Business Services

Finance & Insurance

Charles Stanley ...

Established in 1792, Charles Stanley is one of the UK’s leading wealth management firms, with a rich heritage of delivering high quality client service. Although we are more than 200 years old, we are focused on investing in our future, embracing technology and innovation, and adapting to changes in society to help our clients prosper. Operating from more than 20 branches across the UK we provide bespoke investment portfolios and tailored financial advice at every stage of your financial journey.

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Sustainability

Sustainability in business: from ambition to action

At October’s B4 Sustainability Ecosystem members were unanimous that attaining net zero carbon emissions by 2050 was an important target in our drive to reduce our carbon footprint, address climate change and implement a sustainable business approach. However, while the environmental and social aspirations to ‘be better’ and ‘do good’ were clear, many did not know what the carbon footprint of their business was or felt unsure what the steps should be to convert strategy into direct actions. As session lead Toby Newman from environment consultants, Enistic, explained: “If it can’t be measured, it can’t be improved.”

Blenheim’s CEO opens up on solar

The first B4 Platinum Quarterly held in the stunning Clementines on the South Lawn at Blenheim Palace encapsulated all that is good about a business community coming together to network. One of B4’s most loyal supporters, Blenheim Palace, played host to over 100 business leaders from across Oxfordshire providing fantastic hospitality and enabling brilliant conversations.

Latest Digest

Conference & Events

Professional Services

People

Navigating the UCAS Application Process for A-Level and GCSE students

The journey to higher education is a significant step in any student’s life, filled with excitement, challenges, and crucial decision making. Recently, Alan Carter, Senior Academic Advisor and Exams Officer at Cherwell College Oxford spoke with Sean Murphy, Politics and History tutor on the Cherwell College Oxford podcast, during which Alan helped to shed light on the intricacies and considerations GCSE and A-Level students should bear in mind when approaching the UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) application process.

Sales & Marketing

Can Your Business Learn from the Super Bowl? 

Last night’s Super Bowl, won by the Kansas City Chiefs, was one of the most-watched television events of the year in the United States, with over 100 million viewers tuning in to watch the game. Many companies see the Super Bowl as an opportunity to reach a large audience and gain market share with half-time adverts costing an eye-watering $7 million! Here are some common strategies that companies use to leverage the Super Bowl to gain market share:

Let’s talk turkey!

Hot off the press – some topical food for thought with a distinctly seasonal flavour and certainly something for businesses to chew over and digest to ensure that they keep abreast of the latest thinking in branding and have a tried and tested recipe for success that isn’t bland for the new year ahead.

By PHIL STRACHAN – The Think Brand not bland Guy

Property

Local Government

‘Meanwhile in Oxfordshire..’ Case Study: Ducky Zebra, the sustainable kidswear brand...

‘Often girls’ clothes are pink, cute and impractical. They promote kindness, but not always confidence. And boys’ clothes are often blue, aggressive and adventure seeking. They promote confidence, but not always kindness. I wanted to bring these two characteristics together and allow all children, no matter what their gender, to celebrate both kindness and confidence.’ – Sally Dear, Founder of Ducky Zebra

Strategy

The Season of New Beginnings in Your Leadership Journey

Spring is thought of as the season of new beginnings, bringing new life to plants, trees and flowers and although it may not officially begin until 20th March, now is a great time to think about new beginnings in your own professional journey. This change of season is a great time to reflect on the things that you have planned for the year, and how you are going to accomplish them.

Tech, IT & Comms

Your Business Without IT

You are invited to take a moment to visualise what would happen if your IT infrastructure went down, your customer and supplier data was stolen and your intellectual property was compromised. With denied access to your systems and information, operations will come to an immediate standstill.  Financial demands are made and there’s a risk that […]

Unveiling B4 HUB: A New Era of Benefits for B4 Members

In the dynamic landscape of business, connections are the cornerstone of growth and success. At B4, we’ve always believed in the power of collaboration and support within our community. Only last week we saw the power of four of our Platinum Members coming together as the fantastic team at Sobell House stepped up the launch of the incredible OxTrail 2024 at Oxford Brookes University with the support of Darcica Logistics and Aston & James.

Web & Social

Overview of Digital Services Tax (DST)

The UK’s Digital Services Tax (DST) came into operation on 1 April 2020. This tax is designed to ensure that the major social media, search engine and online retailers are subject to a 2% tax on revenues generated from the participation of UK users of their services.

Responsible Business