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.

Rosie is the Co-Founder and Director of Independent Oxford.

Why Independent Oxford?

I started Independent Oxford in 2015, as I felt strongly about the benefits of supporting local businesses (and still do!) and creating a community for indies to get support. I ran an indie business myself and felt a real need for this and thought others would too!

I am passionate about providing an authentic, highly engaging and dependable website for you to discover brilliant local businesses we have across Oxfordshire, and share the IO mission to create real social change by showing the value of buying local, encouraging people to invest in their local economy and community. Each Indie Oxford member helps to realise this mission, and supports Indie Oxford’s work to put the local economy on the map.

I love building strong communities that make a positive impact and feel that the digital world is uniquely placed to raise the profile of these inspiring indies and collaborative community.

Favourite Indies?

I love so many local indies: The Project PT for awesome community gym sessions, The Missing Bean for great coffee, LORDS Fragrance House for gorgeous candles, Every Body Studio for yoga, Pompette for amazing food, and of course my Dad’s incredible Warborough Honey!

What are you up to when you’re not Independent Oxford-ing?

I also work for OSEP (the Oxfordshire Social Enterprise Partnership) which supports purposeful businesses, social enterprises and charities in Oxfordshire and sit on the Oxford Economic Steering Board.

When I’m not busy with all things indie, I love running, cycling, reading, festivals, catching up with friends and family and dj-ing!

If you have any questions, email me at rosie@independentoxford.com

Nicola works on the Independent Oxford blog, writing stories about the awesome indies in our community.

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.

Holly also works on 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.