OxTalks

Series three, episode six: 'Putting flex into flexible working. Is 9-5 a thing of the past?'

Released 25 November 2024

Flexible working covers a whole range of scenarios, beneficial to employees with diverse needs. Its aim is to strike a work-life balance – but it isn’t always an easy journey getting there.

In this episode of OxTalks, powered by OxLEP, host Howard Bentham is joined by Helen Wright, Founder of 9-2-3 Jobs.

Made redundant from her job as a broadcast journalist while pregnant, Helen now heads-up an award-winning recruitment agency specialising in flexible working.

Having seen the impact of workplace flexibility, or the lack of it, from both sides, Helen is passionate about helping others find work that fits around their lives.

OxLEP’s Communications Manager Rob Panting also joins the conversation to discuss the support that OxLEP can offer to entrepreneurs of small businesses like Helen, and shares his own experiences of flexible working.

OxTalks is recorded at the Oxford studios of Story Ninety-Four.

 WATCH: OxTalks series three, episode six: Putting flex into flexible working. Is 9-5 a thing of the past?

Read more on Helen's experience of appearing on OxTalks, plus more on 923 Jobs

Series three, episode five: 'How to embrace diversity in the workplace'

Released 11 November 2024

In this episode of OxTalks, powered by OxLEP, host Howard Bentham is joined by Laura Ayoade, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Lead at Aston Martin.

Laura grew up in Oxfordshire and still lives locally today. Her career began with a degree in dance, specialising in hip-hop, followed by professional dancing in London and New York.

Laura became Head of Performing Arts at a secondary school while earning master’s degrees in performance research and law with a focus on racial justice.

Her next career phase involved corporate and social responsibility at Unipart Group, focusing on emphasising well-being and diversity. Specialising in diversity and inclusion at Business in the Community led to Laura’s current role at Aston Martin, which she started in August 2022.

As the first-ever Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Lead at Aston Martin, Laura continues to drive impactful ED&I initiatives for the business.

During this edition of OxTalks, Howard and Laura explore the impact and integration of equality, diversity and inclusion into different sectors of business and enterprise, as well as sharing practical advice and guidance for leaders.

Laura and Howard are joined by OxLEP’s Leona Weston who is on-hand to provide insights as to how OxLEP continues to support those furthest from the workplace or perhaps who have become disenfranchised from the labour market.

OxTalks is recorded at the Oxford studios of Story Ninety-Four.

WATCH: OxTalks series three, episode five: 'How to embrace diversity in the workplace'

Series three, episode four: 'Building a skilled workforce for our care sector'

Released 28 October 2024

In England, 1.5 million people currently work in social care in 1.2 million full-time equivalent roles. To cope with demand, an extra 440,000 roles will be needed by 2035. With this in mind, how will the care sector cope now and in the future and how can staff retention be improved, and new people upskilled?

In this episode of OxTalks, powered by OxLEP, host Howard Bentham is joined by Amrit Dhaliwal, Chief Executive of Walfinch and Kam Gill, Managing Director at Walfinch Oxfordshire.

Walfinch is a thriving and successful company providing bespoke, high-quality care at home to individuals and families across the UK. They run a franchise model that has won national accolades being named Best for Day Care Expertise at the recent Home Care Awards.

On a mission to redefine home care and franchising for the sector, Amrit started Walfinch in 2019. Building the business up from scratch, Walfinch now has over 40 locations spanning across the nation. His sister Kam later joined the business and heads up the Oxfordshire division. Amrit and Kam share their thoughts on the key challenges facing the care sector and solutions to these, such as retaining talent through building a skilled and trusted workforce and encouraging retention by adapting to the needs and expertise of the team.

They are joined by OxLEP’s Apprenticeship Advisor, Leah Bryan, who discusses the valuable work that OxLEP does to redistribute funds from large apprenticeship levy paying businesses in the county to smaller businesses with less resources available, to help cover training costs.

OxTalks is recorded at the Oxford studios of Story Ninety-Four.

 WATCH: OxTalks series three, episode four: 'Building a skilled workforce for our care sector'

Series three, episode three: 'Top Tips for Using AI in Your Business' 

Released 7 October 2024

This edition from the podcast’s third series, entitled: 'Top Tips for Using AI in Your Business' sees host Howard Bentham joined by two special guests. Guy Gadney – CEO of Charisma.ai  – and Grae Laws, the Managing Director of Beyond Touch. 

Charisma.ai creates a platform for writers to share their stories, bridging the creative and tech industries. Supporting diverse voices and storytelling, they make a positive, ethical contribution to the evolution of creative AI, having pioneered features like memory, emotion, story tracking and AI voices. Guy has worked with the likes of Hollywood Studios, NBC, DreamWorks and Warner Brothers.

Beyond Touch helps business owners to transform their organisation by thinking lean, staying energised and adapting to change. Grae runs business mentoring and group training to help people unpack their ideas and realise their true values, working with organisations like OxLEP.

Artificial Intelligence is becoming more widespread across the business landscape, with the industry contributing £3.7 billion to the UK economy.

Some sectors are already using the technology to great effect, such as telecoms, legal and finance, whereas others lag-behind in adopting new systems. Many businesses remain unsure about the uses and benefits of AI technology and some are even worried that it could replace human jobs.

So, as a business leader, how can you use this technology effectively to streamline and grow operations and support the transition, while keeping costs down?

Howard gains valuable insights from both Guy and Grae whilst OxLEP’s Rob Panting highlights the support available to Oxfordshire businesses looking to understanding AI and its potential impacts.

OxTalks is recorded at the Oxford studios of Story Ninety-Four.

 WATCH: OxTalks series three, episode three: 'Top Tips for Using AI in Your Business'

Series three, episode two: ‘Practical steps to growing a sustainable business’

Released 23 September 2024

In this edition of OxTalks, entitled: ‘Practical steps to growing a sustainable business’ host Howard Bentham is joined by Darcica Logistics’ Melanie Tattersall, the Bicester-based organisation’s Director of Sustainability and Communications.

Many businesses in Oxfordshire are aiming to drive their organisations to a sustainable future, but how can business leaders make practical changes to their organisations that are effective and don’t cost the earth?

During this latest podcast, we hear from Melanie who discusses Darcica Logistics’ rapid rise offering sustainable and cost-effective solutions for efficient delivery and fulfilment services throughout Oxfordshire and beyond.

They offer a range of services to its customers including plastic-free ecommerce fulfilment, inventory management, pick-and-pack services, same-day and next-day courier services, and eco-friendly deliveries utilising its fleet of electric vehicles.

Darcica Logistics were also one of first businesses in the UK to achieve ‘Mission Zero’ accreditation (equivalent to FORS Silver) including the sustainability module, aligned to the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

Howard and Melanie are also joined by OxLEP's Rob Panting who highlights the support available to businesses looking to embrace a greater focus on sustainability.

OxTalks is recorded at the Oxford studios of Story Ninety-Four.

 WATCH: OxTalks series three, episode two: ‘Practical steps to growing a sustainable business’

Series three, episode one: 'Independent business: A guide to keeping up with changing times'

Released 9 September 2024

How can independent organisations, and their employees, adapt to the everchanging business landscape to compete with larger companies and achieve growth? How do they balance tradition with driving a small to medium sized enterprise forward?

In this episode of OxTalks, powered by OxLEP, host Howard Bentham is joined by James Clarke, Managing Director at Hook Norton Brewery.

The 175-year-old Hook Norton Brewery, based in the Cotswold village of Hook Norton in Oxfordshire, is still powered by steam and uses dray horses to make its deliveries, yet it survives in the digital age with thriving online sales and a growing customer base.

James Clarke shares his insight on how the brewery has evolved to keep up with changing times, including online sales, product offering, brand development and consumer preferences. He also discusses how the local business keeps family traditions alive and thriving.

Howard and James are joined by OxLEP's Rob Panting, who discusses the tailored support that OxLEP offers to help businesses achieve success, whether it be in the early stages or for more established organisations.

OxTalks is recorded at the Oxford podcast studio of Story Ninety-Four.

WATCH: OxTalks series three, episode one: 'Independent business: A guide to keeping up with changing times'

Series two, episode six: 'Start-ups and spinouts: How to find the right business support'

Released 15 April 2024

How does a business make the leap from a brilliant idea to a fully-functioning company? What hurdles are in the way and who is there to champion and nurture entrepreneurs to give them every chance of succeeding?

In this episode of OxTalks – sponsored by leading national law firm, Mills & Reeve – host Howard Bentham is joined by Andrea Stewart, the Head of Marketing, Communications & PR at Oxford University Innovation.

Oxford University Innovation’s impact report from last year detailed the birth of 20 new companies and a similar number of spinouts. These generated £34 million in income, attracting nearly three-quarters of a billion pounds worth of investment.

In this edition of OxTalks, Andrea shares her insights on the various resources available to new businesses, from funding to talent acquisition, as well as the importance of local and international partnerships when thinking about growth.

They also highlight the resilience and potential of Oxfordshire's innovation ecosystem.

Howard and Andrea are joined by OxLEP's Richard Byard who provides further context and highlights OxLEP's commitment in this area.

Series two, episode five: 'How to nurture a world-class innovation ecosystem'.

Released 22 January 2024

How do we create and nurture a dynamic business landscape which attracts new companies, innovation and investment?

In this episode of OxTalks – sponsored by leading national law firm, Mills & Reeve – host Howard Bentham is joined by Artem Korolev, Founder and CEO of Mission Street.

Oxfordshire is one of the world’s most well-regarded destinations when it comes to science and innovation. As competition from the likes of Silicon Valley, Boston and Beijing stiffens, how can Oxfordshire stand out as the innovation destination of choice?

To help answer the question on OxTalks, Artem Korolev shares his thoughts on the foundations of creating a dynamic business landscape and how Oxfordshire can secure its continued future as a world-leading science and technology cluster.

Howard and Artem are joined by OxLEP's Richard Byard who provides further context and highlights its commitment in this area.

Series two, episode four: 'How to create a happy and motivated workforce'.

Released 8 January 2024

What is the key to creating a happy and motivated workforce? How can you improve your staff retention rate?

In this edition of OxTalks – sponsored by leading national law firm, Mills & Reeve – host Howard Bentham is joined by Sarah Powell, HR Director at luxury Oxfordshire hotel Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons.

Today, we live in difficult times, where many vacancies remain unfilled, and employers are on a constant hunt for the right person to join their organisation. It’s a buyer’s market for job hunters – so, what can employers do to make sure they are finding the right talent for the role?

On OxTalks, Sarah Powell shares her career journey and the knowledge she has gained through working her way up the hospitality ladder. Having worked for big organisations such as Hilton Hotels, Crowne Plaza and Soho House, she now works for Belmond where she is in charge of HR at Le Manoir, and Interim Area Director of HR for Northern Europe and Africa. Find out the key to Sarah’s success on OxTalks.

Series two, episode three: 'Top Tips For Building Your Personal Brand'.

Released 4 December 2023

What if you were to turn your hobby or passion into a full-time job? Where would you start? Is there any help out there and to whom should you turn?

In this edition of OxTalks – sponsored by leading national law firm, Mills & Reeve – host Howard Bentham is joined by Paul Wilkinson, multi-award-winning photographer and founder of Paul Wilkinson Photography.

Many of us have hobbies and interests outside of work that occupy our spare time, playing an important role in our social life, as well as our mental health and well-being. But turning your hobby into a career is no mean feat.

Paul has been named the UK Portrait Photographer of the Year and boasts an impressive client list including Cadbury, The Sunday Times Magazine and Le Manoir – but he wasn’t always a photographer and left behind a high-earning career to pursue his passion.

Series two, episode two: 'How to Start a New Business: Feasible vs. Fantasy'.

Released 20 November 2023

How exactly do you start a business? What is realistic and what is fantasy?

In this edition of OxTalks – sponsored by leading national law firm, Mills & Reeve – host Howard Bentham is joined by Fiona Reid, Associate Professor of Bioscience Entrepreneurship at University College London, to explore her top tips for starting a business and becoming a successful entrepreneur.

The word entrepreneur sums up what it means to be proactive, innovative and passionate about business – someone who is ready to seize the opportunity. But accessing the tools and finding the means to start your own business is not always easy.

Before joining UCL, Fiona was the founder and former Executive Director of the Oxford Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation for nine years at the Said Business School, Oxford University. She helps to build and fund science-based start-ups from the ground up with her wisdom and expertise.

Fiona has 15 years’ experience teaching, and her expertise focuses on complex innovation spaces, the interface between science and business, and entrepreneurial thinking within organisations. She holds the belief that entrepreneurship can be taught.

Series two, episode one: 'How to Lead By Example: Shaping Leaders of the Future'.

Released 6 November 2023

What makes a good leader? How exactly can you lead by example?

In this edition of OxTalks – sponsored by leading national law firm, Mills & Reeve – host Howard Bentham is joined by Dan Geoghegan, Chief Executive of Bicester Motion, as they delve into his career journey and how his organisation is shaping leaders of the future.

Almost everyone that has ever had a job will have had a boss. Leaders must inspire, cajole, motivate, be a great speaker and an even better listener, and of course, lead by example.

So what exactly does it take to be a good leader? Find out in the first episode of a new series of OxTalks, brought to you by OxLEP.

Series one, episode six: 'The changing face of the workplace'

Released 10 July 2023

In this episode, which is the sixth and final in this first series, OxTalks looks into the topic of the ‘changing face of the workplace’.

With a tight labour market – not only in Oxfordshire but across the UK, coupled with many businesses looking into different ways of working following the pandemic – workplaces have needed to embrace transformational working like never before. This episode looks into the four-day working week in particular, an approach to business being considered by more and more organisational leaders.

If we take a long look back to the industrial revolution, the typical Victorian mill owner had workers operating six long days per week, with Sunday as a day of rest. In 1922, it was the Ford Motor Company that experimented with the five-day week, something that became permanent in 1926.

Today, post-Covid 19, our working world is changing shape with an overriding mantra of those championing this new way of working being: 'Don't think about the hours, think about productivity and outcome'. What does it mean for recruitment and retention too?

In this edition of OxTalks, host Howard Bentham is joined by Abena Fairweather – the founder and MD of Legacy – an award-winning, sustainable events agency that has been operating with a four-day week since 2018.

OxLEP’s Sadie Patamia also features in this episode, discussing the company’s recent transition to a four-day working week trial period, which was launched in April this year.

WATCH: OxTalks – series one, episode six: 'The changing face of the workplace' 

Series one, episode five: 'Backing business, right now'

Released 24 April 2023

In this episode – which is the fifth in this series – OxTalks looks into the importance of SMEs for both the Oxfordshire and UK economies.

Small and medium-sized businesses are the ‘engine room’ of the UK economy and it is of vital importance that they continue to be backed.

They account for around 99% of the business population in the UK and – although that drops to just under 90% in the city of Oxford itself, attributed by Oxford City Council to the lack of workspace available for start-ups – SMEs still play a very critical role in Oxfordshire.

Nationally, SMEs employed nearly 16.5 million people and in 2022 had a turnover of £2.1 trillion, which is just over half of the UK's total according to government figures.

In this edition of OxTalks, host Howard Bentham is joined by Emma Gibson – South Hub and Reading Office Senior Partner at KPMG Law (covering the Thames Valley) – to discuss the importance of providing support to small businesses, particularly in the current economic market, as well as the role of environmental, social and governance (ESG) in business growth, plus SMEs being able to create a legacy.

WATCH: OxTalks – series one, episode five: 'Backing business, right now'

Series one, episode four: 'Oxfordshire on the global stage'

Released 10 April 2023

In this episode – which is the fourth in this series – OxLEP welcomes Tim Bestwick, the Chief Technology Officer and Director of Strategy, Communications and Business Development for the UK Atomic Energy Authority, based at the Culham Science Centre in Oxfordshire.

Oxfordshire is home to some of the world's best and most innovative technologies, helping to address many of the planet's most pressing issues, most recently demonstrated via the Oxford COVID-19 vaccine.

An eminent leader at the forefront of Oxfordshire's world-renowned innovation ecosystem discuss why investment into sectors championing transformative technologies is critical for everyone's future – not just in Oxfordshire or the UK, but worldwide – and following on from COP26 and COP27, the role that Oxfordshire has to play in helping to create a cleaner future for everyone.

Joining Tim Bestwick in this podcast is OxLEP’s Head of Innovation and Inward Investment, Sebastian Johnson.

WATCH: OxTalks – series one, episode four: 'Oxfordshire on the global technology stage'

Series one, episode three: 'Retaining world-class talent for Oxfordshire'

Released 27 March 2023

Some of the world's most-talented people work in the county with a host of globally-significant companies calling Oxfordshire home. Last year alone spin-outs, start-ups and social enterprises from Oxford University Innovation generated over £30 million of income.

Many of these people, and the organisations they work for, are delivering critical responses to major issues within fields like energy, medicine and emerging technologies.

But as one of the most expensive locations to live in the UK, how can we ensure that Oxfordshire retains - and importantly develops - the world's best talent for the benefit of everyone, nationwide and internationally?

In this episode, Howard Bentham is joined by Chas Bountra and Dr Rajarshi Banerjee for their thoughts on mapping out a clear and affordable path to building a successful business in Oxfordshire.

WATCH: OxTalks – series one, episode three: 'Retaining world-class talent in Oxfordshire'

Series one, episode two: 'Destination Oxfordshire: Is tourism the key to all sectors?'

Released on 13 March 2023

With major retail locations, an award-winning World Heritage site and an area of outstanding natural beauty, Oxfordshire has a visitor economy offer like no other – but like all four corners of the globe, following the Covid-19 outbreak, its tourism industry has suffered from a lack of footfall.

Working with its local destination management organisations, OxLEP has recently-launched a new programme, aimed at promoting Oxfordshire as a ‘staycation’ of choice in the UK. But is there more we should be doing collectively?

In this podcast, we find out in the company of Dominic Hare from Blenheim Palace, why the county’s visitor economy must be supported and highlight its criticality to many other related sectors too, helping them to be both profitable and successful. 

WATCH: OxTalks – series one, episode two: 'Destination Oxfordshire: Is tourism the key to all sectors?'

Series one, episode one: 'Creating Opportunities For All Communities'

Released on 27 February 2023

Despite being home to the world's best university for a seventh year running, Oxfordshire has many communities that suffer from deprivation, major cost of living difficulties and a lack of opportunities.

The county contains 17 wards, specifically in Oxford, Banbury and Abingdon, that fall into the 20% most deprived areas in England.

For those struggling communities, what are the barriers they are facing? Are there realistic solutions? And is there the will to fix this?

Host Howard Bentham speaks to Andy Edwards, one of the key players at Makespace Oxford, who are helping to reimagine spaces, and locations for the benefit of all. We'll also learn just what OxLEP are doing to support this change through its latest batch of business support programmes.

WATCH: OxTalks – series one, episode one: 'Creating Opportunities For All Communities'