Lynn Shepherd looks ahead to Venturefest Oxford 2015

Someone gave me very good advice when I started considering early retirement from my role as communications director at Oxford Instruments a year ago.

They urged me to divide my retirement into three parts; one third for enterprise, one third for me and one third for the good of the community.

When the outgoing chair of Venturefest Oxford (Oxfordshire’s largest event for innovators and entrepreneurs) approached me to take on the role, I didn’t hesitate – one third ticked. I then planned a road trip around the Great Lakes in the US – another third ticked. I am working on the last third….

Part of my role at Oxford Instruments was to build its image around the world – using my knowledge of brand and marketing.

This experience I am now putting into good use at Venturefest (venturefestoxford.com).

It is my intention to build it into the place for people who want to do business in Oxfordshire and to connect with those who want to support them.

Venturefest has been around for 16 years, but has put on just one event a year – albeit a very successful one.

Well, we are no longer a one trick pony. I have many more events planned.

My first problem was how to promote what we do, increase the number of people who visit our website and come to our events. We needed more focus to help build new programmes and events and publicise them.

Out came the sticky yellow post-it notes, flip charts and copious cups of tea. I think it was the chocolate biscuits that made the breakthrough.

Eureka! The four stages of man; birth, childhood, adolescence, adult. Well, actually, the four stages of business, but it works just the same.

In our birth category we connect those who have a brand new business or just the embryo of an idea and want to know what to do with it. We provide opportunities to connect with people who have money to invest in innovation and business development.

As a business moves into its next phase, childhood, then we introduce people who know about patents, intellectual property, tax, accounting, legal and not forgetting HR, PR and marketing.

As a business grows into adolescence or adulthood, we offer tailored events and opportunities that hit the spot at the right time. You get the picture I am sure.

I have to mention our flagship event, of course, or I would be failing in my responsibility as chair.

This year it takes place on July 8 at the Said Business School and you can register through our website.

It is packed with exhibitions, workshops, lectures and debates all structured around the four stages of business – and you get a free lunch and wine reception as well.

To expand Venturefest further throughout the year I have also launched the new Oxfordshire Business Festival (oxfordshirebusinessfestival.com) where businesses in and around Oxford are opening their doors to the public and hope the festival will become an established part of Oxford’s Venturest event calendar.

Other ideas include plans to hold two events where new businesses can pitch their ideas to investors and hope to put on a photographic exhibition of exciting high-tech images. We have also been involved in central government discussions on how generations work together.

In short, Venturefest Oxford has gone national, with events based on our model, taking place around the UK.

The word on the street is that Oxford is the one to beat – bring it on I say.