Five years on from the pandemic, is a London office comeback merging as an inevitable reality? A recent poll of 1,000 London commuters by the London Heritage Quarter revealed that 40% believe work patterns will return to their pre-pandemic norms by the end of 2025, a stark contrast to 2024, where the average office attendance in London was just two days per week.
This shift presents new challenges and opportunities for meetings and events. For Clermont Hotel Group (CHG) with its portfolio of 16 hotels in prime London locations, the key question becomes: what can the hospitality industry do now to prepare for this change? As businesses bring employees back into the office, there’s an expectation that demand for meeting and event spaces is set to rise—especially on those post-pandemic less busy Mondays and Fridays, historically quieter days in the calendar. With over 4,000 bedrooms and 101 event spaces in London, CHG is already strategically planning for this shift.
A report from the global talent solutions firm Robert Half reveals that fewer professionals now consider remote work a key factor in their job decisions, suggesting a growing acceptance of hybrid work models. A growing number of businesses are returning to the office more frequently and government statistics show that 61% of Londoners are now hybrid working compared to 37% before the pandemic. The challenge for the meetings and events industry now is how to adjust to the changes in demand and continue to make Mondays and Fridays more appealing without relying purely on lowering rates.
What’s driving the London office comeback
As Danielle Ravenscroft, M&E Director at CHG highlights, the solution lies in understanding the distinction between ‘wanting’ a space and actively ‘needing’ one – a key factor for event bookers in the ever-changing financial climate. “Pharmaceutical companies, along with other industries that require mandatory training, operate on a need basis. These regular bookings keep the market buoyant, so the focus must be on the ‘want’ business to attract a steady flow of bookings throughout the week. These bookings are sensitive to market conditions, so it’s crucial to focus on the capability of the space and ensure the pricing strategy is aligned with the value they can deliver.”
What employees seek from in-person meetings has shifted, particularly with the increased ‘return to office’ mandate. Now, more than ever, organisers are prioritising efficiency and flexibility in their booking processes. Danielle adds: “It has been crucial for CHG to present our London-based, diverse portfolio in the best possible way, as well as making the process of finding and booking those spaces seamless and simple to meet the changing demands of the market. Lead times are shorter, and demands are higher.”
CHG is well positioned to meet the needs of any size business, meeting or event with its expansive portfolio across London, offering everything from intimate boardroom settings to expansive, 300+ venue spaces. Recognising the shift in booking styles, CHG has recently launched the new Clermont Meetings & Events brand and website, designed to simplify the planning and booking process for its 101 spaces. It offers innovative solutions to cater to modern meeting planners, including tools that allow bookings to be made quickly and effortlessly outside traditional office hours. In fact, 27% of their Instant Book business is now made after 5:00 p.m.
Danielle explains: “Our meetings & events platform streamlines every step of event planning. This investment in technology reflects our commitment to staying ahead of the curve and ensuring the best possible experience for event bookers.”
As businesses navigate hybrid working and returns to the office, the way that venues approach meetings and events must evolve to meet those demands head-on. Danielle reflects: “London’s position as a global hub is undeniable. It’s the perfect city to host meetings and events that allow people to connect in unique spaces, and adapting promptly to market demand is therefore crucial. By recognising the changes in how people book, CHG ensures that businesses of all sizes can secure the right space at the right time effortlessly, reflecting the fast-paced and flexible nature of today’s corporate landscape.”
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