OBS2026 Gold Sponsors’ Dinner Brings Oxfordshire’s Business Community Together at Keble College

Hosted by B4 and supported by Keble College, the black-tie event brought together senior decision-makers, under-35 professionals and young people connected to local charities, creating a distinctive mix of experience, fresh thinking and new perspectives.

📸 Event photographs:
https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCRwmt

Bringing Different Perspectives Into One Room

Opening the evening, B4 CEO Richard Rosser highlighted the importance of creating more inclusive and connected business environments:

“This is about bringing together people at different stages of their journeys — creating the opportunity to share perspectives, ideas and responsibility for what comes next.”

Keynote: From Ambition to Achievement

Guest speaker Gavin Jones, CEO and Co-Founder of Planet IT, shared his journey from modest beginnings to building a successful Oxfordshire-based technology business over more than two decades.

“We all need something to strive for and dream about — but we also need to enjoy the moments we are in. Thank you for inviting me to be guest speaker and share my journey of Planet IT. Sean and I are always grateful to speak on overcoming challenges, securely driving our customers business goals and  initiatives, whilst investing in our people to create future leaders.”

Voices That Made an Impact

Contributions from Oxfordshire Youth and Be Free Young Carers added depth to the evening, with young carers Mason Challis and Zoe delivering powerful reflections on the importance of opportunity, connection and support.

Their presence underscored a key theme of the evening: creating access to experiences that can broaden horizons and build confidence.

A Collaborative Effort

The event was made possible through the support of Keble College and a wide network of contributors, with special thanks to the college team for their hospitality and to those who supported the evening’s delivery including Jacob Holdsworth for capturing the evening through exceptional photography and Jonty Hedges for providing a beautiful musical backdrop. As ever, thank you to Tina Rosser whose meticulous organisation ensured the evening ran seamlessly.

“Hosting the OBS2026 Gold Sponsors’ Dinner is always a pleasure… bringing emerging leaders and youth representatives from local charities into the mix added something truly special.” Added Keble’s Bronwyn Friedemann.

Introducing NX

The evening also marked the introduction of NX, a new B4 initiative launching on 27 May at The Randolph Hotel.

NX is a cross-sector peer group for under-35 professionals, operators and founders, designed to connect individuals through curated events, shared experiences and meaningful peer interaction.

A limited number of complimentary places at OBS2026 will be made available to NX members, giving them the opportunity to attend alongside established leaders. To find out more, please contact ed@b4-business.com.

Looking Ahead to OBS2026

With OBS2026 returning to Blenheim Palace this May, the Gold Sponsors’ Dinner highlighted the value of bringing together experience, ambition and opportunity in one setting.

QUOTES

“The evening at Keble College was not only an amazingly fun and exciting evening, but also an opportunity for me to meet some incredibly inspiring people. I’m so grateful to have had the experience and it will impact my future greatly and to you everyone who organised!” Zoe, Be Free Young Carers.

‘It was a real privilege to attend the OBS2026 Gold Sponsors Dinner, hosted by Keble College and speak on behalf of the charity. Events like this are so important—not just for bringing people together, but for raising awareness and building genuine support for causes that matter. The atmosphere in the room was brilliant, and it was inspiring to connect with so many people who care about making a difference.

“A big thank you to the sponsors and organisers and anyone who attended for such a well-run and meaningful evening and I hope I can attend upcoming events in the future where I can speak to many more wonderful people.’ Mason Challis, Be Free Young Carers.

“Thank you so much for the invitation to attend the OBS2026 Gold Sponsors Dinner. I had a wonderful time and really enjoyed the speeches as well as the opportunity to speak to lots of people.” Emma Georgiou

“Hosting the OBS2026 Gold Sponsors evening is always a pleasure – being surrounded by business leaders inevitably sparks engaging and insightful conversations. This year however, bringing youth carers and emerging leaders into the mix added something truly special. It was inspiring to see how many organisations are supporting and developing these young individuals. Investing our time in them is genuinely meaningful”. Bronwyn Friedemann, Head of Sales, Keble College.

“Thank you for inviting me to be guest speaker and share my journey of Planet IT. Sean and I are always grateful to speak on overcoming challenges, securely driving our customers business goals and  initiatives, whilst investing in our people to create future leaders.” Gavin Jones, Chief Executive Officer, Planet IT

“It was truly a privilege to attend last night’s event, and so many thanks for allowing me to come. It’s amazing what you do, and as an aspiring entrepreneur, opportunities such as these mean everything to me. Being surrounded by so many inspiring people, including you, has helped me build my knowledge base and confidence to hopefully start up a successful business in the future.” Reinhard Baffour, Be Free Young Carers

“Last night I was invited to a very special dinner at the beautiful Keble College. Richard Rosser and Tina Rosser gave myself and Isha Lakhani (Team Leads for Event Stewards at this year’s OBS) the opportunity to speak with industry leaders and get a real sense of what being a future leader could look like. Having conversations with people I wouldn’t usually get the chance to connect with gave me some really inspiring insights into different industries across Oxfordshire. I’m really looking forward to seeing what the 2026 Oxfordshire Business Summit will bring.” Sienna Lukey, Oxford Brookes University

“Last night’s event at Keble College, Oxford was a powerful reminder of something simple, yet often overlooked: success is built on human connection. Beyond achievements, titles, or credentials, it’s the relationships you nurture and the personal touch you bring that truly make the difference.

“I feel incredibly grateful to have been part of such an inspiring evening, in a remarkable setting, surrounded by people who are shaping the future. Moments like this remind me how far I’ve come (moving miles away), building a network, and finding my place among such driven and passionate individuals. What stood out most tonight was the connection between established leaders and the next generation. Seeing that exchange of ideas, guidance, and ambition was genuinely inspiring.

“A night that reinforced the importance of connection, community, and growth.” Victoria Volonté, Assistant Director of Sales, The Randolph Hotel

“Great to be there and have conversations with young leaders.” Penny Rinta-Suksi, Commercial Partner, Blake Morgan

“Great to be part of such a meaningful gathering. It was truly our pleasure to host the dinner.” Sarfraz Hussain, Executive Head Chef, Keble College

“Thank you so much for a lovely dinner at Keble College. The setting was wonderful, the food delicious, and the speakers inspiring especially Gavin and Mason.” Heather Carter, Managing Director – Visitor Attraction, Blenheim Palace

ABOUT

About OBS2026 (Oxfordshire Business Summit)

The Oxfordshire Business Summit (OBS) is B4’s flagship annual event, bringing together senior leaders from business, education and the public sector. Hosted at Blenheim Palace, OBS provides insight, discussion and collaboration around the key challenges shaping the region’s economy, with a focus on leadership, innovation, skills and sustainable growth. See more at: www.oxfordshirebusinesssummit.com/attend-obs2026

About NX

NX is a cross-sector network for future leaders under 35, nominated by senior business figures. Designed to accelerate development, NX brings together ambitious individuals through curated events, shared experiences and peer connections. Supported by the B4 community, it provides access to insight, networks and opportunities that help shape the next generation of leadership.

Find out more by contacting Edward Rosser at: ed@b4-business.com

Register for the launch at: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/nx-members-launch-event-tickets-1985716491480?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

About Keble College

Keble College, part of the University of Oxford, is renowned for its distinctive architecture and commitment to education, access and community. Founded in 1870, it combines historic surroundings with modern facilities, providing an inspiring setting for learning, collaboration and events that bring together individuals and organisations to exchange ideas and shape the future. See more at: www.keble.ox.ac.uk

About Gavin Jones & Planet IT

Gavin Jones is CEO and Co-Founder of Planet IT, a leading Oxfordshire-based technology company he established in 2003. Over two decades, he has grown the business into a trusted provider of IT, cyber security and consultancy services. Known for his people-first approach, Gavin is passionate about leadership, innovation and supporting future talent. See more at: www.planet-it.net

About Be Free Young Carers

Be Free Young Carers is Oxfordshire’s only charity dedicated to supporting young carers aged 8–17. It provides emotional support, activities and advocacy, helping young people balance their responsibilities at home with opportunities to develop confidence, resilience and life skills, ensuring they are seen, heard and supported to thrive. See more at: www.befreeyc.org.uk

About Oxfordshire Youth

Oxfordshire Youth supports young people across the county through high-quality youth work, partnerships and programmes. Focused on mental health, skills development and opportunity, the charity helps young people build confidence, resilience and aspiration. Its work connects communities, enabling young people to realise their potential and shape their futures. See more at: www.oxfordshireyouth.org

Photography and Music:

Contact Jonty Hedges at jonty.hedges@hotmail.co.uk

Contact Jacob Holdsworth at j.holdsworth@rocketmail.com