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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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.
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Property consultancy Vail Williams secures five Oxford city centre shop lettings
Property consultancy Vail Williams has successfully let five Oxford city centre retail units in quick succession, reflecting high demand for premises in the historic city. Acting for landlords including Lincoln College and St Peter’s College, the firm secured tenants such as Loake Shoemakers and Knead bakery.
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Christie & Co announces sale of The Rose & Crown pub in Charlbury
The traditional seventeenth-century pub in Charlbury, celebrated for its community spirit and accolades such as CAMRA’s ‘Oxfordshire Pub of the Year,’ was sold by long-time owner Nikki Page. It now joins Oak Taverns, a family-run pub company based in Thame.
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Ask William expands partnership with MBE Summertown for global concierge solutions
Oxford concierge company Ask William has expanded its partnership with MBE Oxford Summertown, enhancing its global logistics and print support. This deepened collaboration follows Ask William’s increased role in international events, such as the 2025 Skoll World Forum.
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Vail Williams announces strategic promotions in Thames Valley and Oxford office
Property consultancy Vail Williams has announced three strategic promotions in its Thames Valley region, including Oxford-based partner Guy Parkes, as part of 20 firm-wide changes. Six new LLP members have been added across various offices, including Oxford, Birmingham, and the South Coast.