Sue Thomas
Latest news and stories
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Repowered buses from Bicester-based NewPower to run in Solent region
First Bus has introduced four repowered electric buses in Portsmouth, Fareham, and Gosport, converted by Bicester-based NewPower. These former diesel buses have been refurbished and equipped with zero-emission electric powertrains.
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City Sightseeing Oxford slashes family ticket prices to boost tourism
City Sightseeing Oxford has reduced its family ticket prices to £49 for two adults and up to three children, to encourage both locals and tourists to explore the city’s heritage with highlights like the Bodleian Library and Christ Church Cathedral.
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Dorchester Group backs Everrati and SODA.Auto in pioneering SDV solutions at Heyford Park
Dorchester Group has announced its support for automotive innovators Everrati and SODA.Auto, both based at Heyford Park, as they collaborate to accelerate Software-Defined Vehicle (SDV) development. Everrati brings electric vehicle expertise, while SODA.Auto contributes intelligent software capabilities.
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Regional law firm Gardner Leader expands with Lynsey Smith as partner
Leading regional law firm Gardner Leader has appointed Lynsey Smith as a Partner in its Dispute Resolution team. Her arrival follows recent expansion, with eight new hires since April across the firm’s seven offices. Lynsey brings 20 years of experience in commercial litigation and franchise disputes, joining from IBB Law.
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Oxford City Council and Hill Group celebrate affordable homes project at Canalside
Oxford City Council and The Hill Group have marked a major milestone in the Canalside development at Oxford North, which will deliver 112 affordable homes by 2026. The project includes 90 social rent council homes and 22 shared ownership properties.
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Stepnell strengthens higher education portfolio with major university projects
Complete construction partner Stepnell continues to solidify its role as a higher education construction specialist in Oxfordshire. Currently delivering a £3.3 million live refurbishment at the University of Oxford’s Henry Wellcome Building, Stepnell is enhancing molecular physiology and imaging laboratories.
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Persimmon Homes Wessex offers affordable flats at Didcot Valley Park
Persimmon Homes Wessex has launched new two-bed flats for sale at the Valley Park housing development in west Didcot, starting from £239,995. Buyers can benefit from the Gen H scheme, offering a 15% interest-free equity loan with just a 5% deposit.
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Dorchester Living leads community cleaning to keep Heyford Park green and clean
Over 25 Dorchester Living team members recently took part in a community litter pick across Heyford Park, helping to clean green spaces, pathways, and shared area, reflecting the developer’s commitment to sustainability, wellbeing, and community stewardship.
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New showroom brings 200 years of joinery expertise to Blenheim Palace Sawmills
Allan Brothers, the UK’s oldest timber window and door manufacturer, is opening a new showroom at Blenheim Palace Sawmills near Combe. Set in a renovated 19th-century barn, the showroom will showcase premium timber and Alu Clad products.
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Bupa’s Stratum Dermatology Clinic relocates to Origin at Wootton Science Park
Stratum Dermatology Clinic, owned by Bupa, is relocating its Oxford clinic to a 2,336 sq ft suite in Origin, the new CL2 laboratory building at Wootton Science Park. The clinic, previously at Cantay House, will open in July 2025 following a full fit-out by Total Projects.
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WTR Group acquires SI Pumps to strengthen UK presence
WTR Group, a leading Nordic water and wastewater solutions provider, has acquired Oxford-based SI Pumps to expand its UK presence. This follows WTR’s 2023 acquisition of Euroflo, reinforcing its growth strategy in Northern Europe.
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Hanning Homes acquires The Old Vicarage in strategic move into care sector
Christie & Co has completed the sale of The Old Vicarage care home in Moulsford, Oxfordshire, a 52-bedroom facility with extensive amenities and grounds. Previously owned by Friends of the Elderly, it was sold to Hanning Homes Ltd, marking the company’s entry into the care sector.
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Five Oxford professionals among 125 promoted by Knights
Knights, a leading regional professional services firm with 28 UK offices, has promoted five team members in its Oxford office as part of 125 promotions nationwide. Among those recognised are Colette Bane and Rebecca Jenkins, both promoted to Partner, alongside promotions in Regulatory, Dispute Resolution, and Private Client teams.
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The Oxford Trust appoints three new trustees to strengthen the board
The Oxford Trust has appointed three new trustees to its Board: David Llewellyn, co-founder of DJS Antibodies; Tatiana Grudskaya, VP at Immunocore; and David Carr, an experienced CFO. Their combined expertise in science, finance, and innovation will support the Trust’s mission to champion science education and entrepreneurship in Oxfordshire.
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ESP Solicitors expands legal team with three senior hires amid growth drive
ESP Solicitors has expanded its legal team with the appointment of three experienced solicitors, reinforcing its expertise in immigration and employment law.
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Thrive Homes and MySafeHome partner on accessibility for disabled homeowners
Thrive Homes, a housing association managing nearly 6,000 homes, has partnered with MySafeHome, a specialist mortgage provider for disabled individuals. This collaboration aims to improve homeownership accessibility through shared ownership, using benefits as income.