How your choice of office space could influence the next generation

The phrase 'to give something back,' when used in the context of business strategy implies the implementation of a corporate social responsibility policy. Here at The Oxford Trust, our charitable business model embodies the ‘give something back’ idea – everything we do is sustainable and benefits not just the regional economy but also future generations and diverse communities across the city and county. The Trust is a highly successful independent charity that was founded in 1985 by entrepreneurs Sir Martin and Audrey, Lady Wood. Our mission is to ‘encourage the pursuit of science and enterprise’ and we run complementary programmes across three key objectives:

• Enterprise - To support economic growth by encouraging innovation.
• Education - To inspire young people about science, technology, engineering and maths.
• Engagement - To encourage people of all ages to engage with how scientific research impacts their lives.

We currently support early-stage science and innovation companies and entrepreneurs by providing affordable office space through our Oxford Centre for Innovation (OCFI), which is based in the city centre and close to the university’s science campus. OCFI, in Oxford's vibrant city centre, provides flexible office space, virtual offices and meeting rooms The income we earn from the OCFI is reinvested to support the science and innovation community and encourage entrepreneurship. We do this through investment in our own programmes and those of like-minded organisations. For example, we support Venturefest Oxford, Oxford Hackspace, Oxfordshire Science Festival and fund Science Oxford – our public-facing brand. The Oxford Trust Enterprise Awards, being held in conjunction with Venturefest Oxford, seeks to recognise the efforts of start-up companies and entrepreneurs in the technology and life science sectors. Our independence and sustainability means that we are able to be responsive to evolving needs and challenges in Oxfordshire and the wider region; the Trust helped to fund the Oxford Innovation Engine Report (2013), the recent iCapital innovation bid and NESTA entrepreneurship research project Connecting The Dots, which is being discussed at Venturefest Oxford on 29 June 2016. The Oxford Trust helped fund Oxford's recent iCapital innovation bid - see finalist video submission  We also have successful partnerships that enable us to develop and invest in ground-breaking programmes aiming to inspire the next generation of scientists and innovators - building networks between businesses and schools, particularly through Science Oxford’s STEM World of Work programme and our local STEM Ambassador network. Two exciting new projects coming on line that will expand innovation capacity; underlines the Trust’s commitment to providing independent cost effective innovation space that supports our wider social and economic impact.

• The POD: A co-working space and business lounge inside OCFI will launch this summer
• Stansfeld Park: A new multimillion £ innovation centre in Headington slated to open in early 2018.

Artist view of Stansfeld Come and talk to the Trust to learn about all our exciting programmes and to see if you can help us help you! The Trust is exhibiting at Venturefest on 29 June. Book an appointment and get expert advice.