Howbery Business Park reaches full occupancy

The newest companies to move on to the park – a HR consultancy, a wine merchant, and a voice and IT managed service provider – join an already diverse community of tenants. They vary in size from small start-ups to larger corporations, as well as covering a wide range of activities, such as accountancy, water consultancy, training and marketing, and yoga.

The site prides itself on creating a sustainable, contemporary working environment with around quarter of its energy being generated from its own Solar Park. Howbery aims to make the most of its beautiful landscape too, and has pledged to champion bumblebees as part of a biodiversity initiative. This follows the introduction of beehives on site in 2016 with beekeeping provided by Nurture Landscapes, who maintain Howbery’s grounds. Nurture also ensures that no green waste from Howbery goes to landfill: it generates and then applies compost on site from leaves and grass cuttings, while woody garden waste is chipped for use as a decorative dressing.

Marcus Taylor, CEO of Venture Harbour, which has been based at Howbery for five years, said: “I’m not surprised Howbery is full – it’s a fantastic place to be. People based here can have a good work-life balance. We’re situated in lovely grounds, and based in a beautiful Manor House. The amenities are fantastic…and there’s really good food. If we ever want to work outdoors, Howbery has great spaces. And having so many sorts of offices means that we can expand without having to look for office space elsewhere.”

Last year was Howbery’s 25th anniversary as a business park, and it won the award for South & Vale’s Business Space of the Year. Estates Manager Donna Bowles was also named Business Park Manager of the Year at the Oxford Property Festival Awards.

Donna said: “We’re delighted to reach full occupancy – it’s the icing on the cake on top of having won the awards last year. It’s so satisfying to know that our efforts to support tenants are appreciated. We work hard to foster a sense of community and support wellbeing. For example, we provide free-to-use-allotments, lunchtime workshops, and spaces for group games.

“If anyone is interested in moving to the park in the future, we hold a waiting list, so please do get in touch with me. We are also currently working on a development plan for the site, so watch this space.”