- More than 130 business leaders join annual business breakfast
- Delegates heard the inspiring tale of how Berinsfield’s Williams Jet Tenders went from local start-up to a world leader
- Presentation also given on the ‘Prospects for UK economy’.
More than 130 business leaders joined annual South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils’ annual Business Breakfast on Tuesday 21 February 2017.
The key note speech was given by Mathew Hornsby, Sales Director and co-founder of yacht and powerboat specialists Williams Jet Tenders, based in Berinsfield. Mathew shared his inspirational story of how he and his brother John started Williams in their parents’ shed and went on to become the world’s largest jet tender manufacturer. Also the UK’s largest boat builder, the company now manufactures over 700 boats a year and employs 60 members of staff.
Garry Young, Senior Advisor at the Bank of England also gave a presentation on ‘Prospects for the UK economy’, including an explanation of the Bank’s new Decision Makers’ Panel, a new way of tracking businesses’ views about the current state of business in the UK.
The event also featured a question and answer session with key representatives from South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils.
Cllr Robert Simister, Cabinet Member for Economic Development at South Oxfordshire District Council, said: “The business breakfast provided a really great opportunity to hear what a local start-up can achieve. Williams Jet Tenders are a great example for others to follow and I’d like to thank Mathew Hornsby for sharing his story.”
Cllr Mike Murray, cabinet member for economic development at Vale of White Horse District Council, said: “We’re very keen to work closer with, and provide networking opportunities for, the business community across southern Oxfordshire and events such as the business breakfast allow us to highlight the support that’s available and hear directly from people.”