After the success of the last two Experience Exchanges, The Oxford Trust are delighted to announce that a third will take place on Tuesday 5th February 2008 6pm at Science Oxford. The Experience Exchange consists of 10-minute, one-to-one, scheduled introductions with a series of seasoned business leaders who have extensive experience in growing science and technology companies. If you are a budding entrepreneur with a new high-tech company, having a guiding hand from someone with real, practical business experience can be extremely helpful. A non-executive director or a mentor can help with contacts, information and advice about what works and what to avoid, and can help to develop your own entrepreneurial skills. The Experience Exchange is a great way to meet potential mentors. Jonathan Fink, Managing Director of Momentum Web Solutions, was introduced to Martin Wilkinson at the last Experience Exchange, a meeting that resulted in Martin becoming Momentum’s Chief Financial Officer. ‘The role of the Oxford Trust in making the introduction was crucial,’ explained Jonathan. ‘The context of Experience Exchange was perfect to help companies like us with a very specific need to meet very high calibre and experienced individuals who could help.’ Graham Nye from Chiltern IT agrees …

Do you think you know a lot about our high-tech economy? Do you get roped in to trivia quizzes because of your guru-like knowledge of the local science industry? If you think you are up to The Oxford Trust’s Lunchtime Economic Knowledge Challenge or you would like to learn more about our region then come along to the next ‘Networking Lunch with a Difference’. The Oxford Trust invites you to combine a unique lunch experience with the opportunity to network with the Oxfordshire science and business community. The next in the series of ‘a Networking Lunch with a Difference’ will explore our position as a leading science enterprise and high-tech region through an innovative and interactive trivia quest that draws on fresh research that The Oxford Trust is conducting. Bring your own team or build one on the day and take the challenge. We guarantee that it will stimulate your mind and expand your Oxfordshire networks. The lunch is free for members of The Oxford Trust and £17 (+VAT) for non-members. Booking is essential, please visit, http://www.oxtrust.org.uk/events/299848 or call Richard Mercer on 01865 728953 or via email: richard.mercer@oxtrust.org.uk

To celebrate entering our eighth year in existence, this year’s legendary annual OYPS Summer Ball will be held on 8th August 2008. Set in the sumptuous surroundings of Pembroke College, the evening will kick off at 7.30pm with a sparkling wine reception and nibbles on the lawn before moving into the grand Dining Hall for food, much wine and even more dancing. We will be adding events and attractions to the lineup as we draw closer to the event so keep your eyes peeled! This year we are offering a special ‘Early Bird’ rate for tickets bought before 18 July 2008 - £40 for members, and £50 for non members. They will continue to be on sale right up to the night before the event, but beyond 18 July will be £50 for members and £60 for non members. Tickets are available from the website (www.oyps.org), by post (cheque with cover note to Katy Wilkinson, OYPS Treasurer, c/o Grant Thornton, 1 Westminster Way, Oxford OX2 0PZ) or in person from any OYPS committee member. For further information please do not hesitate to contact mpotts@bowerandbailey.co.uk or oyps@oyps.org. As long as you feel young and act professionally, you are invited to attend …

The new ITsON series continues on the 11th September 2008 with a programme exploring some of the opportunities that exist for engaging with our local universities. Universities are a valuable component of the local ICT sector, providing a wealth of expertise, research and future employees to the economy. ITsON would like to invite the ICT sector to come along to the event to hear more about potential areas for business-university collaboration, how to approach and work with the universities and to have your questions answered. It is also a great opportunity to meet similarly minded ICT professionals who are interested in building a greater ICT network within the region. ITsON aims to help build a supportive ICT network in the region that meets the needs of the industry – helping to promote collaboration, discussion and skills exchange within the sector. 11th September 2008 – 6.00pm to 8.30pm Science Oxford, St Clements, Oxford, OX4 1BD Price: £20+VAT (£10+VAT for Trust members) For more information about the event please visit www.itson.org.uk/events.html or contact Richard Mercer on 01865 728953 or richard.mercer@oxtrust.org.uk If you want to attend but you or your company are in genuine financial hardship then please contact us to discuss a …

Getting an Information & Communication Technology company up and running is hard, particularly when looking for funding for a high-risk venture. With the range of financing options available, which route would best suit your particular company and technology? Who can offer advice on the finer points of particular options? Our third event in the ITsON series brings you the opportunity to get answers to some of your investment questions by taking an ICT focussed look at some of the financing options available. Rob Anderson, from the London-based investment company IPROS plc, will be our guest speaker for the evening and our first investor-on-the-couch. Rob will provide an insight into IPROS plc and why they “are interested in what many other investors consider the riskier end of software – early stage ventures.” Don McLaverty (Oxford Innovation) will facilitate the investor-on-a-couch discussion and there will be information and representatives from other sources of funding assistance present on the night. * Come and meet our guest speaker and: learn how investors view an investment opportunity and what sorts of technology and/or companies they are interested in; * learn more about the suitability of financing alternatives to different types of technology; * meet other …