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How Sustainability and Net Zero Can Impact Your Business
Join B4, Oxford Brookes University and Enistic for a discussion on how all businesses can become more sustainable
24 Hour Football Indulgence in Manchester
If you’re a football fan then this one’s for you. Could you cram in an overnight stay at the wonderful Hotel Football, the Great Manchester Run, a tour of The Etihad Stadium and gate-crashing Manchester City’s Premier League title celebrations in 24 hours? Here’s how we did it…..we even had to do ‘the Poznań’!
HR Ecosystem Roundtable by You HR
Join B4 for a HR Ecosystem Roundtable discussion hosted at B4 HQ
Breakfast & BDM Ecosystem Roundtable with Caroline O’Conner of Fourth Born
Join B4 for a Business Development Managers Roundtable discussion hosted at B4 HQ.
Breakfast & BDM Ecosystem Roundtable with Caroline O’Conner of Fourth Born
Join B4 for a Business Development Managers Roundtable discussion hosted at B4 HQ.
B4 Classic Event at Gusto Italian, Oxford
B4 Classic members networking event
Seasonal Wreath Making, Fizz & Chocolates Evening
Join B4 Members and their guests for an evening of Festive wreath making, fizz, nibbles & chocolate
Seasonal Wreath Making, Fizz & Chocolates Evening
Join B4 Members and their guests for an evening of Festive wreath making, fizz, nibbles & chocolate
B4 Platinum High Table Dinner in Keble College
Join us for a Platinum dinner at Keble College, a beautiful setting for a relaxed dinner.
HR Ecosystem Roundtable
Join B4 for a HR Ecosystem Roundtable discussion with You HR hosted at B4 HQ
June B4 Members Lunch at Brasserie Blanc
B4 Members & their guests only.
The B4 Better Business Ecosystem
The B4 Better Business Ecosystem with Grant Hayward and Sam Kandiyali
B4 Platinum CEO’s & Leaders Discussion Lunch at Unipart
Build Relationships with B4 Platinum Members at our regular lunches
B4 Platinum CEO’s & Leaders Discussion Lunch with guest Jarl Severn
Build Relationships with B4 Platinum Members at our Monthly Lunch at B4 HQ
B4 Platinum Dinner in the Saloon at Blenheim Palace
B4 Members are invited to join us for an extra special evening in the wonderful saloon at Blenheim Palace.
Why joining a community of business leaders can enhance your reputation and credibility
I read a LinkedIn post recently that reassured business owners that if they’d managed to keep their businesses going during recession, Brexit, COVID and the cost-of-living crisis that they deserved a huge pat on the back and shouldn’t ‘beat themselves up’. Easier said than done when costs are rising and doing business seems to get harder rather than easier, but the sentiment was well-placed.
Judging for the 2023 Oxfordshire Business Awards is complete, and a...
Finalists have been announced across the 12 Award categories, including Purposeful Business, Marketing Excellence, New, Small and Large Business. All of the finalists will be in for the chance of winning the overall Business of the Year Award which this year, is sponsored by Thomas Franks.
Why it’s important for Business Leaders to be exposed to new...
Nobody likes a ‘know it all’ and let’s face it, there’s no such thing. At the other end of the scale, many of us don’t create enough time to take on board new ideas, innovation and creativity in whatever format. How many times have you been recommended to read a book, get sent the link, go on Amazon, maybe even buy it but it just sits on your bookshelf? Come to think of it, as an aside, just think about that for a second….I wonder what the actual percentage of books purchased are actually read? Frightening thought!
The B4 Lecture – AI in Business: Changes, Challenges and Opportunities
Join B4 for a talk about how AI, Machine Learning and Big Data are impacting & changing businesses with Professor Nigel Crook
Business Leaders Enjoy B4’s First Supper Club
Business leaders from Oxfordshire enjoyed B4’s first Supper Club recently. B4 holds events in fantastic venues across Oxfordshire and Shropshire, but we’ve got our very own venue which, with the imagination of our fabulous Events Manager, Tina, has been transformed into our very own private dining room. With furniture hired in from our good friends at BHK Rentals (www.bhkrentals.co.uk) and an immaculate eye for detail, it truly was a fantastic transformation and exceptional use of space as the B4 dining room came to life.
Business Fundraiser at Silverstone
We were delighted to host 50 business leaders for our B4 Platinum Dinner set against the backdrop of iconic British motorsport history at @Silverstone Museum last month. Thank you to all of our guests who helped raise over £2,000 for British Heart Foundation. Here’s what our guests had to say about the evening:
B4 Classic Event at the Courtyard by Marriott
Join us for drinks and canapés at the B4 Classic event hosted at Courtyard by Marriott
BDM Ecosystem Roundtable
This event is limited to 12 members.
Leading Thames Valley law firm announces four newqualifiers
Leading Thames Valley law firm, Gardner Leader, has announced its latest round of newly qualified solicitors, with four more members of its team receiving their Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) certification as the firm continues to nurture the best legal talent in the region.
Better Business Ecosystem Roundtable
Third B4 Better Business Ecosystem Roundtable hosted at B4 HQ.
Midweek Stay at the Kings Head, Cirencester
We made the, just short of, one hour trip to Cirencester from Oxford as the sun was setting and the light fading fast. On arrival, we found a parking spot in the centre of this quaint market town, directly opposite the impressive Kings Head.
What makes an expert? Here are some of the key traits...
To be considered an expert in a particular field, a person typically needs to have a deep and comprehensive understanding of that field. This requires a combination of education, training, and practical experience.
Co-Working at Courtyard by Marriott
Enjoy complimentary coffee and cake while you work. No booking required (registration optional), just come and turn up- to keep up to date with future co-working days please connect with the Courtyards LinkedIn page.
The Rise of Remote Working: Challenges and Opportunities
One of the biggest impacts of COVID-19 has been the rise of remote working. Like everything, this has sparked both challenges and opportunities. Speaking to Members of the B4 community in one to one conversations and our recent events at B4 HQ, we’re hearing a number of common themes, both positive and negative.
The Benefits of and How to Move to a 4-day Working...
This Friday, 24th February, B4 Platinum Members You HR, lead by owner and founder Jonna Mundy, will be presenting on the benefits of a 4-day working week.
Forbes: The 10 Biggest Risks and Threats For Businesses in 2023
It doesn’t seem so long ago that we were considering risks to business in isolation. First it was the recession of 2009, then Brexit, then Covid trumped all.
Unipart sells Intertruck business
Unipart Group has sold its Intertruck business to Sampa.
“My Bank Balance is Red and My Customers are Blue, please...
Today for the less romantically inclined of you out there, is Valentine’s Day. Some regard today as a commercial gimmick, others a chance to shine or, if you’re a Tottenham fan, the chance to have a romantic break in Milan with a few mates.
HENLEY FESTIVAL REVEALS UNMISSABLE LINEUP FOR 2023
5 – 9 July 2023 | henley-festival.co.uk | #HenleyFestival | @henleyfestival
Can Your Business Learn from the Super Bowl?
Last night’s Super Bowl, won by the Kansas City Chiefs, was one of the most-watched television events of the year in the United States, with over 100 million viewers tuning in to watch the game. Many companies see the Super Bowl as an opportunity to reach a large audience and gain market share with half-time adverts costing an eye-watering $7 million! Here are some common strategies that companies use to leverage the Super Bowl to gain market share:
Oxford Brookes students enhance financial trading skills with new virtual trading...
Students at Oxford Brookes University can gain experience of trading on the financial markets by making mock transactions, thanks to a newly installed computer suite.
HENLEY FESTIVAL 2023
From Wednesday 5 July to Sunday 9 July, the UK’s only boutique black-tie festival will present an unforgettable experience on the stunning riverside in Henley-on-Thames. Henley Festival is truly like no other, with a vibrant line-up of pop, world, classical, folk and jazz music sitting alongside award-winning comedy, visual art and sculpture installations on the green banks of the Thames, and first-class gastronomy. Festival goers will be enchanted late into the night by this captivating programme of music and arts – with each evening coming to an epic close with a jaw-dropping firework spectacular.
B4 Platinum Dinner at Nicholsons
B4 Members are invited to join us for a mid-summer’s dinner in The Yurt at Nicholsons, a beautiful setting for a relaxed dinner.
Let’s talk turkey!
Hot off the press – some topical food for thought with a distinctly seasonal flavour and certainly something for businesses to chew over and digest to ensure that they keep abreast of the latest thinking in branding and have a tried and tested recipe for success that isn’t bland for the new year ahead.
By PHIL STRACHAN – The Think Brand not bland Guy
Agnes Smith Advice Centre Appeal
How we are helping the poorest in Oxford? At the Agnes Smith Advice Centre in Blackbird Leys, we have provided benefits and debt advice to more than 1400 residents over the last year, keeping people in their homes and helping them keep warm and fed.
We are at the heart of one of the most deprived communities in the UK and people come to us when they don’t know where else to turn.
YASA secures new facility at Catalyst Bicester
YASA, the pioneering electric vehicle motor manufacturer, has taken the last available unit in phase 1 of Catalyst Bicester, the new advanced manufacturing and technology business community in Bicester, Oxfordshire.
Shropshire Estate Agent boost for Severn Hospice
A £1500 cheque donation from county estate agent, Samuel Wood has helped boost funds for Shropshire charity Severn Hospice.
Is the ‘Great British Resignation’ slowing?
With demand for workers outstripping supply and ‘the great resignation’ showing no signs of abating, Britain is facing some huge recruitment challenges.
Leading Oxfordshire business community ‘summer solstice’ launch event in Shropshire
Leading national business membership community B4 held its official launch at Hencote Vineyard and Restaurant in Shropshire at a special champagne event on the summer solstice.
How could Boris Johnson’s resignation impact business?
More than 55 MPs have resigned within the past 48 hours, leaving Boris Johnson no choice today but to leave a role which he has today called “the best job in the world.”
T Levels – the next level qualification
Hear from members of B4’s Skills Ecosystem about T Levels and how they can support your business.
Bank of England raises interest rates for fifth consecutive time
B4 members comment on the impact it could have on their businesses.
Inaugural B4 Shropshire lunch May 22
B4 Shropshire held its first lunch event for 22 invited delegates at The Lion & Pheasant Hotel in Shrewsbury last week, following a successful meeting for the founding members last month.
What would be the most valuable solution to help your business?
Well, that’s a million-dollar question if ever we asked one, but it’s an interesting concept to wrap some grey matter around.
Love AND Business?
No, they’re not two words you would often hear or say in the same sentence, but for Alan Wick, ‘love’ underpins his approach to business and always has. B4’s Richard Rosser had the absolute pleasure of finding out more about this engaging business coach based in Sussex who has, thankfully, recently joined the B4 community.
The B4 Academy sponsored by Oxford Innovation welcomes applications from local...
B4 Platinum Members, Oxford Innovation, have generously sponsored the new B4 Academy which will give up to ten local start-ups complimentary B4 Membership, worth up to £1,500+VAT, for 12 months.
Unlock More Capital Growth With VCTs
David Hall is the Chair of the VCTA (Venture Capital Trust Association), having succeeded Stuart Veale in the role in January this year. He is the Managing Director of VCTA member YFM, where he is involved in all aspects of the business, including fundraising and the management of investments. He also chairs the Investment Committee and directly oversees YFM’s investment in software firm, Matillion.
Fit for Work, Fit for Purpose, Fit for Life
The importance of wellbeing has increased with people working from home. Almost all of us had to change the way we work and contemplate what the future looks like. It’s been a key priority for Aston & James to align themselves with the changing workplace wherever you choose to work.
Choose Courtyard In Oxford City Centre
Courtyard by Marriott Sales Manager, Christina Irons, talks to B4’s Richard Rosser about this magnificent hotel located in the heart of Oxford City Centre.
World’s Five Highest-Paid Athletes Racked in More than $600M in 2021
The year 2021 has been a pretty good year for the world’s best athletes, who earned hundreds of millions of dollars through their lucrative sports contracts and heavy endorsement deals.
Celebrating National Inclusion Week
This week we are celebrating National Inclusion Week. This week’s theme is #UnitedForInclusion and looks to share inclusion in all its forms. National Inclusion Week asks us to consider three questions:
These are the 5 best side hustles, according to business experts
One in four people in the UK currently have a side hustle, which generates a huge £72 billion for the UK economy.
The leadership needed next year, by Rita Trehan, CEO of DareWorldwide
With summer ending, many of us will be starting to look back on the last year and its lessons. All being well, the new year will be the first ‘normal’ year of business since 2019, giving leaders space to build the learnings of the pandemic into their work.
The Food and Drink Federation Announces Winners of Awards 2021
The Food and Drink Federation (FDF) Awards 2021, which took place last night at The Royal Lancaster in London, brought together over 500 guests to celebrate the efforts of the UK food and drink industry over the last year.
More hybrid working to bring 3.8 million Brits into employment
Hybrid working could bring nearly 4 million people “locked out” from work such as parents, carers and disabled people into the workforce and enable part-time workers to work more hours adding £48.3bn to the UK economy each year, according to a major new study by Virgin Media O2 Business and the Centre for Economics and Business Research (Cebr).
UK’s recovery plans must address gender inequality as four out of...
Gender equality must be at the heart of the UK’s green and fair recovery, according to a new PwC report that underlines the extent to which women’s career progression and opportunities continue to be disproportionately hampered by the pandemic.
GMB southern region’s NHS members overwhelmingly vote NO on government’s pay...
The Health Secretary must now meet with GMB Union to avoid a winter of chaos
Employers urged to give staff the tools they need for the...
A third (36%) of UK employees who work from home say they are more productive in the office, with 42% saying it’s because they have better equipment at work.
Emirates Pavilion ready to welcome visitors at Expo 2020 Dubai
Expo 2020 Dubai’s must-see aviation attraction is gearing up to open its doors to the public on 1 October. Located in the Opportunity District, and within walking distance of the Al Wasl Dome, the Emirates Pavilion offers a preview for the future of commercial aviation, reframing the role that science and technology will play in the next 50 years of air travel, as it welcomes visitors to experience two floors of interactive multi-sensory installations.
New study reveals the top UK cities for Start-Ups in 2021
Without a doubt, the pandemic has changed our economy forever; and it may not have felt like the most obvious year to launch a business, but with Britons locked down entrepreneurial spirit seems to be inflated as 2020 saw a 12.3% increase in new businesses, the highest growth on record.
Workers to gain right to request flexible working from first day
Following the news that staff in the UK are set to gain the right to request flexible working from the first day in a job, Philip Richardson, partner and head of employment law at Stephensons Solicitors LLP has provided the below legal comment:
Business owners cautioned to protect their personal assets as insolvencies reach...
Following news of an 18 month high in registered company insolvencies , Purbeck Personal Guarantee Insurance, the UK’s only provider of personal guarantee insurance is urging the owners of small and medium sized businesses to ensure their personal assets such as their home, bank account and savings, are protected if their business should become insolvent.
Quant Insight expands with $10m funding to empower investors with world-first...
Quant Insight (Qi), a new quantitative financial market analytics and trading insights provider, today announces a major scale up after four years of research and development and over $10m in funding from three investment rounds.
Why the UK energy market is in distress
In response to the emerging UK energy crisis, Hirbod Assa, Senior Lecturer in Finance and Fintech at the University of Kent’s Business School explains how this happened
Businesses Digitising at a faster rate post lockdown
Accounting software provider has launched Dext Commerce to help simplify sales data for a growing number of digital businesses selling through ecommerce platforms.
TAE Technologies commercialises breakthrough Power Management technology developed for fusion to...
TAE Technologies, the world’s largest private fusion energy company, has announced the formation of a new division dedicated to power management. TAE Power Management’s groundbreaking technologies will enable the next generation of electric vehicles and accelerate the uptake of electrified energy and storage systems.
Blenheim 7k Fun Run
Run, jog or walk for charity or for fun at the World Heritage site, Blenheim Palace, Woodstock in Oxfordshire, the stunning venue for the annual Blenheim 7k on 10 October, sponsored by Freeths Solicitors and the Oxford Business Park.
The Future of Work is Here at the Historical Oxford House
Modern flex offices spark creativity in fully restored 1930s Art Deco film building.
From Paper Mill to Co-Working Space
Mill House Wooburn opens to support start-ups, freelancers and small businesses in Buckinghamshire.
Responsible Business
Businesses have a responsibility to their communities, to be supportive and at the very least not actively cause harm. Here you will find content relating to businesses being a Force for Good, supporting charities and their local communities.
B4 Community Working Together: XIST2 provide new website for Oxford Town...
In another short video capturing a successful working relationship between B4 Members, Oxford Town Hall’s Marketing & Development, Cath Poucher, talks about the successful relationship with fellow XIST2 who assisted with their new website and other marketing collateral.
B4 Pass Provides New Benefits to Oxfordshire Companies
B4, Oxfordshire’s leading business to business network is celebrating its 15th anniversary with a wide range of new benefits for its growing digital audience, including the B4 Pass.
B4 Community Working Together: Carbon Colour provide new signage for Stagecoach’s...
As part of Stagecoach Oxfordshire’s Depot improvement plan, Robert Betterton, Stagecoach’s Fleet Engineer needed a local reputable firm to assist with the design and production of new signage for depots in Oxford, Banbury and Witney. As B4 members, Robert looked to the B4 community for support and found Carbon Colour and Managing Director, Nigel Allen. […]
UK SMEs are failing to measure marketing ROI
The Marketing Centre’s M360 assessment highlights the need for business leaders to grapple with marketing metrics -If it moves measure it, and if you measure it, it will move.
Top tips for working with your best mate this Best Friends...
Working with your best mate could get messy but for entrepreneur pals Jack Griffiths and Joel Pierre it’s the key to their business success.
Managing Expectations | The Business Brunch
Knowing how to approach another organisation to promote your services is never easy, especially during a pandemic when we’re all juggling so many balls. But, when it comes to approaching larger organisations, what tips can SME’s learn from the large organisations to give them a chance to at least be in the conversation?
Bravo BB!
Despite a brief flirtation with the hospitality sector in late 2020, it really has been far too long! We were delighted to accept Brasserie Blanc Operations Manager, Chloe Smith’s, invitation to enjoy a Saturday night out….and what an absolute pleasure it was.
Britain’s visitor economy facts
Since 2010 tourism has been the fastest growing sector in the UK in employment terms. Britain is forecast to have a tourism industry worth over £257 billion by 2025.
Optimising your social media platforms
We are living in a world that revolves around social media, it’s used in all aspects of life, but over recent years businesses have started to take this as an opportunity to increase exposure, gain a following and share what they do to a wider audience. Social media is now a huge part of business and if you aren’t on it you’re potentially missing out on thousands if not millions of people to connect with and countless opportunities.
Re-Energise Your ‘Mojo’
Back in November, B4 member Jackie Jarvis asked other members how they energised their ‘Mojo’. Now, as we hopefully approach, fingers crossed, the permanent end of lockdown, we revisit this article with Tim Wraith of Sobell House giving us an injection of his ways to keep going. Many of us will feel battered and bruised from the personal and professional challenges we have endured over the last 12 to 14 months, so how does Tim keep going? We also revisit what our members said last year in Jackie’s article.
Oxfordshire’s most renowned venues are ready and waiting to welcome you...
Freedom is here!! It’s time to start making plans and getting excited about moving back to a slightly more ‘normal’ world, with lockdown restrictions easing we are now able to visit wonderful venues such as Blenheim Palace, Oxford University colleges and The Ashmolean Museum.
Managing Expectations | The Business Brunch
Knowing how to approach another organisation to promote your services is never easy, especially during a pandemic when we’re all juggling so many balls. But, when it comes to approaching larger organisations, what tips can SME’s learn from the large organisations to give them a chance to at least be in the conversation?
Humming soon: Milton Park unveils plans for the Bee House, Oxfordshire’s...
MEPC Milton Park in Oxfordshire, one of Europe’s largest science and technology communities, has unveiled plans for the Bee House, a new state of the art building which will be Oxfordshire’s newest and largest flexible co-working building.
Magdalen College seeks Strategic Partner to accelerate TOSP development
Magdalen College Oxford, owner of The Oxford Science Park (TOSP), one of the UK’s leading parks for science and technology companies, has announced that it is seeking a strategic partner with which to accelerate development of the Park.
“Do I Not Like That”
The late, great Graham Taylor must have been muttering this phrase from above recently as the 12 European ‘Football Giants’ – hereafter forever known as the ‘Giant Greedy Bastards’ – gave birth to the most ill-conceived and short-lived ‘grand plan’ there has ever been – the European Super League (ESL).
“Do I Not Like That”
The late, great Graham Taylor must have been muttering this phrase from above recently as the 12 European ‘Football Giants’ – hereafter forever known as the ‘Giant Greedy Bastards’ – gave birth to the most ill-conceived and short-lived ‘grand plan’ there has ever been.
Announcing a new show, exclusive to B4TV: “Your Introduction to the...
Brought to you by B4 & Europa School in association with Unipart and ELS.
£100 million project starts at Catalyst Bicester with David Lloyd sale...
The first phase of new buildings at Catalyst Bicester, the £100 million new advanced manufacturing and technology business community and include a David Lloyd Health and Racquets Club in Bicester, Oxfordshire is to start following infrastructure and enabling works.
“Do I Not Like That”
Charlie Shillito, Richard Rosser, Nick Humphreys and Brendon Cross discuss the fallout from the recent European ‘Football Giants’ ill-conceived and short lived ‘grand plan’.
How to Build a Brand
On this episode of The Business Brunch, we are joined by guests Andrew Wilkinson, Managing Director of OWB Creative, Simon Barker, Partner and Head of IP & Media and Rhian Banks, Managing Associate IP & Media of Freeths as they discuss the key factors to consider when building a brand.
Your Finances in 30 Minutes
On this episode of The Business Brunch, we are joined by experts Ria Shepheard, Garry White and Giles McKean from Charles Stanley Wealth Managers as they discuss inflation and the impact on consumables, interest rates and their impact on individuals and the global economy, savings versus investments and an overview of equity investments.
Introducing The Rebel Business School
On this episode of The Business Brunch, Richard Rosser, CEO of B4 is joined by guest Simon Paine CEO and Co-founder of Rebel Business School as they discuss how Rebel has helped over 11,500 people get into the world of business.
Merkko builds on lockdown growth with a productive pair of Mercedes-Benz...
Builder’s merchant boss Ian Duckitt was looking to match the payload potential of his outgoing 26-tonne crane trucks – yet each of his new Mercedes-Benz Arocs offers an extra tonne of carrying capacity.
Introducing The Rebel Business School
In this episode of The Business Brunch we’re joined by Simon Paine, founder of The Rebel Business School and wearer of many hats! Simon chats to us about what lead him to create The Rebel Business School, his concerns with current business education for young people, and how the past 12 months have affected his business and many others.
Investigating The Paranormal: Live!
A virtual ghost hunt with Haunted Happenings. Oxford Castle & Prison has joined forces with Haunted Happenings to bring ghost hunters the most Spooktacular event of 2021 to screens across the globe.