Tech, IT & Comms Digest #1
The latest from the world of technology, I.T., and telecommunications. Featuring Zoho, Freeths, Activate Learning, Penningtons Manches Cooper, Unipart, Storm Internet and many more…
Biotech growth fuelled by Heyford Park Innovation Centre
A biotech start-up founded in the middle of the pandemic by three neuroscientists is expanding at Heyford Park Innovation Centre thanks to their world-leading expertise and access to shared laboratory space.
Peacock Engineering appoints first COO as it boosts its IBM expertise
IBM expert Matthew Deadman has been appointed the first Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Peacock Engineering, a global specialist, headquartered in Little Chalfont, Bucks, in designing and delivering Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) solutions built on IBM Maximo.
Cyber fears as HMRC declares 17 serious data breaches to ICO
Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has reported a total of 17 serious data breaches to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) over a 15 month period, from January 2020 to March 2021.
Is your business ‘Plan B’ ready?
‘Plan B’ measures have been discussed and delayed for a number of weeks already, but recent reports indicate that Boris Johnson may ‘trigger Plan B in days’.
Freeths Advises Centrica on investment in break-through hydrogen production technology
Freeths corporate team has advised its client, Centrica plc, on the acquisition of a minority stake in HiiROC Limited (“HiiROC”), the hydrogen production technology company helping to combat climate change with affordable hydrogen produced at scale but without CO2 emissions.
Work commences on new South Central Institute of Technology hub in...
Work officially started this week on the £3.2 million development of the new South Central Institute of Technology (SCIoT) hub in Oxford.
Corporate team advises on sale of AI spinout to Meltwater
The corporate team at Penningtons Manches Cooper has advised the selling shareholders of Oxford spin-out DeepReason.ai on its acquisition by leading media intelligence SaaS provider Meltwater BV for $7.3 million in a combination of cash and Meltwater equity including earn-outs. The DeepReason.ai team will join Meltwater.
Hosein Torabmostadi named in The Manufacturer Top 100
Published every year since 2013, the Top 100 provides a showcase for the most inspiring individuals in the UK manufacturing industry.
South Central Institute of Technology’s Preeti Vohra scoops prestigious national tech...
South Central Institute of Technology (SCIoT) is incredibly proud to announce that Reading-based Digital Technologies Trainer Preeti Vohra has been announced as one of the TechWomen100 winners.
Dorset tech specialist named in UK’s top 100
A technology specialist at Dorset-based Spyrosoft has been named one of the most influential business leaders in the country.
Storm Internet Breaks Own Record at 2021 ISPA Awards
Storm Internet has again set a new record at the Internet Services Providers’ Association (ISPA) annual Awards. Taking first place in the coveted Best Hosting Provider category brings the Oxfordshire host’s total number of category wins to 9, three more than previous record holder UKFast.
More in Tech, IT & Comms
Welcome to B4: XIST2
We’re delighted to announce that XIST2 have joined the B4 community.
XIST2 is an Oxfordshire-based digital marketing and web design agency, established in 2005, specialising in bespoke WordPress development, SEO, branding, and graphic design.
Impact Session with Oxford Brookes University: AI, Data & Cyber Trends...
Business leaders from across Oxfordshire gathered for the first OBS2026 Impact Session series, delivered in partnership with Oxford Brookes University, to explore the AI, data and cyber trends that will shape 2026 and beyond.
Inclusivity in youth rugby: Darren Rea is honoured at UK Coaching...
Last week at the UK Coaching Awards in Leeds, our colleague, Darren Rea was recognised for his inspirational work coaching young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
From this author
Building Better Businesses: How Values, Culture and Purpose Shape Positive Impact
Hosted by Better Business Ecosystem lead Grant Hayward, B4 Members gathered to explore what it truly means to run a “better business” — one that creates meaningful impact for employees, customers, communities and the wider world. The discussion examined how organisational values, mission-driven thinking and workplace culture shape the way businesses operate and grow. Please see link at the foot of the article to a report from new B4 Members, Designed by Oxygen, which was referenced by Suzie Mills during the session.
HENLEY FESTIVAL’S SPECTACULAR LINE-UP FOR 2026
Henley Festival Presented by Hemani is thrilled to reveal a dazzling line-up for five magical summer nights from 8-12 July 2026 with headliners on its iconic Floating Stage including Boy George & Culture Club, Sugababes, Lulu, and Alex James’ Britpop Classical.
B4 Business Development Ecosystem – Strategic Focus on Winning the Right...
Our recent Business Development Ecosystem, facilitated by the excellent Caroline O’Connor of Fourth Born, brought together business owners and senior business development professionals from sectors including construction, professional services, charities and technology.






