Enjoy a Delightful Networking Opportunity at the February B4 Members Lunch
Date: February 2025
Location: Hilton Garden Inn, Abingdon Oxford
Business Services
Unipart Company, Park Signalling, Secures £3M Network Rail Contract
Unipart company Park Signalling has kicked off 2025 with a significant achievement in the rail industry, securing a £3m contract with Network Rail. This major milestone reinforces Unipart’s reputation as a leading provider of cutting-edge technology solutions and its commitment to advancing the efficiency, safety, and sustainability of the UK’s rail network.
Aston & James Wins Dealer of the Year at National Industry...
The BOSS Federation National Industry Awards Since 1905 BOSS has been the authoritative body for the UK business supplies industry, supporting the sector and its people. It is a not-for-profit organisation that concentrates its efforts on playing a strategic role in the support, promotion and protection of the industry. BOSS represents all businesses along the […]
Pioneering US-based Canoo Inc’s versatile electric vehicle experience arrives at Bicester...
Canoo Inc, a US-based company which has created revolutionary multi-purpose platforms and digital ecosystems that are transforming the automotive industry for the entire vehicle lifecycle, has selected Bicester Motion, the 444-acre future mobility estate in Bicester, Oxfordshire, as its UK commercial operations and activation centre.
Finance & Insurance
UK Bond Market: What You Need to Know
The UK government bond market is once again making headlines as yields on longer-term debt surge to levels not seen in decades. This latest development has raised concerns among investors and policymakers, presenting significant challenges for the government’s fiscal plans.
Nine in ten businesses think sustainability will impact their future operations,...
Virgin Money launch new Mobiliser Fund to help support the transition
5 reasons why insurance claims don’t get paid
Insurance. You rely on it to protect you, your business and your family when something goes wrong.
Latest
Really Connect with B4 at The Story Museum
Telling your business story is a powerful tool for building trust because it humanises your brand, creating a deeper connection with your audience. We regularly see businesses ‘storytelling’ on social media to great effect and it’s something we want to help our Members do on a more regular basis.
Sustainability
Unipart Company, Park Signalling, Secures £3M Network Rail Contract
Unipart company Park Signalling has kicked off 2025 with a significant achievement in the rail industry, securing a £3m contract with Network Rail. This major milestone reinforces Unipart’s reputation as a leading provider of cutting-edge technology solutions and its commitment to advancing the efficiency, safety, and sustainability of the UK’s rail network.
Schneider Electric Names Chris Leong as Chief Sustainability Officer
Schneider Electric, a global leader in energy and automation digital solutions, has announced the appointment of Chris Leong as its new Chief Sustainability Officer. This strategic move underscores Schneider Electric’s commitment to sustainability and innovation in driving energy efficiency and decarbonisation.
Blenheim Palace named Sustainable Tourism Provider of the Year at UKinbound’s...
UKinbound, the UK’s leading travel trade association that represents the interests of the UK’s inbound tourism industry (international visitors) – which generated over £31 billion for the UK economy last year – awarded Blenheim Palace the accolade of Sustainable Tourism Provider of the Year at its Awards for Excellence ceremony on Thursday 26 September.
Latest Digest
Issue 61 – Henley Festival
Issue 61, featuring B4 members.
Conference & Events
Exciting January Events for B4 Members: A Great Start to 2025
January 2025 promises an exhilarating line-up of events for B4 Members, offering opportunities to connect, celebrate, and be inspired. With three unique gatherings, B4 Members can look forward to forging meaningful connections, experiencing rich cultural traditions, and engaging with influential figures in the local community. Here’s a closer look at what’s in store:
B4 Lunch: Brasserie Blanc. Kickstart 2025 with the January B4 Lunch:...
Looking for a way to start the new year by making meaningful connections and gaining fresh insights? The B4 Members Lunch at Brasserie Blanc this January offers the perfect opportunity to connect, collaborate, and be inspired—all in a relaxed and welcoming setting.
FEBRUARY B4 Members Lunch at the Hilton Garden Inn
February B4 Members Lunch
Professional Services
Exciting January Events for B4 Members: A Great Start to 2025
January 2025 promises an exhilarating line-up of events for B4 Members, offering opportunities to connect, celebrate, and be inspired. With three unique gatherings, B4 Members can look forward to forging meaningful connections, experiencing rich cultural traditions, and engaging with influential figures in the local community. Here’s a closer look at what’s in store:
Jenny Harvey Top 3 Success Again
B4 member Jenny Harvey has again been listed as one of the Three Best Immigration solicitors in Oxford.
Part 4 of the ‘Fast growth secrets’ series: How to embed customer...
Following our roundtable discussion in Manchester, we explore how fast growth tech businesses can embed the customer and people experience for competitive advantage.
People
10 Reasons why Deeper Business Connections Help to Build Trust
Deeper business connections offer a range of significant benefits that can contribute to long-term success. Developing deeper connections in business is not just about transactional benefits but about creating a network of support that nurtures growth, collaboration, and resilience. At B4, we help businesses make connections and build relationships. Some of our Members have been with us for well over 15 years as being part of a trusted community of people and organisations that understand the value of trust is a crucial part of their network building strategy.
Exciting January Events for B4 Members: A Great Start to 2025
January 2025 promises an exhilarating line-up of events for B4 Members, offering opportunities to connect, celebrate, and be inspired. With three unique gatherings, B4 Members can look forward to forging meaningful connections, experiencing rich cultural traditions, and engaging with influential figures in the local community. Here’s a closer look at what’s in store:
Spotlight on Helen Fallon: Driving Success in Recruitment and Beyond
Helen Fallon, the dynamic Managing Director of Global CTS Ltd, is a cornerstone of the B4 community, bringing unparalleled expertise and infectious enthusiasm to every endeavour. With over 25 years of experience in the recruitment industry, Helen’s approach combines practicality, innovation, and sincerity—qualities that have earned her widespread respect among her peers and clients alike. It’s also gained her a unique accolade being named the first Raise Founding Partner – see more below.
Sales & Marketing
The Importance of Storytelling – How It Can Help Your Business
By sharing your business story thoughtfully, you show potential customers that you’re not just another company trying to sell something, but a trusted partner with a history and purpose. In a world of ‘fake news’ and scams, it’s important for every business to demonstrate its authenticity.
Exciting January Events for B4 Members: A Great Start to 2025
January 2025 promises an exhilarating line-up of events for B4 Members, offering opportunities to connect, celebrate, and be inspired. With three unique gatherings, B4 Members can look forward to forging meaningful connections, experiencing rich cultural traditions, and engaging with influential figures in the local community. Here’s a closer look at what’s in store:
The Stables Studio: All Purpose Events Hub & Creative Studios
Welcome to The Stables Studio – your all-purpose events hub and creative studio located in the tranquil countryside, just a short drive from Oxford, Birmingham, and London. Whether you’re hosting a private event, a business meeting, or a creative workshop, we provide the perfect setting for ideas to flourish.
Property
Will UK House Prices Rise in 2025? An Economic Perspective by...
The UK housing market is poised to face a confluence of challenges and opportunities in 2025. As highlighted by James Sproule, UK Chief Economist at Handelsbanken, several key factors—wealth, supply and demand, affordability, and investment yield—are instrumental in shaping house prices. These dynamics, coupled with broader economic trends, will influence how the housing market evolves in the coming year.
Oxford North appoints new operations manager
Oxford North, the new £700 million innovation district in Oxford, has appointed Dr Elodie Siney as its new operations manager as part of the continued strategy to build the on-site management and facilities team ahead of opening in mid-2025.
The Oxford Trust secures new building for its Oxford Centre for...
The Oxford Trust, an independent charitable trust established by the late Sir Martin and Lady Audrey Wood co-founders of Oxford Instruments, has agreed a 10-year lease for Blue Boar Court in Oxford’s city centre to house its Oxford Centre for Innovation to support the growth and development of local science and tech start-ups.
Local Government
Exciting January Events for B4 Members: A Great Start to 2025
January 2025 promises an exhilarating line-up of events for B4 Members, offering opportunities to connect, celebrate, and be inspired. With three unique gatherings, B4 Members can look forward to forging meaningful connections, experiencing rich cultural traditions, and engaging with influential figures in the local community. Here’s a closer look at what’s in store:
OxLEP Skills: Opportunities for Oxfordshire Employers 2022-2023
If you were ever wondering what opportunities there were for Oxfordshire employers to engage with future generations, look no further.
Oxfordshire’s green champions unite to host inaugural OX to ZERO conference
OxLEP joined forces with the leading Oxfordshire voices of the University of Oxford, Harwell Campus and the Culham Science Centre-based UKAEA to host the first-ever OX to ZERO conference (1 September).
Strategy
Exciting January Events for B4 Members: A Great Start to 2025
January 2025 promises an exhilarating line-up of events for B4 Members, offering opportunities to connect, celebrate, and be inspired. With three unique gatherings, B4 Members can look forward to forging meaningful connections, experiencing rich cultural traditions, and engaging with influential figures in the local community. Here’s a closer look at what’s in store:
Businesses enhance strategic skills thanks to Oxford Brookes Business School
Senior managers from businesses in the UK and internationally have been enhancing their ability to execute strategies on a new course at Oxford Brookes Business School.
The Season of New Beginnings in Your Leadership Journey
Spring is thought of as the season of new beginnings, bringing new life to plants, trees and flowers and although it may not officially begin until 20th March, now is a great time to think about new beginnings in your own professional journey. This change of season is a great time to reflect on the things that you have planned for the year, and how you are going to accomplish them.
Tech, IT & Comms
Unipart Company, Park Signalling, Secures £3M Network Rail Contract
Unipart company Park Signalling has kicked off 2025 with a significant achievement in the rail industry, securing a £3m contract with Network Rail. This major milestone reinforces Unipart’s reputation as a leading provider of cutting-edge technology solutions and its commitment to advancing the efficiency, safety, and sustainability of the UK’s rail network.
Storm Internet confirmed as B4’s Official Managed Web Hosting Partner
B4 announce their ‘Official Managed Web Hosting’ Partner – a multi award-winning organisation and long-standing B4 Member – Storm Internet. The partnership will see Storm Internet hosting B4’s website and becoming one of the Oxfordshire Business Summit sponsors.
The Ultimate Guide to Office Relocation – 9 -The Move Day...
The Move Day & Post-Move Actions Moving office is disruptive, so you need to be doing everything you can to mitigate relocation mistakes. Above all, allocate plenty of time for the move and don’t be too ambitious with what can be achieved in a day or two! If you have followed the guidance from our […]
Web & Social
How do I hire a web development agency?
It can be tough finding a good web development agency – mainly because there are so many agencies out there, and it can be hard to know which one is the right fit for your project.
How do I choose a good web design agency?
The first thing to appreciate when choosing a good design agency is that there is no one-size-fits-all solution, so you’ll need to find an agency that can tailor its services to meet your unique requirements.
Overview of Digital Services Tax (DST)
The UK’s Digital Services Tax (DST) came into operation on 1 April 2020. This tax is designed to ensure that the major social media, search engine and online retailers are subject to a 2% tax on revenues generated from the participation of UK users of their services.
Responsible Business
Exciting January Events for B4 Members: A Great Start to 2025
January 2025 promises an exhilarating line-up of events for B4 Members, offering opportunities to connect, celebrate, and be inspired. With three unique gatherings, B4 Members can look forward to forging meaningful connections, experiencing rich cultural traditions, and engaging with influential figures in the local community. Here’s a closer look at what’s in store:
Raise’24 Demonstrates the Power of Collaboration and Team Effort
At Keble College on Friday 13th December, one hundred representatives of Oxfordshire’s business and charitable communities came together to celebrate months of incredible fundraising efforts and as they all stood at the threshold of the hugely impressive Great Hall, they had already raised well over £20,000. That total has now soared to £37,500 thanks to the generosity of well over 500 donors and the hard work of 33 fundraisers.
Boostworks & B4 join forces for Raise’24
Raise’24, B4’s brand new fundraising event taking place at Keble College, is just around the corner and B4 Platinum Members Boostworks have joined the party with a team that have the backing of the whole company.