Welcome to OxTalks, powered Enterprise Oxfordshire (formerly OxLEP). OxTalks aims to give you more insight into the great work that Enterprise Oxfordshire does, empowering and enabling businesses across Oxfordshire and beyond to add value to their organisation and, crucially, to the communities they serve.

Despite being home to the world's best university for a seventh year running, Oxfordshire has many communities that suffer from deprivation, major cost of living difficulties and a lack of opportunities. The county contains 17 wards, specifically in Oxford, Banbury and Abingdon, that fall into the 20% most deprived areas in England. For those struggling communities, what are the barriers they are facing? Are there realistic solutions? And is there the will to fix this?

This week, Howard speaks to Andy Edwards, one of the key players at Makespace Oxford, who are helping to reimagine spaces, and locations for the benefit of all. We'll also learn just what Enterprise Oxfordshire are doing to support this change through its latest batch of business support programmes.

Andy Edwards is the Executive Director of Makespace Oxford and Co-Founder of Transition By Design.  He is passionate about working at the intersection of art, design, and activism to find creative solutions to social and environmental issues.

His professional experience includes project management of architecture and construction projects, leading research programmes, hosting conferences, and offering technical advice on design and post-disaster reconstruction projects.

Learn more about Makespace Oxford

Enterprise Oxfordshire (formerly OxLEP) is an Oxfordshire County Council-owned company. It is our role to champion Oxfordshire’s economic potential, acting as a catalyst and convener to drive a dynamic, sustainable and growing economy. Our vision is for Oxfordshire to be a vibrant and inclusive world-leading economy – driven by innovation, enterprise, collaboration and research excellence.

Our work has made a significant impact, helping to create favourable conditions for economic growth in Oxfordshire. We provide support for hundreds of businesses and communities in the county, supporting their desire to grow and attract the best talent locally, nationally and internationally.

Visit our website / Access the Business Support Tool

OxTalks is recorded at the Oxford Podcast Studio and produced by Story Ninety-Four.