Bicester Vets on Victoria Road made the transition in November and is now the only remaining independent veterinary surgery in the town after transitioning to an employee ownership trust (EOT).

The veterinary hospital employs 55 staff, including vets, nurses, animal care assistants, and administrative personnel.

Its facilities include five consulting rooms, three operating theatres, dedicated dog and cat wards, an exotic ward, and advanced diagnostic equipment.

Cliff Maw, vet and director, said: “We wanted to secure the long-term independence of the practice and protect what we’ve built for future generations.

“Employee ownership also allows us to recognise the contribution of the whole team, ensuring the people delivering care every day have a genuine stake in its success.”

Mr Maw said the employee ownership model is intended to foster greater accountability and long-term commitment.

He said: “The employee ownership model will hopefully foster accountability and pride in the standard of care we provide.

“We’re keen to expand our educational outreach, including school and community group visits to help promote animal welfare and responsible pet ownership alongside hopefully inspiring a future generation of vets and nurses.”

Bicester Vets invested hundreds of thousands of pounds in a new CT scanner and other facility upgrades.

This has reduced the need to refer complex cases outside the area.

Mr Maw explained how the scanner made a difference to one particular case.

He said: “A working police dog had inhaled an ear of corn which was lodged in an airway.

“Our CT scan showed this, and we were able to endoscopically remove the corn, and the patient made a full recovery.”

The scanner has also led to the identification of brain tumours and spinal lesions which would previously have gone undiagnosed.

Mr Maw emphasised the importance of keeping emergency care in-house.

He said: “If your pet becomes unwell in the night, having to travel a long distance to an unfamiliar practice to meet a new vet can be stressful.

“If one of our patients needs emergency care overnight, they will be seen at our practice by our own vets and nurses.”

The practice is accredited at the highest ‘Hospital’ level under the voluntary Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons Practice Standards Scheme, reflecting high standards of care, equipment, and protocols.

As an employee-owned, independent practice, Mr Maw said the team is ‘humble and proud’ to be rooted in the community.

He added: “We want to remain a strong, independent practice that continues to serve our community for the long term.”

Earlier in 2026, the business announced all but three of its 36 stores were at risk as they had not been bought in a rescue deal.

Next snapped up the luxury footwear business from administration in a rescue deal, but the future of most of the brand’s stores and 440 staff remained uncertain.

Closing down signs then appeared at the Oxford-based Russell & Bromley store, with customers warned of the expected closure.

READ MORE: Claire’s closing this weekend for good after administration collapse

The empty Russell & Bromley store in Oxford. (Image: Newsquest)

Now, the Westgate shop has been left completely empty this week with its shelves bare after its closure.

The unit, which can be found on the bottom floor of the retail location near John Lewis, now only has a paper notice on the door as a reminder alongside the Russell & Bromley signs.

“This store is now closed,” read the notice.

“Find your nearest store,” it added along with Next’s website link.

READ MORE: UK fashion giants’ stock vanishes as stores close amid administration

The notice at Russell & Bromley in Oxford. (Image: Newsquest)

Would-be shoppers had recently been told that neither gift cards nor loyalty points would be accepted in the future.

A statement last month said: “While the previous operator has ceased trading, the Russell & Bromley brand will be operated by Next in the near future.”

The Next website at the time added: “These can no longer be used and we will not be able to honour these. For any queries about these, please contact the Administrators.”

Keen golfers Ollie Yates, 34, and Karim Sutton, 36, first met on the course at Frilford Heath Golf Club, discovering a shared passion for the game and a vision for a business.

Five years later, they’re just weeks away from opening Slice, a brand new golf simulator activity bar and pizza joint coming to Botley’s West Way development.

READ MORE: Bicester fire – house up in flames in Launton Road

Virtual golf involves hitting a golf ball into a hitting screen and watching it fly as it would in real life through a projection, offering players rounds of golf, mini games and even data to help the super keen golfer perfect their swing.

CGI rendered images of the new venue Slice, opening soon in Botley (Image: Slice)

“The idea is it’s for everyone,” said Mr Yates. “Whether you’ve never pickled up a golf club before or you’re a pro, everyone can get something out of the technology.”

With a large bar space, an interactive darts board, a kitchen serving up small plates and New York-style pizza by the slice, and drink partnerships with Tap Social Movement, Newground Coffee and The Oxford Wine Company, the new entertainment venue is offering something new to Botley.

CGI rendered images of the new venue Slice, opening soon in Botley (Image: Slice)

Mr Yates added: “Every conversation we have with people locally is about how Oxford needs more of this sort of thing.

“I think we’re seeing trends where people, and particularly people from younger generations, are less interested in just going drinking at the pub and instead want to have an activity that’s a bit less drink-focused.

“And golf has been growing a lot over the last few years, it’s captured the attention of a slightly younger demographic.”

READ MORE: Claire’s closing this weekend for good amid administration

Slice is designed to cater to all of those things through the emerging market for virtual entertainment venues, as a place for anyone to come along and practice their game or try golf for the first time, without worrying about the etiquette of the course.

‘Golf, pizza, vibes’: Slice is coming soon to Botley West Way (Image: Newsquest)

“We want to make it that anyone, no matter what their lifestyle is, can come in and find something for them in here, where they can come and enjoy themselves,” Mr Yates said.

Opening in Botley is central to the vision too, where the business owners have a ‘vested interest’ and a real desire to see the West Way development thrive.

Mr Sutton said: “I think we’re just really excited to get open, and bring something to this area.

“We both live locally and this is something we wanted to see in the area – golf is our passion and we’re opening a business to bring that to Botley.

“If I were opening my dream business it would have golf, darts and pizza in it – and we’ve got it all under one roof.”

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Mr Yates added: “We’ve got a vested interest in seeing this development do well and bring more people here.

“This is where we’re from, and we wanted to set up here to get this area a bit more lively and introduce some fun things to do.”

Slice will open at 7 West Way Square, Botley, in mid-May, with a firm date to be announced.