One of Oxford's oldest businesses was highly commended in the Retailer of the Year Awards. Shepherd & Woodward, which has its main store in the city's High Street, was fourth in the classic contemporary category of the awards run by FHM and Menswear magazines, competing against 500 independent retailers.

Managing director Adrian Palfreyman, who was promoted to the position a year ago, represents the third generation of management and plans to bring the 140-year-old business into the 21st century, while retaining its traditional values. He said: "Our exceptional customer service is the jewel in the crown."