What's going on in the event venue scene in the West Midlands and Wales ? Nothing, many would have you believe. However, they are wrong. Very wrong. Keep reading...

In Beaumaris on the Isle of Anglesey, The Townhouse is a stylish new boutique hotel with 13 rooms that is changing the face of local B&Bs. Room names belie the colour schemes within such as Chocolate, Fuschia, Plum, Scarlet, and Sky.  Transforming this 500 year old property into a five-star hotel was a painstaking task that was finished late 2009 and enhances the facilities of the existing sister property, Ye Olde Bulls Head Inn, as well as being a major draw card for Anglesey tourism.

Also in the North of Wales, Rossett Hall Hotel in Wrexham has had a $1.5 million renovation to upgrade this hotel to a four star property. The original Georgian main hall has been extended with new wings to provide extra event space and bedrooms. As part of the most recent development, 20 executive bedrooms with internet access have been added, as well as upgrading 30 existing rooms. Two meeting rooms have been built for 150 and 70 people theatre style in each and Oscar’s restaurant has been refurbished.  At just six miles from Chester and Wrexham, this is the perfect location for smaller training meetings.

The Marriott St Pierre Hotel & Country Club on the Southern border with England recently had over £1.8 million invested to update all areas of the resort including hotel bedrooms, restaurants, bars, leisure club and spa. In 400 acres of rolling hills in Chepstow, the hotel blends ancient features like the 14^th Century manor house with up-to-the-minute cuisine, technology and service.

(picture: The Public)

Never has the corporate events industry been in such a promising position.

The last two years have seen the industry’s unwritten rules and guidelines abused with a shameful lack of direction, moral compass, and collectiveness. From the biggest to the smallest man, the lack of humility, deception, clarity, and abuse of power and status is saddening. However, in the age of communication, there has never been a greater opportunity or timing to affect change.

However, change can only come from positive action. The ability to act is what defines us; the successes from the failures.

There are companies operating that have not yet realised that they are at rock-bottom and adapted.Those who have realised that they are at this position can actually do something about this.

On another note, there are companies who have been shafted after fulfilling all commitments. They have had it made clear that they are at the bottom of the food chain and should act in subservience. Well, there is something called the internet, and magazines. I am not advocating libellous comments, but we need to hear more and share information about such companies. In a period where many companies such as caterers – for example -  are operating on a breadline (excuse the pun), and the cost of catering per head has not risen in line with other areas, a loss cannot be afforded. Hence the need for information sharing. Contact editors. Contact bodies such as ISES and encourage them to take on your issue for the benefit of other suppliers.

I’d like to see a rating system on the ISES UK website that customers can update, as on Ebay to protect and assure buyers. ISES with it’s independent status has a great opportunity to re-position itself. It has some great people behind it who are truly passionate about the industry and care for it deeply.

On a final note forthis issue, I’d like to see closer relationships between bodies such as ISES UK and the editor’s on national broadsheets and tabloids who have hammered our industry during the past two years. The editor’s set the agenda for their journalists to follow. However, we have been whipping dogs and not countered it with enough collective aggression. Aggression and confrontation does have to be violent to be effective. However much we compete with each other, at this point in time when our industry has never been so low, we have a great opportunity to unite, act, and create a better place for us to all operate within.  We share a common value. We can form an army that is hard to ignore.

If you disagree with me, that’s fine. I believe in the chaos theory a little bit too when the good times are rolling. However, at present dogs have more rights than those who work in our industry, yet we are the oil that makes the engine work. We must follow the lead of those like The Concerto Group's Mike Kershaw.  The time has come to unite and protest that it is high time our government gives the corporate events industry a recognised status and officein parliament.

Being radical doesn’t mean you are one step from Guantanamo Bay. Radical is a good word. Think of the great movements in our lifetime. Even the small movement’s required radical personal and collective thought. Recognising the need for radical change can help affect micro and macro change. However, the problem with power is that don’t quite realise just how much of we have, and how we can best use it and what the true meaning and wealth of power is.

2010. New year. New start. Time to get radical.

Kristiana Kruysmulder pulls no punches when comparing both sides of the capital. Going 8 rounds in a venue showdown, we look at some of the toughest opponents.

Whether your penchant is for upper-class or über-cool,perceptions on districts in the capital are changing. Whilst the East end was once just the home of gritty art-house chic and the West end was all brightlights and glamorous charm, now venues everywhere are stepping up the competition.

When times are tough and venues get knockedout of favour as soon as the best new thing comes along, will you support the East corner or the West?

ROUND 1 – HOTELS

High Road House in Chiswick is a private members club and hotel from the Soho House group. 14 compact bedrooms are coupled with a games room and lounge spaces for up to 130 people for a party and a private dining room for 14 guests – perfect for a residential meeting who want to steer clear of downtown London.

If you prefer to be in the thick of it, then boutique The Boundary is still the best place to be. The rooftop terrace may be a little chilly now for functions,but the weathered bricks and buzzing atmosphere of the restaurant will keep you warm as the nights draw in!

Christian Audigier, the fashion label is legendary. His parties are legendary too, attended by none-less than the late King of Pop Michael Jackson, who anointed Christian as the ‘King of Fashion’.

The last several months have seen the emergence of Christian Audigier fines wines and champagnes

Q/ Christian Audigier, the fashion label and the A-list parties, are synonymous with glamour and aspiration. How did the launch of the fine wines and champagnes label come about?

The Christian Audigier label has always been not just about clothes its always been a lifestyle brand, so it was a natural progression to bring out a selection of  fine wine and champagne, Christian comes from Avinyon in France and the vineyard who produces the wine is just 70 miles away in Montperyoux, they have been made to attract the young consumer to feel wine as a cool and fun wine to drink. The Champagne is all part of the life style and Christian Teamed up with the Champagne house to initially produce a Rose and Premier Cru Champagne , There will be Vintages and Magnums coming out very soon. The World wide launch of the champagne and the UK launch of the wines was held in London on July 1st by the UK Distributors we chose London because it  the highest consumed market for champagne in the world, the UK market is very strong and we know that what happens in the UK will vibrate around Europe and the rest of the world.

Love them or hate them, we all can’t resist a list. There isa Nick Hornby that resides in each of us. At Prestige Events we are often asked what are the conference venues that resonate. So here is a little list of our collective 50, placed in no particular order….

(image: Falkirk Wheel)

Andels hotel Lodz, Poland – www.andelslodz.com

Factories have never looked so good! A former textile warehouse has become the newest 4 star deluxe member of the Andels brand, with 278 bedrooms and apartments. Bedrooms are the still-trendy New York loft style with exposed brickwork and bright furnishings, while a ballroom is the largest in the city. Look out for the spine-tingling lobby – open circular panels to the atrium above emit changing coloured lights and give a hint of Space Odyssey.

Banke Paris, France – www.derbyhotels.com  

In the heart of luxurious Paris on Rue La Fayette lies the next in the Derby hotels dynasty. Open since April this year, the Banke is an amazing 4 star superior property in a classic Parisian building with North African and Catalan influence. Dominating the lobby is the sweeping glass dome and mosaic floor while some of the suites offer spectacular views to the Sacré Cœur. Keeping true to the ethos of the brand, the hotel also houses an impressive collection of antiquities from Egypt, ancient Rome, Africa and Asia as well as modernist paintings throughout the hotel.

Amidst a blaze of glorious colour and exceptional exhibits, the RHS Chelsea Flower Show traditionally marks the start of the social season, and is the perfect occasion for fine dining and corporate entertainment.

The 2010 RHS Chelsea Flower Show runs from Tuesday 25th – Saturday 29th May.  If you are looking for something special for your corporate hospitality or fine dining, Chelsea Flower Show is not to be missed. 

What makes the Olivier award-winning  'King of Chameleon' tick?

by Ambrose Mendy

Famed as the leading actor in BBC1's mega-iconic show, Hustle, Adrian Lester's emergence as one of the most charismatic actors of his era was established when bravely cast as Hamletfor which he won an Olivier-award. This was further solidified when he was chosen to play the lead role in the Royal National Theatre's highly-acclaimed production of Henry V in 2003.

More recently, and more commonly to most people, Adrian Lester is renowned for resetting the benchmark for cool television characters in his portrayal of big-time conartist Mickey Bricks in the BBC1 hit show, Hustle.