Sue Thomas
Latest news and stories
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Vail Williams strengthens Thames Valley property asset management team
Vail Williams has enhanced its property asset management (PAM) team in the Thames Valley with the appointments of Shane O’Reilly as associate and Emma Cooper as senior surveyor – further strengthening its nationally acclaimed PAM services
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Templars Square Shopping Centre announces free summer events for families
Templars Square Shopping Centre has launched a vibrant summer programme packed with free, family-friendly events and community-focused initiatives. Highlights include a visit from Bluey, a returning classic car display, and the Templeton’s Road Trip Trail for children.
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Reeds Solicitors LLP promotes Emma Ćojder, Andy Lee, and Lucy Tapper to partners
Reeds Solicitors LLP, a leading national law firm headquartered in Oxford, has announced the promotion of three new partners: Emma Ćojder, Andy Lee, and Lucy Tapper. Their promotions raise the total number of partners to 18, with a third now being women.
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ARC Oxford begins construction of 105,000 sq. ft landmark lab and office development
Construction has officially begun on ARC Oxford’s 105,000 sq. ft Ascent development, a landmark lab and office space set to drive innovation in the science and technology sectors. The project was launched with a groundbreaking ceremony attended by key political and business leaders.
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Milton Park showcases clean energy innovation to DESNZ delegation
Milton Park welcomed Professor Paul Monks CB and the DESNZ team for a tour and roundtable highlighting the Park’s leadership in clean energy and green innovation. Companies including Tokamak Energy, TreQ, Nium and Nexeon showcased breakthroughs in fusion, quantum computing, ammonia production, and battery tech.
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British interiors brand OKA relocates headquarters to Milton Park innovation hub
British interiors brand OKA has returned to Milton Park in Oxfordshire, relocating its headquarters to a custom-designed 12,971 sq ft office that reflects its design-led heritage. Founded in 1999, OKA has grown from a mail-order business to a national brand with 13 stores.
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City Sightseeing Oxford named world’s top open-top bus tour operator
City Sightseeing Oxford has been crowned the world’s top open-top bus tour operator. The Oxford team earned the prestigious Operator of the Year award for exceptional service, safety, branding, and innovation, including its recent £4m investment in an all-electric fleet.
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Property consultancy Vail Williams secures five Oxford city centre shop lettings
Property consultancy Vail Williams has successfully let five Oxford city centre retail units in quick succession, reflecting high demand for premises in the historic city. Acting for landlords including Lincoln College and St Peter’s College, the firm secured tenants such as Loake Shoemakers and Knead bakery.
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Oxford city centre ranks third lowest in UK high street vacancy rates
Oxford city centre has the third-lowest high street vacancy rate among the UK’s 63 largest cities, according to new data from the Centre for Cities. The report highlights Oxford’s resilience, with a 9% vacancy rate and a strong retail presence supported by a small catchment area and robust visitor economy.
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Persimmon Homes submits plans for 172 new homes at Valley Park in Didcot
Persimmon Homes Wessex has submitted plans for 172 new homes as part of the fourth phase of the Valley Park development in Didcot. The proposal includes 61 affordable homes for a local housing association, a playground, and access to green infrastructure.
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Barnwood Limited strengthens pipeline in Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor
Barnwood Limited has reported a strong start to 2025, underpinned by project completions and a robust pipeline along the revived Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor. The firm has delivered £40m in Oxfordshire projects over the past two years and anticipates continued growth.
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Persimmon Homes to host events for first-time buyers in Oxfordshire and Wiltshire
Persimmon Homes Wessex is hosting four events on 26 July across Oxfordshire and Wiltshire to support first-time buyers. Attendees can tour showhomes in Wantage, Didcot, Warminster, and Trowbridge, with financial advisors available for guidance.
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Jade Dixon appointed General Manager at Oxford Belfry Hotel & Spa
Oxford Belfry Hotel & Spa has named Jade Dixon as its new General Manager. She previously led Cambridge Belfry to success and will now focus on transforming operations and enhancing the guest journey in Oxfordshire.
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First-time buyers settle into new Taylor Wimpey home at Valley Park
Davide Surdi and Federica Calza have become the first residents of Taylor Wimpey’s Valley Park development in Didcot. Previously renting in Bracknell, the couple opted for a new-build Eynsford house due to its modern style, quality materials, and minimal maintenance.
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Taylor Wimpey Site Manager Matt Harris wins Quality Award for Didcot site
Matt Harris, Senior Site Manager at Taylor Wimpey’s Valley Park in Didcot, has received a prestigious 2025 Quality Award from the NHBC’s Pride in the Job programme.
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Christie & Co announces sale of The Rose & Crown pub in Charlbury
The traditional seventeenth-century pub in Charlbury, celebrated for its community spirit and accolades such as CAMRA’s ‘Oxfordshire Pub of the Year,’ was sold by long-time owner Nikki Page. It now joins Oak Taverns, a family-run pub company based in Thame.