Following this year’s Oxfordshire Day, Enterprise Oxfordshire launches series four of county’s inspirational business voice podcast ‘OxTalks’ 

The podcast – with episodes released fortnightly – launches today with a first episode featuring the Founder and CEO of not-for-profit Alternative Education Provision ‘Oxford Creators’, Veena Virahsammy. 

Following on from the success of its previous three series, Enterprise Oxfordshire has announced the launch of series four of its popular ‘OxTalks’ podcast, with a conversation around ‘Alternative Education Provision: Building up young people and supporting our future workforce’, headlining the first episode – which is set to launch today (Monday 20th October). 

Hosted by seasoned broadcaster Howard Bentham, OxTalks aims to answer some of the biggest questions in business and share the real-life experiences of some of the county’s business experts, to support and nurture the county’s SMEs and wider communities. 

Upcoming guests on series four of the podcast are anticipated to share their tips for tackling key business challenges, alongside a wider ambition for this series: to share inspiration and insights from a wide array of organisational figures and founders from around the county and their own personal experiences. 

Listeners to episode one of this series can expect to hear Veena Virahsammy – CEO and Founder of Alternative Education Provision (AEP) ‘Oxford Creators’ – share her experience of taking a challenging time in her and her family’s own lives and channelling that energy into creating an ambitious organisation – which sets out to ensure every child can go on to lead a successful and fulfilling life.  

Veena talks of some of the challenges faced by young people with SEN needs, behavioural challenges, mental health issues and trauma-induced obstacles – and how by working with schools and local authorities, AEPs ensure no child gets left behind.  

The episode also looks at how businesses can engage and support such skills provisions – not writing off individuals who are potentially huge assets to the ‘workforce of tomorrow’. 

Further episodes in the series are set to cover conversations with business leaders on themes such as business expansion overseas and launching a wellness brand in today’s market.  

This comes later in the year from Enterprise Oxfordshire becoming the new trading name of the Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (OxLEP) on 1 April. 

The change marked the completion of a two-year process that saw the economic development functions – previously led by Local Enterprise Partnerships – altered so that they were to be overseen via a mechanism agreed by respective upper-tier local authorities, in this instance, Oxfordshire County Council. 

 Since becoming Enterprise Oxfordshire in April, Oxfordshire County Council now act as the organisation’s 100% shareholder, known as a Teckal company arrangement. 

Enterprise Oxfordshire has demonstrated the importance of supporting Oxfordshire businesses and communities for over a decade. 

On the return of OxTalks, Enterprise Oxfordshire’s Rob Panting, commented: “Given the success of the three series previous, we’re delighted to bring the podcast back for a fourth time. 

“Enterprise Oxfordshire – and formerly OxLEP – have been supporting the county’s SMEs and wider communities since 2011 and have secured a total of £1bn in funding or Oxfordshire for long-term benefits to businesses and communities. 

“One thing that has been consistent through our wide array of programmes and support offered over the years is our dedication to sharing the county’s ‘business voice.  

“OxTalks is just one channel that reinforces our commitment to sharing and solving some of the key business challenges faced by the county’s SMEs, offering inspiration and insight into the journeys of many of the county’s business leaders. 

“This series touches on subjects we haven’t covered before, and we’re excited to offer this outlet for guidance and conversation around such an array of themes.” 

The first episode of OxTalks series four will air on Monday 20th October, with subsequent episodes published fortnightly. 

OxTalks is available on all streaming platforms, so you can listen wherever you get your podcasts.  

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