Oxford City Business Guide. 2020-2021

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Savills Oxford Savills is one of the UK’s leading property advisors.

In Oxford our team of over 100 professionals have expertise across all sectors.

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Commercial, Residential or Rural, local, national or global, with more than 160 years of history, we can help with your future.

Specialist legal advice for businesses What they say about us “They take time to understand client requirements and have a very positive and helpful approach, supported by very high professional knowledge and standards.”

“All have a positive approach, and there are never any delays in responding to requests, which contributes to the continuity and momentum required to keep a transaction on track.”

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Grosvenor Britain & Ireland investing in Oxford Grosvenor Britain & Ireland continues to invest in Oxford and Oxfordshire to support the city and deliver homes throughout the county. With a 300-year-history and track record of creating and managing some of the country’s most successful places, we are applying our expertise to help secure Oxfordshire’s long-term success.

At Barton Park, we have established a joint venture with Oxford City Council to deliver a new neighbourhood of 885 new homes, 40 per cent of which will be social rented. This year the first council tenants have joined other new residents as Barton Park becomes a community. We look forward to delivering sports pitches, the sports pavilion and the next phase of housing to help this NHS Healthy New Town demonstrator site and neighbouring Barton continue to thrive.

In West Oxfordshire, we are working with communities and the Local Authority to bring forward Oxfordshire Cotswolds Garden Village, and create proposals that will deliver a lasting social and economic legacy for the area. To find out more, visit www.westoxon.gov.uk/gardenvillage

“With imagination and openness, Oxfordshire and the city of Oxford are tackling the challenges of a growing population. Through new homes, employment spaces, facilities and infrastructure, we will contribute by creating inclusive neighbourhoods that deliver a lasting social and economic legacy for the county.”

Alex Robinson Director, Grosvenor Britain & Ireland

)(-8-32 Published by: My Business Client Ltd 1 Farnham Road, Guildford, Surrey GU2 4RG Tel: 01483 362676 • Email: sales@mybusinessclient.com • Web: www.mybusinessclient.com Our Advertisers: We gratefully acknowledge the support of all the firms whose advertisements appear in these pages.

Without their help we would not be able to produce this guide. As a reciprocal gesture we have pleasure in drawing the attention of our readers to their announcements, but wish to make it clear that Oxford City Council can accept no responsibility for their products or services advertised.

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“ W HAT W O U L D O U R D R E A M HOME LO OK L I K E ? ” JUST ASK CALA

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Contents Foreword

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Oxford’s Economic Profile

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Wider Regional and National Context

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Economic Assets and Transport Link Map

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Major Projects and Business Locations

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Get Connected to Oxford’s Business Networks

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Oxfordshire’s Business Support Services

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Oxford – Full of dynamic businesses with REAL purpose

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Smart Oxford

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Low Carbon Economy - A Sustainable City

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Oxford Direct Services reborn

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Experience Oxfordshire - Working with Businesses to Grow and Develop the Visitor Economy

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Oxford City Centre Evolves

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Oxford University - The Oxford Boom

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Activate Learning (Oxford College)

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Smart Regulation

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Planning for Oxford’s future

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Oxford’s Regeneration and Economy Team

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It’s Local Oxford Online Business Directory

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Building a world-class city for everyone

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Discover more oxfordsp.com

Foreword From Councillor Susan Brown, Leader of Oxford City Council and Economic Development Portfolio Holder benefits of Oxford’s economic and cultural success through our work to deliver inclusive growth. Indeed, we are setting up services and working with a number of business stakeholders to achieve this goal, recognising the fact that this needs a joint and concerted effort.

We recognise that the primary role of the City Council is to create the right conditions for business to thrive. Our economic success rests on the efforts of our 4,700 local businesses that are constantly creating jobs and driving prosperity for the region. We also recognise that the quality of our local public services relies on a thriving local business community so supporting a diverse, productive and sustainable economy is a key priority for the City Council.

W

elcome to the Oxford City Business Guide 2020-2021.

Successful cities cannot stand still.

Oxford is home to world-leading education and research institutions, we have a very successful economy and are a popular visitor destination, attracting many million visitors a year from all over the world, but we can never be complacent. We have to ensure we constantly evolve, keeping an eye on the future and seeking to plan and deliver in ways that maintain the vitality, competitive edge and success of our city.

Measured on a range of economic indicators, our city has consistently grown faster than most other UK cities. To help sustain this growth, we are involved in a pipeline of major regeneration and development projects worth over £4bn. These will deliver 22,000 jobs and around 7,000 much-needed new homes.

Despite reducing central government grant to local government in recent years, we have been able to retain a focus on our key goal of creating a sustainable city. Announced in April 2019, Oxford City Council has facilitated a £41m project to trial the world’s largest hybrid energy storage system to support electric vehicle charging and low-carbon heat networking, Energy Superhub Oxford (ESO) – a collaboration between Pivot Power, Habitat Energy, redT, Kensa, Oxford University and Oxford City Council, and part-funded by the Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund. The project will see the trialling of the world’s largest hybrid battery system (50MW) to support the acceleration of Oxford’s electric vehicle charging capacity and fleets, and to power ground-source heat pumps for residential properties.

Despite the economic success of our city, we still face challenges. A significant number our under-16 residents – up to 25% – still live below the poverty line, and we are also focused on spreading the

The impact of the decision to leave the Single Market and Customs Union cannot yet be predicted with confidence, but we will work even more closely with the business community and with the Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership, to ensure that Oxford is well placed to mitigate the adverse impacts and maximise opportunities for growth, post-Brexit.

Connecting the numerous organisations right across our business community is important in retaining wealth locally where we can. The Oxford Business Guide features a range of organisations offering the full spectrum of support and services. To connect the city’s community even further, this guide is complemented by an interactive online local Oxford directory that we hope will feature thousands of Oxford’s businesses and support organisations.

We hope this guide continues to be a well-used resource for businesses across the city and that it highlights the ways that we and our partners support our local businesses.

We are always keen to hear about ways we can support our business community better, so please contact economicdevelopment@oxford.gov.uk with your suggestions.

Building a world-class city for everyone

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Oxford’s Economic Profile

Oxford is a national asset and recognised as one of the fastest growing local economies in the UK. Recent figures show that Oxford contributed £7bn to the national economy and generated £1.15bn in income tax, £226m more than ten years earlier.

Over the last six years, the city has experienced a growth of 19.3% in private sector jobs, one of the fastest outside London. Unemployment has been under 2% for most of the past decade. The city is home to diverse international enterprises including BMW Mini, Oxford University Press, Unipart, Centrica, Amey, Nielsen and TripAdvisor among numerous others. Oxford’s economy is broad-based, structurally resilient and provides one-third of the county’s jobs.

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Figure 1: Oxfordshire Knowledge Spine, OxLEP’s Strategic Economic Plan

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The city is home to two world-class universities, and one of the best qualified populations in the country with the highest concentration of knowledge workers. Oxford has a diversified economy, and as a focal point for higher education, research and science, is at the centre of one of the top five technology ecosystems in the world, excelling in fields such as biotech, data science, quantum technology and robotics.

It is estimated that Oxford exports £12,830 per job with goods accounting for £12,230 per job. The city also attracts significant inward investment (FDI), typically attracting a scale of new investment projects in line with much larger cities.

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xford is not only one of the UK’s fastest growing cities over the last decade, it is a global success story, competing among the top technology clusters in the world. The city is home to a diverse industrial base with 4,730 businesses providing 135,000 jobs.

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01 Nielsen HQ (CGI) 02 Oxford Official Walking Tours ©OxLEP 03 Remote Applications in Challenging Environments (RACE) ©OxLEP 04 Oxford Brookes University Testing Facilities

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Oxford is the tourism gateway to the rest of Oxfordshire, attracting approximately 7 million daytime and overnight visitors annually and generating £830m of income for local Oxford businesses. In terms of overseas visitors to the UK, Oxford is the seventh most visited city for overnight visits.

Along with all of these successes, Oxford faces many growth-related challenges, not least ensuring growth in the supply of labour, housing and infrastructure continues to keep pace with demand over the long-term, whilst retaining its unique heritage and high quality environment. The Oxfordshire Growth Board is working with the Government and a range of partners to deliver around £500m of investment into infrastructure, housing and employment space delivery that will support long-term sustainable growth in Oxfordshire.

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Wider Regional and National Context Oxford to Cambridge Arc

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urrently, the Oxford– Cambridge Arc contributes over £107bn GVA to the UK economy.

The arching sweep of cities and settlements between Oxford, Milton Keynes and Cambridge present a unique opportunity to nurture an economic asset of international standing – shaping places that demonstrate the very best of British business and innovation, benefitting local communities and the country as a whole.

The Arc contains globally renowned universities, at the heart of a business, science and technology ecosystem that makes it one of the most exciting economic growth opportunities in the world. Realising this potential can mean more jobs, of a higher quality, for existing communities and future residents, and can encourage international investment and exports for the benefit of local businesses and the national economy.

It will also require new ways of working between the Government, local partners and businesses to ensure benefits are felt both by local people in the Arc and the national economy. It will require taking a long-term view, up to 2050 and beyond, when we plan for the future of the Arc, recognising that this must include protecting and enhancing the natural environment. It will require making the most of current investments in infrastructure, particularly in railways and road to ensure more, direct, faster public transport links and last mile connections, to support business

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growth and the delivery of the new homes that the area needs to fulfil its potential.

Following its response to the National Infrastructure Commission’s report on the Arc in October 2018, the Government reaffirmed its long-term economic ambitions for the Arc, including an ambition for up to 1 million highquality new homes by 2050, to tackle the severe housing affordability issues faced by many and unlock the Arc’s full potential.

Oxfordshire Industrial Strategy launched to make Oxfordshire a top global innovation centre A new economic blueprint for Oxfordshire, designed to cement the county’s reputation as one of

the foremost areas in the world to innovate, was unveiled in July 2019.

Developed by the Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (OxLEP) in collaboration with local authorities, businesses, education sector and central government, the Oxfordshire Local Industrial Strategy sets out how the area will contribute towards the national Industrial Strategy’s aim to raise productivity levels and to create high-quality, well-paid jobs across the country.

At its heart, the new Local Industrial Strategy has a clear ambition to help Oxfordshire become a topthree global innovation hub by 2040, including through enhanced support for innovative scale-up businesses, transforming and expanding science and technology parks, and the opportunity to create a new Global Business District as part of the Oxford Station Quarter in the West End.

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“By investing in Oxfordshire, we will be able to deliver for the UK – creating jobs and reinforcing our current position as one of just three net contributors to the national economy.

01 Elmsbrook eco-town, Bicester 02 Smurfit Kappa work experience 03 The Foundry All images ©OxLEP

“We are responding to the Government’s Industrial Strategy, which aims to boost productivity and create more prosperous communities.”

02 The strategy also outlines measures to increase social mobility and proposals to establish an Oxfordshire Entrepreneurship Hub to support students and young people to develop new business ideas.

Then Business Secretary Greg Clark said: “Oxfordshire has been at the centre of innovation in the UK for centuries and the Local Industrial Strategy released today will go even further to help maximise this, boosting earning power and opportunities for local people and businesses.

“The Oxford–Cambridge Arc is an area renowned for its world-leading research and development, science and technology sectors, backed by the Government with record level of investment in R&D and the Oxfordshire Local Industrial Strategy – one of four published across the area today - ensuring these high performing industries continue to work together to share their knowledge and increase productivity even further in the local economy.”

Nigel Tipple, Chief Executive of the Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “The ambition for the Oxfordshire Local Industrial Strategy is to position the county as one of the top-three innovation ecosystems anywhere in the world, highlighting our world-leading science and technology strengths and, in turn, to be a pioneer for the UK and our emerging transformative technologies.

The Buckinghamshire, South East Midlands, and Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Local Industrial Strategies were published simultaneously, demonstrating the full economic strength of the Oxford–Cambridge Arc area.

To coincide with the launch of the Local Industrial Strategies, Business Minister Lord Henley met representatives from across the Oxford–Cambridge Arc to discuss how these local economic strategies are helping to deliver the Government’s Industrial Strategy ambitions.

With an existing international brand that draws talent from across the globe, Oxfordshire will aim to become one of the top three global innovation hubs by 2040, by: n Supporting the transformation of science and technology parks, and the potential creation of a new Global Business District as part of the Oxford Station Quarter n Providing enhanced support for scale-ups, building on the high number of university spin-outs generated in this knowledge-led economy n Building on its existing Research & Development assets – as home to a world-leading university, and with dynamic and creative residential communities, science and technology parks n Working with the Intellectual Property Office to launch a pilot programme to accelerate IP and commercialisation to help breakthrough businesses capture the value of their IP across the business cycle n Improving social mobility for young people, working with the

Careers & Enterprise Company, local colleges and Oxfordshire County Council n Taking forward a series of measures to support business engagement with the skills system through the development of an Oxfordshire Social Contract.

This will include developing OxLife, a targeted programme to reskill and upskill older workers and armed forces personnel returning to the Oxfordshire workforce n Developing the Oxfordshire Digital Investment Plan Through Local Industrial Strategies, local partners will work together to harness the collective strength of the Oxford–Cambridge Arc’s research base to drive greater collaboration on science and research, bring employers and providers together to understand and meet skills needs and develop improved support for business across the Arc as a whole.

The Government’s modern Industrial Strategy is the flagship economic policy which backs businesses to create high-quality, well-paid jobs throughout the United Kingdom, and invests in skills, innovation and infrastructure.

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Building a world-class city for everyone

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Catalyst in Oxford Helping neighbourhoods and communities grow stronger Proud partner of Oxford City Council for over 20 years

0300 456 2099 contactcatalyst@chg.org.uk www.chg.org.uk @catalysthousing

Artist’s impression of Catalyst’s 100% affordable scheme in Temple Cowley, Oxford @catalysthousing

Catalyst Housing Ltd

Artist's impressions of Catalyst's Littlemore Park development

Making places happen – delivering affordable housing in Oxford City Sue Cooper, Director of Business Development at Catalyst talks about how the housing association is delivering affordable housing across Oxford, and the work it does to help build great neighbourhoods and strong communities.

Catalyst has a long and successful history of working in partnership with Oxford City Council. We have operated in Oxford for over 20 years, and now own and manage over 1,300 homes across the city.

rent (at social rent levels) and 29 for shared ownership for local people. Our Littlemore Park development has outline planning permission for 270 new homes, of which at least 50% will be for rent or shared-ownership.

As a not-for-profit organisation, our work is underpinned by a core social purpose of providing high-quality affordable housing to those in housing need, and helping to address the national housing crisis, with a focus on the needs of families and older people. We are committed to building new, affordable housing across the city at a variety of tenures.

Any surplus that we make through our outright sale homes is reinvested into the delivery of more affordable housing and community focused services within the neighbourhoods that we work in.

Building new affordable housing

We currently have over 400 new homes for rent and shared ownership in development across Oxford, and are particularly proud of our 100% affordable housing scheme at Temple Cowley which provides 19 homes for

We are delighted to have been selected as the Council’s development partner for the regeneration of the Blackbird Leys neighbourhood, which has the potential to deliver at least 250 new homes.

Successful neighbourhoods

Our new homes represent much more than just bricks and mortar. As a long term investor and landlord in neighbourhoods, we are committed to

ensuring the best design and quality of the homes and places that we build. We aim to create successful neighbourhoods which people choose to live in now and in the future, providing localised housing management, caretaking and grounds maintenance services to support this.

From our Oxford office in Blackbird Leys, we deliver and support a wide range of community and social-support initiatives, including those that help people through financial difficulties or get into employment or training. We are particularly proud of being inaugural members of the Blackbird Leys CDI, which works with local people and agencies to promote community based projects and work with young and older people. These programmes not only bring tangible benefit to individuals, but are also integral to help to build and maintain successful and sustainable communities.

Economic Assets and Transport Links

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Major Projects and Business Locations The West End Success Story gathers pace

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he West End of Oxford is undergoing a comprehensive transformation as a series of strategic developments spearheaded by the City Council, the County Council, the private sector, university and its colleges continues to take shape. The list of projects either underway or in the pipeline already speaks volumes about the West End strategy’s success.

The £440m Westgate Oxford shopping centre, which is owned

by Westgate Oxford Alliance, a joint venture between Land Securities and The Crown Estate, is the highest profile example of this transformation. Now open for 18 months, the 800,000 sq. ft. development offers around 100 stores, 25 restaurants and cafés,

a boutique cinema, rooftop terrace dining and a wealth of new public spaces. It has supported around 3,000 jobs locally.

Located across from the Westgate Centre is Oxpens, the largest remaining development area in the city centre, which was identified as a strategic priority site in the City Deal and the Oxfordshire Strategic Economic Plan. The City Council and Nuffield College formed a joint venture company – Oxford West End Development (OXWED) – to spearhead the comprehensive redevelopment of the site in a £200m mixed-use scheme.

OXWED now owns the entire 8.3 hectare Oxpens site, which will be transformed into a new neighbourhood with up to 500 new homes. It will also create around 12,000 m2 of offices and commercial space for the many

knowledge and technology enterprises that want to locate in the heart of the city and near good rail links. After all, this is where the staff of those companies want to be, so it is where the companies need to be to attract the right talent.

The development will play a pivotal role in addressing the lack of affordable housing for a wide range of people in Oxford. The regeneration of the West End will be of huge benefit to the city and a long-term partnership approach is crucial to its success.

Early examples of high-quality regeneration can be seen with Student Castle being built adjacent to the Oxford Station area. 12,000 sq. ft. of workspace has also been repurposed at the Jam Factory adjacent to the Station in a highquality restoration.

01 Building a world-class city for everyone

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Osney Mead Industrial Estate is within walking distance of Oxford Station, and fronts the Thames.

This 18-hectare site offers real potential to extend the West End strategy and indeed the concept of the city centre. Widely regarded as an under-utilised industrial estate in need of modernisation, there are emerging plans to transform the area into a new innovation district that can harness the economic potential of Oxford’s diverse knowledge base in specialist digital and engineering activities.

As one of the principal landowners, the University of Oxford, with other stakeholders, is preparing a comprehensive masterplan for the long-term diversification of the site. This envisages a mix of incubation, Research & Development uses, and residential accommodation for postgraduates and researchers. The site offers the potential to create much-needed new public spaces and enhance walking and cycling connectivity with the adjacent city centre.

Oxford City Council, working with the University, OxLEP and County Council has attracted £12m in funds to provide vital enabling infrastructure. The site has been allocated as a major area of change in the draft Oxford Local Plan 2036.

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Oxford Station Redevelopment Moves Closer The redevelopment of Oxford Station and the West End will create a global gateway to transform the region of Oxfordshire. Economically, the entire region of Oxfordshire will be set to benefit from the redevelopment, this is owing the leakage effects of increases in productivity and economic activity to surrounding areas. Moreover, since the supply chain of construction and businesses will span regions outside of Oxfordshire, it will have spill-over effects to other parts of the UK. The comprehensive redevelopment could generate the following headline impacts: BCR of 4:1, 9.700 jobs county-wide and a development value estimated at £1.2bn over ten years.

Redeveloped rail infrastructure is vital locally and regionally, and Oxford is emerging as a national hub. And the economic development opportunities of the rail enhancements and surrounding development are seen as a Global Business District as prioritised in the recently published Local Industrial Strategy. Network Rail, supported by a range of local and national partners, is exploring the long-term opportunity to improve rail connections - from the south, west and London to the East-West Rail, and through to the Midlands by opening up capacity at Oxford.

A new landmark regional hub at Oxford is expected to be transformative for the region.

It will facilitate a shift away from cars, providing a transport hub for bus, cycle and pedestrian routes, addressing congestion and pollution.

This will also enable full realisation of the opportunities of Oxford’s West End developments.

Comprehensive redevelopment at Oxford Railway Station, with increased capacity, could facilitate significant benefits across Oxfordshire, such as: n Opening the Cowley Branch Line to passengers will support Oxford Science Park, the Oxford Business Park and connectivity for East Oxford residents and businesses. It would also support the development of South Oxford Science Village. n Expansion of capacity on the North Cotswold line will connect centres further west, unlocking connections north west to Worcester and Hereford and east to London, including the development of Hanborough as transport hub with increased capacity to facilitate Cotswold Garden Village. n Provision of a potential new station and train service at Grove on the existing line would open up significant opportunities from the Wantage area. n A rail infrastructure upgrade through the Oxford Corridor would ensure good access between homes and businesses in the Garden Towns of Didcot and Bicester. It would also improve connectivity for the internationally significant Harwell and Culham employment sites. n Looking further ahead, this infrastructure underpins continued growth of both universities – including the possibility of a station at Begbroke Campus and Oxford Airport.

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In short, Oxford station is critical to county and wider regional/national connectivity and will provide the key business location for Oxford to contribute to delivery of the Local Industrial Strategy.

City-wide development strategy Beyond the city centre, the City Council owns land and property right across the city and is proactively using its portfolio to kick-start projects and ensure development is sustainable. It also works in close partnership to enable strategic development opportunities.

The council has also set up a development framework for the Northern Gateway scheme, a development led by St John’s College that will create 500 new homes and 90,000 m2 of commercial space. This major strategic site is at the planning submission stage and officers are working closely with developers to bring the permission forward.

City Council and Catalyst embark on plans to bring new homes, shops and community facilities to Blackbird Leys Oxford City Council and Catalyst Housing Ltd are about to embark on a development that will bring new shops and community facilities, and at least 250 homes to the heart of Blackbird Leys.

The project, on City Council-owned land, will see Catalyst build at least 250 new homes across two sites, and redevelop Blackbird Leys’ shopping parade, community facilities and outdoor public space.

The development will include homes for social rent and shared ownership. The City Council’s policy is for 40% of housing development to be for social rent and 10% shared ownership.

The project will take place over two sites. It will see: n The redevelopment of the district centre in Blackbird Leys Road, which will bring new homes and improved shops, community

facilities and public spaces in the heart of Blackbird Leys. n A new housing development on land between Knights Road, the Kassam Stadium, Northfield School and Spindleberry Nature Park. The site has been allocated for housing since 2013.

The housing developments will be ‘tenure blind’, meaning the social and private housing will look identical and will be mixed across the developments to contribute to a sustainable community.

01 Westgate Oxford ©OxLEP 02 Oxford Station Design Ideas Winner - AHR 03 Cycling - Backhill Tunnel ©OxLEP 04 Blackbird Leys community engagement

Oxford City Council has invested millions of pounds into Blackbird Leys over recent years, including building the £9m Leys Pools and Leisure Centre, refurbishing Evenlode and Windrush towers, and improving parking provision across the estate.

The future of workspace in Oxford

The City Council and Catalyst are looking to work with other landowners in the area as part of the project, including Oxfordshire County Council.

The aim is to submit a planning application in 2020. The City Council and Catalyst will work closely with those who will be most affected by the development to find out their needs and ensure they are supported and their needs met.

The Local Industrial Strategy highlights Oxford’s role as an ‘ideation’ cluster, creating innovative businesses that scale-up and benefit the wider region. Oxford has the highest intensity of university spin out companies in the country. There are currently 149 active start-ups and spin-outs from the University of Oxford alone, with real ambition to accelerate this. It is important to realise that all businesses, not just spin-outs, create significant employment for a range of people and need space too. Businesses need space to start up, expand and evolve.

The Blackbird Leys development follows the City Council’s current housing development at Barton Park, which will see 885 new homes – 40% of which will be for social rent – built as part of a public–private partnership with Grosvenor Britain & Ireland.

The city council and its partners recognise the importance of responding to this increasing demand for business space.

Fortunately, there are a growing number of workspace hubs fulfilling a vital role within the local business ecosystem.

The fabric of Barton Park has been developed to encourage healthy lifestyles – including outdoor gym equipment running through a network of parks and open spaces, and streets designed for walking and cycling – and to encourage interaction between the existing and new communities through tenure-blind housing, parks, allotments, civic squares, and leisure and community facilities.

One St Aldate’s, based at Oxford’s historic Town Hall, is run by Oxford

During 2019, the City Council and Catalyst will work with the community to draw up plans for the development. The aim is to present these initial designs to residents at The Leys Festival in June 2020.

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Innovation and offers space to rent for small businesses. There are emerging proposals to provide additional space across Oxford City Council’s portfolio, as well as a new Workspace and ‘Meanwhile’ Strategy to further utilise the council’s property assets for today’s technology or social entrepreneurs and innovators. The City Council is keen to put its assets to use - commercially and sustainably whilst providing opportunities for a full range of organisations and entrepreneurs to access the space they need.

Another major requirement is laboratory space for our growing community of life science businesses to get started and grow flexibly – ideally close to the specific knowledge and expertise they need.

Meeting this demand has been a challenge and recent research by OxLEP, Bidwells, and VSL&P has revealed that such spaces are in high demand. Yet this research also highlighted that a range of organisations are working hard to create a larger pipeline of new space.

Oxford provides a diverse range of workspace for new and fast growing businesses. Among the key providers of space is Oxford Innovation with a total of eight centres (130,000 sq. ft.) in the area.

The Oxford Centre for Innovation is based in the city centre and provides space and a support network for science and technology start-ups.

The new 20,000 ft2 Wood Centre for Innovation is now complete, fully operational and occupancy is fast on the rise.

The Oxford Science Park, and in particular the Magdalen Centre, (72,000 ft2) provides space in three buildings for small science and technology businesses. There are plans to radically expand this offer.

The Bio-escalator, launched this year at the University of Oxford’s Churchill Campus for Medical Sciences, serves specialist needs of bio-tech businesses offering 55,000 ft2.

There are also several serviced office providers such as Clarendon

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Business Centres (54,000 ft2) based at four locations across Oxford. Pure Offices provide space in a range of units at the Oxford Business Park.

The Oxford Foundry led by the Said Business School opened last year and is a scaled up entrepreneurial hub for all students across Oxford.

A range of co-working spaces also exisit across the city, Weelhouse, Urbanoid Workspace, the POD and Oxford Innospace among others.

The cost of this office accommodation reflects the services offered. For example, for serviced innovation, centres range from £100 - £375 per desk on a flexible arrangement.

Managed office facilities have rents between £25 -£60 per ft2.

If you would like to learn more about Oxford workspaces, please contact the Regeneration and Economy team by emailing economicdevelopment@oxford.gov. uk

Major business locations Changes afoot at Oxford Business Park: Oxford’s Business Quarter

Oxford Business Park is the heart of business in the city of Oxford, where land is available for bespoke development. The Business Park hosts over 5,000 employees and around 40 major occupiers.

Arlington, park owners, have been enhancing the working environment with a range of new amenities.

The Oxford Factory

Our new customer hub – the Oxford Factory is where thirsty workers and colleagues will be able to grab a morning coffee, hold an informal meeting or treat themselves to a freshly-baked pizza for lunch.

The contemporary restaurant will be run by our partners from the Jam Factory in Oxford, serving the very best fresh, locally-produced food and drink.

Oxford Works: Sitting alongside our new restaurant will be the Oxford Works – where you will be able to meet our Park Team, hire a desk for an hour, a day or longer.

We will have quiet spaces, yoga

classes, board rooms and even a seminar theatre – all dedicated for our customers.

The Market Place: A vibrant social meeting place to grab a coffee, or take time out to play some table tennis and enjoy the outdoor environment, relaxing in a deckchair on our lawns.

What do Occupiers say?

“Arlington has delivered for us.

After 60 years, we anticipated that emotional ties to the old office would be hard to break, but the new building and working space has surpassed expectations. People are looking forward, not back. This is such a positive place to work and will undoubtedly help us in our search and hire of great talent to Nielsen.”

Cathy Earle, UK HR Director, AC Nielsen “In 2013, Arlington helped us consolidate into a new state of the art HQ, with a building specification that set new standards for energy efficiency. The wider park environment is also of the highest quality, with an abundance of amenities on our doorstep, green spaces to enjoy and only a stone’s throw from the city centre – it is a thriving community that we are excited to be a part of.”

Jacqui Newlyn, HSES & Compliance Manager, British Gas “We needed to consolidate two operations into a single HQ building to improve efficiencies and communication. The new building also needed a dual purpose - as offices with additional warehouse space. It was a brief that Arlington embraced without hesitation, and the end product exceeded our expectations.”

Harley-Davidson “With nine ageing offices across Oxford, we wanted to bring staff together to achieve gains in productivity whilst reducing costs.

Arlington brought a true partnership approach to fulfil our criteria, ensuring a smooth integration of our comprehensive fit-out that included the complete IT infrastructure, a café and a nursery – all backed by

a single main contractor warranty.”

Oxfam Bespoke development sites and existing buildings are available at www.oxfordbusinesspark.com/

Oxford Science Park

hospitals such as the John Radcliffe, and in proximity to a range of funding sources. Find out more about locating to the Oxford Science Park by emailing us at comms@oxfordsp.com or visiting https://oxfordsp.com/

05 Oxford Business Park 06 Oxford Science Park ©OxLEP 07 Oxford Business Park 08 Oxford Works

Oxford Science Park is one of the most influential science, technology and business environments in the UK. It is home to more than 2,500 workers in over 90 companies.

There’s an outstanding atmosphere of discovery, innovation and entrepreneurship amid 75 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds and state-of-the-art office and laboratory space.

From start-ups to multinationals, from drugs for cancer to devices for kidney disease and artificial intelligence for drug discovery, there is a vibrant R&D and commercial ecosystem at the Oxford Science Park. Some of the UK’s highest potential and most exciting companies are located here.

Our commitment to discovery and entrepreneurship means providing an environment in which innovation can flourish. The Oxford Science Park means you can work in inspiring surroundings close to the academic hub of Oxford University and leading research

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08 Building a world-class city for everyone

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RELEVANT, REALISTIC LEGAL SOLUTIONS

Our expert legal teams work closely with businesses in Oxford, combining their technical expertise, experience and commercialism to help you manage your risk and achieve your goals.

It is this tailored and personalised approach, coupled with our real world and varied experience that really set us apart. Our clients tells us we quickly become fully in their businessOxford and act asproperty an extension to Oxford is one of the fastest growing cities in the UK.immersed And our Bidwells their team. Our straight talking and pragmatic approach experts have enabled clients, from a host of sectors,toto maximise their property assets their legal matters are highly valued.

in the region.

Whether you are a corporate client or looking for advice on your personal affairs, as your trusted advisor focus onservices. your objectives andso work with you The Bidwells Oxford team provides multi-disciplinary we’ll property With many skills through the good times the bad to makeOur sure that available from a single team, we bring flexibility and sure-footedness toand every project. you have the right legal support when you need it most.

teams working within four service lines: rural consultancy, commercial agency, project management and planning.

We work with clients across Oxford and the Thames Valley, including over half of the Oxford colleges, as well as private and public schools, landowners, leisure and hospitality brands, For more information visit and science and technology businesses. Our clients appreciate our range of quality www.blakemorgan.co.uk services. They recognise our in-depth knowledge of theBlake region.

Morgan And LLP they know that each of us is utterly committed to their long-term success. @BlakeMorganLLP Blake Morgan LLP

If you would like to hear more about the value our team at Bidwells have created for our clients across Oxfordshire, please visit www.bidwells.co.uk/office/oxford

2019004a

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Relevant, realistic legal solutions Blake Morgan LLP is a leading law firm providing highly tailored legal solutions to individuals, businesses, not-for-profit and public sector clients in Oxford and the surrounding areas.

Many of our lawyers and practice groups are leaders in their field and highly ranked by the legal directories. These lawyers will work closely with you, combining their technical expertise, experience and commercialism to help you manage your risk and achieve your goals.

It is this tailored and personalised approach, coupled with our real world and varied experience that really set us apart. Our clients tells us we quickly become fully immersed in their business and act as an extension to their team. Our straight talking and pragmatic approach to their legal matters are highly valued.

Whether you are a corporate client or looking for advice on your personal affairs, as your trusted advisor we’ll focus on your objectives and work with you through the good times and the bad to make sure that you have the right legal support when you need it most. www.blakemorgan.co.uk

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Get Connected to Oxford’s Business Networks Oxfordshire Voice (OV)

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V’s aim is to promote Oxfordshire’s vibrant and dynamic business community.

With so much development, innovation, growth and potential in Oxfordshire, a single body and consistent message will help to educate those in and beyond Oxfordshire what Oxfordshire has to offer to potential investors.

Oxfordshire is one of the UK’s leading growth areas and OV will play a key role in supporting future growth. Oxford was top of the 2017 Demos-PwC Good Growth for Cities Index and in the 2018 Arcadis ‘Investing in Britain’ report, Oxford was named after Edinburgh as the second best city in the UK for Growth Potential.

including progress updates on plans and policies for dealing with these challenges n Work together to create solutions for the benefit of all public and private sector organisations Whilst OV is not a lobbying group, its growing partnership knows that collaborating will help create a better future for Oxfordshire.

By supporting OV, you will be helping to shape the economic future of one of the UK’s most vibrant economic regions.

OV is managed by B4.

Find out more at www.oxvoice.co.uk

Although Oxfordshire’s economic track record is excellent, we all face many challenges ahead to maintain and improve this performance. The ground-breaking OV collaborative partnership is bringing the local business community around the table with the local authorities (Oxford City Council, Oxfordshire County Council and OxLEP) to do the following: n Provide a forum for exploring and raising a greater awareness of the key challenges to all Oxfordshire businesses n Seek input and views from businesses on how to address the challenges facing them

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Oxford Business Forums Oxford City Council realises that we have a responsibility to keep local businesses informed, to show leadership and to consult widely on the future direction of Oxford as a world-class city.

As part of our Business Engagement Strategy, we organise Oxford Business Forum events on important local issues. These meetings are co-hosted jointly by the leaders of Oxford City Council, Oxfordshire County Council and the Chief Executive of Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (OxLEP).

01 Oxfordshire Voice (OV) 02 Business in Oxford Speed Networking 03 Nigel Tipple OxLEP Business in Oxford

02 The forums are designed to cover current issues of interest to businesses. We invite prominent local and national specialists to lead these, and they provide an opportunity for businesses to hear first-hand about new policy developments as well as the ability to directly provide feedback and contribute to developing policies.

If you would like to be added to the list for future invitations, contact the Economic Development team on 01865 252143 or email economicdevelopment@oxford.gov. uk For more details and to sign up for our business bulletins or events, visit www.oxford.gov.uk/ business

Business in Oxford (BIO) BIO2019 is a one-day thoughtprovoking event that helps unlock the growth potential of local businesses and the community as a whole.

Organised and curated annually

by B4, Oxfordshire’s most trusted business network, Business in Oxford is the biggest businessnetworking and showcase event in the county. BIO2019 took place at MINI PLANT OXFORD back in June 2019.

Now in its sixth year, BIO2019 brought together over 750 of the county’s business owners, leaders, entrepreneurs and executives.

BIO2019 looked at how to cultivate the right behaviours and adopt proven best practices to achieve and expand commercial business success. Businesses were inspired by some of the region’s most prominent figures from business and beyond - a great combination of content comprised of CEOs, entrepreneurs, innovators, thinkers, artists and more.

and a warm welcome to aspiring entrepreneurs, creatives and professionals.

Business in Oxford is an accessible, engaging event where the county’s leading businesses can discover, learn, celebrate and shape the future of business in Oxfordshire together.

Find out more about BIO2020, produced by B4, at www.businessinoxford.com/

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B4’s latest initiatives featured at BIO2019, with Oxfordshire Voice using the opportunity to canvass business opinion on the key issues facing Oxfordshire’s businesses and NXT, our new network for under30s, also featuring guest speakers

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04

They can then keep growing, in turn driving growth in the county. What can be more exciting than being part of our future?

All parts of Oxford’s innovation community are represented on the board: The Oxford Trust, University of Oxford, Oxford Brookes University, Saïd Business School, Oxford Innovation, OxLEP, UKAEA Culham, The Science & Technology Innovation Council (STFC) and leading law firm Penningtons Manches.

Want to know more? Visit www.venturefestoxford.com/

Venturefest Venturefest Oxford is a not-for-profit organisation offering a platform for high tech entrepreneurs and small to medium-sized businesses to connect with investors, mentors and other support services. We have been doing this successfully since 1998, and in 2018 we celebrated our 20th birthday.

Our annual flagship event attracts over 1,000 visitors and is recognised as the leading event for businesses in the high tech, life sciences and digital sectors. It is also the place to develop relationships, collaborations and networks that drive growth and success. Our programme always offers an enticing mix of workshops, keynote speakers, panel discussions and innovation showcases that ensures everyone will find something to interest them and engage with. In 2018, the focus was on the four key sectors of Quantum Computing, Digital Health, Space and Autonomous Vehicles. Visitors to Venturefest learned about the technology behind these cutting-edge sectors, possible applications and the opportunities and challenges they present. Future events will continue this focus on the innovation economy of Oxfordshire.

Every year, Venturefest holds a ‘Pitching for Success’ competition

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where local entrepreneurs and new businesses have the opportunity to pitch their ideas to a panel of local investors and fund managers. The businesses compete for a range of prizes including a £1,000 cash prize, voted for by the audience.

This competition is always enthusiastically supported and universally popular.

In 2018, Venturefest was held, for the first time, at Oxford Brookes University. The University had just finished a major new building and refurbishment project, and our event was the first of its kind to showcase the new space. So successful was Venturefest 2018 at Brookes University that the 2019 event was held there again, with great success. Professor Alistair Fitt, Vice-Chancellor of Oxford Brookes University said: “We were delighted to host Venturefest Oxford 2018.

The University is proud of its strong partnerships with business and industry both in the UK and globally and we recognise the value of these events in providing opportunities, support and connections.”

The main aim of Venturefest is to support and showcase the vibrant innovation sector in Oxford by providing entrepreneurs and innovators with the support, encouragement and contacts to start and scale-up their businesses.

B4 B4 is Oxfordshire’s leading business network, established in 2006, now comprising over 600 of Oxfordshire’s leading public and private sector organisations as its members.

There are ten key B4 membership benefits: n Events held in some of Oxfordshire’s leading venues including Blenheim Palace, Rhodes House, Ashmolean Museum and Oxford University colleges.

n High-quality magazine published bi-monthly and circulated to 3,000 Oxfordshire businesses.

04 NXT 05 Venturefest

n Growing social media platforms with over 20,000 connections. n The B4 website allows members to post unlimited press releases, job vacancies, offers and events.

New website coming in 2019. n Masterclasses held at B4’s offices which provide members with access to weekly presentations given by B4 members covering a wide range of subjects. n Black tie dinners held in some of Oxfordshire’s most prestigious locations with high profile guest speakers. n NXT for 17 to 30 year olds – events designed to give the next generation skills to help them develop in business alongside other young professionals, creatives and entrepreneurs. n Introductions to some of Oxfordshire’s leading businesses. n Access to the B4 video and photography studio. n Preferential rates for B4 magazine, BIO and OV for B4 members.

NB Some benefits depend on the level of membership.

Find out more at www.b4-business. com/

NXT Since launching the concept of NXT in 2018 as a new community for 17 to 30 year-olds, NXT has gained support from some of Oxfordshire’s leading businesses including Blenheim Palace, Freeths, Oxfordshire LEP, Ashmolean and Whitley Stimpson.

Following two successful launch events in 2018, NXT hosted six events in 2019 designed to provide the next generation with key business skills including: n How to network n Building a brand n Successful negotiation n Managing your social media platforms n Financial planning n Preparing to sell your business n Protecting yourself against fraud NXT runs free-to-attend events and isn’t a membership organisation.

So, if you’re under 30 and want to learn from experts in their field and mix with like-minded young professionals, creatives and entrepreneurs, follow NXT on social media to find out about future events.

NXT is managed by B4. Find out more at www.b4-nxt.com/

Advanced Oxford

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Advanced Oxford has researched the key facts and figures that define our innovation economy today. The Oxford region is home to over 6,000 high-tech, knowledge-intensive companies who are at the forefront of UK and global research in areas such as regenerative medicine, robotics, autonomous vehicles and digital health, space and quantum computers. These companies employ over 52,000 people – that’s 14.3% of the total employed in

Oxfordshire. The region is also home to four high-tech unicorn companies and it has the largest university venturing fund in the world.

The Oxford region is one of the UK’s strongest economies and a place where innovation is thriving.

It contributes around £29bn a year to national output and has the potential to boost the UK economy by up to £180bn by 2030 through the transformative technologies developed here.

Advanced Oxford is a group of senior leaders from the area’s major knowledge-intensive businesses who are working together to support the long-term development of the Oxford region as a dynamic and prosperous place to work and live.

Our members span the full breadth of the innovation spectrum from biotech and computer science to advanced engineering, space, publishing, telecoms and software.

As leaders of some of the UK’s most successful companies, we understand that success is built on the shoulders of a skilled and valued workforce and we understand that support and collaboration are vital to innovation.

Our membership also includes organisations whose commitment to supporting enterprise is at the heart of their vision and strategy.

Our purpose is to be the united voice of high-tech industry in the Oxford region; to draw on the collective experience of working in knowledge-intensive businesses, to become a constructive contributor to the development of plans for, and investment in, our area.

We are evidence-led. We undertake research across a range of key themes relevant to the Oxford region (such as transport, housing, research infrastructure) and develop evidence that is valued by policymakers, that informs and

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Oxfordshire Town Chambers Network (OTCN)

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Founded as a network of Oxfordshire’s chambers of commerce, OTCN (The Oxfordshire Town Chambers Network) now covers town chambers, business parks, shopping centres, business networking events and other membership organisations and business groups across Oxfordshire. www.otcn.co.uk/

Reciprocate

supports the policy development process and ultimately benefits our people and communities.

We are united by a long-term commitment to the Oxford region.

We are inclusive in our desire to work across regional boundaries, with organisations in the public, private and third sectors, and to contribute to plans and policies that will ensure the region’s continued vitality.

For more information, take a look at www.advancedoxford.com/

n Institute of Directors (IoD) n Confederation of British Industry (CBI) n Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce n B4 - organisers of the annual Business in Oxford There are many other networking groups across Oxfordshire, all offering something unique.

Local Business Networks

Oxford Technology & Media Network (OTMN)

Networking is an integral part of almost every business’ marketing and development strategy. If you’re looking for the best business networks in the area then OxLEP Business can help steer you to the most appropriate support.

OTMN aims to connect senior leaders and owners from media and technology businesses to meet, exchange ideas and collectively learn through events with worldclass speakers.

Most national employer organisations have a strong presence in Oxfordshire and there are also a number of local representative groups. They share a goal to boost the local economy and are committed to supporting Oxfordshire businesses.

Some of the main business organisations operating in the county are:

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n Federation of Small Businesses (FSB)

All of the network founders work at a senior level in these industries and we set up the network to find more people like us around Oxford, as well industry leaders who live elsewhere but have a connection with the county. The network runs six small and well-planned events a year. The events are currently free of charge to members and we also allow nonmembers to attend for a small fee. https://otmn.co.uk/

Reciprocate is a group of businesses that are working together to improve the lives of people in Oxfordshire, with the help of the local community foundation.

Reciprocate member companies believe that, by working together, sharing ideas and collaborating on projects, they can increase their support for the local community. https://reciprocateox.org/

Oxfordshire Greentech Oxfordshire Greentech is the business network supporting the growth of the low-carbon sector in Oxfordshire. We will bring together businesses and organisations to encourage innovation collaboration and knowledge transfer, to facilitate the transition towards a sustainable, low carbon future in Oxfordshire and the world.

Our aims are to: n Create jobs and economic growth by promoting Oxfordshire as a centre for low-carbon solutions. n Support local organisations to develop services and products that enable low-carbon, resilient lifestyles. n Facilitate cross-sector collaborations through a forum for innovation and partnershipworking. n Provide a platform for our members to showcase how they are creating a low-carbon, sustainable world.

For more information, visit https:// oxfordshiregreentech.co.uk/

Oxford Academic Health Science Network (OAHSN) The Oxford Academic Health Science Network gets innovation into clinical practice to improve patient safety, outcomes and experience, and generating economic growth, through collaboration between the NHS, industry and universities. www.oxfordahsn.org/

The Oxfordshire Project What you will find when attending The Oxfordshire Project’s meetings are a variety of business people working together, in an informal environment. They pride themselves on their speakers who are carefully picked to help businesses grow and develop.

Their morning, afternoon and evening meetings last two hours, giving businesses time to network with other guests and members. You can attend as a guest or sign up for full membership.

More information can be found at www.oxfordshireproject.co.uk/

Business Biscotti At Business Biscotti, each club is run by a team of ambassadors.

They give up their time freely to provide Biscotti members and their guests with opportunities to build connections, support one another and talk about business.

They do this in return for great visibility in their local business communities and the opportunity to leverage business via the networking events for their own enterprises.

Read more about Business Biscotti at www.businessbiscotti.co.uk/

The Oxford Business Network

06 Networking Zone Meetings

We strive to create a network that provides members with the opportunity to make quality trusted contacts and build relationships to help generate genuine introductions for all members.

Athena Network

Our membership is based on a group of quality individuals who want to network and help each other, whilst enjoying the range of activities organised for the network.

Focusing exclusively on female executives and entrepreneurs, the Athena Network provides a platform for members to share knowledge and experience across a diverse range of industry sectors, and to collaborate for mutual success.

The Oxford Business Network has been established since 2009 to offer networking based on the fact that ‘people buy people’.

Founded in the UK in 2005 by CEO and founder, Jacqueline Rogers – the Athena Network now comprises over 2,600 UK-based members across 30 regional territories.

We have our breakfast meetings on the first Friday of each month.

We also run social events and a monthly tour visit to a place of interest or local business. This enables the members to continue their interaction, build awareness of their expertise and develop their relationships.

To find out more, take a look at www.oxfordbusinessnetwork.co.uk/

Oxfordshire’s Women Forum Oxfordshire’s Women Forum (OWF) has a respected reputation as a unique networking group.

Each year, a wide variety of events are offered to attendees to cover personal learning and development, social interaction, and networking – while being enjoyable.

For more information, visit www.theathenanetwork.co.uk/

Robin Network ROBIN is a network of like-minded people from businesses and public sector bodies in Oxfordshire.

Members collaborate and support charities and community groups by sharing skills and resources creatively.

These can be one-off opportunities, but often lead to the development of closer relationships and further new opportunities and associations.

For more information, visit www.robinoxford.org.uk/

Members come from every walk of life, including: professional, business and enterprise, public, charitable and voluntary sectors – as well as those wishing to enter or return to work.

More information on OWF events is available at http:// oxfordshirewomensforum.co.uk/

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Oxfordshire’s Business Support Services OxLEP Business – The Growth Hub

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OxLEP Business exists to help businesses navigate around a complicated landscape, finding the support needed to start-up and grow.

OxLEP Business does this by: n Signposting to local and national business support services, schemes and events n Providing specialist advice, connections and guidance through a team of Network Navigators n Running events and workshops on a variety of topics.

OxLEP Business’s services are completely free for businesses and start-ups in Oxfordshire.

Currently, OxLEP Business receives funding through the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) and has also secured European Regional Development Fund backing.

As the growth hub for Oxfordshire, it is our aim to simplify the business support landscape and help individuals and businesses to connect easily.

If you’re looking to start, run or grow your business and would appreciate some prompt, friendly, impartial advice, please get in touch with us to discuss your options.

n Workshops that offer training on vital topics for start-up and growth businesses n Sources of funding and grants n Network Navigators who will connect you with key contacts and services; supporting you in growing your business n Oxfordshire Business Enterprises (OBE) who offer advice to start-up businesses n District Navigators who offer a range of support to businesses located in their area.

For more information, visit www.oxfordshirelep.com/business

We will signpost you to the right business support for you and your business by directing you to expert advice and national and local support programmes.

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01 ICE work experience 02 OxWash 03 Burford town centre 04 The Oxford Artisan Distillery (TOAD) All images ©OxLEP

02 Invest in Oxfordshire OxLEP Business’s inward investment service provides confidential and tailored assistance to help businesses from around the globe to locate and grow within Oxfordshire. Working alongside partners such as the Universities and local authorities, OxLEP’s specialist team can offer businesses expertise across a number of key areas and regularly support many crucial transitions to our globallysignificant county.

OxLEP’s Business team is positioned to: n Identify commercial premises for businesses n Support the relocation of employees and their families moving into the area n Arrange property viewings, tours of key facilities and meetings with sector specialists

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n Connect businesses with professional service providers n Signpost to business support organisations and sector specific networks n Assist in recruitment and accessing training n Provide ongoing aftercare to Oxfordshire companies.

For more information visit www.oxfordshirelep.com/business/ invest-oxfordshire

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Oxford – Full of dynamic businesses with REAL purpose O

xford has an impressive and growing hotbed of Social Enterprises, which was a significant factor in Oxfordshire being recognised as the first Social Enterprise County by Social Enterprise UK. Social Enterprises are businesses that re-invest profits back into the organisation to help address social or environmental challenges. A great example is the inspirational Tap Social, a craft brewery providing training courses for people serving prison sentences, offering courses in brewing and business start-up, and providing one-on-one support in securing permanent employment to assist in effective rehabilitation.

But increasingly, mainstream businesses are recognising new and creative business and organisational development opportunities, which can also make significant positive impacts on our local social economy, the environment and also embed them more closely in local communities. And these go beyond standard Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, which can be misunderstood and appear perfunctory.

A great example of a business placing purpose at the heart of what it does is Blenheim Palace. Many wouldn’t consider Blenheim as a typical business, but many of the practices it has adopted should be an inspiration to local companies seeking to develop and sustain their businesses. They are including Social Enterprises in their supply chains, building nearby workforce

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© Ian Wallman

© Ian Wallman

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housing, and are providing opportunities for disadvantaged individuals to engage and benefit from their venue and resources.

support local communities – the ROBIN Network www.robinoxford. org.uk/) and Reciprocate www.reciprocateox.org/).

Oxford City Council has brought local employers together through the Economic Growth Steering Board to explore ways in which they can contribute to ensuring our vibrant local economy is one that works for all. This includes working towards the Living Wage and more inclusive recruitment.

An emerging worldwide movement, B-Corp (http:// bcorporation.uk/), is a community of certified businesses that meet rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency.

ClimateCare and The Myers-Briggs Company, both based in Oxford, are great examples of Profit for Purpose B-Corp accredited companies. https://bcorporation.uk/

Business is evolving naturally and organically, but local support structures are also developing. OSEP (www.osep.org.uk/), a new Community Interest Company, has been formed to support and promote the local Social Enterprise community, backed by the universities and members of the SE community. Two complementary responsible business networks are growing in Oxford to support businesses keen to engage with and

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01 Tap Social 02 Tap Social 03 The Myers-Briggs Company 04 Broken Spoke 05 Yellow Submarine 06 Aspire (Oxford) 07 Yellow Submarine

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© David Brugman

OxLEP has also been driving social innovation, growing the local economy whilst addressing local social needs. It has accessed valuable ERDF funding to support Social Enterprise, enterprising charities and purposeful businesses, delivered under the eScalate programme. Following a successful bid, OSEP is delivering some of this vital support over the next three years to qualifying organisations.

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The Social Value Act obligates those spending public funds to consider the social value that can be added over and above the services being provided, and Oxford City Council has positively embraced this as an opportunity to help plug gaps in reduced funding, whilst supporting the local economy.

Local businesses are increasingly grasping this opportunity too, making themselves more attractive as suppliers and employers of choice. Creative partnership and commercial transactions are being developed with local Social Enterprises like Broken Spoke Cooperative, Yellow Submarine and Aspire (Oxford).

© David Brugman

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For more information on purposedriven business, adding social value or community engagement, contact Grant Hayward: grant@collaborent.co.uk

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A more Inclusive Economy for Oxfordshire

entrenched problems – including financial inclusion, mental health and transition to work for young people. It is brilliant to see what can be achieved when organisations come together around a shared commitment.”

What does that mean for your business?

Oxfordshire has one of the strongest regional economies in the UK yet still faces many social and environmental challenges.

In response to this, there are many examples of ways in which businesses are stepping up to share responsibility to put this right, whilst also benefitting from the opportunities opening up to help create a more Inclusive Economy and one that works for everyone.

What is a more inclusive economy?

In 2016, the UK Government set up an Inclusive Economy Unit to “focus on expanding opportunities for those who are struggling to cope; harnessing the power of private investment and business for the advantage of everyone as well as improving delivery of public services.” The Civil Society strategy:

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How can business contribute and benefit?

‘Building a Future that Works for Everyone’ also includes a section on the private sector: ‘promoting business, finance, and tech for good’. The Inclusive Economy Partnership it also set up supports this work.

Anna Swaithes, Head of Responsible Business at the Government’s Inclusive Economy Unit explained, “Business done right is a force for good – and leading businesses increasingly put social and environmental responsibility at the heart of what they do. Through the Inclusive Economy Partnership, we are catalysing partnerships between businesses, civil society organisations and government to help tackle some of society’s most

Although the principle isn’t new, here in Oxfordshire there has been a clear shift in the development of very creative initiatives with wideranging benefits. An example of one of the themes Anna Swaithes referred to is financial inclusion.

Unipart has been running financial wellbeing programmes for staff, supported by external agencies to help them with personal financial matters. Deb Astles, HR Director, Corporate Responsibility & Policy said, “The initiative has been wellreceived by staff and we see this bringing significant benefits to our employees and in turn, the business.

The better they are able to manage their personal finances, the less worry they will have. This can only be a good thing for their overall

wellbeing, attendance, productivity and loyalty.”

Another increasingly hot topic aligned to this is the Living Wage.

Although challenging for some sectors, we have some notable employers locally who have achieved Living Wage Employer accreditation including Oxford Direct Services.

Simon Howick, Managing Director there pointed out, “Our employees deliver great services to the people and businesses of Oxford and the surrounding area. We believe paying the Oxford Living Wage is the minimum we should commit to in order to help our staff with the high cost of living in Oxford and to show them that Oxford Direct Services cares. But it also makes sense for businesses as well.

Paying the Oxford Living Wage can help to improve staff motivation and retention, quality of work and customer service.”

The Oxford Bus Company is also a Living Wage Employer and has a reputation for supporting local communities in a range of ways, establishing cross-sector partnerships that result in positive social, environmental and economic impact. It recently donated a bus to a local social enterprise, Aspire Oxford, to convert it into a gym.

Trainees supported by Aspire to get back into employment are working alongside the company’s body shop team to convert the bus so Aspire can support the fitness of trainees when the project is completed.

Aspire Oxford has also been working with local employers to raise awareness and promote the benefits from Inclusive Recruitment.

The skills and life experience of people being supported back into employment after facing significant challenges by the likes of Aspire Oxford and Tap Social Movement really can enhance any workplace.

Aspire has been running an annual employer conference for the past few years to showcase examples, this year featuring Taylor Wimpey, John Lewis & Partners, Hello Fresh and the Midcounties Co-operative.

With more vacancies in Oxfordshire than people available, employers

have recognised that considering cohorts they may have previously ignored can add a huge amount to the workplace. Commenting on a new Inclusive Recruitment Charter recently launched, Aspire’s Chief Executive, Paul Roberts said, “We were delighted to announce the first three awards of the Inclusive Recruitment Charter and look forward to working with other employers to achieve this.”

Significant commitment locally Speaking at BIO2019, Gordon Mitchell and Susan Brown, Chief Executive and Leader respectively of Oxford City Council, both spoke about the Council’s commitment to building a more Inclusive Economy. Matt Peachey, Economic Development Manager at Oxford City Council expanded on this, “Working with a range of partners and the Oxford Strategic Partnership, we are set to embark on a series of seminars that will explore the ways we can create a fairer city for all our residents. This is a major issue and an opportunity to boost the vitality of our local economy, our productivity and improve our residents’ lives.”

Oxfordshire’s Local Industrial Strategy has just been published, which includes a plan to establish an Inclusive Growth Commission.

OxLEP’s Ahmed Goga said, “The Oxfordshire Local Industrial Strategy sets out an ambitious plan to build on Oxfordshire’s strong foundations and world-leading assets, to deliver transformative growth which is inclusive and delivers prosperity for all communities across the county.”

So, what can you do?

Business really can be a Force For Good and working with the public sector, Social Enterprises and the third sector in progressive, creative and mutually beneficial opportunities – often resulting in commercial arrangements – really can help make this local economy even stronger and one that works for all.

Building a world-class city for everyone

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A world leader in global forecasting and economic consulting, Oxford Economics offers a unique combination of quantitative and qualitative research to support economists and strategists with regular briefings, data, forecasts, and scenarios. With over 250 economists and econometricians and 22 offices, Oxford Economics provides a truly comprehensive view of the world economy.

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Smart Oxford S

mart Oxford is a strategic programme to develop and promote Oxford as a smart city region. By ‘smart’, we mean creating an environment and infrastructure that engages with current digital technologies to support the generation and sharing of city information, and to facilitate the development of innovative city-related solutions more effectively, cheaply, sustainably, fairly and inclusively.

Smart Oxford is focused on providing the technical infrastructure and tools to support the key well-being aspects of: n The Local Industrial Strategy (LIS), primarily enabling the establishment of Living Labs across the county, addressing the wide range of business, social and environmental issues in Oxford. n Oxford 2050 Vision, enabling and encouraging bottom-up technology-based projects required to deliver elements of the Vision.

The aim is to build a stronger, safer, economically and environmentally sustainable city, to help its people to identify and be part of city solutions, to advance economic and social prosperity, and to help improve the quality, effectiveness and efficiency of city services.

Smart Oxford is supported by a wide range of partners, including: Oxford City Council, Oxfordshire County Council, Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (OxLEP), University of Oxford, Oxford Brookes University, Nominet, RACE, Oxford Academic Health Science Network, Science Oxford, Lucy’s and EDF Energy.

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In April 2019, we started a series of workshops with the key objective of developing a coordinated group (cohort) of smart city solution developers, SMEs and start-ups, who deliver smart city solutions for Oxford initially, but then help them to develop sustainable businesses supplying their solutions to other smart cities worldwide.

The workshop series is designed to take the cohort of SMEs/startups through a learning and development process: n Learning what the target audiences/customers (citizens, communities and local businesses) want n Identifying and engaging with supportive and IPholding resources (technical colleges, universities, research establishments, etc.) n Financing and taking to market their smart city solutions (products/services) To participate in the workshop series, SMEs/start-ups will first need to join the ISfB programme www.oxfordshirelep.com/isfb.

SMEs/start-ups can join the workshop series at any time and can skip a workshop if it’s not required.

Throughout the workshop series we will provide mentors to help and grow the resulting businesses, and we are also planning to make a co-working space available to participating SMEs/start-ups in the centre of Oxford by early 2020.

Low Carbon Economy A Sustainable City D

Planet Action Plan for your business to help you bring your ecological footprint down to what one planet can sustain.

id you know that Oxford is a UK-leader in preparing for and adopting electric vehicles? Is your business ready to take advantage of the opportunities they offer? Do you need support to understand how and when to electrify your fleet? Would you like to find out about the latest market developments?

Preparation for zero emissions transport is a major theme of Oxford City Council’s Low Carbon Oxford programme in 2019 and onwards. We run local events for businesses interested in adopting electric vehicles as well as for those innovating in the supply chain. But it isn’t the only thing we do. We also are also engaged on a whole range of other sustainability issues such as the circular economy, local energy systems and carbon reduction.

The easiest way to get involved is to sign up for our monthly Low Carbon Oxford newsletter (https:// madmimi.com/signups/126990/ join), and we’ll keep you updated on upcoming events and opportunities.

Some examples include our series of Electric Vehicle Business Breakfasts (first/last mile delivery, EV insurance, etc) developments on the Zero Emission Zone proposals, Oxford Green Week (www.oxfordgreenweek.org/) and, of course, our seminal Oxford Electric Vehicle Summit at the Saïd Business School (www. oxfordevsummit.org/), plus much

more. Alternatively, you can email us at lowcarbonoxford@oxford.gov.uk and we’ll add you to our mailing list.

Of course, we don’t do this all on our own. We work a lot in partnership with other organisations and networks. For example, if you are interested in cutting your energy consumption or maybe getting involved in renewable energy, a great place to start would be with Oxford’s Low Carbon Hub (https:// lowcarbonhub.org/), which has funding to carry out energy audits and administers an incredible network of projects.

As we said, partnership working is important to us. We work best when we work with businesses and other organisations. If you ever have any questions or ideas, or would just like to get in touch to meet for a coffee, please shoot us an email at lowcarbonoxford@oxford.gov.uk and we will put something in the diary.

Again, you can sign up to our newsletter: https://madmimi.com/ signups/126990/join We look forward to working with you to make the future brighter for all!

Oxfordshire Greentech (http:// oxfordshiregreentech.co.uk/) has also recently launched. They are a business network that has come out of Cambridgeshire Clean Tech, and encourage innovation, collaboration and knowledge transfer for a low carbon future.

Additionally, we also have the One Planet Oxfordshire project, run by Bioregional (www.bioregional.com/ one-planet-oxfordshire), which is bringing together organisations across the county to create an action plan for a happier, greener future.

If you are interested, Bioregional can also help you create a One

Building a world-class city for everyone

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Oxford Direct Services reborn A

fter becoming a limited company wholly-owned by Oxford City Council in April 2018, Oxford Direct Services Ltd (ODS) has gone from strength to strength.

This new set up allowed ODS to extend its commercial operations to offer businesses better value, flexibility and high quality services to suit their business needs. Their services include: n Commercial recycling and waste management n Building repairs and maintenance n Environmental cleansing

“Oxford Direct Services offer a professional service, a real focus on customer needs and a refreshing approach to understanding and delivering our changing waste management needs.”

Michele Morley, Oxford Brookes University Recently, Oxford Brookes University extended their recycling and waste management contract with ODS for a further two years – a deal worth up to £40,000.

n General civil engineering n Landscaping, grounds maintenance and tree work n Commercial motor transport services

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n Pest control n Major building projects

“We have been using Oxford Direct Services for our line painting and other road related services for many years. The teams deal with us quickly and easily and the returned work is of a very high standard. All in all, a very cost effective and reliable service.”

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Matt Holmes, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

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01 ODS operative at work 02 ODS street sweeper 03 ODS building maintenance works 04 ODS innovating with drones

What sets ODS apart Investing in ODS means investing back in the community. ODS is a local organisation, employing local people with local connections who are passionate about the services they deliver. More importantly, any profits generated by ODS are reinvested back in the community via the City Council.

As a business you will benefit from: n Dealing with only one supplier providing you with multiple services – a one-stop shop n A dedicated account manager who will work with you to provide a tailored solution n A service level agreement so you can pay for just what you use

n Services from an accredited organisation with Investors In People Gold, ISO9001, ISO14001 and FORS n A supplier with an ethical and committed approach to carbon reduction and environmental sustainability n A forward-thinking and awardwinning partner. For example, we use drone technology to do roof surveys and post inspections and have received a number of accolades from recognised organisations such as the RSPCA, Green Flag and Oxford Preservation Trust.

“From the commencement of refurbishment work Oxford Direct Services has demonstrated a high level of cooperation, communication and initiative. Their strength is to complete works to maximum efficiency with minimal disruption.”

Lucy Flanagan, Homeless Oxfordshire.

Visit www.oxforddirectservices. co.uk/ to see how we are working for Oxford.

n A skilled workforce, certified for the work they do (including enhanced DBS)

Building a world-class city for everyone

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Experience Oxfordshire - Working with Businesses to Grow and Develop the Visitor Economy company also manages Oxford Official Walking Tours, working with the Oxford Guild of Tour Guides and providing great tours and experiences for over 40,000 visitors each year who choose our awardwinning accredited tours.

E

xperience Oxfordshire is the official Destination Management Organisation (DMO) for Oxfordshire. It is the trading arm of the parent charity, Experience Oxfordshire Charitable Trust, and is a not-for-profit partnership organisation that is committed to the promotion, management and development of Oxfordshire as a great destination to live, work, visit and do business.

and across social media, travel trade exhibitions, as well as a range of exclusive networking events hosted by Experience Oxfordshire, and exciting press opportunities.

Experience Oxfordshire also works in partnership with VisitBritain and VisitEngland to promote the county and our partners to a national and international audience, ensuring that Oxfordshire is kept in the spotlight.

At Experience Oxfordshire, we have a growing partnership network of businesses spanning all parts of the visitor economy. Through effective collaboration we are working to make Oxfordshire a leading destination for tourism, culture and business. As part of our committed efforts towards growing the visitor economy, we work with our partners to help support their businesses through our marketing, development and commercial channels.

In addition, Experience Oxfordshire conferencing promotes the county’s best venues to the vital meetings, incentives, conference and events (MICE) market. We work with our partners to promote and market the county as a great business events location through a website, PR, events and conference booking desk.

Services for our partners include regular promotion on our newly developed suite of websites, inclusion in marketing literature

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Experience Oxfordshire operates the award-winning Oxford Visitor Information Centre on Broad Street. Located in the heart of Oxford, it welcomes over 500,000 visitors each year and provides information and advice on the best ways to experience the county. The

Oxford City Council leader, Councillor Susan Brown says: “Experience Oxfordshire plays a central role in the city’s rapidly growing tourism and hospitality economy.

Facilitating networking and coordination across the many different components of the sector make a vital contribution to the Oxford brand across the globe.”

Experience Oxfordshire hopes that with the continued support of the public sector, stakeholders and local businesses, we can continue to showcase Oxfordshire’s worldclass offering in the tourism sector, and therefore invite readers to get in touch today on the range of activities that we undertake.

Find out more at: www.experienceoxfordshire.org/ (Consumer Site) www.experienceoxfordshire.org/ partner (Partnership Site) www.experienceoxfordshire.org/ conferencing (MICE Site) Contact us on 01865 686440 or email partnership@experience oxfordshire.org

Oxford City Centre Evolves O

xford is a world-famous city centre with a huge amount to offer as place to live, work, study, shop, be entertained, visit and stay.

It combines a rich mix of world-class museums, varied theatre, cinema, sports and leisure attractions, shopping from a great range of national brands, and both new and long-standing independents, a variety of places to eat and drink, high-quality centres to study, established and recently-opened places to stay, and a range of options to live, work and set up a business.

Our approach is to draw on the ideas and expertise of our residents, businesses and stakeholders, to learn from the work that placemaking colleagues elsewhere are doing, and build on Oxford’s reputation for generating new ideas and innovation.

A new city centre vision and strategy is central to our work in this area, guiding decision-making and resourcing of improvements in public realm, street scene, signage, facilities, and the environment, reducing the number of empty units and the amount of un- or underused space, and promoting and

facilitating the most efficient and environmentally sustainable ways to get people into the city centre and moving around it once they’re here.

Partnership is at the heart of our work, with a number of platforms – including our Talk of the Town forum and City Centre Taskforce – to engage with our resident and business communities, learn from their experiences and draw on their skills and resources in developing and delivering improvements.

For more information or to get involved contact citycentre@oxford.gov.uk

Like all city and town centres, Oxford is also facing local, national and global challenges.

Oxford City Council is leading a strategic partnership approach to tackling these challenges in line with our corporate priorities of inclusive growth and sustainability, both economic and environmental.

The 2017 opening of the new Westgate Shopping Centre added some 80 additional retail units to our city centre total, and brought a strong list of new national and international brands to Oxford. It has added hugely to our attractiveness as a regional shopping destination and given impetus to a process of carefully reviewing other key retail and hospitality areas in the city centre, linking the retail core of the city with a number of our primary college and university buildings and emerging business districts. For each area, the aim is to establish an individual focus and role going forward and to work with all stakeholders to deliver any changes in policy and approach needed to make that a reality.

Building a world-class city for everyone

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Oxford University The Oxford Boom 01

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n recent years, we’ve seen an explosion of activity from the innovation side of the University.

Our spinout company figures are up, doubling between 2015 and 2016 into the twenties, and we’ve been consistently putting out similar numbers since - the haul for 2018 calendar year stands at 22. Of our total of 170 spinout companies, a third have been created since 2015. Money into those spinouts is coming thick and fast, with over a half billion raised in external funding throughout 2018.

We see these companies as the firms of the future. Our recent spinouts include those like Caristo which can spot heart attacks years before they happen, OxSight and Nightstar which are restoring sight through technological and genetic means respectively, and Oxford Sustainable Fuels which is turning plastic into usable transport fuels.

The innovation story is no longer just the number of companies, but the type. We’ve recently introduced the social enterprise model as a way of translating ideas from all divisions of the University. One of which, Greater Change, is offering a

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secure, cashless way of donating to the homeless and is already having a positive impact on the lives of people living on Oxford’s streets.

Another, sOPHIa, has developed a multi-dimensional poverty fighting index which can identify the causes of poverty and offer policy solutions.

These companies are putting people before profit where the cash goes into the mission, not the shareholders – a model we hope will become the norm in the future.

Our more established companies continue to bring talent and prosperity to the region. Oxford Nanopore, our “unicorn” spinout, is about to open its manufacturing centre in Harwell. YASA Motors, designing electric motors based on Oxford ideas, opened a new production facility in Oxfordshire during 2018 which will support 150 high-skilled jobs locally.

to Oxford academics through OU Consulting Services, or partnering on cluster-wide initiatives to create a rising tide that raises all boats, the University stands ready to work with you on ensuring the Oxford’s Boom is long and lasting.

Our innovation infrastructure has rapidly grown over the past 12 months. The Oxford Foundry, set up to stimulate student entrepreneurship, has supported over 2,300 students in its inaugural year. Meanwhile, our Bioescalator, aimed at developing life sciences ideas, came online in the last quarter. Our growing innovation space will help us create companies, attract industry and investment, and lure more talent to Oxford.

Oxford University has been ranked the world’s number one university two years running, and it is our ambition to create a world-leading innovation ecosystem to match. Yet, we fully realise our success would not have been possible without the support of the wider cluster.

Through creating companies, licensing technologies, access

02 01 Chas Bountra, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Innovation, University of Oxford 02 Bioescalator

Be one of our innovation partners From accessing an individual’s expertise to a long-term partnership with us (and lots in between), the University of Oxford can help your organisation accelerate the impact of research on the wider world.

Access Oxford’s academic expertise

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Work in partnership.ox.ac.uk with us

DELIVERING FOR BUSINESS Whether it’s sharing our expertise and research through consultancy or collaborations, supplying a continual flow of skilled and talented students into the workforce, or hosting inspirational meetings and conferences in our award-winning facilities, Oxford Brookes University is an active contributor to the Oxfordshire business community.

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A leading modern university Ranked 7th in the world for its Global MBA (QS Distance Online MBA rankings, 2018)

Fresh thinking and new ways of working

Executive and staff development

We welcome and nurture long term relationships with businesses and organisations. Our knowledge exchange collaborations can help solve your bespoke business problems with innovative ideas and processes that contribute to efficiency and productivity.

Realise your leadership potential or enable your talent with a coaching and mentoring programme; explore contemporary thinking with a Masterclass or develop a bespoke programme based on our expertise.

We specialise in marketing, business and management, accountancy, finance, economics and hospitality management.

Academics and business experts work together and apply for project funding from public bodies. We work with organisations from start-ups to multinationals in areas such as health, engineering and technology as well as education and social work.

The Oxford Brookes Business School is the home of our world-class, flexible Global MBA programme and offers a wealth of opportunity for business in Oxfordshire, the UK and internationally, this includes:

Strategic and operational consultancy Measure the economic impact of your organisation on the community, unleash your brand, develop your digital marketing, brainstorm your strategy development and innovate a product or service.

World-class research centres Offering interdisciplinary, cuttingedge research and policy changing evidence in areas including equality and diversity in the workplace and coaching and mentoring. Make a real difference to people’s lives by seeding up to date equality policies or developing your talent with a mentoring programme.

94% of research internationallyrecognised (Research Excellence Framework, 2014)

The only UK university ranked in the top 50 universities under 50 years old (QS World University rankings, 2018)

Rated in the top 20 in 10 subject areas (The Complete University Guide, 2019)

Talk it through with us: Tel: 01865 484204 or email: business.services@ brookes.ac.uk www.brookes.ac.uk/ business-andemployers

An independent day school in the heart of Oxford 2020 Open Events

To book your place, visit mcsoxford.org/opendays registrar@mcsoxford.org | 01865 242191 3039103

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Activate Learning (Oxford College) Partner with a forward-thinking education group to discover and develop the talent to take your business forward

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ctivate Learning is one of the largest education groups nationally, working across further and higher education, schools, apprenticeships and training. We aim for far-reaching, progressive change and impact through learning.

Our award-winning Learning Philosophy is at the heart of our approach to teaching and learning and we recognise the importance of engaging on an emotional level with our students in order to better motivate them and help them to learn.

life with the attitude and mind set needed in the workplace.

Our mission is to provide workready talent for business, and to transform lives through our Learning Philosophy.

With this in mind, we have revolutionised our approach to education; students gain more than qualifications – they gain skills for

These attributes for employment are:

We partner with some of the UK’s largest employers to shape our curriculum and ensure students develop the attributes that businesses want.

n Professionalism professional skills, excellence in communication and customer service. n Enterprise - positive risktaking, creative problemsolving, leadership and enterprising skills. n Resilience - adaption and perseverance to reach goals thrive and succeed. n Confidence - confidence and preparation in the workplace.

Motivated, proactive and inquisitive individuals. n Awareness - reflective attitude towards oneself, work and others, ensuring success.

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Business insight and expertise equip students with specific skills and experiences valued by the industries they will eventually join, preparing them for working life.

We are specialists in helping businesses grow through the development of existing talent and the future workforce.

01 Activate Learning construction of Begbroke Science Park 02 Activate Learning Students 03 Activate Learning Students 04 Activate Learning Students

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n Careers – get access to a pool of potential staff with a wide range of skills via our Employment Shop and Careers Team n Sponsor – develop your brand awareness and enhance your reputation through sponsorship of classrooms, equipment or students and help to develop your industries future leaders

We are always looking for new employers to work with to help students gain technical and practical knowledge in the workplace. Students that will later be employed by your business.

If you would be interested in working on an employer project with us, please get in touch via enquiries@activatelearning.ac.uk

With the introduction of industryled placements, we are adjusting swiftly; ensuring work experience is in place. We are a huge provider of adult training from basic skills for life to degree level.

Businesses can work with Activate Learning in the following ways: n Train – avoid recruitment costs by training and upskilling your current workforce and ensuring your business has the skills needed to thrive n Educate – by developing students via placements, work experience and apprenticeships you can grow relationships with potential employees early on, ensuring your business has the talent it needs n Inspire – influence curriculum design to your advantage and help to deliver employer-led sessions so that our students are ready to work in your sector

04 Building a world-class city for everyone

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Smart Regulation Building Control

I

f you are considering carrying out building work, Oxford City Council Building Control will provide you with a prompt, reliable and professional service.

We offer expert local knowledge at the planning stage, early project engagement with all key partners and stakeholders to establish initial feasibility, outline agreements and subsequent meetings and correspondence with your design team in conjunction with all statutory bodies via our high quality pre-application service.

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We deliver a comprehensive approval service and sameday site inspections with a highly experienced and qualified surveyor to provide expert technical guidance and advice from concept to completion of your application.

01 Building control work on projects ranging from new homes to major developments such as the Westgate

Oxford City Council operate to the Local Authority Building Control (LABC) standards and framework, offering customers a highly competitive service with a transparent, risk-based and solution-driven approach to Building Control and warranty provision.

Contact Oxford City Council Building Control on: Tel: 01865 252807 Email: buildingcontrol@oxford.gov.uk

Planning for Oxford’s future O

xford combines deep historic assets but at the same time is always evolving. Managing this change well requires thoughtful planning. Most new buildings, changes of use, and advertising require planning permission. The city’s large number of listed buildings and conservation areas can require consideration in line with their need for protection as part of Oxford’s world class built heritage.

The Planning Service at Oxford City Council can provide advice and guidance to help businesses successfully gain the necessary consents. Highly experienced officers can help by identifying the key issues, constraints and offering advice on ways to overcome concerns. There is a daily drop-in service for simple enquiries and a pre-application advice service providing more detailed and bespoke advice. This can provide access to specialist advice including contaminated land, archaeology, ecology, drainage and flood risk, sustainability, trees and planning policy. Early contact with the Planning Service prior to submitting a formal application is encouraged, as this can help businesses resolve any objections and concerns early and then be able to obtain consent quicker.

The Planning Service also operates an enforcement service ensuring, amongst other things, that planning conditions are met in order nearby residents and businesses are not adversely affected.

For more information on the planning service, please view www. oxford.gov.uk/info/20000/planning

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The Oxford Local Plan 2036 is entering its final stages

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Oxford City Council submitted the Plan to the Secretary of State in Spring 2019 following extensive public consultation over several years.

During the consultation, the City Council received responses from 340 individuals, organisations and authorities, resulting in 1,780 individual representations.

Following the submission of the Local Plan, it was passed to the Government’s Planning Inspectorate for a review and there will be a series of public examination hearings where the plan will be assessed to ensure it complies with national policy.

The City Council hopes the hearings will start in Winter 2019, to enable

01 Cornmarket Street, Oxford 02 Elmsbrook eco-town, Bicester 03 The Cotswolds All images ©OxLEP

Building a world-class city for everyone

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the City Council to vote to adopt the plan in early 2020.

Once the examination is completed, the Local Plan will be the guiding document for the growth and development of Oxford.

Councillor Alex Hollingsworth, Board Member for Planning and Transport, said: “The Local Plan that we have submitted sets out a blueprint for the future of our city for the next 20 years. We are responding to the most important challenges facing us by providing genuinely affordable housing, a thriving economy that benefits not just our city but the whole country, and by continuing to tackle climate change, poor air quality and congestion.

“The documents are the result of several years of enormously hard work by the staff of the City Council’s planning team, and I want to pay tribute to their professionalism and dedication.

“I also want to pay tribute to the many people who have submitted their ideas and proposals at every stage of the making of this Plan.

We know that we won’t have been able to please everyone on every issue, but we believe that the policies in this Plan show how it has been shaped and influenced by the people of Oxford.”

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If you have any questions or want more detail on the Oxford Local Plan 2036, please visit www.oxford.gov. uk/localplan/

transport will also benefit from consideration at a higher level with a consistent approach across all the authorities.

Oxfordshire Plan 2050

Each Oxfordshire district is committed through the Oxfordshire Housing & Growth Deal to submitting a Local Plan for examination. The districts are at different stages of this, however each authority is well on the way to producing a Local Plan covering the period up to between 2031 and 2036.

The Oxfordshire Plan 2050 is one of the commitments made by the six Oxfordshire authorities as part of the £215m Housing & Growth Deal, which will help deliver greatly needed new homes, including affordable and social housing and infrastructure to the county.

The Plan is asking residents about what is important to them for the future. It will then examine the different levels of aspiration in order to achieve some, many or all of these things, and the housing and infrastructure needed for each scenario.

By having all six authorities involved, the Plan will be able to collectively consider the needs of the county and align its strategies so that future housing and infrastructure is more joined-up.

This is important as many people live and work across the county – their everyday life is not restricted to district administrative boundaries and so neither should planning for future growth. Issues such as the Green Belt, biodiversity and

The Oxfordshire Plan builds on the foundations set by the current and emerging Local Plans and look beyond them, at the strategic planning issues for the period up to 2050. It will give districts a framework for future planning policies and help determine planning applications where appropriate.

The Plan will not allocate sites for housing or employment. Instead, it will identify key areas for sustainable growth with associated housing/employment numbers.

Districts will then use this to produce future Local Plans which will provide a detailed view of how housing and infrastructure will be delivered. https://oxfordshireplan.org/

Edgars is a vibrant planning consultancy We are built on great people, commercial acumen, modern thinking and local authority insight.

We give you exceptional advice, unlocking and protecting your assets’ potential and reaching your goals, driven by our fundamental desire to see you succeed.

Contact us for a better understanding of the planning and development process. #wecaremore

01865 731 700 | edgarslimited.co.uk Education | Heritage | Estates | Housebuilder | Commercial Developer | Tourism | Charity | Private individual | Communities

Oxford Office 269 Banbury Rd, Oxford OX2 7LL 01865 366660 | oxford@struttandparker.com

Where you see land, we see potential Our Development and Planning teams specialise in adding value to all kinds of development projects from major residential, commercial and mixed use schemes to one-off new build and conversions.

We have the knowledge, experience and skills to guide clients through the complexities of the planning system and provide the very best acquisition, disposal and development consultancy advice to secure the right result.

Serving clients across Oxfordshire and the surrounding area from our office in Summertown, Oxford.

Experts in: • Planning Applications & Appeals • Strategic Land Promotion • Site Appraisals & Development Briefs • CIL & S106 Agreements • Community Consultation • Site Acquisition & Disposal • Site Identification • Option, Promotion & Hybrid Agreements • Development Viability Appraisals

Contact details: 10.10.19 2nd

2019010 Oxford Business Guide

AP

Bhavash Vashi Senior Associate Director (Planning) 01865 366669 bhavash.vashi@ struttandparker.com

Mike Robinson

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01865 366670

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Richard Foxon ROP Director (Development) 01865 366668 Illustrator CC richard.foxon@ Yes struttandparker.com

struttandparker.com

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60 Offices across England and Scotland, including prime Central London.

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NEW - HORIZON TECHNOLOGY PARK l EYNSHAM l OXFORDSHIRE Over 14 acre advanced engineering campus with the first phase complete in 2019 a 100,000 sq ft factory, over two floors including engineering and office space.

For more information visit www.horizontechnologypark.co.uk or email info@polartechnology.co.uk

Horizon Property Capital is part of the Polar Technology Management Group.

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Oxford’s Regeneration and Economy Team O

xford City Council’s service responsible for helping to create an environment for sustained growth and business success is provided by the Regeneration and Economy team.

The service delivers regeneration, economic development, city centre management, visitor management and physical development functions, working in partnership with the business, education, and public sectors.

Here are some of the ways in which we directly support businesses: n One-to-one meetings where we understand and address your issues, and keep you updated with the work of the City Council n Regular updates to inform the business community of the latest developments in Oxford n Delivering a programme of strategic projects and developments to enhance the city’s offer to business n Providing a variety of information to support investment and relocation decisions, including economic data and available commercial space n Informing you of where to access business support and networks n Connecting you with regulatory services in local government

01 n

n

he Talk of the Town: aimed T at networking city centre businesses usiness in Oxford with B B4: showcasing the best of Oxfordshire businesses.

Contact the team for more information by emailing economicdevelopment@oxford.gov. uk

n Hosting events relevant to the needs of the business community; n

xford Business Forum: O informing you of local issues

01 B4 Networking

Building a world-class city for everyone

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We are Savvy We are the driving force behind some of the most prestigious construction and renovation projects in Oxfordshire and beyond.

Comprising Savvy Construction and Savvy Maintenance & Renovations, Savvy Group is an award-winning construction, maintenance and renovations company. Our clients come to us because of our reputation for excellence in delivering construction projects in a professional and collaborative approach.

Part of the Savvy Group, Savvy Construction prides itself on producing the highest quality and level of service to our clients in the construction industry. We are involved in delivering schemes with project values ranging from £1 million to £8 million, working on listed buildings, new-build housing, schools, colleges and universities. Although Savvy Construction are Oxford-based, our clients are located throughout the South East, including Oxfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, London and Wiltshire.

We construct exceptional buildings and spaces by working in partnership with our clients to understand their vision and bring it to life.

Savvy Maintenance & Renovations carry out a wide range of refurbishment, restoration and new build projects, along with both planned preventative and reactive maintenance for a broad range of clients. Works undertaken range in value from £100 to £1 million and cover anything from decorations, boiler servicing/repairs and electrical re-wires to major conversions, refurbishments and new-build schemes.

We have a dedicated and highly skilled team of tradesmen and engineers who work tirelessly to ensure that buildings are kept operational and that programme deadlines are met.

No matter what the size of a project, you know you’re in safe hands with Savvy.

Our Clients We have worked with a range of private clients and with some of the most respected businesses and institutions in and around Oxfordshire.

Please see our website for references.

Jesus College OXFORD

Chri Church OXFORD OX1 1DP

Contact us Tel: 01865 920040/20 For General Enquiries: info@group-savvy.co.uk For Tender Enquiries: tenders@group-savvy.co.uk www.group-savvy.co.uk

RELEVANT, REALISTIC LEGAL SOLUTIONS

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Our expert legal teams work closely with businesses in Oxford, combining their technical expertise, experience and commercialism to help you manage your risk and achieve your goals.

It is this tailored and personalised approach, coupled with our real world and varied experience that really set us apart. Our clients tells us we quickly become fully immersed in their business and act as an extension to their team. Our straight talking and pragmatic approach to their legal matters are highly valued.

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Relevant, realistic legal solutions Blake Morgan LLP is a leading law firm providing highly tailored legal solutions to individuals, businesses, not-for-profit and public sector clients in Oxford and the surrounding areas.

Many of our lawyers and practice groups are leaders in their field and highly ranked by the legal directories. These lawyers will work closely with you, combining their technical expertise, experience and commercialism to help you manage your risk and achieve your goals.

It is this tailored and personalised approach, coupled with our real world and varied experience that really set us apart. Our clients tells us we quickly become fully immersed in their business and act as an extension to their team. Our straight talking and pragmatic Find out more approach to their legal matters are highly valued.

With over 30 years’ experience in office fit-out and refurbishment, we understand about our full what makes space work. Our skilled and passionate team creates inspirational, innovative workplaces for our Oxford clients. range of as services: Whether you are a corporate client or looking for advice on your personal affairs, your trusted advisor we’ll focus on your objectives and work with you through the good times Commercial interior design HVAC mechanical, electrical, plumbing etc 01865 986822 and and therefurbishment bad to make sure that procurement you have the rightmanagement legal support when you need it most.

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We’re proud to support land development projects in Oxford

Barton Park, Oxford. Image © Mosaics Oxford, Hill.

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PBA, now part of Stantec, is a leading consultancy of engineers, planners, scientists, and economists delivering significant development and infrastructure projects in Oxford and across the UK.

To find out more about how we could add value to your next project, contact our Oxford office or visit peterbrett.com

@PeterBrettLLP Peter Brett Associates oxford@peterbrett.com peterbrett.com 3039127

CH ARTERED ACCO UNTA NTS A N D B USI N E SS A DV I SO RS

AWARD WINNING ACCOUNTANTS, TAX AND BUSINESS ADVISORS.

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A MULTIDISCIPLINE TEAM A WELL INFORMED APPROACH Oxford is one of the fastest growing cities in the UK, and Bidwells are part of the story.

We’re proud to be overseeing multi award-winning projects by worldrenowned architects, but we’re proudest of all of the relationships we’ve forged with our clients, who trust us, time and again, to deliver exceptional results.

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Croft Building and Conservation Limited is one of the leading building conservation specialist contractors in the Midlands.

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IT’S LOCAL OXFORD

ONLINE BUSINESS DIRECTORY Oxford City Council is proud to be part of launching an exciting new service for businesses in Oxford, connecting local businesses with local customers, free of charge and keeping trade inside the local economy.

@OxfordCityCouncil

@OxfordCity

www.oxford.gov.uk

‘It’s Local’ is an online business directory, built for today’s mobile generation, that accompanies this Oxford Business Guide.

At itslocaloxford you can find business services by keyword or company name. It is fully integrated with Google maps, directions and Streetview and includes direct links to businesses’ websites and social media including Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Google+ and YouTube.

‘It’s Local’ is a business directory for businesses and people who live in, work in and visit Oxford.

There’s no download or install to worry about. The service is dynamic, sending device-appropriate pages to mobiles, tablets, laptops, desktops and Smart TVs. Scan the QR CODE above to connect you to itslocaloxford.

Market your business for FREE! Search for local companies Shop Local and support the Oxford economy!

Register your business at

www.itslocaloxford.co.uk and click on the Add Company link.

It’s FREE!

Notes: ‘Its Local Oxford’ is compatible with most web browsers, including Google Chrome, Firefox and Microsoft Internet Explorer (version 9 and above).

Savills Oxford Savills is one of the UK’s leading property advisors.

In Oxford our team of over 100 professionals have expertise across all sectors.

SOLICITORS

Commercial, Residential or Rural, local, national or global, with more than 160 years of history, we can help with your future.

Specialist legal advice for businesses What they say about us “They take time to understand client requirements and have a very positive and helpful approach, supported by very high professional knowledge and standards.”

“All have a positive approach, and there are never any delays in responding to requests, which contributes to the continuity and momentum required to keep a transaction on track.”

Chambers & Partners, A Client’s Guide to the UK Legal Profession

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