There are a lot of considerations to take on board when operating your business in a small, historic village such as Wheatley. Whether you’re focusing on how to grow your business whilst not having to worry about HR, or you have any other specific HR requirements, it can be difficult to stay on top of the complexities of HR law at the same time. 

The HR Dept allows you to outsource these important HR functions to experts who understand the law, ranging from contracts to disciplinary procedures to payroll. We can help you feel confident that you are meeting your duties and responsibilities and can advise you on how to deal with difficult situations or employees. Our advice is clear, practical and based on the extensive expertise of our HR professionals.

A Bit about Wheatley

History

The ruins of a Roman villa can be found not far from the little village of Wheatley in Oxfordshire, but it’s real history as a settlement starts with the Anglo Saxons. A Saxon burial ground was found there in 1883. The area later became the property of Abingdon Abbey and many of its buildings had an ecclesiastical purpose. Wheatley was also a hamlet of nearby Cuddeson, but between 1427 and 1854, it gained increasing independence. Industry revolved around quarrying limestone, which would then be used for building, together with two nearby windmills. 

The Post Windmill burned down in the 1800s, but Wheatley Windmill (also called Littleworth Mill), once used to crush ochre, remains a popular attraction. Today the village has around 4000 residents.

Location and Travel

Wheatley is only about five miles east of Oxford. Several bus routes link the village and the city, as well as several other hamlets in the area. Wheatley Railway Station opened in 1864 to link the village to larger towns, including Oxford, Maidenhead, High Wycombe and Princes Risborough, but it was closed in the 1960s. There is still a railway station in Oxford itself. The nearest motorway is the nearby M40 which provides a direct route to both London and Birmingham.

Amenities

It may be a small village, but Wheatley still has several pubs, cafés and restaurants. There is a large supermarket as well as some smaller shops, including a pharmacy and bakery. The village has its own historical society and amateur performance group. Sports include a local rugby union team. In addition to Wheatley Mill, which is now one of the village’s main tourist attractions (although not open year-round), visitors may also like to take a trip to the historic lockup in the town centre, where you can spend a few minutes in the cells. In line with its religious history, the village is also home to several historic churches.

Small allotments, parks and recreation grounds (including the village green) can be found in Wheatley, but a short drive away, you can also visit Waterperry Gardens or Harcourt Arboretum. Wheatley even has its own bird of prey centre. There are many more shops and amenities in Oxford, and other local villages have their own attractions, like the Headington Shark in Headington.