At the end of 2025, we took a slightly different approach to our usual Christmas tradition.
Instead of sending our team Christmas cards, they were invited to nominate a registered charity of their choice. The idea was simple: redirect the cost of cards and postage towards organisations doing meaningful work.
We’re pleased to confirm that all donations have now been made.
What stood out most was the range of causes supported. Across the business, colleagues chose charities working in children’s healthcare, cancer support, mental health, humanitarian aid, safeguarding, and animal welfare. In total, 17 organisations were nominated, reflecting the breadth of causes that matter to us.
The charities supported
This initiative turned a small seasonal gesture into something with a more lasting impact, and it was great to see such strong engagement across the team.
We’ll review the approach again next Christmas, but it’s clear this is something people value.
Thank you to everyone who took the time to nominate a charity.
Sunday 8th March 2026, marks International Women’s Day. It’s a time to reflect on the progress we have made towards gender equality so far, and to recommit to the work still ahead.
For thestudio it’s also a chance to celebrate something we are genuinely proud of: the women who lead, shape and drive our business every single day.
The hospitality industry is known for having women, as a large part of the workforce and thestudio is no different. From our front of house teams creating a seamless start to the customer journey, to all our co-ordinators, managers and amazing event staff who bring events to life behind the scenes, we are lucky to have some brilliant women working with us.
One of the statistics we are very proud of is that 5 out of our 9 senior leadership team are women, that’s 56%. In a society where female representation at leadership level is still lagging to that of men, we think it’s important to show our commitment to supporting women in achieving everything they want to in their careers.
We believe that leadership should reflect the workplace it leads and the clients we serve. Having women in senior roles isn’t a quota or checkbox for us, it’s the result of recognising talent, fostering ambition and creating an environment where women can genuinely progress.
Women in the UK earn less than average than men, which also widens significantly after having children. Equal pay is important to us; we make sure the women in our business earn the same as men.
We’ve supported many women over the years reach their dream jobs, often unrelated to the jobs they started, including receptionist to Finance Manager and Sales co-ordinator to Head of HR, by listening to them, giving them the opportunity to try new things and supporting with the training needed to get them to where they wanted to be.
We know that rigid working structures disproportionately affect women, particularly those with caring responsibilities. The ‘motherhood penalty’ means that women often report that their careers and earnings often stall after having children, and other caring responsibilities often fall on women also. That’s why flexible hours and contracts aren’t something we offer reluctantly, they are built into how we work. The ‘motherhood penalty’ means that women often report that their careers and earnings often stall after having children, and other caring responsibilities often fall on women also.
We have team members, including a director of the business, who work part time after having children. We are proud that returning to work after having a family doesn’t mean leaving ambition at the door. In our business you can be a brilliant leader, events assistant, chef or co-ordinator and be present for the moments that matter at home.
We offer all our staff access to our employee’s assistance programme, giving access to confidential mental health support, financial guidance and personal wellbeing resources. We know life doesn’t stop when you are at work and we want every member of our team to feel supported as a whole person, not just an employee. Women often need extra support due to issues such a financial difficulty, due to relationship breakdowns, menopause and other physical issues that relate to women’s bodies. Our wellbeing app has tailored support for these types of issues.
This International Women’s Day, we’re not just marking the occasion, we are using it as a moment to reflect what we are doing well and where we can go further. We remain committed to flexible working, supporting women in working less, during those periods such school holidays if they need it, inclusive leadership and creating a workplace where every women on our team can thrive.
To all the women who make thestudio a great place to work, thank you!
So in the space of what seems like just a few weeks my life now revolves around the number 6… When you ask me how I’m feeling then I’ll more than likely give you the minimum of 6/10 rising to a heady 9/10 on the very best of days.
The very highest of these was during last week’s UKickstart Event where I got to see some of my favourite industry friends and clients “face to face” in our Leeds venue. It was a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate that it is completely feasible (and legal) to host events of up to 30 guests across multiple venues and that this can readily be combined with “hybrid” options to create a truly national event for hundreds of delegates to attend.
The feedback from the part we hosted was really encouraging with guests loving the little touches: the informative but amusing signage, the handy QR Track and Trace Code, sanitiser stations, the clean lines of our venues, the lack of clutter and most importantly the “Snack Attack bag” ! Everyone was at ease and in no time we were comfortably networking without feeling compromised.
Unanimously we agreed, it was great to be back!
My enthusiasm for the events industry has never diminished but it’s been tested to the limit over recent days. The “rule of 6” has once again caused confusion and uncertainty for clients looking to book small events. So I feel I need to make the message clear:
Until a further increase is communicated UK venues remain open for business meetings, training, interviews and exam space for up to 30 guests. We’re here, we’re ready and waiting for you to give it a try. We’re confident your guests will enjoy the experience and relish the opportunity to meet face to face… whether it’s for 2, 4, 6 or more of you we’ll give you all the space you need!
We look forward to seeing YOU soon
Commercial Director, Customer First Venue Services Ltd
Acknowledging the need to provide reassurance in these uncertain times, Birmingham event venue thestudio has launched a new 10-point ‘Safe, Seamless and Successful Guide to Event Planning’, with a comprehensive strategy that will deliver events safely and creatively once the city centre event venue is re-open for business.
With the current pandemic providing a host of challenges and uncertainties around conferencing and events, the award-winning venue has announced how it will welcome guests back through its doors as soon as the Government gives the green light.
The plan covers all aspects of the guest journey; from arrival at the venue on Cannon Street, through to their in-room experience. This includes the introduction of individual sanitised desk spaces for each guest throughout the day, one event per floor to allow for social distancing, and staggered breakout times.
Many of the traditional studio touches will be retained, however, with food prepared freshly on site and delivered as a new “grab and go” offer, allowing flexibility to eat safely back at their own work station. Alternatively, thestudio will also encourage guests to utilise the venue’s outdoor space; a private terrace that will also be available to hire for open air meetings. (more…)
Did you know eating cake could save the world? Well… not exactly but we’re working on it!
We bond…
thestudio are always looking for ways to connect with the communities we’re based in. We joined hands with letsfeedbrum, Wood Street Mission, and without further ado, we’ve partnered up with Foodinate… A not for profit organisation which puts its fists up against food poverty within the UK!
Here’s why we couldn’t resist…
“When we were approached about the Foodinate scheme, we were really taken by the idea and knew it was something that we wanted to be involved with. With venues operating in four different cities, the simplicity of the concept really appealed to us and Caroline [Foodinates’ Founder] worked closely with us from start to finish to ensure the deal worked for us and our delegate audience. We are delighted to be the first events and catering company to be signed up to Foodinate and hopefully we can help spread the word far and beyond”.
Foodinate Fancy Cakes are a fantastic way to support our local communities. Grab a slice of feel good by adding “Foodinate Fancy Cakes” to your event with us. Whilst enjoying a selection of delicious gluten free – Carrot and orange – Double Chocolate – Sticky Toffee – Lemon Meringue mini cakes, Foodinate will provide a hot nourishing meal to a local person in need. Definitely a win-win!
Loud & proud…
Hats off to bustling Birmingham, the home of studio HQ, for being one of the happiest cities in the U.K to live and work in! Inspired by our beautiful city, we crafted this little thought provoking piece on happiness, as you can tell, we do like to get our thinking caps on.
“Happiness is the meaning and the purpose of life, the whole aim and end of human existence.” Aristotle
Which couldn’t ring more true, we naturally shy away from things that will cause us unnecessary pain and will joyfully take part in indulgence. The human race is a hedonistic bunch, but with our gift of reason, we learn that gluttony comes at the expense of our health… Luckily the odd occasion won’t hurt! Whether it’s putting your feet up after a hard day in the office, finally reaching that 10km mark or just digging into that freshly baked apple pie; happiness is everywhere to be seen and found. The circumstances could be simple or complex, one thing’s for sure, we all love to feel happy.
If You’re Happy and You Know It…
Of course never forget to clap those hands. Our mood has a significant part to play in our overall mental attitude and perceptions, not to mention productivity! Be kind to yourself and those around you. We spend a lot of our time at work, loving what you do plays an important role in your overall well-being! Have a little read of our last blog “What Makes You, You“. (more…)
Our taster events take place regularly at thestudio at first hand. We aim to offer an interesting and diverse range of topics delivered by our training partners each carefully selected to captivate, inspire, challenge and motivate our audience. Normally offered free of charge, most of our taster events take place in the early evening and include the opportunity to meet the team and sample some studio hospitality too! If you’re interesting in receiving details of forthcoming taster events then please sign up for news or contact us on 0800 028 6694.
upcoming events
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This may seem like an odd question at first, however from a young age we are taught everyone is different and rightly so; no two sides of the coin are the same.
Without getting too philosophical, we are sure we can all agree that we are the sum of our parts. We are made up of an amalgamation of decisions, choices, likes and dislikes. There are so many contributing factors that have managed to craft us, that it’s almost impossible to list every experience that has taken effect, no matter how big or small!
One of a kind…
As a being we scream out originality from the moment we enter the world. The question is – do we retain this individuality when it comes to the workplace? Or do we just become a “Mr. Smith clone” ready for another 9-5?
One way to combat this dreaded pitfall is to simply do what you love or join an organisation that recognises and wants you for who you are. A happy workforce is generally a productive one, so watch out for those tell-tale signs within your team which suggest they may feel like “jumping the ship” and learn to recognise your own feelings of discontent.
It’s all the same…
When this individuality comes to businesses it is easy to be lumped into the same category. That’s why we at studio venues strive to be distinctive. What highlights us from the crowd and makes sure that we aren’t a “regurgitated and samey” meeting and event space is our big personality, and this we pull from our spaces and most importantly our team. They have something we like to call “The Studio Weovil”, instantly recognisable in the studio characters in our venues! (more…)
Love putting a name to the face? Then why not up your networking A-game and shimmy on down to thestudio’s vibrant meeting and event space in central Birmingham. Why you ask? Apart from being renowned for its light, bright and innovative spaces and being a great location to meet, train and entertain, thestudio are proudly hosting #midlandshour’s tweetup on 04th May.
Tweety bird
If you thought tweeting was something that only birds do, you’d be mistaken! Welcome to the 21st century where our preferred means of communication is through social media. It’s time to connect, share and post with those around you. Affiliate with people from across the world to those in your neighbourhood, indulge in this opportunity to create some truly valuable connections. At this FREE event you’re offered the chance to mingle with like-minded professionals, a perfect opportunity to revive your business links, all in the comfort of your very own city centre.
thestudio? Never heard of it…
Your one stop shop for all your meetings and event needs, thestudio resides at the heart of the city boasting unique, bright and colourful event spaces suitable for both formal and informal gatherings! Our venues are built on their excellent reputation and our simple mission statement of “Customer First”… Plus the food, we always have to mention the food! (more…)
Before your trusted mobile device springs out and you start googling, what does brand mean to you? For us we imagine it to be what people say about you when you’re not in the room… Best put, it’s all about the way you want to be and are perceived!
Let’s play a game…
As original as they come, you are effectively your own “brand”. So to get started create a list of 5 buzzwords/adjectives of how you think you are perceived. Then get your peers/friends/family to do the same about you and see how they match up. Remember beauty is in the eye of the beholder, no 2 people think the same so be in for a treat! This can be real eye opener when it comes to your own business. Funnily enough, this was how thestudio came to develop our core values on an all-important away weekend. Click here to see what else we get up to on our team challenge weekends!
I heart Heinz…
So why do we swoon over beloved brands? Compelled by smart marketing, being creatures of habit and coerced by our own product experiences, it’s no wonder that certain brands develop a special place in our hearts. Maybe it was a past childhood memory of the first time you were rewarded with Cadbury’s chocolate or you vividly remember your mother’s Prada bag and always thought you’d have one just like that when you’re older. So maybe this love developed from a young age or good experiences. One thing’s for sure, everyone has a favourite. (more…)
