Business & Economy
Stay informed on the latest news, stories, and analysis of the local business and economy in Oxford and Oxfordshire, including economic trends, key company appointments, and developments of local enterprises.
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Bidwells appoints Ross Kent to head Private Estates and drive Rural Agency growth
Bidwells has named Ross Kent as Group Partner and Head of Private Estates, Oxford. With more than 15 years’ rural estate management experience, he will lead strategic growth across private estates and rural agency services in the region.
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Whitley Stimpson appoints senior tax expert Mike Shearan
Whitley Stimpson has strengthened its tax advisory team with the appointment of senior tax specialist Mike Shearan, who brings almost three decades of experience. The move forms part of the firm’s continued investment in both expert talent and trainee development.
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Oxfordshire-based Planet IT tops UK workplace rankings with four major award wins
The firm was named the No.1 Place to Work in the UK, alongside regional and sector-leading accolades, with founders Sean Smith and Gavin Jones recognised as Top Leaders.
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Allen Associates boss Kate Allen honoured with Lifetime Achievement Award at REC Awards 2025
The ceremony, held at London’s Royal Lancaster Hotel, celebrated recruitment professionals from across the UK, recognising excellence, resilience and industry-wide contributions.
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October 2025 corporate insolvency figures reveal rising business pressures
Corporate insolvencies climbed to 2,029 in October 2025, marking month-on-month and year-on-year increases. This piece examines what lies behind the rising numbers and the pressures many firms continue to face.
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Delivering a pro-growth budget that restores confidence and empowers enterprise
The Chancellor’s pro-growth Budget must restore confidence and support the people who build Britain’s future. Entrepreneurs and small business owners need fairness, stability, and the freedom to reinvest in growth.
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Vail Williams secures seven new sites to support EMED’s NHS transport expansion
Vail Williams has acquired seven properties totalling 78,000 sq ft for EMED Group as it launches a new 10-year NHS patient transport contract. The strategic sites will enhance EMED’s fleet coverage across Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, Oxfordshire and Frimley.
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Rethinking resilience: Why leaders need to stop outsourcing it
Leadership coach Claire Croft argues that true resilience isn’t something organisations can outsource through wellbeing programmes – it must be built through clarity, reflection, motivation, and a culture that supports teams and leaders alike.
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Seven policy changes the chancellor can make in the coming Budget to support hard-hit SMEs
By Praveen Gupta on As head of tax at Azets, I spend every day working with SMEs across Oxfordshire and the UK. I see firsthand the pressures facing entrepreneurs, family-run companies, and the local firms that keep our regional economy moving. After five years of rising costs, squeezed margins and unprecedented uncertainty, many of these…
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IMed Group appoints Parminder Kalle as new Chief Commercial Officer
IMed Group has named Parminder Kalle as Chief Commercial Officer, a strategic appointment aimed at accelerating international growth and strengthening the company’s regulatory, quality and clinical services.
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Gardner Leader celebrates success with national award win
Gardner Leader has been named ‘Business Support Team of the Year’ at the national LawNet Awards, earning further commendations for excellence in client service, commercial litigation, and estate planning.
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Exogene expands into new R&D lab at Oxford’s Wood Centre for Innovation
AI biotech Exogene has joined The Oxford Trust’s Wood Centre for Innovation in Headington, Oxford. Using deep learning and T-cell receptor technology, the start-up is advancing next-generation cancer therapies and expanding its research in a collaborative innovation hub
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Allen Associates reveals Oxfordshire jobseekers demand better pay and flexibility
Allen Associates’ latest report shows Oxfordshire professionals prioritise better pay, hybrid flexibility, and wellbeing, with many ready to move jobs if expectations aren’t met.
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BGF explores external fundraise to support UK growth companies
BGF plans its first external fundraise to attract institutional investors, aiming to raise £500mn as part of a £3bn commitment to UK growth companies, in line with the Mansion House Accord.
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Fortitude Communications strengthens team with three new hires
Fortitude Communications has expanded its team with three new appointments, strengthening its expertise in PR, creative marketing and digital media. The Oxford-based agency says the hires reflect continued growth and a commitment to delivering outstanding results for clients.
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Insolvency-related activity rises 10% across Oxfordshire and the South East
Insolvency-related activity across Oxfordshire and the South East rose 10% in September, bucking national trends and ongoing economic challenges and uncertainty ahead of the autumn budget is keeping many businesses cautious.