Courtyard by Marriott Oxford South, located in Abingdon, is the first hotel in the area to be listed on the World Rainbow Hotels platform, which highlights accommodation that welcomes LGBTQ+ travellers and meets high standards of inclusivity.

Santiago Montero, general manager of Courtyard by Marriott Oxford South, said: “We are proud to join the World Rainbow Hotels platform and to be recognised for our commitment to inclusion – alongside our Great Place to Work certification.

“It shows how much creating a welcoming environment for every guest and every team member is central to who we are as a hotel.”

Selection for the platform requires hotels to meet strict criteria, including non-discrimination policies, equal benefits for same-sex partners, and active engagement with the LGBTQ+ community.

Courtyard by Marriott Oxford South was praised for its inclusive workplace culture.

Staff feedback from the certification process highlighted that 95 per cent of employees felt the hotel was a physically safe place to work, 95 per cent said people were treated fairly regardless of gender, and 92 per cent believed people were treated fairly regardless of sexual orientation.

Mr Montero said: “Our culture is built on mutual respect, teamwork and a shared commitment to exceptional guest service.”

Silent View Windows Commercial Ltd, based in Thame, was recognised with the Glass and Glazing Products (GGP) Award for Best Heritage Installation after transforming the former NatWest Bank building on Thame High Street.

The late 18th-century property, now converted into luxury apartments, is a Grade II listed building located in a conservation area.

Enis Evlat, managing director at Silent View Windows Commercial Ltd, said: “We are so pleased that the R9 windows perfectly replicate the style of the windows from 1910.

“These windows not only add to the aesthetics but also bring exceptional durability and energy efficiency.

“Our team took great pride in joining this project to seamlessly integrate each window to perfection.

“We’re thrilled to have been part of this project alongside The Residence Collection windows and fabricator CWG Choices.”

The installation used a 1910 photograph sourced from Thame Museum to recreate the building’s original window configuration.

The team selected Residence 9 windows in grained white, featuring leaded glass and Timberweld technology to replicate traditional timber joinery while meeting modern energy standards and planning requirements.

Each window was custom-made to fit the irregular masonry of the historic stonework.

Technical challenges included the building’s position above an operating bakery and in the middle of a busy high street, requiring careful scheduling to avoid disruption.

Jo Trotman, sales and marketing manager at The Residence Collection, said: “This project is a perfect example of how the R9 windows can be used to replicate that heritage feel and look while still being high-performing and energy-efficient.

“The transformation of the historic NatWest Bank offices into modern apartments presented a unique set of challenges and opportunities.

“Retaining the architectural integrity of the original structure was paramount, and the R9 windows provided an ideal solution by combining traditional aesthetics with cutting-edge functionality.

“The result is a seamless blend of old and new, honouring the building’s legacy while providing contemporary living spaces.”

Ms Trotman also praised the collaboration between Silent View Windows Commercial Ltd, CWG Choices, and The Residence Collection.

She said: “Establishing quality partnerships is crucial to the delivery of our superior design, manufacturing, and installation services that we consistently provide to our customers.

“For this project, Silent View Windows Commercial Ltd and CWG Choices played pivotal roles in seamlessly executing this transformation.

“Their expertise and attention to detail ensured that every aspect of the window installation met our high standards.

“We look forward to future projects with them and to continuing to set benchmarks in the industry.”

Company failures jumped higher again in March due to a surge in firms collapsing into administration as experts warned more may go bust as the Iran war and soaring wage bills send costs surging.

Last month, Kidlington-based Cooper & Franklin Limited collapsed into liquidation, as did William Harvey Medical Limited of Weston-on-the-Green, Oxford-based Netvide Limited and Park Lane Developments (Oxfordshire) Limited of Bampton.

Latest data from the Insolvency Service shows the number of company insolvencies in the UK rose seven per cent month-on-month in March to 2,022.

READ MORE: UK electric car company collapses into administration as 69 lose jobs

Company administrations surged 52 per cent between February and March to 235, and were 82 per cent higher when compared with March 2025, while compulsory liquidations jumped 18 per cent.

Company voluntary arrangements doubled during the month to 20, the figures showed.

Fuel and energy costs have been jumping higher due to the Iran war, which has hit some sectors hard already, such as manufacturing.

But experts warned the underlying picture is worrying for businesses as cost pressures bite.

Tom Russell, president of restructuring professionals trade group R3, said: “While it may be too early to see the full impact of the worsening economic situation in the formal insolvency statistics, energy and fuel costs have risen significantly, and for many businesses this has come at the same time as customers are becoming more cautious with their spending.

“That combination is extremely challenging, particularly for businesses with limited financial headroom.”