Whether it’s the school run, breakfast, bath time, homework… caring for children never stops, and when you team this with a busy nine-to-five, it’s safe to say that you deserve a holiday where you can switch off and enjoy a little ‘me’ time – even if it’s only for half an hour!   We get it, […]

Hotel and Conference Centre Whittlebury Park in Northamptonshire has invested £1m into transforming its event and meeting spaces giving clients an entirely new experience for 2020. The new rooms will have bespoke lighting, stylish furniture and a brand new informal meeting space, the ‘Inside, Outside’ room. Whittlebury’s team have designed their new inspiring spaces following feedback from clients and […]

The Barbican’s strategy to use Cinemas 2 and 3 as conference venues as well as cinemas has helped Barbican Business Events achieve its 2019/20 financial target in just nine months.  The new spaces, which have been particularly popular with last minute bookers each have a capacity of 150, the latest AV equipment and private registration, […]

Starwood Capital Group has confirmed that The Grand Hotel will open its doors again this summer following a restoration project to return the city centre landmark to its former glory.  The luxury hotel, a Grade II listed building, will be home to 185 rooms and suites, retaining the building’s mix of French Renaissance, Victorian and […]

British restaurateur and events caterer Searcys has announced a new sommelier training initiative for 2020, focusing on non-alcoholic pairings to match with lunch and dinner menus. The company cites research suggests that more consumers are drinking no and low ABV drinks, seeing a £22.4 million growth with a reported 20.4% of consumers now opting for […]

The first ODEON Luxe & Dine has opened in Islington Square in north London, offering guests a premium experience and the ability to order gourmet food and drink directly to their seat. An evolution of the existing Luxe experience and designed for grown ups, guests at the cinema can choose from a carefully created menu, […]

Gloucester Rugby saw 58% increase in bookings for Christmas parties across its 2019 winter season, with 80% coming from new clients. The club says this was a direct result of changes in Gloucester Rugby’s sales strategy and positioning of the Conference & Events business.  Over the last year, Gloucester Rugby has focused on increasing the […]

The England Rugby squad are heading to Twickenham Stadium on 14 February for the Official England Rugby Dinner in aid of Injured Players Foundation. This rugby filled evening will include a number of Q&As with the players, offering an insight into what it’s like to be a part of the squad. Taking place just days […]

Somerset House generated over £2 million through its commercial events activity last year. All of these funds were invested back into supporting the upkeep of the historic site for over 3 million visitors to enjoy annually; as well as its diverse programme exploring contemporary culture. Commercial events activity is essential to Somerset House Trust, as […]

Located just north of London in St Albans, Sopwell House has been the subject of a £14m investment programme. And it shows. This exclusive, but warm and friendly, hotel and spa offers great facilities for business users and leisure guests – with a visit to the impressive Cottonmill Spa a must. PA Life checked in […]

17% of 375 respondents to a BMA House survey of event organisers and suppliers said they send cards and gifts with no consideration for the environment, though the majority give something that is not only positive for the recipient but also the wider world, including:- ·       23% – sustainable Christmas cards ·       11% – sustainable gift ·       18% […]

Somerset House has seen a significant increase in multi-day events for big brands during the first nine months of the 2019/2020 financial year, compared to the same period in 2018/2019.  Since April 2019, the venue has hosted major brands, including: Uniqlo, ASDA, Twitter, Wallpaper, Pixi Beauty, Homes & Gardens and Discovery; for large scale product […]

Gloucester Rugby has confirmed a long-term relationship with Safran for future training events. The international hi-tech aerospace company has chosen Gloucester Rugby following recent investment in the stadium as well as the venue’s dedication to meetings and events on non-match days. The new business from Safran is just one of several new recent wins for […]

The zoo is the perfect location for your event – no matter how big – with amazing animals, award-winning gardens, a stunning Grade II listed building and an experienced events team. They’ve got a combination of stunning surroundings and an expert team who will help create a special event that your guests won’t forget. Picture […]

Key venues, hotels and suppliers from have joined forces to launch a centralised, event-focused destination marketing organisation for Gloucester. The organisation, which will officially launch at Meet South West on 31st January, says it will create a hub for domestic and international buyers looking to organise events in the city. Created to support and target association, […]

Somerset House is extending its commercial event offering through its diverse cultural programme, giving event organisers exclusive access to exhibitions and private tours of the site. Somerset House’s cultural programme of events and exhibitions is ever changing, offering a myriad of opportunities for organisers to enhance their event and provide guests and delegates with an […]

Tottenham Hotspur opened the doors of its 62,000 seater stadium to the events industry this week to showcase what can only be described as an impressive array of event spaces and corporate entertainment facilities. Here’s PA Life’s match report… The event, tag-lined as Experience the Extraordinary, gave the industry a chance to see the venue […]

PA Life headed to the Williams’ restaurant at Tewin Bury Farm Hotel ahead of our recent FAM trip for a taster of lunch and a peek at the Hertfordshire venue’s event facilities…  Just 10 miles outside of North London, and nestled between the towns of Hertford and Welwyn in the Hertfordshire countryside, is Tewin Bury […]