Busby & Fox is to open a new store in the High Street and contractors have been getting the retail unit ready for customers.

The independent women’s clothing brand operates as a small chain, with about 11 boutiques across the south of England and Wales.

READ MORE: Great Western Railway to be renationalised

Founded in 2014 in Totnes, Devon, the chain focuses on own-label clothing, accessories, and jewellery.

It said in a statement: “We are thrilled to be opening our Oxford store at 114 High Street on Friday, May 22.

“It’s going to be a beautiful new space, and we are currently building a brilliant local team to help us welcome the community through our doors.

“Whether you’re planning to visit us as a customer or are looking to start a new career with us, we can’t wait to meet you.”

Staff are now being recruited.

The chain added in a statement: “We’re an independent womenswear brand creating a beautiful own-label collection with purpose.

“Our clothes are designed to make a meaningful difference to women’s wardrobes and bring confidence to everyday dressing.

Busby & Fox in Oxford (Image: Andy Ffrench)

“Everything in the Busby & Fox collection goes with everything else – day to night, work to weekend, season to season, year to year – so you’ll find yourself styling great looks without even trying.

“Timeless and classic, yet fresh and modern, we make it easy to create blendable, head-to-toe looks, meaning you always have an outfit that makes you feel comfortable and stylish in your own way. 

“Our unique approach to colour, fabric and shape, combined with clever cuts and details, ensures every piece complements your body and feels just right.”

Signs have now appeared outside the unit featuring the chain’s branding and saying “Hello Oxford”.

Radley Schools Group announced that Tim Knapp will serve as the new head of Kitebrook Prep School, a day and boarding independent school set in the heart of the Cotswolds countryside.

Mr Knapp brings more than 20 years of experience in prep school education, joining the Cotswolds institution from Pinewood School on the Oxfordshire border, where he has been deputy head since 2022.

READ MORE: Oxford police given extra powers as multiple arrests made

Before that, the teacher’s experience includes two years at Chandlings and 15 years in senior roles at The Dragon School in Oxford, after completing his degree and PGCE at Exeter University.

Mr Knapp said: “I am honoured to have been offered this position and look forward to harnessing and building on the school’s notable strengths: its nurturing environment; its strong academic outcomes and its distinctive location.

“The opportunity to lead Kitebrook is both inspiring and humbling.”

Tim Knapp, incoming head of Kitebrook school (Image: Kitebrook)

He will join as head of Kitebrook from the new academic year starting in September and is expected to bring ‘dynamism and innovation’ to the role.

Andrew Ashton, chief executive (prep schools) for Radley Schools Group said: “We were heartened to see such a strong field of applicants for this role, but Tim stood out for his energy, optimism and deep understanding of prep school education. 

READ MORE: Oxford – police helicopter sent up for chase on roads

“With his boarding expertise and balanced approach to academic excellence, co-curricular enrichment and character development, he is an exceptional fit for Kitebrook. 

“We looking forward to welcoming Tim, his wife Emma, and their children to Kitebrook and the wider Radley Schools Group community.”

Radley Schools Group, launched in September last year, brings together eight private schools in the southeast, including Radley College, Cothill and Chandlings in Oxford.

Councillor Rebekah Fletcher has been made the cabinet member for transport management at Oxfordshire County Council after Councillor Andrew Gant announced he was standing down at midday today, (Monday) May 11.

Ms Fletcher is the Liberal Democrat member for Harwell, Western Valley & Blewbury.

She was elected in 2025 and has lived in Oxfordshire since 2021.

Ms Fletcher works for a medical school in London, so her particular interests lie in improving community health, wellbeing and social care provision.

The appointment has been listed on her “councillor details” page on the Oxfordshire County Council website.

Her Oxfordshire’s Responsibilities include: public transport, highways management, streetlighting and parking.

Potholes, the continuation of the congestion charge, set to become traffic filters after the reopening of the Botley road this summer, zero-emission zones, potential new park and rides, and the expansion of 20 mph limits are all in her remit.

This follows Mr Gant standing down from the post after four years.

He said: “I am hugely proud of all we have achieved, and now is the right time to think about demands and priorities.

“I look forward to supporting the clear principles of this visionary Liberal Democrat administration in any way I can.”