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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Deadline extended for 2026 Oxfordshire Business Awards entries
The Oxfordshire Business Awards has extended its 2026 entry deadline to 06 March. Organisers say the move will allow more businesses to showcase achievements ahead of the June ceremony celebrating 30 years of excellence.
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Oxfordshire charities face sustainability test in 2026
More Oxfordshire charities closed than opened in 2025, according to new data. Sector leaders warn rising costs and fundraising pressures are testing sustainability, urging organisations to rethink partnerships, supporter engagement and risk management to remain resilient in 2026.
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Bidwells appoints Jamie Renison to its Commercial Agency team in Oxford
Bidwells has strengthened its Oxford Commercial Agency team with the appointment of Jamie Renison as Head of New Business. Bringing 25 years of experience in science and technology property, he will drive complex projects across the Oxford–Cambridge Growth Corridor.
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Gardner Leader strengthens employment team with two senior appointments
Gardner Leader has expanded its employment team with the appointment of Partner Michelle Morgan and Senior Associate Catherine Morris. The strategic hires bring extensive experience in corporate employment matters, litigation and HR advisory work, further strengthening the firm’s offering across the Thames Valley and beyond.
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The Oxford Trust appoints Michelle Webb as associate director of operations
The Oxford Trust has appointed Michelle Webb as associate director of operations, strengthening leadership across its innovation programme and two Oxford centres as expansion continues at the Wood Centre for Innovation.
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Bicester-based PR leader Alex Liste wins national Senior Professional award
Bicester-based PR professional Alex Liste has won Senior Professional PR of the Year at the 2026 Roxhill Media Awards, recognising her leadership, sustainability work and commitment to responsible storytelling at Lemongrass Marketing.
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Bidwells Appoints Darren Bear as Non-Executive Director
Bidwells has named Grant Thornton Chief Commercial Officer Darren Bear as a Non-Executive Director, reinforcing its Board as the firm advances its Nexus 2030 growth strategy and national expansion plans.
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Vail Williams strengthens Oxford team with valuation specialist David Grove appointment
Vail Williams has strengthened its Oxford office with the appointment of valuation specialist David Grove, bringing 30 years’ experience to support growing demand for property valuation and advisory services across Oxfordshire.
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Oxfordshire Business Awards celebrates 30 years as entries open for awards
The Oxfordshire Business Awards have opened entries for their 30th anniversary year, inviting businesses and individuals across the county to showcase excellence, innovation and community impact ahead of the awards ceremony in June.
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Bidwells appoints Sam Potts to lead Oxford office effective 01 January 2026
Bidwells has named partner Sam Potts as head of its Oxford office, drawing on his extensive experience in science and technology real estate to strengthen leadership and client service in one of the UK’s most important innovation markets.
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Oxfordshire Youth secures £150k funding to help disadvantaged young people find work
Oxfordshire Youth has secured £150,000 in council funding to expand its Business Guardians programme, helping disadvantaged young people across the county access employment, mentoring and work experience opportunities over the next three years.
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Why 2026 will be a significant year for cricket in Oxfordshire
Oxfordshire Cricket is entering a pivotal new chapter as it moves towards charitable status, with growing participation, strong volunteer networks and youth-focused initiatives shaping a confident future for the game across the county.
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Formula 1 supplier Brick Kiln secures £4m Growth Lending investment
Formula 1 composites specialist Brick Kiln has secured £4m in Growth Lending funding to complete a management buy-out, expand production capacity and invest in innovation, strengthening its role as a trusted supplier to elite motorsport teams.
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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.