B4 Oxfordshire Issue 31

13 ial 20 c e an s se th Fin rd ri in r a rp r d de Aw te a 3r tan ia / En e Ye n ed E h Sa M SM of t st tle Be Ti

B4 MAGAZINE ISSUE

31

SUMMER

2014

ARMCHAIR INVESTMENT £13 million of contemporary Oxford apartments coming your way

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www.b4-business.com Contacts If you want to contact B4 Magazine Telephone: 01865 742211 info@b4-business.com Publisher B4 Magazine is published by Designs On Ltd, The Firs, Headington Hill, Oxford, OX3 0BT Chairman Colin Rosser colin@designs-on.co.uk Editor Richard Rosser editorial@b4-business.com Art Editor Keith Simpson artwork@b4-business.com Assistant Editor Lorna Dodson assistanteditor@b4-business.com Proofreader Sue Rosser B4 Events Tina Rosser events@b4-business.com B4 Digital Marketing Daria Montella Editorial contributors Jo Sensecall Kathryn Allison Kelly Lea Matthew Wright Rachel Warren Colin Rosser Sue Rosser Olivia Lane-Nott

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Sa 3rd n Be M tan in t st ed der he Ti SM ia A Fin 201 tle E w a 3 of / En ar nci th te ds al e Y rp ea ris r e

welcome to B4 Welcome to Issue 31 We have a packed issue for you this quarter before our magazine merges into one publication with B4 Buckinghamshire and Berkshire and also extends to six issues per annum from the normal quarterly frequency in September.

Robin Swailes talks to property journalist Mark Hempshell about the Oxford property market in our lead article and uncovers some fascinating stats about the future growth prospects in Oxford.

We meet Phil Jones, Senior Partner of Ridge based in Woodstock and find out that their impressive portfolio of projects extends well beyond these shores. Long-standing B4 Platinum Members, Darbys Solicitors, invite B4 into their rather smart new home in Botley and we also gain an insight into Helen & Douglas House, one of the county’s leading and most vibrant charities.

Matt Wright joins Wellers for a spot of lunch at Pembroke College for their annual Wellers Roundtable Lunch discussion and we welcome new B4 Members, DC Response, and learn all about how they can protect your business.

104. Penny & Sinclair Written by Sarah Airey

We were fortunate to also experience some rather nice reviews for you! Firstly we visited the beautiful Barnsley House just outside of Burford and followed that up with a review of Le Manoir, one of the world’s finest hotels.

There’s so much more to get your teeth into this issue including a feature on ‘Planning Your Exit Route’ with The MGroup’s Mark Crossfield, BSDR investigate flexible working and we take a look at the plans for City of Oxford College’s mew Technology and Innovation Centre.

Platinum Members Grant Thornton help us to deal with FRS102 and Tony Haines of Wenn Townsend invites B4 readers to attend two interesting events in September.

With other contributions from Henmans Freeth, a look at the Business in Oxford event, IPhone Experts, The Oxfordshire Business Awards, BDO, Blackwell’s, Oxford Fine Dining, Howbery Park, Oxford Castle, Zest, scottfraser, Chariots and Cherry Pie, City Audio Visual and more it’s a wonder we’ve managed to pack it all in!

34. Wellers' Business Lunch Written by Matt Wright

Enjoy B4 31 Richard Rosser Editor

About Our Cover Clark Wiseman of Studio 8 has been taking pics for B4 articles for 8 years now we are delighted to be working with him again for this issue.

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

See more about Studio 8 at www.studio-8.co.uk © Designs-on Ltd and B4 Magazine.

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

Meet The Writers

About

B4

134. Sheldonian Theatre Written by Kathryn Allison

Magazine

B4 Magazine was established to provide Oxfordshire businesses with a clear voice to raise their profile and to help businesses connect. Direct mailed to three thousand business decision makers in Oxfordshire every quarter, B4 is regarded as Oxfordshire’s leading free distribution business publication. B4 stands for Building Bridges Between Business and that is what B4 helps businesses to do, aided by our first class website at www.b4-business.com, quarterly B4 Ambassador events and monthly workshops.

B4 Magazine is printed by B4 is funded by paid for display advertising and editorial, although some editorial is granted without charge at the discretion of the Editor. Please call us to find out how you can get involved.

WHY NOT FOLLOW B4 MAGAZINE ON

38. Le Manoir Written by Colin Rosser

10 LEAD

10 Oxford… Buy To Let High Flyer: North Oxford Property Services discuss how high prices in Oxford can actually benefit investors

32 Support For Helen & Douglas House: An NHS grant and support from Barclays Corporate Banking mean big changes for the hospice 48 Technology and Innovation Centre To Meet STEM Needs: Activate Learning Group has won government backing for £3m Technology Centre 62 The BDO Business Barometer: A street-level view of business sentiment across the Thames Valley 65 Managing Events At The Retailer Of The Year 2014: James Orton of Blackwell's Bookshop in Oxford talks to B4 about the thrills of the job 66 New Event Kitchens For Oxford Fine Dining: B4 catches up with Oxford Fine Dining in their brand new kitchen and office suite 71 Searching For The Next Tourism Superstar: West Oxfordshire Tourism are delighted to announce this year's Tourism Superstar initiative 74

18 NEWS 18 53 60 95 96 119

B4 News Wenn Townsend Oxfordshire Business Awards CIS Ltd Oxford Fine Dining Iffley Blue

14

SPOTLIGHT 14 Meet The B4 Platinum Ambassadors 28 Solicitors Arrive In Style At Their New Home: A look at Darbys' new modern and collaborative working space

8

Investing In The Past: A look back at the historical investments surrounding Oxford Castle Quarter

44 ADVICE

44 Planning To Sell Your Business And Need An Exit Route?: The MGroup offer a practical guide to selling your business 47 Flexible Working Hours - How Far Can You Stretch?: BrookStreet Des Roches takes a look at this change and how it may affect you 50 Dealing With FRS102: Grant Thornton discuss potential implications which businesses should be considering 54 Changes To Family Law And How They Affect You: Elizabeth Walsh of Henmans Freeth examines these changes in detail 115 The Benefits Culture That Can Boost Your Business: How to offer your staff rewards and benefits without the payroll burden

83 Colin Dexter Gives His Blessing To 'Endeavour Consulting’: Amanda Baker launches new consultancy named after Oxford's famous inspector 107 Strengthening Support For Thames Valley Businesses: Clydesdale Bank introduce a trio of new appointments with 60 years experience between them 108 Framing Success: The story of Isis Creative Framing and the memories they are entrusted with 111 Offers From The B4 Ambassadors: See what our B4 Ambassadors have to offer you this issue 122 Making A Difference: B4 talks to Neil Cowen, vital cog and Head Concierge at Randolph Hotel

16 EVENTS

16 B4 Diary: Events in and around Oxfordshire 34 How Hospitality Can Catch Up: An overview of this year's Wellers' Business Lunch Round Table at Pembroke College 56 Business In Oxford 2014: A look back at this fantastic new business opportunity's inaugral event

www.b4-business.com

B4 contents 90 Flowers @ Oxford: The highlight of the flower calendar, at Lady Margaret Hall

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116 FINANCE

116 Accessing A Wider Market: Santander's top tips for SMEs considering exporting goods

MARKETING 77 Zest: Concentrated content, squashing the competition 134 Distilling What's Inside of You: Strangebrew talks about how to stand out from the crowd by thinking 'brand' not 'bland'

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PROPERTY

84 Your Barnsley House: B4's Richard Rosser reviews a hotel and countryside retreat like no other 112 Landmark Oxford Hotel Wins National Award: The Macdonald Randolph Hotel has had the honour of being named ‘Hotel of the Year’ 2014 125 City Sightseeing Oxford: Rediscover the city you love with a City Sightseeing tour 126 The New Anchor: B4 takes a look at all the great changes taking place at The Anchor in Jericho 131 Encaenia: Meet the Events team at the Sheldonian Theatre preparing for a festival of renewal and dedication 136 The Red Lion: Matthew Wright reviews this staple of a gastro pub for B4

24 Impressive Ridge: B4 meets up with Ridge & Partners, the giant on our doorstep 42 The Tide Is Turning…: News and new properties from VSL & Partners 72 The Keys To Celebration And Success: Howbery Business Park’s owner receives keys to create a world leading facility 78 A Complete City Network: Scottfraser launches a new office to complete their net over Oxford and Witney 101 Action Needed For Oxfordshire Office Market: Carter Jonas’ Commercial Edge Oxfordshire 2014 research report at a glance

68 HEALTH

68 B4 Healthy Living and Active Lifestyle: B4 Members help motivate our readers into getting more active and healthy 89 Helen Money Nutrition: Check out this issue's healthy facts and advice from Helen Money 98 Life-Changing Dentistry: Meet Maria Hardman and the team at Clinic 95 Putting the smiles back on our faces!

128 Clinic On The Green: Monica Franke and her team provide a way forward for feeling good, both body and mind

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104 Penny & Sinclair Opens in Burford: Fergus Mitchell tells B4 all about the move and what's in store

37 SERVICES

37 Protecting Businesses Against Power Outages: How can DCResponse help you to protect your valuable data and time?

58 Rapid Repair + Return = Reduced Downtime: Steve Anderson of iPhone Experts shares how they can help clients to reduce downtime 86 City Audio Visual: Catch up with Oxford's leading audio visual company in these exciting economic times

38 R&R

38 Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons: B4's Sue and Colin Rosser experience utopia at Le Manoir 80 American Diner in the UK: Check out Chariots & Cherry Pie, a fabulous American diner recently opened up in Faringdon!

92 Innovation In Oxfordshire: An overview of the growth and development within some of Oxfordshire's Innovation Centres 102 Smart Businesses Invest In Bang & Olufsen: What can Bang & Olufsen's luxury brand and manufacturing offer to you as a business?

120 Choosing The Right Furniture For Your Office Environment: Aston & James discuss how an office impacts more on productivity than often realised 132 The Archive Centre: B4's Matt Wright talks to David Coulton about the past, present and future of archiving

139 CONTACTS

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OXFORD…

BUY TO LET HIGH FLYER? Oxford has a reputation for sky high property prices and rents, which may discourage many buy to let investors from buying here. However, in this report, property journalist Mark Hempshell looks at how the growing demand to live in the city, buoyant economy, upcoming new transport links and even high prices can actually be good news for investors.

Trinity Court

Much has been said about what makes a city a good place to invest in. But at the end of the day property markets are driven by fundamentals – people needing homes. Oxford scores very highly here: Over the last decade alone Oxford’s population has grown by 12% to reach 152,000 people, making it the sixth fastest growing city anywhere in England.

Official forecasts say Oxford’s population will keep on growing fast with an extra 10,000 residents requiring accommodation here by 2019. The city council say that Oxford’s current 56,000 households will increase to 74,000 households by 2026.

Strong local economies drive strong property markets too, as they create new jobs for the rising population and attract new people to come and live in the area. Oxford is, of course, well known for its higher education sector and this is also a very important pillar of both the economy and the property market. The higher education sector overall across the city now has 32,000 full time students and also employs 21,000 people.

Demand for places at the University of Oxford is growing: On average there are five applications for every place and last year, according to UCAS, more students applied to study here than ever before.

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Interestingly, a limit imposed by the city council on the numbers of students who can live outside halls of residence serves to limit the places that can be offered. If the universities had more accommodation they could accept even more students.

“Over the last decade

alone Oxford’s population has grown by 12% to reach 152,000 people, making it the sixth fastest growing city anywhere in England

”

Mark Hempsell, Property journalist

Healthcare is another major source of public sector employment here. Healthcare is always an interesting sector for buy to let investors, since it is one where significant numbers of staff relocate periodically. The John Radcliffe Hospital is part of one of the largest NHS teaching trusts in the UK and now employs over 11,500 staff.

Oxford also has significant private sector employment, with a particularly high proportion of skilled/professional jobs paying higher than average earnings. According to the city council’s ‘Oxford Profile 2013’ the city’s main types of private sector employment are professional and scientific, publishing and IT, tourism and hospitality, retail and manufacturing. BMW’s Mini plant at Cowley became the area’s largest manufacturing and private sector employer this year and now employs 4,000 people. Prospects for further expansion are good: BMW has recently announced a £750m investment in Mini production and the creation of 1,000 new jobs. Many of these are likely to be at Cowley and it is reported that several entirely new Mini models will be launched here over the next few years.

Location, location, location is a catchphrase frequently coined in property investment. In this regard it is probably fair to say that Oxford has the best of both worlds – still having a desirable ‘county town’ lifestyle while offering good access to London by road and rail. The city is about to become even better located for travellers and commuters too: In addition to the current rail service to London Paddington 2016 will see the start of a fast service via Bicester to London Marylebone using the new

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B4 LEAD

20 YEAR COMPARISON Illustrating how Oxfordshire tracks London’s property prices 35

yearly % average

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0 -5 -15 Light Blue London

Blue Oxfordshire

North Oxford Property data provided by UK Government Land Registry •

Oxford Parkway station. The existing line to London, together with lines south to Southampton and the south coast and north to Coventry and the Midlands, are to be upgraded to faster, electrified routes. From 2019 the new East West railway line will connect Oxford to Bedford, Milton Keynes and Aylesbury and allow Oxford travellers to connect into Midland Main Line and West Coast Main Line services nationwide. A direct service to London Heathrow Airport is also being proposed.

Looking more closely at supply and demand for property now: The ideal market for investors is, to some extent, one where demand is high but supply is limited. In Oxford demand grows apace but supply will always be constrained due to the limited availability of building land and also planning regulations which severely restrict the height of new build properties in the centre. Although the recently approved ‘new suburb’ at Barton West will provide 885 new homes and the West End city centre regeneration scheme will provide 122 new homes, as well retail space, it is difficult to see where much major new housing development could be accommodated other than by encroaching on fiercely-protected Green Belt land.

It seems likely that the shortage of supply over

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demand will worsen over the next few years.

Oxford City Council’s latest ‘Housing Strategy’ report (2012-2015) says that only around 234 new homes and 148 affordable homes were built in the last year. In addition to the demand from private tenants and students for accommodation there are over 6,000 people on the waiting list for social

“Oxford has the best of

both worlds – still having a desirable ‘county town’ lifestyle while offering good access to London by road and rail

”

Mark Hempsell, Property journalist

housing. The report says that Oxford is one of the least affordable areas in the country and that property prices remained at historical highs even when the market nationally slowed down. The report also proposes measures to encourage landlords to improve the quantity and quality of

accommodation offered for letting.

Next let us look at price and rent levels in Oxford together with forecasts for future property price gains: There are numerous property price indexes but property website Zoopla maintains its own comprehensive index of property values and rises.

They say that, in England, the average house value is currently £267,790 (a figure substantially higher than most indexes but which helps to set a benchmark). This represented a 5.27% rise in values nationally over the year. Values in Oxfordshire were well above average at £364,221 and rose 7.18% over the year. Oxford itself was the second most expensive location in the whole county with an average property value of £407,452, and values rose 12.6% (more than double the national average) over the last year.

Interestingly, although Oxford property values are much higher than the national average they still compare very favourably with London, where Zoopla quote the average value as £555,376, in terms of value for money and potential for returning a capital gain. A recent (May 2014) report from real estate services provider Savills suggests that average property price growth across the south east, of which Oxford is a part, will be the highest

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nationally in the period 2014-2018. They suggest prices will rise by 31.9% here, even outperforming London where prices will rise 24.4%. Should that forecast prove accurate it means that an Oxford property which you could buy today for £200,000 would be worth £264,000 by the end of 2018.

As to rent levels, Zoopla quotes the average asking rent (all property types) in Oxford at £1,912pcm meaning that landlords here enjoy significantly higher rents for their properties than other large settlements in the region like Reading (£1,058pcm) or Swindon (£803pcm). However, Oxford still offers tenants a major price advantage over London, where the average rent is £2,772pcm. Local authority figures say that 28% of the Oxford population rent their home compared to just 17% nationally and at prices which are the highest outside London. According to ‘Oxford Profile 2013’, and partly due to the student population, a quarter of the Oxford population move home every year compared to only 12% nationally. This creates a particularly high, ‘skewed’ demand for rented accommodation which does not exist in many other towns and cities.

Lastly let us take in some comment from those who work in the Oxford property market as to prospects for buy to let investors, and where good value might be found. Robin Swailes has 25 years experience in Oxford property, with letting agent North Oxford Property Services (NOPS) and Blue Sky Developments, who are promoting the Trinity

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In a rising market... buy now with a 10% deposit... complete in early 2015

01865 318547 Court apartment development at Cowley Road.

Swailes tells us a little about the lettings market in Oxford at the moment: “Rents are generally excellent and voids (periods when a property lays empty) are virtually not seen here. North Oxford Property Services reports a 3% increase in rents this year alone, with a positive outlook.”

“Rents are generally

excellent and voids (periods when a property lays empty) are virtually not seen here

”

Robin Swailes, North Oxford Property Services

On areas and types of property buy to let investors might look at Swailes suggests: “Most types of property and areas within Oxford benefit from buoyant demand. However, I would particularly suggest entry level buy to let apartments that are well situated. These offer good value for money for investors and a sensible yield whilst attracting the largest sector of tenants in the one or two bedroom rental market.

“For example, Between Towns Road is an area I suggest investors should look at. It has excellent

transport links both to the city centre and elsewhere. It also has a good range of local amenities with a shopping centre and retail park within a few minutes walk, and leisure facilities including the Ozone Leisure Park, multiplex cinema, ten pin bowling and a fitness club. It also has an eclectic mix of bars, restaurants, clubs and ethnic shops and a vibrant local music scene. The Oxford Science Park, Oxford Business Park and the BMW Mini plant are close by, all of which offer a wide range of employment opportunities. All of these make the area very attractive to tenants.”

Swailes concludes: “In my view over the next five years the Oxford property market will benefit from the shortage of property, a great location and the ripple from the London property scene. Put all these facts together and add to that a rising property market and you can see the appeal of Oxford residential property. The market is robust and with little availability of new building in the city prospects for capital growth in the longer term are excellent.”

‘Trinity Court Oxford’ apartments represent a rare opportunity to buy contemporary new apartments at an entry level price starting at £187,500. With a healthy gross yield of 5% these Oxford apartments are being snapped up. Phase 1 has been 50% reserved, for more information and a brochure ring direct on 01865 318547. www.nops.co.uk

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Intouch CRM James White

Aston & James Darren Aston

Roots Mike Hirons

Darbys Simon McCrum

The MGroup Richard Clayton

Browns Simon Stonehouse

CAV Peter Gunn

Oxford Limited

Strangebrew Phil Strachan

City Sightseeing Jane Marshall

Advent Colour Mike Ackerman

SAE Steve Hartley

Santander Cheryl Adams

Wenn Townsend Tony Haines

Oxford Innovation

HR2YOU

Breckon & Breckon

Robert Stanley

Lady Margaret Hall

Bang & Olufsen

Visit Oxfordshire

Jo Willett

Sarah Morris

Greg Barnes

John Edwards

Bill Kemp

Mark James

Giles Ingram

London Oxford Airport

Bicester Village Helen Peters

Chariots & Cherry Pie

Tony Farmer

Claire Hilsdon

BMW Marcus Elliot

Magnolia Park Paul Bird

Carter Jonas Mark Charter

The Red Lion Mark Purton

VSL Richard Venables

Studio8 Clarke Wiseman

Oxford Castle Quarter Sam Pace

Grant Thornton Wendy Hart

Barclays Trevor French

Rhodes House Peter Anderson

Oxford Fine Dining Sue Randall

City of Oxford College Ian Francis

The Oxford Hotel Debbie Priestley

The Feathers Dominic Bishop

CIS Richard Marsh

Williams Faye Bellamy

TERA Tina Rosser

Blenheim Palace John Hoy

Meet Oxfordshire Jo Butler

Hawkwell House Tim Spittles

Blackwell’s Victor Glynn

Living In Oxford Colin Rosser

NOPS Robin Swailes

Westwood Hotel Drew Ireson

Osborne Group Trevor Osborne

Hannah Aspey

B4 Platinum Ambassadors We would like to thank our B4 Platinum Ambassadors for supporting B4 Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire. To find out more about joining them and over six hundred B4 Member companies, please call us on 01865 742211.

OX FO RDSH I RE

O X F O R D

Residential Letting · Property Management

meet oxfordshire D E S I G N

&

P R I N T

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

Members are also invited to events in all B4 areas, up to 12 per annum. Call us now on 01865 742211 to book your membership or e-mail sales@b4-business.com for more details.

The B4 Website – the most efficient way to network your business from your PC! *Quoted rate is per company entitling all employees to attend B4 events. The Ambassador scheme is separate and subject to a different charge of £250+VAT for the first Ambassador and £100+VAT for subsequent Ambassadors. Call us for more information or visit the B4 website at www.b4-business.com and click on B4 Membership.

B4

B4 diary

In Association with Carter Jonas

Event Organiser

Venues

www.rhhr.com

Date

29th Aug

Time

Event Details

2pm

Webinar: Dealing with Conduct Issues – Common Pitfalls will be delivered by one of our very experienced HR Consultants, a Chartered Fellow of the CIPD. To register please email admin@rhhr.com

All day

Oxford United are once again swapping their football boots for golf clubs in order to raise money for their Community trust charity. Following the success of their charity golf day at Studley Wood earlier this year, this time Frilford Heath Golf Club will be hosting the event in September.

All day

Frilford Heath Golf Club is one of 7 venues across 7 countries to host the First Stage of the European Tour Qualifying School event as hundreds of players chase their dream of playing in the star studded Race to Dubai. For the first time of this event the same venue will play host to two sections of First Stage as Frilford Heath Golf Club opens up two championship courses for Section B and D. All spectators welcome! Contact 01865 390864 or reception@frilfordheath.co.uk

10am to 4pm

If any B4 readers would be interested in learning a bit more about Helen & Douglas House following its recent refurbishment they would be very welcome to come along to the Helen House Open Day. For more information about this or any other of our upcoming events, please contact Aimie Edwards, aedwards@helenanddouglas.org.uk or 01865 799150.

5.30pm to 7.30pm

The return of the ever-popular property seminar by Finders Keepers: the fifth annual Property Intelligence will offer a great opportunity to hear guest speakers talk about the Oxfordshire rental market and to network with like-minded landlords. Last year’s event attracted 185 guests, so don’t miss out! To register your interest call Victoria Lyall on 01865 302341 or email marketing@finderskeepers.co.uk

Frilford Heath GC, Oxford Road, Frilford Heath, Abingdon, OX13 5NW

Frilford Heath GC, Oxford Road, Frilford Heath, Abingdon, OX13 5NW

Mon 8th Sep

Tue 16th – Fri 19th Sep & Tue 30th Sep – Fri 3rd Oct 2014

Helen & Douglas House, Magdalen Rd, Oxford,

Tue 16th Sep

OX4 1RW

Said Business School, Oxford

Le Manoir Aux Quat' Saisons, Church Road, Great Milton, OX44 7PD

Wed 8th Oct

Wed 5th & Tue 25th Nov 2014

6.45pm to 11.45pm

"I hope you will join me for a wonderful dinner at Belmond Le Manoir to share some extraordinary stories and experiences from this very beautiful house. We are having a remarkable 30th anniversary year; the creation of the elegant new conservatory sits right at the heart of the house, the Heritage garden has grown over 180 varieties from the Heritage Seed Library and I am proudly working on my latest and most important book, looking back over 30 years of Belmond Le Manoir." - Raymond Blanc Includes: Champagne Laurent-Perrier reception; Four- course dinner with accompanying wines, coffee and petit fours.

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

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B4 contributors PICK OF THE B4 PLATINUM AMBASSADOR CONTRIBUTORS

101

80

48

125

28

90

136

120

95

50

74

92

REGULAR B4 CONTRIBUTORS IN THIS ISSUE Bang & Olufsen...................................................................................................................102

M Group.....................................................................................................................................44

BDO...............................................................................................................................................62

NOPS..............................................................................................................................10

Blackwell's............................................................................................................................65

Oxford Fine Dining.........................................................................................................66

City Audio Visual...............................................................................................................86

Santander................................................................................................................................116

Clinic 95.................................................................................................................................98

Scottfraser..............................................................................................................................78

DCResponse..........................................................................................................................37

The Randolph Hotel......................................................................................................112

Helen Money...................................................................................................................89

Wellers.................................................................................................................................34

Henmans Freeth......................................................................................................................54

Wenn Townsend..................................................................................................................53

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17

Weekly Home invests in major rebrand Short Lets and holiday rentals agency Weekly Home is launching it’s live holiday and short let property booking website from early July. Agency Owner, Kelvin Fowler, explains that “This is the result of over 2 years of planning and considerable investment. The live booking system will allow our corporate, University and individual clients to more easily and quickly book short let accommodation”.

To coincide with the web launch, Weekly Home is

renaming and rebranding to ‘Short let Space Ltd’.

Kelvin Fowler comments that “this was a big decision, but we are really pleased with the makeover and it really reflects the modern and efficient way in which we work”.

Short Let Space has a growing portfolio of short let properties in the region between Henley on Thames in the south, to Leamington Spa in the north. For more information and booking please visit www.shortletspace.co.uk or call 01993 811711.

English Repertory Theatre present Twelfth Night Celebrating 450 years since the birth of the Bard, Oxford Castle will host Twelfth Night in an unprecedented co-production with the English Repertory Theatre running from July until September this year.

Set on the Cornish coast at Orsino’s stately home, this outrageous comedy grabs identical twins form the sea to turn them loose on society with designs on marrying well, disguises sea captains as fools, finds love, drunkenness, debauchery and the return

of the conga to the ballroom. Whilst never losing sight of the glorious verse be warned, if you sit in the front row you will get wet!

Dates: Monday 21st July - Friday 5th September. Venue: Oxford Castle Quarter.

Tickets £22.50, Conc £17.50. Group discounts available. Book your tickets online at www.oxfordcastleunlocked.co.uk or call 0845 070 6255 / 01865 260 666.

Executive Fire & Security We are pleased to announce that Executive Locksmiths have now become a SALTO registered dealer which has enabled us to further develop our already extensive range of products. Having access to the industry’s most innovative security products has given us flexibility and allowed us to further improve the services that we can provide.

Our Fire Extinguishers and Fire Alarms department have also maintained BAFE approval (British Approvals for Fire Equipment) meeting all of the

appropriate standards for the reliability, quality and safety of our products and services. On behalf of BSI we have also been granted a Kitemark Licence in respect of Fire Detection and Fire Alarm Installations.

Across all of the Executive Fire & Security departments, we strive to deliver excellent customer service, peace of mind and satisfaction at affordable prices.

For further information on the products and

FIRE & SECURITY

services that we provide please contact John Keown on: 07887 895895 Office: 01865 435435 or visit www.executivealarms.co.uk

Aston & James win Superstat Dealer Excellence Award 2014 Aston and James Office Supplies are pleased and extremely honoured to announce that they have won the Superstat Dealer Excellence Award 2014.

They would like to thank the whole team and every one of their customers for helping them win this wonderful award. Starting out as an office supplies company, Aston and James has grown into what

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they like to call a Workplace Solutions Provider. Still providing their customers with over 45,000 office stationery products, they have evolved over the years to include Office Furniture, Business Machines, Workwear, and Business Gifts; as well as a range of services to help with all your workplace requirements. For more information on this award winning company please visit: www.aston-james.co.uk or call 01993 706900.

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B4 news Lawyers from Oxford's leading law firm saddle up for Tour de Freeths Top Oxford law firm, Henmans Freeth, is part of the Freeth Cartwright Group of law firms. As part of its fundraising efforts for national charity of the year Cancer Research UK, staff from the 11 Freeth offices recently took on the challenge of completing the ‘Tour de Freeths’ – a continuous cycling relay event around the 11 offices of the group, covering over 450 miles over 3 days.

Sarah Foster, Managing Partner at Henmans Freeth and one of the cyclists commented: “I took part to raise money for a charity that is very close to my heart and to be part of a national event, bringing the Freeths offices closer together for the benefit of our clients. It was a huge challenge for many of us as it has been many years since we have cycled so far in such a short period of time, but fantastic to be a part of it”. www.henmansfreeth.co.uk

Left to right: Tricia Grout (Legal assistant), Nigel Roots (Partner and head of private client), Sarah Foster (managing partner), Claire Bendle (associate solicitor).

Eventful Stays Based in Banbury, Eventful Stays is run by Camilla Shaughnessy. She is constantly looking to attract potential owners who might be keen on renting out their properties at key times of the year to make a little extra money.

Eventfulstays.com lists an eclectic collection of private properties, all available to rent for short breaks or weekend stays. Many are close to events taking place across the UK such Glastonbury, Ascot, Henley Regatta and are a perfect retreat for a group.

Over the past few months, Eventfulstays.com has noticed increased demand for corporate gatherings, combining work meetings and team bonding.

Requests for houses close to Henley for the August Rewind festival and bookings have been made already for groups wishing to watch the Ryder Cup in September.

Houses range in size, for example a country retreat in Oxfordshire that sleeps 20 with outdoor pool and terrace, beautiful gardens, golf next door and activities arranged within the grounds. Further south in Surrey, a new listing is a beautiful house that sleeps 12. Close to Ascot, this property has a tennis court and games room with table tennis and snooker.

For further information visit Eventfulstays.com or call 0333 800 1330.

Owen Mumford works with Cranfield Postgraduates on live manufacturing project Owen Mumford and five Manufacturing Management Systems Postgraduates from Cranfield University, one of the UK’s top business schools are pictured here celebrating the end of a three-month joint project.

Owen Mumford’s Mike Bridgman (General Manger Lancet Production Division) and Modestino Graziano (Group Operations Director) celebrating the end of the project with the Cranfield Postgraduates (Left to right) Xavier Vidal Serra, Jaime Serrano Ojeda, Brunehilde Carniel- Perrin, Vicky Laura Mendoza Figueroa and Francesco Lischi.

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The Postgraduates were briefed to closely observe the high speed automated assembly process at the Woodstock site and design an IT tool (using MS excel), which could accurately track every step of the manufacturing process. The students quickly got to grips with the brief and with support and guidance, produced detailed analyses for the team

and a sophisticated IT tool to provide key data for the manufacturing team.

At the end of the project, the Postgraduates presented their findings to Industry at Cranfield University, attended by Owen Mumford. It was agreed the students had made a valuable contribution to Owen Mumford’s continued focus on optimising material usage and that this had been both a very worthwhile and enjoyable partnership. www.owenmumford.com

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The M&A Team David Croydon has co-founded The M&A Team with Roger Davies of Gazella HR to help businesses grow by acquisition with greater confidence of success than the current odds (up to three-quarters fail to pay back according to all research).

We start by helping you articulate a clear strategy (what’s the growth for, where’s it going to come from, what sort of business acquisitions make the most sense?) before embarking on the rest of the

M&A Team process.

Our 3DBizMap™ cloud-based software helps profile your business and your takeover targets in three ways: financially, operationally and culturally, to ensure you get a good fit – and have a meaningful post-acquisition plan to resolve any issues.

We’ll work alongside you for as much or as little of the process as you need us, bringing specialist expert resource to the table as and when needed,

working closely with your accountants and corporate finance people throughout www.mandateam.co.uk

The Oxford Wine Company wins best independent wine wholesaler of the year 2014 The Oxford Wine Company has been awarded Best Independent Wine Wholesaler of the Year 2014 by the trade magazine Harpers Wine & Spirit during a glittering ceremony on Monday 2nd June at the exclusive Hurlingham Club in London held in their grand Georgian clubhouse set in 42 acres of grounds in Fulham.

left to right: Richard Siddle - Editor Harpers, Neil Gladding - Sales Director OWC, Ted Sandbach - MD OWC and Nigel Barden TV Personality and Awards Host

The company has won this prestigious award no less than four times in a row – a feat unparalleled in the history of the awards. Ted Sandbach MD said: "To win this award yet again is a great credit

to our sales and support team. The unique achievement in winning this prestigious award for the fourth year running was highlighted by the judges and my thanks go to Neil Gladding (Sales Director) and his support team for all their hard work and dedication."

For more information and high res images please contact Theo Sloot on 01865 301144 or theo@oxfordwine.co.uk

Twin Town Challenge invades France for charity Fifty cars costing less than £500 invaded France for a bank holiday weekend to raise over £100,000 for SpecialEffect. The cars left from Cornbury Park, undertook some challenges at Brands Hatch, enjoyed a civic reception in Le Touquet, drove laps around Le Mans 24 Hours and Criox en Ternois circuits and danced the night away at a 007 themed street party in Le Touquet to an 11 piece band all the way from Stonesfield!

The Twin Town Challenge was based around the twinned towns of Witney and Le Touquet to raise money for SpecialEffect, an Oxfordshire-based charity that helps people with disabilities to benefit from the fun and inclusion of video games.

Organiser Brendon Cross said, “Around 250 people took part in the weekend having a whole lot of fun as the cars travelled through England and France undertaking a number of points based challenges

on the way including ‘Blind Driving’ and ‘Car Booty’, not to mention a tyre change against the clock!” www.specialeffect.org.uk/twin-town-challenge-2014

Turl Street Kitchen a country garden and the return of our 25 x 25 hyper-local dinner event.

Our first floor space is open for dining parties, with a summer menu offering some of the greatest fruits of British sourcing: from Cotswold crayfish bisque, to Cerney Ash goat’s cheese tart and house-smoked Tamworth sausage.

At the Turl Street Kitchen we’re getting into the swing of the summer season with a new first-floor dining menu, cocktails plucked from

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A new season gives us an excuse to whip up some new alcoholic treats, and our mixers have not

disappointed: our Elderflower Collins and English Country Garden are dangerously refreshing and made up of our favourite gins and delicious white wines.

Low Carbon Week in June saw us sourcing everything on our menu from within 25 miles for just £25 per person. - showcasing our fantastic producers and suppliers with amazing ingredients which you can find on your doorstep. www.turlstreetkitchen.co.uk

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B4 news Catering exhibition comes to Oxfordshire!

If you are in the catering industry, then be sure to mark your diary on Tuesday 7th October, as Philip Dennis Foodservice is hosting an exhibition at Kassam Stadium, Oxford. Based on their popular exhibitions in the South West, this promises to be a very worthwhile day out!

In addition to their usual wide range of food categories, you’ll get to experience their new Fine Food range and have the opportunity to secure great prices on Christmas lines.

Dennis Family Butchers continue to go from strength to strength, and will be explaining the story behind their success, with Dennis Family Fishmongers alongside offering tips and inspiration.

Expect a happy, celebratory vibe as Philip Dennis celebrates 20 years in Oxfordshire, with prizes to win and discounts on all exhibition orders.

Keep an eye on www.philipdennis.co.uk/news or call 01993 700 030 for pre-registration details.

A Beautiful Day for the Blenheim 7k Runners at this year’s Blenheim 7k enjoyed a glorious sunny day as they raced around the Palace grounds, many of them raising money for their favourite charity. Chief amongst those was 24 year-old Edward Mcdonagh who raised a massive £3,665 for the Children’s Trust in the first 4 mile wheelchair event. Edward finished the course with a personal best of 43 minutes and plans to take on the London marathon as his next challenge.

Photos by Simon Williams

TThe race, which was sponsored by Henmans Freeth was won by Alex Jones in 24.10 minutes with Woodstock Harrier, Caeron Phillips, winning the women’s race with a time of 33.06. Cothill House School fielded a strong team, winning both the team male under 15s trophies, won by Archie Barrow.

Other charities benefitting from the run include the Child Brain Injuries Trust, Sobell House, and Oxfordshire mental health charity Restore. www.blenheimpalace.com

Local Opticians take a fresh approach Oxfordshire opticians, Robert Stanley, has just completed an ambitious refurbishment programme with the total refitting of its practice based at Wantage Health Centre in Grove.

This is the last of the company's five branches to be totally re-fitted to keep pace with the everchanging market environment and to enhance the customer experience.

Director John Edwards explains: "Customers are

our priority and it is important that they feel at ease and enjoy choosing and trying on their glasses and contact lenses.

Our new interior design is stylish and contemporary, perfectly complementing our latest ranges of designer eye wear as well as providing a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere.

Modernity is central to the Robert Stanley Opticians ethos, which is clear to see when you look at the

number of designer brands in stock, with over 50% of frames tailored and unique designs. www.robertstanley.co.uk

Helen & Douglas House ‘Helen & Douglas House cares for seriously ill children and young adults with life-shortening illnesses and provides support for their families.

We need your help to raise the £5m it costs to run both hospice houses every year. We have a great history of working in partnership with the local business community and while different companies look for different things when working with a charity, we all aim to ensure our young people receive the very best of care and live life to the full, even when that life is short.

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There are plenty of ways your company could benefit from working with us, from improved staff morale and team-building opportunities to positive publicity. Please call us to find out more or arrange a meeting with a member of the Corporate Partnerships Team. We would be delighted to discuss how we could work together.

T: 01865 799150 E: corporateteam@helenanddouglas.org.uk.

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B4 news Peter Bennett-Jones speaks at B4 Blackwell’s Event B4 members were treated to an excellent evening at Blackwell’s in the centre of Oxford in July when special guest, Peter Bennett-Jones, gave a fascinating insight into his career.

Peter was founder of the Tiger Aspect Group, stepping down as Chairman in 2011, and of PBJ Management. Prior to setting these companies up in 1988, he was Managing Director of Corporate Communications Consultants, Talkback Productions and a director of theatrical producers Pola Jones Associates.

The Tiger Group has produced over 500 titles under his guidance and won scores of domestics and international awards for its television, film, radio and theatre output.

PBJ Management represents the cream of UK

comedic creative talent and sister company KBJ Management represents leading television presenters and journalists.

Peter served as Chair of Trustees of Comic Relief and Sport Relief from 1998-2013 and is a director of the Millennium Promise (UK).He is an Honorary Fellow of Bangor University, is a Governor of Rugby School and Chairman of its Arnold Foundation. He is a Trustee of the Royal National Theatre, chairing its Production Board. Peter is a Fellow of the Royal Television Society, receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award and the BAFTA Special Award in 2011. He was awarded a CBE in the 2014 New Years Honours for services to the entertainment industry and to charity.

With thanks to Barry at Prime Energy for the introduction.

High Sheriff of Oxfordshire’s Olympic Challenge Prime Energy Fitness Ltd are pleased to have successfully delivered the inaugural ‘High Sheriff of Oxfordshire’s Olympic Challenge’ event on a scorching hot Thursday in July at the iconic Iffley Road sports complex in Oxford. The event included participants from 18 local businesses competing in a number of events such as a 4x100m relay, archery (overseen by current Commonwealth gold medallist Nichola Simpson) a freestyle swimming gala and ‘welly wanging’. The event was attended by Olympic gold medallist Greg Searle and Rugby World Cup winner Matt Dawson, who were on hand to encourage the athletes, and in Greg’s case pass on some top tips to the participants during

the rowing event. A fantastic group of volunteers from the Uniformed Public Services course at the City of Oxford College assisted with the day, and helped to ensure the event ran smoothly.

Prime Energy are aiming to make this an annual event within the local business calendar, and can also provide your business with bespoke sports day/team building events to suit any taste and budget.

Please contact barry@primeenergy.org for more information.

VSL Win B4 / MGroup Golf Cup Thank you to all of the teams who too part in our B4/The M Group Golf Cup Day. A great day was had by all on the Green Course at Frilford Heath Golf Club on Friday the 4th July. In glorious sunshine 26 teams of two battled it out for the coveted trophy.

The scoring was particularly high this year with the eventual winners VSL and Partners, represented by Tom Barton and Dan Williams recording a massive 46 points. In second place were Frilford Heath GC (Gordon Neilson and Tony Payne) with 44 points

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and third, Bang and Olufsen (Mark James and Gary Quainton) with 43 points. Tony Nolan representing Darbys LLP Team 2 won the longest drive and Lloyd Waddup of Roots won nearest the pin.

The course was exceptional, the catering magnificent and the hospitality wonderful. All at Frilford Heath Golf Club are to be congratulated on staging such a perfect event.

Interested in joining us for 2015? Please contact Colin on 01865 742211.

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B4 news Ellen gets the VIP treatment from JK Chauffeurs Ellen Moran of Darbys Solicitors was driven in style from Darbys’ new offices on Botley Road to the B4 Blackwell’s event by Jorge Escobar of new B4 Members, JK Chauffeurs (Jorge and Ellen pictured).

“It was wonderful to be treated like royalty and I could certainly get used to my own chauffeur. Jorge was excellent.”

All JK Chauffeurs are highly qualified and deliver a first class service. For more information, call JK Chauffeurs on 01865 423916 or see the full profile on the B4 website, or visit www.jkoxfordchauffeurs.com.

Qumins offers an exciting new experience in fine Indian cuisine

Located in the heart of St. Clement's, East Oxford's chic and stylish restaurant quarter, Qumins offers an exciting new experience in fine Indian cuisine.

The experience you will have when you visit Qumins restaurant is more than just the tasteful cuisine. Our welcoming staff have been trained in all aspects of food and beverage culture and they will ensure that you will feel comfortable and taken care of. Qumins was born out of a passion for fine Indian dining, opened in 2004 as a family-run business, managed by myself, and my two sons.

Qumins provides an exciting new experience in fine Indian cuisine, blending traditional techniques with a modern twist.

the opportunity to relax and enjoy your evening before and after your delicious meal, with an impressive range of drinks including popular and signature cocktails and wines. (We also do mocktails for the designated drivers!)

Our aim is simply to provide great food, great ambience and great service with the personal warmth, passion and care that comes from being a family run restaurant.

We look forward to serving you!

But at Qumins, it’s not just our food that is geared up to delight the senses. Our restaurant offers you

www.qumins.co.uk

B4 Issue 30 - An Apology Just a note to anyone who received a copy of B4 30 which literally fell to pieces in their hands.

sent back to be gloss laminated and this lead to a problem with some as the perfect binding was compromised. This won’t happen again and we apologise for any inconvenience caused.

For the first time in over 40 issues of B4 Oxfordshire, Berkshire or Buckinghamshire, a printer oversight meant that this particular issue wasn’t gloss laminated (nice shiny cover and all that) when delivered. The magazines had to be

Meet Oxfordshire Summer Showcase Spectacular

meet oxfordshire Meet Oxfordshire invites you to their Summer Showcase Spectacular at Saïd Business School on Wednesday August 13th from 3pm to 7pm.

Come and meet some of the leading venues and suppliers from Oxford and Oxfordshire who are

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renowned for hosting meetings and events on every scale. Find out why Oxfordshire is guaranteed to get everyone thinking this summer: Discover world class venues and services from awardwinning conference facilities to dramatic University colleges; The showcase will help you to streamline your selection process and make informed purchasing decisions after face-to-face discussions; Meet local businesses who can help with your social programmes and incentive planning; Completely free of charge to attend, including complimentary drinks and refreshments; Fantastic

prizes and offers available throughout the day; Over 20 fabulous venues from Oxfordshire will be exhibiting; Workshops and events scheduled throughout the event Booking couldn’t be simpler, register on line at www.meetoxfordshire.com or call the Meet Oxfordshire team on 01865 252799 or email enquiries@meetoxfordshire.com @meetoxfordshire - keep up to date about our showcase with #oxsummershowcase

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IMPRESSIVE RIDGE

Everything about Ridge is impressive from Senior Partner Phil Jones to the wide and diverse range of services that Ridge provides, from the vast geographical portfolio of projects to the smart Oxford headquarters which is home to 125 employees; this is a local firm to be proud of. B4’s Richard Rosser finds that Ridge is a giant on our doorstep.

Ridge was started in 1946 by Harold John Ridge in an office in St Giles. Although the business was started as a practice of quantity surveyors, it has since developed into a multi-disciplined construction and property consultancy business with ten UK offices and 370 employees. The firm’s extensive services include project management, cost management, building surveying, structural & civil engineering, property consultancy, architecture, health & safety, building services engineering, mechanical & electrical quantity surveying, sustainability consultancy and legal support services. (See over for more information about Ridge services.) Ridge is one of the largest in its field nationally, certainly in the top thirty, but knowledge about the firm’s capabilities is something of a secret locally, Phil remarks: “Despite our growth and role played in some high profile projects internationally, I think we’re something of an unknown quantity here in Oxfordshire.”

“We’ve grown considerably since 1998 and although many might consider us a provincial firm, we have developed into a national player; we are growing well and intend to continue doing so in the future. Our turnover is up to £33million and we see this rising, year on year, through acquisition and organic growth. We acquired our first business in 2005 and have added five since then to help us expand geographically and in terms of the services we can now provide. Many of the acquisitions were strategic to help bring expertise in to the company.

Ridge is now, essentially, a ‘one-stop-shop’ and we can take a client’s project from inception through to completion and delivery. Occasionally we will need specific specialists to help us, but most of the skills we need are in-house.”

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It’s the sheer size of the operation which will surprise many who pass the picturesque offices of Ridge on the outskirts of Woodstock. Their UK client list, which varies in size and sector, includes Marks & Spencer, John Lewis, GlaxoSmithKline, Johnson & Johnson, as well as local authorities, housing providers, universities and contractors.

three or four years and we see no reason to fall short of this target. We are also looking at an overseas initiative to help us broaden our portfolio.”

The range of the Ridge project portfolio is another impressive element – it stretches from alterations and minor refurbishments to the construction of new £multi-million manufacturing facilities.

Team Ridge

“We also co-ordinate a large number of key projectsaround the world. Although we’re based here, weundertake projects from Afghanistan to Australia,Barbados to Brazil, Malaysia to Mexico and USA toUzbekistan, and many more. We are currentlyworking for the FCO as well as The United Nations and have ongoing projects as far as China and Tanzania.”

It is the diversity of services which Ridge provides which helped it to maintain profitability throughout the recession, as Phil explains: “We kept our numbers both in terms of employees and financially throughout the recession. We’re a decent barometer for a recession as we get involved early in the process and can see any downturns ahead of the curve. Our order book saw us through without any major headaches and a key factor was our diversity. We saw positive signs coming through in the third quarter of 2012 and things have continued to improve since.”

Phil concludes that over the next fifteen years, Ridge intends to continue expanding, hopefully with an overseas presence in the not too distant future: “We’re certainly aiming to hit £40million in the next

Ridge has kindly provided B4 readers with a fascinating insight into their business, read on for details.

Team Ridge stands for a more inclusive and embracing partnership. “Everyone who works with Ridge, at whatever level, is a valued member of the team. It's a philosophy we extend to everyone connected with Ridge, be it our clients, suppliers or colleagues in the industry. We do everything we can to make all stakeholders part of our team.”

Vision “Ridge works with both public and private sector clients. Our skills and experience are enhanced through an holistic multi-disciplinary approach that enables us to add value to construction projects worldwide.

The Ridge vision is ‘to be recognised throughout the UK as a leading provider of property and construction consultancy services’. We aspire to: Provide an excellent standard of service; expand our skills and knowledge to serve our clients; continually build up our business through repeat work and referrals; be trusted advisers working with integrity to achieve success for our clients; be recognised as an ‘employer of choice’ in the construction industry.”

Continued overleaf

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B4 PROPERTY left to right: TS Eliot Lecture Theatre Merton College, Leeds Broadcasting Place, OXCIS and Savill Garden Shop. main: Bishop Edward King Chapel Ripon College

“Ridge is now,

essentially, a ‘one stop shop’ and we can take a client’s project from inception through to completion and delivery

”

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

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

B4 PROPERTY

The Ridge team We're in business to provide exceptional service to our clients. The majority of our work comes from repeat instructions, including a significant number of customers who have been with us for many years. They stay with us because we deliver. We stand or fall on the quality of our work. To perform at this level day-in day-out demands that we impose exacting standards on ourselves. We run our business to the highest standards for the benefit of our clients.

Our team has wide experience of all market sectors and is equipped to tackle any situation offering practical solutions and always seeking to add value.

The background of our professional and technical staff is typically a Degree followed by further study to gain membership of construction industry professional bodies including RICS, RIBA, IStructE, ICE and CIBSE. Many staff continue their training in specialist areas of interest, leading to further qualifications and specialist memberships for example BREEAM Assessors, Low Carbon Consultants, the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, Institute of Health & Safety and the Association of Project Safety.

All staff undertake Life Long Learning, which ensures that they are always at the forefront of good practice and technical innovation.

building fills a gap between existing 1930’s buildings in Rose Lane; care has been taken to ensure the new building forms a sympathetic addition to them, responding to the scale of the existing buildings with appropriate massing and materials.

Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies The Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies is a Recognised Independent Centre of the University of Oxford. It was established in 1985 to encourage the scholarly study of Islam and the Islamic world.

The brief stated that the building should have a life expectancy in excess of 1000 years - this clearly means that the design had to allow for the replacement of many materials and systems though the life of the building.

Edward King Chapel, Ripon College, Cuddesdon Ripon College is an Anglican theological college, its existing first floor Chapel had limited capacity and was inaccessible to the elderly and disabled. The new Chapel, which seats 120 people, was the subject of a RIBA design competition.

The new oval-shaped construction, with a distinctive stonework exterior, stands alone adjacent to the existing buildings. The lattice-work timber frame comprises curved laminated columns and beams which support a 13m high roof. A series of clerestory windows, to the top of the walls, flood the interior with light.

Staff Resources Ridge is a LLP and has 43 Partners and a staff of 370 based in ten offices across the country. We have concentrated on building larger, flexible, Team-orientated offices incorporating all the disciplines that we offer.

Soldiers of Oxfordshire Building at the Oxfordshire Museum Woodstock A new museum building, with good sustainability credentials, constructed in the grounds of the Oxfordshire Museum in Woodstock provides permanent exhibition space for the SOFO collection.

Individual Partners are directly responsible for a number of teams, and these teams work together to provide a complete service or in a stand-alone capacity working directly with the client’s own advisers.

Computational Fluid Dynamics Centre, Enstone Ridge has been involved with the development of most of the local F1 Teams’ HQ’s, namely Tilbrook, Brackley, Enstone, Banbury, Bicester and Leafield.

Recent Local Projects T.S. Eliot Theatre, Merton College, Oxford Ridge has been instrumental in the successful delivery of a new theatre in the Grade I listed grounds of Merton College in Oxford. The new www.b4-business.com

At Enstone the Lotus Renault F1 Team use the CFD facility to simulate the aerodynamic performance of its race cars and their relevant components. The brief was to provide a heavily serviced building, whilst minimising the environmental impact on the SSSI countryside. The solution was an

award-winning subterranean building with a simple structure which made use of a matiére pre-cast arch tunnel.

Oxford Brooks University, School of Technology Ridge supplied a multi-discipline service for the design and delivery of a hands-on “teaching factory” for the Departments of Electronic & Mechanical Engineering which supports the specialist Motorsport Academy initiative developed

by Brooks. The design of the exemplar building maximised the opportunities for a low environmental impact and achieved BREEAM ‘Very Good’ rating.

Jaguar Land Rover Ridge is in the process of carrying out extensivework for Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) at various sitesthroughout the Midlands. Schemes include newbuild facilities as well as refurbishments. The purposes of the buildings are for manufacturing and testing; as such, they are process-driven with a strong emphasis on a rational design approach that will be flexible enough to meet future changing requirements.

The impressive list goes on…

• Refurbishment of Abingdon County Hall Museum • The Magnet, Science Oxford • Rejuvenation of The Old Fire Station, Oxford • Oxford Spires Academy • New HQ offices for CABI at Wallingford • Refurbishment of The Oratory, Oxford • Conversion of The Cowyards in Blenheim Park (home to the Ridge Oxford office)

Whilst a small selection of the many UK projects includes: • Broadcasting Place, Leeds Metropolitan University (student residence & academic space) • The Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust, Shropshire • The National Museum of Science and Industry • New Proton Beam Therapy Centres, UCLH London and The Christie Manchester • Savill Garden Visitor Centre, Windsor www.ridge.co.uk

left to right: Lotus Renault CFD facility, TS Eliot Theatre, Merton College and Shaoxing Circuit, China

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B4 SPOTLIGHT

DARBYS SOLICITORS ARRIVE IN STYLE AT THEIR NEW HOME At the end of March, leading and national law firm Darbys Solicitors said farewell to its home of 40 plus years in Oxford City Centre and moved into its modern, refurbished HQ building a mile or so away, in Botley. Darbys now occupies 16,400 sq ft of office accommodation in the landmark building that is Midland House, a gateway to Oxford. You can’t fail to have missed the Darbys signs as you go up to or come down from the A34!

As a UK Top 150 law firm now in terms of lawyer numbers, the availability of the new building for Darbys was very timely as there simply wasn’t any more room in the old building to accommodate the firm’s growing legal team.

Darbys' Managing Partner Simon McCrum says "We needed a new home to accommodate the growth we are enjoying, but also to give us a much more modern and collaborative working space that matched the business Darbys has become. We are committed to central Oxford, so Botley was the perfect solution for us, our clients, and our people. The move also brings our Oxford offering in line, in quality and feel, with our offices in Manchester and Colchester. We have invested heavily in our new home and in our whole new

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IT system that’ll make it all work well for clients’ benefit. Our new Oxford offices are easy to get to and we have no end of car parking for clients.”

The new office is an impressive and vast space.

A welcoming and modern reception area marks the entrance to a smart Client Suite, which is made up of a mix of relaxed and also some more “corporate” meeting rooms. These rooms provide ample meeting facilities, whatever the meeting, and open out into spacious entertainment and seminar areas.

There are two large working areas, housing some 150 lawyers and Business Support staff, which allows communication and collaboration that the old space simply could never have allowed.

There is also a staff social area – an area where people from across the firm meet and eat.

Breakfast is provided free to all people each morning – all part of getting the teams to really know each other and to work together. There is also a tuck shop and huge TV for Wimbledon and World Cup moments. The firm actively encourages members of staff to take their lunch away from their desk and to meet with colleagues who perhaps they might not have

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otherwise seen back in the city centre office.

“We needed a new home to accommodate the growth we are enjoying, but also to give us a much more modern and collaborative working space that matched the business Darbys has become

”

Simon McCrum Managing Partner, Darbys Solicitors

As a sign of the times, and because Darbys serves clients around the country, and also because people at the firm’s various offices are part of one big team, video-conferencing is playing an increasing role in keeping clients and colleagues involved. The Video Suite is used regularly to allow colleagues to talk to each other and to allow lawyers to interact with clients – distance really is no object any more.

Managing Partner of Darbys as a whole, Simon McCrum, says about the office move…

“Darbys has come a long way in recent years but the old building didn’t reflect that. It also held us back by dividing us into smaller parts.

We wanted to be together! I also wanted all the great people we have to know all the great people we have. Watching our people working in the new environment now is great – we all settled in straight away. The efficiencies the new space brings were immediately apparent as was the more joined-up way that we can look after clients now.”

Rebecca Kashti, Head of the Oxford Office says about the office move…

“It was a priority for us to invest a great amount of time and energy into making the office environment a great place for our people to work in. The investment has certainly paid off and Midland House is something we are all proud of – and proud to show to our clients.” www.darbys.co.uk

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007 3 HIGH STREET ABINGDON ON THAMES OX14 5BB

Licensed to Sell …and Let

Nobody does it better

Our 7th office is now open, in the heart of Abingdon on Thames, adding to our network of offices throughout Oxfordshire.

RESIDENTIAL SALES

01235 550 550

RESIDENTIAL LETTING

BRECKON.CO.UK

01235 554040

Mark Buchanan - Relationship Director, Barclays

That was 14 years ago, but despite the odds being stacked against him, Ollie still continues to make the most of life.

who have a medical condition that will shorten their lives.

Aimie Edwards, Helen & Douglas House’s Corporate Partnerships Account Manager, says that this is just one of the many incredibly positive stories to come first-hand from the families and guests.

As the earliest guests reached young adulthood and outgrew its soft toys, rocking chairs and other child-friendly equipment, the Charity decided to build Douglas House, which offers a far more appropriate environment and was opened in 2004

by Her Majesty the Queen.

“Most people think of hospices as quiet, solemn, even gloomy places, but Helen & Douglas House is vibrant, inspirational and often far from quiet,” she commented.

to do “ourWejob,aimbutnottojust do it in a

The music room – sensibly provided with sound proof doors – is one reason why things can get a bit noisy, while the bar area adjacent to the dining room also plays its part in creating a convivial atmosphere. With teenagers often meeting up with friends during their stay at the hospice, it is home to much laughter and is a place where young people come to live life to the full.

Mark Buchanan - Relationship Director, Barclays

Douglas House is the newer of the two buildings that together make up Helen & Douglas House, a facility mainly paid for by public and corporate donations, together with a small amount of statutory funding.

Helen House was the world’s first children’s hospice when it opened in 1982. It provides respite, emergency and end-of-life care for children

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way that better enables the team at Helen and Douglas House

”

Helen House children were consulted on what they wanted to see in a ‘grown up’ version of their home-from-home, which is why it ended up with a bar at its heart. It takes patients from 16 right up to adults of the age of 35, sometimes 40.

After 32 years of providing care to the young people of Oxford and its surroundings, Helen House is now being refurbished and remodelled to make more use of the available space, create new therapy rooms and introduce modern facilities such as plumbed-in oxygen in each bedroom.

The refurbishment has been made possible by an impressive fund raising campaign plus a £436,000 grant from the NHS to reflect the contribution Helen & Douglas House makes to the health service. But the Charity still need to raise on-going funds.

“We get little statutory funding, such as this support towards the refurbishment, but a good 85 per cent of our money comes from donations,” explained Aimie, whose job it is to persuade businesses and others to contribute to that 85 per cent.

It’s a challenging task, since the two buildings cost £5m every year to run, and it's a task in which the Oxford Corporate Banking team at Barclays plays a substantial role.

“We aim not just to do our job, but to do it in a way that better enables the team at Helen & Douglas House to focus on their priorities, rather than being side-tracked by non core activity,” explained local Relationship Director, Barclays Mark Buchanan.

“Supporting local communities is one of the key pillars of the Barclays Citizenship programme,” he added. “We play a broader role in the communities in which we live and work beyond what we deliver through our core business activities.”

Mark continued: “Evolving the way we do business is crucial to our citizenship agenda. That’s why we are commited to making responsible decisions that

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B4 SPOTLIGHT

“Some people think of

hospices as quiet, solemn, even gloomy places, but Helen & Douglas House is vibrant, inspirational and often far from quiet

”

Aimie Edwards, Helen & Douglas House’s Corporate Partnerships Account Manager

HELEN & DOUGLAS HOUSE On the wall of Douglas House in Oxford, a graphic panel tells the story of a very sick young man who received respite care at the hospice before being sent home for what most people thought would be his last few days.

take our stakeholders’ needs into account in both the short and the long-term.

“What that means in practice is that our work, the role of each member of staff, plays its part in the wider society. It’s about building relationships. We want to help Helen & Douglas House succeed in being the best hospice it can be, which in turn helps the local community and our work in it.“ As well as the usual assistance in charity fundraising such as raffles and cake sales – with Barclays matching the sums raised – the bank also assists with new technology. A corporate golf day and evening auction in Barnet on 13 June to raise funds for a number of local charities, including Helen & Douglas House, is utilising the new Pingit mobile phone app to allow donors to contribute using a QR code.

The Charity needs the support so it can provide the high level of care that the around-the-clock clinical team – which includes seven doctors – provides to the 300 or so short-stay patients and their families each year.

Guests all have to be referred to Helen & Douglas House, but there are few formalities. “As long as the person referred to us has a life-shortening condition, we will do our best to provide them with support,” explained Aimie It is the bookings team that has the task of

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allocating the eight bedrooms at Helen House and the seven at Douglas House, as well as the family accommodation that parents, grandparents and siblings can use. Even pets have been welcomed, while the spa and massage and aromatherapy sessions are valued as much by stressed parents as by the guests themselves.

On average each guest is allocated 30 days of respite care a year depending on their personal situation and stage in their condition and it is up to them to say when they would like to take their days. The situation can be further complicated in a good way, by the friendships that develop amongst the patients, who often ask to stay at the same time. And this is encouraged.

“It can be a challenge, particularly as we like to keep one bedroom free for emergencies, but the team works miracles and we can generally give families the support they need, when they need it,” said Aimie.

The charity organises a club, called the Elephant Club, for siblings and focuses on giving the whole family a break while providing the best possible care for often extremely vulnerable young people with complex conditions. “We give families an extension to their own home, but in a place where they can relax, have a break and recharge their batteries in the knowledge that the person they love is being looked after and having a good time,” Aimie explained.

Helen & Douglas House, which is also supported by 36 charity shops across its catchment area, offers outreach care, but those who stay on the premises benefit from its idyllic setting in the beautiful grounds of All Saints Convent.

Fortunately the hospice founded in 1982 has a number of gardeners amongst the roughly 1,000 volunteers. They help keep the gardens looking good as their contribution to making Helen & Douglas House a ‘home from home’ for so many people.

Helen & Douglas House 01865 794749 fundraising@helenanddouglas.org.uk Mark Buchanan - Relationship Director mark.buchanan1@barclays.com 07775540015 The views expressed in this article are the views of the author alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Barclays Bank PLC Group nor should they be taken as statements of policy or intent of the Barclays Bank PLC Group. The Barclays Bank PLC Group takes no responsibility for the veracity of information contained in the third part guides or articles and no warranties or undertakings of any kind, whether express or implied, regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information given. The Barclays Bank PLC Group takes no liability for the impact of any decisions made based on information contained and views expressed.

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HOW HOSPITALITY CAN CATCH UP CHANGE TO WELLERS ROUNDTABLE LUNCH DISCUSSION Pembroke College is a picture for postcards all year round, but bathed in the glorious mid-May sunshine, the verdant courtyards were almost too inviting. Apt then, that this was the venue for the gathering of the great and the good from the Hospitality Industry to discuss how to harness the power of social media and the internet.

This was the 5th round table lunch hosted by Wellers, the local Oxfordshire accountancy and business advisory firm.. The number of returning participants illustrated the popularity and relevance of these informal discussions, as well as the attraction of being on the receiving end of service for once!

Bob Cotton, the chairperson with a lifetime’s experience in the hospitality industry, introduced the meeting, outlined the topics for discussion, and kicked things off with some of his own thoughts.

“Restaurants have been incredibly slow to effectively utilise social media and internet marketing - I’d say they are 5 years behind the hotels, who in turn, are another 5 years behind the airlines" There was a wide variety of expertise around the table, from supply chain managers, to buyers, to restauranteurs, so a lively discussion carried on over the starters of Tomato and Buffalo Mozzarella stack, served with a South African Chenin Blanc.

“How does social media impact upon your reputation?”

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That was the question posed for the main course (Fillets of Pork wrapped in Pancetta) by Stuart Crook of Wellers, who started off this series of roundtable events. Interestingly, this is where restaurants diverge from airlines, since the booking process and the visit itself are inextricably linked with customer satisfaction (certain Irish budget airline carriers could take note here!), hence cannot be outsourced to a 3rd party, at least not for restaurants where reputations are hard won and easily lost.

Furthermore, it was concluded that the financial dynamics are very different to airlines and hotels, who can afford to give away 10-15% to 3rd parties to manage bookings, which in a restaurant can spell the difference between profit and loss.

[Bob Cotton to Govt Minister] “I understand hospitality but I’m not sure that I understand tourism.”

online’ and ‘How to use Social Media to gain bookings’ swirling around the table.

The meeting drew to a close, with thanks to Hugh Edmonds (Head of Conference & Events at Pembroke College) for providing such a fantastic venue, and Chris Thompson from Wellers for organising the event.

For those still with plenty to discuss, and not too many pressing engagements that sunny afternoon, the conversation continued on round the corner, in the more rustic surroundings of ‘The Bear’.

I’d like to leave you with this comment from the table, which I think sums up the attraction of B4, of local firms, and of course of local restaurants, in working together to promote each others’ businesses.

[Govt Minister] “Well that's fine, because nobody else does"

“For a city such as Oxford, chasing the tourism market can be very beguiling, but local returning customers should be regarded as the bedrock, not the icing.”

Over a light fruit tartlet dessert and coffee, the discussions continued on the theme of online bookings, with topics such as ‘How to get bookings

www.wellersaccountants.co.uk www.pmb.ox.ac.uk #WHR14 www.b4-business.com

B4 EVENTS

“For a city such as

Oxford, chasing the tourism market can be very beguiling, but local returning customers should be regarded as the bedrock, not the icing

�

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35

Fine Dining at

Britain’s Greatest Palace As a World Heritage Site Blenheim Palace offers a unique and inspiring venue to host any prestigious fine dining event. Situated in the Oxfordshire Cotswolds amongst 2,000 acres of Capability Brown landscaped parkland and exquisite formal gardens, Blenheim Palace provides the picture-perfect setting.

All events at Blenheim Palace are tailored to suit our clients’ individual requirements and our experienced team of Event Planners will work closely with you from the initial enquiry through to the event and beyond.

Only 8 miles from Oxford and 11/2 hours from London

For more information contact Blenheim Palace Hospitality Email: sales@blenheimhospitality.com Tel: 01993 813874 Visit: www.blenheimpalace.com Find us on Facebook and Twitter

Britain’s Greatest Palace

B4 SERVICES

DCRESPONSE

PROTECTING BUSINESSES AGAINST POWER OUTAGES In todays busy, on demand world, critical IT systems must be available all the time. Without an efficient and effective UPS in place, a power failure can result in huge data and financial loss, not to mention an impact on employee productivity.

Based in Witney, Oxfordshire - we have over 25 years experience in UPS solutions (Uninterruptible Power Supply), specialising in supply, installation, maintenance and consultancy services.

What is a UPS? Many businesses don’t realise they need a UPS until they have had a power outage and lost valuable time and data. A UPS system provides immediate back up power in the event of a mains failure. Unlike a generator or auxiliary power supply, a UPS provide no break or near instantaneous protection from any input power interruptions using one or more batteries contained within the unit.

UPS systems can be used to protect any kind of electrical equipment, they are used to protect IT systems in data centres, telecommunication equipment, computers systems or sensitive electronic equipment where an unexpected power failure could lead to data loss, service disruption or even catastrophic failure of the equipment.

UPS units range in size from protecting a single desk top computer (approx.200VA rating) to large units powering data centres and entire buildings.

How can DCResponse benefit your business?

Our aim is to provide protection for all of our clients' critical data, equipment and premises from the abnormalities within a power supply. In protecting our customers we are committed to providing state of the art products backed by quality engineering and excellent levels of support.

We have a wide variety of clients, from universities, retail, hospitals, government, leisure, financial services and telecommunications, our solutions are

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wide-ranging and often tailored to meet each individual clients needs.

We believe in excellence within the products we supply and install, and the services we provide We provide a range of UPS solutions for small, medium and large businesses, with refined strategies that include consultancy, site visits and remote monitoring. We identify areas of risk and deliver tailored solutions to ensure your business is protected in the most efficient and effective manner.

One of the areas of growth we are seeing is within energy efficient UPS systems. Rising energy costs and declining power quality has raised the need for ensuring UPS systems are working efficiently whilst reducing carbon emissions – so not only reducing costs but also better for the environment.

Sometimes just small changes to your current UPS system can have a big difference to energy output.

We recently visited a potential client of ours who was looking to reduce energy. DCResponse recommended upgrading the existing UPS system which was only achieving 50% energy efficiency.

Through upgrading to our recommendations the client will save £15,000 a year, and will have paid back the investment in just under two years. We are pleased to say, the potential client is now a new client of ours.

Offering a total solution We have always found the most effective way to provide UPS solutions is through a bespoke, one stop shop approach for each client, from pre-sales advice, consultancy and planning through to installation and commissioning, through to after sales support and regular servicing.

With a dedicated and highly experienced team DCResponse provide a wide range of power protection products tailored to a variety of industries, with service contracts with guaranteed response times 365 days a year, 24 hours a day – so should a problem arise, our dedicated and experienced team will be at your site resolving problems before major issues occur.

As well as having clients throughout Oxfordshire, we operate throughout the UK and Ireland with clients as far reaching as the Falklands. We are also proud to have recently been awarded ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certification.

Paul Anderson, Managing Director at DCResponse states ‘there is often a lack of awareness and understanding of the importance of UPS products, with many businesses not realising the necessity until they have already had a power outage which has cost the business valuable time and money.

DCResponse have over 25 years of experience in providing UPS systems, generators and power consultancy solutions and services, with a string of satisfied and loyal clients. Our core sales are usually generated through existing clients, and new clients received through word of mouth and endorsement.

We like to think that we are more than just a supplier, but also provide an investment to your company’s future” To contact DCResponse or to request a free site survey – please call us on 01993 708855 or visit www.dcresponse.co.uk

37

BELMOND LE MANOIR AUX QUAT'SAISONS To spend a few hours in the heart of Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons is indeed a privilege beyond measure. To choose one of the balmiest evenings of the year to go on this adventure added the perfect coup de grâce. Sue and Colin Rosser experience utopia at Le Manoir.

Oxfordshire is very proud of Raymond Blanc and Oxonians are blessed that he chose to create his gourmet paradise in Great Milton within the boundaries of Oxfordshire. This is a world where excellence is taken for granted and reached on every level. Raymond has realised his vision after thirty years of passion and dedication and this is why Belmond Le Manoir is a star attraction for guests the world over. We, as neighbours, can for a few hours join in this world of make believe.

Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons is an establishment of world renown and you are reminded why at every turn. We arrived on a glorious Thursday afternoon and were warmly welcomed byThe Guest Relations Manager, Rui de Carvalho. From then on we were allowed to do precisely nothing, an unusual sensation which doesn’t take much getting used to, in fact I think we both liked it immediately!

The car was parked for us, our bags taken from us and all we had to do was walk to our suite, the Opium Suite. We were coping just fine. The suite was huge with a separate lounge, bedroom and bathroom all decorated with superb taste and panache. The brown marble bathroom with dark wooden panelling was a site to behold.

After unpacking we met Rui who took us to The Raymond Blanc Cookery School in the heart of the kitchen. Here as many as ten students can be taught simultaneously for short two or three hour courses or, for the more adventurous there are four day residential courses. The centre is under the supervision of Mark Peregrine , who we later found out is under constant pressure to present the courses elsewhere in Europe. Sue certainly knows what to get me for Christmas!

We were then taken on a tour of the kitchen itself.

There are 64 chefs and cooking staff and a further

38

12 in the baking and dessert section. The team are known as 'The Brigade' so you can imagine that if there are nearly 30 staff there at any one time it has to be some kitchen... it certainly is. The number of covers served at any one sitting has reduced over the years to preserve the quality and now the number is a maximum of 80.

We then went on a tour of the grounds which included The Japanese Garden complete with pond, ducks and moorhens and the vegetable garden with the latest addition being the new and impressive Edwardian Conservatory, which would appear to have stood here for centuries. The Lavendar Walks and various courtyards make this a true 'Garden of Eden'. Birds really do sing here.

Standing in the Japanese teahouse is to experience a vision of timeless beauty.

Belmond Le Manoir is almost self sufficient with its vegetable garden but all other products are sourced through their team of partners, including The Jody Scheckter Laverstoke Park Farm for example with their buffalo mozzarella.

After a tour comprising food, walking and fresh air, we made our way back to the room to get ready for dinner. First stop was the lawn and a glass of Laurent Perrier Rose Champagne with a selection of delightful canapés. This was perfection.

We had both chosen the seven course gourmet dinner with a selection of accompanying wines. All courses and wines are shown on the table opposite but I must emphasise the skill with which Belmond Le Manoir is able to amplify the taste of its dishes with the carefully selected wines. The simple things like radish and courgettes are so fresh and appealing and we especially liked the crab dish and the Aberdeen Beef main course. Of the wines, Chassagne-Montrachet is one of my all time favourites and it lived up to my billing.

No stone is left unturned. You can sense the artistry with every dish. Even the breads are a masterpiece.

I love sour dough and Sue loves ciabatta and both were delicious and the service throughout faultless.

We retired to the Opium Suite replete and content.

The fact that neither Sue or I heard one of our largest thunderstorms for years and didn’t wake until 9.20am – unheard of for neither Sue or I to be up at some unearthly hour looking at something work related – shows just how an evening at Belmond Le Manoir had relaxed us both. We managed to get to breakfast for 10am where Sue had the poached egg and spinach and I settled for cereal ands fresh fruit.

After breakfast we had arranged to meet Julia Sutcliffe, Belmond Le Manoir’s Marketing Manager who took us on a tour of the private dining facility and Raymond's new creation' La Belle Epoque', a new all glass structure suitable for meetings presentations and conferences for up to eighty. As it happened, Adam Johnson, Developmental Chef to Raymond Blanc was cooking slow roasts and vegetables on a BBQ in preparation for a new Cookery course that Raymond is launching. Another contender for a Christmas present!

With that our stay at Belmond Le Manoir drew to a close. What a memorable 24 hours in paradise!

Belmond Le Manoir oozes class from every pore – the setting, the food, the drink, the people, the whole kit and caboodle! You can easily pre-judge that an establishment such as Belmond Le Manoir will be rather stuffy, but nothing could be further from the truth. The cheerfulness and helpfulness of their wonderful staff who were all dressed so smartly helps to create an atmosphere in which you can't help but relax and enjoy. We think we did a fairly decent job of it, doing nothing that is!

Continued overleaf

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B4 R&R

Le Manoir aux “Belmond Quat’Saisons is the fulfilment of a personal vision, a dream that one day I would create a hotel and restaurant, where my guests would find perfection in food, comfort, service and welcome

”

Raymond Blanc OBE - Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons

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UPCOMING EVENTS Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons serves as a stunning location for any event and Raymond enjoys playing host to a wide variety of cultural occasions.

There are details below of some of the forthcoming events due to be held, for a full calendar of events, visit www.manoir.com Wine Master Class – Wine Origins (2 September) - Whether pétillant novice or Malbec mastermind, guests will explore the eclectic world of wine at Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons.

The history of wine is closely bound with the history of Western civilisation.

Trace back the story to the very first vintages, discovering how wine developed around the world and discussing key vineyard areas.

Priced at £75 per person. £300 per person for all five sessions.

Wine Master Class - Champagne & Sparkling (9 September) - Uncover the rich history of sparkling wine. Learn how Dom Pérignon influenced Champagne techniques, the types of grapes and processes used in production and the importance of region and climate. Discuss original, exceptional bubbles and compare with sparkling wines from around the world.

Priced at £75 per person. £300 per person for all five sessions.

Behind the scenes at Belmond Le Manoir (16 September) - Dive into the world of Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons on this encompassing full-day experience.

Enjoy fascinating talks from our seasoned team and tour around the kitchens as you learn more about our rich history. Explore the romantic gardens before honing your culinary skills with an in-depth cookery demonstration. Lose yourself in this all-access event that promises to leave you gastronomically inspired.

Priced at £235 per person.

Wine Master Class – White Wines (16 September) - Learn the artistry of producing the finest white wines. Be guided through the various grapes that are used, how different bodies are achieved with levels of fruit, and key appellations. Discuss drinking and ageing techniques as well as the wine market today.

Priced at £75 per person. £300 per person for all five sessions.

An Evening with Jonathan Agnew (18 September) – Meet the BBC’s cricket correspondent and senior member of the award-winning Test Match Special team. Jonathan Agnew joins Belmond Le Manoir for a convivial evening of fine conversation and cuisine.

Priced at £235 per person.

Wine Master Class – Red Wines (23 September) - From vine to glass, Belmond Le Manoir will guide guests through the journey of the most important red wines. Learn the varied production processes that go into crafting a vintage, the different types of grapes that are used, and key appellations on the market today.

Priced at £75 per person. £300 per person for all five sessions.

Wine Master Class – Sweet Wines (30 September) - Take an in-depth tour through the world of sweet and dessert wines. Discover important production processes and trace the history of their consumption. Explore the wide-ranging appellations, cellaring techniques and learn how to match to the occasion.

Priced at £75 per person. £300 per person for all five sessions.

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B4 R&R

NOTRE MENU

DÉCOUVERTE GAZPACHO DE TOMATE, OLIVE, BASILIC Chilled tomato gazpacho, olive, basil MI-CUIT DE SAUMAO, RAIFORT, CONCOMBRE Warm confit of oak smoked salmon, horseradish, cucumber AGNOLOTTI DE FROMAGE DE CHÉVRE, MIEL, ARTICHAUTS, OLIVES Agnolotti of goats cheese, honey, artichokes, olives CRABE,FLEAR DE COURGETTE DU JARDIN,VERVIEINE CITRONNÉE Devonshire crab, garden courgette flower, lemon verbena FILET DE BOEUF ABERDEEN ANGUS, CRESSON,CHAMPIGNONS SAUVAGES, ESSENCE AU VIN ROUGE Roasted fillet of Aberdeen Angus beef, braised Jacobs ladder, watercress, wild mushrooms, red wine essence GOURMANDINE DE FRAMBOISE ET BETTERAVE Raspberry and beetroot gourmandine

“Belmond Le

Manoir oozes class from every pore – the setting, the food, the drink, the people, the whole kit and caboodle!”

TEXTURES DE NOIX DE COCO ET GRAND CRU DE CHOCOLAT DU GHANA Textures of coconut and Ghana chocolate Grand Cru

LES VINS Lanius 2013 Alta Alella Catalunya, Espagne Chassagne-Montrachet 2011 Domaine Jean-Nöel Gagnard Bourgogne, France Vin de Pays de L’Hérault 2011 Mas Daumas Gassac Languedoc, France Ben Ryé 2010 Donnafugata Sicile, Italie

RESERVATIONS 01844 278881 reservations.mqs@belmond.com www.b4-business.com

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4300 NASH COURT Oxford Business Park, Oxford TO LET 9,139 sq ft

Extensively Refurbished two storey self contained office on popular Business Park.

EPC Rating – C (72)

BANNISTER HOUSE Langford Locks, Kidlington TO LET/FOR SALE 2,379 – 14,685 sq ft Prominent Grade A office building well located opposite Oxford Airport.

EPC Rating – C (67)

NEW BARCLAY HOUSE Botley Road, Oxford TO LET 3,739 – 16,269 sq ft Modern offices with excellent access to the A34 and Oxford City Centre.

EPC Rating – D(88)

PARK 34 Didcot TO LET 14,435 – 50,724 sq ft

Three modern production/warehouse units on flexible terms 7.4 metre eaves. Full height loading doors EPC Ratings – Unit A - D(78), Unit B - D(95), Unit C – E (102)

unrivalled local and regional expertise Richard Venables Tom Barton Duncan May

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

news The Tide is Turning…………

Following 6 years of weak activity in the commercial property market we now consider that there has been a significant change in market conditions. Since Easter we have experienced increased levels of enquiries although this is still somewhat patchy. On the whole, we feel the positivity being recorded in the press has led to increased business confidence resulting in a review of property needs for future growth.

In the office sector take up for Q1/Q2 for Oxfordshire was 125,000 sq ft with a further 120,000 sq ft recorded as being under offer. We should be on course for take up of over 250,000 sq ft in comparison with 217,000 sq ft in 2013 and 135,000 sq ft in 2012. This is still someway off the 400,000 sq ft 5 year average from 2003 to 2008.

In the industrial section Q1/Q2 take up was recorded as 240,000 sq ft with a further 280,000 sq ft under offer. Take up in 2013 was 870,000 sq ft but a few big deals will easily see Oxfordshire reach this figure.

The biggest issue in the next 12-18 months will be lack of stock. There has been limited new building in the Oxfordshire area for the last 8 years and stock levels have now diminished to approximately 1½ years take up for the industrial sector and 3 years take up for the office market. Whilst this may still seem a sufficient level there is limited levels of availability in many geographic locations.

Developer appetite for speculative building is returning but is likely to be limited due to lack of land supply opportunities and continued bank finance restrictions.

We recognise that there will be opportunities coming to the market in Bicester subject to the local plan review but Oxford remains a pressure point.

We are starting to see supply issues reflected in market conditions with rent incentives reducing and we predict that this will lead to rental rises during 2015 which in turn should give developers the confidence to start committing to new development.

Deals, Deals and more Deals…..

Oasis Park, Eynsham – Unit 6 – 5,300 sq ft let to Amplivox Units 9/10 – 6,400 sq ft let to Ice Energy Heat Pumps

P1 and P2 Abingdon Science Park – 30,000 sq ft acquired for Smart Solar

Ground Floor, C9 Glyme Court, Oxford Office Village – 1,000 sq ft let to Energy My Way

Hitching Court, Abingdon Business Park – 3,000 sq ft let to Gigaclear

Lakesmere Close, Station Fields Industrial Estate, Kidlington – 17,000 sq ft sold to Cantay Group for residential conversion

Units 18 and 19 Avenue One, Witney – 5,500 sq ft let to Ocea Ltd 5,300 sq ft let to Shape Machining

Units 1 and 3 Blacklands Way Abingdon Business Park – 10,700 sq ft let to Airline Components

Unit 8 Oxford Business Centre – 2,100 sq ft let to Adlens

www.b4-business.com

2nd Floor, 27/28 St Clements – 970 sq ft let to Blue Arrow Recruitment

www.vslandp.com

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PLANNING TO SELL YOUR BUSINESS AND NEED AN EXIT ROUTE? If you’re a business owner or partner with a business to sell, it is important to know when and how to sell your business when the time is right. It can be a daunting process to sell a business you have built up over many years and naturally, you want to get the best price you can for it. But it’s also important you pass on the business to the right person or company and to someone that you trust to continue to take the business forward.

Here, The MGroup, a local accountancy firm with offices in Summertown and Witney, offer a practical guide in taking the next step when you’re planning to sell your business…

Choosing who you sell to There are many options when it comes to selling your business, and for some, you may have lined someone up years ago, however, for many, the options can sometimes be less clear.

You might already have a commercial trader who has shown some interest in the taking the business off your hands, or you could even have a family member in mind who you would like to pass the business onto when you decide to leave.

All of these solutions would be good options to consider, however, there are other alternatives to a conventional trade sale, where you can stay invested or involved in the business whilst getting the best price you can.

Management Buy-In A ‘Management buy-in’ is an individual or team who are generally already involved in the industry of the business and want to buy a business they are not currently involved in. Often, a new company will be established as a vehicle to enable the interested party to buy the shares in your business. The new company will then have shareholders which may comprise some of the existing management team, new management and you as the vendor.

The benefits: • You can stay partially invested as a shareholder and thus share in the future success of the business • You feel secure in the knowledge that the business is in good hands going forward • Control is better maintained of the purchase price • Customers and staff see continuity as a positive result Management Buy-Out Management buy-out is the term used for an existing management member or team who buy the business in which they are currently working. The

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it’s also important you “pass on the business to the right person or company and to someone that you trust to continue to take the business forward

”

B4 ADVICE benefits of selling to existing management include: • You can stay partially invested or involved going forward, which again, provides the opportunity to share in the future success of the business • You can avoid negotiations with an external trader who may not know your best intentions • You know who you are selling to so will help protect staff employment • Providing an opportunity to valued employees of the business Case Study: Reseller and distributor of software products The vendor for this business wanted an exit plan and to benefit from Entrepreneurs Relief (10% tax), was keen to stay involved part-time but needed to release some cash. A trade sale would have meant he had no control or influence in the business.

Solution: • An MBI was introduced with relevant sector and managerial experience • The MBI assumed the MD role and the vendor stayed involved part-time • The deal was structured to allow the vendor to remove surplus cash and receive a further 60% of the consideration price in cash • The vendor retains a 30% stake in the new company

“there are other alternatives to a conventional trade sale, where you can stay invested or involved in the business whilst getting the best price you can” Case Study: Fit-out and Maintenance business The vendor was looking for an exit plan and wanted to benefit from paying Entrepreneurs Relief (10% tax) on the surplus cash balances held.

The trade sale offer was declined due to the need for continued employment of the vendors to manage the business on their behalf.

Management were young and relatively inexperienced with no capital to invest.

Solution: • The transaction structure involved cash bought out on reserve cash balances • The vendor retained 20% of the new company and took a charge over transferred shares • A vendor loan was established, which qualified for tax relief • The vendor remains on the board, and protective ‘step in/veto’ rights were established There are many options to consider when selling your business and the decision is ultimately not going to be an easy one, however, whichever option you choose, this will depend on your individual circumstances and what you want to get out of your business. This can vary from how much cash you wish to receive initially, the level of involvement you desire after you have sold the business, to how you envisage the business to be run after you’ve gone.

Whatever your circumstances, let us do some of the hard work to ensure the best route for you. Contact Mark Crossfield on 01865 552925 or email m.crossfield@themgroup.co.uk for more information.

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B4 ADVICE

“When considering

a flexible working application, care needs to be taken not to inadvertently discriminate against the employee

”

Ben Hegedus - BrookStreet des Roches

HOW FAR CAN YOU STRETCH?

From 30 June 2014 the right to request flexible working, currently only enjoyed by parents and carers, will be extended to all employees who have completed 26 weeks' service. This is being brought in under the Children and Families Act 2014 which is expected to yield, at the same time as a change to the law, a considerable cultural shift in the workplace in terms of flexible working. The right to make an application for flexible working will be open to employees only (not agency workers or office holders). It has to be made in writing, largely in the same form as has been required so far.

The prescribed time limit for considering a flexible working request is being replaced with a duty to deal with a request in a ‘timely manner’. However, a request, including any appeal, will need to be dealt with within three months of it being made (unless the employee agrees to an extension).

A discussion with the employee will not be needed if you are happy to accept the request as made. Otherwise, the discussion should be held in an appropriate setting, and it is best to allow the employee to be accompanied by a work colleague or trade union representative. The discussion does not have to be face to face and can, subject to the employee’s agreement, be held by telephone: for example, in cases where the employee is on maternity leave.

You are not obliged to grant a request for flexible working if you can show that it cannot be accommodated for one or more of the eight prescribed business reasons (which remain the same as before and include: additional cost; inability to reorganise work among other staff; and a detrimental impact on ability to meet customer demand). However, you do well to consider such requests with care and to be ready to show that you have weighed the benefits to the employee of the changes being requested against any adverse impact on the business as a result of them being implemented.

In coming to such a decision, it is worth bearing in mind the following: • It is important to establish, with the employee making the request, the circumstances that have led to them making it. Often employees are only looking for an informal change for a short period: for instance to cope with a bereavement or to pursue a short course or study. The change can then be agreed to be on a temporary basis with them reverting back to their substantive work pattern at the end of an agreed period.

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• If you are unsure whether or not the arrangements being requested can be accommodated by the business in practice, or where you require evidence to show that the negative impact you are anticipating will have that effect, it is worth considering whether to agree to the flexible working arrangement for a temporary ‘trial period’ and to review it at the end of that period, rather than rejecting it outright.

• When a decision is made to reject the request, it is important to set out the reasons for doing so clearly in writing and to link it to one or more of the eight prescribed grounds, together with such evidence as is available in support. The employee must then be given an opportunity to appeal the decision.

• When considering a flexible working application, care needs to be taken not to inadvertently discriminate against the employee on the grounds of a protected characteristic or because they work on a part-time basis.

Handling such flexible working applications will be made more manageable if a Right to Request Policy is introduced or, if you have one in place, updated to take account of these changes. It is advisable to encourage employees, in the policy, to make it clear from the outset whether their flexible working request is being made as a result of a disability or caring responsibilities, in order that you are alerted to the need to be conscious of the additional rights the individual may have when considering their application.

To receive advice and guidance on how best to prepare for these changes please contact Ben on: 01235 836609 or on: ben.hegedus@bsdr.com. www.bsdr.com

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“This project will create a technology and innovation centre located at the heart of the local STEM economy. South Oxfordshire is renowned for research, science and technology

”

Sally Dicketts, Chief Executive of Activate Learning

TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION CENTRE TO MEET REGION’S STEM NEEDS

A bid to create a centre of excellence for skills and training in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) has won government backing.

The Activate Learning group has been awarded a £1m grant to create a £3m Technology and Innovation Centre at its City of Oxford College campus in Blackbird Leys.

The centre will also support training for construction trades by providing improved facilities for emerging green technologies.

The funding was announced by Skills and Enterprise Minister, Matthew Hancock, in the latest round of the College Capital Investment Fund (CCIF). A further £4.5m grant has been made by the Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership to support a second phase of the scheme.

Sally Dicketts, Chief Executive of Activate Learning, said: “This project will create a technology and innovation centre located at the heart of the local STEM economy. South Oxfordshire is renowned for research, science and technology, with many of the industry-leading employers located within a 10 mile radius of Blackbird Leys.

The project will create new buildings and refurbish existing facilities at Blackbird Leys to provide an engineering centre complete with learning zones, workshops and modern design and fabrication spaces. The facilities have been designed to meet the skills and training needs of local STEM employers, identified as a priority by the LEP.

“The region is targeted for further inward investment, with around 100,000 jobs set to be created in the innovation and STEM economy. This new centre responds to current and future requirements, providing an essential facility to enable local people to gain the skills required for successful employment in this fast-growing sector.”

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It is anticipated that the centre will lead to the creation of 60 new apprenticeship places, and 60 new full-time programme places in engineering and new technologies. The centre will also increase the provision of part-time professional courses in the local area, to help meet the skills needs of existing employees and employers.

Adrian Lockwood, Chair of the Oxfordshire Skills Board, LEP Board member and Managing Director of Integration Technology Ltd said: “I welcome the success of this bid by Activate Learning. Oxfordshire Skills Board identified the need for greater investment in STEM skills and training as a regional priority. Activate Learning’s plan to redevelop their Blackbird Leys facility reflects their willingness to actively address this issue. Blackbird Leys is well placed in the city of Oxford and has also been identified as a spatial priority for growth by the

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B4 SPOTLIGHT

Economic Partnership.”

Now that funding has been agreed, Activate Learning has submitted a planning application with a view to starting work in the summer. It is hoped that the centre will be up and running by September 2015.

Oxford chosen as a pathfinder for new Career Colleges Pupils in Oxfordshire will be among the first in the country to benefit from a new educational model, announced by former education secretary Lord Kenneth Baker.

Lord Baker, who now leads the Baker Dearing Trust and Skills Minister Matthew Hancock, announced plans for a new network of Career Colleges which will train 14 to 19-year-olds in practical skills needed by the economy.

As well as studying for vocational exams in areas such as catering, healthcare and construction, pupils at a Career College will take traditional GCSEs including maths, English and sciences.

Four pathfinder colleges, including City of Oxford College, have been chosen to develop the concept.

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The aim is to open a Career College specialising in construction skills at Blackbird Leys in September 2015.

Close links with employers in the construction industry will help to shape the curriculum and provide real-world, project-based learning.

Lee Nicholls, Executive Director Curriculum, Standards and Academies at Activate Learning, said: “We are delighted to be at the forefront of developing this exciting new concept in education.

The Career Colleges model recognises that our young people need more opportunities to develop the technical skills that will help them to secure employment.

“We are now starting work to co-create a curriculum with local employers. We want to know what skills they want their future employees to have to make our young people attractive to them. This model coincides with our investment in Blackbird Leys to create a more modern engineering and construction skills centre for Oxford.”

Employers recently attended a breakfast briefing at the Blackbird Leys campus to find out more about the plans. Glyn Salmon, a Director at Kier Construction, said: “We are doing a lot of work in

the area at the moment, particularly in the education sector, and we feel this is a really good way of putting something back into the local community.”

Be the first to join city centre gym As reported in the last edition of B4 magazine, City of Oxford College is investing £6m in a new lifestyle centre at its city centre campus in Oxpens Road.

The centre will include a new fitness suite, Body and Soul, equipped with the latest Technogym equipment and boasting river views. The facility will offer sport and exercise science students the chance to build their skills in a commercial environment, and will offer customers a modern, attractive environment in which to get fit and boost wellbeing.

The gym is now taking membership in time for its September launch. Corporate membership packages are also available.

Anyone interested in finding out more can contact call 01865 551521 to book a tour.

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DEALING WITH

FRS102

The UK’s accounting standards are changing with the introduction of FRS102 for periods commencing on or after 1 January 2015 impacting anyone who currently reports under UKGAAP, other than entities that apply the Financial Reporting Standard for Smaller Entities. Whilst most businesses understand this will affect their financial reporting, there are potentially much broader commercial implications which businesses should be considering.

The introduction of the new standards could result in significant changes to your annually reported results and your balance sheet. The implications of any such changes could be far reaching, from impacting your ability to meet debt covenants or achieve shareholder targets to meeting vesting conditions on employee incentives. Perhaps, more importantly you could see real cash flow implications in terms of corporation tax and any bonuses linked to profit, as well as restrictions on your ability to pay dividends.

We've discussed below some of the key areas however, as clichĂŠ as it sounds, the devil really is in the detail.

Impact to Profit and loss account There are numerous ways the new valuation, recognition and measurement principles may result in differing financial results to those previously reported. A prime example is that goodwill could be written off over a reduced time period, resulting in higher amortisation charges and, accordingly, lower annual results. Other common examples include changes to the way lease incentives are recognised and investment property revaluations being taken to the profit and loss account.

All of these could be significant where, for example, loan covenants are based on the company’s interest cover. If this level drops below an agreed amount this could trigger higher interest rates or even immediate repayment of the debt. Therefore, early communication with the lender to explain any expected reduction in results following the change in accounting, and possibly renegotiation of covenants could be critical to the company.

Company valuations could be affected, particularly where the valuation has been based on an extrapolation of annual results. This would certainly have winners and losers depending on which side of the transaction you sit. Furthermore, future earn outs and contingent consideration could also be impacted by a change in reported results.

Company incentive plans may also be impacted where rewards have been linked to results in the financial statements. Unintentionally higher or lower incentive pay-outs could not only adversely impact on cash flow management but also on employee engagement.

Impact to Balance sheets Certain assets and liabilities, particularly in respect to financial instruments, may need to be brought on to the balance sheet, many with complicated taxation consequences. In addition, more assets and liabilities could be required to be measured at fair value, thus increasing the number of valuations that are required in the financial statements.

Mark Bishop, Associate Director, Assurance (01865) 799 862.

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Therefore, whilst the underlying business doesn't change, the recognition of liabilities on the balance sheet and the increased volatility in results could lead stakeholders to assess the financial health of the company differently. Additionally, in a landscape where raising

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B4 ADVICE

Understanding how your financial “ reporting will look going forward will allow for informed communication with your business' stakeholders so that your first financial statements under FRS102 do not result in any nasty surprises

”

traditional bank finance is more challenging than it has ever been, the impact of apparently weaker balance sheets on negotiating overdrafts or additional lending could be significant.

Increased or decreased annual costs could also arise where the costs are based on the company’s financial statements. For example, Trustees of a company’s defined benefit pension scheme may request higher company funding to compensate for an apparent weakening of the company’s balance sheet resulting in higher costs and additional cash outflows for the company.

Finally the numbers reported in financial statements could have significant taxation consequences. Aside from annual corporate tax liabilities, which will be based on a revised profit calculation with appropriate tax adjustments, there are other potentially unforeseen consequences. For example, many companies will have entered into agreements with HM Revenue & Customs to fix the amount of tax relief they may claim on interest charges based on their debt to equity ratios. Therefore, a company may feasibly see no amendment to annual reported results yet end up with higher corporation tax liabilities due to the recognition of additional liabilities on their balance sheets.

Timing of changes Although at first glance the requirements seems a little while off, due to the need to restate prior year comparable figures in line with FRS102, the transition date for many companies has already passed. For example, a company with a 31 December 2015 year end would need to restate the 31 December 2014 results which would include recalculating the opening balance sheet position at 1 January 2014.

What should I do now?

Past experience has taught us that knowledge and stakeholder communication is key.

Understanding how your financial reporting will look going forward will allow for informed communication with your business' stakeholders so that your first financial statements under FRS102 do not result in any nasty surprises.

Whilst it is not feasible to outline all of the areas of a company's financial statements which may be affected, it is fair to say that if your company has any of the below items, we recommend you start to consider how your business will be affected: • • • • •

significant inter-company balances goodwill acquisitions derivatives investment properties

www.grant-thornton.co.uk

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David Willott, Senior Manager, Tax (01865)799 891.

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DEVELOPMENT DREAMS? We can turn them into reality Our team specialises in adding value to all kinds of development projects ranging from major residential, commercial or mixed use schemes to one-off new build and conversions

Experts in Planning applications & appeals

Site Acquisition & Disposal

Strategic land promotion

Site identification

Site appraisals & development briefs

Option & promotion agreements

CIL & S106 Agreements

Development Viability Appraisals

Community consultation

Valuation

Our Planning and Development Team has the knowledge, experience and necessary skills to deliver solutions that maximise value. When you work with us you are also benefiting from the wider expertise of one of the UK’s leading property consultancies.

We advise on everything from project viability, planning and valuation through to site marketing and eventual sale, acquisition or development.

We look forward to working with you.

DEVELOPMENT

PLANNING

Mike Robinson MRTPI Partner Tel: 01865 366670

Oliver Taylor MRTPI Senior Planner Tel: 01865 366669

Miles Collison MRICS Partner Tel: 01865 366667

Richard Foxon MRICS Partner Tel: 01865 366668

mike.robinson@struttandparker.com

oliver.taylor@struttandparker.com

miles.collison@struttandparker.com

richard.foxon@struttandparker.com

Strutt & Parker LLP, 269 Banbury Road, Oxford OX2 7LL

news

Tony Haines, Partner @ Wenn Townsend

Focus on Charities: The New SORPS and Fraud Prevention As you may know if you work within this sector, The Charity Commission, together with the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) are the joint Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) making bodies.

Following the SORP consultation the regulators have announced that they will be issuing two separate SORPs during the summer. One will be based on the new Financial Reporting Standard (FRS102), and the other based on the Financial Reporting Standard for Smaller Entities (FRSSE).

Since Charities will be able to choose which SORP to follow, based on the accounting standards they use, we thought it might be helpful to organise courses in both Cirencester and Oxford.

In order to be eligible to use the FRSSE, Charities must meet two out of the following three criteria: • having fewer than fifty employees • total assets of less than £3.26 million • annual income less than £6.5 million

Our courses will be held as follows:

Cirencester

Oxford

Date: Tuesday, 2nd September

Date: Wednesday, 10th September

Venue: Ingleside House

Venue: New Mathematical Institute

Registration: 1.30 pm

Registration: 2.30 pm

Seminar: 2.00 – 4.00 pm

Seminar: 3.00 – 5.00 pm

Networking and refreshments

Networking and refreshments

We hope you will be able to join us at one of these seminars. Please visit our website for information. www.wenntownsend.co.uk.

In addition, we thought it would be useful to take a brief look at general fraud prevention.

Charities & VAT

Some of the current threats we are seeing are: • Payment fraud • Cheque fraud • Internal fraud • External fraud • Online safety

As a charity, have you been paying too much VAT? For example, did you realise that a charity’s marketing material and other printed matter can, in certain circumstances, be classed as zero rated for VAT. If you would like to know about this, and similar topics, why not get in touch with us! You’ll be glad you did. www.wenntownsend.co.uk.

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THE CHANGING FACE OF FAMILY LAW & HOW IT AFFECTS YOU There have been some significant changes to family law, which many people may not be aware of. My article examines these in detail and explains how they may affect you.

Has there been a revolution in family law?

There have been a lot of changes that have come into play recently, to which lots of people would say the answer is yes.

What are the changes family lawyers have been talking about and what do they mean for you?

My article gives a brief overview of the key changes to private children law and the Court system. It also explains what this means in reality for separated parents who cannot agree the arrangements for their children and couples starting a divorce, who need to sort out their finances.

Changes to Private Children Law One of the main changes are the terms “contact” and “residence” are no more. They have been replaced with “Child Arrangements” Orders.

Why? The Government hasn’t gone so far as introducing a presumption of shared parenting, but they have wanted to place emphasis on the importance of children having an ongoing relationship with each parent following separation.

The new Child Arrangements Orders deal with whom a child lives and who they spend their time with.

The Government has also placed huge emphasis on the need for parents to try and agree arrangements for the children between themselves, wherever possible. Previously, if parents couldn’t, then their last option would be to apply to the Court for a Judge to, ultimately, decide. However, before any parent can ask the Court to deal with matters, it’s compulsory for the parents to now attend a meeting to see if their situation is suitable for mediation.

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These types of meetings are called Mediation and Information Assessment Meetings, more easily referred to as “MIAMS”.

National Family Mediation (the largest providers in the country for family mediation) reported a 10% increase in both overall referrals to mediation as well as for MIAMS during the period January to March 2013, compared to the same period in 2012 and in all likelihood with these recent changes, the figures will continue to rise.

Not every case is suitable for mediation and in that scenario, a form completed to that affect following a MIAMS, must be submitted with the application for the Court to deal with matters. But what is important here is that there is a real onus on parents to think very carefully before doing that.

The success rate for those cases where mediation is appropriate is high, with the National Family Mediation reporting an 89% success rate out of 16,000 cases in 2012/13. So it something which you should give very careful consideration, not least because the process of mediation can be a lot less costly then the Court system.

Changes to the Court System One of the biggest shake-ups has been to the family court system. There is now a new, single Family Court for England and Wales. This sounds like there is now only one Court, but in reality cases are still dealt with by local courts, but they are now called Designated Family Centres.

Why? Again, the Government is extremely keen for couples to think very carefully before invoking the Court system so that, if at all possible, cases can be dealt with without having to go through the Court process. This is positive, because the types of Orders a Judge can make are much less creative then what couples can agree between themselves or through other forums of coming to an agreement, such as mediation.

Clearly, mediation isn’t going to be right for everyone, but in cases where it is, it can be extremely cost effective, as opposed to going to Court. And, arguably, a lot less stressful.

A further change is that when a couple are ready to start divorce proceedings, (which is a paperwork exercise that goes through the Court and is a separate to the proceedings which can be at Court to resolve finances) is that they can no longer choose which Court deals with their case. For the majority of cases, it has to be their local Designated Family Centre. And, when sending the form that starts the divorce, if the couple has children, they are no longer required to file a form which explains the arrangements for their children. Again, another emphasis by the Government placed on parents to reach an agreement between themselves that’s best for the children.

So how have family lawyers and family law practices reacted to these changes?

The answer is in many ways.

Another key change is that, as with private children law, couples who cannot come to an agreement about the finances, when going through a divorce cannot ask the Court to deal with matters until they have first, attended a MIAMS.

Our family team at Hemans Freeth is one of few family law teams that offer the full range of alternative dispute resolution services, in other words, we are not just about taking cases to Court.

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B4 ADVICE

“Clearly, mediation isn’t going to be right for everyone, but in cases where it is, it can be extremely cost effective

”

Elizabeth Marsh - Henmans Freeth

We can offer mediation, or if that’s not suitable, when we meet a client for the first time, in taking on board their specific situation we can advise them of the service we think would work best to help them come to a solution.

All our family lawyers can advise clients in the background; if that is what they need, to lead them through negotiations with their spouse/spouse’s lawyer. We also have collaboratively trained lawyers, to help couples arrive at an agreement through a series of face to face meetings (with their spouse and their spouse’s collaboratively trained lawyer).

We also offer Arbitration, which is similar to the Court process, in that the Arbitrator’s decision is final and legally binding, but it can be less expensive and stressful.

Above all, we appreciate that every case is unique and with all the changes to the family law system, there can be no one solution. Every client is an individual and we provide the highest standards of professional representation, whilst being entirely supportive, whichever service a client adopts.

If you would like any further information on this article, or would like to talk to the author, please contact Elizabeth Marsh on: elizabeth.marsh@henmansfreeth.co.uk www.henmansfreeth.co.uk

Elizabeth Marsh, Solicitor at Henmans Freeth

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BUSINESS IN OXFORD 2014 The first Business in Oxford event took place on Wednesday 23rd April at Saïd Business School.

The opening session was attended by 250 delegates in The Nelson Mandela Lecture Theatre where Richard Rosser welcomed the six opening session speakers to the stage.

Clare Edwards, Deputy CEO of Helen & Douglas House was asked to introduce the official event charity, followed by Sally Dicketts CBE, Chief Executive, Activate Learning, who urged local businesses to give college students an opportunity to shine. In fact, Business in Oxford did just that as students assisted superbly in registration, directing delegates and a number of other key activities.

Peter Tufano, Peter Moores Dean of Saïd Business School was next on stage to officially welcome the delegates to one of Oxford’s most iconic venues, followed by Councillor Bob Price, Leader of the Council, who officially opened the inaugural Business in Oxford event. Councillor Price focused on the future of the city’s economy and the opportunities that the Council is seeking to realise for all who live, work or visit Oxford.

Next on stage was Ian Walmsley who is Hooke Professor of Experimental Physics and Professorial Fellow of St Hugh’s College. As Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research, Academic Services & University Collections), Professor Walmsley chairs the University’s Research Committee and is responsible for coordinating the University's relationships with its major research funders and the engagement of research activity with wider audiences; he also oversees the University’s libraries, museums and

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collections and its language teaching services.

Professor Walmsley outlined the University's approach to innovation and its plans for bringing together research expertise and knowledge with new and existing businesses to contribute to economic growth in and around Oxfordshire.

Finally, delegates heard from David Edwards, who is Executive Director for City Regeneration and Housing at Oxford City Council. He is also a leading housing, regeneration and development executive with over 20 years experience at Director, Board and Ministerial levels in the public and private sectors across the UK. David’s presentation focused on the wider economic growth and major regeneration projects including Westgate, Oxpens and Oxford station and the impact on the city and opportunities for business and economic growth.

The event then transferred to three of the venue’s superb Harvard Lecture Theatres, where presentations were given in a series of nine PODS. Themes included Great Brands, Property, Green, Smart City, Tourism and Culture, Business Growth, Invest, Professional and Education. Locally based companies and organisations including Harley Davidson, Blackwell’s, Darbys, Chiltern Railways, Experience Oxfordshire, Oxford Castle, Land Securities, Aston & James, Breckon and Breckon, Isis Innovation, Oxford Innovation, VSL, University of Oxford and Finders Keepers each gave twelve minute presentations followed by Q&A’S in each POD.

The event concluded in the reception area with drinks, networking and positive reflection on a successful event and thoughts towards Business in Oxford 2015.

A JOB WELL DONE “I would like to warmly endorse the plaudits that have been coming through today about the Business in Oxford event. It was superbly organised and managed, and the content was extremely rich and exciting. The range of contributors and exhibitors reflected very well on the City's business community and demonstrated the potential that we have for future growth and development.

“Thank you very much indeed for masterminding such a brilliant showcase. Let's start thinking soon about next year!” Councillor Bob Price, Hinksey Park Ward, Oxford City Council “We were very pleased to be associated with Business in Oxford and to be supporting you.”

Simon McCrum, Managing Partner, Darbys Solicitors LLP “I just wanted to say how impressed I was with the event and the event team. It was extremely professional. Please pass my thanks to everyone who helped make it happen. I very much hope that businesses will support an event next year.”

David Edwards Executive Director, Regeneration and Housing, Oxford City Council

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B4 EVENTS

“Thank you for inviting me to the ‘Business in Oxford’ event yesterday. It was most informative and I hope it all went well for you. Another very well organised event!“ Graham Brogden MInstF(Cert), Head of Community and Deputy Director of Fundraising, Oxford Radcliffe Hospital Charitable Funds “Thank you very much for inviting me to attend the Business in Oxford Conference, it really was a an excellent event. I'm sure your team worked very hard, so congratulations - everyone I spoke to thought it was great.” Max Richardson, Oxford University Student Union “Well done yesterday – and in all the months of build up……… It was a great event – exactly what Oxfordshire business needs – and as ever you did a brilliant job of organising everything.

“I hope the feedback is all excellent – it certainly should be! Very well done and thanks very much for including me.” John F Kennedy, Wildbore & Gibbons LLP “Well done for yesterday it was very well ran, professional and interesting to listen to. Great that you got so many high flyers together in the same spot.

“I am sure you will get excellent feedback and that next year (subject to A34) will be an even better success.“ Paul Russell, General Manager, The Oxford Hotel “I just wanted to thank you for inviting me to this event. I think you and all your team did a great job. The administration and venue were great – all the team from the Oxford College did a wonderful job directing us to all the correct theatres and generally helping out. The

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presentations were generally of a high standard and interesting. In addition, having speakers from the city council and the University of Oxford lent the event great credibility.

“For an inaugural event I think it went incredibly well. I hope it may be possible for B4 to hold a similar event again next year.” Stephen Stratton plainlaw solicitors “Just a quick email to say Well Done on Wednesday's event. It was very good indeed, well planned and well executed.” John Brookes, Isis Creative Framing Ltd

WITH SPECIAL THANKS TO Councillor Bob Price, Leader of Oxford City Council and Board Member of the Local Enterprise Partnership David Edwards, Executive Director for City Regeneration and Housing at Oxford City Council Sebastian Johnson, Manager of the Oxford Strategic Partnership Richard Venables, Director, VSL & Partners and Board Member of the Local Enterprise Partnership Professor Ian Walmsley FRS, Hooke Professor of Experimental Physics Tina Rosser, TERA events Peter Tufano, Peter Moores Dean, Saïd Business School Martin Garside, Verity Donovan and Lisa Quinn from Saïd Business School Sally Dicketts CBE, Group Chief Executive, Activate Learning Ian Francis, Principal, City of Oxford College Helen Brind, Growth and Enterprise Manager, City of Oxford College Ben Melluish, Growth and Enterprise Coordinator, City of Oxford College Student assistants from City of Oxford College

Fraser Webster, Studio X1 Commercial Students assisting Studio X1 Commercial All of our presenters Programme advertisers All B4 Staff Sponsors: Amberley Court Associates, Aston & James, B4, Blackwell’s, City of Oxford College / Activate Learning, Darbys, Helen & Douglas House, Kelly Lea PR, Oxford City Council, Oxford Innovation, Oxford Strategic Partnership, VSL. Exhibitors: Aston & James, Darbys, Heythrop Park Resort, I-Phone Experts, Isis Innovation, Low Carbon Hub, Oxford Innovation, Rhodes House, Super Connected Oxford, White October.

See pictures of the event here www.flickr.com/photos/b4magazine/ BUSINESS IN OXFORD 2015 – 30TH JUNE, 2015 AT SAÏD BUSINESS SCHOOL To register your interest in Business in Oxford 2015, either as a sponsor, exhibitor, presenter or delegate, please e-mail: events@b4-business.com Or call 01865 742211 and ask to speak to Richard Rosser, Event Director.

BUSINESS

5 57

B4 SERVICES

IPHONE-EXPERTS:

RAPID REPAIR + RETURN = REDUCED DOWNTIME. Being constantly online for business is pretty much a prerequisite. Steve Anderson of Bloxham Mill-based iPhone-experts shares how they help corporate, SME, education and insurance clients to achieve just that…

In a “nutshell” what does iPhone-experts do?

We repair Apple hand-held devices: we undertake a range of repairs from simple screen repairs to completely rebuilding units with our refurbishment service.

If a customer requires, we review the damage and give them a report indicating the level of repair required. In the majority of cases economic repair is possible and for the insurance industry for example, our damage reports act as a means of validating damage claims.

What would you say is your most common repair request?

Undoubtedly accidental damage of iPad screens…

How long have you been in business?

We’re just coming to the end of our first year and have already moved offices three times within Bloxham Mill because we’ve grown so quickly. The flexibility of a serviced office environment with the opportunity to upscale has been invaluable; this just wouldn’t be possible within a conventional office lease. Our volume of repair instructions has quadrupled and we’re becoming the repair centre of choice for hand-held device repairs. Incidentally, we’re becoming affectionately known as “IPE” and are officially rebranding later this year.

Tell us about your customers…

We specialise in corporate organisations, SMEs, Apple Resellers and specifically, the Education and Insurance sectors, which have devices in continual need of repair. We also offer repairs to the public sector and people are free to pop in and see us with their broken devices; they can even sit and have a coffee whilst they wait.

The Insurance industry inevitably has a high volume of damage claims and our comprehensive device reporting can confirm the levels of damage, to ensure that it matches the claim. Equally, in the Education sector – particularly private schools – where as well as a need to maintain continued online learning access, there’s also a responsibility and duty of care to look after students’ equipment when they board.

And your team?

We’re fully trained to undertake iPhone and iPad repairs on a wide range of models at high volume, 58

operating from our headquarters at Bloxham Mill.

Our clients are assigned a dedicated account manager and also a technician to keep them fully informed of what’s happening.

Additionally, we employ apprentices and work in conjunction with the Banbury Young Homeless Project (BYHP) to give disadvantaged young people a career track.

In our first year of “ business we’ve moved offices three times within Bloxham Mill because we’ve grown so quickly. The flexibility of a serviced office environment with the opportunity to upscale has been invaluable; this just wouldn’t be possible within a conventional office lease.

The business bonus is that although we’re a repair centre we’re still in a professional, friendly setting rather than an industrial unit. We can make use of the meeting rooms when meeting clients and be proud of the environment we’re in

”

Steve Anderson, Managing Director, iPhone-experts Ltd

What’s been the best bit so far?

We took part in our first exhibition last September –“The Headmasters’ Conference” in London – the response was fantastic; in fact we’re still receiving leads now, many months on! We’re now looking after devices for several prominent schools in both the Oxfordshire area and nationwide.

And the biggest challenge?

Adapating our systems in line with the fast-pace of our growth, entry into new markets and then tailoring them to maximise service delivery. Via our online portal, our clients can view and track each repair. We tailor this service to enable insurance companies to give online approval to proceed with claims that we’ve reported on.

Didn’t you win an award recently?

We did! We entered three categories of the Cherwell Business Awards; won “New Business of the Year” and were shortlisted for “Customer Care” and “Overall Business of the Year”. It was a little humbling being at such a glittering awards ceremony so early on in our trading “life” as everything has happened so fast. We’re thrilled to get this recognition which really says that we’re doing what we should be and doing it well.

Give us five reasons why a customer should use iPhone-experts…

1. Standards. We’re trained, experienced and proven. We deliver excellent standards of service via dedicated account managers and technicians.

2. Turnaround. We usually repair and return devices within 24 hours.

3. Value. Our service is specialised but we’re competitively priced.

4. Transparency. Our online portal means that clients can always see what is happening to their devices – 24/7.

5. Warranty. We offer a 12-month warranty on repairs – we were one of the first repair centres in our industry to do this.

Finally, what’s next for iPhone-experts Steve?

It’s all about expansion: in our current business areas – especially Insurance and Education; rebranding as IPE and excitingly, adding another brand of devices to our service. It’s really stressful when someone breaks their device, but when they do, we can usually review, repair and return within 24 hours of receiving it. www.iphone-experts.co.uk

www.b4-business.com

L to R: Steve Anderson, managing director and Scott Garbett, technical director

IN FOCUS...

Whether you have just 1 or 50+ Apple devices – from the iPad 1, to the latest iPad Air; to the 3GS newer iPhone 5S – iPhone-experts will keep your downtime to a minimum…

• We undertake a range of repairs from simple screen repairs to completely rebuilding units by means of our refurbishment service.

• Dedicated, trained account managers and technicians.

• Fast turnaround of repair – usually within 24 hours of us receiving a device.

• Transparency: online portal for client review/track of device repair progress.

• High service standards delivered with costeffective value.

• Ease of use: simple ordering system and a tailored process to suit your needs.

• 12-month warranty on repairs.

www.b4-business.com

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news Congratulations to B4 winners and nominees at this year’s Oxfordshire Business Awards THE HAYS CUSTOMER CARE AWARD Winner: Brethertons LLP Finalist: Shawcity

THE OXFORDSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT AWARD Finalists: Grundon Waste Management

THE HEART FM MARKETING EXCELLENCE AWARD Finalist: Advertising & Design (ADS)

THE SHAW GIBBS BUSINESS PERSON OF THE YEAR AWARD Finalists: Shaun Jardine, Brethertons LLP & Timon Colegrove, Hunts paper & pixels

THE OXFORDSHIRE APPRENTICESHIP OF THE YEAR AWARD Finalist: The Oxford Knowledge Company THE SHAW GIBBS YOUNG BUSINESS PERSON OF THE YEAR AWARD Winner: Dave Fletcher, White October Finalist: Alex Minchin, Zest Digital Marketing

THE MILTON PARK SMALL BUSINESS AWARD Winner: Shawcity THE NATWEST LARGE BUSINESS AWARD Winner: Darke & Taylor

Brethertons Wins at the Prestigious Oxfordshire Business Awards 2014 Regional, rapidly-expanding and award-winning legal services provider Brethertons LLP is proud and delighted to announce their award win at the prestigious Oxfordshire Business Awards in the ‘Customer Care’ Category, sponsored by Hays Recruitment.

With judging criteria spanning topics such as the development of a culture of service excellence -including defined customer service standards, effective customer service provision, as well as an effective monitoring and complaints system and how effective customer care has benefitted Brethertons, its staff and its clients - winning the award is a high accolade indeed.

Darke & Taylor Win Large Business Award at the Oxfordshire Business Awards Kidlington based Electrical Engineers and Contractors, Darke & Taylor Ltd, have just capped off a remarkable 12 months and by celebrating their success in winning The Natwest Large Business Award at the 2014 .

Oxfordshire Business Awards. The award was open to any Oxfordshire business that employs more than 25 staff or has an annual turnover in excess of £5 million.

White October founder Dave Fletcher is Oxfordshire’s Young Business Person of the Year White October is very proud to announce that the firm’s 36-year old founder and managing director Dave Fletcher has become Oxfordshire’s Young Business Person of the Year 2014.

The accolade was awarded on June 20 at the county’s most prestigious awards event, The Oxfordshire Business Awards, where over 500 guests attended a gala dinner at the luxurious Four Pillars Hotel, Sandford.

Winners, selected by an expert judging panel, were announced in fifteen categories, all highly contested by the county’s most talented and successful organisations and individuals..

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news Oxfordshire Business Awards : Celebrating the very best of Oxfordshire Businesses

500 people attended the prestigious Oxfordshire Business Awards Ceremony which was celebrating its 20th anniversary. Held at the Oxford Thames Four Pillars Hotel, Sandford, the sun shone brightly as finalists and guests gathered on the hotel’s river-bank garden where drinks and canapés were served.

The evening began with a very warm welcome from Awards Chairman, Paul Lowe from Darbys Solicitors. Presenter for the evening was former England rugby player and TV presenter, Martin Bayfield.

The Oxfordshire Business Awards is now firmly one of the biggest highlights of the Oxfordshire business calendar.

The winners of the Oxfordshire Business Awards 2014 are: THE CARTER JONAS EXPORT AWARD Oxford Cryosystems, Long Hanborough

THE HAYS CUSTOMER CARE AWARD Brethertons, Banbury THE HEART FM MARKETING EXCELLENCE AWARD Hook Norton Brewery, Hook Norton

THE OXFORDSHIRE LEP NEW BUSINESS AWARD Oxford Space Systems, Harwell THE MILTON PARK SMALL BUSINESS AWARD Shawcity, Watchfield

THE OXFORDSHIRE APPRENTICESHIP OF THE YEAR AWARD Airbus Helicopters, Kidlington

THE NATWEST LARGE BUSINESS AWARD Darke & Taylor, Kidlington

THE SHAW GIBBS YOUNG BUSINESS PERSON OF THE YEAR AWARD Dave Fletcher, White October, Oxford

THE BLUE LAW BY DARBYS EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR AWARD Audley Travel, Witney

THE OXFORD BROOKES UNIVERSITY INNOVATION AWARD Adlens, Oxford

THE OWEN MUMFORD BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARD Oxford Products, Witney

THE OXFORD TIMES CHARITY & COMMUNITY AWARD Synolos, Witney

www.oxfordshirebusinessawards.co.uk @OxBizAwards #OxBizAwards2014

THE RIDGEWAY DIGITAL INNOVATION AWARD Greenredeem, Benson THE FOUR PILLARS CULTURAL EVENTS & TOURISM AWARD Chipping Norton Literary Festival, Chipping Norton THE OXFORDSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT AWARD Bookpoint, Milton Park THE SHAW GIBBS BUSINESS PERSON OF THE YEAR AWARD Andrew Hammond, Oxford Products, Witney Former England rugby player and TV presenter, Martin Bayfield

www.b4-business.com

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2%

Deteriorated

8%

Stayed the same

Improved

90%

In terms of the general level of economic confidence in the Thames Valley in the last six months respondents believe this has...

A STREET-LEVEL VIEW OF BUSINESS SENTIMENT ACROSS THE THAMES VALLEY Helping to inform decisions on growth, investment and employment in the region. Article by Simon Brooker.

Economic confidence graph Accountants and business consultants BDO LLP, in conjunction with marketing specialists C8 Consulting, have published the results of the sixth Thames Valley Business Barometer.

Taken from a survey of the region’s business community, this twice yearly report provides a snapshot of business sentiment across the Thames Valley and has created a picture of emerging trends in the region.

Turnover Graph 8%

The latest survey, which ran during April and May, included in-depth profiles of five Thames Valley businesses: CliniMed Holdings Ltd, Netdespatch, Quantel, Hitachi Capital Car Solutions and Coffey International, and a roundtable discussion of the results by members of the Barometer Panel.

6%

Business confidence remains at a record high

86%

In the next six months turnover will...

Increase Decrease Remain the same

86% 6% 8%

The Thames Valley Business Barometer has recorded a further, impressive rise in levels of confidence across the region, demonstrating how the mood of the business community in the Thames Valley has become significantly more buoyant. As economic conditions have strengthened, confidence among Thames Valley businesses has risen dramatically. In our latest survey, 90% of business leaders felt that confidence in the economy had improved compared to 79% in December 2013 and just 31% this time last year. That’s a staggering rise of almost 60% over the last year.

Eight out of ten businesses say turnover has increased These renewed levels of confidence can also be seen in other performance figures. 82% of respondents had seen an increase in turnover with 86% telling us that they expect this to continue.

This time last year only 65% reported an increase and at the end of 2012 the figure was just 46%.

“Over the past six months the indicators have

Turnover Graph 14%

continued to rise and we are now seeing early signs of barriers appearing - in particular a shortage of skilled labour.

”

4%

Headcount is increasing

82%

In the previous six months turnover...

82% 4% 14%

62

Increased Decreased Remained the same

Since the start of 2012 about 40% of businesses had consistently reported increasing the number of people they employ. By the end of 2013 this had risen to just under 50% and now the figure stands at 61% with 7 out of 10 businesses surveyed indicating that they expect headcount to increase over the next six months. This shows that businesses are turning their confidence into action and is good news for the local labour market. However, it will inevitably put pressure on the ever increasing ‘war on talent’, as demand for skilled staff outstrips supply - a picture, according to BDO’s national Business Trends Survey, that is already emerging in sectors such as manufacturing and construction.

Availability of finance improves Last December’s barometer report was the first in which we had seen businesses feeling more positive about access to finance. 33% believed it had become easier; a dramatic increase from www.b4-business.com

B4 SPOTLIGHT In the previous six months headcount...

61% 10% 29%

Increased Decreased Remained the same

The next six months headcount is expected to...

71% 4% 25%

29%

Increase Decrease Remain the same 25%

4% 10% 6%

71%

Headcount Graph

Headcount Graph

Declined to comment

1%

20% Central/South America

28% North America

15% Australasia

25% Asia

24% Middle East/Africa

94%

In the last Barometer report I suggested that the key economic battleground had shifted from one of austerity to helping businesses achieve sustained growth. Over the last six months the indicators have continued to rise and we are now seeing early signs of barriers to growth appearing: in particular a shortage of skilled labour. This is partly due to a lack of investment during the recession as well as the draw of other regions, particularly London, as the economy recovers. It is important therefore that the business community and local authorities work together to ensure that the region remains an attractive location for skilled people to work and live and for ambitious businesses to thrive.

22% Europe/non-EU

The main barrier to entering a new overseas market for a fifth of respondents was the lack of opportunity to build relationships with key influencers and decision makers, while 11% found that it was having to deal with new regulations, standards and procedures and a further 11% found it was the cultural and language differences. This highlights an urgent need to provide businesses looking to export with help and support in these areas.

47% Europe/EU

Barriers to Entry

Availability Graph

UK

When we looked at the main drivers for expanding sales into new geographies many respondents talked about the globalisation of their clients and the need to service their requirements globally. Others saw the opportunity for growing the business overseas with these countries representing new target areas for growth.

5%

In the latest Barometer we looked at how businesses in the region intend to sell and grow.

Thames Valley companies have massive untapped potential to expand, but they need the right backing to help them compete globally and break into new markets. 56% of the businesses surveyed sell overseas with the EU being by far the most popular market (47%).

North America, Non EU Europe, Middle East/Africa and Asia were each markets for about a quarter of those businesses surveyed.

Harder

57%

‘Going to Market’ Strategies

No Change

Change reported on the availability of finance...

37%

the start of 2013 when the figure was only 14%. In the latest survey the figures have remained static with just over a third of respondents believing that access to finance had become easier over the last six months while half felt it had remained the same. During our round table discussion of the survey results representatives of the banks on our Barometer panel confirmed that they are definitely open for business and that it is a key priority for them to lend to businesses.

Easier

61%

Popular Markets Graph

THE FULL RESULTS OF THE SURVEY… … can be accessed via the BDO LLP website (www.bdo.co.uk/news/thames-valley-businessbarometer) or the C8 Consulting website, the founders and inspiration behind the Twenties Club (www.c8consulting.co.uk/twenties_club) The next Thames Valley Business Barometer survey will take place in the Autumn. Please contact ian.white@bdo.co.uk for more details of how you can get involved or for a copy of the report.

www.b4-business.com

Simon Brooker

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Corporate AS A COMPANY, HOW DO YOU SAY ‘THANKS’ TO YOUR STAFF, YOUR CUSTOMERS OR SUPPLIERS? c WE HAVE THE PERFECT SOLUTION FOR YOU. oviding fantastic off ers ttoo the general public vouch ha vouch have ve been pr providing offers ffor or over thr ee year great plac es lik e: three yearss now now,, great places like:

with more vouchers coming up for sale weekly c It’s a great way for you to buy a voucher at a 50% discount (at least) and say ‘thanks’ to someone for their hard work. Corporate vouch offers you the opportunity to buy 12 vouchers for the price of 10* c Just call 01865 742211 quoting ‘Corporate vouch’ and we can put a package of vouchers together for you. c To see the full range of vouchers, see the www.vouchoffers.co.uk site c Follow vouch on Twitter or sign up for the e-newsletter at www.vouchoffers.co.uk

giving you much more for less *the credit you get for the two vouchers you don’t pay for is equivalent to the average of the 10 vouchers you do pay for.

B4 SPOTLIGHT

“It's also an absolute joy to be able to give a newly published author the opportunity to launch their book with us and to ensure that they have as much time and space to talk about their work as a McEwan or a Boyd would

”

Tim Winton, Booker prize nominee and winner of the Miles Franklin award. Photo © Geoffrey Swain.

MANAGING EVENTS AT BLACKWELL'S, RETAILER OF THE YEAR 2014 James Orton, Events Manager at Blackwell's Bookshop in Oxford, talks to B4 about the thrills of the job and some of the excellent events Blackwell's have coming up over the next 12 months.

Working as the Event's manager in the flagship store of Blackwell's is a challenge, at times exhausting and yet above all, an absolute honour.

My day consists of chasing publicists for an author that we'd love to host either in the shop or at one of Oxford's prestigious venues, setting up in store events and ensuring that they are run smoothly, professionally and that they give that evening's author the 15 minutes (usually longer...) of fame that they deserve. It's a part of the job that most booksellers adore, and this is what I do, all day, every day.

Recent highlights include the day a publisher's rep said, 'Oh, guess what, you have secured an event with Tim Winton', Tim Winton, Booker prize nominee, winner of the Miles Franklin award and author of one of my favourite novels, 'Cloudstreet'!

I get to meet him. I also had a call at home by a very excited manager to let me know that 'Cloud Atlas' author and one of our favourite writers David Mitchell is also ours (September 10th at the Sheldonian Theatre).

We had a hugely enjoyable literary festival this year which saw all of the big modern authors hanging out at the Blackwell's marquee (including a very special late night visit from one Ben Okri to join in our celebratory drinks to another successful year). www.b4-business.com

Sir Roger Bannister.

Photo © The Times

Another notch in the Blackwell's belt is the very exciting news that our first big event of 2015 will be with Michael Morpurgo, musician and actor John Tams and Barry Coope for a musically accompanied reading of 'War Horse' (January 30th at the Sheldonian Theatre).

depending on what we feel would give the most pleasure to attending guests. An informal party with Brian Aldiss at Christmas, an 'Open-Mic' poetry evening where everybody has the chance to read and even a balloon debate to decide upon our customers favourite Oxford's World's Classic.

It's also an absolute joy to be able to give a newly published author the opportunity to launch their book with us and to ensure that they have as much time and space to talk about their work as a McEwan or a Boyd would. Our view is that each event we pitch for, prepare for and run should be as if it's THE only event that we will ever host.

We are building up our database of customers for a bi-weekly mail out, so anybody wanting to can see exactly what is coming up over the coming month (events.oxford@blackwell.co.uk to sign up).

My move into events management happened in October 2012 and the very day that we went along to ensure people had the opportunity to buy Ruby Wax's new book at her talk at the Town Hall in Oxford. Since then we have played host to 112 events, not including the plethora of literary talks that happened at the literary festival in March. We have also recently held daytime signings in our Norrington Room with Sir Roger Bannister for the launch of his autobiography 'Twin Tracks', and Father and son, Jack and Michael Whitehall for 'Him and Me'. Both of which saw as many excited and gleeful young faces as the other.

Our tickets are sold at the customer service desk in the Norrington Room or by calling us on 01865 333623. We choose the events that we think our customers would like to see and are always open to ideas or suggestions.

I feel truly blessed to have this role within Blackwell's (2014's book retailer of the year, no less), and hope that the standard of the events that we run and the exciting array of new and established authors we present will continue for many years.

James Orton can be contacted at James.Orton@blackwell.co.uk, or on 01865 333620.

The joy of this role is coming up with new ideas to present a particular author to our customers 65

B4 SPOTLIGHT

NEW EVENT KITCHENS FOR

OXFORD FINE DINING

Wedding and event caterer Oxford Fine Dining has moved into its brand new kitchen and office suite in Weston on the Green, Oxfordshire. The new state of the art event kitchen has the very latest combination oven and a large walk in fridge which will make food preparation and cooking easier for Executive Chef Martin Bridgeman and his team.

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Oxford Fine Dining grew by “over 30% last year and we have ambitious plans for 2014, building on our reputation for high quality, creative dishes and excellent service and attention to detail

”

Sue Randall - Managing Director, Oxford Fine Dining

Sue Randall, Managing Director, says “Oxford Fine Dining grew by over 30% last year and we have ambitious plans for 2014, building on our reputation for high quality, creative dishes and excellent service and attention to detail.” Martin adds, “With a very busy summer ahead, the move to the new kitchen has come at the right time. Having more space will make a real difference to the food preparation team when we have up to 1000 dishes to prepare for an event.”

BBC and ITV presenter Wesley Smith opened Oxford Fine Dining’s new kitchen and offices at Weston on the Green on Thursday 1st May. Over 100 suppliers, venues, clients, event organisers and

www.b4-business.com

friends of Oxford Fine Dining enjoyed canapés and champagne whilst watching Martin and his team of chefs in action through a viewing gallery.

quality of the “The lunches will be exceptional of course!

Sue Randall - Managing Director, Oxford Fine Dining

”

The new office and kitchen complex includes a fully equipped board room that is available to hire for meetings, seminars and training. “The quality of the lunches will be exceptional of course!” adds Sue.

Guest enjoyed a selection of canapés including Sticky chilli tiger prawns on guacamole croute; Oxford blue cheese pate, roast walnut and pear crisps; Butternut squash, sage and pine nut filo basket (V); Smoked halibut bouchee, sorrel mayo and samphire garnish; Prosciutto wrapped asparagus tips, hollandaise dip and Hoi-Sin duck and spring onion rolls followed by Mini chocolate profiteroles and Mini summer berry tarts.

Wesley, Sue and Martin then cracked open a magnum of champagne that they poured into a giant glass. Guests left with a VIP goody bag full of chef Martin’s very special chocolate brownies, a signature dish, so to speak! www.oxfordfinedining.co.uk

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B4 Healthy Living and Active Lifestyle We’ve teamed up with some of our B4 Members to try and motivate our readers into getting more active and healthy.

In this issue we introduce you to Helen, Barry and Tom and give you some great events which you can participate in over the next few months.

In future editions of B4 we will feature top tips from Tom and Barry on personal fitness and some healthy eating advice from Helen.

We will always profile some great events you can participate in too and profile some of the great B4 charity members we are working with and bringing you some of their news. In this first spread we have visited the fantastic team and Helen & Douglas House to see the great work they do and report on events past and future.

If you have any events you would like to promote, please get in touch with Richard at editorial@b4-business.com. This is a feature about B4 Members for B4 Readers so please get in touch only if you are a B4 Member or you would like to become one!

Helen Money Helen Money Nutrition provides nutritional advice to private clients and corporates. Helen offers a range of corporate workshops designed to enthuse employees to eat healthily. Whether working with individuals or corporate employees the base of Helen’s approach is to guide and encourage clients to eat in a way that enables them to achieve their targets and perform the best they can.

Helen holds a BSc in Human Nutrition. Prior to studying for her degree she worked as Fund Manager in The City. The amalgamation of her work experience and qualifications enables her to create and present workshops with practical and achievable advice. www.helenmoneynutrition.com

Barry Grinham Barry’s Prime Energy is now in its fourth decade of health related fitness During this time the company has grown from strength to strength under the guidance of founder Barry Grinham, who alone has conducted in excess of 13,000 hours of personal training, besides a wealth of classes. Based in the Cotswold village of Kirtlington, the company operates from a number of venues in the region. One of which being Brookes University Centre for Sport (www.brookes.ac.uk/sport/headington), a well established centre for sporting excellence and human performance. www.primeenergy.org

Tom Alden We’ll let Tom introduce himself! “I’ve had a very varied life! I served for 5 years in HM Royal Marines, serving in both Afghanistan and Iraq. When I came back I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do next so I joined the private security industry and trained as a close protection operative, working for 8 months in the UK and Europe with A-list and B-list celebrities centred around London Fashion Week which was great fun! I then went out to the Middle East to work with prospective government candidates around the 2006 elections but quickly realised that this was the most dangerous and hair-raising job I had yet done and that there was more to life than money.

I left swiftly and spent the next 18 months as a scuba-diving instructor in South East Asia. In 2008 I was getting itchy feet again and set off for the Western Himalayas, trained with the Indian Mountaineering Association, learned a smattering of language and then assisted with and led treks. Winter was then on the horizon and I knew I had to make a choice to stay put or get out before it became impossible to do so for the next 6 months. I left, came home and in Jan 2009 started the first outdoor circuits class – which then mushroomed to become TLA Fitness with classes all over Oxfordshire. Having just recently Rowed 3000miles across the Atlantic Ocean I'm realising you can do anything in life if you just put your mind into it!” www.tlafitness.com

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B4 health Forthcoming Events for Your Diary TLA Events TLA Races Sunday 14th September 2014. TLA Fitness's fun and friendly 10k, 5k and 2.5k family races are back. Scenic route, mostly off road, t-shirts for all finishers. www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/tla-25k-5k-10k-races-tickets-7914232683 TLA charity Rowing event, TBC in the next 2-3 days (October) TLA’s charity is Blue Skye Thinking: https://blue-skye-thinking.squarespace.com/ Helen & Douglas House Events Santa Run Oxford City Centre, Sunday 7th December 2014 Registration opens 1st October. You can register online at www.helenanddouglas.org.uk. Entry is £15 for an adult, £10 for a child and under 5s go free. A 2 mile family fun run dressed as Father Christmas. Santa suits included as part of entry fee.

Where possible we will be putting B4 teams into these events. If you would like to form a B4 team, please let us know and we will be pleased to promote you through the website, magazine and social media.

Oxford Half Marathon Starting at the Kassam Stadium, Oxford, Sunday 12th October 2014 Helen & Douglas House is the local partnership charity and has a limited number of charity places up for grabs. Helen & Douglas House runners need to raise £200 in sponsorship and will be part of the HDH team!

For more information see: www.helenanddouglas.org.uk/Whats-On/

Clarke Waterman Celebrity Golf Day in aid of Helen & Douglas House Bicester Golf, Hotel and Spa Date Friday 12th September Golf Day Package - £540 for a team of three (£180 per person) More information at www.hdh.org.uk/whats-on Come and join our hosts actors Warren Clarke and Dennis Waterman and their fellow celebrities for a great day of golf and entertainment, in the beautiful tranquil surroundings of Bicester Hotel, Golf and Spa, situated conveniently near junction 9 of the M40. The Golf Day Package includes breakfast on arrival, 18 holes of golf with a celebrity and a 2 course dinner. http://bit.ly/1rKJwsT

About Helen & Douglas House Helen & Douglas House cares for seriously ill children and young adults with life-shortening conditions. We support over 300 local families offering specialist symptom and pain management, medically-supported short breaks and end-of-life care, as well as counselling and practical support for the whole family.

We need to raise over £5 million each year and with the costs of care continuing to rise, we are reliant on the generosity of our local community more than ever before.

We have a variety of events throughout the year which we hope might be of interest to B4 readers to get involved in, in support of their local charity.

Thank you. www.helenanddouglas.org.uk Registered charity: 1085951

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THE O OAKLEY AKLEY COURT COUR OURT T WINDSOR WINDSO R

AN INSPIRED CHOICE OF VENUE The Oakley Court Hotel has vast experience of hosting m major ajor conferences in stunning surroundings m making aking it an inspired choice of venue. Hold your conference at Oakley Court and you’ you’llll impress, impress, captivate and inspire your delegates.

We guarantee the very best in service standards offering conference suites and executive boardrooms within a prestigious locati location. on. Our unique unique rooms range from original rooms in the Mansion House which are over 150 years old with high ceilings and original features, to a purpose built function room called The Boathouse on the banks of the River Thames. ,,WĹŽV QRW RQO\ WKH SLFWXUHVTXH ULYHUVLGH VHWWLQJ WKDW FUHDWHV WKH ZRZ IDFWRU H[WHQVLYH OHLVXUH IDFLOLWLHV ĹšQH GLQLQJ DQG LPSHFFDEOH VHUYLFH DOO SOD\ WKHLU WĹŽV QRW RQO\ WKH SLFWXUHVTXH ULYHUVLGH VHWWLQJ WKDW FUHDWHV WKH ZRZ IDFWRU H[WHQVLYH OHLVXUH IDFLOLWLHV ĹšQH GLQLQJ DQG LPSHFFDEOH VHUYLFH DOO SOD\ WKHLU part in creating a m memorable emorable conference.

At A Glance ‡ Dedicated Meeting and Conference Coordinators ‡ Conference facilities for up to 170 ‡ Executive boardrooms for 4 – 30 ‡ Extensively equipped to meet your requirem requirements ents ‡ Extensively equipped to meet your requirem requirements ents ‡ Conference cafÊ ‡ Inspirational Training Training ‡ TTailor ailor made all inclusive packages ‡ DDR or 24 hour packages available ‡ Business service support ‡ Complimentary water

‡ Fully stocked stationery kit ‡ Use of leisure facilities for overnight delegates – indoor pool, gym nasium, tennis and 9 hole par 3 golf course gymnasium, ‡ Private dining options available ‡ Private m ooring and helipads mooring ‡ AA 2 Star Rosette Award for Culinary Excellence 2013-14 ‡ Beautiful South Awards for Excellence 2013-2014 Gold LSDGYLVRU &HUWLŚFDWH RI ([FHOOHQFH :LQQHU ‡‡ 7UULSDGYLVRU &HUWLŚFDWH RI ([FHOOHQFH :LQQHU ‡ Laterooms Simply the Guest Awards 2013 Top Rated Top

The O Oakle Oakley akley Court, Cour ourt t, Windso Windsor r Ro R Road, oad, Wa W Water ater O Oakley, akley, Windso Windsor, r, Berk Berkshire shire SL4 5UR Tel: 44 (0)1753 609988 F Fax: ax: 44(0)1628 637011 www.oakleycourt.co.uk www.oakleycour www.o ourt t.co.uk

B4 SPOTLIGHT

SEARCHING FOR THE NEXT TOURISM SUPERSTAR David Cameron talking at last year’s awards

Following on from the success of last year’s inaugural Oxfordshire Cotswolds Tourism Superstar, West Oxfordshire Tourism are delighted to announce that we will be running the initiative again this year.

Over the past three years VisitEngland has run a national search to find England’s Tourism Superstar. The award recognises the dedication and passion of those working in the tourism industry, and is awarded to an individual who goes above and beyond the call of duty to ensure visitors to England have a priceless experience.

We aim to recognise this at a local level and are yet again searching for our very own Oxfordshire Cotswolds Tourism Superstar, the individual working front of house, or behind the scenes who’s instrumental in giving the visitor the best possible experience. In association with VisitEngland and the Witney Gazette, our media partner, we are now searching for the 2014 Oxfordshire Cotswolds Tourism Superstar.

Audience at last year’s award ceremony

We are looking for an individual working in the tourism sector in West Oxfordshire, either front of house or behind the scenes, who is passionate about the Oxfordshire Cotswolds and goes above and beyond the call of duty to make the visitor experience that little bit more special: a person who is welcoming, friendly and has demonstrated a commitment to making every visitor’s trip memorable.

It’s time for you to nominate someone from your business to give them the recognition they deserve.

We are looking to shine a light on the fantastic range of businesses and individuals working in them that we have across West Oxfordshire, whether the business is large or small, an attraction or accommodation provider, a tour guide or an events company. The individual will be one that interacts with customers and enhances the visitor experience so it could be a receptionist, waiter, customer services assistant, or tour guide – anyone you can think of in your organisation that really makes a difference.

Eynsham Hall – venue for awards ceremony David Cameron with last year’s winner Walter Stewart-Brown

Last year’s winner, Walter Stewart-Brown from the Crown Plaza Heythrop Park Resort, went on to be a finalist for VisitEngland’s Tourism Superstar 2014. We look forward to celebrating the talent we have here in the Oxfordshire Cotswolds that ensures we continue to welcome over 4.2 million visitors each.

We look forward to receiving your nomination! You can submit nominations at www.oxfordshirecotswolds.org/superstar and the deadline for nominations is Wednesday 25th June.

A shortlist of five candidates will be announced in the Witney Gazette by July 2nd and, once the finalists have been announced, there will be an online public vote, which will close on 29th July 2014.

The winner will be announced at the Oxfordshire Cotswolds Summer Networking Event that will take place at Eynsham Hall on Tuesday 19th August between 5pm and 8pm The winner will be eligible for nomination to VisitEngland’s Tourism Superstar 2015.

Lady Cobham, Chair of VisitEngland, at last year’s awards.

The Criteria The Oxfordshire Cotswolds Tourism Superstar nominee must: • Work in a business that welcomes visitors • Go above and beyond the call of duty to make the visitor experience one to remember • Be available and willing to attend the finalists’ event on Tuesday 19th August • Be aware that they have been nominated and happy to participate in any related PR and media opportunities For more information and to make your Tourism Superstar nomination please visit: www.oxfordshirecotswolds.org/superstar

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THE KEYS TO CELEBRATION AND SUCCESS Howbery Business Park’s owner receives keys to create a world leading facility as the park achieves wider recognition from the Thames Valley commercial property sector and celebrates a 20th anniversary, writes Kelly Lea.

With keys to a new building presented to HR Wallingford and park representatives by Kier Construction on 17 April, work is now fully underway to create one of the world’s largest maritime test facilities following the successful completion of a £3m development at Howbery Business Park.

HR Wallingford’s Fast Flow Facility called F3 will be housed within the 17,000 sq. ft. building and is capable of holding up to 1,000,000 litres of water, equivalent to filling 12,500 average sized baths spanning the length of 4.5 tennis courts. It will have the capacity to generate waves up to a metre high and currents in excess of 1m/s.

The F3 is being created to enhance the company’s scour, sediment and structure modelling in the maritime, coastal and energy sectors, and will feature alongside an expanded manufacturing space to increase product design and fabrication capabilities.

Dr. Keith Powell, Director, HR Wallingford, said: “It is an extremely exciting time at HR Wallingford as our new facility will significantly increase our modelling capabilities, helping us to extend our lead in the renewable energy and maritime sectors.”

The purpose built building will also become home to HR Wallingford’s world class Ship Simulation Centre with four real-time, 360 degree field view simulators and two tug bridge simulators, built in conjunction with the company’s newly upgraded facility in Perth, Australia, to improve its international capability.

John Ormston, Chief Executive of HR Wallingford and Howbery Business Park explains: “HR Wallingford has been based at the park since 1952 and has since become a world-renowned civil engineering and environmental hydraulics company. The Howbery community is very much looking forward to sharing in HR Wallingford’s continued success and is excited about the opening of this fantastic new facility.”

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HR Wallingford continues to grow having seen its turnover increase in all sectors by 10% year on year for the past three years in addition to 65% of its trade taking place overseas. Staff numbers have also increased to over 300 from less than 250 in the last three years.

Watch this space as an exciting opening of HR Wallingford’s new building is being planned for October this year and it is anticipated that a special guest will visit the park to open the state of the art facility.

Prestigious Award Finalist The Howbery Business Park team were delighted to discover the park was named as one of just three finalists in an award for Business Park of the Year at the inaugural Thames Valley Property Awards.

According to organisers, the business park category was created to celebrate the ability of the developer, owner or management team to market the business park by new initiatives, maintain high occupancy levels and consistently receive positive feedback from tenants.

The Howbery team has unquestionably created a community driven environment, going to extra lengths to provide a healthy work-life balance for tenants, including the installation of new facilities for its active sports and social club and use of a Howbery owned boat for picturesque trips along the river Thames.

A Howbery YouTube channel has also been created where viewers can experience an insight into the park in addition to hearing comments from current tenants.

Howbery Business Park proudly claims the title as the UK’s first solar-powered business park with major occupiers include HR Wallingford, GTI Media and the Environment Agency, the latter of which celebrates its 20th anniversary as first park tenant, aside from park owner HR Wallingford.

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John Ormston Chief Executive of HR Wallingford and Glyn Salmon Director of Kier Construction

“The Howbery team has unquestionably created a community driven environment, going to extra lengths to provide a healthy work-life balance for tenants, including the installation of new facilities for its active sports and social club

”

John Ormston - Chief Executive of HR Wallingford and Howbery Business Park

B4 PROPERTY

“We are all very much looking forward to the development of Howbery over the next 20 years and to celebrating the big 40 with EA!

”

John Ormston - Chief Executive of HR Wallingford and Howbery Business Park

John Ormston, Chief Executive HR Wallingford and Howbery Business Park, and Julia Simpson Area Manager of Environment Agency

Happy 20th Anniversary Environment Agency moved to Howbery Business Park in 1994 when it was known as the National Rivers Authority before the government formed the Environment Agency in 1995.

During its 20-year occupancy of the park, Environment Agency has more than doubled the number of employees to approximately 200, accounting for a quarter of staff employed by businesses at the park.

“Given the exceptionally busy start to the year for the Environment Agency team, we wanted to celebrate their 20th anniversary at Howbery Business Park and also to commend them for the fantastic work they are doing,” comments John Ormston.

He continues: “A lot has changed during the time Environment Agency has been at the park and Howbery has evolved to accommodate tenant needs, irrespective of business size and sector.”

Fast Flow Facility

Environment Agency originally occupied several small buildings on the park before moving to state of the art building Red Kite House (35,000 sq. ft.) in 2005, designed and built to mirror Kestrel House occupied by HR Wallingford.

Julia Simpson, Area Manager of the Environment Agency, said: “We have very much enjoyed working here and the site has proved to be a great location.”

Howbery Business Park offers both short-term lets and larger, long-term options in bespoke office builds. Substantial development opportunities exist with planning permission granted for 140,000 sq. ft. of new office space.

John Ormston concludes: “We are all very much looking forward to the development of Howbery over the next 20 years and to celebrating the big 40 with Environment Agency!”

For further information on development and tenancy opportunities at Howbery Business Park, visit howberypark.com www.b4-business.com

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B4 SPOTLIGHT

INVESTING IN THE PAST Every business, large or small, in whatever industry, with whatever goal, will be concerned with investment. It’s business 101; you simply cannot grow, expand, or move forward without investing.

Oxford Castle Quarter is no exception. We secure our future by investing in the past. We understand that in order to secure the long-term future of our business we need to look to what has come before.

Spend just one day at Oxford Castle Quarter and it will become clear why.

There would be no Oxford Castle Quarter had The Trevor Osborne Group not chosen to invest in the historic buildings and structures of the former Norman castle and city gaol.

Re-using historic buildings has numerous benefits; it is both economically and environmentally sustainable to do so.

The regeneration of historic buildings attracts external interest and investment. At Oxford Castle Quarter that is evident in the much-loved brands such as Pizza Express and La Tasca. Areas designated for protection attract business, buyers, and tenants adding value to property in the vicinity.

We live in a society increasingly concerned with the effects of greenhouse gas emissions. The re-use of historic buildings drastically reduces, and in some cases, completely eliminates the need for demolition waste and new constructions. In this, we use the past, to care for the future.

Finding new uses for historic buildings also means that we are better able to secure the long-term future of our historic and cultural landscape whilst ensuring commercial sustainability.

Our sense of history is shared by many of the commercial business located at Oxford Castle Quarter.

Visitors to Oxford Castle Unlocked will learn

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about the real people and events from the sites turbulent past: the first Oxford teachings, the owners, visionaries, activists and inmates. People like Marshall William Smith, the King’s prison keeper, who in the 1600’s made Oxford Prison as feared and as notorious as Colditz; Mary Blandy a convicted murderess, who became an eighteenth-century celebrity; Jack Ketch, the public executioner and the man on whom the Punch and Judy hangman character was modelled; Anne Green, who survived her own hanging and narrowly escaped being anatomised by an Oxford medical student in 1650.

The beautiful Malmaison hotel, at the heart of the castle complex, also embraces its history and heritage. The Malmaison Hotel Oxford, has taken up residency in the former prison and the hotel has been designed to retain many of the prison’s original features. Three cells have been knocked into one to form bedrooms, carefully done to provide luxury and amenity, whilst still retaining its unique historical character, including the wooden cell doors and spy holes. A tourist destination in its own right the hotel offers tours on request, explaining the history of the prison, buildings and former occupants. An original cell is also open to the public, remaining untouched since the closure of the prison since 1996, allowing visitors an interactive insight into the history of the hotel.

And this summer we’re delving into the past once again! To mark the 450th birthday of William Shakespeare Oxford Castle Quarter is embarking upon a summer full of theatre.

Tomahawk Theatre will be returning to Oxford Castle unlocked this summer to present A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Shakespeare’s hilarious comedy, in July. An evening of romance and midsummer magic where takes of mistaken identity and unrequited love interchange with the power struggle between Oberon and Titania, the antics of mischievous fairies and the playacting

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of Bottom and his friends. This elegant, dynamic and stylish production will include song and dance while always remaining faithful to Shakespeare’s beautiful language.

Launching a brave new annual season of popular plays by English playwrights, Oxford Castle will host Shakespeare’s riotous Twelfth Night in an unprecedented co-production with the English Repertory Theatre, to be presented open air on the Castle Mound and in the Exercise Yard and directed

by Gavin Davis from July until September this year.

An ensemble of just 10 actors will take the audience through this dazzling adventure comedy and welcome back to Oxford, Jack Taylor (Fat Christ / Merry Wives of Windsor) who appeared as a most crowd pleasing Falstaff last year. Whilst never losing sight of the glorious verse be warned, if you sit in the front row you will get wet.

And there’s more! Following on from last year’s sellout success of Pride and Prejudice, join Oxford Theatre Guild for their exciting Promenade production of Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales at Oxford Castle Unlocked.

Mike Poultons’s deliciously witty adaptation, first produced by the Royal Shakespeare Company, reclaims The Canterbury Tales for contemporary audiences whilst staying true to Chaucer’s wonderful original.

“

We live in a society increasingly concerned with the effects of greenhouse gas emissions. The re-use of historic buildings drastically reduces, and in some cases, completely eliminates the need for demolition waste and new constructions. In this, we use the past, to care for the future.

”

Sam Pace, Operations Manager for Oxford Castle Quarter, says, ‘We’re very excited to welcome The English Repertory Theatre, Tomahwak Theatre, and Oxford Theatre Guild to Oxford Castle Quarter. It’s an architecturally stunning backdrop which will really bring to life what we know will be a series of dynamic theatrical experiences. There are so many unique spaces in the castle complex that it really will be Shakespeare as you’ve never seen it before!

It’s a match made in heaven; Shakespeare’s most famous plays in Oxford’s most cultural Quarter.’

Sam Pace, Operations Manager - Oxford Castle Quarter

www.oxfordcastlequarter.com

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A perfect venue for a productive day Facilities include: • Fully modernised meeting & conference facilities • Excellent road & rail links • Seperate meeting & break out rooms • Also suitable for seminars & exhibitions

conferences

• Free wifi available

sales seminars

• Ample free parking

events@frilfordheath.co.uk

meetings

for a perfect day Your special day: Greet your guests in our elegant Skelton Suite with a glass of champagne and canapés.

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

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

for a golf day

Qualifying School Venue SUMMER PACKAGE from

£85

per person

Until 31st October 2014

INCLUDES: • Unlimited golf - play all 3 of our Championship Courses • Home cooked food served in the Clubhouse

events@frilfordheath.co.uk

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

FRILFORD HEATH GOLF CLUB

B4 MARKETING

Digital is an environment “ that requires concentrated effort in order to get ahead of the competition

”

CONCENTRATED CONTENT: SQUASHING THE COMPETITION Whatever the desired result, content has always driven our online experiences. We interact with a huge variety of content each and every day, across a wide number of formats from social media and blog posts, to video and white papers. It’s the glue that bonds together all the many digital channels available to us. SMEs are reaping the benefits, which include; lead generation, brand advocacy, increased brand visibility, and reputation management.

Content marketing has gained in popularity thanks to the excellent return on investment it can provide. The latest Bellwether (IPA) report concluded that over a quarter of UK businesses are set to increase their marketing budgets in 2014, the highest figure since the financial crash of 2008. Another study by Marketo suggests that 51% of UK businesses plan to increase their spend on content marketing in the same period.

Advances in technology are enabling businesses to reach their customers across a wide range of digital channels, across multiple devices. This demand comes at a price. Marketing teams are under more pressure to achieve and report on performance across each channel, often at the expense of being able to step back and ensure the overall strategy is being executed effectively.

“Being stuck in the detail is the biggest risk to inhouse marketing teams”, says Zest’s young director, Alex Minchin. “It’s important to remain goalfocused, and for marketing managers to avoid falling into the Jack-of-all category. Trying to take on too much, or diluting skills across too many disciplines is often reflected in the results produced. www.b4-business.com

Digital is an environment that requires concentrated effort in order to get ahead of the competition.”

Digital marketing presents a massive opportunity for businesses to build authority and trust within their respective markets. Zest work with their clients to position them as thought leaders, to support inhouse marketing teams in reaching new customers and markets.

It’s exciting times for this young agency, which has gone from strength-to-strength each year since forming in 2010. An office move to the Oxford Science Park is on the horizon for summer of this year, and they will be making their way to the prestigious Oxfordshire Business Awards on the 20th of June. Alex Minchin was recently shortlisted for the Young Business Person of the Year award, and he’s quick to credit his excellent team for his success.

Alex mentions, “It’s an incredible feeling to be shortlisted as a finalist for the Young Business Person of the Year award. We work incredibly hard as a team and having that support allows me time to focus on the strategy and service we deliver. It’s

a proud acknowledgement of how far we’ve come.”

So what does the next 12-months hold? Alex believes that the demands of content, and increasing pressure on in-house marketing teams to deliver across multiple channels, means that specialist agencies like Zest will play a larger part in the success of their clients.

Alex plans to continue expanding his team and client base, and is enthusiastic for what the future holds. “Oxfordshire is a county that is primed for excellence in the digital and creative sectors.

There’s every reason to be buoyant given the talent available, and the exciting businesses that are based here. I want to continue to bring together these skills to support to businesses in making best use of the huge potential from digital channels.

Since starting out as a solo outfit in 2010, Zest have expanded into a multi-skilled team, working with local, national, and more recently international clients, having recently picked up significant business in both the US and Africa. Zest is currently recruiting for roles in client services and account management. To apply, simply head over to their website at www.zestdigital.com.

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SCOTTFRASER COMPLETE

CITY NETWORK

Edward Parkinson Sales

Laura Stafford Lettings

East Oxford Office

scottfraser East Oxford Sales Office launches from 1st July 2014 from their well-established lettings offices on the Cowley Road. Edward Parkinson will head the sales operation joining Laura Stafford and her lettings team.

PART OF THE SCENE “scottfraser have been busy in East Oxford since 2005 achieving record prices over the years in Stanley Road, Aston Street and on the Cowley & Iffley Roads.

We now look to consolidate our existing reputation in the area and provide a more specific local expertise and service” states Edward Parkinson.

CONNECTED AND COOPERATING “We always try to approach our business from an original perspective” says Managing Director, David Blythman “and this third city sales offices completes a unique network where the entire City team works together with no geographical boundaries, sharing buyer leads and properties. This means both buyers and sellers benefit from three proactive teams working in harmony to help them move successfully.”

Witney Office

Recent East Oxford instructions and successes include the sale of The Green Street Bindery to a local artist, a portfolio of seven letting houses on the Iffley Road, a lovely split period home in Iffley Fields and an entire hamlet for development on the outskirts of Garsington.

If you would like to see how scottfraser consistently achieve exceptional sales and lets, please contact Edward Parkinson and Laura Stafford at our Cowley Road offices, in East Oxford, on 01865 244 666. www.scottfraser.co.uk

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Chris Rowntree Sales

Nick Hume Lettings

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B4 PROPERTY

Headington Office

Summertown Office

Adrian Wraight Sales

James Hindson Lettings

Nicola Horner Sales

Head Office Lime Walk

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Tracey Hickford Lettings

Andrew Greenwood Lettings

David Blythman Sales

Michael Joubert Property Management

John Gebbels Property Investment

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“Chariots and

Cherry Pie will be the only place where you can shine, dine and unwind in one location�

Claire and Jonathan Hilsdon - Chariots & Cherry Pie

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www.b4-business.com

B4 R&R

CHARIOTS & CHERRY PIE A unique new destination diner and car spa has arrived in the UK. Chariots and Cherry Pie takes inspiration from the fun and fearlessness of 1950s, when America’s love affair with cool cars and fabulous food was in full swing.

Chariots and Cherry Pie is the brainchild of Oxfordshire based entrepreneurs Claire and Jonathan Hilsdon who thought up the idea while on holiday in Turkey last year. Both have a love affair with America and all things American and wanted to bring an authentic, fun and memorable concept to the UK which embraces true Americana.

Both Claire and Jonathan have travelled all over the States and their first-hand experience of ‘real’ American diner food and the friendly, impeccable service always impressed them. Right from the start they wanted to create a business with a ‘wow’ factor which would make people smile. So the idea was born to combine a premium hand car wash with an amazing diner offering gourmet food and drink.

Neither Claire or Jonathan had first hand experience within the restaurant or car wash industries, so to bring the concept to life they decided to join forces with and appoint an executive chef, a general manager and a wider team of consultants, covering everything from food hygiene and car wash services to marketing and PR. Their car wash facility has been designed and built by market leaders Karcher, and the executive and head chef have created a mouth-watering menu

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which includes all the items you’d expect from an American diner, including all-day breakfasts, amazing malt milkshakes, gourmet burgers and hot dogs, pulled pork and traditional desserts including sundaes, home-made apple pie and the Cherry Pie Diner’s signature cherry pie.

We are committed to delivering delicious food made from high quality local produce in a comfortable and fun environment, with the highest standard of customer service across both our diner and car spa with the aim of becoming the family favourite destination for miles around.’

Situated off the A420, or Route 420, near Buckland in Oxfordshire, the first permanent Cherry Pie Diner opened its doors to the public in early June 2014.

A second Chariots and Cherry Pie is due to open in Grove late 2014. It will feature a diner and car spa followed by a boutique Cherry Pie Motel in 2015. From early August a temporary diner will be on site giving locals the opportunity to sample the Cherry Pie Diner menu.

In addition to a mouth watering array of delicious all American dishes, guests can also take advantage of daily deals including the Early Bird family dinner including pot roasts and meat loaf, Saturday Super Dads car and breakfast discounts, and half price drinks and shakes during Happy Homework Hours.

What's more, from early July visitors will be able to get a premium hand car wash and valet at the first Chariots Car Spa. Whether you’re looking for a quick exterior hand car wash right through to a full exterior wash, polish and valet service, the Chariots Car Spa team will be on hand and ready to make your ride really shine.

Founders Claire and Jonathan Hilsdon comment: ‘Chariots and Cherry Pie will be the only place where you can shine, dine and unwind in one location.

The 1950’s vintage-style Cherry Pie Diner Mobile Diner which served as a temporary diner on site at Buckland whilst renovation work took place on main diner, will now be hitting the road and appearing all over the country at some of the biggest and best summer events. The trailer will also be available for private hire for weddings, parties and corporate events. The team is happy to customize the menu to suit individual tastes, dietary requirements and themes.

Visit www.chariotsandcherrypie.co.uk further details.

Twitter: @chariots_cherry Facebook: facebook.com/chariotsandcherrypie Instagram: @chariots_cherrypie

for

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B4 SPOTLIGHT

Whether it’s increasing “sales, boosting profits or attracting new customers, Amanda can help businesses achieve their goals

”

Amanda Baker - Endeavour Consulting

COLIN DEXTER GIVES HIS BLESSING TO ‘ENDEAVOUR CONSULTING’ With twenty years’ experience in the Hospitality sector, Amanda Baker today launched Endeavour Consulting, an Oxfordshire-based consultancy offering freelance sales and marketing assistance and guidance to small to medium enterprises within the hospitality, leisure and tourism industry.

‘Endeavour’ is the first name of Inspector Morse, Oxfordshire’s most famous literary export, so Amanda decided to seek the blessing of longterm friend Colin Dexter before launching Endeavour Consulting. Colin said, ‘I give Amanda every right on every occasion she wishes to make every use she wishes for Endeavour… Morse himself would have been utterly delighted’.

Endeavour – Try (Verb) or Effort (Noun) verb 1. to exert oneself to do or effect something; make an effort; strive: We must constantly endeavour if we are to succeed…

Amanda Baker endeavours at all times to help small businesses succeed with their sales and marketing strategies, so Endeavour Consulting seemed the perfect name for her latest venture.

Amanda has the passion and experience to improve business. Based in Oxfordshire for the past fifteen years, she brings an insider’s perspective to

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her role, and has a network of trusted clients and associates she can call on for advice and support.

Her past key clients have included BMW, GB Associates, Savills, IKEA, Heinz, Oxford Instruments, Abbot Diabetes, The Camelot Group and HSBC. Whether it’s increasing sales, boosting profits or attracting new customers, Amanda can help businesses achieve their goals. Endeavour Consulting offers sales support and guidance for companies, working with in-house personnel to develop the team, advice on procedure, and to ensure reactive teams are successful in converting enquiries. Amanda also offers a Mystery Shopper service.

Endeavour Consulting can offer expert guidance with sales and marketing strategy, helping to enhance a company’s performance and to build local and national recognition. As a Sales and Marketing professional, Amanda played an active part in achieving the Tourism, Hospitality and Attraction Award for a five star boutique hotel at the

West Oxfordshire Business Awards 2013; she was also personally shortlisted for the Tourism Superstar of West Oxfordshire Award 2013.

Amanda is experienced in event management, from small intimate weddings to Formula One Championship dinners. Endeavour Consulting aims to bring her focus and attention to detail to businesses, from the initial stage of enquiry right through to the delivery of service.

In her previous role, Amanda won new business for 2013 of £600,000 and generated £1.2 million of enquiries for the company. Endeavour Consulting aims to help clients within the corporate, leisure and travel industries to increase their profitability.

Editors For more information contact Amanda: 07711825005 Amanda@endeavour-consulting.co.uk www.endeavour-consulting.co.uk

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B4 R&R

YOUR BARNSLEY HOUSE The Barnsley House website claims that it ‘is a country hotel like no other….less a hotel and more your very own Cotswolds countryside retreat’. How true. We were hotel guests for an afternoon, evening and morning, but it felt like we were the only ones there. There were plenty of other guests, don’t get me wrong, but whether it was a walk to the Village Pub, or a pre dinner stroll around the beautiful hotel gardens, we were the only ones that mattered....and that doesn’t happen very often!

The short ride from Oxford on a balmy summer’s afternoon to Barnsley House was one we had made frequently on our way to stay near Cirencester. We had always driven through Barnsley, a picture perfect village just outside of Burford, looked left and said ‘ooh that looks nice’! So when we were given the opportunity to experience the wonderful Barnsley House, we couldn’t get there quick enough.

Abi welcomed us and showed us to our room, a two floor cottage with plenty of space and nothing to want for. The ground floor was our lounge and

bathroom, with a humungous double bed on the first floor. No two rooms are the same at Barnsley House. Each has its own ingeniously designed character with traditional stone fireplaces combining with sturdy beams and the most luxurious of home comforts. It’s the little things that matter and thought aplenty had certainly gone into our room.

Having yearned to visit Barnsley House for so long, it was somewhat bizarre that we took the short walk to the Village Pub, the hotel’s very own watering hole. It was a glorious afternoon and although there is a quaint garden at the back of the pub, we chose to have a drink inside – inviting on a summer’s day, this must be a magnet on a cold winter’s evening. Plump cushions, welcoming colours and a great pint of local beer, what more could you want…Scotch Eggs, it turns out! Tina had missed lunch and these tasty little appetisers helped bridge the gap before dinner. A cheeky pint

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and a gin and tonic soon turned into two and we were in danger of becoming firmly ensconced in our temporary local.

We returned to our room and changed for dinner in The Potager Restaurant, named after Rosemary Verey’s famous ornamental and vegetable garden.

Rosemary and her husband David moved into his family home in 1951 and transformed the gardens into what they are today. It was these gardens that we decided to take a pre dinner stroll around, although we had agreed to do so before we left in the morning, we didn’t want to waste the opportunity on a lovely evening to breathe in the

hours of love and toil which have been invested in what is the most magical and beautiful garden you could wish to see.

As a horticultural ignoramus, even I could appreciate its artistry. Wherever you stood, there was a view, a picture perfect frame…no doubt a photographer’s paradise. For a change I was pleased to have left the camera in the room. I could enjoy this special place as if it were ours for a moment, the birds breaking the silence with their chirpy songs…..how fortunate they were to have this as their playground!

We really were being spoilt, first the Village Pub, then an enchanting pre dinner walk and now for the main event, dinner served by the delightful Marco. People make great food, but people also make the food experience great and that’s true for Marco, our host for the night. OK he may have deprived me of my favourite wine but his

alternative suggestions were spot on and his engaging manner made the evening extra special.

For a Sunday evening, the restaurant was full and the atmosphere was fantastic with groups of all ages and all shapes and sizes enjoying excellent food, fine wine and first class hospitality. See our menu choices listed.

After dinner we took coffee in the bar area but all of that fresh air must have got to us and we soon decided to return to the room and descend into blissful slumber! More often than not when staying in a hotel we will plump for room service, but we couldn’t miss breakfast in the delightful Potager.

Smoked salmon and scrambled eggs were the order of the day for me whilst Tina went for Eggs Benedict. The sun was shining and, armed with camera, we made our way from breakfast to the gardens to commit some of those perfect frames to camera. We also took the winding path to the Barnsley Spa & Skincare Centre which has five treatment rooms, a steam room, sauna, relaxation room and heated outside hydrotherapy pool. Not even the rain could ruin our last hour.

But that was it, time to grab the bags and back to the office. What a dreary way to end, I’m sorry, but the real world couldn’t wait, as we can’t wait to revisit ‘our’ Barnsley House.

Thank you to Charlotte, Abi and Sarah for arranging our wonderful stay. www.barnsleyhouse.com

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THE MENU STARTERS Huntsham farm pork terrine, pickled garden vegetables Pickled & roasted beetroots, goats cheese & walnut praline

MAINS Local wood pigeon, coloured carrots, beetroots & apple Springfield farm chicken, girolles, bacon & black cabbage

DESERT Glazed rice pudding, rhubarb & crumble Almond blancmange, raspberry jelly & gooseberries

WINE Montagny 1er Cru “La Grand Roche” 2011 Louis Latour (Burgundy, France)

“Wherever you

stood, there was a view, a picture perfect frame… no doubt a photographer’s paradise”

MEETINGS Self contained meeting facilities are perfect for meetings, presentations, lectures, launches and functions.

There is also a 30 seater private cinema featuring the latest high-definition projector – and the seats are pink leather!

The hotel can also arrange a range of motivational activities including clay pigeon shooting, duck herding, treasure hunts, team-based challenges and garden activities with the head gardener. (some activities incur a separate charge and will need to be arranged in advance).

Get hitched at Barnsley House. Now that must be an experience! The Potager Restaurant can host 100 people or why not use the beautiful temple in the garden which can host 40? www.b4-business.com

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CITY AUDIO VISUAL

It’s staggering how time flies when you’re busy. Since we last wrote in March, it feels like we’ve barely stopped. A huge number of full-timers and freelancers have been rocketing back and forth from our Oxford unit, working around the county and the south-east.

So, what have we been up to? It’s difficult to know where to start! I believe one of our signature recent events was at Oxford University’s Sheldonian Theatre, at the end of May. The Elders is an apolitical panel of global leaders, founded by Nelson Mandela in 2007. We provided a stateof-the-art D&B Audiotechnik PA system for the debate. The panel is currently headed by former UN SecretaryGeneral Kofi Annan, and former American President Jimmy Carter. The debate - Conflict, Dialogue and Peace: Speaking Truth to Power - was open to the public and broadcast globally via the Internet; we were pleased to provide this service.

Also at the Sheldonian, we have provided not only a PA, but a simultaneous translation, for Dr Kazuo Inamori, the business guru renowned for turning Japan Airlines from a bankrupt firm to the world’s most profitable airline.

As mentioned in our previous article, we take our commitment to good causes seriously. We continue to work with Breast Cancer Care, a charity which organises its Pink Ribbon Walk fundraisers across the country. These popular events are ongoing as I type, and we are proud to support BCC in their admirable efforts (the June events are taking place in Perthshire and Derbyshire). We have also supported the Children’s Radio Foundation, an international fund to provide educational radio broadcasts for young people across Sub-Saharan Africa. The fundraiser, led by Jeremy Paxman at Harris Manchester College, was a success, and we wish the foundation the very best of luck in their efforts.

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It’s an exhilarating time to be working in Oxfordshire, as there is always a great plurality of goings-on right at our doorstep.

As I’m sure you can imagine, politics has been the name of the game over the last few months.

In the throes of the European election campaign, the spotlight has been pointed at deputy PM Nick Clegg. As part of his tour around the country, we worked with him at St. Antony’s College, a guest of the European Studies Centre’s annual lecture. Clegg has been a polemic figure, especially in a student city, and I’m sure the Q&A was not to be missed! We were also involved in a visit to Oxford from Michael D Higgins, the Irish president, as a guest of the Food Animal Initiative. In collaboration with the University of Oxford, the FIA runs an experimental farm, as well as a series of research projects designed to improve the security and sustainability of British and Irish agriculture - one to watch, no doubt.

At the business end of the elections voting and declaring - we were involved with the election count for the local council at Oxford Town Hall. Indeed, the Town Hall is one of our most faithful customers; hardly a week goes by without us paying a visit! Over the years, we have provided audio-visual equipment for almost everything: elections, gala dinners, weddings, fundraisers, Chinese New Year celebrations … the list goes on. One of our most recent functions was for Southco, a worldwide engineering firm, for their staff awards.

We also provide services to the Arts, such as an evening at Oxford’s Rhodes House in late March. We were pleased to support the Rhodes Trust’s commissioning of a portrait by the French speed-painter,

Michaël Raivard, commemorating Mandela’s life. Covering a listed building in heavy-duty polythene, to prevent damage from the paint - certainly one of the most esoteric projects we’ve encountered so far!

I’m a bit of a motor-racing enthusiast, I must admit. And as such I’m especially pleased to be involved in the annual Festival of Speed at the Goodwood Circuit in Sussex. For this event, towards the end of June, we will be providing large plasma TV screens for the hospitality sector inside the grandstand. I certainly hope to catch a few displays whilst I’m there!

However, not all of our dealings are in live events; we also offer a range of permanent installation services in the region. A local firm, Darbys Solicitors LLP, have changed premises and we were happy to install top-of-the-range equipment in their refurbished offices in the Botley area of Oxford. A little closer to home, we’re very pleased to announce that the upper floor of our warehouse has been completely revamped. We have updated and reshelved the bulk of our stored assets, . Additionally we’ve found the room for several new features, including a spacious conference room and an editing studio. The whole warehouse seems lighter and larger; amazing what a little spring-cleaning can do!

As I mentioned in the previous B4 edition, our calendar is filling up, but we’re lucky to have a dedicated team of staff and freelancers to provide any A/V services throughout the year. We’ll be looking forward to your call. www.cityav.co.uk

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B4 SERVICES

“It’s an exhilarating time to be working in Oxfordshire, as there is always a great plurality of goings-on right at our doorstep

”

www.b4-business.com

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B4 HEALTH

HEALTHY STAFF, HEATHY PROFITS There has been a trend developing over the last few years that distinguishes some of the higher growth companies from the pack. This trend was reported in the FT back in September of last year ‘Performance on a plate’. Companies are actively encouraging staff to eat healthily by moving away from the traditional food offered in work canteens to fresh, healthy well balanced meals. Why? Because these companies not only have grasped the fact that what employees eat impacts their performance at work but have acted on it and seen the difference it can make.

MD of advertising agency AMV BBDO comments ‘we want people to be the best version of themselves at work ...healthy eating and exercise is as important as teaching people to deal with stress or mentoring’. Education is crucial. UBS advise staff on foods that improve energy and mood. How much of the growth performance of such companies is down to the healthy eating environment is difficult to measure. However a report produced by PricewaterhouseCoopers calculated for every £1 spent on proactive wellbeing programmes that covered healthy eating, exercise, stress reduction and stop smoking campaigns provided a return on investment of 4.2%, measured by reduction in sick days. This did not take into account the improved productivity of employees whilst at work. The key thing is the shift to companies being proactive rather than reactionary when it comes to employees health.

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So what can companies do to encourage employees to eat well? Have the company provide a fruit bowl in the office, if this is too much perhaps a Fruity Friday or Fruit Munching Monday. Remove

It is also important to “educate employees and support them in healthy eating. This can be done through annual wellbeing days or an ongoing series of workshops

”

vending machines packed with chocolate, crisps and sugar laden drinks and replace with vending machine offering healthier options or an honesting basket with oat cakes, nuts and seeds bars. Look at what is being offered in employee restaurants,

work with the kitchen to provide well balanced meals and healthy snacks. Or perhaps provide a fridge so that employees can bring in food from home. It is also important to educate employees and support them in healthy eating. This can be done through annual wellbeing days or an ongoing series of workshops.

There is vast amounts of research proving how a child eats, if they miss breakfast, if they have a sugar laden lunch how it affects them in the classroom. It is no different in adults. A healthy workforce is a productive workforce and this is something companies can encourage.

Helen Money Nutrition offers corporate wellbeing packages including a popular lunch and learn workshop. Helen also provides private consultations in Summertown and at The Bosworth Clinic www.helenmoneynutrition.com 01865 339672.

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B4 EVENTS

FLOWERS@OXFORD

THE HIGHLIGHT OF THE FLOWER CALENDAR During three fun and inspiring days, (August 22 – 24, 2014, at Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford University) stars of the floristry and flower arranging worlds will converge on Lady Margaret Hall (LMH), Oxford University, for a celebration of all things floral. The college and its grounds along the banks of the River Cherwell will be decorated with blooms, showcasing the very best of floral design.

Produced by Judith Blacklock of the eponymous Flower School and Fleur Créatif magazine, Flowers@Oxford follows the resounding success of Flowers@Chicheley in 2011 – and is set to be even more outstanding. Included in the £35 per day ticket will be: access to the college buildings and grounds to view the stunning floral decorations created by contemporary floral design groups from around the UK; floral demonstrations by acclaimed international designers, including Gregor Lersch, Per Benjamin, Lana Bates, Manfred Hoffmann and Robert Koene; demonstrations in the New Trends and Techniques Theatre led by exciting up-and-coming designers and some well established favourites; competitions; trade stands; delicious food and drink; plus the beautiful architecture and gardens of LMH. Visitors will also have the opportunity to take part in workshops led by international designers (available at extra cost; full details at www.flowersatoxford.com).

Visitors cannot fail to have a fabulous floral experience.

About Lady Margaret Hall LMH was founded in 1878 to change Oxford University – and the world – by making it possible for women to study at Oxford. The college is about to make history again by hosting the most spectacular floral extravaganza that Britain has ever seen. Lady Margaret Hall (or LMH as it is affectionately known) is located next to the

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University Parks on the banks of the Cherwell. It is a 10-minute walk from the city centre and a 10-minute taxi ride from Oxford railway station.

There is limited car parking on site for the event but the area is well served by public transport.

About Judith Blacklock Judith is renowned worldwide for her teaching skills in flower arranging and floristry. Her flower school, which is located in a charming flower-filled mews in Knightsbridge, has been running for 14 years. It is the foremost private flower arranging and floristry school in the UK and is accredited by the British Accreditation Council.

high-profile venues such as Kensington Palace where she organised two massive floral fundraisers for Macmillan Cancer Support. She has also taught floral design to personalities including Kirstie Allsopp, Keeley Hawes, John Sergeant, Gordon Ramsay and James May. She has acted as a consultant to Tesco, Topshop, BT, Channel 4 and many prestigious private companies.

“Demonstrations in

About Fleur Créatif Fleur Créatif has been the inspirational magazine par excellence for florists and everyone with a heart for the floral world for more than 20 years.

Creations by famous Belgian and international floral designers play the leading part. In each edition special projects with flowers are introduced and the floral designers tell us about their source of inspiration.

”

Twice a year four young florists get together to create Fleur Creatif@home. This special edition of Fleur Créatif shows the power of designs for daily life, parties or other special occasions. Available worldwide in four languages. As organizer of international floral events (Fleuramour, Wintermoments in Bruges) Fleur Créatif knows better than anyone that 'inspiration' is what counts.

the New Trends and Techniques Theatre led by exciting up-and-coming designers and some well established favourites She is the author of 12 bestselling floristry books (including Church Flowers and The Encyclopedia of Floral Design), and editor of The Flower Arranger magazine (published by NAFAS). She regularly appears on television and demonstrates at leading global floral events, including the Chelsea Flower Show. She has arranged flowers at many

Tickets are available from www.flowersatoxford.com

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“Foral demonstrations by acclaimed international designers, including Gregor Lersch, Per Benjamin, Lana Bates, Manfred Hoffmann and Robert Koene

�

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INNOVATION

Bicester Innovation Centre

Oxford Centre for Innovation Margaret Hewitt - Centre Director

BICESTER INNOVATION CENTRE Bicester Innovation Centre are excited to announce that they will soon have a virtual tour, created by Google, which will give you a 360 degree insight to the centre, providing visitors and potential customers a way of stepping inside and familiarising themselves with the building and its facilities.

Assistant Centre Manager who is in charge of day-to-day operations, and 2 receptionists - Rose in the morning, and Mary in the afternoon. Everybody knows us – we’re a team and we're all very accessible. By meeting all the companies ourselves before they become tenants in OCFI, we understand their needs, and can respond to their changing requirements, which in the fastgrowing knowledge based sector, can change very quickly indeed!

With navigation options and floorplans; it provides the unique opportunity to step inside the building and its surroundings getting a feel for the layout and space, all right from your desktop without even stepping out the door. The tour takes you all the way from the car park, through the welcoming reception area and into the centre’s meeting rooms and offices, giving you a first-hand experience of what Bicester Innovation Centre has to offer.

“Could you give us an example of how you’ve responded to a tenant’s changing needs?”

The tour allows you to really get a feel for its professional yet relaxed environment, making it the perfect location for the day to day running of your business, as well as one off board meetings and presentations in the spacious conference and meeting rooms, catering to all your office needs. The Google tour should be online from September.

Let's start with one of the bigger companies here - Journl Ltd journl.com, a web-app development company. They moved in here shortly after we opened in March 2011, into one of our smallest offices; 1 room for 2 people. As they've grown though, they've taken on more space, and recently moved into one of our largest offices, a suite housing up to17 people. Although our occupancy rates are very high, we regularly talk to our tenants, to understand when they might need more office space. So, in Journal’s case, knowing which space would be coming available enabled us to re-house them in OCFI as they grew and took on more staff.

OXFORD CENTRE FOR INNOVATION OCFI is not just a serviced office - it is a place which nurtures businesses, providing practical support to enable companies to grow. It is the perfect solution for start-up and fast-growing knowledge based companies.

CULHAM INNOVATION CENTRE Oxford Innovation is pleased to announce a new team at Culham Innovation Centre with the appointment of Sandie Alcock as centre manager and David Roberts as assistant centre manager.

We asked Margaret Hewitt, the Centre Director for Oxford Centre for Innovation, about the centre and what makes OCFI different from conventional office space companies.

“What do you think makes your offices unique here at OCFI?”

Following the announcement of the City Deal earlier this year which will see significant investment in Culham and the surrounding area, the team have been tasked with increasing the centre’s occupancy levels by providing science and technology start-ups and SMEs with flexible office solutions to help them grow.

We like to think that we go far beyond what a ‘normal’ landlord would do. We're a small team here, but with a lot of experience. There is myself, Charlie the

Centre manager, Sandie Alcock, joins Oxford Innovation from Oxford Community School with a strong background in operations management

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B4 SERVICES

Oxford Innovation manages over 20 office spaces around the country, each with its own identity and history.

With that each centre grows at its own rate and has its own development, 2014 has been a year of growth for all our centres in terms of space, team and customers. Here is what is happening in our Oxfordshire centres...

Culham Innovation Centre Sandie Alcock - Centre Manager and David Roberts - Assistant Centre Manager

Witney Business & Innovation Centre Stephanie Henwood - Centre Manager and Roger File - Property Director, Blenheim Palace

gained in a range of public sector roles working closely with schools, local councils and the community.

WITNEY BUSINESS & INNOVATION CENTRE Following the continued success of Witney Business & Innovation Centre, landlord Blenheim Palace has started work on Phase 3 of the centre’s refurbishment, which will see the creation of 12 new offices available to let from July 2014.

Commenting on her new role, Ms Alcock said: “I’m delighted to join Culham Innovation Centre at such an exciting time. We truly have a unique offering at Culham and provide the perfect space to cultivate science and technology businesses who can take advantage of being part of a like-minded community with access to world-class facilities, safe in the knowledge that the site is completely secure.”

Since being in her role, Ms Alcock has already made her first appointment with David Roberts as assistant centre manager. Mr Roberts was previously Duty Manager at Eynsham Hall and is due to graduate from Cardiff University with a law degree later this year.

Mr Roberts said: “I’m very much looking forward to working with our existing customers and new businesses who will have me as their continuous point of contact from when they first view the centre and throughout their time here.”

Culham Innovation Centre is already home to a number of high profile and interesting organisations including Reaction Engines Ltd who has made a major breakthrough in aerospace energy that is now allowing the development of engines that will propel aircrafts of up to five times the speed of sound.

Ms Alcock continues: The centre has a strong core of science and technology businesses and importantly, promotes business growth at a rate that suits our customer base with a flexible serviced office solution. Companies can increase their office space or downsize at just a month’s notice rather than being tied into an expensive lease.”

Located within the Science Vale at Culham Science Centre, organisations also benefit from a unique Technical Support package from Culham Centre for Fusion Energy. This provides companies with access to consultancy services along with mechanical, electrical and electronic engineering skills and technologies.

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Managed by Oxford Innovation, Witney BIC has proved extremely popular since its launch 19 months ago and is home to a wide variety of businesses including Biolauncher, HIT Training, Data Centre Response & HL Studios.

Roger File, Property Director, Blenheim Palace, comments: “Witney Business & Innovation Centre is clearly filling a void in West Oxfordshire for businesses seeking professional office space without the red tape and expense of a traditional office lease. The refurbishment of additional space will enable Oxford Innovation to continue its fantastic support in helping local businesses to progress.”

Stephanie Henwood, centre manager, Witney Business & Innovation Centre, said: “We’re delighted the third phase of our planned refurbishment works is underway which will enable us to help more businesses who are looking for an established base with high-speed broadband in West Oxfordshire. Nearly half of the businesses to take advantage of our new office space will also benefit from stunning views across Windrush Valley!”

The refurbishment at Witney BIC consists of nearly 2,000 sq. ft. with offices available from 110 sq. ft. to 270 sq. ft. Work has already commenced with the installation of high-speed fibre broadband and offices will be available from July 2014.

With 6 centres in the Oxfordshire area Oxford Innovation can offer lab, office space’s and meeting rooms in a convenient location giving you the services you need at a convenient location.

For more information go to www.oxin-centres.co.uk to view all our centres.

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Shhh...

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CIS is offering free tours of our top secret cloud location, the most resilient data centre in the UK. We understand your data is critical to your business. That’s why we look after it like nobody else can. Our data centres are former military command centres, upgraded with millions of pounds of investment in extra power and cooling. They’re not just secure; they’re ultra secure, making your business ultra resilient and your information ultra-available.

Want to see...? www.cisltd.com

news

CIS Triples in Size!

IT is typified by its speed of development and constant fast moving changes. As a company which lives and breathes technology, CIS moves at comparable speeds to ensure that we’re always ahead of the very latest developments and able to provide the very highest quality of secure cloud hosting and support services to our clients.

The changes the company is currently undergoing are probably the most dramatic in its history. For our valued clients, they’ll mean we’ll have the space, resources and technical capabilities to continue to grow and develop as a company and provide the comprehensive excellence of service to which they’re accustomed.

We’ve added a new site location at Hereford, a large number of new clients, a completely revamped helpdesk, a new billing system and lots of new faces! In fact, our numbers have grown so rapidly that our Gainfield, Oxfordshire offices have burst at the seams, making a move to more spacious accommodation an absolute necessity – see more below!

continue to develop and enhance the services that were already offered. Joining us in 2014 from Bridge3 have come Senior Engineer David Camden, Support Technician Chris Bedford and accounts/solutions specialist Ashley Baker. These staff have already been integrated into the CIS team and although now formally under the CIS banner, they continue to provide the local presence, site knowledge and swiftness of response with which their clients will be familiar.

New Clients on Board Since the turn of the year, we’ve been delighted to welcome a new and prestigious client base previously supported by Bridge3. These include a diverse range of manufacturers, accountants, dental surgeries and other small and medium-sized businesses similar to those in the existing CIS client portfolio. We’re sure they’re already seeing the benefits of CIS’s technical support and expertise and we look forward to a long and mutually beneficial business relationship as our respective companies continue to grow and develop.

New Technical Engineers Join CIS

CIS Hereford Branch Office Our new branch office at Hereford comes as part of our acquisition of the technical department of Bridge3 at the end of 2013. We’d worked closely with Bridge3 for some years in the provision of high level technical expertise and consultancy, so we were already well acquainted and impressed with their knowledgeable staff and service ethos. When the opportunity arose to acquire Bridge3 and merge their operation with our own, we jumped at the chance to bring those staff on board and to

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In addition to engineers David Camden and Chris Bedford joining our technical department from Bridge3, we’re also delighted to welcome aboard Dan Hadland, Mark Johnson, Joe Steele, Sam Markley and Daniel Compton.

With a diverse and extensive range of skills, experience and qualifications, these additional engineering resources mean that clients are already experiencing much more rapid responses to support tickets raised. Although our contracted SLA

agreements allow for between one and eight hour responses to client’s support issues depending on the category of urgency, we appreciate and understand the inconvenience that can be caused by even the smallest most niggling problem. With these additional technicians now on stream, we’re not only meeting, but easily exceeding these SLA response times in almost every case.

There’s a pen portrait of each of our new members of staff contained on our website under the ‘meet the team banner’.

On The Move At the time of writing, we have just moved into new purpose built offices in Faringdon, some 5 miles distant from our old Gainfield base. As well as providing much needed space for our everexpanding team, the new offices have also given us access to a much faster internet connection – essential in the IT world. Although we all enjoyed the picturesque rural setting we’re used to out in Gainfield, the associated rustic broadband speed has been an increasing source of frustration. The move became a necessity as the broadband capacity had become ever more sub-divided between a much-expanded team who were squeezed in to every available corner of our old accommodation.

Following the move, our telephone contact numbers and email addresses all remain unchanged. Please update your records - our new postal address will be [Unit 5, RAC Estate, Park Road, Faringdon, Oxfordshire, SN7 7BP] www.cisltd.com

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OXFORD FINE DINING WINS SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARD As businesses grow, it is easy to get lost in everyday chores of running the business. Entering awards can often be a rewarding experience, allowing business owners to take a step back and look at just what they have achieved.

The process is even more satisfying if you win which, as Oxford Fine Dining’s MD Sue Randall tells B4 , is just what happened!

On May 16th, 240 business people gathered in a marquee in Aynho for the Cherwell Business Awards. The OFD team was there in their black tie finery, more than delighted to have proceeded through the judging process and to have been shortlisted as one of the 3 finalists.

When the NatWest judge announced that the winner of the Small Business Award was Oxford Fine Dining, there was euphoria at the OFD table. Says Sue, “All the hard work and effort that we had put in to building the business over the last 6 years had all been worthwhile and to be recognised as the best small business in front of your peers was a real honour.”

The NatWest Small Business Award recognises organisations that have a business strategy and vision for the next 3-5 years and a management team with the ability to drive the business forward. The judges also looked for evidence of business growth and an understanding of the market and arrangements to respond to change.

This Award is testament to a lot of hard “ work by a dedicated team who have a clear business vision and real creative excellence, helping us to build our reputation as one of Oxfordshire’s leading event and wedding caterers

”

Sue Randall - Managing Director, Oxford Fine Dining

Sue Randall, says “We are very proud to have won such a prestigious award in what was a particularly competitive category. This Award is testament to a lot of hard work by a dedicated team who have a clear business vision and real creative excellence, helping us to build our reputation as one of Oxfordshire’s leading event and wedding caterers and to grow the business by over 30% last year.”

It is this growth that enabled Oxford Fine Dining to move into new offices and kitchen facilities at Oddington Grange in Weston on the Green. The new premises are big enough to see them through the next few years with ample room for further expansion. The new kitchens have the very latest equipment and are big enough for a team of chefs to work on preparing food for multiple events. Martin Bridgeman, OFD’s executive head chef, says “The new kitchen makes food preparation so much easier, especially when Sue and the team are managing multiple events on the same day, which is certainly more often

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B4 NEWS

the case nowadays as the business grows.” During the summer Oxford Fine Dining has a wedding or two most weekends and have also been successful in being asked to cater for some prestigious balls in marquees in the grounds of some of Oxford’s beautiful colleges and schools.

With the wedding and ball season here, the need for the right kitchen facilities is more important than ever. Oxford Fine Dining prides themselves on the quality of their dishes with everything freshly made on the premises from ingredients carefully chosen locally. “We have built a reputation on the high quality of our food – outstanding event food makes the event memorable in the eyes of many of the guests.” This is reflected in many of the thank you letters that the team receives, with newlyweds saying that guests have commented on how the lovely food was at their reception and often that it is the best wedding food they have ever had!

For a firm that relies on referrals for new business, ensuring that the quality of service, event management and food is consistently high is essential. This is also important for many of the venues where OFD is a approved caterer like Rhodes House, Bodleian Library and the Oxford University Museum of Natural History. Says Sue, “We have built a reputation for being easy for a venue to work with. I suppose that having so many years of experience has taught us how to manage all aspects of an event, combining the wishes of the client with the facilities at the venue to make sure that everything goes smoothly from start to finish “ OFD has recently appointed a new event manager to work alongside operations manager Mel Cooper. Vanessa Moor has 20 years of experience with organisations such as Four Pillars Hotels,

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Waitrose and Maison Blanc and is an expert coordinator and people manager. “A successful event is when the food and service combine to impress the guests, but they hardly notice us and so are focussed on enjoying themselves.” says Sue, “This does mean that the staff need to remain very calm and professional at all times, even if under the water we are paddling madly like ducks!

Vanessa is able to use her skills at all types of events to maintain the high levels of event management that we are known for.”

The new kitchen makes food “preparation so much easier, especially when Sue and the team are managing multiple events on the same day, which is certainly more often the case nowadays as the business grows

”

Martin Bridgeman - Executive Head Chef, Oxford Fine Dining

Entering the Cherwell Business Awards helped Oxford Fine Dining to realise just how far it had come over the last 6 years, something that coincided with the investment in the new kitchens.

Sue concludes, “Winning the Small Business of the Year Award was a real motivator for all the staff and it has given Martin and I added inspiration and desire to continue to grow. Hopefully being able to say that we are now an ‘award winning’ business will help!”

When organising your next event look no further than Oxford Fine Dining. Visit www.oxfordfinedining.co.uk or call the team on 01865 248720.

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LIFE-CHANGING DENTISTRY Not so long ago if you had loose, unsightly teeth, fillings that were failing, or uncomfortable dentures, sensible, reliable and affordable answers to your problem were hard to find. You may have found eating, even talking, difficult. But all you could do was grin and bear it… even though there was precious little to grin about.

Dr Maria Hardman

Today, of course, implants provide a solution.

But the fear of being temporarily without teeth and the anticipated cost are real concerns for many people.

Life-Changing Dentistry addresses and overcomes these concerns and provides a solution that is IMMEDIATELY functional, comfortable, predictable and affordable. For this procedure we use either the Fast & Fixed™ or the All-on-4™ immediate implant restoration systems. In just a few hours of painless surgery, we will place implants and then attach a fixed bridge to those implants. This gives you perfect biomechanical support for the restoration.

Same day implants explained With same-day restorations, the temporary bridge is fabricated in our in-house dental laboratory immediately after implants have been placed. The dental technician (the person who makes the bridge) will be involved at every stage in order to become familiar with the patient’s mouth, teeth and gums and uses this knowledge to produce a restoration that perfectly matches the rest of your natural teeth in terms of both colour and tooth 98

shape. This attention to detail applies not only to the permanent restoration but also to the temporary prosthesis too.

The real joy of our process is that you come to the practice in the morning, have the implants placed and walk out at the end of the day with a full set of revitalised teeth, a massive smile on your face and a spring in your step.

The real joy of our “ process is that you come to the practice in the morning, have the implants placed and walk out at the end of the day with a full set of revitalised teeth

”

Can changing a smile change a life?

Maria Hardman recalls how “Linda” not only overcame her fear of dentistry but helped inspire an idea.

Linda was not just reluctant to go to the dentist.

She was actually frightened by memories of childhood dental treatment that she told me ‘was like being in a torture chamber’. When she plucked up the courage to come to Clinic 95, she hadn’t visited a dentist for more than 20 years.

The previous year Linda’s husband had unexpectedly died and in one terrible moment she had lost not only her best friend but her confidence too. The condition of her teeth made her feel embarrassed in social situations and she even found herself covering her mouth with her hand when her photograph was taken. Suddenly being single and alone was hard enough...but she sensed the focus was now on her as an individual and it increased her anxiety.

The day Linda first walked into Clinic 95 she was tearful and in pain. She was also keenly aware that her upper teeth were in a poor condition and was dreading the thought of wearing dentures. At first we just sat and chatted and I told her that there was an alternative to false teeth (which she readily accepted) and that dentistry was no longer painful (which she found harder to believe). We discussed www.b4-business.com

B4 HEALTH

John Davies

“John Davies, the

dental technician who makes the teeth, looked at me and it was difficult not to cry too. We felt a huge pride in helping make such a difference to someone’s life.

”

Dr Maria Hardman - Clinic95

treatment options and gradually the team and I put Linda’s mind at rest. We explained the concept of same day teeth, which, at the time, we referred to as Life-Changing Treatment.

the dental technician who makes the teeth, looked at me and it was difficult not to cry too. We felt a huge pride in helping make such a difference to someone’s life.

Throughout the planning stages Linda’s confidence grew. She remained nervous but her trust grew each time we met. We dealt with a range of issues including her smoking (something she had started when her husband died) and she bravely accepted it was a ‘crutch’ that she no longer needed. By April 2012, when the same day treatment took place, almost all Linda’s trepidation had evaporated. The plan was to remove her remaining teeth, place implants and fit temporary fixed teeth onto the implants. And by this time, thanks in no small measure to her giving up smoking, Linda’s oral health was considerably improved.

Meet Maria Hardman Before, during and after treatment you are under the personal care of the highly qualified Maria Hardman and her team. Maria has been placing implants since 1996 and holds a Master’s degree in Implantology from Lille University. She also held a post on the Implant Masters programme at the University of Central Lancashire. Maria is a great believer in teamwork and works in close conjunction with John Davies, an extremely talented dental technician who runs his own laboratory and produces ‘true to life’ teeth with the loving care of a true craftsman. Maria and John work together throughout the whole process to ensure predictable surgical and prosthetic outcomes.

After the treatment was completed, I was accompanying Linda to take a post-operative x-ray, when we were greeted by one of her long-standing friends who had come to drive her home. He looked at Linda in amazement, told her how wonderful she looked and burst into tears. Soon the whole dental team were joining in! John Davies, www.b4-business.com

Putting it very simply, you will be in the hands of people with a proven and consistent record of success. Very importantly too, they take pride in what they do and their commitment and care will

be immediately apparent to you. From first consultation through to that moment, after surgery when you look in the mirror and see the new you, Maria and her team will be sharing with you the sheer excitement of Life-Changing Dentistry.

Why Choose Us Dr Maria Hardman, alongside dedicated, experienced and fully trained clinical teams, delivers personalised, high quality treatments from modern, state-of-the-art dental practices using proven and effective techniques. Patients are always put at the centre of our planning to ensure that each treatment is fully suitable, understood and based on individual hopes and aspirations.

Life-Changing Dentistry is available through Clinic 95 at 95 West Way, Botley, Oxford, OX2 9JY – visit www.lifechangingdentistry.co.uk or call on 01865 241661 to arrange your free consultation.

Dr Maria Hardman BDS (Birmingham), DUI (France), MJDF RCS (Eng), MFDS RCS (Ed) GDC Reg No: 60600

99

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Photography: Quintin Lake

B4 PROPERTY

101 & 102 Park Drive at MEPC's Milton Park – the first speculative development within Oxfordshire for six years

IMMEDIATE SPECULATIVE DEVELOPMENT ACTION NEEDED FOR OXFORDSHIRE OFFICE MARKET AS IT TURNS THE CORNER Businesses taking up office space within Oxfordshire helped the office market to turn a corner in 2013 after take-up increased by 28% to 185,517 sq ft after much stagnation during the recession, according to Carter Jonas’ Commercial Edge Oxfordshire 2014 research report.

OXFORDSHIRE IN NUMBERS 185,517 sq ft A 28% increase in office take-up on 2012 73% of all letting activity within the county was in Oxford during 2013 870,000 sq ft Office availability at 2013 year end £25.50 per sq ft Latest headline office rental at Milton Park 750,626 sq ft Industrial take-up; a reduction of 22% on the 2012 annual total 1.68m sq ft Industrial availability; of which only 11,000 sq ft is Grade A quality A lack of stock in certain locations and certain tenures, together with improved market sentiment, has meant that Carter Jonas is forecasting rental growth and capital increases for 2014.

If and when office development activity occurs in Oxford’s city centre, Carter Jonas predicts that quoting rents are expected to be in the region of £25.00—to £30.00 per sq ft, an increase from £23.50 per sq ft at the end of 2013.

With rental growth forecast by the end of the year for the first time in six years, immediate action in terms of speculative development is required now in order for sufficient volumes to be built to ensure continuing rental growth and overall future viability of Oxfordshire’s office market.

In Oxford, take-up totalled 185,000 sq ft, a 28% improvement on its 2012 level although it was just shy of the five year average. Much activity is in the pipeline in terms of letting activity and a far more prosperous year ahead is predicted. 73% of all letting activity within the county was in Oxford and office availability at 2013 year end totalled 870,000 sq ft.

Jon Silversides, head of Oxford agency at Carter Jonas said: “In line with improving take-up levels, Oxfordshire has witnessed a sharp reduction in vacancy rates with strengthening demand as a result of improving market conditions. The supply of good quality accommodation is now acutely low across not just Oxfordshire but all our regional markets including Bath, Cambridge and Leeds. www.b4-business.com

“Whilst the London’s City market continues its development frenzy and the West End is increasingly hampered by opportunities, despite the notable market improvement, development activity remains acutely low throughout the regional markets. 101 & 102 Park Drive at MEPC’s Milton Park is the first speculative development within Oxfordshire for six years with no other development evident across the other regions. The supply of good quality stock is now reaching acutely low levels.”

The report states that the county has significant development capacity however the available land is on the whole concentrated in a limited number of business park locations, potentially restricting growth for certain occupiers. In pure statistical terms, 2013 proved to be muted however increased activity in the first quarter of 2014, the completion of speculative stock at Milton Park and design and build activity in Banbury indicate a much brighter future for the county.

“Immediate speculative development action is required now in order for sufficient volumes to be built to ensure continuing rental growth and the overall future viability of Oxfordshire’s office market,” added Jon Silversides.

For the last two to three years, London has reigned supreme in investment terms, and heavily dominated investment activity. However, increasing evidence of the erosion of London’s appeal is appearing with prime yields in the West End and City now at 3.75% and 5.25% respectively and are forecast to see an inward shift of 25 basis points each over the next four years.

Jon Silversides concluded: “In contrast to London’s investment market, economic recovery has bolstered Oxfordshire’s competitiveness and we are forecasting that we will witness a hardening of yields of between 50 and 75 basis points. Oxfordshire office equivalent yields stood at 9.1%, compared to 9.6% in the South-East and 7.0% for the UK as a whole. Future compression should favour our market, as economic growth filters out of London and the South East and investors increasingly exploit the pricing gap for greater returns.”

For a copy of the full research report, visit: carterjonas.co.uk/commercialedge, or email: jon.silversides@carterjonas.co.uk or call 01865 511 444.

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B4 SERVICES

“The installation of the Bang &

Olufsen system is just the start of the relationship where we aim to work with our partners to deliver a strong return on the investment.

�

102

www.b4-business.com

SMART BUSINESSES INVEST IN BANG & OLUFSEN As a luxury brand and manufacturer of some of the World’s finest audio visual products it is obvious why Bang & Olufsen is the first choice for many loyal and discerning clients seeking something special and unique for their homes.

However a significant growth area for this 89 year old brand is coming from commercial clients who are investing in luxury and seeking to exploit Bang & Olufsen’s appeal to enhance their own business. From Property developers and bespoke home builders wishing to stand out from the ordinary through to some of the regions finest hotels, restaurants and leisure venues many Oxfordshire businesses have invested in Bang & Olufsen.

At Bang & Olufsen of Oxford business from our commercial clients is more than just a transaction, we like to think of this as a business partnership. A luxury hotel investing in a fabulous and beautiful television or audio system for the enjoyment of their guest is as natural a choice as selecting luxurious bed linen but with many additional advantages which may not be quite so obvious.

The installation of the Bang & Olufsen system is just the start of the relationship where we aim to work with our partners to deliver a strong return on the investment. Using the hotel example again we have worked with a number of the best local hotels who through our partnership have enjoyed not only the positive feedback from guests about the products, but an increase in repeat custom as well as great interest and custom from

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loyal Bang & Olufsen owners who actively seek out venues featuring Bang & Olufsen products for their stays. What’s more, the long life of Bang & Olufsen products, performance and attractive design coupled with an attractive trade price it’s not as much an investment as some would imagine.

Of course the need for luxury entertainment is clear in a hotel but Bang & Olufsen of Oxford have partnered with numerous Oxfordshire businesses. But what’s the link between high end electronics and golf? You may think none yet Bang & Olufsen of Oxford and Studley Wood Golf Course have established a strong connection with great success for both parties.

“The partnership works great” says Mark, the showroom manager of Bang & Olufsen of Oxford. “Studley Wood has selected to install Bang & Olufsen products in their members lounge for guests to freely use and enjoy and it’s great how enthused Ken & his staff are about our products. On the main television they can play major sporting events with superb sound and many guests have commented on its quality, something that adds to their fabulous facilities. We of course also enjoy some rounds of golf with our clients.

Mark at the showroom is happy to discuss the possibilities with any intrigued B4 readers.

Simply call on 01865 511241.

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B4 PROPERTY

PENNY & SINCLAIR OPENS IN BURFORD Location, Location, Location may be the mantra for most estate agents, But Fergus Mitchell, director of the new Penny & Sinclair Burford branch, is not a typical estate agent. He explains that it is dedication to service, service, service at the heart of Penny & Sinclair’s business. By Sarah Airey, The Buzzworks.

The new Penny & Sinclair Burford office is old, centuries old and doubtless with a fascinating past.

However, this ancient building, situated in Burford and on one of the country’s most picturesque high streets, is also the location for the brand new opening of the Cotswolds’ brightest and most innovative property business.

Fergus Mitchell, director of Penny & Sinclair Burford, comes with a different background, not as a traditional property agent, but from a marketing and event agency. For two decades, Fergus ran two high-powered businesses based in London, operating within the exhibition, conference and

104

outdoor market-place both in the UK and internationally for clients including corporates like BT, Compaq and Hewlett Packard.

The agencies also worked in consumer events such as The Boat Show, The Motor Show and the BBC Good Food Show, plus his companies also designed client TV studios and road-shows.

Throughout, the late 1990’s and new millennium, Fergus invested in property and in 2008, when he finally sold his second business, he decided to concentrate on property, having purchased a collection of barns and some land near Bampton, which he developed as a short term and holiday

let business.

He explains how this changed his career path, “It went incredibly well, and as a result I ended up buying another one, and then I began to manage other people’s properties, and finally ended up with a short term/holiday let and search business called StayCotswold Ltd!” Business boomed with a growing portfolio of properties plus a number of private clients whom he is employed on a consultancy/advice basis.

Service was integral to the business both for owners demanding good management and

www.b4-business.com

trustworthy tenants and for tenants/holidaymakers who want their accommodation in perfect order.

Two years ago, Fergus met Wendy Sinclair, Founder Director of Penny & Sinclair, and they talked about collaborating. In May this year the scheme came to fruition with the opening of Penny & Sinclair Burford, incorporating StayCotswold Ltd. Fergus says, “It was a great match, and allowed me to move forward more swiftly with the Penny & Sinclair company structure behind me.

StayCotswold has some great properties, and combined with the entire Penny & Sinclair property portfolio (which includes a significant short term rental portfolio), we can offer a complete property service of sales, letting, short lets, holiday lets, corporate lets, and property search from Oxford and the surrounding villages all the way through to Burford and the Cotswolds.”

This is the first office outside Oxford and the third branch of this fast expanding property agent, established only 5 years ago. Fergus explains why Burford is the perfect location, “Burford sits in the in the centre of what is the accessible part of the Cotswolds with great communications to and from London, Birmingham and Bristol via the UK’s motorway newtwork, plus the A40 that connects Oxford with Cheltenham.

www.b4-business.com

"Burford is surrounded by classic Cotswold country including Stow-on-the-Wold and Moreton-on-Marsh to the North; the Barringtons and Northleach to the West; Cirencester and Lechlade including the River Thames to the south and Swinbrook and the fast developing market town of Witney to the East.

"Burford is a great focal point, and it is very pretty”, he says, reminding me that Burford was voted 6th most idyllic place in Europe to live by Forbes Magazine. “It is a very exciting opportunity. I think that there is a massive opportunity in this area for a property agency that has the feel of a traditional agency practice but is also innovative, up-to-date and contemporary, combining the new with the best of the old.”

Penny & Sinclair is now the biggest short let/holiday let agency in the Oxfordshire Cotswolds area, including corporate lets. Furthermore, the agency can offer a full service of sales and lettings plus property search including other services including property management, project management and planning consultancy. Fergus says, “As a property owner myself, I can offer genuine first-hand knowledge on property investment.”

innovative thinking and our service based ethos.”

And service is at the heart of Fergus’s intentions... ”Service is our number one priority! At Penny & Sinclair, the other directors, which include James Penny, Wendy Sinclair and Oliver Hope, have created a friendly, welcoming and fresh property agency for people who are looking to buy or rent.

We will replicate this in Burford!”

Penny & Sinclair Burford is at 97 High Street, Burford, OX18 4QA. Open from 9.00am – 6.00pm weekdays, Saturday 9.00am – 3.00pm and “on call” on Sundays.

T: 01993 220555 E: Burford.sales@pennyandsinclair.co.uk Buford.lettings@pennyandsinclair.co.uk W: www.pennyandsinclair.co.uk www.staycotswold.com

In the few months since opening the Burford office, the response has been overwhelming! “We have had such a positive reaction to our fresh and

105

B4 SPOTLIGHT

Supporting the growth of “enterprise is very fulfilling and what really appealed to me about the role was the opportunity to build an extensive network within the local business community

”

Michael Johnson, Relationship Manager, Clydesdale Bank

CLYDESDALE BANK

STRENGTHENS SUPPORT FOR THAMES VALLEY BUSINESSES WITH THREE NEW APPOINTMENTS Clydesdale Bank has underlined its commitment to Oxfordshire, Berkshire and the Thames Valley with a strengthening of its Reading and Oxford business and private banking team.

Three new staff have been appointed to Clydesdale Bank’s Reading and Oxford Business & Private Banking Centres. Together the trio enjoy 60 years of experience in the banking sector.

Richard Thwaites, who has more than 36 years experience of supporting small to medium sized businesses in the Thames Valley, joins Clydesdale Bank’s Reading and Oxford team as a Business Development Manager. He was formerly local director of Metro Bank, establishing its Reading branch.

Richard said: “My aim is, and always has been, to provide a first class service tailored to the needs of customers. Now, more than ever, being able to create and maintain strong relationships is of paramount importance to help customers maximise the opportunities in front of them.

“I like to think I bring a traditional banking approach into the modern era.”

Justin Hayward and Michael Johnson join Clydesdale Bank’s Reading and Oxford business and private banking team as Relationship Managers.

Combining his family background in farming with solid banking skills, Justin specialises in agribusiness and has more than 18 years experience in commercial banking. Justin is keen to continue Clydesdale Bank's support of the local rural economy and takes a personal approach to banking relationships.

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Michael comes from HSBC where he spent six years as a Senior Relationship Manager within Private Banking.

Michael said: “I am very pleased to have joined Clydesdale Bank and I am looking forward to meeting professionals across the Thames Valley.

“Supporting the growth of enterprise is very fulfilling and what really appealed to me about the role was the opportunity to build an extensive network within the local business community.”

The appointments come as new research suggests that South East SMEs are ready to invest almost £16bn of their own turnover into the UK in the next 12 months as confidence in the economy improves.

According to research carried out by Clydesdale Bank to launch its recent Business Week initiative, new equipment, increased sales and marketing and job creation are top of the shopping list for South East SMEs. More than four out of five (83%) of South East SMEs questioned said they plan to make a significant investment in their business in the next year. On average, SMEs in the region are set to invest around 7% of their turnover back into their businesses. Based on official figures from the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills, which estimates that the South East’s annual SME turnover is £227bn, this could contribute almost £16bn of investment to the regional economy.

Front: Mark Laughlan, Back Left: Justin Hayward, Back Centre: Richard Thwaites, Back Right: Michael Johnson.

This investment is being driven by renewed confidence in the UK economy with 70% of SMEs questioned in the South East believing it will grow and provide a strong environment for their own growth prospects.

On average, South East SMEs expect to grow by around 9% in the next year which could represent an increase of over £20bn in turnover, or over £25,000 per South East SME. Mark Laughlan, Head of Reading and Oxford Business and Private Banking Centres said; “I am delighted that we have attracted Justin, Michael and Richard to join our business. They are great additions to our team and will work to support our existing customers and grow our business through a wealth of experience across a variety of sectors.”

Business Week saw more than 250 customer focused events staged at the Bank’s UK-wide network of Business and Private Banking Centres, including a number of sessions with Clydesdale Bank Ambassador and athletics legend Steve Cram in Oxford. Former world champion Steve met students at The Oxford Academy and addressed an audience of local business figures at Oxford Town Hall. During the event, held by Clydesdale Bank in association with the Institute of Directors, Steve drew on his sporting career to deliver a presentation on the theme of inspiring before participating in a Q&A. www.cbonline.co.uk

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ISIS CREATIVE FRAMING Framers are entrusted with memories. They are the safe-keeper of the most treasured moments; the confidant of joys and sadness; and the trusted artisan asked to enhance favourite images and artworks. All this because we only frame the photos, pictures and memories that matter the most to us.

Set up in 1997 in East Oxford they moved to their current building on the Abingdon Road in 2002. Isis Creative Framing have a well deserved local and national reputation for quality and service that sees them steadily grow year on year. With seven employees they are small and part of the community, but their reach is national as they cut mounts and provide frames to other framers and organisations across the country.

This success is in large part due to the philosophy of the MD, John Brooks.

Here is a man who loves his work and that enthusiasm is palpable: “The thrill of the job is the trust of the customers and the variety of work we are given, from children's drawings and family photos to masterpieces and originals by the likes of Kandinsky, Picasso and Henry Moore.�

For customers to hand-over treasured possessions means that Isis need to combine exceptional craftsmanship with great customer service. On entering the shop you step into a quiet customer area brimming with frame and mount samples, divided by a slim desk from the hive of quiet activity that is the workshop. Customers are swiftly greeted then confidently guided through the processes and options for framing.

At Isis these options are plentiful: stock frames, hand-made frames, frame restoration, colour matching; standard, box, block or float mounting in a wide range of colours; and plastic, standard, UV-filtering or museum quality glass, all from stock! For corporate customers Isis offer framing and distribution of certificates, for sports fans mounting of memorabilia, and for weddings montage boards and table plans. It’s all part of the service.

To offer this diversity of framing options the framers themselves have to be craftsmen, being good with colours and very good with their hands. Across the team other skills are pooled including a knowledge of art and art history, and computer skills for managing the top-of-the-range computer-aided mountcutters.

These skills are clear in the quiet passion for framing within Isis, and with a business attitude that aims to always offer the right product at the right price it means Isis is the place in Oxford to go for framing.

Open Monday to Friday 8.30 to 5.30 and Saturdays 9-5 on Northampton Rd off the Abingdon Rd. www.isiscreative.co.uk

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B4 SPOTLIGHT

“For customers to

hand-over treasured possessions means that Isis need to combine exceptional craftsmanship with great customer service. �

John Hobart - Isis Creative Framing

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The Ambassadors Club

BECOME AN AMBASSADOR AND BENEFIT FROM AMAZING DISCOUNTS AND GREAT DEALS FROM OTHER B4 MEMBERS

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

Promote a benefit to over 200 B4 Ambassadors and, depending on the nature of the offer, this can be extended (at your request) to all employees in the Ambassador’s company if you would like to reach a wider audience.

THE OXFORD WINE COMPANY

10% Off

At our 4 retail outlets

OXFORD UNIVERSITY RFC

50% Off

OURFC Supporters Club Membership

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

Oxford University Rugby Football Club (OURFC) has a long and illustrious history of sporting distinction and remains one of the world's leading and most renowned amateur rugby clubs.

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

C: Tim Stevens | E: tim.stevens@sport.ox.ac.uk | T: 01865 432000 | W: www.sport.ox.ac.uk

BROWNS

LADY MARGARET HALL

Complimentary House Wine With Lunch & Dinner Monday - Friday

10% Off

Any accommodation & Meeting Bookings

Enjoy the sophisticated sound of great live piano-playing at Browns Oxford – the perfect accompaniment for drinks and dinner.

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

C: Simon Stonehouse | T: 01865 511 995 | W: www.browns-restaurants.co.uk/locations/oxford/

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

CITY AUDIO VISUAL

10% Off

Equipment Hire City Audio Visual Limited, Oxford’s leading specialists in audio visual hire, sales, installation and live event support.

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

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events

‘Experience the beauty of Rhodes House’

RHODES HOUSE Thursday, 4th September 2014 6:00pm - 8:00pm South Parks Road, Oxford, Oxfordshire, OX1 3RG, United Kingdom Dress code: Smart business casual Any enquiries should be directed to Tina Rosser 01865 742211 or events@b4-business.com

REGISTRATION Please register for the event here: https://www.regonline.com/B4O XRHODESHOUSE2014

ABOUT OUR HOSTS A hidden delight situated in the heart of Oxford, Rhodes House is a beautiful venue steeped in history.

For nearly a century Rhodes House has been the gathering place for Rhodes scholars and distinguished guests. Now you can join other B4 Ambassadors, Members and their guests at this stunning venue, home of the Rhodes Scholars.

Director, Peter Anderson, was delighted to welcome B4 back to Rhodes House following the successful events held in 2011, 2012 and 2013."We have formed an excellent partnership with B4 over the past few years and this is an event we always look forward to as it gives us the opportunity to welcome the B4 community and some of our close contacts to share a wonderful evening together. We look forward to welcoming you in September."

This event is open to all B4 Ambassadors, members their guests and non-members in Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire. www.rhodeshouseoxford.com

To find out more about B4 please visit WWW.B4-BUSINESS.COM t: 01865 742211 e: events@b4-business.com a: The Firs, Headington Hill, Oxford, OX3 0BT www.b4-business.com

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Back Row (left to right): Shaun Thomas (PA to General Manager), Simon Bradley (Executive Head Chef), Gulen Acikgoz (Executive Head Housekeeper), Georg Schwalm (Front Office Manager), Tony Sun (Lounge Manager) Middle Row (left to right): Michael Ragoss (Bar Manager(, Sean Denny (C&B Operations Manager), Neil Cowen (Head Concierge), Kody Neilson (Concierge), William Thomson (Assistant Head Concierge) Front Row (left to right): Jana Mesarosova (Cluster HR Manager), Charmaine Harbour (Spa Manager), Michael Grange (General Manager), David Guile (Chief Executive), Jason Robson (Financial Controller), Michelle Mayes (Sales Office Manager), Andrew Hemsley (Restaurant Manager)

LANDMARK OXFORD HOTEL WINS NATIONAL AWARD

A leading five star hotel in Oxford has had the honour of being named ‘Hotel of the Year’ for its outstanding customer service and management.

Macdonald Randolph Hotel beat off competition from 44 other Macdonald Hotels and Resorts around the UK and Europe to win the award at the hotel group’s annual national award ceremony held in Chester.

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The historic hotel, part of The Macdonald Hotels’ Signature Collection, has been recognised for superb guest feedback and from websites such as TripAdvisor.

The awards also looked at hygiene standards and health and safety audits which the Macdonald Randolph Hotel consistently excels.

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B4 R&R

The hotel, considered by many to be an Oxford institution, has played host to prime ministers, presidents, world leaders and a recent visit from the Clintons, and holds a ‘wall of fame’ in the hotel lobby, with pictures and signatures from famous guests.

The visitor and business economy is “ important to the city of Oxford and we are proud to provide one of the city’s best-loved places to stay

”

Michael Grange - General Manager, MacDonald Randolph Hotel

positive feedback from our customers whether it is via TripAdvisor or personal letters of appreciation, so it is a great honour for this to be recognised within the group.

“The visitor and business economy is important to the city of Oxford and we are proud to provide one of the city’s best-loved places to stay.”

The hotel, famous for its afternoon tea offering and award-winning food, is working towards achieving its third AA Rosette in The Restaurant. The hotel also recently celebrated being named AA Hotel Group of the Year 2013/2014.

For more information about The Macdonald Randolph Hotel please see: www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk/our-hotels/macdonald-randolph-hotel or call 01865 256 400.

Michael Grange, general manager, said: “This is a fantastic testament to our team’s commitment to the hotel and customer service. We receive consistently

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Oxfordshire is guaranteed to get everyone thinking Meet Oxfordshire is the first point of contact for anyone considering the county for a meeting, conference or event. Our services include free venue finding and accommodation bookings.

www.meetoxfordshire.com contact us now call 01865 252799 Follow us on Twitter @meetoxfordshire

B4 ADVICE

THE BENEFITS CULTURE THAT CAN BOOST YOUR BUSINESS With living costs in recent years typically outpacing wages, business often face a dilemma: how to reward, recruit and retain talented staff without succumbing to salary inflation that could harm competitiveness?

A route favoured by many businesses is to complement headline financial rewards with a tailored employee benefits package. Why? Because these can offer much valued benefits to staff without adding a significant payroll burden.

whom,” explains Charles. “You might first consider whether it’s appropriate and realistic to introduce a universal scheme to which all employees are eligible, one for key workers or one tiered so that benefits accrue with seniority or service.”

“A well designed employee benefits package can not only reward and incentivise staff but offer significant advantages to a business itself,” argues Charles Frost, an independent insurance consultant with leading private medical and group risk insurance specialist, Chase Templeton. “For example, by providing access to preventative benefits such as discounted gym membership, or reactive ones which enable staff to swiftly access specialist medical care when ill, a package could play a key role in more effectively managing absence.”

Thought needs to be given to the benefits which your employees might value most – and their views are likely to be led by their age, gender and if they are parents.

Introducing such benefits can also enhance a company’s corporate and brand reputation by sending out a signal that a company cares about the wellbeing of its staff - and their families. “For an employee it’s not just their monthly wage that matters, but the feeling that they are valued by management. Employee benefits can be like a corporate hug, displaying support and care.”

A well designed employee benefits “package can not only reward and incentivise staff but offer significant advantages to a business itself

”

They’re also tax efficient. “Premiums for the group risk insurances are usually treated by HMRC as a business expense eligible for corporation tax relief,” explains Charles. “For employees they’re typically treated as a tax-friendly benefit in kind.”

So what might such a package look like? That will depend very much on your business’s particular circumstances. There is no one size fits all formula. “A good adviser will really get into the ribs of a business. It’s not just a matter of saying ‘OK you have 20 or 200 employees you should do x or y’. Careful consideration should be given to the rewards which are appropriate and to

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“Health insurance is a good starting point,” advises Charles. “Policies can offer great flexibility in terms of the benefits offered and implementation making it easy to manage costs. An employer can choose to fully or part fund a scheme and choose or reject particular benefits – cover for musculoskeletal ailments may be seen as priority for some and not others.”

Charles further explains, “A lower cost option is a cash plan. Cash plans provide employees help with everyday health costs including optical, dental and chiropractic treatment, plus many other benefits. This option often sees improved employee loyalty, retention and engagement as employees can access treatment when they need it, not when they can afford it.”

Group life insurance is also popular, offering a tax free lump sum to the family or dependants of an employee should they die whilst in your employment.

Critical illness provides similar reassurance by offering the same if an employee is unable to work due to a debilitating illness or condition. A lower cost alternative is income protection which rather than a lump sum pays out a fixed percentage of an employee’s income, providing an invaluable financial lifeline when they are off work.

Whilst employee benefits tend to be fairly easy to implement, finding the right package can prove a headache. Numerous providers offering countless policies each with various options can make it hard to see the wood for trees. “It’s vital that business managers seek assistance from a specialist intermediary who can offer independent, expert and whole-of market advice,” says Charles. www.chasetempleton.co.uk

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Recent figures reveal that companies planning to export are more positive about future prospects than those with no export plans. In fact, all other things being equal, a company is three to four times more likely to fail if it restricts itself to its domestic market, compared with a business that has clients overseas. Exporting essentially means that businesses are not putting all their eggs in one basket.

This won’t come as a major surprise to our bluecheese producer. It understands the benefits but is reluctant to export — our research shows that one of the biggest blocks to trading internationally is a lack of understanding about how it is done and where the opportunities lie. Luckily, there are many costeffective and efficient ways to overcome this initial fear.

We at The Santander Group have come up with a five-point plan for every SME owner to expand abroad. The plan can be developed at santandertrade.com, a free tool for Santander corporate customers that helps businesses find out: where there is demand for their products or services; specific clients/suppliers they should be speaking to and how to connect with these clients; how to complete a secure transaction; and, finally, how to grow their presence in any given territory.

So our blue-cheese producer can discover the top importers of its product, as well as its fastest-growing markets. Crucially, it can also access a contact list — names, addresses and phone numbers — of the key importers of blue cheese in key territories.

The website provides details of any big upcoming trade fairs worldwide in the relevant industry, allowing businesses to contact potential clients then followup warm leads at trade shows and exhibitions. It also offers support guides for international trade procedures, such as local laws and cultures, as well as calculators to help with charges, taxes and duties.

The Santander Group can also provide support through its 14,000 branches worldwide (more than any other UK bank), and its network of alliance partners; for example, in the United Arab Emirates our alliance with Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, the SME banking experts in the region, will allow us to facilitate new contracts and trading relationships between our clients through a joint trade-mission.

More businesses are benefiting from the opportunities offered by international expansion. We hope that with these free tools for Santander corporate customers, there will be not only Cornish blue cheese being devoured and enjoyed in St Stephen-in-Brannel, but also in Seattle, Schagen and Sligo. All you have to do is take that first step.

Santander Trade Portal is provided and managed

by Export Enterprises S. A. Santander provides access to its client companies but is unrelated to the database contents which are the responsibility of Export Enterprises S.A. Visit santandertrade.com or for information on support for SMEs, santandercb.co.uk

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B4 FINANCE

ACCESSING A WIDER MARKET Let’s imagine you are a Cornish blue-cheese producer with a loyal client base in your local market. One day you come across an article that mentions research on the benefits of accessing new international markets, and how international businesses are more likely to grow and less likely to enter into a default. How will you apply this to your business?

“We hope that with these free tools

for Santander corporate customers, there will be not only Cornish blue cheese being devoured and enjoyed in St Stephen-in-Brannel, but also in Seattle, Schagen and Sligo. All you have to do is take that first step

”

Exporting goods and services helps British businesses to grow, creates jobs and has the potential to add £30 billion to the UK economy. We can help small businesses to break into overseas markets. Research shows that, on average, businesses earn £100,000 in additional sales within 18 months of working with UK Trade & Investment (UKTI).

Here are our ten tips for SMEs to consider when exporting goods:

1.

Research, research, research Use our expert international trade advisers to help you research the market and to find who your potential customers may be.

2.

Plan Make sure you have a business plan and the necessary capital.

Approach your bank and UK Export Finance (UKEF), the Government’s export finance provider, so they can provide the best possible support.

3.

Test your market Take part in overseas events, trade fairs or missions to test markets, attract customers, appoint agents or distributors and make sales.

UKTI’s Trade Access Programme provides grants to companies to attend trade shows and missions worldwide.

4.

Foreign currency Get to know the currency you will be dealing with. Consult foreign exchange providers as they have a wealth of experience and knowledge.

5.

Start small It will be tempting to pursue multiple markets but focus on one or two markets at first.

6.

Identify, appoint and manage agents and representatives Make sure agents or representatives are the right people for your market and will positively reflect your business and interests.

7.

Get help Take advantage of organisations that specialise in supporting overseas trade such as UKTI, UKEF, chambers of commerce, banks, lawyers and accountants. Their support will be crucial.

8.

Appreciate cultural differences Failure to take account of different cultures may lead to damaging or costly mistakes. These could range from causing offence by not observing protocol to using inappropriate packaging or marketing.

9.

Make sure you get paid As obvious as it may sound, it is very easy to overlook the risk of nonpayment. You can establish the credit rating of potential clients in many countries and guard against nonpayment through, for instance, a letter of credit or credit insurance. UKEF can provide advice and insurance where the private market can’t help.

patience 10. Have Setting up overseas may not move as quickly as you anticipated, local customs and legislation can slow things down.

For more information contact UKTI on 020-7215 5000 or visit www.ukti.gov.uk.

For more information about Santander please contact: Cheryl Adams on Cheryl.adams@santander.co.uk or 01189 211 680.

Cheryl Adams - Santander

www.santandercb.co.uk

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With unrivalled expertise in all aspects of commercial printing from business cards to brochures, Advent can accomplish the most sophisticated spectrum of high quality print work with ease.

PROUD TO PRINT

B4 Magazine ADVENT PRINT GROUP 19 EAST PORTWAY INDUSTRIAL ESTATE ANDOVER, HAMPSHIRE, SP10 3LU TEL: 01264 359359 FAX: 01264 359358 EMAIL: info@advent-colour.co.uk www.advent-colour.co.uk

news Tim cycles to Paris for Helen and Douglas Hawkwell House General Manager, Tim Spittles spent bank holiday Monday at the foot of the Eiffel Tower having cycled from Reading on the Friday. The bike ride was part of a group from Peter Brett Associates in Reading. On the way down to Portsmouth, they encountered 3 other groups all cycling to Paris over that weekend.

The weather was kind, and the cycling in France through the open countryside from Caen to Paris was excellent. He has raised over £700 for Helen and Douglas House this time, following on from the B4 Edinburgh to Blenheim Bike Ride last year. Tim said “it has been great to start up cycling, and these longer rides are great fun as well as a challenge to aim for” His next challenge is a Coast to Coast ride in September which starts at Whitehaven and finishes in Northshields. This may provide a rather more taxing challenge – climbs wise for his large build!!

Iffley Blue looks to become “village local” Iffley Blue, the new eating and drinking place in Hawkwell House Hotel, is launching a number of initiatives to encourage locals to come and eat - just a walk away.

The wood baked pizzas have proved very popular so far, and the Restaurant Manager Lara Avincola has launched a special pizza night - £9.95 for a gourmet pizza and a glass of wine. Tuesday nights are when this offer is happening, and the team are aiming this at the local Iffley Village residents, although anyone is welcome. The Hotel has ample parking, and is a great location for anyone to meet up and enjoy the relaxed ambiance and great food.

Lara recently put on a wine tasting evening in conjunction with The Oxford Wine Company which was well attended and finished off with a meal, and thanks to Neil Gladding from The Oxford Wine Company for his knowledgable and entertaining hosting!

Hawkwell Team enter the Oxfam Emergency Challenge Oxfam's Emergency Challenge is an action-packed, into-the-night team challenge that tests brains, speed and strategy. It's an experience that the Hawkwell Management team will probably never forget according to the publicity!!

Developed to simulate the situations Oxfam faces in disasters worldwide, your team of four respond to a demanding series of challenges designed to test teamwork, fitness and decision-making under pressure. The Oxfam challenge includes 80 teams, and consists of 24 hours of 12 mental, physical and strategic challenges within a 400 acre site, including running, cycling and more!

Hawkwell is pleased to be a major venue for Oxfam, and is keen to develop links by entering the Challenge.

Tim Spittles, the GM is the older part of the team entering, is already getting nervous – “I can cope with cycling, but I’m going to have to do some other training which is rather daunting, I hope I don’t let the team down!!”

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If anyone would like to sponsor the Hawkwell’s Challenge then please contact timspittles@hawkwellhouse.co.uk www.hawkwellhouse.co.uk www.iffleyblue.co.uk

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B4 SERVICES

“Our furniture not

only looks good, it is highly practical, providing space saving solutions which gives your office a clean, professional, look

”

CHOOSING THE RIGHT FURNITURE FOR YOUR OFFICE ENVIRONMENT A workplace is about more than just desks, chairs and computers. Lighting, layout, ventilation, colour, space, as well as the overall look and feel of an office impacts more on productivity than often realised.

As specialists in planning and design, Aston & James combine great ideas and fresh thinking with a cost focused approach to create your ideal office environment. Their comprehensive range of furniture combines the very latest innovative design, to bring you practical office space design solutions to suit all budgets. With a professional team of planners, designers and installers Aston & James have the knowledge and expertise to complete your brief in line with your objectives and create a great place to work. By working with the world’s leading office furniture suppliers, Aston & James bring together the very best quality and style with service that really is second to none.

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Whether your project is big or small, Aston & James will work to your brief, your budget and your timescales, providing a total solution to your office requirements, in just six steps:

“Research shows

that the right office environment can increase productivity by 6-16%

”

1. Consultation Your Aston & James representative will meet with you to discuss and define your requirements, objectives and budgets to get a genuine understanding of your brief. A proposal will be drawn up for your approval.

2. Project Management Your dedicated project manager will co-ordinate your project from start to finish; from feasibility studies and site surveys, right through to design and installation.

3. Office Design Aston & James’ planners use the latest technology

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We supply a diverse “ range of furniture from simple seating, storage and desking, to call centre furniture. Our specialist brochures and extensive knowledge will help you select the ideal range to create the environment you require

”

We’ve witnessed the “ transformation new office furniture can give to a business. Over the years, the average office will build up so much rubbish, and getting new furniture in provides the perfect excuse for a major spring clean and a good clear out

”

to optimise every inch of your office, to create imaginative inspiring workspaces that meet your objectives.

install, and if required remove your old furniture quickly and efficiently; you won’t even know they’re there.

4. Non-disruptive Refurbishing a workplace needn’t be disruptive.

Aston & James’ combination of careful planning, sensitivity, and attention to detail means they get the job done with the minimum amount of disruption to you and your team.

As part of Aston & James furniture service they offer a comprehensive range of ergonomic desk and workspace solutions to help you create a more comfortable, organised and productive office environment. Prevent back tension, avoid wrist pressure, relieve neck strain and get organised with our ergonomic workstation solutions.

5. Quality Furniture Aston & James’ extensive range of quality office furniture brings you functional, comfortable contemporary pieces from the world’s leading manufactures. Our furniture not only looks good, it is highly practical, providing space saving solutions which gives your new office a clean, professional, look. Our specialist product brochures will help you make the perfect choice for your office environment.

6. Installation The final piece of the jigsaw – seamless installation to your timescales. Aston & James will deliver,

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Aston & James services include: • Project management • Space Planning • Office Design • Space Audits • CAD Drawing • Furniture Sourcing • Ergonomic Solutions • Health & Safety Compliancy • Installation • Technology Recommendations • After Service Care

We have the solution no matter what you are looking for: Call Centre, Board Room, Reception Area, Meeting Room, Executive Suite, Rest Area, Training Room, Cafeteria, High Technology Conference Rooms, Shared Areas, General Office, Education Recycling Office Equipment: Firmly committed to recycling Aston & James offer businesses a greener alternative to the Landfill disposal option.

Regardless of whether you have purchased your new office furniture from Aston & James or not, they can remove existing furniture and resolve a logistical and environmental headache. From just a single desk to a full office clearance.

For more information on how Aston & James can help you build your ideal office environment contact them today on 01993 706900 or sales@aston-james.co.uk. www.aston-james.co.uk

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B4 SPOTLIGHT

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

We are fortunate in Oxfordshire to be blessed with many great things, but behind the scenes there are so many people that go relatively unnoticed but without whom the ‘great’ would become distinctly ‘average’. Neil Cowen, Head Concierge at The Randolph Hotel, is certainly a vital cog in Oxford’s only five star hotel. Neil was talking to B4’s Richard Rosser.

Twice winner of Concierge of the Year and Vice-President of the Society of Golden Keys of Great Britain, when it comes to hotels and ensuring the guest experience is at its optimum, look no further than Neil Cowen.

One of the nicest chaps you could hope to meet, Neil has come an awful long way since he left Whitby in Yorkshire all those years ago.

“I saw an ad in the local paper, well my mum pointed it out.” Neil recalls in a soft Northern Yorkshire accent which reinforces how down to earth he is – a lesser man would have adopted a soft southern twang long ago just to fit in, but not Neil, his talent doesn’t require him to masquerade or play act. He does what he does so well because of who he is, not what he is.

“The advert was for a porter at Tylney Hall in Rotherwick (Hampshire). I got the bus down and had just ten pounds in my pocket but I loved it. I was promoted to Head Porter after six months, but I also went back home to recruit new staff – I’d stay overnight and interview people and bring the best ones back with me! I am proud to say that six or seven of these are now in prestigious

now and don’t think anyone else has done so.”

Mayfair was Neil’s next stop and then The Randolph where Neil has been for eleven yeas and he can’t see himself anywhere else. “I absolutely love it here. This is it for me. I’m the happiest I have ever been – we’re just made for eachother! I also have fantastic support from our General Manager, Michael Grange and the senior MacDonald Hotels management who believe in good service and through me and my team we can enhance our guests’ stay far more than any other hotel could hope to.”

Neil is revered not only in Oxford but around the world. Frequently invited to other countries to instil his ideals in aspiring concierges, he also gives talks to help others to follow his path. “I love to give back as much as I can to an industry which has been so supportive of me.” And do you know what, he means every word of it.

So what’s a typical day for a leading Concierge?

“Well I start off in Surrey, where I live and like to get in early, around 7am to answer the e-mails

I also have fantastic support from our General “ Manager, Michael Grange and the senior MacDonald Hotels management who believe in good service and through me and my team we can enhance our guests’ stay far more than any other hotel could hope to

”

Neil Cowen, Head Concierge at The Randolph Hotel

positions as Head Concierges in the West End! It was perfect, I’d get to see my family and watch a Middlesbrough game – I timed it for when they were playing at home!”

Neil also worked at Dolphin Square in Pimlico for three and a half years and then at Pennyhill Park in Surrey, a five red star hotel. This is where Neil won the first of his Concierge of the Year awards in 2002 and boasts proudly, “I’ve won it twice

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which come in overnight. Believe me we get some odd requests! Only the other night I was asked by to get a Dell computer lead for one of our most high profile guests – at 10pm! I tracked one down – I hate failing our customers!

Especially Mr Clinton!” Yes, THE Mr Clinton!

“After I’ve responded to e-mails, we have a management meeting to make sure we have everything covered for our high profile guests

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Photo © Rob Scotcher

“Whoever comes

through the door, whether it’s for afternoon tea or a weekend stay, it’s our responsibility to give them an unforgettable experience

”

Neil Cowen, Head Concierge at The Randolph Hotel

coming to stay with us to make sure all of their requirements have been satisfied. It is also vital for our regular guests that we get to know them, to understand what makes them tick. If it means going outside of the box, then so be it. For example, a regular guest of mine is a Leeds Utd fan. When he’s here on his birthday, I’ll get something from Leeds and make sure it’s in his room with a couple of bottles of beer (not wine, he doesn’t like it)!

“It’s that attention to detail which sets us apart, not just for the high profile guests who demand high levels of service and attention, but also for the unknown guests. I tell my staff, no matter who the guest is, make sure you make a difference. If Mr and Mrs Smith have been saving for years for their wedding anniversary, they deserve my full attention – more so than the most famous person in the world because we can make a difference to Mr and Mrs Smith, whereas the film star simply expects great service.

“Whoever comes through the door, whether it’s for afternoon tea or a weekend stay, it’s our responsibility to give them an unforgettable experience.

It’s not a case of the biggest things you’ve done for people, but the smallest things.

“And when my staff say ‘goodnight’ to me I always ask if they’ve made a difference today. If they haven’t, they know they’re going nowhere until they have!”

Neil Cowen, Head Concierge at The Randolph Hotel

For more information about The Macdonald Randolph Hotel please see: www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk/ our-hotels/macdonald-randolph-hotel or call 01865 256 400.

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Visit

The Feathers

to try our new menu and experience the world’s finest and rarest gins – currently a world record 181... and counting.

The Feathers Hotel, Woodstock www.feathers.co.uk Follow us on Twitter @feathershotel 01993 812291 Located in the heart of Woodstock by the gates of Blenheim Palace

B4 R&R

CITY SIGHTSEEING

OXFORD

B4’s Claire Suteau had the chance to rediscover Oxford thanks to City Sightseeing. Claire had been in Oxford for a month on a secondment and had always wanted to go on top of one of the lovely red buses. So on her last full day in Oxford, she went to Oxford train station to book her ticket and start her long awaited adventure.

I already knew a lot about Oxford but the tour gave me views I would never see on foot and so much information about your beautiful city.

There are so many fascinating sites in Oxford but knowing more about them was fantastic and what better way to do it in the glorious spring sunshine! After nearly four weeks of constant rain, I was very lucky!

I sat on the top deck and chose to hear about Oxford in my own language, French, which was ‘parfait’! I followed the 9 mile tour on the map and did it twice it was so enjoyable. On the first route I stayed on board for the whole journey, listening to the historic facts and amusing comments and anecdotes about the different statues, colleges and wonderful buildings. The fifty minute tour passed very quickly. The tour guide made the whole experience fun, informative and very relaxing.

For my second tour, I chose three stops to get off

at, recommended to me by Jo in the City Sightseeing shop at the station. There are twenty stops in total. The first was on St Aldates to discover the majestic Christ Church and also to go to Alice’s shop where Alice, from Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland, used to buy sweets. Next was stop fourteen in the heart of the city to visit The Bodleian Library and New College to see where Harry Potter was filmed. My last stop was The Ashmolean Museum, a great place for lovers of art!

Tickets available from: Tour Drivers, Street Sales Staff, Oxford Railway Station, Gloucester Green Bus Station, Carfax Tower, Four Pillars Hotels, Oxford Tourist, Information Office, Randolph Hotel, Cotswold Lodge Hotel, Najar’s Place, YHA, St Michaels at the Northgate.

Good Points

The Oxford City Sightseeing tour is the best way to discover and know more about Oxford and it’s great value because you can have a 24 hour or 48 hour ticket to keep jumping on and off! I wish I had hopped on earlier in my stay!

✓ THE best way to discover Oxford easily & quickly ✓ A wide variety of languages available ✓ Historic & interesting comments with anecdotes about Oxford ✓ You are free to hop on and off when you want ✓ Tickets are valid 24h or 48h - very useful ✓ New views of main sites & colleges in Oxford

Further Information

www.citysightseeingoxford.com

The useful guide also gives you discounts on shops and restaurants and free entry into some sites.

“The Oxford City Sightseeing tour is the best way to discover and know more about Oxford and it’s great value because you can have a 24 hour or 48 hour ticket to keep jumping on and off!

”

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THE NEW ANCHOR

Donald Sloan, Head of the Oxford School of Hospitality Management and Founder and Chair of Oxford Gastronomica, visited The Anchor in Jericho to give B4 a look at all the great changes taking place.

I first met Julian Rosser (proprietor of The Anchor) many years ago when we appeared together on a very low budget reality television programme. I won’t mention its name for fear of someone finding a copy on-line.

My role was to contrive a series of challenges for an aspiring restaurateur, culminating in him acting for one night as manager of Branca, which at that time was Julian’s first business in Jericho. Safe to say my performance was more than a touch awkward and stilted. Whilst several friends commented that perhaps my future did not lie in the media, they were intrigued to know why I appeared so relaxed and fluent in the final scene, when I was declaring my judgement on the achievements of the amateur restaurateur. Of course, the truth had little to do with my increasing confidence on screen, and much more to do with sharing two bottles of Montepulciano with Julian.

Needless to say there are no amateurs working in Julian’s latest Jericho venture, The Anchor. We were greeted by Lucy, whose warm and professional approach characterised that of all in the team.

Justine Rosser (Julian’s wife) is responsible for the new interior, which is looking stunning. A major refurbishment involving reconfiguring the bar, removing the patterned carpet in favour of a beautiful black and white tiled floor and replacing the dark wood panelling to expose the walls, now painted in fresh tones, has lifted the rather laden atmosphere and created a crisp, contemporary space.

Chef Fiona Cullinane has created a simple menu that showcases high quality ingredients. We enjoyed starters of warm asparagus, which retained

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a ‘bite’, accompanied by a chilled tomato salsa; potted Inverawe smoked salmon with pickled cucumber and toasted sourdough; and we couldn’t resist sharing a haggis scotch egg, which lived up to expectations. I can also vouch for the roast beetroot, which has been my choice on previous visits.

Whether it’s a family with “children, a lone drinker enjoying a quiet pint whilst reading a newspaper, or a group of friends out for a celebratory evening – all are welcome, and all are made to feel at ease

”

Donald Sloan, Head of Oxford School of Hospitality Management

Prepared in the Josper, a grill that reaches excessively high temperatures, our flat iron corn fed chicken and 6oz rib eye had a fantastic charcoal flavour. A pannacotta with caramelised orange, and a Colston Bassett Stilton and Montgomery Cheddar were the perfect finish to an outstanding meal.

Barman Paul had guided us through the wine list, and his recommendation of an Adega Vila Real 2011, from Douro in Portugal, was the ideal accompaniment.

Despite the dramatic changes to its dining room, it is reassuring to see that The Anchor is still a pub

which attracts the local community. Whether it’s a family with children, a lone drinker enjoying a quiet pint whilst reading a newspaper, or a group of friends out for a celebratory evening – all are welcome, and all are made to feel at ease.

In short, the new look Anchor, the latest creation from Julian Rosser, is a refreshing addition to the Oxford dining scene. It deserves your custom

THINGS I LOVED • • • • • •

Warmth of the welcome and quality of service Fresh, contemporary design Simple, ‘pared-back’ menu Use of high quality ingredients Well-chosen wine list and wine-savvy staff Value for money

THE MEAL • Warm asparagus with chilled tomato salsa; Potted Inverawe smoked salmon with pickled cucumber and toasted sourdough £5 • Haggis scotch egg £4 • Roast beetroot - £6 • Flat iron corn fed chicken £14 • 6oz rib eye steak £14 • Pannacotta with caramelised orange £7.50 • Colston Bassett Stilton and Montgomery Cheddar - £7.50 • Adega Vila Real 2011 - £20.50.

For more information or to book your table please call 01865 510282 or visit www.theanchoroxford.com

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B4 R&R

“Despite the dramatic

changes to its dining room, it is reassuring to see that The Anchor is still a pub which attracts the local community

�

Donald Sloan, Head of Oxford School of Hospitality Management

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CLINIC ON THE GREEN

Monica Franke is an osteopath of 14 years experience and a palpable passion for health. It shines through her words and her work, and her new clinic on idyllic Bletchingdon green harnesses this drive in herself and her collaborations.

When you open a business, you start with a dream. It’s your job to enact your vision everyday to make your dream come true.

My vision is that people will come to us, digitally and in person, because here they gain a clear understanding of their aches and ailments, becoming more connected and confident in their body. We want the people we see to work at their best and find positive ways of managing stress – physical, mental and emotional.

Clinic on the Green has been open for just over a year and I hold at the centre of all the successes, disappointments, positivity and support, my vision now rooted all the more as I look to the coming years.

When you have back pain, it wears you down.

Everything gets a little bit blurred, a little bit slower

and you simply can’t do what you normally do.

Sometimes the nerves can get involved, sleep disturbed and organ function dulled. What do you do?

many sessions will be necessary and what you will need to do for yourself in the medium and long term. We are available for you to see all week, including Saturday, Sunday and evenings.

Many people grab the ibuprofen, call the doctor when that doesn’t work and get on with it. Some have an osteopath, physio or chiropractor they have seen in the past and may try to get an appointment. Equally often, people don’t want to seek treatment for injuries and pain because they don’t want to take time off or to be told to stop their recreational activities; they are uncertain of the cost commitment both in terms of time and money.

I myself am an osteopath with a strong background in sports injuries, rehab and prehab, and I also do dry needling and taping. I also teach Pilates and other functional fitness sessions. At COTG we have 3 osteopaths, 2 massage therapists, a strength coach and sports nutritionist, hypnotherapist, CBT counsellor and we offer group and private Pilates, yoga and functional fitness classes.

At COTG, we want to enable you to continue your activities and to understand why you have the pain in order that you can prevent it in future. We will try to give you as clear an idea as possible of how

Osteopathy is now widely recognised and with this, the quality and validity of the treatment continues to grow.

Research in all areas of neuromusculoskeletal problems is a major factor in this development and at COTG we stay abreast of this, as well as sharing our knowledge base

“we want to enable you to continue your activities and to understand why you have the pain in order that you can prevent it in future ” 128

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B4 HEALTH

“We aim to provide

the way forward for you to move well and feel good, to be confident in your body and mind.

”

in-house. This means we can provide more rounded care and attention to our patients and clients, making the return to work and play as quick as possible.

Cranial and visceral osteopathy address the function and nutrition of deep tissues which support the organs, nerves and skeleton – the fascia. Fascia is a strong but usually quite thin tissue which wraps around muscles and communicates the nerves and organs of the body. Imagine the skin between the layers of an onion – this is similar to fascia. Fascial systems can be more related to joint and muscle function, or to visceral (organ) function.

Cranial osteopathy provides an amazing bridge between the fascial tissue of the body and the stress and emotion we pass on from mind to body at times of upheaval and change. Dysfunction here can manifest as back pain, digestive disturbance, gynaecological problems and anxiety. Cranial provides positive support to move these emotions and strains out of the affected tissue, easing and

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nourishing the system as a whole. This is one of the reasons it’s so great for kids – it’s so gentle and supportive – and it’s really great for adults as well.

For those who really enjoy the capacity for holistic health, COTG approaches health from the perspective of body, mind, nutrition and breath. You can take all of these aspects and we’ll help you to incorporate them into your own management, or just one.

In aspects of the mind, I am proud to have the superb clinical hypnotherapist, Linda Flanigan on our team, who does alot of work around performance anxiety, phobias and chronic pain.

Mike Sheel offers CBT counselling (cognitive behavioural therapy) with a strong goal-oriented approach, supporting and clearing the way for positive change. We also explore and recommend mindfulness practice, which is a tremendously powerful way to be alert and to cut out the daily chatter that just doesn’t contribute any good.

respectfully use the plants for medicinal or culinary purposes, and we hope it will provide a resource for the local school as well.

We recently started a regular blog series called Muscle & Mind, which dips into and brings together all of the different therapies, exercises for body and mind and nutritional and herbal content too. Over the next six months, we will be doing monthly webinars and will continue with a monthly newsletter, blogs and the development of a Pilates Youtube channel.

We aim to provide the way forward for you to move well and feel good, to be confident in your body and mind. And we hope you can join us soon!

Web: www.cliniconthegreen.com Email: enquiries@cliniconthegreen.com Tel: 01869 351345

In early May this year, I started a Community Kitchen Garden so that people may learn and

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B4 R&R

ENCAENIA

A FESTIVAL OF RENEWAL AND DEDICATION AT THE SHELDONIAN THEATRE Kathryn Allison meets some of the Events team, Kay Hogg and Maggie Burge, who are preparing for the 350th anniversary of the Grade I listed Sheldonian Theatre, a building at the heart of Oxford University.

In the magnificent setting of Oxford is the spectacular, circular building of the Sheldonian Theatre, with its eight-sided Cupola providing stunning views across Oxford. Built by Sir Christopher Wren, his earliest and arguably one of his finest architectural accomplishments, and opened in 1669, it is the Ceremonial Hall of the University of Oxford. It is the glorious location where students matriculate and graduate; where University events, concerts, and lectures are held; and where the University holds its Parliament. It is also the occasion for Encaenia: the annual, high-profile ceremony for honorary guests - past alumni includes Sir Winston Churchill, Kofi Annan and more recently Aung San Suu Kyi. The building has in the last ten years undergone a major refurbishment, with the restoration of the Ceremonial Hall’s painted canvas ceiling. The Theatre will celebrate its 350th Anniversary in 2019, with the laying of the foundation anniversary celebrations due in autumn 2014.

Kay explains “the Sheldonian Theatre is, to court a cliché, a hidden architectural jewel of the City. We are working incredibly hard to achieve two aims: opening the building much further as a visitor attraction; and promoting the Theatre as an event venue for hire.”

Many past graduates have remarked on the nostalgia they have for the Sheldonian Theatre.

However, for some passers-by, the building can go unnoticed and even the significantly-sized statue heads, affectionately known as ‘mutton chops’, encircling the exterior of the theatre, can be missed.

Many people are also unaware of the Cupola.

Added around 1838, it offers visitors a splendid www.b4-business.com

panoramic view of Oxfords famous skyline – although there are 114 spiral but wide steps to the top! A deliberate effort to attract more visitors started in 2013 and one hour guided tours start at the end of July 2014.

Kay confirms “Last year, about 4000 visitors, local to the Oxford area, visited the venue in one day.

Prior to this, they were unaware the Theatre was there, let alone open! We are delighted to have received an excellence accreditation from Trip Advisor and are working towards applying for Visit England status later this year – a nationally recognised award for Tourist attractions.”

“According to the Ancient Greeks, Encaenia means Festival of Renewal. In St John’s Gospel Encaenia is a Festival of Dedication.

”

Entry to the Sheldonian Theatre is £3.50 pp and a guided tour costs £8.00 pp, with concessions available. More information on entry fees, guided tours dates and times can be found at www.sheldon.ox.ac.uk.

The building also lends itself well to a variety of event packages: • Drinks receptions (up to 200 people) • Meetings (up to 80 people) • Award days, talks, and presentations (up to 750 people)

• Charity concerts and other cultural events, including playing a key role in the high profile Oxford Literary Festival • In conjunction with the nearby Examination Schools, packages can be offered for large conferences – up to 650 people.

• More recently, the Theatre has hosted the British Neuroscience Association who commented “The Sheldonian Theatre is a unique venue with a wonderful history; an event there is a special occasion in magnificent surroundings.”

Kay summarises, “we are growing and promoting the conference packages. We are delighted to welcome the charity Muscular Dystrophy for a Christmas concert as well as the British Humanist Association for a large conference. We are currently working towards the nationally recognised Customer Services Excellence award.”

It really is a journey of change with a sense of renewal in time for the 350th festivities. It is well worth a visit, a hidden gem in a beautiful City at the heart of the University. www.sheldon.ox.ac.uk

Important Forthcoming Diary Dates • ‘Open Doors’ day on Sunday 14th September 2014, free entry!

• Watch out for the kick-start autumn 2014 Anniversary celebrations at: www.sheldon.ox.ac.uk!

• B4 will be holding its next business event at the Sheldonian Theatre on Thursday 30th October – a must attend

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THE ARCHIVE CENTRE Matt Wright sat down with David Coulton, owner of The Archive Centre, to chat about collection, destruction, and how many dental moulds you can fit into an archive box After over three decades in corporate finance spent in the creation of documents, David’s career went full circle, and in 2009 he turned his attention to the storage and destruction of documents. At the time, The Archive Centre ‘TAC’, consisted of one warehouse in Aylesbury, one van, and two staff members.

“David, what’s changed since you bought the company 5 years ago?”

enabled space to be released in Aylesbury so we now can serve the whole region from the two archive warehouses with space within each.

2. Creation of a ‘Secure Destruction Service’ division - the shredding and secure disposal of documents has become a hot topic in recent years, and is now considered best practise for any organisation. We issue a Certificate of Destruction which provides peace of mind, as well as ticking the box for ISO audits.

I’d say there are 3 areas of significant change: 1. Additional capacity - in Sep 2013 we opened a new warehouse near Bicester, with a capacity of 20,000 archive boxes - this is already running at break-even profitability. This is in addition to our original Aylesbury warehouse, which had virtually reached its box capacity. The new warehouse

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3. Increased service ability - we now have 3 vans, in addition we have a secure box trailer which we can leave behind for larger collections - you’ll often see us out and about in our core service area, which is roughly a 30 mile radius around Bicester and Aylesbury. We are a family-run business - my wife and sons also involved - and have grown to

employ 4 members of staff, to accommodate the huge increase in demand over the past 5 years.

Could you explain how archiving works, if that’s not too stupid a question?

No, not at all - let’s start with the basics, a standard archiving box is just over 1 cubic foot in size. This can hold around 3,000-4,000 loose-leaf A4 pages (less where files are involved), and is be stored in one of our heated warehouses with 24-hour site and warehouse security monitoring.

The client can chose whether to provide their own archive boxes, or to buy them from us. Note that our boxes are specifically designed for the purpose, can hold 13kg, and are often re-usable once the contents are shredded. We do see a lot of ‘value’ containers out there, which after undergoing wear

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B4 SERVICES

& tear on client’s shelves, are pressed into service as archive boxes, and promptly fall to pieces when handed over for archiving!

Anyway, assuming everything is still in one piece, we collect them free of charge using our own vans - we don’t outsource to courier companies and use our own staff for all collections and deliveries.

Back at the warehouse, we can index the box, and send the client a spreadsheet detailing the summary contents. The client can at this stage request a more detailed cataloguing service for an extra fee. We then code the box so that we can find it at short notice, and store it.

At the time of indexing, we also note any destruction requirements (e.g. financial files must be kept for 7 years), when this time eventually comes around, we contact the client to request authorisation to destroy. Obviously, only if the client replies in the affirmative do we carry this out!

“I’m surprised there’s been that much growth in archiving - I thought it was a thing of the past with all this new technology. How have you managed to prosper?”

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Well, as I already mentioned, we are family-run, and hence very much hands-on with a service-first attitude. However, that will only get you so far these days - we’ve prospered by listening to our clients’ needs, and providing them with cost-effective solutions.

always looking “forWe’re ways to improve, and can serve all types of businesses, from 5 boxes for a playgroup, to 10,000 for a solicitor

”

It is far more efficient for some companies and other organisations to archive all their material, then request back certain documents on a needs basis.

We can pull out any box from our warehouses in a matter of minutes, locate the file, and either deliver it back to the client, or scan the relevant page(s) and e-mail it to them.

We can be creative as well - as long as it fits into an archive box, we can store it, so it doesn’t have to be just paper.

For example, we store everything for a particular voluntary organisation which only needs its uniforms and memorabilia once a year - these were all previously stored in somebody’s loft, and had begun to suffer from damp.

For another client, a dentist, we catalogue and store all the teeth models in our archive boxes, each one detailing the full client details - name, date of birth, address…etc, so individual moulds can be located at an instant’s notice.

“So how would you sum up your business?”

We’re always looking for ways to improve, and can serve all types of businesses, from 5 boxes for a playgroup, to 10,000 for a solicitor. If it fits in a box, we can archive it! If its paper we can shred it. www.thearchivecentre.com

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B4 MARKETING

STRANGEBREW

DISTILLIN’ WHAT’S INSIDE OF YOU!

Phil Strachan, founder and owner of Strangebrew, talks about how he encourages businesses and brands of all shapes and sizes to get off the blandwagon and stand out from the crowd by helping them to think brand not bland.

What possible point can there be in any business running the risk of just blanding in with the competition and consequently becoming the bland that time forgot? And yet, there are many examples of exactly that all around us – and you don’t even have to look very hard to find them. At the same time however, you simply tend not to notice them or remember them because they bland in so effectively because they succeed so very well in failing to stand out from the crowd.

They quite simply exude an inordinate lack of individuality, of differentiation, of personality, of character – in short, of any good reason for you or their target audience to notice them or engage with them. They are just bland rather than brand.

Such businesses, lacking any compelling proposition or promise that might enable them to stand out from the crowd, really need to take a long hard look at themselves and have a good hard think about what it is that makes them different and better - and why anyone should choose them over their competition.

They need, in Strangebrew terms, to ‘Think brand not bland’ and in order to do that, they need to understand exactly how they need to be perceived and precisely what they need to be seen to stand for.

They need to identify the territory they want to take ownership of and then to act decisively towards achieving that.

That is exactly where Strangebrew comes in. I help businesses to take a long hard look at themselves and to identify precisely what it is that makes them different and can be built upon to enable them to stand out from the crowd for all the right reasons and provide them with sustainable competitive advantage.

This can often be very difficult for any business to do for itself for the very simple reason that the owners and managers are just too close to their business and too entrenched in where they have come from rather than where they are trying to get to. They often simply cannot see the wood for the trees, being caught up in the day to day running of the business, and it is the injection of a fresh perspective and renewed focus that I can bring to the party.

Strangebrew – distillin’ what’s inside of you It’s exactly what I do – and I make no apology for 134

taking some creative licence and somewhat blatantly ripping off the line from the Strange Brew track from Creams’s Disraeli Gears album.

It is by distilling exactly what a business or brand is really all about - and most importantly what makes it different - that I can help it to connect, communicate and engage effectively with its target audience. At the heart of what I call Business and Brand Alchemy is the need to ‘Think brand not bland’. We live in a world where we are all constantly making brand choices, brand choices that have value to us because we can identify with the brands we choose – the brands connect with us and we engage with them. Simple as that. And it’s exactly the same for any business.

That’s why businesses need to ‘Think brand - not bland’ The brand of a business is what it is seen to stand for and without identifying exactly what you want and need to be seen to stand for in order to succeed, the danger is that you will simply be seen to be bland, to be undifferentiated and therefore you will fail to stand out from the crowd. You run the danger of just becoming another anonymous blot on an already overpopulated blandscape. If this happens, you will not connect, communicate and engage effectively with anyone – let alone your identified key target market.

Is it now the time to make sure that your business is not riding on the blandwagon?

Sure, when a business was first launched, it may very well have connected, communicated and engaged effectively with its target market. But, 10, 15 or 20 years on, is this still the case?

Almost certainly not. Most businesses have more competition than ever before and therefore there is now even greater need for them to hone and finetune their presentation and communications. Even if they themselves have not changed (and they probably have or should have), the market and their competition certainly will have. Doing nothing is not standing still – it is simply going backwards by default.

Every business needs to take control its own destiny if it is to survive and thrive. For existing established businesses, a review of what they are actually seen www.b4-business.com

The brand of a “ business is what it is

seen to stand for and without identifying exactly what you want and need to be seen to stand for in order to succeed, the danger is that you will simply be seen to be bland

”

Phil Strachan - Founder and Owner Strangebrew

to stand for and what they need to be seen to stand for can very often be an eye-opening and truly transformational experience – a transformational experience that not only serves to ensure their survival but also provides them with a new found focus and much needed impetus - in order to once again lead from the front and take their business to a much higher and more stable and more sustainable level.

There really is no value in being perceived to just be A.N.Other anything This applies to all businesses and organisations.

No matter what field you happen to operate within, there is very little value and very little to be gained by being seen to be just A.N.Other anything.

Is there anyone out there really just looking for A.N.Other Accountant or A.N.Other Solicitor, for A.N.Other Architect or A.N.Other IFA or for A.N.Other anything else? Or are they actually looking for - and willing to pay a premium for the services of a business that stands out from the crowd and that they can immediately identify with because it connects, communicates and engages effectively with them because they understand and value what they see it to stand for? In other words, they clearly perceive that what it has to offer is different and why it is better for them and they buy into its brand accordingly. www.thinkbrandnotbland.co.uk If you would like to discuss with Phil Strachan how an injection of Business and Brand Alchemy could benefit your business or organisation by helping it to ‘Think brand – not bland’, contact Phil on 07770 753 975.

Phil Strachan

Just do it, because you’re worth it, and find out Strangebrew’s special blend of London quality Branding, Identity and Graphic Design at Glasgow prices can help your business to stand out from the crowd.

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“the decor echoed that of the nearby famous museum, both in its classical colours and framed drawings on the walls

�

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B4 R&R

THE

RED LION

It’s a well-known fact that fish spawn upstream. I was still surprised though, to find this sister establishment to The Trout thriving in Central Oxford, just around the corner from The Ashmolean. Matthew Wright reviews The Red Lion for B4 Magazine.

As we approached the square, the garden was buzzing, with drinkers, diners, and waiters - 100 covers can be served outside, about the same as the restaurant inside, where you can choose to eat either in the bar area (lively), the side area (more serene) or one of 2 private rooms (very chilled).

Being of more advanced years, my guest and I were shown to the ‘more serene’ section, where the decor echoed that of the nearby famous museum, both in its classical colours and framed drawings on the walls.

Mark, the General Manager, came over to talk us through the wine list - it’s always nice to meet a fellow oenophile (wine lover I hasten to add), so I decided to go off-piste with the Scribbler Verdelho (delightful - dry with a mellow aftertaste) whilst my guest remained faithful to her trusted Sauvignon Blanc (OK, but a bit bland for me). Most of the wines were available both by the bottle and the glass, apart from some of the ones towards the bottom of the list. This meant that I didn’t get to try Mark’s favourite Carignan ‘Flying Fish’, since my guest (a blonde) ‘doesn’t do reds’ - the colours clash evidently.

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My prawn cocktail starter was beautifully presented in a tall glass on beach towel-type napkin (apologies to any Germans), with a slice of lemon on the side - I do like those little attentions to detail.

My guest began with lamb kofkas, the kitchen having already run out of her first choice - scallops - which perversely pleased me, there being no better indication of freshly-prepared food.

Mains were the seafood linguine for me and sea bass for my guest. The linguine is one of the Lion’s staples, although when chef Tom (also ex-Trout) came over to our table afterwards to enquire about our meal (another plus point), he mentioned that he does tweak it from time to time, the prawns being a recent addition. Good - keeps the regulars on their toes.

Special mention must go to the Sharing Platter; effectively 4 desserts for the price of 2, and as Mark commented, “Ridiculously good value!”, which seems an appropriate epithet for The Red Lion. www.redlionoxford.co.uk

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Clinic on the Green

Osteopathy, Sports & Natural Health Bletchingdon Qualified, Registered, Insured | Working to keep you at your best ™ DhiZdeVi]n ™ 8gVc^Va 8]^aYgZc h DhiZdeVi]n ™ Hedgih >c_jgn 8a^c^X ™ 7VWn BVhhV\Z ™ BVhhV\Z

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www.cliniconthegreen.com 01869 351345

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ADVICE ACCOUNTING Wenn Townsend P Tony Haines Partner t: 01865 559900 w: www.wenntownsend.co.uk The MGroup P Richard Clayton Partner t: 01865 552925 w: www.themgroup.co.uk Shaw Gibbs A Peter O’Connell Partner t: 01865 292200 w: www.shawgibbs.com Wellers A Stuart Crook Partner t: 01865 723131 w: www.wellersaccountants.co.uk Grant Thornton UK LLP P Wendy Hart Managing Partner t: 01865 799899 w: www.grant-thornton.co.uk Whitley Stimpson Ltd A Andy Jones Director t: 01295 270200 w: www.whitleystimpson.co.uk Russell Whitlock Accountancy t: 01865 481625 w: www.rw-accountancy.co.uk Rees Russell t: 01993 702418 w: www.reesrussell.co.uk Richardsons Accountants t: 01844 261155 w: www.richardsons-group.co.uk

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A M B A S S A D O R

A

HR.........................................................................................................................................................147 IT & Telecommunications................................................................................................149 Manufacturing..........................................................................................................................149 Marketing & Design.............................................................................................................149 Property & Building..............................................................................................................151 R&R......................................................................................................................................................154 Retail..................................................................................................................................................155

Peter Upton Ltd t: 01628 781636 w: www.peterupton.co.uk Tamesis Partnership t: 01628 781636 w: www.tamesispartnership.co.uk

HEYTHROP PARK RESORT Round Discount £20pp Mon to Fri - £25pp Sat & Sun Heythrop Park Resort has undergone refurbishment of the Health Club & Spa, the 18 hole golf course to championship standards and opening a second hotel, a new 197 bedroom four star Crowne Plaza.

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

BUSINESS ADVICE Coaching Business A Andrew Pearson Director t: 01280 844966 w: www.coaching-business.co.uk

Exilia t: 07817 767649 Hilltop Consultancy t: 01844 238692 w: www.hilltopconsultancy.co.uk Sandler Training t: 01608 611211 w: www.sandler.com Active Education and Training Ltd t: 01865 594325 w: www.oxfordactive.co.uk Oxford Professional Consulting t: 01865 436791 w: www.oxfordprofessionalconsulting.com RTS Breakthrough Solutions t: 07789 405079 w: www.rts-breakthroughsolutions.co.uk PARTNER? t: 07798 653139 w: www.partner-in-business.co.uk The Mustard Concept t: 01865 589507 w: www.themustardconcept.com

LEGAL Darbys Solicitors P Simon McCrum Managing Partner

VCA Consulting t: 01993 883751 w: www.vcaconsultinguk.com

t: 01865 811700 w: www.darbys.co.uk

Endeavour Consulting t: 07711 825005 w: www.endeavour-consulting.co.uk

BrookStreet Des Roches LLP A Paddy Gregan Partner

OPP t: 01865 404584 w: www.actioncoach.com

t: 01235 836655 w: www.bsdr.com

Action Coach t: 01183 400 351 w: www.opp.com Jamesons Insolvency & Business Recovery Carolyn Dunn A Partner t: 01993 707860 w: www.jamesons.co.uk

Henmans Freeth LLP A Malcolm Sadler Senior Partner t: 01865 781000 w: www.henmansfreeth.co.uk

139

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“We ardently believe that our products can improve cycling performance. Our dream was to partner up with Team Sky so we could prove it on the world stage, accelerating our expansion into the road bike market. Santander shared our passion right from the off, quickly securing us Growth Capital through their Breakthrough programme. Thanks to this, we’re now Team Sky’s Official Supplier of Bike Care Products for 2014.”

IT

Alex Trimnell MD, Muc-Off

SO

N THE B

AC

Find out how the Breakthrough programme could help support your business. santanderbreakthrough.co.uk email stephen.bateman@santander.co.uk or call 0780 949 3616 We’re proud sponsors of the International Festival for Business.

Simple Personal Fair What a bank should be

Lending is subject to status.

The Breakthrough programme is available for businesses with a turnover between £500,000 and £25 million and strong, demonstrable growth in turnover, profitability and/or employment over the last three years.

Santander Corporate & Commercial is a brand name of Santander UK plc, Abbey National Treasury Services plc (which also uses the brand name Santander Global Banking and Markets) and Santander Asset Finance plc, all (with the exception of Santander Asset Finance plc) authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. Our Financial Services Register numbers are 106054 and 146003 respectively. In Jersey, Santander UK plc is regulated by the Jersey Financial Services Commission to carry on deposit-taking business under the Banking Business (Jersey) Law 1991. Registered office: 2 Triton Square, Regent’s Place, London NW1 3AN. Company numbers: 2294747, 2338548 and 1533123 respectively. Registered in England. Santander and the flame logo are registered trademarks. Santander UK plc is a participant in the Jersey Banking Depositor Compensation Scheme. The Scheme offers protection for eligible deposits of up to £50,000. The maximum total amount of compensation is capped at £100,000,000 in any 5 year period.

Full details of the Scheme and banking groups covered are available on the States of Jersey website (www.gov.je) or on request.

CCBB0423 JUN 14 HT

B4 contacts Bower & Bailey A Stuart Palmer Partner

The Archive Centre A David Coulton Owner

t: 01993 705095 w: www.bowerandbailey.co.uk

t: 01296 425744 w: www.thearchivecentre.com

Penningtons Manches LLP A Richard Smith Managing Partner

Cashflow Medics t: 01865 920581 w: www.cashflowmedics.co.uk

t: 01865 722106 w: www.manches.com

AUDIO VISUAL

Turpin & Miller LLP A Emily Boardman Partner

City Audio Visual A Peter Gunn Director

BEAR AND RAGGED STAFF

t: 01865 770111 w: www.turpinmiller.co.uk

t: 01865 722800 w: www.cityaudiovisual.co.uk

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Brethertons A Karina Ray Key Client Manager

Bang & Olufsen P Mark James Director

The Bear is now in a position to offer a full suite of services to the discerning traveler whether on business or just looking for a home away from home for a few days.

t: 01295 661425 w: www.brethertons.co.uk

t: 01865 511241 w: www.bang-olufsen.com

Sipara t: 0844 2253 570 w: www.sipara.com

Cooz’s Recording Studio t: 01865 236117 w: www.coozes.com

C: Mark Greenwood | E: enquiries@bearandraggedstaff.com | T: 01865 862 329 | W: www.bearandraggedstaff.com

Dehns t: 01865 305100 w: www.dehns.com

BUSINESS CONSULTANTS

White & Black Legal LLP t: 0800 035 2656 w: www.wablegal.com Blake Morgan LLP t: 01865 248607 w: www.blakemorgan.co.uk Leigh Edwards Solicitors t: 01865 884436 w: www.leighedwards.com

The Profitable Hotel Company A Stuart Harrison Owner t: 01993 706632 w: www.profitablehotelcompany.co.uk

BUSINESS ORGANISATIONS Institute of Directors A Timon Colgrove Chairman t: 01235 773500 w: www.iod.com/oxfordshire

Lewis Silkin t: 020 7074 8494 w: www.lewissilkin.com

BUSINESS SUPPLIES AND EQUIPMENT

David Parry Employment Law t: 01993 848247 w: www.parryemploymentlaw.com

BUSINESS SERVICES ARCHIVING AND STORAGE Ardington Archives A Janet Gibbons Director t: 01367 718710 w: www.ardingtonarchives.co.uk

www.b4-business.com

Shawcity Ltd t: 01367 899553 w: www.shawcity.co.uk

ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES TOE2 t: 01865 882488 w: www.trustforoxfordshire.org.uk

On your food bill

INSURANCE

plainlaw LLP t: 01865 240202 w: www.plainlaw.co.uk

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

HEALTH & SAFETY

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

CLEANING SERVICES

Chase Templeton A Charles Frost Independent Insurance Consultant t: 0800 018 3633 w: www.chasetempleton.co.uk Osbornes Insurances t: 01844 214316 w: www.osbornesins.co.uk

LOCAL GOVERNMENT West Oxfordshire A District Council William Barton Business Development Officer w: www.westoxon.gov.uk/business West Oxfordshire A District Council Hayley Beer Tourism Services Manager t: 01993 861558 w: www.oxfordshirecotswolds.org Oxford City Council t: 01865 252 845 w: www.oxford.gov.uk

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

NETWORKING GROUPS

Excel Dry Cleaners t: 01865 511 773 w: www.exceldrycleanersofoxford.co.uk

B4 Magazine P Richard Rosser Editor t: 01865 742211 w: www.b4-business.com

141

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Contact us to discuss your requirements w. oxfordtownhall.co.uk | t. 01865 252195 | e. townhall@oxford.gov.uk

B4 contacts SECURITY

Great Experience Travel David Gambier Managing Director

Executive Alarms Ltd A John Keown Director

t: 0845 217 8284 w: www.greatexperiencetravel.co.uk

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

Visit Oxfordshire A Joanne Butler Tourism Team Leader

TRANSPORT

t: 01865 252200 w: www.visitoxfordandoxfordshire.com

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

Short Let Space Ltd. t: 01993 811711 w: www.weeklyhome.com

Teletrax Limited t: 01235 856054 w: www.teletraxltd.co.uk JK Oxford Chauffeurs Ltd t: 01865 423 916 w: www.jkoxfordchauffeurs.com

OXFORD UNIVERSITY RFC 50% Off OURFC Supporters Club Membership Oxford University Rugby Football Club (OURFC) has a long and illustrious history of sporting distinction and remains one of the world's leading and most renowned amateur rugby clubs.

C: Tim Stevens | E: tim.stevens@sport.ox.ac.uk | T: 01865 432000 | W: www.sport.ox.ac.uk

MOTOR BMW North Oxford Garage Marcus Elliot Corporate Sales Manager

P

t: 01865 319000 w: www.oxfordbmw.co.uk Ridgeway Landrover Guy Twiselton General Sales Manager

A

t: 01865 590777 w: www.ridgeway.co.uk

TRAVEL City Sightseeing P Jane Marshall Transport Manager t: 01865 790 522 w: www.citysightseeingoxford.com London Oxford Airport P Tony Farmer Head of Sales and Route Development t: 01865 290 600 w: www.londonoxfordairport.com

www.b4-business.com

A

Travel Counsellors t: 01295 720266 w: www.travelcounsellors.com

Oxfordshire Community A Foundation Jayne Woodley Chief Executive t: 01865 798666 w: www.oxfordshire.org Root & Branch A Adam Twine Patron t: 01793 780380 w: www.rootandbranch.info Oxford Inspires A t: 01865 815525 w: www.oxfordinspires.org Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research t: 0207 5042231 w: www.beatingbloodcancers.org.uk

GAS & ELECTRIC

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

British Gas Business Services A Martin Orrill Head of Energy Technology and Innovation

Sue Ryder Care t: 01491 641404 w: www.sueryder.org

t. 0845 485 3528 w: www.britishgas.co.uk/business

Crisis t: 01865 263911 w: www.crisis.org.uk

DCResponse A Nikki Aston Office & Accounts Manager t. 01993 708855 w: www.dcresponse.co.uk rb Gas t: 01865 200902 w: www.rbgas.co.uk JCC Electrical t: 01869 570827 w: www.jccelectrical.co.uk CS Electrical t: 01793 526003 w: www.cs-elec.co.uk

CHARITIES RAF Benevolent Fund A Paul Hewson Regional Director, South England t. 01296 656586 w: www.rafbf.org.uk Helen & Douglas House A Aimie Hancock Corporate Partnerships Account Manager t. 01865 799150 w: www.helenanddouglas.org.uk Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals Charitable Funds A Graham Brogden Head of Community Fundraising t: 01865 743442 w: www.oxfordradcliffe.nhs.uk

Aspire t: 01865 204450 w: www.aspireoxford.co.uk

CONFERENCE, EVENTS & VENUES CATERING Oxford Fine Dining Sue Randall Managing Director

P

t: 01865 728240 w: www.oxfordfinedining.co.uk Complete Catering Jon Kay General Manager

A

t: 01235 820840 w: www.completecatering.co.uk Passion for Food Philip Baker Managing Director

A

t: 08452 969226 w: www.passion-for-food.co.uk

CONFERENCES The Feathers P t: 01993 812291 w: www.feathers.co.uk Lady Margaret Hall P Bill Kemp Head of Conference Services t: 01865 611079 w: www.lmh.ox.ac.uk

143

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B4 contacts Williams P Conference Centre Faye Bellamy Business Development Executive t: 01235 777900 w: www.williamsconferencecentre.com Pembroke College A Huw Edmunds Head of Conferences and Events t: 01865 276484 w: www.pmb.ox.ac.uk/Conferences Egrove Park A Jill Grieveson Conference Manager t: 01865 422757 w: www.sbs.oxford.edu/conferencing Four Pillars Hotels A Chris Green Group Marketing Manager t: 01993 777532 w: www.four-pillars.co.uk Magdalen College School A Emma Withers Events Manager t: 01865 242191 w: www.mcsoxford.org Howbery Business Park A Angela Andrews Marketing and Lettings Manager t: 01491 822305 w: www.howberypark.com Heythrop Park Resort A Tracy Norcup Sales Manager

St Hugh's College t: 01865 274424 w: www.st-hughs.ox.ac.uk The King’s Centre t: 01865 297400 w: www.kingscentre.co.uk The Burlington House t: 01865 513513 w: www.burlington-hotel-oxford.co.uk

LADY MARGARET HALL

Malmaison t: 01865 268400 w: www.malmaison-oxford.com

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Oakley Court t: 01753 609 988 w: www.oakleycourt.co.uk

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

EVENTS

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

Business in Oxford 2015 t: 01865 742211 w: www.businessinoxford.com Oxfordshire Restaurant Awards t: 01865 742211 w: www.oxfordshirerestaurantawards.co.uk Oxfordshire Registration Services A Jacquie Bugeja Head of Registration and Coroner's Services t: 0845 129 5900 w: www.oxfordshire.gov.uk Oxfordshire Business Awards Paul Lowe A Chairman w: oxfordshirebusinessawards.co.uk

VENUES t: 01608 673372 w: www.heythroppark.co.uk Oxford Town Hall A Lucy Parr Sales Officer t: 01865 252195 w: www.oxfordtownhall.co.uk Meet Oxfordshire A Julie Archer Managing Agent T: 01608 659900 W: www.meetoxfordshire.com The Examination Schools A Kay Hogg Events Manager t: 01865 276905 w: www.examschools.ox.ac.uk Exeter College t: 01865 279600 w: www.exeter.ox.ac.uk/conferences/

www.b4-business.com

Venue Services, Bodleian Library A Alice Ogilvie Head of Venue Services t: 01865 277 224 w: www.bodleian.ox.ac.uk

Oxford Castle Quarter t: 01865 201657 w: www.oxfordcastle.com

Blenheim Palace P John Hoy Chief Executive

Any accommodation & Meeting Bookings

EVENT MANAGEMENT The Active Network P t: 08700 841 480 w: www.regonline.co.uk The Sound Foundation t: 07973 559203 w: www.soundfoundation.co.uk

EQUIPMENT HIRE Oxford Event Hire A Kieran Lynch Owner t: 01865 760158 w: www.oxfordeventhire.co.uk Millie Miles A Lorna Miles Director t: 01869 351603 w: www.milliemiles.co.uk

EDUCATION FURTHER EDUCATION

t: 01993 810501 w: www.blenheimpalace.com

SAE Institute P Steve Hartley Media & PR Manager

Rhodes House P Martin Gubb Director

t: 01865 787150 w: oxford.sae.edu

t: 01865 270918 w: www.rhodeshouseoxford.com Blenheim Palace Hospitality t: 01993 813 874 w: www.blenheimpalace.com/hospitality

City of Oxford College A Sally Dicketts CBE Principal t: 01865 550550 w: www.ocvc.ac.uk

145

%.',)3( 2%0%24/29 4(%!42% 02%3%.43 William Shakespeare’s

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E AT - D R I N K - E N J O Y W W W. OX F O R D C A S T L E Q UA R T E R . CO M - OX F O R D C A S T L E Q UA R T E R , OX F O R D, OX 1 1 AY

B4 contacts IFA’s

Oxford University A Student Union Max Richardson Advertising Sales Manager t: 01865 288456 w: www.ousu.org

Mark Barclay A Partner at St. James's Place Wealth Management

Oxford International Study Centre Carolyn Llewelyn Principal t: 01865 201009 w: www.oxintstudycentre.com

t: 01865 793121 w: www.mbarclay.co.uk FOCUS t: 01865 295295 w: www.focus-oxford.co.ukk

MORTGAGE ADVICE SCHOOLS

Mortgage Choices A James Keene Principal Consultant

Bloxham School A Nick Irvine Marketing Director

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

Linda Flanigan Hypnotherapy t: 07866 360359 w: www.lfhypnotherapy-oxfordshire.co.uk

SPORT London Welsh Rugby Club P Cerys Roberts Head of Corporates t: 07768 306007 w: www.london-welsh.co.uk Oxford University Rugby Football Club A Tim Stevens Club Administrator t: 01865 432000 w: www.ourfc.org

FITNESS

The Jockey Club - South West Racecourses A Matthew Foxton-Duffy Regional Head of Marketing - SW t: 01242 537608 w: www.thejockeyclub.co.uk

t: 01295 263434 w: www.tudorhallschool.com

TLA Fitness A Tom Alden Founder

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

FINANCE

t: 07554 400 401 w: www.tlafitness.com

WELLBEING

Prime Energy Fitness Ltd t: 01869 352000 w: www.primeenergy.org

Helen Money Nutrition A Helen Money Owner

Cherwell Boathouse Piunting t: 01865 552746 w: www.cherwellboathouse.co.uk

t: 01865 339672 w: www.helenmoneynutrition.com

t: 01295 724332 w: www.bloxhamschool.com Tudor Hall Boarding School Wendy Griffiths Headmistress

A

ADVICE Herbert & Webster t: 01865 407755 w: www.herbertandwebster.co.uk Critchleys t: 01865 261100 w: www.critchleys.co.uk

HEALTH AND LEISURE

GOLF BANKING Barclays A Trevor French Corporate Director Oxford t: 07775 542467 w: www.barclayscorporate.com Brown Shipley A Trudy Papafio Private Client Manager t: 0207 282 3227 w: www.brownshipley.co.uk Clydesdale Bank t: 0844 736 2616 w: www.cbonline.co.uk Coutts t: 01865 389039 w: www.coutts.com LloydsTSB Commercial t: 07764 625666 w: www.lloydstsb.com RBS Corporate Banking t: 0845 8351249 w: www.rbs.co.uk

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Frilford Heath Golf Club A Alistair Booth Director t: 01865 390864 w: www.frilfordheath.co.uk Magnolia Park Golf Club A Mark McGeehan Head PGA Professional t: 01844 239700 w: www.magnoliapark.co.uk

Monica Franke Osteopathy & Pilates t: 07970 119721 w: www.monicafranke.com

HR RECRUITMENT myFD Recruitment t: 01869 354041 w: www.myfdrecruitment.co.uk Avatar Recruitment Consultancy Ltd t: 01295 724570 w: www.avatarrecruit.co.uk

HEALTHCARE

Hays t: 01865 727071 w: www.hays.com

Robert Stanley Opticians A John Edwards Director

Better People Ltd t: 01491 836632 w: www.betterpeopleltd.co.uk

t: 01865 766488 w: www.robertstanley.co.uk

HR CONSULTANT

Clinic95 A Maria Hardman Business Manager t: 01865 241661 w: www.clinic95.com

HR2You P Sarah Morris Owner t: 07789 711997 w: www.hr2you.co.uk

147

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B4 contacts Gazella HR t: 01865 339411 w: www.gazellahr.co.uk

Torpedo Group Limited A Iain Lewis Director

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Spires HR t: 01865 880391 w: www.spireshr.co.uk

t: 01865 733710 w: www.torpedogroup.com

Science Oxford A Dominic McDonald Head of Public Engagement and Business Networks t: 01865 728953 w: www.scienceoxford.com

MB HR Support Ltd t: 01993 882744 w: www.mbhrsupport.co.uk Sylo Associates t: 01844 216290 w: www.sylo-associates.co.uk

IT & TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Alberon A Tim Ault Managing Director t: 01865 263220 w: www.alberon.co.uk Olamalu A Christoph Corvin Director

SCIENCE

Oxford Technologies A Stephen Sanders Business Development Director t: 01235 544871 w: www.oxfordtechnologies.co.uk Oxford Instruments Plc A Lynn Shepherd Group Director of Communications

DATABASE MANAGEMENT

t: 01993 764566 w: www.olamalu.com

InTouch CRM P James White Managing Director

Rare Form New Media A Jean H. Paldan Director

t: 01865 393378 w: www.oxinst.com

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

t: 01865 790039 w: www.rareformnewmedia.com

MARKETING & DESIGN

IT SERVICES

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

Computing Information Systems (CIS) Ltd P Richard Marsh Director t: 01367 700555 w: www.cisltd.com Bluespires IT A Richard Fuller Owner t: 0845 528 0505 w: www.bluespires.co.uk Oxford Knowledge Ltd t: 01865 322100 w: www.oxford-knowledge.com QPQ Software Ltd t: 01235 522516 w: www.qpqsoftware.com First Line Support Ltd t: 01865 260 220 w: www.firstline-it.com

SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT Sophos t: 01235 559933 w: www.sophos.com

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

White October t: 01865 706017 w: www.whiteoctober.co.uk

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

WEB OPTIMISATION & SERVICES Zest A Alex Minchin Director t: 0843 289 0161 w: www.zestdigital.co SEOptimise t: 0845 299 0818 w: www.seoptimise.com

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

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

MEDICAL GOODS Owen Mumford A Jarl Severn Director t: 01993 812021 w: www.owenmumford.com

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ADVERTISING

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

DESIGN Blink Design A t: 01865 742211 w: www.on-the-blink.com Strangebrew A Phil Strachan Director t: 07770 753975 w: www.thinkbrandnotbland.co.uk ADS t: 01993 885122 w: www.adsoxford.co.uk Isis Creative Framing t: 01865 203420 w: www.isiscreative.co.uk Kettle Studio t: 01491 837336 w: www.kettlestudio.co.uk Kingdom Signs Ltd t: 01235 812299 w: www.kingdomsigns.com

149

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B4 contacts FREELANCE COPY WRITING AND EDITING

OxUniPrint A Ian Wilton Managing Director t: 01865 844918 w: www.oxuniprint.co.uk

Spriggs David A Karen David Partner t: 01865 512662 w: www.spriggsdavid.co.uk

MARKETING

Abbey Press t: 01235 554555 w: www.abbey-press.co.uk

O Consultancy t: 01295 811 781 w: www.oconsultancy.com

Marketing Sense A Jo Sensecall Director

The Oxford Duplication Centre t: 01865 457000 w: www.oxfordduplicationcentre.co.uk

Love Communication t: 07887 775271 w: www.lovecommunication.co.uk

t: 01865 883579 w: www.marketing-sense.co.uk

Solutions in Ink t: 020 7917 2964 w: www.solutionsinink.com

MEDIA

Noble Word Matt Wright Owner t: 07500 531485

Heart of Business Jackie Jarvis Director t: 07801293022 Obergine A Jeremy Anderson Director t: 01865 245777 w: www.obergine.com Hutchhouse Ltd A Ben Hutchins Creative Director

BROWNS Complimentary House WIne Enjoy the sophisticated sound of great live pianoplaying at Browns Oxford – the perfect accompaniment for drinks and dinner.

C: Simon Stonehouse | T: 01865 511 995 | W:www.brownsrestaurants.co.uk/locations/oxford/

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

PRINTING Advent Colour P Mike Ackerman Sales Director t: 01264 359359 w: www.advent-colour.co.uk Blueprint Imaging A Martin Matthews Managing Director t: 01993 892360 w: www.blueprintimaging.com Hunts A Simon Froud Account Manager t: 01865 853 633 w: www.hunts.co.uk

The Buzzworks A Sarah Airey Proprietor t: 01993 813848 w: www.thebuzzworks.co.uk Adapt Communications A Tracey Jefferies Partner t: 0845 4591007 w: www.adapt.co Papa Romeo A Claire Thompson PR Director t: 07811 339577 w: www.paparomeopr.com Esplin PR A Louise Esplin Freelance PR Consultant t: 07775 678237 w: www.esplinpr.co.uk GB PR A Gail Buckle Owner t: 01865 742940 w: www.gbprconsultancy.blogspot.com

www.b4-business.com

t: 01865 552 678 w: www.oxfordmediafactory.co.uk Oxford Film Productions t: 01865 761962 / 01865 762710

With lunch & Dinner Monday-Friday

t: 0845 467 8089 w: www.hutchhouse.co.uk

PHOTOGRAPHY

Oxford Media Factory A Chris Smith Director

PROPERTY & BUILDING ARCHITECTS Riach Architects A Douglas Riach Principal t: 01865 553772 w: www.riacharchitects.com John Hallam Associates A John Hallam Director t: 01608 646969 w: www.johnhallamassociates.co.uk GBS Architects t: 01865 305130 w: www.gbsarchitects.co.uk

PROPERTY & CONSTRUCTION CONSULTANTS Ridge and Partners A David Walker Partner t: 01993 815000 w: www.ridge.co.uk Kemp & Kemp A Steven Sensecall Partner t: 01865 240001 w: wwww.kempandkemp.co.uk Pink & Black Property Consultants A Claire Moloney Director t: 01865 515919 w: www.pinkandblackproperty.com

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B4 contacts Forge Engineering Design Solutions Ltd t: 01865 362780 w: wwww.f-eds.co.uk Thameside Surveying Ltd t: 01628 421504 w: www.thamesidesurveying.com

BUSINESS PARKS Begbroke Science Park A Peter Dobson Managing Director t: 01865 283700 w: www.begbroke.ox.ac.uk Grove Technology Park Robert Lamplough Chairman t: 01235 772992 w: www.grovetechpark.com Oxford Innovation Ltd P Jo Willett Marketing and Business Development Director t: 01865 261480 w: www.oxin-centres.co.uk Bloxham Mill Business Centre A Ray Avery Managing Director t: 01295 722800 w: www.bloxhammill.com Pure Offices t: 01865 811110 w: www.pureoffices.co.uk

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY AGENTS VSL and Partners P Richard Venables Director t: 01865 848488 w: www.vslandp.com Carter Jonas P Scott Harkness Partner t: 01865 511444 w: www.carterjonas.co.uk Lambert Smith Hampton A Kevin Wood Director t: 01865 200 244 w: www.lsh.co.uk Meeson Williams Ltd t: 01865 349011 w: www.meesonwilliams.com Marriotts t: 01865 316311 w: www.marriottsoxford.co.uk

www.b4-business.com

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

ESTATE AGENTS Breckon and Breckon P Keith Stacey Managing Director t: 01865 244735 w: www.breckon.co.uk scottfraser A David Blythman Managing Director Sales t: 01865 759500 w: www.scottfraser.co.uk scottfraser A Chris Rowntree Sales Director t: 01993 705507 w: www.scottfraser.co.uk Strutt & Parker A Miles Collison Partner, Development Land & New Homes t: 01865 366660 w: www.struttandparker.com Penny & Sinclair James Penny Director

A

t: 01865 318013 w: www.pennyandsinclair.co.uk GP Residential t: 01865 246399 w: www.gpresidential.com

LETTING AGENTS Oxford Property Solutions A Emma Righton Managing Director t: 01865 311696 w: www.oxfordpropertysolutions.co.uk Breckon and Breckon P Greg Barnes Director t: 01865 201111 w: www.breckon.co.uk Finders Keepers A Frank Webster Director t: 01865 302308 w: www.finders.co.uk

scottfraser A Andrew Greenwood Group Managing Director t: 01865 760055 w: www.scottfraser.co.uk Lucy Properties A Ian Ashcroft Managing Director t: 01865 559973 w: www.lucyproperties.co.uk North Oxford Property Services A Robin Swailes Director t: 01865 311745 w: www.nops.co.uk College and County A Mark Crampton-Smith Owner t: 01865 722722 w: www.collegeandcounty.biz Premier Letting Charles Bartlett Partner

A

t: 01865 792299 w: www.premier.uk.com Oxford Property Solutions Emma Righton Managing Director

A

t: 01865 311696 w: www.oxfordpropertysolutions.co.uk Kemp and Kemp t: 01865 517584 w: www.kempandkemp.co.uk

PROPERTY SERVICES Absolutely Offices Beryl Huntingdon Managing Director

A

t: 01256 316500 w: www.absolutely-offices.co.uk EIFLA-3D A Nigel J Blanchard Founder & CEO t: 0844 7767 1870 w: www.eifla-3d.co.uk Savvy Maintenance A & Renovations Stephen Dunne Director t: 01865 920020 w: www.savvy-group.co.uk A1 Plumbing & Heating t: 01865 327732 w: www.a1ltd.co.uk

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Windover Facilities A Management Edward MacFarlane CEO t: 01869 368095 w: www.windoverfm.com

Westwood Hotel A Anthony Healey Owner

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

Fallowfields Hotel & Restaurant Anthony Lloyd A Managing Director

JCC Electrical t: 01869 570827 w: www.jccelectrical.co.uk

t: 01865 820416 w: www.fallowfields.com

GALLERIES Wiseman Gallery A Sarah Wiseman Owner

t: 01865 735408 w: www.westwoodhotel.co.uk

The Bear & Ragged Staff Mark Greenwood Landlord

rb Gas t: 01865 200902 w: www.rbgas.co.uk

A

t: 01865 862329 w: www.bearandraggedstaff.com

CS Electrical t: 01793 526003 w: www.cs-elec.co.uk Darke & Taylor Ltd t: 01865 290000 w: www.darkeandtaylor.co.uk

OXFORD EVENT HIRE 10% OFF Equipment Hire

Conifers Guest House t: 01865 763055 w: www.conifersguesthouse.co.uk

t: 01865 515123 w: www.wisegal.com

CORPORATE ENTERTAINMENT Sam Strange Magic A Sam Strange Owner t: 01865 742211 w: www.samstrangemagic.co.uk

ENTERTAINMENT Pegasus Theatre A Bel Crewe Development Director

Eynsham Hall t: 01993 885238 w: www.eynshamhall.com

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

Spirit Health Club t: 01865 888444 w: www.spirithealthclubs.co.uk

Oxford Playhouse t: 01865 305305 w: www.oxfordplayhouse.com

RENTAL ACCOMMODATION

Creation Theatre t: 01865 761393 w: www.creationtheatre.co.uk

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

Lower Mill Estate Red Paxton Marketing and Sales Director

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

t: 01285 869489 w: www.lowermillestate.com

The Oxford Wine Company A Ted Sandbach Managing Director

ARTISTIC AND CULTURAL

t: 01865 301144 w: www.oxfordwine.co.uk

R&R ACCOMMODATION The Oxford Hotel Debbie Priestley General Manager

P

t: 01865 489988 w: www.pumahotels.co.uk/hotels/the-oxford-hotel Hawkwell House Hotel P Tim Spittles General Manager t: 01865 749988 w: www.hawkwellhouse.co.uk Macdonald Randolph Hotel A Michael Grange General Manager t: 0844 879 9132 w: www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk The Royal Oxford Hotel A Tom Crampton-Smith Owner t: 01865 248432 w: www.royaloxfordhotel.co.uk

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Orchestra of St John's John Lubbock Artistic Director

FOOD & DRINK SUPPLIES

A

t: 07765 252489 w: www.osj.org.uk Modern Art Oxford A Hannah Evans Communications Manager t: 01865 813826 w: www.modernartoxford.org.uk Oxford Philomusica t: 07775 904626 w: www.oxfordphil.com Rachel Ducker w: www.rachelducker.co.uk Ashmolean Museum t: 01865 288 364 w: www.ashmus.ox.ac.uk

Roots of Oxford P Mike Hirons Managing Director t: 01865 792060 w: www.rootsofoxford.com Philip Dennis Foodservice t: 01993 700030 w: www.philipdennis.co.uk Booker t: 01933 371000 w: www.booker.co.uk

RESTAURANTS Browns Restaurant P Simon Stonehouse General Manager t: 01865 511995 w: www.browns-restaurants.co.uk Chariots and Cherry Pie P w: www.chariotsandcherrypie.co.uk

www.b4-business.com

B4 contacts A

The Red Lion P Mark Purton General Manager

Brookes Restaurant Jonathan Warhurst Operations Director

t: 01865 726255 w: www.redlionoxford.co.uk

t: 01865 483873 w: www.brookes.ac.uk

COFFEE SHOPS

4500 MIles From Delhi A Nav Kandola Owner

Turl Street Kitchen A t: 07717 341628 w: www.turlstreetkitchen.co.uk

Java & Co t: 07736 950673 w: www.javaandco.co.uk

t: 01865 244 922 w: www.milesfromdelhi.com/oxford

The Big Bang t: 01865 249413 w: www.thebigbangrestaurants.co.uk

RETAIL

Qumins t: 01865 247093 w: www.qumins.co.uk

SHOPPING

Aziz A Aziz Rahman Proprietor

Pierre Victoire t: 01865 316616 w: www.pierrevictoire.co.uk

t: 01865 794945 w: www.aziz.uk.com

The Oxford Blue t: 01865 460215 w: www.theoxfordblue.com

Aziz Express A Abdul Rahman Proprietor

The Chequers at Burcot t: 01865 407771 w: www.thechequers-burcot.co.uk

t: 01865 395870 w: www.azizexpress.co.uk The Tree Hotel at Iffley Village A Kavita Pal Director

The First Floor A t: 01865 200203 w: www.thefirstfloor-restaurant.com

Blackwell’s P David Prescott Managing Director t: 01865 382500 w: www.blackwell.co.uk University of Oxford Shop P t: 01865 247414 w: www.oushop.com Bicester Village Helen Peters Sales & Marketing Manager - Tourism

t: 01865 775974 w: www.iffley.treehotel.co.uk

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

t: 01869 323200 w: www.bicestervillage.com

Organic Deli Café A Trevor Bennett & Cristina Campos Owners

Café Aloha t: 01865 792696 w: www.cafealoha.co.uk

Beeline Bicycles A Luis Tulip Manager

t: 01865 364853 w: www.oxfordorganic.co.uk

Chariots and Cherry Pie w: www.chariotsandcherrypie.co.uk

t: 01865 246615 w: www.beelinebicycles.co.uk

Malikas t: 01865 723029 w: www.malikasrestaurant.co.uk

Clements and Church t: 01865 511212 w: www.clementsandchurch.co.uk

La Cucina t: 01865 793811 w: www.lacucinaoxford.co.uk

Riche de Fleurs t: 01993 869202 w: www.richeflowers.com

The Snooty Mehmaan Asad Ahmed Director

A

t: 01367 242260 w: www.thesnootymehmaan.co.uk

B4 PARTNERS

Official E-Mail Marketing Partner

Official Events Software Partner

Official Cloud Partner

Official Photographer

Official Event Partner

Official Stationery Partner

Preferred supplier of Home Entertainment

www.b4-business.com

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

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