About Indie Oxford

What is Indie Oxford?

Set up in March 2015, Independent Oxford supports the growing community of independent businesses in Oxfordshire, and is on a mission to create a world where everyone values local. Indie businesses are the beating heart of our communities, and make our towns, villages and high streets colourful, vibrant and diverse.

Why support indie?

Oxfordshire’s indies (and all indies!) reflect the places we live, our cultures and our interests and they make us different. We want people to know the alternatives to the nationwide high street stores and make considered, well-meaning purchases that last.

Through supporting independents you’re supporting the local economy and the money you spend at an independent directly helps support that person’s livelihood. You’re supporting local people’s jobs, funding innovation, and investing in your community.

There are great businesses just down the road that will greet you by name, and online shops that will deliver your order by bike and at a time that’s convenient to you. Indie Oxford helps you to discover them!

How is Independent Oxford helping? 

First and foremost by spreading the word. The directory is a comprehensive, ever growing list of hundreds of indies in Oxfordshire.

The directory, the blog and social channels share the stories of these indies and the passionate people behind them.

As well as this, Independent Oxford has built and continues to build a community of independents who collaborate, encourage and support each other through what can sometimes be a challenging and lonely journey.

How can I get involved?

1. Check out the Directory to discover your new favourite independent businesses.
2. Use and browse #IndieOxford on socials to spread indie love and support.
3. Consciously consume and adapt your shopping habits.
4. Get to know your local businesses. Indies nurture community and relationships, and we want you to be part of that.
5. If you are an indie, join the community and become an Indie Oxford member.

Annabel is the Community Manager for Independent Oxford

Annabel works with the amazing members that make Indie Oxford such a cool community. She looks after our networking events, new members and community management.

She also runs Annabel Lee Communications where she works as a copywriter, journalist and comms consultant. She is passionate about community, connection and creativity and has been a proud Indie Oxford member for the last three years.

Outside of work she loves reading and running – and will happily talk for hours about the best post run bakery spots or what’s next on her to read pile.

Email Annabel

Jacqui is the Digital Manager for Independent Oxford

Jacqui has been working closely with independent Oxfordshire businesses for over a decade as Co-Founder and Owner of Bitten Oxford, then more recently as Owner of Bitten Digital, a web design & digital marketing agency.

As a firm believer in the values of connection, collaboration and relationship building, Jacqui has also been a member of Independent Oxford for a number of years, and worked with Independent Oxford to co-publish the Indie Oxford Compendium with Bitten Oxford in 2017.

While Jacqui may not be Oxford born and bred, she considers it her family home and loves cheerleading her favourite indie businesses.

Email Jacqui

Nicola is the Content Manager for Independent Oxford

Nicola has been working in marketing and communications for the last four years. From social media to email marketing and events, she loves a diverse role.

She is a massive foodie, is a food writer for Bitten Oxford and has her own Instagram food page because food is life! Nicola loves writing- she has always been about words rather than numbers.

Kenya is home for Nicola and she moved to the UK for university where she studied International Hospitality Management and spent a year working at The Savoy Hotel in London.

Nicola’s favourite indies include Gee’s, Happy Cakes, The White Rabbit, and Cherwell Boat House.

Email Nicola

Holly writes for the Independent Oxford blog, discovering the journeys behind brilliant local businesses in Oxfordshire.

Holly works at a digital agency, leading a team of delivery managers dedicated to making a positive impact through technology. With a longstanding passion for writing, Holly has worn many hats as a reviewer, from covering music in her post-student days to more recently critiquing food for a local Oxfordshire blog.

Her connection to the local community runs deep, as her partner runs the Waterside Cafe in Farmoor and she has recently been appointed director of another Indie Oxford business, Saunagus. Holly is a firm believer in fostering local connections and supporting community initiatives. In her free time, you’ll find her walking her dog or indulging in some wild swimming adventures.