Introducing the OBS2025 Advisory Group

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 As the Chief Executive of B4, I have been leading the creation and development of an active, collaborative, and supportive business community in Oxfordshire since 2006. 

OBS2025 was born out of a combination of our extensive event experience, including Business in Oxford, and the support of one of B4's most loyal supporters, Blenheim Palace.  

 Born in Liverpool and studied Law at Oxford, Dominic qualified as a Chartered Accountant with KPMG & spent the next 10 years in corporate finance and investment banking (with Paribas and Barclays Capital), specialising in the media and telecoms sector. At Blenheim, he and the team are delivering an energetic vision of the evolved role of a landed estate today, not an historic anachronism but on the powerhouse of the local economy, custodians and innovators in carbon management and the heartbeat of local life. 

 Frank brings a valuable perspective to B4 members seeking insights into business development and sustainable growth.  He has been a journalist and management consultant and worked for blue chip companies including IBM, Barclays and Unipart. Frank also served as HRH The Prince of Wales' Business Ambassador for four years. He is co-chair of Earth Trust and a director of the Ideas Network 2030.

 Oxford Innovation Space is the largest innovation space network across the UK and Ireland, with over 32 spaces. We incubate and support over 870 early stage science, technology, and innovation based companies, in nearly 1m square foot of space.

I am also the Chair of the BHF "Heart of Oxford" Business Board, a non-executive Board Member at B4 and a Director at the UK Science Park Association (UKSPA).

  Simonetta Manfredi is Professor of Equality and Diversity Management and Director of Research, Innovation and Enterprise at Oxford Brookes University. She works closely with the Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation and leads a team to support the implementation of the University Research and Innovation strategy. Throughout her career she has led several projects funded by a range of organisations which include the Research Councils, Government Departments and the European Commission. She works closely with policy makers, businesses and other organisations to deliver transformational change. 

  Stewart is Associate Director, Business Development, Freeths. With over 20 years’ demonstrated experience in the legal sector working with Senior Management, Partners and Sector teams on the generation of market opportunities, client acquisition and development, he is responsible for the BD and marketing activities across the southern region of Freeths (Oxford, London, Bristol, and Milton Keynes).  Nationally, Stewart is responsible for developing the firm’s strategic partnerships. 

Howard is the Business Start-Up manager. Based in the Enterprise Centre, Howard and team of Start-Up advisors give all students and graduates support with any and all of their business ideas from pre-concept all the way through to fully operational status. Come and meet Howard and the team in the Enterprise Centre to move your business idea forward to the next level.

 Placi has over 25 years of experience in consultancy, with a strong background in commercial property, business planning and strategy, funding, and innovation. She has worked closely with SMEs and community partners to help unlock sustainable growth opportunities and build supportive, collaborative environments.

In her role as Place and Ecosystems Manager at Oxfordshire County Council, Placi focuses on building strategic partnerships that strengthen Oxfordshire’s innovation ecosystem and promote the region’s assets both nationally and internationally.