B4
B4 Members gathered at B4 HQ for a thought-provoking session with culture specialist and B4 Platinum Member, Claire Croft, exploring what it really takes to build a workplace where people and business deliver meaningful impact. From the outset, Claire reframed “culture” away from perks and gimmicks—“bean bags and beer fridges” don’t make a culture—and toward the everyday decisions, behaviours, and systems that shape how work gets done.
(B4 HQ · Led by Caroline O’Connor, Fourth Born)
Thinking in Fields is a strategic advisory practice founded by David Finch, who brings over 30 years of experience helping businesses think clearly, act decisively, and grow with purpose.
Oxfordshire’s leading B2B business community, B4, is calling on 100 business leaders to unite behind a bold new vision for the region’s future.
I was at a B4 Ecosystem Event recently run by Caroline O’Connor of Fourth Born and she posed a brilliant question to the room.
B4 Ecosystems are an opportunity for B4 Members to share challenges, be inspired and learn from experts in their field. They began with our Business Development Ecosystem back in March 2023, which has been lead from day one by the always impressive Caroline O’Connor of Fourth Born. Caroline has been leading from the front as our other Ecosystems learn from her impressive example. Article by B4’s Richard Rosser
Leadership can be a lonely journey. The weight of decision-making, the burden of responsibility, and the pressure to perform can often feel overwhelming. However, when leaders come together in a trusted environment to share their challenges, the results can be extraordinary. This was precisely the case for a dynamic group of six leaders who committed to a six-session journey of deep, candid conversations, mutual support, and transformational growth with the B4 CEO Circle.
At the heart of Nicholsons lies a team of over 200 individuals, bound together by shared values that shape every aspect of their work. These values—creativity, passion for the planet, and dedication—are not just words but guiding principles that drive innovation, sustainability, and customer-focused solutions.
January 2025 promises an exhilarating line-up of events for B4 Members, offering opportunities to connect, celebrate, and be inspired. With three unique gatherings, B4 Members can look forward to forging meaningful connections, experiencing rich cultural traditions, and engaging with influential figures in the local community. Here’s a closer look at what’s in store:
Senior managers from businesses in the UK and internationally have been enhancing their ability to execute strategies on a new course at Oxford Brookes Business School.
Spring is thought of as the season of new beginnings, bringing new life to plants, trees and flowers and although it may not officially begin until 20th March, now is a great time to think about new beginnings in your own professional journey. This change of season is a great time to reflect on the things that you have planned for the year, and how you are going to accomplish them.
Whether it is developing a robust strategy, crafting an effective tactical plan or delivering operational excellence, as a business leader, stakeholders expect you to have the answers. But what if your answers are solutions to the wrong problem because the problem is not what you think it is?
‘Often girls’ clothes are pink, cute and impractical. They promote kindness, but not always confidence. And boys’ clothes are often blue, aggressive and adventure seeking. They promote confidence, but not always kindness. I wanted to bring these two characteristics together and allow all children, no matter what their gender, to celebrate both kindness and confidence.’ – Sally Dear, Founder of Ducky Zebra
A pilot demonstration for a set of innovative drone and electric van freight trials was successfully completed at Milton Park.
