New events programme launched at WCFI

Oxford Innovation (OI) are launching a new programme of events for science and tech businesses at our state-of-the art Wood Centre for Innovation (WCFI) this week. This is in addition to our current events programme at the Oxford Centre for Innovation (OCFI).

The Oxford Trust’s mission is to support science and enterprise in our region. One of the ways we do this is through our innovation centres, by offering flexible office space for start-up and grow-on science and tech businesses as well as business support, including events.

The programme of events at WCFI kicks off on Wednesday 16^thOctober with “Exploring Funding Options” – whether debt, equity or grant – with Eileen Modral, OION’s Investment Network Manager. There is also a series of ’fireside chats’ – an informal interactive conversation between a panel of knowledgeable guests and the audience. The term ‘fireside chat’ was coined by US President Roosevelt in the 1930s to describe his informal national radio addresses. If he found this a good way to communicate the state of the nation, then we think it should be perfect for discussing topics surrounding the science and technology community in Oxfordshire. The talks will focus on topics that are relevant to current issues in science and technology. The first session is on unconventional ways of working and the second with leading experts from health science and tech industries.

In addition, there are networking sessions on Thursday 14^thOctober and Wednesday 27^thOctober. As we all know, recruiting tech talent is challenging in Oxfordshire and so it’s crucial that every stage of the recruiting process is as efficient and robust as possible. That’s why there’s an event on recruiting for tech businesses with Helen Goddard from Cobalt Search and Jane Fryatt from face2faceHR, who will give you the tools to ensure that you retain the talent you’ve just hired.

OCFI events in October and November are marketing- and PR-focussed with a ’Sales and Marketing MOT Workshop’ and ’The Power of PR to Support Business Growth for Science and Tech Companies.

All events are free but make sure you book tickets via Eventbrite to avoid disappointment. For WCFI events, follow this link: And for OCFI events, click here.