From the future of UK innovation and AI to major developments in Oxford, public sector recognition, world-class venues and confidence in Oxfordshire’s economy, this week’s B4 Weekly brings together five stories reflecting the breadth of the B4 community.
Here’s our round-up of some of the latest news, insights and conversations from across B4.
Where Should UK PLC Place Its Bets?
The latest Corum Six, hosted by Robert Pilkington, Joint CEO of Ebbon Group, brought together a small group of senior leaders to tackle a big question: where can the UK genuinely compete as billions continue to pour into AI and emerging technology?
Rather than trying to compete directly with the financial firepower of the US and China in developing foundational AI models, the discussion suggested Britain’s opportunity could lie in applying technology to difficult, valuable, real-world problems.
With established strengths in engineering, automotive, aerospace, life sciences, advanced manufacturing and scientific research, the UK has an opportunity to combine AI with specialist expertise, proprietary knowledge and intellectual property.
Ebbon Group provided a compelling example. Its investment in autonomous systems includes a drone solution capable of producing consistent vehicle photography and video, demonstrating how AI and robotics can be applied to a specific commercial challenge.
Perhaps the strongest message from the discussion was also the simplest: innovation should start with the problem, not the technology.
Read: Corum Six at Ebbon Group – Where Should UK PLC Place Its Bets?
Blake Morgan Advises Worcester College on Jericho Wharf Acquisition
An important Oxford site is set for a new chapter following Worcester College’s acquisition of the Jericho Wharf development site, supported by the Oxford team at B4 Member Blake Morgan.
The site has remained largely unused for almost two decades, and Worcester College now intends to explore a carefully considered redevelopment which respects its heritage while making a positive contribution to Jericho and the wider city.
Blake Morgan provided multidisciplinary advice throughout the transaction, drawing on expertise spanning real estate, construction, planning, employment and commercial law. The transaction also involved an international dimension, with the owner/investor based in Hong Kong.
Worcester College will now engage with the local community and other stakeholders as its proposals for the site develop.
Read: Blake Morgan advises Worcester College on acquisition of Jericho Wharf
Mills & Reeve Named on Government Legal Panel
There was more positive news from the B4 legal community as Mills & Reeve was named as a supplier across six lots of the Government Commercial Agency’s RM6374 Legal Panel for Public Sector framework.
The appointment provides another significant endorsement of the firm’s breadth of expertise and ability to support organisations across the public sector.
The framework gives public sector bodies access to specialist legal advice and represents an important opportunity for Mills & Reeve to build on its work with government and public sector organisations.
The Orangery at Blenheim Palace Opens for Bespoke Events
One of Oxfordshire’s most spectacular event spaces is available for bespoke events in 2026.
The Orangery at Blenheim Palace combines the setting of a UNESCO World Heritage Site with the flexibility required for contemporary corporate and private events.
From dinners and celebrations to business gatherings and special occasions, the venue offers organisations the opportunity to create memorable experiences in one of the county’s most distinctive settings.
For businesses looking beyond the conventional conference or hotel environment, The Orangery is another reminder of the extraordinary venues available here in Oxfordshire.
Read: The Orangery at Blenheim Palace available to host bespoke events in 2026
A Region Built to Weather the Tough Times
Finally, we return to OBS2026 and a message of realistic confidence from Martin Reeves of Oxfordshire County Council.
Speaking at Blenheim Palace, Martin acknowledged the challenging environment facing businesses both in the UK and globally, but argued that Oxfordshire possesses an unusual combination of strengths which should give the region confidence about its future.
Those assets include exceptional businesses, world-class universities and the ability of business, academia and government to work together to create the conditions for growth.
The message wasn’t that Oxfordshire is somehow insulated from difficult economic conditions. Rather, it was that the county has many of the ingredients required to navigate them successfully.
As Martin’s contribution highlighted, collaboration will be critical. Oxfordshire’s individual assets are impressive; connecting them effectively could be what gives the region its real competitive advantage.
Read: A Region Built to Weather the Tough Times
Five Stories, One Connected Community
Taken together, this week’s stories demonstrate something important about the Oxfordshire business ecosystem.
Innovation doesn’t happen in isolation. Neither does investment, regeneration, growth or resilience.
From senior leaders exchanging ideas around a table at Ebbon Group, to professional advisers helping unlock the future of an important Oxford site; from national recognition for local expertise to extraordinary venues bringing people together and a region backing its collective strengths — connection remains the common thread.
That’s what B4 Weekly is designed to capture: a snapshot of the people, organisations, ideas and opportunities moving our business community forward.
Five stories. One connected business community.