About
Richard has been Chief Executive of B4 for 15 years. While dealing with customers at all levels, Richard’s role is to co-ordinate the overall strategy of B4 and develop new products, more recently the shift to a digital model during the pandemic. His experience and contacts are valued by an ever increasing and impressive portfolio of clients.Organisation
Content
B4 Presents: Really Connect at The Story Museum
The Really Connect events were born out of the hugely popular Business Development Ecosystems run by the brilliant Caroline O’Connor of Fourth Born. Members wanted an event where they could spend time with other Members in a structured format and that’s what we’ve come up with….oh, and it’s in a great setting for the launch with more dates to be announced for other great venues!
Nine in ten businesses think sustainability will impact their future operations,...
Virgin Money launch new Mobiliser Fund to help support the transition
Lord-Lieutenant of Oxfordshire urges local businesses to continue collaborating
Blenheim Palace was the stunning setting for B4’s fifth annual Platinum Dinner in the awe-inspiring Saloon as Marjorie Glasgow BEM, His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Oxfordshire, attended as B4’s guest of honour, courtesy of local charity, Oxfordshire Community Foundation (OCF).
Gala Dinner for Ukraine at Blenheim Palace
On Saturday evening, invited guests and dignitaries convened at Blenheim Palace for a wonderful fundraising event aimed at supporting Ukrainian students to help them access intensive, short-term bootcamps in innovation and entrepreneurship.
The Stables Studio: All Purpose Events Hub & Creative Studios
Welcome to The Stables Studio – your all-purpose events hub and creative studio located in the tranquil countryside, just a short drive from Oxford, Birmingham, and London. Whether you’re hosting a private event, a business meeting, or a creative workshop, we provide the perfect setting for ideas to flourish.
Ingram: We’re in the strongest position we’ve ever been
Tom Ingram is bullish about his prospects of reclaiming the biggest prize in national motorsport this weekend (5-6 October), as he prepares to go toe-to-toe for title glory in the British Touring Car Championship season finale at Brands Hatch.
FEBRUARY B4 Members Lunch at the Hilton Garden Inn
February B4 Members Lunch
Frilford Heath International – September 2024
Leading Oxfordshire Golf Club puts on amazing showcase of golfing and non-golfing activities for the business community.
B4 Mid-Summer Platinum Dinner in The Yurt at Nicholsons
B4 Members are invited to join us for a mid-summer’s dinner in The Yurt at Nicholsons, a beautiful setting for a relaxed dinner.
JANUARY B4 Members Lunch at Brasserie Blanc
JANUARY B4 Members Lunch
B4: Your Gateway to Business Success
Are you looking to take your business to new heights? Want to connect with Oxfordshire’s top decision makers, learn from industry experts, and enjoy exclusive benefits? Look no further than B4 Membership.
Burns Night PLATINUM Dinner at Holiday Inn
Join us for a Burns Night Celebration Dinner
B4 PLATINUM Dinner in Rhodes House
B4 Members are invited to join us for a dinner at Rhodes House, a beautiful setting for a relaxed dinner.
Platinum Celebration Lunch at Le Manoir
What are we celebrating?
Wootton Science Park unveils £35 million masterplan for new SME science...
Hartwell Plc, the automotive and property development company, has unveiled emerging designs to deliver new carbon efficient lab and workspace buildings for small and medium sized science and technology companies and amenities at Wootton Science Park to the south-west of Oxford.
B2B Networking in the UK? Welcome to B4
Connecting Multisector Business Owners, C-Suite, Decision Makers
Unveiling B4 HUB: A New Era of Benefits for B4 Members
In the dynamic landscape of business, connections are the cornerstone of growth and success. At B4, we’ve always believed in the power of collaboration and support within our community. Only last week we saw the power of four of our Platinum Members coming together as the fantastic team at Sobell House stepped up the launch of the incredible OxTrail 2024 at Oxford Brookes University with the support of Darcica Logistics and Aston & James.
Nigriello to leave Unipart after 25 years
Chairman of B4, Frank Nigriello, who has been Group Corporate Affairs Director at Unipart for over 25 years, is to leave Unipart this month.
Unlocking Leadership Insights: B4 Platinum Quarterly Breakfast at Blenheim Palace
In the ever-evolving landscape of business, connection and collaboration are paramount. For the past 17 years, B4 has been at the forefront of creating a collaborative and supportive community for businesses. Established in 2006 with the mission to ‘Build Bridges Between Businesses,’ B4 actively connects individuals who value community and collective growth.
B4’s Premier Burns Night Extravaganza: A Night of Scottish Festivity and...
On 25th January, B4, committed to actively connecting people in business through a collaborative and supportive community, proudly hosted its inaugural Burns Night in collaboration with Gavin Webster of the McKay clan and The Holiday Inn, Oxford. This event highlighted B4’s vision to create meaningful connections and foster a sense of community among its members.
HENLEY FESTIVAL REVEALS SENSATIONAL LINE-UP FOR 2024
Featuring… NICOLE SCHERZINGER, DAVE STEWART’S EURYTHMICS SONGBOOK GLADYS KNIGHT, RYLAN! Late in Pure Heaven HOUSE GOSPEL CHOIR, MINISTRY OF SOUND IBIZA ANTHEMS WITH ELLIE SAX,
NIGEL KENNEDY, SAM RYDER
MARK WATSON, ANGELA BARNES, SARA PASCOE, MARCEL LUCONT, DARA Ó BRIAIN & much more…
B4 Presents: CEO & Leaders Company Visit and Roundtable at Astroscale...
In the ever-evolving landscape of business, connections are the lifeblood that fuels innovation and growth. B4, the dynamic organisation dedicated to fostering collaborative and supportive communities, is thrilled to announce an exclusive event that delves into the challenges and triumphs of scaling up a business. This unique occasion, featuring Sharon Parker-Lines, Deputy Managing Director & Senior Vice President Business Operations, Government & Regulatory Affairs of Astroscale, promises to be an insightful exploration of the journey towards sustainable growth.
B4’s PLATINUM 50th Celebration Breakfast at Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons
B4, the premier business network in Oxfordshire, hosted a milestone event today – the PLATINUM 50th Celebration Breakfast at the iconic Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons. It was the culmination of a year of significant growth of its Platinum Membership, reaching an impressive half-century.
A Look Back on 2023 and what to Expect in 2024 from...
2023 has been a bumper year of over 70 events for B4 across our two communities in Oxfordshire and Shropshire with 2024 promising even more in terms of a bumper events calendar and some exciting new additions to the increasing list of benefits for B4 Members.
Strategic Focus on B4 Platinum Sees 6X growth in one year
Up until January of this year B4 had enjoyed the support of a small group of Platinum Members who in turn enjoyed priority access to high-quality dinners at wonderful venues including Blenheim Palace, Saïd Business School, Nicholsons and Oxford University colleges.
FANTASTIC INAUGURAL B4 SHROPSHIRE PLATINUM QUARTERLY AT WESTON PARK
B4 Shropshire’s Victoria Charnley hosted the first Quarterly Breakfast at the amazing Weston Park on 28th November in the opulent splendour of Weston’s beautiful dining room.
Sustainability in business: from ambition to action
At October’s B4 Sustainability Ecosystem members were unanimous that attaining net zero carbon emissions by 2050 was an important target in our drive to reduce our carbon footprint, address climate change and implement a sustainable business approach. However, while the environmental and social aspirations to ‘be better’ and ‘do good’ were clear, many did not know what the carbon footprint of their business was or felt unsure what the steps should be to convert strategy into direct actions. As session lead Toby Newman from environment consultants, Enistic, explained: “If it can’t be measured, it can’t be improved.”
Action Packed 2nd B4 Platinum Quarterly at Blenheim Palace
The second B4 Platinum Quarterly held in the beautifully renovated Orangery at Blenheim Palace saw 80 business leaders from across Oxfordshire enjoying the superb hospitality of Blenheim Palace, the opportunity to make and build fantastic connections and hear from four great speakers.
PREMIER FOOTBALL STARS SUPPORT OXBRIDGE FOUNDATION
Football stars Andriy Shevchenko and Oleksandr Zinchenko have backed the launch of a charity (Oxbridge Foundation) which will fund scholarships for Ukrainian students affected by the war.
Top networks merge to connect thousands of Oxfordshire businesses
Two of Oxfordshire’s premier business networks are to merge connecting nearly 2,250 companies in the county.
Green light for Bicester Motion’s new £50 million Innovation Quarter to...
Detailed designs for seven new, prestigious HQ buildings which total 212,030 sq ft (19,698 sq m) and will be built at Bicester Motion’s new Innovation Quarter have been given the green light by Cherwell District Council.
Boostworks Appoints Former Vodafone Board Director as Executive Chairman
Mark Bond, previously Head of Customer Operations at Vodafone leads Boostworks Board
A Growing Desire for Better Business
The Better Business Ecosystem is raising awareness and showcasing the wide variety of ways businesses can have a more positive impact on society, communities and the environment, by embedding great business practices across their companies.
People Value Limited Becomes Boostworks Limited
Boostworks Empowers the Modern Workforce: Fostering Engagement and Recognition in Today’s Demanding Workplace
B4 Summer Events – A Look Back
After a whole month without events in August and just the one in July (although it was a big one!), B4 events return in September with something for everyone. But let’s take the opportunity to look back over some of the highlights of an early summer with B4.
Beautiful B4 Summer Supper in The Yurt
We couldn’t have asked for more at B4 Platinum Supper in The Yurt at the wonderful Nicholsons ….. beautiful weather, stunning food, exemplary hospitality and outstanding company.
24 Hour Football Indulgence in Manchester
If you’re a football fan then this one’s for you. Could you cram in an overnight stay at the wonderful Hotel Football, the Great Manchester Run, a tour of The Etihad Stadium and gate-crashing Manchester City’s Premier League title celebrations in 24 hours? Here’s how we did it…..we even had to do ‘the Poznań’!
The B4 Better Business Ecosystem
The B4 Better Business Ecosystem with Grant Hayward and Sam Kandiyali
Why joining a community of business leaders can enhance your reputation and credibility
I read a LinkedIn post recently that reassured business owners that if they’d managed to keep their businesses going during recession, Brexit, COVID and the cost-of-living crisis that they deserved a huge pat on the back and shouldn’t ‘beat themselves up’. Easier said than done when costs are rising and doing business seems to get harder rather than easier, but the sentiment was well-placed.
Judging for the 2023 Oxfordshire Business Awards is complete, and a...
Finalists have been announced across the 12 Award categories, including Purposeful Business, Marketing Excellence, New, Small and Large Business. All of the finalists will be in for the chance of winning the overall Business of the Year Award which this year, is sponsored by Thomas Franks.
Why it’s important for Business Leaders to be exposed to new...
Nobody likes a ‘know it all’ and let’s face it, there’s no such thing. At the other end of the scale, many of us don’t create enough time to take on board new ideas, innovation and creativity in whatever format. How many times have you been recommended to read a book, get sent the link, go on Amazon, maybe even buy it but it just sits on your bookshelf? Come to think of it, as an aside, just think about that for a second….I wonder what the actual percentage of books purchased are actually read? Frightening thought!
Business Leaders Enjoy B4’s First Supper Club
Business leaders from Oxfordshire enjoyed B4’s first Supper Club recently. B4 holds events in fantastic venues across Oxfordshire and Shropshire, but we’ve got our very own venue which, with the imagination of our fabulous Events Manager, Tina, has been transformed into our very own private dining room. With furniture hired in from our good friends at BHK Rentals (www.bhkrentals.co.uk) and an immaculate eye for detail, it truly was a fantastic transformation and exceptional use of space as the B4 dining room came to life.
Business Fundraiser at Silverstone
We were delighted to host 50 business leaders for our B4 Platinum Dinner set against the backdrop of iconic British motorsport history at @Silverstone Museum last month. Thank you to all of our guests who helped raise over £2,000 for British Heart Foundation. Here’s what our guests had to say about the evening:
Leading Thames Valley law firm announces four newqualifiers
Leading Thames Valley law firm, Gardner Leader, has announced its latest round of newly qualified solicitors, with four more members of its team receiving their Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) certification as the firm continues to nurture the best legal talent in the region.
Midweek Stay at the Kings Head, Cirencester
We made the, just short of, one hour trip to Cirencester from Oxford as the sun was setting and the light fading fast. On arrival, we found a parking spot in the centre of this quaint market town, directly opposite the impressive Kings Head.
What makes an expert? Here are some of the key traits...
To be considered an expert in a particular field, a person typically needs to have a deep and comprehensive understanding of that field. This requires a combination of education, training, and practical experience.
Co-Working at Courtyard by Marriott
Enjoy complimentary coffee and cake while you work. No booking required (registration optional), just come and turn up- to keep up to date with future co-working days please connect with the Courtyards LinkedIn page.
The Rise of Remote Working: Challenges and Opportunities
One of the biggest impacts of COVID-19 has been the rise of remote working. Like everything, this has sparked both challenges and opportunities. Speaking to Members of the B4 community in one to one conversations and our recent events at B4 HQ, we’re hearing a number of common themes, both positive and negative.
The Benefits of and How to Move to a 4-day Working...
This Friday, 24th February, B4 Platinum Members You HR, lead by owner and founder Jonna Mundy, will be presenting on the benefits of a 4-day working week.
Forbes: The 10 Biggest Risks and Threats For Businesses in 2023
It doesn’t seem so long ago that we were considering risks to business in isolation. First it was the recession of 2009, then Brexit, then Covid trumped all.
Unipart sells Intertruck business
Unipart Group has sold its Intertruck business to Sampa.
“My Bank Balance is Red and My Customers are Blue, please...
Today for the less romantically inclined of you out there, is Valentine’s Day. Some regard today as a commercial gimmick, others a chance to shine or, if you’re a Tottenham fan, the chance to have a romantic break in Milan with a few mates.
HENLEY FESTIVAL REVEALS UNMISSABLE LINEUP FOR 2023
5 – 9 July 2023 | henley-festival.co.uk | #HenleyFestival | @henleyfestival
Can Your Business Learn from the Super Bowl?
Last night’s Super Bowl, won by the Kansas City Chiefs, was one of the most-watched television events of the year in the United States, with over 100 million viewers tuning in to watch the game. Many companies see the Super Bowl as an opportunity to reach a large audience and gain market share with half-time adverts costing an eye-watering $7 million! Here are some common strategies that companies use to leverage the Super Bowl to gain market share:
Oxford Brookes students enhance financial trading skills with new virtual trading...
Students at Oxford Brookes University can gain experience of trading on the financial markets by making mock transactions, thanks to a newly installed computer suite.
Let’s talk turkey!
Hot off the press – some topical food for thought with a distinctly seasonal flavour and certainly something for businesses to chew over and digest to ensure that they keep abreast of the latest thinking in branding and have a tried and tested recipe for success that isn’t bland for the new year ahead.
By PHIL STRACHAN – The Think Brand not bland Guy
Agnes Smith Advice Centre Appeal
How we are helping the poorest in Oxford? At the Agnes Smith Advice Centre in Blackbird Leys, we have provided benefits and debt advice to more than 1400 residents over the last year, keeping people in their homes and helping them keep warm and fed.
We are at the heart of one of the most deprived communities in the UK and people come to us when they don’t know where else to turn.
YASA secures new facility at Catalyst Bicester
YASA, the pioneering electric vehicle motor manufacturer, has taken the last available unit in phase 1 of Catalyst Bicester, the new advanced manufacturing and technology business community in Bicester, Oxfordshire.
Shropshire Estate Agent boost for Severn Hospice
A £1500 cheque donation from county estate agent, Samuel Wood has helped boost funds for Shropshire charity Severn Hospice.
Is the ‘Great British Resignation’ slowing?
With demand for workers outstripping supply and ‘the great resignation’ showing no signs of abating, Britain is facing some huge recruitment challenges.
Leading Oxfordshire business community ‘summer solstice’ launch event in Shropshire
Leading national business membership community B4 held its official launch at Hencote Vineyard and Restaurant in Shropshire at a special champagne event on the summer solstice.
How could Boris Johnson’s resignation impact business?
More than 55 MPs have resigned within the past 48 hours, leaving Boris Johnson no choice today but to leave a role which he has today called “the best job in the world.”
T Levels – the next level qualification
Hear from members of B4’s Skills Ecosystem about T Levels and how they can support your business.
Bank of England raises interest rates for fifth consecutive time
B4 members comment on the impact it could have on their businesses.
Inaugural B4 Shropshire lunch May 22
B4 Shropshire held its first lunch event for 22 invited delegates at The Lion & Pheasant Hotel in Shrewsbury last week, following a successful meeting for the founding members last month.
What would be the most valuable solution to help your business?
Well, that’s a million-dollar question if ever we asked one, but it’s an interesting concept to wrap some grey matter around.
Love AND Business?
No, they’re not two words you would often hear or say in the same sentence, but for Alan Wick, ‘love’ underpins his approach to business and always has. B4’s Richard Rosser had the absolute pleasure of finding out more about this engaging business coach based in Sussex who has, thankfully, recently joined the B4 community.
The B4 Academy sponsored by Oxford Innovation welcomes applications from local...
B4 Platinum Members, Oxford Innovation, have generously sponsored the new B4 Academy which will give up to ten local start-ups complimentary B4 Membership, worth up to £1,500+VAT, for 12 months.
Unlock More Capital Growth With VCTs
David Hall is the Chair of the VCTA (Venture Capital Trust Association), having succeeded Stuart Veale in the role in January this year. He is the Managing Director of VCTA member YFM, where he is involved in all aspects of the business, including fundraising and the management of investments. He also chairs the Investment Committee and directly oversees YFM’s investment in software firm, Matillion.
Fit for Work, Fit for Purpose, Fit for Life
The importance of wellbeing has increased with people working from home. Almost all of us had to change the way we work and contemplate what the future looks like. It’s been a key priority for Aston & James to align themselves with the changing workplace wherever you choose to work.
Choose Courtyard In Oxford City Centre
Courtyard by Marriott Sales Manager, Christina Irons, talks to B4’s Richard Rosser about this magnificent hotel located in the heart of Oxford City Centre.
World’s Five Highest-Paid Athletes Racked in More than $600M in 2021
The year 2021 has been a pretty good year for the world’s best athletes, who earned hundreds of millions of dollars through their lucrative sports contracts and heavy endorsement deals.
Celebrating National Inclusion Week
This week we are celebrating National Inclusion Week. This week’s theme is #UnitedForInclusion and looks to share inclusion in all its forms. National Inclusion Week asks us to consider three questions:
These are the 5 best side hustles, according to business experts
One in four people in the UK currently have a side hustle, which generates a huge £72 billion for the UK economy.
The leadership needed next year, by Rita Trehan, CEO of DareWorldwide
With summer ending, many of us will be starting to look back on the last year and its lessons. All being well, the new year will be the first ‘normal’ year of business since 2019, giving leaders space to build the learnings of the pandemic into their work.
The Food and Drink Federation Announces Winners of Awards 2021
The Food and Drink Federation (FDF) Awards 2021, which took place last night at The Royal Lancaster in London, brought together over 500 guests to celebrate the efforts of the UK food and drink industry over the last year.
More hybrid working to bring 3.8 million Brits into employment
Hybrid working could bring nearly 4 million people “locked out” from work such as parents, carers and disabled people into the workforce and enable part-time workers to work more hours adding £48.3bn to the UK economy each year, according to a major new study by Virgin Media O2 Business and the Centre for Economics and Business Research (Cebr).
UK’s recovery plans must address gender inequality as four out of...
Gender equality must be at the heart of the UK’s green and fair recovery, according to a new PwC report that underlines the extent to which women’s career progression and opportunities continue to be disproportionately hampered by the pandemic.
GMB southern region’s NHS members overwhelmingly vote NO on government’s pay...
The Health Secretary must now meet with GMB Union to avoid a winter of chaos
Employers urged to give staff the tools they need for the...
A third (36%) of UK employees who work from home say they are more productive in the office, with 42% saying it’s because they have better equipment at work.
Emirates Pavilion ready to welcome visitors at Expo 2020 Dubai
Expo 2020 Dubai’s must-see aviation attraction is gearing up to open its doors to the public on 1 October. Located in the Opportunity District, and within walking distance of the Al Wasl Dome, the Emirates Pavilion offers a preview for the future of commercial aviation, reframing the role that science and technology will play in the next 50 years of air travel, as it welcomes visitors to experience two floors of interactive multi-sensory installations.
New study reveals the top UK cities for Start-Ups in 2021
Without a doubt, the pandemic has changed our economy forever; and it may not have felt like the most obvious year to launch a business, but with Britons locked down entrepreneurial spirit seems to be inflated as 2020 saw a 12.3% increase in new businesses, the highest growth on record.
Workers to gain right to request flexible working from first day
Following the news that staff in the UK are set to gain the right to request flexible working from the first day in a job, Philip Richardson, partner and head of employment law at Stephensons Solicitors LLP has provided the below legal comment:
Business owners cautioned to protect their personal assets as insolvencies reach...
Following news of an 18 month high in registered company insolvencies , Purbeck Personal Guarantee Insurance, the UK’s only provider of personal guarantee insurance is urging the owners of small and medium sized businesses to ensure their personal assets such as their home, bank account and savings, are protected if their business should become insolvent.
Quant Insight expands with $10m funding to empower investors with world-first...
Quant Insight (Qi), a new quantitative financial market analytics and trading insights provider, today announces a major scale up after four years of research and development and over $10m in funding from three investment rounds.
Why the UK energy market is in distress
In response to the emerging UK energy crisis, Hirbod Assa, Senior Lecturer in Finance and Fintech at the University of Kent’s Business School explains how this happened
Businesses Digitising at a faster rate post lockdown
Accounting software provider has launched Dext Commerce to help simplify sales data for a growing number of digital businesses selling through ecommerce platforms.
TAE Technologies commercialises breakthrough Power Management technology developed for fusion to...
TAE Technologies, the world’s largest private fusion energy company, has announced the formation of a new division dedicated to power management. TAE Power Management’s groundbreaking technologies will enable the next generation of electric vehicles and accelerate the uptake of electrified energy and storage systems.
Blenheim 7k Fun Run
Run, jog or walk for charity or for fun at the World Heritage site, Blenheim Palace, Woodstock in Oxfordshire, the stunning venue for the annual Blenheim 7k on 10 October, sponsored by Freeths Solicitors and the Oxford Business Park.
The Future of Work is Here at the Historical Oxford House
Modern flex offices spark creativity in fully restored 1930s Art Deco film building.
From Paper Mill to Co-Working Space
Mill House Wooburn opens to support start-ups, freelancers and small businesses in Buckinghamshire.
Responsible Business
Businesses have a responsibility to their communities, to be supportive and at the very least not actively cause harm. Here you will find content relating to businesses being a Force for Good, supporting charities and their local communities.
B4 Community Working Together: XIST2 provide new website for Oxford Town...
In another short video capturing a successful working relationship between B4 Members, Oxford Town Hall’s Marketing & Development, Cath Poucher, talks about the successful relationship with fellow XIST2 who assisted with their new website and other marketing collateral.
B4 Pass Provides New Benefits to Oxfordshire Companies
B4, Oxfordshire’s leading business to business network is celebrating its 15th anniversary with a wide range of new benefits for its growing digital audience, including the B4 Pass.
B4 Community Working Together: Carbon Colour provide new signage for Stagecoach’s...
As part of Stagecoach Oxfordshire’s Depot improvement plan, Robert Betterton, Stagecoach’s Fleet Engineer needed a local reputable firm to assist with the design and production of new signage for depots in Oxford, Banbury and Witney. As B4 members, Robert looked to the B4 community for support and found Carbon Colour and Managing Director, Nigel Allen. […]
UK SMEs are failing to measure marketing ROI
The Marketing Centre’s M360 assessment highlights the need for business leaders to grapple with marketing metrics -If it moves measure it, and if you measure it, it will move.
Top tips for working with your best mate this Best Friends...
Working with your best mate could get messy but for entrepreneur pals Jack Griffiths and Joel Pierre it’s the key to their business success.
Managing Expectations | The Business Brunch
Knowing how to approach another organisation to promote your services is never easy, especially during a pandemic when we’re all juggling so many balls. But, when it comes to approaching larger organisations, what tips can SME’s learn from the large organisations to give them a chance to at least be in the conversation?
Bravo BB!
Despite a brief flirtation with the hospitality sector in late 2020, it really has been far too long! We were delighted to accept Brasserie Blanc Operations Manager, Chloe Smith’s, invitation to enjoy a Saturday night out….and what an absolute pleasure it was.
Britain’s visitor economy facts
Since 2010 tourism has been the fastest growing sector in the UK in employment terms. Britain is forecast to have a tourism industry worth over £257 billion by 2025.