B4 Launches Visionary Business Leadership Initiative Following Landmark Oxfordshire Business Summit at Blenheim Palace

On Wednesday 14^th May, over 150 business and civic leaders gathered at Blenheim Palace for the first Oxfordshire Business Summit, a full-day programme of thought leadership, collaboration, and shared purpose.

With support from Blenheim’s Chief Executive, Dominic Hare, and prominent guests including His Majesty’s Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Oxfordshire, Mr James Macnamara, Oxfordshire County Council, Leader Liz Leffman, MP Calum Miller, and the Chief Executives of Oxfordshire County and Oxford City Councils, the day delivered an alignment between business and public sector leadership.

Following the success of the inaugural Oxfordshire Business Summit, B4 CEO Richard Rosser announced a new strategic direction: “As B4 approaches its 20th anniversary in 2026, we are seeking to bring together 100 like-minded, purposeful business leaders to work collectively over the next three years to strengthen Oxfordshire’s position as a thriving, resilient, and connected region.”

This long-term commitment is about more than networking. It’s a call to action for leaders who want their voices heard, who want to drive meaningful progress across Oxfordshire’s public, private, and third sectors, and who understand the power of community in challenging times.

Blenheim Palace has become the first organisation to formally commit to this initiative through a three-year partnership. This partnership will see B4 host a prestigious calendar of B4 Platinum breakfasts, private dinners, and the annual Oxfordshire Business Summit at the Palace—cementing its role as a home for bold, collaborative leadership in the region.

CEO Dominic Hare commented. “We’re incredibly proud that Blenheim Palace will serve as the home for this important and timely initiative. Bringing together 100 of Oxfordshire’s most committed and visionary leaders is not only a powerful statement of intent, it’s a genuine opportunity to shape a better future for our region. At Blenheim, we believe in using our platform to drive positive change across the community, economy, and environment. By hosting these events and supporting B4’s mission, we’re helping to create the conditions for long-term collaboration, trust, and shared success. This is leadership with purpose—and we’re proud to be part of it.”

B4’s founding mission has always been to go beyond conversation, to take action. Over two decades, the organisation has built an active and trusted network of businesses that support one another through shared insight, innovation, and problem-solving.

A series of B4 Summit Sessions will be held at venues around Oxfordshire with a focus on some of the key topics discussed at OBS2025, continuing the conversations and momentum through to OBS2026 at Blenheim next May.

B4’s Chairman, Frank Nigriello, continued, “Many leaders may have arrived at Blenheim feeling isolated in their roles. They left knowing they were part of something significant. OBS2025 wasn’t a one-off—it was the start of an ambitious programme to bring together the most influential people in the county. We’re inviting business leaders to follow Blenheim’s lead and help shape Oxfordshire’s next decade of success.”

For more information on how to join the initiative, visit www.b4membership.com/100-leaders