Alex Reip appointed chair of Enterprise Oxfordshire

Dr Alex Reip has started the new role at Enterprise Oxfordshire.

It follows changes where local economic development work, previously managed by the Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (OxLEP), is now handled by Oxfordshire County Council through Enterprise Oxfordshire.

Dr Reip, a co-founder of energy technology company Oxford nanoSystems, has played a major role in Oxfordshire’s innovation ecosystem since moving to the region after completing his PhD.

He said: “Taking on the role of Chair at Enterprise Oxfordshire at this particular moment feels like a real privilege.

“The region has extraordinary assets – world-class research, deep tech spin-outs and start-ups, and a business community with genuine ambition.

“However, too many companies still struggle to find the support and investment they need to scale. That’s what I want to help change.

“Our teams have a legacy of creating robust and agile support that is truly driven by our business community, establishing even stronger connections between business and education, as well as working nationally and internationally to drive investment into the county for the benefit of all.”

Alongside his work with Oxford nanoSystems, Dr Reip has supported start-up businesses through advisory and mentoring roles.

He currently holds a range of non-executive director, trustee and advisory positions across sectors including energy, education, and innovation.

These include serving as a non-executive director at the Net Zero Technology Centre, being a trustee of the Royal Society of Chemistry and chair of governors at North Kidlington Primary School.

Helen Brind, director of business and skills at Enterprise Oxfordshire, said: “We are delighted to announce Alex’s appointment as Chair of Enterprise Oxfordshire.

“Alex is not only a familiar face to many within our organisation, but also across the Oxfordshire business community.

“He has a strong understanding of the challenges faced by businesses of all sizes on a day-to-day basis, but more importantly, he has a clear view of the outstanding opportunities this county offers.

“I have no doubt he will provide the guidance and insight needed to ensure we continue to deliver outstanding impact for Oxfordshire.”

Dr Reip’s appointment comes at a time of strong regional performance from Growth Hubs, including Enterprise Oxfordshire Business.

The lately published Growth Hub Cluster Impact Report highlighted the support provided across five regions between April 2020 and March 2025, including help for 92,719 businesses, the creation of 3,934 start-ups, and the safeguarding of 6,093 jobs.

Enterprise Oxfordshire continues to deliver services across business, skills, investment and trade to maximise the county’s economic potential.