Banbury Business Breakfast Club Meeting No 237
Thursday 1st March 2012
Buying oil in bulk – helping rural businesses
Summary of the talk
Linda Watson, Oxfordshire Rural Community Council (ORCC)
Thirty communities in rural Oxfordshire have signed up to an innovative bulk buying scheme that is saving rural households significant sums on their central heating oil. Since the scheme first began in November 2010, its members have between them saved almost £16,000 against average oil prices – and a staggering £31,583 against highest prices.
The scheme has been set up and operated by the new trading arm of Oxfordshire Rural Community Council, a 91 year old local charity, in partnership with a private company, Community Buying unLimited.
The scheme is proving such a success that ORCC Trading has offered it on a franchise basis to other members of its national Rural Community Action Network. Other Rural Community Councils have been quick to see the potential and already 8 counties have signed up. More are waiting in the wings.
Linda Watson became Chief Executive of the ORCC in 2006 following a varied career with roles such as Manager of the West Oxfordshire CAB, Chief Executive of the Community Health Council, and Health Scrutiny Officer in local government.
Linda will talk about how the community bulk-oil buying scheme is making massive savings for people in Oxfordshire, and how its success here has meant it has already spread across half of England.
Costs, Timings and Registration
Cost will be £12.50 on arrival, made payable to the venue.
7:00-7:15am Arrival and orange juice reception
7:25-7:30am Sit down for breakfast
8:00-8:10am Welcome and introduction of speaker
8:10-9:00am Speaker
9:00-9:15am Wrap up/Finish
If you would like to attend this BBBC meeting, and have not already done so, please complete the booking form.
For further details of the club, visit the Breakfast Club website.
Last Meeting – 2 February 2012
David Richards, CBE, Pro Drive
February’s meeting saw a hugely anticipated presentation by Prodrive Chairman David Richards, CBE.
In his early automotive career, David became a professional rally co-driver, competing for the factory Leyland, Opel and Ford teams. After winning the World Rally Championship in 1981, David formed his own rally team and created Prodrive in 1984.
The company established its headquarters in Banbury, Oxfordshire, where, under David’s direction, it has grown into a world leading motorsport and automotive technology business, with operations on three continents and employing more than 600 staff with annual sales in excess of £100 million.
David discussed his progression from rally driver to owner of one of the world’s best known automotive businesses and touched on the company’s plans for expansion before taking numerous questions from the audience.
Members announcements
Breakfast with Sir Ranulph Fiennes
In order to raise extra funds for his charity Everest trek, Gary Bricknell has arranged two prestigious events at Blenheim Palace, each with Sir Ranulph Fiennes as the guest speaker.
Sir Ranulph Fiennes, described by The Guinness Book of Records as “the world’s greatest living explorer”, has broken many world records and led many expeditions to remote regions of the earth, and in 2009, was the oldest Briton to summit Everest. His travels are truly remarkable stories of human endeavour. He has raised in excess of £14 million for charity, an inspirational speaker and author of best selling books and is currently planning his biggest charitable expedition to date.
The first event will be a special breakfast at the Palace, with Sir Ranulph giving a presentation followed by a book signing for those wishing to purchase copies of Sir Ranulph’s book, and an optional tour of the Palace. The event will be held on Friday 22 June 2012. Timings are still being finalised, but are likely to be 7:30 – 9am for the breakfast and talk, with the book signing and tour afterwards. Gary is taking reservations for tables of 10 or individual tickets at a cost of £69 per head. Gary can be contacted via gary.bricknell@sjpp.co.uk or on 01295 276500.
An Evening with Sir Ranulph Fiennes
The second event (on the same day) will be an evening with Sir Ranulph, which will start with champagne reception and canapés in the Palace gardens. This will be followed by 3-course meal including coffee and wine, and entertainment. Again, details are yet to be finalised, but the evening promises to be a night to remember! Reservations are being taken for tables of 10 or individual tickets at a cost of £149 per head. Contact Gary via the above details for more information and to make your table reservations. Both the breakfast and the evening dinner are events not to be missed! Places are proving popular, so contact Gary asap to reserve your seats and avoid disappointment.
BYHP
BYHP’s On A Roll provide fantastic buffet lunches for companies in and around Banbury, including the Partner’s meetings at Brethertons! They are offering 10% off your first order in January and February, and a free sample lunch for 4 people. For more information, or to order your sample, call 01295 277540, or email info@byhpsonaroll.co.uk. You can also view the menu at www.byhpsonaroll.co.uk.
The Rotary Club of Banbury
The Rotary Club is holding a Dragon Boat race at Broughton Castle on Monday 4 June 2012. The Club would like to encourage members of the BBBC to form a team. 10 members are needed, along with someone to bang the drum. If anyone is interested, please contact Bernard Goodchild at bernardgoodchild@ukgateway.net, for more information.
Banbury Innovation Awards 2012
Are you developing a new and creative idea, creating an innovative product, planning to protect and market your innovation and searching for professional and experienced support? Then don’t miss the opportunity to enter the Banbury Innovation Awards! Applications are free and welcome from anyone with new and creative ideas in the North Oxfordshire area. Prizes include a specially commissioned trophy, £500 cash and a selection of business services and support prizes worth over £10,000! To enter, please download the event flyer, visit www.banburyinnovationaward.co.uk or call 01295 817608. Regular award updates are available at www.banburyguardian.co.uk
Next Meeting – 1 March 2012
Rye Hill Golf Club
Milcombe
Banbury
OX15 4RU
Tel: 01295 721818
Website: www.ryehill.co.uk
Queries
Rosie Burchell
Brethertons LLP
Strathmore House, Waterperry Court, Middleton Road, Banbury, Oxon OX16 4QD
Tel: (01295) 661522 Fax: (01295) 661469
E-mail: rosieburchell@brethertons.co.uk
Web: www.brethertons.co.uk
BBBC Website
I look forward to seeing you on the 1st March, if not before!
 | Shaun Jardine |
| Partner | |
| shaunjardine@brethertons.co.uk | |
| More details>> | |