Is the ‘Great British Resignation’ slowing?
With demand for workers outstripping supply and ‘the great resignation’ showing no signs of abating, Britain is facing some huge recruitment challenges.
Business Services
I’m commuting by bus to save a house deposit
A Kidlington resident is saving for a deposit on her first home after swapping her commute from a car to the bus.
Canny car owners win the war against thieves
New Home Office data reveals stolen vehicle recovery rates plummet for owners without protection LONDON – 8th August 2022 – Shocking new figures from the Home Office reveal that vehicle thefts in England and Wales exceeded 101,000 in 2021, more than twice those published by the DVLA earlier this year.1 Furthermore, less than 28% […]
Introducing Our Exhibition-Style Mobile Wellbeing Pop-up
Helping You Create Workplaces That Are Fit for Work, Fit for Purpose, Fit for Life Our office furniture showroom in Witney displays a range of products that supports workplace wellness, but we recognise that not everyone may be able to visit us. That’s why we have created an exhibition-style mobile pop-up so we can go out […]
Finance & Insurance
Seek help to avoid the wealth tax trap
Experts are urging ordinary people to take advice to avoid falling into the inheritance tax (IHT) trap.
Thames Valley business ‘keeps the faith’ on Levelling Up agenda
The new Prime Minister’s inbox may well overflow with priorities, but the Thames Valley business community has once again shown its faith in Levelling Up. The policy agenda, the most recent take on decades of debate about how to rebalance the UK economy, had been a major focus of the outgoing leader Boris Johnson. New […]
Purbeck Personal Guarantee Monitor Q2 2022
125% year on year increase in loans secured with personal guarantee attached July 2022: Purbeck Personal Guarantee Insurance, the U.K.’s first and only provider of personal guarantee insurance has published its Q2 2022 figures on the take up of Personal Guarantee backed loans by small business owners, based on the volume of personal guarantee insurance […]
Latest
Don’t let your classic car be a sitting target this summer
Tracker helps owners to protect their investment both on the road and at home LONDON, 11th August 2022 – Whilst summer can be the perfect time for classic car enthusiasts to take their beloved vehicles for a spin, or start working on new restoration projects, Tracker Network (UK) Ltd, the stolen vehicle recovery (SVR) expert, […]
Sustainability
B4 Sustainability Ecosystem Launch
Join B4 Members Donna Bowles and Richard Dorey and invited guests at the wonderful Howbery Park for the launch of B4’s Sustainability Ecosystem. This is a great opportunity to not only connect face to face but to hear from experts in and out of the B4 community to see how they’re making their businesses more sustainable. Guests will also enjoy a tour.
Listen In: The Sustainable Business Handbook, by David Grayson
Professor David Grayson CBE is Emeritus Professor of Corporate Responsibility at Cranfield and is one of the authors of a new book called The Sustainable Business Handbook, designed to be a comprehensive, practical guide for business leaders aiming to improve the key levers of business success.
Grayson: ‘Sustainability is about finding business opportunities in disguise’
Businesses must look for opportunities in the sustainability agenda rather than just seeking to reduce risk, according to leading expert Professor David Grayson CBE.
Latest Digest
Apprenticeships Digest #2
In this edition of the Apprenticships Digest B4 members Grant Thornton, Blenheim, OxLEP and more bring you the latest news, as well as a great interview with Nancy Buckley, Group Director, Business Development at Activate Learning.
Conference & Events
Suzanne Rosé Wine Launch at Hencote
Hencote invites B4 members to join us as we launch our 2021 Suzanne Rosé on Friday 26th August. The event, Vibes on the Vine, is to introduce the newest rosé from the Hencote Vineyard; The 2021 Suzanne. From arrival glasses of wine, entertainment, a speciality cocktail menu and the option to have a sit down […]
B4 Classic Event at The Eastgate Hotel
B4 Members are invited to join us at our September Classic Event where we will be enjoying the hospitality of our good friends Bradlee Pillay (General Manager) and Charlie Webb (Regional Sales Manager) on the terrace of one of Oxford’s finest hotels.
B4 Sustainability Ecosystem Launch
Join B4 Members Donna Bowles and Richard Dorey and invited guests at the wonderful Howbery Park for the launch of B4’s Sustainability Ecosystem. This is a great opportunity to not only connect face to face but to hear from experts in and out of the B4 community to see how they’re making their businesses more sustainable. Guests will also enjoy a tour.
Professional Services
Seek help to avoid the wealth tax trap
Experts are urging ordinary people to take advice to avoid falling into the inheritance tax (IHT) trap.
Penningtons Manches Cooper teams recognised in IAM Patent 1000
It’s great to see our IP, IT and commercial team recognised in the latest IAM Patent 1000. The firm is recommended in the transactions category, while four individual lawyers – Rachel Bradley, Lisa Page, Chris Shelley and Dr Duncan Curley – are also recognised. Rachel, Lisa and Chris are recommended for transactions, and Duncan for […]
Penningtons Manches Cooper advises Titian Software on majority investment from Battery...
The corporate team at Penningtons Manches Cooper has advised shareholders of Titian Software, a leading sample management software solution provider to the life sciences sector, on the significant, majority investment from Battery Ventures, a US technology-focused investment firm.
People
Exec Support Solutions CEO launches new Oxfordshire-based recruitment business
I am over the moon to announce the grand opening of Exec Recruitment Solutions; Oxfordshire’s newest Recruitment Agency! 🥳 I have proudly joined forces with the formidable Catherine Snell, combining her expert recruitment experience within the business support field and my success as the founder of award-winning Exec Support Solutions. Exec Recruitment Solutions will specialise in […]
B4 Classic Event at The Eastgate Hotel
B4 Members are invited to join us at our September Classic Event where we will be enjoying the hospitality of our good friends Bradlee Pillay (General Manager) and Charlie Webb (Regional Sales Manager) on the terrace of one of Oxford’s finest hotels.
£30m for Oxford scientists to rewrite DNA to cure killer heart...
An injectable cure for inherited heart muscle conditions that can kill young people in the prime of their lives could be available within a few years, after an international team of researchers were announced as the winners of the British Heart Foundation’s Big Beat Challenge.
Sales & Marketing
Target tops fundraising total at charity golf day
More than 20 teams took to the greens and fairways at Brickhampton Court Golf Complex on Thursday 30 June to help raise £9,000 for Hope for Tomorrow as part of Target’s biggest ever charity golf day. Now in its fifth year, another hugely successful event saw the Cheltenham-based communications agency support Hope for Tomorrow. The […]
Ambush Marketing: Create a Buzz Without Getting Stung
Events draw huge publicity and ambush marketing is a way of associating your brand with an event without being the official sponsor, but the rules and regulations around ambush marketing have been tightened as organisers try to protect their sponsors’ investment. With the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games approaching, Freeths experts Simon Barker and Emma Bacon steer you through the opportunities and legal constraints of ambush marketing.
Vendula London is announced the Winner of Most Innovative Vegan Handbag...
Vendula London is announced the Winner of Most Innovative Vegan Handbag Brand Vendula London has been recognised by the judging panel at The Global Vegan Awards for the high quality of their imaginatively designed products, providing vegan consumers with attractive and ethical options to enhance their style. The Global Vegan Awards judges commented: “No other […]
Property
Meyers Estate Agents Awarded Property Industry’s Most Prestigious Mark of...
Meyers Estate Agents has been awarded the property industry’s most prestigious mark of excellence, which puts them in the top 2% of estate agents in the UK judged on: marketing, results and customer service, determined following a survey of 30,000 buyers, sellers, landlords and renters. Over 15,000 estate agencies are assessed by Property Academy and […]
CBRE Makes Senior New Appointment in Oxford Office
Global real estate advisor has appointed Kevin Wood as a Senior Director in its Oxford office. Kevin joins the firm from Lambert Smith Hampton where he was head of the Oxford office and led the national Life Sciences team.
Howbery Park’s sustainable ethos hastens return to full capacity
Howbery Business Park has bounced back quickly from the pandemic lull, with all office spaces taken again. During the last year, new businesses have arrived on the park while some established tenants have taken on extra office space, refilling vacancies created by the few who left during lockdown. There are now 57 tenants based on […]
Local Government
How could Boris Johnson’s resignation impact business?
More than 55 MPs have resigned within the past 48 hours, leaving Boris Johnson no choice today but to leave a role which he has today called “the best job in the world.”
IoD welcomes Chief Economist Kitty Ussher for special briefing
IoD Chief Economist Kitty Ussher will outline prospects for the UK economy and business at a special event for local directors.
New funding to help businesses cut energy bills and carbon emissions
New funding has been announced to help businesses improve energy efficiency and fight energy waste in commercial buildings in Oxfordshire.
Strategy
Heart For Leadership: Episode 2 with Frank Nigriello
My guest today is Frank Nigriello who has a long history of working in leadership, storytelling, and is the chair of the B4 community. You can discover more about Frank Nigriello at www.linkedin.com/in/franknigriello/ B4 business is a curated community of trusted businesses. You can find out more about B4 at www.b4-business.com You can discover more […]
B4 BETTER BUSINESS ECOSYSTEM: Target’s ‘Pillars of Purpose’
Sam Kandiyali of Target PR shares Target’s Pillars of Purpose – a conceptual model that explores the relationship between PR and purpose (why an organisation exists).
Government cautioned over new recovery loan scheme
PRESS RELEASE Government cautioned over new recovery loan scheme Business owners need to know the personal stakes are high June 2022: Following news that UK ministers are poised to launch a new £3bn recovery loan scheme that will require business owners to provide personal guarantees, Todd Davison, MD of Purbeck Personal […]
Tech, IT & Comms
Unipart Rail forms partnership with Gripple
Unipart Rail has formed a new partnership with Gripple and together they are bringing a revolutionary new innovation to the rail industry – the Gripple Rail Dropper.
Tracker calls time on tech-savvy car thieves
NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Tracker calls time on tech-savvy car thieves Keyless car theft at an all-time high, prompting plans to clampdown on the sale of hacking technology LONDON, 18th July 2022 – Stolen vehicle recovery (SVR) expert Tracker Network UK Limited, is urging motorists to be extra vigilant as the number of car […]
Penningtons Manches Cooper seek Cyber Security Firm of the Year
We’re delighted to sponsor the Cyber Security Firm of the Year category at The Business Magazine’s Thames Valley Tech Awards.
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.
How Important is Blogging for SEO?
If you’re new to SEO, you will know it can certainly be overwhelming. You’ve got on-page SEO, off-page SEO and technical SEO to think about, all of which require specialists in the field to optimise.
Top Tips to Stay Safe Online
February 8th saw the 19th annual Safer Internet Day. Safer Internet Day is a day dedicated to advocating safety online and the responsible use of technology for young people. Since online safety affects all those who spend time online, which according to Statista, is 62 million monthly active users, XIST2 have shared their top tips for staying safe online.
Responsible Business
New Walfinch Franchisee: Taking Care to the Community
Monique Gadd is looking forward to playing a bigger part in her community as the new Walfinch home care franchisee in the Bolton and Bury Boroughs. Walfinch offers an alternative to care homes. Nine out of ten people say that if they need care, they would prefer to receive it in their own home. Walfinch […]
B4 Better Business Ecosystem Launch
Join B4 Members Grant Hayward and Sam Kandiyali and invited guests at B4’s HQ. This is a great opportunity to not only connect face to face but to hear from experts in and out of the B4 community to see how they’re making their businesses better.
Brand the Bus! returns revamped to help more good causes
Oxford Bus Company today launched its annual Brand the Bus! 2023 competition for a local charity or good cause to have its branding on a double decker.