a dispute cannot sort it out between themselves, they might turn to the law. Lawyers are important for advising on the legal position and negotiating tactics, especially where there is an imbalance of power between the parties. But adopting a legal ‘position’ can hinder settlement negotiations, and parties lose decision-making power (and money), as they defer to the legal experts. In litigation, power ultimately rests with a judge who imposes their decision on the part of the dispute they have been asked to rule on – whilst other elements of the dispute may not be dealt with at all. “Do not bargain over positions. Bargain over interests.” 1 The subtle distinction between interests and positions is an important one. My client might have a fantastic case for a breach of contract for £50,000 against his supplier. But if the supplier is a potential source of future work, or there is something else in the relationship worth preserving, my client’s interests may be different from his strict legal position. Equally, an employer and employee may be at loggerheads: one threatening disciplinary, the other an Employment www.b4-business.com

Within this context, an independent mediator works with the parties to facilitate an exchange of information and ideas, helping people engage with negotiating their interests, rather than their positions, in the hope that they get to walk away with some certainty and a workable solution. This framework helps put the individual or business at the centre of the decision-making for settlement purposes, and allows parties to explore a range of settlement options. The success of mediation is now well documented, and current research confirms that just over 75% of cases reach agreement on the day of mediation and another 11% shortly after. If you find yourself in the unfortunate position of a dispute of this kind (whether commercial, workplace or family dispute) and would like to consider mediation as a way forward to resolution, do give me a call and I would be delighted to give you more information. 1

Getting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In (1992) William L. Ury and Roger Fisher

CONTACT DETAILS toby.walker@hedgeslaw.co.uk 01865 594 271 www.hedgeslaw.co.uk

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travel

Capital sport to watch? Take it easy with Chiltern Planning to visit the capital for some sport in 2016? With so much sport in London including annual sporting events at Wembley, Twickenham, Wimbledon and much more, Ed and I decided to put the service from the new Oxford Parkway station to London Marylebone to the test on a visit to Stamford Bridge to see Chelsea take on PSG in the Champions League and Oxford United against Barnsley at Wembley in the JP Trophy. WRITTEN BY: RICHARD ROSSER

We left Oxford at 5.30pm for a 7.45pm kick off, but the ride to London Marylebone took just under an hour. Ed had the headphones in and was asleep in minutes after a long day at work whilst I caught up with some e-mails. The service was effortlessly smooth. Every time I take the train I wonder why on earth I ever drive. The service is so frequent, to and from London, that it makes going by train the only real option if you’re thinking straight….trouble is, we’re all rushing here there and everywhere that we don’t always necessarily engage our brain when making travel decisions!

Wembley Bound?

From Marylebone we headed to the tube and were at Fulham Broadway in no time (well, about 20 minutes to be precise). We were safely in our seats with a bite to eat as the Champions League anthem echoed around the stadium…. sad to say that might be the last time for a long time as Chelsea exited stage left to a Zlatan Ibrahimovic-inspired PSG who were a joy to watch.

Here’s a taste of what’s taking place in 2016 at Wembley:

If you’re off to Wembley in 2016, then remember there’s a very easy way you can get to and from the stadium. Chiltern run services to and from Wembley Stadium Station, which is located opposite the stadium. Nearer the time of the event, do check train times as Chiltern do sometimes offer extra services for certain events at Wembley.

FA Cup Semi Finals

23rd and 24th April

SSE Women’s FA Cup Final

14th May

With Chelsea dead and buried, we left before the added time board went up and were back in Oxford by 11pm.

FA Cup Final

21st May

The FA Trophy & The FA Vase Final

22nd May

The trip to Wembley to watch Oxford in their third match at the world famous stadium (their 2nd at the new stadium and almost 30 years on from that unforgettable Milk Cup win against QPR) was more of a group experience – I use the word ‘group’ loosely with practically half of Oxford venturing to London and almost 1/3rd of those on the train.

Sky Bet Championship, League One and Leage Two Play Off Finals

28th, 29th and 30th May

England v Portugal

2nd June

NFL: Jacksonville Jaguars v Indianapolis Colts

2nd October

NFL: Washington Redskins v Cincinnati Bengals

30th October

Barbarians v South Africa

5th November

The queues at Oxford Parkway were to be expected, some hardy fans setting off at 8am to soak up the atmosphere. No doubt they ‘soaked’ up a fair bit of atmosphere by the time they took their seats at 2.30pm for a thrilling match which saw Oxford take the lead only to run out second best to a Barnsley team who always looked as though they had something extra. So two defeats in two games….the only result being that we had travelled in style with Chiltern. Whatever your reason to visit London this year, don’t think of taking anything other than the train!

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CONTACT DETAILS press@chilternrailways.co.uk 03456 005 165 www.chilternrailways.co.uk

Salary or Dividend not sure which route to take? The 2015 summer Budget heralded significant changes to the taxation of dividends from April 2016. The 10% notional tax credit will be abolished, and – despite pre-election promises – the effective rates of tax on dividend income are also set to rise. WRITTEN BY: DARREN GREEN

For several years, dividends have proven to be very attractive. Salary and bonuses are tax-deductible for the company, so will currently save 20% corporation tax. But this saving does not fully offset the substantial costs of National Insurance contributions of making a payment through PAYE. Currently – and particularly while there is no additional income tax to pay on dividend income up to the personal allowance and basic rate limit (£42,385 in 2015/16) – dividends are a clear winner. However, from April 2016 there will be an increase in the tax charge levied on dividend payments, with the respective tax rates being increased as follows (apart from the first £5,000 of dividend income which will not be subject to an income tax charge). Basic rate band 7.5% (i.e. previous effective tax rate of 0% + 7.5%) Higher rate band 32.5% (i.e. previous effective tax rate of 25% + 7.5%) Additional rate band 38.1% (i.e. previous effective tax rate of 30.56% + 7.5%) To illustrate the potential impact of this legislation change, we have included a couple of examples below:

EXAMPLE 1: INCOME WITHIN BASIC RATE BAND Josephine is a director of and shareholder in her consultancy company. She draws a basic salary of £25,000, and has negligible benefits in kind or other income, except for a £5,000 dividend she receives from her husband’s company. Her company has £8,000 spare to pay out, which will have to cover tax and/ or NICs as well as the bonus or dividend – either way, she wants the company to be in the same net position.

Option 1: Bonus (basic rate)

Gross bonus including employers’ NIC @13.8% (Cost to company £8,000 after allowing for 20% corporation tax relief)

2015/16 £

2016/17 £

10,000

Option 2: Dividend (basic rate)

2015/16 £

2016/17 £

Dividend to shareholder (leaves company in same position)

8,000

889

N/A

Gross dividend for tax purposes

8,889

8,000

Less: Tax thereon (10% / 7.5%)

889

600

Net dividend to shareholder

8,000

7,400

Saving by taking dividend

2,024

1,424

Add: Notional tax credit (10% of gross dividend or 1/9 of net dividend) – abolished 2016/17 onwards

In the above example, the total cost of employers’ and employees’ NICs makes the bonus route far less tax-efficient. Josephine will however, pay £600 more tax to HMRC in 2016/17, when the new dividend regime commences.

EXAMPLE 2: HIGHER RATE TAXPAYER Tom runs his own company. The company’s profits support his usual £60,000 salary, and he has already taken a dividend of £5,000, that fully utilises the tax-free dividend allowance from 2016/17. Like Josephine, he is weighing up whether to take a £10,000 bonus or an £8,000 dividend (after setting aside £2,000 to pay the additional corporation tax). The calculation is very similar to Josephine’s but employees’ NIC will fall to 2% because of Tom’s salary levels.

Option 1: Bonus (higher rate)

2015/16 £

2016/17 £

8,787

Less: Employers’ NIC (13.8%)

(1,213)

Gross bonus to employee

8,787

Gross bonus to employee (as per Josephine above)

Less: Basic rate tax (20%) Employee’s NIC (12%)

1,757 1,054

Less: Higher rate tax (40%) Employee’s NIC (2%)

3,515 176

Net income from bonus

5,976

Net income from bonus

5,096

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finance

Option 2: Dividend (higher rate)

2015/16 £

2016/17 £

Dividend to shareholder (leaves company in same position)

8,000

889

N/A

Gross dividend for tax purposes

8,889

8,000

Less: Tax thereon (32.5%)

2,889

2,600

Net dividend to shareholder

6,000

5,400

Saving by taking dividend

904

304

Add: Notional tax credit (10% of gross dividend or 1/9 of net dividend) – abolished 2016/17 onwards

Clearly, while Tom is comfortably better off taking a dividend in 2015/16, the new dividend regime will reduce the net benefit from 2016/17. This is because the new dividend regime is significantly more punitive – in particular, although dividends are no longer ‘grossed up’ in the new regime, the 10% tax credit is sorely missed. CONCLUSION The above examples are deliberately simplified, to illustrate the main effect of the new dividend regime, which is that more tax will be payable, from 2016/17 onwards. It seems that, while there may still be a slight benefit, the saving will fall considerably. Other factors to consider will be where: • The shareholder/employee prefers salary as relevant earnings in order to make pension contributions (although employer contributions should not be discounted); • Income levels are around the £100,000 level at which the tax-free personal allowance starts to be withdrawn; • Use of the new dividend allowance that will make the first £5,000 of dividend income tax-free; • Where the bonus of dividend may cross into a higher tax band; • Higher income child benefit charge; and • Student loans In short, careful and tailored calculations will be required in order to determine if the dividend route will remain quite so popular in years to come. It may in some cases be better to take additional dividends now, rather than in 2016/17. If you are unsure how these changes will impact on your financial position then please contact Darren Green, Partner at The MGroup below.

CONTACT DETAILS team@themgroup.co.uk 01865 552 925 www.themgroup.co.uk

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grow your business At Alberon we’re all about helping you do what you do even better. We work with you to design and deliver a website or bespoke software that makes your organisation more effective. Our technology is designed to work for you, and we’ll be on hand to ensure you continue to get the best results. For more than 10 years, we’ve been making businesses, schools and charities in Oxfordshire more efficient and profitable. We can do the same for you. Call 01865 794009 or email grow@alberon.co.uk

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finance

How will the 2016 pension changes affect you? Recent years have seen regular changes to pensions and 2016 will be no exception. A number of changes are coming into force from 6 April 2016, and the March Budget is expected to bring yet more. Chris Maguire and Henry Elliston from our Wealth Advisory team at Grant Thornton in the Thames Valley talk about what is happening with pensions at the moment and the impact of these changes on your pension savings. WRITTEN BY: CHRIS MAGUIRE & HENRY ELLISTON PHOTOGRAPHY BY: ALEX CAMINADA

With effect from the 6 April 2016 there are changes to the amount you can contribute to your pension and also a reduction to the lifetime allowance. This follows changes already in place to the ways you can access your pensions and pass on death benefits. Pensions have become a very attractive investment vehicle, providing great tax breaks on contributions, flexible income, tax-free cash and the ability to pass money to your heirs on death. However, there are restrictions on the amount you can pay in and the size of fund you can build up without incurring tax charges.

How much can I contribute? Generally people can pay in up to £40,000 gross each year and obtain tax relief on the contribution. However, there are rules that may reduce this amount. For example, the maximum payment for high earners could be as little as £10,000 each year. Further changes to pension tax relief are expected in the forthcoming budget. It may be possible to bring forward any unused annual allowance from the previous three tax years and make a larger contribution now. The benefits of making pension contributions are attractive but you need to take care not to fall foul of the rules. Taking professional advice is essential.

pension fund currently below £1 million but with some time until retirement could find they become subject to this tax charge due to investment growth or further contributions. It is possible to protect a pension fund by taking appropriate steps. Anyone with significant pension funds should ensure they take professional advice.

What happens to pension when I die?

There is now more flexibility in the way pensions can be inherited and these funds can form an important part of your estate planning. On death before age 75 pensions can generally pass to beneficiaries free of any tax, whereas on death after age 75 pension death benefits are taxable. The options available to beneficiaries depend upon the nominations completed. Careful planning is needed to ensure your pension fund is passed on according to your wishes in a taxefficient manner. Our Wealth Advisory team at Grant Thornton in the Thames Valley have the expertise to help you with these matters. For more information please contact either Chris Maguire on 01895 59132 or Henry Elliston on 01865 799885. Please note this article has been written before the Budget Announcement of 16 March 2016.

Is there a limit to the size of my pension fund? In 2006 the government introduced a cap on the maximum size of pension fund anyone can accumulate before a tax charge applies. Since then this figure has changed on numerous occasions and in April 2016 it will fall to £1 million. Any excess above the limit could be subject to a tax charge of up to 55%. Even those with a

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CONTACT DETAILS Chris.Maguire@uk.gt.com Henry.Elliston@uk.gt.com 01865 799899 www.grant-thornton.co.uk @GrantThorntonUK

Getting to know you Knowing which lawyer you want to work with can be a difficult decision. Word of mouth, recommendation, cost or location could well be factors that influence your decision. Alternatively it could depend on what services you want; real estate, personal, tax, corporate – do you choose a specialist or general legal firm? WRITTEN BY: KNIGHTS PROFESSIONAL SERVICES PHOTOGRAPHY BY: KNIGHTS PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Knights Professional Services - now one of the largest in the country believes that choosing the right legal firm is about finding someone you can talk to and who understands you and your business.

strategic commercial arrangements made between institutional investor clients and leading UK housebuilders.

Some of the partners at the Knights’ Oxford office explain how they build relationships with clients that last for years and advise that opening up a dialogue of trust from the beginning will see you get the best out of your lawyer.

Sian Champkin and Ellen Moran from Knights’ Oxford corporate team acted as advisors in the sale of one of the UK’s longest established and largest independent producers of greetings cards and stationery, working alongside Knights’ property, employment and tax teams.

“Building a successful business is hard work. It takes years of dedication, some risk taking and a reliable and trustworthy team. It’s important to have the right people around you to make sure that the business can grow and adapt - but what many often fail to realise is that choosing the right law firm to work with is no different,” explains David Beech, CEO for Knights.

Rebecca Kashti at Knights in Oxford said: “We have a fantastic team at Oxford who offer legal support across all aspects of business and personal needs. More often than not, we find ourselves helping clients with more than what they had initially approached us for – thanks to the open relationship we actively encourage with our clients.

“An effective legal team is one that works as a bolt on to your existing team. You can’t expect your management team to deliver the best possible work for you if you don’t have that level of trust and understanding in place, so why should the relationship with your lawyer be any different?”

“It might sound strange but you would be surprised how many businesses owners, MD’s and CEO’s know they can trust us with any personal legal work, whether that’s wills, conveyancing or family law quite simply because they trust us to deliver a good job.”

Knights was established in 1759 so has been in the industry long enough to understand what makes businesses tick. Located across seven offices in Cheshire, Staffordshire, Gloucestershire, Derbyshire, Oxfordshire and Colchester, the team in Oxford has access to an impressive network of more than 350 experts across the UK.

David added: “The way people are doing business is changing, clients are getting much savvier now too. They know what they want and they want someone who understands their business, the issues they are facing and a trusted expert to offer the guidance and advice they need. And ultimately they want more for less – we understand that.

David added: “Because we get under the skin of our clients and understand the wider needs of their business, we build long-term relationships and a level of trust that sees us working with national clients for years.

“Because we’re located across a number of regions our clients benefit from experts from all over the UK, while also having a local presence.

“I have been asked on a number of occasions ‘why don’t you have an office in Manchester or London?’ Being located in a major city doesn’t always mean that you’re getting the best services – it’s a misconception that Knights has proved wrong. By being based across seven regional offices it means that we are responsive to clients, wherever they are based.” Knights’ real estate team is the largest in the firm with around 100 dedicated professionals working across its network of offices. Corporate, tax, trusts and estates and private client work are the other main service lines offered by the long-standing firm and the Oxford team has recently completed a number of major deals for national clients. Knights’ Oxford Ground Rents Team, led by Nick Tarlton, acted as advisors in the purchase of a £25 million property portfolio as part of long-standing

“At Knights we don’t just work for our clients, we work with our clients. Traditionally legal firms can be seen as unapproachable and stuffy, but we’re far from that.” Knights is now a UK top-70 law firm employing more than 440 staff across seven offices.

CONTACT DETAILS jane.reeve@knights1759.co.uk 01865 811700 www.knights1759.co.uk

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legal

“At Knights we don’t just work for our clients, we work with our clients. Traditionally legal firms can be seen as unapproachable and stuffy, but we’re far from that.” David Beech, CEO Knights

Knights offices at Midland House

David Beech - CEO

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Rebecca Kashti

CONFERENCE CENTRE RACE DAY HOSPITALITY & PUBLIC TOURS The Williams Conference Centre is home to the largest private collection of Formula One cars in the world. Housing more than 40 of the team’s seminal race cars, the collection charts the team’s 30+ years of motor racing history.

INFORMATION AND ONLINE BOOKING: WILLIAMSF1.COM

WILLIAMS CONFERENCE CENTRE GROVE OXFORDSHIRE OX12 0DQ

news Lincolnshire County Council demanded to pay £1m through one of the biggest ransomware attacks experienced on record

What is Ransomware? In short, Ransomware encrypts your files so you can’t read them. The malware on your computer which is programmed by cyber-criminals will then demand payment for you to retrieve your files via an encryption key to make them readable, failure to do so could mean your files are lost forever unless you’ve backed up. What files were affected? Fortunately for Lincolnshire County Council, only a small number of files were affected. The council’s servers were shut down immediately after being made aware of the malware attack, so no further damage could be done. The council had to revert back to pen and paper whilst their servers were being restored which caused some back log for council’s staff. Mrs Hetherington-Smith said: “People can only use pens and paper, we’ve gone back a few years.” The attack was described as the biggest attack it has ever experienced, adding it was a zero-day malware – this was previously unknown to security experts. Lincolnshire Police are investigating the attack and the ICO is aware of the incident. Update All of Lincolnshire County Council’s systems are now back up and running – the ransom payment was not paid and no personal data was lost.

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Why encryption is only half the answer Encryption protects you from fines & data breaches but it doesn’t protect you from data loss. It’s vital that you combine Data Protection & Data Back-up tools to ensure your data doesn’t get stolen or lost. How much down-time can you afford? This question will determine the level of back up required. Learn how to protect your data CIS is holding a free seminar around the impact of the EU Data Protection Regulation coming into force in 2016. Encryption is the answer to avoiding data loss and you can learn for free on how to protect your data the best you can.

EU DATA PROTECTION SEMINAR The seminar is held at the Bunker which is located at the West Venture Building (The Bunker), New Greenham Park, Newbury, Berkshire, RG19 6HN.

CONTACT DETAILS solutions@cisltd.com 01367 700 555 wwwcisltd.com

The B4TV Interview:

Phil Southall Oxford Bus Company Oxford Bus Company Managing Director, Phil Southall, met with B4’s Richard Rosser for the first in a series of B4TV interviews which you can see in full on the B4 website. A veteran of the transport industry for nearly twenty years, Phil joined Oxford Bus Company (a subsidiary of Go Ahead), three and a half years ago as Operations Director and became Managing Director just over a year ago. WRITTEN BY: RICHARD ROSSER PHOTOGRAPHY BY: ROB SCOTCHER

Question: FFor many of us living in and around Oxford, traffic has always been a major problem but, without public transport, I presume it could be a lot worse. Phil: “Absolutely. Congestion has been a problem in Oxford since the late 60’s. We have always had very proactive local authority partners who have created the right environment for bus services to flourish. “We had the balanced transport plan as far back as 1973 which created the first Park and Ride at Redbridge and that’s grown and grown ever since because of the traffic issues. We had the Oxford Transport Strategy in 1999 that lead to the bus gates in the High Street so we had the addition of bus priority because traffic levels were getting worse and worse and containment was required as the promotion of alternatives wasn’t being effective enough. “We continue to bring more and more people into the centre of Oxford - in fact 55% to 65% of people who are in Oxford at any one time have got there by bus by one form or another. So we are the economic heart of Oxford and we do keep the City moving. We are also growing with the City.”

Question: We’re sat on one of your Oxford Brookes University liveried buses. It’s quite evident from the many liveries on your buses that you have established some excellent partnerships with various businesses and organisations in Oxford. How important are these relationships to you and your partners? Phil: “Our partnerships are vital to the success of the company. We have various different partnerships and businesses are critical - I sit on a number of committees which assist me in stressing the importance of the buses to the city. I am the council member on the Oxfordshire Chamber of Commerce which is very welcome to air the vital role that the bus plays in Oxford. I work as a member of the Oxford Town Team which promotes economic prosperity in OX1 and I also sit on the steering committee for Business in Oxford which is an excellent event for businesses throughout Oxfordshire. “We are therefore very much part of the business community. We also have our local authority partners in the form of Oxford City Council and Oxfordshire County Council who provide us with the infrastructure we need to keep our buses running

at the fastest speed possible. “Of course we also have our commercial partners like Oxford Brookes University - we run a network of 20 buses for them especially to meet their needs and their students needs. So, yes, working in partnership achieves great things for the City and we need as many of them as possible.” Question: How much of a responsible employer is Oxford Bus Company? I presume you are, so please explain how. Phil: “Yes I believe we are a very responsible employer. We pay in excess of the living wage to all of our employees whatever role they undertake in the business. We have always purchased buses with the latest technology - all of our buses meet the Euro 5 standard for the low emission zone which came in on 1st January 2014, but we’ve gone beyond that as over 1/3rd of our bus fleet are electric hybrids so they run on electricity for some of the time and one quarter of our fleet that we use in the City are at the Euro 6 standard which is eight times tighter than the Euro 5 standard. So, the emissions that we emit in the City centre are reducing year on year as we buy more buses. We

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spotlight

CV Managing Director Oxford Bus Company, Thames Travel and Carousel Buses November 2014 – Present. Oxford, Wallingford and High Wycombe Operations Director Oxford Bus Company, Thames Travel and Carousel Buses July 2012 – October 2014. Oxford, Wallingford and High Wycombe Divisional Manager Go North East January 2008 – July 2012. Chester le Street, Sunderland, Washington, Stanley and Peterlee Business Development Manager Go North East October 2006 – December 2007 Gateshead Senior Consultant The TAS Partnership Limited September 2004 – October 2006. Preston Depot / Area Manager First PMT Limited January 2000 – September 2004. North Staffordshire and Crewe Management Trainee The Southern Vectis Omnibus Company Limited August 1998 – December 1999. Newport, Isle of Wight

are looking at the next technology already which is a virtual electric bus which runs on electricity more of the time - we have put in a bid to The Office of Low Emission Vehicles for that and we hope to hear back soon.

moment is now full and we need room to expand. As we are expecting a 40% increase in footfall when The Westgate opens in October 2017, we need to be in a position to expand our fleet as the City expands. So that is becoming a real issue for us.”

“So we are always looking to improve what we are doing in the city so we can reduce our environmental footprint. We also have a partnership with The Low Carbon Hub where we have solar panels on our roof which generates an income for them and also gives us cheaper electricity. We received a letter from Prime Minister David Cameron congratulating us as the first business in Oxfordshire to do this. So we really do believe we are playing our part in the City to be environmentally responsible.”

Question: I presume your main revenue stream is from fares, but what other revenue streams do you rely on?

Question: We all know Oxford is growing and, presumably, so is Oxford Bus Company. Going on the figures you have already quoted could you please elaborate on how quickly you are growing. Phil: “Absolutely. We believe we are the 7th largest employer in the City and we employ around 630 people. In the last year our driving establishment has increased by 15% which gives us some real issues because the depot that we are in at the

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Phil: ““Yes our main income is from customers who pay fares on the bus or season tickets on our Smart Card. But we do receive limited income from other sources. We receive income from Government, be that local or national Government - we receive what’s called a Bus Service Operator’s Grant which, in essence, is a fuel duty rebate so it gives a partial rebate on our fuel, which allows us to keep fares lower than they otherwise would have been. We obviously receive some income from the Government for carrying concessionary passengers on a ‘no better or no worse off’ basis.

bespoke products and services to each individual business. So we would encourage any business that feels that we can help them to achieve a shift in reducing congestion as well as helping them to succeed in Oxford, to contact us and we have staff who can come along and discuss the products that we have and any services that anyone might like us to operate, such as the dedicated Brookes network. “We are really interested in speaking to as many people as possible to see how we can help them. “Visit the OBC website (www.oxfordbus.co.uk), or the Customer Services team can be contacted on 01865 785400 who will be happy to take your details and our key team will be in touch to see how we can help you.”

CONTACT DETAILS “You will have heard recently that Oxfordshire County Council wishes to cease funding subsidised services so it is absolutely critical that we work with businesses in Oxfordshire to do our very best to offer

info@oxfordbus.co.uk 01865 785 400 www.oxfordbus.co.uk

finance

Gender pay reporting – time to act Employers are being advised to take early action ahead of new legislation requiring them to publish information about their gender pay gap. James Simpson, Partner at law firm Blake Morgan LLP, advises that reviewing the figures now will give employers the vital chance to put right any unjustifiable differences, maintain a good reputation and be one step ahead in recruiting new talent. WRITTEN BY: JAMES SIMPSON

Although the UK has had equal pay laws for more than 40 years, the gender pay gap remains at an overall figure of 19.1%, meaning that a woman, on average, earns around 80p for every £1 earned by a man. Various attempts have been made to reduce the gap, with the public sector historically at the forefront. In April 2011, the Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED) imposed a duty to publish certain equality information, but in the private sector, voluntary reporting campaigns reflected a reluctance to legislate. 280 businesses signed up to the ‘Think, Act, Report’ initiative, but only a handful actually published information. In 2015, the Government pledged to implement compulsory equal pay reporting for employers with at least 250 employees. The draft legislation now gives businesses a concrete idea of the requirements, which will come into force in October. Although the first reports will not be required until April 2018, they will involve a snapshot of gender pay differences in April 2017, and information regarding bonus payments for the 12 months beginning this May (2016). What will be the impact? Once in force, employers with 250 or more employees (and ‘employees’ may cover, for example, some contractors and LLP members under a ‘contract personally to do work’) will be required to publish, annually on their website, information about: • the differences in average pay between men and women, • the differences in average bonus pay (including commission), • the proportions of men and women receiving bonuses and • the number of men and women in each quartile of their pay distribution.

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This information must be accessible to employees and the public, and remain on the website for at least 3 years. As with the PSED, transparency and accountability is expected to drive a change in behaviour. Employees, interest groups and the media may all look at the figures and make comparisons. There are suggestions of “league tables” to publicise the best and worst performers. Potential “naming and shaming” risks damage to hard won reputations, the prospect of poorly performing employers facing litigation, and problems doing business with the public sector in procurement processes. High value equal pay claims are no longer just an issue for the public sector.

“ Clearly, addressing any problems is not possible overnight. It requires a careful analysis and if necessary, a plan to phase in appropriate changes

”

This will evaluate the risk, giving time to address any problems prior to compulsory publication. Businesses planning budgets for their next financial year need to know now what costs, if any, might be associated with this prior to April 2017 – and prior to May 2016 in the case of bonuses. Benefits As well as ensuring compliance, an audit would: • identify and explain any justifiable differences • eliminate inequalities and provide evidential support for rational, fair and transparent pay • demonstrate commitment to fairness and equality – an important factor in attracting new talent. At Blake Morgan, we have years of experience helping employers with equal pay, discrimination, audits and compliance. By tackling the issues through us, you will benefit from ‘legal advice privilege’, protecting documents and communications from disclosure in legal proceedings (not available to other organisations such as accountants, independent HR consultants or insurance companies). We are running a series of events and round table discussions. For further information please contact Fiona Larsen-Pass on 0118 955 3072 or fiona.larsenpass@blakemorgan.co.uk.

What should businesses do? Dealing with gender pay differences is an issue for all businesses, and the Government has indicated that it will review the 250+ threshold in 5 years. Clearly, addressing any problems is not possible overnight. It requires a careful analysis and if necessary, a plan to phase in appropriate changes.

If you have any queries on the forthcoming gender pay legislation and how it might affect your business please contact James Simpson below.

CONTACT DETAILS We recommend that businesses consider undertaking an equal pay audit well in advance of the ‘snapshot’ period of April 2017, particularly since bonus payments will be assessed from May 2016.

james.simpson@blakemorgan.co.uk 01865 254 296 www.blakemorgan.co.uk

Forthcoming B4 Event 

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

A hidden delight situated in the heart of Oxford, Rhodes House is a beautiful venue steeped in history – ideal for dinners, business meetings, product launches and weddings. For nearly a century Rhodes House has been the gathering place for Rhodes scholars and distinguished guests. Now, the House is available so that others can enjoy the peace, quiet and unique atmosphere of this private, exclusive venue. It is ideal for both corporate and private events, for large and small functions.

For more information see: www.b4-business.com 62

www.b4-business.com

ENGAGE

INFORM

INSPIRE

THURSDAY 21ST APRIL, 11.00AM - 7.15PM SA I D B U S I N E S S S C H O O L

MAIN SPONSOR

BOOK YOUR TICKETS AT www.businessinoxford.com

CONTENTS & THANKS

CONTENTS 3

All 72 Presentations - Confirmed and Available A summary of what PODs and presentations we have confirmed

5 - 21

Presentations Individual pages for each of the recently confirmed presentations

Google

McDonalds

THANK YOU TO ALL THE FOLLOWING WHO HAVE SUPPORTED THE EVENT With special thanks to: Councillor Bob Price, Leader of Oxford City Council and Board Member of the Local Enterprise Partnership. Sebastian Johnson, Manager of the Oxford Strategic Partnership. Richard Venables, Director, VSL & Partners and Board Member of the Local Enterprise Partnership. Peter Tufano, Peter Moore Dean, Saïd Business School. Martin Garside, Lisa Quinn and Verity Donovan at Saïd Business School. Emma Davis, Rob Scotcher, Lorna Dodson, Keith Simpson, Sue and Colin Rosser of The In Oxford Group. A final thanks to our sponsors for their fantastic support.

HOW DO WE FIT IN 72 PRESENTATIONS? Following the opening session presentation from Oxfordshire LEP and lunch, the afternoon will be split into four BANKS, the first three BANKS will include 5 POD’s and the final BANK will be split into 3 POD’s. A POD is a themed lecture – there will be 18 in total. Each POD includes four presentations so there will be 72 presentations in total. The table on the adjacent page is shows which PODs and presentations we have confirmed. Given that there will be a variety of PODs running simultaneously in each BANK, as a delegate it is only possible to visit four PODs in the day, so 16 presentations in total. Once you’re in a POD, you can’t move about. Each POD lasts an hour with four 12 minute presentations and 12 minutes for Q&A. Simple! Twitter - We will tweet throughout the day from @BusinessinOx with #BIO16

TIME FROM

TIME TILL

SESSION TITLE

11:00 AM

11:45 AM

Doors Open/Registration/Coffee

11:45 AM

12:30 PM

Opening Address from Oxfordshire LEP

12:30 PM

1:15 PM

Lunch

1:15 PM

2:15 PM

Bank 1 PODS

2:30 PM

3:30 PM

Bank 2 PODS

3:30 PM

4:00 PM

Tea

4:00 PM

5:00 PM

Bank 3 PODS

5:15 PM

6:15 PM

Bank 4 PODS

6:15 PM

7:15 PM

Drinks Reception

FREE OXFORD BUS COMPANY TRAVEL For free travel from any Oxford Bus Company Park & Ride site throughout the day of Business in Oxford 2016, please contact Emma Davis (emma@b4-business.com) and Oxford Bus Company will be in touch to arrange this for you. To find out which Park & Ride is suitable for you, please visit - http://parkandride.oxfordbus.co.uk/where-to-park/ 2

www.businessinoxford.com

Penningtons Manches LLP Reciprocate British Gas Bicester Vision

Science & Technology

Responsible Business

Green / Low Carbon / The Living Lab

Business Growth - Going from Good to Great

Sandler Training Oxford Innovation CIS Oxford Bus Company

Elevate your Company’s Performance

Business in Oxford 2025

IT & Communications

The Economic Benefits to Oxford of Partnerships

James Cowper Kreston Barclays Hedges Westgate Oxford

Preventing Against Disasters in your Business

Apprenticeships

Property

Tourism & Culture

Chiltern Railways Ernst & Young

Access Oxfordshire

Economic Outlook and Business Trends

Ernst & Young

Oxford Bus Company

Oxford Brookes University

TBC

College & County

Activate Learning

DCResponse

TBC

Grosvenor

Brookstreet des Roches

University of Oxford

Oxford Professional Consulting

Wellers

Oxford Brookes University

University of Oxford

Business Class

Oxford Science Park

The Oxford Flood Network

PRESENTATION 2

Ernst & Young

Oxford United Football Club

Wildbore & Gibbons LLP

Richmond Villages

Ridge & Partners

Maverish

Lewis Silkin

8-Digital

Oxfordshire County Council

Microsoft

Sir John Bell

WEIE Digital

Carter Jonas

Bicester Heritage

Oxford City Council

Oxfordshire Business Support

University of Oxford

RACE

PRESENTATION 3

Ernst & Young

London Oxford Airport

McDonalds

Experience Oxfordshire

Savvy

Oxford United Football Club

Helen Money Nutrition

Google

Oxford Playhouse

Oxford Knowledge Company

Blackwell’s

Cafe Success

Oxford City Council

Bicester Village

Low Carbon Oxford

Unipart

The Oxford Trust

Oxford Strategic Partnership

PRESENTATION 4

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT EACH PRESENTATION VISIT WWW.BUSINESSINOXFORD.COM

Savvy

The Key Principles of a Successful Business

BANK 4 - 5:15 PM till 6:15 PM

Shaw Gibbs

The Cloud and your Business

BANK 3 - 4:00 PM till 5:00 PM

Wellers

How to retain key staff in Oxford’s Exclusive Property Market

BANK 2 - 2:30 PM till 3:30 PM

Socrata

PRESENTATION 1

Smart City

BANK 1 - 1:15 PM till 2:15 PM

POD THEME

What’s the right path to accelerate your growth journey? Find out how EY’s 7 Drivers of Growth can help your business grow from challenger to leader. ey.com/acceleratinggrowth #BetterQuestions

www.businessinoxford.com

POD: RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS

OXFORD CITY COUNCIL

DEVELOPING BUSINESS BY ADDING SOCIAL VALUE

OUR PRESENTATION Pioneering businesses across the UK are creating innovative methods to win new clients and reinforce relationship with existing ones, by developing opportunities to add social value through their operations. This informative session will set out the background and context to these opportunities, using examples of national and local companies like Oxford Computer Consultants, which is launching a new Social Enterprise to address a pressing and growing social issue that complements its core business. Of particular interest to any organisation that has public sector bodies within their supply chains is The Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012. Grant Hayward, “Network Navigator” for Social Enterprise under OxLEP’s Oxfordshire Business Support programme, will explore the opportunities and benefits to businesses of all sizes that this and other examples provide. This session aims to stimulate new thinking and solutions to attract and retain high calibre staff, differentiate businesses and also perhaps attract new investment.

ABOUT US Key stakeholders have been working closely together over the past couple of years to develop and support Social Enterprise in Oxford and across the county. Oxford is now renowned as a hot bed for social entrepreneurs and social innovation, recognised as a Social Enterprise “Place” by Social Enterprise UK. Social Enterprise contributes to the local economy, whilst also tackling local social needs, vital in the current climate of reduced public funding. Direct support is being provided to social entrepreneurs through OSEP, a partnership formed between the two universities and Student Hubs, alongside OxLEP, through its Oxfordshire Business Support Programme.

CONTACT DETAILS C Grant Hayward T 07768 603312 E grant@collaborent.co.uk W www.osep.org.uk W www.oxfordshirebusinesssupport.co.uk/content/social-enterprise

www.businessinoxford.com

POD: GREEN / LOW CARBON / THE LIVING LAB

BRITISH GAS SMART ENERGY

OUR PRESENTATION The UK government has mandated that all homes and businesses will have Smart energy meters by 2020. This new generation of digital meters will bring a range of benefits to customers and the UK energy industry. And will enable businesses to manage their energy as they would other costs and ultimately play their part in driving down UK carbon emissions and improving energy security. Energy data collected by the Smart meter can be viewed through various display systems, helping users to understand how and when energy is used, and identify ways to reduce usage and cut bills. Detailed energy use data will help users benefit from lower energy costs at off peak times and two way communication with the meter will ensure alignment to customers energy needs. While Smart metering technology delivers practical benefits now (such as an end to estimated billing) it is also an early building block for the “connected” business. This emerging model already offers applications that monitor and control business systems. It will increasingly help businesses of all sizes to avoid operational failure and focus efforts, focus on highlight areas of concern and free business owners to focus more of their time on growing their business. British Gas has taken a leading role in developing smart meters, installing more than any other energy supplier. The presentation will explain smart metering and set out the benefits that businesses can enjoy now and can expect to see in the future.

ABOUT US As one of the UK’s leading energy and services providers British Gas Business understands the importance of putting the customer at the heart of everything we do. We have gone back to basics and want to make sure everything we do is a simple as possible. From implementing a new billing system to ending auto-renewal contracts and improving our online service - we want to make it easy for our customers to manage their energy. We’re dedicated to the needs of our business customers, from small and medium enterprises, to large industrial and commercial organisations. We recognise different businesses have different energy needs. That’s why we provide a complete range of solutions that can match how businesses use energy. We help thousands of businesses across Britain manage their energy consumption, become more energy efficient, generate their own energy and save money.

CONTACT DETAILS C Ian Shaylor - Head of Smart E ian.shaylor@britishgas.co.uk W www.britishgas.co.uk/business

www.businessinoxford.com

POD: BUSINESS IN OXFORD 2025

UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD

PARTNERSHIPS WITH A FOCUS ON RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

OUR PRESENTATION The University of Oxford has many partnerships with leading industry nationally and globally, as well as with policy makers, other research and teaching organisations, and stakeholder groups. We welcome partnerships with a focus on research and development, applying our research excellence in new areas, and the collective benefits of shared expertise and highly skilled individuals. We are closely engaged with the development of Entrepreneurship in the region, nationally, and worldwide. The presentation will cover success with the University, through the Saïd Business School and Launchpad. Also how to boost staff’s readiness for business, through training and qualifications, including the Business School and Continuing Education. It will outline the growing place for Social Enterprise in a region’s business and entrepreneurship portfolio, and the support available through the University for social and business-focussed entrepreneurship and partnerships.

ABOUT US At Oxford University, we’re passionate about the creation and impact of our research and how, in partnership, we can apply this to real challenges. Our students are keen to secure work experience through placements and internships. The Careers Service runs the Internship Office which works with employers and alumni to set up and promote structured experiences for students. The University’s business development teams can work with industrial partners to identify areas of strategic alignment and work in partnership to develop the best framework for the alliance. Growing or scaling a business comes with its own set of challenges. You may have a team, an idea, a product. We have science parks offering businesses and academics flexible facilities in a dedicated research environment, and with our Entrepreneurship Centre businesses can engage with entrepreneurs, academics and students.

CONTACT DETAILS T 01865 270 158 W www.ox.ac.uk A University Offices, Wellington Square, Oxford, OX1 2JD

www.businessinoxford.com

POD: THE ECONOMIC BENEFITS TO OXFORD OF PARTNERSHIPS

OXFORDSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

PARTNERSHIP WORKING AND THE OXFORD TRANSPORT STRATEGY

OUR PRESENTATION During this presentation OCC will cover the following: •

A brief history – how the transport strategy has been developed in partnership and the benefits this has brought

•

‘What happens next’ – the short term, covering the next 3 years – new development (Westgate), new Highway schemes, new partnering opportunities

•

Our Local Transport Plan and how we take that forward together – looking at a new approach to managing a fast-growing County through Rapid Transit, Park & Ride, and technology/innovation

ABOUT US Oxfordshire County Council is responsible for 80% of the local government services in the county. This includes children’s services, some education services, fire and rescue, libraries and museums, roads, social care, trading standards and waste disposal. For 2015/16 the council has set an overall budget of £831.4 million. We need to spend £574.6 million during 2015/16 on the provision of services. Oxfordshire County Council is controlled by the Conservative Independent Alliance Group and its decision-making body is called the Cabinet. Oxfordshire is the most rural county in the South East. It has a population of around 666,100, one third of which lives in towns or villages of less than 10,000 people. The county is a popular visitor destination for its rural beauty, numerous market towns and Oxford city itself, which has earned a global reputation for its academic and architectural splendour. Oxford is also a global centre of publishing. Oxfordshire has consistently high levels of employment and the workforce is amongst the most highly-qualified in the country. Worldclass business clusters include bioscience, advanced motorsport engineering, scientific research and cryogenics.

CONTACT DETAILS T 07767 006742 W www.oxfordshire.gov.uk A Oxfordshire County Council, Speedwell House, Speedwell Street, Oxford, OX1 1NE

www.businessinoxford.com

POD: THE CLOUD AND YOUR BUSINESS

8-DIGITAL

MULTICHANNEL MARKETING CAMPAIGNS AND SEARCH

OUR PRESENTATION Multichannel marketing has grown considerably in the last few years and companies are distributing marketing content through an ever increasing number of channels. Why? Because audiences are more likely to respond to marketing messages if they see the same message across multiple channels. Each marketing channel has something unique to offer and consumers interact with different channels in different ways. By exploiting their various strengths, you will create a far-reaching campaign that consumers can truly engage with. A well-executed campaign is the difference between successfully enabling your brand to stand out and be seen, or risk being lost in the noise of today’s competitive markets. When consumers learn about an interesting new product or service, one of the first places they go for research is a search engine. Using Videos, emails, display ads and social media in your marketing campaigns will all drive searches. Even TV, billboard and newspaper ads can and will drive searches, eventually.

ABOUT US We are 8-digital. Born in Oxfordshire in 2010, our goal is to be an outstanding digital marketing partner. The growing team includes a great mix of talent, ambition and lots of experience. Our mission is to deliver exceptional return on investment for our clients. We help businesses and non profits harness the extreme power of digital marketing to increase leads, grow sales and support goals. Our clients include some of the world’s most famous brands and local SME’s who operate across many sectors. We are a full service digital marketing agency and our services include: paid media, SEO, conversion optimisation, analytics, social media, content marketing, influencer marketing, web development and creative services. Our team’s diverse range of skills allows us to create dynamic, holistic and scalable campaigns for all of our clients. 8-digital is an official Google Partner. Agencies qualify for Partner status after meeting certain requirements, passing advanced Google Exams and following Google best practices.

CONTACT DETAILS C Jones Hones - Director T 01295 817638 E john@8-digital.com W www.8-digital.com A CS Innovation Centre, Mewburn Road, Banbury. OX16 9PQ

www.businessinoxford.com

POD: THE CLOUD AND YOUR BUSINESS

8-DIGITAL

GOOGLE: MULTICHANNEL MARKETING CAMPAIGNS AND SEARCH

OUR PRESENTATION When used correctly, search is the ultimate net for all other marketing channels! After all, what other digital channels will interact more with your marketing plan than search? Search is certainly one of the preferred channels employed for multichannel marketing. The challenge is, advertising in search is often difficult to conceptualise for many companies because of how different the process and targeting methodology is when compared with traditional media buying. Most multichannel marketing strategies are built on extensive customer research, which always includes target demographics. Google has made big steps in providing additional information on demographics and the ability to target audiences, specifically through the Google Display Network. When bidding on search engines, most demographic information is not great. However, there is now a way to bridge the gap between demographics and search keyword strategies. Retargeting is another pivotal factor of multichannel marketing. Retargeting or Remarketing ads will offer a different dimension to your strategy. Therefore, it’s important to focus on how your ad retargeting campaigns are setup. Retarget users after they leave your site to make sure your brand isn’t forgotten. This year at the Business in Oxford event 8-digital and Google will be discussing the winning formulas for a search campaign. Along with the latest search trends leading the way in 2016 we will also discuss the framework and best practices for successful ad display and retargeting campaigns. Photo Credit: Evan Lorne / Shutterstock

ABOUT US Google’s mission is to organise the world’s information and make it universally accessible and useful. In 2000, we introduced AdWords, a self-service program for creating online ad campaigns. Today our advertising solutions, which include display, mobile and video ads as well as the simple text ads we introduced more than a decade ago, help thousands of businesses grow and be successful.

CONTACT DETAILS C Jones Hones - Director T 01295 817638 E john@8-digital.com W www.8-digital.com A CS Innovation Centre, Mewburn Road, Banbury. OX16 9PQ

www.businessinoxford.com

POD: PREVENTING AGAINST DISASTERS IN YOUR BUSINESS

LEWIS SILKIN

CAUTIONARY TALES FOR EMPLOYERS

OUR PRESENTATION Employment and HR law is complex and ever changing. Without the benefit of expert guidance, you may miss something crucial which could result in a costly dispute with an employee or unfortunate run-ins with Government agencies like HMRC or the Information Commissioner’s Office. Did you know, for example, that the law about calculating holiday pay changed recently and some employees may be able to claim for up to two years’ back pay for holidays? Or that it is prohibited to ask job applicants questions about their health except in limited circumstances? Our presentation will highlight some Cautionary Tales – with acknowledgement and thanks of course to Hilaire Belloc and Basil T Blackwood – which are “Designed for the Admonition of Employers”. Some of the Cautionary Tales are new and some are existing quirks in UK employment law which you may not know about. All are relevant to you as an employer no matter how many (or few) people you employ.

ABOUT US Lewis Silkin is a full service commercial law firm with offices in Oxford, London, Cardiff and Hong Kong. Employment and HR law has been a key area of expertise for Lewis Silkin for many years and the team has been consistently top ranked by legal directories and was named HR law firm of the year 2015 by Legal 500. Our team of over 100 lawyers across our offices offers an unrivalled service supporting businesses on their HR and employment law needs domestically and internationally. We focus on meeting our clients’ needs whatever the size of their business.

CONTACT DETAILS C Emma Delap - Managing Associate T 020 7074 8489 E Emma.Delap@lewissilkin.com C James Storke - Partner T 020 7074 8112 E james.storke@lewissilkin.com W www.lewissilkinemployment.com A King Charles House, Park End Street, Oxford, OX1 1JD

www.businessinoxford.com

POD: PREVENTING AGAINST DISASTERS IN YOUR BUSINESS

HELEN MONEY NUTRITION PRESERVING HUMAN CAPITAL

OUR PRESENTATION Human capital in most sectors distinguishes a leading company from itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s competitors. What would it mean to your business if employees were not performing to the best of their ability? What would it mean to your business if you or key employees were on sick leave? Eating the right foods at the right time can lower the risk of this happening. What we eat impacts wellbeing and also energy levels, brain function and response to stress; in a nutshell the things that increase the value of human capital. There is strong evidence that children who eat breakfast perform better at school demonstrating improved attention span and application of knowledge. The physiological reasons behind this are no different in adults. If breakfast is a game changer is lunch? Or could what we eat before a meeting help clinch that deal? The answer is yes, but what to eat, when to eat and how much to eat is key. During this presentation Helen Money will address these question and recommend foods to eat for peak performance.

ABOUT US Helen Money Nutrition offers pro-active corporate wellbeing programmes aimed at enabling employees to perform to the best of their ability. Combining her nutritional knowledge and experience as a Fund Manager in the City Helen creates workshops that provide achievable and sustainable advice aimed at improving employee productivity. Helen also works with private clients covering a spectrum of nutrition related issues including weight loss, fatigue, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and health maintenance. Helen is an experienced sports nutritionist with clients ranging from weekend warriors to World Championship level athletes. As a consultant Helen works with several PR companies providing nutritional expertise for marketing campaigns and has worked on projects for Nutribullet, pod and Barleycup. Helen is also a consultant to Cambridge University Press for The British Journal of Nutrition, Public Health Nutrition and the Journal of Nutritional Science. Helen holds a BSc (Hons) in Human Nutrition from the University of Westminster and a PG cert in Applied Sports Nutrition from St Maryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s University, Twickenham.

CONTACT DETAILS C Helen Money T 07961 394201 E helen@helenmoneynutrition.com W www.helenmoneynutrition.com A Helen practices from The Bosworth Clinic www.thebosworthclinic.co.uk 01865 881334

www.businessinoxford.com

POD: APPRENTICESHIPS

MAVERISH

NORMS AND REFORMS: MAKING SENSE OF APPRENTICESHIPS

OUR PRESENTATION If you’re confused about Apprenticeships, don’t worry, you’re not alone. Barely a day passes without some headline or another praising Apprenticeships and telling us things like how many £ per week each Apprentice adds to their employer’s turnover, and other benefits. The trouble is there is another set of regular headlines damning Apprenticeships as lightweight training piled high and sold cheap. And to add to the confusion, another set of messages telling us that the whole Apprenticeship system is changing but that employer’s needn’t worry, they should just start employing Apprentices if they don’t already, or just keep recruiting more Apprentices, if they already do….and it’ll all be okay in the end. What’s an employer to do? What does it all mean? Our presentation will describe and advise on the Apprenticeship system in its current form, covering; • • • •

Types and levels (“try not to compare with other qualifications”) Government funding and grants (“know YOUR worth as an employer”) Getting the right training provision (“shop around”) Mythbusting (don’t let anyone tell you an Apprentice “is like any other employee”, for one thing…)

And once that makes sense, we’ll move right on and look at the changes we can expect over the next four years, including; • • • •

The Apprenticeship Levy (which employers will have to pay it?) New ‘Standards’ (designed by employers for employers) Increase in ‘Degree Apprenticeships’ (yes, you read that right) Government funding and grants (guess what might be coming here?)

And yes, there will be opportunity to have your questions answered!

ABOUT US

CONTACT DETAILS C Paddy Patterson T 07455 007 293 E Paddy@maverish.co.uk W www.linkedin.com/company/maverish-ltd

www.businessinoxford.com

Maverish Ltd was set-up by Paddy Patterson in 2013 after spending more than a decade working in the world of public sector education and training, including roles with national agencies and local government. Maverish provides project development and management services, primarily in the Apprenticeship and training sector. It is currently a partner of Oxfordshire Apprenticeships, which Paddy himself founded in 2012, and works with a range of local authorities, training providers and Local Enterprise Partnerships across the region. Currently it is launching a new ‘Apprenticeship Training Agency’ on behalf of Cherwell District Council, one of only around 50 approved nationally by the Skills Funding Agency. It has also recently expanded its services to include the provision of independent careers guidance services to schools and private individuals.

POD: THE KEY PRINCIPLES OF A SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS

OXFORD BROOKES UNIVERSITY

TOWARDS THE FUTURE OF BRANDED CONTENT MARKETING

OUR PRESENTATION Branded content is one of the hottest topics in the marketing industry today. However, there is a lot of confusion about what it is and what it isn’t. We have researched branded content and come up with some fascinating insights that we would like to share with you. Our presentation will clarify what branded content is from a managerial perspective, based on the interviews we have conducted with 30 leading marketing industry experts in the UK. Based on these expert interviews, we will also show you some of the future trends that can help your organisation to apply (branded) content marketing successfully. This research is part of a long-term project which aims to provide clarity on what makes branded content such a powerful marketing communications concept. Applied correctly, branded content can help organisations to cut successfully through marketing clutter and engage with their audiences. It can also optimise your marketing communications strategy and add value to your brand. The research project is a collaboration between academia and the marketing industry. The Brand Strategy Research Group at Oxford Brookes University has been working together with the BCMA (Branded Content Marketing Association) and the market research organisation Ipsos MORI on this innovative research project. A report of the first results will be published later in April 2016, so this presentation will give you an exclusive preview.

ABOUT US As a leading higher education institution, Oxford Brookes University Business School has been working with the corporate and public sectors over many years, developing key services, where individuals and organisations can connect to world-class expertise and research. Our university-based executive education programmes, customised to the needs of the organisation, encourage engagement between executives, senior business faculty members and researchers, who are among the leaders of the field of management theory development. The Faculty of Business comprises the Business School’s three distinct departments - Accounting, Finance and Economics; Business and Management; Marketing - and the Oxford School of Hospitality Management which specialises in tourism research.

CONTACT DETAILS C Bjoern Asmussen – Senior Lecturer in Marketing T 01865 485 858 W www.brookes.ac.uk E bjoern.asmussen@brookes.ac.uk A Business School, Wheatley Campus, Oxford, OX33 1HX

www.businessinoxford.com

POD: THE KEY PRINCIPLES OF A SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS

MCDONALD’S

STAYING CLOSE TO YOUR CUSTOMERS: OUR STORY OF CHANGE

OUR PRESENTATION Tom Bacon, Franchising Consultant for McDonald’s in the Oxford area, will present on the journey that the company has been on over the last ten years. He will outline how listening to the voice of its customers has been central to the changes that McDonald’s has made. The biggest changes have been in enhancing the experience for its customers through a vast programme of investment and refurbishment in its restaurants, and through its expansion and reformulation of its menu to increase choice and transparency. For its staff, McDonald’s has invested in providing access to qualifications such as Apprenticeships and Foundation degrees. Also McDonald’s restaurants are committed to their local communities through the company’s support for hundreds of grassroots football teams and by organising thousands of environmental improvement events through the ‘Love Where You Live’ programme. Finally, Tom will outline the importance that McDonald’s places on its relationship with its franchisees and suppliers, also known as its ‘Three Legged Stool’ approach.

ABOUT US McDonald’s is one of the leading food service retailers in the UK, serving over 3.7 million customers a day from more than 1,250 restaurants. Over 70% of our restaurants are owned and operated by independent businessmen and women. Together with our franchisees we employ over 100,000 people. Since 2014, we have been measuring our contribution to our customers, people, suppliers and the UK economy through our annual Serving the UK report. The results from this show that in the Oxford area we provide £4.3 million to the local economy and support over 230 jobs. The latest results of our Serving the UK report can be viewed and downloaded at www.mcdonaldsservingtheuk.co.uk

CONTACT DETAILS C Tom Bacon - Franchising Consultant E Tom.Bacon@uk.mcd.com T 07715 771545 W www.mcdonaldsservingtheuk.co.uk A 11-59 High Rd, East Finchley, N2 8AW

www.businessinoxford.com

POD: ACCESS OXFORDSHIRE

CHILTERN RAILWAYS

A NEW WAY TO TRAVEL TO LONDON

OUR PRESENTATION Oxford has an urgent need for improved public transport, to enable it to grow and prosper, without causing congestion and pollution. At Chiltern Railways we are taking a three stepped approach to improving rail services in the area: On 26 October 2015 we opened Oxford Parkway station, the first new railway station in Oxfordshire for over 70 years. Located at the top of Banbury Road beside the Park & Ride (previously called Water Eaton) Oxford Parkway station is well connected to Oxford’s bus network, has safe and secure cycle parking, and has a car park with approaching 1,000 spaces. Trains run every half hour to London, via High Wycombe, with most journeys taking about an hour, on modern, comfortable trains with space to work, arriving directly into the centre of London at friendly Marylebone station on the Bakerloo Line. From 12 December 2016, the number of trains between Oxford and London will double, as Chiltern Railways launches its new service linking Oxford main station with London Marylebone, in just 65 minutes, with a call at Bicester Village. The rail journey time from Oxford to Bicester Village – home to the designer outlet, and England’s fastest growing town – will be just 15 minutes, giving a stress free alternative to the A34, and meeting the growing need of people who work in Oxford and live in Bicester. And we are in the early stages of planning to extend train services over the Cowley Branch line, with the prospect of new rail stations at Oxford Science Park and Oxford Business Park – each of which would have direct Chiltern Railways trains to Bicester and London Marylebone.

ABOUT US Chiltern Railways is a franchised passenger train operating company. We run trains from London’s Marylebone station to Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire and the West Midlands. We have identified Oxfordshire as an area in need of improved rail transport, and it is one of our main focus areas for investment and improvement.

CONTACT DETAILS C Graham Cross - Business Development Director W www.chilternrailways.co.uk A Great Central House, Marylebone Station, Melcombe Place, London, NW1 6JJ

New and refurbished stations, extra train services, journey time reductions, and larger station car parks have all been delivered in Oxfordshire over the course of our long investment led franchise, and we have plans to deliver more benefits. Our customers can expect to receive a safe, reliable, welcoming and value for money service, tailored to meet customer needs. All our Mainline trains offer tables, plus sockets and free Wi-Fi.

www.businessinoxford.com

POD: ACCESS OXFORDSHIRE

LONDON OXFORD AIRPORT

MAKING BEST USE OF THE UK’S AIRPORT INFRASTRUCTURE

OUR PRESENTATION The UK is on the edge of radical change within its air transport system yet with significant uncertainty about the future. The London region has been desperate for more capacity to catch up with European peers like Amsterdam and Paris whilst politicians procrastinate as to whether we should build another runway. Boris Johnston has put a halt on London City’s development, just before it was still sold for an unprecedented £2 billion. The staggeringly expensive HS2 may well open up the use of Birmingham as another ‘London’ airport, yet is of little to no use to Oxfordshire residents. Almost all players in the UK aviation sector warn against Brexit and the negative consequences to air travel in the UK. Yet, despite all the uncertainty, there remain significantly underutilised assets that have a particular role to play, including the likes of London Oxford Airport. Our presentation explores what could be possible for regional connectivity on our doorstep, were there the will and a way to move forward, with rational and viable commercial development. Additionally we will highlight the role the airport plays already within the regional market with over 5,500 private business flights a year carrying over 8,000 passengers, very often leaders of industry, maximising productivity where the UK ranks particularly poorly on overall productivity benchmarks. We will also highlight a new dawn in lower cost private air charter as for the first time in Europe, singleengined aircraft will be available for commercial operations bringing the costs per seat-mile down to levels that compete with the UK’s very high cost train services.

ABOUT US London Oxford Airport is the Thames Valley’s primary regional airport and the only commercially-capable airport between London’s Heathrow and Birmingham. Historically home to one of Europe’s largest and most respected pilot training academies, over 25,000 pilots who joined over 90 airlines started their careers there. The airport has invested in excess of £20m in its infrastructure over the last decade in order to comply with all the latest rules and regulations for a fully commercially-capable airport and hosts the fourth busiest VIP private aircraft terminal in the UK and is the fifth busiest airport in the UK for private aviation.

CONTACT DETAILS C James Dillon-Godfray - Head of Business Development T 01865 290 710 E jdg@londonoxfordairport.com A Langford Lane, Kidlington, Oxford, OX5 1RA

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Once the busiest runway in the world fifty years ago, today we see a mere fifth of that activity so aspire to re-introduce limited commercial airline scheduled services, albeit within a very challenging and competitive marketplace. As host to over 20 resident businesses, the airport sees well over 900 employees every day in highly skilled and knowledge-based roles, a mini aerospace business hub, with strong synergies with the likes of the local motorsports and car manufacturing markets.

POD: ECONOMIC OUTLOOK & BUSINESS TRENDS

ERNST & YOUNG

UK ECONOMIC OUTLOOK

OUR PRESENTATION EY have been sole sponsors of the ITEM Club for 25 years. It is the only non-governmental forecasting group to use HM Treasury’s model of the UK economy. Our reports provide a detailed economic analysis and forecast of economic activity for the period ahead. They are independent of any political, economic or business bias. EY ITEM Club is part of Economics for Business, which provides knowledge, analysis and insight to help businesses understand the economic environments in which they operate, both in the UK and within the Global economy. We will be presenting a summary of the latest EY ITEM Club UK spring forecast including the implications for business. We will also consider recent and expected investment trends for the UK- by drawing on insights from the EY UK attractiveness survey, which examines the attractiveness of a particular region of country as an investment destination.

ABOUT US EY is a global leader in professional services with over 212,000 people based in 150 countries. We go to market through four service lines: Assurance, Tax, Advisory and Transaction Advisory Services (TAS). Our multi-disciplinary business model means we team seamlessly across service lines, as well as across sectors and geographies. In so doing, we play a critical role in building a better working world for our people, for our clients and for our communities. At EY in the Thames Valley, we serve a wide range of clients from fastgrowing entrepreneurial start-ups through to large privately-owned, FTSE 350 companies and some of the world’s leading multi-national companies. We employ over 550 people in the region and our teams have particular strengths in technology, telecoms, life sciences and automotive – sectors all in demand in Oxford, the county and the wider Thames Valley.

CONTACT DETAILS C Peter Arnold - Senior Manager T 07980 589 964 E parnold@uk.ey.com W www.ey.com A 1 More London Place, London SE1 2AF

www.businessinoxford.com

POD: ECONOMIC OUTLOOK & BUSINESS TRENDS

ERNST & YOUNG

REBALANCING: UK REGION ECONOMIC FORECAST

OUR PRESENTATION EY’s region and city reports provide the latest UK economic forecast an examine the current economic trends and outlook for the next three years in 12 regions and 19 cities across the UK. Our new report, Rebalancing: UK region and city economic forecast predicts that London’s economy will expand by 3.4% in Gross Value Added (GVA) terms in 2015, compared with 2.3% for the wider UK. We will be presenting the key findings from this analysis with a focus on Oxfordshire and the Thames Valley region. In particular we will present the economic outlook for the region in terms of GVA growth and employment, the sectoral composition of the region and its relative strengths and challenges. We will also consider recent investment trends.

CONTACT DETAILS C Harriet Walker - Assistant Director T 07825 100 653 E hwalker@uk.ey.com W www.ey.com A 1 More London Place, London SE1 2AF

www.businessinoxford.com

POD: ECONOMIC OUTLOOK & BUSINESS TRENDS

ERNST & YOUNG

REFORMS TO EMPLOYER SPONSORED VISAS IN THE UK

OUR PRESENTATION Immigration remains a hot topic in the UK, and the need for employers to attract and retain top global talent is as high as ever. The UK Government has recently announced significant changes to the sponsored visa route, Tier 2, which attempt to achieve the government’s political objective of lowering immigration whilst continuing to attract the ‘brightest and best’. We will consider the changes that will be implemented over the next twelve months and how they will affect start-ups, UK graduates and various industries. In particular, the introduction of an Immigration Skills Charge aims to incentivise employers to train the resident workforce and reduce their reliance on non-EEA workers. In addition, the government aims to restrict use of the Tier 2 (IntraCompany Transfer) scheme by significantly increasing the minimum salary threshold. What effects will these changes have on the UK economy, employers and non-EEA nationals?

CONTACT DETAILS C Beenu Rudki - Director T 07557 319 014 E brudki@uk.ey.com W www.ey.com A Apex Plaza, Forbury Road, Reading, Berkshire RG1 1YE

www.businessinoxford.com

POD: ECONOMIC OUTLOOK & BUSINESS TRENDS

ERNST & YOUNG EMPLOYMENT TAXES

OUR PRESENTATION The employment tax landscape is ever changing, with the introduction of The Office for Tax Simplification, an increase in HMRC compliance activity and the global workforce arena we work in which seems at odds with archaic legislation. The presentation will guide you through the changes which seem to be impacting employers the most, the effect of such changes and practical information to assist in dealing with these changes in your businesses. We will also provide latest updates on areas that are currently still in the consultation stages, but may have significant impacts on your businesses future employment actions. In addition, we would like to explore a couple of areas which may have a direct employment effect on your business, but which steps outside the normal banner of “employment taxes”.

CONTACT DETAILS C Andy Timpson - Senior Manager T 07552 283 232 E atimpson@uk.ey.com W www.ey.com A Apex Plaza, Forbury Road, Reading, Berkshire RG1 1YE

www.businessinoxford.com

‘Flying’ at Aviator A midweek trip to Farnborough might not sound exciting but combined with a stay at Aviator – a hotel by TAG, well, what more could you want? The style and stunning photography on the hotel’s website for once didn’t do the real thing justice….this is one hell of a sexy hotel.

Aviator was created by TAG Group as a hotel for elite travellers moving between London and the world’s leading destinations and opened in 2008 as one of the most striking design hotels in recent times. ‘Innately stylish’ is the self proclaimed tag (sorry!) that you will see on the website but it’s not undeserved. This is a hotel which encapsulates the glamour of aviation with all the luxuries you could wish for in a hotel and I will defy you to find a better hotel restaurant in terms of food, service and style. This is the full package. Chloe in the Brasserie was superb, Shiju, the Assistant Brasserie Manager, was engaging, knowledgeable and charming, Director of Operations, Adam, couldn’t do enough to help and heading up the operation, General Manager Mark Ashton was warm, friendly and accommodating. We didn’t want to leave….even as we were leaving a member of staff asked if we had had a nice time as she was seemingly arriving for work, asked us where we were from and stayed to chat about Oxford where she had done some training. There was no need….but she left a lasting impression of sincerity which is hard to find. But like so many hotels that look great, Aviator doesn’t fail to do the little things which make your stay perfect. There’s no reliance on reputation, there’s no arrogance about the hotel’s décor and style which could, to some, be intimidating. No, this hotel delivers and keeps on delivering. Like the fact that the candles in our bedroom had been lit when we returned from dinner, the friendly staff in every department who couldn’t do enough to make us welcome. 84

Full marks Aviator. The funny thing was that even though we were less than half a mile from the runway that the hotel overlooks, it had to be pointed out to me that we couldn’t hear the planes or see the airfield lights through the blackout curtains in the room….an ‘oh yeah’ moment. So what’s so special about this little beauty then? The bedroom interiors are contemporary yet rich and comfortable with walnut panelling, leather accented furniture and bathrooms with black glass walls, granite vanity tops and chrome finishing. Sky Suites amplify the indulgent personality of the hotel with walk in wardrobes, generous bath tubs, Missoni blankets and space to lounge surrounded by dark wood Venetian blinds. There’s also a fitness studio accessible from the guest rooms using a guest only stairwell at the north end of the building. Designed to create space and comfort for frequent travellers, Aviator Rooms are fully equipped with complimentary WiFi, movies, music library and bottled water. They are 28 square metres and include king size beds, Egyptian cotton bed linen and a leather banquette for relaxing. Alongside the comfortable interiors, the well considered facilities including speciality teas, cafetière and wall mounted LCD screen, create a perfect away from home short stay hotel room. Mid category rooms, Aviator Studios, centrally occupy space on the second, third and fourth floors. With a spacious open plan bed and seating area with oversized armchairs, Studios set a scene for style and tranquillity.

Aviator Studios are 35 square metres in size with super king size beds, open plan seating area, Bose sound system and large wardrobes. Additional facilities include speciality teas, cafetière and a wall mounted LCD screen. Designed for the opportunity to indulge in a romantic weekend break or recline in comfort, Aviator Studios come with the option of a spacious bathroom with separate walk in shower and bath tub, or an airside view with floor to ceiling sliding windows. Located on the 4th Floor, Sky Suites amplify the indulgent personality of the hotel with super king size beds, walk in wardrobes, Missoni blankets and space to lounge. Sky Suites are 55 square metres in size with complimentary mini fridges with soft drinks and snacks and large bathrooms with a separate walk in shower and bath tubs big enough for two. Suites are open plan with ample space to relax on the chaise longues, bed or the L shaped sofa in the part divided lounge area - ideal for longer stays and romantic weekend breaks. We were fortunate enough to stay in this room and it was difficult to leave it behind! The stunning lobby and atrium of the hotel present One Eleven, the Brasserie and Sky Bar which overlooks the TAG owned private airport. Within the Brasserie sit two of the hotel’s private dining rooms, exemplifying the intimacy and allure of the dining experience. The variety of fresh and classical dishes are accompanied by carefully selected boutique wines from producers around the world. Located on the first floor is Sky Bar, a www.b4-business.com

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stunning cocktail bar designed to impress like the rest of the hotel. According to the website “Our cocktails are a combination of timeless classics and bespoke signature drinks created with passion. Every signature cocktail has a story.” Indeed it does, like the Silver Jet, created by Aaron Hibbert and winner of 3rd place in the Patron Tequila cocktail competition. This award winning drink was inspired by a dream. A fiery combination, of Tequila and Ginger Beer - the perfect pre-dinner drink that adds spice to any occasion. Or there’s the Bison Punch, a long drink with sweet passion fruit and subtle floral notes. Zubrowka Vodka, Triple Sec, fresh Passion Fruit and St Germain Elderflower Liqueur, shaken and topped with Veuve Clicquot for added sparkle. Created in spring whilst experimenting with flavours for a new Summer cocktail, it’s the perfect combination of sweet tropical flavours and the dry sparkle of house Champagne. Aviator is also more than capable of hosting events with a private entrance to the events wing and dedicated relaxing lounge areas which provide direct access to the versatile meeting rooms. Used exclusively for tailored events and celebrations, the Sky Lounge overlooks breath-taking views of the airport and combines with the atrium to create a venue that promises to leave a lasting impression. The Brasserie, le pièce de résistance. With beautiful photographs of film stars from a bygone era adorning the walls and providing fodder for ‘guess the star’ throughout dinner, the dining experience in the Brasserie was second www.b4-business.com

to none. Testament to its popularity, it was packed…not something you often see in a hotel restaurant. Accompanied by a delicious bottle of Chablis, Domain de la Meulière, 2014, we enjoyed the following: STARTERS Pressing of foie gras, smoked goose breast, celeriac, golden raisins and crisp goose skin Fillet of veal tartare, bone marrow crumb, smoked golden beetroot and parsley pureé (L) MAINS Roasted loin of venison, red cabbage, beetroot and blackberries (L) Poached & roasted guinea fowl, smoked bacon & maple glaze, salsify, creamed potato and baby bok choy DESSERTS Coconut bavarois & sorbet, popcorn, meringue, passionfruit, mango and Malibu – to share! There is also a Tasting Menu, which showcases the finest foods from the South East. Exquisite seasonal dishes combine to present a distinctly British award winning restaurant experience. Why not try this with the Pairing wines selected by specialist Phillppe Larue of L’art Du Vin, Tasting Menu pairing wines are ‘chosen for their quality, uniqueness of origin and production in line with environmental and ethical considerations’. Conclusion? Stunning. Marks out of ten? Why stop at ten? This is the hotel that keeps on giving.

Highlights There are subtle aviation themed design touches throughout Aviator

The Brasserie offers an extensive wine list with over 100 wines

Open during the summer months with impressive views over the runway, Aviator’s Terrace is the ideal spot for stylish, alfresco dining

A variety of therapeutic, holistic and beauty treatments are available in orchid-adorned candlelit treatment rooms

All four floors at Aviator overlook the iconic central Rotunda

Aviator provides a versatile selection of stylish wedding and other event spaces, guaranteed to leave a lasting impression

Aviator - a hotel by TAG 55 Farnborough Road, Farnborough, Hampshire, GU14 6EL

See more about the R&R Collection at: www.therandrcollection.co.uk 85

The

Oxford Union

About Us The Oxford Union is an undiscovered secret in the heart of Oxford City Centre. Over the past two centuries, the Union has played host to some of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s greatest politicians and celebrities and has frequently found itself under the media spotlight. Whatever your event - seminar for 15, wedding breakfast for 150, debate for 450, art exhibition, ďŹ lm location, company dinner, or marquee reception in the garden court- the Union can tailor something especially to your requirements, and will provide a memorable backdrop to you day.

For further information regarding our facilities, please contact our Event Manager on 01865 241353 or 07507683129 or at events@oxford-union.org

news Witney based cabling company, overhauls communications room for leading gaming software manufacturer • Testing CAT6 outlets: The Cabling Company tested 900 CAT6 outlets across all of the company’s floors in order to uncover and overcome any unidentified network issues. Some of these outlets had not been installed correctly by a previous cabling supplier, so these were fixed by The Cabling Company. • Supplying CAD drawings: New CAD drawings supplied by The Cabling Company showed outlet locations and cabling routes, making accessing, patching and fixing issues far easier than ever before.

The Windsor based leading gaming software manufacturer approached The Cabling Company in Witney, to quote for the complete overhaul and revamp a dysfunctional communications room. The Cabling Company won the bid as the results offered the customer multiple benefits, including the ability to identify issues quickly and subsequently save hours of time. The Challenge The gaming software company faced a number of challenges that were slowing their IT team down and preventing them from taking on a more proactive role in the business. These challenges included: • Piecemeal additions being made to the communications room over many years, creating a disorganised and confusing workspace for IT staff • No clear signposts or way of working, making it time-consuming to identify issues and patch in new users • An inefficient and slow network creating frustrations for all staff The Solution The Cabling Company came up with a number of solutions that solved these challenges. These included: • Communications room audit: This included reviewing, supplying and installing new containment in the communications room, removing all existing patches, and replacing with colour-coded patch leads.

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The Results The work took The Cabling Company team just 4 days to complete over two weekends and the customer was delighted with the quick turnaround of these timescales. In addition to the communications room looking and acting like new, the company has also seen the following benefits: • Greater network efficiency and faster connections for staff • IT staff are now able to quickly identify and fix issues, and get back to working on more proactive tasks for the company • IT staff can also clearly see cabling routes thanks to the CAD drawings, and rapidly patch in new staff when required The Cabling Company’s installation team integrated easily with the customer’s IT team. They provided them with all the information and materials they need to keep the communications room functioning efficiently, even oversupplying spare patch leads for the future. The gaming company’s IT director was very pleased with the way the work was carried out. He had peace of mind that he could trust The Cabling Company when it came to switching everything back on, on the Monday morning. Any downtime would have cost the company thousands of pounds so The Cabling Company made sure an engineer was on-site every Monday to fix any issues if they occurred. Since this initial work, the gaming software company has returned to The Cabling Company for further projects, testament to the high standards they demonstrated. The Cabling Company’s Managing Director, David Jackson puts their continually high 80% bid win rate, down to an intricate level of detail and engagement at the quote stage, something that sets them apart from their competitors. The single biggest point of failure in business IT infrastructures is caused by poor management of communications cabinets. In this instance we have created a clear pathway for improved cabling, allowing much improved ease of management and a greater return on investment. “The changes we made for this organisation will see a positive return on investment in just six months.”

CONTACT DETAILS info@thecablingcompany.com 0845 11 66 257 www.thecablingcompany.com

City & County Graphics In 1993 our current MD gave up his previous career as Director within a large printing corporation and started a small business making stickers for racing cars from the spare bedroom of the family home. A few years later a local sign company making temporary road signs for local councils was bought and the two companies were eventually merged to form City & County Graphics Ltd.

zuend-uebersicht

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spotlight

Arizona_6160_XTS FSR

Today the company has a turnover in excess of ÂŁ3m and provides signage for the majority of national housebuilders and other well-known blue chip companies. The historic ties with motor racing continue as Formula 1 teams are still current clients. Please view our website to see some of the projects we have completed for our existing clients (www.cityandcountygraphics. co.uk). Now located in two adjoining factories on Kingston Business Park near Abingdon, Oxfordshire, City & County are well located to easily serve all the major business hubs. With installation teams and storage facilities strategically placed around the country journey times to sites are kept to a minimum helping reduce costs and limit harmful carbon emissions. Significant investment in the very latest printing and cutting technology provides in-house manufacturing to the highest standards and allows close control over quality with an enviable ability to react to client requests no matter how short the lead time. Focus on the environment has led to the development of solar powered signs which negate the need for expensive electrical installations and promotes clean, environmentally friendly solutions to illumination, particularly during winter months. Apprenticeships are an increasingly important factor within the current workforce for a number of reasons; the employment of youth is vital to the future of the company, skilled sign makers are best trained in-house, company ideals on quality and customer service can be instilled from the beginning and the benefits from differing viewpoints and opinions are

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key to the healthy progression of City & County. The Health & Safety of staff, clients and the general public are an absolute priority and no compromises are made or corners cut. A firm of structural engineers provide the calculations and drawings required for safe manufacturing and installation, a key factor with the ever changing climate which seems to bring more intense storms each year. Continuous staff training is part of the company culture. City & County Graphics Ltd have an enviable and unbroken record of growth since the last recession in all key areas of turnover, profitability, staffing levels, production facilities and investment in equipment... and customer satisfaction. The main factor in our continued growth and success is the skill and dedication of our staff, their attention to detail and commitment to giving a first class service cannot be underestimated. Manufacturing signs is (surprisingly?) a very short turnaround and high pressure environment, especially working for nationally known companies, and having the latest and best machinery with creative operators helps us to meet client demands and expectations. Using flatbed UV printing techniques allows extremely fast, extremely high quality printing, followed by computer controlled cutting and shaping, which is the result of constant and substantial investment. Our Oxfordshire location gives us excellent access to all parts of the country and allows efficient servicing of our national customer base. One of our major objectives is to better serve the

business community within Oxfordshire and to give greater focus on opportunities closer to home. The history and heritage of the area presents a real opportunity for creative signage, mixing new technologies such as solar power and LED lighting with traditional craftsmanship and we relish the rewarding challenge this brings. To this end we have recruited Grant Shergold, former local RBS Relationship Manager as our Sales & Marketing Director. We have entered the Twin Town Challenge to support local charities and will put ourselves forward in the Oxfordshire Business Awards to showcase the talent of our staff. Our search for larger premises continues to accommodate planned future growth and with it the search for more wonderful people to join us in our endeavours.

CONTACT DETAILS sales@cityandcountygraphics.co.uk 01865 823 161 www.cityandcountygraphics.co.uk

T U E S DAY 1 1 T H O C TO B E R

Sponsorship Opportunities Get involved with the 2016 Oxfordshire Restaurant Awards After the success of the Awards in 2011 to 2015, we are looking forward to the 2016 Awards. The Awards have certainly captured the imagination of the local restaurant community and this year’s Awards promise to be even more prestigious than before as we move to arguably Oxfordshire’s finest venue following its £80 million refurbishment, Weston Library in the heart of Oxford. So why not enter, secure your ticket and join in the fun or, if you’re looking for your company to be associated with the Awards, choose one of our fantastic sponsorship packages.

Packages from £1,000 Interested in sponsoring the 2016 Awards? Get in touch! t: 01865 742211 e: info@oxfordshirerestaurantawards.co.uk

www.oxfordshirerestaurantawards.com

Main Sponsor

events

Making a game changing difference With Twin Town 16 on the starting grid, the new games room at SpecialEffect, which was financed by Twin Town 14, has been opened by David Cameron. WRITTEN BY: JO SENSECALL, MARKETING SENSE PHOTOGRAPHY BY: SIMON WILLIAMS

The first Twin Town Challenge was planned ‘on the back of a fag packet’ as they say. From STL’s Brendon Cross having the initial idea, to 50 cars costing just £500 leaving from Cornbury Park, the whole event was put together in just 6 months. Which is why it was even more amazing that Twin Town 14 raised over £130,000 for Charlbury based charity, SpecialEffect. The event was a game changer for SpecialEffect. Never before had they received such a large sum of money. This enabled SpecialEffect to establish a games room for young people to visit for evaluation and to take on additional specialist staff to meet the rapidly growing demand for the charity’s support and services. SpecialEffect uses technology to enhance the quality of life of people with physical disabilities by adapting games consoles and using eye gaze technology to help children and adults to play computer games. The Games Room is the first of its kind in the UK and will allow SpecialEffect to welcome people with disabilities from across the country and help them benefit from the fun and inclusion of video games and other forms of leisure technology. On 12 February 2016, SpecialEffect welcomed Witney MP and Prime Minister David Cameron for the official opening of the Games Room. Representatives from Twin Town teams, sponsors and organisers watched David Cameron cut the ribbon with Brendon and SpecialEffect founder Dr Mick Donegan. The Twinning Committee from Le

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Touquet, who play such a large part in making Twin Town Challenge happen in France, was also there. Mr Cameron described SpecialEffect founder and CEO Dr Mick Donegan as “one of the most inspirational people I have met”. He said: “You are making an enormous difference to lots of people and I will do anything I can to help. It is also bringing together the things I am passionate about, because it shows business can be a force for social and economic good.”

day at Abbeville circuit and dancing the night away to a live band on a closed street in the middle of Le Touquet.” There are still a couple of places left on the starting grid – all you need is a £500 car!

“We’re delighted and honoured that Mr Cameron was here for this launch,” said Dr Mick. “Leisure technology is an amazing medium for fun, inclusion and quality of life. To be able to level the playing field and extend that medium to people who would otherwise not be involved is a real privilege.” Says Brendon, “I am so proud of everyone who took part in Twin Town 14 and who gave so generously whilst enjoying such a fun weekend in a £500 car.” So in May 2016, it’s happening all over again only Twin Town 16 is twice the size and has taken a lot more organisation than possible on the back of a fag packet! Twin Town 16 will aim to raise £250,000 for SpecialEffect with 100 teams driving £500 cars to Le Touquet and back with a series of fun, points based challenges along the way. Brendon adds, “After we leave Blenheim Place, we are driving around Silverstone which will be a once in a lifetime experience for most Twin Towners. We also have a fabulous programme of events in France including a

The Twin Town Challenge 2016 takes place from 27th – 30th May. The 100 cars will depart from Blenheim Palace before enjoying laps around Silverstone and Abbeville circuits, 12 awesome challenges, a street party with live bands, a civic reception on the beach and a money can’t buy auction. Find out more or book you team at www.twintown16.co.uk

CONTACT DETAILS support@twintown16.co.uk 01993 220 666 www.twintown16.co.uk

â&#x20AC;&#x153; For now, the Zika virus

is concentrated in the tropical parts of Brazil, but it is spreading across the Americas with 3-4 million cases predicted by the World Health Organisation in the next 12 months. Dr Nick Roesen, chief scientific officer, co-founder of The Native Antigen Company

â&#x20AC;?

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health

Zika virus diagnosis aided by Oxford company An Oxfordshire biotech company is playing a major role in the global fight to diagnose and prevent the spread of the Zika virus, declared a ‘public health emergency of international concern’ by The World Health Organisation (WHO) this week. WRITTEN BY: KELLY LEA PHOTOGRAPHY BY: NATIVE ANTIGEN

The Native Antigen Company based at Cherwell Innovation Centre, Upper Heyford, has developed the world’s only available Zika virus NS1 protein from human cells, providing a superior way of diagnosing the virus that enables doctors to detect if patients have been infected long after the window for detection is closed for traditional methods. The company is also working closely with government agencies to develop a diagnostic kit due to be launched ahead of the Rio Olympics 2016 to detect the infection spreading to the UK as people make their way back from the summer games. Dr. Nick Roesen, chief scientific officer and cofounder of The Native Antigen Company, explains: “We have been selling Zika NS1 protein worldwide and are already on our third production run since December. Our antigen has been developed in our proprietary mammalian cell expression system with significant advantages over alternative approaches which are important for detection.” He continues: “The differential diagnosis of Zika virus infection is difficult, with nucleic acid-based tests only possible during initial presentation of the fever. Our unique protein enables a greater spectrum of serological tests to be developed which will help diagnosis and epidemiology. The spread of Zika virus where Dengue and Chikungunya epidemics are common, has now presented a new challenge for clinicians; trying to identify exactly which virus a patient may be presenting with. Although there are no cures for any of these infections, it is clinically important to be able to distinguish the three infections as patient management does differ.” The Zika virus is carried by female Aedes aegypti mosquitos that spread it by biting someone who is infected and then biting someone else. For now, the Zika virus is concentrated in the tropical parts of Brazil, but it is spreading across the Americas with 3-4 million cases predicted by the World Health Organisation in the next 12 months. Doctors fear the virus may lead to an epidemic of birth defects such as microcephaly where babies are born with small heads and underdeveloped

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brains. Pregnant women have already been told to avoid travelling to 24 countries in Central and South America.

companies to avoid the headache of inflexible agreements and react to their market by expanding or decreasing in size at short notice.”

The Native Antigen Company first created its Zika virus NS1 protein eight months ago following research into Dengue Fever.

For further information about The Native Antigen Company, visit: thenativeantigencompany.com or find out more about Cherwell Innovation Centre at cherwell-ic.co.uk

Dr. Roesen continues: “Our team is now producing to meet the demand for Zika NS1 from our labs at Cherwell Innovation Centre in addition to developing a diagnostic kit for wide-spread use from the summer. This is taking our company into a new area and we have been able to draw from the experience of some of our neighbours at the Innovation Centre who have already been through this process.”

“ Cherwell Innovation

Centre has become a hub for science and technology businesses who are leading their field of expertise and The Native Antigen Company is a fantastic example.

”

Tom Hanney, Regional Manager, North Oxfordshire, Oxford Innovation

About Cherwell Innovation Centre Cherwell Innovation Centre is situated in Upper Heyford near Bicester and is run by Oxford Innovation. The centre provides serviced offices and flexible office space, lab space, and meeting rooms located on the historical former RAF Heyford air base, all designed to allow people to focus on running their business.

About Oxford Innovation Oxford Innovation is a leading operator of business and innovation centres that provide office and laboratory space to companies throughout the UK. Cherwell Innovation Centre is one of seven local centres managed by Oxford Innovation in Oxfordshire. The company also provides innovation services to entrepreneurs, including business-planning advice, fund raising, coaching and mentoring.

Cherwell Innovation Centre is managed by Oxford Innovation, the UK’s leading operator of Innovation Centres, providing flexible agreements for start-ups interested in lab, office or meeting room space. Tom Hanney, regional manager, North Oxfordshire, Oxford Innovation, said: “Cherwell Innovation Centre has become a hub for science and technology businesses who are leading their field of expertise and The Native Antigen Company is a fantastic example. We will continue to support the team in every way we can and provide additional lab or office space when necessary. Fortunately, the business model that Oxford Innovation has developed enables small and medium sized

CONTACT DETAILS cherwell@oxin.co.uk 01865 838 500 www.cherwell-ic.co.uk

Goldstar is an independent Recruitment Agency based in Woodstock, right by Blenheim Palace. As a business we specialise in Commercial and Hospitality and offer both temporary and permanent solutions across these sectors. You will often find our temp staff working at Oxfordshireâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sporting venues, heritage sites, colleges, restaurants and hotels

Our Hospitality Division can source, or supply Chefs of all levels Restaurant and General Managers Front of House & Bar staff Events Reception & Reservations Our specialist Commercial Division covers Sales, Marketing, HR, Finance, Customer Service & Office Support. We work with a variety of businesses in Oxfordshire from start-ups, through to large Nationals.

Looking to fill a vacancy, or need temporary support? If so, please call the office on 01993 225 075 or visit; www.goldstarrecruit.co.uk

How to score on and off the pitch

marketing

Oxford United’s recent success on the pitch leads not only to Wembley but also to potential commercial reward off the pitch. Penningtons Manches takes a look at how “The U’s” can protect - and capitalise on - one of its most valuable assets: the brand. WRITTEN BY: GAVIN STENTON & JUDY DAVIS

When Oxford United Football Club (OUFC) travels to Wembley on 3 April for the final of the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy, the U’s fans will be showing their support by sporting the yellow scarves, shirts, banners and any other Oxford United branded items they can get their hands on. Not surprisingly, OUFC’s success on the pitch has not only attracted considerable media attention but also undesired attention from counterfeiters. The bigger the brand, the more attractive it is to counterfeiters seeking to free-ride on the reputation and goodwill of the brand. To date, OUFC has had difficulties in preventing bootleg sales, which are undermining their ability to generate funds from official merchandise to plough back into the club rather than into someone else’s back pocket.

Here is Gavin’s basic advice for successfully defending your brand and avoiding any own goals.

Four reasons for registering your brand 1. Peace of mind – Trade mark registration makes it much easier to prevent others from using your brand, even before launch. Using an unregistered brand does not guarantee brand exclusivity and runs the risk that a competitor might take advantage of, or even register, your brand. If this happens, it could exclude you from using the brand in the future, forcing you to re-brand and leaving you potentially liable for trade mark infringement. 2. The deterrent effect – registration entitles you to use the ® symbol alongside your registered brands. This warns others that the trade mark is your property and should deter others from using or registering conflicting brands. So the chances of any disputes are significantly reduced. 3. Valuable commercial asset – registered trade marks are attractive to potential investors or acquirers because they are easier to value and commercialise than unregistered brands. Assignments, licences and charges are also simpler to negotiate and can each be officially recorded on the trade marks register as evidence of the transaction.

Gavin Stenton

Securing the club’s valuable IP assets is now high on the club’s priority list, and trademark experts from the Oxford office of Penningtons Manches law firm are currently assisting the club to secure registered trade mark protection for its core brands. This is initially in the UK but with a view to overseas expansion in key markets once the UK applications have progressed to registration.

4. Always and forever – registered trade marks have the potential to last indefinitely, subject to renewal every ten years. The Bass red triangle was first registered in 1876 and is still in force today.

5. Before you start using a new trade mark, check that it is not already being used by someone else. Otherwise you may find that you are stopped from using your brand, having invested time and money in developing goodwill in it.

When and where to register your trade marks 1. Register your trade marks as soon as possible, before your brand is launched or used in commerce. This will make it easier to prevent others from encroaching on your rights and free-riding on your investment. 2. Your brands should be registered in all countries/ regions where: • you sell or intend to sell your goods or services • you manufacture or expect to manufacture • your goods are transited. Penningtons Manches advises many locally-based SMEs across a wide range of industries in securing protection for their valuable brands and are involved at all stages of the brand’s lifecycle from creation and exploitation through to enforcement and divestment.

Five tips for choosing a trade mark 1. The more unique and unusual the name is for the goods or services, the more likely it is to be registrable.

But it is not only big brands that benefit from trade mark protection. Gavin Stenton, a specialist trade mark solicitor at Penningtons Manches, says: “For many SMEs, their brand is one of their most valuable assets so ensuring that appropriate protection is in place is vitally important.

2. Choose a trade mark that is distinctive for the goods and services you are selling under the mark.

“The global nature of trade also means that trade mark rights need to be protected in all markets where the business trades or manufactures. Part of our role is to conceive and implement a carefullyconsidered trade mark filing strategy that meets both the current and future needs of the business.”

4. A trade mark can only be registered if it meets the criteria set out in the laws of the country in which you are seeking registration. Generally speaking a trade mark must be distinctive and capable of being written down.

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Registered trade marks include: • slogans like “Have a break” • 3D shapes and packaging like the Lindt chocolate bunny • sounds like Nokia’s famous ringtone • colours or colour combinations such as IKEA’s yellow and blue, Duracell’s black and gold.

3. Avoid descriptive words (tasty biscuits); laudatory words (quality, premium); common surnames (Smith, Jones); and place names (New York, Paris).

Judy Davis

CONTACT DETAILS gavin.stenton@penningtons.co.uk 01865 722 106 www.penningtons.co.uk

Never Give Up I was 30 years old when I took my then 5 year old son to the park to play football. After about 5 minutes I was puffing and blowing on the goal post, this was due to smoking 20 to 30 roll-ups a day and being 19 stone 8oz. WRITTEN BY: KEVIN DUDLEY PHOTOGRAPHY BY: ROB SCOTCHER

I was a chef so had gained weight over the years. When I was at school I was super fit, played every sport and was never at home, always out with my brothers and friends, kicking a ball somewhere or playing golf. Then it went wrong - I managed somehow to land myself an apprenticeship as a Chef at Balliol College. I had never considering a career as a Chef but I took the apprenticeship and really enjoyed it, so much so that I when I was contacted about a mechanic job (which was previously my dream) I turned it down - I was now stuck on cooking and was actually quite good at it! This is when the weight started to come on, I could eat what I wanted all day long: Cooked breakfast, cooked lunch and then cooked dinner. I was in food heaven. The down side was, due to doing split shifts and working weekends, I could no longer play football and in the afternoons I would just sleep. It’s not easy work and some nights you would only be home in bed for 6 hours and then back to work. The night before you would have a dinner for 140 people and then, being an apprentice, you would be expected to go in and cook breakfast. But it was OK, I had no worries back then. I met my wife Dawn when I was at Balliol and we went on to have 2 lovely children, a girl and a boy. All throughout my 20’s I abused my body: Long working hours, smoking, drinking, kebabs and my all-time favourite Friday night Chinese take-away. When I was 30 I was at my biggest. I took my son Ryan to the park one day and just sat there on the goal post whilst he called to me, “come on Daddy, come and play!” But I couldn’t. I was overweight and out of shape. That’s when I decided that enough is enough. I went home and started to do something I had never done before: I started to diet. Dieting was very hard because I was now the Head Chef at Pembroke College and had no idea what the hell I was doing. I thought if I gave up the cooked breakfasts, chips and fatty foods that would be enough. I didn’t even think about the calories. I lost roughly 10lb in the first couple of weeks and then didn’t lose any for a while, so I went out and bought myself some running shoes. I now had the motivation to lose weight; If I wanted to be running around with Ryan when I was 40, and if I wanted to be around to see them grow up and hopefully one day run around with their grandchildren too, then I had to turn things around now. These are the things that get you to the finish line when you run your first mile. I remember doing my first run - I was gone 25 minutes and when I got back I could hardly breath and looked like I was about to drop dead. That’s when I knew the fags had to go as well. I got some nicotine patches from my Doctor and, with the same motivation that kept me running that first mile, I managed to quit. I have not smoked since and really cannot stand the smell these days. 96

I went out running every night but still couldn’t quite get the diet right, I was losing weight but was struggling with what to eat. I remember my Mum talking about Weight Watchers and after giving it some thought went along and joined. Let me tell you, this really took some doing. I walked up to the door about 5 times and just kept walking away. I remember being so nervous, thinking I would be mocked. The sweat was running down my back when I finally entered. On the registration form it asks why you want to lose weight and I wrote “I would like to be able to run around with my children in 10 years and not drop dead of a heart attack because I was so lazy in my 20’s”. At the end of the meeting they asked me to introduce myself, almost like an addiction counselling group (but then food is a drug, however unlike smoking you can’t just stop completely, you have to eat). I stood up and told all the ladies who I was, why I had gotten big and why it was so important for me to lose weight. Everyone clapped and one or two even shed a tear - I must admit I wasn’t too far off myself.

“ I know how to treat myself and

how to make up for it in the days after. Once you actually get there it is nice to do some of the things you used to and not feel guilty Kevin Dudley, Head Chef - Pembroke College

”

The running was getting easier and I was losing weight at a scary rate. By now I was running 5-6 miles every day. I would run to work and cycle home, and the next day I would cycle to work and then run home. Some nights I would go all along the river which was nearly 10 miles. By the time I was 31 I was 13st 10lb and fit as a fiddle and boy I could do some miles. I was now at the point where the only thing I hadn’t done was a marathon which is one thing I never thought I would be capable of. I ended up going one better: Riding to High Wycombe and then running to Wembley for Children In Need. My brother Stuart and my uncle Hugh joined me - If it wasn’t for their support I couldn’t have done it. We trained hard. One night I ran the furthest I had ever run, 18 miles, and was gone 3 hours. When I got back Dawn was stood at the gate. I had just ran 18 miles and I all I got was “Where the hell have you been I thought you were dead!” Needless to say I took my phone along with me after that. The day of the event came around. The plan was to run for 10 minutes and walk for 2 and so on. We had driven the route the week before to make sure we could find our way, but I somehow I took a wrong turn in Hillingdon and got lost. By the time we www.b4-business.com

health

“ the rewards at

the end are far greater than any bag of nuts!

”

Kevin Dudley, Head Chef - Pembroke College

found the route again we had done an extra 3 miles! There were a few moments along the way where I was in so much pain I had to just drop to the ground. I remember the most beautiful road sign I’d ever seen: “Wembley, 4 miles”. Every emotion, every ounce of pain, everyone in my life who I loved, and who I’d lost, pushed me those final 4 miles. When I reached the pitch I collapsed onto the turf and burst into tears, overwhelmed in every sense. That day I started with a simple diet and I never imagined my life would be transformed so much. I have just turned 40 and feel fitter and healthier than when I was 25! I lost around 6st in just 6 months! Don’t get me wrong, some days I just think I’ve had enough of this and have a Chinese or go out and get hammered, but now I’m in control. I know how to treat myself and how to make up for it in the days after. Once you actually get there it is nice to do some of the things you used to and not feel guilty. My weight has fluctuated over the years, of course, but has never been out of control like it once was. I’ve kept up with the Weight Watchers this whole time as well. I hate to think what would have happened to me if Ryan never took me to the park those 10 years ago and gave me the kick up the arse I needed. I can only imagine. My advice to people hoping to lose weight is that you can, without a doubt, and you will. No ifs or buts about it. It’s not easy by any stretch, but the rewards at the end are far greater than any bag of nuts! Part of me never wanted to tell this story, but if it helps someone else to achieve their goal I would be selfish not to. Right, off for a run!

CONTACT DETAILS kevin.dudley@pmb.ox.ac.uk 01865 610 900 www.pmb.ox.ac.uk

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VEHICLE VELETING

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m: 07979 480 886 / t: 01865 378 904 e: waynehedgeruk@aol.com w: www.whvaleting.co.uk

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events

Thanks for your support A big thank you to everyone who has supported me in my attempts to raise £3,000 for CLIC Sargent by running my 2nd London Marathon WRITTEN BY: RICHARD ROSSER

Once again I will be setting off for another tortuous 26.2 miles in the 2016 London Marathon on April 24th. A guilty pleasure if ever there was one. I wanted to thank those that have already sponsored me and given me that extra bit of inspiration needed to cross the line (the first one!) and hopefully a bit more to cross the final one! I will have completed the best part of 450 miles of training for the Marathon this year, most of it pounding up and down the A44 between Blenheim Palace and Pear Tree Roundabout. A stint of shuttle runs up and down Headington Hill soon lost their appeal as the students returned from their Christmas break and seemed to be lapping me on the way down as well as up! Soul-destroying stuff but, I am reliably informed, good for building up the leg muscles.

RICH

As well as the generous donations from those on the shirt, I must once again thank Joanne O’Donnovan from Complete Massage who has had the unenviable task of keeping me as supple as I could reasonably expect someone to keep a knackered 48 year old supple! Thanks also to Barry Grinham at Prime Energy Fitness and Tom Alden at TLA Fitness for their useful advice and tips. Helen Money of Helen Money Nutrition has kept an eye on my food intake and thanks to her for the Hi Five Gel recommendation – a lifesaver – although I didn’t do so well with the flapjack recipe….more like muesli! You can still donate – although not appear on the shirt – at the link below – with all donations going to the wonderful CLIC Sargent:

RICH collection

http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/richardrosser Pierre Victoire

See also: www.sportsmassageoxford.com www.helenmoneynutrition.com www.tlafitness.com www.primeenergy.org www.clicsargent.org.uk

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David Rosser

Philip Munday

Oxford Duplication Going Digital Cheryl Lee-Foulsham has worked hard to establish her digital duplication company as the leading business of its kind in Oxfordshire. She has now ‘gone digital’ in every aspect of her business and in this article she tells B4’s Richard Rosser how she has expanded her company’s range of digital services. WRITTEN BY: RICHARD ROSSER PHOTOGRAPHY BY: STUDIO8

“We are a more diverse digital media company now. The last couple of editorials we have run in B4 have been about disc & USB duplication and all format tape transfers, but we are now able to offer a complete digital media experience. “I have been working on this for the last six months and we are now able to offer four clear digital services: film, video, audio and scanning - so four areas which are directly targeted to capture our clients.” The industrious Cheryl, also an accomplished ballroom dancer in her spare time, started the business in Kidlington eight years ago on a part time basis to coincide with supporting her then 5 year old daughter, Leiah. She developed the business over three years and then moved to full time when she moved into her new premises in Kidlington. “Alison Martin started with us in our 4th year and Leigh Taylor joined us in our 6th year to take over my job so I could focus on sales and marketing and also market the filming and archiving side of the business.” Over the past eight years, Cheryl has seen her customer base change as she has developed the corporate side of the business, although she still receives an increasing number of walk-ins which she puts down to ‘marketing her company wherever possible! “We are now attracting more corporate customers including The Ashmolean and Pitt Rivers Museums. We also work with Oxford University colleges and various other institutions. “There is a growing interest in the Digital Media Conversion services and although the disc side isn’t lagging behind, we are finding more clients are utilising the encoding, authoring and post production side of the business. I decided to expand this area and state that we can now offer everything on the digital media side.” “We believe we are now market leaders and have invested heavily in the business by purchasing

100

all our own equipment which keeps our prices competitive and also ensures Leigh and Alison get as varied a range of work as possible. This enables us to keep all the work in house.” “The audio and video post production side of the business is going very well, particularly the complicated jobs that we are very good at, and produce a good end product. Tusk Trust and Strategies for Hope are larger clients of ours and we have also done work for Cotswold Wildlife Park. There’s not much we can’t turn our hand to - even data recovery.” Film CINE 8mm, 9.5mm & 16mm formats, 35mm film, all format family tape conversions and professional formats. Video Duplication, video editing and post production, DVD authoring, restoration and transcription services. Audio CD duplication, restoration services, audio tape conversions, CD authoring, vinyls, reels and professional audio tape formats. Scan Slides and negatives, glass plate scanning, acetates, transparencies, aperture cards, microfiche, microfilm, photographs, documents and archive scanning solutions. “Some of the glass plate slides we are working with date back to 1907 and are our specialty and I particularly love this format.” “Tape transfer is a very busy part of the business and we are moving more into conversion to digital formats. We are guiding clients into having a digital format and having USB’s which can then be used on more current machine and televisions.” “The audio side has also increased greatly - all work is done in house. We prepare audio restoration, enhancement, transcription and conversion. Many corporate and archive companies are interested

in this service including University clients. We have converters which can deal with this specialised service and Leigh excels in this format”. This is combined with our Disc duplication & printing services which Alison oversees – “We regularly prepare batches of CD, DVD and USB’s, including data loading for a number of companies. We do a lot of work for the music scene in Oxfordshire and the surrounding areas, and offer discounts to musicians and educational bodies. Much of our work involves data inputting for clients onto USB’s” The passion that Cheryl shows for her business is obvious and she admits that “It’s a fun business and we love every aspect of it. We are keen to move to the next step and have the team who are more than capable of taking us there. With the business growth and expertise of my staff, I am now able to do much more, especially visiting both potential and existing customers”. “We have regular staff meetings that enables us to discuss the future structure of the business, and this has developed a ‘team spirit’ which makes our company more efficient and capable of dealing with every clients needs - So please get in touch if you have any digital requirements – we are here to help.”

CONTACT DETAILS info@theduplicationcentre.co.uk 01865 457 000 www.theduplicationcentre.co.uk

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services

We believe we are now market leaders and have invested heavily in the business â&#x20AC;&#x153; by purchasing all our own equipment which keeps our prices competitive and also ensures Leigh and Alison get as varied a range of work as possible. This enables us to keep all the work in house Cheryl Lee-Foulsham, Oxford Duplication Centre

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r&r

Beaumont Estate:

A favourite among Windsor Hotels We were staying at the stunning Beaumont Estate for a Ronald McDonald House charity event in one of the hotel’s vast event suites in February. Having checked into our spacious and beautiful room, we made our way to the reception room before dinner where the Moulin Rouge themed event was in full swing. WRITTEN BY: RICHARD ROSSER

Set in 40 acres of stunning parkland, the hotel offers an impressive 75 conference, training, weddings and event spaces from the vast Hanover Suite to the executive wing The White House to the 14th century Chapel, beautifully restored into a spectacular event venue. And with 414 bedrooms, 2 restaurants, bars, gym, pool and a wide range of family services, the hotel is ideal for leisure guests too. Located on the outskirts of the regal town of Windsor, close to Windsor Great Park, there are a number of attractions in close proximity to the hotel including LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort, Thorpe Park Windsor Castle and Windsor Racecourse. The hotel is also well connected for travel into London to explore the city. Dating back to the 14th century, the Estate was a family home for many years until 1854 when it was sold to the Society of Jesus as a training college for novices and then it became a Roman Catholic boarding school. Nine years later a chapel was built by renowned architect Joseph Hansom with a barrelvaulted ceiling, carefully painted in the early 20th century by Romaine Walker. Principal Hayley Hotels and Conference Venues acquired Beaumont House in 2007 and in June 2008, Beaumont Estate embarked on an ambitious refurbishment programme to completely renovate The White House and restore the Chapel. Just 5 months and £8.1million later and the beautiful,

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exclusive executive suite that is The White House re-opened and the magnificent Chapel was unveiled. The White House and Chapel are just one part of Beaumont Estate and there is 40 more acres of conference, meeting and training space in Beaumont Estate and the Conference Village for you to explore. Renowned for its grand spaces and conference facilities, and noted as a leading UK conference venue, Beaumont Estate is the perfect choice for your next Windsor event. Located conveniently close to the M3, M4 and M25, as well as 3 main rail links into London and just 15 minutes from Heathrow Airport, this hotel & conference venue is ideal for bringing together your delegates whilst also enjoying close proximity to the stunning town of Windsor. The ideal conference venue in Windsor, Beaumont Estate features the following event suites: The Hanover Suite, perfect for up to 550 guests, this suite is a blank canvas on which to create your spectacular event vision. The Conference Village, featuring 4 distinct suites ideal for board meetings, smaller events and training. The White House, an executive wing, ideal for those more exclusive events The Chapel, a 19th century suite featuring stained

glass windows and a stunning ceiling. The Tudor Suite, recently refurbished to a high standard, with capacity for up to 150 guests theatrestyle, a private refreshment lounge and outdoor courtyard. At Beaumont Estate, they know that planning an event for your business or team is just one of the many tasks you’re juggling. To help, the team at Beaumont Estate are pleased to provide you with a dedicated conference and event team ready to manage as many or as few of the details as you’d like. After years of event planning and hosting, the team know what it takes for your event to go off without a hitch. The in-house team will determine the types of equipment you need, and will take care of set-up/ break-down. Talented chefs will work with you to determine the best meal planning option, from free flowing refreshments at our central coffee stations, popular Day Deli special to lunches in the Beaumont Restaurant and Tempus Bar & Grill. The events team will ensure the room is set up to best facilitate your group & needs. CONTACT DETAILS reception.beaumont@principal-hayley.com 01753 640 000 www.beaumont-estate-windsor.co.uk

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The Bear & Ragged Staff I recount this story, as told by Mark (the larger than life proprietor) with pint in hand, admiring the original frieze from Cumnor Place which sits above the roaring log fire in the Old Pub, packed with people enjoying both the expansive Sunday lunches and the 6-Nations Rugby. In short, a true Country Inn in the original sense, where people from all walks of life come together to eat, to drink, and to sleep. The bedrooms reflect this sense of character. We stayed in ‘The Landlord’s Wing’ above the Old Pub, where a circular staircase of dark rich mahogany takes you up to a self-contained suite. Fittingly, the bed is super king-sized (with apologies to Elizabeth I – they don’t do super queen-sized!), with soft cotton sheets, and a duvet so plump it practically begs to be snuggled up in.

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The room is full of thoughtful homely touches, from the glass-stoppered bottle of milk in the fridge to the over-sized tea cups & saucers and a ‘proper’ kettle – none of that travel kettle and small mealymouthed mug business here! The rooms have been amazingly popular since the first four were refurbished and opened in 2011 (having previously served as accommodation for a succession of landlords and pub staff), with a further five added in 2014, taking the total up to nine. Judging by the 95% year-round occupancy rate, these have been exceedingly well-received by visitors to Oxfordshire, attracted by the convenient location (10 minutes to Oxford centre by bus with none of the parking ‘rage’), excellent restaurant (with an imaginative wine list), and a unique character forged by 450 years of history. There are ghostly

rumours that some of these characters still exist around the place, but understandably so, as The Bear & Ragged Staff isn’t somewhere you’d want to leave in a hurry……

The Restaurant We were starving and those Sunday lunches looked fantastic! However, spoiler alert – we were booked in for dinner, and so had to endure the sight of steaming plates passing by our noses whilst we enjoyed a few drinks in the bar. Not that that was too much of a hardship, with 4 real ales, a roaring log fire, and the buzz of conversation filling the Old Pub….. Fast forward to later that evening, when we sat down

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“ We don’t do clichés

- we like to put good food and good drink in people’s mouths…that’s it!” Mark Greenwood, Owner

It’s fair to say that The Bear & Ragged Staff is steeped in history. From the 450 year old bedrooms, you can look out onto open fields where Cumnor Place once stood, home to Robert Dudley, consort of Queen Elizabeth I – it was here that his wife ‘suspiciously’ died, the ensuing scandal preventing the Queen from marrying Dudley, and so history weaved its rich tapestry….. WRITTEN BY: MATTHEW WRIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY BY: ROB SCOTCHER

to peruse the Wine List in the restaurant area. I’d already had a chat with Mark (the proprietor) earlier in the day - he takes great pride in putting together an imaginative selection, and had highly recommended the Argentinian Torrontes, listed as having ‘aromas of lemon meringue pie, peach, melon, and an intriguing whiff of Turkish Delight’. I’m not sure I’d have picked a white wine based on that description alone, but it was an absolute joy – my partner voted it one of the best wines she’d tried in a long time….and she does try quite a few! We kicked off with a Sharing Platter. There are nine separate items, themed around Meat, Fish, and Garden (i.e. Vegetarian), so you can mix & match your own combination – we paired Beef carpaccio with Prawn toast and Tempura courgettes, a somewhat eclectic mix, but it tickled our taste buds

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nicely in preparation for the main course. I was tempted by the Gin-cured Farmoor Trout (is that where the saying ‘Drunk as a fish’ comes from?!), but it being a Sunday evening and having already served 150 covers at Sunday lunch, some dishes were unavailable – a good thing in my book, as it means that everything is freshly-prepared. So, it was the Pork belly for me, accompanied by a ‘Pig’s Head Fritter’, which prompted some lively debate at our table as to what this entailed, my partner having envisaged a shrunken head at the side of the plate. It turned out to be one of Mark’s witticisms, or ‘English with an eclectic twist’ as he likes to call it; i.e. Pork crackling made out of pigs ears. Having diverged over the porcine cranium, we were

unanimous in our choice of dessert – the Valrhona Chocolate & Guinness Cake, with salted Caramel icecream. This was one of those arms-around-your-dish moments, definitely not a ‘Sharing Platter’ occasion! I’ll leave the last words here to Mark - “We don’t do clichés - we like to put good food and good drink in people’s mouths…that’s it!”

CONTACT DETAILS enquiries@bearandraggedstaff.com 01865 862 329 www. bearandraggedstaff.com

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Allen Associatesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Oxfordshire Employment Trends Survey

Recruiting Excellence

Recruitment to become more challenging in 2016 The Oxfordshire Employment Trends Survey is conducted every six months by Allen Associates to provide insights into recruiting patterns and employer behaviour. The results of the latest survey indicate that planning and proactivity will become more important as competition for the best staff intensifies.

said it was harder to find quality candidates now, than it was a year ago

To read the latest report and view the results in full, visit allen-associates.co.uk Allen Associates is one of Oxfordshireâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading, independently-owned recruitment consultancies with an 18 year track record of placing quality candidates in roles at all levels within Administration, HR, Marketing and Finance.

01865 335600 allen-associates.co.uk Find us on:

@oxrecruiting

GETTING A WIDER PROFILE FOR

Your B4 Press Release WHAT THE B4 NEWSDESK DOES FOR YOU Send your press releases to: newsdesk@b4-business.com and we will:

ü Post on B4 Website Over 250 unique visitors to the site per day www.b4-business.com

ü Post on B4 Twitter Over 10,000 followers across three accounts @b4magazine @b4berkshire @b4bucks

ü Post on B4 Linkedin Over 500 members of the B4 group /b4-magazine

ü Post on B4 Facebook Over 200 likes on Facebook /b4magazine

WHY NOT POST YOUR OWN PRESS RELEASE ON THE B4 WEBSITE You can create content on the B4 site by clicking the “Create” button on the main menu This feature is only available to members 1. Click “Create” from the main menu 2. Choose “Press Release” from the dropdown menu here 3. On the page that appears, enter as much information as you can, including any images 4. Choose whether you would like this content posted as Yourself or Your Company 5. Once your content has been moderated (applicable only if posting as a company) it will appear on the website 6. Share via social media mentioning B4 Magazine in your posts 7. Add a link to your newsletter and/or your email footer

Promotion & Workwear from Aston & James

From promotional gifts such as mugs

Let Aston & James help you create a winning event or campaign... People love receiving promotional products: They integrate into our everyday life, serving not just as useful items, but as powerful, low cost and long lasting advertising tools for your business. Everyone loves something for nothing and promotional products act as a continuous reminder of your brand, business, product or service. At work, at home or on the desk, they work hard to deliver repeat brand exposure, which in turn creates a positive impact on how the recipient interacts with your business. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be pleased to know that Aston & James have a comprehensive range of products suitable for all your marketing needs.

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With a virtually unlimited range of products, from budget pens and mugs, to USB sticks and even custommade products, it can be daunting to know where to start. Aston & James are here to help you all the way. In todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s climate, Aston & James understand that every penny counts and they are backed by a team of experts to ensure that their team help you create a campaign that delivers a return on your investment. Send them your logo and brief, and they will think of relevant products and even visualise them for you. For something off the wall, their product sourcing team will help to locate products from all over the world to satisfy your requirements. Aston & James will manage the beginning to end process to ensure your products are delivered to you when you need them and exactly as approved.

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services

If you are looking to save money and enhance the service levels you are currently receiving, then use the local choice, Aston and James. WRITTEN BY: DARREN ASTON

To Uniforms and Corporate Workwear

Let Aston & James help you find the right product to suit your budget and target audience.

Get advertising on the move with Aston & James personalised clothing... Promotional clothing and corporate workwear offers a fantastic and affordable way to create exposure for your brand. Aston & James dedicated workwear department is full of the knowledge and expertise to help you make an informed decision. They will advise you on the best garments for your requirements, ensuring they provide a solution that matches your budget and that promotes your company effectively, professionally and with maximum overall impact.

alternatives, Aston & James actively encourage you to sample any clothing lines before ordering to ensure you receive the perfect fit. And they won’t charge you a penny for the privilege. All clothing lines can be supplied either plain or personalised in-line with your branding and details. Aston & James can either embroider, screen print or print using a digital transfer... They haven’t found a garment that they can’t personalise yet! And to make life even easier, there are no minimum order quantities and your artwork creation and set up is free of charge. Why not give Aston & James a call to ask for some samples or for some sound advice. CONTACT DETAILS

With Aston & James’ extensive range of garments available in all shapes, sizes and colours, they have what you need to kit your workforce out from head to toe... Literally; from hats to footwear and everything in between. Whether you are looking for the leading brand names or value-for-money

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

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Thaikhun This was my third visit to Thaikhun, the first for review purposes. I am always amazed at how busy the place is, lunchtime or evening, any day of the week, a large proportion of the tables are always occupied WRITTEN BY: NICOLA POOLE

I love the ambience and authenticity of this relatively new spot in Oxford. Its incredible that in the very same space that formerly hosted the very generic Fire & Stone, and then the eerily empty and bland Cleaver, there now exists a small piece of Bangkok. The chain’s values focus entirely around: Samakee (team working), Sanook (having fun) and delivering Hao Dao (5 star) customer service. I find it hard to fault them on these in any way. We were greeted like old friends on arrival, attended to carefully but unobtrusively throughout and found that even after a long hard day at the office we couldn’t but relax in the fun atmosphere of the place. Thankfully its not canned and manufactured ‘fun’ in the dated TGI Friday style but instead it feels spontaneous: the team clearly have a genuine passion for ensuring that the customer has a buzzy and engaging experience.

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We were helped through the menu choices on request, and really enjoyed all of our meals. My charcoal grilled sea bass fillet in banana leaves was

“ the team clearly have a genuine passion for ensuring that the customer has a buzzy and engaging experience

”

memorable for all the right reasons. After starters and mains, there wasn’t much room for pudding but we persevered in the name of a complete review and were not disappointed. Banana fritters and rich vanilla ice cream for me and Thai pancakes with custard for my companion: both devoured with audible enjoyment.

Although we didn’t spend time there as our table was available right away, there is a fabulous intimate bar area for pre-drinks and dining: the coconut mojito looked sorely tempting. The Oxford branch of Thaikhun (pronounced Tycoon) is clearly a roaring success. It is one of six locations that have opened in the UK in the last year with more due to open soon. Many more I’d say: there can be little doubt that there’s long been a space in the market for a nationwide Thai food chain and with this winning formula, I am pretty sure these guys will fill it.

CONTACT DETAILS oxford@thaikhun.co.uk 01865 591 960 www.thaikhun.co.uk

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Time to take action - Time to Think Brand - not bland! If you really want to stand out from the crowd and have a successful, profitable and sustainable business, you have to Think Brand – not bland. Strangebrew’s Phil Strachan explains how this is the key to your business being clearly recognised as the ‘go to’ choice in your market. WRITTEN BY: PHIL STRACHAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY: CARLI ADBY OF ADBY CREATIVE

as brands but ultimately only destined to become another example of the bland that time forgot. To stand out from the crowd, every business needs to know what it stands for and needs to be seen to stand for in order to succeed – and this needs to be identified and firmly established before any logo or website designs are begun.

Actions speak louder than words and that’s precisely the thinking behind the ‘Think Brand – not bland’ Breakthrough Conference that I am running at Heathrow on the weekend of 23rd and 24th April. I felt that a Conference on Brands and Branding, and in particular one targeted at the SME market, was both well overdue and much needed so I decided that it was down to me to take action and do something about it. The timing also makes great sense given the fact that my ‘Think Brand – not bland’ book is due to go to press very shortly. I am really pleased to say that the speaker line-up assembled for this event includes the entrepreneur, international speaker and bestselling author, Daniel Priestley, whose keynote presentation will cover how you can stand out from the crowd by becoming what he calls a Key Person of Influence in your market. Anyone who has seen and heard Daniel speak before will know the immense value of the content he delivers - and anyone who has not seen and heard him speak before simply needs to take advantage of this amazing opportunity. Clearly, if you can establish expert status in your market and therefore be perceived as being a key person of influence, it will help you to ensure that your business will stand out from the crowd and be seen to be outstanding and that is what makes Daniel’s session at the Conference so particularly relevant and exactly why I invited him to join me. I have been fortunate enough to have seen and heard him speak and to have talked with him on quite a number of occasions and there will be the opportunity for some attendees to join Daniel and other speakers over lunch during the course of the weekend. However, establishing yourself as a key person of influence, as the ‘go to’ expert in your particular sphere of operations is only one way of ensuring that your business does not end up becoming lost and drowning in a sea of sameness and becoming just another very anonymous blot on an already overpopulated blandscape. The speaker line-up at the ‘Think Brand – not bland’ Breakthrough Conference also includes Nick James of Seriously Fun Business who will cover how to increase your brand awareness and get your message out to more people. All in all, the assembled speakers 112

Daniel Priestley Daniel Priestley started out early as an entrepreneur at age 21 and built a multi-million dollar event, marketing and management business before the age of 25. A successful entrepreneur, international speaker and best-selling author, Daniel has built and sold businesses in Australia, Singapore and the UK. Daniel is the founder of Entrevo, which runs a 9 month growth accelerator programme for small enterprises, working with over 500 entrepreneurs each year to develop their businesses. Entrevo has offices in the UK, USA, Singapore and Australia. Daniel uses campaigns to help raise up to $100,000 for charity each year and is connected to some of the world’s most known and celebrated entrepreneurs and leaders. With a passion for global small business, Daniel is the author of the three best-selling books Key Person of Influence, Entrepreneur Revolution and the newly released Oversubscribed.

will cover a very wide range of different ways to ensure that your business will stand out from the crowd by deliberately thinking Brand – not bland. As those of you who have read my articles before will know, I advise strongly against any business taking the risk of just jumping on the blandwagon and joining the hordes of blands masquerading

We were all born an original – so why should we want to copy anyone else? There is simply no point in being seen to be just AN Other anything. Whatever business you are in, you need to rise above commodity status and you need to stand out from the crowd if you are to firstly be noticed and secondly to be chosen ahead of your competitors. The fact is that people buy products and services – but they choose, and are willing to pay more for, brands because they stand out and they stand for something that they can relate to and wish to be associated with. Be a distinctive Brand – not distinctly bland See Special offer on the page opposite for B4 members wishing to attend the ‘Think Brand not bland’ Breakthrough Conference. The speaker line-up also includes: Peter Sage - leading international serial entrepreneur, No1 best-selling author, philanthropist, expert in human behaviour and highly sought after speaker who has spoken on 5 continents and shared the stage with the likes of Sir Richard Branson and President Bill Clinton. He was named one of the greatest leaders and entrepreneurs of 2015 by Inspiring Leadership Now alongside Sir Richard Branson, Elon Musk and Mark Zukerberg. Janey Lee Grace - Media Relations and PR Coach, interviewer, presenter and TV and Radio producer. She is currently an Amazon No1 best-selling author and commentator and co-presenter of the UK’s biggest radio show (Steve Wright in the Afternoon) in addition to writing columns for many magazines.

CONTACT DETAILS phil@strangebrew.co.uk 07770 753 975 www.thinkbrandnotbland.co.uk

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marketing

‘Think Brand – not bland’ Breakthrough Conference Half price offer for B4 Members Take action now! – Go to www.TBNBConference.co.uk and book to attend the ‘Think Brand – not bland’ Breakthrough Conference. NB - If you are a B4 Member, insert the promotional code ‘B4 Member’ in order to qualify for a 50% discount on the attendance fee for the 2 days. Please note that other Early Bird booking options are available but that numbers are strictly limited.

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The B4 Members Club Welcome to the B4 Member’s Club. In this section you’ll find some exclusive content for B4 Members.

Contents: 115. Meet The B4 Members 116. B4 Events 117. B4 Members’ Events 118. Exclusive B4 Buying Group 120. B4 Website Tutorial: How to connect to other members

Meet the B4 Members B4 is proud to welcome the following new members to the network.

D’Overbroeck’s BUSINESS SECTOR : EDUCATION d’Overbroeck’s is an independent, co-educational day and boarding school with a roll of around 485 students aged 1118. A vibrant and distinctive ethos underpins and informs all aspects of life here – firmly built on personal relationships.

Tel: 01865 310 000 www.doverbroecks.com

The Oxford Union BUSINESS SECTOR : EVENTS The Union is the world’s most prestigious debating society, with an unparalleled reputation for bringing international guests and speakers to Oxford. It is approaching its 200th anniversary, aiming to promote debate and discussion not just in Oxford University, but across the globe. The Union is steeped in history. It was founded in 1823 as a forum for discussion and debate, at a time when the free exchange of ideas was a notion foreign to the restrictive University authorities. W.E. Gladstone, later to become one of the greatest British Prime Ministers, was one of the leading figures of the Union’s early years.

Tel: 01865 241 353 www.oxford-union.org

Bombay Sapphire BUSINESS SECTOR : EVENTS We are passionate about producing the finest gin possible; which is why the creation of Bombay Sapphire is truly unique. The taste of Bombay Sapphire is created through the Vapour Infusion process.

Tel: 01256 890 090 distillery.bombaysapphire.com

Thaikhun

Kempton Carr Croft

Conference Oxford

BUSINESS SECTOR : R&R

BUSINESS SECTOR : PROPERTY

BUSINESS SECTOR : CONFERENCE VENUE

Thaikhun is an exciting new casual dining experience from the the owners of Chaophraya Thai Restaurant group. The interior is authentic, offering an interactive dining experience with open kitchens and traditionally rustic surroundings.

As one of the largest independent surveying firms in the region, this practice established in 1986 provides property solutions across London & the Thames Valley. Its multi-disciplined team delivers a personal and professional service.

Imagine holding your meeting, conference or celebratory dinner in the world-class surroundings of Oxford. You will be inspired by centuries of history that have witnessed the education of 26 British prime ministers and seen 50 Nobel laureates either work or study here.

Tel: 01865 591 960 www.thaikhun.co.uk

Tel: 01628 771 221 www.kemptoncarr.co.uk

Tel: 01865 287 378 conference-oxford.com

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B4 Events  Upcoming B4 Classic Events and Masterclasses.

WHEN

WHERE

WHAT

Thursday 21st April 2016

Saïd Business School Park End Street , Oxford, Oxfordshire, OX1 1HP

Business In Oxford 2016

www.businessinoxford.com

Thursday 30th June 2016

Frilford Heath Golf Club Oxford Road , Abingdon, Oxfordshire, OX13 5NW www.b4-business.com

Thursday 8th September 2016

Rhodes House, South Parks Road , Oxford, Oxfordshire OX1 3RG www.b4-business.com

Thursday 15th September 2016

Bombay Sapphire Distillery Laverstoke Mill, London Road , Whitchurch, Berkshire RG28 7NR www.b4-business.com

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The 3rd Annual Business in Oxford event will build on the success of the first two years, showcasing a wide range of Oxfordshire based businesses. Presenting in a series of themed PODS, the event is fast paced, with ample opportunities for networking.

B4 Golf Cup Our 2015 event featured 40 teams of 2 fighting it out for the coveted B4 Golf Cup trophy. InTouch CRM were victorious on a gorgeous July day on Oxfordshire’s premier golf course, Frilford Heath. We return in June next year. Make sure your business is on the tee! Call the events team on 01865 742211 to find out more. Please note there is a charge for this event.

B4 Classic Event Join other B4 Ambassadors, Members and their guests at this stunning venue, home of the Rhodes Scholars. We are delighted to welcome you back to Rhodes House following the successful events held in the previous 5 years.

Behind The Scenes at Bombay Sapphire Distillery In renovating Laverstoke Mill, Bombay Sapphire has taken the utmost care to preserve the natural ecology and heritage of the site. To build a longterm legacy at Laverstoke Mill, Bombay Sapphire has also committed to building a sustainable future. The award-winning sustainability measures in design and construction are at the heart of this state-of-the art distillery. What’s included in this event: - Host to guide you through the distillery - Complimentary drink in the Mill Bar - Networking with other B4 members

www.b4-business.com

B4 Members Events  Upcoming events from our B4 Members.

WHEN

WHERE

WHAT

Saturday 23rd Sunday 24th April 2016

London Heathrow Airport www.tbnbconference.co.uk

‘Think Brand – Not Bland’ Breakthrough Conference Learn from expert speakers on how to position your business as the ‘go-to’ business in your market and avoid the risk of becoming lost and drowning in a sea of sameness.

Wednesday 27th April 2016

Saturday 4th June 2016

Thursday 26th May 2016

Friday 27th Monday 30th May 2016

The Oxfordshire Golf Club www.golf-event.co.uk/16 /actionforat-golf

The Big 60 Kicking Cancer Charity Golf Day

Cutteslowe Park, Oxford www.helenanddouglas.org. uk/activity-events/Running /Rainbow%20Run/

Helen & Douglas House Rainbow Run

The Bunker, West Venture Building, New Greenham Park, Newbury, Berkshire, RG19 6HN www.cisltd.com /eu-data-protection-event

Eu Data Protection Regulation Seminar

Blenheim Palace to Le Touquet

Twin Town Challenge

www.twintown16.co.uk

Join us at The Oxfordshire Golf Club and compete in teams of four over 18-Holes of golf to win the coveted Big 60 Cup before finishing up with a sumptuous three-course dinner, wine, entertainment, and prize giving.

This colourful, family-friendly 3k run will be the most fun 3k you’ve travelled in a very long time. It’s less about speed and more about enjoying a colourful day getting doused from head to toe with powdered paint with friends and family.

An important free seminar around the new EU Data Protection Regulation coming into practice in 2016. Learn how to avoid the fines that come with data breaches.

The 2016 Twin Town Challenge will see 100 cars costing less than £500 travel from Blenheim Palace to Le Touquet in a points based team challenge. The cars will have some fun at Silverstone and Abbeville circuits as well as a street party with live bands and a civic reception in Le Touquet.

B4 Members, do you have events coming up that you would like shown here, please call us on: 01865 742211 www.b4-business.com

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The B4 Membership is growing every day... As we grow we can give all of our members even more benefits... The B4 Buying Group gives our members the opportunity to benefit from great deals. Our first partnership is powered by Aston & James, specialists in stationery, facilities management, furniture, gifts & workwear and more. To find out more about the benefits, contact Aston & James on 01993 706900 or e-mail sales@aston-james.co.uk and quote “B4 Buying Group”. One of the team will be happy to take you through the next steps.

You have nothing to lose and so much to gain! Interested in supplying your products and services through the B4 Buying Group? Contact Richard at B4 on 01865 742211 or e-mail editorial@b4-business.com

We look forward to hearing from you

BUYING GROUP

services

The B4 Buying Group Powered by Aston & James Another B4 Membership benefit brought to you by one of our most trusted partners

We have teamed up with the excellent Aston & James to bring B4 members demonstrable savings on your workplace supplies, alongside excellent service from a trusted B4 partner. B4’s Chief Executive, Richard Rosser explains why Aston & James are the perfect partner for this new offering. “The B4 Buying Group provides us with another opportunity to add value to the B4 Membership package. With more events, a great new website and increasing profile on our social media platforms, we need to keep improving the B4 Membership offering and this is an excellent complement to the already extensive list of B4 Membership benefits. We are delighted to be providing this new service alongside Aston & James. “We have always been very vocal in our support for Aston & James, as in all of our dealings with them we have never experienced anything other than professionalism, great service, courtesy and unbeatable prices. That’s a hard combination to maintain at the best of times but the team have never failed to deliver once throughout our five year relationship and that’s why we are more than comfortable partnering with Darren and his team in this exciting new venture.” Managing Director, Darren Aston, explains more. “We believe in building relationships to get to know you and understand your business. This allows us to develop and implement relevant and suitable solutions, along with a great selection of products, delivered in a way that’s best for you. When our customers choose to partner with Aston and James, they get all the benefits of ‘buying local’ with absolutely no compromise. We are partnered with powerful global buyers, enabling us to successfully compete against our largest national competitors. Partnering with B4 we can bring these benefits, and more, to the growing number of members and it’s something we are very excited about.”

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Benefits of the B4 Buying Group include: • Free survey on everything for your workplace. One of Aston & James’ Account Managers will prepare a tailor-made report detailing areas where they could save your business money • Competitive pricing available on an extensive range of products • Exclusive monthly promotional programme • Product sourcing service • Exclusive B4 Buying Group landing page • Free next day delivery • Dedicated in-house support (Account Manager, Sales Support and Driver) • Free artwork set-up on PPE & Workwear • Free workplace design service • Long term benefits: Even more savings as B4 Members grow and command even more competitive prices

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

Interested? Contact Aston & James on 01993 706900 or at sales@aston-james.co.uk and quote B4 Buying Group. One of the team will be happy to take you through the next steps. You have nothing to lose and so much to gain!

More about Aston & James Established in 1990, over the last 26 years Aston and James have built a wealth of experience, knowledge

and an outstanding reputation through working in partnership with local businesses, just like yours. So much so, that they won the 2015 West Oxfordshire Small Business Award and are proud winners of the 2016 Living in Oxford Award for Oxfordshire’s Favourite for Business. Starting as a small entrepreneurial venture to now employing 18 staff across a multitude of business functions, their core focus remains the same; to put their customers at the centre of everything they do. Their business is run and managed by local people who understand your needs and care about the Oxfordshire community. All Aston and James staff, including the five family members still within the business, adopt a personal approach to service. Everything they do is designed to deliver total consistency throughout your experience and to nurture a relationship with you. If you are looking for dependable experts in business supplies, look no further. Here is a summary of Aston and James’ most valued services: • • • • • • • • •

Stationery Facilities Management Ink & Toners Furniture Machines & MPS Print Gifts & Workwear Shredding Eco Solutions

CONTACT DETAILS sales@aston-james.co.uk 01993 706 900 www.aston-james.co.uk

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B4 Website Tutorials Learn how to get the most out of the B4 website

This Issue How to connect to other members Access to our great network of upstanding businesses is one of the great aspects of B4 and on the new B4 website it couldn’t be easier to get in touch with other B4 members.



As a B4 member you may come across another member on the directory pages of the website, or perhaps you stumble across their profile from a great press release or article they’ve written and you would like to get in touch - All you need to do is look for the little button shown on the right:

PETER SMITH Corporate Fundraising Account Manager at The Smith Group



Charities

Recruitment





Public Relations

The Smith Group Bio

I founded the Smith Group with my father and brother in 1990 and we have enjoyed success after success every since. When it comes to making up fake companies I have a great deal of experience – My first business was “Pete’s Deals” when I was just 10 years old, selling soft drinks and candy to my friends at school. I ran the candy smuggling for many years, until my next fake business opportunity presented itself: “Fake Mates”, or as I liked to shorten it to, “Fates”. Needless to say I have a real passion for the fake business industry and I hope my expertise can benefit many for years to come.

Oxford, Oxfordshire Need something fake yet interesting created? Look no further than the Smith Group! We’re all Smiths here – Pete Smith, John Smith, and little brother John Doe. The Smiths have been faking it for over two decades and we can’t wait to see what the future brings. VIEW PROFILE

Once you click that button a request will be sent to the other member - This involves an email and a notification on their account. When a member accepts your connections request, you will receive a confirmation email to the email address on your account.

Next Issue How to message other members 120

www.b4-business.com

B4 contacts contacts directory ADVICE...........................................................................................................121 BUSINESS SERVICES............................................................................123 CONFERENCE, EVENTS & VENUES...............................................123 EDUCATION................................................................................................125 FINANCE.......................................................................................................125 HEALTH & LEISURE...................................................................................125 HR..................................................................................................................127

ADVICE ACCOUNTING Wenn Townsend P Tony Haines Partner 01865 559 900 www.wenntownsend.co.uk Grant Thornton UK LLP P Wendy Hart Managing Partner 01865 799 899 www.grant-thornton.co.uk Grant Thornton UK LLP P Jim Rogers Assurance Partner 01189 559 114 www.grant-thornton.co.uk Fish Partnership P Paul Laird Partner 01628 527 956 www.fishpartnership.co.uk The MGroup P Richard Clayton Partner 01865 552 925 www.themgroup.co.uk Wellers P Stuart Crook Partner 01865 723 131 www.wellersaccountants.co.uk James Cowper Kreston G Andy Cowie Marketing & Business Development Director 01189 590 261 www.jamescowperkreston.co.uk Whitley Stimpson Ltd G Jonathan Walton Director 01494 448 122 www.whitleystimpson.co.uk Whitley Stimpson Ltd G Stuart Haigh Director 01869 252 151 www.whitleystimpson.co.uk Shaw Gibbs G Peter Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Connell Partner 01865 292 200 www.shawgibbs.com

www.b4-business.com

Wilson Partners A Allan Ian Wilson Managing Director 01628 770 770 www.wilson-partners.co.uk BDO LLP A Simon Brooker Lead Partner 0118 925 4488 www.bdo.uk.com Gracechurch Wealth Management LLP A Richard Lawrance Independent Financial Adviser 01908 209 220 www.gracechurchwm.com Auditel A Chris Bourke Cost Management Specialist 01865 774 387 www.auditel.co.uk Seymour Taylor A Simon Turner Managing Director 01494 552 125 www.stca.co.uk Richardsons Accountants 01844 261 155 www.richardsons-group.co.uk Rees Russell 01993 702 418 www.reesrussell.co.uk Russell Whitlock Accountancy 01865 481 625 www.rw-accountancy.co.uk Clark Howes 0808 271 3099 www.clarkhowes.com Harmonea 01844 274 808 www.harmonea.co.uk Tamesis Partnership www.tamesispartnership.co.uk MHA MacIntyre Hudson 01908 662 255 www.macintyrehudson.co.uk Xero www.xero.com/uk

PLATINUM

GOLD

AMBASSADOR

IT & TELECOMMUNICATIONS.........................................................127 MANUFACTURING.................................................................................127 MARKETING & DESIGN...........................................................................127 PROPERTY & BUILDING.........................................................................129 R&R............................................................................................................131

BUSINESS ADVICE SR Consulting A Jonathan Lane Director 07503 891 331 www.splash-rc.co.uk Ernst & Young 01189 281100 www.ey.com/UK/en/home Explosive Learning Solutions 01235 861 805 www.explosivelearningsolutions.com Hilltop Consultancy 01844 237450 www.hilltopconsultancy.co.uk Wakefield Group 07817 821 190 www.wakefield-group.com Oxford Professional Consulting 01865 436 791 www.oxfordprofessionalconsulting.com Quantuma Restructuring 01628 478 100 www.quantuma.com RTS Breakthrough Solutions 07789 405 079 www.rts-breakthroughsolutions.co.uk Sandler Training 01608 611 211 www.oxford.sandler.com Active Education and Training Ltd 01865 594 325 www.oxfordactive.co.uk

Hedges Law P Nicola Poole Managing Director 01491 839 839 www.hedgeslaw.co.uk Henmans Freeth G Malcolm Sadler Senior Partner 01865 781 000 www.henmansfreeth.co.uk Gardner Leader LLP G Derek Rogers Managing Partner 01635 508 080 www.gardner-leader.co.uk BrookStreet Des Roches LLP Paddy Gregan G Partner 01235 836 655 www.bsdr.com Blake Morgan LLP A Michael Stace Partner 01865 248 607 www.blakemorgan.co.uk Brethertons A Marie Parkinson Marketing Executive 01295 661 425 www.brethertons.co.uk Turpin & Miller LLP A Emily Boardman Partner 01865 770 111 www.turpinmiller.co.uk

Endeavour Consulting 07711 825 005 www.endeavour-consulting.co.uk

Penningtons Manches LLP Richard Smith A Managing Partner 01865 722 106 www.manches.com

VCA Consulting 01993 883751 www.vcaconsultinguk.com

Lewis Silkin 0207 0748 494 www.lewissilkin.com

The Entrepreneurs Mentor 01865 593933

David Parry Employment Law 01993 848 247 www.parryemploymentlaw.com

LEGAL Knights P David Beech Chief Executive Officer 01865 811 700 www.knights1759.co.uk

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collection

Leading Hotels, Restaurants, Golf Clubs and Spas

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Designed to give you the personal touch when booking something specialâ&#x20AC;? To feature your establishment in The R&R Collection, Call 01865 742211.

B4 contacts BUSINESS SERVICES ARCHIVE & STORAGE The Oxford Duplication Centre Cheryl-Lee Foulsham A Managing Director 01865 457 000 www.theduplicationcentre.co.uk The Archive Centre A David Coulton Owner 01296 425 744 www.thearchivecentre.com

BUSINESS CONSULTANTS Quest TGO Ltd 0203 394 0123 www.quest-thegreatoutdoors.co.uk

WH Mobile Valeting 07979 480886 www.whvaleting.com

DOMESTIC SERVICES Busy Offices 01494 672 233 www.busyoffices.net

GAS & ELECTRIC British Gas Business Services P Martin Orrill Head of Energy Technology and Innovation 0845 485 3528 www.britishgas.co.uk/business

HEALTH & SAFETY BUSINESS SUPPLIES & EQUIPMENT Aston & James Office Supplies Ltd P Darren Aston Director 01993 706 900 www.aston-james.co.uk

CHARITIES The Oxford Trust G Jude Eades Head of Communications 01865 810013 www.theoxfordtrust.co.uk Helen & Douglas House A Hugh Thompson Head of High Value Partnerships 01865 799 150 www.helenanddouglas.org.uk Oxfordshire Community Foundation A Jayne Woodley Chief Executive 01865 798 666 www.oxfordshire.org Big 60 07912 733723 www.big60.org The Ley Community 01865 373 108 www.leycommunity.co.uk Bloodwise 020 7504 2231 www.bloodwise.org.uk British Red Cross, Thames Valley 01235 552 680 www.redcross.org.uk

Shawcity Ltd 01367 899423 www.shawcity.co.uk

LOCAL GOVERNMENT OxfordshireLEP P 01865 261 433 www.oxfordshirelep.com West Oxfordshire District Council A William Barton Business Development Officer 01993 861 000 www.westoxon.gov.uk/business

MOTOR Ridgeway Jaguar 01865 590777 www.ridgeway.co.uk Ridgeway Maserati 01865 590777 www.ridgeway.co.uk

NETWORKING GROUPS B4 Magazine P Richard Rosser Editor 01865 742 211 www.b4-business.com MD2MD 01865 600 800 www.md2md.co.uk

SECURITY

CLEANING SERVICES

Executive Alarms Ltd A John Keown Director 01865 435 435 www.executive-systems.co.uk

Excel Dry Cleaners G 01865 511 773 www.exceldrycleanersofoxford.co.uk

Security Exchange 01491 683 710 www.securityexchange24.com

www.b4-business.com

TRANSPORT

CONFERENCES

Chiltern Railways P 020 7333 3113 www.chilternrailways.co.uk

Lady Margaret Hall P Anna Killough Head of Conference Services 01865 611 079 www.lmh.ox.ac.uk

Combined Carriers G Susan Baxter 01844 275525 www.combinedcarriers.co.uk Findlay Chauffeurs A Claire Hickson Managing Director 0845 644 7099 www.findlaycs.com London Oxford Airport 01865 290710 www.londonoxfordairport.com

TRAVEL City Sightseeing P Jane Marshall Transport Manager 01865 790 522 www.citysightseeingoxford.com

CONFERENCE, EVENTS & VENUES CATERING SERVICES Passion for Food P Philip Baker Managing Director 08452 969 226 www.passion-for-food.co.uk Aldens Specialist Catering Butchers G Matthew Alden Managing Director 01865 728227 www.aldenoxford.co.uk Complete Catering G Jon Kay Managing Director 01235 820840 www.completecatering.co.uk Lamb Catering A Emma Tasker Events and Marketing Director 01865 772 446 www.lambcatering.co.uk Oxford Fine Dining 01865 728 240 www.oxfordfinedining.co.uk Elegant Cuisine 01865 391 888 www.elegantcuisine.com Philip Dennis Foodservice 01993 700 030 www.philipdennis.co.uk

Oakley Court Hotel P Richard Smith Sales Manager 01753 609 988 www.principal-hayley.com /theoakleycourt Williams Conference Centre P 01235 777 735 www.williamsconferencecentre.com The Feathers P Dominic Bishop General Manager 01993 812 291 www.feathers.co.uk Oxford Brookes University Conference Services G Beatriz Perez-Lopez Conference Sales and Marketing Manager 01865 484612 www.brookes.ac.uk Pembroke College G Huw Edmunds Head of Conferences and Events 01865 276 484 www.pmb.ox.ac.uk/Conferences Stoke Park A Nick Downie Head of Communications 01753 717171 www.stokepark.com The Examination Schools Kay Hogg A Events Manager 01865 276 905 www.examschools.ox.ac.uk Howbery Business Park A Donna Bowles Estate Manager 01491 822 305 www.howberypark.com Egrove Park A Martin Garside Conference Manager 01865 422 757 www.sbs.oxford.edu/conferencing Macdonald Windsor Hotel Beverley Molmans A General Manager 0844 879 9101 www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk Conference Oxford 01865 287378 www.conference-oxford.com The Oxford Union 01865 241 353 www.oxford-union.org

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Discover ...

WHERE OXFORD BEGAN… Experience a unique combination of outdoor entertainment and dining choices in a stunning location for a special day or evening out

www.oxfordcastlequarter.com

©Studio8

WOW your guests with stunning views from the Bodleian Libraries Roof Terrace on the newly refurbished Weston Library. Situated five floors above Broad Street, the ‘dreaming spires’ of Oxford surround you. Enjoy a summer evening drinks reception for up to 100 guests in this unique environment. We are delighted to offer a 10% discount on your first Roof Terrace booking. Quote B4-40. To arrange an appointment or for more information, please contact the Events Team on t 01865 277 224 e events@bodleian.ox.ac.uk w www.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/whatson/visit

B4 contacts Exeter College 01865 279 600 www.exeter.ox.ac.uk/conferences Malmaison 01865 268 400 www.malmaison-oxford.com Oxford Town Hall 01865 252 195 www.oxfordtownhall.co.uk The King’s Centre 01865 297 400 www.kingscentre.co.uk

EQUIPMENT HIRE Oxford Event Hire A Kieran Lynch Owner 01865 760 158 www.oxfordeventhire.co.uk BHK Rentals 01993 703327 www.bhkrentals.co.uk

EVENT MANAGEMENT Jazz Donkey A Muffy Dawson Managing Director 01993 898400 www.jazzdonkey.com

VENUES Oxford Castle Quarter P Sam Pace Operations Manager 01865 201 657 www.oxfordcastle.com Rhodes House P Isabelle Barber Business Development Manager 01865 282 599 www.rhodeshouseoxford.com Danesfield House Hotel A Anthony Cox General Manager 01628 891 010 www.danesfieldhouse.co.uk Hartwell House Hotel A Jonathan Thompson General Manager 01296 747 444 www.hartwell-house.com Venue Services, Bodleian Library A Alice Ogilvie Head of Venue Services 01865 277 224 www.bodleian.ox.ac.uk Blenheim Palace Hospitality 01993 813 874 www.blenheimpalace.com/hospitality

Oxfordshire Restaurant Awards P 01865 742 211 www.oxfordshirerestaurantawards.co.uk Newbury and District Agricultural Society G Daren Bowyer Chief Executive Officer 01635 247111 www.newburyshowground.co.uk Oxfordshire Registration Services A Jacquie Bugeja Head of Registration and Coroner’s Services 0845 129 5900 www.oxfordshire.gov.uk Venturefest 01865 810 025 www.venturefestoxford.com Oxfordshire Business Awards www.oxfordshirebusinessawards.co.uk Oxfordshire In Bloom 2016 01865 252016 www.oxford.gov.uk/oxfordinbloom West Oxfordshire Business Awards 01993 220690 www.woba.org.uk

www.b4-business.com

NGI Finance 01993 706 403 www.ngifinance.co.uk

BANKING RBS Corporate Banking A Donald MacDonald UK Head of Deposits & Director, Professionals 07768 427379 www.rbs.co.uk/corporate.ashx HSBC 0845 850 174 www.hsbc.com Metro Bank 0345 08 08 500 www.metrobankonline.co.uk NatWest 01865 305 175 www.natwest.com Barclays 0800 015 4242 www.barclayscorporate.com Clydesdale Bank 0844 736 2616 www.cbonline.co.uk

EDUCATION

EVENTS Business in Oxford 2016 P 01865 742 211 www.businessinoxford.com

Critchleys 01865 261 100 www.critchleys.co.uk

INSURANCE Corpus Christi College 01865 276 708 www.ccc.ox.ac.uk Oxford Chelt Wine School 01865 238 042 www.oxfordcheltwineschool.com d’Overbroeck’s 01865 310000 www.doverbroecks.com

FINANCE ADVICE Focus A Phil Casey Partner 01865 813 315 www.focusllp.co.uk Ergowealth A Brian Page Managing Director 01494 616 522 www.ergowealth.com

Focus A Nick Jones Partner 01865 813 307 www.focusllp.co.uk

MORTGAGE ADVICE Focus G Nick Walker Partner 01865 295 295 www.focusllp.co.uk

HEALTH & LEISURE FITNESS Prime Energy Fitness Ltd G Barry Grinham Owner 01869 352 000 www.primeenergy.org

Brewin Dolphin 01865 255 750 www.brewin.co.uk

TLA Fitness A Tom Alden Founder 07554 400 401 www.tlafitness.com

Hunter, Thomas & Company Ltd 01865 245 511 www.hunter-thomas.co.uk

Cherwell Boathouse Punting 01865 552 746 www.cherwellboathouse.co.uk

Mathews Comfort 01865 208 000 www.mathewscomfort.co.uk

GOLF Frilford Heath Golf Club P Alistair Booth Director 01865 390 864 www.frilfordheath.co.uk Kirtlington Golf Club A Gary Quainton Golf and Pro Shop Manager 01869 351133 www.kirtlingtongolfclub.com The Oxfordshire Golf Club 01844 278300 www.theoxfordshire.com

HEALTH CARE Clinic95 P Maria Hardman Business Manager 01865 241 661 www.clinic95.com Richmond Village Witney G David Reaves Head of Marketing 01865 484612 www.richmond-villages.com Tara Tripp Hearing Care A Vincent Tripp Practice Manager 01865 910 202 www.tripphearing.co.uk Diamond House Dental Practice 01865 559 521 www.diamondhouse.co.uk Clinic on the Green 01869 351 345 www.cliniconthegreen.com Linda Flanigan Hypnotherapy 07866 360 359 www.lfhypnotherapy-oxfordshire.co.uk

SPORT Reading Football Club Limited P Sir John Madejski Chairman 0118 968 1100 www.readingfc.co.uk Oxford University Rugby Football Club G Tim Stevens Club Administrator 01865 432 000 www.ourfc.org Oxford United Football Club 01865 337 500 www.oufc.co.uk North Oxford Lawn Tennis Club 01865 513 560 (Clubhouse) www.northoxfordltc.org.uk Oxfordshire Cricket 07790 102130 www.oxoncb.com

125

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B4 contacts Oxford City Football Club 07817 885 396 www.oxfordcityfc.co.uk

WELLBEING Helen Money Nutrition A Helen Money Owner 01865 339 672 www.helenmoneynutrition.com

HR HR CONSULTANTS MB HR Support Ltd 01993 882 744 www.mbhrsupport.co.uk Right Hand HR 0844 880 4582 www.rhhr.com

RECRUITMENT Thompson & Terry Recruitment 01235 797 177 www.thompsonandterry.co.uk Benchmark Hospitality Staffing Solutions 01865 421051 www.benchmarkstaffing.co.uk Allen Associates 01865 335 600 www.allen-associates.co.uk Crossland Employment Services 01235 841 506 www.crosslandsolicitors.com Gold Star Recruitment 01993 225 075 www.goldstarrecruit.co.uk

IT & TELECOMMUNICATIONS TELECOMMUNICATIONS STL Communications Ltd A Philip Donigan Sales Director 01993 777113 www.stlcomms.com Orange Stripe Telecommunications A Nigel Pursall Managing Director 0845 241 7772 www.orangestripe.co.uk

DATABASE MANAGEMENT InTouch CRM P James White Managing Director 0845 310 9973 www.intouchcrm.co.uk

www.b4-business.com

EMAIL MARKETING Web-Clubs G Anthony O’Sullivan Managing Director 01494 240 150 www.web-clubs.co.uk ClientMailer 01865 339 406 www.clientmailer.com

IT SERVICES Computing Information Systems (CIS) Ltd P Richard Marsh Director 01367 700 555 www.cisltd.com Nominet G Sally Ockwell Brand & Marketing Manager 01865 332211 www.nominet.org.uk DCResponse G Paul Anderson Managing Director 01993 708 855 www.dcresponse.co.uk Simeio A Ollie McGovern Founder 07795 235995 www.simeio.co.uk Flex Information Technology Paul Horseman A Director 0333 101 7300 www.flex.co.uk The Cabling Company A David Jackson Sales Director 07796 140 348 www.thecablingcompany.com QPQ Software Ltd 01235 522 516 www.qpqsoftware.com Security Exchange Ltd. 01491 683 710 www.securityexchange24.com AgilityWorks 08445 610 930 www.agilityworks.co.uk The Oxford Knowledge Company 01865 322 100 www.oxford-knowledge.com

WEBSITE DEVELOPMENT Torpedo Group Limited A Iain Lewis Director 01865 733 710 www.torpedogroup.com

Alberon A Tim Ault Managing Director 01865 263220 www.alberon.co.uk White October 01865 706 017 www.whiteoctober.co.uk White Chilli Creative Studio 07980 143 475 www.white-chilli.co.uk

MANUFACTURING Unipart G Frank Nigriello Director of Corporate Affairs 01865 383339 www.unipart.com Owen Mumford G Jarl Severn Director 01993 812 021 www.owenmumford.com WILA G Claire Styles Director 01235 773500 www.wila.co.uk

MARKETING & DESIGN ADVERTISING B4 Magazine P Richard Rosser Managing Director 01865 742 211 www.b4-business.com Living In Oxford Magazine Colin Rosser P Chairman 01865 742 211 www.inoxford.com City & County Graphics G Grant Shergold Director of Sales & Marketing 01865 823161 www.cityandcountygraphics.co.uk Focal Point Advertising Solutions 01256 767837 www.focal.co.uk

CORPORATE IDENTITY Recognition Express P Andy Olejnik Managing Director 01295 257 611 www.re-oxfordshire.co.uk Strangebrew P Phil Strachan Director 07770 753 975 www.thinkbrandnotbland.co.uk

Bicester Vision 01869 324 244 www.bicestervision.co.uk Clear & Creative 01865 204 200 www.clearandcreative.co.uk BrandAsylum 01235 828 508 www.brandasylum.co.uk

DESIGN House on the Hill P Keith Simpson Senior Designer 01865 742 211 www.hothdesign.co.uk One Hat Design A Steve Legge Owner 01993 702 075 www.onehatdesign.com

SIGNAGE City & County Graphics G Grant Shergold Director of Sales & Marketing 01865 823161 www.cityandcountygraphics.co.uk

FRAMING Isis Creative Framing 01865 203 420 www.isiscreative.co.uk

FREELANCE COPY WRITING & EDITING Noble Word A Matt Wright Owner 07500 531 485

MARKETING Experience Oxfordshire P Hayley Beer-Gamage Chief Executive 01865 252409 www.experienceoxfordshire.org Marketing Sense A Jo Sensecall Director 01865 883 579 www.marketing-sense.co.uk Heart of Business A Jackie Jarvis Director 07801 293022 Oxford Digital Marketing 01865 575 955 www.oxforddigitalmarketing.co.uk

127

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B4 contacts MEDIA CustomEyes Media 01442 876038 www.customeyesmedia.com

PHOTOGRAPHY Studio8 P Clark Wiseman Managing Director 01865 842 525 www.studio-8.co.uk Vic Casambros 07727 127591 www.vcasambros.com

PRINTING OxUniPrint A Ian Wilton Managing Director 01865 844 918 www.oxuniprint.co.uk Leach Print 01235 858 271 www.leachprint.co.uk

PUBLIC RELATIONS Papa Romeo PR A Claire Thompson Managing Director 07811 339 577 www.paparomeopr.com Spriggs David A Karen David Partner 01865 512662 www.spriggsdavid.co.uk

Adrian James Architects 01865 203 267 www.adrianjames.com

BUSINESS PARKS Oxford Innovation Ltd P Jo Willett Marketing and Business Development Director 01865 261 400 www.oxin-centres.co.uk

ESTATE AGENTS Breckon & Breckon A Keith Stacey Managing Director 01865 244 735 www.breckon.co.uk scottfraser A David Blythman Managing Director Sales 01865 759 500 www.scottfraser.co.uk

The Oxford Science Park G Ian MacPherson Business Development Manager 01865 784 000 www.oxfordsp.com

scottfraser A Marc Hatcher Senior Branch Manager 01993 705 507 www.scottfraser.co.uk

Begbroke Science Park A Caroline Livingstone Managing Director 01865 283 700 www.begbroke.ox.ac.uk

Strutt & Parker A Miles Collison Partner, Development Land & New Homes 01865 366 660 www.struttandparker.com

Pure Offices 01865 811110 www.pureoffices.co.uk

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY AGENTS VSL and Partners P Richard Venables Director 01865 848 488 www.vslandp.com Carter Jonas P Scott Harkness Partner 01865 511 444 www.carterjonas.co.uk

Hamptons International 01865 578500 www.hamptons-international.com Wallers of Oxford 01865 435 175 www.wallersofoxford.co.uk

LETTING AGENTS Breckon & Breckon P Greg Barnes Director 01865 201 111 www.breckon.co.uk

College and County A Mark Crampton-Smith Owner 01865 722 722 www.collegeandcounty.biz Premier Letting A Charles Bartlett Partner 01865 792 299 www.premier.uk.com Short Let Space Ltd. 01993 811 711 www.weeklyhome.com Taylor Cox 01993 835588 www.taycox.com

PROPERTY & CONSTRUCTION CONSULTANTS Ridge and Partners LLP G David Walker Partner 01993 815101 www.ridge.co.uk Kemp & Kemp A Steven Sensecall Partner 01865 2400 01 www.kempandkemp.co.uk Forge Engineering Design Solutions Ltd 01865 362 780 www.f-eds.co.uk Ian Bridge Consultancy Ltd 07917 881465 www.ianbridge.com

Lambert Smith Hampton (Oxford) A Kevin Wood Director 01865 200 244 www.lsh.co.uk

North Oxford Property Services P Robin Swailes Director 01865 311 745 www.nops.co.uk

SIAD Ltd 01865 712627 www.siadltd.com

Spacecraft Consulting 01295 811 781 www.oconsultancy.com

Marriotts A Neil Evans Partner 01865 316 311 www.marriottsoxford.co.uk

Righton Group Limited Emma Righton P Managing Director 01865 311 696 www.rightonstay.co.uk

Promote PR 01628 630 363 www.promotepr.com

Lambert Smith Hampton (Reading) 01189 606909 www.lsh.co.uk

HeadOn PR 07920 792 183 www.headonpr.co.uk

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY SERVICES

Finders Keepers A Frank Webster Director 01865 302 308 www.finders.co.uk

Savvy Maintenance & Renovations P Stephen Dunne Director 01865 920 020 www.savvy-group.co.uk

Esplin PR A Louise Esplin PR Consultant 07775 678 237 www.esplinpr.co.uk

Bridgett Solutions Ltd 01784 205 025 www.bridgettsolutions.co.uk

PROPERTY & BUILDING ARCHITECTS John Hallam Associates A John Hallam Director 01608 646 969 www.johnhallamassociates.co.uk

www.b4-business.com

Oxford Innovation Ltd P Jo Willett Marketing and Business Development Director 01865 261 400 www.oxin-centres.co.uk Bracknell Enterprise & Innovation Hub A Shelley Furey Centre Manager 01344 388 000 www.bracknell-hub.co.uk

scottfraser A Andrew Greenwood Group Managing Director 01865 760 055 www.scottfraser.co.uk Lucy Properties A Ian Ashcroft Managing Director 01865 559 973 www.lucyproperties.co.uk

PROPERTY SERVICES

Kempton Carr Croft G Katie Finch Marketing Manager 01628 771 221 www.kemptoncarr.co.uk EIFLA A Nigel J Blanchard Founder & CEO 0844 7767 187 www.eifla-3d.co.uk Darke & Taylor Ltd 01865 290 000 www.darkeandtaylor.co.uk The Rooflight Company 01993 833 155 www.therooflightcompany.co.uk

129

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Need To Freshen Up Your Image?

For all your Graphic Design, Photography & Print needs

Call us on 01865 742211 www.hothdesign.co.uk

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B4 contacts R&R

COFFEE SHOPS Java & Co 07736 950 673 www.javaandco.co.uk

ACCOMMODATION

CORPORATE ENTERTAINMENT

Macdonald Randolph Hotel Michael Grange P General Manager 0844 879 9132 www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk

Sam Strange Magic A Sam Strange Owner 01865 742 211 www.samstrangemagic.co.uk

Jurys Inn Oxford P 01865 489 988 www.jurysinns.com/hotels/oxford The Manor at Weston on the Green G Adam Treloar Front of House Manager 01869 350621 www.themanorweston.com Aviator G Vickita Reddy Marketing & PR Manager 01252 555 890 www.aviatorbytag.com The Bear & Ragged Staff A Mark Greenwood Landlord 01865 862 329 www.bearandraggedstaff.com Bespoke Hotels Limited 07867 987 679 www.bespokehotels.co

ENTERTAINMENT Oxford Playhouse 01865 305 305 www.oxfordplayhouse.com

FOOD & DRINK SUPPLIES Laurent Perrier UK P David Green Regional Account Manager 01628 475 404 www.laurent-perrier.co.uk Bombay Sapphire Distillery G Amy Dobson Sales and Marketing Manager 01256 890 090 distillery.bombaysapphire.com

GALLERIES

Conifers Guest House 01865 763 055 www.conifersguesthouse.co.uk

Aidan Meller Galleries G Aiden Meller Proprietor 01865 727996 www.aidanmeller.com

Bicester Hotel Golf and Spa 01869 241 204 www.bicesterhotelgolfandspa.com Holiday Inn Oxford 0871 942 9086 www.hioxfordhotel.co.uk

ARTISTIC & CULTURAL Orchestra of St John’s A John Lubbock Artistic Director 07765 252489 www.osj.org.uk Ashmolean Museum 01865 288 364 www.ashmus.ox.ac.uk Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra 01865 987 222 www.oxfordphil.com

www.b4-business.com

The Snooty Mehmaan A Asad Ahmed Director 01367 242 260 www.thesnootymehmaan.co.uk Le Manoir Aux Quat’Saisons 01844 278 881 www.manoir.com Pierre Victoire 01865 316 616 www.pierrevictoire.co.uk Café Aloha 01865 792 696 www.cafealoha.co.uk

1855 01865 247 217 www.1855oxford.com COSMO www.cosmo-restaurants.co.uk

SHOPPING Daisies Flower Shop 01865 554882 www.daisies-flower-shop.co.uk Bicester Village 01869 323 200 www.bicestervillage.com Stella and Dot 07763 743783 www.stelladot.co.uk

Marco’s at Mercure Eastgate Hotel 01865 248332 www.mpwrestaurants.co.uk/restaurants /marcos-oxford Thaikhun 01865 591 960 www.thaikhun.co.uk

HILL

B4 is designed by House on the Hill t: 01865 742211

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The Oxford Wine Company Ted Sandbach A Managing Director 01865 301 144 www.oxfordwine.co.uk

Eynsham Hall 01993 885 238 www.eynshamhall.com

Spirit Health Club 0207 973 7540 www.langhamhotels.com

The Oxford Kitchen G John Footman Executive Chef 01865 511149 www.theoxfordkitchen.co.uk

ON THE

A1 Plumbing & Heating 01865 327 732 www.a1ltd.co.uk

collection

Leading Hotels, Restaurants, Golf Clubs and Spas

Wiseman Gallery A Sarah Wiseman Owner 01865 515 123 www.wisegal.com

RENTAL ACCOMMODATION Lower Mill Estate A Red Paxton Marketing and Sales Director 01285 869 489 www.lowermillestate.com

RESTAURANTS The Red Lion P 01865 726 255 www.redlionoxford.co.uk Deliveroo G Xavier Collins Community Manager South East 07494 178083 www.deliveroo.co.uk

“Designed to give you the personal touch when booking something special” To feature your establishment in The R&R Collection, Call 01865 742211.

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Conference @OxfordSaïd

Your future is our business The combination of stunning spaces, impressive technology, award winning food and unbeatable locations makes Saïd Business School, the centre for Oxford’s conferencing

• • • • •

Professional and friendly custom service and dedicated AV support Accessible central England location with world class attractions of Oxford Excellent transport links Variety of meeting and seminar rooms Ideal for teambuilding and Summer events

Park End Street

Egrove Park

• State-of-the-art facilities • City centre location

• Rural, parkland setting • All year round residential availability

To find out more about our facilities across these two sites: www.sbs.oxford.edu/conference Email conference@sbs.ox.ac.uk Telephone 01865 288846