Oxfordshire’s business community came together in force yesterday evening (4 November), with Enterprise Oxfordshire bringing business leaders, entrepreneurs and key influencers together for a major countywide gathering.
The annual Marketplace and Celebration event brought together 250 people from across the county, creating an important platform for business leaders and entrepreneurs to network and share ideas.
Held at Oxford Town Hall, the event saw a diverse range of Oxfordshire SMEs and entrepreneurs showcase their products and activities, whilst the successes of businesses and individuals were recognised through a series of special awards.
Enterprise Oxfordshire plays a key role in supporting businesses and driving economic development across the county – this year’s event follows the recent publication of the Enterprise Oxfordshire business impact report for 2025/26, highlighting significant delivery and achievements over the past 12 months.
The report announced that the organisation generated more than £45 million in social value for Oxfordshire – calculated using the Social Value TOM System™, the UK standard for social value measurement – through its various activities and programmes.
Enterprise Oxfordshire’s specialist business support helped a total of 1,710 organisations, whilst 211 jobs were also created with a further 878 jobs being safeguarded.
Across the 12 months, 224 individuals were helped to start their own businesses, underlining Enterprise Oxfordshire’s ongoing contribution to inclusive economic prosperity throughout the county.
Tailored support plans were also developed for 796 businesses, ranging from people considering starting a business for the first time through to established and scaling organisations looking to achieve their next stage of growth.
Paula Mullin – Managing Director of Enterprise Oxfordshire – welcomed visitors to the event, the first she has attended since joining the organisation in September.
Paula said: “Our Marketplace and Celebration event is about bringing together businesses, entrepreneurs, partners and people with business ideas from across Oxfordshire. It creates an opportunity to make new connections, share experiences and strengthen the networks that help businesses to start, grow and succeed.
“We share the ambitions of our businesses, so this event is also an opportunity to recognise the people and organisations making a positive contribution to Oxfordshire’s economy as we work together to support inclusive, regional growth.
“We are extremely proud of the role we have played in working with a wide range of organisations that call Oxfordshire home.”
Dr Martin Reeves, Oxfordshire County Council’s chief executive, was also in attendance and addressed guests.
Since April last year, Oxfordshire County Council has been Enterprise Oxfordshire’s sole shareholder.
Dr Reeves said: “This event not only celebrates the small and medium-sized businesses that call Oxfordshire home but also inspires others.
“We’re determined to create an inclusive, flourishing business culture in the county, where a diverse range of businesses can thrive and everyone can play a part in its success.
“Enterprise Oxfordshire offers practical support, including webinars and seminars, helping people with great ideas turn them into businesses that support our local economy.
“It was great to be back and hear from some of this year’s success stories.”
A full list of this year’s award categories, winners and highly commended businesses is as follows:
Environmentally Sustainable Business of the Year – sponsored by Velocity Cycle Couriers:
- Winner: Cherwell Collective CIC
- Highly commended: Neve’s Bees and Fat Squirrel Outdoor
Socially Responsible Business of the Year – sponsored by Tap Social Movement:
- Winner: Maymessy CIC
- Highly commended: Cherwell Collective CIC and Yellow Submarine
Innovation in Customer Experience of the Year – sponsored by The Ambience Associates by Stephen Spencer + Associates:
- Winner: Equestrian Heroes
- Highly commended: The Island and Empowered Coaching and Consultancy Ltd
Start Up of the Year – sponsored by Cypher:
- Winner: Soul Purpose Wellbeing
- Highly commended: Nestimate and Oxford Meadow Cashmere Ltd
Business Leader of the Year – sponsored by Institute of Directors:
- Winner: Kam Gill – Walfinch Oxfordshire
- Highly commended: Jemma Zoe Smith – The Education Hotel Ltd and Kate Salter – Pink Salt Shed Ltd
Growth Business of the Year – sponsored by Olamalu:
- Winner: Uncomfortable Oxford CIC
- Highly commended: Mastermind9 – an Outside Ideas Company and Clare Nash Architecture Ltd
Overall Winner of the Year – sponsored by Oxfordshire County Council:
- Winner: Cherwell Collective CIC
Paula Mullin added: “Running or starting a business can sometimes feel very isolating. Our event creates a welcoming environment where entrepreneurs and business leaders can meet others facing similar opportunities and challenges, exchange ideas and build relationships.
“Ultimately, we hope attendees leave this event feeling that they are part of a wider, collaborative and supportive Oxfordshire business community.”
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