Oxford News
Leading the way: Meet the local women in business
Three women are driving the success of the Jewellery, Watches and Silver department at Mallams, delivering expert valuations and exceptional results.
Louise Dennis, Head of Jewellery, brings extensive experience and has overseen significant sales, including standout pieces achieving impressive auction prices. Alicia Rogers, Head of Silver and Objets de Vertu, offers over 30 years of expertise, earning a strong reputation for her specialist knowledge and trusted advice.
Completing the team, Specialist and Auctioneer Jessie Edmonds adds fresh energy and recognised excellence, having achieved a prestigious global award—together forming a highly respected and accomplished team.
Lucia Goldsmiths – Jewellery with meaning, business with purpose
Since opening in Summertown in 2025, Lucy, founder of Lucia Goldsmiths, has built a thriving jewellery business known for bespoke design, expert craftsmanship and personal service. From engagement rings to remodelling treasured heirlooms, every piece is created with care and meaning.
With a passion for enamelling, Lucy blends traditional techniques with contemporary creativity to produce distinctive, timeless designs. Sustainability is central, giving existing jewellery new life while preserving its story.
Supported by an all-female team, Lucia Goldsmiths offers a welcoming space where craftsmanship, creativity and personal connection come together in every commission.
Rachel Tredwell – The Travel Fairy Godmother
Rachel Tredwell, founder of Tredwell Travel, has built a business centred on care, connection and creating unforgettable experiences. Known as the “Travel Fairy Godmother,” she delivers a truly bespoke service, tailoring every trip to her clients’ dreams and milestones.
With a background in paediatric nursing, Rachel brings empathy and attention to detail to every journey, supporting clients from planning to return. Her approach combines expert knowledge, award-winning service and a passion for responsible travel.
In an industry often driven by automation, Rachel stands out by offering something rare—genuine, personal service that turns dream holidays into lasting memories.
Women leading the way at Wise Investment
Wise Investment is an employee-owned, B Corp-certified financial planning and investment management company built on long-term relationships and strong values. CEO Alexandra Rae joined the business in 2000 in an administrative role and, through dedication and development, progressed to become CEO..
Her journey reflects the company’s commitment to recognising potential and supporting growth. While the industry continues to evolve, Wise Investment remains focused on trusted advice and exceptional client service. With a growing presence of women across the business, it continues to champion diversity, opportunity and leadership within financial services.
From NHS nurse to business owner: Building Face Oxford
When I qualified as a nurse in 2004, I never expected to run my own clinic. Over two decades, I built my career across clinical, leadership and education roles, guided by a passion for patient care.
My interest in aesthetic medicine led me to create Face Oxford, a nurse-led clinic focused on education, evidence-based treatments and natural results.
Building a business has brought challenges, but also the opportunity to grow and lead a team that shares my values. Today, my focus remains on supporting confidence, promoting long-term skin health and making a meaningful difference in people’s lives.
Honouring heritage, creating tomorrow
Established in 1993, Lawsons Goldsmiths is Henley’s oldest jewellery workshop and is proudly owned by Laura Hewitt and Jennifer House. Supported by a team with over 100 years of combined experience spanning Bond Street jewellers, royalty, A-list celebrities, film productions and international commissions, Lawsons combines exceptional craftsmanship with a welcoming, personal approach. From bespoke jewellery and remodelling to repairs and valuations, every piece tells a story. Recent collaborations include recreating Henley’s Deputy Mayor’s Chain of Office and partnering with Henley Festival’s RISE programme, championing the next generation of creative talent.
W: www.lawsonsgoldsmiths.co.uk
Vanessa Sweeney – Driving growth and leadership at Bicester Transport
Vanessa Sweeney, Director and Transport Manager at Bicester Transport, is redefining leadership within a traditionally male-dominated industry. Since co-founding the business in 2018, she has helped grow it from a single-truck operation into a trusted regional provider.
Built on reliability and strong customer service, the company now operates across multiple sectors, including recovery and specialist vehicle transport. Vanessa’s leadership and recent FCILT recognition reflect her commitment to excellence and industry standards.
Balancing business growth with family life, she continues to drive the company forward, inspiring others through resilience, ambition and a clear vision for success.
W: www.bicestertransport.co.uk
Sam Godkin – Leading with expertise, empathy and purpose
Sam Godkin, founder of Summertown Audiology, has built her business on nearly 30 years of clinical expertise and a passion for patient care. After gaining experience across NHS and private practice, she launched her own clinic in 2022 to deliver a more personalised, patient-first approach.
Her focus is on empowering individuals with the knowledge and support to manage their hearing health with confidence. By prioritising trust, long-term relationships and tailored solutions, Sam has created a service that puts people before profit—helping patients improve their hearing and overall quality of life.
W: www.summertownaudiology.co.uk
Landygirls Landscaping UK – Redefining the Industry
Landygirls Landscaping is proving that success in landscaping is driven by skill, creativity and teamwork, not gender. Based in Oxfordshire, the business has built a strong reputation for high-quality workmanship, thoughtful design and excellent customer service.
The all-female team delivers a wide range of projects, from garden design to full landscape transformations, earning admiration for their professionalism and expertise. They are also passionate about encouraging more women into the industry and challenging traditional perceptions.
With a strong focus on sustainability and biodiversity, Landygirls continues to create beautiful, functional outdoor spaces while inspiring the next generation of women in landscaping.
Kam Gill and the Walfinch approach to care
Kam Gill, Managing Director of Walfinch Oxfordshire, is redefining what home care can be. After starting her career in dental technology, she transitioned into social care, building a service focused on helping people remain independent in their own homes.
Her team’s “Time to Thrive” approach goes beyond traditional care, encouraging activity, connection and wellbeing through personalised support and community initiatives such as Thrive Clubs.
By combining compassion with strong leadership, Kam has created a supportive culture for both clients and carers – showing that truly great care is about people, purpose and community.
W: www.Walfinch.com/Oxfordshire
T: 01235 352776
E: kam@walfinch.com
Jill Treloggen – Designing spaces with purpose and precision
Jill Treloggen, Founder and Managing Director of JT Interiors, has spent over 20 years building a successful, independent interior design business in Oxfordshire. Since launching the company in 2003, she has grown it from residential beginnings into a respected practice delivering both home and commercial projects.
Jill’s approach combines creativity with practicality, ensuring every space is not only visually striking but works seamlessly for the client. Known for her attention to detail and strong client relationships, she has built a reputation based on trust, repeat business and results. Today, Jill continues to lead her team with passion, creating spaces that truly enhance how people live and work.
Women leading the way at Finders Keepers
Eleanor Madeley and Stacey Mole are two inspiring leaders at Finders Keepers, each bringing passion, resilience and a people-first approach to their roles.
Eleanor progressed from property management into senior leadership, developing her confidence and management style while successfully leading teams through growth and change. Stacey began her career in sales and has gone on to become one of the company’s youngest Associate Directors, known for her strong leadership and ability to unite teams.
Together, they demonstrate that confidence, collaboration and continuous learning are key to success—championing growth and inspiring the next generation of women in business.
Emily Stewart – Passion, purpose and community at Dark Horse Roastery
Emily Stewart has built Dark Horse Roastery on a belief that coffee should create connection, community and positive change. With over 25 years in specialty coffee, she launched Horsebox Coffee Co. in 2014 before establishing the roastery in 2018.
Based just outside Wallingford, Dark Horse sources, roasts and supplies ethically produced coffee while supporting local businesses. Now a Certified B Corporation, the business champions sustainability, fair trade and transparency.
Emily’s hands-on approach, passion for storytelling and commitment to “people, planet and flavour” continue to shape a business that delivers meaningful impact with every cup.
W: www.darkhorseroastery.co.uk
New voices, enduring principles at Anderson Orr
At Anderson Orr, architecture is shaped by people as much as place—guided by clarity, collaboration and thoughtful design. Associate Director Iskra Garbachkova reflects this approach. Since joining in 2012, she has built her career within the studio, qualifying as an architect in 2019 and growing into a key leadership role.
Her work is defined by a people-first, environmentally conscious mindset, balancing ambition with responsibility. She leads projects with empathy, guiding teams and supporting clients through complex decisions.
Iskra’s journey embodies the studio’s culture—where experience and new voices come together to create considered, enduring architecture.
From one woman with a vision to an award-winning business empowering others to succeed
For 16 years, Gail Church has built Bicester Wills & Probate around one simple belief: helping people succeed.
That commitment extends beyond clients to her team. Jessica progressed from legal secretary to client adviser and now leads the Banbury office while raising a family. Katie started as a Saturday receptionist and today heads the Probate Department.
Now, Gail is taking that ethos even further through the Will Writers Business School, helping career changers, entrepreneurs and parents returning to work build successful businesses of their own.
A great example of leadership, opportunity and empowering others to thrive.
There has been a serious crash on the A34 in Oxfordshire, near Didcot and Abingdon, with police at the scene and two lanes blocked.
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The annual Varsity March, which covers 82 miles (132km) from Oxford to Cambridge, raises funds for The Gatehouse, an Oxford-based charity supporting people experiencing homelessness, as well as Jimmy’s in Cambridge.
This year’s walk began at the University Church in Oxford. Four walkers took part, including event organiser Stephanie and Dylan – a stuffed sheep mascot.
Stephanie, a member of the Cambridge University Rambling Club, was the only participant to complete the full distance, reaching St Mary’s Church in Cambridge after 36 hours of walking.
She said: “We all love walking and a challenge, which really sums up the Varsity March. Walking over 130 kilometres is a stretch even for experienced walkers.
“The added bonus is raising funds for two very important local charities which are doing a great job supporting homeless people in Oxford and Cambridge.”
The three other walkers also covered more than 100 miles combined. However, the final 30 miles fell to Stephanie alone. This marks her 20th Varsity March finish, though Dylan the sheep, who has completed 22, still holds the record.
The walkers’ determination has raised vital funds for The Gatehouse. The charity operates a drop-in community centre in central Oxford offering free services to homeless and vulnerably housed adults.
David Kay, fundraising manager at The Gatehouse, said: “Every year I’m impressed by the efforts of these individuals, and I’m still amazed that anybody manages to walk the whole distance.
“At the Gatehouse we’re extremely grateful for the funds that they raise to help cover the costs of the services we provide free of charge to our homeless guests. Costs have risen massively over recent years as we’ve increased both staff capacity and our range of services to meet growing demand.
“This year we need to raise over half a million pounds, a large proportion of which comes from individuals and organisations in the local community donating money and raising funds for us.”
The Gatehouse’s services include a café, a clothes store, shower provision, and bespoke individual casework and counselling support.
Supporters are encouraged to donate in recognition of the walkers’ efforts.
Donations can be made at https://www.justgiving.com/page/varsitymarch2026-gatehouse.
Posh Spice and David Beckham have submitted plans to build a new oak balcony at Maplewood Barn, in the 44th application they’ve made since renaming the home they bought a decade ago.
In that time David and Victoria Beckham have been embroiled in numerous rows with neighbours and accused of ‘drip-feeding’ development there.
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And the latest scheme has raised accusations of ‘hypocrisy’ after they had previously accused a neighbour wanting a balcony at their London home of spoiling their privacy.
Documents submitted on behalf of the Beckhams said the latest scheme involved replacing the “Crittall-style screen and doors” and installing an “oak balcony to the western elevation.”
They wrote: “The proposed replacement Crittall-style screen and doors, together with the new oak-framed balcony to the west elevation, have been carefully designed to consider the character and significance of Maplewood Barn and its listed setting.
“The works are to the modern west range constructed as part of the approved barn conversion and will not result in the loss of, or harm to, any historic fabric associated with the original Grade II listed buildings.
“The replacement glazing will match the existing design, proportions, and colour, ensuring visual continuity with the existing barns, while the oak balcony introduces a simple and sympathetic addition that reflects existing timber detailing within the development.
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“Given the small scale of the proposals, and their location within a later addition to the dwelling, it is considered that the works preserve the special architectural and historic interest of the listed buildings and their setting.”
No public comments have so far been submitted but it comes six years after the Beckhams fought a furious planning battle with neighbours at their Holland Park home in London over renovation plans – including their desire for a balcony.
In 2020 they eventually lost the battle to stop the neighbour drastically updating a posh property close to their £31million townhouse.
The celebrity couple had expressed concerns that the neighbour’s architect was creating a whole new patio area including a balcony on the first floor, which may have overlooked their back garden.
Amended plans were approved when a council officer’s report dismissed any privacy fears.
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At the time they stated: “There are no concerns with the impact of the proposal on the living conditions of neighbouring occupiers in terms of light, sense of enclosure, noise or privacy.”
The couple have also been involved in multiple rows over work at their Grade-II listed country house at Maplewood Barn, near Great Tew in Oxfordshire
Since buying the three listed barns for £6,150,000 in 2016, they have added a new driveway and gates, an additional garage outbuilding, tennis court, treehouse, security hut, extension to the garage outbuilding and a landscaped pond.
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