Based at Bliss Willows in Chipping Norton, the scheme promotes independent businesses by featuring their products throughout the interiors of Cala’s new Rowan and Laurel showhomes.

The scheme forms part of the developer’s wider Community Pledge.

Alex Richards, regional managing director at Cala Chiltern, said: “We are very excited to bring our Showhome of Support initiative to Bliss Willows.

“It’s a terrific way to champion local businesses, and our new showhome in Chipping Norton is full of unique touches thanks to these fantastic creators.

“From artwork and candles to artisan food and accessories, the showhome reflects the character of Oxfordshire.”

Items displayed in the showhomes include bread flour from Bruern Farm Shop, a handmade wooden bowl from Oats Shop, and a bottle of Cotswolds Dry Gin from Cotswolds Distillery.

The living space features a scented candle from the Cotswold Candle Company, a country tote bag from Soho Farmhouse, and a ceramic coffee mug from The Beehive.

Artwork by Oxfordshire artist Josephine Trotter is also displayed.

Each product is accompanied by signage crediting the business, and all contributors will also be profiled on Cala’s website.

Bliss Willows offers a selection of two, three, four, and five-bedroom homes set within a new community that includes allotments, play areas, and open space.

For more information on the showhome and the businesses featured, visit cala.co.uk/homes-for-sale/south-east-england/oxfordshire/bliss-willows-chipping-norton.

According to the latest Business Barometer from Lloyds, confidence in the South East fell by one point to 44 per cent in April.

Despite the overall drop, optimism in companies’ own trading outlook increased by one point to 50 per cent.

Amanda Dorel, regional director for the South East at Lloyds, said: “While overall confidence has dipped slightly this month, it’s encouraging to see South East firms remain optimistic about their own trading prospects and commitment to growth.

“Firms are prioritising investment in technology, like AI and automation, to shore up their position in a disrupted market.

“This shows businesses are thinking strategically about their future.

“We’re here to support these ambitions with the finance, expertise and guidance firms need as they embrace these opportunities.”

The monthly survey, which collects responses from 1,200 businesses across the UK, has been running since 2002 and offers early insights into regional and national economic trends.

In the South East, 55 per cent of businesses identified the adoption of new technology, such as AI or automation, as a key growth driver for the next six months.

Meanwhile, 46 per cent plan to invest in workforce training, and 40 per cent aim to explore new markets.

Confidence in the wider economy, however, fell by four points to 38 per cent.

Nationally, business confidence dropped by 11 points in April, also landing at 44 per cent.

Optimism in trading fell by six points to 54 per cent, while confidence in the broader economy declined by 17 points to 33 per cent.

Those in the East Midlands reported the highest levels of confidence at 53 per cent, followed by London at 51 per cent and the West Midlands at 49 per cent.

Amanda Murphy, CEO for Lloyds Business and Commercial Banking, said: “Businesses told us their confidence fell as inflation pressures re-emerged, global uncertainty persisted and costs remained elevated.

“While sentiment declined, it remained above the long-term average, with nearly two-thirds expecting stronger output in the coming year.

“In this environment, as with other recent market disruptions, we continue to observe that sustainable success comes from discipline, resilience and clarity about what really drives long-term value.”

Lloyds said businesses in the South East are proactively seeking growth despite economic uncertainty, with a strong emphasis on embracing technology, upskilling their workforce, and expanding into new markets.

The visit took place during a road risk event organised by M Group on Tuesday, April 14.

Opticians from Specsavers branches in Bicester, Kidlington, Cowley, Heyford Hill, and Oxford attended the event to remind drivers about the value of regular eye tests.

Greg Harding, store director at Specsavers Oxford, said: “Thank you to M Group for inviting us.

“It was a great opportunity to engage with so many drivers and highlight the importance of having regular eye examinations.”

The team used a 20-metre measuring tape and a number plate to help drivers check if they could meet the DVLA’s eyesight standard.

They also discussed general eye health and explained why clear vision is essential for road safety.

Saher Shrief, store director at Specsavers Cowley and Heyford Hill, said: “Vision changes can be so minor you may not notice them, which is why it’s important to visit your opticians regularly to ensure you are safe when driving.”

Katarina Ruzickova, store manager at Specsavers Bicester, added: “It was wonderful to see such high engagement from everyone at the event.”

Kevin Carty, occupational road risk manager at M Group Energy, said: “Through regular eye testing we can proactively support safer driving, protect our people, and play our part in creating safer roads.”