The Oxfordshire Business Awards (OXBA) celebrated a major milestone on Friday 12 June, marking 30 years of recognising excellence across one of the UK’s most dynamic regional economies.
Hosted at Oxford Brookes University, the anniversary dinner brought together 350 business leaders, entrepreneurs and professionals from across Oxfordshire to honour outstanding achievement across ten award categories.
The evening was hosted by Peter Rhoades-Brown, Club Ambassador at Oxford United, and highlighted the strength, diversity and continued growth of the county’s business landscape.
From cutting-edge science and advanced manufacturing to community services, recruitment, construction and energy, the awards showcased the breadth of innovation driving the region forward.
Standout winners of the night
Among the most notable successes, Greencore Homes achieved a double win, taking home both the Innovation Award and the Large Business Award. Judges recognised the company’s commitment to forward-thinking development and sustainable growth.
Another major highlight came as Bicester Motion was named Business of the Year, capping a highly successful evening for the organisation and reinforcing its role in shaping the region’s commercial and innovation ecosystem.
Other key winners included Valda Energy, which was named Employer of the Year, and Style Acre, which took home the Charity & Community Award for its work supporting people with learning disabilities.
In the technology sector, U-Ploid Biotechnologies secured the Technology Excellence Award, while Tribela was recognised as New Business of the Year, highlighting a strong pipeline of emerging entrepreneurial talent across Oxfordshire.
Full list of winners
- New Business Award (sponsored by Enterprise Oxfordshire): Tribela
- Innovation Award (sponsored by The Oxford Science Park): Greencore Homes
- Young Business Person of the Year (sponsored by Mathews Comfort Financial Planning): Ben Thompson, Thompson & Terry Recruitment
- Charity & Community Award (sponsored by Greatest Hits Radio): Style Acre
- Technology Excellence Award (sponsored by Gravita): U-Ploid Biotechnologies
- Employer of the Year (sponsored by Hays): Valda Energy
- SME of the Year (sponsored by Oxfordshire Advanced Skills): Dr. Cassie & Associates
- Large Business Award (sponsored by Howden): Greencore Homes
- Business Person of the Year: Edgar Rayner, LTi Metaltech
- Business of the Year (sponsored by Oxford Brookes University): Bicester Motion
A celebration of 30 years of enterprise
OXBA Chair Heather Wood described the evening as a fitting tribute to three decades of business excellence across the county.
She said the anniversary event represented a powerful reminder of the “strength, resilience and ongoing support of the Oxfordshire business community”, praising the breadth of talent and innovation on display.
Wood also thanked host Peter Rhoades-Brown and highlighted the contribution of Oxford Brookes University in staging the landmark event, alongside an inspiring address from Tim Williams, CEO of Oxford United.
Looking ahead
Since its inception, the Oxfordshire Business Awards have grown into one of the county’s most respected platforms for recognising achievement, bringing together established organisations and emerging enterprises alike.
As the 30th anniversary celebration drew to a close, organisers reflected on a night that not only honoured this year’s winners and finalists, but also reaffirmed the strength of Oxfordshire’s business community — and its ambition for the decades ahead.
