Hosted by Savills Oxford, and attended by real estate owners and professionals from across the county, the seminar was a launchpad for Oxford: a global competitor – a timely analysis of the strength of Oxford on the world stage and the opportunities for the city and county to capitalise on its potential.

Savills residential and commercial market researchers, Lydia McLaren and Steve Lang, presented the research findings and Bill Cotton, corporate director, Environment and Place, Oxfordshire County Council, provided a perspective on some of the issues and priorities. A lively question and answer session followed, chaired by Charles Rowton-Lee, head of Savills commercial agency team in Oxford.

Head of Savills Oxford, Richard Binning, said: ‘Oxford has many of the core ingredients of a globally competitive city, including university-driven innovation, multiple economic specialisations and a well-educated population. But to maintain its global position and maximise its future potential it must first address some considerable challenges.

‘The seminar was an opportunity not only to delve into the challenges Oxford faces at this pivotal time, but also to consider some of the potential ways forward. There was plenty of engaging discussion and food for thought to take away.’