BIO2019 Official Recap

BIO2019, Oxfordshire’s largest business networking and showcase event now in its 6th year, took place at MINI PLANT OXFORD on Thursday 6th June with over 600 Oxfordshire businesses enjoying a packed schedule of wide-ranging presentations, over 60 exhibitors and fervent networking throughout the day.

BIO2019, organised by B4, brought together representatives from the public, private and third sectors in a fantastic day which helped organisations connect and learn from each other in an inspiring and energetic venue. Delegates heard from Oxfordshire LEP’s Nigel Tipple, Oxford City Council leader Susan Brown, Angus Horner of Harwell and Cllr Ian Corkin representing Oxfordshire County Council in an opening session which highlighted the need for collaboration and openness at a time when Oxfordshire is facing some of its greatest challenges. This session focused on the recently established Oxfordshire Voice, a partnership of public and private sector organisations working together to find solutions for the key issues facing Oxfordshire businesses.

The opening ceremony also gave a glimpse of the next generation and their passion for business in Oxfordshire, a theme which continued through to the NXT sponsored closing session where representatives from Nielsen, Blenheim, Ashmolean, Barclays, Freeths, Webmart and Fast Track spoke eloquently about their hopes and fears for the future of Oxfordshire. Leona Weston, PR & Communications Apprentice at Oxfordshire LEP and Marie Giraud, Event Sales & Communications Manager at Ashmolean Museum, compered the Q&A, with Leona adding, “It was a wonderful opportunity to present the NXT session – I really enjoyed it and it was a great chance to get the voices of the next generation heard.”

With over 50 presentations covering subjects from PR, Tech, business as a force for good, HR, climate change, space, dispute resolution, communication, transport, accountancy, local government plans, retail, branding, workplace wellbeing, property, leadership, education, networking and stress relief, there really was something for everyone. There was even an opportunity to pilot a helicopter, experience the MINI PLANT factory tour and record the fastest lap on an F1 simulator, not forgetting the chance to record the quickest 100 metres on a rowing erg with City of Oxford Rowing Club.

The closing session concluded with Leon Arnold of Freeths announcing the winners of the inaugural 50 to Watch competition and a closing party courtesy of TOAD and Pizza Pilgrims.

B4’s Richard Rosser added, “BIO has established itself over six years as Oxfordshire’s leading business to business event and we can’t thank our sponsors, exhibitors, speakers, supply partners and delegates enough for their incredible support this year. The feedback from the event was excellent with over 85% of delegates more than satisfied with BIO2019. Work for BIO2020 starts now and we’ve got some exciting ideas already. Thank you once again to everyone for your support.”

“Once again, BIO has proven to be another stellar event in 2019. It was especially interesting to note a strong theme amongst many speakers around ecological and environmental issues in business – actually, that has been my biggest take-away from the event and an issue I am now determined to focus on in my own business. Bravo all.”
Rowan Waller, Wallers Estate Agents

“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose, Choose BIO.”
Guy Chittenden, Global

“BIO 2019 was an excellent showcase for the vibrant businesses of Oxfordshire. Presentations and talks were insightful and demonstrated how Oxford businesses and the wider business community are innovating and leading growth and change across so many sectors.”
John Kennedy

“An excellent day of talks, face to face catch ups and first-time connections. Not only was it a pleasure to speak; talks were well attended and received by other attendees.”
Kate Stinchcombe-Gillies, Coconut PR

To see photos from this year’s event or to register your interest for BIO2020 visit: www.businessinoxford.com