Opinion
Explore thought-provoking perspectives from experts, commentators, and local voices. Our Opinions section offers insights, analysis, and commentary on the issues, trends, and ideas shaping our world today.
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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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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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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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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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UK Strategic Defence Review to drive growth in property, tech and innnovation
The UK’s new Strategic Defence Review outlines a major shift in national defence policy to meet rising global threats and advances in warfare technology. With £15bn in nuclear and missile programmes, AI innovation, and 1,000 new skilled jobs, the plan will significantly impact the South East.
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Why Oxford is a top choice for retirees seeking an active and cultural lifestyle
A growing number of retirees are downsizing to suburban and semi-rural areas near cities rather than traditional countryside or coastal spots. Nearby towns like Woodstock, Wantage, and Dorchester on Thames offer offer a good compromise between access and tranquillity.
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From vision to reality: Why 2025 is a pivotal year for Oxford United’s future
Despite making tremendous strides last year towards our goal of securing a permanent, sustainable home, 2025 could be one of the most important years in the history of this great football club.
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Beyond Walls: What’s driving the rise in downsizing in Oxfordshire?
For many, the decision to downsize to a smaller and lower maintenance property is linked to a new chapter in life, but the current tough economic climate is also driving more people to consider downsizing for financial reasons.
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Terror survivor talks to local RAPAID charity on anniversary of Westminster Bridge attacks
Marking the 7th anniversary of the Westminster Bridge attacks, Alex Chivers, co-founder of RAPAID, talked to terror attack survivor Travis Frain about how he picked himself up and became a force in the fight against terrorism and why he’s supporting the RAPAID charity.
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Celebrating the best of Oxfordshire: What makes Wallingford so special?
Local independent traders tell Deana Everingham of Berkeley Homes what makes the picturesque South Oxfordshire market town of Wallingford so special.
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Improving career progression and social mobility through apprenticeships
Apprenticeships have become an increasingly common route for people seeking alternative ways to access career progression and social mobility opportunities.
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Reducing divorce costs – a practitioners perspective
Fortunately, the days of having to go to court to get divorced are long gone. Courtrooms are now the exception rather than the rule.
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How Carbon labelling can aid shoppers in the fight against climate change
A team of experts have investigated how carbon labelling can influence businesses and consumers in reducing their carbon footprint.
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Placemaking: Why the public and private sectors should work together
In Oxford, the private and public sectors, including the local council, agents, landlords and colleges, have collaborated to help the town centre redevelop and inhabit vacant units.