An exciting future for a new OX1

OX1’s work to promote retail, hospitality and commercial business in Oxford City centre is to continue as part of a countywide network.  OTCN Ltd – the driving force behind the Oxfordshire Town Chambers Network - has reached agreement with the Board of OX1 to take on this key role.

The agreement means OX1 will focus on the promotions part of its work after five years operating as a city centre management company. It follows the decision by the City and County Councils to withdraw funding for the OX1 partnership as of March 31st 2009 and divert the resources into appointing a joint City Centre Manager.

OTCN aims to work alongside existing City centre traders’ groups and with the new Council Manager but focus its efforts on building OX1’s portfolio of activities and events. It is working to identify potential sources of funding and to draw on the support OX1 has from City centre businesses in the retail, commercial and hospitality sectors.

OTCN Ltd Director Iain Nicholson says: “The Councils’ joint statement on the future of support for business in Oxford City centre makes it clear that they see a continuing role for OX1. We are grateful to the Board of OX1 for the commitment they have shown to making this possible. Without the funding the two councils have invested in previous years it is clear that we have a tough challenge ahead of us. But we are excited about the role and very much looking forward to working with the businesses that have been such strong supporters of OX1 in the past.”

The City Centre Management Company will be formally wound up later this year with OX1 continuing to operate as a business group in the Oxfordshire Town Chambers Network.

For more details about OTCN’s work visit www.otcn.co.uk or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it