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news opinion


Breakthroughs are the order of the day


In science, the detection of gravitational waves marks the start of a new era. In technology, hi-tech firms are launching ever-more sophisticated drones; and in nature, eagles are being trained to bring them down.


But along with this exciting progress, borders and boundaries appear to be losing their hold. The migrant crisis is a glaring example, as is the Brexit debate. The Internet too is a key player here with its blatant disregard for location.


For The Business Magazine this presents its challenges. In a global society – in which the world gets a little smaller each day – our point of difference is still strictly regional, even when so many companies – especially hi-tech – are opting for an online rather than a geographical presence.


But while some issues are cross-border by their very nature, environmental for example, others, cultural perhaps, are better managed in their own back yards.


The Thames Valley is what we have in common. We have shared interests – the runway decision at Heathrow; values – striving for equality and diversity in the workplace; responsibilities – health, wellbeing and environment; and challenges – the skills shortage. This is why the Thames Valley is unashamedly at the heart of this publication.


And on a personal level, one survey after another finds that people still prefer to meet face to face, and that relationship-building is key to business success. So The Business Magazine brings the business community together, not only through our published media, but also through a wide range of networking events (see pages 7, 11, 22, 35, 46).


As with the blurring of national borders, while this region is the centre of our coverage, it is by no means the boundary. Our clients, partners, readers and guests – many of the companies we cover and represent – are reaching from this solid foundation that is the Thames Valley to the corners of the earth.


We’d love to know how your business is doing: the opportunities, challenges and success stories (editorial@elcot.co.uk).


Carry de la Harpe Editor


www.businessmag.co.uk


Central regeneration scheme for Oxford announced


A major £200 million mixed-use scheme, which will breathe new life into the heart of Oxford, has moved a step closer following the purchase of key land in the Oxpens area and the signing of a historic joint venture between Nuffield College, Oxford and Oxford City Council.


Oxford City Council and Nuffield College have formed a joint venture company and acquired land from London and Continental Railways and Oxford City Council in the heart of Oxford’s West End that will see a new neighbourhood created with hundreds of new homes, offices and possibly a hotel. The acquisition ends years of uncertainty over the Oxpens area and complements Nuffield College’s acquisition of the Jam Factory and Island sites from Christ Church last year.


The Oxpens site is one of the largest development areas within the Oxford West End action area and lies almost opposite the new John Lewis, conveniently located between the new Westgate shopping centre and Oxford railway station.


The Council has stated that the Oxpens development is a strategic priority in the Oxford City Deal and the Oxfordshire Strategic Economic Plan, unlocking major private-sector investment and jobs as well as delivering significant wider benefits. The intention of the joint-venture partners is to select a development partner to take


the scheme forward during 2017 to coincide with the opening of the new Westgate in Autumn 2017.


Council leader Bob Price said previously there were plans to increase the proposed density of development at the Oxpens. The development will boost both the amount of potential office space and space for homes – including social housing and key worker properties.


Nuffield College bursar Gwilym Hughes said: “We have made a real breakthrough and are very excited about these plans. We see this site as playing a pivotal, key role in addressing the lack of affordable housing for a wide range of people in Oxford. The regeneration of the West End will be of huge benefit to everyone and I cannot think of a ground-breaking approach like this that has been taken in Oxford before. Everyone realises you cannot do these schemes in isolation and we have now got to see how these sites could fit together.”


Hughes added that it was hoped academic buildings for the College and Oxford University in the West End could be combined with new homes and commercial and leisure buildings in a bid to create a ‘cluster’ for the social sciences and vibrant public spaces.


Bidwells and Minns Estates are advising Nuffield College; JLL is advising Oxford City Council.


See Focus on Oxford in next month's edition. Flurry of lettings in the small industrial market


The Oxford office of Lambert Smith Hampton (LSH) has secured four new lettings at Curtis Industrial Estate, Botley, West Oxford, comprising around 9,000 sq ft in total.


In The Spirit Events, a bar-focused events company and venue operator, has taken 2,012 sq ft; Catwalk Wholesale, a wholesale clothing company, has concluded a deal for 2,872 sq ft; Always Easy Recycling has taken 1,989 sq ft of space; and, Oxford Bakery and Café has taken a 2,212 sq ft unit.


Following these lettings – all of which are on a five-year lease – only three units remain available at the site, ranging between 1,673 sq ft and 8,322 sq ft.


Charlotte Brisbane from LHS’ Oxford office said: “This is a clear testament to the growing demand for industrial units sub 5,000 sq ft.“


Curtis Industrial Estate occupies a strategic location one mile from Oxford City Centre and just off the A34, providing easy access to the M40 to the north and the M4 to the south.


THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE – THAMES VALLEY – MARCH 2016


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