The full-service agency, based in Oxford, combines sales, lettings, and new homes under one roof for the first time in the city.

It promises clients continuity of advice from land acquisition through to sales and lettings within one structure.

David Bentley, head of residential at Bidwells, said: “What we are building in Oxford is a fundamentally different proposition to most residential agencies.

“Maxine, Nick, and Iain each bring deep local expertise in their respective disciplines, but it is the combination of sales, lettings, and new homes sitting alongside our land, development, and planning teams that gives clients something they cannot get elsewhere.

“Oxford is one of the most supply-constrained markets in the country and the demand fundamentals are only strengthening.

“We are delighted to welcome them to the team and to be building this offer here.”

All three leaders bring extensive experience to their roles.

Maxine Reynolds heads up sales, specialising in resale transactions across Oxford.

Nick Jones, now a partner following Bidwells’ acquisition of his residential agency Nicholas Jones Residential, leads lettings.

Iain Powis, who joined the company in January 2025, heads up new homes, working with developers on the sale of new-build schemes.

Oxford’s property market remains one of the most in-demand and undersupplied in the UK.

Over the past five years, rents have risen by 33 per cent and house prices have grown by six per cent to reach an average of £478,000.

Bidwells estimates that Greater Oxford will need an additional 40,000 homes by 2040 to keep pace with projected population growth.

The new residential agency is supported by Bidwells’ land and development team, led in Oxford by Zanna Bowles.

According to Bidwells, this gives clients ‘direct access to planning intelligence, development economics and pipeline visibility’. 

Bidwells already has a significant presence in Oxford, offering services in science and technology advisory, planning, project management, and rural agency and advisory services.

Its clients include major Oxford University colleges and Harwell Science and Innovation Campus.

The company employs more than 600 people and manages more than £5.2 billion in property assets.

It also advises on more than four million acres of UK countryside and coastline.

Bidwells, founded in 1839, is the UK’s first B Corp-certified multi-disciplinary property consultancy.

It focuses on modern sectors, including science, technology, sustainability, and modern living solutions.

According to Bidwells, the newest Oxford venture reflects its growing ambitions in one of the UK’s most dynamic housing markets.

Fortitude Communications, based on ARC in Cowley, Oxford, has appointed senior account executive Jack Sale to support its portfolio of clients across various sectors.

Mr Sale brings experience from high-profile public sector and corporate roles, including time at Thames Valley Police and Heathrow Airport.

Greig Box Turnbull, founder of Fortitude Communications, said: “Jack is a great addition to our team, bringing experience, a passion for PR and he will add great value for our clients.

“Jack has experience of working on high-profile projects including Heathrow Airport’s third runway proposal and significant operations and campaigns at Thames Valley Police.

“We’re pleased to welcome Jack to the team.”

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In his new role, Mr Sale will deliver PR and creative marketing services for Fortitude’s clients, who span professional services, manufacturing, sport, hospitality and charity.

Clients include Oxford Bus Company, the Arena Racing Company, Welbeck Health Partners, and Weinig UK.

Mr Sale said: “Joining Fortitude is a fantastic opportunity, and I’m thrilled to be part of the team.

“The breadth of work underway, and the positive impact it’s already having across Oxfordshire and beyond is really exciting.

“I’m keen to contribute my experience and play my part in delivering strong results and real value for our clients.”

His appointment follows the addition of three new team members in October as part of the agency’s ongoing growth.

Fortitude Communications offers services including PR, creative marketing, social media management, video production and copywriting.

Green Gates Care Home, located on Hernes Road in Oxford, welcomed a variety of animals from Farms2ewe, including lambs, a pony, goats, chickens, guinea pigs, and baby chicks.

Residents and staff enjoyed interacting with the animals in both the home’s lounges and gardens, offering opportunities for petting, cuddles, and learning fun facts from the visiting farmer.

Sharon Lamb, home manager at Green Gates, said: “Interacting with animals play such an important part of our residents’ lives.

“They all love giving our animal friends a cuddle and learning lots of new fun facts.

“You could see the happiness and excitement on everyone’s faces, it was a truly heartwarming experience.”

Many residents reminisced about childhood pets and shared stories about their love of animals, with the visit prompting laughter and conversation throughout the day.

Margaret Buchnan, a resident at the care home, said: “It’s the best activity we have ever done.”

Relatives and staff also expressed their delight at the event.

A relative named Vivienne said: “It was wonderful to see and lovely that everyone got involved.”

Farms2ewe is a family-run mobile farm based on the Wessex Downs near Newbury.

The company has been providing animal therapy visits to care homes for many years, bringing all the fun of the farm to people of all ages across the region.