FISKER’S 550BHP ELECTRIC OFF-ROAD SUV WILL BE DESIGNED IN OXFORDSHIRE

American automotive company Fisker Inc has confirmed that its new 550bhp electric off-road SUV – described as “a beast” by the company’s founder Henrik Fisker– will be designed in Oxfordshire.

The Fisker Ocean Force E is a special off-road edition intended to broaden EV market appeal.

The Force E package is under development at Fisker’s Magic Works speciality division in Oxfordshire under the supervision of David King, who recently led a team of approximately 100 engineers to launch a series of speciality vehicles and develop Q by Aston Martin.

Force E will come with substantial ground clearance and ramp angles, 33-inch all-terrain tyres on 20-inch reinforced wheels, and an estimated 550 horsepower.

“This vehicle is going to be a beast,” chairman and CEO Henrik Fisker said.

“We have pulled out all the stops on this one. I think it’s exciting to enter the segment. And for those who love to go off-road and enjoy nature, what better way than with zero emissions?”

Rollout is expected towards the end of this year.

Harwell Campus secures £300M expansion financing

Harwell Science and Innovation Campus has secured £300 million of financing to build new laboratory, advanced manufacturing and office space.

The finance facility was secured by the campus public-private partnership – a joint venture between asset manager Brookfield, the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) and the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA).

Harwell will use the additional funding to build 440,000 sq ft of new laboratory and R&D buildings across the campus. This will include Tech Foundry –220,000 sq ft of advanced manufacturing space, and the Linear Accelerator Building, a landmark building for starting and scaling science organisations, alongside a number of further developments across the campus.

Tim Bestwick, Chair of the Harwell Campus Joint Venture and Chief Technology Officer at UKAEA, said: “This finance facility will offer science, tech and innovation organisations the accommodation they need to grow.”

Go-Ahead group’s Oxford Bus Company buys Cotswold family coach firm

The Go-Ahead Group has bought Pulham & Sons (Coaches) Limited, one of the oldest established passenger transport companies in Britain.

Pulhams, which has a fleet of 90 buses and coaches and employs 126 people, serves communities in Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire and Warwickshire.

It will become part of Go-Ahead’s Oxford Bus Company division – which comprises Thames Travel, Carousel Buses and City Sightseeing Oxford as well as the eponymous Oxford Bus Company.

Based in Bourton-on-the-Water, Pulhams was founded in 1880 to carry passengers into Cheltenham from nearby villages by horse and cart.

The acquisition will expand Go-Ahead’s Oxford business to the west and see improved connectivity between Pulhams’ bus services in Oxfordshire and the wider Go-Ahead network of services. It will also enable Go-Ahead to expand its coaching operations – which in the Oxford division already include the airline services to Heathrow and Gatwick, and National Express-branded operations by developing Pulham’s coach hire across the wider business operating area.

The deal is Go-Ahead’s third acquisition in a year, following the purchase of Dartline in Devon and Southdown Buses in West Sussex.

Luke Marion, Managing Director of the Oxford Bus Company, said: “Pulhams’ buses and coaches are familiar and well loved in communities throughout the Cotswolds. The business links nicely with our existing services in Oxfordshire and surrounding counties, and helps us diversify our business further into new market segments. We’ll be investing in developing the Pulhams business further.”

Andrew Pulham, Managing Director of Pulhams Coaches said: “I am excited to work with Luke and the Go-Ahead team in developing new business opportunities and enhancing those we already have in place. Go-Ahead’s commitment to invest in the Pulhams’ business as we look towards decarbonisation of our fleets is welcome. I remain committed to Pulhams and look forward to this next chapter in our wellestablished, successful business.”

The Best Of Oxfordshire Shines At The 2023 Oxfordshire Business Awards

Oxfordshire's best businesses have been recognised at the Oxfordshire Business Awards

More than 450 business people attended the ceremony at Oxford Brookes University in June, hosted by comedian Dom Joly.

Winners were revealed across 13 award categories. Oxfordshire Business Awards chairman Paul Lowe said: “We congratulate the winners and the finalists and every company which took the time to enter.

"For 27 years, the Oxfordshire Business Awards has championed businesses and individuals who have made a positive impact in Oxfordshire.

"The OXBA continues to recognise and celebrate the entrepreneurs, businesses and indeed people, who make Oxfordshire such a vibrant place to work and live.”

Photography: Rob Lacey

THE WINNERS AND FINALISTS WERE:

Winner:

INCLUSIVE CARE & EDUCATION

Winner: OMASS THERAPEUTICS

Winner: FORTITUDE COMMUNICATIONS

Winner: SAFETY SERVICES (UK)

Winner: ANTHONY TATTERSALL, FOUNDER, DARCICA LOGISTICS

Winner: ANTHONY TATTERSALL, DARCICA LOGISTICS

Winner: DARCICA LOGISTICS

Oxfordshire Business Awards 2023

Oxfordshire’s best businesses have been recognised at the Oxfordshire Business Awards, held at Oxford Brookes University.

Guests enjoyed drinks in the quadrangle before adjourning to the John Henry Brookes Building for the evening’s awards ceremony.

Success after £2m is invested into Worcestershire businesses

A business growth programme run by Worcestershire County Council has helped 155 businesses in the county.

Since its launch in 2020, grant funding worth more than £800,000 has been awarded to local businesses to fund growth projects. From these projects, businesses have invested a further £1.2 million, contributing to local economic growth.