Oxford business leader appointed to BCO regional committee

Guy Parkes, a partner at Vail Williams based in Oxford and Reading, has been named a founding member of the British Council for Offices’ (BCO) newly launched regional committee in the city.

The BCO brings members of the office sector together to share ideas and improve how workplaces are designed and used.

Mr Parkes, who has more than 30 years of experience in the regional market, joins committee chair Emily Slupek of Savills and Lucy Wiltshire of Kier Construction on the Oxford committee.

Mr Parkes said: “I am excited to have been asked to be part of this progressive organisation.

“We will be sure to showcase the exemplary commercial property work going on across Oxford.

“There is a real buzz about the city, and I am anticipating that we will be looking to host thought-provoking get-togethers and social events to engage fully with the vibrant real estate community.”

The committee was created in response to significant interest from the regional commercial property market and will operate as a sub-committee of the wider BCO South West region.

Its formation reflects the BCO’s commitment to expanding its influence in key locations, with Oxford identified as an area of particular growth, especially in the science and research sectors.

The BCO is also exploring the creation of a complementary BCO NextGen Oxford committee to support early-career professionals in the region.

Founded in 1990 and with a membership of more than 4,000, BCO represents owners, developers, architects, surveyors, managers, occupiers and others.

Through its publications, events and networking opportunities, it provides a platform to debate all aspects of the office sector.

Mr Parkes has longstanding ties to Oxford, having studied at university in the city.

He is recognised as a leading voice in commercial real estate and works across the full spectrum of property services.

Vail Williams has seen strong growth in Oxford since opening its office there two years ago.

The Oxford office, led by partner and head of investment Richard Dawtrey, bridges the firm’s operations between London, Reading, and Birmingham and is located at New Barclay House.

The consultancy now operates from 12 locations across the UK.

Vail Williams is one of the UK’s largest independent providers of commercial and residential property advice, offering services including planning, valuation, asset management, and property acquisition and disposal.

The firm employs 169 people, more than 50 of whom are partners, and is accredited with the gold standard from Investors in People.

The company services clients across the public and private sectors, including landlords, occupiers, investors, developers, and landowners.