Sue Thomas
Latest news and stories
-
The Oxford Artisan Distillery confirms board ahead of return to the city
The Oxford Artisan Distillery has confirmed its new board as plans progress to bring the pioneering organic distillery back to its original home in Headington. The return will include its distinctive custom-built stills and a renewed focus on sustainable production.
-
AbbVie expands Oxford research facility as part of £120m UK investment
Pharmaceutical company AbbVie has expanded its Oxford research and development facility, strengthening its work in immunology, neuroscience and oncology. The development builds on its acquisition of Oxford-founded DJS Antibodies and wider investment in UK life sciences.
-
Giant 12-tonne vessel installed at Culham fusion research facility
Engineers at Culham Campus have installed a 12-tonne vessel as part of a major upgrade to the MAST Upgrade fusion machine, which will double its heating power and allow scientists to investigate conditions needed for future fusion power plants.
-
Lawbox establishes new Oxford headquarters as legal technology investment supports growth
Legal practice Lawbox has established a new headquarters at Oxford’s ARC innovation campus and appointed a specialist lawtech engineer as it invests in technology and expands its UK-wide team.
-
Enstone Estate set for £210 million redevelopment into Oxfordshire innovation destination
A £210 million redevelopment of Enstone Business Park has secured outline planning permission, paving the way for a 310-acre employment and innovation destination in West Oxfordshire. The phased scheme could create space for up to 1,500 jobs across engineering, technology, manufacturing and creative industries.
-
Crazy Bear hotels close after second administration in less than two years
Crazy Bear’s hotels in Stadhampton and Beaconsfield have ceased trading after the group’s operating companies entered administration. The closures come less than two years after a previous administration and a £6.5 million management buyout.
-
More than 4,000 households waiting for social housing in Oxford
More than 4,000 households are waiting for social housing in Oxford, as demand continues to outstrip supply. With private rents averaging £1,963 a month, the city council is building affordable homes and calling for more land to address the shortage.
-
New report reveals Oxfordshire’s visitor economy contributes almost £2.5 billion as trips rise
Oxfordshire attracted 26 million visits in 2025, generating £2.47 billion for the local economy and supporting more than 42,500 jobs. New figures reveal the importance of tourism to Oxford city and the wider county, alongside continuing pressures on visitor spending and overnight stays.
-
Equinox 2035: Oxfordshire targets 20 unicorn companies and 30,000 innovation jobs
Oxfordshire has set out a 10-year strategy to attract more than £1 billion in annual investment, create 30,000 net new innovation-linked jobs and develop 20 billion-dollar companies, with a focus on helping businesses scale and ensuring more residents benefit from the county’s research-led economy.
-
DSV UK to invest £3.7m in Oxfordshire plant breeding and seed processing facilities
DSV UK Ltd has begun a £3.7 million expansion of its plant breeding and seed processing facilities in Wardington, Oxfordshire. The development will bring breeding equipment and processing operations together, with completion expected in summer 2027.
-
Oxford property professionals raise £20k for construction careers charity
Property professionals from across the South East raised more than £20,000 for Construction Youth Trust at a charity ball held at Keble College in Oxford, supporting the charity’s work to help young people access careers in construction and the built environment.
-
Taylor & Francis to relocate Oxfordshire headquarters to Oxford city centre
Taylor & Francis plans to move its Oxfordshire headquarters from Milton Park to Cantay House in Oxford in early 2028. The renovated city-centre building is set to include a café, event facilities and spaces for public engagement with academic research.
-
Oxford’s Gloucester Green Market faces calls for change ahead of 2028 contract expiry
Traders, business owners and residents have raised concerns about Gloucester Green Market’s management, alleging declining trade, anti-social behaviour and an overemphasis on street food. Oxford City Council says it remains committed to the market’s long-term success.
-
Oxford’s historic Osney Power Station reopens as Oxford University’s Global Leadership Centre
Oxford University has opened a £70m Global Leadership Centre at the former Osney Power Station, transforming the historic industrial building into a residential executive education facility while retaining key features of its past.
-
Swallows Nurseries & Gardens in Oxfordshire put up for sale for £1.1 million
Swallows Nurseries & Gardens, an established nursery, garden centre, café and visitor destination in Mixbury, has been put on the market for £1.1m, offering a new owner the chance to take on the Oxfordshire business.
-
Matt Francis returns as chief executive of The Oxford Trust
Matt Francis has returned to The Oxford Trust as chief executive, succeeding Steve Burgess after 13 years. His appointment comes as the Headington-based organisation expands its science and innovation facilities and continues its work supporting businesses and STEM education across the region.