The new Toyota Corolla Commercial
Toyota has launched the new Corolla Commercial, the UK and Europe’s first van to use self-charging hybrid electric power.
Business Services
Tracker and Surrey Police outwit professional thieves who steal prized Porsche...
LONDON, U.K. – May 2022 — Professional thieves who set their sights on a Porsche 911 Carrera and planned its theft while its owners were on holiday abroad, have been outsmarted by stolen vehicle recovery (SVR) expert Tracker and Surrey Police. The thieves, who forced entry to the owner’s Epsom home to seek out the […]
The New Plastic Packaging Tax Explained
When does this take effect? Effective from the 1st of April 2022 HMRC introduced a new tax on plastic packaging (NPPT) that contains less than 30% recycled content. From April 1st, the tax will be added to all plastic packaging that doesn’t include a minimum of 30% recycled content and will be presented as an uplift in […]
How to avoid thieves from spoiling a summer staycation
Tracker urges owners to be extra vigilant and safeguard caravans as holiday season approaches LONDON, 19th May 2022 – Stolen vehicle recovery (SVR) expert, Tracker Network (UK) Ltd , is urging caravan and motorhome owners to be vigilant when it comes to protecting their vehicles in the run up to the summer holidays. The UK’s […]
Finance & Insurance
Customers pay the price as volatile supply chains pressure mid-market
Research from Grant Thornton UK LLP’s latest Business Outlook Tracker research, which looks specifically at 370 leaders of businesses with a supply chain, shows that over half (52%) are finding it harder to operate their business today, compared to 12 months ago. To manage cost pressures, 61% of respondents said that their suppliers have agreed […]
Applications for personal guarantee backed small business loans up 50%
Headline figures: Applications for Personal Guarantee Insurance to support business funding rose 50.5% Q1 2022 vs Q1 2021 In March 2022, the number of applications doubled those received in March 2021. 35% of finance applications with a personal guarantee attached are for ‘Working Capital’ Applications for personal guarantee insurance to support funding for ‘Working Capital’ […]
Risk Management is an enabler for growth
It’s a hackneyed phrase that insurance is a necessary evil. That can’t be said about risk management. Actually, effective risk management enables your business to make better decisions, avoid the typical pitfalls and deliver on its plan. Isn’t that how we all want to manage our business? A great analogy is Formula 1. People often think […]
Latest
Plant-Based Grocery Delivery Start-Up GreenBay partners with Revo Foods to bring...
The plant-based seafood revolution has officially begun! Revo Salmon, the brand-new plant-based smoked salmon from Austria, is now available in the UK thanks to a partnership with the popular grocery delivery start-up GreenBay. Long awaited in the UK, Revo Salmon is the ultimate plant-based seafood alternative. Often described as “better than [conventional] salmon”, this exciting […]
Trending
What would be the most valuable solution to help your business?
Well, that’s a million-dollar question if ever we asked one, but it’s an interesting concept to wrap some grey matter around.
Sustainability
B4 Sustainability Ecosystem: The Sustainable Business Handbook
One of the country’s leading experts on responsible business will be talking about how SMEs can address the issues around climate change while improving their businesses at a free lecture in the Unipart Conference Centre on 11th July at 6pm
Earth Day celebrations at Oxford Brookes
Students and staff at Oxford Brookes University have marked Earth Day by taking part in a host of green activities which will help them to be more environmentally friendly and to take their own personal action against climate change.
Jennings to host Making a Difference business workshop
The Oxfordshire business park operators are partnering with Oxfordshire Greentech and South & Vale Business Support to hold an interactive workshop which aims to support small business owners build sustainable and ethical enterprises. The first live event for over two years at Jennings’ Monument Park sets the stage for small businesses to pack a big climate action punch.
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
B4 Sustainability Ecosystem: The Sustainable Business Handbook
One of the country’s leading experts on responsible business will be talking about how SMEs can address the issues around climate change while improving their businesses at a free lecture in the Unipart Conference Centre on 11th July at 6pm
B4 Platinum Dinner in the Saloon at Blenheim Palace
B4 Members are invited to join us for an extra special evening in the wonderful saloon at Blenheim Palace.
B4 Classic Event in The Great Hall at Blenheim Palace
B4 Members are invited to join us for our 8th Blenheim Palace Classic Event, one of our favourite events of the year.
Professional Services
New Build Search Service Set to Be Game-Changer for Housebuilders &...
Search and software provider poweredbypie, a Dye & Durham company, has introduced the award-winning new build search service BuildX service into its ordering platform.
New Coaching and Support Programme for Legal Professionals Launched
In the wake of post-pandemic conditions, Herefordshire-based life coach, Kim Parker, has today announced the launch of a six-month online coaching and support programme for legal professionals ‘with soul’. The Six Keys (to Personal Success and Professional Satisfaction) begins on 16 May 2022, right after Mental Health Awareness Week. “In an uncertain world, professionals are […]
Introducing Chris Shelley, Head of Life Sciences at Penningtons Manches Cooper
Chris Shelley is an IP, commercial and competition partner and Head of Life Sciences at Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP (PMC).
People
Walfinch Delivers Care that Suits Clients to a Tee
Kam Gill and her Walfinch care team believe in going the extra mile – even if it’s on a golf course. Kam, Managing Director of the Walfinch care service franchise in Oxford, and her care supervisor Danielle Young, recently organised a golf session for their client Brian Marlow, 92. “He’s often talked about how he […]
Enhanced education and job opportunities for refugees and asylum seekers
Activate Learning has created a suite of courses to support refugees and asylum seekers, due to a higher demand for English language programmes in the wake of the Ukranian crisis.
City of Oxford College Hosts Local Employers for Retail Careers Event
Local Oxfordshire employers came together on Friday 20 May to take part in a Retail Careers Employment event, organised by City of Oxford College, to promote recent openings for jobs in the retail sector.
Sales & 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 […]
Pretzel Group Making a Splash with Crag Water
After welcoming a stream of new clients on board in recent months, Cheshire-based Pretzel Group is further making waves with its latest addition – Crag Water. The new-to-market environmentally conscious spring water brand is being bottled at source in the Macclesfield countryside, after owner Doran Binder discovered an untapped stream running underneath the Crag Inn, […]
XIST2 Deliver RMSGC a Website On Par With The Club
XIST2 was commissioned to take the Club through a brand evolution, with a view to contemporising the RMSGC brand, without leaving behind the rich heritage of the club.
Property
Jennings to host Making a Difference business workshop
The Oxfordshire business park operators are partnering with Oxfordshire Greentech and South & Vale Business Support to hold an interactive workshop which aims to support small business owners build sustainable and ethical enterprises. The first live event for over two years at Jennings’ Monument Park sets the stage for small businesses to pack a big climate action punch.
CBRE Bolsters Life Sciences Team with New Senior Appointments
Global real estate advisor CBRE has bolstered its Life Sciences offering with a series of new appointments.
Thomas White Oxford appoints Victoria Collett as development director
Thomas White Oxford Ltd, the development company of St John’s College, has appointed Victoria Collett as development director to deliver Oxford North, Oxford, UK, the £700 million new global innovation district.
Local Government
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.
OxLEP response to the Levelling-Up White Paper
The much-anticipated Levelling-Up White Paper was announced last week by the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, Michael Gove MP.
Trending
What would be the most valuable solution to help your business?
Well, that’s a million-dollar question if ever we asked one, but it’s an interesting concept to wrap some grey matter around.
Strategy
Heart For Leadership: Episode 1 with Graham Caleb
In this brand new podcast by Matt Goddard of Thirty-Six Twenty-Six in association with B4, Matt talks to Predli CEO Graham Caleb about leadership, technology, and support.
Defining the journey towards diversity
Achieving a high standard of diversity in the workplace has become increasingly important – especially given the spotlight that has been shone on this aspect of business life by the recent global pandemic and the growing awareness of racial inequality around the world. For larger businesses there are also greater reporting requirements in this area from regulators and government.
At The Sharp End
B4’s Chairman, Frank Nigriello, chairs the first of a series of podcasts with invited CEO’s and Leaders of B4 Member organisations.
Tech, IT & Comms
Conker launches most powerful devices to date
Conker, which provides reliable devices for mobile workforces, will be prototyping its new NS85 8” handheld tablet and 10” NS105 tablet at this year’s Final Destination Logistics event. The latest products are Conker’s most powerful yet when it comes to memory (RAM) – standing at 8 GB (upgraded from 4 GB), and data storage […]
Conker underpins growth plans with three new appointments
Conker, which provides a range of rugged, wearable and scannable devices for mobile workforces, is expanding yet again with the appointment of three new staff members. The appointees are joining across various departments, in roles involved with operations, marketing, and finance. Anthony Nicholson joins Conker in the role of operations manager and will be […]
State-of-the-art immersive technology to prepare students for clinical practice launches at...
Health and Social Care students at Oxford Brookes University are set to benefit from state of the art technology that allows them to step into immersive scenarios, to prepare for real life clinical practice.
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
Let’s do lunch…. Care charity Vegetarian for Life launches vegan...
Many leading caterer training providers give budding chefs only a limited overview of vegan and vegetarian diets. VfL’s lunch club guide – available in digital format – is the perfect way to bridge this gap. Packed with lots of information on catering for vegans and vegetarians, chefs will no longer be struggling for lunchtime ideas […]
Target’s ‘Pillars of Purpose’
Sam Kandiyali of Target PR discusses a conceptual model that explores the relationship between PR and purpose (why an organisation exists) with B4’s Richard Rosser.
Better Business Ecosystem: Target’s ‘Pillars of Purpose’
Sam will be sharing Target’s Pillars of Purpose – a conceptual model that explores the relationship between PR and purpose (why an organisation exists).
Latest
Plant-Based Grocery Delivery Start-Up GreenBay partners with Revo Foods to bring...
The plant-based seafood revolution has officially begun! Revo Salmon, the brand-new plant-based smoked salmon from Austria, is now available in the UK thanks to a partnership with the popular grocery delivery start-up GreenBay. Long awaited in the UK, Revo Salmon is the ultimate plant-based seafood alternative. Often described as “better than [conventional] salmon”, this exciting […]
