Business & Technology
25km charity walk through Oxfordshire countryside planned
Bicester-based wine importer North South Wines is organising the 25km walk, which will take place on March 26 and raise funds for Oxford mental health charity Restore and industry charity The Drinks Trust.
The route will take the team from Bicester Motion to Restore’s headquarters on Manzil Way in Oxford, passing through Morton and Beckley along the way.
Kim Wilson, managing director of North South Wines, said: “We’re really excited to bring the team together for another charity challenge. We’re supporting two incredible charities: Restore does invaluable mental health work in our community, and The Drinks Trust supports people across our industry.
“Getting outdoors and active with the team while raising funds for causes we believe in makes this challenge feel especially worthwhile.”
The walk marks the final leg of the company’s NSW 5000 challenge, a month-long effort during which colleagues across the UK have aimed to collectively cover 5,090km through various human-powered activities. By March 25, the team had already completed 4,750km, with the final charity walk expected to take them past their target.
The total distance represents a virtual journey from North South Wines’ Bicester office to its shareholder sites in Germany, Belgium, and Italy, and back again, with each participant contributing an average of around 150km throughout March.
Restore is an Oxfordshire charity that supports adults recovering from mental ill health through recovery groups, training, and employment coaching.
Beth Hendry, CEO of Restore, said: “We are incredibly grateful to North South Wines for their generosity, energy and commitment to raising both funds and awareness for Restore. At a time of growing economic uncertainty, rising living costs and increasing demand for our services, this support helps us reach more people with vital mental health services, making a real and lasting difference to lives across our community.”
The Drinks Trust is a trade charity that offers wellbeing, financial, and career support to people throughout the drinks industry.
Nicky Burston, CEO of The Drinks Trust, said: “We are so grateful to the North South Wines team for choosing to support us through such an inspiring challenge.
“The funds raised will make a real and lasting difference to thousands of colleagues across our industry who are facing hardship. Thank you so much for your generous support.”
North South Wines, founded in 2014, is part-owned by three international wineries and became the first wine distributor to achieve B Corp certification in 2023.
The Original Factory Shop which sells discounted homewares, furniture, electrical goods and toys, shut its store in Carterton yesterday (Saturday, March 28).
On the business’ Facebook page, last-minute discounts were being offered with clothing down to £2 an item.
READ MORE: Store closure fears as UK discount brand in administration
On Thursday, March 26, a spokesperson for the store said: “Everything in store is now up to 85 per cent off as we prepare to close our doors this weekend.
“This is your last chance to grab a bargain – once it’s gone, it’s gone.”
Following that announcement, prices were subsequently lowered and lowered.
Other branches around the UK also shut yesterday including in Cromer, Gorleston and Bungay in Norfolk and Suffolk with major sales also being implemented at other locations.
This comes after the business fell into administration in January, with further closures also expected imminently in Snettisham, according to The Sun, and around the country.
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Administrators said The Original Factory Shop’s troubles have been driven by challenging trading conditions, linked to high-cost inflation, fragile consumer confidence and rising labour costs caused by government policies.
Problems were then exacerbated by issues linked to its third-party warehouse and logistics operator, weakening sales further.
It only has one store in Oxfordshire, its Carterton shop, although Claire’s – which is also owned by investment firm Modella Capital and is in administration – has one in the Oxford Westgate shopping centre.
The fashion retailer this month closed down its store in the Oxford city centre shopping centre having opened in October 2017 as part of the £440m revamp.
It was one of the original retailers as part of the shopping centre’s new phase of life, along with John Lewis, Primark and Next.
A spokeswoman from Hugo Boss said: “Hugo Boss optimises its global store portfolio as part of its long-term strategy, which also affects the Boss Oxford Westgate Centre store.
“Hugo Boss will maintain a strong presence in the UK, and we will also continue to serve our customers via our online flagship store at hugoboss.com.”
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The company did not say whether any redundancies had been made from closing the store.
The spokeswoman said: “Wherever possible, we reallocate employees through transfers or other internal opportunities.”
There are indeed other branches not too far, including at Bicester Village, Swindon and Reading.
A spokeswoman for the Westgate said: “We remain committed to making Westgate Oxford a vibrant and varied retail destination for our guests, welcoming exciting new arrivals such as Sephora, The Beefy Boys, and the opening of Lego later this spring, as well as recently upsized stores for Oliver Bonas, Goldsmiths, and Superdrug.
“We look forward to sharing more details about new brands joining the centre soon.”
Henley Business Buzz hosted its first event at Henley Rugby Club, drawing more than 30 businesses and decision-makers from the local area.
The group is part of the wider Business Buzz network, offering informal, no-membership, pay-as-you-go networking that focuses on building professional relationships in a relaxed setting.
Orinta Gaucyte, host of Henley Business Buzz, said: “It was fantastic to see so many local businesses come together for our first Henley Buzz.
“There’s something really special about building a supportive community where people feel comfortable, included and able to make genuine connections.
“A huge thank you to everyone who came along and helped make the launch such a success.”
The launch was attended by Business Buzz co-founders Katrina Sargent and Simon George, who officially opened the event.
The Henley meetings are supported by sponsors Logic Financial Services and Logic Mortgages.
Lee Humphrey, of Logic Financial Services, said: “It’s brilliant to see an event like Business Buzz arrive in Henley.
“Creating opportunities for local businesses to connect in a relaxed and approachable way is incredibly valuable for the town, and we’re proud to support something that brings the business community closer together.”
Henley Business Buzz will take place on the fourth Thursday of each month, with the next event scheduled for Thursday, April 23.
All businesses, entrepreneurs, and professionals in the area are welcome to attend.
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