
Tech, IT & Comms Digest #1
The latest from the world of technology, I.T., and telecommunications. Featuring Zoho, Freeths, Activate Learning, Penningtons Manches Cooper, Unipart, Storm Internet and many more…

Biotech growth fuelled by Heyford Park Innovation Centre
A biotech start-up founded in the middle of the pandemic by three neuroscientists is expanding at Heyford Park Innovation Centre thanks to their world-leading expertise and access to shared laboratory space.

Peacock Engineering appoints first COO as it boosts its IBM expertise
IBM expert Matthew Deadman has been appointed the first Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Peacock Engineering, a global specialist, headquartered in Little Chalfont, Bucks, in designing and delivering Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) solutions built on IBM Maximo.

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.

Is your business ‘Plan B’ ready?
‘Plan B’ measures have been discussed and delayed for a number of weeks already, but recent reports indicate that Boris Johnson may ‘trigger Plan B in days’.

Freeths Advises Centrica on investment in break-through hydrogen production technology
Freeths corporate team has advised its client, Centrica plc, on the acquisition of a minority stake in HiiROC Limited (“HiiROC”), the hydrogen production technology company helping to combat climate change with affordable hydrogen produced at scale but without CO2 emissions.

Work commences on new South Central Institute of Technology hub in...
Work officially started this week on the £3.2 million development of the new South Central Institute of Technology (SCIoT) hub in Oxford.

Corporate team advises on sale of AI spinout to Meltwater
The corporate team at Penningtons Manches Cooper has advised the selling shareholders of Oxford spin-out DeepReason.ai on its acquisition by leading media intelligence SaaS provider Meltwater BV for $7.3 million in a combination of cash and Meltwater equity including earn-outs. The DeepReason.ai team will join Meltwater.

Hosein Torabmostadi named in The Manufacturer Top 100
Published every year since 2013, the Top 100 provides a showcase for the most inspiring individuals in the UK manufacturing industry.

South Central Institute of Technology’s Preeti Vohra scoops prestigious national tech...
South Central Institute of Technology (SCIoT) is incredibly proud to announce that Reading-based Digital Technologies Trainer Preeti Vohra has been announced as one of the TechWomen100 winners.

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.

Storm Internet Breaks Own Record at 2021 ISPA Awards
Storm Internet has again set a new record at the Internet Services Providers’ Association (ISPA) annual Awards. Taking first place in the coveted Best Hosting Provider category brings the Oxfordshire host’s total number of category wins to 9, three more than previous record holder UKFast.
More in Tech, IT & Comms

Oxford Metrics: AGM statement
At Oxford Metric’s AGM held in February, CEO Imogen O’Connor made the following statement

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.

Owen Mumford: 70 Years of Innovation in Healthcare
Owen Mumford has been at the forefront of medical device innovation for over 70 years, pioneering solutions that enhance patient care and improve healthcare outcomes worldwide. Established in 1952 by Ivan Owen and John Mumford, the company has grown into a global leader in medical device design and manufacturing, with a commitment to quality, sustainability, and patient-centred innovation.
From this author

B4 Members enjoy the company of a living legend of the...
In December at Keble College, Peter Bennett-Jones, representing the Lord-Lieutenant as one of her Deputy Lieutenants, officially endorsed Raise’24. As an established television and film producer and agent, we were delighted to recently announce that Peter has agreed to become our Patron.

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.

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