A commercial property specialist at Vail Williams has been appointed to an influential new body championing and supporting the office market in Oxford.

Guy Parkes, partner, has been named as a founder member of the British Council for Offices’ newly launched regional committee in the city.

The BCO is a membership organisation and the collective voice of the office sector – an interactive forum to inspire the creation of better workplaces for people and business. Guy, who has over 30 years’ regional sector experience, joins Emily Slupek of Savills, who has been named committee chair, and Lucy Wiltshire of Kier Construction.

The Oxford committee was established following strong interest from across the regional commercial market and will operate as a sub-committee of the wider BCO South West region. The move reflects BCO's ambition to strengthen its regional reach, with Oxford emerging as a key focus, alongside a broader commitment to supporting the science and research sector.

Regional agency lead Guy, based in Oxford and Reading, said he was looking forward to helping to shape how the BCO operates across the Oxford region.

“I am excited to have been asked to be part of this progressive organisation. We will be sure to showcase the exemplary commercial property work going on across Oxford. There is a real buzz about the city, and I am anticipating that we will be looking to host thought-provoking get-togethers and social events to engage fully with the vibrant real estate community.”

BCO is also exploring the creation of a complementary BCO NextGen Oxford committee to support early-career professionals in the region.

The organisation is devoted to research and discussion – and through its publications, events and networking opportunities it provides the platform to debate all aspects of the office sector.

Founded in 1990 and with a membership of more than 4,000, BCO represents owners, developers, architects, surveyors, managers, occupiers – and many more. Guy is embedded in the culture of Oxford having been at university in the city.

He works across the full spectrum of commercial property needs and has established himself as a leading voice in commercial real estate.

Vail Williams has seen business expand after opening an office in Oxford two years ago. The office is headed by partner Richard Dawtrey, also the firm’s Head of Investment.

The entry into the Oxford market saw the firm, which now has twelve offices across the UK, bridge the gap between its London, Reading and Birmingham offices, with its premises at New Barclay House in the city.

Photo: Office Champion - Vail Williams Partner Guy Parkes has been named as a founder member of the British Council for Offices’ newly launched regional committee in Oxford