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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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.
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Catering Services International becomes 100% employee-owned
Catering Services International has become 100% employee-owned through an Employee Ownership Trust, securing its independence and empowering staff to share in its success. The landmark transition celebrates over 35 years of innovation, loyalty, and growth in hospitality recruitment.
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Azets strengthens Oxfordshire and South R&D team with two strategic appointments
Azets has expanded its R&D tax relief team across Oxfordshire and the South, appointing two new managers and promoting a senior leader as part of its growth strategy to double R&D revenues by 2028.
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The Oxford Trust celebrates 40 years of science at Rhodes House
The Oxford Trust marked 40 years of supporting science and innovation with a celebration at Rhodes House, Oxford, bringing together 200 guests from across Oxfordshire. The event honoured its legacy of inspiring STEM learning and nurturing start-ups through its innovation centres.
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Experience Oxfordshire reports resilient visitor economy despite fewer visitors
Experience Oxfordshire’s latest report reveals that although overall visits to the county fell by 11% in 2024, the visitor economy remains resilient with spend growing by 4% to £2.4b, sustaining 41,000 jobs.
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SugaROx secures £400k investment from Mosaic to advance precision biostimulants
ugaROx, an Oxfordshire-based venture leading the development of precision biostimulants, has secured a £400k investment from fertiliser giant The Mosaic Company, completing a £1 million seed round extension alongside existing investors.
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Azets Barometer highlights barriers to SME investment in Oxfordshire
The Azets Barometer Spring 2025 survey reveals that UK SMEs, including many in Oxfordshire, are delaying investment due to economic uncertainty, geopolitical instability, and unclear tax policy.
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Oxfordshire recruitment market overview reveals 2025 hiring and retention challenges
Allen Associates’ latest Oxfordshire Recruitment Market Overview highlights intensified hiring challenges in 2025, with 61% of employers citing high salary expectations and 45% struggling to find suitably qualified candidates.
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Vail Williams strengthens Thames Valley property asset management team
Vail Williams has enhanced its property asset management (PAM) team in the Thames Valley with the appointments of Shane O’Reilly as associate and Emma Cooper as senior surveyor – further strengthening its nationally acclaimed PAM services
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Reeds Solicitors LLP promotes Emma Ćojder, Andy Lee, and Lucy Tapper to partners
Reeds Solicitors LLP, a leading national law firm headquartered in Oxford, has announced the promotion of three new partners: Emma Ćojder, Andy Lee, and Lucy Tapper. Their promotions raise the total number of partners to 18, with a third now being women.