Business

What are the dry hire rates for business events and what's included?

Dry hire packages start from £10,000.00 inclusive of VAT. Room hire includes meeting room hire, pads and pencils, free comprehensive Wi-Fi throughout the site, and chilled conference mineral water inside the room. Specific rates vary by room size and date, with some reduced rates available (for example, the Dorset Suite was quoted at £2,200.00 VAT exempt, reduced from £4,429.00).

What are the Day Delegate Rate (DDR) packages and pricing?

DDR packages range from £55.00 to £87.00 per person inclusive of VAT, with standard rates typically £150.00-£189.00 before reductions. The package includes room hire 09:00-17:00, air-conditioned room with daylight, superfast Wi-Fi, water throughout the day, pastries and smoothies on arrival, yogurt and granola pots, energizing lunch, free-flowing tea and coffee, flipchart, and 3000 lumen LCD projector with 8'x6' screen. Minimum numbers typically apply (usually 10+ delegates).

What room capacities are available for different meeting setups?

Room capacities vary significantly by space and setup. Examples include: Boardroom 2 (up to 13 delegates boardroom style), Cambridge Suite (up to 24 delegates boardroom style), Dorset Suite (up to 60 delegates classroom style), Cornwall Suite (up to 200 cabaret or 250 theatre style), and Grand Hall (up to 400 cabaret or 650 theatre style). All rooms have natural daylight, disabled access, and are located on different floors throughout the venue.

What are the additional catering costs beyond the DDR package?

Additional catering options include: unlimited tea, coffee and refreshments at £11.50 per person inclusive of VAT, energizing lunch at £20.95 per person, sandwich lunch at £12.95 per person, bacon or egg bap at £4.95 per person, and Danish pastries at £4.00 per person. Single servings of tea, coffee and refreshments cost £3.95 per person inclusive of VAT.

What AV equipment is included and what are upgrade costs?

Standard DDR packages include a 3000 lumen LCD projector with 8'x6' screen and one flipchart. LCD projector and screen hire separately costs from £195.00 inclusive of VAT. Upgrades to bigger screens are available at additional charges. The venue recommends upgrading to larger screens for better visibility, though specific upgrade costs must be requested from their AV supplier.

Are there mandatory security charges for business events?

Security charges are compulsory for events based on guest numbers: 1-200 guests require 2 guards, 201-400 guests require 4 guards, and 401-600 guests require 6 guards. The cost is £29.40 per hour inclusive of VAT with a minimum 4-hour booking. Security must be paid no later than 1 month prior to the event.

What are the booking hold policies and confirmation requirements?

The venue offers joint 1st option holds for events, but these require decisions within specific timeframes. Booking holds are released if no updates are received, and the venue will notify clients when decisions are required. For example, one booking required confirmation by 1pm on a specific date or the booking would be released automatically.

What are the venue's operating hours and access times?

Standard room hire typically runs 09:00-17:00, with setup time from 06:00-09:00 available complimentary for some packages. All spaces must be vacated by 17:00 or additional de-rig charges apply. Extended hours are available but may incur additional costs. The venue can accommodate early access requirements with advance notice.

Are there restrictions on ticketed events?

For ticketed events, all tickets must be pre-purchased and the venue does not allow tickets to be sold on the night. This policy applies to all ticketed events regardless of size or type.

What syndicate and breakout room options are available?

Multiple syndicate rooms are available at £650.00 VAT exempt per room, including spaces like Oxford (56 theatre style), Cambridge (56 theatre style), Covent Garden Suite (105 theatre style), Dorset (105 theatre style), Durham (45 theatre style), Derby (45 theatre style), Holborn (50 theatre style), and Boardrooms 1-4 (12 boardroom style each). All include room hire, pads and pencils, Wi-Fi, and mineral water.