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The Wesley Hotel Euston launches festive dining offering
Celebrate the festive season with delicious food and great company at the centrally located The Wesley Euston hotel, bar and kitchen as it announces two Christmas menus, each tailored to a different dining experience.
Ingram ‘incredibly proud’ after going down fighting in Brands Hatch decider
There was no fairytale ending for Tom Ingram in the 2024 British Touring Car Championship finale at Brands Hatch last weekend (5-6 October), but the former champion went down fighting with a characteristically heroic performance as circumstances cruelly conspired against him.
Introducing Brilliant Local Photographer, Inga Kebleryte
Inga recently attended the B4 Platinum Quarterly at the venue of the recent European Political Community summit, Blenheim Palace, where she was B4’s official photographer. The results were stunning.
Wren Sterling become B4’s 75th Platinum Member
At last week’s B4 PLATINUM Breakfast at Blenheim Palace, Jason McGuigan, Regional Director of Wren Sterling was one of our guests. It was fantastic to have Jason along to experience B4 in person, an opportunity we give to those who are seriously considering joining B4.
Blenheim hosts eventful 5th B4 Platinum Quarterly
Football, Summits, Raise’24 & Platinum Member Number 75 Make the Headlines at the 5th B4 PLATINUM Quarterly at Blenheim Palace
AV Events step up to sponsor Raise’24
AV Events began in 2017 with one goal: to deliver quality AV at competitive prices. Since then, the company has expanded rapidly, moving into complete technical event production – but crucially keeping its original mission statement at its core.
Raise’24: The one Christmas Party you won’t want to miss
Take a moment to cast your mind back to last December (perhaps not easy in these summer months).
Oxfordshire’s Football Triumvirate connect at Blenheim Palace
On August 7th, for the first time ever a panel of representatives from The Oxfordshire Football Association, Oxford City and Oxford United will join forces to discuss opportunities and common challenges in front of an invited audience of local businesses at Blenheim Palace.
B4 In Numbers – the last 12 months
It’s been quite a year at B4, a year which has seen us double our B4 Platinum Member numbers, host events in Palaces, Michelin-starred restaurants, boats, vineyards, farms and Oxford University colleges. We’ve also managed to make quite an impression with the B4 website and on social media with almost 1.4 million B4 website views and over half a million impressions across our two LinkedIn accounts.
B4 Member of the Month – Helen Fallon, Global CTS
We’d like to thank Helen for being such a supportive Member of the B4 community. Helen is not only a regular introducer of new Members to B4, she’s also great at engaging with everyone’s news on LinkedIn, in the true collaborative spirit of B4. It’s working for Helen too – she’s making incredible connections and receiving plenty of instructions through the B4 community, showing that the more you put in, the more you get out.
Dreamer or adventurer? Six by Nico announces first ever “versus” series...
Six weeks, two menus, one important choice – Six by Nico announces “versus” concept across all UK restaurants
DAZZLING MEMORIES AT THE UK’S ONLY BLACK-TIE MUSIC AND ARTS FESTIVAL
Henley Festival presented by Westcoast – the UK’s only black-tie music and arts festival – returned for five magical summer nights of world-class music, comedy, art, dining and dancing from Wednesday 10 to Sunday 14 July.
Blenheim Shines on the World Stage
Oxfordshire took centre stage as HM The King and 45 European leaders converged on Blenheim Palace at the biggest UK-led summit of the year on one of the hottest days of the summer (a low bar admittedly). They discussed some of the most pressing generational issues facing Europe – from ensuring international support for Ukraine, to illegal immigration and security co-operation.
Measuring Southgate’s Legacy
“We’ve had some interesting resignations from football managers this year that I’m sure will be referenced across business schools for a while to come – and Gareth Southgate is no exception.
Plastic recycling technology company takes first suite in Wootton Science Park’s...
DeepTech Recycling, the plastic recycling technology company, has taken the first suite in Origin, the new purpose built CL2 laboratory building at Hartwell Plc’s Wootton Science Park to the south-west of Oxford.
High-performance electric van powerbank specialist TUAL opens UK HQ at Bicester...
TUAL, an innovator in high-performance electric van powerbanks, has opened its new HQ at Bicester Motion, the 444-acre future mobility estate in Bicester, Oxfordshire, UK.
Frilford Heath Golf Club donates course to RAISE’24
Oxfordshire’s leading golf club, Frilford Heath, has ‘donated’ their Championship Red Course to raise funds for the eleven beneficiary charities of RAISE’24.
Oxford North ‘tops out’ Red Hall and first laboratory buildings and...
Oxford North, the new innovation district in Oxford, has reached its highest point in construction and topped out its first phase with the Red Hall’s new cantilever roof lowered into place and two new lab buildings’ steel frames completed.
Green light for YASA’s new Bicester Motion UK HQ
Detailed designs for three new interconnected buildings which will be YASA’s new UK HQ based at Bicester Motion, the 444-acre future mobility estate in Bicester Oxfordshire, have been approved by Cherwell District Council.
Ingram aiming to ‘turn the tables’ in quest to reclaim BTCC...
Tom Ingram leaves no doubt about his objective for the forthcoming British Touring Car Championship campaign – he wants to reclaim the biggest prize in UK motorsport, which he first lifted 18 months ago. And he is confident he can do just that.
HENLEY FESTIVAL 2024 UNVEILS PIONEERING VISUAL ARTS SHOWCASE
10 – 14 July 2024 | henley-festival.co.uk | #HenleyFestival | @henleyfestival
Henley Festival Presented by Westcoast – the UK’s only boutique black-tie festival – is delighted to reveal this year’s dazzling visual arts programme, featuring one of Britain’s best-selling figurative painters Mark Demsteader, the Doug Moran National Portrait Prize and Archibald People’s Choice Award-winning artist Esther Erlich, and sculptor Holly Bendall, who creates striking bronzes including a Greenpeace-supported permanent public installation that can be experienced in Porthleven.
Blenheim’s CEO opens up on solar
The first B4 Platinum Quarterly held in the stunning Clementines on the South Lawn at Blenheim Palace encapsulated all that is good about a business community coming together to network. One of B4’s most loyal supporters, Blenheim Palace, played host to over 100 business leaders from across Oxfordshire providing fantastic hospitality and enabling brilliant conversations.
UKRAINIAN AMBASSADOR SALUTES SURREY-BASED INVESTOR CHRIS BAXTER FOR SUPPORTING UKRAINIAN BUSINESS –...
Firm builds innovative modular homes for his war-torn country
HENLEY FESTIVAL TO CHAMPION NEXT GENERATION OF ARTISTS WITH EXCLUSIVE AUDI...
5 – 9 July 2023 | henley-festival.co.uk | #AudiXHenley | @henleyfestival
CAFÉ DEL MAR SPIRITS SPONSORS SUMMERTIME LIVE
Ibiza gin & vodka brand backs UK’s hottest festival
We are thrilled to announce the Winners and Finalists of the...
Congratulations to all!
Business Development Managers Share Expertise
Earlier this year the wonderful Caroline O’Connor facilitated our first BDM’s roundtable which generated invaluable shared knowledge, connections & plenty of content for future discussion.
Pedal and Post to expand to Reading as research shows cargo...
If delivery companies switched to using cargo bikes instead of diesel vans for the first and last mile of deliveries, it would save the NHS and other government services over £4bn by reducing the costs of congestion and air pollution, according to new analysis published today.
Stunning Silverstone Success
What a great event at Silverstone for our members.
The Oxfordshire Business Awards Are Back for 2023
Businesses large and small from across Oxfordshire are being encouraged to enter the county’s most prestigious Awards.
Hawkwell House Hotel – B4’s First Co-Working Venue
Whether you’re working from home every day or in the office, we can all do with a change of scenery once in a while can’t we?
£30m for Oxford scientists to rewrite DNA to cure killer heart...
An injectable cure for inherited heart muscle conditions that can kill young people in the prime of their lives could be available within a few years, after an international team of researchers were announced as the winners of the British Heart Foundation’s Big Beat Challenge.
DPD welcomes Britain’s first Zero Emission Zone pilot
Leading delivery company DPD has welcomed Britain’s first Zero Emission Zone (ZEZ) pilot, launched in Oxford, saying it will bring long term benefits to the city, it’s residents and the wider environment.
Government plans to change university access threatens future economy, says NCUB
The Government has proposed a series of changes to university access and funding that will prevent employers from accessing the talent they need in future and hinder UK growth, says the National Centre for Universities and Business (NCUB).
Hollywood-level tech set to disrupt corporate commercials
Ad for Carringtons Coffee Co. shot using advanced robotic arms with 0-frame delay enabling seamless transition from ‘tropical jungle to coffee shop’
Abingdon & Witney College makes commitment to support mental health and...
Abingdon & Witney College has reaffirmed their commitment to staff and students by signing up to a brand new national mental health and wellbeing charter – created by the Association of Colleges in conjunction with mental health experts.
Latest Figures show Severe Impact of Covid-19 on Oxfordshire’s Visitor Economy
The Economic Impact Report for Tourism in Oxfordshire, a report commissioned by Experience Oxfordshire, shows a staggering 59% decline in the value of tourism (from £2.5billion to £1billion) and a substantial decline of 39% in jobs supported by sector (from 42,000 to 25,000).
New insurance regulations could save you thousands on your premiums
January 1st 2022, marked the end of “loyalty penalties.” While new customers boast the best and cheapest deals on the market, loyal customers were being penalised via “price walking”, reveals vehicle finance specialist Carvine.
Brits enjoy one of the best work-life balances on the planet,...
The UK offers one of the best work-life balances in the world according to a new study by office designers, Diamond Interiors, with typical British office workers getting among the best deals when it comes to working hours and annual leave allocations.
Lexus Maintains Momentum with Strong 2021 UK Sales Results
Lexus’s strong response to the challenges presented by the Covid pandemic and supply restrictions experienced throughout the global motor industry helped it maintain both its UK new car sales volume and market share at record levels.
Belmond Le Manoir Quat’Saisons Awarded ‘Gourmet Getaways’ in PetsPyjamas’ Dog-Friendly Travel...
With a brand new year of possible adventures ahead, leading dog-friendly holiday company since 2014, PetsPyjamas, reveals the winners of their Dog-Friendly Travel Awards, with Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons in Great Milton, Oxfordshire winning the title of Gourmet Getaways.
Cyber fears as HMRC declares 17 serious data breaches to ICO
Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has reported a total of 17 serious data breaches to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) over a 15 month period, from January 2020 to March 2021.
Inspirational watch range celebrates women overcoming adversity
A British entrepreneur is celebrating the incredible stories of five women – each of whom has overcome huge adversity – by launching a range of watches, each named after them. The new Inspiration series from Hagley West takes themes such as inner beauty, strength, rebirth and vitality to bring a unique character to each new model.
University and business collaborations fell by a third in early days...
In just one year, there was a 39% fall in the number of SME interactions and a 2% fall in the number of interactions with large businesses. Despite falls in the number of interactions, universities’ contribution to research commercialisation grew in 2019/20, with the number of licenses granted increasing by nearly a third (30%) compared with 2018/19.
Only 50% of Brits say their workplace takes bullying seriously
Bullying in the workplace is an unfortunate prevalence and with many of us now working part-time in the office- how empowered are Brits when it comes to seeking help from HR?
Construction law specialist boosts Shoosmiths real estate expertise
Leading UK law firm Shoosmiths has strengthened its real estate division, one of the largest multi-disciplinary practices in the UK, with the appointment of specialist construction lawyer Ryan Fordham as a partner.
Leading housing association wins coveted Whathouse? Award
Leading housing association Metropolitan Thames Valley Housing (MTVH) has won a coveted WhatHouse? award. The housing association, whose shared ownership brand SO Resi is behind the SO Resi Maidenhead development, was crowned ‘Silver’ in the Housing Association of the Year category during this year’s ceremony which took place at the Grosvenor House Hotel on Friday 19th November. MTVH was commended for its innovative approach to raising awareness of shared ownership and improving its customer experience.
The latest wave of electric vehicle chargers coming to county’s car...
The roll-out of hundreds of electric vehicle (EV) charging points in council-owned car parks in Oxfordshire has begun.
Nominations open for Oxfordshire’s Climate Action Heroes Awards
People and community groups at the forefront of climate action in Oxfordshire are to be recognised by the High Sheriff of Oxfordshire, Imam Monawar Hussain.
Bovingdons Catering and Jude’s Ice Cream win big at the Lloyds...
A sense of pure delight and celebration filled the room at the Lloyds Bank British Business Excellence Awards as the winners of each of the prestigious 13 categories were announced, with one additional category added for Outstanding Contribution to British Business that went to the Oxford Vaccine Group.
New disruptive plant-based Clean Kitchen Club valued at £7.5m after £1.4m...
Founders – Made in Chelsea’s Verity Bowditch and former YouTube personality Mikey Pearce – close £1.4m seed round with £7.5m valuation
Corporate VCs have South East innovators in their sights as investment...
Businesses in the South attracted £808k in Corporate Venture Capital (CVC) investment in Q3 of 2021, according to KPMG UK’s Global Venture Pulse Survey.
Council’s local plan scoops RTPI South East Award
Winchester City Council’s Local Plan Consultation has scooped the top prize at this year’s prestigious RTPI South East Awards for Planning Excellence.
Councillors to scrutinise services that radically improve safeguarding outcomes for children...
Oxfordshire county councillors are to scrutinise services that radically improve safeguarding outcomes for children and their families, and that are also designed to reduce demands and costs for the council, at the People Overview and Scrutiny Committee at County Hall on Thursday 11 November.
New guide will help developers improve quality of life for Oxfordshire...
A new guide that helps developers building new homes and streets in Oxfordshire do so while at the same time improving the quality of life of residents has been published.
Works to improve access to Banbury Station
Commuters, residents, and businesses in Banbury can have their say from today (16 November) on proposed improvement works at Tramway Road, near Banbury Station, until 14 December 2021.
Share your views on the e-scooters trial
Survey is open from 16 November to 15 December 2021.
Have your say on Oxford city cycle lanes plans
People are being asked to give their views on proposals for direct cycle lanes on main roads in and out of Oxford, known as quickways, during a consultation that runs from 11 November to 10 December.
Dorset tech specialist named in UK’s top 100
A technology specialist at Dorset-based Spyrosoft has been named one of the most influential business leaders in the country.
South East homeowners spend £1.4 BILLION on home decor each year
A new survey from Blinds Direct has found that South-East homeowners spend a whopping £1,401,597,000 improving their homes each year, based on an annual spend of £561 per year per household. (2,563,000 households.)
Businesses urged to invest in diversity and inclusion initiatives or risk...
A specialist recruiter is urging UK businesses to focus on diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives if they want to secure top talent.
Post-COVID wanderlust threatens majority of South East’s talent pool
The desire to travel after the pandemic and Brexit could see the South East’s small businesses face a major workforce shortage as employees rush to leave the country for permanent overseas residence, as revealed today by people management platform Employment Hero.
Oxbury Bank, the new tech-driven agriculture bank, announces additional investment from...
Oxbury Bank, the new tech-driven agriculture bank, announces additional investment from leading technology investor Hambro Perks, and sees strong lending and deposit growth in first 9 months of trading – £100m of committed lending to farm businesses since launch
‘Box structure’ flyover saves £70m and six months for East West...
Engineers have saved £70m of taxpayers’ money by using creative new methods to build a railway flyover as part of the East West Rail project.
Online-Only car auction record broken by collecting cars platform
A global online marketplace founded by a British car dealer has just broken the online-only world record for a car auction, selling a McLaren P1 for an incredible $1,600,888. No other online-only platform for collectible cars has ever achieved a higher sales price.
Analysis reveals major concerns over Type 2 diabetes information on web
The internet is “awash with misleading information and terminology” about type 2 diabetes leading to “exploitation of a vulnerable group”, analysis by a charity shared ahead of World Diabetes Day has found.
Parmigiano Reggiano is the most awarded cheese in the world
The international jury made up of 250 experts awarded Parmigiano Reggiano 126 medals, 7 of which were in the Super Gold category. Bertinelli: “We are going home with our heads held high after battling it out with 4,079 cheeses from 48 countries, leaving with a haul of 126 medals out of 174 competing entries.”
Christmas cheer that lasts the year with SevenYays countdown calendars
Christmas is the season of goodwill and for reminding the ones that matter just how much you value them. As team morale has likely been a little low over the last 18 months for many UK businesses, this holiday season is the ideal time to show staff just how appreciated they really are.
South East Homebuilding & Renovating Show returns to offer property inspiration...
15-16 January 2022, Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre
Go Further Investment Index celebrates the most progressive northern UK businesses
The Go Further Investment Index launched today (9 November) at a special virtual event to connect the innovation and investment communities and celebrate the Northern Powerhouse and Scotland’s best and brightest businesses by showcasing their achievements through collaboration, investing and venturing.
Ford’s Autumn Stories
Future technology stories. Behind-the-scenes stories. All-new vehicle stories. Stories to excite, surprise and inspire.
Ford’s a big place with lots of amazing things happening, and we can’t wait to share them with you. Welcome to Ford Stories.
Burnout is not a badge of honour
How to spot the five stages of burnout in you and your employees.
£21m announced for Digital Skills Bootcamps in the West Midlands
The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) has launched its next round of digital bootcamps to improve the digital capabilities of residents across the region.
B4 launches new ‘news-focused’ site to become a leader in UK...
Following a period of change and uncertainty since March 2020 when B4 had to swiftly pivot to delivering content digitally, we are delighted to announce the launch of our brand new site.
Stoke Poges pubs raise funds for second village defibrillator
Team members at The Fox & Pheasant and Rose & Crown in Stoke Poges have come together to raise funds to install a second defibrillator at the local recreation ground.
COP26: UK firms forced to show how they will hit net...
Most big UK firms and financial institutions will be forced to show how they intend to hit climate change targets, under proposed Treasury rules.
Bureau Veritas urges UK business to ‘Make Change Happen’ as COP26...
With COP26 now firmly underway, leading sustainability authority Bureau Veritas is urging UK businesses to ‘make change happen’ as it supports the commitments and ambitions coming out of the conference as world leaders progress with day three of the global climate summit.
School transport provider celebrates litany of successes one year on
Kura, a leading transport technology provider offering safer, greener and smarter travel for education and businesses, is celebrating a host of achievements over the last 12 months.
Fleet Podcasts: Real insights into the hazards of driving for work
The distractions of hands-free phone use, managing a grey fleet of 5000 plus complex other transport needs, and the rights and wrongs of van safety use – all are the subjects of a series of fascinating 30-minute podcasts now available from National Highways Driving for Better Business (DfBB).
The programme for GEO Business 2021 has been revealed
GEO Business, the UK’s largest geospatial event, has revealed the much-anticipated speaker line up for this year’s show, which takes place on 24-25 November at ExCeL London.
Largest UK maintenance and landscape company announces carbon-neutrality
While world leaders gather in the UK for the COP26 summit, leading landscape and grounds maintenance experts idverde are delighted to have been recognised on a global scale for their work to tackle climate change.
Rimac and Bugatti begin operating under new company
Today, Rimac Automobili officially joins forces with Bugatti Automobiles under the recently announced company, Bugatti Rimac d.o.o. The new company sees two automotive powerhouses generate an exciting new movement in the automotive and technology industries, originally initiated and strongly supported by the sports car manufacturer Porsche AG.
New Report Reveals Growing Belonging Crisis Amongst UK Employees
16 million UK office workers don’t feel as though they belong within their current company
34% of UK workers would turn down job from a company...
A third (34%) of white-collar professionals in the UK state that they would turn down a job offer if a company’s environmental, sustainability or climate control values do not align with their own.
FamiCord to promote stem cell banking service on UK market
Following the acquisition of 84.2% of shares in the UK company Smart Cells Holdings Ltd., the FamiCord Group, Europe’s first and the world’s fourth largest stem cell bank, is entering the UK market with lower prices for stem cell banking services.
Henkel further invests in the start-up LoveLocal from India
Henkel participates in a funding round in the Indian start-up LoveLocal to further strengthen its direct-to-consumer expertise. The investment in LoveLocal under the umbrella of Henkel dx Ventures helps the company to gain insights about the retail markets and consumer behavior in emerging market.
Ongoing new car supply challenges in 2021 could cost aftersales sector...
Latest SMMT new car registration figures have shown a significant decline in new car sales so far in 2021, leaving franchised dealers to face another predicted service and repair shortfall of £300 million.
Investment in research and innovation can unlock new opportunities, says NCUB
The Chancellor should be commended for investing in both research and innovation says the National Centre for Universities and Business, the collective voice of UK business and universities. Today’s announcement will release new funding for research and innovation, which will unlock breakthroughs to improve our health and environment, and boost our economic performance.
New programme on UK’s future of employment post COVID announced
Launching digitally during National Apprenticeship Week 7-13 February 2022 – AoA and ITN Productions Industry News are co-producing Apprentices: Connect, Engage and Inspire, a news-style programme, exploring the incredible UK’s apprenticeship landscape as the future of employment as we emerge from the pandemic.
Long COVID: could it amount to a disability?
On 7 October 2021, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported that an estimated 1.1 million people in the UK were experiencing self-reported long COVID. Of those, 831,000 had (or suspected they had) COVID-19 for at least 12 weeks previously, and 405,000 at least one year previously.
Orolia Signs an Agreement to Acquire Seven Solutions and Advances Its...
Merger to Deliver High-End Performance and Ultra-Accurate Time and Frequency Products for Commercial, Critical Infrastructure, and Military Markets Worldwide
St. Modwen invites Kingsgrove community to a day of celebration of...
On October 9th, St. Modwen, the master developer for the new Kingsgrove community in Wantage, held a family-friendly community day to mark the reveal of a new sculpture and artwork commissioned to celebrate the completion of Kingsgrove’s new public square and park.
The African Art Series “Luminosity” Dazzles at Bvlgari Hotel London
The African Art Series is celebrating its incredibly successful art event during Black History Month. The contemporary African art pop up dazzled over three days in the elegant surroundings of Bvlgari Hotel in Knightsbridge, London. The exhibition showcased works from renowned African artists, Ben Enwonwu MBE and El Anatsui, as well as some of the rising stars of art’s fastest-growing sector, presenting a fabulous display of artwork from across the African continent for invited guests, and later the public to appreciate and invest in.
Stepnell shows healthcare expertise with hospital wins
Complete construction partner Stepnell has demonstrated its expertise in building for the healthcare sector with several significant projects across its southern region.
New research reveals the most innovative industries in the UK
The research, undertaken by Tide, analysed the 50 most popular sectors in the UK, found out how much each industry was spending on research and development, to reveal the most innovative industries.
Enterprise M3 local enterprise partnership is leading major improvements to digital...
A project to deliver gigabit-capable broadband for business and communities across Surrey and Hampshire is being taken a significant step forward as private sector firms are being invited to express an interest in bidding for the work.
Back in the office and struggling to concentrate? Here are six...
Now that workers are back in the office, some people may be finding it difficult to concentrate in this environment after working from home for so long – but how can you fix this?
Kids celebrate spooktacular craft event with Newbury Metro Bank
From Monday 25th – Sunday 31st October, the UK’s community bank, Metro Bank, will host its annual Halloween family event with a creepy craft activity for kids.
Introducing Catalog Collections To Make Buying and Selling on WhatsApp Easier...
Tens of millions of businesses around the world use WhatsApp to get business done. And we often hear from both people and businesses how it’s been a great way to find items to buy and close sales during the pandemic.
Real estate investment firm appoints Sholom Cohen to advance growth strategy
Real estate investment firm Colmore Capital has appointed Sholom Cohen to its growing team.
Family owned business focuses on environmentally friendly solutions in new rebrand
After 40 years of supplying a variety of custom packaging options ‘The Bag N Box Man’ is rebranding.
Albion Land signs DHL as first occupier for new 3 million...
Albion Land has contracted with DHL Supply Chain for approximately 1 million sq ft of space across two units at its proposed Axis J10 logistics park at J10 M40 between Bicester and Banbury.
Origin Invests £1.5million into Local Economy
Buckinghamshire-based manufacturer of doors and windows, Origin, is set to contribute up to £1.5million to the local economy within the next year as part of a local recruitment drive.
Candidates call the shots as business confidence returns
As businesses grow in confidence and begin to recruit for new and vacant positions, there has scarcely been a better time to secure a new role, according to a report by specialist recruiter Robert Half.
Rhianna places higher than Jeff Bezos on the index of the...
Influence is something money cannot buy. But how influential are some of the most successful entrepreneurs working in the world today?
TP Health completes management buyout and strengthens senior team to capitalise...
Leading occupational health provider TP Health has recorded stellar growth and announced the appointment of a new Non-Executive Director, following the completion of a management buyout by a team including its two founding Directors.
High performing rail timetable announced for Manchester
The core of a new timetable for rail services in and around Manchester has been approved for December 2022, focused on improving the performance of rail services and providing more punctual, reliable journeys for passengers.
Best of British Businesses Announced for Wembley Showpiece
The Nation’s leading SMEs unveiled as race underway for First Prize of £10,000 advertising in national media.
Farms with Succession Plans in place are climbing as farmers do...
The number of farmers with succession plans in place is climbing steadily amid huge financial changes to the industry, according to new research by leading rural insurer NFU Mutual.
Tomorrow Celebrates The Leaders In The Workplace: Introducing Lisa Shepherd
National Boss Day, 16th October, acknowledges and celebrates the leaders of the workplace.
Now is the time to invest research and development if we...
The Prime Minister’s focus on levelling up is admirable, but actions speak louder than words, says the National Centre for Universities and Business, the collective voice of UK business and universities.
Launching A Start-Up During The Pandemic
It’s the 1st of September 2020. The world is six months into the worst pandemic it has witnessed in over 100 years. The UK has been in a total lockdown for the last three months and after a brief period of semi-freedom, we were about to be plunged into lockdown once again.
Incentives for businesses to recruit apprentices further extended by Welsh Government
The Welsh Government is further extending incentives to support businesses in recruiting apprentices in Wales until February 2022.
Economy Minister, Vaughan Gething, on the latest Labour Market Statistics
Commenting on today’s Labour Market Statistics, Economy Minister Vaughan Gething said: “Today’s figures are encouraging, showing the unemployment rate in Wales remains below that of the UK, and our employment rate continues to increase.
Sortlist Raises 11 Million to Expand in the UK
Sortlist, the B2B scale-up, which focuses on bringing together high-quality marketing agencies from around the world with corresponding projects, is committed to shining a light on the talent within marketing, creative, and web agencies but who need a hand to gain recognition.
Businesses Face The Costs of Low Menopause Awareness
Low awareness amongst employers about the menopause is causing thousands of women each year to be absent from work and to quit their jobs, according to employment specialists at Irwin Mitchell.
Blown away by The Hooley
Sometimes it’s difficult to put emotions into words. This last week has been full of emotion as we performed The Hooley for the final time. A wonderful show from the imagination of Nell Gifford and Cal McCrystal. Lovingly crafted by our genius director Cal McCrystal, drawing on his Irish heritage.
GE Announces Multi-Million Pound Investment to Create Diverse New Generation of...
‘Next Engineers’ programme to attract 3,500+ young people from all walks of life
Metro Bank Colleagues Treat Newbury
The UK’s community bank, Metro Bank, gives every colleague a Day to Amaze – essentially a paid day off to support a local charity or good cause. Colleagues from Metro Bank’s Newbury store chose to use their Day to Amaze to plant trees when they volunteered for the Greener Greenham Group.
Berkshire charity wins £10,000 Movement for Good award
A charity based in Berkshire will receive a £10,000 windfall as part of Ecclesiastical Insurance Group’s annual Movement for Good awards.
Neds Noodle Bar, Westgate, scoops Best Takeaway of the Year Award
Neds Noodle Bar, Westgate Centre, Oxford has been recognised for their amazing noodle dishes and contribution to the UK hospitality industry at a glittering national awards ceremony in Mayfair, London as they scooped the highly contested Best Takeaway in the UK Award at The Golden Chopstick Awards 2021.
UK still uncomfortable talking about race, new survey finds
Business in the Community (BITC), the Prince’s Responsible Business Network, has today published the findings of the 2021 Race at Work survey which captures the views of over 24,600 employees in the UK. The survey found that the UK is still uncomfortable talking about race with only four in 10 employees saying that their employers are comfortable discussing race in the workplace, increasing only by 3% since 2018.
Williams Racing commits to become climate positive by 2030 as part...
Williams Racing, one of the most successful teams in Formula One history, commits to a far-reaching climate change target. Building on the progress the global motorsport industry has made on sustainability in recent years, Williams Racing goes further than any other race team or motor racing series in the world, to commit to becoming climate positive by 2030.
Boost for Bicester’s economy and jobs with more investment at Axis...
Albion Land commits to Phase 3 with plans which will be welcomed by expanding young and mid-sized businesses
Jankel and Williams Advanced Engineering collaborate to bring EV technologies and...
Jankel, a world-leader in the design and manufacture of high-specification defence, security and NGO protection systems, are collaborating with Williams Advanced Engineering (WAE); born out of the UK Formula 1 Williams Racing Team, to provide services and technologies to prime contractors in the US defence market.
Over half of contractors plan to move into permanent employment to...
Over half (56%) of contractors are planning a move to permanent employment due to the IR35 reforms which came into effect earlier this year.
Mind the ‘Specialist Skills’ Gap
The Open University’s Business Barometer report reveals a lack of entry level and specialist talent
Global energy crisis is a wake-up call for investors: deVere CEO
The deepening global energy crisis underscores for investors the undeniable value, necessity and rewards of sustainable investing, says the CEO of one of the world’s largest independent financial advisory, asset management and fintech organizations.
The cream of the crop for UK building and construction in...
The hardest working, most talented and successful businesses from the building and construction sector in Britain are today celebrating as the finalists for the prestigious National Building and Construction Awards 2021 have been unveiled.
UK Trade August 2021: Expert Commentary
This morning, the ONS revealed that the UK’s total trade deficit widened to £6.6 billion the three months to August 2021 (removing the effect of inflation). In response to the data, please see below commentary from Atul Bhakta, CEO of One World Express. Atul Bhakta, CEO of One World Express said: “After a strong start […]
Shaw Gibbs supports Financial Planning Week 11 – 17 October 2021
UK consumers nationwide are being offered complimentary personal financial planning sessions by qualified financial planners including CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM (CFP TM) professionals. The aim is to empower consumers throughout the UK by experiencing the support available from financial planning, this includes help with organising finances and guidance in planning how to reach life goals and dreams.
Experience Oxfordshire MP roundtable reflects on the impact of Covid and...
Last Friday, Hayley Beer-Gamage, CEO of Experience Oxfordshire hosted an MP roundtable with Robert Courts, Conservative MP for Witney and West Oxfordshire and Anneliese Dodds, Labour MP for East Oxfordshire, plus a variety of businesses from across the region including representatives from Bicester Village, Blenheim Palace, and the Oxford Bus Company to discuss the Governments Tourism Recovery Plan, the DMO Review and the impact of Covid on the visitor economy.
Twitch Data Breach: Apps UK should be weary of
Following the breach of Twitch data, a new study has shown Facebook to be the most intrusive iOS app for phone users in the UK, collecting the largest amount of user data among the country’s top 10 most downloaded apps.
Entrepreneurs in the South East the most willing to risk their...
98% of entrepreneurs willing to put their personal finances on the line to pursue their passion A new survey by NerdWallet, one of the UK’s leading financial comparison sites, has revealed that business owners in the South East of England are the most willing in the UK to risk their personal finances, with 98% prepared […]
Cleantech firm Sunswap announce first customer deployment with global shipping and...
Leading engineering firm Sunswap has announced an agreement with international shipping and logistics company DFDS to deploy a Sunswap transport refrigeration unit (TRU) into their fleet in early 2022, following which an order for production units is expected to be confirmed. After a successful investment round at the start of the year, Sunswap has been […]
How much would a cyber security breach cost you?
Did you know that in 2016 46% of UK SMEs suffered a cyber security breach? Or that, on average, each instance of a cyber attack costs UK companies £1,340? The most common types of breach can be mitigated by the implementation of Cyber Essentials certification. There has never been a better time to position your […]
Argos Leading Online Sports & Outdoor Retailer In UK For 2020...
The Sports & Outdoor segment has grown steadily over the last couple of years as an increase in awareness around health and fitness has reached an all-time high. Because of 2020’s global outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, citizens had to find alternative forms of exercise and the segment flourished as a result. As a result, […]
Payroll Provider Intelligo Makes Finals in Six Categories in CIPP Awards
Intelligo, who company behind multi-award winning payroll solution MegaPay, have been shortlisted for the finals in six categories of the prestigious Chartered Institute of Payroll professionals (CIPP) Annual Excellence Awards. The six categories are; Best Coronavirus Crisis Response In-House Payroll Team Software Product of the Year Well Being and Employee Engagement Award Bright Beginnings Award […]
New jobs programme to create life changing opportunities for 16-18 year...
A new flexible programme focused on helping young people aged 16-18 reach their full potential and take their first steps into the world of work is being launched by the Welsh Government. The innovative Jobs Growth Wales+ programme will aim to create life changing opportunities for those who are not in education, employment or training. […]
World Mental Health Day: 82% of small business owners say mental...
• Four in five (82%) small business owners say their mental health declined due to Covid-19 • One in five (19%) SME owners say their mental health is in a ‘bad’ place due to Covid-19 • A third (30%) experienced depression, three in five (62%) have been affected by stress and over half (55%) have […]
Government changes to Workplace Charging Scheme from 2022
Last week, the Office of Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) confirmed that the Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS) and EV Homecharge Scheme (EVHS) will both change at the beginning of the 2022 financial year.
Causeway launches Middlesbrough office to attract new talent into digital construction
Construction technology provider Causeway Technologies has invested £1.5m on a new centre for engineering excellence in Middlesbrough, which will create up to 100 new high quality tech jobs in the Town.
Veriff Continues Global Expansion with New Barcelona Tech Hub
New European tech hub will expand product and engineering teams, global customer reach
Our NEW Open Global Program has launched! Are YOU ready to...
We are very excited to announce the launch of our new Open Global Program. This program is 100% remote and online and open to ALL senior leaders across the world from any organisation.
Why we need to ban “busy” in a post pandemic world
Alex Graves, CEO of Silicon Reef and an expert in modern working models and technology, explains why we need to stamp out the b word in the workplace.
Transport for the North responds to the Prime Minister’s speech: ‘We’re...
Responding to the Prime Minister’s speech at the Conservative Party Conference today (6 October 2021), Tim Wood, Transport for the North’s Director of Northern Powerhouse Rail, said:
Facebook’s Market Cap Grew By $101 Billion Average Per Year Over...
Facebook is the youngest of the crème de la crème of the top performing firms globally. According to the research data analyzed and published by Wette.de, its market cap has increased by a cumulative $932.0 billion under Mark Zuckerberg’s leadership. In the 9.3 years that he has been at the helm, it grew by an average of $100.7 billion annually.
IPSE wins Membership Organisation of the Year at the Memcom Awards...
IPSE (the Association of Independent Professionals and the Self-Employed) has been named Membership Organisation of the Year at the Memcom Awards 2021. It also won Highly Commended for Public Awareness Campaign of the Year.
Available now: Oxford Rye Whisky The Graduate
For those who enjoyed our initial whisky releases or for those encountering Oxford Rye for the first time, this is The Graduate. Ticking all the boxes of our signature style, the flavours of our fourth batch are bigger, bolder and with an acquired complexity.
Bertioli Beauty: A Sense of Scent
Introducing the inspiration behind our founding scent.͏ ͏ ͏
Pandora Papers: Is blockchain technology the solution to financial fraud?
As revelations from the Pandora Papers continue to explode, a financial expert says things of this nature will occur until blockchain technology is more widely implemented.
Five things you may not know about the Keto diet by...
The Keto diet plays an intrinsic part of The Fast 800, the lifestyle plan developed by Dr Michael Mosley.
Startups benefit from Bank Support
As Reading named number 2 in top 10 UK towns for Start Ups, Metro Bank offers practical support
RoSPA and L’Oréal’s ‘Leading Safely’ programme gains huge momentum
RoSPA and L’Oréal’s Leading Safely for Women programme, part of their Safe@Work-Safe@Home partnership, which launched earlier this year has had a ‘phenomenal response’, according to Dr Karen McDonnell, RoSPA’s health and safety policy adviser.
Guidance for employers on the end of the furlough scheme
How many jobs have been saved by the furlough scheme? We won’t ever know the answer to that question but 11.6 million jobs have been supported by the scheme at some point.
EquiTrace secures funding €1.25m from HBAN and Enterprise Ireland to develop...
EquiTrace, a unique app for horses that combines identity, GPS and medical records data using a scanner, a microchip and a mobile phone, has signed an investment agreement with a syndicate of HBAN angel investors led by Brendan Nevin, CEO of Code Institute for 1million euros. Enterprise Ireland will also be investing in the company, providing 250,000 euros. EquiTrace will use the investment to grow the company, building a sales and development team as well as investing in marketing, and focus on global expansion.
Emirates and Qantas extend partnership to help boost recovery of international...
Qantas and Emirates have announced they will extend their cornerstone partnership for another five years, meaning customers and frequent flyers of both airlines will have access to an expansive joint network, and millions of reward seats to travel across Australia, New Zealand, Europe and the UK.
Strutt & Parker delivering Farm Business Reviews for AHDB
Strutt & Parker is pleased to announce that it will be working with AHDB to deliver its Farm Business Reviews (FBR) service, funded by Defra’s Future Farming Resilience Fund.
Milton Keynes party product retailer Amscan International acquires £20m leading celebrations...
A Milton Keynes-headquartered global designer, manufacturer, distributor and retailer of party products and supplies has acquired £20m turnover leading party brand Ginger Ray which is based in Weybridge, Surrey.
New data shows UK’s business incorporations have soared since summer of...
New research has revealed that the final weekend in February 2021 marked the start of the week when a record number of British businesses were created.
Tewkesbury Park Introduces New Hybrid Conferencing Package
According to Bloomberg who surveyed 2,000 UK companies, most are going to allow employees more flexibility on where and when they do their jobs. The trend is emerging where the hybrid work model will see employees spilt their work between home and the office. Recognising that the business community has to adapt and embrace a totally different way to conduct meetings, Tewkesbury Park has created a brand-new hybrid conferencing package.
Mobilizing the shift to electric fleets: Vattenfall outlines the roadmap for...
Understanding eFleet charging infrastructures, a new white paper from European energy company Vattenfall, sets out a roadmap for businesses to facilitate the transition to electric vehicles.
Johnnie Walker launches new keep walking campaign to get the world...
Johnnie Walker, the world’s number one Scotch Whisky wants to inspire people to Keep Walking towards a more positive future with the latest chapter in its iconic global campaign.
B4 Sustainability Special
In our 2nd Special Feature highlighting great content on the B4 website, we’re highlighting ten great sustainable articles, interviews and webinars which have featured on the B4 website recently.
October Happenings
What’s on at Thyme? Seasonal masterclasses, talks, events and exhibitions͏
La Manga Golf Experience with Soccer Saturday Legends
Nestled in the grounds of the Calblanque Natural Park, the 5 star hotel Príncipe Felipe is perhaps the jewel of the 1,400 acre La Manga estate, offering a first class experience from arrival to departure.
Make UK and Next Gen Makers launch innovative engineering apprenticeships Employers...
Make UK has partnered with support platform Next Gen Makers to develop a ground-breaking Engineering Apprenticeships Employer Kitemark, which will recognise companies who achieve a best practice benchmark, and thus endorse them as an exemplary employer of apprentices.
The Good Hotel Guide reveals its 10 César award winners for...
As Brits fall in love with travelling in their own country again, The Good Hotel Guide 2022: Great Britain & Ireland (goodhotelguide.com), published on 4th October 2021, provides plenty of inspiration on where to stay for a short break this autumn.
Book a mid-week break from £486 – escape with friends and...
Don’t we all need some time to relax? Book a November stay at our beautiful estates Silverlake (Dorset) or Lower Mill (The Cotswolds) and enjoy walks through falling leaves, followed by cosy log fires, or make the most of the great outdoors by hiring a mountain bike or kayaking on the lakes.
JBR Capital enjoys record business period, lending £100M since 1 March...
Leading automotive finance provider JBR Capital has enjoyed its most successful business period to date. Driven by the post-pandemic pent-up demand for high-end vehicles, the London-based company has lent £100m since 1 March, enabling customers to fund their passion for supercars and luxury vehicles.
Meet MINI’s marvellous mates
After starting off a year-long partnership with Longleat, our 10 animal print MINI Countryman are still hard at work.
Twitch In-App Purchases In H1 2021 – $195.5M; 140% Higher Than...
Streaming platform giants, Twitch has clearly built from the increased engagement in 2020 brought about by the lockdowns imposed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to data presented by Wette.de, Twitch generated $195.5M in in-app purchases in the first half of 2021, 139.88% more than the first half of 2020.
Autumn greetings to you all
In my opinion, late September and October, has to be the best time of year. Leaves are on the turn and we can still enjoy a hint of late summer, sunny temperatures. What do we look forward to? Cepes, Porcini, Penny Buns are wonderful, quickly tossed in a very hot buttered pan and served with a sprinkling of chopped parsley, unfortunately grouse didn’t happen because of a strange lack of pluckers and truckers…
A record 5.4 million DDoS attacks were reported in H1 2021
According to the data presented by the Atlas VPN team, cybercriminals launched nearly 5.4 million Distributed Denial of Service attacks in the first half of 2021 — an 11% increase compared to the first half of 2020.
Landlords remain uneasy about investing with only 7% planning to buy...
With the stamp duty holiday set to end on 1 October, landlords are hesitant about buying more property according to a new study by Simply Business.
SMEs thrive in the pandemic with revenues and profits booming
But many see challenges on the horizon as furlough ends and 2022 beckons
Contacta shortlisted for two awards at AV Awards 2021
Innovative product development sees Contacta as a finalist in two industry award categories
Five rural businesses we admire
Land Business Insights: The Estate of the Future is the second in a series of in-depth research reports exploring the most important issues currently facing farms and estates.
Meyers Estate Agents Grows Sales & Support Team
Meyers, the award-winning home-based estate agency franchise, has added to its sales, support and lettings team for the benefit of its growing number of franchisees across the UK. Leon Firth now joins as franchise sales manager and Charlie Sharp as Meyers’ hub headquarters’ branch manager. These additions to the team follow the recruitment of Jules Arscott as property manager earlier this year to extend the lettings team, and Ella McGrady as office manager.
Taking Euramax out of the shadows offline and into a leading...
Euramax Solutions supports the residential, commercial, and industrial markets with sustainable solutions for uPVC and Aluminium windows and entrance and patio doors. From their state of the art manufacturing facility in Barnsley, South Yorkshire, Euramax manufactures and supplies 10,000’s of products to clients across the UK. Historically selling their products in most channels under an […]
Executed Oxford Viking is reunited with relative at Danish museum
One of the Viking victims of a massacre in Oxford more than 1,000 years ago has been reunited with his family in a Danish museum.
Appetite for instruction: Hard Rock Cafe Launches Hard Rock @ Home
Hard Rock Cafe® invites you to eat like a rock star with the historic launch of Hard Rock @Home
Romantic treats and flipping good pancakes…
Lockdown life is pretty boring, we know. But in the coming week there are lots of excuses for a celebration… and they all involve food!
Abingdon & Witney College win national award for carers support
Abingdon & Witney College have a won a prestigious industry award for its work in delivering a specialist course provision and support programme for those caring for others in Oxfordshire.
College in running for national award for carer support project
Abingdon & Witney College have been announced as a finalist at the annual Association of College Beacon Awards, for its specialist course provision and support for carers.