Unipart announces record performance for year ending 31 December 2024
Strong year of growth & expansion, celebrating 50 years of the Unipart brand
Business Services
Reliable Vehicle Servicing and Repairs with Pete Thirtle
When it comes to maintaining and repairing your vehicle, trust and expertise are paramount. That’s why Pete Thirtle Vehicle Services stands out as one of the go-to independent garage for drivers in Bicester, Oxford, and the surrounding areas. With a reputation built on honesty, reliability, and top-tier service, Pete can ensure that your vehicle receives the best care possible. B4’s CEO, Richard Rosser, shines the spotlight on the ultra-reliable, Pete Thirtle.
Catering laundry solutions for spotless table linens by Freya Gutteridge, Oxwash
In the catering industry, pristine table linens are essential for enhancing both presentation and hygiene. Crisp, spotless linens create a professional atmosphere and ensure a safe dining environment for guests. Effective laundry solutions, such as the use of biodegradable detergents and advanced washing techniques, help maintain fabric quality and remove tough stains without harming the environment.
Intertronics: Driving Innovation in Adhesives and Assembly Solutions
For over four decades, Intertronics has been at the forefront of providing high-performance adhesives, coatings, sealants, and application equipment to industries that demand precision and reliability. From electronics and medical devices to automotive and aerospace, Intertronics’ expertise ensures that manufacturers can optimise their bonding and assembly processes with cutting-edge solutions.
Finance & Insurance
Wise Investment continue journey with the B4 community
For over 30 years, Wise Investment has been a trusted name in wealth management, always aiming to build lasting ties with their clients and their families. We are delighted that Alexandra Rae, CEO, and her team have renewed their B4 Platinum Membership for another year.
Should you ever pay a hacker’s ransomware/ extortion request?
Paying a cyber extortionist, such as in a ransomware or blackmail situation, can lead to several potential problems, both immediate and long-term.
How B4 members could benefit from Salary Exchange before National Insurance...
Sarah Herd, Head of Workplace, Wren Sterling
Latest
Careys Construction Campus at Oxford North’s inaugural student cohort celebrates their...
The first students to take part in the pilot Careys Construction Campus at Oxford North, the free three-week training course for people aged 17 years and over, have graduated with flying colours.
Sustainability
The Art of Horticulture, Design, and Woodland Creation at Nicholsons
At Nicholsons, the blend of horticultural expertise, creative design, and environmental responsibility comes together to create breathtaking landscapes and future-proof woodlands. Managing Director Liz Nicholson shares insights into how the company continues to innovate in these areas, staying true to its values of creativity, passion for the planet, and dedication.
The Core Values Driving Nicholsons: Creativity, Passion, and Dedication
At the heart of Nicholsons lies a team of over 200 individuals, bound together by shared values that shape every aspect of their work. These values—creativity, passion for the planet, and dedication—are not just words but guiding principles that drive innovation, sustainability, and customer-focused solutions.
Liz Nicholson & Nicholsons: A Leading Force in Environmental Services
At Nicholsons, sustainability and innovation come together to create a seamless approach to forestry, landscaping, and ecological consultancy. In this insightful interview, Liz Nicholson, Managing Director of Nicholsons, introduces the company’s mission, expertise, and the value they bring to clients.
Latest Digest
Issue 61 – Henley Festival
Issue 61, featuring B4 members.
Conference & Events
Oxfordshire Business Summit 2025
The Oxfordshire Business Summit 2025 will see business leaders from across Oxfordshire congregate at Blenheim Palace.
Keble College B4 Platinum Renewal
Special things happen in the B4 community because of the growing number of wonderful people that are part of it. Nobody epitomises this more than Keble’s Head of Sales, Bronwyn Friedemann. We’re delighted that she has extended Keble’s membership for another year.
Raise’25 Golf Day
The Raise’25 Golf Cup will take place on Frilford Heath’s Red Course on Monday 15th September with up to £10,000 being raised for the ten Raise’25 charities. The inaugural event will also see teams compete for the Colin Rosser Memorial Cup. This is a charity event open to all.
Professional Services
Freeths appointed to Cottsway’s legal panel
Leading law firm Freeths has been appointed as a new supplier to Cottsway Housing Association’s legal panel for the next five years.
The Oxford Accelerator
Oxfordshire features a rapidly growing innovation ecosystem. We organised a gathering of investors, founders, entrepreneurs and university bodies to discuss investment trends/opportunities.
Boardman, Hawkins & Osborne LLP continue long-standing B4 relationship
Boardman, Hawkins & Osborne LLP has recently entered their 6th year of operation, and their 6th renewal with B4, and 2nd as Platinum Members.
People
Helping Ordinary People do Extraordinary Things
B4 Members Hall Personal Training have recently renewed their B4 Membership. Executive Director, Becky Hall, explains more about Hall’s role in the lives of their clients and why renewing with B4 was a simple decision.
The Importance of Challenging Conversations in the Workplace
In March the People Ecosystem was lucky enough to be joined by Sally Naunton, CEO of The Bray Group. Having worked with Sally to help unpick some work challenges, I know she has a brilliant blend of being caring whilst expecting high performance and not shying away from the space that’s about tricky conversations. I spend a lot of time helping clients in this space which is why I wanted to get stuck into the subject of feedback, particularly when it feels uncomfortable and is about poor performance.
Stephen Clarke: Leading the Way at the ATOM Festival of Science...
Stephen Clarke, our Principal at Cherwell College Oxford, is not only a distinguished leader and former British diplomat, but also a passionate advocate for science and education. As the Chairman of ATOM Festival of Science & Technology, Stephen plays a pivotal role in bringing world-class scientific discussions and innovations to the heart of Abingdon. Stephen’s leadership ensures that the festival remains dynamic, inclusive, and engaging for people of all ages.
Sales & Marketing
Platinum Quarterly Speaker: Simon Lacey
Blenheim Palace plays host to the first B4 Platinum Quarterly on Wednesday 26th February when our guest speaker will be Simon Lacey.
BDM Ecosystem Roundtable with Caroline O’Connor of Fourth Born
Join B4 for a Business Development Managers Roundtable discussion hosted at B4 HQ.
B4 Welcomes MOTION3
Welcome to B4, Chris Smith and the team from MOTION3, a video agency near Oxford that specialises in creating high-impact visual content for businesses and organisations.
Property
Pioneering planning scheme shortlisted for economic growth award
An exciting planning project in the Vale of White Horse has been recognised by being shortlisted for an industry award.
Seven companies relocating to The Oxford Trust’s new Oxford Centre for...
Seven science and tech start-ups and SMEs are to move from The Oxford Trust’s current Oxford Centre for Innovation to its new location at Blue Boar Court, Alfred Street, in Oxford’s city centre.
Pioneering Careys Construction Campus to be piloted at Oxford North
Oxford North, the new £700 million innovation district in Oxford, is to welcome Careys Construction Campus to provide free, flexible on-site ground working construction training which will guarantee an offer of an interview on completion of the training and boost jobs and talent in the industry.
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
What prospects are thinking but often fail to ask
I was at a B4 Ecosystem Event recently run by Caroline O’Connor of Fourth Born and she posed a brilliant question to the room. Article by David Finch of Purple Frog
The Numbers Don’t Lie
B4 Ecosystems are an opportunity for B4 Members to share challenges, be inspired and learn from experts in their field. They began with our Business Development Ecosystem back in March 2023, which has been lead from day one by the always impressive Caroline O’Connor of Fourth Born. Caroline has been leading from the front as our other Ecosystems learn from her impressive example. Article by B4’s Richard Rosser
The Power of Collective Leadership: How a CEO and Leaders Group...
Leadership can be a lonely journey. The weight of decision-making, the burden of responsibility, and the pressure to perform can often feel overwhelming. However, when leaders come together in a trusted environment to share their challenges, the results can be extraordinary. This was precisely the case for a dynamic group of six leaders who committed to a six-session journey of deep, candid conversations, mutual support, and transformational growth with the B4 CEO Circle.
Tech, IT & Comms
Get Support Announced as B4’s Official IT Partner
We are delighted to announce that Oxfordshire’s leading IT Services provider, Get Support, have become B4’s Official IT Partner.
Stephen Clarke: Leading the Way at the ATOM Festival of Science...
Stephen Clarke, our Principal at Cherwell College Oxford, is not only a distinguished leader and former British diplomat, but also a passionate advocate for science and education. As the Chairman of ATOM Festival of Science & Technology, Stephen plays a pivotal role in bringing world-class scientific discussions and innovations to the heart of Abingdon. Stephen’s leadership ensures that the festival remains dynamic, inclusive, and engaging for people of all ages.
Oxford Metrics: AGM statement
At Oxford Metric’s AGM held in February, CEO Imogen O’Connor made the following statement
Web & Social
Indulge upgrade to Platinum Membership
Local digital agency Indulge have enjoyed a great first year back in the B4 community, so much so that director Paul Wood has upgraded to Platinum Membership. Here we find out more about Paul and Indulge.
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.
Responsible Business
What do you think is the biggest barrier to people giving...
Survivor Space Oxfordshire (SSO) is the only charity providing specialist support to survivors of sexual violence in Oxfordshire. CEO, Lauren Kendall, leads an amazing team of staff and volunteers who are passionate about empowering survivors and helping them to heal and move on with their lives.
The Core Values Driving Nicholsons: Creativity, Passion, and Dedication
At the heart of Nicholsons lies a team of over 200 individuals, bound together by shared values that shape every aspect of their work. These values—creativity, passion for the planet, and dedication—are not just words but guiding principles that drive innovation, sustainability, and customer-focused solutions.
Liz Nicholson, Managing Director of Nicholsons
At B4, we recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Liz Nicholson, Managing Director of Nicholsons, to discuss the company’s journey, values, and impact on the environment. Nicholsons is a leading environmental services company, specialising in forestry, landscaping, and ecological consultancy. In this exclusive interview, Liz shares insights into their innovative approach, major projects, and the value of being a B4 Member.