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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Rock Solid Rigs launches structured 2026 UK brand ambassador programme
Rock Solid Rigs launches its 2026 UK Brand Ambassador Programme, appointing iRacing drivers to represent the brand competitively while promoting RSR’s precision-engineered plywood sim racing cockpits throughout the UK season.
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Crazy Bear highlights hospitality career growth for National Careers Week
Crazy Bear is celebrating National Careers Week by showcasing the growth opportunities within hospitality, with staff sharing career journeys that highlight progression, training and leadership potential in the thriving UK sector.
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Waylands Volvo Oxford named best retailer in the UK at Volvo Awards
Waylands Volvo Oxford has been crowned National Retailer of the Year at the Volvo Car UK Awards, celebrating outstanding sales performance and premium customer service in a double award-winning evening.
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Oxfordshire MPs back transport, skills and tourism growth at Visitor Economy Roundtable
Oxfordshire MPs Calum Miller and Charlie Maynard backed transport, skills and tourism investment at a Visitor Economy Roundtable. Industry leaders highlighted VAT pressures, infrastructure needs and rising costs, as tourism continues contributing £2.4 billion annually to the county’s economy.
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Jeremy Clarkson hosts public meeting on Cereals 2026 traffic plans
Jeremy Clarkson reassured residents about traffic controls for Cereals 2026 at Diddly Squat Farm. Organisers outlined strict routing plans, free parking and bus services ahead of the June 10 to 11 agricultural trade event expected to attract 24,000 visitors.
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Strength in collaboration: rethinking how Oxfordshire businesses grow
In Oxfordshire’s interconnected business landscape, the real competitive advantage is not doing everything yourself. It is knowing what you are exceptional at and partnering with organisations that elevate everything else.
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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.