Sue Thomas
Latest news and stories
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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.
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Brethertons highlights 2025 property value fluctuations across Oxfordshire
New analysis from Brethertons reveals regional house price shifts across Oxfordshire between December 2024 and April 2025, with modest rises in Vale of White Horse and West Oxfordshire, and declines in South Oxfordshire, Cherwell, and Oxford.
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New show homes in Oxford launched at Priory Grove by Croudace Homes
Croudace Homes has launched two stunning new show homes St Frideswide and The Shipton at Priory Grove in Oxford. Designed to appeal to both mature professionals and young families, the homes offer elegant interiors, open-plan living, EV charging, and solar panels.
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Ask William expands partnership with MBE Summertown for global concierge solutions
Oxford concierge company Ask William has expanded its partnership with MBE Oxford Summertown, enhancing its global logistics and print support. This deepened collaboration follows Ask William’s increased role in international events, such as the 2025 Skoll World Forum.
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One-Eighty wins top honours at Oxfordshire Business Awards 2025
Oxford-based One-Eighty, which provides specialist support for young people facing school attendance, mental health, and behavioural challenges, has been crowned Oxfordshire Business of the Year 2025 and Employer of the Year at the Oxfordshire Business Awards.
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Vail Williams announces strategic promotions in Thames Valley and Oxford office
Property consultancy Vail Williams has announced three strategic promotions in its Thames Valley region, including Oxford-based partner Guy Parkes, as part of 20 firm-wide changes. Six new LLP members have been added across various offices, including Oxford, Birmingham, and the South Coast.