Where Oxfordshire's Leaders Belong

Join Corum Six, where senior leaders discuss key challenges, share insights and gain fresh perspectives from trusted peers.

Join us and fellow Corum members for a discussion on where UK PLC should position itself at the forefront of science, technology and innovation in an era dominated by AI, major US investment and the world's largest IPO. On Wednesday 12th August from 10am–1.30pm, we'll bring together a small group of senior executives for an informal, open discussion followed by lunch.

In the year of the largest IPO in history (SpaceX) with more on the horizon from major AI labs which only the world's largest economy could underwrite, where should UK PLC position itself to be at the frontier of science, technology, and innovation in the years to come?

Large Language Models have been the dominant AI paradigm for a while now, from consumer chat to more extensive agentic variants. Although the technology will evolve and ever-changing flavours will be around for the long term, cracks are starting to show against some of the original marketing promise, above all around the eye-watering costs and who ultimately pays for them. We've seen this pattern before in tech cycles. What's new is the scale: US and increasingly Chinese giants are becoming ever more dominant, raising the question of where and how UK companies can stay competitive and turn that into real productivity and GDP growth.

AI was never just about language models. There’s also a massive technological and business innovation space there to explore, many which the UK has strong track records within. From life sciences and biotech to quantum and motorsport engineering. The UK has so many success stories. The question for this session is:

What will make us stand out over the next decade?

Our company will open by sharing one area we're pursuing and why we’ve taken that direction. We’d welcome the group's own views and experience within the technological, business, and economic landscape and would be interested to debate and discuss the following questions:

• Where's the technology landscape heading, and is LLM/agentic dominance crowding out investment in other STEM areas that could deliver better returns?
• What are you working on, or considering, that could have real economic impact, if you’re comfortable sharing?
• Where should UK PLC double down, and where should we defocus?
• Is UK/European collaboration keeping pace with US and Chinese scale — and how do smaller players get heard?
• What's actually holding us back — legislation, funding, talent?
• Practically, how do we turn the current AI wave to our advantage rather than chasing it? (Think .com boom: every pet/tool/garden/X company suddenly needed to be a "Pets.com," but the real internet changes played out over a much longer horizon.)

About Robert Pilkington

Rob was one of the founders of the Ebbon-Group business. Rob originally trained as a Computer Scientist and has been a pioneer of several product ranges, learning from both the successes and failures as the Ebbon business has grown over the years.

His primary focus today is on longer-term initiatives and multi-national opportunities to grow the group. He is passionate about ensuring common values, along with opportunities for emerging and diverse talent, working with the group’s supportive shareholders.

Alongside co-leading a tech company, he has studied the development and math of A.I. for several years. This led to Rob speaking about A.I. at prominent events within the sector. The group has an innovative A.I. startup-division specialising in autonomous robotic products, particularly focussed on solving practical real-world problems.

About Ebbon Group

Ebbon Group is a leading UK technology company providing Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) and autonomous systems to the automotive and transport sectors.

Founded in the early 2000s, the business has evolved from developing bespoke enterprise software for major automotive manufacturers into a specialist technology group delivering innovative digital solutions that improve efficiency, sustainability and safety across the industry.

Today, Ebbon Group comprises three specialist businesses, each focused on helping customers embrace digital transformation through intelligent software and advanced autonomous technologies. Its vision is simple: driving together towards a more efficient, sustainable and safer future.

The Group's culture is built on four core values—respect one another, leave a legacy, always learning and be fearless—which underpin its commitment to innovation, collaboration and long-term customer success.

Lunch and Refreshments will be provided.

Format:

10:00 Discussion with Robert Pilkington

12:00 Lunch

13:30 Finish

Limited to 10 guests

Parking: Limited parking available on-site.

Join B4 at Blenheim to find out more about Signature Membership.

Join 50 of Oxfordshire’s leading businesses in The Orangery at Blenheim Palace to hear from B4’s special guest Georgie Spurling, ARVRA Wellness

About Georgie Spurling

Founder & CEO, ARVRA Wellness

Born with a rare heart condition and told exercise would never be part of her life, Georgie challenged that narrative and built a career around evidence-led, accessible wellbeing. After studying the connection between physical and mental health, she developed a measurable, low-impact approach supporting stress, injury and chronic illness management. ARVRA was created to deliver a scalable, human-led wellbeing ecosystem focused on prevention and long-term health outcomes.

About ARVRA Wellness

ARVRA empowers people to live healthier, happier, longer lives through personalised,
accessible, and holistic wellness solutions that make feeling good simple and achievable for
everyone.

ARVRA is a complete wellness platform designed to make holistic health accessible to all,
not just the privileged few. Through expert-led content, personalised support, and guidance
across movement, nutrition, hormones, mindfulness, and stress, we help individuals and
organisations build sustainable wellbeing habits that fit effortlessly into everyday life. ARVRA
makes wellness simple, supportive, and empowering so every user can thrive physically,
mentally, and emotionally.

Important: This event is by invitation only and guests can only register with the ACCESS Code BREAKPLAT0608

Guest Invitations by members

Please note - Guests can only attend this event via private invitation of a B4 Member and prior agreement with B4 OR via invitation by B4.

We have limited capacity for this event so please register ASAP to avoid disappointment.

More About B4 Signature

Our members genuinely care about supporting one another and collectively we can help each other unlock solutions for growth against a backdrop of a challenging economy, changing consumer demand, and new and emerging technologies.

As such, we have identified numerous organisations that would be excellent partners of B4. We’re looking to build a platinum membership of talented, caring, and forward-thinking companies with whom we can collaborate to achieve our vision, which is based upon five enabling principles of community, voice, learning, connections and celebrations.

B4 was established 19 years ago, and what we have learnt from our members over the years is that they value the diverse range of organisations that make up the B4 community. They are also keen to welcome new members to experience the broader impact that a growing community can deliver for themselves and others.

If you’re passionate about supporting others, have a desire to learn and want to see growth for all Oxfordshire businesses, please do get in touch with B4 to find out more by contacting richard@b4-business.com.

IMPORTANT Parking Information

Parking available on-site. IMPORTANT Please do not park outside the palace as this is no longer permitted. ALL guests are to park in the main car park ONLY and walk down to The Orangery.

SEPTEMBER B4 Members Lunch

This event is limited to 20 members.

Join B4 Members for a relaxed private lunch at the prestigious Brasenose College. There’s no formal structure, just come along to connect with B4 Members whilst enjoying a fabulous three course set meal with drinks included whilst soaking up the college's historic heritage.

About Brasenose College

A unique and prestigious setting for conferences, meetings and events during July, August, September, and the Easter and Christmas vacation periods. Situated in the heart of the historic University, the College overlooks the beautiful Radcliffe Square, with views of the iconic Radcliffe Camera, creating an inspiring and memorable backdrop for any gathering.

Founded in the 16th century, Brasenose blends rich heritage with modern comfort, with its striking quadrangles dating from the 16th, 17th and 19th centuries alongside later additions, and taking its name from the distinctive brass door knocker that adorned its earliest buildings.

The College provides a range of flexible meeting and event spaces across two central Oxford sites, including the main Radcliffe Square location and Frewin Hall on St Michael’s Street, just a short walk away. Together, these spaces offer versatility for conferences and events of different sizes, all within a cohesive and historic setting.

In addition, Brasenose offers approximately 300 bedrooms across both sites providing bed and breakfast accommodation used by students during term time.

Parking: Limited spaces

Closest Oxford City Car Parks

St Giles' Car Park (APCOA)OX1 3JS 8 to 10 minutes walk. Closest public car park to Brasenose College. Open 24 hours.

Gloucester Green Car Park OX1 2BN 10 minutes walk. Underground car park.

Westgate Car Park OX1 1TS 10 to 12 minutes walk.

Worcester Street Car Park OX1 2BQ 12 to 15 minutes walk. Large city centre car park, open 24 hours.

Travel Information / Congestion Charge

If you already hold a congestion permit, there's nothing further you need to do.

If you're travelling into Oxford and don't have a permit or don't live locally, please take a moment to check whether the Oxford congestion charge applies to your journey using the link below:

Pay the Oxford congestion charge | Oxfordshire County Council

Transport

Please do contact Nick Breakspear from B4 Signature Members Royal Cars at nick.breakspear@royal-cars.com to book transportation for this event if required. Nick will be pleased to assist with any requirements you may have for this event or your general private car needs.’

Park & Ride (⭐ Closest)

Redbridge Park & RideOX1 4XG ⭐

Seacourt Park & RideOX2 0HP

Thornhill Park & RideOX3 8DP

Pear Tree Park & RideOX2 8JD

Oxford Parkway Park & RideOX2 8HA

Redbridge Bus - Once you get off the Park & Ride bus in the city centre, it's only about a 5 to 8 minute walk to the college entrance on Radcliffe Square.

This event is limited to 20 members.

Join Corum Quarterly, where senior decision-makers share experiences, discuss strategy & shape new ideas through trusted peer conversations.

Corum Members Only

Join us for the third B4 Corum Quarterly at Earth Trust as we bring together leading experts for an insightful panel discussion exploring the challenges, opportunities and innovations shaping the future. Set within one of Oxfordshire's most inspiring natural environments, this event offers senior leaders the opportunity to hear expert perspectives, ask questions and engage in meaningful discussion with fellow decision-makers.

We will be sharing more information about our speakers in due course but the theme of this Corum Quarterly will be sustainability.

About Earth Trust

Earth Trust is an environmental charity dedicated to connecting people with nature. Founded as the Northmoor Trust for Countryside Conservation in 1967 by Sir Martin and Lady Audrey Wood, it became Earth Trust in 2011.

The charity's journey at Little Wittenham began with the acquisition of Little Wittenham Wood in 1982, followed by Wittenham Clumps in 1984. These acquisitions created one of Oxfordshire's most treasured landscapes and mark the beginning of what is now celebrated as Earth Trust's 40-year journey.

Since its founding in 1967, the organisation has championed nature conservation, sustainable farming, environmental education and community engagement. It has pioneered innovative approaches to habitat restoration, forestry research and agri-environment schemes, while expanding its stewardship to more than 1,200 acres of woodland, wetlands, meadows and farmland.

Today, Earth Trust continues to inspire positive environmental change through nature-based solutions, education and accessible green spaces. Supported by more than 30 staff, over 200 volunteers and hundreds of supporters, the charity remains committed to creating a greener, healthier future for people and nature.

Event is strictly limited to 50 guests.

Light breakfast of pastries and refreshments will be provided for this event.

Parking: Ample parking available on-site

Join B4 and our members for a People Ecosystem Roundtable discussion hosted by Claire Croft, Claire Croft Associates

Join fellow B4 members at our next PEOPLE Ecosystem Roundtable at B4 HQ.

We’re delighted to welcome Claire Croft, Owner of Claire Croft Associates Ltd, who will be leading the discussion.

Topic: To be confirmed soon.

About Claire Croft

Owner, Claire Croft Associates Ltd

Claire Croft is an executive coach and culture change consultant who helps leaders and leadership teams move beyond limiting patterns and perform at their best. She works with clients during pivotal moments of growth and change, helping them build clarity, confidence and cohesion — so they can work more effectively together and feel more energised in what they do.

Claire is known for her ability to spot what is getting in the way, especially the things that are not being said but are shaping outcomes. Taking a systemic approach, she helps clients understand what needs to shift — not just at an individual level, but across the wider context they operate within. Her work is strategic, commercially grounded and focused on delivering meaningful, lasting impact.

Her culture change work has been recognised through several industry awards, reflecting the impact and sustainability of the change achieved. Claire has worked with organisations including Invesco, Virgin, Unipart, TMS, The Jockey Club and Be Free Young Carers across a range of leadership and organisational challenges.

This event is strictly limited to 15 Guests

Parking: Ample parking on-site

Refreshments will be provided

Join Corum Six, where senior leaders discuss key challenges, share insights and gain fresh perspectives from trusted peers.

Join us and Corum members for a discussion around Delivering Transformation While Maintaining Frontline Services on Wednesday 23rd September from 8:00–10:00am, bringing together a small group of senior executives for an informal and open discussion over breakfast.

Oxford Direct Services is delighted to host an exclusive Corum Six Breakfast, bringing together Corum Members for an engaging morning of networking, discussion and shared learning. Hosted by Ben Dudley, Commercial Director, we look forward to welcoming you as our guest.

This session will focus on a topic that is high on the agenda for many organisations:

Delivering Transformation While Maintaining Frontline Services

As organisations continue to navigate financial pressures, evolving customer expectations and increasing demands for efficiency, leaders are faced with the challenge of driving meaningful transformation while ensuring the uninterrupted delivery of high-quality frontline services.

This breakfast discussion will provide an opportunity to share experiences, explore common challenges and discuss practical approaches to:

· Delivering change whilst maintaining operational performance

• Balancing innovation with day-to-day service delivery
• Embracing digital transformation and technology
• Realising benefits from transformation programmes
• Managing stakeholder expectations and organisational change
• Preparing for future challenges and opportunities

Corum Six brings together a select group of senior executives for open and confidential discussion, offering a valuable opportunity to exchange ideas, learn from peers and gain fresh perspectives in a relaxed and informal setting.

Date: Wednesday 23rd September 2026
Time: 8:00am – 10:00am
Venue: Oxford Direct Services, Marsh Road, Cowley Marsh, Oxford, OX4 2HH

We look forward to welcoming you for what promises to be an insightful and engaging discussion.

About Ben Dudley

Ben Dudley is the Commercial Director at ODS, overseeing the company’s waste management division, plus the Sales and Marketing teams and driving its transition into new commercial and FM-focused spaces. With over a decade of experience across environmental services, waste management, and outsourced operational solutions, he has held senior roles at Countrystyle Recycling, Totus Environmental, Powerday, Reconomy, and Acumen Waste, delivering innovative, cost-effective solutions for large-scale operations.

His background spans business development, sales leadership, outsourced services, and operational strategy, giving him a deep understanding of how to align FM services with client needs and sustainability goals.

A results-driven and strategic business leader, Ben excels at translating commercial strategy into practical FM solutions, developing long-term client relationships, and implementing sustainable practices that align with both operational efficiency and community impact.

About Oxford Direct Services (ODS)

ODS was borne out of the need to maintain Oxford City Council’s housing stock, parks and streets. It was formally established as a wholly-owned company in 2018. It is now made up of two companies that work together to deliver cost-effective public and commercial services.

ODS is now building homes, maintaining streets, parks and properties, and constructing highways and buildings. It provides managed services, repairs vehicles, conducts MOTs, collects recycling and waste, controls pests and removes trees.

ODS is a ‘doing good’ business, creating social value through the services delivered directly to residents and through the commercial services provided to business institutions and other local authorities.

Limited to 10 guests

Parking: Limited spaces available on-site. Nearest car park will be Cowley Marsh Park Car Park, Cowley, Oxford OX4 2DN (10 minutes walk).

Parking charges

This is a cashless car park. Payment must be made on arrival.

• Up to 3 hours: Free (ticket required)
• 3 to 5 hours: £4.00
• 5 to 24 hours: £15.00

We use Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) for enforcement purposes.

Breakfast: Guests will enjoy breakfast refreshments including bacon rolls, pastries and drinks while sharing perspectives and experiences with fellow business leaders.