Exit readiness: why it matters and how to prepare your business
For many business owners, exit planning only becomes a priority when a buyer appears. By that stage, pressure is high, options are limited, and value can easily be left on the table.
News
Daily news and press releases from members, guest writers and the B4 team.
Abingdon & Witney College ranked among England’s top apprenticeship providers
Staff at Abingdon & Witney College are celebrating national recognition following the publication of the latest National Achievement Rate Tables (NARTS), which confirm the College as one of the leading apprenticeship providers in England. The newly released figures for the 2024/25 academic year show that the College ranks 5th nationally among General Further Education colleges […]
Mills & Reeve advises on the sale of TFP Fertility to...
Mills & Reeve has advised on the sale of leading international fertility services provider, TFP Fertility, to a US private equity investor.
How the Thames Valley and Solent regions align with the government’s...
The government’s 2025 industrial strategy (IS-8) sets out a clear ambition to drive productivity, innovation, and globally competitive growth across eight priority sectors. The Thames Valley and Solent, spanning Berkshire, Oxfordshire and Hampshire, is already delivering strongly against these goals, underpinned by an innovation-led, IP-rich, and service-focused economy.
Learners shine at Construction Trade Skills Competition 2026
On Wednesday 6th May, learners from across Abingdon & Witney College showcased their talent, professionalism and technical expertise at their inaugural Construction Trade Skills Competition.
The Oxford Trust announces Matt Francis as its next chief executive...
The Oxford Trust has appointed Matt Francis as its next chief executive officer. Matt will succeed Steve Burgess and join the Trust on 1st September with a short transition to formally take-up the role on 25th September 2026.
New tax year, new pressures – but planning opportunities remain
As the new tax year begins, business owners are facing one of the most challenging operating environments in recent years. Rising costs, tax changes and global and economic challenges are placing sustained pressure on margins, cash flow and long-term planning. Increases to the National Minimum and Living Wage, higher fuel and transport costs, elevated borrowing rates and […]
Freeths backs next generation of female leaders through ongoing Women of...
Leading law firm Freeths is continuing its support for the Women of the Year (WOTY) Awards 2026, as the search begins for women making a meaningful impact across business and society. Now in its 44th year, Women of the Year remains one of the UK’s longest‑standing platforms for celebrating female achievement. Freeths is once again […]
B4 welcomes the renewed membership of Jenny Harvey Immigration
Jenny Harvey Immigration is a niche immigration law firm advising Oxfordshire-based businesses and individuals, with clients spanning the globe. Jenny has lived and worked in Oxford for over forty years and has run her own firm for almost a decade. As a sole practitioner, she enjoys the flexibility her role offers—whether that’s speaking with US-based […]
The Renters’ Rights Act comes into force this Friday, 1 May...
The Renters’ Rights Act, which is designed to give residential tenants better protection, comes into force on Friday and applies to both existing and new tenancies. The new regulations do not currently apply to social housing or lodgers. The Act is being implemented in phases. The main changes on Friday will be: • All assured […]
B4 welcomes Elle Iannaccone, Founder & CEO The Creative Collective
Elle began her career in the world of glossy magazines, working her way up to Art Director at Cosmopolitan UK and designing across iconic titles like Harper’s Bazaar and Esquire. Her passion for storytelling, typography, and emotionally driven design soon expanded into a broader creative vision.
B4 Welcomes Wendy Hart, Corporate Finance Partner at HMT LLP
Wendy Hart is a Corporate Finance Partner at HMT LLP. Wendy has more than 30 years’ experience as a successful Corporate Finance and strategy adviser in the Thames Valley. Wendy has concluded over 200 deals across a range of sectors, but with a strong focus on technology and tech-enabled businesses.
Freeths achieves Stonewall Proud Employer ‘Champion’ status marking commitment to LGBTQ+...
Leading law firm Freeths has been awarded ‘Champion’ status in Stonewall’s Proud Employers accreditation, a recognition reserved for organisations demonstrating embedded, effective and continuously improving LGBTQ+ inclusion.
Spring and summer in bloom at Blenheim Palace for groups
Group visitors to Blenheim Palace in 2026 can look forward to a spring and summer full of horticultural highlights, as extensive planting schemes and new garden features bring fresh colour, texture, and experience across the Park and Gardens. This spring, the Secret Garden will be one of the first areas to burst into life, with […]
Glorious – Peter Quilter
This is a play about the true story of Florence Foster Jenkins, a 1940’s American socialite, often referred to as “the World’s worst singer”!