James Craddock

On a personal level, I’m someone who gets a lot of energy from good people, good conversation and seeing things happen locally. I’ve always enjoyed bringing people together, not in a forced networking way, but in the real-world sense of helping people meet someone useful, have a proper chat and see where it leads.

Outside of work, I’m a big fan of live music, festivals, decent food and anything that involves a bit of laughter and not taking life too seriously. I’m also a massive Fatboy Slim fan, which probably says something about my taste in music and my belief that most things are better with a bit more energy.

If you meet me at an OBCN breakfast, you’ll usually find me introducing people, talking about Oxfordshire business, or getting far too enthusiastic about an idea. I like straight-talking people, practical ideas and relationships that are built properly over time.

James Craddock is an Oxfordshire-based entrepreneur and the person behind several local ventures, including Get Support IT Services, Get Radio and the Oxford Business Community Network. Thompson & Terry Recruitment has recently been added to the group.

He started helping small businesses with technology as a teenager and has spent more than two decades in networking rooms across Oxfordshire - learning what works, what feels forced, and what actually helps people build useful relationships.

James took over OBCN a few years ago and now runs Oxfordshire’s Bigger Business Breakfast as a practical, friendly way for local people in business to meet properly.

For James, the point of the morning is simple: get good people in the same room, make it easier to have proper conversations, and help those relationships turn into introductions, opportunities and business growth.