Sue Thomas
Latest news and stories
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Mixergy honoured with King’s Award for Enterprise in Innovation
Oxfordshire-based Mixergy has been awarded the prestigious King’s Award for Enterprise in Innovation, recognising its groundbreaking smart hot water solutions. The company’s connected cylinders use machine learning to improve energy efficiency and support the UK’s transition to net zero.
-
Construction set to commence on new £190m science park in Oxford
Construction is set to commence at the end of May on Fabrica science park, a £190 million commercial development on Botley Road that will become Oxford’s largest of its kind to date. Contractor Bowmer + Kirkland secured the build contract, with completion expected in early 2027. The 180,000 sq ft scheme will deliver a five-storey,…
-
Oxfordshire Business Awards reveal finalists for 2025 celebration of excellence
The Oxfordshire Business Awards has announced the finalists for its 29th annual event, recognising outstanding achievements across 11 categories. The Awards Dinner will take place in June at Oxford Brookes University, hosted by Matt Richardson.
-
Oxford’s largest Montessori School organisation sold by founders after 35 years
Christie & Co has announced the sale of Oxford Montessori Schools (OMS), Oxfordshire’s largest Montessori organisation, to Outcomes First Group (OFG). Founded in 1990 by Judith Walker and Daniel Ardizzone, OMS offers education from ages two to sixteen.
-
Housebuilding giant Persimmon names new Operations Director for South West
Persimmon, one of the UK’s largest housebuilders, has appointed Darren Dancey as Operations Director for its South West division. Dancey will work closely with regional leadership to enhance performance and expand the company’s presence.