OxTalks

OxTalks

OxLEP

Welcome to OxTalks, powered by OxLEP. OxTalks is your partner in tackling business challenges and achieving your goals, giving an insight into the great work that OxLEP does to support local organisations and communities. OxTalks host Howard Bentham talks to successful leaders from Oxfordshire and beyond to hear their advice to help your business flourish.

Putting the Flex Into Flexible Working… Is 9-5 a Thing of the Past?

Putting the Flex Into Flexible Working… Is 9-5 a Thing of the Past?

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.  Is flexible working just as effective as having a full-time position? Is there evidence to showcase the real impact of flexibility on productivity and wellbeing? In this episode of OxTalks, powered by the Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (OxLEP), host Howard Bentham is joined by Helen Wright, Founder

Nov 25, 2024 • 54:50

How to Embrace Diversity & Inclusion in the Workplace

How to Embrace Diversity & Inclusion in the Workplace

Equality, diversity and inclusion are often grouped together and have become a buzzword in the workplace. However, each term comes with its nuances and challenges. Many organisations have a strong commitment to ED&I, but what do they actually do to ensure each area is covered? How can businesses embrace diversity in the workplace, while making it an equal and inclusive environment? In this episode of OxTalks, powered by the Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (OxLEP), host Howard Bentham is

Nov 11, 2024 • 1:03:56

Building A Skilled Workforce For Our Care Sector

Building A Skilled Workforce For Our Care Sector

In England, 1.5 million people 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. So, how will the care sector cope now and in the future? How can staff retention be improved, and new people upskilled? In this episode of OxTalks, powered by the Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (OxLEP), host Howard Bentham is joined by Amrit Dhaliwal, Chief Executive of Walfinch, and Kam Gill, Managing Director at Walfinch Oxf

Oct 28, 2024 • 56:13

Top Tips for Using AI in Your Business

Top Tips for Using AI in Your Business

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 effective

Oct 7, 2024 • 1:13:49

Practical Steps to Growing a Sustainable Business

Practical Steps to Growing a Sustainable Business

The UK has set out clear targets to achieve net zero by 2050, with Oxfordshire set to be a leader in the low carbon transition nationally. But how can business leaders make practical changes to their organisations to support the transition, while keeping costs down? In this episode of OxTalks, powered by the Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (OxLEP), host Howard Bentham is joined by Melanie Tattersall, Director of Sustainability and Communications at Darcica Logistics. Award-winning deliv

Sep 23, 2024 • 50:52

Independent business: A guide to keeping up with changing times

Independent business: A guide to keeping up with changing times

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 the Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (OxLEP), host Howard Bentham is joined by James Clarke, Managing Director at Hook Norton Brewery. The 175-year-old Hook Norton Brewery in Oxfordshire is still powered by steam

Sep 9, 2024 • 58:57

Welcome to OxTalks Season Three

Welcome to OxTalks Season Three

Welcome to Season Three of OxTalks, powered by OxLEP. OxTalks aims to give you more insight into the great work that OxLEP does, empowering and enabling businesses across Oxfordshire and beyond, to add value to their organisation and, crucially, to the communities they serve.OxLEP:As the Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (OxLEP), it is our role to champion Oxfordshire’s economic potential, acting as a catalyst and convener to drive a dynamic, sustainable and growing economy.Our vision is

Aug 26, 2024 • 0:54

Start-ups and Spinouts: How to Find the Right Business Support

Start-ups and Spinouts: How to Find the Right Business Support

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 d

Apr 15, 2024 • 43:39

How to Nurture a World-Class Innovation Ecosystem

How to Nurture a World-Class Innovation Ecosystem

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 Oxford

Jan 22, 2024 • 55:20

How to Create a Happy and Motivated Workforce

How to Create a Happy and Motivated Workforce

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 marke

Jan 8, 2024 • 59:58

Top Tips For Building Your Personal Brand

Top Tips For Building Your Personal Brand

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, a

Dec 4, 2023 • 1:10:15

How to Start a New Business: Feasible vs. Fantasy

How to Start a New Business: Feasible vs. Fantasy

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

Nov 20, 2023 • 1:01:08

How to Lead By Example: Shaping Leaders of the Future

How to Lead By Example: Shaping Leaders of the Future

What makes a good leader? How exactly can you lead by example? In this edition of OxTalks, host Howard Bentham is joined by Daniel 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

Nov 6, 2023 • 55:10

The Changing Face of the Workplace

The Changing Face of the Workplace

Season Two of OxTalks is now live! Join us for another series of business advice and insight from some of the county's most successful leaders!Welcome to OxTalks, powered by OxLEP, the Local Enterprise Partnership for Oxfordshire. OxTalks aims to give you more insight into the great work that OxLEP does, empowering and enabling businesses across Oxfordshire and beyond to add value to their organisation and, crucially, to the communities they serve.In the final episode of the series, our

Jul 10, 2023 • 51:22

Backing Business, Right Now

Backing Business, Right Now

Season Two of OxTalks is now live! Join us for another series of business advice and insight from some of the county's most successful leaders!Welcome to OxTalks, powered by OxLEP, the Local Enterprise Partnership for Oxfordshire. OxTalks aims to give you more insight into the great work that OxLEP does, empowering and enabling businesses across Oxfordshire and beyond to add value to their organisation and, crucially, to the communities they serve.In this episode – which is the fifth in

Apr 24, 2023 • 46:25

Oxfordshire on the Global Technology Stage

Oxfordshire on the Global Technology Stage

Season Two of OxTalks is now live! Join us for another series of business advice and insight from some of the county's most successful leaders!Welcome to OxTalks, powered by OxLEP, the Local Enterprise Partnership for Oxfordshire. OxTalks aims to give you more insight into the great work that OxLEP does, empowering and enabling businesses across Oxfordshire and beyond to add value to their organisation and, crucially, to the communities they serve.In this episode, we discuss the followi

Apr 10, 2023 • 46:10

Retaining World-class Talent in Oxfordshire

Retaining World-class Talent in Oxfordshire

Season Two of OxTalks is now live! Join us for another series of business advice and insight from some of the county's most successful leaders!Welcome to OxTalks, powered by OxLEP, the Local Enterprise Partnership for Oxfordshire. OxTalks aims to give you more insight into the great work that OxLEP does, empowering and enabling businesses across Oxfordshire and beyond to add value to their organisation and, crucially, to the communities they serve.In this episode we discuss the followin

Mar 27, 2023 • 49:45

Destination Oxfordshire: Is Tourism The Key To All Sectors?

Destination Oxfordshire: Is Tourism The Key To All Sectors?

Season Two of OxTalks is now live! Join us for another series of business advice and insight from some of the county's most successful leaders!Welcome to OxTalks, powered by OxLEP, the Local Enterprise Partnership for Oxfordshire. OxTalks aims to give you more insight into the great work that OxLEP does, empowering and enabling businesses across Oxfordshire and beyond to add value to their organisation and, crucially, to the communities they serve.In this episode we discuss the followin

Mar 13, 2023 • 55:50

Creating Opportunities For All Communities

Creating Opportunities For All Communities

Welcome to OxTalks, powered by OxLEP, the Local Enterprise Partnership for Oxfordshire. OxTalks aims to give you more insight into the great work that OxLEP does, empowering and enabling businesses across Oxfordshire and beyond to add value to their organisation and, crucially, to the communities they serve. 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

Feb 27, 2023 • 40:56

Welcome to OxTalks

Welcome to OxTalks

Welcome to OxTalks, powered by OxLEP. OxTalks aims to give you more insight into the great work that OxLEP does, empowering and enabling businesses across Oxfordshire and beyond, to add value to their organisation and, crucially, to the communities they serve.OxLEP:As the Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (OxLEP), it is our role to champion Oxfordshire’s economic potential, acting as a catalyst and convener to drive a dynamic, sustainable and growing economy.Our vision is for Oxf

Feb 27, 2023 • 1:44

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