Alex works with our local communities to match individuals and organisations with spaces that will help them to thrive. With a background in cultural production and theatre, his previous work saw him touring the UK and Australia with drag queens, teaching theatre in schools and universities, and delivering large scale participation projects. As Communities Delivery Manager, Alex is excited by the prospect of empowering communities of Oxfordshire to transform spaces and drive social change.

Andy is a passionate social entrepreneur who has led a number of successful purpose-driven community businesses.
He is co-founder of Makespace Oxford and Programme Lead for  the ‘Meanwhile in Oxfordshire’ programme, as well as co-founder, designer and architect at Transition by Design. He believes strongly in the power of space to create more inclusive and resilient local communities, and is committed to transforming, repurposing and reviving underused spaces in Oxfordshire.

Claire joined Makespace in early 2020 with a huge wealth of experience in supporting independent businesses and social enterprises. As Makespace’s Operations Coordinator, she takes care of all our systems and processes, and streamlines project resources so that we can be as efficient and effective as possible. Claire is passionate about supporting local socially conscious organisations and businesses across Oxfordshire.

Dianne joined us in 2021 to help deliver the Owned by Oxford Community Wealth Building programme. She is a Social Sculpture practitioner, Cultural Diversity, Equality & Inclusion Advocate, Poet, Author & ARTivist. She’s invested in regenerative ARTivism for belonging, advocacy and placemaking with a focus on African heritage diaspora communities, and has a deep commitment to increasing the participation of communities less seen and less heard in the local economy.

Emily joined Makespace in 2021 to help us spread the word about our work. She is a communications professional with over six years of experience in the arts, culture and non-for-profit sectors. Emily believes strongly in the power of storytelling and connection to help organisations achieve their goals, and loves to think creatively and strategically about how to do this. She’s thrilled to be part of the Makespace team and is passionate about the power of space to support growth, equality and community.

Emma leads our building management team, ensuring that spaces we acquire are refurbished and brought into community use as efficiently as possible. She joined Makespace in 2018 with a background in design, construction and architecture, and has extensive experience in facilities management for social enterprises. In her time at Makespace, Emma has witnessed first hand how space can unlock great ideas and is proud to be part of the solution for the brilliant organisations we support.

James works to ensure that the buildings we occupy are safe, secure and efficient and that all our occupiers have what they need to be productive and successful.
Prior to joining Makespace in 2021, James held various roles in site and facility management in Oxford City Centre. James is excited to be part of a team breathing life back into Oxfordshire’s high streets and supporting local communities, especially after such a challenging year, and looks forward to applying his skills and experience to support Makespace Oxford’s mission.

Jo manages our existing residents, internal communications and programme of community events and activities. Previously a creative producer and curator, with a focus on Arts & Heritage building transformation, she brings many years’ experience collaborating across sectors and spaces. Passionate about work that ignites action and improves well-being, Jo is excited by Makespace’s mission to breathe new life into underused space – maximising potential and strengthening the connection between people and the places they share.

As Strategic Director, Penny ensures our team has the clarity, resource and support we need to deliver on our mission and values – enabling residents and potential residents to thrive in affordable working space, whilst being progressive, co-operative, ethical and agile. Penny is also an executive coach and was previously Deputy Chief Executive at Oxfam GB. Penny combines operational and strategic leadership experience with organisational development skills and a life-long commitment to social justice.

Zahra is the award-winning co-founder and director of YWMP – an intersectional feminist charity that offers access to free workshops, resources, and mentoring to women and non-binary people. Zahra has been a workshop facilitator in Oxfordshire for 18 years, delivering music technology, drumming, and songwriting sessions to young people and vulnerable adults in many different settings. Zahra’s goal is to build meaningful connections between different communities in Oxford so that support can be distributed mindfully to those who need it most.

Bart is a member of our Board, and an experienced leader and manger working in a range of organisations.  He is one of Makespace Oxford’s Directors and also our Treasurer, with an overview of our financial plans. His areas of expertise are people and team management, but he has also managed estates refurbishment and construction projects.  Bart is most interested in helping people and communities find and develop new ways of working together.

Paul is the Chief Executive Officer of the charity and social enterprise Aspire Oxfordshire and a Director of its trading company, Aspire Enterprise Services. Alongside his role as a Director of Makespace Oxford, he is also a co-founder of the Oxfordshire Homeless Movement, a co-founder of Flo’s and a Director of the Oxfordshire Social Entrepreneurship Partnership. Prior to joining Aspire, Paul was a British Diplomat and previously volunteered at Asylum Welcome in Oxford and as a Generalist Adviser for Citizens Advice. He holds a Master’s degree in Public Policy.