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.
Introducing Nancy Buckley, Group Director, Business Development at Activate Learning
In this episode of the B4 Podcast, Nancy Buckley tells us more about her role as Group Director, Business Development at Activate Learning and why it’s important for colleges to engage with local businesses.
Apprenticeship use increases in the Thames Valley as fight for talent...
As National Apprenticeship Week (7-13 February) gets underway, new research from Grant Thornton UK LLP shows that the Thames Valley’s mid-market is increasingly making use of apprenticeships as a means of upskilling their people at all levels. With job vacancies and resignations at record highs, Grant Thornton’s latest Business Outlook Tracker* survey shows that there’s […]
Blenheim on Track to Train 100 Apprentices
As part of National Apprenticeship Week (7th-13th February) Blenheim has announced it is on track to achieve its goal of training 100 apprentices within 10 years.
Earn while you learn: a modern apprenticeship in a solicitor’s office
Miya Honeyborne talks about her experience as an apprentice with Boardman Hawkins & Osborne LLP.
Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Awards 2022 set to launch this week, as Local...
The Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (OxLEP) have announced that the prestigious Oxfordshire Apprenticeship Awards are set to launch later this week, ahead of the 2022 awards – set to take place next May.
More in Education
Keble College renews Platinum Membership with B4
Keble College has renewed its Platinum Membership with B4, reaffirming its commitment to supporting and engaging with Oxfordshire’s dynamic business community. As a long-standing and highly valued partner, Keble continues to play an important role in bringing together business leaders through exceptional events hosted in its iconic setting.
Local MP Charlie Maynard visits Abingdon & Witney College’s Witney campus
Abingdon & Witney College welcomed local MP Charlie Maynard to its Witney campus on 27th March, where he met with Principal and Chief Executive Jacqui Canton and Deputy Principal Jo Milsom, and toured a number of teaching areas. The visit formed part of ongoing discussions about skills, education, and the needs of young people and employers across West Oxfordshire.
The University of Oxford Joins B4
The University of Oxford has recognised B4, one of Oxfordshire’s leading business-to-business networks in B4’s 20th anniversary year by becoming a Platinum Member. The partnership highlights the strength of B4’s community which includes some of Oxfordshire’s most respected organisations.
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.




